Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page  492

Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page  476

Source: Commemorative Historical and Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past and Present - Vol. II - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers and Co. 1897 - Page 1328

ERASMUS D. PECK, M. D., deceased.  Among the able and cultured people who came from the East in the early days, and settled in Perrysburg, giving to its society a notably refined and intellectual tone, none took higher rank than did the late Dr. Peck and his estimable wife.
     The Doctor was born in Stafford, Conn., Sept. 16, 1808, a member of one of the old Colonial families, and was educated in the schools of Munson, Mass., and at Yale College, where he was graduated from the Medical Department in 1829, and was well fitted for the leadership, wherever his lot might be cast.  The Peck family is of English origin, and the first of the American line, William Peck, settled in Connecticut in 1720.  Dr. Peck's father, Daniel Peck, was a prominent physician in his day, and married a descendant of a well-known New England family, Miss Persis Ladd, by whom he had six daughters and four sons.  After his graduation Dr. Peck came to Ohio for some time living in Portage county, but in 1834 he came to Perrysburg, where for over forty years he practiced his chosen profession.  He formed a partnership, at first with Dr. E. F. Tremaine, and later with Dr. James Robertson, but in 1854 his nephew, Dr. H. A. Hamilton, joined him in practice.  This partnership continued until Dr. Peck's death, which occurred Dec. 25, 1876.  A man of commanding influence in all lines of effort, Dr. Peck took a prominent place in the councils of the Republican party, which he entered on the disorganization of the old Whig party.  He was a member of the Ohio Legislature in 1855-57, and in 1870 was elected to Congress, serving in the Forty-first and Forty-second sessions.  He then retired from active participation in politics, and resumed his professional work.  He was married in 1834 to Miss Mary Thorndyke Lincoln, a native of Jeffrey, N. H., who was born in 1808 and died in 1873. 
     H. E. PECK, the only child of these honored pioneers, was born in Perrysburg, Apr. 30, 1838.  He was educated in the schools of his native place, and has made his home there except one year he spent in the South, and one year in New York State.  For twenty-five years he was engaged in the mercantile business, and on retiring from that he served four years as deputy collector of customs of this district.  In 1873 he was married to Miss Mary C. Robinson, who was born in Middlebury, Ohio, and they have two children:  Charles L. and Augustus H., the latter of whom is at school in New York.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page  438

JOSEPH PERKINS, who is engaged in farming in Perrysburg Township, was born in 1844, and was bound out for service, until twenty two years of age, to Cornelius Lamb, of North Carolina.  When a youth of eighteen he ran away, and entered the Union Army, as a servant to the officers, being thus engaged from July, 1862, until February, 1865. In the latter month he entered the regular service, in which he continued until February, 1866, valiantly defending the Union.
     On May 25, 1868, Mr. Perkins was united in marriage with Miss Mary Dent, a daughter of John and Sarah Jane (Grubbs) Dent, natives of Mount Sterling, Montgomery County, Kentucky.  She was the eldest of thirteen children, and was born Aug. 22, 1850 in Good Hope, Fayette County, Ohio. Her parents at the time were engaged in aiding the 'Underground Railway' at that place, and were in this service until their daughter was seven years of age.  Their 'station' was located on the farm of John Parrott, one mile west of Good Hope.  In 1857 they went to London, Ohio, whence they went to Canada, and after a short time removed to Detroit, Michigan. In 1858 they took up their abode in Lucas County, Ohio, where the father died May 10, 1891.  He met his death by violence at the hands of someone who had sold him liquor until he was drunk, and then threw him out of a second story window, the fall breaking his neck.
     After his marriage, Mr. Perkins came to Wood County, and purchased forty acres of land, whereon he has since made his home.  He is a respected and well-to-do citizen, enterprising and industrious, and his success has come as the reward of his own labors.  His family numbered twelve children, seven of whom are living, namely: Joseph Milton, born May 16, 1874; George Melvin, born Mar. 3, 1880; Florence Evalena May, born June 28, 1882; Hettie Alemida, born July 13, 1884; Frank Ellsworth K., born Jan. 18, 1887; Harry Walter A. Wood, born July 9, 1891; and Frederick Arthur, born June 19, 1893.
     The father of Joseph Perkins was born in Virginia, where he was a slave for fifty years, and went under the name of: Joseph Williams, being in the service of Mr. Williams.  In 1879 he came to Ohio, to the home of his son, Joseph, in Wood County, and died Jan. 1, 1894, in Sylvania, Lucas County, Ohio.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page  1198
Contributed By: Bob Weaver

MRS. AMELIA WILKINSON PERRIN, of Perrysburg, is one of the honored pioneers of Wood county, and one of the few survivors of that little band of settlers who made their home in the early days at the Foot of the Rapids.  In spite of her eighty-six years, she retains all her mental faculties, and many and interesting are the reminiscences of the old times, which her memory preserves.
     Jacob Wilkinson, her father, was born Mar. 30, 1777, in Morristown, N. J., her mother, Sallie Wightman, on Apr. 14, 1784, in Connecticut. They were married, in 1803, in Warren, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and five years later, in the winter of 1808-9, moved to Cleveland, Ohio, traveling in sleighs over the snow.  In 1811 they came to the Foot of the Rapids, on the Maumee river, and saw Hull's army cross that river on its way to Detriot.  When news of his surrender to the British reached the settlers, they for the most part fled in fear of the Indians; but as Mr. Wilkinson was away from home at the time, his family remained until his return.  The only means of transportation left was an old row boat, into which the little family was crowded, and Mr. Wilkinson started by way of the lake to Cleveland.  He was well-known there, and when the news came that he and his family were on Lake Erie, in an open row-boat, at the mercy of the waves, the entire city was aroused.  As the time drew near when they might be expected, crowds of people gathered upon the bluffs watching with glasses for the first sign of them, and when they were seen at last, boats were sent out to meet them, carrying wine and food.  So overcome was Mr. Wilkinson with fatigue and anxiety, that he fainted in the first joy of his deliverance.  He remained in Cleveland until the fall of 1815, engaged in ship building.  Having constructed a stanch little craft of his own, the "Black Snake," he and several of his friends brought their families, making their landing in a bayou near Fort Meigs.  Peace being restored, he made a permanent home here, and for many years was engaged in business, building bridges and wharves.  In political affairs he took great interest, and was a Democrat in early life, later a Henry Clay Whig.  He died Mar. 1, 1834, his wife surviving him but a few years, dying Nov. 26, 1839.  They had ten children, a brief record of whom is as follows: Freeman, a ship builder, died in San Jacinto, Texas; Harvey, educated in Fredonia, was a merchant in New Albany, Ind., and died in New Orleans of yellow fever; James Merrill, was for some years a druggist at Grand Rapids, but later bought a farm in Fulton county, where he spent the remainder of his life; Amelia, born Nov. 15, 1810, is the subject of this sketch; Samuel, born Nov. 16, 1812, was a ship builder, and died in Brownsville, Texas, during the cholera epidemic; Emily D., born Feb. 9, 1814, married Sylvester Johnson, of Perrysburg; William W., born Apr. 29, 1816, was a sailor, and died at Antwerp, Ohio; Nancy L., born May 29, 1819, and died at the age of six months; Clara A., born Jan. 28, 1820, was married Oct. 11, 1850, to G. B. Warner, an architect, a native of Brownsville, N. Y. (he died in 1860 in La Salle, Ills., leaving three children: (1) George, a painter in Cass county, Mich., married to Susan Swinehart, of Elkhart, Ind., and had five children - Clara, Royal M., Lillian, George and Helen.  (2) Ida, who mar ' ried Edward Fisher, of Cass county, Mich., and has three children - Herbert, Merlin and Leland;  (5) Fred E., a resident of Michigan, married to Catherine Avery, of Goshen, Ind., and has four children - Grace, Hazel, Maude and Frederick.  Mrs. Warner was married, the second time, in 1862, to Moses McKissick, of Toledo, who afterward removed to a farm in Cass county, Mich., where he died in 1894.  One daughter was born of this marriage, Grace, now the wife of C. Rinehart, of Cass county, Michigan.
     The subject of this sketch was married Apr. 28, 1830, to Jonathan Perrin, who was born in Bedford, Penn., in 1804.  He was a house builder and contractor in Perrysburg, and a leading citizen of that place.  He died May 18, 1876.  Of their children six grew to maturity: (1) Theresa married Fred R. Miller, and had three children - William P., who died at Wichita, Kans., leaving one son, Willie; Ernest, a resident of Denver, Col., who married Mary Dodge, a daughter of Judge Dodge, of Bowling Green, and has two children - Hobart and Mary Dodge; and Shelley, of St. Joseph, Mo., superintendent of insurance in that State.  (2) Helen P. is the widow of Hon. E. F. Bull, of Ottawa, Illinois, and has had three children - Lillian, the wife of S. W. Ruger (she has one child, Edward); Edward Bull, a law student, who was accidentally shot while hunting in Minnesota; and Follett W. Bull, an attorney at Chicago, Ill., who has one child, Helen Perkins.  (3) William Henry, born Sept. 4, 1835, was a merchant in the south, and a captain in the Confederate army; he died in New Orleans, leaving one daughter, Edna. (4) Mary, born June 17, 1838, married Samuel Price, a journalist and lawyer; both are now dead, leaving one child, Ethel.  (5) Eugenia, born Feb. 22, 1840, married Dr. W. Long, of Bryan, Ohio, and has one son, James W.  (6) Wilkinson D., born May 17, 1842, enlisted in the 1st Ohio Artillery, and was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor.
     Mrs. Perrin has for many years been a leader in the most exclusive circles of social life in Perrysburg, and although now less fond of society than of yore, she takes a generous and intelligent interest in all the movements of the day.  She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: The Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County - By: M. A. Leeson - Published: 1897 - Page 1230

JOHN PERRIN, the earlier part of whose life was a most checkered one, is now a most extensive land owner in Middleton township, having to-day a valuable farm of 500 acres, highly cultivated and improved with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the Nineteenth century.  He belongs to that class of honored men known as “self-made,” who, dependent upon their own resources, have worked their-way upward from humble surroundings to positions of affluence.
     Mr. Perrin was born in Nova Scotia, near Pictou, Mar. 19, 1828.  His father, James Perrin, was also a native of Nova Scotia, born of French parentage, and followed the occupation of farming in that province.  There he married Helen Byers, a native of Scotland, born Nov. 17, 1795, and they became parents of nine children as follows: Jane, wife of James Young; Mary, deceased; John; Josephine, wife of Foster B. Pratt; Catherine, deceased wife of Stephen Langell; William, postmaster at Roachton, Wood county; and three who died in childhood.  From his native province the father of this family came to Ohio, afterward removing to Indiana, where he and his wife both died in 1838, the latter on September 27, of that year.
     As will be seen, our subject was ten years old when death deprived him of both his parents, at which time the children took up their residence in Perrysburg, Wood county, where they remained until the spring of the following year, the family circle being then broken up, John making his home with William Russell.  With him he worked for his living some eighteen months, at the end of which period he went to Seneca county, Ohio, there working for Isaac Ingraham, also eighteen months, but from him he "ran away," returning to Perrysburg.  Here for about a year and a half he worked for Charles Shepard, his remuneration being three dollars per month, he part of the time attending school, and then returned to Seneca county, where he was employed on the farm of a Mr. Ingraham, who, later, removed to Henry county, our subject accompanying him, and remaining with him till he was eighteen years old.  All he claims he got from Mr. Ingraham was his board and inferior quality, and a sparse quantity of clothes, his wardrobe at the time of leaving Ingraham's employ consisting of but one suit of clothes.  Nothing daunted, young Perrin hired out at $12.00 per month, saved his earnings and in course of time, in 1848, bought 120 acres of wild land in Henry county, near Liberty Center, about the same time taking up the pursuit of fishing, which he followed in connection with farming up to 1853.  In that year he set out for the then “New Eldorado " - California - to try his luck in the gold diggings.  He set out from St. Louis by boat to Council Bluffs; but, the steamer becoming disabled, he, with some 500 others, had to be landed in the woods where they remained four days suffering greatly from hunger.  A steam boat, however, arrived opportunely, and took the temporarily marooned adventurers to Independence, Mo., where Mr. Perrin joined a company of 101 other travelers who formed themselves into an “outfit," the entire company setting out for the gold fields in April.  The journey occupied six months, our subject walking most of the way, and doing the hunting for the party, his previous experience in that line, in Ohio, and general knowledge of Woodcraft, proving of much value to the party.
     Arriving at the gold fields, Mr. Perrin immediately commenced mining, which he followed five years, not with much, success, he says, after the first year, at the end of that time taking a prospective trip up the Frazer river, in British Columbia, where he mined for gold three years, in this venture meeting with good success, and a proportionate degree of adventure.   He there, however, experienced the greatest hardships.  There were some 30,000 people on the Frazer river, no law had been established, and the Indians killed many whites, while the whites killed many Indians in return, so that each man had to protect himself.  Mr. Perrin relates many an exciting tale of his experiences, the Frazer river itself, a large stream of water, in the springtime a perfect torrent, being in itself a source of considerable danger, as it had to be navigated with small boats, and many people lost their lives by drowning.  Provisions most of the time were scarce, and death from starvation was not infrequent during the winter of 1858-59.  Robbers were also a source of great anxiety to the gold diggers, who had to hide their treasure as fast as they found it.  In 1861 Mr. Perrin ascended the Frazer river as far as Cariboo, where a new gold field had been opened out, and be there purchased a rich claim, but in the month of October, that year, the snow was so deep he could not work his claim, and as a consequence had to remain idle there and all alone, monarch of all be surveyed for the time, with nothing to read save the labels on the cans of provisions he had with him; and this highly interesting literature he says he committed to perpetual memory, “canned salmon,” "pickled beets,” etc., being a sort of mental pabulum, the contents of the cans serving for the inner man.  Here he remained some six years, made money, and became the owner of many rich claims, paying for some as much as $20,000.  From Cariboo Mr. Perrin went to Oregon and Washington Territory, intending to revisit the Frazer river, but while in Portland, Ore., he made up his mind to return to his old Ohio home, which he did, and has remained there ever since.
     Much has been written about travel and adventure, and did Mr. Perrin's innate modesty permit him to give his personal mining experiences to the world, he could fill a good sized volume with exciting scenes and hair-breadth escapes rarely met with in a single lifetime.
     On his return home in 1868 after an absence of fifteen years, Mr. Perrin found his land in Henry county sold, his relatives, with whom he had never communicated, having given him up for dead.  He now, however, purchased 300 acres of land in Middleton township, Wood county, covered with timber and water.  Tiling and draining was necessary to make this cultivable, while the trees had to be cleared away ere crops could be planted.  Ultimately the boundaries of the farm were extended until it now comprises 500 acres of very valuable land, covered in summer time with waving fields of grain, and where the surrounding good buildings and modern improvements tell the passer-by of the thrift and enterprise of the owner.
     On Dec. 16, 1891, Mr. Perrin married May Halbert, a most estimable lady.  Her father, Henry Halbert, was born in New York, Apr. 6, 1838, and throughout life has followed farming.  In 1865 he came to Middleton township, Wood county, and purchased a farm which be yet operates.  He was married in New York, to Maria L. Hogan, who was born at Rome, that State, Sept. 15, 1842.  They have five children: Harriet, born Dec. 27, 1860, deceased wife of Dr. H. W. Legalley; Henrietta, born June 17, 1863, wife of Oliver Mears; May F., born Aug. 3, 1869, now Mrs. Perrin; Edward, born Sept. 23, 1879; and Miles, born Dec. 5, 1882.  Mr. and Mrs. Halbert now reside in Haskins.   Mrs. Perrin is a graduate of the Haskins High School, taught school some six years, and is an accomplished lady.
     To the Republican party Mr. Perrin gives his support.  Aside from his farming interests, he is a stockholder in the Bank of Perrysburg, and he is in all respects one of the best known men in the county.  His experiences have been varied; but he has steadily worked his way upward, and to day ranks among the substantial citizens of the community, owing his success to persistent labor, thorough application and honorable dealing.  Pleasant and genial in manner, he is very popular with all classes, and together with his amiable life partner commands the respect of all.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 684

WILLIAM PERRIN, deceased.  In a brief sketch of any living citizen it is difficult to do him exact and impartial justice, not so much, however, from lack of space or words to set forth the familiar and passing events of his personal history, as for want of the perfect and rounded conception of his whole life, which grows, develops and ripens, like fruit, to disclose its true and best flavor only when it is mellowed by time.  Daily contact with a man so familiarizes us with his many virtues that we ordinarily overlook them, and commonly underestimate their possessor.  Nevertheless, while the man passes away his deeds of virtue live on, and will in due time bear fruit, and do him the justice which the pen fails to record.
     Mr. Perrin, who during life was one of the most prominent farmers of Center township, was born in Madison township, Franklin Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1816.  His father, Joseph Perrin, was born and reared in Pennsylvania, where he wedded Mary Fletcher, and from there, in 1812, rode to Franklin county, Ohio, on horseback.  They were the parents of the following children: Barbara, Jacob, Jonathan, John, Susan, Mary and William, all of whom have passed away, except Susan, and the father and mother both died in Franklin county; the former was drowned.
     Our subject was but eight months old when his father died, and he was adopted by his uncle, William Perrin, who gave him good educational advantages.  On his farm William grew to manhood, aiding in its cultivation, and caring for his uncle during his declining years.  For several years after the latter's death he still continued the operation of that farm.  On Nov. 14, 1839, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Breckenridge, and to them were born five daughters: Margaret J., born Oct. 28, 1840; Eliza J., born May 16, 1847, now the wife of A. B. Ebright, of Columbus, Ohio; Susan, born July 29, 1850, now the wife of P. H. Stevenson; Theresa A., born July 31, 1853, now the widow of William Wade; and Mary A., born Dec. 1, 1856.  The mother of this family died May 29, 1858, and for his second wife Mr. Perrin chose Miss Rhoda M. Needels, who was born Apr. 28, 1833, a daughter of James Needels, a farmer of Madison township, Franklin Co., Ohio.  By this marriage there were six children, namely: William, born Sept. 3, 1860, and died in 1861; Sarah W., born Oct. 13, 1863, now the wife of John Ralston, by whom she has a son, Le Roy, born in 1892; Frank F., born Feb. 8, 1865, a farmer of New Mexico; Azro S., born Sept. 15, 1868, and married Le Elda Tuller, by whom he has one child, Ray T.; Jonathan A., an oil operator, born Feb. 13, 1871, and married to Mary English; and Minnie R., born Apr. 21, 1874.
     In 1866, Mr. Perrin disposed of his property in Franklin county, and removed with his family to Center township, Wood county, where he purchased 320 acres of partially improved land, which he ditched, tiled and fenced, making it one of the most valuable tracts in the township.  Besides his own fine residence he erected two other dwellings upon the place, and gave a large portion of his farm to his children, though his widow still retains forty acres, the cultivation of which she superintends.  The cause of education ever found in Mr. Perrin a warm friend and supporter, he donating the land for a school house near his home, also furnishing the stone for the foundation, and superintending the construction of the building.  For several years he held the office of supervisor, and was also trustee of his township.  He was a man of progressive and enterprising ideas, which he endeavored to carry out, and gave his support to all objects calculated to benefit his township or county.  He laid aside life’s cares after a pure, honorable and useful career, actuated by unselfish motives, prompted by patriotism and guided by truth and justice, passing away Mar. 25, 1895, leaving a loving wife and children to mourn the departure of a kind and indulgent husband and father.  His death was deeply regretted throughout the county, for he was widely and favorably known.  His political support was given to the Republican party.  The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a member for over fifty-one years.
     Mrs. Perrin was one of a family of fourteen children, of whom seven are now living: Cyrus F., a farmer of Franklin county, Ohio; Curtis L., of Columbus, Ohio; Mrs. Perrin; Mrs. Rebecca E. Brown, of Franklin county; Mrs. Mary Ann Brown, of Franklin county; Mrs. Jennie L. Wilkins, of Wapakoneta, Ohio; and Mrs. Lizzie N. Kile, of Columbus.  The parents, James and Sarah A. (Stevenson) Needles, were both born in Franklin county, Ohio, the former in 1808.  They died in 1860, and Dec. 4, 1874, respectively. Philemon Needels, his father, was born in Delaware, and when a young man settled in Franklin county, where he owned a large property.  Mrs. Perrins’ parents were noted for their purity and good deeds.  Their industry and economy brought forth abundant fruit, hence there was a competency during their lives, and a heritage for their children.
     Mrs. Perrin spent two years at Delaware (Ohio) Wesleyan Female College, thus laying the foundation for an intelligent, useful life.  She has never ceased to be a student.  What she learned last year did not satisfy her.  She is up to the times, and takes an interest in the advancement and enterprise of the day.  When she came to this vicinity there was no school, Sabbath-school or literary privileges.  Mr. Perrin's efforts were ably seconded by her to secure a school district, and the first election of officers was held in her best room.  When the school house was completed, she did not cease her efforts until there was Sabbath school, and no assistance she could give was ever considered grievous.  Through shade and shine she was in her place, doing anything assigned her, teaching infant or Bible class, or in the absence of the superintendent, filling his office creditably.  Her work has not been a failure.
     When her children and others were advanced far enough to be benefited by literary exercises, she urged the young people to organize for that purpose, and at their request wrote a constitution and by-laws for them, became a member, and made it a rule to be prepared for any duty assigned her.  In her reading, if she saw any thing either in poetry or prose suitable for any one to read or speak, it was carefully put by.  The young ladies and gentlemen soon learned where the supply might be found, and the smaller ones where to get good pieces.  “Little acts of kindness, little deeds of love," have been the factors which have bound old and young in loving cords to their friend and neighbor.  She is an humble follower of Christ, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since she was eleven years of age.  Her children rise up and call her blessed.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 548

D. E. Peters


Tillie Peters


Fanny Peters


B. L. Peters

Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 536

George
Clarence Potter
Mrs. Luella Potter

CLARENCE POTTER, of Liberty Township, is a young man of excellent business and executive ability, whose leading characteristics are enterprise and energy.  He is careful in his management, far sighted in his dealings, and above all is honorable and straightforward in every transaction.  His fellow citizens accord him a place among the representative men of Liberty Township, and give him their confidence and high regard.
     Mr. Potter was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Sept. 5, 1859, and is a son of George and Almira Jane (Collins) Potter.  The father was born in Fayette County, in 1833, was educated in the district schools, and then began work at the stone mason's trade; he also learned chair making before his marriage, and followed that occupation for a number of years.  At the age of twenty six, he was married, in Fayette County, to Miss Collins, a native of West Virginia, who died Apr. 14, 1879.  The father afterward wedded Mary Leonard, with whom he is now living, on a farm which our subject purchased in the spring of 1889. The children of the first marriage are: Clarence; Miriam, of Youngstown, Ohio; Charles, a lumber merchant of Washington County, Pennsylvania; Isaac, who died at the age of three years; Joseph, who died in infancy; Eunice, who died at the age of three years; Josephine; Angeline, who is living with our subject; and Horace.  The two children of the second marriage are: Jessie and Logan.
     Our subject received a good English education, and at the age of sixteen began work in a tannery, on Beaver Creek, one mile and a half from his home.  He also followed the mason's trade, to some extent, and before the age of sixteen laid the foundation under his father's barn.  As a boy he greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was an expert shot with the rifle. At the age of twenty he went to McKean County, Pennsylvania, and procured work as a tool dresser in the oil fields of Bradford, receiving $2 per day for a year, and afterward $3 per day.  He continued in the oil fields of McKean County and of Allegany County, New York, for three years, and became a driller.  Subsequently he went to Bottineau County, North Dakota, where he secured a squatter's claim on the bank of Willow River.  The journey was made by rail to Devil's Lake City, and thence on foot to his destination, a distance of 200 miles.  This was in the summer of 1884.  On his 160 acre claim of prairie land he built a rude cabin, partly of logs and partly as a dug-out, and then broke fifteen acres of land, with a team of horses borrowed from his nearest neighbor, whom he repaid by aiding him to erect a substantial dwelling.  As he could not get a deed for his land, on account of it being unsurveyed, and not in the market, Mr. Potter returned in the following November, to the Allegany County oil fields, expecting to return to his claim in the spring; but, having a paying position, he abandoned his plan.  After two years in the oil field, he returned home, and in March, 1887, removed to Findlay, Ohio, where he engaged to go to Bowling Green and take charge of the DeWitt oil well for his uncle, Isaac Collins.  He continued to work in the oil fields of Ohio and Michigan until the spring of 1888, when he purchased tools and began taking contracts for drilling wells. In 1888, he drilled, on the Ducat Farm, a well whose estimated yield was 10,000 barrels per day; after two weeks he sold this well for $10,000.  In June, 1889, he purchased forty acres of land, to which he added until he now has 200 acres, upon which he has drilled twelve wells, which have proved productive and profitable.  Mr. Potter has also many acres of leased land, upon which he has nineteen producing wells; his production of oil for the month of March, 1896, shows over 3,000 barrel, net.
     Mr. Potter was married, in Milton Township, Apr. 15, 1891, to Miss Luella Poland, who was born in Aug. 31, 1866, in Hancock County, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Swisher) Poland. They have one child, George Poland. In politics Mr. Potter is a Republican.  He is a popular and esteemed citizen, genial and pleasant in manner, and ever ready to extend a helping hand to those in need, many having received timely assistance from him.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page  1176
Contributed By: Bob Weaver

DAVID G POTTER. Among the leading and influential farmers of Washington Township, who thoroughly understand their business and pursue the vocation of their chosen calling in a methodical and workman-like manner, is the subject of this biography.  He was born in Huron County, Ohio, between Monroeville and Norwalk, on Aug. 24, 1822, and is one of the eleven children of Elihu and Jerusha (Cadwell) Potter, only four of whom are now living, the others being: Allen, and employee in a glass factory in Anderson, Indiana; Jane, wife of Joseph McKenzie, a farmer residing near McClure, Henry County, Ohio; and Henry, a farmer of Washington Township.
     Our subject received his education in the district schools of Huron County, and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty six years.  He was married in 1848, his wife bearing the maiden name of: Mary Ann Bates. She was born in 1827.  By this union they had six children: Loron Clark; Emma Jane, wife of Israel Huffman, who resides in Grand Rapids, Wood County; Celia, deceased; Elnora, a resident of Toledo, Ohio; Rosilla, deceased; and Alice, wife of William Bemis, of Waterville, Ohio.  The mother of this family departed this life in 1882.  On Dec. 17, 1890, Mr. Potter was again married, his second union being with Clara Etta (Parks) Roderick, who was born in Vermilion County, Illinois, Mar. 4, 1857.  Her parents were Isaac and Mary (Fahl) Parks, the former of Quaker stock, and the latter a Canadian by birth.  By her first husband Mrs. Potter has a son, Ransom W. Roderick, born Nov. 5, 1882.  Her father was a millwright by trade, and his political views were in accordance with those of the Republican party.
     In both Huron and Wood Counties Mr. Potter has served as School Director, and in politics is identified with the Democratic party.  He has won his way to the regard of the people with whom he has come in contact, having the respect and confidence of all, and is numbered among the self made men of the locality, starting out in life entirely unaided by capital or influential friends, so that all he now possesses is due to his untiring energy and perseverance.  He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and she hold membership with the Helping Hands and Foreign Missionary Societies, and for two years has been a teacher in the Sunday School.  She is a most estimable lady, winning the love of all by her kindly ways and deeds of charity.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page  1195
Contributed By: Bob Weaver

LORON CLARK POTTER is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests in Washington Township, and is one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of the community.  He was born in Sherman Township, Huron County, Ohio, Aug. 8, 1849, and at the age of twenty one came to Wood County with his parents, David G. and Mary Ann (Bates) Potter, the former of Welsh, and the latter of English, descent.  One subject had five sisters, but two have now passed away - Celia Josephine and Roselia. Those living are: Emma Jane, wife of Israel Huffman, of Grand Rapids, Ohio; Elnora, who resides in Toledo; and Alice, wife of William Bemis, of Waterville, Ohio.
     The early life of Mr. Potter was spent after the manner of most farmer's sons, in a comparatively uneventful manner, and during which he attended the common schools of Huron County and made himself useful around the homestead as his years increased.  In 1872, he was married to Miss Menerva Ann Wade, daughter of John Quincy Wade, a prominent farmer of Weston Township, the wedding being celebrated in Tontogany and four children have come to bless their union.
(1) Dudley A., born May 28, 1873, gradated at the schools of Tontogany, and is now teaching in District No. 1, Washington Township.
(2) Mary Ann, born Jan. 3, 1875, is the wife of Frank Thomas, foreman of the Democrat. office at Bowling Green, Ohio. They have one daughter, Helen, and lost a son in infancy, Harry Arthur.
(3) Viola, born Jan. 2, 1877
(4) Birdie, born Oct. 27, 1885, complete the family.
     Mr. Potter has ever resided upon the home farm, to the cultivation of which he gives his entire time and attention, making it one of the highly productive tracts of the neighborhood.  Politically, he votes the straight Democratic ticket.  Not withstanding his busy and active career as connected with the general welfare of his township, he has never sought office, content alone to see the people around him steadily advancing socially, morally, and financially.  He has, however, served for two terms as assessor, holding that office in 1890 and 1891, and four times was a member of the Central Committee of his party, and at present is a member of the Executive Committee.  He takes quite an active interest in the Odd Fellows fraternity, belonging to Tontogany Lodge No 755, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all the chairs, and is now Past Grand, while both he and his wife belong to Oriana Rebekah Lodge No. 400, of Tontogany.
Source: The Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County - By: M. A. Leeson - Published: 1897 - Page 1011
Contributed By: Bob Weaver

WILLIAM B. POTTER, a pioneer farmer of Weston Township, was born in the city of Nottingham, County of Nottingham, England, June 28, 1819, and is the son of Thomas and Esther (Radford) Potter, both natives of that country, the former born in 1779, the latter in 1782.
     Thomas Potter was a lace manufacturer in England, and inventor of pearl edging; but on coming to this country, in 1832, he took up farming pursuits in Mercer County, Ohio. His death occurred in that county May 2, 1848. He was twice married, and by his first wife, Elizabeth, he had seven children: Mary, Ann, Samuel, Lucy, Maria, John and Thomas. By his second wife, Esther (Radford), five children were born, as follows: Dr Henry Radford, a physician, who resided near Weston; William, who died in infancy; William B., the subject of this sketch; Hannah B.; and Joseph, who died in infancy.
     William B. Potter obtained a part of his education in England, and, after coming to this country with his parents, worked in a printing office in Piqua, Ohio, for two years.  He then worked on his father's farm until he was twenty four years old, at the end of which time he went to Clark County, where he was employed some three years. He then returned home, and buying out the other heirs took management of the home place, and the care of his widowed mother, who died in 1854.  In 1864 he came to Wood County, and bought eighty acres of land in Weston Township, on which he still resides.  This place has been well improved with a handsome residence, capacious barns, granaries, etc, and here Mr. Potter carries on general farming.  He is a man of broad and liberal ideas, progressive in his methods, and has been successful in his undertakings.  Well and favorably known throughout the county, he has a large circle of warm friends, who thoroughly appreciate his many good qualities.
     Mr. Potter was married in Mercer County, Ohio, in 1852, to Miss Clarissa Shipman, who was born Jan. 29, 1829, and ten children have blessed their union, as follows: Thomas, born Oct. 28, 1853, is a farmer in Bellevue, Ohio; Sarah Jane, born Feb. 11, 1855, died January, 1885; Henry S., born Sept. 11, 1856, is a farmer in Bellevue; Lydia, born June17, 1858, is the wife of John Barton, a farmer in Plain Township, Wood County; Esther S. born May 5, 1859; George W., born Oct. 12, 1861, is farming on the old homestead - he married Miss Nettie Revanaugh, a lady of French descent, and they have one child; Harriet L., born Sept. 22, 1863, now the widow of Henry Abbott, who died Feb. 17, 1889; Mary E., born Dec. 6, 1866, died Apr. 6, 1884; Harmon, born Apr. 6, 1868, is a fireman on the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad; and Cora B., born Sept. 6, 1871.  She was a most estimable woman, one who reared her large family carefully, and devoted her life to the interests of her household.  Mr. Potter is a Republican in his political view, has held the office of Trustee of Franklin Township, Mercer County and has served as School Director.  He is a consistent member of the Disciples Church.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 919
Contributed By: Bob Weaver