Philo Bierce
Philo Bierce, County Recorder, Ravenna, son of Zenas S. and Lucinda (Pinney) Bierce, was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1844. His father, a native of Connecticut, was a pioneer merchant of Stark County, subsequently was engaged in the manufacture of cheese boxes, and at the close of his life was book-keeper at Windham Center; he also served as Township Clerk for many years. He died in the sixty-second year of his age, the father of following children, all of whom are living: Ellen, wife of M. T. Hill, in Nevada, Mo.; Alice, widow of W. Waters; and Myra, wife of W. S. Brush, in Batavia, Ill. Our subject learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1861 enlisted in Company A, First Ohio Light Artillery. He was struck by a shell at the siege of Knoxville, Tenn., which carried oflf his left arm near the elbow and his left leg below the knee. He was taken to the Field Hospital, and in November transferred to Chattanooga Hospital, where he remained until able to journey to the Cleveland, Ohio, Hospital, where he fully recovered and received an honorable discharge in August, 1864 He afterward learned and followed telegraphy until his hearing failed, when he turned his attention to obtaining further education. In 1872 he joined a colony of ex-soldiers and went to Nebraska, taking up a soldier's homestead claim in Hall County, which he still owns. After remaining there some years he removed to Milwaukee, Wis., and conducted a restaurant until 1876, when he returned to Ravenna, this county, and in the fall of the same year was elected County Recorder. He is now serving his third term. He was married in October, 1879, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Miles Whitney, of this county, and has one child—Amber. Mr. Bierce is a member of Encampment Lodge, I. O. O. F. , of the G. A. R., and of the Ravenna Rifle and Shot-gun Team.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885