USA > Ohio > Wood County > Commemorative historical and biographical record of Wood County, Ohio : its past and present : early settlement and development biographies and portraits of early settlers and representative citizens, etc. V. 3 > Part 90
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JAMES F. LONG, a successful farmer and en- terprising citizen of Portage township, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, August 17, 1845, and is the son of James and Matilda (Markeley) Long.
James Long, Sr., was born near Philadelphia. His father also named James) was a native of Ireland. and came to Wayne county. Ohio, at an early period, dying there and leaving his family, consisting of ten children, comfortably situated. The father of our subject was the eld- est child. He attended school only three months, but obtained a fair education by studying at home. In Ashland county, he married Miss Matilda Morkeley, a native of that county. and a daughter ..: Peter Markeley, an early pionech. After his marriage Mr. Long went to farunng on a small place in Ashland county. He had left
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home when fifteen years old, incurring the dis- pleasure of his father, who left him out of his will. About 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Long moved to Holmes township, Crawford county, on a farm of twenty acres. His wife died in 1858, and for his second wife he wedded Miss Sophia Shaeffer, who still lives in Sandusky county. Mr. Long died in Holmes township, at the age of fifty-six years. The children born to Mr. Long by his first wife were: Lavina, who married (1) Levi Helm, and (2) Peter Reed, and died in Portage township; Joseph died when seven years old; John is a farmer in Center township; Sarah J. is now Mrs. Noah Helm, of Liberty township; James F. is our subject. The children by Mr. Long's second wife, who lived to maturity, were: Susan, who married and died in Wyandot county; Delilah, now Mrs. John Kryder, of Wyandot coun- ty; Nancy married Abram Feil, of Sandusky coun- ty; Philip lives in Sandusky county, as does also William. Mr. Long was a Democrat, and took great interest in the success of his party. He did not aspire to office, but held some minor posi- tions. The mother of our subject is buried in Wayne county.
Our subject attended the Ashland Academy at Ashland, Ohio, which was at that time an old pioneer school. He began going there when but four and a half years old, and attended regularly until eleven, when his parents moved to Craw- ford county, and his career at school was sud- denly closed, as he never went again. He worked at home for his parents until his enlistment, Au- gust 12, 1862, in Company L, roth O. V. C., at Mansfield. The company went to Cleveland, where the organization was completed, and it was then sent south to Murfreesboro, Tenn., its first engagement being at Snow Hill. Mr. Long participated in all of the engagements with his regiment until he received a wound, March 10, 1865, at "Kilpatrick's Surprise," or Solomon's Grove, N. C., when he was sent to the Wilming- ton Hospital, and, after a few days, was taken down Cape Fear river to Smithland, where he remained until July 3, 1865, coming at that time to Cleveland, where he arrived about the time the rest of his regiment was discharged, August 10, 1865.
Mr. Long went to Crawford county, and worked at chopping wood, he and his brother cutting 2,450 cords of four-foot wood in four winters. In October, 1865, he bought eighty acres of timber land in Center township, paying on it $300, which he had saved from his armny pay. In Crawford county he worked until the fall of 1869, when he came to Wood county and
made some improvements on his land there, afterward selling it, and buying forty acres in Section 3, Portage township, in the spring of 1871. This was all timber land but one and one- half acres, and he at once began improving it. On October 10, 1871, he was married, in Bowl- ing Green, to Miss Frances J. Underwood, who was born in Liberty township, a daughter of Will- iam Underwood. She was a teacher, and taught nine terms in the district schools. This union resulted in five children: Elmer J., Aiden, Es- telle, James F., Jr., and Iona, all of whom are at home. Mrs. Long died September 15, 1891, and was buried in the Portage cemetery. Mr. Long's second wife was Mrs. Henry Rees, whose maiden name was Cludey. In 1892 Mr. Long erected a good, substantial residence, where he and his family are now living.
Although his father was a Democrat, and he lives in a Democratic neighborhood, Mr. Long is a stanch Republican, and has always been a hard worker for the success of his party, but never asked for office. He is an extensive reader and observer, has a retentive memory, and is well posted on all the issues of the day. He is a man of natural intelligence, a shrewd business man, and is regarded as one of the representative farmers of Portage township.
D. J. SHOEMAKER is the genial and popular proprietor of a leading grocery store in Dowling, and belongs to that class of energetic, wide- awake business men to whom a community owes its prosperity and advancement. He was born in Findlay, Ohio, June 20, 1851. His father, Henry Shoemaker, was a native of Virginia. and, on leaving the Old Dominion. took up his resi- dence in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he pur- chased 160 acres of land, there making his home until 1864, when he sold and removed to Perrys- burg township, buying a farm of 240 acres. which he cultivated until his death. He was married in Fairfield county, to Cynthia Roberts, and they became the parents of eleven children: George, a farmer of southern Kansas, now serv- ing as county commissioner; Mary, wife of Alex. Beard; Uritta, wife of David Beard; Susan, wife of Melvin Parker; D. J. ; Wallace; Byron: Tissie, wife of Myron Shannon; Owen, who died while repulsing a Rebel charge during the Rebellion; and two who died in childhood. The mother of this family is now living with our subject.
The subject proper of this review was reared on a farm, and for a number of years carried on agricultural pursuits. He then engaged in con- tracting and bailding for sixteen years, and after-
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ward purchased fifty acres of land in Perrysburg township, and, later, eighty acres. On selling that property, he bought 120 acres near Deshler, which he still owns and operates. In 1888. he embarked in the grocery trade, and now has a well-appointed establishment, while from the public he receives a liberal patronage. On Feb- ruary 23, 1873, Mr. Shoemaker was united in marriage with Mary Miekle, who was born in Scotland, in 1851, a daughter of John Miekle, of Scotch Ridge, Ohio, and three children graced their union: Wilbur; Ober; and Johnnie (de- ceased). The parents are active members of and prominent workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Shoemaker is a stal- wart Republican, and for a number of years has served as school director; socially, he is con- nected with Freedom Lodge No. 733, I. O. O. F., of Pemberville. His success is an indication of persistent effort, earnest application, and capable management, and he holds high rank in business circles.
AMos Coy. The representatives of the farm- ing and fruit-growing interests of Ross township acknowledge this gentleman as one of the most important factors who aided in bringing his sec- tion of the county to its present enviable con- dition. He was born in Ross township, in 1859, and is a son of George and Rebecca (Packer) Coy. His father was a native of Oxfordshire, England, and at the age of fourteen was brought by his father, Ezra Coy, to the United States. They first located in Stark county, Ohio, but in the "'30s" became residents of Ross township, Wood county, where Ezra Coy died. In that township, the son was married, and located upon the farin in Section 31, where our subject now resides. There his death occurred in March, 1893, and his wife who had long preceded him to the other world, died in 1874. Four children were born to thein: Mrs. Ann Blondin, of Ore- gon township, Lucas Co., Ohio; Mrs. Ellen Cowles, of Lake township, Wood county; Alice, wife of Henry Rideout, of Ross township; and Amos, of this sketch. The early life of Mr. Coy was spent after the manner of most farmer's sons, in a comparatively uneventful manner, during which he attended the common schools. and made himself useful around the homestead as his years increased. He now owns a good six- ty-acre farm, highly cultivated and improved, on which he is successfully engaged in general farm- ing and fruit-growing.
In 1887, in Lucas county, Ohio, was solem- nized the marriage of Mr. Coy and Miss Emma
Wright, who was born in Ross township, this county, where her father, James Wright, had lo- cated at an early day, but is now engaged in gardening at East Toledo. Two children grace this union-George and Alma.
To give proper care to his business interests, absorbs the greater portion of his time, but as a public-spirited citizen, he pauses between his pressing duties to interest himself in the welfare of his native county, and assists, as opportunity offers, in the enterprises tending to its develop- ment and progress. He votes the straight Dem- ocratic ticket, but has steadily declined to be- come an office-seeker, being convinced that he can serve the interests of the public fully as well by sustaining the principles of the party, and al- lowing other men to enjoy the offices.
FREDRICK AMos, a retired pioneer farmer of Portage township, was born February 8, 1831, in Bavaria, Germany, and is a son of Michael Amos. The family, which consisted of parents and seven children-Michael, Catherine, Adam, George, Fredrick, Margaret and Jacob, the two latter being twins-sailed from Le Havre De Grace, France, in 1837, for America, securing passage on a three-masted ship. The voyage was a rough one and many storms were encountered, during one of which, the lightning ran down the mainmast, killing three sailors, and just missing three kegs of powder. Ninety days were spent on the ocean before they reached New York. The parents and the family came west to New Lisbon, Ohio, by way of the Hudson river and railroad to Buffalo, thence by lake to Cleveland, there taking wagons. The family remained in New Lisbon six months, during which time the father went to Wood county and bought eighty acres of land in Section 1, Portage township, and then returned for his wife and children. In Feb- ruary, 1838, they drove from New Lisbon to Wood county, having the use of an ox-team par of the way. Three-quarters of an acre had been cleared, and a small shanty, 12 x 15 feet, had been erected, which was their first home in the wilder- ness. To add to their other troubles Mr. Antes died in August, 1838, and his wife was left with seven children, a stranger in a strange land. The nearest neighbor lived one-half mile distant, and the next nearest. five miles. Mrs. Amos w. without money and, although the children helps ? all they could, they were too young to beat much usc. They were obliged to trade the clothes brought from Germany for provis." and nettles were cooked for greens. Besides au this, the children suffered from agne. After a fos
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years of varying fortune the crops began to thrive, but suffered much from the ravages of wild ani- mals.
Fredrick, our subject, was thirteen years old before he was able to attend school, and then for only a few months. He remained at home until twenty-one years old, at which time he started out for himself. In May, 1858, he was married in Portage township, to Miss Martha Mercer, a native of that town, and a daughter of William Mercer, one of its pioneers. Their children were as follows: Samantha E. (now Mrs. Isaac Shinew), of Portage township; Caroline, now the wife of Exel Phillips, of Webster township; Earl D., who died in infancy; Seymour and Seymourse (twins), the former of whom is a farmer of Henry county, the latter dying when two years old; Fredrick, deceased in infancy; Adelbert, at home; Lucy, married to Edward Pugh, of Milton township; and Clara B., now the wife of Lewis Shinew, of Portage township. Our subject took for his second wife Mrs. Martha J. Kring, widow of Peter Kring. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Amos had fifty acres of land, on which his mother lived with him for four years. In March, 1874, he came to Portage township, and lived for two years in Portage village. He bought eighty acres of land in Section 9, and in 1893 built him a good, comfortable home. He is a Democrat, but does not seek office, preferring to look after his own business. He has had a rather rough time of it, and has been unfortunate in many ways; but he has overcome his bad luck, and is to-day a successful farmer, and a respected cit- izen of the township. His present wife is a miost estimable woman, and an excellent helpmate. He is a member of the F. &. A. M., at Bowling Green, and is retired from active life.
CHARLES G. WIRICK. Among the young men of Wood county who have selected agriculture as their vocation in life, and judging fromn present indications are bound to succeed in their chosen calling, is the subject of this biographical notice, who is a resident of Bloom township. He was born January 22, 1870, on the farm which is still his home, and is a son of David and Mary A. (Smith) Wirick. His mother died during his in- fancy, and he was then taken to the home of his uncle, Solomon Smith, where he remained a year; but, with the exception of that period, he remained with his father up to the time of his marriage. His education was obtained in Dis- trict School No. 3, his first teacher being Della Drane.
On September 7, 1892. Mr. Wirick was
united in marriage with Miss Florence Bailey, a native of Bloom Center, Wood county, and a daughter of John A. Bailey. The household is brightened by the presence of a little son -- Squire D., born November 18, 1893. After his mar- riage, Mr. Wiriek located on his uncle's (Sol- omnon Smith) farm, which he operated until the spring of 1893, since when he has owned and cultivated the old homestead, in Section 8. Bloom township, which comprises eighty acres of as fine land as can be found in the county. He also engages in teaming in the oil fields, keeping several horses for that purpose. In politics he is independent, voting for the man, not the party. Although young in years, he is one of the repre- sentative men of his township, occupying a high place in the estimation of his fellow citizens, and is an energetic straightforward business man, enjoying the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.
CHARLES H. Cox. Among the progressive and enterprising farmers of Wood county there are very few who are the peers of the subject of this biographical sketch. His residence is situat- ed in Section 32, Ross township, where he is en- gaged principally in general farming. His birth occurred in that township September 16, 1854, and he is the son of Charles and Mercy (Gardner) Coy. The father, who was a native of Oxford- shire, England, came to America at an early day, and became a resident of Perrysburg, Wood county. Here he married, and upon a farm in Ross township made his home. Six of his seven children grew to adult age, namely: Mrs. Mary Eggleston, of Ross , township; Mrs. Caroline Dixon, of West Toledo, Ohio: Louisa, wife of Isaac Rideout, of Ross township; Addis, who be- came the wife of Fred Wachter, and died in Ross township; Charles H., subject of this sketch; and William O., who is living on the home farm. For many years the father served as trustee of Ross township, and there died in 1883, while his wife departed this life in December, 1893.
The subject of this biographical notice re- ceived his education in the district schools of Ross township, then called Perrysburg township, and was reared upon a farm. In his early man- hood he commenced agricultural pursuits for him- self, and has always been engaged in farming and gardening, owning 1373 acres in the home farm, and eleven acres just outside the city limits of Toledo. His land is all highly cultivated and improved, and he erected thereon substantial farm buildings. On January 1, 1876, m Ross township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
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.
Coy and Miss Carrie Wales, a native of that town- ship, and a daughter of Oscar and Sophronia (Horton) Wales, who were born in New York, but were among the early settlers of Wood county. The father now makes his home in Ful- ton county, Ohio, but the mother is deceased. To our subject and his wife were born six chil- dren: Addie; Fannie; Carrie, who died in 1886; Charley, who died in 1890; Raymond and Mars. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in 1890, and, in 1893, Mr. Coy was again married, his second union being with Flor- ence Crane, who was born in Lake township, Wood county, where her father, Thomas K. Crane, still makes his home. One child graces this union, Aaron Edward. Politically Mr. Coy is an adherent to the principles of Jeffersonian Democracy, and although not an office seeker has been trustee of Ross township since 1893. He is an intelligent, industrious and energetic citizen, who takes a very prominent place in the community where he lives, and socially is con- nected with Maumee Lodge No. 515, I. O. O. F. Both he and his estimable wife preserve the warmest esteem of the entire neighborhood for their many admirable virtues, and for their genial manners.
C. C. FULLER is one of the energetic and in- dustrious farmers of Wood county, who, since 1865, has resided in Section 32, Liberty town- ship, where his father purchased a fifty-acre wooded tract, and moved thereon a frame house, which was hauled from Scott township, San- dusky Co., Ohio. He is a native of Maine, born in 1849, and is descended from worthy New England ancestry. His paternal grandfather spent his entire life in the Pine Tree State; but his maternal grandparents, Charles and Catherine (Brooks) Richardson, who were also born in Maine, emigrated to Sandusky county, Ohio, whence they come to Wood county in 1865; but their last days were passed in Isabella county, Mich., where the grandfather died at the age of ninety years, and the grandmother in 1895, at the age of eighty-nine.
The births of the parents of our subject, William and Polly (Richardson) Fuller, occurred in Maine, on the Kennebec river, where they were reared and married, and on coming westward. in 1851, they first located in Cuyahoga county, Ohio. At the expiration of two years, however, they removed to Scott township, Sandusky coun- ty, locating on a small farin, where they made their home until coming to Liberty township in 1865. In that county the father had followed
the carpenter's trade, and after his arrival here continued to follow that occupation. The family dwelling was located about forty rods south of the present residence of our subject. The par- ents are now living at Weston. To them were born eight children-C. C., of this sketch; Sarah Melissa, a widow lady now residing in Weston: Seth, who died in Scott township, Sandusky county, in 1863; Rosella, who died in Liberty township, in 1869; Miles, who is married and lives in Isabella county, Mich. ; and Mrs. Elmira Morrison, Mrs. Mary Nie, and Flora, who all make their homes in Weston.
C. C. Fuller was only two years old when brought by his parents to the Buckeye State, and in the schools of Scott township, Sandusky count- ty, he acquired a fair education. At the age of sixteen he accompanied the family to Liberty township, Wood county, and has since been numbered among its most progressive and enter- prising citizens. He still resides upon the old homestead, which indicates by its neat and thrifty appearance to be under the supervision of a care- ful and painstaking owner.
In 1868, in Liberty township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Fuller and Miss Elizabeth Crocker, a native of England, and a daughter of Richard and Betsy (Reynolds) Crocker, who was born in Devonshire, England, and in 1852 with their family came to Canada, whence they re- moved to Crawford county, Ohio, and in 1858. to Wood county, locating upon a farm in Lib- erty township four years later. There the father died in 1893, but his widow still makes her home on that place. Mrs. Fuller is the oldest of eight children, and is followed by Mrs. Ann Schaaf. ot Attica, Ohio; Sam, a resident of Wingston, this county; George, of Liberty township; Mrs. Mary Leedy, who makes her home.in West Independ- ence, Hancock Co., Ohio; William, of Liberty township; Mrs. Emma Inman, of Jackson town- ship, Wood county; and Clara. Five children grace the union of our subject and wife, and they also lost one in infancy. In order of birth they are as follows: Mrs. Ida William; Mrs. Myrta Alspaugh, of Liberty township; Anna, who died at the age of fifteen months, in 1876; William. Frank; and Ada.
In his political affiliations Mr. Fuller is a pro- nounced Democrat, always supporting that party with his ballot, and at present is serving as con- stable and postmaster at Wingston. He belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, No. 858. a! ! religiously is a member of the United Brethren Church at Wingston. For over thirty years he has made his home in Wood county, taking au
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active interest in its welfare, and doing all in his power to promote and elevate its interests, and with pleasure has noted the wonderful changes that have taken place within its borders.
ROBERT YOUNGS. The record of a life is sel- dom marked by startling events, and the reader who seeks subject matter of thrilling interest sel- dom turns to biography, except he who would learn lessons to aid him in his own pilgrimage, and can ofttimes find them in the record of the men who improve their opportunities from day to day and faithfully discharge each duty as it comes. Such a man is the subject of this review. He was born April 27, 1849, near the town of King's Lynn, County of Norfolk, England, a son of Robert and Grace (Barber) Youngs, natives of the same county. The father was a farmer by occupation. He sailed from Liverpool on the vessel " Man- hattan " with his wife and family, and, after a voyage of eight weeks, landed at New York, whence he came direct to Huron county, Ohio. He located on a rented farm, and, in the spring of 1864. came to Liberty township, Wood county, where he purchased twenty-three acres of wild land on which stood a log cabin. He afterward added forty acres to the original pur- chase. His death occurred July 21, 1885, and that of his wife on July 23, 1889. Their children were as follows: John, who served as a private in the 10th O. V. C., and died from the effects of a wound in the right leg received at the battle of Resaca; Sarah, wife of Lije Russell, died in Lucas county, Ohio; William is an inmate of the Toledo hospital; Lizzie is the wife of Henry Santter, of Plain township; Robert is our subject, and James died on the passage to America.
Our subject began his education in his native land, and continued his studies in the schools of Huron and Wood counties: He was reared on his father's farm, and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred in Weston township, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah, daughter of James and Harriet (Hughes) Ellis. They have five children-Grace, Caroline, Robert J., Walter, and William J.
Upon their marriage, Mr. Youngs and his wife located on the old family homestead, where they have since resided, the former devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. He votes with the Republican party, and takes a deep in- terest in its success and growth. Socially he is connected with the Lodge of Odd Fellows at Weston. His honest, industrious life has made him well liked, and he has in this community many warm personal friends.
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G. S. MEEKER, a popular citizen, and the genial postmaster at Stony Ridge, was born on June 9, 1845, in Plain township, a son of H. S. and Eliza A. (Harris) Meeker, also residents of that township.
Our subject began his education in the com- mon schools near his home, afterward pursuing his studies at Center, and then taking a course at Tontogany under Prof. Kelley. Subsequently he engaged in teaching school for several years, and was a capable educator. He also worked on his father's farm until 1870, when he learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which he has since followed. In 1883 he took up his residence in Sugar Ridge, and established the first mercantile store in the town. He was one of the first to petition for a post office, and when this was secured he gave it the name of Sugar Ridge. He was also the first postmaster, and to-day occupies that position with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. His business interests are well conducted, and in all his dealings he is honorable, upright and trustworthy.
In 1866 Mr. Meeker was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Longmore, of Seneca county, Ohio, and five children grace this union: Min- nie, wife of S. Hunter; Nettie, wife of George Schell, of Putnam county, Ohio; Mertie; Lee; and Maud, wife of Charles Duhamel. His fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability, have frequently called on Mr. Meeker to serve in public office. For two years he was assessor; for a number of years was supervisor; also school director, and he discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. He was a member of the Grange, of which he served as grand master; has been master workman in the Knights of Labor, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Independent Order of Red Men, and the I. O. O. F. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, and in his Church relations he is a Methodist. He is a wide-awake, progressive citizen, and has been an important and valued factor of the community in which he makes his home. Three different times he enlisted during the Civil war, but owing to various causes, chiefly on account of his youthi. he was not accepted.
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