Transcription contributed by Arne H Trelvik 19 September 2005

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JOHN BERCAW, farmer; P. O. Mason; was born in the place where he now lives in the year 1818; he is a son of Cornelius and Magdalene (Denmore) Bercaw, who were born in Adams Co., Penn., where they were married. In 1817, they came to Ohio, settling where our subject now resides. He purchased 180 acres of land, of which 130 is yet in the family name. He died Jan. 31, 1858, at the age of 74 years; she departed this life Nov. 19, 1831. They were parents of seven children, of whom our subject alone survives. The deceased are Sarah, David, Abraham, Margaret, George and Elizabeth. By Mr. B.'s second marriage with Mary Snodgrass, he had five children, one of whom is living, viz., Thomas. The deceased are Magdalene, Samuel, William and Rebecca. The early life of our subject was passed on the farm, and received an education which was largely obtained through his own efforts, to enable him to become an assistant teacher. In 1842, he was married to Narcissa Coulsen, who bore him four children, two living, viz., Oscar M. and Mary J. The deceased are William H. and Marilda. The latter died on her 18th birthday. William H. was a member of Company H, 89th O. V. I., having enlisted in the beginning of the war, and served till his death, which occurred in Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 7, 1862. Mrs. Bercaw departed this life in 1872, dying suddenly of heart disease.