EDWARD J. SARGENT, a well-known and successful merchant of Malinta, Ohio, was born November 10, 1849, in the state of Michigan, the son of Edward and Matilda (Barnes) Sargent. The father, who was born in Vermont, was a miller by trade, and in 1849 went to California, where he died in 1851. The subject's mother, who was born in Medina county, New York, died in 1883 in Wood county, Ohio. These parents had three children, William, of Los Angeles, California, Harriet, who died in infancy, and the subject. The latter remained in Michigan until ten years of age, when he came with his mother to Ohio, but a short time afterward he went to New York state, remaining there about a year. He then came to Clyde, Ohio, where he lived and attended school, then removing with his mother to Wood county, this state, where the mother became the wife of Henry P. Bernthisel, to which union two children were born, Catharine, deceased, and Lillian, the wife of William Garrett. Edward Sargent remained in Wood county until 1871, when he married Miss Sarah Peaney, who was a native of New Jersey and the daughter of Peter Peaney. Mr. Sargent then removed to Michigan and for a time had charge of machinery in a factory. Seven years later he returned to Wood county, continuing the same vocation. In 1884 he came to Malinta, Henry county, and until 1903 he operated machinery in a hoop factory. In the year mentioned he purchased from John Smith the general store which he now operates and in which enterprise he has been very successful. He carries all lines of merchandise required by his patrons and has his full share of the local trade. In 1897 Mrs. Sargent died and on October 29, 1905, Mr. Sargent married Mrs. Mary Dauber, the widow of David Dauber, of this county. Mr. Sargent's only child by his first marriage is Mrs. Leona Bechtel. In politics he is a Republican, and fraternally is an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. He is a man of sterling character and is well liked by everyone with whom he comes in contact.