William H. Benedum

William H. Benedum, one of the well-known, successful
farmers of German township, who owns a well-improved farm of 140 acres
in section 19, was born February 10, 1854, in Carroll County, Ohio, and
is a son of Joseph Thomas and Elizabeth (Holmes) Benedum. 
      Joseph T. Benedum was born in Leesville, Virginia, November 27,
1826, a son of John Benedm, also a native of Virginia.  The grandfather
of our subject moved to Carroll County, Ohio, when his son, Joseph
T. Benedum, was nine years old and there the latter was reared, educated
and married.  The maternal grandfather, William Holmes, was one of the
old settlers of Carroll County.  Joseph T. Benedum died in February
1903, and his wife in 1895.  They were both buried in Greenlawn
Cemetery, near Allentown. Their children were: William H., of this
sketch; Mary, who died December 10, 1905, the wife of T. C. Long; John
Wesley, who married Lizzie Virbryke and lives in Allentown; Bertha, who
married James Kennedy and lives in Allentown; Thirza, wife of Charles
Schook; Charles, unmarried; O. H., who married (first) Dora McLaughlin
and (second) Leona Cahill and resides at Spencerville; Ida, wife of
Cyrus Staver, of German township; and Margaret, who died in infancy.
        On February 20, 1881, William H. Benedum was united in marriage
with Lydia Coon, who is a daughter of Wesley and Caroline (Hadsell)
Coon, and is a sister of Mrs. Scott Rumbaugh.   Mr. and Mrs. Benedum
have these children:  Alva, born February 20, 1882, who married Ethel
Post, a daughter of S. A. Post, and has one child, Ruth; Iva Myrtle,
born December 7, 1884, residing at Lima; Zelma Pearl, born February 21,
1886, who lives at home; Vilas, born December 16, 1888; and Carrie
Marie, born April 23, 1897.
        Mr. Benedum bought his present farm in 1897, a very valuable
property.  He has been resident of Allen County since 1864 and has
always taken an active interest in its general advancement.  He has been
a member of the School Board since locating in German township. For many
years he has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is
a member of the board of trustees of the church at Allentown.  His
fraternal connection is with the lodge of Odd Fellows at Elida.  He is
well known in all these localities, and is held in high esteem as a man
of sterling character.