The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc, Part 120

Author: Ogden, J. W. (John W.); Beers (W.H.) & Co., pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 926

USA > Ohio > Champaign County > The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc > Part 120

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NATHAN NEER, farmer ; P. O. Horr's ; is a native of Clark Co., Ohio, born Jan. 4, 1824. He is a son of Nathan and Jane (Conrad) Neer, both natives of Lou- doun Co., Va. They came to this State in 1823, and located in Clark Co., where Ca- tawba now stands. It was then a forest. He was a farmer all his life, clearing his place from a state of nature. They were parents of six children ; two only are now living- Nathan and Enos. He died in 1864. Nathan Neer has followed the profession of farmer all his life, having a large farm, consisting of 250 acres, valued at about $50 per acre. In 1846, he was joined in wedlock to Lucinda Spry. They have been on the farm where they now live for thirty years, and have accumulated considerable property. They have no children.

ARY PAULL, farmer ; P. O. Mutual ; is a daughter of William and Ann (Jack) Paull, natives of Butler Co., W. Va. They emigrated to this State in 1814, and set- tled on the farm where Ary now lives. It was then entirely in a state of nature, with the exception of a small field, which had been opened by a squatter. Mr. Paull brought seven children over the Alleghanies, three boys and four girls, three of whom are still living. They came overland from Virginia with two four-horse teams through the then almost unbroken wilds. He died Jan. 1 of the following year, 1815. His wife contin- ued living on the farm, and reared her entire family. She departed this life July 31, 1846. After the death of her mother, Ary located on the place where she now lives, it being her share of the inheritance. Her life has been one checkered scene, having passed through all the trials incident to this life. Affliction in the shape of disease of every form has been her lot. She has bravely struggled through all, and, though now 75 years of age, her mind is bright and active. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church by birthright and education, and cheerfully and consistently walks in the foot- steps of the Master, trusting that the reward will come in the great future.

JESSE C. PHILLIPS, farmer ; P. O. Urbana ; was born in Kentucky March 14, 1799 ; he is a son of Elijah and Hannah Corwin Phillips, both natives of Pennsyl- vania, who emigrated to Kentucky in an early day ; Elijah Phillips died within a few days of the birth of Jesse C .; his wife, in company with her brothers, of the old fam- ily of Corwins, came to Warren Co. in the summer of 1799. In the year 1813, Mrs. Phillips removed to Champaign Co., where, in the course of a year or so, she married

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Philip Kenton, one of the pioneers of this county ; she remained here till the time of her death, some twenty-five years ago. Jesse C. is the survivor of five children; he has followed the business of tanning and currying the greater part of his life, having devoted his entire attention to the business for thirty-seven years; for the past twenty years, he has followed farming; he has always been an energetic citizen, taking an active part in anything tending to the general good of the county. In 1837, he was elected Representative to the Ohio Legislature, and re-elected in 1839 ; he served as Jus- tice of the Peace for seven terms (twenty-one years). On the 25th day of March, 1827, he was joined in wedlock with Ellen Stewart ; they were the parents of eleven children, five of whom-Elizabeth, Elijah, Hannah, Francis W. and Sophia S .- are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have been married for more than fifty-three years, and, although Mr. Phillips is rather feeble, his partner for so many years is hale for a lady of her age, and able to attend to his wants. They have witnessed many changing scenes in life, and great developments in the country. Their children are living in this State, except one, who resides in Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have been members of the O. S. Baptist Church (Nettle Creek) for more than forty years ; he has been a member of the Masonic order since Oct. 12, 1826.

SAMUEL H. RANNELLS, farmer ; P. O. Urbana. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Virginia May 1, 1827; he is a son of William and Nancy (Humes) Rannells, both natives of Virginia ; they emigrated to this State about the year 1828, and located on the farm where Robert N. Rannells now lives; they were parents of eight children, four of whom-Samuel H., Nancy M. (Mrs. Gould), Robert N. and John E .- are living, and reside in this county. Mr. Rannells followed the for- tunes of the farm during his life; coming here when the country was wild and unculti- vated, he reared a large family and opened one of the large farms of this section. His marriage with Nancy Humes was celebrated Sept. 30, 1824; he died May 20, 1874 ; his wife departed this life in 1862. Samuel H. was reared on the farm, and received his education in the common schools ; at the age of 21, he began farming for himself ; his farm now contains 160 acres, which he devotes chiefly to the cultivation of grain. In 1859, he was married to Elizabeth Donaldson, who has borne him five children, all living, viz., William, Katie, Frank, Clifford and Ralph. He and his estimable wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, with which they have been connected many years, and are consistent working Christians ; he is a public-spirited gentleman, taking an active interest in the general good of the community of which he is a member.

ROBERT N. RANNELLS, farmer ; P. O. Urbana. The above gentleman is a native of this county, born Aug. 25, 1832. He is a son of William and Nancy Ran- nells. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received his education in the schools of the county. He has followed farming as a vocation thus far in life, and, at present, is the possessor of 210 acres of choice farming land, to which he devotes his time and talent in raising grain and stock ; in the latter, he deals quite extensively. He is a member of the Buck Creek Presbyterian Church, with which he has been connected several years. He is an active and successful business man, and interested in the gen- eral welfare of the community.

JOSEPH M. ROBERTS, farmer ; P. O. Horr's; is a native of Clark Co., Ohio, born June 27, 1827. He is a son of James H. and Mary Ann (Wren) Roberts, natives of Virginia. She came to Clark Co. in 1803, when Indians were numerous in this section. He came in 1810. After their marriage they located on a farm, where they remained till the time of their deaths. James H. entered the land on which he lived, and, in 1817, it being unsafe to send money by the mails, he rode to Washington on horseback to make the last payment on his farm. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and served under Gen. Harrison in the Northwestern army, He died at the advanced age of 79 years 11 months. She died also in her 80th year. Joseph M. was reared on the farm, and tilled the corn with the single-shovel plow, in connection with the immense hoe of that time. He has been a farmer all his life, with the exception

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

of a few years; when he was a young man he drove cattle across the mountains to Lancaster, Penn. He has witnessed the changes of half a century, and added his labor to the common cause. In 1864, when the President called for the assistance of the N. H. G., imbued with the true spirit of patriotism, he went with his company to Columbus, and enlisted in the volunteer service in the 134th Regiment, where he served for four months. Nov. 24, 1856, he was united in wedlock to Lovey Reed. They are parents of nine children, six of whom-James H., Ella, Washington Irving, Harry, Nettie and Mary, are living; Channing, Denny and William V., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and the three eldest children are members of the regular Baptist Church. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. of the R. P. degree, a fact in which he feels great pride, having been attached to the order since 1853. He has a tomahawk in his possession which was found in a tree, and has been in the family for fifty years. It was lost at one time for twenty years; also the sword carried by his father when Captain of the militia.

WILLIAM F. ROCK, farmer; P. O. Urbana; is a native of this county, born Oct. 27, 1833. He is a son of John and Amelia Copse Rock, both natives of this county. They were the parents of twelve children, five of whom are living-William F., Sarah H., Felix L., Sylvester H. and John W., all residents of this county. John Rock was one of Champaign's oldest boys, born in 1806 or 1807. He lived in this county all his life, adding his labor to the general cause of building up the interests of the community of which he was a member. He died Jan. 11, 1875. William F. was reared on the farm, and received his education in the common schools of his time. He has followed farming all his life, his farm consisting of 57 acres, in a good state of cul- tivation, with the exception of about 12 acres of timber .. Was united in wedlock, Dec. 20, 1855, to Elma A. Brown. They are parents of two children-Charles O. and Frank E .; one is still at home, the other married and living in the neighborhood. Mr. Rock was a member of the 134th O. V. I., for one hundred days. His brother, St. Ledger J., was killed June 9, 1862, at Port Republic. Mr. and Mrs. R. and the eldest son are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are consistent and working Chris- tians ; Mr. R. is also Superintendent of the Long Pond Sunday School, and has in past years superintended two schools at the same time. He takes an active interest in any- thing that is for the public good. He is holding the office of Justice of the Peace at the present time, this being his fourth year.

MRS. MARY SCEVA, farmer; P. O. Mutual. Mrs. Mary Sceva was born in Merrimack Co .. N. H., March 28, 1812. She is a daughter of Charles aud Abigail Huntoon, both natives of the Granite State. June 28, 1835, she was joined in wed- lock to Aaron Sceva, born Sept. 7, 1806. After living among their native hills for a year, they immigrated to this county and settled on the farm where Mrs. Sceva now lives. She is one of thirteen children-four boys and nine girls ; one brother and two sisters are still living. Mrs. S. is the mother of four children-Mary J., born Aug. 20, 1836; George A., Aug. 28, 1840 ; Angeline, Nov. 28, 1841, and Charles H., May 23, 1846, all of whom are living and residents of this county, the youngest son living with his mother and widowed sister, Angeline-Mrs. Tinney. Mrs. S. has lived on the farm since their first settlement, and reared her family. She is an earnest, consistent Christian lady, having been connected with the church since she was 16 years of age, first with the Free-Will Baptists, the church of her parents, and, after coming to this county, with the Methodist Episcopal. She is of a generous nature, always taking an in- terest in any good work which is for the general welfare of the community of which she is a member. She is spending her latter years in company with her son and widowed daughter and her two children, one of whom is just verging into womanhood. Her farm consist of 80 acres of the Military Survey.

JOHN M. SMITH, farmer ; P. O. Mutual; is a native of Rockingham Co., N. H., born April 20, 1824. Heis a son of Benjamin and Lydia Ladd Smith. They were parents of seven children, Dudley, Stephen, Mercy, Lydia, Benjamin, Mary and our subject-

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UNION TOWNSHIP.

all of whom are residents of the Granite State, but John M. He came to this State in 1854 and located on a farm in this county as a renter. In 1867, he was married to Eliza Jane Moody. . They have no children. Mr. Smith is a carpenter by trade, and followed the business while a resident of New Hampshire, and has done something at it since he came here, though not making a business of the art. He now owns a little farm of 77 acres, all in a good state of cultivation, where he is spending the mature years of his life in the enjoyment of the society of his wife and the fruits of his labor.

FRED H. SNYDER, trader; P. O. Mutual ; is a native of Lancaster Co., Penn. He is a son of Louis and Elizabeth Annie Snyder. Louis was a native of Baltimore, Md., from which place he removed to Lancaster Co., Penn., where he married. - In 1838 or 1839, he emigrated to this State and located in Clark Co. He was a resident of Clark and Champaign Counties the remainder of his life. He was father of eight children, five boys and three girls, all of whom are living. Fred H. is the oldest of the family, and has followed various pursuits in life, having been an extensive dealer in stock for several years, shipping to Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Buffalo, handling as many as 2,000 hogs and 500 steers in a season. He was one of the incorporators of the village of Mutual, and its first Mayor, holding the office of Justice of the Peace at the same time. He has also been a member of the Council, and held other offices of trust. He is a genial, social gentleman, and takes an active interest in the public good. Nov. 20, 1860, he married Sallie E. Harper. Four children were the result of this union ; two only are living. Jan. 22, 1879, Mrs. Snyder was called away. He and his two children continue to keep house, preferring the influence and society of home. He is a member of Catawba Lodge, No. 339, I. O. O. F., to which he is much attached.

JOSEPH R. VAN METER, farmer ; P. O. Horr's; was born in Clark Co., Ohio, July 31, 1817. He is a son of Jacob and Sarah R. Van Meter. Jacob was of Virginia parentage, and Sarah R. of Maryland. They were married, after coming to this State, on Mad River. They at first located in Clark Co., where they remained for several years, after which (probably about 1825), they removed to this county and settled on the farm where William J. Van Meter now lives, where they remained to the time of their death, he dying Feb. 22, 1857, and she dying July 27, 1859. They were parents of eight children, six girls and two boys, one girl dying in infancy. Mrs. Bretner died June 14, 1877, and Harriet E., Oct. 5, 1849. The other members of the family are still living. Jacob's mother, a widow, came to this State in an early day with her family of seven children-Henry, Jacob, Solomon, Isaac, Ann, Rebecca and Sallie-and located on a farm, enduring the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life. Our subject was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He has given his especial attention to farming and the raising of stock. He has a farm of 240 acres, well adapted to the purpose. Feb. 1, 1847, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Sarah A. Bretner. They are parents of four children- Edwin R., born March 6, 1848 ; Charlie R., Oct. 12, 1849; Lee H., March 7, 1852, and Jacob L., Nov. 21, 1853-all of whom are living, one in Illinois, the remaining three near home. Edwin R. and Lee H. are married. Mr. and Mrs. Van Meter are active and effective workers in the M. E. Church, with which they have been connected for more than thirty years. Mr. Van Meter continues the management of the farm, though so afflicted with rheumatism as to keep him from active employment.

WILLIAM J. VAN METER, farmer ; P. O. Horr's ; is a native of this county, born July 25, 1833, on the farm where he now lives; he is a son of Jacob and Sarah Van Meter. Mr. Van Meter passed the earlier years of his life on a farm, and was educated at Lebanon and Springfield ; he has given his attention to farming, with the exception of three years spent in telegraphing. He was joined in wedlock to Elizabeth Baldwin, Feb. 2, 1860 ; they are the parents of five children- Cooley B., Frank R., Hattie N., Minerva M. and Eleanor-all of whom are living at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. V. are active members of the M. E. Church, to which they have been attached for many years; they are exemplary and consistent.

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Christians, and are genteel and generous neighbors. His farm consists of 340 acres, which he farms both in grain and stock ; it is well supplied with springs, affording fine facilities for stock, and every field on the farm is well supplied with running water.

JOHN W. WILSON, farmer ; P. O. Mutual; is a native of Frederick Co., Va., born Sept. 1, 1825 ; he is a son of Armstad and Sallie (Gough) Wilson ; he was a native of Virginia, she of Delaware, though she went to Virginia when only a child. They were parents of eleven children, nine of whom are living. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received the rudiments of an education in the common schools, attending but little, however, on account of the jealousy existing between the aristocracy and the plebeians. He has, by labor and close application, with the advantages of an inquiring mind, attained a good general knowledge. He has followed farming all his life ; his farm consists of 60 acres, which he tills in connection with the adjoining land. He came to this State in 1851, locating in this county. In the fall of 1860, he mar- ried Mary E. Madden; they are parents of two children-Laura B. and Sarah Jane; both are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the M. E. Church, and are zealous workers in the cause of the Master.

ROBERT M. WOODS, farmer; P. O. Urbana. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Ohio Co., Va., in the year 1800. He is a son of Andrew and Mary (Mitchell) Woods, natives of Virginia. He emigrated to this county in 1832, locating near Urbana, where he remained one year. He then purchased the farm on which he now lives. He is one of seven children, viz., Andrew, Samuel, Robert, Al- fred, Jane, Margaret and Mary Ann. All grew to maturity. Feb. 19, 1822, he mar- ried Rebecca, daughter of Col. William Voss. They are parents of eight children --- Rachel V., Alfred, Mary, James, Edwin, William, Robert and Jane, four of whom, viz., William, Robert, Mary (Mrs. J. W. Ogden) and Jane (Mrs. Griffith Ellis). Mr. Woods has lived in Champaign for nearly fifty years, although he has changed lo- cation several times. Part of the time he lived in Urbana, and then on a small place about two miles east of that place, where his house was burned, and his furniture, to- gether with many valuable records, were lost. Mr. Woods is quite active although fourscore years of age, and assists in seeing after the affairs of the farm. He and his aged wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, living exemplary and consistent Christian lives.

JAMES YOUNG, farmer; P. O. Urbana. The subject of this sketch is a native of this county, born Sept. 13, 1841. He is a son of John and Margaret (Myers) Young. He (John) was a native of Scotland and she of Virginia. He came to this country about forty-eight years ago, first stopping in Canada a couple of years, then came to this county. He was a weaver by trade, which he followed all his life, work- ing at different places in the country. He died in 1854. Mrs. Young was twice mar- ried, having one son, H. L. Kester, by her first husband, and one, our subject, by her second. . He spent his boyhood on the farm, and has followed the business ever since, with the exception of three years and four months in the service of his country. He was married, in 1873, to Emma Protsman. They have had two children-Maggie May, living, and Albert, deceased. His farm consists of 129 acres, nearly all under improvement. Mrs. Young is a member of the M. E. Church.

BUSINESS REFERENCES. .

URBANA TOWNSHIP. URBANA.

Anderson & Valiquette, Pro- prietors of Buckeye Foundry and Ma- chine shop. We are prepared to fur- nish all kinds of machinery and other castings on short notice. All kinds of machinery repaired with neatness and dispatch. Shafting, Pulleys, Hangers and Gearing furnished at the lowest price. All orders by mail promptly attended to.

Anderson, J. J., City Marshal. Anderson, J. W., Druggist.

Ayers, J. H., Physician, office North Main street, up stairs.

Bailey, Edwin, Lumber and Coop- ering.

Bechtolt, George E., Proprietor of the Excelsior Cast Steel Plow Works. Bennett, E. M., Grain Dealer. Bosler, Samuel C., Sheriff. Bowles, W. O., Teacher. Boyd, Wm. F., Dealer in Brick and Ice.

Brand, Joseph C., Mayor.

Brown, J. H., Agent of the P., C. & St. L. R. R.

Brown, J. C., Physician and Surgeon, office southeast cor. Monument Square.

Butcher, J. C., Physician and Sur- geon, northeast corner Main and Church street.

Byler & Richards, Attorneys at Law.

Byler, John W., Attorney at Law and Notary Public.

Carter, Joseph S., General Manager Western Mutual Insurance Company.

Clark, J. M., Proprietor American Hotel.

Claybaugh, W. M., Minister.

Colwell & O'Neal, Dealers in Sash, Doors, Blinds, Frames, Lath, Shingles and all kinds of Building material, office West Court street, near railroad depot. C. F. Colwell. B. O'Neal.

Converse, L. D., & Bro., Dentists, special attention paid to saving the nat- ural teeth. Teeth extracted without pain by the use of Nitrous Oxide or Chloroform. Over Citizens' National Bank.

Crane, M. H., & Co., Manufacturers of Stoves and Hollow Ware.

Crow, T. D., Attorney at Law and U. S. Commissioner, Houston's Block, op- posite P. O.

Crow, H. D., & H. M., Attorneys at Law, Houston Block, South Main st. Deuel, A. C., Supt. of Public Schools. DeVoe, W. M., Fine Art Gallery, Artistic Photography and Portraiture, Crayon and India Ink Portraits, Oil Portraits, Chromotypes, Frames, Mats, Pictures of all kinds and styles, 18 Monument Square.

Deuel, J., Attorney at Law.

Eichelberger, Geo. M., Attorney at Law.

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BUSINESS REFERENCES.

Ellis, Weaver & Allison, Mer- chant Tailors and Dealers in Gents' Furnishing Goods,36 Monument Square. Robert Ellis. Marion Weaver. James Allison.

Ellis Griffith, County Treasurer.

Fisler & Chance, Dealers in Drugs, Medicines, Chemicals, Perfumery, Soaps, Brushes, Combs and Notions, Pure Wines and Liquors for Medicinal pur- poses. " Uncle Sam's " Harness Oil always on hand.

Fitzpatrick, J. M., County Auditor. Frank, Thomas J., Attorney at Law, office on Court street, opposite Court House.

French, Thomas, Jr., Professor of Physics and Mathematics.

Ganson, C. H., & Co., Proprietor Weaver House Livery, first-class Horses and Carriages, terms reasonable, oppo- site Weaver House.

Geiger & Russell, Attorneys and Counselors at Law. Office over Cham- paign National Bank.

L. Geiger. J. M. Russell.

Goddard, I. W., Physician. Office in Houston's Block.

Hance, M. M., Dealer in Dry Goods, Millinery and Fancy Goods, 11 Monu- ment square.

Happersett & Hovey, Grocers and Dealers in Fruits, Berries and Fresh Meats, 25 Monument Square.

I. B. Happersett. H. C. Hovey.

Happersett, O. B., Agent of the U. S. Express Co.

Happersett Bros., Dealers in Boots and Shoes, Rubber Goods, etc., 3 North Main street.

Helmick, John M., Merchant. Hitt, D. C., Postmaster.

Hitt, White & Mitchell, Whole- sale and Retail Dealers in Dry Goods

and Carpets, Monument square, Urbana. and Empire Block, Bellefontaine, Ohio. S. W. Hitt. J. H. White. J. T. Mitchell.

Horr, Obed, City Clerk.

Houston, W. M., & H. C., Prac- tical Physicians. Office West Court. street, opposite Court House.

Houston, F., Grocer.

Humphreys, Geo. H., Undertaker. Office southeast corner North Main and. Church streets.

Imhoff, A. J., Minister.

Jamieson, T., Editor Citizen and Gazette.

Jordan, M. A., County Recorder. Jinnings, E., Banker and Farmer. Keller, T. G., Teacher.

Kiefer, Charles C., Secretary Ur- bana Gas Company.

Kulencamp, Charles, Confectioner and Baker, Mami street, opposite. Weaver House.

Leonard, B. F., U. S. Rolling Stock Company.

McConnell, Thomas, Livery and. Farmer.

McDonald, Duncan, Prosecuting Attorney.

McDonald & Rock, Dealers in Dry Goods, corner North Main st. and Mon- ument Square.

Maitland, J. M., Clerk of Court. Marley, J. F., Clergyman.

Marshall, C. W., Insurance Agent. Office over Anderson's Drug Store.

Martz & Johnson, Attorneys at Law. B. F. Martz. L. D. Johnson.

Marvin, S. H., Livery, Buggies, Phae- tons, Carriages, Barouches, Sample Wagons ; best line of Coaches for Funer- als, Weddings and Parties in the city. Horses boarded by the day, week or month, East Court street. Hedges &. Bainey's office at stable.

917

BUSINESS REFERENCES.

Miller & Thomas, Dealers in all grades of Bituminous and Hard Coal, Russell street, north of Court.

Samuel W. Miller. E. Thomas.

Miller, Thomas & Co., Sole Man- ufacturers of Steward's Patent Dumping Wagon (patented March 26, 1876), for Coal, Brick, Stone, etc. Examine our Wagon before buying. Orders by mail promptly filled.

Moore, G. N., Grocer. Moses, Thomas F., Professor of Natural Science.

Mosgrove, S. M., Physician.

Mosgrove, J. M., Physician.

Murphy, C. H., Florist and Nursery- man.

Newcomer, Jas. K., Editor Cham- paign Democrat.

Ogden, J. W., Attorney at Law and Real Estate.

Parker, J. S., Hardware Clerk.

Patrick, J. H., President Western Mutual Insurance Company.

Pearce, H. C., Physician. Office on Scioto street, opposite Exchange Hotel. Pearce, R. S., Teacher.

Price, S. B., County School Examiner. Quinn, P. A., Clergyman.

Rose, B. A., Dentist. Office over Weaver's Hardware Store.

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The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc, Part 120

Author: Ogden, J. W. (John W.); Beers (W.H.) & Co., pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 926

Author: Ogden, J. W. (John W.); Beers (W.H.) & Co., pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 926