USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 64
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 64
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JACOB WYANDE
is the son of Simon Wyandt, who was born in Somerset County, Pa., May 12, 1s12. and came with his parents to Stark County, Ohio, in IsIx. His mother's maiden mithe was Elerbeth Dull, born in Somerset County, Pax June 1. 115, and removed to Stark County with her parents in Isst. This couple was married November 13, 1-36, and lived in Stark County over four yearsafter their marriage, when they removed to Mercer County in 1$39. In 1>10 they came to Van Wert County and located in an al- most unbroken wilderness in section 12, Harrison Township. To them was born eight chd Iren. namely. Henry. John, and Hannah in Stark County : Jacob, Catherine, George W., David S. and Franklin in Van Wert County. Simon Wyatt, the father, after a well-spent life, and undergoing the privations of a pioneer, died JJan. 4. 1879. The mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Wyandt. still owns the old homestead. Henry, Catharine, David S. and Franklin are dead. Jacob Wyandt, the subject of this sketch, was born in Van Wert County, Ang. 3. 1912, and is now Postmaster of the village of Convoy, and has been continuously for twelve years. With this he cam- bines the business of notary public and insurance agent. He has also been Mayor of that town two years, and clerk two years. In 1963 he en- listed as a private in the 8sth O. V. L., and served until honorably dis- charged June 20, 1865. A part of this time he served as principal clerk for the Judge-Advocate on Gen. Hooker's staff. He was married March 26, 1867, to Sarah E. North, who was born in Cumberland County. P'a., May 11, 1236, by whom he has had three children, in the order named: Annie Laura Belle, E-twin Perry, and Minnie May.
WILLIAM W. MORSE
was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1824, and settled in Van Wert County in 1938, and is now a dealer in dry-goods, groceries, farniture, and undertaking in the town of Convoy. He left New York in com- pany with two sisters, and travelled by canal. lake and stage to Fort Wayne, where he started and walked to his brother's. John G. Mor -. in Tully Township, a distance of twenty-five miles, in one day. His brother then brought his sisters from Fort Wayne on horseback. He made his home with his brother until his death, about the year 1818. In Isst he married Jane Clendening, by whom he had one child. Alice. Mrs. · Morse died in 1852. In 1875 he married Kate Seymour, who bore him one child, namely, Carrie M. Mr. Morse is a cabinet-maker by trade. Hle followed his trade and teaching school all his life until a few years ago, when he joined the mercantile business with that of the furniture and undertaking business. His grandfather was in the Revolutionary .war, and drove the baggage-wagon for Gen. Washington.
DR. S. D. BROOKS
was born in Piqua, Miami- County, Ohio, in 1841. where he was reared and created. He graduated from the high school of that city with the highest honors, having studied Latin, Greek, and the higher mathema- tics. Having a desire for the study of physics, in the year 1560 he com- meneed reading medicine under the tutorship of that celebrated and widely known physician. Dr. G. Volney Dorsey. He attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he completed his medical education, graduating in 1963. Soon afterwards he received an appoint- ment as surgeon of the 38th Regiment O. V. I., and continued in that capacity until the close of the war. He afterwards went to Nebraska and remained about a year, and on returning settled in Convoy. where he now resistes engaged in practising medicine and teaching as principal of the school. He is at present one of the School Examiners of Van Wert County. On January 1. LaGI, he was married to Angie Barton. of Piqua, by whom he has had seven children.
WILLIAM REED
is one of the pioneer farmers of Tully Township. He was born in Ashland County, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1815. In Is35 he was married to Miss Martin. of that County, by whom he had eleven children, six of whom are still living. In 1:12 he emigrated to this township, and settled on so aeres of land in section 30. Mr. Red was always a great hanter. and many n deer has fallen before his muerring ritle. In this line Mrs. Reed has experienced several exciting incidents. On one occasion the dogs drove a deer into their cabin vard, when she seized an ave and killed it. At another time she distriched a forn with a clah, and at still another she caught a wild turkey in a fost race. Mr. Reed has killed the office of Township Fruster five terms. His father, William Ford. Sr. was a sol- dier in the War of 1-12, and his grandfather, Jacob Reed, served in the aring of the Revolson.
HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
JOHN G. MORSE
and wife were among the first settlers of Tully Township. They came bere from Canandaigua County, N. Y., in 1956. They arrived at Fort Defiance ren lake and cated, and from there tooted it through the wither- ness to their land in Tally Township. carrying a part of their personal effects upon their shoulders. Mr. More was appointed County For- veyor a few months afterwards, and held that office for several Here- five years, enduring great hardships not only in surveying lands, routes for new roads, etc., but in wading deep waters in shows and storms, which brought on sickness and terminated his life in 1546. During his absence from home on laziness Mrs. M. was often compelled in order to procure food to take the rifle and play the part of huntress.
DR. R. L. CROOKS
was born in Carroll County. Ohio, in 1552. and came with his father's family to Van Wert Comny. He received the benefits of a liberal education, having attended the Nermed University at Lebanon, Ohio, several years. He commeneed reading medicine under Dr. C. B. St .- mich, and attended the Cincinnati Eclectic College of Molicine, where he graduated in 1872. He practiced his profession at Gilbert Mille. Ohio, until 1-17, and then in Fort Wayne for a few months, from win: he came to Convoy in March, Isis, where he now is, and where he has been eminently successful. In 1972 the doctor was married to Rachel Little, who bore kim three children, all of who died. His wife also died in 1877. He was married a second the in 1879 to Matilda Murlit.
DANIEL SHEPARD
was born in Vermont in 1819 When eighteen years of age he went to Canada West, and in 1537-9 he participated in the MeKenzie rebellion, was taken prisoner and confined in jail some eight months, and then ban- ished from the country. He returned after a year's absence, and re- mained in Canada until 1964, when he came to the United States and engaged in the stave business. In 1867 be built a touring-mip in Pauld- ing County. In 1869 he sold out and removed to the village .. Convoy, Van Wert County. Here he built a flouring-miit and factory for the manufacture of lerrel staves and headings, a description of which is given elsewhere. He was married to Catharine McMara, a native of · Ireland, by whom be has had three children.
HENRY S. HUDSPEETE
is of English descent. his grandfather having come from England, and located in New Jersey about 17-0. From there his son Thomas Huds- peth, went to Philadelphia, where our subject was born in 1835. In 1838 he came with his father's family to Tully Town-hip. In 185% he went to Kansas, and came back in Is59. and married Mary Stewart, a native of Van Wert County, and returned with his wife to Kansas, where he lived until 1862, when he came back to Tally Township. While in Kan- sas he was a justice of the peace for a time. He owus 260 acres of well- improved land, and is one of the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of the township, and lives in a three-thousand-dollar residence. He has nine children living.
WILLIAM W. HELLERMAN
was born in Ilinois in 1539. In his infancy his parents moved to Ken- tucky, where his mother died. His father afterwards went to Columbus. Ohio, where he remained about three years. From there he went to Carroll County, where he enlisted as a sollier in 1861 for three months. at the end of which time he reenlisted and served until the close of the war of the Rebellion. In 1:45 he came to the town of Van Wert. and remained here until 1873, when he removed to Convoy. He is a tinner by trade. In 1966 he was marmot to Mary A. Himes, of Van Wert, a daughter of Dr. Hines, who has borne him four children.
Jons HILTON
is a native of the city of London, where he was born in 1945. and came to the United States preceding the war, and became a resident of this county in 1866. He is now engaged as a clerk in a store of general merchandise in the town of Convey. During the war of the Rebellion he was a musician in the Seventy fourth Indiana Regiment for three years, and has been a consalde of Tully Township three years. I Letit be married Sarah R. Courtney. a native of Mahoning County, Ohio. She died April 23, Isst. leaving three children, as follows, Mary Jane, Frederick, and Franklin A.
RICHARD SHEPARD
was born in Canada in 1.1. In took he was married in the State of New York to Maris Durum, a restent of that State. In 1869 he located in Convey, this county, where he still results. He is engaged in the milling business and the manufacture of barrel states and headings. He is the father of one son, Daniel, born in 1967.
WILLIAM FRECH
was born in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1813, and settled in Fully Town- ship in 1865. His parents were from Germany, and located in Crawford Counts almut IS31. In IGG he was married to Rebecca Mentzel. also a native of Crawford County, by whom he has had four sous and three daughters. Mr. Frech is a successful farmer and stock raiser, and has filled the office of township trustee two terms and that of assessor two terms. He was a soldier two years in the war of the Rebellion, and was wounded three times by gunshot, and returned at the close of the war with an honorable discharge.
JOHN H. RIES,
a native of Germany, settled in this county in 1813. He was born in 1:32, and came here with his prirents, Philip and Mary Rios. He mar- ried Elizabeth H., the daughter of Casper and Mary Jones, who was a native of Clermont County, Ohio. Their family consists of Mary A., John W .. Rosa W., Lowis F., Charles 1,, Isaiah IL., Daniel G., Viola M., and George 11.
Mr. R. served as Corporal in Co. A., 46th O. V. I., and re-enlisted Angust 13, 1863, and served as Sergeant in 2d Ohio Cavalry until finally discharged August 23, 1865.
JOSEPH CALVERT
was born in Cumberland County, Pa .. in 1812, and came to Ohio in 1838 with his wife and one child, and settled in Richland County, where he lived until 1853, when he moved to Crawford County, and lived there until the spring of 1861, when he moved to Van Wert County. He settled in Tully Township on 43 acres of land in section 19, his land being all woods at that time. Mr. Calvert married Miss Catharine Wat- son, June 2, 1835, by whom he has had thirteen children, seven of whom are living.
JAMES WORTMAN,
one of the early settlers of this township, was a native of New Bruns- wick, and was born in the year 1796. He became a resident of Harrison County, Ohio, for some time, but finally moved to this township in 1st2, when he and John Morse were almost alone in this part of the county. He was an ardent Whig, and as such stood with but few sympathizers in the county. He reared a family of eight children, four of whom still live in this county. Mr. Wortman lived to a ripe old age, his death occurring in 1862.
HENRY SMITH
was born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 50. 1807, and married Miss Sarah Mersine in 1829, moved to Stark County, Ohio, in 130, and lived there until 1840, when he came to Van Wert County, aud settled in Tully Township on 40 acres of land in section 26. After living there two years he sold his land to George Beamer, and entered fo aeres in section 8, and moved upon it. When he settled in the township he says there wore but six settlers, viz., John Morse, J. Wortman, John Baker, J. Magner, Michael Anderson, and William Haney.
JOHN LARE,
born in Franklin County, Pa., October 13, 1817. and moved to Crawford County. Ohio. in the spring of 1837, where he married Miss Savannah Roop, Dec. 21, 1810, and remained until 1844. He then moved to Tully Township and located on 120 acres of land on section 28. He had eight children, five of whom are still living. Mr. Lare was the first postmaster in Tully Township, the post-office was at his house in section 2s, and called Tully post-office.
JOHN BEVINGTON,
a son of John and Elizabeth Bevington, who settled in this county in 1:34, was born April 9, 1×12. He was married in Its to a daughter of John Prichard. a native of Wales, Their family consisted of five children, named Richard, Elizabeth La. Ellsworth. George A .. and John, deceased. Mr. B. served during the war in Co. A. 19th O. V. I. After suffering from that fell destroyer consumption for some time, he at length on July 7, 1976, fell its victim and passed into rest.
FREDERICK REFD
is a native of Van Wert County, having been born here in 1838, He is the son of Daniel and Mary Reed, who located here in 1537. He was married March 19, DES, in Su-anual Berry, who was born in Cham- paign County, Ohio, in 1-10. They have no children. Mr. Reed served two years in the War of the Rebellion as a soldier in the heavy artil- lery service. He is now one of the substantial farmers of Tully Town- ship.
·
1
129-200
View from the East.
ABRAHAM BALYEAT.
MRS A. BALYEAT
is
et
RES. OF ABRAHAM BALYEAT , HARRISON Tw'P, VAN WERT CO. OHIO.
231
HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
HENRY YOUNG
was born in York County, Pan in Ists, and came to Wayne County, Ohio, in [82%; and in 18tt he moved to Van Wort County, and settled in Tally Township, where he now resides. He is engaged in the basi- Hess of farming and stock raising. He has been twice married. In 1813 he married Ellen Hornet. She died in 1850, leaving him four children. In IST he married his second wife, Diana Herschey, by whom he has had nine children.
THOMAS S. BUTLER
was born in England in 1829, and emigrated to the United States when over twenty-one years of age, and bought eighty acres of land in the forests of Fully Township."He had never handled an axe in his life, but he went to work and cleared up his land and made a well-improved farm. In 1854 he was married to Aun Kirkily, by whom he has had two sons and two daughters.
JOHN UNDERWOOD
Was born in Portage County. Dee. 7, Is15, and moved to Wayne County with his parents when about three weeks old. He married Miss Sarah Gullsley, March 11, Is to, and on the 19th of the same month started for Fully Township, which he reached on the 4th of April. By this marriage he has had eleven children, only four of whom are living, viz., Mary, Catharine, Esli, and William.
J. B. HINES
was born November 19, 1852. Here he was raised and received a good schooling. In 197 he went to the town of Convoy and embarked in the drug trade, in which he does a thriving business. In 1878 he mar- ried Maggie Hayes. They have one childt named Lulu %.
OLIVER TATMAN
was born in Hocking County, Ohio. Sept. 17, 1837, and settled in Tully Township in the spring of 1574. He is a farmer by occupation.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP.
This township is bounded by Tully. Pleasant, and Willshire town- ships, of this county, and Adams County, Indians.
Arco and Surface.
As now constituted &t contains thirty-six synare miles, forming a regu- far congressional township. The surface is level and uniform, the few streams being small, ant serving only as drainage ways. Mallox, Hoaglin, and Prairie ereeks are the natural streams, and although for- merly carrying large volumes of water, are now reduced to mere outlets of general drainage.
Settlement.
The period of actual settlement comprehended the years 1836, '37, '38, and '39. the settlers being classified by years as follows :-
136. Joseph Johnson, Davis Johnson, Abel Johnson, Abel Johnson, Jr. and Jesse Foster.
1-37. Wm. Johns. J. W. Johns, James Foster, Robert Manley, Allen
Walter, Joseph Osburn, John McPherson, and H. A. Lords.
1-38. M. T. Richie, from Crawford County: Peter Hertz, from Holmes County : J. R. Glenn and Clank Ghan, of Jefferson County ; Amasa and H. C. Preston. E. M. JJones. Jacob and Eli Bauseman, I-a Cool. Philip Kilmer. A. Whitemash, D. Richie, George and Erastus Lynch, and Peter Maddox.
1-39. H. G. Getan and sons Jacob, Charles. Peter Henry. and John : Peter A. Hermann, M. and J. Krischer, William and Jam Bon- man, Fred. Myers, F. Files, Philip and George Reidinbach, It. Showal- for. Thomas Callender, and others.
Organization.
The following entry appears in the commissioner,' journal under date of Much 27. 12 :-
" A petition for a new township to be set off and called Harrison ling presented. it was offered that townships No. 2 S. R. I. R. and No. I S. R. I Es bem ganzed under the name of Harrison Township; and when said territory chall again do divided, township No. 2 S. R. I Es shall hold the names and it is ordered that the auditor notify the doctors of said township to meet on Thursday, April 19th, at the house of Henry A. Lords, for the purpose of electing their town -hip officers." 26
Original Land Entries as Recorded up to 1854.
Actas, latr. Bre.
Name.
A. ...
1 Philip Klimes, 320
1.38
Robert Vanemon,
1 - 11
Jonathan Wilkin.
19 Tobias Priggle, 100
James MeConiteli, 112 1-19
1-34 Adam Panabaker,
.. Joseph Deaner,
31G
Peter Hertz, 160
Sarah Draner.
3 David Johns,
James . Kail,
40
1838
Mary Deaner, A. J. Curry, 20 Paniet D. Cash. Israel Harris,
16,0
John Bissant.
Thomas B. Caranlt,
Natlequel Strong. Samret Pian17, John P. Hav.
40
1 - 10
William Mckean,
4 David Julius.
160
1-37
21 Witham B.a.r. Lmnuel Waggers, William Avery,
John Hud-peth,
40
..
..
Philip Kyle,
80
1-39
22 Joseph Shotwell,
John Gandy,
160
1-37
Michael Barton,
160
..
Michael Bowers.
40
Janes R. Glenn,
160
5 kh Walk'nr.
40
1:38
Clark Glem,
160
..
Reuben Archer,
40
160
1-40
Jones Balveat.
James R. Glenn,
160
6 Couraudl Yarriaa,
303
1-38
25 Asa Cook.
Daniel Kanfinan,
140
John Sheets,
143
1-39
Michael King.
160
Robert Vanemon.
142
1-38
Nathan Everett.
Abraham Brown.
302
..
26 James R. Glean,
1-37
%rh. Tindall,
=
Hugh Murry,
11,00
John Boyd,
40
1-48
Valentine Coleman,
..
8 L. E. Hertz,
160
120
..
Joseph Miller,
40
Henry Lords.
1:24
Susan Umbaugh,
-il
Michal Harmed.
120
Henry Coleman,
..
Andrew Cotterell,
40
160
1-17
William J& Shaw,
..
John Poutine,
John Lords.
120
28 Frederick Movers.
..
..
M. F. Richie,
411
Susan E. Bors.a.
10 Joseph Eller,
160
Benj. John- 1.
210
..
..
John Brown. Jr ..
1-41
Simes Audras,
40
John Grundy,
..
M. F. Richie.
1-43
Matthias Lyons,
120
Anthony Megnoen.
Todd P. Huss.
10
1:37
29 Iquah Foster,
Ebson Stewart,
4H
1-50
John Gooby.
11 David A popper.
4:0
15.57
Jobu R. Chomingham.
.
Samturi shaffer,
10
:
Joel Hanfan
..
Alex. Bildlier,
John She ffer.
James Stewart.
12 Henry Zimmerman.
1:36
30 Josiah Fester,
David Fornaught,
Jeremiah Plants.
Randolph Gray bill,
160
1837
31 Andrew Kerr.
James Tumbelson.
John A. Gormley.
13 Jacob Zimmerman.
160
Joseph Johnson,
..
..
32 Andrew Kerr.
Fannul Maddox.
..
..
Henty % . onerman.
10.00
.. Gotloch Fostley,
Sarah M. Resgolds. David Caper.
100
Michael Frantz
..
320
34 baar Alexander.
10.00
16 Henry Showalter,
Mich wel Krischer.
.
Peter II.az,
..
:
Shaw and Free.
-1
Davis Jolitam.
521
1-34
Susan Umhangh. Charles Miller. timore Myers
10,0
..
..
18 Conrad Varian,
1-38 36 David Batrat.
Henry Germana,
Jacob F. Higer.
Itis
.. Peter Germann,
11.0
Hethole CIalevte,
.0
l'lahp burcht,
..
W'in. Bissant,
George Lineble,
120
Daniel Mmerd.
40 1:10
Charles Hall. George Sproul.
1-11
M. F. Richie,
..
1811
1-5L
23 Eh Banseman. Jarob Bau-eman,
1829 Jacob Bauseman,
..
Philip Bowers,
Ebuund Ferr il,
242
John Goodbread,
7 John Sheets,
Abraham Clawberg.
..
William Tindall,
James R. Gleno,
120
John Lords,
27 Robert Mauler.
1-47
Jonathan Hammell.
..
..
Samuel Plants.
..
Samuel Shaffer.
..
1-36
Abel Johnson.
..
Samuel Slasser,
Names Slaper.
1837 .. John Marshall. Able JJohnson, John Goodey,
..
Robert Manter.
Philip Cơm thịn.
R. C. Baxter and Will
F. ame. F : It.
Hà Joseph Klmker,
17 Davat Offto
..
Andar Whit marsh.
..
1×19
..
2 John Stamm, Nicholas Rodenbach, Phibp Khmes,
John Hud-peth,
Davis Jelent,
..
..
George R.tzman.
John Harr, Jr.,
120
Isaac Rigley.
..
Elias Deaner
..
1~19
2:0
1-35
Aaron Packer,
James R. Boter.
David Capper,
120
9 M. F. Richie,
Clark Gleun.
IST
John B. Vanemon.
..
Walham Lyons,
24 Asa Conk.
I .-. -
Jarah W. Johns,
..
..
B.c.
210
11 John fhuil.
HISTORY OF VAN WEERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
Abstract of votes cast at the election held in Harrison Township Oet. 13. 1~10.
Names of voters :--
Joseph Johnson, A-a Cook, Rejoice Cook,
Noah Banker. Joseph H. Osborn,
Davi- Johnson,
M. F. Richie. John Mc Pherson, John S. Lors,
Erastus Lincoln, Alud Johnston, Robert Manly,
John Hadspeth, Peter Maddox, Allen Waters,
George Lincoln, Edwin G. Jones, John Manis.
Elijah Babeen, Josiah Foster. Jabob Banseman, Jr.,
William Bower, James R. Glenn. Frederick Myers,
Jonathan Lewis, Norman C. Preston,
Wilbam Glenn.
Amasa Preston, Jacob St:nam. Simon Wyandt.
Clark Glenn, John M. Lord,
It is hereby certifed that the number of electors at this election amounts to thirty-three.
M. F. Richie, Ama-a Preston, and Robert Baxter, Judges; William Bower and Clark Glemm, Chik ..
At this election Wilson Stenmion received 22 votes and Thomas Cor- win 11 votes for Governor. The vote for all other officers stood pre- eisely the same.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal Church.
The first Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in Harrison Township in the fall of IS41 by Rey Shcon Alderman at the log cabin of M. F. Ritchie. The first class consisted of Elvon Stewart and wife, M. F. Ritchie and wife, Stephen Capper and wife. Mr. Glenn and wife, and Mr. Lincoln and wife. Elson Stewart was the class-leader. This society retained its organization about twelve years, when, on account of the members moving away, it was disorganized.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church
was organized in Harrison Township in 1547 by Rev. George Strick- furz. Meetings were held in private houses until the church was built in 1866. The first members of the society were George Rudenback, Philip Sener. John Stamm. Henry Gansett, and Peter Hertz. In 1866 a frame church was created on the land of Peter Hertz. The same ministers officiated at this church who officiated at the Schuman church in Willshire Township until the year IN6s. since that time the follow- ing ministers have officiated : Rev. F. W. Ostermeyer, from 1868 until 1871, and Rev. G. Gruber has been the regular pastor since Isil.
St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church,
of this township, was organized in 1847 by Rev. George Strickfurz. Its first members were Henry J. Germany and family. Peter A. Ger- mann and family, and Charles P. Germann and family. They balit a log cabin, which they used until 1-60, when it gave place to a neat frame church The pastors of the church have been, Ist. Rev. George Strickfurz; 2d, Rev. Nuetzel; 3d, Rev. Ostermeyer; Ith, Rev. Gruber.
The Baptist Church
was organized March 12. 1835, and is situated in Harrison Township. The following ministers were present at its organization: Rev. D. D. Johnson. Rev. S. M. Brower, Rev. John barne, and Rev. Mr. Drury. The following persons constituted its membership at the organization : Rev. John Larne : Deacon. Aaron Balyest : Members, Thomas Baxter, John Baxter, Pavid Balyeat, Catharine Larue, Sarah Balyeat, Martha Badlyeat, Nancy Baxter, Su-anna Brubaker. and Lucinda Baxter.
The church was organized in a log school house known as the Glem . School house. In IsAS the congregation erected a new frame builling, 26 by 55 feet, and in lagd purchased a house and lot for a personnes.
The different minister- from its organization to the present time have been Rev. John Larue. Res. Sievander Larue. Rev. R. Edmond, Rev. Isaac Bloomer. Rev. A. Virgil. Rev. N. W. Robinson, Rev. N. W. Bower, Rev. J. C. Graham, Rev. D. S. Beckhard. and Rev. Aaron Snyder.
.
In 1asi the membership of the church was 102. Of the first founders of the church eight are living. Since its organization in 1-53 Aaron Balyeat has served them as cleik. During alt these years the church bas been a great power in preserving pure and unspotted the morals of the community.
BIOGRAPHIES.
ABRAHAM BALYEAR
was the grandson of Leonant Balyeat and Hannah Petty, whom he mar- ried in Schuylkill County, Pa., who had . leven clubfren. ten of whom were raised and fixed for sixty two years without a death in the family. Jonas Balyent, the father of Abraham, was born in Schuylkill County,
Pa., in July, 1797. He married Catharine Hann, of Westmoreland County, Pa,, by whom he but eighteen children. Fifteen children, cleven sons and four daughters, were reared to maturity, and thirteen are vet living, and settled in Van Wert and Ashland counties. Ohio, and Elk- hart and La Grange counties, Indiana. Abrabant, the third son of Jonas Balyeat, was born in Richland County, Ohio. August 27, 1822, and there raised to manhood. In ISIG he came to Van Wert County, and remained here until 1550, when he went to California. After an absence of one year be returned and settled in Harrison Township, where he resident until his death, which suddenly occurred July 25. 1881. He was utar- ried May 18. 1-52. to Mary Sehlater, who blessed him with nine chil- dren, right of whom, seven sons and one daughter, are still living. He was a farmer by occupation, but in his earlier day's taught school during the winter months. He took a great interest in agricultural pursuits and in building up and developing the interests of the farmers, Thit he possessed the confidence of his fellow-citizens was evince l by thetn in honoring him with many positions of trust He was for many years a School Director, and was elected several times as Justice of the Peace of his township. although the political party with which he acted was largely in the minority; was elected a director of the County Infirmary, and served two terms, and was twice elected a County Commissioner, being a member of the board at the time of the building of the new court-house. In 1880 the people elected him to the high and responsible position of County Treasurer, the duties of which he would have assumed in Sep- tember, 1881. Though death robbed him of the enjoy ment of the honors of the office. it was no less a source of gratittle to his family and friends that he had been sinmoment to this honorable position. During the War of the Rebellion Mr. Balyeat served as second lieutenant, and afterwards as Captain of Company 1. 199th Ohio National Guards. He was sta- tioned four months at Point Lookout on the Potomac River. In civil life much of his time was occupied in the settlement of valuable estates. as executor or administrator, and also as guardian of minor children. He took a deep interest in educational matters, and gave all of his chil- dren a liberal education. . He was a member of the Baptist church, and possessed a high religious character and Christian moral courage, and in all things he was an example worthy of emulation by his fellow- citizens.
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