28 November 2014

WCGS November 2014 Meeting and December News

By Pamela Pattison Lash

Here is the report from VP Mary Alice Roth:

The Williams County Genealogical Society held their lock-in workshop on November 15, 2014.  It was entitled Searching for Your Roots.

President Pat Goebel greeted everyone and thanked them for coming out in the cold weather.
Vice President Mary Alice Roth presented many different ways and places to collect your family information.  She cautioned how all names, birth and death dates, marriage records, court records, church records and areas lived in should be compared to make sure the person considered to be your relative is the correct one.  She also discussed how the computer is very useful to find information but what looks like the right person may not be.  Keep searching and compare information gathered to see if it fits in like pieces of a puzzle.  Handouts of information covered were provided.

Pam Lash gave tours of the library and different resources available for their research.  While guests did research, she helped with different problems they were having finding information.

There were nineteen guests in attendance plus board members that assisted guests with their searching.  Three new members were gained and others very interested in attending our upcoming meetings.
     
Our next meeting will be held Monday, December 8, 2014 at 6:30pm.  Bring your favorite festive dish to share and enjoy mingling with genealogy friends.  Plates, table service and coffee will be provided.
     
The purpose of the WCGS is preservation of county records and family research.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, excluding Jul;y and August, at 6:30pm, in the conference room of the West Annex of the Bryan Public Library.  The public is invited to attend all meetings.
     
For further information concerning the WCGS, visit the Website at www.wcgs-ogs.com or write to the WCGS, P.O. Box 293, Bryan, Ohio 43506  

15 October 2014

WCGS October Meeting and Lock-In at the WCPL Local History and Genealogy Center

By Pamela Pattison Lash

VP Mary Alice Roth has this to report on WCGS events:


The Williams County Genealogical Society held their monthly meeting on October 13, 2014 at 6:30 pm, at the Bryan Public Library in the West Annex.

     The guest speaker, Joanne Allison, spoke on her trip to Germany and ways she found her ancestors.  She traveled with her daughter, who spoke German, to the church where her great grandmother was baptized.  She visited with people who knew where different family members had lived.  She gave a slide presentation of cousins she met, beautiful buildiungs and many cities she traveled to.  She showed how the very poor heuerling families lived in very small buildings, usually with only one window.  They lived and cooked in the same building with the animals.  She showed slides of the lush green grass with grazing cattle on the sides of dikes, thatched roofs, floating moors, mud flaps and wind turbines.  She found out that Leiner is the sister city to St. Marys, Ohio. Joanne hasjust published a book on German ancestors.

     The next meeting will be a lock-in held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Bryan Public Library in the West Annex.    The library is not open so you must register by Thursday, November13 by contacting Jane at 419-636-6734 or coming to the library.  This is a free workshop.  Methods to find your ancestors will be taught and handouts provided.  If you haven't done family researrch before or need some new inspiration to get started again, come join us and learn of the valuable resources the library has.

     The purpose of the WCGS is preservation of county records and family research.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, excluding July and August, at 6:30pm, in the conference room of the West Annex of the Bryan Public Library. The public is invited to attend all meetings.

     For further information concerning the WCGS, visit the Website at www.wcgs-ogs.com or write to the WCGS, P.O. Box 293, Bryan, Ohio 43506.

18 September 2014

WCGS September 2014 Meeting and More

By Pamela Pattison Lash

The WCGS began its new season of genealogical fun with a bang!  Here's what VP Mary Alice Roth has to report:


 The Williams County Genealogical Society held the first meeting of their new year on Monday, September 13, 2014.  After a short greeting by President Pat Goebel, a delicious array of food was enjoyed by all.

     Each person introduced themselves.  We had two new members and two guests.  Then the fun began!!!  Vice President Mary Alice Roth started a game of genealogy word find.  I think this was the quietest the group has ever been.  The next game tested their knowledge of genealogy understanding in many areas.  A handout of answers, with factual explanations of the answers, was given out.  We all had a great time,

     The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 13, 2014. Our guest speaker will be Joanne Allison.  She will be telling of her quest to find her German heritage, travels to Germany and her recently published book.  You may hear tips on how to locate your own German ancestors.

     The purpose of the WCGS is preservation of county records and family research.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, excluding July and August, at 6:30pm, in the conference room of the West Annex of the Bryan Public Library.  The public is invited to attend all meetings.

     For further information concerning the WCGS, visit the Website at www.wcgs-ogs.com or write to the WCGS, P.O. Box 293, Bryan, Ohio 43506.



11 September 2014

Minnie St John Jones v Jefferson Paul Jones, 1891-92 Divorce Action


By Pamela Pattison Lash

Minnie St John Jones v Jefferson Paul Jones (Roll 51 case number 2927 – 1891/1893)

Bryan Democrat, 26 November 1891 p4 c6
Legal Notice
J. Paul Jones, whose Post Office address and residence is to plaintiff unknown, take notice that on 2 November 1891, Minnie Jones filed her petition in the clerks court of the Court of Common Pleas in Williams Co, OH case #2927 charging that defendant, J Paul Jones with continuous and willful absence from said plaintiff for more than 3 years.  The object and prayer of said petition is for the procurement of a divorce by said plaintiff from said defendant on said grounds and for the custody of one minor child of said plaintiff and said defendant and for alimony.  Said defendant is required to answer or to demur to said petition on or before 6 weeks from and after the 5th day of November 1891.Minnie Jones, Plaintiff

Minnie Jones v J. Paul Jones (Roll 51 case number 2927 - 1891/93)

The couple was married in Hillsdale Co, MI in July 1882.  Minnie said that her husband had been absent for three years and was guilty of gross neglect of duty.  She wanted custody of their daughter, Stella Jones, and $500 in alimony.  This action was filed on 2 November 1891 and appears to have been finalized by the court during the April 1892 term.  Minnie stated that J. Paul had left her in June 1884 and that he was lazy and indolent; he gave her no support for the child, yet he was wealthy as he was heir to his father’s estate.  Minnie had no property.  The court granted all her requests.

Starting with this information, I found the following:
Minnie B. St John married Jefferson P Jones in Amboy Twp, Hillsdale Co, MI on 23 July 1882; he was 21, a farmer with residence in Hillsdale, MI; she was 20 with residence in Williams Co, OH; they were both born in Ohio.

The Groom
Jefferson P Jones married Ida May Hall in Lickley Corners, Hillsdale Co, MI on 21 October 1894.  The license stated that they both lived in Prattville, MI and neither had been married before.  He was 30, a barber, born in West Unity, OH to SS Jones and Margaret Dunscomb; she was 22, born in Bordina, NY, the daughter of James Hall and Mary A Evans.

1880 Wright Twp, Hillsdale Co, MI
Jones, Samuel 41 NJ
Margaret wife 41 OH
Paul son 19 OH
James son 14 OH
Gilbert son 9 MI
Note: Samuel Jones married Margaret Dunscomb in Williams Co, OH on 3 January 1861.

1900 Wright Twp, Hillsdale Co, MI
Jones, Jefferson P 39 (Oct 1861) OH-NJ-OH
M. Ida wife 25 (1875) NY-Eng-Eng married 6Y no children

By 1930 Jefferson was living in Battle Creek, Calhoun Co, MI as a roomer of the Archer and Hilda Phillips family; he was a widower, 68 OH.

By 1940 he lived in Grass Lake, Jackson Co, MI, 78 OH, widower, lodger of  Myrtle Bitner; his last residence was listed as Dexter, Washtenaw Co, MI

Jefferson Paul Jones, born 3 October 1861 in West Unity, Williams Co, OH, son of Samuel Jones, died on 10 September 1940 in Jackson, Jackson Co, MI; he was buried in Woodland Cem, Jackson Co, MI

The Bride
Minnie Jones married Alfred H Reader in Williams Co, OH on 26 March 1892.  Minnie was the daughter of Ward St John and Catherine Yost.

1870 Brady Twp, Williams Co, OH
St John, Minnie 10 OH with parents and siblings

1880 Millcreek Twp, Williams Co, OH
St John, Ward 49 CT
Catherine wife 43 CT
William son 25 OH
Abner son 23 OH
Minnie dau 20 OH
Nettie dau 17 OH
George son 14 OH
Jacob son 10 OH

1900 Woodbridge, Hillsdale, Michigan; Roll: 713; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 0100; FHL microfilm: 1240713.
Reader, Alfred 47 (June 1852) OH-Eng-Eng
Minnie wife 39 (June 1860) OH-OH-OH mar 1892 2/2 ch
Royal son 5 (June 1894) MI-OH-OH

In Fayette, Hilldale Co, MI Alfred H Reader died on 12 April 1905 and was buried in the Osbourne Cemetery.

Minnie Reader married Albert L Fitton on 10 January 1907 in Hillsdale Co, MI.

In 1910 Jackson Co, MI we find Fitton, Albert L divorced; so far I’ve not discovered Minnie, but in 1910 there is a Royal Reader 15 MI living as inmate of Lansing, MI Industrial School for Boys

On 24 March 1916 in Hillsdale Co, OH Minnie Fitton married Andrew Allen Smith.

From the 1920 Jonesville, Hillsdale, Michigan; Roll: T625_768; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 122; Image: 165, Minnie Smith is living as a widow, 58 OH-NY-PA.


           

           

04 September 2014

Clara Louemma Yates Murray v Edward Murray, Divorce 1892

By Pamela Pattison Lash


While browsing an old newspaper I found this entry:

Bryan Democrat 7 January 1892 p5 c6
Edward Murray whose place of residence and post office address are to Clara L Murray unknown will take notice that on 20 November 1891 the said Clara Murray filed her petition in the Court of Common Pleas of Williams County, OH pursuit to a divorce from him on the grounds of willfully absence of the Edward Murray from Clara L Murray for a period of 3 years last past. 

I searched the Civil and Criminal Court records and found the divorce entry in Roll 51 #2941 which shed very little light on the circumstances of this action. It appears that Clara wanted custody of their son, Edwin Murray, $500 in alimony, and court costs paid by the defendant.  It also appears that the divorce was finalized c 8 March 1892 in the Common Pleas Court.  With some digging I found the marriage for this couple and the birth record of their son:

Married 8 July 1888, Williams Co, OH (Marriage V5 p 427)
Edward Murray and Clara Louemma Yates – the marriage application was made by John Yates, her father

Birth of their son - 13 November 1888, Bryan, Williams Co, OH – Edwin Yates Murray

I then checked out the census for 1870, 1880, and 1900 but found that by 1900 Clara was not living in Williams County as she had remarried and her son was listed as the adopted son of her parents, John and Mary Yates. 
1870 Bryan, Williams, Ohio; Roll: M593_1282; Page: 180A; Image: 363; Family History Library Film: 552781.
h/h 92/92 Yates, John 35 OH carpenter
Mary 29 OH
Elmer 8 OH
George 6 OH
Clara 1 OH

1880 Bryan, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 1078; Family History Film: 1255078; Page: 656D; Enumeration District: 012; Image: 0174.
h/h 561586 Yates, John 41 OH-PA-PA carpenter
Mary wife 38 OH-PA-PA
Elmer son 18 OH-OH-OH
George son 155 OH-OH-OH
Clara dau 10 OH-OH-OH
Kahl, Edward 21 OH-Prussia-Prussia boarder, laborer

Clara Murray married Charles P Harring in Williams Co, OH on 30 June 1892 (Marriage V6 p242)


Everything fell into place with her obit.

Clara Louemma Yates (6 June 1869, Williams Co, OH – Birth V1 p5; 27 March 1951, Bryan, OH; buried in Fountain Grove Cem, Bryan, Pulaski Twp, Williams Co, OH)
d/o John Yates and Mary J Schartzer

Leader Enterprise (Montpelier, OH), Thursday, 29 March 1951 p1 c8
Mrs. Harring Dies in Hospital
Mrs Clara Louemma Harring, 81, life long resident of Williams Co, OH died Tuesday morning (March 27) at the Cameron Hospital in Bryan.  She had been ill only a short time.
Funeral rites were conducted this afternoon at the Creators and Kissell Funeral Home in Bryan with Rev Clinton W Swengel officiating.  Burial was made in Fountain Grove Cem.
Surviving:
Son Edwin Murray of Bryan
2 step-sons Emmett P Harring of Grand Rapids and Claude P Harring, Houghton Lake
1 step-dau Mrs Ethel Long of Toledo
4 grandchildren
10 gr-grandchildren
Mrs Harring was a member of the Bryan Methodist Church, the Order of Easter Star, the Women’s Relief Corps, and the Pythian Sisters.

More information on her second husband: 
Charles P Harring (21 April 1856, Osseo, MI- 29 November 1912, Toledo, Lucas Co, OH); s/o Henry H Harring and Mary Shurtleff

1860 Jefferson, Hillsdale, Michigan; Roll: M653_543; Page: 342; Image: 337; Family History Library Film: 803543.
Charles P Herring 7 MI s/o Henry and Mary Harring

1870 Jefferson, Hillsdale, Michigan; Roll: M593_673; Page: 372B; Image: 427; Family History Library Film: 552172.
Charles Harring 17 MI s/o Henry and Mary Harring

Charles P Harring married Bell Parter (Isabell Porter) in Osseo, Hillsdale Co, MI on 26 September 1876 – children Stacy (c1878), Emmett P (Apr 1880), Ethel (1883), Claud P (Feb 1888)

1880 Camden Center, Hillsdale, Michigan; Roll: 580; Family History Film: 1254580; Page: 90D; Enumeration District: 083; Image: 0619.
h/h 370/382 Harring, Charles P 27 MI-NY-NY grist miller
Belle wife 21 MI-Eng-Eng
Stacy son 2 MI-MI-MI
Emma dau 2M (Apr) MI-MI-MI – misidentified as girl

1900 Bryan, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 1332; Page: 11B; Enumeration District: 0111; FHL microfilm: 1241332.
h/h 266/278 under John Yates running boarding house - Edwin Y Murray, 11 (April 1888) adopted son of John and Mary Yates OH-OH-OH

1900 Toledo, Lucas Co, OH City Directory – Charles P Harring, painter

1900 Toledo Ward 14, Lucas, Ohio; Roll: 1299; Page: 13B; Enumeration District: 0108; FHL microfilm: 1241299.
h/h 619/295 – 298 Prouty Ave - Harding, Charles P 47 MI-NY-NY mar 8Y painter
Clara L wife 30 OH-PA-PA 1/1 ch
Emmet P son 20
Ethel dau 17
Claud P son 12

1910 Toledo Ward 2, Lucas, Ohio; Roll: T624_1207; Page: 16A; Enumeration District: 0043; FHL microfilm: 1375220.
h/h 830/158 – 206 Michigan St -Harring, Charles P 53 MI-NY-NY mar 17Y, mar 2x, stone mason
Clara wife 40 OH-OH-OH mar 2x, no children

Charles P Harring died in Toledo, Lucas Co, OH on 29 November 1912

After his death it would appear that Clara moved from Toledo back to Bryan, where she spent the rest of her life.

1920 Pulaski, Williams, Ohio; Roll: T625_1450; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 164; Image: 356. – under John Yates - Clara Hering 50 OH-OH-OH telephone operator living as roomer with Yates family, widow

1940 Bryan, Williams, Ohio; Roll: T627_3169; Page: 61A; Enumeration District: 86-17.
Clara Harring 70 OH-OH-OH lodger, widow, living in household of William and Mildred Miller

02 August 2014

Lady Has Longevity Genes - Alice Verona Kosier Gleason

By Pamela Pattison Lash

I discovered a newspaper article and picture of a lady who celebrated her 100th birthday.  I was amazed at the information given in this article and want to share this with you.  I had worked on a divorce detailing of her father so I had a bit of material to start with but I added some more data to the lady with the longevity genes.


Alice Verona Kosier Gleason (17 July 1857 – 8 October 1957 Fayette, Gorham Twp, Fulton Co, OH; buried in West Franklin Cem, Franklin Twp, Fulton Co, OH)

Bryan Times, 26 July 1957 p1 c6

Mrs. Alice V Gleason, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday at Fayette (OH), has an unusually large number of living descendants, 48, and many of them live in this area.

She has 3 sons and 2 daughters, (R) Charles Gleason, Wakeman, Ross Gleason, Fayette with whom she lives with Firman Gleason, Lyons, Mrs. Jerome Kline (Willobelle), Fayette, and Mrs George Robison (Juanita Wyonna), Fayette.

She also had two daughters and one son who passed away, Mrs Gar (Richard Lagar) Gamble (Rosamond), Mrs William Gamble (Edna Luella Gleason) and George Gleason.

There are 20 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren giving Mrs. Gleason something of a record in this area.

Mrs. Gleason was born in Hamer, Williams Co, OH, July 17, 1857, the daughter of M/M Jonathan Kosier.  Her husband Allison Gleason, died in 1948 at the age of 89.  He was a farmer and they lived to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary.  Much of their life having been spent in Williams County, while she has lived in her present home since 1899.

Her Obit - Bryan Times, 10 October 1957 p1

Alice Verona Kosier, was the daughter of Jonathan Kosier, Jr and Catherine Rhodes, both natives of PA with Jonathan taking up the vocation of blacksmith; later Jonathan would become a Civil War veteran, serving in Co F 182nd OVI with the rank of corporal. – see divorce detailing for more information on Jonathan Kosier.

In the 1860 Millcreek Twp, Wms Co, OH federal census, p123b, one finds the Kosier family as Jonathan 27 PA, blacksmith; Catherine 27 PA; I.M. (male) 4 OH; A.B. (female) 2 OH; and twins, Joseph and Josephine 11/12 OH.

By the 1870 Millcreek Twp federal census p29, the family had grown as follows: Jonathan 37 PA blacksmith; Catherine 37 PA; Alexander 14 OH; Alice Verona 12 OH; Joseph 10 OH; Josephine 10 OH; Rosanna 8 OH; George W. 6 OH; Cora 4 OH; and Samuel Kosier 24 PA, probably Jonathan's younger brother.  Another child, Lilly M. (b. 29 July 1870; d. 19 Oct 1871), was the first of the family to be buried in the West Franklin Cem, Fulton Co, OH. 

Mother Catherine Kosier who passed away on 29 Sept 1873 (Wms Co, OH Deaths, V1 p23) joined her.  Jonathan was listed in the 1874 Wms Co, OH Atlas as the owner of several lots in the village of Hamer in Millcreek Twp.

Alice Verona Kosier married Alson Gleason in Williams Co, OH on 27 August 1879 (Marriages V4 p642); Alson or Allison was the s/o James Morrison Gleason and Susan Mary Dietrick

Their children:
(Mildred Rosemond) Rosa Oct 1880
Charles Leland – 8 Jul 1882, West Unity, Brady Twp, Williams Co, OH
Willobelle – 5 December 1883, Williams Co, OH
Edna – 6 May 1886, Williams Co, OH
George R May 1893
Ross Carelton 6 Dec 1897
Juanita Wyonna 7 May 1900
Firman Summerville 24 Nov 904

1900 Gorham, Fulton, Ohio; Roll: 1270; Page: 14B; Enumeration District: 0010; FHL microfilm: 1241270.
h/h 361/370 Gleason, Alson 41 (May 1859) mar 20Y OH-NY-PA farmer
Alice V wife 42 (July 1857) 6/6 ch OH-PA-PA
Rosa dau 19 (Oct 1880) OH-OH-OH
Charles L son 17 (July 1882) OH-OH-OH
Willa B dau 16 (Dec 1883) OH-OH-OH
Edna 14 dau (May 1886) OH-OH-OH
George R son  7 (May 1893) OH-OH-OH
Ross 2 son (Dec 1897) OH-OH-OH

1910 Gorham, Fulton, Ohio; Roll: T624_1184; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 0011; FHL microfilm: 1375197.
h/h 33/33 Gleason, Allison 50 OH-NY-PA farmer mar 30Y
Alice 52 wife OH-PA-PA 8/8 ch
Edna L dau 23 music teacher
George R son 19
Ross C son 12
Juanita dau 7
Firman  son 6

Alice can also be found in Gorham, Fulton Co, OH federal census records for 1920, 1930, and 1940.

21 June 2014

WCGS Banquet - June 2014


By Pamela Pattison Lash

Our WCGS End-of-the-Year Banquet celebrated our passion for genealogy.  Here is a synopsis of the event, reported by Pat Goebel, Co-VP:

The 31st Annual Banquet for the Williams County Genealogical Society was held June 16, 2014 at the Moose Lodge in Bryan, OH. The guest speaker was Eric Rotsinger, a living historian, portraying the Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Eric started in 1997 portraying Mark Twain. He has worked on getting into Mark Twain’s head, only to find Mark Twain was a character created and marketed image to sell books and show tickets. Behind the mask lies Samuel Clemens, a man as bright and dark, as ridiculous and somber, as calculating and naïve. Eric brought this man in all of his complicated simplicity to life.

Kim Smith, the First Families of Williams County Chairperson, introduced three new members to the First Families; bring the total number of members to 210. They are Jeffrey W. Thompson, surname: Thompson; Dan Clark, surnames: Armstrong, Clark, Mills, Stubbs, Wilbur; and Kim Brown, surname: Yates.

Pam Lash, outgoing President, presented Alice Shaffer, one of the founding members of the society, who is retiring from the board, with a gift in appreciation for her many years of service, advice and leadership. She then presented the new board: Ronda Garbin, Newsletter Editor; Carolyn Pfiester, Historian/ Board Assistant; Marty Richie, Webmaster; Kim Smith, First Families/Williams Co.; Nancy Chamberlain, Membership Assistant; Fred Strobel, Membership; Pam Lash Publications; Melody Turner, Bookkeeper; Jane Huffman, Treasurer/Librarian; Alice Meuleman, Secretary; Mary Alice Roth, Vice-President; and Patricia Goebel, President.

Patricia then presented Pam Lash, who also was one of the founders of the society, with a gift of appreciations for her many years of expertise, wisdom and leadership. The society has grown and flourished with both Alice and Pam’s leadership.

The next meeting will be in September. Have a great summer and Keep Researching!
The purpose of WCGS is the preservation of county records and family research.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, excluding July and August, at 6:30pm, in the conference room of the West Annex of the Bryan Public Library. The public is invited for all the meetings.

For further information concerning WCGS, visit the Website at www.wcgs-ogs.com or write to WCGS, P.O. Box 293, Bryan, Ohio 43506.

27 May 2014

Emma Bice Shear Case v Loren E Case, Divorce 1901


By Pamela Pattison Lash

Bryan Democrat, 4 July 1901
Emma Case v Loren Case; action for divorce; petition filed 27 June 1901 on grounds of extreme cruelty and gross neglect of duty.

Loren E Case, son of Job B Case and Estella Smith married Emma J Shear, daughter of David Bice and Rilla Snowden on 5 April 1900 in Williams Co, OH (Marriage V8 p134)
Loren was 37 on 8 Sept 1899; he was married once before.  She was born and a resident of Shiawassee, MI where he was a carpenter.

The Bride:
Emma J Shear was 21 on 8 Dec 1899; she was previously married and divorced to Shear.  She lived in Pioneer, OH.

1880 Springfield, Allen, Indiana; Roll: 264; Family History Film: 1254264; Page: 229C; Enumeration District: 104; Image: 0280.
h/h 182/183 Bice, David 35 OH-CT-NY farmer
Rilla wife 20 IN-CT-NY
Emma dau 5M – Dec IN-OH-IN

Rilla Snowden Bice died in Allen Co, IN on 30 May 1882; David Bice was married three times:
1. Mahalia Donat, 13 Nov 1864, Paulding Co, OH
2. Rilla Snowden, c1879 IN
3. Amy Wallace, 10 Jan 1883, Allen Co, IN; divorced 13 Oct 1890

David Bice died on 11 Sept 1898 in Allen Co, IN

1900 Madison, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 1332; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 0107; FHL microfilm: 1241332.
h/h 288/288 Shear, Emma 20 (Oct 1879) OH-OH-OH servant, widow, 1/1 ch
Living with Charles Evers, a widower with 2 sons

Emma married Loren E Case, 5 April 1900 and divorced him cJuly 1901

Emma Shear married Charles Evers, 30 April 1902 in Williams Co, OH (Marriage V8 p359); he 39 farmer; she’s 25 divorced once (married once); he’s been married twice before; he’s the son of William Evers and Catherine Gorrell; she’s daughter of David Bice and Rilla Snowden; both residents of Pioneer, OH; note her name is Emma Sheer

Charles Evers died 3 Dec 1939 in Pioneer, OH and was buried in Floral Grove Cem, Pioneer, OH; married to Emma Evers; find-a-grave says he was married to Ellie Amy Utter, Hannah Anderson Lambright, and Emma Anderson Sheer.

Emma Evers died on 4 June 1971 and was buried in Floral Grove Cem, Pioneer, OH; she has a daughter Etta Ruth Shear who married a Cousine and lived in Florida??
Leader Enterprise (Montpelier, OH), 7 June 1971 p2 – obit of Emma J Evers
Bryan Times (Bryan, OH), 4 June 1971 p3 – daughter Ruth Lawter of Miami, FL and one granddaughter

The Groom:
Loren E Case (28 Nov 1862 MI – 4 July 1914, Laingsburg, Sciota Twp, Shiawassee Co, MI)
s/o Job B Case of NY and Ester Stella Smith of NY; carpenter, widower

He was married three times:
1. Lena Hickey, 6 June 1886, Swartz Creek, Genesee Co, MI; she died 24 May 1898, Durand, Shiawassee Co, MI; 5 children
2. Emma J Bice Shear, 5 April 1900, Williams Co, OH; divorced cJuly 1901
3. Sarah Hotalling bet 1901-1903; 2 children

1870 Chesaning, Saginaw, Michigan; Roll: M593_701; Page: 108A; Image: 224; Family History Library Film: 552200.
Case, Loren 7 MI living with parents Job and Estella and brother Leon.

1880 Victor, Clinton, Michigan; Roll: 577; Family History Film: 1254577; Page: 507B; Enumeration District: 056; Image: 0196.
Case, Loren E 17 MI living with parents and brother

1900 Sciota, Shiawassee, Michigan; Roll: 744; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 0096; FHL microfilm: 1240744.
Loren’s children are living with his parents, Job and Estella Case and his brother leon

1910 Hagar, Berrien, Michigan; Roll: T624_638; Page: 14A; Enumeration District: 0074; FHL microfilm: 1374651.
h/h 234/236 Case, Loran 50 MI-NY-MI mar 2x mar 11Y
Sadie wife 47 mar 2x 1/1ch along with children

05 May 2014

WCGS April Meeting and Upcoming Events

By Pamela Pattison Lash

Co-VP Pat Goebel has a message of interest for those who wish to attend the May and June meetings of the Williams County Genealogical Society. Here's what Pat has to report:


The Williams County Genealogical Society held their April meeting in the Harmon Room of the West Annex to the Bryan Public Library. The guest speaker was Amanda Wells-Blackman. Amanda gave an outstanding presentation about how to identify the era in which a picture was taken. She gave a very informative handout to follow while she shared photos and deciphered how to identify the era. Her method is first identify the type of photograph, then date the photographer’s years of operation, if name is noted, and then identify and date the fashions in the photographs. Members had an opportunity to try and date several photos using the method above.

The May meeting will be held the THIRD Monday of the month, May 19, 2014, 6:30pm in the Harmon Room. The guest speakers are Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wells. They will be talking and sharing photos of cemeteries their society has repaired and uprighted. They will share before and after photos of cemeteries that have improved.

BANQUET:  The 31st Annual Banquet will be held on the June 16, 2014 the Bryan Moose Lodge, Bryan, Ohio at 6:30 pm. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, June 11, 2014 with Jane Huffman, 419-636-6734, Local History and Genealogy Annex extension. The cost is $18 per person. The menu is Baked Swiss Steak, Lasagna, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Peas, Tossed Salad, Spice Cake, Brownies, and Beverage.

The guest speaker is Eric Rotsinger. He has been portraying Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) as a first person living historian for over 10 years. He is an actual relative of Twain’s. Eric truly brings this historic author and personality to life!

The purpose of WCGS is the preservation of county records and family research.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, excluding July and August, at 6:30pm, in the conference room of the West Annex of the Bryan Public Library. The public is invited for all the meetings.

For further information concerning WCGS, visit the Website at www.wcgs-ogs.com or write to WCGS, P.O. Box 293, Bryan Ohio 43506.

24 March 2014

WCGS March 2014 Meeting and the Upcoming April Meeting

By Pamela Pattison Lash

Our Co-VP, Pat Goebel, has a report to share on the March 2014 meeting and what's coming in April.  Here's what Pat has to report:


The Williams County Genealogical Society met in March to finish the DVD on Samuel Clemens. Mark Twain’s most famous books were  The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He wrote 28 books and numerous short stories, letters and sketches. In 1870, Clemens married Olivia Langdon, and they had four children, one of whom died in infancy and two who died in their twenties. Their surviving child, Clara, lived to be 88, and had one daughter. Clara's daughter died without having any children, so there are no direct descendants of Samuel Clemens living. Our guest speaker at the June banquet is a descendant of Mr. Clemens. Come and find out how he is related.

 Next month, April 14, 2014, the society will meet in the Harmon Room of the West Annex to the Bryan Public Library at 6:30 pm. The guest speaker will be Amanda Wells Blackman from DeKalb County, Indiana. She will be talking about how to identify old photographs by looking at the different types of photos and the time period in which they were popular. Amanda will present how to identify and date photos by their use of clothes, hairstyles, jewelry, military medals, and props used the by photographer. Bring a photo or two that is 1920 or older for Amanda to identify.

The purpose of WCGS is the preservation of county records and family research.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, excluding July and August, at 6:30 pm, in the conference room of the West Annex of the Bryan Public Library. The public is invited for all the meetings.

For further information concerning WCGS, visit the Website at www.wcgs-ogs.com or write to WCGS, P.O. Box 293, Bryan, OH 43506.

23 March 2014

"But I'm Not Dead" - Curtis S. Garrison, CW Vet


By Pamela Pattison Lash

I’m sure you have heard of obituaries being written for a person who is very much alive.  If not, here’s the case of a man living in Williams County, Ohio who was given a nice obit; when he saw this, he was quick to correct the false impression of his demise – wouldn’t you?

This is what I first uncovered:

Bryan Democrat, 13 February 1890 p5 c3
Death of Curt Garrison
Report reaches here Tuesday of the death of Curtis S Garrison of Russian influenza at Edon.  Mr Garrison was born in Portage Co, O in 1835; was left an orphan at an early age; when eleven years old he began work on a canal; six years later he became a peddler; came to Williams Co and was engaged as a clerk in a store at Edgerton until 1869, excepting three months in 1861 which he served in the 14th Ohio under Col Jim Steadman – About 1870 he located at Edon, this county and soon won prominence as one of the most active businessmen in the western part of the county.  He was a genial gentleman and many warm friends will regret his early death.

Then I discovered this:

Bryan Democrat, 20 February 1890 p5 c2
Edon, Ohio 2-4-19
Dear Democrat, - In your issue of this week you write me a nice obituary and gave a short correct history of my life, for which I thank you, but I’m not dead yet, for which I am more than thankful, neither asleep but by the grace of God (and the skill of a physician) am doing well here.  One of my friends accuses me of getting this up to see what people would say of me after I was dead, but that’s not so.  What do I care, for if God is for me who can be against me!
Replying and Fraternally,
C S Garrison

From here I researched the man who was not dead yet!

Curtis S Garrison (July 1835 Portage Co, OH - Feb 1890, Edon, Florence Twp, Williams Co, OH or 27 May 1927, Rifle, Garfield Co, CO); died of Russian influenza; s/o Iliff Garrison (d 1848 Portage Co, OH) and Elizabeth Calvin (d 1843 Portage Co, OH)
Bryan Democrat, 13 Feb 1890 p5 c3
Bryan Democrat, 3 June 1927 p2 c4

4 November 1861, Lenawee Co, MI Curtis S Garrison married Elizabeth Curtis

Elizabeth Curtis (April/ September 1842 pos Otsego Co, NY - aft 1900); d/o David Curtis and Charlotte St John

Children
Fred L 1867
Gracie 1874
Orson David 1876
Iliff C 8 Feb 1879 Edon, Florence Twp, Williams Co, OH

1850 Hudson, Lenawee Co, MI
Curtis, Elizabeth 8 NY living with parents and siblings

1860 Hudson, Lenawee, Michigan; Roll: M653_551; Page: 592; Image: 592; Family History Library Film: 803551.
Curtis, Elizabeth 18 NY living with parents and siblings

1850 Edinburg, Portage, Ohio; Roll: M432_722; Page: 222B; Image: 602.
Curtis Garrison 14 OH living with John and Sophronia Cope and his sister Charity Garrison

Index to Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served in Organizations From the State of Ohio.
Affiliate Publication Number:            M552
Affiliate Film Number:            38
GS Film number:            0882251
Co C 14th Ohio Infantry – private; 3 month service 1861

1870 Florence, Williams, Ohio; Roll: M593_1282; Page: 70B; Image: 144; Family History Library Film: 552781.
Garrison CS 36 OH dry goods merchant
Elizabeth 28 MI
Frederick L 3 OH
Ulysses C 1 OH

1880 Eden, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 1077; Family History Film: 1255077; Page: 553A; Enumeration District: 008; Image: 0738.
Garrison, Curt S 44 OH-PA-PA merchant in general merchandise
Elizabeth wife 38 NY
Fred son 13 OH
Gracie dau 6 OH
Orson son 4 OH
Illiff son 1 OH
Bush, Jane 29 OH

1890 Veterans Schedule – 23 April 1861 to 13 Aug 1861 in Co C 14th Ohio Infantry, private, residing in Florence Twp, Williams Co, OH

21 Aug 1890 – invalid – CW service

1894 Michigan State Census – Village of Hillsdale – Curtis Garrison

1900 Hillsdale, Hillsdlae Co, MI
Garrison, Elizabeth 58 (Apr 1842) married 42 Y 6/4 ch
Illiff C son 21 OH-OH-NY music student

1900 Township 1, Maricopa, Arizona Territory; Roll: 46; Page: 21A; Enumeration District: 0032; FHL microfilm: 1240046.
Curtis Garrison 54 (July 1835) OH-VA-VA married, carpenter

Aug 14, 1900 to 8 June 1904 living in the National Home for Volunteer Soldiers, Curtis S Garrison: 696731 pension certificate
23 April 1861 Bryan, Oh to 13 Aug 1861 Toledo, OH; 5’4”, fair, can read and write, is religious Protestant, clerk, living in Sawtelle, CA, married, Elizabeth Garrison, wife, living in Hillsdale Co, MI

1910 Precinct 15, Garfield, Colorado; Roll: T624_120; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 0047; FHL microfilm: 1374133.
Curtis Garrison 74 OH-OH-OH widower, farmer

1920 South Rifle, Garfield, Colorado; Roll: T625_164; Page: 10B; Enumeration District: 38; Image: 729.
Curtis S Garrison 84 OH-VA-VA widower, farmer

US Veterans Administration Payment Card – death 27 May 1927

13 March 2014

Alvin David Beggs - Civil War Soldier in Two Companies


By Pamela Pattison Lash

Just a tip if you are researching a Civil War soldier - it is possible that your person served in more than one company or regiment so be sure to explore all possibilities.  This is such an example of a man who served twice in two different companies:

Alvin David Beggs (March 1846 Trumbull Co, OH-9 Aug 1916, Ransom, Hillsdale Co, MI; buried in Oakwood Cem, Stryker, Springfield Twp, Williams Co, OH); s/o Joseph Beggs and Margaret Headley

22 Sept 1867, DeKalb Co, IN (Marriages p162) - Married Priscilla V Taylor

Priscilla V Taylor (March 1845 pos Mahoning Co, OH– 28 Mar 1901); d/o James B Taylor and Sarah Priscilla Hall

Children:
Jay Waldo or Walden (17 Sept 1869 Weldon, IL)
Clyde A (3 Sept 1871 IL)
Carrie c1874 IL
Cora c1874 IL

1850 Bazetta, Trumbull, Ohio; Roll: M432_733; Page: 458B; Image: 723.
Beggs, Joseph 30 blacksmith PA
Margaret 34 PA
Alvin 6 OH
Rocella 1 OH

1850 Goshen, Mahoning, Ohio; Roll: M432_707; Page: 557A; Image: 531.
Taylor, Priscilla 5 OH with parents James B and Sarah Taylor

1860 Newville, De Kalb, Indiana; Roll: M653_254; Page: 340; Image: 338; Family History Library Film: 803254.
Beggs, Joseph 39 PA blacksmith
Margaret 40 PA
Alvin 16 OH
Rocella 11 OH
Headley, Catherine 30 milliner OH

1860 Otsego Twp, Steuben Co, IN
Taylor, James B 39 merchant OH
Sarah P 43 PA
Priscilla 15 OH
William 13 OH
Candace 11 OH
And more siblings and others

Alvin D Beggs
Residence:            Indiana
Enlistment Date:            29 Aug 1862
Rank at enlistment:            Private
State Served:            Indiana
Survived the War?:            Yes
Service Record:            Enlisted in Company H, Indiana 88th Infantry Regiment on 29 Aug 1862.Mustered out on 09 Nov 1863.
Sources:            Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Indiana

Alvin D Beggs
Residence:            Indiana
Enlistment Date:            1 Nov 1864
Rank at enlistment:            Private
State Served:            Indiana
Survived the War?:            Yes
Service Record:            Enlisted in Company A, Indiana 13th Infantry Regiment on 12 Nov 1864.Mustered out on 13 Jun 1865.
Sources:            Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Indiana

History of DeKalb Co, IN, Bowman, p100 – Alvin D Beggs, Co A 13th Indiana Volunteer Infantry

9 Dec 1865 – CW pension (invalid)



1870 Farmer City, DeWitt, Illinois; Roll: M593_216; Page: 123A; Image: 252; Family History Library Film: 545715.
Beggs, Alvin D 26 OH teaching school
Precilla 25 OH
J Welden 10/12 IL

1880 Newville, De Kalb, Indiana; Roll: 273; Family History Film: 1254273; Page: 153D; Enumeration District: 086; Image: 0304.
Beggs, Alvin D 36 OH-PA-PA school teacher
Precilla 35 wife OH-OH-PA
Jay W son 10 IL
Clyde son 8 IL
Carrie dau 6 IL
Cora dau 6 IL

1883 Military Pensioners for Williams Co, OH – Alvin Beggs wounded in left ankle and right leg; Co A 13th Indiana Infantry

1890 Veterans Schedule – Alvin D Beggs, Springfield Twp, Williams Co, OH
Private, Co A 13th Indiana 11 Nov 1864 – 13 June 1865 – 6M 2D service – wounded at Ft Fisher, right knee and left ankle

1900 Stryker, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 1332; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 0116; FHL microfilm: 1241332.
Beggs, Alvin D 54 (Mar 1846) OH-OH-OH
Percilla V wife 55 (Mar 1845) OH-OH-PA 6/4 ch
Clyde son and grandchildren Nellie and Leo

1910 Camden, Hillsdale, Michigan; Roll: T624_649; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 0103; FHL microfilm: 1374662.
Alvin D Beggsy 66 widower, father-in-law to Edward Hoskinson and wife Cora (Beggs)

9 Aug 1916 CW pension material listed Cora Hoskinson as next of kin


24 February 2014

WCGS Meeting - February 2014 and Info on March Gathering

By Pamela Pattison Lash

Our Co-VP Pat Goebel has information on the February 2014 meeting of the Williams County Genealogical Society and a sneak-peek of what's happening in March.  Here's Pat's report:


The February meeting of the Williams County Genealogical Society was held in the Harmon Room of the West Annex to the Bryan Public Library. Members weathered the cold to join in watching a DVD about Samuel Clemens. Samuel was born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. 4 years later his family moved to Hannibal‚ Missouri‚ on the banks of the Mississippi River. When Sam was 11‚ his father died.

Shortly thereafter he left school‚ having completed the fifth grade‚ to work as a printer’s apprentice for a local newspaper. His job was to arrange the type for each of the newspaper’s stories‚ allowing Sam to read the news of the world while completing his work. At 18‚ Sam headed east to New York City and Philadelphia‚ where he worked on several different newspapers and found some success at writing articles. By 1857‚ he had returned home to embark on a new career as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River.

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861‚ however‚ all traffic along the river came to a halt‚ as did Sam’s pilot career. Sam joined a volunteer Confederate unit called the Marion Rangers‚ but he quit after just two weeks.

In search of a new career‚ Sam headed west in July of 1861‚ at the invitation of his brother‚ Orion‚ who had just been appointed Secretary of the Nevada Territory.

Next month, the continuing story of Samuel Clemens, his career, family will be shown. Come and join the members on March 10, 2014 at 6:30 pm in the Harmon Room, West Annex to the Bryan Public Library, Bryan, OH.

16 February 2014

First Child Born in Florence Twp, CW Vet, Good Citizen in Kansas - David Singer

By Pamela Pattison Lash

He was the first child born in Florence Twp, Williams Co, OH and went on to become a husband and father.  He answered the Union call and served in the Civil War, but came back to his Williams Co, OH roots until about 1882 when he moved his family to Kansas.  Elk Falls, KS became his new home and where he planted a second set of roots until his death in 1921.  If you are a direct descendant of this David Singer, you would qualify for the Williams County Genealogical Society's First Families honor.  Of course, you have to become a member, fill out the application form, and provide the applicable documentation.  The deadline for the 2014 initiation is April 15.  For more information, check the WCGS website HERE


David Singer (11 April 1839 Florence Twp, Williams Co, OH – 20 Nov 1921, Elk Falls, Elk Co, KS; buried in Elk Falls Cem, Elk Falls, Elk Co, KS); s/o Johann David Singer Sr and Margaret Kregor

Elk Falls, Elk Co, KS Newspaper – note also mentioned in Coffeyville Journal, 25 November 1921 p4
David Singer was born in Edon, Ohio on April 11, 1839 and passed out of this life at Elk Falls, Kansas, November 20, 1921, aged 82 years, 7 months and 9 days.  He enlisted in Company "C" 38th Ohio VI and served until the close of the Civil War. He was married to Harriet Kentner in Ohio.  To this union were born 5 sons and 3 daughters.  One daughter died in childhood, and another at age 22 and one son at the age of 27. Two sons now live in Nebraska, one in Oklahoma, one in California.  Two sons were with him when he died.  His daughter lives in Nebraska, but was sick and unable to be a here.

Mr. Singer and his family came to Elk County in 1882, locating in Union City Township.  Four years later, they came to Elk Falls residing on a farm until after death of Mrs. Singer, which occurred about 19 years ago, in Ohio.  Since that time, he has made his home in Elk Falls, Kansas, engaging in various enterprises, being thus engaged at the time of his death.  He was an upright citizen, quite and thoughtful for the welfare of others, generous, faithful to every trust committed to him.

He professed faith in Christ in his early life and united with the Christian Church.  He was not identified with the church here.  He became a Mason in Edon Lodge # 464 in Edon, Ohio and in 1895; he transferred his membership to Meridian Lodge #126, A.F. A.M. in Elk Falls.  He was a faithful member and served in Tyler for 14 years.  He was a loyal member of Rawlins Post #26 G.A.R.   The funeral took place at the Christian Church, November 22, at 2 pm conducted by Newton Hill.  Music arranged by, Mrs. W.H. Walker.  There were beautiful floral tributes.  The Masons and Eastern Star Chapter, also, a few of the Veterans of the Civil War, and a large number of friends were in attendance.
    
The impressive ceremony of the Masonic Order was given at the grave.  Another mound marks the last resting place of the form of our friend and brother.  Year after year loving friends will place a flag and a cluster of flowers there as a silent tribute of respect.  The sympathy of the community is extended to the bereaved ones.   N.H.

19 March 1859, Williams Co, OH David Singer married Harriet Kintner (Marriage V3 p50)

Harriet Kintner (23 April 1837, Augusta, Carroll Co, OH – 3 Jan 1903, Williams Co, OH or Angola, Steuben Co, IN; buried in Edon Cem, Florence Twp, Williams Co, OH); d/o George and Mary Ebersole Kintner; she is supposed to have died in Williams County but I've checked the records and have found nothing to substantiate this along with no discovered probate for either her or her husband- perhaps Steuben Co, IN and Elk Co, KS records would be helpful.

Children
Mary Josephine
Calvin Wesley
Willis Orville
Margaret Ann
Anna Caroline
Justin Howard
Linley Ambrose
George David

1850 Florence, Williams, Ohio; Roll: M432_741; Page: 57B; Image: 117.
David Singer 11 OH living with parents David and Margaret Singer, both natives of Germany – note some online sources states that his mother was from Tuscarawas Co, OH

1850 Harrison, Carroll, Ohio; Roll: M432_664; Page: 117A; Image: 239.
Harriet Kintner 13 Oh living with parents George and Mary Kintner

1860 Florence, Williams, Ohio; Roll: M653_1052; Page: 25; Image: 54; Family History Library Film: 805052.
Singer, Damis 21 OH
Harriet 22 OH
Campbell, Obediah 18 OH

Enlisted as a Private on August 25, 1861 at age of 22.
Enlisted in Company "C", 38th Infantry Regiment Ohio Mustered Out Company "C" 38th Infantry Regiment Ohio on September 13, 1864
Co C 38th OVI in 1861 – 1864

1870 Florence, Williams, Ohio; Roll: M593_1282; Page: 71B; Image: 146; Family History Library Film: 552781.
Singer, David 30 OH farmer
Harriet 32 OH
Calvin 9 OH
Willis 9 OH
Margaret 3 OH
Anna C 2 OH
Justin under 1 OH
Horbough, Horace 19 OH day laborer

1880 Florence, Williams, Ohio; Roll: 1077; Family History Film: 1255077; Page: 561B; Enumeration District: 008; Image: 0757.
Singer, David 41 OH-Germ-Germ
Harriet wife OH
Calvin W son 19 OH-OH-OH
Willis O son 14 OH-OH-OH
Margaret A dau 13 OH-OH-OH
Annie C dau 12 OH-OH-OH
Jesten H son 10 OH-OH-OH
Little A son 5 OH-OH-OH
George D son 4 OH-OH-OH

Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925 about David Singer
Name:            David Singer
Census Date:            1 Mar 1885
Residence County:            Elk
Residence State:            Kansas
Locality:            Union Center
Birth Location:            Ohio
Family Number:            3
Marital Status:            Married
Gender:            Male
Estimated birth year:            abt 1839
Race:            White
LINE:            12
Roll:            KS1885_44
Household Member(s):           
Name            Age
David Singer            46
Harriett Singer            48
Maggie Singer            18
Caroline Singer            16
Howard Singer            15
Ambrose Singer            9
George Singer            8
Henry Rake            23
 

Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925 about David Singer
Name:            David Singer
Census Date:            1 Mar 1895
Residence County:            Elk
Residence State:            Kansas
Locality:            Elk Falls
Birth Location:            Ohio
Family Number:            109
Gender:            Male
Estimated birth year:            abt 1839
Race:            White
LINE:            12
Roll:            v115_45
Household Member(s):           
Name            Age
David Singer            56
Harriet Singer            58
Ambrose Singer            20
George Singer            18

1 May 1889 – CW Pension – invalid – filed from Kansas; Co C 38th OVI - private
 
 1900 Elk Falls, Elk, Kansas; Roll: 479; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 0096; FHL microfilm: 1240479.
Singer, David 61(Apr 1839) OH-Germ-Germ
Harriet 63 (Apr 1837) OH-PA-PA 8/6 ch

1910 Turlock, Stanislaus, California; Roll: T624_110; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 0161; FHL microfilm: 1374123.
David Singer 71 OH-Germ-Germ, widower living with son Willis

1920 Elk Falls, Elk, Kansas; Roll: T625_529; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 123; Image: 929.
Singer, David 80 OH-Germ-Germ widower

County of William, Ohio, Weston A. Goodspeed, Charles Blanchard, F. A. Battey 1882

DAVID SINGER was the first white child born in Florence Township. His parents were among the first white settlers here, coming in 1837. His father was a farmer, and he and wife, Margaret (Kragore) Singer, were parents of eight children. They entered one-half section of government land here and still own 220 acres. David was born in 1839, April 11, and his educational advantages were necessarily limited, as at that early day the time of the pioneers was employed in a struggle with the forces of nature for dominion, and the present state of cultivation and progress speaks more plainly than words of the result. Mr. Singer has witnessed the gradual transformation of the wilderness into one of the finest farming sections in Williams County, is a successful farmer himself, and a large stock dealer. He was united in marriage to Harriet Kentner, of Carroll County, Ohio, March 19, 1859, and to this union have been born seven children—Calvin, Willis, Margaret, Clara. Howard, Ambrose and George. Mr. Singer saw active service in the late war. He enlisted in 1861 in the Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was a soldier for over three years. Mrs. S. is a member of the Disciples' Church of Edon, and Mr. Singer belongs to the mystic brotherhood of Masons.