BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
Historical Atlas
Paulding County, Ohio
ILLUSTRATED
Containing Maps of Paulding County, Townships, Towns and Villages,
Compiled by O. Morrow and F. W. Bashore
ALSO
Maps of the United States and State of Ohio.
Together with a Statement of the Settlement, Growth and Prosperity of the County,
Including a Personal and Family History of Many of its Prominent Citizens.
Illustrated
Madison, Wis.:
The Western Publishing Co.
1892

	Paulding Twp. - J. D. BAILEY is one of the thriving young agriculturists of Paulding township.  He first saw the light in Preble county, Ohio, on the 21st of April, 1854, the son of John I. and Mary (Lehmer) Bailey, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio.  The paternal grandparents were natives of Ireland and came to America during the Revolutionary war.  The maternal ancestor was a farmer by occupation and one of the early settlers of Ohio.  John I. Bailey came to Preble county in his boyhood and in early life worked at the carpenter's trade.  He married Miss Fannie Harper who died, leaving five children:  Subsequently Miss Lehmer became his wife and they had ten children, nine of whom are living.  Mr. Bailey was a self made man and became a well-to-do farmer.  He died in 1877, aged seventy-two years.  Mrs. Bailey yet resides on the home farm, a venerable lady, beloved by all who know her.  Three of her sons now reside in Paulding county, named:  J. D., Oliver P. and S. M. Bailey.  J. D. Bailey was married to Miss Josephine Bloom, of Preble county, on the 21st of December, 1876, and five children blessed this union, named:  Rutherford H., Bertha M., Maud A., Grace A. and Chloe.  Mr. Bailey came to Paulding county in May, 1885, locating on the farm where he now resides.  He is one of the representative young men of the county, and as a politician, adheres to the principles of the republican party.      O. P. Bailey, farmer, was born in Preble county, Ohio, Jan. 15, 1861, the son of John J. Bailey.  He was reared a farmer's boy, and received a common school education.  He began life, first at saw-milling, in Darke county, Ohio; later engaged in farming, and in the fall of 1887 sold out and removed to Paulding county, purchasing his present farm of sixty-six acres, and where he has since resided.  He is a progressive, hard working young man.  He is an aggressive politician in the republican ranks.  His marriage occurred Nov. 8, 1883, to Miss Addie I. Stump, of Darke county, Ohio, daughter of David and Margaret (Smith) Stump, both of German extraction.  three children blessed this union:  James E., Ora B. and William H.      S. M. Bailey, an enterprising farmer and tile manufacturer of Paulding township, is a native of Preble county, Ohio, and dates his birth from the 6th of January, 1859.  He received a common education and worked on the farm.  At the age of twenty-one years he interested himself in tobacco, and took to raising it.  He came to Paulding county in March, 1888, and located on a farm of sixty-eight acres, which was entirely in the woods.  Mr. Bailey erected a house and began the task of clearing his land, which by hard work he accomplished.  In the next fall, he built his tile factory, which has a capacity of 250,000 to 300,000 per year.  The article turned out is his first-class and has a ready sale.  On the 20th of December, 1883, Mr. Bailey led to the altar Miss Maud, the daughter of John and Mary (Snyder) Cassel, and the union has been blessed by the birth of a bright boy named George R., who was born July 20, 1887.  Mr. Bailey is an active and faithful adherent to the republican aprty, in whose welfare he takes great interest. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 76
	Latty Twp. - JOHN BAKER, farmer and manufacturer of tile, is the son of Adam and Delilah (Vance) Baker.  He was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., Sept. 10, 1841, and was reared on the farm; his education was obtained in the common schools, and in Twelfth Virginia volunteer regiment of the Confederate States Army.  He was taken prisoner at Winchester and sent to Camp Chase, and thence to Johnson's Island, where he remained until 1864, when he took the oath of allegiance and was released from prison life.  Returning to Columbus, Mr. Baker engaged in various occupations for a time, and then, in 1887, located in Latty township, Paulding county, where he operated a saw mill for eighteen months.  He then settled upon his present place and erected a saw mill which was kept running until 1890.  In the latter year Mr. Baker engaged in the manufacture of tile and brick, and erected a building, 20x100, with a capacity of 8,000 tile per day, and 6,000 brick.  He employs four men, and the engine which is used is of twenty horse power.  The saw mill turns out many thousand feet of lumber every day, and the ground covered by this enterprise is one acre.  Mr. Baker was married to Miss Amanda Krael, of Columbus, Ohio, and this union has resulted in the birth of Catharine, Annie (deceased), Irwin, Elsie, Charles and Bessie.  Mr. Baker affiliates with the democratic party, and is a member of the Lutheran church.  His success has been largely achieved by thrift, energy and wisdom in the management of his affairs. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 65
	Emerald Twp. - PETER BAKLE is a native of Germany, having been born their Mar. 7, 1836.  When eleven years old he was brought to this country by his parents, and settled with them in Seneca county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood.  In 1854 he located in Paulding county, and by hard work has amassed a farm property of 320 acres, which is well cultivated.  Mr. Bakle, who is a democrat in politics, is one of the representative farmers of the county in which he resides, and has served as township trustee for four terms, and town treasurer for two terms.  He was married on the 23rd of September, 1860, to Miss Adelaide Schlered, whose birth occurred Dec. 14, 1839, in Germany.  She came with her parents to  America in 1850, and with them lived for a time in Seneca county, Ohio, later removing to Paulding county.  By her marriage she became the mother of Adolph (deceased), Frances R., John P., Mary A., Lenader (deceased), Daniel, Andrew and Harry E. During the war Mr. Bakle was a member of company E, One Hundred and Ninety-second regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and was honorably discharged Sept. 7, 1865, at Winchester, Va.  He and family are members of the Catholic church, in which they enjoy high standing. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 58
	Emerald Twp. - C. F. BALDWIN was born in Lorain county, Ohio, on the 22nd of May, 1857.  His parents, Lucas and Elizabeth (Bailey) Baldwin, were natives of Pennsylvania and Vermont, respectively.  Their son, C. F. remained at home with them until his marriage with Miss Cornelia, a daughter of James and Mary Ellen (Lewis) Bayliss was consummated, on the 27th of March, 1884.  Mrs. Baldwin was a school teacher, having started in her profession when she was but sixteen years of age of twenty-two years, has taught sixteen terms, and is still engaged in that occupation.  Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin are the parents of two children, Charles E. and Wilmer H.  Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin is a republican in politics, while his estimable wife is a member of the United Brethren church.  The former spent two years in Valparaiso college and one year in Bryan, Ohio, while obtaining his education. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 58
	Emerald Twp. - JAMES BEAUBIEN, JR. - One of the prosperous young farmers and stock-raisers of Emerald township is James Beaubien, Jr., who was born in Monroe county, Mich., on the 5th of April, 1845.  His parents are James and Jane (Neadeau) Beaubien, formerly of France.  The mother died in 1862, and the father then married Mrs. Melinda Mette also of Michigan, and they had five children.  Mr. Beaubein, Sr., is a resident of Paulding county, his home being in Emerald township.  His son James, at the age of twenty-three years, married on Mar. 4, 1867, Mary, the daughter of Olivver and Teressa Beaubien, third cousin, and the fruit of this union was seven children, viz.: James, George (deceased), Mary (deceased), Andrew J., Frederick M., Oliver H. and Leo L.  Mr. Beaubien, who is an active democrat, was deputy sheriff and constable of Monroe county, Mich., for several terms.  He and his family are Catholics, attending the church of that faith.  He has 120 acres of good land, of which one-third is improved, and on this farm new buildings with every convenience have been erected. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 58
	Carryall Twp. - THOMAS BARBER is a native of England, and was born in or near Dover, Kent, on the 10th of March, 1846, a son of George and Elizabeth (Andrews) Barber.  These parents came to America in 1852, and located in Lorain county, Ohio.  In 1865 they removed to Paulding county, and were respected residents of the community in which they lived.  They reared a family of four children, as follows: Emma, wife of J. C. Hudson, of Detroit, Mich.; Thomas, the subject of this brief notice; Ellen, wife of J. T. Snook, and George Barber.  Mr. Barber, early chose the pursuit of farming as his life's work.  Politically he is a republican and an active worker in the ranks of his party. His farm is well improved, and he is the possessor of fine live stock.  Mr. Barber is an expert agriculturist and a highly respected citizen of Carryall township, and has many friends who wish him well. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 52
	Blue Creek Twp. - JOSEPH O. BARKER, has been a worthy resident of Paulding county since 1872.  His birth occurred in Logan county, Ohio, on the 4th of September, 1844, and he is the son of Stephenson and Mary (Mannon) Barker of German origin.  Reared in his native county, Joseph Barker received a common education and early imbibed in the principles of an energetic and progressive citizen.  At the age of seventeen years he went to Putnam county and worked for three years.  Thence to Miami county, where for one year, he worked as a farm hand.  Returning to Putnam county he was wedded on the 11th of October, 1866, to Miss Mary C., the daughter of Henry and Susan (Dicker) Comer of Virginia.  Their children are William D., Rosa M. (deceased), Lewis, Lottie M. and Nettie J. (deceased).  Mrs. Barker died on the 17th of October, 1878, deeply lamented by all who knew her.  Mr. Barker is a progressive man and deservedly receives the respect of his friends and acquaintances.  Politically he is an adherent to the principles of the republican party. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 42
	Paulding Village - GILBERT BARNES, merchant and agriculturist, and one of the active and progressive men of Paulding, was born in Medina county, Ohio, Feb. 25, 1839, the son of John and Elizabetn (Lowrey) Barnes, natives of Columbiana county, Ohio.  The paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was among the first settlers of Columbiana county.  He was a farmer by occupation, and lived to an advanced age.  John Barnes was reared a farmer, and prior to 1830 moved to Medina county, Ohio, where he located in the forest.  He cleared a home out of the wilderness for himself and family, and became a prosperous citizen of his township.  He purchased for each one of his ten children eighty acres of wood land in Paulding county, and later in life located in this county with his sons.  He was a man highly esteemed, wherever known, for his personal qualities and life of probity and uprightness.  Politically, he was a republican, although in his youth he had been a democrat.  He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died when they had reached the age of seventy years.  Gilbert Barnes was reared on the farm, and assisted his father in raising the flax from which their garments were made.  He remained under the parental roof until he had reached his majority, and in 1861 came to Paulding county and engaged in various occupations.  Returning home in 1862 he worked on the farm, and enlisted, July 30, of that year, in company I, One Hundredth Ohio volunteer infantry.  He was assigned to the Twenty-third corps of the army of Tennessee, and his first engagement was at the siege of Knoxville.  He took part in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, siege of Atlanta, and the Atlanta campaign.  He was wounded in the thigh and taken to the hospital at Chattanooga, and later to Louisville, Ky., and from there was transported to Washington, D. C.  He was furloughed, and later ordered to report to Columbus, where, in May, 1865, he received his discharge.  For many months after receiving his wound Mr. Barnes was compelled to go about on crutches.  In the fall of 1865 he came to Paulding county and located on land northeast of Paulding, where he built himself a cabin.  In the spring of 1867 he exchanged his land for a saw mill and turned his attention to lumbering, which pursuit he followed until 1890.  He purchased land and cut the timber from it, clearing a good farm, and also dealt largely in real estate.  For five years Mr. Barnes has been interested in merchandising, and he is also the proprietor of a livery barn, which is under the management of Landis & Hixon.  He is the possessor of some of the finest farming land in the county, amounting to 600 or 700 acres, and upon which are many improvements.  Mr. Barnes is a self-made man, and he is a liberal contributor to all public enterprises.  He has always been a republican in politics, but has never been an office seeker.  Fraternally, he belongs to the F. & A. M., and is a member of the I. O. O. F.  Mr. Barnes was married, in 1865, to Miss Esther C. Lurren, of Huron county.  She died, leaving a son named Melville, now a prosperous young merchant of Paulding.  Mr. Barnes was again married, taking as his wife Eliza J. Harvey, a native of Indiana.  Harvey G. is the offspring of this union.  Mrs. Barnes  is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 68
	Paulding Twp. - VICTOR A. BARNES is the son of Levi M. and Emma (Raby) Barnes, natives of Ohio and England respectively.  He was born in Licking county, Ohio, Aug. 31, 1851, and was scarcely two years of age when brought to this county.  He received a fair education and on arriving at his majority he chose the calling of the farmer and has improved the farm where he now lives.  He ahs worked hard from his youth and what he has accomplished is the result of this industry.  Mr. Barnes is an aggressive republican and takes deep interest in the welfare of his party.  He and his wife, whom he married Jan. 1, 1873, are highly respected and enjoy general esteem.  Mrs. Barnes was Miss Vinnie Latimore before her marriage and was born Dec. 12, 1852, the daughter of James F. Latimore.  She was educated in the common schools and at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and became a successful teacher.  She taught school in Paulding county for five terms.  Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have had five bright children named:  Raymond, Edwin A., Curtis, Emma (deceased), and James Victor.  Levi M. Barnes, the father of our subject, followed farming throughout his life.  He married in early manhood and subsequently in 1853 came to Paulding county, where he purchased land on Flat Rock.  He found his land uncultivated and setting to work, experience all the hardships of the pioneer.  He had by hard work cleared 180 acres which is the homestead farm.  His death, which occurred in November, 1875, was a loss to his county and was sincerely mourned by a host of friends and acquaintences.  The death of his widow occurred in 1889 at the age of sixty-one years.  In religious views, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes were spiritualists. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 76
	Blue Creek Twp. - WILLIAM J. BASIL was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1854.  He is the son of John and Eliza (Metz) Basil, of German and English extraction.  Mr. Basil was reared to years of maturity in his native county, and early acquired those habits of industry and self-reliance which have enabled him to be a success in his calling.  Upon reaching manhood's estate he took a pleasure trip through the states of Iowa, Nevada and California, and on returning home remained there one year, and then went to Iowa for the same length of time.  He came to Paulding county at this time, and here married, on Jan. 8, 1879, Miss Sarah, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Troul) Reed. They have three children, whose respective christian names are:  Arley, John B. and Edward E.  Mr. Basil who is a democrat in his party faith, has held the offices of township trustee for one term and that of treasurer four terms.  He was an efficient officer, and served with satisfaction to the people and credit to himself.  During the year 1890 he acted as land appraiser, and was a director of the Paulding county agricultural society.  He is a leading citizen of Blue Creek township, and an expert and successful farmer.  He friends are legion. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 42
	Auglaize Twp. - JACOB BENNETT. - Among the pioneer farmers of Ohio is Jacob Bennett, who was born in Union county, June 16, 1834, the son of William and Nancy (Clark) Bennett, of this state.  After acquiring a limited education, Mr. Bennett, who can tell many a story of the struggles of pioneer life, started out in business for himself and has prospered in his calling.  He enlisted on the 2d of May, 1864, in Company H, One Hundred and Ninety-second regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry, for the 100 days' service, and was a participant in the siege of Petersburg, the Bermuda Hundred and several skirmishes.  He was discharged at Camp Chase, Sept. 10, 1853.  Re-enlisting Feb. 14, 1865, Mr. Bennett was mustered out of the army on the first of September of that year.  From Winchester, Va., he returned home and located upon the place where he now resides.  He is a democrat in politics and has held the office of township trustee for two years.  He is now serving a second term as justice of the peace, besides ministering to the people in the minor positions.  He has resided in this county since 1852, and is one of the enterprising and progressive citizens to whom Auglaize is indebted.  Mr. Bennett was married June 8, 1856, to Miss Lucentia (Linnabary), of Melrose.  She was born in Delaware county, Ohio, Sept. 19, 1839, her parents being Andrew Linnabary, born in 1813, died in 1863, and Sarah (Young) Linnabary, born in 1815.  They settled in Paulding county in 1849.  Mrs. Bennett's father was also in the army, in Company F, Thirty-eighth Ohio, enlisted in 1862, served one year, was sent home on account of sickness, and died about two days after his return home.  Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have one child, James Buchan Bennett, born in Paulding county, Ohio, May 4, 1857, he was married in Nebraska, in 1877, to Miss Jennie Keezer, also of Paulding county, Ohio.  They have six children:  William Andrew, born Apr. 25, 1878; Clara Lucentia, born Nov. 10, 1879; Josephine Pearl, born May 27, 1883; James Gordon, born Apr. 6, 1885; Jacob Budd, born Jan. 23, 1887; Emily Pelina, born Dec. 19, 1888, lived in the west fourteen years and now resides in Paulding county.  All were born in Boone county, Nebraska.  These are the grandchildren of Jacob and Lucentia Bennett.  Jacob Bennett is a member of the Thomas J. May post of Charloe, Paulding County, Ohio, No. 703, of G. A. R. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 37
	Paulding Twp. - JOSHUA BENNETT, one of the early settlers of Ohio, was a farmer by occupation, and became the father of Madison Bennett.  The latter, in 1841, removed to Highland county, Ohio, and later, to Pike county, where he died from an injury received while loading logs on a truck wagon.  His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Frump, of Ohio, is living, and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Stultz.  To these parents was born a son, named William, who first saw the light of day in Adams county, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1840, and was reared to manhood in this place.  His education was limited, for he was left an orphan at an early age.  In December, 1861, Mr. Bennett enlisted in company D, Sixtieth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, Sixth army corps, for one year.  He was taken prisoner at Franklin, Va., and was sent, in 1862, to Belle Island, from where he was paroled.  He joined his regiment at Annapolis and was discharged.  At once re-enlisting, he entered company A, First heavy artillery, and from this time on did active service at Covington, Ky., and on Johnson's Island.  At the close of the war, Mr. Bennett was discharged, and, returning to Highland county, he resumed farming, and has continued the same since.  He moved to Fayette county, thence to Douglas county, Ill., in 1873, where he lived three years.  Coming to Paulding at this time, he located in the woods, where he erected a log cabin and began cutting away the forest.  He has had many hardships to endure, but is now in good circumstances, owing to his industry and energy.  Mr. Bennett, who is a republican, is holding the office of township trustee.  He is a member of the G. A. R., while his wife belongs to the Church of God.  Our subject was married in March, 1866, to Miss Mary S. Cummings, a native of Indiana, born in August, 1845.  Ten children, named Catherine, Barbara, George, Charles, Minnie, Hattie, Nannie, Bertha, Frank and Fred, are the issue of this marriage. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 76
	Blue Creek Twp. - JOSEPH BENSON was born in Marion county, Ohio, Feb. 24, 1844 the son of Joseph and Annie (Konce) Benson.  The paternal grandparents of Mr. Benson came from Germany and settled in Ohio at an early date.  Joseph Benson reached the years of maturity in the county of Auglaize, and when but fifteen years of age enlisted in Company I, Thirty-fourth regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry.  He served for three years and one month, and received his discharge Sept. 13, 1864.  He took part in the following battles:  Fayette, Princeton, Lynchburg, where, as member of the mounted infantry, he lost his horse; Chapmanville, Charleston, Cloyd Hill, Salem, Strawberry, Fisher Hill, six days' skirmishing at Harper's Ferry, was under the command of Gen. Sheridan at one time, and was in the engagements of Winchester.  At the battle of Princeton he was wounded in the ankle.  He returned to Auglaize county and on the 10th of September, 1865, married Miss Margaret E. Hellinger, who was born in Coshocton county Nov. 17, 1849, the daughter of John and Isabelle (Venrick) Hellinger.  These children resulted from the union:  Lydia (deceased), Cora, wife of S. Bowers; Rosa E., Elizabeth Manda (deceased), Francis (deceased), William (deceased), Joseph, Jr., and Pleasa M. (deceased), born Oct. 9, 1876.  Politically, Mr. Benson is a democrat, and has held the minor township offices.  He moved to Paulding county in 1880, when the surrounding land was covered with forests and roads had not been made.  He is a pensioner. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 42
	Blue Creek Twp. - HIRAM H. BIDDLE, a representative farmer of Paulding county, is a native of Ohio, born in Champaign county, May 5, 1858.  He is a son of Andrew and Mary J. (Venris) Biddle of German extraction, and was educated in the schools of the neighborhood in which he lived.  He grew to manhood in Whitley county, Ind., and in 1878 removed to this county, settling upon the farm where he now resides, successfully engaged in tilling the soil.  He took Miss Rebecca Jackson as his life partner on the 22nd of March, 1881, and their children are Addie, Harry C. and Otto Biddle.  Mrs. Biddle is a daughter of T. J. Jackson, elsewhere mentioned in this volume.  Mr. Biddle is a democrat and was elected in the spring of 1891 to the office of trustee.  He is the owner of several fine Norman horses high socially in the community in which they reside. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 42
	Emerald Twp. - SOLOMON BLAIN, one of the enterprising citizens of Paulding county, is a native of Delaware county, Ohio, and dates his birth from the 21st of February, 1828.  He is the eldest son of Elma and Sarah (Cockrell) Blain, who were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively.  The death of the father took place in January, 1889, and that of the companion in 1863.  Solomon Blain received his education in the common schools, and began the life of a farmer.  He entered the army in 1863, and joined company H, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, with which regiment he took part in the battle of Perryville.  Illness prevented him from further duty, and he was mustered out of the service.  He is now a member of the G. A. R. association of Paulding, also a strong partisan in the democratic ranks.  In November, 1854, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Susanna Stanley, whose parents, Thomas and Emily (Hyatt) Stanley were natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively.  After his marriage Mr. Blain located on a farm; in 1883, he came to this township and settled upon the farm he now owns, which is well under cultivation.  Six children, namely: Benjamin L., Mary, the wife of Martin Craven; Sarah E., the wife of Clinton Evans; Joseph, William and Lenora, who died Oct. 10, 1890, were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Blain. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 58
	Blue Creek Twp. - PERRY W. BLAKE  - Among the pioneers of Paulding county is Perry W. Blake, who was born in the county of Gallia on the 29th of September, 1832, the son of John G. and Nancy (Guy) Blake, of English and Scotch origin.  Mr. Blake lived in Mercer county for many years and was there followed that occupation.  In 1874 he located in Paulding county and has become one of its leading citizens.  He has experienced all the hardships of pioneer life and he tells of the gloom and discouragement that overcame him shortly after viewing his dismal surroundings.  He was united in marriage with Miss Amanda M. Cummings of Gallia county, Sept. 14, 1854. and their children were named James H., Byron B. (deceased), and Myrtle A. (deceased.)  Mrs. Blake was born May 8, 1832, and is a daughter of James and Mary (Watkins) Cummins.  Mr. Blake is a democrat in his political belief and acted as trustee for one year.  He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Paulding.  The family are worthy members of the Christian church, in which they enjoy high standing. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 42
	Auglaize Twp. - GIDEON BLANCHARD, JR., one of the most industrious of the young men of Auglaize township, was born in this county on Apr. 1, 1866, the eldest son of Gideon Blanchard, before mentioned.  Mr. Blanchard is a republican in politics, and a communicant of the Catholic church.  On July 21, 1891, he married Miss Lulu Boff, an estimable young lady of Perrysburg, Ohio, who was born in Toledo, Lucas county, Ohio, on Jan. 9, 1872.  Mr. Blanchard is in all respects a good citizen, and has a wide circle of friends who wish him well, and is now in possession of the homestead farm. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 37
	Blue Creek Twp. - SAMUEL BLANK is a worthy citizen of Blue Creek township, and located in this county in 1884, where he is engaged in tilling the soil.  He is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Justice) Blank, and dates of his birth from the 13th day of August, 1853.  He is of German-Irish extraction, and grew to years of maturity in his native county, where he early chose the life of a farmer.  He was married on the 19th of January, 1882 to Sophronia, the daughter of Bonaparte and Samantha Lindsley, of French extraction.  She bore her husband a family of five children, named Verla, Cecil, May, Bonaparte and Carolina.  Mr. Blank, who is one of the representative men of this township, is a democrat in his political belief, and belongs to the lodge of Red Men, at Scott, Ohio. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 42
	Auglaize Twp. - REV. JOHN BODENBENDER, one of the pioneer settlers of this county, located in Auglaize township in 1850.   He was born in Germany, July 26, 1826, the son of Caspar and Anna Bodenbender.  The mother died in her native country, and the father in 1831 came to America and located in Auglaize township, where he remained until death called him away in 1849.  John Bodenbender was but seven years of age when he came to this country with his father.  At the early age of eighteen years, he was wedded to Miss Hannah, the daughter of Jacob and Barbara Snyder, and the union resulted in the birth of three children: Susanna, the wife of G. McDole; Jacob and Henry (deceased).  Mrs. Bodenbender died Jan. 11, 1853, and her husband married Mar. 1, 1854, Miss Mary E. Fryman, whose parents were Jacob and Rachel (Gallant) Fryman. Twelve children were born of the latter marriage of our subject as follows:  Eliza J., wife of John Morris; Rachel, wife of Z. Garret; Margaret, now Mrs. J. Rickner; Mary E., wife of B. Warner; David; Alice S., wife of D. Wagoner; George, Evaline, wife of A. Shoemaker; Effie, James V., Myrtle S. and Ruth A.  The father of the above named is an aggressive republican, and in February, 1865, enlisted in the army for one year, receiving his discharge on the 2d of June, at Camp Dennison.  The education of Mr. Bodenbender was such as enabled him to preach the gospel, and in 1875 he started upon his ministry in the Disciples church, in which he is still engaged.  He deserves rank as one of the representative and model citizens of his township. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 37
J. A. Boyd C. J. Freede	Brown Twp. - BOYD & FREEDE. - The firm of Boyd & Freede, dealers in real estate and native timber and manufacturers of lumber and shaved hoops, with a branch office of Ellisville, Miss., is composed of active and energetic young men whose mill plant and realty are now worth $140,000, they having begun with nothing a few years ago.  They employ a large number of men and carry on an extensive business.  This firm furnished the C., J. & M. railroad with nearly all of its timber and ties, and the goods turned out are first-class.  Mr. Boyd, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Ohio, having been born in Hamilton county July 30, 1848, the son of Nelson and Martha J. (Mitchell) Boyd, natives respectively of Ohio and Virginia..  John Boyd, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Ohio, and served in the war of 1812.  Nelson Boyd, his son, was a farmer and cooper by trade, and removed to Auglaize county, Ohio, where his death occurred in1867.  In 1861 he enlisted in the three years' service, and became a member of the Seventy-first regiment.  He served as lieutenant of company B, Thirty-third regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry, and was in the struggle for over four years.  Mrs. Boyd is still living, making her home with her son.  J. A. Boyd grew to years of maturity on the farm and received a good education.  At the age of sixteen years, he started in life for himself, and as his father had died, a large share of the support of the family fell to him.  He began teaching, and for seen consecutive yeas taught in the common schools.  In the spring of 1874 he came to Paulding, and located at Change Bridge, where he engaged in merchandising and dealing in native timber.  He continued thus until 1887, when he turned his whole attention to his present business, and is to-day one of the prominent and well-to-do men of Paulding county.  Mr. Boyd is a democrat in politics, and has held the minor township offices, and has served as postmaster of Melrose, Charloe and Pleasant Point for fifteen years.  He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P.  Mr. Boyd was married, in February, 1868, to Miss Melinda, the daughter of John P. and Hannah (Patterson) Sillin, natives of Licking county.  Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Boyd, only three of whom are living, named Joseph Edward, Mary Frances and Guy Maurice.  The family are members of the Disciples church, and are popular with all who know them. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 45
	Benton Twp. - DR. G. E. BRATTAIN is a son of R. L. and Aurelia (Hubbard) Brattain.  Our subject's native town is Big Springs, Logan County, Ohio.  He received his early education in the common schools; at the age of thirteen he entered the normal school at Rushsylvania, Ohio, where he remained two years, and was subsequently graduated from Bellefontaine high school in 1878.  He then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. R. Edmons, of Ridgeway, Ohio, and graduated from the Fort Wayne medical college in 1882, but commenced to practice in 1880.  In June, 1882, he located at Payne, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his profession.  The doctor was married in 1884 to Miss Augretta, daughter of John Printz, of Ridgeway, Ohio.  Politically, our subject is a democrat.  He is treasurer of Paulding county United States pension examining board, is a member of Payne lodge, No. 725, I. O. O. F., also K. of L., Payne local, No. 2786, and the county and district medical society. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 39
	Auglaize Twp. - GEORGE M. BRECKLER, one of the progressive and enterprising young farmers of Auglaize township was born in Putnam county, Monroe township, Nov. 11, 1857.  He is the fourth son born to H. C. Breckler, one of the leading citizens of this county.  Mr. Breckler received a good education from the home schools, and at early manhood began life at farming, and now owns a good farm, which under his management yields large crops.  He grows fine horses and cattle, and is known as one of the representative farmers.  Politically is a democrat and a member of the Catholic church. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 37
	Auglaize Twp. - HENRY C. BRECKLER, one of the progressive and enterprising young farmers of Auglaize township, was born in Putnam county, Monroe township, Nov. 11, 1857.  He is the fourth son born to H. C. Breckler, one of the leading citizens of this county.  Mr. Breckler received a good education from the home schools, and at early manhood began life at farming, and now owns a good farm, which under his management yields large crops.  He grows fine horses and cattle, and is known as one of the representative farmers.  Politically is a democrat and a member of the Catholic church. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 37
	Auglaize Twp. - JACOB B. BRECKLER, is a native of Paulding county, Ohio, born Feb. 3, 1859, the son of Christopher and Magdalena Breckler.  He was reared upon the farm and educated in the common schools.  At the age of eighteen years he began life for himself at farming, which he has followed since, and now owns 160 acres of fine land, being one of the finest farms in northwestern Ohio, which is well stocked with fine horses, cattle and sheep, in which he takes great pride.  He is one of the progressive young men, a stanch democrat and is a member of the Roman Catholic church. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 37
	Brown Twp. - A. BROWN. - Among the prominent and leading merchants of Melrose, A. Brown holds a conspicuous place.  He established himself in business in 1882, and does an immense trade, amounting to $10,000 and $1,2000 annually.  He carries a full stock of dry goods, groceries and notions, and in all his dealings with the public is honest and upright.  Mr. Brown was born in Fayette county, Penn.,  Sept. 1, 1829, and was the youngest of four sons and six daughters, born to William and Mary  (Bernhart) Brown, natives of Ireland and Connecticut respectively.  The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was William Brown, who emigrated to America in 1796, and, with his family, located in Pennsylvania.  William Brown, his son, and the father of our subject, was but six years of age at that time, and received but a limited education in the schools of that day.  He learned milling, and married Miss Bernhart early in life.  He served in the war of 1812, removed to Richland county in 1837, and then came to Crawford county, where he purchased timber land and entered the hard life of the pioneer.  He improved his farm and engaged in milling for a time.  In 1853 Mr. Brown removed to Williams county, and, abandoning milling, turned his whole attention to farming.  He died at the age of seventy-one years, his wife having preceded him to the grave.  Our subject and his brother, Nicholas Brown of Williams county, are the only surviving members of the large family reared by Mr. and Mrs. Brown.  Mr. A. Brown was reared in Crawford county, and when but thirteen years of age began life for himself, by working as a farm hand.  He attended school through the winter sessions, and at the age of eighteen years began learning the carpenter's trade.  At this he worked for nine years with good success.  He was married in 1852, on the 29th of January, to Miss Sarah, the daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Seiler) Reed, and their children are: Anna E., wife of Theodore Burt; Catherine E., wife of T. E. Switzer, and Frances.  Mr. and Mrs. Brown are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  In 1856 they removed to Paulding county, and in the spring of 1857 located near old Fort Brown.  Here Mr. Brown rented a mill, and it was the first grist mill to be run by water power in the county.  It was built by Jacob Switzer, who afterward sold it to Mr. Reed, and later it came into the possession of Mr. Brown.  In 1884, Mr. Brown sold this mill, but in time it again came into his hands, and is now owned by him, although for the last five years it has been idle.  Mr. Brown started in life empty-handed, but is now the possessor of one hundred and fifty acres of good land, in Brown township; besides fifteen acres in Putnam county.  He also owns a good village property in Melrose, and his stock of goods is valued at $5,000.  Mr. Brown is a republican, and for one term served efficiently as county commissioner.  He has been treasurer of Brown township for six years.  In February, 1865, Mr. Brown enlisted in company B, One Hundred and Ninety second regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry, and was assigned to the army of the Potomac.  His service was mostly in the Shenandoah valley, and his discharge was received in September, 1865.  He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Melrose, and is one of the esteemed and influential citizens of the township in which he lives. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 45
	Auglaize Twp. - JACOB BROWN, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born on the 10th of December, 1826, the son of Peter and Sevilla (Lance) Brown.  The latter were the parents of Jonas, Jacob, Samuel, William, Delilah, the wife of John Brown, and Elizabeth, now Mrs. D. Fockler.  The death of the father occurred in 1868, and that of his wife in 1871.  Jacob Brown resided on the homestead farm until he was twenty-four years of age.  At this time, on the 13th of April, 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Barbara Whitmyer, of Germany.  Mrs. Brown, who was the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Marquoet) Whitmyer, was born July 2, 1832.  Her parents emigrated to America in that year and located in Tuscarawas county, where the mother died.  The father then went to Orange county where his death occurred.  Their children are Mary, the wife of George Hodger; Jacob, who died in the army; Barbara, Margaret (deceased), Catherine, Elizabeth (deceased), and Josiah.  Jacob Brown died on the 3rd of July, 1887, of a complication of diseases, and in his death there was removed from the community a good man.  He had followed various occupations during his lifetime, among them being threshing, blacksmithing and saw-milling.  As a republican he held the position of township trustee for some time.  He was the father of Cyrus, John, Elizabeth, Lewis, Collie, Emma, Lucy, Savilla (deceased), Amanda (deceased), and Josiah.  The family are members of the United Brethren church, and Mrs. Brown, with the help of her son, Lewis, now operates the farm. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 37
	Benton Twp. - JOHN D. BROWN - Prominent among the well known citizens and educators of Paulding county is Prof. John D. Brown, who was born in Jackson county, Ohio, June 3, 1840, the son of Isaac and Barsheba (Darling) Brown, natives of New York and West Virginia respectively.  John D. Brown received his education in the common schools and Ewing academy.  In 1861, in answer to his country's call, he enlisted in company E, Twenty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry, and took part in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Corinth, Kenesaw Mountain, and the Atlanta campaign.  At the close of the war he returned to Jackson county and at once engaged in teaching in the public schools.  In 1868, he entered the employ of the Latrobe furnace company at Berlin, Ohio, and for two years acted as clerk in this establishment.  He then taught for three years, and was elected a member of the board of examiners. He spent one year at Zaleski, Ohio, as superintendent of the schools, was elected county surveyor of Jackson county for four years, again returned to Zaleski, serving as superintendent for five years, and at the end of this time was a clerk in the employ of the Zaleski coal company for one year.  His next appointment was as superintendent of the schools at Cedarville, Greene county, Ohio, in which he served one year, when he was called to Benton township, Paulding county, where he taught one session.  From this place he went to Payne as superintendent of the schools there, filling the office for three years.  In 1887 Mr. Brown purchased his farm of eighty acres and engaged in cultivating the soil.  He is a member of the county board of examiners and is a republican in politics.  Prof. Brown is eminently a self-made man, and whatever success he has achieved has been the reward of diligent and persevering labor.  He was married in 1865 to Miss Orinda E., the daughter of Wilson and Hannah (Grey) Liston, and unto the union six children have been born; four are living, named Burdsall B., Homer L., Orris E. and Walter R.  The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Payne, in which Prof. Brown has been steward and chorister.  He is also a member of the John M. Stabler Post, No. 179, G. A. R. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 39
	Paulding Village - FRANK L. BRYANT, jeweler and progressive business man of Paulding, was born at Cadiz, Ohio, Aug. 19, 1865, the second son of John and Matilda (Adams) Bryant, natives of Gloucestershire, Eng., and Ohio, respectively, and of English and Scotch-Irish extraction.  Mr. Bryant's early life was spent upon the farm and his education was received in the graded schools of Cadiz.  He served an apprenticeship at the jeweler's trade of three years, after which he worked at journey work in New York, Birmingham, Conn., Pittsburg, Penn., Steubenville, Ohio, and Kansas City.  He then located at Vermillion, Ohio, with a fine stock of jewelry, and the following year sold, locating at Paulding, where he does a nice business, carrying a full stock in his line, and by his affable and courteous way commands the leading trade of the town.  He is an ardent republican and member of the F. & A. M. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 69
	Brown Twp. - JOHN J. BURT. - Prominent among the leading farmers of Brown township is John J. Burt, a native of the "Buckeye" state.  He was born in Morrow county, Aug. 1, 1849, the son of Lot and Abigail E. (Brown) Burt, of German and Irish extraction.  His early life was passed upon the farm in Brown township, and his education was obtained in the neighboring schools.  He was married Sept. 2, 1867, to Christina Fisher, daughter of Samuel and Julien (French) Fisher, of German and English origin.  Two children blessed this union, named Adam and Alfretta.  On the 2d of March, 1864, Mr. Burt enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-first Ohio volunteer infantry, for one year, and received his discharge at Camp Chase, Aug. 28, 1865.  Returning home he engaged in farming and operating a saw mill, in connection with which he is now interested in the raising of fine sheep.  Mr. Burt is a stanch republican, and held the office of township clerk for twenty-seven years, which fact demonstrates the popularity and esteem in which he is held, and the ability with which he discharged his official duties. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 46
	Brown Twp. - MARK M. BURT, a leading citizen of Brown township, was born in Washington county, Penn., Dec. 29, 1822, the son of Ebenezer and Sarah (Leonard) Burt, born to these parents, and received but a common education.  He married Miss Elizabeth, the daughter of Reuben and Esther (McCleary) Emmick, of German origin, on teh 7th of May, 1849.  Their children are named Bethnell, Silas (deceased), Hiram, Theodore, Samantha (deceased), Melissa, wife of Frank Myers; Leah, wife of Richard Bates; Isaac (deceased), and Frank E. (deceased).  The family are communicants of the United Brethren church, while Mr. Burt belongs to the I. O. O. F. lodge, of Oakwood, which he joined in 1861.  He is also a member of the G. A. R. post, Sept. 10, 1863, Mr. Burt enlisted in the Ohio national guards, and went to the front as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-second regiment Ohio volunteer infantry.  He was in the company which built the fortifications at Petersburg and Richmond, and was at White House landing.  Returning home in 1864, he began farming.  He had not many advantages for obtaining an education, though he worked hard for what he did receive.  In 1861 he located in Paulding county, upon the land where he now resides, which is pleasantly located in Brown township.  Mr. Burt signed the first ditch petition, and has been prominently identified with the improvements made in Brown township.  His success in life has been due to his energy and hard work, and he is an expert and progressive agriculturist. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 46
	Carryall Twp. - JOSEPH T. BUSHONG was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 27, 1847, and is a son of John and Sarah (Smith) Bushong, natives, respectively, of Scioto county, Ohio, and of Pennsylvania.  The father removed to Putnam county in 1847 and engaged in farming.  He was a minister of the Christian church for many years, and is still preaching the doctrines of that denomination.  The early life of the subject of this sketch was passed in Putnam county, and he was educated in the common schools.  When but fifteen years of age he enlisted, Aug. 26, 1862, in company G, Eighty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and received his honorable discharge July 13, 1865.  He participated in the principal battles of the Atlanta campaign, and was with Gen. Sherman on his march to the sea and through the Carolinas.  After the war had closed Mr. Bushong returned to Putnam county, and in the spring of 1866 went to Cass county, Mo., where he remained one year.  He returned to Putnam county; thence went to Allen county, and finally, in 1872, removed to Paulding county, where he owns one of the finest farms in Carryall township.  He was united in marriage with Miss Jane Peppers, Mar. 15, 1866.  Mrs. Bushong is the daughter of William and Sarah (Sampson) Peppers, and was born Nov. 30, 1846, in Coshocton county.  She bore her husband the following offspring:  Viola, Cora and Sarah M.  Mr. Bushong is a republican and a member of the the G. A. R.  He is the superintendent of the horse department of the Hicksville agricultural society, and is an enterprising gentleman who has many friends. Source:  Historical Atlas of Paulding Co., Ohio - Publ. 1892 - Page 52

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