YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Purchased from the income of the bequest of WILLIAM ROBERTSON COE Honorary M.A. 1949. for material in the field of American Studies. A CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY OHIO ILLUSTRATED Embellished with Portraits of Many Well Known People of Seneca County, Who Have Been or Are Prominent in its History and Development. CHICAGO The Lewis Publishing Company 1902 PREFACE. UT of the depths of his mature wisdom Carlyle wrote, "History is the essence of innumerable biographies." Believing this to be the fact, there is no necessity of advancing any further reason for the compilation of such a work as this, if reliable history is to be the ultimate object. Seneca County, Ohio, has sustained within its confines men who have been prominent in public affairs and great industrial enterprises for almost a century. The annals teem with the records of strong and noble manhood, and, as Sumner has said, "the true grandeur of nations is in those qualities which constitute the greatness of the individual." The final causes which shape the fortunes of individ uals and the destinies of States are often the same. They are usually remote and obscure, and their influence scarcely perceived until manifestly declared by results. That nation is the greatest which produces the greatest and most manly men and faithful women; and the intrinsic safety of a community depends not so much upon methods as upon that normal development from the deep resources of which proceeds all that is precious and permanent in life. But such a result may not consciously be contemplated by the actors in the great social drama. Pursuing each his personal good by exalted means, they work out as a logical result. The elements of success in life consist in both innate capacity and determination to excel. Where either is wanting, failure is almost 4 PREFACE. certain in the outcome. The study of a successful life, therefore, serves both as a source of information and as a stimulus and encour agement to those who have the capacity. As an important lesson in this connection we may appropriately quote Longfellow, who said : " We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while we judge others by what they have already done." A faithful personal history is an illustration of the truth of this observation. In this biographical history the editorial staff, as well as the pub lishers, have fully realized the magnitude of the task. In the collec tion of the material there has been a constant aim to discriminate carefully in regard to the selection of subjects. Those who have been prominent factors in the public, social and industrial development of the county have been given due recognition as far as it has been possible to secure the requisite data. Names worthy of perpetuation here, it is- true, have in several instances been omitted, either on account of the apathy of those concerned or the inability of the compilers to secure the information necessary for a symmetrical sketch; but even more pains have been taken to secure accuracy than were promised in the prospectus. Works of this nature, therefore, are more reliable and complete than are the "standard" histories of a country. THE PUBLISHERS. INDEX. Adelsperger, John, 195 Albright, John, 710 Alcott, Roger, 192 Allen, Eugene W., 64 Alter, John K., 230 Ames, Charles, 689 Anderson, Anson A., 491 Anderson, John, 322 Ansberger, Albert, 717 Anway, Joseph L., 687 Anway, William H., 278 Arbogast, Michael, 344 Armstrong, Jacob S., 566 Artes, Thomas H., 327 Ash, Charles, 440 Ash, William, 464 B. Bacher, Jacob T., 27 Baker, Grattan H., 680 Baker, William, 173 Balbian, Henry, 661 Ball, John, 571 Ball, Joseph, 614 Baltzell, Lewis, 357 Baltzell, Thomas, 125 Bare, James M., 462 Barrick, William, 34 Barto, Elias, 748 Bealer, Andrew, 7C7 Beard, Eli F., 655 Beck, Felix, 60 Bemenderfer, William K., 14 Benham, George, 197 Berkey, John, 33s, 756 Berlekemp, H. Bernhardt, 160 Berlekemp, Frederick W., 104 Bever, Joseph M., 232 Biggs, Joseph, 641 • Bigham, John, 578 Bihn, Andrew, 24 Black, Harry P., no Blaine, H. G., 558 Blair, Thomas, 443 Blum, Joseph, 716 Bollinger, Daniel, 715 Bollinger, Louis W., 617 Bollinger, Phillip, 407 Bork, Francis J., 366 Bork, John P., mo Bork, Minrad, 456 Bork, Philip H, 458 Borough, Michael, 267 Bowser, John, 254 Boyd, Catherine, 314 Boyd, David, 629 Boyd, Hiram, 315 Boyd, Levi, 477 Boyd, Levi F., 315 Bradner, Harry E., 271 Bradner, John A., 697 Bradner, John R., 82 Brauser, Rudolph, 162 Brayton, Peter, 600 Brendle, Jacob, 411 Bretz, Philip, 657 Brewer, Edward A., 188 Brewer, Nelson L., 185 Brickner, George, A., 609 Briney, George, 574 Britt, John, S3 Brown, Daniel, 434 Brown, David W, 568 Brown, Jacob, 98 Brown, Owen T., 272 Brown, Wilbur C, 288 Brundage, Henry H, 134 Buchman, Jacob, 138 Buchman, P. A., 376 Buckley, George, 589 Buckley, Michael, 589 Bunn, Jacob F., 128 Bunn, Otho A., 520 Butterfield, Isaac, 272 Byers, Henry, 494 C. Caples, Philip D., 329 Caples, Robert F., 330 Carbin, James T., 96 INDEX. Carle, Roscoe L., in Chamberlin, John W., 669 Chance, Henry, 393 Chappelle, Caleb, 197 Charlton, M. A., 99 Church, Earl, 223-4 Clark, Henry D., 637 Clouser, Lewis J., 319 Coffman, Joseph, 246 Cole, Harrison, 41 Cole, William, 98 Conaghan, Dennis, 218 Cook, C. G., 243 Cook, Fred, 161 Cook, Harmon H., 673 Cook, Jacob, 518 Cook, John H., 332 Cook, Solomon, 167 Cookson, Isaac W., 303 Cooley, Frank, 55 Corf man, Dr., 50 Corfman, Levi, 323 Corrigan, Peter, 494 Corthell, George, 169 Cramer, Daniel H., 360 Cramer, Frederick, 77 Cramer, William, 505 Creeger, Henry W., 336 . Crissel, W. J., 433 Crocker, John, 177 Crocker, Rawson, 328 Crockett, Edward, 326 Cromer, Ezra, 469 Crum, Daniel L., 416 Crum, Elias W., 300 Crum, Frederick, 203 Culler, Philip H., 173 Cunningham, Arthur A., 258, 260-1 Cunningham, George W., 156 Cunningham, Sylvester, 653 D. Daniel, Valentine, 148 Davis, Levi, 259 Decker, Amos, 512 Deisler, Charles, 619, 716 Deisler, George, 384 Delaplane, Abraham H., 460 Derr, David H., 76 Detterman, Harrison, 205 Dewald, Jacob, 95 Dewald, Peter, 544 Dewald, Philip, 469 Dick, Joseph, 22 Donaldson, Andrew J,, 228 Doran, William H., 405 Downs, Lemuel, 635 Drenning, Samuel, 727 Droll, John G, 482 Dudrow, William, 325 Dunn, Arlington, 649 Dunn, Deroy C, 202 Dunn, Norman, S53 Dunn, William N., 637 Eakin, Samuel, 451 Earl, Leroy, 83 Ecker, Jacob, 488 Egbert, Jeremiah, 410 Egbert, Newton U., 220 Einsel, Henry, 208 Elliott, George W., 314 Emerine, Andrew, 282 England, Frederick E., 638 Eppler, Jacob, 118 Falter, Henry G., 609 Falter, John B., 646 Falter, Philip, 661 Feasel, Charles E., 563 Feasel, Charles H„ 551 Feasel, Isaac, 529 Feasel, Samuel, 195 Ferree, Elijah B., 535 Fiant, Martin, 555 Finch, Madison, 640 Fitz, George W., 226 Flack, Albert L., 663 Flack, Jacob, 580 Flack, Lewis, 552 Flack, More, 606 Fleet, William, 682 Flicker, John, 201-2 Foos, Peter J., 19 Force, Alfred, 559 Force, C. A., 438 Forrer, John R., 714 Foster, Charles, 176 Foster, Charles W., 48, 177 Foster, Sampson, 442 Frederick, Frank J., 412 Free, Howard S., 330 Free, John, 333 Frees, Wesley B., 44 Freeze, Barney, 419 Fritcher, Jacob, 284 Fruth, John. 621 Fruth. John F., 581 Fry, Franklin J., 707 Funk, Henry K., 428 Funk, Isaac, 408 Gangwer, Charles D., 390 INDEX. Gault, Isaac, 138 Gerber, Michael, 237 Gerhart, E. V., 357 Geyer, Charles, 598 Gibson, John, 166 Gibson, William H, 102 Glick, John, 144 Good, J. H., 354 Good, Reuben, 213 Gooding_, Josiah, 90 Gray, Edson F., 683 Gray, William, 37 Green, Owen P., 573 Griffin, Philip, 114 Grimes, Elias H., 685 Groff, Hezekiah, '131 Grove, William, 298 Guss, Casper, 594 H. Haines, Owen, 339 Hall, Luther A., 398 Harmon, William, 347 Harter, Joseph, 750 Harvey, W. H., 352 Hatfield, John, 639 Haverstick, David, 53 Haverstick, John, 132 Heath, Edward E., 274 Hedges, Josiah, 188 Heiserman, Jacob, 96 Hemming, Thomas, 425 Henzy, Albert J., 748 Herr, George W., 375 Hershberger, Jonas, 19 Hershiser, Henry K., 93 Hickman, Dr., 50 Hite, David, 352 Hoke, Jacob, 17 Hollenbaugh, Elias, 633 Holmes, David, 527 Holmes, John R., 261 Holtz, Charles D., 264 Holtz, Clay. 408 Holtz, John, 168 Honey, Christ, 551 Hoover, Joseph F., 321 Horn, Samuel, 695 Hosier, Peter, 754 Hossler, Isaac N., 68 Hossler, Jacob, 293 Houck, Jacob, 154 Houck, William, 690 Hovey, A. B., 212 Huber, Eugene B., 153 Huber, Horace, i had studied with him. This business relation was maintained unchanged for a quarter of a century, at the end of which time Nelson B. Lutes, one of their students, \vas admitted to the firm under the style of Noble Brothers & Lutes. After two years the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent and for several years Mr. Noble was alone in practice. About 1876 he formed a partnership with Perry M. Adams, a. promising and able young attor ney, who had been a student in his office, and who remained a member of the firm of Noble & Adams until his death, in 189 1, while he was serving as president pro tem. of the Ohio senate. Mr. Noble then formed a part nership with his son, Warren F., and Guilford B. Keppel, under the firm name of Noble, Keppel & Noble, a relationship that is still continued, although the senior member does not seek further practice, and only acts as counsellor to accommodate some old client who- desires his services. Many of the decisions of the appellate courts bear the impress of his patient investigation and his logical argument. His careful and sys tematic method of preparing cases has been a strong element in his suc cess. In this respect he resembles the late Allen G. Thurman, employing CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 13 none of the arts and tricks of oratory, his speeches, however, being elo quent in the clearness of statement, the broad common sense of reason ing, the force of logic, earnestness, and power. He always commands the strict attention of courts and juries and of his fellow practitioners, and has never been known to fail in that strict courtesy and regard for professional ethics which should ever characterize the members of the bar. His professional career is an inspiration and a noble example to the younger men who follow him. Mr. Noble has served in many important positions of business, trust and confidence outside the strict path of his profession. He was one of the directors of the Tiffin, Toledo & Eastern Pennsylvania Railroad Com- pan)r from its organization until it was completed and turned over to the Pennsylvania system. He was a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio State University for about ten years, and the year after it was organized he was elected its president, being again chosen to that posi tion, although the majority of the board members were Republicans. For many years he was president of the board of education of Tiffin, and the cause of education found in him a warm friend, as evidenced by his untiring efforts in behalf of the schools. He was the first president of the Commercial Bank of Tiffin and is now its vice-president. The first woman ever admitted to the Ohio bar — Mrs. Nettie C. Lutes — was a student in his office. In 1847 Mr- Noble was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Singer, the eldest daughter of Frederick Singer. She died March 9, 1853, leav ing two daughters and one son: Belle, now the wife of William L. Bates, of Dayton, Ohio; Mary Ellen, the widow of Silas W. Graff, of Tiffin ; and Warren F., who is a graduate of the Ohio State University of the class of 1879, and who is now in partnership with his father. On the 27th of September, 1873, Mr. Noble was married to Miss Alice M. Campbell, a daughter of the late Alexander Campbell, merchant and manufacturer, of Tiffin, and they have two daughters, Harriet and Alice, at home. The Noble residence is one of the finest in Tiffin and is cele brated for its gracious and charming hospitality. Socially Mir. Noble is identified with the Independent Order of Odd 14 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Fellows and the Masonic fraternity, and in the latter is a Knight Tem plar of De Molay Commandery, of Tiffin, and is a thirty-second degree Mason in the Toledo Consistory, S. P. R. S. He has ever been a liberal contributor, in accordance with his means, to the various movements and measures calculated to advance the city's welfare along every line, has given liberally to the churches and to' benevolent enterprises, and so wisely and well has he used his means that the most envious could not grudge him success. Entirely through his practice and his real-estate invest ments he has won his fortune, depending upon his own efforts for every thing that he has gained in life. He has always been strictly temperate, using neither tobacco nor liquor in any form. Nature is kind to those who abuse not her laws, and Mr. Noble is a remarkably well-preserved man, for, although he is now an octogenarian, in spirit and in interests lie seems yet in his prime. His life has ever been one of the greatest activity and has won him the respect and confidence of his fellow men in a remarkable degree. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stain less in reputation, his history reflects credit upon Ohio's bar. WILLIAM K. BEMENDERFER. At this point we are permitted to touch upon the life history of one who, if for no other reason, merits recognition in the connection by reason of his having been a lifelong resident of Seneca county and a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of this section of the state. But superadded to this circumstance are others which render the appearance of his biography within these pages all the more consistent, for he has here attained a position of prominence in connec tion with the industrial activities of the county and is honored as one of the upright, genial and whole-souled citizens of his native county, having a fine farm home in Venice township and the same being a center of the most cordial hospitality, — a favorite rendezvous of a large circle of friends. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 15 William K. Bemenderfer was born on the old homestead farm, in Venice township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 2d of April, 185 1, being the son of Samuel and Christina (Funk) Bemenderfer, who became the parents of seven children, namely: Henry, who is a resident of Bloom township; Edmund, who resides in Attica; Isaac, who likewise resides in Attica; Susan, the wife of Conrad Smeltz, of Venice town ship; Jacob, who is a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Isabelle, the wife of George Hoke, of Tiffin; and George, who died at the age of eighteen years. Samuel Bemenderfer was born in West Manganese, Frederick county, Maryland, on the 27th of March, 1813, and he died in Attica, Ohio, on the 7th of July, 1884. When be was an infant of two months his parents removed to Virginia, where they maintained their home until 1830, when they came to Ohio and located in Canton, Stark county, where they passed the residue of their lives. Here their son Samuel was residing at the time when he attained his legal majority, and in pre paring for the active duties of life he learned the carpenter trade. In 1837 his marriage was solemnized in Stark county, this state, and he thereafter continued to work at his trade until 1842, when he came to Seneca county and located on a quarter section of land in Venice town ship, the same having been entered from the government by his father- in-law, Henry Funk, of Stark county, who here took up a claim of that area for each of his children. The land was heavily timbered at the time when Mr. Bemenderfer came to his prospective farm, and here he erected a log cabin and then instituted the arduous work of reclaiming the land for cultivation. As prosperity attended his efforts he purchased additional land in this section, until his estate comprised about three hundred acres. He was a man of the utmost rectitude of character, was of vigorous mentality and excellent business judgment, and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. Politically he gave an uncom promising allegiance to the Democratic party, and for the long period of thirteen years he was incumbent of the office of assessor of Venice township, while he was trustee of the township for several terms, wield ing marked influence in the community and being one of the representa- 1 6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tive men of the county. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church. His wife, Christina (Funk) Bemenderfer, was born in Stark county, Ohio, in the year 1815, and died at Attica, Ohio, on the 3d of November, 1898, at the venerable age of eighty- three years, loved and venerated for her gentle and noble attributes of character. In her early life she was a member of the Lutheran church, but in later years be came identified with the Methodist Protestant denomination. William K. Bemenderfer was reared on the old homestead and received his educational training in the common schools of the locality He continued to assist in the work of the old farm until his marriage, in 1873, after which he assumed the management of the place, his par ents removing to Attica within the following year. He continued to devote his attention to the cultivation and management of the parental farm until 1893, when he removed to his present farm, which he had purchased ten years previously, the same being located on section 7, Venice township, and now comprising one hundred and forty acres of as fine farm land as can be found in thisi favored section of the state. Here he has erected a commodious and substantial residence of modern architectural design and equipments, while all other buildings and im provements on the place are of the best order, making this one of the most valuable farm homes in the county. Mr. Bemenderfer is one of the most progressive farmers and stock-growers of this locality, and in addition to his general agriculture he has devoted special attention to> the raising of thoroughbred Shropshire sheep in which line he has been eminently successful. In politics he renders an unswerving support to the principles' and policies of the Democratic party, but he has never figured as an aspirant for official preferment. Fraternally he is identi fied with Attica Lodge, No. 317, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and with Honey Creek Grange, No. 1346, Patrons of Hus bandry. He is essentially public spirited in his attitude and is one of the distinctively popular citizens of his native county. On the 13th of November, 1873, Mr- Bemenderfer was united in marriage to Miss Susan M. Hoke, who was born in Pleasant township, u$ hundred and seventy-seven acres of as fertile and productive land as is to be found in this section of the state, his operations being naturally upon a somewhat extensive scale, while the fine improvements and general air of thrift indicate the care bestowed by a discriminating and progressive owner. Mr. Reid has ever had the friendship and high regard of the people of the community where CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. '9 his life has been passed, and his eligibility for office of public trust and responsibility has been distinctively manifested, since he served fourteen years as trustee of Bloom township, doing much to conserve the best interests of the township and county. He gives; a loyal and unswerving support to the Republican party and the principles for which it stands exponent, and fraternally is a member of Bloomville Lodge, No. 191, F. & A. M. On the 25th of April, i860, M'r. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Martha Hershberger, who was born in Eden township, October 4, 1841, the daughter of Jonas and Martha (Mauck) Hershberger, early settlers of the county, whither they came from Frederick county, Mary land. Mrs. Reid passed away on the 25th of February, 1890, leaving two daughters,— Ellen, who is the wife of M. O. Bliss, of Bloomville, and who has one child living, Edson ; and Eliza, who remains at the paternal home, and who was educated in Heidelberg University; she has taken considerable interest in art work, and has made quite a success as a chicken fancier and breeder. On the 19th of April, 1891, Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Anna Sankey, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Almira (Lysle) Sankey, and of this union four children have been born, — Walter Merlin, Edwin Mc- Kinley, Mabel Amethyst and Alice Lysle. PETER J. FOOS. Among the earnest young men whose depth of character and strict adherence to. principle have gained the admiration of his contemporaries, Mr. Foos is numbered, and in his independent business career he has shown a tenacity of purpose, an indomitable energy and that self-reliant courage whose natural concomitant is definite success. He has been the artificer of his own fortunes, and though he has met with serious reverses his courage has never flagged and he has shown himself to be one thoroughly appreciative of the dignity of honest toil and endeavor. 20 'CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY He has done much to further the industrial prosperity of the thriving little village of St. Stephen, is one of the representative citizens of the community and is now the owner of a finely improved farm property in Bloom township. Mr. Foos is a native of the state of Ohio, having been born on the parental homestead, in Sandusky county, on the 8th of March, 1868, the son of Anthony and Magdalene (Weiland) Foos, of whose seven children six survive, namely : Mary, the wife of Joseph Michaels, of Bloom township; William, a resident of Millersville, Sandusky county; Caroline, the wife of Frank Frederick, a merchant at St. Stephen : Peter J., the subject of this review; George, a resident of Rochester, New York, where he is identified with the bakery business ; and Anthony, a carpenter at Fowler, Indiana. The father of our subject was born in the province of Alsace, France (now a German province), and when he was seven years of age he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America. His father, Casper Foos, was a carpenter by trade, but after coming to1 this country he engaged in. farming in the state of New York, locating about three miles distant from the city of Rochester, and there his son Anthony was reared tO' maturity. After his marriage the latter removed to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he acquired a farm of about eighty acres. He there continued to devote his attention to agri cultural pursuits until 1882, when he disposed of his property and came to Bloom1 township, Seneca county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres. Here his death occurred in October, 1885, at the age of fifty-six years. The mother of our subject died when he was seven years old, and his father subsequently consummated a. second marriage, being united to Mrs. Lena (Speelander) Rusch, three children being born of this union, — Gebhart, Andrew and Marcus. Mrs. Foos sur vives her husband and now maintains her home in Decatur, Indiana. Peter J. Foos was reared on the homestead farm in' Sandusky county, receiving his educational discipline in the public schools, and he was but seventeen years of age at the time of his father's death, and after this he and his two younger brothers., were in charge of the home farm in Seneca county until he had attained the age of twenty years. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 21 He then, in 1888, left the home roof and secured employment in the sawmill at St. Stephen, being thus engaged for two years, at the ex piration of which, in 1890, he purchased the mill, making the first pay ment o>f two hundred and seventy-two dollars at the time of the transfer, this being money which he had received from his work in connection with the homestead farm and representing all that he ever secured from the estate, so that it may be seen that he is essentially a type of the self- made man. In 1892 the mill was destroyed by fire, practically wiping out his entire accumulation, since no insurance was carried on the prop erty and the original purchase price had not yet been paid in full. The outlook was one which would have discouraged a less self-reliant and determined nature, but Mr. Foos faced the exigencies of the case and made the best possible effort to retrieve his fortunes. He rebuilt the mill and for a time utilized the old machinery, but it had been so badly injured by the fire that it was soon found necessary to> install an en tirely new equipment. Appreciating his efforts and his sterling char acter, and realizing the value of the enterprise to' the town, the citizens of this section came forward and rendered Mr. Foos material aid in the rehabilitation of his mill — a support which he holds in grateful mem ory. From that time forward success crowned his efforts and his finely equipped mill handled a large and important business under his capable administration and management. He is a man of marked business ability, and made the enterprise one of the leading industrial undertak ings in this section of the county. He is certainly deserving of high credit for the results which he secured, and no man more thoroughly merits or commands the respect and confidence of the people of the community. In November, 1901, Mr. Foos disposed of the mill and purchased the Paul Zutavern farm, of one hundred and sixty acres, in Bloom town ship, and the same has been placed in charge of his brother-in-law, Joseph Michaels, but he contemplates taking up his abode on the at tractive farm in the near future, being still a resident of St. Stephen at the time of this writing. To his progressive methods and public spirit is due in a. large measure the advancement and material prosperity of 22 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. this village, and he has taken a loyal interest in all that has concerned the general well-being of the community. In politics he gives his sup port to the Democratic party so far as national issues are involved, but in local affairs is independent in his attitude, supporting men and meas ures as his judgment dictates. On the ioth of November, 1892, Mr. Foos, was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Dick, who was born in Thompson township, this county, the daughter of Joseph Dick, an influential citizen of that township, where he is engaged in the agricultural implement and undertaking business at the village of Franks. Mr. and Mrs. Foos are members of St. Stephen's Catholic church. They are the parents of five children, namely: Corena, Walter, Raymond, Edna and Leo. MARCUS ZIRGER. Another of the native sons, of the Buckeye state who has here passed his entire life and by his energy, integrity and progressive meth ods attained a high degree of success, is Mr. Zirger, whose fine home stead farm lies contiguous to the city of Tiffin, eleven acres of the tract being within the corporate limits. He is a representative of one of the pioneer families, of the state, since his father located in Ohio' more than half a: century ago, and that he has attained his prosperity by worthy means is evident from the unqualified esteem in which he is held in the community where the greater portion of his life has been passed. Marcus Zirger was born on a farm in Crawford county, Ohio, on the 22d of April, 1840, being one of the nine children born to' Louis and Regina (Danajnieler) Zirger. Of the children, seven are living at the present time, namely: Sophia, Catherine, Anna, Kertilda, Frances, Victoria and Marcus. Louis Zirger was born in the province of Alsace, France, where he was reared and educated and where his marriage was solemnized, his wife having been born in the same province. In CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 23 1836 they emigrated to America, locating in Crawford county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, to whose improvement and cultivation he gave his attention during a quarter of a century. In 1861 he came to Seneca, county and located in Tiffin, where he passed the residue of his life retired from active business, passing away in his eighty-fifth year. He was a devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, as was also his wife, who died at the age of eighty-seven years. Marcus Zirger remained on the old homestead until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, his educational advantages having been such as were afforded by the public schools of his native county. At the age noted he secured employment in a sawmill, continuing to1 be thus occupied for a period of four years. In 1867, about two years sub sequent to his marriage, he purchased the old homestead in Crawford county, where he remained two years, at the expiration of which he dis posed of the property and came to' Seneca county, locating on his pres ent fine farm of one hundred and eighty-four acres, in Clinton town ship, the intrinsic value of the same being greatly increased by reason of its being situated in juxtaposition to' the thriving city of Tiffin. Here he has engaged in diversified farming, and for the past six years has conducted a very successful dairy business, using the most scrupulous care in every detail of the enterprise and catering to a representative and appreciative patronage in the city of Tiffin. He has a fine herd of milch cows, and as a dairy farm his place is not excelled in this section of the state. He has made the most substantial improvements on the place, having a commodious and attractive residence and other good buildings, and is known as one of the substantial and influential men of the county, his success being the result of consecutive and well- directed endeavor, while he has ever commanded the fullest measure of respect and confidence in the communities where he has lived. Mr. Zirger is certainly worthy of that proud American title, a self-made man, since after his marriage his: cash capital was represented in the sum of fifteen dollars, which was largely expended in connection with a reception to his friends on that occasion, and his energy, sagacity and 24 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. good business judgment have been the factors which have brought about the transformation in his financial status and placed him among the representative citizens of the county. Though essentially public- spirited in his attitude, he has maintained an independent position in politics, supporting men and measures rather than being guided along- close partisan lines. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, his support being given to St. Joseph's church, in whose maintenance he materially assists. On the 28th of November, 1865, Mr. Zirg-er was united in mar riage to Miss Catherine Bihn, who was born in Medina county, Ohio, the daughter of Andrew Bihn, a sterling pioneer of that section. To Mr. and Mrs. Zirger twelve children have been born, and of these only one is deceased, Clara Bertha, who. died at the age of seven years. The others are all at the parental home except the two married daughters, and their names, in order of birth, are as follows : Louis, Frances, Anna (the wife of Cornelius Steinmetz, a successful farmer of Venice township), Otto, Lucy, Ida (wife of Leo. Wernament, a farmer of Clin ton township), Cordillia, Clara, Albert, Edward and Maximilian. JOHN H. RIDGELY. Among those who' have conferred honor and distinction on the bench and bar of the sovereign state of Ohio — a state whose jurists and legists have commanded the admiration and respect of men from the early pioneer epoch to the present time, — stood Judge Ridgely, the subject of this memoir. He was a man of whose character it may well be said that he "kept himself unspotted from the world," for his flaw less integrity of purpose, in all the relations of life, was the natural out growth of a distinct individuality whose ideals were ever of the loftiest order, insincerity or equivocation being impossible to him, though he was invariably tolerant in his attitude to those of his fellow men who were of weaker texture. Judge Ridgely was an able and thoroughly CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 25 conscientious lawyer, a judge whose rulings were wise and impartial, based on the stern code of justice to which he tenaciously held, and yet tempered with mercy prompted by a deep knowledge of the well-springs of human thought and action. That a man of so high intellectuality and such intrinsic strength, and purity of character should command unqualified confidence and esteem, was a natural sequel, and Seneca county was dignified by the life and services of the man to whom this slight tribute is rendered. John H. Ridgely was born in Allegany county, Maryland, on the 1 6th of August, 1847, being the son of William and Catherine (Hoye) Ridgely, who were likewise natives of that state. In fact, it may con sistently be said that the eastern part of Maryland figured as the cradle of the Ridgely family in America, five brothers of the name having come thither from England in the seventeenth century and hav ing become prominent in the colonial history. Indeed, historical data assure us that representatives of the name, in the first and in succeed ing generations, became distinguished in both the civil and military service of the1 nation. William Ridgely, the father of the Judge, was a prominent merchant of Grantsville, Maryland, and was also the owner and operator of a fine farm in that locality, conducting operations in this line somewhat as a diversion from his commercial business, which wras of important scope. John H. Ridgely was but one year of age at the time of his father's death, and in the town of Grantsville his early educational discipline was secured, since he there attended the public schools until he had attained the age of fifteen years, when, in 1862, he came to Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, for the purpose of completing his classical education in Heidelberg College. He was duly matricu lated in this institution, where he continued his stuides until June, 1863, when he enlisted for service -in the Civil war, as a member of Company I, Eigthy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which entered into active service under General Burnside, in command of the Army of the Po tomac. From1 Kentucky the regiment was sent to Tennessee, and it thereafter remained in the vicinity of Knoxville until March, 1864, when the command was mustered out. The subject of this memoir then returned to Tiffin and resumed his interrupted studies in Heidelberg 26 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. College; but, in the following Febmary, his patriotic ardor prompted him to again enter the military service of the Union. He accordingly enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served in the vicinity of the national capital and in his native state until victory had crowned the Union arms, being mustered out in August, 1865. He then resumed his work in Heidelberg, where he was graduated in June, '1867, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Shortly after his graduation he proceeded to Cumberland, Mary land, where he began the reading of law in the office and under the direction of George A. Pierce, one of the leading members of the bar of the state of Maryland. Judge Ridgely was a close and avidious student of the science of jurisprudence, as is evident from the fact that he was duly admitted to the bar of his native state in 1869. In January of the following year he came again to Tiffin, where he established him self in the general practice of his chosen profession, proving himself thoroughly equipped for the same, both by natural talent and predilection and by scrupulous study and preparation; so- that he held high prestige at the bar of this section of the state when he was elevated to the bench of the court of common pleas of Seneca county, in 1887. He brought to his judicial office the dignity of a sterling manhood, a wisdom mature and practical and an intrinsic appreciation of justice which could not be swerved by any matter of expediency or by any ex traneous pressure or influence. His knowledge of the law was so wide and so exact that he was ever able to' base his decisions on the equity involved and the facts presented, his conservatism and self-control being such that he could never be led aside from the main issues. In his de cisions he had no- friends, no enemies ; his1 integrity was never ques tioned. Through the reputation which he made on the bench he gained still wider confidence and recognition, and at the expiration of his term of office, in 1893, he found awaiting him in 'his private practice a large and representative clientage, while no member of the bar of the state held in his own district a higher degree of public confidence and esteem than did Judge Ridgely in Seneca county. His political allegi- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 27 ance was given to the Republican party, and fraternally he was identi fied with the Masonic order, having passed the chivalric degrees in DeMolay Commandery of Knights Templar in Tiffin, while he was also a prominent member of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, G. A. R., of the same city, having served as commander of the same for one term. He was a, member of the directorate of the Tiffin National Bank and of the board of trustees of Heidelberg College. His re ligious faith was that of the Reformed church and was an essential influence in his strong and generous nature. Judge Ridgely was sum moned into eternal rest on the 24th of January, 1899, and the com munity mourned the loss of one of its most honored citizens and most noble and trustworthy men. Hie was an honor to his profession and to true citizenship, and such men never fail to' gain the appreciative esti mate of those among whom their life work is wrought. On the 1 6th of August, 1870, was solemnized the marriage of Judge Ridgely to Miss Ella E. Bacher, who survives him. She was born in Tiffin, where she still maintains her home, and was a classmate of her husband in Heidelberg College, of which she likewise is a gradu ate. Mrs. Ridgely is the daughter of Jacob T. and Eliza (Rinker) Bacher, both of whom were born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where they were reared and where their marriage was solemnized. They re moved thence to Tiffin in 1847, and nei'e Mr- Bacher was engaged in the merchant-tailoring business until his advanced age compelled him to retire from active pursuits. He is now living in Tiffin, having attained the venerable age of seventy-six years. His cherished and devoted wife passed away in 1882, aged fifty-five years. Both were of German lineage and representatives of prominent old families of the Keystone state. Mr. Bacher is one of the honored and devoted members of the First Re formed church of Tiffin, in which his wife also was an active worker, and the same is signally true of their daughter, Mrs. Ridgely, who has passed her entire life in Tiffin and who has been prominent in the social and religious life of the community, being a woman of gracious refine ment and one who has gained a wide circle of appreciative and cherished friends. 28 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. JOHN ROSPERT. There is no element which has entered our composite national fabric that has been of more practical strength, value and utility than that furnished by the sturdy, persevering and honorable sons of Germany, and in the progress, of our Union this element has played an important part. Intensely practical, and ever having a clear comprehension of the ethics of life, the German contingent has wielded a powerful influence, and this service cannot be held in light estimation by those who. appre ciate true civilization and true advancement. Among the most prominent German- American citizens of this sec tion of Ohio is John Rospert, who was bom in the town of Berus, in a Rhenish province of Prussia, October 21, 1841, a son of George and Catherine (Haas) Rospert. The father was also a native of that locality, where he was born on the 1st of April, 1815, and there he learned the trade of weaver which he followed in' his native country until 1850. In that year he emigrated to America, embarking at Havre de Grace and landing at New Orleans after a voyage of forty-two days, on the 28th of November. From that city he made the river voyage to Cincin nati, but during the trip his wife and one daughter died, and the third day after their arrival in Cincinnati a son died. Twoi weeks later another son was called to the home beyond, thus leaving the father and our subject the sole survivors of the family. In the spring of 185 1 they came to Seneca county, arriving in Thompson township on the 19th of March of that year, and there the father found employment at farm labor, while the son was left with a friend of the family, John Glassner, where he remained for about two years. From there he was sent to St. Mary's Institute, at Dayton, Ohio, where he continued his studies for the following two years. In the meantime his father had been a second time married, a Mrs. Fisher, who bore the maiden name or Elizabeth Heitz, becoming his wife. They became the patents of five children, but of this family one only is now living, Catherine, the wife of Jacob Kuhn, Jr., of Miriam, Michigan. After leaving the Dayton institute our subject returned to his father's home, the latter having CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 29 purchased a small farm in Thompson township, but three years later he sold that place and bought the land on which his son John now re sides, in Reed township, and there he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring on the 6th of November, 1887, caused by injuries received in the burning of his house on that date. John Rospert, whose name introduces this review, grew to years of maturity in the Buckeye state, and at the age of sixteen he entered the teacher's profession, that occupation claiming his attention during the winter months, while during the summer season he followed the tilling of the soil. Cortinuing as an instructor in the parochial schools from 1863 until 1871, he then abandoned that occupation and returned to the old home farm, which subsequently came into his possession, together with about one hundred and seventy acres of adjoining land. He has erected substantial and modern buildings on his land, has placed his fields under an excellent state of cultivation, and his is now one of the most valuable and best-improved homesteads in this locality. The marriage of Mr. Rospert was celebrated on the 2d of May, 1865, Miss Catherine Wagner becoming his wife. Their union was blessed with eight children, namely: Mary L., the wife of Roger Palmer, of Bellevue, Ohio; Pius A., who became a sailor and was drowned May 8, 1891, in Saginaw Bay, Michigan, at the age of twenty- three; Oranna M., at home; Cornelius, who carries on the work of the home farm1; Addie, the wife of Peter A. Burens, of Bellevue, Ohio; Mary J., the wife of Theodore Thiry, of Toledo'; Leo A., an employe of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company; and Col- leta T., at home. The wife and mother was called to' her final rest on the 14th of December, 1886, and on the 31st of September, 1890, Mr. Rospert was united in marriage to' Miss Anna V. Hann, a native of Thompson township, Seneca county, and five children came to' brighten and bless their home, — Anthony T., Ruperta M., Anna C, Frederick G. and Rose M. The' mother of these children alsoi has passed away, her death occurring on the 17th of December, 1899. The Democracy receives Mr. Rospert's hearty support and co operation. In 187 1 he was made a notary public, which position he has 30 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY ever since continued to fill, and he has also served at various times as a justice of the peace, has been a member of the school board for many years, and at the present time is filling the position of township treas urer. He is a member of St. Mary's Assumption Catholic church at Reed, of which he has long served as secretary and trustee. In 1901 Mr. Rospert and three friends made a tour of Europe, where they spent the summer and visited the principal points of interest, Rotterdam and other Holland cities, then to Cologne, Coblentz and Treves, Strasburg, and into Switzerland, thence through St. Gotthardt tunnel to Milan, Italy, Genoa, along the Mlediterranean to Pisa and the Eternal City, where they visited the Vatican, including audience of the pope as he took his walk. They saw the sights of the city, including the catacombs. Thence they went to Venice and Padua, returning over the Alps, through the Tyrol to Innspruck, Austria, and back through the Rhinish provinces and through Alsace and Lorraine to Paris; thence they went to Rheims and Boulogne, where they boarded steamers for home, which was reached after an absence of three months. HENRY MANSFIELD. One of the leading citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Henry Mansfield, who has been prominently identified with both commercial and political life in his native state for a long period. The birth of Henry Mansfield occurred in Bellevue, Ohio, Septem ber 6, 1850, and he is a son of Christian and Frances (Bauman) Mans field, the former of whom wasi born in Bavaria, Germany, on January 9, 1808. By trade Christian Mansfield was a tanner, and he carried on the tanning business in Bellevue, Ohio, until 1852, when he located in Seneca county. He engaged in the same industry in Republic, and con tinued the enterprise until 1872, retiring at that time from active life, and he died there, at the age of eighty-three years. He was a self-made man, a leading and consistent member of the Lutheran church, and was prominently identified with the Democratic party. His wife, whose CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 31 maiden name was Frances Bauman, was born in Switzerland, whence she came to America when she was a child of ten years. To this marriage six children were born, Henry Mansfield of this biography being the eldest. The others were as follows : Louise ; Frances ; Christian ; Man- die, who died in her nineteenth year; and one child which died in in fancy. Mrs. Mansfield still resides in Republic, and although she has reached the age of eighty-one years, time has touched her lightly and she is the center of family life. As early as the age of sixteen years Henry Mansfield became inter ested in business, his first experience being as a. clerk in a store, in Re public. In 1872 he embarked in the mercantile business on his. own account. For six years he conducted a very satisfactory business, but. he then suffered a lossi by fire, and his two-thirds insurance but partially enabled him to reorganize his enterprise. Later he again entered into1 business, in association with his brother, Christian, and the firm now stands as H. Mansfield & Brother, our subject still retaining his interest, although since 1894 his residence has been in Tiffin. For a long period Mr. Mansfield was the leading merchant in Republic and was also an extensive operator in grain. In the fall of 1893 Mr. Mansfield was made the choice of the Democ racy for county treasurer, and in November of the same year was elected to that responsible position. In 1895 he was re-elected. He has been actively engaged in public life for years, was treasurer of Republic and of Sripio township for some years and was also a member of the local board of education and prominent in all progressive enterprises. In all his official acts as treasurer, in the administration and management of the office, he has given the best of satisfaction to' the taxpayers of the county. On January 12, 1876, Mr. Mansfield was married to Miss Isabella Kimmel, who' was a daughter of Henry and Eva Kimmel, and who was born in Sandusky, Ohio, on June 19, 1857. The family residence is located at No. 245 East Perry street, Tiffin, where are enjoyed the com forts of a handsome and well appointed home, and1 where a generous hos pitality is» offered to a large circle of friends. 32 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Fraternally Mr. Mansfield is connected with Hildreth Lodge, No. 165, F. & A. M., of Republic; Republic Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O. F. ; and Tiffin Lodge, No. 94, B. P. O. E., taking an active interest in all of these organizations and being highly valued therein. Mr. Mansfield from his young manhood has been recognized as honest, energetic and enterprising, and the record of his life shows that he has been active in the promotion of those measures which have been for the advancement and uplifting of his locality. Although an active partisan, he is a man of such kind impulses and genial personality that he is justly popular with all casses. His attitude has been that of a public-spirited citizen who has conscientiously labored for the honor and progress of the nation, the commercial development of his state and section and the welfare of his family and friends. JEREMIAH REX. There is no man in Seneca county that has longer occupied political positions or borne himself with more signal honor and uprightness than Squire Jeremiah Rex. Almost continuously for a half century did popular ballot continue him in office, and he ever bore an unblemished reputation by reason of his capability and unquestioned honesty in the adminis tration of the duties devolving upon him. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, October 9, 1836, and is of Swiss lineage, his first American an cestors having come from Switzerland to America at a very early period in the colonization' of this country. They located in Pennsylvania, and for several generations that state was the home of the family. William Rex, the grandfather of our subject, was born and reared in Pennsyl vania and eventually came to Ohio, spending his last days in Stark county. He was a farmer by occupation. William Rex, Jr., the father of Jeremiah, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and during his. early boyhood his parents removed to a farm near Pittsburg, where he was reared. When a young man of about twenty years he JEREMIAH REX. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 33 came to Ohio, settling at Osnaburg, Stark county, where he followed the blacksmith's trade until 1844, when he came to Seneca county and pur chased eighty acres of timber land in Seneca township. This he cleared and improved, and ten years later he bought a farm of one hundred acres four miles south of Tiffin, in Seneca township, whereon he erected a saw mill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber until his death, which occurred in 1872, when he was seventy years of age. He was a self made man and met with a fair degree of success in his undertak ings. His political support was given to the Democracy and he held a number of township offices. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church, in which he held membership. He married Susan Sloss, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1797, and at an early age came to Ohio, where she married and spent her remaining days, her death occurring in 1882, when she was eighty-five years of age. She also was a member of the Lutheran church and took an active part in its work. By her marriage she became the mother of six children, four sons and two daughters: Mary, who- died in 1850; John, a wealthy farmer of Wells county, Indiana; Susan, who married David Stoner, and died in Henry county, Ohio, in 1876, when about forty-five years of age; Will iam, who died in this county, when about fifty^five years of age ; Jere miah, of this review; and Simon, who is engaged in teaming in Tiffin. Jeremiah Rex was about eight years of age when he came to Seneca county. As no railroads had been built through this part of the state the journey was made by wagon. His boyhood days were passed upon the home farm and he attended the public schools, while through two sum mer terms- he was student in Heidelberg College. When sixteen years of age he began teaching, and for about seven years he continued to follow that profession. • He then engaged in the sawmill and lumber bus iness, three miles, south of Tiffin, the manufacture and sale of lumber occupying his attention for seventeen years, at the expiration of which time was elected, in 1876, to the office of clerk of the court, by a majority of two hundred and forty. He then sold his mill and removed to Tiffin. In 1878 he was re-elected by the marvelously increased majority of fourteen hundred. On his retirement from that office he engaged in the 34 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. shoe trade, and thus continued for two years, but the new venture did not prove profitable. Most of the time since he has been continued in office. For fifteen years he held the office of justice of the peace, and his fair and impartial rulings won golden opinions from all sorts of people. For eight years he was trustee, for seven years city clerk and for four years mayor, while altogether he served about fifty years in the city council and on the school board. He has held office for a longer period than any other man in Tiffin. Many who enter the political field will, after but a brief service, leave office wealthy men; this is not so in the case of Mr. Rex. His office yielded to him but the salary allowed by law, but he gained something better than wealth, — an untarnished reputation, o>ver which there falls no shadow1 of wrong or suspicion of evil, and he may rejoice in the possession of that "good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches." On the 26th of October, 1865, Mr. Rex was united in marriage to Miss Laura J. A. Barrick, a daughter of William Barrick. She was born in Frederick county, Maryland, and when -three years old was brought to Seneca county by her parents and has since resided here. By her mar riage she became the mother of seven children, of whom two' died in childhood, the others being Oliver C, who resides in Tiffin; Irvin C, who is acceptably filling the position of county clerk; Claude C, who is engaged in manufacturing cigars in Tiffin; Ralph J., a printer; and Grace L., at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rex are consistent and faithful members of the First Reformed church. He is a man fearless in defense of his own con victions- — a man o>ver whom threats or bribes could have no influence, but who will ever continue steadfast in the course he has marked out, because he believes it to be the right one. While he has usually been a stanch adherent of the Democracy, he did not hesitate to cast his vote with the opposition party when slavery was the paramount issue. He opposed the repeal of the Missouri compromise and indicated this by his ballot, and when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further ex tension of slavery he endorsed the movement and voted for Lincoln. When the question was settled he returned to the ranks of the Democracy, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 35 for his views are usually in accord with its principles. Socially he is identified with the Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks. In every re lation of life in which he has been placed his has been an upright man hood, and there is no man in Tiffin more widely or favorably known than Jeremiah Rex, whose efforts have been of the greatest possible benefit to the city. • SOLOMON WOLFE. One of the fine farm properties of Hopewell township, Seneca county, is that owned by Mr. Wolfe, who> has. here maintained his. home for two- score years and who is known as one of the progressive and successful business men of this section of the state, and as a citizen whose life has been dominated by high principles and a determination to achieve a success worthy of the name, so that he has not been denied the fullest measure of confidence and esteem. Such are the men who are particu larly worthy of consideration in a publication of this nature, for though they have not stood in the "great white light" of publicity, they have been of the world's workers and have played well their assigned part in the making of history. Mr. Wolfe claims the old Keystone state of the Union as the place of his nativity, since he was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, on the 8th of February, 1838, one of the. fourteen children of Michael and Mar garet (Engleman) Wolfe, both of whom.1 were likewise born in Union county, of sterling German ancestry, the respective families having been established in America in the colonial epoch. Of their children six are living at the present time, our subject being the eldest of these, while the others are all residents of Sandusky county, Ohio, — Josiah; Andrew J.; Ellen J., the wife of A. D. Hook; Catherine A., the wife of William H. Baker, of Fremont; and Margaret S., the wife of James Hensel. The father was born about the year 1808 and was reared on the paternal farm in Union county, Pennsylvania. His marriage occurred in his native county and there four of his children were born. In 1843 he 36 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. came with his family to Sandusky county, Ohio, purchasing a farm of one hundred and seventy-seven acres, three miles west of Fremont, and there developing a fine property, continuing to reside on his farm- until his death, which occurred in 1881. He was a man of influence in his community, was a Democrat in his political adherency and in religion held to the faith of the Lutheran church. Solomon Wolfe remained on the old homestead in Sandusky county until he had attained the age of eighteen years, his educational advan tages having been such as were afforded in the common schools of the place and period. At the age noted he secured a clerkship in a general store in Fremont, and followed this vocation for four years, after which he devoted a year to farming on rented land. In 1862 he married, and soon afterward came to Seneca county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of his present farm, three miles northwest of Tiffin, where he has consecutively maintained' his home during the long intervening years. To his original purchase he added subsequently an adjoining tract of eighty-six acres and he also has a farm of sixty acres in Pulaski county, Indiana. He has made the best of improvements on his home stead, having a good residence and other farm buildings, and has brought the place under most effective cultivation and productivity. In addition to his agricultural enterprise Mr. Wolfe is also one of the extensive raisers of cattle, sheep and hogs in this section of the state, and for several years he conducted a large business: in the buying and shipping of live stock, but has now withdrawn from this branch of enterprise. Hiis progressive spirit and executive ability have been still further man ifested, for, since the year 1888, he has operated two threshing outfits and a corn shredder, securing a representative support throughout the county and giving the most careful service with his fine equipments. He has ever shown a deep interest in all that tends to conserve the progress and general prosperity of the community, though he has never been an aspirant for public office, and his franchise is used in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party. He is one of the influential members of the Bethel Methodist Protestant church, of which CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 37 he has served as trustee for many years, taking a marked interest in religious and educational affairs. On the 1 6th of January, 1862, Mr. Wolfe was united in marriage to Miss Mahala A. Bowlus, who was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Catherine Bowlus, pioneers of that section. Our subject and his wife became the parents of five children, namely : George W., who was killed by a threshing engine at the age of twenty- six years ; Josiah, who assists in the management of the homestead farm ; Rosa, the wife of George E. Shroth, a prominent attorney of Tiffin; Catherine M., who now resides in the city of Chicago; and Howard E., who remains at the parental home. WILLIAM GRAY. The life of the subject of this review has been such as to> bear aloft the high standard which had been maintained by his father, who' was one of the pioneers of Seneca county and whose life was signally noble, upright and useful, — one over which falls no shadow of wrong in thought, word or deed. Such was the type of men who laid the founda tions and aided in the development Of this favored section of the Buck eye state, and to their memories will ever be paid a tribute of reverence and gratitude by those who1 have profited by their well directed endeavors and appreciated the lessons of their lives. William Gray, who' is1 one of the successful farmers, and stock- growers of Reed township, Seneca county, Ohio, is a native of this town ship, where he was born on the 1st of May, 1844, the son of Harry and Sally (Reed) Gray. They became the parents of two children, one of whom died ini infancy. Harry Gray was a native of New York state, having been born in Steuben county, in the year 181 8, and there reared and educated. As a young man he came toi Seneca county, Ohio, and here for a short time he was employed on a farm, but he soon effected the purchase of a tract of one hundred and thirty-two acres, in Reed town- 38 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ship, located on the turnpike road and at a. point one mile north of the village of Attica. Shortly after acquiring this property he was married and he settled on his farm, his original residence having been one of the log cabins so common to the section at that epoch in its history. He here became eventually engaged in the raising of live stock on an extensive scale, and his excellent management and progressive methods brought to him a high degree of prosperity. He became the owner of a fine estate of six hundred and sixty-four acres in this township and was one of the most highly respected citizens of the county, influential in business and giving his support to1 all measures for the advancement of the best inter ests of the community. He gave an unfaltering allegiance to the Re publican party from the time of its organization, but never aspired to the honors or emoluments of public office. He was summoned into- his eternal rest in the year 1894, in his seventy-sixth year. He was twice married, the mother, of our subject having died in 1858, at the age of thirty-two years. For his second wife Harry Gray married Miss Mar tha J. Hull, who bore him two children, one of whom survives, — Frank, — who is a farmer of this township. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Seth Reed, the first settler in Reed township, which was named in his honor. He removed here from Steuben county, New York, and was one of the representative pioneer settlers of the county. William Gray, the subject of this sketch, was: thirteen years of age at the time of his mother's death, and thereafter he and his father boarded in the homes of various families in this vicinity until he had attained the age of twenty, when his father was again married, and our subject continued at the paternal home for about three years. He then gave inception to his successful career as a stock buyer and shipper, and in this line he has ever since continued, his operations having been of wide scope and importance and having been of great incidental benefit in the promotion of the stock interests of this, section of the state. In 1872 he purchased and removed to his present fine farm, which com prises seventy-nine acres and here he has ever since continued to make his home, having a good residence and having made other excellent improvements on the place, while he has also' become the owner of other CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 39 farm land, in Seneca and Huron, counties, having about five hundred and twenty acres in all. He has been consecutively engaged in the stock business for thirty-five years and has been very successful, being known as a careful and able business man and one whose integrity of purpose is beyond question. He is a stanch Republican in his political proclivi ties, and he served one term as treasurer of his township. He is at this time president of the Attica Fair Association, of which he was vice- president for many years, taking a lively interest in its affairs. On Christmas day, 1870, Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Phcebe A. Post, who was born in Huron county, Ohio, the daughter of Christopher Post, a native of New York and one of the influential farm ers of Huron county, Ohio, where he located many years ago. Mr. Gray has one daughter, Cora, who' is the wife of Guy Hedden, of Huron county. Mrs. Gray died August 8, 1883, aged thirty-four years. HENRY A. SALIERS. This well known and highly esteemed citizen of Reed township is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Seneca county. He was born in Orleans county, Vermont, on the 15th of Janu ary, 1844, a son of Adolphus and Mary (Tisdale) Saliers. The father was born near Quebec, in Lower Canada, September 19, 1819, a son of Gabriel Saliers, who was a Frenchman and for seven years served as a soldier under Napoleon. He was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Waterloo., and was sent to Canada as a prisoner. He loved Napoleon as a father, and in speaking of him in after years the tears would start to his eyes. He was married in Canada, and there lived until about seventy-five years of age, when he removed to Michigan, there spending his remaining years, his death occurring at the home of one of his sons. Adolphus Saliers, his son and the father of our subject, remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age, when he went to 40 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. North Troy, Vermont, and apprenticed himself to the carpenter and cabinet-making business, spending most of his time at the latter. In 1845 when our subject was but one year old, he came to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Reed township, just across the road from where his son Henry now resides, and for seven years he there made his home, working at his trade. On the expiration of that period, however, he returned toi his old home in Vermont, and there remained until March, 1 86 1, when he came again to the Buckeye state. In the following year he purchased a residence and ten acres of land at Reedtown, but con tinued to work at his trade throughout the remainder of his active busi ness career. On the 16th of August, 1862, the father and son both enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio- Volunteer Infantry, and in the following sum mer they were put on detached duty as carpenters to assist in the erec tion of the United States general hospital buildings at Clarysville, Maryland, the father having charge of the building operations, with seventeen men under his direction. In August, 1863, while working at the top of one of the buildings, our subject suffered a sunstroke, and from that time on he has never worked at the trade. In the following winter he was employed in carrying the mail from Clarysville to Cum berland, and when the weather became wanner he was given employment in the office at Clarysville, under Major J. B. Lewis, surgeon in charge, thus continuing until his discharge, on the 12th of May, 1865. His father had received an honorable discharge from the service a few months previously, but was detained there as a paid employe, as super intendent of construction, receiving seventy dollars a month, until his son's discharge, when they both returned home. The father was called to his final rest in 1883, his death occurring quite suddenly from heart failure while employed in the moving of a building. In early life he was a member of the Congregational church, but later united with the Methodist Protestant, in which, he was an active and consistent member until his life's labors were ended in death. His political support was first given to the Whigs, but after the forma tion of the Republican party; he joined its ranks and was among its most CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 41 loyal supporters. Hlis social relations connected him with the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he held pleasant relations with his old army comrades of the "blue." The mother of our subject was born in Canada, just across the Vermont line, and her people were from the latter state. Her death occurred in December, 1881. Unto this worthy couple were born four children, three1 of whom still survive, namely : Alice, the wife of Isaac Rosegrant, of Ithaca, Michigan; Lauraette, the wife of A. J. Harrison, a prominent farmer of Reed township1, Seneca county ; and Henry A., whose name introduces this review. The latter spent the early years of his life1 in his parents' home and in the common schools of the neighborhood he received the educational advantages which he enjoyed in youth. At the age of seventeen years he began working with his father at the carpenter's trade, and also fol lowed that occupation for two- or three years during the winter months after the close of the Civil war, but he finally abandoned the trade and in 1 87 1 engaged in the sawmill business, erecting his present mill at Reed town, which he has followed uninterruptedly until recent years. He is. now living retired at his. pleasant home in Reedtown, where he owns thirty-one acres of well improved and valuable land. The marriage of Mr. Saliers was celebrated on the. 22d of February, 1866, when Miss Amanda Cole became his wife. She is a. native daugh ter of Reed township. Her parents, Harrison and Ann Eliza (Phil lips) Cole, claimed the state of New York as the place of their nativity. They were married there, and in 1834 came to Seneca county, Ohio, locat ing a mile and a quarter west-of Reedstown. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Saliers has been blessed with four children, namely : Fred A., a resi dent of Tiffin, Ohio; Cora B., the wife of Charles Williams, of Deshler; Nettie M., the wife of Charles Williams, of Reedtown; and Earl A., a teacher in the district schools and still a member of his parents' house hold, being still in his minority, and he is a. student at Heidelberg. Mr. Saliers gives his political support to' the Republican party, and on its ticket he has been elected to- many positions of honor and trust. For one term, of three years, he served as a justice of the peace; was the efficient township assessor for one term, having accomplished 42 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his task six days quicker than any other assessor has been able to do it, either before or since ; was the postmaster of Reedtown for twelve years ; during the past thirty years has served much of the time as a member of the school board ; and is now serving his fourth year as. a notary public. He is one of the leading and active members of the Baptist church, in which he has long held the office of deacon, and in his social relations he is a member of Rice and Craiglow Post, No. 112, G. A. R. THE MYERS BROTHERS. In a publication which purports to touch upon the history of the men and forces whose contribution to the development and material prosperity of Seneca county has been of distinctive scope and import ance, it is but consistent that more than passing attention be accorded to the Myers Brothers, publishers of the Seneca Advertiser and the Tiffin Daily Advertiser. They have been of marked service to' their city, county and state through various avenues of usefulness, and the papers with whose publication they have been long and intimately identified have wielded a wide and beneficent influence in the local field, while the enterprise involved is one which can not be considered as other than a potent factor in connection with the industrial activities of this fa vored section of the Buckeye' commonwealth. We are thus gratified in being able to here enter individual sketches of the careers of these honored citizens and representative business men of the city of Tiffin. John M. Myers, who has the editorial direction of the weekly and daily editions of the Advertiser, is a native of Maryland, having been born in the town of Clearspring, Washington county, on the 13th of September, 1838, the son of Michael and Anna E. (Wagner) Myers, the ancestors of both having been of stanch German stock, and the orig inal American representatives having located in Franklin county, Penn sylvania, in the colonial epoch of our national history. In the year 1856 Michael Myers, in company with his wife and their four sons and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 43 two daughters, came from Maryland to Seneca county, Ohio, and here the parents passed the remainder of their lives, the father having been a contractor and builder by vocation. He was a man of sterling charac ter and became one of the highly esteemed citizens. of this county, mak ing his home in Tiffin, where he died in the year 1891, at the age of eighty-one1 years. His wife passed away in 1876, aged sixty-four years. John M. Myers had received his early educational discipline in the public schools of Maryland, and there also he had initiated his identifica tion with the "art preservative of all arts," by serving an apprentice ship at the printer's1 trade. In February, i860, he became a compositor in the office of the Seneca Advertiser, and three years later, in Janu ary, 1863, we find him installed as editor and publisher of this pioneer newspaper of Tiffin. In 1867 he became associated with his brother, E. Shelby, in the purchasing of a half interest in the enterprise, and in 1878 the third brother, E. Bruce Myers, became a partner also'. The brothers continued to be thus associated in the conducting of the busi ness until April, 1884, when they disposed of a two-thirds interest to L. A. Brunner and J. W. Geiger. During their connection with the Advertiser the Mlyers brothers had developed the undertaking in all of its departments, and had one of the best equipped newspaper offices in the state, while their energy and well directed efforts have insured a large and profitable business. In 1888, after the death of Mr. Brun ner, the Myers brothers repurchased the plant and business of the Ad vertiser, the daily edition of which had been established two years pre viously. About 1890 they erected their present building, the entire plant being simultaneously enlarged and otherwise improved, while at the pres ent time the equipment throughout is of the most modern and metro politan type, including the latest designs in power presses and involving the operation of the linotype typesetting machine, of which one has been installed. The demands of the business are such, however, that at the time of this writing (May, 1902) the brothers have in course of erection an addition to their building, and through this the floor space and ac commodations will be doubled. The building as thus remodeled will be forty by ninety feet in lateral dimensions, and two stories and a 44 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. basement in height. The plant includes a well equipped bindery for pamphlet work, and the job department has the best of facilities for turn ing out all classes of work in the highest form of the printer's art and on short notice. New presses have been installed and the investment in the plant now reaches an aggregate of many thousand dollars. All machinery is operated by electric motors, each machine having its own individual motor. In connection with the publication of the papers a corps of twenty-two- capable workmen is retained. The brothers of whom we write have been associated in various other enterprises which have conserved the normal advancement and ma terial prosperity of the city and county, and John M. has always been considered the head of the firm, whose policies: have been regulated With marked discrimination and ability, the brothers being duly conservative and counseling together on all matters of importance. A fair view of pub lic questions, clearly presented, will do more toi form the general opinion of any community than any other one agency, and the Myers brothers have been potent factors in shaping pubic opinion, both in the matter of politics and in all pertaining to' the well-being of the community, of whose interests they have made the papers able exponents. Their in fluence has been exerted ini support of the principles and policies of the. Democratic party, but they have neither sought nor desired official prefer ment for themselves. In 1879 they became associated with four other citizens of Tiffin in the purchase of the Ohio Stove Works, this part nership obtaining until January, 1882, while in 1893 the works of the concern were removed from Tiffin to- a point in Illinois. In January, 1882, the original partnership was abrogated by the organization of a stock company, which was duly incorporated, and of the same Mr. Myers has been secretary and treasurer from the time of organization. He is associated with his brothers in the operation of an extensive cattle ranch in New Mexico'. In the year 1871 was solemnized the marriage of John M. Myers to Miss Lurena A. Frees, daughter of Wesley B. Frees, of Tiffin. E. Shelby Myers was born in Clearspring, Washington county, Maryland, on the 18th of December, 1840, and is now actively asso- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 45 ciated with his brothers in their business enterprises, being also a stock holder in and a member of the directorate of the Citizens' National Bank, in Tiffin. In 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E, Hjaas, daughter of John R. Haas, one of the founders of the Tiffin Agricult ural Works.E. Bruce Myers, who' is business manager of the Seneca Adver tiser and the Daily Advertiser, is likewise a native of Clearspring, Mary land, where he was born 011 the 1st of February, 185 1. He has prac tically passed his entire life in Seneca county, having been a lad of five years at the time when the family removed to this section from Mary land. In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Cunning ham, daughter of George! W. Cunningham1, a well-known miller and grain dealer of Tiffin. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have two daughters, — Bessie and Marie. Leon B. Myers, who is foreman of the news office of the Adver tiser, both weekly and daily, was born, in Maryland, in 1855, and was thus an infant in arms at the time his. parents made the long trip from his native state to become pioneers of Seneca county, where he was reared and educated. In 1880 he was married to Miss Rebecca Mc Donald, daughter of Major McDonald, of Bucyrus, this state, and they have two daughters. In conclusion it certainly will not be malapropos to enter a brief resume of the history of the newspaper business which the Myers broth ers have developed to an enterprise of so great importance. On the 4th of August, 1832, the Seneca Patriot was founded by J. H. Brown, the primitive hand press utilized having been one which was brought across the mountains about the year 1800, by James Colerick, and in 1816 it was in use at Miount Vernon, Ohio. The hebdomadal Patriot became defunct, and in 1834 Alonzo Rawson published in Tiffin the Independent Chronicle and the Seneca Advertiser. On the 6th of May, 1842, John G. Breslin appeared as publisher of the Seneca Advertiser, having purchased the office of the VanBurenite, which had developed from1 the earlier paper. In 1854 this well-known and honored citizen was elected to the office of state treasurer, and in the following year 46 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. W. W. Armstrong assumed editorial charge of the Advertiser, of which he became sole proprietor in 1857. He, too, was called to distinguished public office, having served as secretary of state in 1862-3. John M'. Myers and Lewis Beilharz leased the office at this time and the former became sole lessee in 1864, since which time the history of the enter prise has already been a matter of record in this article. It may be further stated, however, that the Seneca Advertiser is issued on Thurs day of each week, in the form of a six-column quarto', and that the Daily Advertiser, a seven-column folio, is issued each evening except Sunday, and is to be considered as unmistakably one of the brightest, cleanest and most attractive dailies issued in any of the smaller cities of the state. IRVIN N. REX. Irvin N. Rex, the efficient and popular county clerk, is numbered among the enterprising young men of Seneca county. He was born in Seneca township, January 8, 1871, and is a son of Jeremiah Rex. He spent his boyhood days in Tiffin and acquired his- early education in the public schools: When eleven years of age he had a severe attack of rheumatism, which left him crippled in the right leg. After complet ing the work in the common schools he entered Heidelberg College, where he continued his studies until twenty-one years of age, when he entered the office of the judge of the probate court, Judge J. C. Royer, as his deputy, and continued in that position until elected toi his present position. In 1896 he was chosen, by popular ballot, county clerk, and assumed his duties in August, 1897. In 1900 he was re-elected 'by a much larger majority than was given him the first term, showing that the people's confidence in his ability and fidelity was strengthened by capable service. He is a most loyal and trustworthy official and well deserves high encomiums from his fellow townsmen. On the 13th of December, 1899, Mr. Rex was united in marriage to Miss Blanche E. Wentz, of Tiffin, a daughter of James H. Wentz, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 47 and they have a pleasant and hospitable home, whose social functions' are greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Rex is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in this place and in his po litical views he is a stanch Democrat. He is one of the popular young men of the town, and has a wide acquaintance here, for he has spent his entire life in the county and much of it in Tiffin, where his official duties bring him into contact with many. NICHOLAS PORTZ. Among the most successful business men of Fostoria is numbered Nicholas Portz, who is engaged in real-estate dealing and is also a manufacturer of pipe fittings, carrying on the latter business under the name of the Fostoria Novelty Company. He is one of the native sons of Fostoria and' has contributed in large measure to its upbuilding and progress. His birth here occurred in 1839. Two- years previously his father, John Portz, had located here. The latter was a native of Merzig, in Rhenish Prussia, Germany, and after' taking up his abode in Fostoria, he engaged in the manufacture of wagons until his death, which occurred in 1873, when he was sixty-seven years of age. He married Miss Mary Magdalena Bohna, also a native of Merzig, Ger many, and her death occurred when' she was forty-one years of age. The children born unto this worthy couple were as follows : Mary Magdalena, who became the wife of John Zimmer, of Crown Point, Indiana, and died at St. Cloud, Minnesota ; Catherine, the wife of John Bick, of Fostoria ; Ann Maria, who is the widow of Joseph Haines, of Fostoria; Nicholas, of this review; George; John; and Eva, the wife of George Hoof, of Fostoria. George and John were both soldiers of the Civil war. The former became a member of the Fifty-fifth Ohio; Infantry and died at Chattanooga, while the latter was a member of the Fifty-seventh Ohio Infantry. He was the youngest soldier that went through the war, being only twelve years of age when he enlisted. He was. then quite small for his years, but he carried a musket from the 48 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. start and bore uncomplainingly all the hardships and trials of military life, dispaying valor equal to that of many older men. For two months he was at Andersonville prison and he was with Sherman on the cele brated march to the sea. He now resides in Fostoria, and he has every reason to be proud of his military career. In the schools of Fostoria Nicholas • Portz, of this review, pur sued his education, and he entered upon his business career as an em ploye of C. W. Foster & Son. This was in 1851, when he was only twelve years of age. He became a clerk in the store and served in that capacity until the firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company was organized, the partners being ex-Governor Foster, Charles Olmsted and our sub ject. The company was- formed in 1863 and carried on general mer chandising, doing a business which has never been exceeded or equaled in Fostoria. Their average annual sales amounted to two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The firm carried on business until 1867, when Mr. Portz and Governor Foster became the owners of the hard ware department, carrying on that enterprise under the firm name of N. Portz & Company until 1892, covering a period of a quarter of a century. At that time our subject assumed the management of the plant of the Brass & Iron Works Company, of Fostoriai, which was owned by himself and Governor Foster. It had been established in 1850 by Edward Bement and in i860 became the property of Governor Foster, while in 1883 it passed into the ownership of Foster & Portz. Sixty men were employed. More than two hundred thousand dollars were invested, and the industry became one of the most important in the town. In 1893, however, business was suspended, but at the present time the plant is operated by the. Schwab- Safe Manufacturing Company, of Fos toria. Mr. Portz was. largely instrumental in securing the building of the Nickel Plate Railroad to Fostoria, in 1883. He personally assumed the financial obligations, in order to have the road extended from Ar cadia to this place instead of through Tiffin, as had been previously planned by the railroad company. This obligation involved thirty thou sand dollars and later was supplanted by another arrangement. For thirty-five years Mr. Portz was associated in business with Mr. Foster, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 49 and for thirty years of that time was his partner. He is now at the head of .the Fostoria Novelty Company and controls the patents for fit ting lead pipes without solder and iron pipes without thread. He manu factures these pipe fittings on quite an extensive scale, and his business in this direction is steadily increasing. He also deals quite extensively in real estate and is the owner of much valuable property in Fostoria. In 1867 Mr. Portz was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Adams, of Findlay, Ohio, a daughter of Louis and Mary (Junker) Adams, both of whom are now deceased. Her father was an early settler of Findlay and became one of the leading business men there, conducting a grocery and produce store, also- a distillery. He came toi Ohio' from Alsace, France, and the business opportunities of the new world were so improved by him that he became the possessor of a comfortable competence. In religious faith Mr. Portz is a prominent Catholic and for almost thirty-five years has served continuously as a trustee of St. Wendelin church. His. po litical support is given the Republican party, but he has never been an aspirant for office, serving only as a member of the board of health. He has also been president of the board of trade of Fostoria and oc cupies a most prominent and honorable position in business circles. From the age of twelve years until the present time he has been an active factor in the industrial and commercial life of his native city, and the extent and volume of his interests have contributed not alone to his ' own success but have also promoted the commercial prosperity of the town. His dealings have ever been conducted along the line of hon orable effort and with strict regard for commercial- ethics. He has maintained an unassailable reputation. He seems to have realized at each point of his career the highest degree of success possible at that point, and Fostoria claims him as one of her honored and representative citizens. J. R. McCRAY, M. D. No class of citizens are more justly held in high esteem than mem bers of the medical profession, and' in no other city of its size are more conspicuous examples of its skill and ability to be found than in Tiffin, 5o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Ohio. Here are gathered men of age, experience, study and research, and among them is Dr. J. R. McCray, who claims a fair portion of the lucrative practice of this vicinity. Dr. McCray was born near the village of Barrackville, Marion county, West Virginia, on February 27, 1850. Like many others who later in life have achieved eminence in entirely different lines of activity, Dr. McCray was reared to farm life, although it never attracted him sufficiently to make him continue it as a vocation. He was of an active and inquiring disposition, though in his early years small opportunity was afforded him for more than elementary study as supplied in the common schools. When he had reached the age of twenty-two years he had become1 well enough acquainted with the carpenter trade to be employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad on trestle work, and he continued with that road until he was prepared, in 1881, to enter upon the study of his chosen profession. His: experience with men and affairs probably gave him that steadfastness of purpose and poise of character which have been of such marked service to- him in the practice of his profession. In 1 88 1 he came to Fostoria, Ohio, and in the fall of that year he began his medical reading with the well-known Dr. Hickman, under whose instruction he continued for about a year. Then he came to Tiffin and became a student under Dr. Corfman, with whom he remained during two years, later attending the1 Physio-Medical College, in In dianapolis, Indiana. After a- course there Dr. McCray began the prac tice of his profession in this city, though he soon returned to his native state, and for four years he was in active practice in Fairview, Marion county. His medical ability brought him a large practice, but desiring a more extensive field and wider opportunities, he returned to Tiffin, where his standing as a physician and citizen is unexcelled. In 1884 Dr. McCray was united in marriage to Miss Clara Berk shire, of Fairmount, West Virginia, a lady well adapted for the social position which she so. well fills. In political sentiment Dr. MfcCray is a Democrat, but he takes no very active part in political life, the demands of his profession allowing CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 51 but little latitude for extraneous work. Mrs. McCray is a consistent and valued member of the Evangelical church, and the Doctor is liberal in supporting its benevolent and extension work. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Seneca Lodge, of Tiffin, in which he has been a prominent worker. He belongs toi the various medical associations, including the Ohio State and the American Medical Associations, attending their meetings and contrib uting to their literature. Dr. McCray is devoted to his profession and has a very large gen eral practice, his skill being known through the city and vicinity, and he is very often called in- cases of consultation. In many ways he is naturally adapted to his profession, his calm manner begetting confi dence, and his gentle touch and encouraging smile often performing a cure when drugs would fail. He is a persistent reader and careful student, keeping abreast of the times in his profession, and is a worthy follower of the1 great Esculapius. SILAS W. ROHRER. Back to that cradle of much of our national history, the Old Do minion state, must we turn in designating the place of nativity of Mr. Rohrer, one of the influential citizens and progressive farmers of Sen eca county, Ohio, where he has passed practically his entire life, his ven erable father being one of the Honored pioneers of this section of the state and being still a resident of the county. Mr. Rhorer was born in Berkeley county, Virginia (now West Virginia), on the 8th of April, 1845, one °f the two children of Benoni I. and Rebecca (Loose) Rohrer, the other being Amjanda, who is. now the wife of- Solomon Brets, of Tiffin, Seneca county. The father of our subject was likewise born in Virginia, on the nth of January, 1816, his parents, who were of Ger man lineage, having removed to the Old Dominion from Pennsylvania, where the respective families had been established in an early day. 52 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Benoni I. Rohrer grew up on the homestead farm in, Virginia, receiving a good English education in the common schools, and being engaged in farming in his native state for some time after his marriage to Miss Loose, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and who is now a well-preserved woman of eighty-five years. He removed to Mich igan in 1847 and there passed the winter, while in the spring of 1848 he came to Seneca county, Ohio, where he was engaged in tilling the soil on various rented farms for a period of six years. In 1854 he pur chased seventy-five acres of the farm now owned by his son, in Hopewell township. He made substantial improvements on the place and ten years after purchasing the original tract added to its area seventy acres adjoining, so that the fine farm now comprises one hundred and forty- five acres. In the spring of 1879 Benoni I. Rohrer purchased another eighty acres of land, in the same township, and forthwith removed to the same and has there maintained his home to the present time, the place being well improved and under effective cultivation. He is the oldest man in his township, being now eighty-six years of age, and is revered as one of the patriarchs of the community and as a man whose life has been upright and steadfast in all its relations. He has been an active and zealous supporter of the cause of the Democratic party for more than half a century, and has been a man of influence in his home com munity. He served for several years in the offices of assessor and trus tee of his township and at all times has maintained a public-spirited attitude. In his advanced years he retains his mental and physical faculties in marked degree, being looked upon as one of the sturdy pio neer citizens of the county. Silas W. Rohrer was about three years of age when his parents located in Seneca county, and here he was reared on the farm where he now lives, acquiring his early educational training in the public schools. After assisting his father in the cultivation of the home farm until he had attained the age of twenty-four years, he took charge of the place, this being at the time of his marriage, in 1879, his father then removing to his new farm, as has been already noted. Silas operated the old homestead for his father until 1896, when he effected its purchase. He CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 53 is constantly improving the farm and increasing its productive capacity by the utilization of scientific methods and by scrtipulous care to every detail of the work. He has a commodious and attractive residence, and in 1897 he erected one of the largest and best bank barns in the town ship. Mr. Rohrer has ever received the highest confidence and esteem of the community, ever giving his influence and aid to all worthy ob jects for the general good and material progress of the neighborhood, and has been an active and influential worker in the ranks of the Demo cratic party. He served one term as trustee of his township, and in 1898 was the Democratic candidate for the office of township treasurer, meeting defeat through normal political exigencies. On the 1 8th of February, 1879, Mr. Rohrer was united in marriage to Miss Esther Britt, who was born in this township, the daughter of the late John Britt, one of the influential farmers of the county, where he located about 1852, having emigrated hither from Pennsylvania. Her mother, Mary (Nolan) Britt, died at about sixty-five years of age, being survived some five years by her husband, who was eighty-six years of age at the time of his death. Mrs. Rohrer was summoned into- eternal rest on the 16th of November, 1882, leaving one son, Walter F., who has attended Heidelberg College, and is now assisting his father on the farm. DAVID HAVERSTICK. Most consistently may we enter memoir in this work to- one who stood as one of the honored citizens and successful agriculturists of Seneca county during the: long years of an active and useful life, win ning their regard of men by his sterling attributes of character and attain ing success through the medium of his own ability and efforts. Mr. Haverstick passed to his reward on the 9th of February, 1898, and in his death Eden township was deprived of one of its most worthy and honored citizens and one whose life was such as to offer both lesson and incentive to all who came in touch therewith. 54 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Haverstick was a native of the old Keystone state, having been born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of August, 1832, and was reared on the parental farm- to- the age of seventeen, having received his early education in the common schools. His father died when he was fifteen and he, instead of attending school, went to Middle- town, Pennsylvania, where he was employed in a planing mill for a period of four years, after which he came to Ohio and located in An napolis, Jefferson county, where he worked in a meat market for a time and then returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, where he re mained three years, working in a dairy, in connection with his brother. There, on the 3d of June, 1858, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wolff, whoi was born in the same locality as was he himself. Shortly after his marriage Mir. Haverstick came to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1859, and purchased a farm in Clinton township, exchanging the1 property three years later for another farm, comprising sixty acres, in the same township, and continuing its improvement and cultivation for six years, at the expiration of which, in 1868, he traded the same for the homestead where his widow now resides, in Eden township. The original farm comprised one hundred acres, but as success crowned his efforts Mr. Haverstick added to the area of his property until he had a fine landed estate of one hundred and fifty-four acres. He placed the farm under most effective cultivation, directing his operations with marked energy and discrimination, and he made on the place the most admirable improvements of a permanent order, including the erection in 1878 of a large brick residence of attractive architectural design and modern conveniences and accessories. The farm is still maintained at its customary high standard, being devoted to diversified agriculture and the raising of high-grade stock. In politics the subject of this memoir was an uncompromising Republican and he was one of the devoted and valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Haverstick also is a member. The estate left by our subject also included a residence property in the city of Tiffin, as well as a smaller farm near his old home. David and Elizabeth (Wolff) Haverstick became the parents of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 55 seven children, of whom- we make' brief record as follows: Sarah C, the wife of H. E. Rhodes, a banker of Tiffin; Hattie M., who married Isaac Martin and who is now deceased; William, who remains on the old homestead ; John, a successful farmer, near Nevada, Wyandot county ; Cora, the wife of Frank Othwaite, of Bellevue; Laura, the wife of Thomas Abram Miller, a banker of Tiffin ; and Earl, who is now a resi dent of Seattle, Washington. Mr. Haverstick was the architect of his own fortunes and upon his life there rested no- shadow of wrong or injustice, while his kindly and genial nature won to- him firm and abid ing friendships. His memory rests as a benediction upon his devoted wife, his children and all who came within the immediate sphere of his influence. FRANK COOLEY. < A number of the substantial and successful farmers of Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio:, have been born in this favored spot, and have thus been more thoroughly identified all their lives with its interests than those who have made it their homes only in recent years. Such is the case with Frank Cooley, who is one of the most highly esteemed and best known of the agriculturists of the township. The birth of Frank Cooley occurred on December 19, 1865, in Bloom township, and he is a son of William' H. and Rebecca (Hillard) Cooley, the former of whom was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, Decem ber 10, 1825. Edward Cooley, who was the father of William H. Cooley, came from Maryland to Fairfield county with his family, and thence to Seneca county, in 1829. Here he entered land from' the gov ernment, the site being the present town of Bloomville, and here he lived until his death, in 1837, having been one of the pioneers of Seneca. county. William H. was only eleven years of age when his father died, and the management of the farm fell upon his shoulders. He was a robust and industrious youth, and grew into a man of parts and prom inence, improved this property, and sold it to advantage in 1866. His 56 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. death occurred in 1897, on the farm now occupied by our subject. His mother had lived with him and she died at the age of ninety-one years. William H. Cooley was thrice married, his first union being with Martha Gifford, who at her death left one child, Martha, who is new the wife of John Wenner, of Swander, Ohio. The second mar riage of William H. Cooley was to Mrs. Rebecca (Hillard) Cooley, who was the wido-w of his eldest brother, Edward, and the three children born to this union were as follows : Stephen A., who lives in Clinton township-; Charles, who is deceased; and Frank, who is the subject of this biography. The third marriage was to Mrs. Sarah J. (Shaffner) Baker, who still survives and who resides with our subject, with whom she is part owner of the farm. She is a most estimable Christian woman, and a consistent member of the Methodist church. Frank Cooley, whoi is our subject, was but six months old when his parents came to this farm, and here he has passed his life. He early became interested in agricultural pursuits and has continued to follow a general line of farming ever since he took charge of the estate. His education was acquired in the common schools of this district and he has been prominently identified with all matters of public interest in this locality ever since he attained his majority. His farm of one hundred and eleven acres is well adapted to the cultivation of the products com mon to this part of the state, and also- to- stock-raising, in which he has been particularly successful. His methods have been progressive, and his improvements of a character which are indications of a thorough knowl edge of his business and a deep interest in it. The marriage of Frank Cooley took place in 1892, to> Miss Clara Baker, who is a daughter of his own step-mother, and who was a child of twelve years when their parents were married. One daughter, Naomi M., has been born to this union, a bright and intelligent little school girl of seven. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cooley are valued members of the Bloomville Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mr. Cooley is liberal in his support and of which he is a steward. Mr. Cooley holds to the principles of the Republican party, but is not a seeker for political hon ors, devoting his attention wholly to the demands of his private inter- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 57 ests. He possesses the respect of the citizens of his township, his family having been among the earliest settlers and most esteemed residents. Although he belongs to the younger generation of farmers, he is recog nized as a man whose methods deserve approval, and his past success in his chosen line gives promise of continued prosperity. Personally he is popular, and both he and wife are prominent in the social life in their neighborhood. JUNIUS V. JONES. For a third of a century Junius V. Jones has been a leading prac titioner at the bar of Seneca county, making his home in Fostoria, where he still resides. He is still in active practice, his attention being also given to the superintending of his investments and property interests. He was born in Gallia county, January 23, 1823, and is a, son of James and Priscilla (Bla-gg) Jones, both of whom were natives of Pendleton county, in what is now West Virginia. Soon after their marriage, how ever, they emigrated to, the Buckeye state and took up their abode on a farm in Gallia county. In 1832 they removed to- Wood county and set tled in Perry township upon a farm- adjoining Fostoria, then called Rome and Risdon. The father was one of the early commissioners of Wood county and also served as justice of the peace for a number of years. Qther township offices were filled by him, and at all times he was a loyal and progressive citizen, who did his utmost to forward the substantial advancement of this community. He died in 1848 at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife passed away some ten years later. In the family of this worthy couple were five sons and four daugh ters : Honorable Gideon Jones, the eldest, was a noted civil engineer and surveyor in northwestern Ohio-. He filled the office of county sur veyor and was a member of the state legislature, representing Seneca county in the lower house. He was elected upon the Republican ticket at a time when the county had a usual Democratic majority of one thou- 58 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. sand, and this fact indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He made his home in Jackson township, and when called to- his final rest his loss was keenly felt; Simpson, the second of the family, followed farming for many years, but spent his last days in honorable retirement in Fostoria. He took a deep- interest in the public schools and rendered effective service in their behalf while a member of the board of education, a position which he held for many years. He served as clerk of the board and endeavored to raise the standard of intellectual improvement. Junius V. was the third of the family. Major William H. is now a farmer of Kansas. He was at one time county clerk of Wood county, Ohio, and served as paymaster in the Union army during the Civil war. About eight years ago., however, he removed to- the Sunflower state, where he is now living. Seneca died in childhood. Elizabeth became the wife of Joseph Chilcote, and both died at West Millgrove, Wood county. Emily also is deceased. Hulda became the wife of the Rev. John Miller and both died in De Kalb county, Indiana. Virginia married Joseph Eckels, of Fostoria, and both are deceased. Junius V. Jones, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in Fostoria, and desiring to make the legal profession his life work read law in the office, of the Honorable W. P. Noble, and was ad mitted tojke bar in 1868. He at once entered upon practice in this place, and for more than a third of a century has been one of the active and prominent legal practitioners here. He enjoys a distinguished and rep resentative clientage, which has connected him with much of the im portant litigation tried in the courts of his district, and his compre hensive and exact knowledge of legal principles and his careful prq>a.ra- tion of his cases have enabled him to gain many forensic battles. Mr. Jones was married, in Wood county, Ohio, to Miss Maria Musser, daughter of Michael Musser, of Portage township, that county. For many years she was a faithful companion and helpmate to her hus band, but on the 30th of October, 1900, she was called to her final rest, passing away at the age of seventy-five years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born seven children : James Edwin, now deceased ; Charles CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 59 V., who died at his home in Fostoria, in April, 1901, at the age of forty-seven years; Willis F., a, printer of this city; Harry J., who is engaged in the same business ; and Parley, Bert and Clara, all of Fos toria. In his political views Mr. Jones has always been a Republican, and he has taken quite an active part in advancing the cause of his party. For many years he served as clerk of Loudon township, and throughout a long period he was township trustee, taking great interest in making- ditches, whereby much of the land was reclaimed for purposes of civili zation. He has also been a candidate for sheriff of Seneca county and for the state legislature. Long a member of the board of education, he served two terms as its president; he was city solicitor of Fostoria for four years, and in 1874 became mayor of the city, serving for a term of two- years. No public trust reposed in him has ever been be trayed in the slightest degree, and in office he has ever manifested un swerving loyalty to duty and to the right. In early days he was a mem ber of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fel lows, and for many years he has been a, zealous member of the Meth odist Episcopal church. Honorable and upright in all relations of life, with due regard for the ties of friendship and the duties of citizenship, he has commanded uniform confidence and respect, and the success which he is now enjoying is well merited, coming as a reward of earnest and untiring effort in professional circles. THOMAS G. SHUMAN. A most exemplary citizen and an honored hero- of the war of the Rebellion is Thomas G. Shuman, a prominent agriculturist of Liberty township, Seneca county. During his army career he was always found faithful to the duties imposed upon him, thus winning the confidence and high regard of his comrades and superior officers, while in his business life and social relations he has ever manifested the same justice, integrity and reliability, and none know him save to wish him well. ¦6o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Shuman is a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred on the 16th of September, 1841, and he is a son of Simon and Mary E. (Beck) Shuman. The father also claimed Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity, his birth having there occurred on the 29th of July, 1803, and there he grew to manhood and learned the trade of shoemaking. After his marriage he began work at his trade in what was then known as the town of Muttontown, no-w called State Line, where he made his home until 1846. In that year he emigrated with his family to Ohio, remaining for about one year in Mansfield, after which he came to Tiffin and one year later purchased forty acres of land on section twenty-three, Liberty township, where he spent the remaining years of his life. After his sons reached a sufficient age they assumed the management of the home farm, while he continued at his trade, and as the years passed by he was enabled to add to his original purchase a tract of forty acres a half mile west, in the same township. He gave his political support to the Democracy, and religiously was a member of the German Reformed church. His life's labors were ended in death on January 14, 1879, and thus passed from earth one o-f the honored pioneers, o-f Ohio, and one who- had nobly assisted in the trying task of planting the seeds of order in an unsettled country. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary E. Beck, and she likewise was born in the Keystone- state, on the 20th of January, 1808. Her father, Felix Beck, was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war, and he died of cholera at an advanced age. Mrs. Shuman passed away in death on the 26th of March, 1889, at the age of eighty-two years. Unto this worthy couple were born fourteen children, nine of whom still sur vive, namely : John, who served as a member of Company K, One Hun dred and First Ohio Infantry, who was wounded at Chickamauga, and is now a resident of Greenleaf, Wisconsin ; Henry, who makes his home in Steuben county, Indiana; William, who served as a bugler in the One Hundred and First Regiment, and is now a farmer o-f Pleasant township, Seneca county; Thomas G, the subject of this review ; David, who was a member of the One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Regiment, and now makes his home in Sandusky county; Daniel and Elias, twins CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 61 the former having served in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Regiment, and now residing in DeKalb county, Indiana, while the latter was a member of the One Hundred and Eightieth Regiment and re sides at Ballville, Sandusky county, Ohio; Philip, a resident of Clinton township, Seneca county; and Mary, the wife of Secrist Knepper, of Bascom. Thomas G. Shuman, of this review, was early inured to the work of the farm in all its departments, and his early education was received in the common schools of his native locality. On the 13th of August, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company K, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and for two- years and ten months he served in the Army of the Cumberland. During his military career he took part in many of the important bat tles of the war, including those of Perryville, on the 8th of October, 1862, Murfreesboro, on the 31st of December, 1862, and the 1st, 2d and 3d of January, 1863 ; Chickamauga, September 19, 20, 1S63: Franklin, November 30, 1864; and Nashville, Decem ber 15 and 16, 1864. He was honorably discharged en the 12th of June, 1865, at Dayton, after which he returned to his home, and from that time until his marriage he was employed at farm labor. After that important event he spent five years on the farm belonging to his wife's mother, and in 1875 purchased forty acres of his present home stead, to which he added an additional forty acres in 1883, thus mak ing him the possessor of eighty acres of rich and productive land, six miles north of Tiffin. For the past ten years, however, he has rented his farm, and to-day, after a useful and beneficent career, he is quietly living at his pleasant home, surrounded by the •comforts that earnest labor has brought to him. On the 9th of September, 1866, occurred the marriage of Mr. Shu man and Miss Mary J. Zeis. Her father, Godfrey Zeis, was born in Germany, but wdien he was a boy he was brought by his parents to Maryland, and came to Ohio as a. young man. Here he married Mar garet Sager, a, native of Maryland. One child has brightened and blessed the home of our subject and wife, Albert C, a minister of the German 62 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Reformed church, and a graduate of Heidelberg College and Theolo-gical Seminary, is now located at Sycamore, Ohio. He married Minta Miller, and they have three children, — Aleta, Herbert and Anna Marie. In political matters Mr. Shuman casts his ballot in favor of the men and measures of the Republican party. He was a member of the school board for ten years, the cause of education ever finding in him a firm friend. For six years he was a trustee of the township. He has long been a member of the German Reformed church, and for a number of years he has served as, treasurer and deacon therein, his wife likewise being- active in all church work, her interest in and efforts for Sunday-school being specially valuable to the youth of the. community. Throughout his entire life Mr. Shuman has been strictly temperate and has kept the highest ideals ever before him, striving to become what he surely is to-day, a noble, well developed Christian character. JACOB B. ZUTAVERN. Among the prominent citizens of Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, where for many years he was one of its most respected men, was Jacob B. Zutavern, whose useful life closed on May 8, 1900, on his farm in this township. Jacob B. Zutavern was born in Bloom township August 15, 1855, being a son o-f Henry Jacob and Margaret Zutavern. He was reared on the home farm and was an industrious and energetic youth. He took a lively interest in agricultural pursuits and this he never lost during life. He was able to take- advantage of the opportunities offered by the public schools of his district, and he grew to manhood as a well informed, intelligent, industrious young farmer. In 1879 occurred the marriage of Jacob B. Zutavern to Miss Effie Keller, who was born in Bloom township, a daughter of Peter and Susan (Buchman) Keller, who were natives o-f Germany, where their marriage was solemnized. They emigrated thence to the United States CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 63 and settled on- a tract of leased land, in the woods of Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio-, where Mr. Keller improved a, farm. Later he removed to Crawford county, where he improved another farm and where he died when his daughter Effie (Mirs. Zutavern) was but seven years of age. After the marriage of Mrs. Zutavern her mother returned to Seneca county, passing the remainder of her life in Eden township, where she died at the age of seventy-four years. Of her nine children six are living at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Zutavern became the parents of three children, namely : Jessie R., who died at the age of eight years; Earl R., aged fourteen- years; and Vesta Ellen, aged five years. After his marriage our subject and wife settled down on the home farm, which he successfully managed until he came to' his own estate, in 1883. Mr. Zutavern was extensively engaged in farming and stock- raising and owned a large tract of land, having three hundred and twenty acres divided into two farms. Here he made many improvements of a substantial and permanent nature, the present brick residence being 'built in 1885, and he was very justly considered one of the leading farmers o-f this section. Every part of his large farm was brought up to its highest producing point, as Mr. Zutavern thoroughly understood the science as well as the practical part of his business. As one of the largest and most successful raisers of fine grade stock, he was known all over this locality, and the products and stock of his farm found ready sale whenever marketed. Although Mr. Zutavern passed out of life in the midst of a useful career, he is not forgotten, having left a distinct impress on his com munity. As a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, he was somewhat of a leader in its ranks. He thoroughly believed in its policy and was an ardent supporter of its methods and candidates. Mr. Zutavern was also a leading member of the Reformed church in Bloomville, was active in religious work and was a liberal and gener ous supporter of this organization. His estimable widow continues his work in this church, she being also one of its consistent members. The death of a man like Jacob B. Zutavern is a distinct loss to any 64 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. community, and his memory should be cherished in enduring form. As long, as industry and honesty are considered cardinal virtues, and as long as an upright and exemplary life is held as worthy of emulation, so long will abide the memory of such men as our subject. He was a man of pleasant and genial disposition, well equipped mentally, and had a wide circle of attached friends. He was charitable to those less for tunate than himself and was known as an exceptionally kind neighbor. Mrs. Zutavern still resides on the valuable farm left her by her husband, and is a lady who is most highly esteemed in this locality. EUGENE W. ALLEN. The pioneers of a country, the founders of a business, the originators of any undertaking that will promote the material welfare or advance the educational, social and moral influence of a community, deserve the gratitude of humanity. It has been said that the man who each week • pays over his counters a large force of workmen does more for his country'than he who: leads an armed host forth to battle. The destruc tive element connected with the latter is replaced in the former instance by one of upbuilding — by the promotion of commercial activity and con sequent prosperity. Closely associated with the manufacturing and finan cial interests of Fostoria, Eugene Allen belongs to that class of repre sentative Americans who while advancing individual success also pro mote the progress and prosperity of the community with which they are connected. - He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution; and his close application and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to-day his. Mr. Allen is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred at Wolf Lake, in 1864, and his parents being Felton and Susan (Childs) Allen. He comes of an old Pennsylvania family whose representatives resided in the eastern and southern part of the Keystone state. The grandfather CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 65 removed from Pennsylvania to Indiana, becoming one of the honored pioneer settlers of Noble county, where he spent his remaining days, de voting his energies to agricultural pursuits. Religiously he was con nected with the Society of Friends. His son, Felton Allen, was born in that county and for many years successfully conducted a stock farm, being one of the leading stock dealers of that part of the country. His wife was a native of Virginia and during" her childhood was brought to Indiana, by her parents, who settled on a large tract of land near Wolf Lake. In the place of his nativity Mr. Allen, of this review, was reared and educated. He has been a resident o-f Fostoria since 1893, and has been closely associated with its business interests. There is no American town- or city that does not offer good business advantages to the man who can recognize and improve opportunities, who is energetic, determined and resolute, and Mr. Allen found that the field of labor was not exhausted here. In 1893 he was instrumental in organizing the Peabody Buggy Company, of which Mr. Peabody became president, but in 1895 the Allen Brothers, Eugene and W. O., purchased his interest in the business, and E. W. Allen became president and treasurer of the company, while W. O. Allen assumed the duties of vice-president and secretary. The business was then a small one, but it has since grown to mammoth pro portions and the sales amount to two hundred and fifty-five thousand dollars yearly. Employment is furnished to one hundred skilled work men and their products are sent throughout the United States, the east ern trade being very extensive. They manufacture light, stylish driving rigs of every description, and the excellent workmanship, durability and attractiveness of design and finish insure to the company a very large and constantly increasing patronage. Mr. Allen, however, has not confined his attention and efforts alone to one line. The old Mechanics' Savings Banking Company he trans formed into the Mechanics' Banking Company, in July, 1899, and be came its cashier, with O. T. Brown as its president. At that time the institution was net in a very flourishing condition, but under the wise 66 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. direction and conservative policy of Mr. Allen it has become one of the leading banks in this portion of the state, its deposits having increased from one hundred thousand to more than five hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Allen also established a branch at Bradner, in the center of the oil region, and this has been attended by a high degree of success. The Allen brothers have valuable interests in the oil districts and they have also taken great pride in the old homestead in Noble county, Indiana. The Allen stock farm of two hundred and forty acres is situated in the town of Wolf Lake. On this they raise high-bred horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, and their sales of stock annually increase their income to a considerable extent. Mr. Allen, of this review, is. widely recognized as a man of excellent business and executive ability and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by determined and honorable effort. On the 1 6th of February, 1898, Mr. Allen was united in. marriage to Miss Mary Leonard, of Fostoria, a daughter of Clark Leonard, of this city, a well-known oil producer of Ohio., having extensive interests in the oil regions. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen has been born a daughter, Clara Louise, who is the life and light of the household. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of Fostoria, and take a very active and helpful part in its work and upbuilding. The lady is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and Elocution, in Boston, and does everything in her power to promote the intellectual and moral development of the community, while her home, celebrated for its gracious hospitality, has become the center of a cultured society circle. Mr. Allen is one of the trustees of the church and a very active worker in the Sunday-school and Society of Christian Endeavor, hold ing office in both. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, and in his political views he is a Republican. A generous contributor to all movements for the social, intellectual, material and moral benefit to the people, Fostoria numbers him among her valued citizens. He has made good use of his opportunities and has prospered from year to year, has conducted all business matters carefully and successfully and in all his acts displays an aptitude for successful management. He has not per- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 67 mitted the accumulation of wealth to affect in any way his actions toward those less successful than he, and has always, a cheerful word and pleasant smile for all with whom he comes in contact. ABRAM RIFE. A successful farmer and stock-raiser of Seneca county, Ohio, is Abram Rife, who owns a large and well improved farm in Bloom town ship, and is one of the substantial men of the county. Abram Rife was born on August 15, 1835, in Richland county, Ohio1, and he is thus a Buckeye by birth, rearing and residence. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Rife, and they had a family of eight children. In 1844 they moved from Richland county into Wyandot county, and for a time engaged in farming there, but later, 1852, a home was made in Seneca township-, Seneca county, and there the parents died, aged seventy-seven and sixty-five, respectively. . The early life of Abram Rife, the subject of this biography, was spent on the farm in Seneca township, and there he attended school and assisted his father in his management of the farm. He remained on the home farm until he had reached his twenty-second year, and then gave his services to other farmers in the locality. After working for a time as a farm hand on neighboring estates, he decided to put some of his knowledge and experience to personal use, and rented some land, suc ceeding in his agricultural experiments so well that he continued to thus carry on farming for some eight years. By a prudent husbanding of his means Mr. Rife had managed to acquire sufficient money to enable him - to invest in land, and he went to Wood county, where he bought forty acres of land and there carried on a general line of farming for three years. Then he disposed of that property and returned to Seneca town ship, where he again invested in land, buying a. farm which he conducted successfully for the eight succeeding years. It was not until 1881, how ever, that Mr. Rife settled down permanently, selecting then his present 68 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. most desirable farm, located in Bloom township, where he owns one- hun dred and twenty acres- of fine farming land, which he has transformed into one of the most valuable agricultural properties of this section of the township. It has been truly said that country life possesses every ele ment to make the material side of life one of enjoyment, and in noting the comfort and attractiveness of Mr. Rife's estate this assertion is only emphasized. He has been a very successful stock-raiser as well as farmer, his interests having been centered here ever since his location. With the aid of modern machinery, the use of proper fertilizers and the adoption of thorough methods, he has developed a fine business. Mr. Rife was married to Miss Ida Briner, and three sons have been born to- this union, namely: Nevin; Bertie; and Clyde. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rife are valued members o-f the Evangelical church, to- which the former contributes liberally, while in politics he is a stanch supporter of the principles- of the Republican party. In this locality Mr. Rife is con sidered one of the solid, responsible men of the community, and his assertions are listened to with respect, carrying with them, as they do, sentiments of good citizenship, temperance and morality. He is a man of force of character, upright and honorable, a, good neighbor, a helpful friend, and a father and husband who is respected and beloved in his home. ISAAC NEWTON HOSSLER. The agricultural development of Seneca county, Ohio, which is of a character to reflect credit upon the state, may be easily comprehended by an acquaintance with the leading farmers of this section. They be long to a class of men who have raised the cultivation of the soil into a science, devoting to this work time, industry and means. Among the prominent and successful farmers of Bloom township, Seneca county, Isaac Newton Hossler, of this biography, takes a leading position, both as an agriculturist and as a worthy and valued citizen. Mr. Hossler was born on December 12, 1852, in this same township, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 69 where his parents were farmers o-f substance and respectability. They were Jacob and Anna (Funk) Hossler. Mr. Hossler was reared on the home farm and attended the com mon schools, obtaining there an elementary education, which was sup plemented by later instruction in the academy at Republic, where he pursued higher branches. He did not take up farming as a serious occu pation before he was twenty-two years o-f age, but since that time has devoted his attention closely to- it and by his intelligent methods' and progressive ideas has made it a successful vocation. He first took charge of his father-in-law's land, and for a period of eight years operated that to' the satisfaction of all concerned. He then went back to the old home farm, taking charge of the same, and there he continued for the succeed ing eight years. Mr. Hossler learned much concerning farming and stock-raising in these sixteen years of constant activity. This knowledge he applied in the management of his own farm where he located about this time and where he has. resided ever since. The well cultivated fields and commodious accommodations provided for the yields of meadows and harvests of grain, his sleek cattle and healthy stock, his comfortable and attractive residence surrounded by fruitful orchards, all testify to his precedence as a farmer, and also to the prosperity which has followed his efforts. The home farm, where he has long made his residence, consists of seventy-nine acres, and he also owns another adjoining farm of equal extent. This land isi of considerable value, and could be dis posed of at a high figure. The marriage of Mr. Hossler took place on March 18, 1875, when Miss Susan Revert became his wife. She was born in Stark count}-, Ohio, and was a daughter of Michael and Magdalena Revert. A family of eight children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hossler, seven of these still surviving, as follows : Alphonso-, Gertrude, Jesse, Jay, Arthur, Robert and Ray. Death removed Myrtle, at the age of eighteen months. The death of Mrs. Hossler occurred on March 24, 1894. The second mar riage of Mr. Hossler occurred on April 22, 1900, when he wedded Mrs. Amanda Davis, who- was the widow of J. C. Davis, and a daughter of Benjamin Zeigler. 70 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. In his political views Mr. Hossler has always been a Republican, and he has efficiently served in several of the local offices, belonging to the school board and serving as trustee of Bloom township, while in 1900 he was census enumerator. He is a man who possesses the con fidence of his fellow citizens to: such a degree that many official positions might be his if he cared to accept them. Quiet and unassuming in his demeanor, he has made many friends in this township, and all are united in their high regard for one who has lived an honest, industrious and upright life in their midst for so many years. A good citizen, a careful farmer, a faithful township official and a man devoted to- his friends and family, Mr. Hossler occupies an enviable place in public regard. WILLIAM R. TITTLE. Seneca county has been the home of Mr. Tittle from the time of his boyhood, and as more than half a century has elapsed since his parents located in the county it may be seen that he is a representative o-f one of the pioneer families o-f this favored section of the old Buckeye state. He has wrought out his own success through the persistent application of his energies and abilities in connection with the great basic art of agriculture, is known as a representative farmer of Eden township, and to him is the distinction of being an honored veteran of the war of the Rebellion, in which he served with the fidelity and patriotic ardor of a true son of the republic, taking part in many of the most hotly contested battles of the long and sanguinary, struggle which determined the integ rity of the nation. Mr. Tittle is a native of the old Keystone state, having been born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, the son of Jonathan and Susan (Beatty) Tittle, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. They be came the parents of seven sons and three daughters, of whom only four are living at the present time, namely : Martha, the widow of William Ferguson', of Eden township; Sarah W., a resident of the village of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 7i Melmore, this county; William, the subject o-f this sketch; and Samuel, a resident of Tiffin. Those who are deceased are John, Ralph, Ben jamin, Allen, Ann and Susanna. The parents came to Ohio in 1846 and located on a farm in Eden township, Seneca, county, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, to- which he later added a contiguous tract of sixty acres, here developing a good farm within the next decade, which represented- the remainder of his span of life, since he was summoned into eternal rest on the 16th of October, 1856, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a man of utmost probity and honor, and to him was given an unreserved esteem in the community. His devoted wife survived him by more than a score of years, passing away in 1877, at the age of seventy-six years. William Tittle came to Eden township with his parents, and here he was reared to maturity, assisting in the work of the homestead farm and receiving his early educational discipline in the public schools of the locality and period. Upon attaining his legal majority he gave in ception to his independent career by working at the carpenter trade, to which he was devoting his attention at the time when the thundering of rebel guns against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter precipitated the greatest civil war in the annals of history. His intrinsic loyalty led him to respond to' the first call for troops to: assist in the suppression of the rebellion, and in December7-:t86i, he-enlisted as a private in Com pany H, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a term of three years. He proceeded to the front with his command, and the first engagement in which he participated was that at Moorefield, Virginia (now West Virginia), and thereafter he was to be found in the fighting line in each of the following notable battles : Second Bull Run, Chancellors- ville, Gettysburg and Missionary Ridge, in which last he was in the di vision commanded by "Fighting Joe" Hooker. Thereafter Mr. Tittle took part im the engagements at Resaca, Buzzards' Roost and Peach Tree creek,' after which he was with Sherman in the ever memorable march to the sea, taking part in the siege of Atlanta. During his entire term of service he was never disqualified for active duty, having never been, in the hospital and having received no wounds. At Chattanooga 72 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the colonel o-f his regiment tendered to Mr. Tittle the position of color bearer, but he declined the honor. He received his honorable discharge on the last day of the year 1864, and then returned to Eden township, and resumed work at his trade, continuing in this line for a period of five years. He then located on his present finely improved and highly productive farm, which comprises eighty acres, and here he has been successful in his farming enterprise and is known and honored as one of the county's sterling and public-spirited citizens. His political ad herency is with the Republican party, of whose principles and policies he is a. stanch supporter, and his fraternal- interest in his old comrades who followed the stars and stripes on many a weary march and in many a bloody contest on the southern battlefields, is vitalized through his in timate association with the Grand Army of the Republic, his member- bership. being in General W. H. Gibson Post, No. 31, at Tiffin. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, of which his wife also is a devoted member. On the 22d of December, 1870, Mr. Tittle was united in marriage to Miss Emma Johnson, who' was born in Seneca county, Ohio', the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Beatty) Johnson, and they are the parents of two children, — Susie H. and Edith B., both of whom remain at the parental home. GEORGE W. KISHLER. Among the intelligent, progressive and enterprising men who have successfully directed their attention and labors to the noble work of husbandry in Seneca county and whose prosperity has come as the re sult of personal effort, is- Mr. Kishler, one of the substantial and hon ored agriculturists of Eden township, and aside from- his position as a sterling citizen he also has the honor of being a veteran of the war of the Rebellion, If one is to sojourn for any length of time in that naturally favored portion of the county designated by the title of Eden township, he is sure to- note with appreciation- the changes- wrought by CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 73 the hand of man to the end of securing the great fields of waving grain, the undulating meadows, with their herds and flocks, the substantial improvements and the various other conditions, indicatory of a prosper ous agricultural community. In this connection also will be noticed the fine farm estate of the subject of this review, and here he is abiding in peace, contentment and plenty, honored by those among whom so- many years of his life have been passed and ever doing all in his power to conserve the best interests of the community. Mr. Kishler is a native of Perry county, Ohio, having been born on a farm, near the town of Somerset, on the 30th of May, 1842, the son of Frederick and Elizabeth Kishler. When he was about six years of age, in 1848, the family came to Seneca county, where our subject was reared to years of maturity, "receiving his educational training in the public schools-. When nineteen years of age he gave inception to- his independent career by securing a clerkship in a mercantile establish ment at Wooster, Wayne county, and resigned this position in 1862, in order to respond to the call of higher duty. He enlisted as' a private in Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until his discharge, on account of physical disability. He then returned to Tiffin, where he gave his attention to the sawing out o-f gun stocks until May 2, 1864, when he again tendered his serv ices in defense of the Union, enlisting, in the one-hundred-days service, as corporal in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In fantry, which served in defense of the federal capital until the close of its term, when Mr. Kishler was mustered out and received his hon orable discharge. His interest in- his old comrades- in arms has never flagged and is vitalized by his identification with the Grand Army o-f the Republic, he having been one of the charter members of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, at Tiffin, of which he served as ad jutant for two terms. After the close of his military service Mil". Kishler returned to Tiffin, where his marriage was soon afterward solemnized and he then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, using marked discrimina tion from the start and so directing his energetic efforts as to attain a 5 74 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. cumulative success, as is evident in the prosperity which is now his. They have a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres, devoting the same to diversified agriculture and to. the raising of an excellent grade of live stock. While he takes: an interest of proper sort in public affairs of a local nature, he has never been an. aspirant for official preferment, but gives a stanch support to the principles' and policies advanced by the Republican party. On the 27th of December, 1865, Mr. Kishler was united in mar riage to Miss Clementine Norris, who- was born in this county, the daughter of Lloyd and Elizabeth Norris, pioneer settlers, and of this union four children have been born, namely: Fanny B., who died in her sixteenth year; Minnie M., wife of Frank Floorn, of Tiffin; Claud B., of Tiffin; and Lloyd, at home. • JOHN H. SMITH. It cannot be other than pleasing to note, in the various personal sketches appearing in this work, that there remain identified with the agricultural industry in Seneca county many worthy and prominent citizens whose entire lives have been passed here and many of whom were born here in the early pioneer epoch, thus being witnesses of the transition stages which have brought this section of the state from its condition as a primeval forest to- that as a populous and opulent division of one of the greatest commonwealths in the Union. In the subject of this review we have one of these honored representatives of a pioneer family and one who is known as a substantial and influential farmer of Hopewell township. Mr. Smith was born in Pleasant township, on the 15th of Feb ruary, 1852, being the son of Henry and Barbara (Fry) Smith. Henry Smith, was born in Germany, whence he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America, in 1831. His father brought the family to Seneca county and took up a tract of government land in Pleasant CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 75 township, where he reclaimed a good farm from the forest wilds and there passed the residue of his life, as did- also his wife. On this old homestead — the one on which the subject of this sketch was born — Henry Smith was reared to maturity, attending the primitive school of the time and place as opportunity afforded, the advantages in this line being rather meager, as a matter of course. In 1851 he purchased a quarter section of wooded land, upon which he erected: a house of hewed logs, utilizing heavy beech timbers, which were properly squared and made ready for use in the erection of this- house of three rooms and attic, — a. domicile somewhat more pretentious than the average in the locality at that time. He improved his farm as rapidly as possible and there remained until 1864, when he disposed of the place and purchased a quarter section in Clinton township- where he likewise improved a good farm, remaining there until 1868, when he located in the vicinity of Tiffin. Later on he traded his property there for three hundred acres in Pleasant township, where he made his home for eighteen years. He then retired from active pursuits, taking up his residence in Tiffin, where his death occurred three years later. His widow is still living, making her home in Loudon township. The success which attended his efforts may be estimated when it is learned that he left an estate whose value was approximately sixty thousand dollars. He was a man of strong mentality and absolute integrity of purpose, and was one o-f the influential citizens of the county, where he was held in the highest esteem. His wife, whose maiden name was Barbara Fry, was born in Germany, and has now attained the venerable age of seventy-two1 years, making her home with her youngest son, Daniel. They became the parents of eight sons and five daughters, and of this number eight are living at the present time. John H. Smith, the immediate subject of this review, remained at the parental home until he had attained years of maturity, assisting in the farm work and attending the common schools as opportunity presented. He initiated his independent career about the time of his marriage, which occurred in 1875, renting land of his father about three years and then removing to Tiffin, where he remained about two 76 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. years devoting his attention to- teaming and also to- farming. He there after continued his agricultural pursuits on his farm of one hundred acres, -in Bloom township-, for a period of eleven years, at the expiration of which he traded the place for his present attractive and well improved farm, in Hopewell township, the same comprising one hundred and sixty-eight acres, of which all but eighteen acres is cleared and under a fine state of cultivation. In addition to. diversified farming Mr. Smith also gives his attention to the raising of high-grade live, stock, and his good judgment and discrimination have made both branches of his farm industry duly profitable. He takes a proper' interest in local affairs of a public nature, and exercises his franchise in support of the prin ciples and policies of the Democratic party, while in religion he is a communicant of St. Mary's Catholic church, in Tiffin, having been reared in this faith. On the 26th of November, 1875, Mr. Smith was united in mar riage to Miss Mary Unser, who was born in Loudon township, the daughter of Joseph and Johannah Unser, and of this union four chil dren have been born, of whom two are living namely : Harry, who is engaged in farming in Seneca township; and Clara, who remains at the parental home. The other two children died in infancy. DAVID H. DERR. The great agricultural industry in Seneca county has an able rep resentative in the subject of this review, who was born on the farm where he now lives, in Clinton township, and who is a member of one of the sterling old pioneer families of the county, his father having located in the forest wilds- of this section of the state more than seventy years ago. David H. Derr was born on his present homestead, on the 5th of May, 1844, being one of the seven children o-f Ezra and Rosanna (Cramer) Derr, and one of the four who are living at the present time, the others being John T. and Dennis F„ of Tiffin, and William, a sue- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 77 cessful farmer of Clinton township. Ezra Derr was born in Frederick county, Maryland, January 1, 1807, and in 1829 he came thence to the wilds of Seneca county, Ohio1, looking over the territory and then re turning to his native state. In 1830 he came again to this county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land in Clinton township, three miles northeast of Tiffin, later acquiring an ad ditional tract of equal area, so that his farm comprised three hundred and twenty acres. Of this old homestead his son David H. now owns one hundred and fifty-eight acres and a fraction. When the father took up- his location here there was a frame house on the place, the same having been erected by a Mr. Earl, the original owner. This was one of the first frame buildings erected in the county and is still in a fair state of preservation. Ezra Derr cleared and improved, the greater portion of his farm, and here he continued to- reside until his death, on the 30th o-f January, 1890, at the venerable age of eighty- three years. He was a stalwart Republican in politics, and was one of the zealous and influential members of the First Reformed church in Tiffin, having been an elder in the church for many years and having ever been ready to- contribute to its cause and to forward its work in every possible way. He was well known in the county and was revered as one of the sterling pioneers who contributed his quota to the founding and building of this section of the state. His wife: was born in Fred erick county, Maryland, on the 25th of March, 1807, and accompanied her parents, Frederick Cramer and wife, on their removal to Seneca county, in the year following the arrival of Mr. Derr, to- whom her marriage was here solemnized. She died on the 16th of August, 1889, her husband surviving her until the following January, as has been noted, so- that these two, who so long lived in gentle and kindly affec tion in life, were not long divided in death. David PL Derr, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead farm and received his early educational training in the public schools. He continued to work on the homestead for stipulated wages until he had attained the age of twenty-nine years, when he and his brother William took charge of the old place and 78 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. worked it on shares, being thus associated until 1894, when William removed to his own farm, a part of the homestead, which he had acquired in 1890, after his father's death, and since that time our subject has con tinued operations on his, portion of the homestead, as has been already noted in this article. His place has the best of improvements and is maintained in a high state of cultivation, being devoted to diversified farming and to the raising of live stock. Mr. Derr has been an indus trious and progressive worker and careful business man, and he has not been denied a due measure of success in his well directed efforts, while he commands uniform confidence and esteem in the community where his entire life has been p-assed. He gives his support to the Repub lican party, but has never been an aspirant for public office. He clings to the religious: faith in which he was reared and is- a worthy member of the First Reformed church in Tiffin, his wife being a member of the Baptist denomination. On the 10th of November, 1878, Mr. Derr was united in marriage to Miss Martha S. Kaga, who was born in this county, the daughter of Rudolph and Anna Kaga, the former of whom died December 8, 1866, and the latter on the 27th of April, 1878. Mr. Kaga was born in Fairfield county, February 18, 1818, and there his father died, after which his mother removed with her family to: Bloom township-, Seneca county, in 1827, the family thus being numbered among the pioneers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Derr became the parents of three children, of whom two are living, — Rosanna Blanche and Ezra C, both of whom remain at the parental home. GEORGE SHANNON. One of the venerable pioneers and honored citizens of Seneca county is Mr. Shannon, who has here devoted his attention to agri cultural pursuits for more than half a century, having located in the county at a period when the1 virgin forest marked the sites of a major CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 79 portion of the present highly cultivated farms, and he thus aided in reclaiming the land and in laying the foundations for the prosperity which now attends the fine agricultural community of this favored sec tion of the Buckeye state. He has cleared six different farms in this county, and prior to dividing his. property among his children was the owner of nearly four hundred acres. He has been dependent upon his own resources from the time of his boyhood and his success is a mer ited reward for his well directed endeavors and his life of signal probity and honor. Though of advanced years Mr. Shannon retains marked mental and physical vigor and is a fine type of the pioneers of the great state of Ohio. Mr. Shannon is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Franklin county, on the 12th of October, 1816, the eldest of the five children of George and Barbara (Kiser) Shannon and the only one living at the present time. He was reared to the age of eighteen years in his native state, having very limited educational advantages, as the financial position of his father was such that he had to provide for his own maintenance while a mere child. In 1834 the family came to Ohio, making the trip with a one-horse wagon and locating near Canton, Stark county, where the parents passed the remainder of their lives. At the age of nine years Mr. Shannon began working on a farm, for his board and clothing, and he thus continued in the employ of one man until he had attained the age of fourteen, when he began receiving wages. He remained in Stark county until 1847, when he came to Seneca county and after remaining for a few months in Tiffin he pur chased a tract of fifty-two: acres, in Pleasant township, a few acres having been' cleared and a hewed-log house erected. He cleared and improved this farim, and as prosperity attended his efforts he increased bis holdings of farm property, clearing and improving five other places, having now his home farm, of seventy-three acres, where he took up his abode in 1898, having divided the remainder of his land among his children. He has a pleasant home and still maintains an active super vision of his farm, which is one of the model places of this section. In his political adherency Mr. Shannon has been a, stanch supporter of 80 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the Democratic party from the time of attaining his majority, and he has voted for every Democratic presidential candidate from that time to the present, with the exception of the support which he gave to Abraham Lin coln, for whom he voted for his first and second terms. For several years he was a member of the school board of his- district, and he also served as township trustee for four years. His religious faith is that of the Brethren, or what is generally known as the Dunkard church, of which he has been a devoted member for many years. On the 2d of January, 1840, Mr. Shannon was united in marriage in Stark county, to Miss Annie Mary Lautzenheiser, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, and they became the parents of eight children, namely: John and William, who died at the ages of forty-three and fifty-four years respectively; Mary E., the wife of Jesse Miller, of this township; Franklin, a farmer of this township; Samuel, a resident of Tiffin; Lewis, who is a painter by trade and who- is now engaged in farming in Sandusky county; Melissa, who became the wife of John Schaffer and who died at the age of thirty ; and Nelson, who has charge of the hoiuestead farm. Nelson married Miss Lizzie Remsberg and they have two children, Ralph Harris and John Clarence. He owns a farm adjoining his father's and operates both places. Mrs. Shannon, the wife of our honored subject, died January 28, 1900, after a brief illness. She had lived a consistent Christian life and for upward of sixty years proved a true helpmate to her husband, whose every effort received her hearty approval and co-operation. WILLIAM B. WASHBURN, D. V. S. Few members, of the veterinary profession are better known in Sen eca county, Ohio, than is Dr. William B. Washburn, of Tiffin, Ohio. Educated in all of the principles and modern methods1 of his specialty, he is enthusiastic in its practice, and his services are valued highly and are in constant demand all through this county. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 81 The birthplace of Dr. Washburn was on a large estate owned and conducted by his father, Aaron G. Washburn, in Lucas county, Ohio, and the date of his nativity was February 8, 1869. The elder Mr. Wash burn is likewise a native of Lucas county and is now the owner of a large dairy farm at Richfield Center. Dr. Washburn grew up on a farm and early became accustomed to the care of the stock, almost insensibly becoming interested in a way which probably determined his future career and his great success. Until he was sixteen years o-f age his father insisted upon his attendance at school, the boy showing unusual ability, and graduating, at that early age, from the high school at Sylvania. He then engaged in teaching in the district schools in his native county, continuing through two years, with marked success, and becoming one of the popular teachers although young in years. His health failed from over study, and in order to improve it he took a trip to: Michigan. He there resumed teaching school and continued through the following year. His ambition, however, led him to enter an educational institution at Wauseon, Ohio, and that year was passed in the study of scientific subjects, with the result that Mr. Washburn's inclinations had now become a determination to enter seri ously upon the systematic study of veterinary science. The sacrifice and suffering entailed upon the domestic animals which minister to our well- being and pleasure, on account of the ignorance prevailing as to their treatment, awakened in the young man an overmastering desire to learn how to cure and alleviate their afflictions. Mr. Washburn was received as a student by Dr. J. V. Newton, of Toledo, a gentleman of high standing in the profession, with whom he followed a preparatory course and later entered the veterinary college located at Toronto-, Canada, continuing there till his graduation in 1893. Upon- his return he remained with Dr. Newton in Toledo until the fol lowing year, when he came to Tiffin, where he has been engaged in active practice. In 1898 Dr. Washburn purchased- a livery business, which he has extended into the largest and most complete of its kind in this locality, his horses and various equipments being of such a kind that they would reflect credit upon a much larger city. The Doctor is an ardent lover of fine horses, his admiration for such and the pleasure 82 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. afforded in driving them leading him to be the possessor of a few of the most spirited roadsters to be found in Tiffin or vicinity. The marriage of Dr. Wrashburn took place on May 3, 1893, to Miss Ada M. Leonardson, who was a resident of Riga, Michigan, a lady of many graces of mind and person. In his political preferences Dr. Wash burn is liberal, being in no- sense a politician. In fraternal circles he is a valued member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, Knights of Pythias, at Tiffin. As a leading member of his profession in this locality, Dr. Wash burn is considered an authority, and is frequently in consultation over serious cases, few ever passing through his skilled treatment without re lief. He is a member o-f the various county and state organizations of his profession, is respected by his brother veterinarians, and is in de mand as a writer for the veterinary publications. In Tiffin Dr. Wash burn is very well and favorably known, and his livery business is one of the leading concerns of the city, being well adapted to the city's needs and receiving the generous patronage, it deserves. JOHN R. BRADNER. The family history of the Bradners is one of close connection with Fostoria, and its development, progress and material advancement. Pie whose name introduces this review has, like his father and brothers, been actively associated with business interests that have been of benefit to the community, while promoting individual prosperity. He now con ducts a general real-estate, insurance and collection agency, and is also serving as justice o-f the peace for Loudon township. John R. Bradner is a native of Fostoria, his birth having occurred in 1875. The family is of Scotch lineage and was founded in America by his great-grandfather, who was a native of Scotland and who was- a minister of the Presbyterian church. For some years the representatives of the name resided in New York, but eventually the family was estab- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 83 lished in Ohio-, and since that time the Bradners have had important in fluence in shaping the commercial and industrial history of the state. At the usual age the subject of this review entered- the public schools, acquiring a good practical education. As a real-estate dealer he is well informed concerning the value of property, not only in Fostoria and Seneca county, but in other sections of Ohio. He has handled many im portant property interests! and negotiated deals which have involved heavy investments. He also writes a large amount of insurance an nually, representing several of the standard companies, and his collec tion agency forms no unimportant department of his business. His efforts bring to him a handsome income and as an enterprising and wide awake business man he is well known. Mr. Bradner was united in marriage to Miss- Laura M. Earl, a most estimable lady of Fostoria, and a daughter of Lero-y Earl, of this city. Their union has been blessed with two interesting sons, J. Al-onzO' and Earl Milton. In public affairs Mr. Bradner is known as one who co-operates in- every measure for the public good. His political support is given the Republican party and he was honored with election to the office of oonstable. So capably did he discharge his duties through the first term that he was re-elected in 1895. He was later elected justice of the peace, and is now an incumbent: of that position. He has not been- an aspirant for office, however, as his time and energies are fully occupied by his business interests. He is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family, one who, by reason of his sterling personal worth, deserves and is: generally accorded that esteem which comes to: those whose lives- are in close touch with all that assists in advancing the community in which they live. HENRY KLAISS. No citizen of Seneca county enjoys the confidence and high esteem of his associates, and neighbors in a greater degree than does Henry Klaiss, who has spent his entire life in the locality. Since attaining to 84 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. mature years he has taken an active share in the development of the resources of this vicinity, has materially aided in church and charitable enterprises and has ever used his influence in behalf of everything mak ing for good citizenship. Born on the farm on which he now resides, March 4, 1855, Mr. Klaiss is a son of Peter and Mary Matilda (Siple) Klaiss, natives of Northampton county, Pennsylvania. In the early '40s the father came to Seneca county, Ohio, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of partially improved land, in Eden township, the place which our subject now owns and occupies. At the time of the purchase a small log cabin stood on this farm, and in that primitive dwelling the family made their home for a time, after which a more suitable dwelling was erected. On this homestead the father made his home for many years, but he event ually retired from the active cares of a business life and moved, after the death of his wife, to the town of Melmore, where he passed away in death in January, 1890. His wife was called from this earth on the 4th of July, 1880. This worthy couple were the parents of three chil dren: Henry, the subject of this review; Jennie, the wife of George Keller, of Bloom township; and Frank, who resides near Mexico., Wyan dot county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Klaiss were active members of the Ger man Reformed church. Henry Klaiss, of this review, received his early education in the common schools- of this neighborhood, and until his marriage he made his home with his parents on the old farm. He then removed to a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Seneca township, where he made his home for thirteen years, and on the expiration of that period he again returned to the home of his youth, buying the interests ' of the other heirs. The place now contains a tract of one hundred and twenty- three acres, ninety-three acres of which is under an excellent state of cultivation, and there he is engaged in general farming and stock-rais ing. His life work has been crowned with success, but his prosperity has come to him as a result of energy, perseverance and hard work, his career thus illustrating most forcibly the power of patient and per sistent effort and self-reliance. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 85 September 6, 1877, Mr. Klaiss was united in marriage to Miss Eva Stuckey, and they have one son, Dorsey F., aged twenty-two years. Mr. Klaiss gives his political support to: the Democracy, and he has ever been zealous in its support, believing firmly in its principles. His religious preference is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. CHARLES F. SMITH. Another of the enterprising and successful farmers and stock- growers of Seneca, county is Mr. Smith and to him also is given the dis tinction of being a native of the county and a member of one of its honored pioneer families, so that there is manifest consistency in here entering a review of his career. Mr. Smith was born in Liberty township, on the 7th of Septem ber, 1859, the son of Henry Smith, who was born in Germany, whence he accompanied his parents, on their emigration to America, being five years of age at the time. They came to Ohio and settled in Seneca county, about the year 1821, and here Henry Smith was reared to- maturity. He married Miss Barbara Fry, and they became the parents of eight sons and five daughters, of whom eight are living at the pres ent time. When our subject was five1 years of age his father removed to Clinton township, where he made his home until 1870, when he located on the farm, in Pleasant township, where Charles: F. now lives, Here he continued in agricultural pursuits until his retirement from active life, when he established his. home in the city of Tiffin, where he died September 14, 1889, at the age of sixty-three years. His widow- new resides with her son Daniel, near Bascom. Charles F. Smith- was- reared: on the home farm and his educational advantages were such as were afforded in the public schools. After his marriage, in 1885, he took charge of the homestead farm, and he now owns the place, having made the best of improvements, including an attractive and modern brick residence, while the area of his farm which is bordered by the Sandusky river, is one hundred and twenty-eight 86 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. acres, the place being devoted to diversified farming and the raising of high-grade live stock. In his- political allegiance Mr. Smith is identified, as was his father, with the Democratic party, and he has at all times been- deeply interested in public affairs of a local nature, doing all in his power to forward the educational and other normal interests of his community. He has served as director and supervisor of his school district, but has never sought any distinctively political office. His re ligious faith is that of the Catholic church in which he was reared, and he is a communicant of St. Mary's church, at Tiffin. On the 24th of November, 1885, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Anne B. Lutz, who is a native of Defiance county and a repre sentative of one o-f its pioneer families, being the daughter of the late Michael Lutz. Our subject and his estimable wife- are the parents of four children, all of whom remain beneath the parental roof, namely: Eugene, Estella, Ralph, and Cecelia. MAHLON A. THOMAS. Mahlon A. Thomas, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Fostoria ranks among the more enterprising and progressive business men. The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, -its- industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore the real upbuilders of a town are those who stand at the head of the leading enterprises. Mr. Thomas is especially well- in formed concerning realty values and handles property not only in Fos toria and Seneca county but also- throughout the state. A native of Huron county, Ohio, he was born in Ripley town ship, and is of English lineage. His paternal great-grandfather Amos Thomas, came from Great Britain and took up: his abode in Otsego county, New York. The grandfather of Mahlon also bore the name of Amos Thomas, and he married Elmira Baker. Among their children was Delos L. Thomas, whose birth occurred in Otsego county, New CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 87 York, where he spent the days o-f his childhood and youth. He wedded Abbie J. Hulbert, a daughter of Hatzel Hulbert, of Otsego county, New York. Two o-f their sons are now living, — Mahlon A., and Will iam Leonard, who resides in Toledo. Soon after their marriage the parents emigrated westward, taking up- their abode in Huron county, Ohio-, about 1850. There the father engaged in farming and general business and there, in 1900, he was called to his final rest, being seventy- four years of age. Mahlon A. Thomas spent the days of his boyhood at home, and to the public schools of his native county and at Plymouth, Ohio1, he is in debted for the educational privileges enjoyed. He was married October 21, 1880, to Miss Ida J. Hammond, of Huron county, an estimable lady, who shares with him the high regard which is uniformly his. They became residents of this city in 1892, when he established a general mercantile store, which he conducted with success for five years. On the expiration of that period he engaged in the real-estate business, and in his new field of endeavor fie has met with results beyond his expecta tion. His operations extend over a wide area and he has conducted many important real-estate transfers-. In association with his brother he owns several farms, in Huron and Wood counties, Ohio, amount ing to about five hundred acres, and they have made extensive improve ments on their land and are now interested in the operation of these farms. Mr. Thomas has also made extensive improvements in city prop erty, and he and his brother are also oil operators in Wood county, where they have leases of about six hundred acres, with about fifty wells in production. Mrs. Thomas is a worker in the Presbyterian church and has served as president of the Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. Thomas is also a stockholder in the Mechanics' Bank, and in his chosen field of labor he is meeting with that creditable success due uniform urbanity and busi ness acumen. In political thought and action he has always been a Re publican, but in local matters votes for those he considers best qualified. In business: he has achieved success through honorable effort, untiring industry and capable management, and in private life he has gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, 88 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. deference for the opinion of others, kindliness and geniality. Mr. Thomas is fond o-f hunting and has found recreation in numerous ex cursions in forest and field with his gun, visiting the best hunting grounds in Michigan and in the south. His home is one of the most attractive residence properties in the city of Fostoria, and is a center of refined hospitality, both he and his wife being prominent in the social life of the community. HENRY ZIEGLER. There is no one nation- that has contributed to the complex com position of our American social fabric an element of more sterling worth or of greater value in fostering and supporting our national in stitutions than has Germany. Germany has given us men of sturdy integrity, indomitable perseverance, high intelligence and much business sagacity, — the result being the incorporation of a firm and strength- giving fiber, ramifying through warp and woof. A man who may well look with pride upon his German-American ancestry is the subject of this review, who is1 a native of Seneca county, where he has passed prac tically his entire life, devoting his- attention to agricultural pursuits, possessing the dominating characteristics mentioned above and attaining a success worthy the name, with the concomitant confidence and regard of his fellow men. Mr. Ziegler was born on the old homestead farm, in Venice town ship, Seneca county, on the 23d of March, i860, being the son of Henry and Louisa (Keller) Ziegler, the former of whom was born in Baden, Germany, and the latter in the kingdom of Bavaria. The father was reared on a farm in the fatherland, where he received his educational training and where he remained until 1854, when he emigrated to Amer ica, making the voyage on one of the sailing vessels common to- that period and being on the deep for forty-eight days. He came to Seneca county soon after his arrival and located in Bloom township, where he began working on a farm by the month, continuing to be thus em- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 89 ployed about three years, within which time, by his frugality and inde fatigable toil, he accumulated sufficient money to justify him in the purchase of forty acres of land, in Venice township. He- was married in 1858 and soon afterward took up his abode on his farm, where he continued to make his home until 1864 when he purchased eighty acres of land in Eden township, a. portion of the same having been cleared and a log house and barn constituting the principal improvements. He subsequently purchased an adjoining eighty acres, and this continued to be his home until his death, on- the 9th of November, 1877, at the age of fifty-two years and five months. He was a devout member of the Reformed church, as was also his wife, who accompanied her par ents, Peter and Susanna Keller, on their emigration to America, in 1852, the voyage being forty-two days in duration. They likewise settled in Bloom township, this county, where they passed the residue of their days. Mrs. Ziegler survived her honored husband many years, passing away on the 10th of October, 1897, at the age of sixty-three years and ten days. They were people of sterling character, rearing their children to lives of usefulness and honor and being valued citizens of the com munity. Of their eight children we incorporate a brief record, as follows: Jacob is a farmer of Bloom township-; Henry is the subject of this sketch ; John lives on the homestead farm, in Eden township ; Susanna M'. is the wife of W. H. Brouse, of Lykens township, Craw ford county; George is engaged in farming in Eden township; Chris topher L. follows the same vocation In Wyandot county ; and Emeline K. and Adam A. remain at the old homestead. A few years, after the death of the father the estate was enlarged by the purchase of an ad joining tract of ninety acres, upon which a new and commodious resi dence was erected and other admirable improvements made, and there the mother made her home until her death. The immediate subject of this review was but four years of age when the family came to' Eden township-, and here he was reared to maturity, receiving a good common-school education and remaining on the homestead farm until his marriage, in 1887. He then located on a farm of eighty acres, in the same township1, devoting his attention to 6 90 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. its cultivation until 1891, when he removed to Lykens township, Craw ford county, where he had a farm of one hundred acres. At the ex piration of two years he came to- the farm where he now lives, in Eden township, owning one hundred and sixty acres in the home farm and forty-three acres in Texas township, Crawford county. He has made his homestead one of the fine places- of this section, the same having the best permanent improvements and being maintained under a high state of cultivation, while he also- devotes considerable attention to the raising of high-grade live stock. Mr. Ziegler is recognized as one of the pro gressive and influential farmers of his native county, using marked dis crimination in the conducting o-f his agricultural enterprises and thus winning the merited reward of definite success. He is a Democrat in his political proclivities, and his religious faith' is that of the Reformed church, of which his- wife also is a devoted member. He has lived in this community from his childhood and his life has been' such as to gain and retain to him unqualified confidence and esteem. On the 27th of September, 1887, Mr. Ziegler was united in mar riage to Miss Clara S. Klaiss, likewise a native of Seneca county, and they are the parents of seven children, all of whom remain at the pa rental home, namely : Frank L:, Fannie M., Blanche N., Raymond A., Eliza E., Cora A. and Howard A. JOSIAH GOODING. The annals of Seneca county give evidence that the Gooding fam ily has been identified with its history from the early pioneer epoch, and thus added interest attaches to the consideration of the career of the honored subject o-f this sketch, who is' one of the prominent citizens and successful farmers of the county, in which he has passed his entire life, commanding the same confidence and esteem as- did his venerated father, who located here when this section of the state was essentially an un broken wilderness, the virgin forests standing where now are valuable and finely improved farms and thriving cities and villages. The stren- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 91 uous life of the pioneer has been the theme of many a, writer, and yet never can too much be written concerning those who have blazed the way for progress and prosperity in the various sovereign states of our great republic and have been the founders of our enlightened common wealths. Josiah Gooding was born in Adams: township, Seneca county, on the i6tb o-f October, 1835, being the son o-f Josiah and Amelia (Cooper) Gooding, the former of whom was born in England, on the 12th of Jan uary, 1803, and- the latter in Dutchess county, New York, on October 10th of the same year. In 1821, when eighteen years of age, the father of our subject emigrated from his native land to- America, locating in New York city, where his marriage was solemnized. Of this union ten children were born, namely: Mary, born November 10, 1828, be came the wife of John Beigh and is now deceased ; George, born De cember 2, 1827, resides in Hillsdale county, Michigan; William PI. died in infancy; Sarah J., born February 17, 1 83 1 , died on the 13th of January, 1865, having been the wife of Michael Bowennan; Cath erine, born August 27, 1833, is the wife of Daniel Wyant, of Seneca county; Josiah is the immediate subject of this sketch; Amelia, born April 26, 1837, became the wife of Hiram George and resides in Idaho-; Lydia, born July 23, 1838, is the wife of Augustus Hoppes, of Henry county, Ohio; Elizabeth, born November 25, 1840, died on August 16th of the following year; and John C, born July 9, 1842, is a, carpet weaver and resides on the old homestead where he was born. Josiah Gooding, Sr., came from New York to Seneca county about the year 1830, locating in Adams township, where he took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land, upon which he built a log cabin of the primitive type, with puncheon floor and wide fireplace. The land was heavily timbered, but he set himself vigorously to the task of reclaiming his farm from the wilderness, and had accomplished this at the time of his death, which occurred on the 6th of December, 1841, when he met with an accident that terminated his life, being thrown from a horse in such a way as to break his neck. His widow survived him many years, passing away on the 7th of November, 1875. 92 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Josiah Goo-ding, Jr., the subject of this sketch, remained on the old homestead farm until he had attained the age o-f sixteen years, early beginning to contribute his quota to its work and securing such edu cational advantages as were afforded in the district schools of the pio neer days. When he had reached the age noted, the home-stead was sold, and he then began- working by the month as a farm hand, con tinuing to make his home with his mother until his marriage, in 1859. He then engaged in agricultural operations on his own responsibility, renting a farm for two years and then purchasing eighty acres in Adams township, which tract is a portion of his present valuable estate. A log cabin had been erected on the place and this continued to be his abid ing place for a number of years, the primitive domicile being far different in order from his present commodious and attractive farm residence. He now has a well improved and highly productive farm of one hundred and seventy acres, and gives his attention to diversified agriculture and to the raising of high grade live stock. Reverting to his youthful days, it should be stated that Mr. Gooding supplemented his common school education by a course of study in the academy at Rqxiblic, and when nineteen years of "age he put his scholastic acquirements to practical test by engaging in pedagogic work, receiving seventy-five cents per day and continuing to teach, at varying intervals, for ten terms. In poli tics he has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He has never sought official preferment, but served for three years as: justice of the peace in his township. His life has been ordered upon a high plane of integrity and usefulness, and to him is accorded the unequivocal confidence and es teem of the people of the community. Mr. Gooding has been twice married. On the 21st of April, 1859, he wedded Miss Mary A. Petticord, who was born on a farm now owned by her husband, the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Rule) Petticord. She was. summoned to eternal rest on the 26th of March, 1896. Of this union six children were born, namely: Elvira J., the wife of Benjamin F. Swander, of Adams township; Harry M., a farmer of Pleasant town ship; William, who died in infancy; Emma, the wife o-f J. E. Shellham- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 93 mer, of Scipio township; George E., who is a farmer of that township; and Herbert A., of Adams township, who is engaged in teaching school, being also incumbent of the office of justice of the peace. On the 23d 'of April, 1898, Mr. Gooding was united in marriage to Mrs. Nancy M. Pontius, who was born in Adams township, the daughter of James Paine. She became the wife of William Pontius, who died in 1888, leaving four children, Schuyler, Hubbard A.,, Estella and Homer, the last two being now deceased. Mr. Gooding also made a home for Edith Fifer, of Indiana, who remained in his home from the age of eight years until the death of Mrs. Mary A. Gooding, the first wife of our subject. HENRY K. HERSHISER, M. D. The life of Dr. Henry K. Hershiser compassed the psalmist's span of three-score years and ten, covering a period of usefulness in which he lived and labored for his fellow men, carrying help and comfort to many. Not only his professional skill but his private life won for him the highest respect of all, and in his death the community lost one of its oldest and most prominent citizens. Dr. Hershiser was a native of Bedford, Pennsylvania, born July 7, 1832, and on the paternal side was of German lineage, his grandparents having been natives of Germany. Henry Hershiser, his father, was born and reared in Bedford, Pennsylvania, where he learned the dis tiller's trade, as a boy, though at twenty years of age he secured em ployment on a farm. In 1833 he came to Seneca county and settled in Venice township, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of gov ernment land, covered with a dense growth of timber ; but soon the mon- archs of the forest fell before his sturdy strokes, and as the land was cleared he placed it under cultivation, continuing his residence thereon until five years prior to his death, when he sold his farm and removed to Columbus. In his business affairs he met with a fair degree of suc cess, securing a comfortable competence. He was generous, warm- 94 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. hearted and kindly, and his life was in harmony with his professions as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He gave his political support first to the Whig party and afterward to the Republican party, and although he strongly endorsed the principles which he upheld by his ballot, he would- never consent to become a candidate for office. He married Maria B. Kegg, who was born and reared in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and who was of Scotch-Irish descent. Like her hus band, she was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and, surviving him for thirteen years, she died at the age of eighty-one. Henry K. was about a year old when brought to Seneca county, where he passed his youthful days upon the farm, working in the fields through the summer months, while in the winter season he attended the public schools until sixteen years of age. He then went to Columbus, where he resided with his brother, William- Hershiser, who- was chief clerk in the state treasury department for eighteen years. He there se cured a position as salesman in a drug store, where he remained for about eight or nine years, during which time he began reading medicine, hav ing become imbued with the idea of making its practice his life work. After about five years' reading he attended lectures in the Columbus Medical College. In 1861 he began practice, and for a short time served as assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. He was then transferred to Camp Douglas, at Chicago, Illinois, where he was engaged in treating small-pox patients for fourteen months, In 1865 the Doctor came to Tiffin, purchasing a drug store, which he conducted with success for nine years, having a large and well merited patronage. On the expiration of that period he sold his store, and up to the time of his death gave his attention entirely to his practice, which became large and lucrative. He kept informed concerning the advance ment continually being made in his profession, and all improvements of practical nature he readily adopted, ever earnestly desiring to attain as high a degree of perfection as possible in the prosecution of his life work, in order that his efforts might be of greatest benefit to his fellow men. His skill and ability were again and again demonstrated each year by CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 95 the masterly manner in which he handled difficult cases, and solved the perplexing problems which continually confront the physician. Dr. Hershiser was united in marriage to Miss Susan D. Myers, a native of Clear Springs, Maryland, who died in 1871. She was a con sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a most estima ble lady. They had two children ; but the son died in infancy, while the daughter, Jessie D., is now librarian in the city library of Tiffin. Socially the Doctor was connected with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Tiffin Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M. ; Seneca Chapter, No. 42, R. A. M. ; Clinton Council, No 47, R. & S. M., and De Molay Command ery, No. 9, K. T. ; while in the Scottish rite he attained the eighteenth degree, in Columbus. The Doctor belonged to the Seneca County Medical Society and to William H. Gibson Post of the Grand Army of the Re public. For sixty-nine years he resided in Seneca county and during the greater part of that period was connected with its business interests, either as a representative of commercial or of professional pursuits. He commanded public confidence and respect to' a high degree and his life was ennobling to his fellow men. His name is associated with meri torious deeds, and all through Seneca county his work brought relief and comfort to' thousands of homes burdened by sickness and distress. He passed away October 8, 1901, at the age of seventy years, three months and one day, and the honors conferred upon him by devoted friends were but a just recognition of the exalted worth, untarnished in tegrity and commendable character of a widely esteemed- man. JACOB DEWALD. Within the pages of this work will be found specific mention of many sterling citizens who are native sons of Seneca county and who have here passed their entire lives, becoming identified with the industrial activi ties of this section of the state, and gaining success through their well directed endeavors. Of this number is the subject of this sketch, who is one of the progressive and highly esteemed farmers of Hopewell town ship. 96 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Mr. Dewald was born in Loudon township, this county, on the 14th of March, i860, being one of the nine children of Peter and Barbara (Smith) Dewald, of whom individual mention is made elsewhere in this work, so that further recapitulation in regard to them and the family genealogy is not demanded in this connection. Jacob grew up on the old homestead farm, early becoming inured to the sturdy duties pertaining to its operation and receiving his educational discipline in the public schools. His marriage was celebrated in 1886, and after this import ant event in his career he rented eighty acres of land from his father, in Loudon township, and there successfully engaged in general farm ing for a period of fourteen years. At the expiration of this time, in July, 1900, Mr. Dewald purchased his present fine farm of eighty acres, in Hopewell township, taking up his residence on the place in the spring of the following year. He brings the most approved and scientific meth ods to bear in his farming industry, realizing that in this, as in all other lines of business enterprise, the highest results are to be attained only by the means of discrimination, careful attention to details and the utili zation of all available facilities. His farm is under a high state of cultivation, is well improved and is one of the valuable places of this sec tion. In politics Mr. Dewald gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are members o-f the Reformed church. In August, 1886, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Dewald to Miss Clara Heiserman, who: was born in Loudon township, this county, the daughter of Joseph Rhineboldt. Her mother died when she was an infant and she was then adopted into- the family of Jacob Heiserman, re maining in the home of her foster parents until her marriage and hav ing been reared and educated in her native county. Mr. and Mrs. De wald have one son and two daughters, namely : Earl, Edna and Dora. JAMES T. CARBIN. The march of improvement and progress is accelerated day by day, and each successive moment seems to demand of men: a broader intelli gence and a greater discernment than did the preceding. Successful JL^^Z-tlLL-^. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 97 men must be live men in this age, bristling with activity, and the lessons of biography may be far reaching to an extent n< it superficially evident. There can be no impropriety in justly scanning the acts of any man as they affect his public, social and business relations. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of endeavor, investigation will brighten his fame and point the path along which others may follow, and thus his life becomes cumulative in its favorably influence. Among the able and representative business men of Seneca county is numbered Mr. Carbin, who has had to do with enterprises of wide scope and importance and whose executive capacity has been such as to enable him to achieve a noteworthy success, while the methods employed have been such as to gain and retain to him the confidence and high regard of his fellow men. It is both gratifying and profitable to- enter record concerning the career of such a man, and in the following paragraphs sufficient will be said to indicate the forceful individuality, initiative power and sterling character of a well-known citizen of Bloomville. James T. Carbin claims the national metropolis as the place of his nativity, having been born in New York city on Christinas day, 1856, one o-f the six children of Edward and Mary Carbin, and being the eldest of the three survivors, the others being Edward, who is ticket agent at the ferry office of the Pennsylvania Railroad in Jersey City, New Jersey ; and Alexander, a business man of the same city. The father of our subject was born in the fair Emerald Isle, where he was reared and educated. As a young man he emigrated to America and located in New York city, where he passed the remainder of his life, passing away in 1876, at the age of forty-five years, while his wife survived him a score of years, her death occurring in 1897. He was a stalwart Democrat in his political proclivities and for years was a power ful factor in municipal politics in New York city, being a man of distinct individuality, alert mentality and marked facility in leadership and in the directing of. popular opinion. At the age of eight years the subject of this sketch was assigned to the care of William Eastman, of Crawford county, Ohio, where he was reared to his twentieth year, securing his early educational training in the public schools of this state. In March, 1876, he returned to New 98 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. York city and engaged in the oyster business in Newark bay, New Jersey, continuing operations until December of the same year, when he returned to Crawford county, Ohio, and secured the position as fore man of the stone quarries operated by A. J. Brown, at Lykens. While there one of his fellow employes was H. E. Valentine, later state senator from Crawford county and now cashier of the First National Bank of Bucyrus, Ohio. Eventually Mr. Carbin turned his attention to contract ing and bridge building, continuing in- this line of enterprise until 1887, when he entered into partnership with William Cole and engaged in the general merchandise business in Lykens. At the expiration of a year Mr. Cole was succeeded by Jacob Brown, whose interests were pur chased by Mr. Carbin about eighteen months later. He thereafter con ducted the business as an individual enterprise until December, 1898, when he disposed of the same, having built up a large and profitable business. Mr. Carbin served as postmaster at Lykens for four years under the administration of President Harrison and for three years under President McKinley, while he also acted as deputy to- his partner, Mr. Cole, who was postmaster under Cleveland. For some twelve years prior to his removal from the town our subject was also- incumbent of the office of notary public. He was recognized as one of the representative and most public-spirited citizens of the place, contributing in many ways to" its advancement and material upbuilding, having erected two large store buildings and the town hall, and otherwise aided in the promotion of legitimate local interests. As has been stated, Mr. Carbin disposed of his mercantile interests in 1898, but in the preceding year he had become identified with that line of enterprise in which he has attained so marked success and reputation in this section of Ohio. He began his operations in connection with the telephone business by constructing the first line from Lykens to New Washington, and, failing to secure a satisfactory agreement with the Central Union Telephone Company, he then entered the. field as an active competitor in Crawford and Seneca counties, soon completing the con struction of a line from Nevada, Ohio, to- Bucyrus and Lykens, where he established a central office. Thence he constructed the line to' Tiffin, Seneca county. At Bucyrus there was no local exchange, and he estab- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 99 lished his office in the Deal House, while at Tiffin the office was installed in the Morcher House. Mr. Carbin is still identified with the local telephone exchange in Lykens, and with the Bucyrus Telephone Com pany, which has more than six hundred subscribers. In 1899 he estab lished the telephone exchange in Bloomville, where he has more than one hundred subscribers and where he maintains his home. He has, however, devoted special attention to the construction and operation of toll lines, in which connection he now touches Tiro-, Shelby, Attica, Chi cago Junction, Republic, Lodi, Chatfield, Carrothers, St. Stephen, Poplar, Plankton, Lemert, Spore and other points in the counties of Crawford, Seneca, Richland and Huron, having in use more than one hundred and thirty-five miles of toll line. Mr. Carbin was a pioneer in the independent telephone business in this section, and it is needless to say that he has met with strenuous opposition on the part of the old and opulent telephone concerns, but the justice of his claims has been invariably recognized in the various litigations in which he has been involved, and he has never wavered in his determination and independence, proving himself an able executive and one whose administrative capacity is of high order. Upon engaging in the telephone business he associated himself with Ca.pt. M. A. Charlton, whose interests he purchased two years later, in 1899, simultaneously changing the title of the concern from the Inland Tele phone Company to the Carbin Telephone Lines, under which last the business has since been conducted, with our subject as the sole owner. The position which he has attained as a successful business man is the more gratifying to contemplate when we revert to- the fact that it has been attained entirely through his own efforts and ability, as reinforced by an intrinsic integrity of purpose which has caused him to never deviate from an honorable and straightforward course. He has made the most of his powers and his opportunities in each transition stage, and the result is that the poor boy has won his way to a place of honor and definite success. In his political allegiance Mr. Carbin is known as an ardent sup porter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and while a resident of Crawford county he was for years a prominent figure in local politics, having repeatedly served as delegate to state or congres- ioo CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. sional conventions, securing" every favor which he saw fit to ask at the hands of his partv and commanding the esteem of those who differed with him in political faith. He is identified with Wren Lodge, No. 530, Knights of Pythias, of Lykens, of which he was a charter member, and with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In 1879 Mr. Carbin was united in marriage to Miss Kate E. Englert, who was born in Chatfield, Crawford county, being the daughter of Peter Englert, a native of Germany. Of this union four children were born, — Edward Blaine, Lloyd Garrison, Mellie and Pearl. Mrs. Carbin died on the 2d of August, 1891, and in the month of December, 1893, Mr. Carbin consummated a second marriage, being then united to Miss Kate Laip-ply, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, the daughter of Levi Laipply, a native of the same county, she being but seventeen years of age at the time of her marriage. She has proved a true mother to the children of the first marriage, and to her they have ever accorded the deepest filial solicitude. Of the second union the following children were born: Prunella, Leland McKinley (who died in infancy), Ben son Dale and Harold Roosevelt. The family are prominent in the social life of the community and their home is one in which the refined amenities are ever in evidence. The Carbin telephone lines are operated and controlled by the family, our subject being the owner, while his son, Edward Blaine, is manager, and the second, Lloyd Garrison, is chief operator. There is ample oppor tunity in this connection for the service of the other sons when they are ready to assume the duties involved. It may be said that the names of Mr. Carbin' s three sons indicate his political sentiments and allegiance, and a notable circumstance in this connection is that each of these sons, named in honor of a Republican presidential candidate, was thus named before the nomination of said candidate, showing how distinct has been the political prescience of Mr. Carbin, who gave the names. ROBERT GILL PENNINGTON. One of the conspicuous and honored figures in the history of Seneca county was Robert G Pennington, the distinguished lawyer and public- spirited citizen of Tiffin and a man whose whole life was directed along CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 101 a lofty plane of thought and action, inviting the closest scrutiny and offering a lesson to all who have appreciation of the true ethical values in the scheme of human existence. He passed to. his reward on the 13th of March, 1892, rich in the honors and respect which follow an upright life that has ever been true to its ideals and its highest possi bilities, and it cannot be doubted that death came as a consistent crown to a worthy life. Strong in his individuality, Mr. Pennington never lacked the courage of his convictions, but kindliness, a lively human sympathy and an abiding charity were dominating elements in his com position, softening and glorifying his life in every phase. It is fitting that a memoir be here entered concerning this good man and true. Robert G. Pennington was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, on the nth of December, 1816, of stanch old English lineage and sterl ing Quaker stock. The ancestry is traced back to Isaac Pennington, an English gentleman of large influence and broad Christian charity. His daughter married William Penn, with whom he was associated in the organization of the Society of Friends, together with George Fox, Rob ert Barclay, Thomas Elwood and others. The first American represent ative of the Pennington family was Edward, a son of Isaac before men tioned. He emigrated to Pennsylvania in company, with his brother- in-law, William Penn, in 1682, and he married a daughter of Governor Jennings, of New Jersey. From this source the Penningtons of New Jersey and Pennsylvania claim to have origin, and the name has been prominent in the annals of our national history in the several genera tions following the early settlement in the seventeenth century. When Robert G Pennington, the subject of this sketch, was eight years of age his parents, Joseph and Sarah Pennington, removed from Pennsylvania to- Cayuga county, New York, where the ensuing nine years of his life were passed, his father being a mechanic by trade and also a successful farmer. With a view to securing more land he made a visit to Ohio and purchased a tract of land in Seneca county, where he located with his family in 1834, our subject being then seventeen years of age. He had secured good educational advantages prior to this time, and upon the removal of the family to the pioneer wilds of Seneca 102 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. county, he entered Huron Institute, at Milan, where he completed the academic course. Mr. Pennington then began reading law under the direction of Abel Rawson, then a leading member of the Ohio bar, with headquarters in Tiffin. Mr. Pennington w^as admitted to the bar of the state in 1842, whereupon he entered into- a professional partnership with his former preceptor, the firm of Rawson & Pennington obtain ing until 1850, when the senior member retired. It was in the office of this firm that Hon. W. P. Noble and General W. H. Gibson read law and won their professional spurs, and the latter later became associated in practice with Mr. Pennington. Later, J. C. Lee, former lieutenant governor of Ohio, became Mr. Pennington's partner, and still later Judge John McCauley was associated with him in practice until he (McCauley) was elected to the bench of the common pleas court. In these years Mr. Pennington had gained no uncertain precedence at the bar, his powers being of a high order and winning him recognition as a careful and conscientious advocate, and a safe and conservative counsel. Such a nature as that of Mr. Pennington could not fail to manifest a decided repugnance to human slavery, and thus his sympathies were given to the Union cause when the integrity of the nation was menaced by- armed rebellion. In 1861 he assisted in raising and organizing the Fifty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he went to the front in the capacity of quartermaster. Later he became adjutant on the staff of General Sigel, but after two years of service he was com pelled to retire, by reason of ill health, and then returned to Tiffin and resumed the active practice of his profession. His devotion to his profession was exceptional, and early in his career he gained the repu tation of being a most painstaking and honest lawyer and one who had a deep appreciation of the true ethics of his profession. This high repu tation he maintained during his entire life of practice, covering a period of nearly half a century, and none ever presumed to question his integrity of purpose or his desire to forward the ends of justice by every means in his power. In his political proclivities Mr. Pennington was originally found to be an ardent supporter of the Free Soil party, taking an active part CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 103 in the campaign of 1856 and showing marked power as a public speaker. In the same year he was a member of the electoral college, casting his ballot in support of Bell for the presidency. Subsequently he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, of whose principles he continued a zealous supporter throughout the residue of his life. He was often nominated for various official positions, but his defeat came as a normal political exigency, since the county is strongly Democratic in its com plexion. In 1883 he served as a member of the committee which had the supervision of the erection of the new court house at Tiffin. He was at all times ready to lend his influence and aid in the promotion of pub lic utilities and the conservation of the general good, his keen business sagacity making, him a valuable coadjutor in any enterprise with which he became identified. In 1847 Mr. Pennington was one of the organizers and incorporators of the Seneca County Bank, the first establishment in the county. He became a member of its directorate and also served for an interval as its cashier. At the time of his death he was a director and large stockholder in the Tiffin Commercial Bank, while other im portant enterprises to which he gave the benefit of his wisdom and powers were the Tiffin Gas Light Company, of which he was the projector and of which he served for, several years as president ; and the securing of railway facilities for the city and county; thus for several years he served as president of the Tiffin & Fort Wayne and the American & Central Railroads ; while he also fostered numerous manufacturing pro jects, in several of which he met with financial losses. He was success ful both as lawyer and a business man, continuing to practice his pro fession up to the time of his final illness, having given his attention more largely to office practice, as a counselor, during the later years of his life. In person Mr. Pennington was of medium height, carrying himself erect and having a face which showed the strength of his character and also the genial and kindly nature which was so intrinsically his. He was a man of high intellectuality, and' in all the relations of life he was found to be true and well worthy of the confidence so freely and uniformly reposed in him. On the 22d of February, 1842, Mr. Pennington was united in mar- 104 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. riage to Miss Caroline A. Kuhn, who was born on the 24th of Septem ber, 1822, on the island of Minorca, a Spanish province in the Mediter ranean, being the daughter of Captain Joseph L. Kuhn, of the United States navy, and the granddaughter of General Lewis Chadwick Har- grave, then British consul-general to the Spanish Balearic isles. Dr. Henry Huhn, who was one of the prominent and talented early physi cians of Tiffin, was an uncle of Mrs. Pennington, and married a sister of the subject of this memoir. Mrs. Pennington, now venerable in years but alert in both mind and body, survives her honored husband and still resides in the beautiful old homestead, so hallowed with the associations of years. She is a woman o-f gentle refinement and unfailing courtesy, and within the long years of her residence in Tiffin has gained and main tained a strong hold on the affections of a large circle of friends, still taking a deep interest in the social life of the community. Of the three daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Pennington we make brief record, as follows : Eugenia H. is the wife of Almon Hall, a successful and prominent mem ber of the Toledo bar; Caroline C. is the wife of Hon. W. R. Steel, ex- member uf congress from South Dakota; and Louise A. is the wife of Samuel J. Keech, of New York. FREDERICK W. BERLEKEMP. The great empire of German}- has sent to the United States some of its most valued citizens and the vitality and stability contributed by this element in our national life can not be overestimated. One of the sterling German-American citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, is the gentleman- whose name introduces this paragraph and who is one of the progressive and successful farmers of Pleasant township. He has won a position of independence through his own industry, and his honesty of purpose has never been questioned, so that he commands the respect of all who know him and is well worthy of a place in this work. Mr. Berlekemp was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 17th of Jan uary, 1834, coming of stanch old German lineage, and there he was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 105 reared to man's estate, receiving his educational discipline in the excel lent schools of his native province. There, in October, 1856, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Eliza Kipker, who likewise was born in Prussia, and to them six children have been born, namely : Arnold, who is a successful farmer near Tiffin, this county; Eliza, the wife of Jacob Sheerer, of Pleasant township; Henry, a farmer of Sandusky county, Ohio; Minnie, the wife of Henry E. Berg, of Lodi; William J., engaged in farming in Pleasant township, Seneca county; and Adolph, who still remains at the parental home, and who married Ida Ellen Lottig. In 1876 Air. Berlekemp emigrated with his family to America, corn ing to Seneca county, Ohio, where he was employed on a farm for a period o-f about six months and then took up his residence in the village of Bloomville, where he operated a stone quarry on shares for six years. Then coming to Pleasant township, he here leased a farm of one hun dred and twenty-three acres, giving his attention to its cultivation and directing" his efforts with such energy and anility that at the expiration of ten years he was enabled to purchase the place, paying seven thou sand dollars, with three thousand dollars indebtedness. The farm is now unincumbered, is well improved, and the thrift and neatness every where in evidence indicate the care which has been bestowed by the enterprising and industrious owner. In politics Mr. Berlekemp gives his support to the principles and policies of the Democratic party, tak ing a lively interest in the questions and issues of the hour, and his re ligious faith is that of the German Reformed church, of which his wife is also is an active member. EDWARD WENNER. Edward Wenner is now living a retired life, after many years con nection with the tailor's trade. His success and rest are well merited, for his business career was ever a diligent and honorable one. Mr. Wen ner was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of February, 106 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 1826. The family is of German lineage. John Wenner, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany and came to the United States when a young man, settling in Pennsylvania, where he carried on farm ing with a fair degree of success. In his political views he was a Whig and in religious faith was a Lutheran, long holding membership with that church. He married Elizabeth Kimel, who was a native of Penn sylvania and there died at the age of eighty years, while John Wenner departed this life at the age of eighty-four years. Their son, William Wenner, the father of our subject, was a native of Lehigh county, Penn sylvania, was reared upon a farm and followed that pursuit throughout the remainder of his life. He owed his success entirely to his own efforts, for he had no assistance when he started out upon his business career. He, however, secured a good home and a comfortable competence. He voted with the Whig party, but was not an active worker in political circles, his energies being more zealously devoted to the Lutheran church, in which he had long held membership. His death occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-four. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Strauss, was born in Pennsylvania, and was a daugh ter of Henry Strcuss, who was likewise a native of the Keystone state, but was of German extraction. Mrs. Wenner always resided in her native state, and died at the age of fifty-nine years, in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which she gave her allegiance and support through a long- period. Edward Wenner was the seventh in order of birth in his parents' family of ten children, all of whom reached mature years, although our subject is the only one now living. He spent his early boyhood days in his parents' home and at the age of sixteen years began preparing to face the responsibilities of business life, by learning the tailor's trade, at which he served a four years' apprenticeship near Allentown, Penn sylvania, where he afterward worked for a year. In May, 1848, he came to Tiffin, where he followed his chosen calling for a time, after which he was employed as an expert cutter for many years. After working about nine years he opened a shop of his own and later added a stock of ready made clothing and men's furnishing goods, carrying on his store CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 107 for five years, when he sold out and became cutter for a firm in Tiffin. He was employed in a similar capacity in Dayton for two years and in Bucyrus, Ohio-, for ten years, and then returned to Tiffin, where he has since lived a retired life, enjoying a well earned rest afer many years active labor. Here he has an attractive home, and to some extent he deals in real estate, but is practically living retired. Mr. Wenner was united in marriage to. Miss Susan Thompson, a native of Ulster county. New York, and unto them were born three children: William E., who died at the age of nine years; Henry L., a practicing physician of Tiffin; and Ralph J., who died October n, 1890, at the age of thirty years. He was a successful medical practitioner of Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to his pleasant home in Tiffin Mr. Wenner owns a good farm a mile north of the city, which he rents, the place comprising seventy-four acres. He belongs to the Baptist church, as did also his cherished and devoted wife, both having been long rec ognized as earnest and consistent Christian people. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his life exemplifies its be neficent teachings. At the time of the Civil war he was drafted for the service but the medical examiners found that he was not qualified to meet the rigors and hardships of war. In his political views he is a standi Republican and is a loyal citizen. Although his life has been quietly passed in business pursuits, he has formed an extensive acquaint ance and commands uniform regard by reason of his sterling worth. Mrs. Wenner passed away on the 20th of January, 1902, having been an invalid for several months, and her memory remains as a benediction resting upon those who came within the sphere of her gracious influence. W. S. MUMAW, M. D. As a member of the medical profession Dr. Mumaw has won dis tinction, and, although but a few years have passed since he became one of its representatives, he enjoys an extensive and remunerative prac- I0S CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tice. A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurred in Wilmot, on the 16th of May, 1865, his parents being George and Lydia (Fisher) Mumaw. His father was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January 20/1820, but when four years of age he was taken by his par ents to Ho'lmes county, Ohio, a location being made near the Stark county line, and there his parents died in later life. There, also, the father of our subject was reared, married and reared his children, and the county is still his home. He is now in his eighty-second year, and is feeble in health. He owns two hundred and fourteen acres of valuable and well improved land, a part of which is located in Holmes county and the remainder in Stark county. His political support is given to- the Republican party, but although he has always been a public-spirited and progressive citizen he has never sought or desired the emoluments of public office. He is a member of the Mennonite church. The mother of our subject was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio-, about 1825, and she, too, is still living. Unto this worthy couple were born fourteen chil dren, ten of whom are now living, namely : Jacob and John, twins, the former a farmer of Stark county and the latter of Geauga county; Henry, enraged in the marble business in Marshall, Michigan; Wesley, also a farmer of Geauga county; Albert; W S., the subject of this review; Sarah, the wife of Christian Lentz, of Baltic, Ohio; Hettie, the wife of Isaac Kilmer, of Geauga county; Emma, the wife of Emanuel Shelter, of Beach City, Ohio; and Maggie, at home. W. S. Mumaw spent the early years of his life in his parents' home, and in the common schools of his native locality he received his early educational advantages. At the age of twenty years he entered the school room as an instructor, and for three winter terms he followed that pro fession, but in 1888 he abandoned that occupation to engage in the drug business, becoming a registered pharmacist in Michigan. For the fol lowing six and a half years he conducted a drug business of his own in Detroit, and on the expiration of that period, in 1893, he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. H. Crawford, of that city. In 1894 he entered the Detroit Medical College, in which he was gradu ated in the spring of 1897, but he still continued the conduct of his drug CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 109 business until the following" year. Selling his store in Detroit, the Doctor then engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Bascom, Seneca county, Ohio, and in August, 1900, he took up his abode in the village of Kansas, where he is now located, and here he has built up a lucrative and constantly growing patronage. He is progressive in his methods, con stantly reading and studying, and keeps in close touch with the spirit of the times. The marriage of Dr. Mumaw was celebrated on the 25th of Oc tober, 1899, when Miss Margaret Gordon became his wife. She is a native of Detroit. One little son, George, has come to: brighten and bless their home. In his social relations the Doctor is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 282, K. O. T. M., of which he is the examining physician, and he is also a member of the Kansas Lodge of the Independ ent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support is given the Republi can party, but he is liberal in his views. He inspires personal friend ships of unusual strength, and all who- know him have the highest ad miration for his good qualities of heart and mind. JAMES H. PLATT. For the high rank of her bench and bar Ohio has ever been dis tinguished, and it is gratifying to note that in no section of the com monwealth has the standard been lowered at any epoch in its history. To the subject of this review, who is senior member of the firm of Piatt & Black, o-f Tiffin, Seneca county, we may refer with propriety and satis faction as being one of the able and representative members of the legal profession in the state; and that he is a native son of Ohio lends some what to the significance of the prestige which he has here attained. Mr. Piatt was born in Columbiana county, on the 22d of August, 1854, being the son of George Piatt, who was born in England, where he was reared and educated; and where also he learned the miller's trade. When about twenty-one years of age, about the year 1849, he came to no CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the United States, locating in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he fol lowed his trade for a time, then continuing in the same line of vocation at Paris, Stark county; Oneida Mills, Carroll county; and Findlay. Han cock county, in which last mentioned place he died, being about thirty- nine years of age. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and in politics gave his support to the Democratic party. George Piatt was married after his emigration to America, being united to Miss Eva Faulk, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and who is still liv ing, having attained the age of seventy-four years and maintaining her home in Findlay. She is a devoted member of the Lutheran church and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the Buckeye state. All of her eight children are living, the subject of this review hav ing been the second in order of birth. James H. Piatt remained at the parental home until he had attained the age of thirteen years, when his father died ; whereupon he came to Tiffin and entered the home of his uncle, Benjamin F. Myers, meanwhile continuing his studies in the public schools, where he- prepared himself for matriculation in Heidelberg College, which he entered when sixteen years of age, completing the classical course and being graduated a a member of the class of 1875. Thereafter he taught one term of school in Summit county, while for the following three years he was engaged as a teacher in the public schools of Tiffin, being eminently successful in his pedagogic endeavors. In 1879 he here began reading law in the office oi the firm of Noble & Lutes, and when a dissolution of the part nership occurred he continued his studies under the effective direction of Mr. Lutes, making such progress that he was duly admitted to the bar of the state in October, 1881. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession, being associated with Harrison Noble until the early part of 1885, after which he conducted an individual practice until 1887, when he entered into the present professional alliance with Harry P. Black, with whom he has since been associated in the general practice of law, retaining a representative and important clientage and holding high prestige as a lawyer, thoroughly read in the science of jurisprudence, as an able advocate and as one safely conservative in counsel. His course CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in has been such that he has ever commanded the confidence and esteem of his professional confreres and of the general public. In politics Mr. Piatt has ever been known as a stalwart advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, in whose cause he has rendered effective service in Seneca county. He held the office of city solicitor of Tiffin for a period of eight years, was a member of the board of county school examiners for six years, a member of the city board of education for two years ; and for a similar period was a member of the city board of school examiners, while at the present time he is a member of the board of regents of Heidelberg University and has been president of the executive committee of the board for a year past. He and his wife are prominent members of Grace Reformed church; and fraternally Mr. Piatt is a member of Tiffin Lodge, No. 80, Knights of Pythias. He maintains a lively interest in the questions and issues of the hour, is a thorough student and an earnest promoter of the cause popular education. On the 31st of July, 1883, Mr. Piatt was united in marriage to Miss Rosa M.Warner, of Tiffin, and they have two sons, Nevin E. and George R. Airs. Piatt, at the death o-f her father when she was a mere child, became a member of the family of Benjamin F. Alyers, and was thus a playmate and companion of her husband for fifteen years previous to their marriage. ROSCOE L. CARLE. Roscoe L. Carle is the eldest and only surviving son of the late Jonas H. Carle, a native o-f Maine, and Mrs. Priscilla F. (Egbert) Carle, a member of a well-known Seneca county family. Both fam ilies trace an unbroken lineage to. Anglo-Saxons of the 9th century, the Carles being yeomen of old England, and one of the Egberts being chief of the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy. Our subject was born in Geneva, Wisconsin, May 20, 1863, and has resided in Seneca county since child hood. He received his elementary education in the village school of I 12 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Green Spring and the district school of Clinton township. Later he con tinued his studies at Heidelberg Academy, in Tiffin ; at the Ohio State University, in Columbus; and was graduated in 1890 at Cornell Univer sity, Ithaca, New York, with the degree of Bachelor of Letters. Since graduation he has followed the editorial profession in his county. In April, 1901, he was nominated by the Democrats of Seneca county as their candidate for representative in the seventy-fifth general assembly, receiving fourteen hundred more votes than his opponent at the primary nominating election. In the general election, in the following November, he was elected, leading his ticket by two hundred votes. In the legisla ture, although a new member, he at once received recognition, and was placed on the important committees of taxation and common schools, and was chosen secretary of the committee on hospital for epileptics. He became conspicuous for the part taken by him in the caucus for United States senator, and for placing the Republican majority in an uncom fortable position on the question of popular elections of United States senators. In the issue of tax reform, retrenchment of public expenditure, investigation of state institutions, and the interests of agriculture and labor he took a leading and popular part. AARON SEITZ. A representative of one of the early families of Seneca county, Aaron Seitz was born in Bloom township, on the 12th of March, 1844. It was in 1825 that his father, Lewis Seitz, had come to this county, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers and sharing in all the diffi culties and discouragements that beset those who make their way into an undeveloped region. The latter's father also bore the name of Lewis Seitz and was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, but about the year 1800 he removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, establishing his home near Lancaster. A tract of two hundred and forty acres of land, which he had purchased at the public land sale, he afterward divided among CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 113 his children. A minister of the Baptist church, his life was devoted to that holy calling and his influence was of no restricted order, for he con tributed largely to the moral development of the community in which he made his home. It was in Fairfield county that his son, Lewis Seitz, the father of our subject, was born, October 21, 1802. He, too, became a preacher of the Baptist denomination, but as he accepted no pecuniary remuneration for his services his livelihood was gained through the till ing of the soil, and in the little log cabin, in the midst of the forest, which was the home of the family in pioneer days, he lived for some time. In 1864, however, he removed to Wyandot county, but after a few years returned to Bloom township, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1890. For sixty-six years he served as the pastor of the Baptist church at Honey Creek, and on the Democratic ticket he was elected to a number of township offices, while in ante-bellum days he was county treasurer for one term. Lewis Seitz, Jr., married Barbara Kagy, who was a consistent Christian woman, identified with the Baptist church, and in that faith she died, at the age of forty-two years. In their family were fourteen children, twelve of whom reached years of maturity, and among this number was Aaron Seitz, of this review. The work of the home farm early became familiar to him, for as soon as he was old enough to handle a team he began to assist in the cultivation of the fields and also to haul logs to his father's mill. As he had opportunity he attended the district schools, thus acquiring his education. In 1864 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Seitz and Miss Eliza Shock, a native of Bloom township- and a daughter of Jacob and Lana (Shanour) Shock. The young couple began their domestic life upon rented land and for several years Mr. Seitz continued to operate farms which he leased, but in 1873 he took up his abode on the farm which he now owns and which he purchased in 1871, becoming the owner of eighty acres. Since that time his attention has been devoted to its de velopment and improvement and it is now supplied with all modern equipments. About 1880 he purchased an additional tract of one hun dred and six acres, so that his place now comprises one hundred and n4 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. eighty-six acres. The greater part of it is under a high state of cultiva tion, and in 1891 he erected an attractive modern residence. The home has been blessed with four children, but Alvin J., the second, is now deceased. The others are Irvin L., Mattie May and Mertie Blanche. The last named was educated in the common schools and the Ada Nor mal University, at Ada, Ohio, and is now engaged in teaching in the district schools. Mr. Seitz is a Democrat in his political affiliations, but takes no- active part in politics as an office-seeker, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his farming and stock-raising interests. At the time of his marriage he possessed only two dollars and a half, and around this nucleus he has gathered a comfortable competence, which he richly deserves. PHILIP GRIFFIN. Philip Griffin is now living a retired life in Republic. He has attained to the age of seventy-four years and his career has been so honorable and upright that he has won and ever enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellow men. His present home is far from his birth place, for he was born in Norfolk, England, on the 9th of April, 1828. In the common schools of that country he secured his education, and in 185 1 he severed the ties that bound him to his native land, in order to establish his home in America, believing that he might have better busi ness opportunities in this country. Accordingly he took passage on a sailing vessel, which, after a voyage of four weeks, dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. From the metropolis he made his way to Auburn, New York, and in that locality secured work as a farm hand. Later he spent a year and a half in following the carpenter's trade, and in 1854 he came to Republic, Ohio. Here he also was identified with building interests for about three years and he then secured employment in the carriage shop owned by Mr. Osborn, in whose service he re mained for a few years, after which he was made manager of the car- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 115 riage shop owned by Squire Stickney. But the country became involved in civil war and he could not content himself to remain at home while his adopted country was endangered by the rebellious spirit of the south. In A'lay, 1864, he offered his services, and became a corporal of Company K, One. Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which went to the south for one hundred days' service and was there engaged in the defense of the capital city. On the expiration of his term of service Air. Griffin returned to Republic and the following spring he removed to Reed township, where he carried on agriculture and worked at his trade for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he once more came to Republic and established a wagon and carriage shop, which he conducted for many years, meeting with signal success in his undertakings, and acquiring the capital which now enables him to live retired, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Indolence and idleness- have ever been utterly foreign to his nature, and although he started out in life on his own account empty-handed, he placed his dependence in the substantial quali ties of perseverance and energy. These have served as an excellent foundation for his later success. May 14, 1854, Mr. Griffin was united in marriage to Miss Eme line Sutphen, a native of New York, and they now have four living children: Annie, the wife of William Dildine, of Green Spring, Ohio; Alton C, who is conducting a meat market at Chicago Junction; Mil dred, the wife of J. L. Newcomer, a farmer of Bloom township, Seneca county; and Edson C, who- is employed as a brakeman on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. They also lost four children, Emma S., William H., Clinton, and one who: died in infancy. In bis political affiliations Mr. Griffin has been a stanch Republican since he became an American citizen, and has done everything in his power to pro-mote the growth and success of his party. He has been honored with a number of local offices. He was trustee of Scipio township for three years and for seven consecutive years served as as sessor. In 1900 he was elected mayor of Republic and capably filled the office for eighteen months, his administration being progressive and u6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. practical, but on the expiration of that period he resigned. For more than twelve years he has been a member of the school board and for several years he has served as a member of the town council, and whether in office or out of it he has always labored earnestly and ef fectively for the public welfare. Fraternally he is connected with Re public Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O. F., of which he is vice grand. He also belongs to Captain Robinson Post, G. A. R., in which he has served as commander. Upon the battle fields of the south he rendered his adopted country faithful allegiance, and among the native sons of America there is no more true or loyal citizen than Philip Griffin, who is greatly at tached to his adopted country and her institutions. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to make: his home in the United States, for here he has prospered, advancing to the plane of comfort and prosperity through determination and honorable effort. HENRY A. ROLLER. Henry A. Roller, who has a wide acquaintance in Scipio township and- is numbered among the progressive and intelligent farmers, was born in Wooster, Ohio-, November 1, 1839. His father, Henry Roller, was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, born August 5, 1800. When he arrived at years of maturity he married Elizabeth Smyser and re moving to Wooster, Ohio, he there conducted a tavern on the stage road, continuing business at that place until 1843, when he removed to Perryville, where he operated a grist mill and saw mill. After six years; however, he crossed the plains to California, attracted by the dis covery of gold upon the Pacific coast. During- the last eight hundred miles he made the journey alone, meeting John C. Fremont, who was traveling eastward with- provisions for the immigrants. For seven days he had lived on herbs and roots, for his supply had become exhausted. He was told by Fremont to go- to Sutter's mill or ranch, and there he worked for three days-, cutting grass1 for twenty dollars per day. He CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 117 then began prospecting, which he followed through the summer, and in the succeeding autumn he secured a position as superintendent of the United States Mining Company, acting in that capacity for several months. He then erected a sawmill on Yuba river, near Sutter's ranch, where he remained for two years. After his mill was in successful operation he admitted Isaac Brecker, 01 Shelby, Ohio, to a partnership in the business. In 1852 he returned to the east on a visit, but again went to California, when he sold his mills. During his absence, a, man to whom he had given the power of attorney over his property suc ceeded in beating him out of seventy thousand dollars. In the spring of 1853 Henry Roller, the father of our subject, took up- his abode in Bloom township, Seneca county, where he purchased two, hundred and forty acres of land, which he owned and operated until 1866, when he sold that property and removed to Clinton town ship. On the expiration of that period he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the latter township, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred when he was eighty-six years o-f age. He was a very industrious and energetic man, and when he was seventy- six years of age he cradled seven acres o-f oats in a single day. His wife passed away the year previous to her husband's demise. The}' were the parents of six children, four reaching maturity, namely : Sarah A., the widow of Philip H. Culler, of Scipio township; Caroline, who married Rev. J. Culler and who died in 1898; Mary C, the widow of Samuel Roller, of Scipio township ; and Henry A., of this review. Henry A. Keller was only thirteen years o-f age when he came to- Seneca county. His education here was continued in the public schools and in Republic Academy, after which he became a student in Heidelberg College. A liberal education thus well fitted him for life's work. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and keeps well informed on questions and issues of the day. In 1861 he was united in marriage to Jennie E. Swigart, and they became the parents of two children: Lizzie AL, the wife of J. W Rollins, o-f Lima, Ohio; and Harry G, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who is employed as a traveling salesman. 1 1 8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Soon after his marriage Mr. Roller took up his abode in Bloom township, where he had a valuable tract of one hundred and seventy- two acres. Upon this he built a fine residence and substantial barn. In 1866 he purchased three hundred and ninety acres of land in Scipio township, and made his home thereon until 1874 when he removed to Tiffin, which continued to be his place of abode for two years. He then purchased a hotel in Aluncie, Indiana, conducting it for four years, after which he took charge of the Oak Ridge Sanitarium at Green Spring, Ohio, which he superintended for four years. On the expira tion of that period he went on the road as a commercial salesman, and three years later returned to: Ohio-. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Clinton township, besides other property. In his busi ness affairs he has been very successful, capably controlling his interests and thereby winning creditable prosperity. Mr. Roller has always been a loyal citizen, and at the time of the civil war he manifested his patriotic spirit by responding to his coun try's call for troops, in 1864. He joined Company G, One Hundred Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and went to the front for one hundred days' service, the regiment being assigned to the duty of defending Washington. Mr. Roller has always been a Republican in politics. Wherever he has resided he has been widely and favorably known as a man who has true regard for his duties of citizenship and toward his fellow men. JACOB EPPLER. Back to stanch old German stock does Jacob Ep-pler trace his line age, and that in his character abide those sterling qualities which have ever marked the true type of the German nation, is manifest when we come to consider the more salient points in his life history, which has been marked by consecutive industry and invincible spirit, eventuating in his securing a high place in the confidence and respect of his fellow men. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 119 Mr. Eppler was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 4th of March, 1827, being the son of Jacob and Christina (Bitzer) Eppler, o-f whose five children three now survive, namely: Mary, the wife of George Zink, of Lucas county, Ohio; Christina, the wife of John Stutz, of Williams county; and Jacob, the subject of this sketch. Jacob Eppler, Sr., was a farmer by vocation and passed his entire life in his native land, where his death occurred in 1850, his widow passing away three years later. The following spring (1854) our subject was married and immediately afterward he and his bride embarked for America, being accompanied by two- sisters and one brother of our subject, said brother, John, having entered the service of the Union as a member of an Ohio volunteer regiment, in the war of the Rebellion, in which he sacrificed his life. They all settled in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Eppler secured employment in the iron and zinc mines, and he continued his residence in Pennsylvania until July, 1862, when he came to Fostoria, Ohio, where the first year was devoted to working in a brick-yard and a tannery. In the fall of 1863 he purchased a farm of forty acres in Hancock county, two miles south west of Fostoria, and there gave his attention to the improvement and cultivation of the place for a period of six years, when he sold the property to- one of his neighbors and purchased an eighty-acre farm in the same vicinity. Four years later he exchanged this for an adjoining farm of one hundred and twenty acres, where he maintained his home until 1888, when he disposed of the same and bought his present fine homestead o-f one hundred and sixty acres, in Loudon town-ship, three miles east of Fostoria, Seneca county, where he has since gained prestige as one of the progressive and successful farmers and stock-growers of the county, his farm being a model of neatness and thrift and having improvements of the best order, including a spacious and comfortable residence. He is one of the most prosperous citizens of the township, and the success which is his is all the more gratifying when the fact is taken into consideration that it has been attained entirely through his own well directed efforts. His integrity of purpose has never been questioned in all the years of ceaseless toil and endeavor, and he is well 120 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. worthy of the respect and confidence so freely accorded him. In politics Air. Eppler exercises his franchise in support o-f the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church. In March, 1854, Air. Eppler was united in marriage to- Miss Regina Bitzer, who- accompanied him on his remjoval to: America and who- died in Pennsylvania a few years later, in 1857. They became the parents of three children, of whom only one survives, — Joseph, Jr., who is asso ciated with his father in the management of the homestead. In 1868 Air. Eppler was again married, Miss Mary Dreitzler becoming his wife, and of this union four children were born, of whom three survive, name ly : Emma, the wife of German Hartzog, of Williams county; Lulu, the wife o-f William Cover, of Loudon township-; and Charles, who is at the paternal home. Air. Eppler was again called upon to mourn the loss of a devoted companion and helpmeet in 1887, when his wife was summoned into- eternal rest. WILLIAM D. SEEMUTH. Success does not depend so- much upon the possession of talents or powers unusual to the majority of mankind, as upon- the exercise of those qualities which are common to all. Hope is of the valley, while Effort is climbing the mountain side, so that personal advancement comes not to the one who hopes alone but to the one whose hope and faith are those o-f definite action. We may then hold in high regard the result of individual accomplishment and accord due credit and honor to the man who has won success by worthy means, be his life one o-f majesty and power or noble application to the humbler but not less noble applica tion. The subject of this review holds the responsible position of engineer of the city water-works of Tiffin, and his life has been one of consecutive effort and integrity of purpose, while his advancement and success have come as a diametrical result, and to him has not been denied the fullest measure of confidence and esteem. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 121 Mr. Seemuth is a native of Baden, Germany, where lie was born on the 7th of February, 1846, one of the four children of William and Fred-erica (Bender) Seemuth, both of stanch old German lineage. Of the children, two are living, — William D., of this sketch; and John, who resides in Tiffin. The father of our subject was likewise a native of Baden, where he was reared and educated and where he learned the trade of stone mason. He came to the United States with his family in 1849, our subject being then a child of three years, and located in Tiffin, Ohio, where he continued to: follow his trade until his death, in i860, at the age of about thirty-four years. His widow subsequently became the wife of Mr. Miyer, and they are still residents of Tiffin, no- children having" been born of their union. William D. Seemuth was reared and educated in Tiffin where he attended the public schools, early learning to lend his aid in the support of the family. At the age of nineteen years he began an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, and after serving nine months he enlisted, in 1864, as a blacksmith in a regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Cumberland. He continued in the service for ten months, when the war closed, and he then returned to Tiffin, and thereafter continued to work at his trade, as a journeyman, for a number of years, turning his attention to any other- honest work that offered wdien not able to find employment at the trade. In 1878, when the -work of installing the system of water-warks in Tiffin was inaugurated he secured employment on the construction force, and after the system was completed he was sent to Towanda, Pennsylvania, and later to Oswego-, New York, where he assisted in the construction of water-works for the same company which put in the plant at Tiffin. In November, 1879, he returned to his: home city and was here given charge of the street work for the same company, and he rendered effect ive service in this capacity for a period of ten years, at the expiration of which, in 1889, he was promoted to his present position as engineer of the works, this preferment being a fitting recognition of his capable and faith ful service. He has so lived as to gain and retain the good will of all with whom he has been thrown in contact, and is one of the popular citizens 8 122 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of the place where he has made his home for the greater portion of his life. In politics he gives his support to the Democratic party, keeping well informed in regard to the questions and issues of the day. In 1866 Mr. Seemuth was united in mjarriage to Miss. Sarah Ruch, who •was bom in Hopewell township, this county, daughter of John Ruch, who emigrated to the county from Pennsylvania in the early pioneer days, becoming one of the prominent farmers of the township mentioned. Mr. and Mrs. Seemuth are devoted members of the Reformed church, and their two daughters, married clergymen of that denomination, — ¦ Cora being the wife o-f Rev. W. H. Tusing, of Mount Pleasant, Penn sylvania; and Anna the wife of Rev. Clement Alsbaugh, of Akron, Ohio. HON. JOHN C. ROYER. Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it can not be denied that members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of the cormmunity. This is but the natural result of causes which are prima facie. The ability and training which qualify one to- practice law also: qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path o-f his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Among the able members of- the bar of Seneca county is Hon. John C. Royer, who- has been called upon to serve in offices of distinguished trust and responsibility and who- is at the present time representing Seneca county in the senate of the state. He is a worthy representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the state and of the county in which he now lives, and of which he is a native son. Thus as a man, a lawyer and an official we may well find satis faction in incorporating in this work a brief review of Senator Royer, junior member of the law firm of Bunn & Royer, of Tiffin. The Senator was born on a farm in Thompson township, this county, on the 6th of May, 1856, being the son of Samuel Rover, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, the son o-f John Royer. who- was the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 123 original representative of the family in the Buckeye state. He was a native of Pennsylvania, where the original ancestors, presumed to be French Huguenots, had located in an early epoch. John Royer came from Pennsylvania to Wayne county, Ohio, in an early day, as is evident from the fact that he came from that county to Seneca, county in 1829, taking up a tract of wild government land in Thompson town ship, where he reclaimed a good farm, and there passed the residue of his life, dying at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. His son Samuel was but four years of age when the family came to- Seneca' county, and here he was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm, se curing such advantages as were to- be had in the schools of the early days and continuing to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits in this county until his death, at the age of fifty-nine years. He was a man of sterling integrity and commanded unqualified esteem in the county where practically his entire life was passed, being a devoted member of the Reformed church and a man of able intellectual powers. He married Miss Mary Ann Bunn, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1833, being brought by her parents to Seneca county when a child of three years. She now makes her home with her son, John C, to whom this article is devoted. She is a zealous and active member of the Reformed church and her life has been one of kindliness and unselfishness, while to her is accorded the deepest filial solicitude by her children, wdio- are eight in number. Senator Royer passed his, boyhood days on the old homestead farm in Thompson township, and he attended the district schools until he had attained the age of eighteen years, when he was matriculated in Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, where he completed his literary course, being graduated as a member of the class of 1879. Thereafter he began the work of technically preparing himself for the practice of law, tak ing up his reading under effective preceptorship and being admitted to the bar of the state, by the supreme court, in 1881. He at once began the active practice of his profession in Tiffin, and such was his reinforcement through alert mental grasp and thorough preparation that his novitiate was reduced to the minimum. He entered into partnership with Judge 124 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. J. C. Rickenbaugh and later with Judge Frederick Bunn, his uncle, and his present coadjutor, under whose direction he had prosecuted his studies. In November, 1887, Mr. Royer s active practice was inter rupted by his election to the bench of the probate court of the county, and so- capable and satisfactory was his administration that he was elected to succeed himself in 1890. After the expiration of his second term, in 1894, he again turned his attention to- the active work of his profession, winning renewed and greater prestige and securing a rep resentative clientage. He has been an active and enthusiastic supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, and has done much to forward the same in this section of the state. In 1883 he was elected mayor of Tiffin, and his administration of municipal affairs was discriminating, wisely economical and yet progressive and based upon thorough business principles. The estimate placed upon his efforts in this connection was indicated by his re-election in 1885. His election to the senate of the state, as a representative of his native county, occurred in 1899, and in the upper house of the- legislative body his record was such as to be gratifying to his constituents and to confer credit upon him and his county. He was assigned to many important committees during the first session, and has shown himself to be an active working member, doing all in his power to promote wise and effective legislation through the deliberative body o-f which he was thus made a member. He was chairman of the standing committee on sanitary laws and regulations, and a member of the judiciary committee and those on finance, corpora tions other than municipal, public works and public lands, insurance, universities and colleges, manufactures and commerce, fees and salaries, state buildings, state library and revision and enrollment. Mr. Royer was renominated by his party on the 5th of June, 1901, and was re-elected in November, 19O1, without opposition from any party. He is a. mem ber of the following committees : Federal relations, fees and salaries, judiciary, library, insurance, public printing, railroads and telegraphs, privileges and elections, sanitary laws and regulations, and revision of bills. He is one of twelve Democratic senators and was on the committee to place the members. The. majority conceded eleven committee chair- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 125 manships to the Democrats, and in each case Senator Royer chose to honor his colleagues rather than to accept one for himself. His party leadership- in the senate has come to him in just recognition of his abil ities as an able parliamentarian, forceful and logical debater, resourceful and tactful legislator, and his affable and courteous demeanor crowns a genial and pleasing personality. Fraternally our subject is a prominent member o-f the Knights of Pythias, retaining membership in Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, of Tiffin. Senator Royer 's personal popularity is fortified by his genial and gracious presence1 his freedom from ostenta tion and a genuine objective appreciation of his character and ability. On the nth of April, 1883, Senator Royer was united in marriage to Miss Cora Baltzell, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, the daugh ter of Thomas Baltzell, Sr., and she died on the 22d of June, 1889, leaving three daughters, namely : Helen, Mallie and Clara Lucile. Since the death of his wife the pleasant home of our subject has been pre sided over by his widowed mother and his sister, Nora T. Royer. ROBERT MILLER. As the honored president of the City National Bank, of Tiffin, and one of the representative business men of the Buckeye state, where he has long had to- do with affairs of marked scope and importance in con nection with industrial activities, it is incumbent that specific mention be made of Mr. Miller in a work of this nature, not alone by reason; of the prominent position which he maintains, but also with an ulterior view to the incentive which the record of his honorable and useful career may afford to those who in time may come to peruse these pages. Mr. Miller comes of stanch old English stock and is himself a native of Cambridgeshire, England, where he was born on the 15th of April, 1835. He was but six years of age at the time when his father, William Miller, emigrated to America, locating in Medina, Ohio, where for twelve years he was engaged in the tailoring business, having learned 126 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the trade in his native land. At the expiration of the period noted he removed to a new farm near Portage, in Wood county, the village of Mungen being later founded in the vicinity of his home. The subject of his review was nineteen years of age at the time when the family removed to the Wood county farm, and he assisted in the work of reclaiming and cultivating the land, where his father continued to reside for a period of about twenty-three years, when he removed to Ransas, where his youngest son had settled, and there he died at the age of seventy-four years. The mother of our subject died when he was eight years of age, her maiden name having been Elizabeth Turner, and there after the eldest daughter presided over the household. He was the fourth in a family of eight children, of whom six are still living, he being the only representative of the family in Seneca county. Three years after locating in Wood county he disposed of his interest in the old homestead to his brothers and was thereafter employed for some time by the month. In June, i860, at the age o-f twenty-five years, he was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Mercer, who- was born in Wood county, being the daughter of John Mercer, one of the influential citi zens of that section. Prior to his marriage Mr. Miller had secured a tract of land in Wood county, a portion of the same being prairie, and for a time he devoted his attention to the improvement and cultivation of the same, the while making his home in the residence of his wife's parents. He finally took charge of the Alercer farm, as Mr. Mercer's advanced age led him to practically retire from active business. Mr. Miller had continued to buy additional land and had given special atten tion to the feeding and shipping of live stock, his energy and discrimina tion being so directed as to make his success cumulative in order. In May, 1894, Mr. Miller took up his residence in Tiffin, where he engaged in the banking business under the firm name of Miller & Son, his sou, Thomas A., becoming cashier of the institution, which was capitalized for fifty thousand dollars. Later the capital stock was increased to- one hundred thousand dollars and the institution was incor porated under the national banking laws, Mr. Miller becoming presi dent at the time of organization and having ever since been in tenure CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 127 of this, office. He has shown distinctive financial talent in directing the affairs of the City National Bank, which is one of the sound and con servative financial institutions of the state, transacting a general banking business and also maintaining a department for savings. The directors are all Seneca county men and are known as substantial and honored citizens, the directorate including at the present time, in addition to the president, the following named gentlemen : Charles Seitz, Lewis Sells, Shelby Myers, George Shroff and Grattan Baker. Mr. Miller has other important capitalistic interests, owning one thousand acres of land in the oil district of the state and having received handsome dividends from the operations on the same, which have now been conducted for nearly five years. In politics Mr. Miller has even given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and while he served for seven years as trustee of Portage township, Wood county, he has had no predilection for official preferment and has otherwise refused public office. During his entire mature life he has held membership in the Church of Christ, in whose cause he has maintained a lively interest. The beautiful family home, in Melmore street, is one of the most attractive in the city, having spacious and finely ornamented grounds, while the residence is large and of modern and effective architectural design. Mrs. Miller has been particularly generous in the support of the Church of Christ, taking an active part in its work and contributing to the same with exceptional liberality. She early took a deep concern in the welfare of the church in Tiffin, and it was almost entirely through her financial aid that the present beautiful church edifice was erected. Her father had founded, and to a large extent maintained, a church of this denomination in Wood county, and she felt that she could not make a more grateful use of the proceeds of his estate than to devote the same to the enlargement and sustenance of church work. The church in Tiffin was erected at a cost o-f twenty-eight thousand dollars, and this amount was almost wholly contributed by Mrs. Miller, from her father's estate, while her annual contribution to the church has been one thousand dollars, so that her devotion can not be doubted, while her benefactions have gained to her the grateful recognition of the local organization, as 12 8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. well as the church at large. She still continues to take an active part in all divisions of the church work, the support of its collateral benevolences, etc., and is prominent in the social life o-f her home city, the home being a center of refined hospitality. In conclusion we enter a brief record concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Miller : Thomas Abram is associated with his father in banking, farming and the oil business, and is at present cashier of the City National Bank; Mattie is the wife of William Cook, assistant cashier in the Western State Bank, in the city of Chicago; Pearl is the wife of Dallas Osborn, who is engaged in the ranching business at Las Vegas, New A'fexico; Daniel, who died at the age of twenty-nine years, operated for a time the stave factory at Mermill, Wood county, the village having been named in honor of Alessrs. Mercer and Miller, who made the prin cipal improvements at the founding of the village, and later he was associated with his father in the oil business until his death, which was a grievous blow to his devoted parents, as he was a young man of noble character, commanding unqualified respect and confidence. JACOB FREDERICR BUNN. It is not an easy task to adequately describe the character of a man who has led an eminently active and busy life in connection with the great profession of the law and who has stamped his individuality on the plane of definite accomplishment in one o-f the most exacting fields o-f human en deavor; and yet there is always a full measure of satisfaction in ad-> verting, in even a casual way, to- the career of an able and conscientious lawyer. Mr. Bunn merits consideration for what he has accomplished as a member of the bar of his native state and his native county, and also for the inflexible integrity which has characterized him as a man among men. Judge Bunn is recognized as a man of high intellectual gifts and of thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the science of jurisprudence, while the prestige which he has acquired has come as the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 129 result of his own efforts and abilities. He is the senior member of the firm of Bunn & Royer, attorneys and counselors at law in the city of Tiffin, and formerly presided as judge of the probate court of this, his native county. Jacob Frederick Bunn was born on the old homestead farm, in Thompson township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 6th of June, 1847, anci is a representative of one of the early pioneer families of this section of the state. His father, Jacob Bunn, was born in the state of Pennsyl vania, where he was reared and educated, growing up on a farm. There his marriage occurred, and in 1833 he came with his wife to the primi tive wilds of Seneca county, purchasing a tract of land in the oak open ings of Thompson township, where he reclaimed a good farm, upon which he passed the greater portion of his remaining days, having lived retired in Bellevue during the last decade of his life. He passed away at the age of seventy-six years. He was a Democrat in his political pro clivities, and his religious faith was that of the Reformed church. He held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years and also served as captain of a company of state militia in the early days. He was a son of John Bunn, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1767, and who came to Seneca county, Ohio, the same year as did his son. He settled in Thompson township and there remained until his death, at the venerable age of eighty years. The family is of English extraction, the original American ancestors having come here in the early colonial epoch, while the name finally became prominent in the annals of Penn sylvania. The mother of Judge Bunn was likewise born in Pennsylvania, her maiden, name having been Elizabeth Leiter and the family being of Holland Dutch derivation. She accompanied her husband on his removal to Seneca county, and here her death occurred, in 1886, at the age of seventy-eight years. She likewise was a devoted member of the Reformed church and was a woman o-f noble Christian grace and char acter. Judge Bunn, the immediate subject of this review, grew up on the old homestead farm and early began to contribute his quota toward its work, in the meantime securing his preliminary educational training in 1 30 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the public schools. When about nineteen years of age, ambitious for further educational privileges, he entered Heidelberg College, in Tiffin, where he completed a full course of study, being graduated as a mem ber of the class of 1870. To a man of such individuality and tenacity of 'purpose it was natural that definite plans for the future should be formulated, and thus, after leaving college, we find Judge Bunn con tinuing the study of law, his reading having been carried on during vacations, while he was still a student in the college. His preceptor was Judge George E. Seney, to whom individual reference- is made elsewhere in this work; and such has been his devotion to his technical study that he secured admission to the bar of the state in 1871. In the spring of that year he located in the city of Akron, where he was engaged in practice for a period of two years, at the expiration of which he returned to Tiffin, where he built up a very satisfactory professional business, giving the same his undivided attention until 1878. He was elected to the bench of the probate court of Seneca county, in that year, being re-elected in 1881 *and thus serving for six years: in this important office, to whose duties he brought the best of equipment, — mature judg ment, a broad and exact knowledge of the law and the highest regard for justice and equity. After his retirement from the bench, Judge Bunn resumed the active practice of his profession, becoming at the same time associated with Hon. John C. Royer, who con tinued his coadjutor until his election to the same office which had previously been held by his associate. After the expiration of his serv ice the association was resumed and the partnership continues to the present time. In his political adherency Judge Bunn has ever been stanchly arrayed in support of the principles- and- policies of the Demo cratic party, but he has never been an- office-seeker. He was a mem ber o-f the board of education for six years, and was clerk o-f the same for a portion of this time. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. The Judge is signally appreciative of good literature in all lines, and is thoroughly well read in fields outside that of his profession, upon which latter, in fact, all branches of human knowledge have distinct bearing. He is unassuming and affable in his CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 131 demeanor and has gained many stanch friends in the community where practically his entire life has been passed. On the 10th o-f October, 1873, Judge Bunn was united in marriage to Miss Laura Groff, who was born in Tiffin, the daughter o-f Hezekiah 'Groff, and whose death occurred on the 12th of July, 1880. WILLIAM HENRY WADE. The Wade family is one of the oldest in Seneca county, and through many long years has been noted for the sterling traits that are so char acteristic of the subject of this sketch, constituting him a fitting repre sentative of the name. He was born in Loudon township, this county, on the 29th of October, 1852, a son of George W. and Catherine (Rich ard) Wade. His grandfather, Abner Wade, was one of the early pio neers of Seneca county, and here the father of our subject was born about 1829. After attaining to- years of maturity he located on a farm in Loudon township, and some years later opened a hotel in Bascom, which he conducted for two years, while for a short time thereafter he was engaged in the grocery business in that village. Removing thence to Fostoria, he was there engaged in the same line of occupation until his life's labors were ended, in 1892, when he had reached the sixty- third milestone on the journey of life. In his political views he was a Republican. Of the six children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Wade five are now living, namely: Catherine, the widow of Anson Malloy and a resident of Toledo; Oscar, a prominent farmer of Loudon township; Lewis, who makes his home in Fostoria; George W., also of Seneca county; and William H., the subject of this review. William H. Wade has been an agriculturist from his youth up, and has made a success of his enterprise in this line. After his marriage he located on a farm in Loudon township, two miles west of Bascom, and as the years passed by and prosperity attended his efforts he added to that property until he became the owner of seventy acres of well 1 32 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. improved land. He subsequently sold his possessions in that township and purchased the land which he now occupies, located three miles west of Tiffin and consisting of ninety-five acres of valuable and well improved land, constituting one of the finest farms in the township. He has ever taken an active and commendable interest in the public affairs of his locality, and on the Republican ticket he was elected to the positions of treasurer and trustee of his township. On the 24th of December, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. WTade and Miss Elizabeth Haverstick. Her father, John Haverstick, is one of the prominent farmers of Hopewell township, Seneca county. Three children have been born unto this union, — Ira, who is employed in the Morcher drug store, in Tiffin; and John and Clair. Mr. Wade is a member of the United Brethren church. Both he and his wife have hosts of friends and well-wishers in this neighborhood, and with one accord they speak in the highest terms of the Wade household. EPHRAIM NORRIS. One of the native sons of Seneca county who have been identified with its industrial life from the early pioneer epoch until the present is Mr. Norris, whose father located here more than seventy years ago and who is now numbered among the prosperous farmers of this section of the state. He resided in Illinois about five years, and with that excep tion his entire life has been passed in his native county. Mr. Norris was born on the old homestead farm in Scipio township, Seneca county, on the 16th of December, 1833, the son of Lot and Lorena'(Todd) Norris. His father was born in Frederick county, Alaryland, whence he emigrated to Ohio in 1830, locating in Scipio town ship, Seneca county, where he was shortly afterward married. He estab lished his home on a tract of ninety acres of wild land, upm which he erected a log house and here he devoted his attention to the reclaim ing of the land from the virgin forest and placing the same under cul- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 133 tivation. He developed a good farm of one hundred and ninety-one acres, and here continued to reside for more than a quarter of a century, his death occurring in the city of Tiffin in 1868, at the age of sixty-two years, his devoted wife having passed away in 1858. They became the parents o-f four sons and four daughters, of whom six are living at the present time. Ephraim Norris, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead farm, early beginning to assist in the work of development and cultivation and securing such educational advantages as were afforded in the common schools of the place and period. He remained at the parental home until he had attained the age of twenty- four, after which he was employed on a farm in this county during one summer. He then removed to the state of Illinois, renting a farm in Alason county, where he maintained his home for five years. He then came again to his native county, and here, on the 21st of December, 1865, occurred his marriage to Miss Sarah Long, who was born in the state of New York, being the daughter of Anthony and Catherine Long. Her father was a carpenter by trade and was numbered among the pio neers of Seneca county. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Norris located on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, in Adams township, the same being an integral portion of his present landed estate, comprising two hundred and forty acres of as fine land as is to be found in this favored section of the Buck eye state. Under his careful and progressive management he has re claimed and improved- the place, upon which he has erected a commodious and attractive modern residence and other excellent buildings, and he here gives his attention to diversified' farming and also to the raising of horses, cattle and sheep, his success in each department of his business having been pronounced and gratifying. In politics he supports the Republican party, and both he and his wife are zealous members of the Brick Chapel, of the United Brethren church. To Mr. and Airs. Norris five children were born, and of this number three survive, namely : Elnora, who is the wife of Edward Grover, a farmer of Scipio township; and Olive and Lily, who remain at the 134 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. parental home. The family occupy a place of prominence in connection with the social life of the community, and our subject is regarded as one of the public-spirited and progressive citizens of the county. HENRY H. BRUNDAGE, M. D. The. medical profession in Seneca county has an able representative in the subject of this review, who is not only a scion of one of the pioneer families of the Buckeye state, but follows the same noble profes sion to which his now venerable father has given his attention, gaining prestige as one of the representative pioneer physicians of the state. The subject of this review maintains his home in the attractive little city of Bloomville and controls a large practice throughout that section of the county, where he is held in the highest esteem as a physician and a, citizen. Henry H. Brundage is a native of Delaware county, Ohio-, where he was born on the 5th of November, 1859, being one of the seven' children of Dr. Israel and Mary J. (Duckworth) Brundage. The children' all are living at the present time, and of them we enter brief record, as follows : Mary is the wife of Sebastian Alspach, of Van Wert county ; Charles is likewise a resident of that county; Henry H. is the subject of this re view; Etta is the wife of Samuel Hill, of Johnstoiwn, Ohio; Nora is the wife of B. A. Roloson, an attorney of Lima, this state; Dora is the wife of William Miller, of Van Wert county; and Norman is a physician of Delphos, Ohio. Dr. Israel Brundage was born in Delaware county, where he was reared to maturity, securing his early educational training in the public schools and later entering the old Cincinnati Medical College, where he was duly graduated. Shortly after his graduation, with the coveted degree of M. D., he located in Sunbury, Union county, where he re mained for a brief interval and then located in Delphos, Van Wert county, where he has continued in the practice o-f his profession for the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 135 past forty years, holding the esteem and affection of the community where he has so long ministered to those in affliction. His wife was likewise born in Delaware county and is still living, so- that it is pleasing to note that death has never invaded the immediate family circle. Dr. Henry H. Brundage, the immediate subject of this review, received his early educational training in the public schools of Van Wert county, and in 1881 he began the study of medicine under the careful and effective direction of his father, thus continuing for some time and becoming well grounded in the various branches of medical and surgical science. In 1887 he was matriculated as a student in Fort Wayne Med ical College, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Med icine, in' 1892, his brother Norman having been a graduate of the same class. After leaving college the two brothers located in the city of Del phos and there became associated in the practice of their profession, building up an excellent business'. In 1895 our subject took a post graduate course of study in the Chicago Medical College, and in the spring of the following year he removed to his present location, in Bloomlville, Seneca county, where he has since continued his professional work, securing a representative support and controlling a fine practice, as ha-s already been' stated. His technical ability is fortified by that deep sympathy which adds so greatly to the success of a physician, and his personality is such as to make his presence in the sick room invigorating in itself. The Doctor has won warm and abiding friendships in the community and is an acquisition- to the fraternity in the county. He is a member of the- Seneca County Medical Society, and through this medium keeps in touch with his' confreres, as does he also through reading the best medical literature of the day, ever aiming to be abreast of the ad vances made in the profession to whose humane work he is devoting his life. In politics the1 Doctor is a stanch supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, being a member of the council of Bloomville at the present time, while fraternally he is identified with Pericles Lodge, No. 192, Knights of Pythias, of Bloomville. On the 20th of March, 1888, Dr. Brundage was united in marriage to Miss Mamie E. Emshoff, who was born in Gallon, Crawford county, 1 36 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Ohio, the daughter of Christ Emshoff, Who is now a prominent merchant tailor of Frankfort, Indiana. Dr. and Airs. Brundage have one child, Lulu. Both the Doctor and his wife are leaders in literary work, par ticularly in the Bloomville Literary Society, which has done much to shape the literary tone of the community. This society was organized three years since, the Doctor being the prime instigator. Its public ses sions, held each year, have afforded a- wholesome recreation and enter tainment to the citizens, and its income is devoted to the sustaining and expansion of the public library. SAAIUEL B. SMITH, AI. D. As one of the native sons of Seneca county and as an able young representative of the medical profession in this section of the state, we are pleased to: incorporate a review of the life of Dr. Smith, who- is a member o-f one o-f the county's pioneer families and is held in the highest esteem as a man and a physician, being now established in the practice of his profession in the attractive little: city of Bloomville. Dr. Smith was born on the parental homestead, in Venice town ship, this county, on the 29th o-f August, 1871, being the son. of Samuel and Margaret (Miller) Smith, who became the parents of eight children, of whom seven survive, namely : Sarah, the wife of E. S. McKibben, of Humboldt, Tennessee; Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob P. Alyers, of Attica, this county; Sanijuel B., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, who is a resi dent of Attica; A'largaret B., the wife of Harry Leppard, of Bucyrus, Ohio; and Anna and William, who remain with their mother, on the old homestead farm. The father of the Doctor was born in Londonderry, Ireland, whence he came with his uncle, Samuel Smith, to America when a lad of five years. His uncle first located in Philadelphia, Penn sylvania, where they remained seven years, at the expiration of which they came to Seneca county, Ohio, and located on a farm of eighty-six acres, two and one-half miles south of the village of Attica. Later the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 137 uncle purchased forty acres adjoining" his farm, thus making its total area one hundred and twenty-six acres, and there the father of our sub ject was reared, assisting in the work of the farm and securing such educational advantages as were afforded in the district schools. After his marriage he continued on the homestead, which came into his pos session upon the death of his uncle. There he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on the nth of Alarch, 1895, at which time he had attained the age of fifty-three years. He was a man of the highest integrity, was successful in his farming operation and was one of the influential citizens of the community. Though he accorded a stanch support to the Democratic party, he never sought the honors or emoluments of public office, but such was his interest in educational affairs that he consented to accept the position of school director, in which he rendered effective service for a number of years. He was a member of the Reformed church, as is also his widow, who was born in Ontario-, Canada, the daughter of Joseph Miller, a pioneer of Seneca county. Samuel B. Smith passed his boyhood days on the old homestead and his early educational training was received in the public schools, being supplemented by courses of study in- the Northwestern Ohio- Nor mal School, at Ada, and the academy in Fostoria. When twenty-one years of age the Doctor placed himself on the list of pedagogues and was for four years engaged in teaching in the district schools o-f his native county, proving popular and successful in this profession. In 1896 he was matriculated in the medical department of the Ohio State University, at Columbus, where he was graduated on the 24th of April, 1900, having devoted his vacations to study and practical work in the office of Dr. C. A. Force, one of the leading physicians of Attica. Soon after his: graduation the Doctor opened an office in Bucyrus, where he- was engaged in the work of his profession until April, 1901, when he located in Bloomville, where he has already attained prestige in his pro fession and is rapidly building up a representative practice, his unmis takable ability and his genial personality insuring a cumulative success and precedence. In political matters the Doctor pins his faith to the 9 138 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY principles and policies of the Democratic party, and his religious views are indicated by his membership in the Reformed church, of which his wife likewise is a zealous adherent. Fraternally he is identified with the time-honored o-rder of Freemasonry, being a member of Bloomville Lodge. On the 23d of July, 1896, Dr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Buchman, who was born in Crawford county, the daughter of Jacob Buchman, now a prominent citizen of Carrothers, Seneca county. The Doctor and Mrs. Smith take an active part in the social affairs of the community and their home is a center of refined hospitality. ISAAC GAULT. As long as history endures will the American nation acknowledge its indebtedness to the heroes who, between 1861 and 1865, fought for the preservation of the Union and the honor of the starry banner which has never been trailed in the dust of defeat in a single polemic conflict in which the country has been engaged. Among those whose military records, as valiant soldiers of the war of the Rebellion, reflect lasting honor upon them and their descendants, is the subject of this sketch, who is now living a retired life in the pleasant little city of Bloomville and who- is known as one of the sterling citizens of Seneca county, where he was for many years successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Gault is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born in Wayne county, Ohio, on the 17th of September, 1842, the son of Moses and Rachel (Borders) Gault, both of whom were born in West moreland county, Pennsylvania, where the respective families were estab lished in pioneer days. The father of our subject was reared on the old homestead farm in his native county and upon attaining maturity he was there married and there continued in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, his first three children having been born in that county. He removed to Wayne county, Ohio-, where he remained until 185 1, when he located in Hancock county, where he continued in the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 139 vocation of a farmer until his death, in 1878, at the age of seventy- one years. He was a man of noble character and excellent mental gifts, and for thirty-five years he did a zealous and effective work in the uplifting of his fellow men, being a local preacher in the Church of God, in whose service he continued active until his life's labors were ended. He was a stanch Democrat in his political proclivities, and for a period of about nine years he held the office of township treasurer in Hancock county, his tenure of the office being terminated only by his refusal to continue long"er in the same. His cherished and devoted wife preceded him into, eternal rest, her death occurring in 1861, at the age of fifty-six years. Of their ten children five are yet living, namely : Alary, the wife of Elisha Todd, of McComb, Hancock county; Susan, the wife of John Brig"gs, of Ionia county, Michigan; Lydia, the wife of Frederick Alyers, of McComb, Ohio ; Daniel, a resident of Bowling Green, this state; and Isaac, the subject of this review. Those deceased are Richard, Jacob, Moses, William and Eliza. Isaac Gault was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and was surrounded by the beneficent associations of a refined Christian home, while his early educational discipline was received in the public schools. He continued at the old homestead until called upon to respond to the caller of a higher duty, when the integrity of the nation was threatened by armed rebellion. The parents of our subject gave four of their sons to battle in defense of the Union, — William, who was a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio' Volunteer Infantry; Moses, who went to the front as a member of the Ninth Iowa Infantry, known as the Grey hounds, was wounded at Vicksburg and died from the effects of his injuries, being buried in Louisiana; Richard, who w^as a member of the Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, was captured and held prisoner in the notorious pen at Andersonville for a period of eighteen months; and Isaac, our subject, o-f whose military service further mention will be made. Three brothers-in-law of our subject were also soldiers in the Civil war, — Elisha and William Todd and John Briggs, — so that the family certainly contributed its quota to- the defense of the old flag in this great internecine conflict. 140 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Isaac Gault enlisted in Company L, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, in July, 1862, and with his command took part in a number of the memorable engagements o-f the war. His first active service was in a skirmish at Cynthiana, Kentucky, and thereafter he participated in engagements at Point Burnside, that state; Lookout Mountain; the siege • of Knoxville, where the regiment became a part of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and thence proceeded to Atlanta, taking part in the siege and battle at that point; thence back to Kno-xville; then to Bull's Gap and on to Raleigh, North Carolina, and Salisbury, and forward toward the Confederate capital, the command being within one hundred and fifty miles of Richmond at the time of Lee's surrender. Mr. Gault returned with his command to Tennessee, where he received his honor able discharge, and then came on to Camp Chase, at Columbus, Ohio, where he was mustered out, in August, 1865. Mr. Gault was wounded in a skirmish on Tillico plains, Tennessee, and on the 29th of October, 1862, he was badly injured in a railroad wreck, in Kentucky, being incapacitated for service for several months. After his discharge Mr. Gault returned home, and on the day following his arrival was attacked with neuralgia of the bowels, from which he suffered intensely, having been unable to lie in bed for a period of sixteen weeks. After regaining his strength he again turned his attention to farming, and in 1868 he located on a farm of eighty acres in Pleasant township, Hancock county, where he was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock- growing until 1 88 1, when he took up his residence in Bloomville, where he has ever since made his home, being practically retired from active business life, with the exception of two years, during" which time he conducted a meat market in Fostoria, in 1892-3. In politics he gives a stalwart support to the Democratic party and the principles for which it stands sponsor, and fraternally he retains a vital interest in his qld comrades in arms and is prominently identified with W. T. Brown Post, No. 191. G. A. R., of which he was for several years senior vice-com mander, while in December, 1901, he was elected to the office of com mander of his post, this preferment being a signal indication of his pop ularity in the organization. While not a member of any church organ- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 141 ization, he has the highest regard for the religious and spiritual work accomplished by the various denominations, and he and his wife are ever ready to support the cause and. to aid in charitable work of collateral nature. Our subject is held in the highest esteem in the community, and the pleasant home is one in which a gracious hospitality is extended to a wide circle of friends. On the 24th of October, 1867, Air. Gault was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Shoop, who was born in McComb, Hancock county, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel Shoop, who was one of the successful and influ ential farmers of that county, and of this union two children have been born, — Charles L., who died in childhood; and Mary Lenora, who is the wife of R. J. Free, of Toledo, Ohio. NATHAN RINE. Wre now take under review the career of one of the sterling pioneer citizens of Seneca county, where he has practically passed his entire life and where he has ever commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem. The name which he bears has been prominently identified with the annals of the county since the early days when the work of reclaiming the sylvan wilds of this section of the state was inaugurated, and. here he is now known as one of the large land-holders and successful farmers of the county. He rendered valiant service to the Union cause during the war of the Rebellion, enduring the privations and sufferings of the southern prison pens, and during his etire life has manifested the same loyalty of spirit that led him to follow the old flag on many a battle-field. Thus it may be seen that he is peculiarly worthy of representation in a work of this character, his character, services and long residence in the county making him thus eligible. Mr. Rine is a native of Adams township, this county, having been born on the pioneer farm of his father, on Wolf creek, four miles west of the present city of Tiffin, on the 18th of April, 1831. His father, 14; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Jacob Rine, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 17th of April, 1796, being the son of Jacob, Sr., who was a soldier in a Pennsylvania regiment during the war of the Revolution. This hero of the war of independ ence came from the old Keystone state to Seneca county, Ohio, after his son and namesake had located here, and the former purchased a tract of eighty acres in Adams township, where he passed the greater portion o-f his remaining life, having been in Indiana for a few years. He died in his ninety-fifth year, honored as one of the patriarchs of the community. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Elizabeth Drake, and she was born in Pennsylvania. By her marriage to Jacob Rine she became the mother of nine children, namely : Margaret, who became the wife of Peter Weaver and who is now deceased; Abraham, Joel and John, who died in youth; Elizabeth, also deceased; Nathan, the subject of this sketch ; Alary, the wife of Alonro J. Kistler, of Adams town ship ; Fletcher, a resident of Sandusky county ; and Alvin, a resident of Missouri. Jacob Rine, father of our subject, was reared in Pennsylvania, where he learned the tailor's trade in his youth, never following the same after coming to Ohio. He emigrated to the wilds o-f Seneca county in the early '20s and purchased eighty acres of government land in Adams township, where he remained a few years. In 1833 he removed to Wood county, where he purchased and improved a farm and where he maintained his home until the death of his wife, in 1840. He then came again to Adams township, and here he eventually consummated a second marriage, Alary A. Steele becoming his wife. She died about two years later and his third marriage was to Miss Catherine Dunn, who survived him several years, his death occurring at the age of sixty years. It may be consistently noted in the connection that his brother Abraham, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1800, came on foot from that state to Seneca county, Ohio, in the early days, here entering claim to forty acres of government land, then returning on foot to his old home, whence he was accompanied by his brother Jacob on his final return to Ohio. Both secured land in Adams township, and here Abraham Rine erected a log cabin, which was their first home. He continued, to reside CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 143 in this township the greater portion of the time thereafter until his death, in 1884. He was one of the influential men of the community, was successful in his efforts and was recognized for his intellectuality and sterling character. He served for many years as justice of the peace and was incumbent of other local offices, while he was a devoted mem ber of the United Brethren church. Nathan Rine, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born and reared on the farm, and was early called upon to assume individual responsibilities, since he began to work for a recompense of board and - clothes when but eleven years of age, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in a somewhat desultory attendance in the pioneer schools. He continued to- work by the month, on various farms, until he had attained the age of twenty years, when he began an apprentice ship at the cooper trade, to which he devoted his attention for five years. Thereafter he farmed on rented land for many years, in Adams township. Finally, in 1877, he purchased his present homestead, of one hundred and fifty-seven acres, where he has since continued to- reside, while he has added to his holdings until he now has a fine landed estate of three hundred and ninety-seven acres, well improved and devoted to general farming and stock-raising. At this juncture we will advert to the military career of Mr. Rine, the same entitling him to perpetual honor. In May, 1863, he enlisted as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio Voluneer Infantry, for a term of three years or until the close of the war. He proceeded to the front with his regiment, his first engage ment being in the vicinity of Petersburg. At Monocacy he was taken prisoner and was thence transferred to- Lynchburg, where he was incar cerated about forty days, thereafter being held in the prison at Danville for several weeks and finally taken to that notorious pen, Libby prison, in the Confederate capital, the city of Richmond, being there confined for another forty days, enduring the hardships which made the place odiously historic. While at Danville he was kept on a diet of one-half pound of corn meal a day for a period of forty-four days. After languishing in Libby prison for the time noted his exchange was finally 144 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. effected, his incarceration having been about ten months in duration, and he then went to Baltimore, whence he was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was granted a ninety-days furlough, which he passed at home, then returning to Camp Chase, where he remained until the close of the war, receiving his honorable discharge. He is prominent" and popular member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being identified with Potter Post, at Green Spring. On the 2 1 st of December, 1854, Mr. Rine was united in marriage to Aliss Sarah Weiker, who was born in Pennsylvania, and of this union nine children have been born : Monroe J., a resident of Browns- town, Illinois; John D., of the same place; Fletcher A., a farmer of Green Spring township; Frank J., of Bowling" Green, Ohio; Nancy J., wife of John Eiry, of Green Spring; Isaac E.,' a farmer of Adams township; Clara and William, who remain at the parental home; and Minnie, who is deceased. In his political adherency Mr. Rine is stanchly arrayed in support of the Democratic party and its principles, and his religious faith is that of the Christian Union church, of which Mrs. Rine also is a member, both being devoted and active workers in the church in Adams township. He has served for many years as a member of its board of trustees, and for several years past has also been an elder in the church. URIAH HUBER. One of the well-known citizens of Seneca county, Ohio-, who since 1877 has been engaged in business in McCutchenville, is Uriah Huber, the large operator of the milling business, in its various branches, in this vicinity. The birth of Mr. Huber occurred in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, not far from the city of Philadelphia, on October 6, 1840. He was but five years of age when he lost his parents, and he then became a member of the family of John Glick. In 1847 Mr. Glick decided to move with U^tx^A- fkZ^iPU^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 145 his family and belongings to Seneca county, Ohio, employing a number of teams in the transportation of his goods and chattels. The lad made himself useful to Mr. Glick and remained in his family until he was eighteen years of age. His educational opportunities were limited to an irregular attendance, during a few winter sessions, in the schools of Clinton township, where Mr. Glick had located. However, at the age of eighteen Air. Huber began life independent of any family connection, working for various farmers as his services were needed, but later he entered upon an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, continuing in the shops until he was capable of doing" all that would be expected of a skilled- carpenter and joiner. He was working at his trade, in South Bend, Indiana, in 1861, at the outbreak of the civil war. With other loyal young spirits, he enlisted for service in the army, in May, 1861, entering Company I, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and although his first enlistment was for but three months, it brought him many new and painful experiences. He participated in the battles of Phillippi, Laurel Hill and Cheat River, and at the last mentioned place was wounded in his wrist, a minie ball passing through his right arm at this point. Soon after this disaster he was mustered out and he returned to South Bend. He remained there until the following July, when he came back to Seneca county, and while here, on August 11, 1862, he re-enlisted, entering at this time Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, this term being for three years, his rank in the company being that of sergeant. History tells of the heroism of the men who passed through the fiery ordeals of the battles of Perry ville, Stone River, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain, and our subject with his regiment participated in all these, with marked gallantry. He also took part in the Atlanta cam paign and it was in front of that city, August 23, 1864, that his greatest disaster came upon him, as he was then and there taken prisoner, while in holes on picket line, the army of General Thomas falling back without taking the pickets in, and he was forced to spend seven days within the walls of Libby prison, of odious memory. Still worse fate followed, as he was sent to the prison pen at Andersonville, where he endured its horrors for three months. With other brave unfortunates he was then & 146 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. transferred to Savannah, thence to Charleston and then to Florence, South Carolina, where he was imprisoned at the time of Lee's surrender, being liberated after eight and one-half months of confinement. At this distance of time, Mr. Huber can recall with amusement what was then two hazardous escapades, — his escape from the prison camp at Florence on two occasions, before the building of the stockade. His first trip brought him into contact with a bushel of sweet potatoes and two pump kins, these probably being more palatable than all the feasts to which he has since sat down. When he was released at the close of the war he returned to Tiffin, although but a shadow of the virile, robust and gallant soldier of one hundred and sixty-five pounds who so bravely marched away. Faded, haggard and sick, he weighed but ninety-seven pounds. Air. Huber had a strong constitution, however, and soon recovered his health to such a degree that he could resume work at his trade, but later returned to farming and continued in that line of industry until 1876. In the following year he came to McCutchenville and embarked in the large enterprises to which he has given his attention ever since. Here he operates a vinegar factory, a cider mill, a molasses mill, a feed mill, and also a sawmill, — all combined in one establishment. The busi ness is one of importance in this vicinity and one that is very successfully conducted. Air. Huber has proven that he may justly be considered a good business man as well as a valorous soldier. He started with a saw mill and assumed an indebtedness of thirteen hundred dollars. In 1895 his plant, which was worth about seven thousand dollars, was burned, with total loss, as he did not secure the three thousand dollars of insur ance carried. On rebuilding his plant, valued at five thousand six hun dred dollars, he was still three thousand three hundred dollars in debt, and this has all been cleared off and handsome progress has been made in other directions. In 1867 Air. Huber was married to Aliss Annie R. Six, and one daughter, E. Lizzie, wife of L. J. Aloshinger, w-as born to this union. In his political belief Air. Huber has long been identified with the Re publican party. Fraternally he is a valued member of Seneca Lodge CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 147 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Tiffin. All that he has accumulated, together with the success and prominence he has attained, has been the result of his own endeavors. ABRAHAM W. HULL. Few residents of Venice township, Seneca county, are better known or more genuinely esteemed than Abraham W. Hull, who was born on the farm on which he now lives and has spent his entire life. His birth occurred on the 3d of October, 1853, his parents being Michael and Barbara (Free) Hull. The father was a native of the Keystone state, his birth there occurring in 1807, and there he was reared to mature years. In 1835, however, he left his Pennsylvania home for Ohio, locating on land which had previously been entered by his father-in- law, George Free, in Seneca county, on which he erected a hewed-log house in the woods and immediately began the arduous task of clearing his land. The place consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, but as the years passed by and prosperity awarded his efforts he increased his boundaries until he became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in this farm, also eighty acres located near Fostoria and one hun dred and sixty acres in Hancock county ; but later he divided his land, giving to each of his sons an eighty-acre farm. He was a Republican in his political views, and was a member of the German Baptist church, passing away in that faith on the 20th of August, 1890, while his wife was called to her final reward in 1901, when she had reached her ninetieth year. This worthy couple were the parents of ten children, six of whom still survive, as follows: Otha H., of Napoleon, Ohio; George F., of Fostoria; John Wv a prominent farmer of Venice town ship; Silas R. and William PL, who also make their home in this county; and Abraham W., the subject of this sketch. When eighteen years of age Abraham W. Hull was given posses sion of the old Hull homestead in Venice township, and he thereafter continued to care for his parents until they were called to the home 148 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. beyond. He is now the owner of eighty acres of land, and in the line of his chosen occupation he is meeting with a high and well merited degree of success. In 1878 he was united in marriage to- Miss Matella A. Lepard, a native o-f Attica, Ohio, and a daughter of Isaac Lepard, a farmer and carpenter residing in Attica. He is one of the leading resi dents of that city, and for two years he has served with efficiency as its street commissioner. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with three children, — Arza B., a prominent farmer of Reed town ship; and Ida M. and Mina B., at home. The Republican party receives Mr. Hull's hearty support and co-operation, and in his social relations he is a member of Honey Creek Grange, No. 1346, P: of H., in which he has held office for many years and is the present worthy master of the lodge. VALENTINE DANIEL. The subject of this sketch has attained success and prosperity through his own efforts, and his life affords an illustration of what is possible of accomplishment on the part of a young man who comes to our hos pitable shores from a foreign land, without financial reinforcement or influential friends, and by industry and good management makes his way forward until he attains a competency. Mr. Daniel was born in Darmstadt, Germany, on the 15th of August, 1834, being the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Lippet) Daniel, of whose six children four survive, namely : Frank, a resident of Huron county ; Valentine, the subject of this sketch; Nicholas, who resides near his brother ; and Barbara, the wife of Philip Deem, of Huron county. The father of our subject passed his- entire life in Darmstadt, Germany, where he was engaged in farming and where he died in 1846, at the age of forty-four years. Our subject was reared on the home farm in the fatherland, receiving his education in the excellent schools of his native land, and at the age of nineteen years he courageously faced the respon sibilities of life, emigrating to the United States and having to borrow CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 149 money with which to defray the cost of his voyage, which was made on the sailing vessel Alary Stuart. He arrived in New York after a voyage of thirty-nine days' duration, and then came to Sandusky, Ohio, where he was variously employed for two years. Within the first year he had earned sufficient money to not only repay the loan made at the time of his emigration, but also to advance the funds to pay the expenses of his brother Frank and sister Barbara, who came to this country in company. After their arrival they joined Valentine, and the three devotedly applied themselves to the accumulation of sufficient money to enable them to send for their mother and the other two brothers, who came to America a year later. The family located on a farm near San dusky and there resided for one year, after which they rented another farm, for which they paid a cash rental of five hundred dollars annually. Two years later our subject and his brother John, now deceased, left this farm in charge of their brother-in-law, Philip Deem, and rented an adjoining farm, wdiich they secured at the same rental. In that locality he continued to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits for four years, at the expiration of which, in 1865, he came to Seneca county and purchased eighty acres of his present fine farm property, in Reed town ship, and here he has ever since made his home. About ten years after locating here he purchased eighty acres on the opposite side of the road, thus making his farm one of one hundred and sixty acres. He also purchased another tract, of one hundred acres, this property having been deeded to his sons a few years since. He has made excellent improve ments on his homestead and is one of the successful and influential farmers of this section. In politics Mr. Daniel gives his sup-port to the Democratic party, and he served three years as trustee of his town ship, while for several years he was a member of the school board of his district. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, being a communicant of St. Mary's Assumption, and of which he was a trustee for many years. On the 29th of January, 1861, Mr. Daniel was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Miller, who- was born in Germany, being a daughter of Joseph Miller, who emigrated with his family to the United States i jo CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. about the year 1855. Air. and Mrs. Daniel are the parents of ten children, namely: John, a farmer of Reed township; Joseph, a resi dent of Tiffin; George and August, also farmers of Reed township; Catherine, the wife of Henry Roth, of this township; Frank, who is "Father Christian," C. P. P. S., a priest of the Catholic church and the professor of mathematics at St. Joseph's College at Rensselaer, Indiana ; Edward and Mary, who are at their parental home ; Charles, a success ful teacher ; and Rosa, who remains with her parents. JOHN P. BORK. The subject of this review is one who is to be individually considered as one of the representative citizens and successful farmers and stock- growers of Seneca county, and, in a more abstract sense, as a member of a family whose history has been honorably linked with this section of the Buckeye state for many decades. The fine farm property of our subject is located four miles southeast of the county seat, Tiffin, in Eden township, and with its admirable improvements and general air of thrift well deserves mention as one of the model homesteads of the county. Mr. Bork was born in Bloom township, his county, on the 14th of October, 1850, and when he was ten years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to another farm, in Seneca county, and there he grew to manhood, contributing his due quota to the work of the farm and receiving his early educational training in the public schools of the neighborhood, the same being very primitive as compared with those of the present day, but being of the sort from which have gone forth many of the representative men of our nation. He remained at the parental home until his marriage, at the age of twenty-six years, when he located on the farm where he now lives, the property having been at the time owned by his father. At the expiration of three years he purchased the farm, in which is comprised one hundred and nine CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 151 and one-half acres, while in addition to this he also owns another tract, of fifty-four acres, both being located in Eden township. He has made the best of permanent improvements on his homestead, including a com modious and attractive brick residence, which he erected in 1884, and a large brick barn, constructed in 1899. The land has been placed under a high state of cultivation and Mr. Bork also devotes special attention to the raising of high-grade cattle, principally of the short-horn type. He is held in the highest esteem as a progressive and liberal-minded citizen and as one of the successful farmers of he county. In politics, while never an aspirant for official preferment, Mr. Bork has given a stanch support to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he wras reared; he is a communicant in St. Joseph's church at Tiffin. On the 17th of April, 1877, Mr. Bork was united in marriage to Aliss Emma Case, who is likewise a native of Seneca county, and they bfcame the parents of five children, of whom four are living, — Louisa, Frederick, Eugene and Austin. The other child, Mella, died at the age of six years. HORACE HUBER. Among those whose lives and labors have conferred honor and dis tinction on the history of Seneca county was the subject of this memoir, who was a man of inflexible integrity, high intellectuality and marked business acumen. He was one of the pioneer settlers in Clinton town ship, where he held prestige as a representative farmer and stock-grower until the time of his death, while he so ordered his life as to command at all times the confidence and good will of his fellow men. It is fitting that in a work of this nature a suitable tribute be paid to him as a man, a pioneer and a sterling citizen. Mr. Huber was a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born April 22, 1822, in Fairfield county, where he was reared. He received his early educational discipline in the public schools, thereafter com- 1 52 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. pleted a college course at St. Clairsville, Belmont county, and finally gave his attention to the reading of law, being admitted to the bar of the state and entering upon the practice of his profession. He con tinued this a comparatively brief time, ill health compelling him to seek less sedentary occupation, and during the residue of his life he devoted his attention to the noble art of agriculture and to the raising of high-grade live stock. His mother died when he was a child and he was reared in the home of his aunt, Betsy Huber, who, having no children, afforded him every possible advantage. In consideration of her kindness to him, she, after becoming a widow, was afforded a per manent home by Air. Huber, the latter years of her life thus being made pleasant by his devoted care and appreciation, her death occurring at his home about 1854. In his native county was solemnized Mr. Huber's marriage, and soon afterward, in 1847, he came to Seneca county and located on the farm where his widow and son now live. His wife's father, Valentine Reber, had taken up this land in an early day, securing the same from the government, and upon taking up his abode here our subject inaugu rated the work of clearing and improving the homestead, developing the same into one of the finest farm properties in this section of the state, and here continuing to make his home until death set its seal upon his mortal lips. He passed aw-ay on the 19th of February, 1881, at the age of fifty- eight years, honored by all who knew him and revered as one of the founders and builders of the county. In his political adherency Mr. Huber was stanchly arrayed in support of the Republican party and its principles, but he never sought nor desired the honors of public offices, though his influence was invariably given to the support of all legitimate projects and undertakings for the public good. He was an active and consistent member of the Methodist Epis copal church and one of the most influential of those identified with the church organization at Rock River. He was a man of broad human charity and tolerance, a student of the best literature and well informed in regard to the issues, questions and events of the day, while his calm and mature judgment caused his advice to be sought in both public and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 153 private affairs. He stood four square in all the relations of life and his death was deeply regretted by the community in which he had lived and labored to so goodly ends. On the 22d of October, 1846, Mr. Huber was united in marriage to Miss Mary Reber, who likewise was born in Fairfield, county, near Lancaster, being the daughter of Valentine and Magdaline (Van Reid) Reber, both natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, where they were reared and where their marriage was solemnized. Soon afterward they came to Ohio, and located on an improved tract of land near Lancaster, Fairfield county. Mr. Reber secured by government entry and by pur chase a large area of land in Fairfield and Seneca counties, and of the places he thus retained- in the latter his daughter and son-in-law became the eventual owners, the greater portion of the properties being still held by Mrs. Huber and her sons. Mr. Reber was one of the extensive land holders of this section o-f the state, though always living in Fairfield county, and was a prominent and influential citizen. He was one of those who, served under General Crawford in the conflict with the Indians in this locality, and it is a matter of history that the valiant colonel was burned at the stake by the crafty red men, in the adjoining county of Wyandot. From the time of her marriage Mrs. Huber has lived on the old homestead in Clinton township, and during the long intervening years she has taken a prominent part in the social life of the community and has endeared herself to all with whom she has come in contact, so that now, at the venerable age o-f eighty years, while many of the companions of the earlier days have been summoned to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns," she still finds herself surroimded and cheered by a host of friends, retaining her mental and physical vigor in a marked degree. The old homestead comprises two hundred and forty acres,, beautifully situated on Rock creek, and equipped with the best of improvements, being one of the most valuable and attractive places in the township. Of the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Huber one, Charles, died at the age of nine years; the others being John R.,. one of the successful farmers of this township; and Eugene B., who 10 154 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. is unmarried and who has charge of the old homestead, being one of the popular and progressive citizens of the county. John R. Huber was born near Tiffin, and was married in 1876, to Salinda Kegerreis, of Pennsylvania birth. They have two children: Mary, the wife of J. R. McDonell, of Tiffin; and Eva, who is a grad uate of the Tiffin high school, and who remains at the parental home. JACOB HOUCK. For nearly a score of years the honored subject of this sketch has served consecutively in the office of justice of the peace, while he is known and esteemed as one of the successful farmers of his native county, being associated with his brother Isaac in the conducting of a fine landed estate of two hundred and forty acres, eligibly located: in Reed town ship. Mr. Houck is one of the well known and popular citizens of Seneca county, and in all the relations of life he has been dominated by that inflexible integrity of purpose whose natural concomitant is objective confidence and esteem. His reputation as an effective auction eer has brought his services into requisition in the most diverse sections of the county, and through this means he has formed an exceptionally wide acquaintanceship, and it may be said, without fear of contradic tion, that his friends are in number as his acquaintances. Mr. Plouck is a native of Hopewell township, Seneca, county, where he was born on the 10th of May, 1854, a representative of two of the sterling pioneer families of Seneca county. He is one of the nine chil dren of Isaac and Mary (Heirholzer) Houck, and eight of the number are living, namely : Mary, the wife of Casper Zerolf, a resident of the state of Oregon ; Magdalene, the wife of Emmanuel Lonsway, of Loudon township, Seneca county ; Joseph, a resident of Clinton township; George, who resides in the city of San Francisco, California; Jacob, the subject of this review ; Armenia, who is unmarried and who maintains her home in Sacramento, California; Peter, of Hopewell township; and Isaac, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 155 who is associated with our subject in business. Isaac Houck was a native of Germany, where he was born in the year 1 820, being the son of Isaac Houck, Sr., who emigrated to America when his son and name sake was a lad of eleven years, entering a tract of land in Big Spring township, Seneca county, Ohio, where the family were numbered among the earliest settlers. Here the father of our subject was reared to maturity and here his marriage was solemnized, after which he settled on the old home farm, where he continued actively engaged in agricult ural pursuits until about 1878, when he removed to Tiffin, where he passed the residue of his long and useful life, passing away on the 5th of August, 1893, in the fulness of years and well earned honors. He was an influential factor in the local councils and work of the Demo cratic party, but never sought the honors or emoluments of political office. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, as was also his wife. She was likewise born in Germany, in 1821, and .as a child accompanied her parents on their emigration to- Seneca county, the family also becoming pioneer settlers of Big Spring township. She died in the year 1884, at the age of sixty-three years, having been a woman of noble and gentle character. Jacob Plouck, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared under the sturdy discipline of the old homestead farm, and his educational advantages were such as were afforded by the common schools of the locality and period. In 1877 he went to Hancock county, where he cultivated one of his father's farms on shares. In 1882 he and his brother Isaac located on their present fine homestead, in Reed township, this likewise having been the property of their father, and they have ¦continued to be associated in their agricultural and stock-growing opera tions, which have been attended with gratifying success, their position being one of prominence in conection with this line of industry in this section of the state. In his political proclivities, our subject has been a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party and he has been one of the .active and zealous advocates of its cause in his section of the county. In 1883 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and has served continuously ever since, giving a most able administration of the 156 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. affairs of the same, while his counsel and advice are held in high estima tion in the community. In the spring of 1896 he was elected township clerk, and was in tenure of this office for two terms. In the spring of 1901 he was one of twelve whose names were considered in convention in connection with candidacy for the office of county commissioner, and notwithstanding the implied opposition in the convention he missed the nomination by but seven votes. In 1900, Mr. Houck was elected treas urer of the Seneca County Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and was incumbent of this office for two years, doing much to advance the inter ests of the organization. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, being a communicant of the church of Sts. Peter and Paul at Attica, and of which he has served as trustee ever since the erection of the church. He is one of the influential men of his township, and to- him is accorded the fullest measure of confidence and esteem in the community. October 15, 1884, was solemnized the marriage of Air. Houck to Miss Carrie Walters, who was born near Bryan, Ohio; and of their six children all are living except Mary, the second born, who died at the age of six years. Those surviving are Alice, Walter, Anna, Clara and Ida. GEORGE W. CUNNINGHAM In business, military, fraternal and political circles George W. Cun ningham has gained honorable distinction, and well he may be numbered among the representative and influential citizens of Fostoria, He is to-day the honored and capable rrtpyor of the city, elected to that position on the Republican ticket. That party is more than fortunate that has the loyal, unswerving support of intelligent men who are ever willing to. largely devote the energies of their nature to the upholding of its princi ples and who assist in fostering its progress and promoting its: welfare in the community which they honor with their presence, and the Repub lican ranks of Seneca county has a valued addition in George W. Cun- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 157 ningham, whose allegiance arises from firm faith in the party principles and unfaltering devotion to the nation's good, both of which he places before personal aggrandizement. Mr. Cunningham- is a native of Ohio-, his birth having occurred in Allen county. After acquiring his preliminary education in the public schools he became a student in the Ohio W-esleyan University, at Dela ware, this state, and later he was matriculated in the National Normal School, at Ada, Ohio. For four years he engaged in teaching, and was recognized as a capable instructor. In 1880 he came to Fostoria and has since been identified with its business interests, as proprietor of a drug store, which he has successfully conducted, enjoying an ever increasing- patronage. He has a neat and attractive store, well equipped with a large line of drugs: and other articles found in such an establishm|ent, and' his honorable business policy and earnest desire to: please his patrons have brought to him a large business. September 15, 1887, Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage, in Fostoria, to Miss Mary Kenower, a daughter of J. L. Keno-wer, a pioneer resident and business man of this city, now deceased. Their union has been blessed with two sons — Harold and George. Both our subject and his wife have many warm friends here, and the hospitality of the best homes of Fostoria is extended- to them. Mr. Cunningham takes a deep: interest in military affairs, and in 1897 be became a member of Company D, Sixteenth Regiment of the Ohio National Guard, of which he was made a second lieutenant. When trouble arose with Spain and hostilities were inaugurated, on the 25th of April, 1898, he went to Columbus, where with his regiment he was mustered into thei United States service, on the 12th of May, as a mem ber of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served as 'second lieu tenant until the ist of November, when he was made first lieutenant and was assigned to Company G, of the same regiment. The command pro ceeded to Chickamauga park, thence to Knoxville, Tennessee, and from there was ordered to Cuba, his regiment being the first of the American soldiers toi land at Cienfuegos. After four months spent on the island, the regiment was ordered back to this country, and after thirteen months 1 58 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in the service was- mustered out, on the 24th of May, 1899, at Augusta, Georgia. Mr. Cunningham is also an active and prominent member of the Rnights of Pythias, fraternity and is serving on the staff o-f Brigadier General Minshull, of Cleveland, with the rank of colonel. He is equally prominent as a: Rnight Templar, and in the commandery has served with the rank of generalissimo. From the time age gave to him the right of franchise Mr. Cunningham has been an earnest Republican and, having closely studied the issues and questionsi of the day, he is able to sujDport his position by intelligent effort and to: so direct his political labors: as to make him an active and valued factor in party ranks. He has served as a member of both the: city and county committees and of the former has been chairman, in which capacity he controlled the campaign forces so as to: bring desired results. From: 1893 until 1897 he was a member of the city council and the last year served as its' president. In April, 1901, he was elected mayor of Fostoria, and is: now the chief executive of the city. His administration1, business-like, practical and progressive, is giving excellent satisfaction to all fair-minded citizens and is furnishing additional proof of Mr. Cunningham's loyalty to goO-d government and the welfare of his adopted home. His public career has ever been hon orable and straightforward and in his life history there are no: esoteric chapters, all being an open book. Much is worthy of -emulation, all is above condemnation, and thus it is that George Cunningham commands and receives the respect and confidence o-f his fellow men. ALBERT HUGHES. Albert Huehes was born on the 3d of March, 1848, on the farm in Liberty township which is nowi his homie, and he rep-resents one of those old families of Ohio that from pioneer days: in the! development of this locality has been' connected with1 the promotion of interests leading to its substantial improvement. His father, Thomas Hughes, was born in ' CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 159 Franklin county., Ohio:, and in the year 1827 came to Seneca county, settling in Liberty township. Much of the land was still in possession of the government and in consequence was in its wild state, destitute of all improvement. Thomas Hughes: entered one hundred and sixty acres and built thereon a substantial cabin of round logs. His farm was cov ered with a dense growth of timber, and soon the woodman's ax awak ened the echoes of the forest as he cleared his land for purposes of culti vation. Upon his farm he continued to labor' until his death. He met his death by accident, being killed by a train, near Fremont, in 1864, when sixty-three years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Eliza beth McCracken, and they became the parents of ten children. David died in Williams county twenty-three years ago; Ephraim, who- lived in Williams county, died February 7, 1902, just twenty-three years after David's death; Elihu is deceased; Harvey is also deceased; Gilbert re sides in Indiana; Rena is now living in Liberty township; Mlinerva has passed away; John is a resident of Seneca county; Albert is the subject o-f this review; and one died in infancy. The mother is still living at the old homestead and has attained the very advanced age of ninety-three years. In many respects the life of Albert Hughes has been a quiet and un eventful one, for he has always lived' upon the home farm. When old enough to handle the plow he began to work in the fields and from that time to the present he has- continued to- devote his attention to- the culti vation of the land. On attaining his majority he took charge of the old homestead, and now he owns the original tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which his father entered from- the government and transformed from a densely timber region- into fertile fields. In his farming opera tions he is progressive and practical. In his fields he produces the cereals best adapted to the climate, and in his pastures are found high grades of cattle, for be! makes stock-raising an important branch of his business. On the 23d of February, 1876, Albert Hughes was united in mar riage to Miss Ellen Good, a most estimable lady, and their union has been blessed with three children, Nora, Ada, and Bertie, all at home, the family circle yet remaining unbroken by the hand of death. In his polit- 160 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ical views Mr. Hughes is a Republican, supporting the men and measures of that party but never seeking office for himself. His time and atten tion are closely occupied by business affairs. He is a man of strong pur pose and unfaltering industry, and by the capable management of his farm he has gained a comfortable competence. His friends — and they are many — know him to be a reliable and enterprising gentleman, faith ful to his duties of citizenship and working in harmony with all pro gressive measures for the general good. H. BERNHARDT BERLEKEMP. The career of the subject of this review illustrates what is possible of accomplishment on the part of the honest and industrious young man who leaves his native land and identifies himself with the industrial activities of the great American republic. Mr. Berlekemp is a sterling representative of the German-American element in our national life, and is now one of the successful farmers and stock-growers of Seneca county, having come here without other reinforcement than a stout heart and willing hands and having attained a high measure of prosperity through his own efforts. Mr. Berlekemp is a native of Prussia, Germany, where he was born on the 1 2th of October, 1843, being one of the eight children of Henry and Mary Berlekemp, both of whom passed their entire lives in Prussia, where the father gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. The sub ject of this review was reared on the homestead farm and received a limited educational training in the schools of his native land. At the age of twenty-three, in accordance with the laws of the country, he entered the Prussian army, and his military service covered a period of three years, including the Austro-Prussian war. At the expiration of this time, in 1869, he severed the ties which bound him to home and native land, emigrating to- America, where he felt superior opportunities were afforded for individual accomplishment. He came to the city of MRS. H. B. BERLEKEMP. H. B. BERLEKEMP. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 161 Cincinnati, where a sister was already living, and there he was employed in a brick-yard for one year, and then came to Seneca county, where the lady who later became his wife was living. He was employed at farm work in Pleasant township for Byron Rule, and there he remained two years. After his marriage he rented a farm in Pleasant township, starting married life with about two hundred dollars, and there con tinued operations for nine years. He then purchased eighty-five acres in Adams township, but disposed o-f that and in 1883 bought his present farm, where he has ever since maintained his home, the place being located in Pleasant township. His first purchase here comprised one hundred and eight acres, for which he paid nine thousand, four hundred and eighty dollars, assuming a debt of over six thousand dollars. In 1899 he bought an additional tract of one hundred and seven acres at fifty dollars per acre, so that he is now the owner of a fine estate of two hundred and fifteen acres, in two farms. He has made the best of improvements on his farm property, building a modern residence in 1893 and a fine barn in 1899. He has been very successful in his farming and stock-raising, his energy and industry being unflagging, while his efforts have been directed with signal ability and discrimina tion. In his political adherency Mr. Berlekemp is identified with the Republican party, and his religious faith is that of the German Reformed church, in which he has served as deacon for six years, being one of the influential members of the church at Fremont, of which Mrs. Berlekemp is also a devoted member. They are held in the highest esteem in the community and their pleasant home is one in which a genial hospitality is ever in evidence. On the ist of February, 1871, Mr. Berlekemp was united in mar riage to Miss Caroline Cook, who was born in Prussia, the daughter of Fred and Elizabeth Cook, and of their union eight children have been born, namely : Amelia, the wife of Lawrence Sheddenhelm, of Adams township; Louisa, the wife of Edel Farver, of Pleasant township ; August, who died at the age of seventeen years ; Jennie, the wife of William A. Oiler, of Tiffin; and Frank W., Oscar, Charles and Robert, who remain at the parental home. In 1870 Mrs. Berlekemp came to Ohio with her 1 62 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. parents, who located on a farm at Republic, where they both died, the father passing away in 1889, aged seventy years, and the mother in 1884, aged sixty-six. JACOB ZEIGLER. Few sections of Seneca- county, Ohio, are more justly noted for fine farms and for a high class of citizenship-, than is that' part known as. Bloom township, and one of the most prominent and substantial agricul turists of this locality is Jacob Zeigler, the owner of two- hundred and seven acres of valuable land. Mr. Zeigler' s farm is one of the most de sirable in this township, and is well adapted to the purposes to which it is put, a general line: of farming and the raising of stock, both branches of his enterprise being carried on by Mr. Zeigler with complete success. Jacob Zeigler is not only a native son of the state, but he is also a native of Seneca, county, having been born in Venice township, February 12, 1859. His ancestry is of German extraction, and his parents were Henry and Louise Zeigler, who- rem(oved to Eden township when he was five years of age. There their lives were spent, and there he grew up a farmer boy, and all his life has been identified with agricultural affairs. He obtained a good common-school education, assisting during his youth; in the farm work, and when his school days were concluded he took charge of the home farm, conducting it successfully until he was twenty-seven years old, leaving it at the time of his marriage, to settle upon a farm of his- own. September 24, 1885, Mr. Zeigler was married to Miss Banny Brauser, who was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, being a daughter of Rudolph and Catherine Brauser'. Mr. and Mrs. Zeigler have a family of seven children, namely: Alva George, Charles Adam1, Hattie Catherine Louisa, Eddie J., Florence M., Mary E., and Wernie Joyce. After his marriage Mr. Zeigler moved to the farm which he has ever since occupied, and where he owns and operates two hundred and seven CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 163. acres, although he is a large landholder in Crawford county also, owning there a fine farm o-f one hundred and sixty acres, located in Texas town ship. Mr. Zeigler is a man of progressive ideas and believes in the use of modern methods and machinery, and he has, done much in the way of the introduction of such in this locality. His interests have been centered in agriculture for so many years that there are few details with which he is not thoroughly acquainted and he is justly regarded as one of the lead ing farmers of the township. He has been very successful also in the raising of stock, having very practical ideas on their scientific breeding as well as economic feeding, and his methods are regarded as most sen sible and valuable, his success testifying to: their practical importance. Mr. Zeigler has been a lifelong Democrat and has been an active and intelligent upholder of the principles of the Democratic party. He has been no office-seeker, but has taken an interest in good government and in the! progress and advancement in his locality. He is: a liberal supporter and a consistent member of the German Reformed church, in which he is highly valued. During a, long and industrious career Mr. Zeigler has not only gained a strong position by the ability with which he has managed his business, but as a; man of force- of character, upright and honest in his dealings with his- fellow citizens, and as: a kind husband and devoted and careful father, he has gained the esteem of all who know him. WILLIAM H. PATTERSON. To go back in the history of the state of Ohio to the time of the founding of thfe Patterson family, would carry us to the early settlement of a great part of the state, to the beginnings of the vast canal system, and to a date when no railroads connected northern Ohio- with sister states. Prior toi 1829 the records tell of the location of members of this family in Seneca county, whither they came from Perry county, where Edward Patterson lived, and where his son, Daniel H. Patterson, was born, in 1818. The son accompanied bis father to Seneca county, and 1 64 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the latter bought two: hundred acres- of land in Scipio township. From this family of early settlers, descended William H. Patterson, who is one of the prominent citizens of Bloom, township-. Daniel H. Patterson, who was the father of our subject, lived in Scipio township until his marriage, moving then to Adamis township, and finally locating in Bloom township, prior to the birth of his son, William H., of thisi sketch. He was united in marriage to Catherine Seitz, and they had a family of twelve children, five of whom are still surviving, namely: William H., who is our subject; James K., who re sides in Sidney, Ohio; Martha, who is the wife of John K. Spitler, of Bloom township; Clara A., who is the wife of A. F. Spitler, of Mans field, Ohio; and Ida J., who is the wife of Henry Spitler, of Melmore, •Eden township. After his marriage Daniel H. Patterson carried on farming in Adams township, where he became a well known man. From- there he removed to Bloom township, and located on the farm where his son-in- law, J. K. Spitler, resides, and there his death occurred at the age of ¦seventy- two years. His wife passed away- in 1861, and subsequently four of the children, Jasper, Lewis, Ellen and John, also were removed by death. William H. Patterson was born April 3, 1844, on the home farm, in Bloom township, Seneca county, and his boyhood and early youth were spent amid rural surroundings. He took advantage of all educa tional opportunities offered and displayed such attainments that his par ents willingly consented to his securing an academic course in Republic, and later he had higher educational advantages in the normal school at Lebanon. Mr. Patterson naturally adopted the profession of teaching after completing his course in the normal school, and followed this, with unusual success, for eight winters, being regarded as one of the most reliable educators in Seneca county. During all this time Mr. Patterson was associated with bis- respected father in business enterprises and in the management of the home farm, but he did not remove thither until 1894, since which time this has been his pleasant home. H!is property includes eighty acres of well cultivated CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 165 land, most desirably situated, and here Mr. Patterson has developed into a first-class farmer and intelligent and successful stock-raiser. In his methods he is energetic and progressive, and he worthily represents an old agricultural family. In 1 89 1 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to: Miss Ida Seiple, who was born in Illinois, a daughter of B. F. and Maria (Spitler) Seiple. To this marriage was born one son, Jesse G., a bright and interesting child. Mrs. Patterson died October 9, 1896, having been a devoted wife and mother. Mr. Patterson- is a man of intellect and has shown his in terest in educational mattersi by long service on the school board. His views on public questions are not in accord with either of the dominant parties-, inclining in the direction of socialism. In private life he is de voted to: the welfare of his family; his section of the county contains many of his warm: personal friends; and the interests of his. country are very dear to' him. WILLIAM PALMER. The biographical history of Seneca county would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of Mr. Palmer, who has passed his entire life on the farm which is now his home. In his youth he was familiar with the scenes and incidents of pioneer life, his father having been one of the early settlers in the county, coming here at a time when the section was practically an unbroken forest, when Indians and wild animals were still plentiful and when the homes of the settlers were log cabins of the most primitive type. Reared, thus on the frontier, as it was then called, our subject has borne his part in the work of develop ment, as did his honored father, both having been factors in bringing about the transformation which has made this one of the leading coun ties in the state, with its highly cultivated farms, thriving towns and vil lages, its school-houses, churches and all other evidences that show the mark of progress and culture. William Palmer was born on his present homestead, in Eden town- 1 66 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. -ship, Seneca county, Ohio, -on the 18th of September, 1846, and that the name has been identified with the annals of the Buckeye state from the earliest pioneer epoch is evident when we revert to the fact that Daniel Palmer, the father of our subject, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1804, only two years after its admission to statehood. He was reared in his native county and there learned the trade of carpenter and cabinet maker. In 182 1 he came to Seneca county, as a youth of about eighteen years, in company with John Gibson, making the trip with a team of horses. He located in Eden township, where he remained until his marriage, when he established his home in the little hamlet of Melmore, where he continued to follow his trade for some time. He then purchased eighty acres of government land in Eden township, and on the same ¦erected a log cabin of two rooms. He then set himself to the task of lit erally hewing out a farm from the forest wilderness, remaining on that place for a period of fifteen years and then purchasing the northeast ¦quarter of section 31, the tract being covered with a dense growth of timber and being entirely without a clearing. He began the erection of a house of hewed logs, and while engaged in its erection walked back and forth from his home, six miles distant, each day until the work was completed and the house made ready for the occupancy of his fam ily. He reclaimed a considerable portion of the farm as the years passed, and also aided materially in the construction of roads through the for ests, and in the establishing of the primitive schools which are often referred to as "log-cabin colleges." He passed the residue of his long and honorable life on this farm, which is now the home of his son, and passed to his reward on the 13th of March, 1880, at the venerable age of seventy-six years. He was a Republican in his political adherency from the time of the organization of that party, and his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church. He was a man of unbending integ rity and strong individuality, impressing a beneficent influence on the community in which he lived- and labored to such goodly ends. He was united in marriage, in Eden township, to Miss Nancy Wagner, daughter of John Wagner, likewise a representative of one of Ohio's pioneer fam ilies, and of this union seven children were born, namely: John, de- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 167 ceased; Rachel, the widow of John Bare, of Wyandot county; George, deceased; Jane A., the widow of Jacob Heshberger, of Wyandot county; Amanda, a maiden lady, who is likewise a resident of that county ; Will iam, the subject of this sketch ; and Ellen, deceased. The devoted- mother of our subject attained extreme longevity and enjoyed excellent health until a short time before her death, being cared for with true filial solici tude by her children and passing away in 1897, at the venerable age of ninety-one years. William Palmer, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the old homestead, early beginning to contribute his quota to the work of reclaiming and cultivating the same and receiving his educational training in the common schools of the place and period. At the age of twenty-two- years he assumed- charge of the homestead, and after the death of his father he, as the only living son, purchased the interest of the other heirs, so that he is now the owner of the fine farm, which com prises the original quarter section, of which forty acres have been cleared under his direction, while the entire tract is now under most effective cultivation with the exception of twenty-five acres, which are still cov ered with the native trees. He has improved the farm with commodious and convenient buildings, his residence being modern in style and equip ment, and the entire farm presents a pleasing and attractive view. His efforts have resulted in the opening of the main road to- Sycamore, adding materially to the convenience of the neighborhood. He has shown himself to be a capable and progressive farmer and discriminating business man, and in addition to his agricultural opera tions he has also been very successful in the raising of the best grade of live stock. His, interest in all that concerns the progress and prosperity of his county is unabating, and those who have known him during his entire life are numbered among his cherished and1 devoted friends, while he commands unequivocal esteem in the community at large. His politi cal franchise is exercised in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party, of which he is a stanch supporter. On the 13th of April, 1880, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Palmer to Aliss Jennie M. Cook, the daughter of Solomon and Lida 1 68 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. (Lineberger) Cook, of Seneca county, and of their four children only one is living, — Leila, aged fourteen years. Frank died at the age of eight, Bert at the age of four and the other child in infancy. JOHN HOLTZ. One of the present trustees of Pleasant township- is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is a scion of one of the pioneer families of the county and his present fine farmstead has been his home from! the time of his birth, so that there are many points which render peculiarly apropos a consideration of his genealogy and personal career in connection with a publication of this order. He is one of the extensive and representative agriculturists of the county and one of its influential citizens, and the confidence and esteem in which he is held in his native township is clearly manifested- in his tenure of the responsible office of which he is at present incumbent. On the old homestead farm- where he now lives Mr. Holtz was born. the date of his nativity being February 15, 1850. Here he grew to ma turity, early beginning to contribute his quota toward the cultivation and improvement of the homestead and securing his educational discipline in the public schools. His parents were Jacob and Susan Holtz, both natives o-f Frederick county, Maryland, whence they came to Seneca county in an early day and here passed the residue o-f their lives, the father passing away in 1889 and the mother in 1896. They were folk of sterling character and all who knew them accorded them a full measure of esteem. Our subject is one of three children, of whom two are living at the present timje. He was associated with his father in the improving and operating of the homestead until the death o-f the latter, since which time he has individually carried forward the work, having now a fine landed estate of three hundred and eighty acres, imp-roved with modern buildings and- under a high state of cultivation. The farmstead is given over to diversified agriculture and to the raising of high-grade stock, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 169 and Mr. Holtz is, known as one of the most progressive and successful farmers of this section of the state, while the regard in which he is held in the community would seem to set at naught the old scriptural adage that a "prophet is not without honor save in his own country." In poli tics Mr. Holtz accords an unequivocal allegiance to' the Republican party, and he has maintained a constant and lively interest in local affairs of a public nature, doing all in his power to conserve the material prosperity and general welfare of his township and county. In 1901 he was elected to his present office, and in this capacity he is giving signal and effective service. Mr. Holtz is one of the leading members of the Masonic fra ternity in the county, and has advanced to the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite in this noble and time-honored organization. His- affil iations, are with Green Spring Lodge, No. 427; Tiffin Chapter, R. A. M. ; De Molay Commandery, No. 9, at Tiffin, while in the Scottish rite he is a member of Cincinnati Consistory, S. P. R. S., at Cincinnati. On the 26th of September, 1883, Air. Holtz was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Corthell, who: was born in Clinton township, the daugh ter of George and Susan Corthell, and of this union one child has been born, Fannie, who is now a student in Heidelberg College at Tiffin. Mrs. Holtz died May 18, 1889, of consumption. The family has taken a prominent part in the social life of the community, and the attractive home is a center of refined hospitality. LEROY J. MICHAELS. In connection with this work, touching upon the life histories of those who have figured as: the founders and builders of this favored section of the Buckeye state, there is definite interest attaching to the career of Mr. Michaels, who stands as a representative of two of the early pioneer families of Seneca county, who is himself one o-f the prom inent and influential citizens of the county and whose is the distinction of being a veteran of the war of the Rebellion. 11 170 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Michaels is a native son of Seneca county, having been born in Liberty township, on the 4th of September, 1845, the son of John and Eliza (Abbott) Michaels, of whose ten children only three are now liv ing, namely : Elmftna, the wife of John W. Baker, of Clinton township, Seneca county, Ohio; Leroy J., the subject of this sketch; and Annie E., the wife of E. T. Olmstead, of Clinton township. Of the other three of the six children who lived to maturity we enter the following brief record : Jane F., who became the wife of David Rosenberger, died at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving three children' : Jennie, the wife of Edward Heilman; Eli; and Mary Esther, the wife of David Zimmer man. George F., who was a farmer in Clinton township, removed to Vandalia, Illinois, about four years ago-, and there his death occurred on the 19th o-f February, 1902, at the age of sixty-eight years, his chil dren being as follows : Eva, the widow of Adolphus Blue; Florence, the wife of Eli Rosenberger; Oriette, the wife of Frank Rosenberger; Will iam and Burton, who reside in Seneca county; and Arthur, a resident of Washington. Saraphina became the wife o-f Henry Houser and she died in' 1869, at the age of thirty-three years, being survived by her daughter, Miss Minnie Houser. John Alichaels was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of January, 1804, and when he was. about fifteen years of age his parents, Philip Michaels and wife, removed to- Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, where they passed the remainder of their lives, being num bered among the early pioneers of the state. Their son- John grew to maturity in Fairfield county, whence, about 1826, he removed to Seneca county, settling in Liberty township, where he purchased a quarter sec tion of government land, at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, this being the place now owned by Philip Stuckey. When he established his home here his place was covered with a heavy growth o-f oak and walnut, and he made a clearing in the forest and there erected a good house of hewed logs, after which he gave his attention to the reclaiming of the land and placing it under cultivation. He there remained until 1856, when he removed to the farm now owned by his son, the subject of this review. At the time of his death he was the owner of eight farms CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 171 in the county, having six hundred and forty acres in Lib-erty township and five hundred and thirty acres in Clinton township, making him the most extensive owner of improved lands in the county. He attained marked success through 'his agricultural operations, his stock-raising and landed investments, and was known as one of the progressive and influential men of the county, ever commanding unequivocal confidence and esteem, by reason of his unswerving integrity in all the relations of life. In his early life he was a stalwart Jacksonian Democrat, later gave his support to the Whig party, still later became identified with the Know Nothing organization, while upon the formation of the Republican party he transferred -his allegiance to: the same and thereafter continued a stanch supporter of its principles and policies, deeming that they were most nearly in accord with the old Jacksonian ideas. Though he wielded marked influence in public affairs of a local nature he invariably refused to accept nomination for political office. He always had a deep appreciation of the elemental truths and teachings of the Christian re ligion, but he did not identify himself with any religious body until late in life, when he became a member of the Alethodist Protestant church, of which his wife had long been a member. His death occurred on the 4th of October, 1884, at which time he had attained the venerable age, of eighty years. His wife, Eliza Abbott, to whom he was married December 25, 183 1, was a native of Massachusetts, where she was born in the year 1809, being the daughter of Moses and Eliza (Snow) Abbott, Who came to Seneca county about 1826 and settled in Clinton township, on the farm now owned by Henry Best. She died June 23, 1882, aged seventy-three years. Leroy J. Michaels was: reared to the discipline of the farm and acquired his early educational training in the public schools, after which he continued his studies for a time in Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, and supplemented this by a course in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Dela ware. It had been his intention to prepare himlself for the profession of civil engineer, but as he was the only son remaining at the parental home, his, father persuaded him to abandon his plans and continue in the vocation of a farmer. Such has been his success in this line, and such 1 72 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the independence maintained in the great basic art of agriculture, that he has never had occasion to regret the change made in harmony with his father's admonition. On the 22d of Alay, 1864, Air. Michaels- enlisted as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army o-f the Potomac, and he served one hundred days, doing guard duty in the defenses around Washington, and being mustered out on the 27th of August of the same year, when he received his honorable discharge. He then returned to his homle, and was here associated with his father in farming enterprises until his mar riage, in 1867, when- he located on the farm now owned by Jacob Hun ker, the place having at that time been 1he property o-f his father. Here he continued his farming operations, renting the land until 1881, when he removed to the farm now owned by Jacob Zeis, the same having likewise been a portion of his father's estate. This place continued to be his home until after the death of his father, when the estate was settled; and our subject, by the payment of the amount of valuation above his share o-f the inheritance, secured the old homestead farm of one hundred and forty acres, which is one of the most valuable in the county, having the best of improvements and being under most effective cultiva tion. The fine barn on the place is one of the best in this section of the state, being constructed of brick, with the main portion forty by eighty feet in dimensions, and with a wing thirty-five by eighty feet. This building was erected in 1876, by our subject's father, while he himself, in 1887, erected the handsome and commodious brick residence which adorns the fine farm. For eight years, in the '80s, Mr. Michaels suc cessfully operated a stone quarry, and since 1892 he has conducted a very successful dairy business known as the Willow Spring Dairy; in connection with his farming and stock-raising. In 1892 an oil well was sunk on his farm, and the same has produced more oil than any other in this field. In his political allegiance Mr. Michaels is stanchly arrayed in support of the Republican party, but, like his father, has never sought the honors or emoluments of public office. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Protestant church, of which his wife also is a CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 173 member, and fraternally he is identified with General W. H. Gibson Post, of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Tiffin. He is one of the influential men of his community, and- in his native county he retains the unre served confidence and esteem of the people, being a worthy representative of early pioneer families of this section. On the 8th of October, 1867, Mr. Michaels was united in marriage to Miss Mary I. Baker, who was born in Clinton township, this county, the daughter of William and Margaret Baker, who came to the county about the same time as did the father of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Michaels became the parents of seven children, all of whom are living except Bessie, who died in childhood. The others are Ola B., Courtland L., William H., Margaret E., John, and Corinne D., all of whom remain at the parental home with the exception of Courtland, who- is employed by the Sun Oil Company, in Tiffin. PHILIP H. CULLER. Philip H. Culler, now deceased, was for a number of years actively associated with farming interests in Seneca county. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1820, and was a son of Jacob Culler, who removed with his family to: Ohio in 1825, taking up his abode in Richland county. There he purchased and developed a farm, on which he reared his family. Philip Culler was one of eleven children, eight sons and three daugh ters. He spent his boyhood and youth upon the old home place, in Rich land county, and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On the ist of July, 1845, he was united in marriage to Aliss Sarah A. Roller, a native of York county, Pennsylvania, born in 1825. They resided in Richland county until ^856, and on the expiration of that decade came to Seneca county, set tling upon the farm which is still the home of Mrs. Culler. A tract of land of ninety acres was first purchased, and later the boundaries of the 174 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. farm were extended by the additional purchase of eighty acres. Through out his entire life Mr. Culler was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and his labors brought to' him a comfortable living. Mr. and Mrs. Culler had no children of their own, but out of the kindness of their hearts, reared three, giving homes and loving care to them. For many years Air. Culler held membership in the Lutheran church, and he died in that faith on the 20th of Alay, 1894, respected by all who knew him. His wife is a member of the same church. Since her husband's death she has continued to live upon tire farm and super intend the property. An estimable lady, her friends are many and well does she deserve mention in the history of this locality. ABRAHAA1 RINEBOLD. Through a long period the name of Rinebold has been prominently connected with, the history of Seneca county. It is an untarnished name and one that is familiar to the people of this section of the state by reason of the honorable and useful lives of those who have borne it. Abraham Rinebold, of this review, is a gentleman whose history forms a connecting link between the pioneer past and modern present. He saw the country in the days when it seemed- almost on the borders of civiliza tion, its land wild and uncultivated, its forests standing" in their primeval strength, its log-cabin homes widely scattered, and its evidences of devel opment few. In the work of progress and development that has since wrought marvelous changes he has borne his part, and to-day ranks among those substantial and valued citizens of the community who laid broad and deep the foundation of the present prosperity of the country. Mr. Rinebold is a native of Perry county, Ohio, where he was born on the 13th of October, 1822, being a son of John and Catherine (Wein- inger) Rinebold. The father claimed Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity, and there he was born in January, 1797. When he was but three years of age his father, Alatthias Rinebold, also a native of the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 175 Keystone state, removed to Perry county, Ohio, there entering three hundred and twenty acres of forest land, where the son John grew to years of maturity and was married. When he started out in life on his own account his father gave him a small farm, and there he continued to make his home until 1823, when he sold his little farm and removed to Richland county, Ohio', there purchasing a tract of eighty acres. In 1834, however, he again disposed of his land and in March removed to one hundred and sixty acres of our subject's present farm, which he had entered previously. The marriage of John and Catherine (Wein- inger) Rinebold was blessed with four children, two of whom still sur vive, namely : Abraham, the subject of this review ; and Rebecca, the widow of John Shonts, and a resident of Bloomville, Seneca county. Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Stahl, of Jackson township, died March 6, 1902 ; and Jacob, who resided in Jackson township, where he was a prosperous farmer, died at the age of seventy-two years. Abraham Rinebold early in life assisted his father in clearing his little farm from the native timber and placing his fields under cultiva tion. Immediately after his marriage he purchased eighty acres of land in Jackson township, where he made his home for ten years, when he disposed of that place, and in 1858 purchased the old Rinebold home stead, for his father had died in 1853, and he returned to it in February, 1859. Here our subject has ever since continued to- make his home, and as the years have passed by he has added to his landed possessions until he is now the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of excellent and productive land, constituting one of the finest farms in Seneca county. The work of this extensive place is now carried on by his sons, for Air. Rinebold has laid aside the active cares of a business life, and to-day, after a useful and beneficent career, is quietly living at his beautiful home, surrounded by the comforts that earnest labor has brought to him. His political support is given to' the Democracy, but although a public-spirited and progressive citizen at all times he has never been a seeker for the honors of public office, preferring to give his time and attention to his home duties. In November, 1845, was celebrated the marriage of our subject and 176 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Miss Elizabeth Fruth, but after a happy married life of seven years the loving wife was called to her final rest. Three children were born to that union, but only two of the number are now living, — Rebecca, at home ; and John, a farmer of this township, and formerly a director of the county infirmary. For his second wife Mr. Rinebold chose Miss Barbara Peters, their wedding having been celebrated April 7, 1853. She is a native of Germany, but when twelve yea'rs of age came with her parents to the United States, the family locating in Loudon town ship. Eight children have been born of this union, namely: Catherine, the wife of George Yochum, of Jackson township; Levi, of Liberty township; Henry, deceased; Savilla, the wife of Fred Rosen, of Loudon township ; Abraham P. is associated with his brother-in-law, Fred Rosen, in the operation of the homestead, each having separate implements; Mary, deceased; Anna E., deceased; and Ephraim, who makes his home in Loudon township. The family are members of the Lutheran church, in which Mr. Rinebold long held office. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to benefit and uplift humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserv ing of the highest commendation. HON. CHARLES FOSTER. One of the conspicuous figures in the history of Ohio and in that of the nation is Hon. Charles Foster, the distinguished and honored citizen of Fostoria, Seneca county, — a man whose career has conferred credit and dignity upon the great commonwealth of which he is a native son and whose marked abilities have heightened the fame which the Buckeye state bears as the contributor of men of ability, honor and power in connection with the public life of the nation. A strong men tality, an invincible courage, a most determined individuality have so entered into his makeup as to render him a natural leader of men and director of opinion. It is manifestly proper that a just celebrity should CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 177 be given to those men who are distinguished in their day and generation, that the living may enjoy the approbation of their contemporaries as well as that of a grateful posterity. Biography is the essence of all •generic history and in it are to be found both lesson and incentive, to an extent not superficially evident. Called upon to- serve in positions of distinguished public trust and responsibility, Charles Foster has dis charged his assigned duties with ability, discrimination, integrity and with a high sense of his stewardship, and to him has not been denied that ample measure of objective appreciation and honor which is his just desert. As an influential member of the national house of repre sentatives, as the governor of a great state and as secretary of the treas ury, Mr. Foster made enviable records, and his name is lastingly inscribed on the roll of those who deserve well of the state and nation which he has so signally served. Charles Foster was born in a log cabin on a farm near Tiffin, in Seneca township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 12th of April, 1828, being the son of Charles W. and Loura (Crocker) Foster, the respective fam ilies having been established in New England in the early colonial epoch. His father was of Scotch-Irish lineage and his mother, the daughter of John and Lucy (Bartlett) Crocker, is of Welsh-English ¦extraction. Charles W. Foster passed away in 1883, but his wife is still living, at the venerable age of ninety-eight years (1902), being specially well preserved in both mental and physical powers. The parents of our •subject were natives of Massachusetts, later became residents of New York, whence the Crockers moved to Ohio in 1824. His father came to Ohio in 1826, and his marriage to Miss Crocker here occurred in June of the following year. In 1832 they came to- what was known as the "black swamp," in the northwestern part of this state, locating at Rome, a primitive hamlet in the forest wilds and the nucleus of the present city of Fostoria, which was named in honor of Charles W. Foster, who there engaged in business as one of the pioneer country merchants of Seneca county. He built a double log house, utilizing a portion of the same for the family dwelling and the remainder as a store, in which he displayed a small stock of general merchandise. He 1 78 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. also began handling real estate in this section, and through this medium eventually accumulated a fine property. The preliminary educational discipline of his son, the future governor of Ohio, was received in a little log school-house, over which Warren P. Noble presided as teacher, and at the age of twelve years the lad became a student in the academy at Nor- walk, where he continued his studies about nine months, when illness in the family compelled him to return home to assist in the work of the store, of which he became manager -at the age of fifteen years, while he was admitted to partnership when eighteen years of age and the following year assumed full charge of the enterprise. In this connection he made trips to New York city, where he purchased goods, and the enterprise soon became the most important of the sort in this section of the state, drawing its trade from a wide radius of country. To those who know the man and his alert mentality there is nothing strange to be noted in the broad fund of knowledge and the high intel lectuality which is his, for the lack of early educational advantages of a specific order could not daunt a boy who- was father to such a man, in harmony with the old aphorism. He made opportunities and by personal application supplemented his store of knowledge, making each day count for good and gaining valuable lessons in the practical school of experi ence. At the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion Mr. Foster consented to assume the office of colonel of the One Hundred and First Ohio Vol unteer Infantry, but owing to imperative exigencies his parents prevailed upon him to refuse the commission. His patriotism was, however, shown in a practical way, since he granted credit to every soldier of the vicinity who required this aid, throughout the entire course of the war, while he was otherwise helpful in divers ways. In 1867 a change was made in the character of the mercantile business, a bank being established, a hardware store being opened and a grain and produce business being established, and the enterprise thus founded by his father was continued without interruption, and with the changes noted, until 1888, — a period of fifty-six years. A stalwart supporter of the Republican party from the time -of its organization, Charles Foster was never a candidate for any office, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 179 save one or two minor local positions, until 1870, but in that year he was persuaded to accept the Republican nomination for congress. Although in a Democratic district, he was elected by a majority of seven hundred and twenty-six votes, overcoming a normal Democratic majority of eighteen hundred, and that on an occasion when the district gave a Democratic victory on the state ticket. His opponent was Edward F. Dickinson, who had been previously elected in the same district by a majority of one thousand, six hundred and forty-five. He took his seat on the 4th of March, 1871, the Hon. James G. Blaine, speaker of the house, placing him upon the committee on claims. Mr. Foster soon gained the confidence of the members of the house, and it should be noted in the connection that Horace Greeley spontaneously wrote to Air. Blaine and stated that a man who could carry his district as had Mr. Foster must possess power and ability entitling him to- good places on com mittees, preferments not usually accorded to' new men. This let ter was sent to Mr. Foster by Mr. Blaine some years later, and the same is duly appreciated, particularly in view of the fact that Mr. Greeley had at that time never seen the man of whom he wrote. In 1872 Mr. Foster was renominated, by acclamation, and in the ensuing election defeated,by seven hundred and seventy-six votes, Rush R. Sloane, of Upper Sandusky, a Greeley Republican and Democrat. In the forty- second congress the speaker placed him upon the important ways and means committee and he was also made chairman of the sub-committee on internal revenue. As a member of the committee last mentioned he was a prime factor in bringing to light the Sanborn contract frauds. From the close of the war much revenue had remained uncollected, and General Benjamin F. Butler secured the passage of an act authorizing the secretary of the treasury to contract for the discovery and collection of the same, paying fifty per cent, for such work. Sanborn, General Butler's sutler during the Rebellion, secured the contract and was paid four hundred thousand dollars for collections made through regular government officials, Sanborn having simply pointed out the delinquencies. Mr. Foster made an investigation and through his fearless and active efforts secured a repeal of the law, being bitterly attacked by Butler in 1 80 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. connection with the debate on the measure and thus gaining a national reputation. He also took an active part in the movement which resulted in the repeal of the moiety laws, and was prominently concerned in the Pacific mail investigation, as a member of the committee on ways and means. Early in 1874, as chairman of an investigating committee, he went to New Orleans in connection with the investigation of Louisiana affairs, and in his official report he severely criticized the methods of both political parties in that state. He was present at the organization of the Louisiana legislature in 1875, when Wiltz assumed to be speaker and as such entertained motions to unseat sixteen Republican members and place sixteen Democrats in the chairs thus vacated. He was also present when the United States troops, under General Sheridan, upon order from Governor Kellogg, reinstated the Republican members in their seats. His report created a sensation and many feared- that he had thus entirely ruined- his political prospects, but it eventuated that he had but strengthened his position in public confidence and esteem. In 1874 Mr. Foster was re-elected to congress by one hundred and fifty-nine majority over a very popular Democrat, George E. Seney, although the state went Democratic by over seventeen thousand, its candidates for congress being elected in thirteen of the twenty districts. In the ensuing session he served as a member of the committee on appropriations, of which Samuel J. Randall was chairman, and in 1876 he was renominated. By reason of the fact that General Hayes, the presidential nominee, was from his district, the Democracy made a special effort to defeat Mr. Foster at this time, but he was triumphantly re-elected, by a majority of two hundred and seventy-six over his Bourbon competitor. He was the only Republican member of congress from Ohio to vote in favor of the electoral-count bill, a Democratic measure, whose enactment resulted in placing General Hayes in the presidential chair. Mr. Foster thinks the most valuable service rendered by him was the successful efforts he made to secure the peaceful and orderly inaugura tion of Hayes. His position was peculiar and especially helpful to this purpose. He represented Hayes, and was known to be on confidential relations with him. He had endeared himself to the south by the fair- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 181 ness of his report on the Louisiana matters two years before. The last, most serious and most dangerous movement of the Democrats was a determination on their part to filibuster- out the session, and thus prevent the completion of the court, and so entail the necessary failure to elect a president. About two-thirds of the Democrats of the house joined in the movement after it became evident that under the electoral-count bill Hayes would secure the election. They all believed that Tilden had been elected, and most of them were ready for anything that would defeat Hayes. If they could get all, or nearly all, of the Democrats to- join in their filibustering movement they could prevent a declaration of the count. No one knows how near this movement came to being successful, nor can one now determine the result to- follow from such a condition of chaos. There was just one condition of safety: General Grant was president, and he had given out that he would remain president until a legally elected successor was ready to take his place. Fortunately, Mr. Foster, with others, by untiring effort, kept the Democrats from uniting and the danger was averted. Hayes was declared elected at half past one o'clock Friday morning, the 2d of Alarch. Air. Foster was the leader in the movement. He had the confidence of the southern leaders, — Lamar, Ben Hill, John Young, Brown and others. When he said in a memorable speech that under Hayes the "flag should float over states, not provinces," over "free men, not subjects," no question was raised as to the attitude of Hayes toward the south. While he and others were charged with bargaining with the southern people to secure the election of Hayes, there was no truth in the statement. Mr. Foster was frank and open in asserting to them that Hayes would not use troops at the polls, — the particular thing the south dreaded. In 1877 the Democratic legislature of Ohio redistricted the state, placing Mr. Foster in a district which at the previous election had given a Democratic majority of nearly five thousand and which contained but one Republican county. In the face of certain defeat Mr. Foster did not desert his party and made the run in his district in the election of 1878, being defeated by only thirteen hundred majority, having refused nomination in the Toledo district, where his re-election would have been practically certain. 182 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. The Republican state convention of 1879 tendered to Mr. Foster the nomination for governor, and he was elected by a majority of seventeen thousand, over General Thomas Ewing, of Fairfield county, one of the strongest candidates the Democracy could put forth. It was in this campaign that the Democrats dubbed Mr. Foster "Calico Charlie," referring to his being simply a merchant, but the sobriquet proved a boomerang. Toward the end of the campaign calico was used for badges, and was worn as such by Republicans in all sections of the state, while various newspaper editions were printed on this material. In 1 88 1 Governor Foster was re-elected, over John W. Bookwalter, of Clarke county, by a majority of twenty-five thousand. As governor a previous publication has well said that "his administration was regarded as a model." As chief executive of the Buckeye commonwealth he gave .special attention to public institutions, making strenuous efforts to free them from partisan superintendence and control, his boards being made up of three Republicans and two Democrats and such appointments being made with marked discrimination. Through his efforts in diis connection economy was conserved and in other particulars great im provements were made in the management of the state institutions. He believes political control in such cases a curse, and he absolutely refused to place in office men whose claims were based simply on political work done. In connection with that distinctively model institution, the Toledo hospital for the insane, the labors and efforts of Governor Foster will redound to his lasting credit and honor, the new system having had its inception during his gubernatorial regime and having proved a revela tion in the matter of providing for and treating the unfortunate wards of the state. The system involves, intrinsically and strenuously, the treatment of the insane by the "extreme application of the law of kind ness," as the Governor himself aptly puts it; the adoption of a plan of de tached buildings, now known as the cottage system ; and the elimination of the restraint system so far as practicable. In this article it is impossible to enter into details as to the institution or the results attained through the humane methods employed. Suffice it to say that the new institution was built and equipped, aiid that it represents the pioneer undertaking CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 183 of the sort in the world, the success attending it having drawn the attention of all civilized nations and gained the highest endorsement, leading to the adoption of the new system wherever means and proper appreciation are at hand. Mr. Foster has given untiring interest to the institution for a period of fifteen years, and has been a member of its board of trustees consecutively save for an interim of one year. Governor Foster's administration was also marked by efforts to regulate the sale of intoxicating liquors. The constitution of the state forbade the issuing of licenses, and Governor Foster, in his messages to the legislature, recommended the submission to the people of amend ments that should establish either prohibition, high license or local option. Before this was done the Pond bill, imposing a tax on liquor dealers and declaring that such tax was not a license, became a law, in the spring of 1882. This was declared unconstitutional by the supreme court, but in 1883 the Scott law, of a similar character, was passed and was sus tained by the courts. In the election of this year two constitutional amendments were submitted to the people, as had been advised by the governor, but both were defeated, as was the entire Republican ticket. The whole agitation was marked by much excitement, especially in the canvass of 1883, in which women took an unprecedented part, and for a time Governor Foster was quite unpopular in his party, which soon, however, endorsed his views and pronounced in favor of his policy. In 1889 President Harrison appointed Mr. Foster chairman of the commission to which was assigned the work of treating with the Sioux Indians, the result being the distribution of the tribe on six reservations. The Indians had previously been located on one large reservation in North Dakota, and it was deemed advisable to divide the tribe, and by the adjustment made about one-half of the original reservation was thrown open to settlement. In 1890 Mr. Foster received the support of the Republican members of the Ohio legislature as candidate for the United States senate, and in that year he was again placed in nomina tion for congress, in the district which had given Governor Campbell (Democrat) a majority of one thousand, nine hundred and sixty, and he was defeated by one hundred and ninety-four votes. Upon the 1 84 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. death of Hon. William Windom, president Harrison appointed Governor Foster to the thus vacant post as secretary of the treasury, on the 27th of February, 1891, and in this responsible office he proved anew his dis tinctive executive, business and administrative capacity and his fidelity to the trust imposed. The adjustment of the four and one-half per cent, government loan was one of the prominent acts of his official career. Of the $50,869,200 bonds of this character outstanding, $25,- 364,500 were presented on the ist of July, 1891, for continuance at two per cent., and the remainder called in for redemption and paid upon pre sentation. No other financial officer of the government has ever negotiated a loan at so low a rate of interest, this being the first loan of the sort in the history of any nation. The condition of the country at that time demanded that one hundred million dollars be kept intact and in reserve- in the federal treasury, and this caused great anxiety to: Secretary Foster, who anticipated the reduction that would come in consequence of Demo cratic legislation. He studied the matter carefully and besought con gress to make provision for increased revenue. He managed to keep, the reserve intact, and upon leaving the office of secretary he left the treasury with more than two millions above the prescribed reserve, but within two months after the accession of his successor this balance had been wiped out and encroachments made upon the reserve. Mr. Foster retired from the office of secretary of the treasury on March 7, 1893, and since that time has been practically retired from public life, residing in peace and repose in his beautiful home in Fostoria, where his friends are as numerous as his acquaintances. On the 7th of November, 1853, Mr. Foster was united in mar riage to Miss Ann M. Olmstead, daughter of the late Judge Jesse. Olm stead, of Fremont, Ohio, and they are the parents of two daughters, — Jessie, the wife of Dr. Park L. Myers, o-f Toledo; and Anna, who remains at the parental home. Of Mr. Foster it may be said in conclusion that he is strong in his convictions, but not intolerant ; firm in the defense of right, but with no room in his heart for revenge. Flattery has proved impotent to cajole him into compromise and power to awe him into silence. He is a man of the people and has their confidence. He has done a good work, has CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 185 gained distinguished honors and has been true in all the relations of life. He has dignified his native state by his life and labors and his strength has been as the number of his days. He has left an indelible impress upon the history of the nation, and has lived the life of usefulness, integ rity and honor. Such men are the crown jewels of our republic. CAPTAIN NELSON L. BREWER. One of the venerable and representative members of the bar of Seneca county is Mr. Brewer, who has here been engaged in the active- practice of his profession for more than forty years and who is hon- orded as one of the sterling citizens of Tiffin. At all times a true and loyal citizen, faithful to the best interests of his country in peace or war, he has always commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem, stand ing high in the regard of his professional co-nfreres and in the respect of the general public. His influence has ever been wielded in the pro motion of the higher interests of the community, and religion, education and all worthy agencies have ever enlisted his earnest support. The family of which Captain Brewer is a representative is of Ger man origin, and it is practically well authenticated that the founders of the same came to America prior to- the war of the Revolution, settling in Pennsylvania and thence sending representatives, of later generations, into the most diverse sections of the Union. Captain Brewer was, born near Clear Spring, Washington county, Maryland, on the 17th of Sep tember, 1832, and of the same county his father, Emanuel Brewer, was likewise a native, there passing his entire life and devoting his attention to agriculture. He died at the age of forty-three years, having been a zealous member of the Lutheran church, in whose extension he took an important part, while his political support was given to the old-line Whig party. He was a son of Henry and Catherine Brewer, both of whom passed their entire lives in Washington county, Maryland; so that the respective families must have been early settled: in that com monwealth. The original spelling of the name was Brua. The maiden 12 1 86 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. name of Captain Brewer's mother was Catherine Zacharias, and she likewise was born in Washington county, Maryland, where she lived until summoned into the life eternal. She was a daughter of George Zacharias, who devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, in Maryland, where he died at the age of seventy-five years, having been of German lineage and a member of the Reformed church, in which his son, Rev. Daniel Zacharias, D. D., became a clergyman, having been for forty years pastor of the church at Frederick, Maryland. His sister, the mother of our subject, died at Clear Spring, in Washington county, Maryland, at the age of forty-three years, leaving four daughters and one son, Captain Brewer being the youngest and one of two- who- are living at the present time. Nelson L. Brewer was but six years of age at the time of his father's death and was about ten when his mother passed away. He thereafter passed two years in the home of his, sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Draper, and then went to live with his uncle, Rev. Dr. Zacharias, to whom reference has already been made. Thus he was given the priv ilege of attending the old Glade school house near Frederick, Maryland. At the age of nineteen he came west to Monroe county, Michigan, where he joined another uncle, Peter R. Zacharias. He there taught school for a period of about eighteen months, at the expiration of which he came to Seneca county, Ohio, arriving in Tiffin on the nth of May, 1853. Here he was matriculated in Heidelberg College, where he con tinued his studies until June, 1855, when he was graduated. He there after was for a time an instructor in the college, while engaged in pre paring himself for the profession of law. After his graduation, he began reading law under the preceptorship of the late General John C. Lee, and his earnest and indefatigable application and marked power of assimilation made it possible for him to secure admission to the bar of the state on the 8th of May, 1858. Forthwith, at the request of his honored preceptor, General Lee, he entered into a partnership alliance with him, under the firm name of Lee & Brewer, under Which favorable auspices he entered upon the active practice of his profession in Tiffin, this association continuing until June, 1869, when General Lee removed CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 187 to Toledo. Thereafter our subject continued an individual practice until October, 1890, when he admitted to partnership his son, Edward A., who continued his able coadjutor until his untimely death, on the 9th of October, 1901. Captain Brewer has maintained the highest reputation in his chosen profession, being thoroughly read in the literature of the law, familiar with precedents and having a ready facility in application, so that he has held precedence both as an advocate and a safe and duly conservative counselor; while he has never wavered- in his devotion to his profession, observing its highest ethics and ever aiming to- make it a vehicle of justice and equity. He has never aspired to official prefer ment, and, though he has been a stanch supporter of the Republican party, he has refused to allow his name to be considered in connection with all condidacies — notably that for judge of the court of common pleas, for which he was peculiarly well equipped. His profession has engrossed his attention for nearly half a century, and in all this time his integrity of purpose as lawyer and man has never been questioned. At the time of the war of the Rebellion Captain Brewer manifested his intrinsic loyalty to the Union by giving to it every possible degree of support. In May, 1864, he recruited and organized Company A, of the One Hundred and. sixty-fourth Ohio Voluneeer Infantry, his partner General Lee, who had been colonel of the Fifty-fifth Ohio Regiment and who had been wounded at Chancellorsville, being prevailed upon to accept the command of the new regiment. It was sent to the defense of the national capital, being stationed at the forts near by. Captain Brewer continued in the service and in command of his company until discharged, at the expiration of his term of enlistment. He retains a vital interest in his old comrades in arms, holding membership in Gen eral William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is president of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Asso ciation. Captain Brewer is one of the influential and honored members of the First Reformed church, and has long been one of the devoted workers in the same, having been an elder for the past eighteen years, while he has continuously held the office of superintendent of the Sunday-school 188 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. since 1861. During all this long period he has probably not been absent fro-m his post ten Sundays, save when absent from the city, — certainly a record of notable fidelity, and one probably unequaled in the entire state. He has been active in temperance work also, and his life and example have been such as to make his influence potent for good in all the relations of life. For about forty years he was a member of the board of regents of Heidelberg College, in whose affairs he has ever maintained the deepest interest. He is a man of fine physique, strong '' and vigorous ; and in his manner is genial and unassuming, thus naturally gaining firm and lasting friendships in his intercourse with his fellow men. On the 17th of September, 1857, Captain Brewer was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Mason, who was born in Tiffin, being a granddaughter of Josiah Hedges, who was the founder of the town. Airs. Brewer passed away on the 29th of March, i860, at the age of twenty-two years, the only child, Lettie, having died in infancy. On the 191th of February, 1861, Captain Brewer married Miss Harriet M. Chidester, who was born in Cayuga county, New York, where she was reared and educated and whence she came to Tiffin shortly before her marriage. She likewise has been a devoted w-orker in the First Reformed church for many years, and of her marriage four children have been born, namely: Julia, the wife of Dr. Frederick W. Shaley, of Terre Haute, Indiana; Edward A., deceased, is mentioned in an appending paragraph; Wallace W., who is employed in the division freight office of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, in Tiffin ; and Grace C, who remains at the parental home. Edward A. Brewer, son of the subject of this review, was called into eternal life in the midst of a career which he had dignified with high abilities and earnest character and which was untimely in its termination. He was born in Tiffin, on the 5th of July, 1865, and in his native city he was reared and educated, completing the course in the high school and thereafter entering Heidelberg College, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1884. He then began the study of law under the direction of his father, and was admitted to the bar CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 189 in October, 1890, whereupon he entered into active practice as a part ner, gaining a creditable position at the bar of the state and being known as a young man of signal ability and honor. He was a stanch Repub lican in his political adherency, and fraternally was a popular mem ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being a representative to the grand lodge at the assembly held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July, 1901, by virtue of his official relation to the home lodge. The death -of Edward A. Brewer occurred on the 9th of October, 1901, and was an inexpressibly severe blow to his parents, as well as to a wide circle of devoted friends. His genial nature and sterling character had endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and he was recog nized as one of the most promising" and representative young men of the town in which his life was passed. + * » WILLIAM T. KING. It is always interesting to watch from the beginning the growth and development of a locality, to note the lines along which marked progress has been made and to take cognizance of those who have been factors in the work of advancement and in the establishing of a pros perous community. The subject of this review has been a witness of the development of Seneca county from the early pioneer epoch, since he was born here more than half a century ago and has here passed the greater portion of his life, wdiich has been one of signal usefulness and honor, involving the rendering of the loyal service of a true patriot, since he went forth in defense of the nation during the war of the Rebellion, participating in many of the most important battles of that memorable conflict and enduring the horrors and privations of one of the southern prison pens. He is now numbered among the progressive and prosperous farmers of Eden township, and it is fitting that we enter a review of his life history, as being one of the representative men of his community. 1 90 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Air. Ring is a native of the city of Tiffin, where he was born on the 13th of August, 1844, being one of the six children of Timothy and Margaret King, pioneers of this section of the state. The family com prised five sons and one daughter, and of these four of the sons are living at the present time, while two of them, our subject and his brother Lawrence, were soldiers in the Civil war. While William T. was still a boy his parents removed from Tiffin to Fremont, Sandusky county, where he was reared and educated, attending the public schools. He was but eighteen years of age when the dark cloud- of civil war obscured the national horizon, and his innate loyalty was quickened to responsive protest, as is shown in the fact that, on the 2d of January, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company I, Fifty-seventh Ohio: Volunteer Infan try, for a term of three years. He proceeded to the front with his com mand and the first notable engagement in which he participated was the battle of Shiloh, and after this he was in active service in the battle of Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Chattanooga, after which he was with Sherman in the ever memorable march to the sea. On the 3d of December, 1864, he was in company with fourteen of his comrades on a foraging expedition and was captured by the enemy and taken to the stockades at Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he was imprisoned for three months, or nearly until the close of the war. He weighed one hundred and forty pounds when incarcerated, but such were the hardships endured that when he left his prison he weighed only eighty pounds. This loss of sixty pounds with the period of three months is not to be considered strange when we revert to the fact that his average rations during the greater portion of the time consisted only of four teaspoonfuls of corn meal and about an equal amount of peas once each day. It is needless to say that our subject will never forget his experience during that critical period of his youth. After his release, wasted in energy and incapacitated for any active duty, Mr. King returned to his home, in Fremont, where he recuperated his strength within a short time, his sturdy constitution soon bringing him back to nearly a normal standpoint of health, and he then came back to Tiffin, and has ever since made Seneca county his home, In 1867 he located CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. igr on the farm where he now lives, the same comprising eighty acres of valuable and productive land in Eden township, and here he has .ever since been engaged in diversified agriculture, in which he has been very successful, while all the improvements made on the place show his pro gressive energy and scrupulous care. In politics Mr. King is a stal wart supporter of the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church ; he is a communicant of St. Mary's church, in Tiffin. He perpetuates, his fraternal interest in and association with his old com rades who followed the stars and stripes on the battlefields of the south, by retaining membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, being idntified with General Willialm H. Gibson Post, No. 31, at Tiffin. In October, 1867, Mr. King was united in marriage to Aliss Cath erine Kennedy, and they became the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, namely : Nellie, Minnie, Frank, Loretta, Kittie, Will iam, Jennie and Edward. Mrs. King is a daughter of John and Mary Kennedy and was born in Pennsylvania, but reared in Tiffin, where she was living at the time of her marriage. JAMES D. McDONEL. In an analyzation of the character of James McDonel we find the qualities of an upright manhood, — loyalty in citizenship, reliability in business, conscientiousness in the discharge of the duties o-f private life, — and these are so combined as to make his a strong personality, commanding respect and confidence. He has for many years,- been actively identified with business affairs in- Tiffin and is now for the second time filling the office of county treasurer of Seneca county, his re-election coming to him in recognition of his ability and fidelity during his first term in the office. Mr. AlcDonel was born in Fostoria on the 7th1 of November, 1863. His father, John W. McDonel, was a native of Rochester, New York, and, in his early childhood, accompanied his parents to Ohio, the family 192 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. settling in Fostoria, where he was reared and has since remained. He is a harnessmaker by trade, and through a long period carried on business along that line; but, at the age of seventy-two years, he is now living retired, enjoying a rest which by years of earnest labor he has justly earned. He married Ellen Dorner, who was born in Pheroda, county Kilkenny, Ireland, and came with her parents to America when four 'years of age. She was reared in Detroit, Michigan, and is now about sixty years of age. In his native city James D. McDonel spent his boyhood days, pur suing his education in its public schools. At the early age of thirteen years he began to earn his own living by clerking for the firm of Ports & Company, dealers in hardw-are, with whom he remained for seventeen years. What higher testimonial of his ability and faithfulness could be given? He enjoyed to an unusual degree the confidence and respect of his employers, and only severed his relation as a clerk to buy their busi ness. On making the purchase he organized what became known as- the Alcott Hardware Company, of which he was chosen secretary and treas urer, and after filling the dual position for five years he became president of the company, remaining at its head until elected to his present posi tion, when he sold his interest in the store. Under his capable manage ment the business had constantly increased until the company enjoyed a very liberal patronage and theirs became one of the more extensive' commercial establishments of the county. Mr. McDonel is also interested as a director and stockholder in the Toledo, Fostoria & Findlay Rail road, which is now under construction. He owes his success almost wholly to his own efforts, and his business ability, diligence, persever ance and reliable methods have formed the foundation stones for the superstructure of prosperity. On the 7th of November, 1888, Mr. McDonel was united in mar riage to Miss Laura Alcott, a daughter of Roger Alcott, a very promi nent business man of Fostoria, in which city she was born. They no-w have two children : Mary Gretchen, born January 14, 1890, and Leonore Alcott, born August 4, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. McDonel are widely known in the county and not only have many warm friends in their old home, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 193 Fostoria, but have gained many such in Tiffin, who esteem them highly for their sterling worth. Mr. McDonel belongs to the Catholic church, While his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is also identified with the Knights of Columbus, and in his political affiliations he is a Democrat, warmly advocating the principles of the party. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day, and is therefore able to support his position by intelligent argument. In November, 1897, he was elected county treasurer, by a majority of seven hundred and thirty- six, and in November, 1899, he was again chosen for the office, by the increased majority of fifteen hundred and ninety-seven, the largest vote given to any candidate on the ticket. This was certainly a tribute to his personal popularity and worth and an evidence of the fidelity with which he discharged his duties during the first term. His loyalty in citizen ship has ever been above question, as has been his honor in business. His social qualities have gained him many friends and one of the most popular residents of Seneca county to-day is James D. McDonel. NICHOLAS WALL. One of the native sons of Seneca county who has here passed his entire life figures as the subject of this sketch, and it is not irrelevant to state that he is one of the most popular and highly esteemed citizens of Hopewell township, where he is successfully engaged in farming, having a well improved and highly cultivated farm of sixty-five acres. As a member of one of our leading pioneer families we here enter record of the more salient features in his career. Mr. Wall was born on the old homestead farm, in Seneca township, on the nth of December, 1839, being the fourth in order of birth of the ten children of Philip and Susanna Wall and one of the seven who still survive, the others being as follows: George, a resident of Iowa' county, Iowa; Joseph, who resides in Labette county, Kansas; Andrew, of Chicago, Illinois; Catherine, the widow of John Yeager, of Spring- i94 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. field, Ohio ; Elizabeth, who resides in Toledo ; and Teresa, the wife of John B. Bonhoser, of Putnam county. The father of our subject was a native of the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, where he was reared and educated, there learning the trade of carpenter. He was married in his native land, and there his two eldest children were born. About the year 1826 he emigrated with his family to America, coming to Ohio, where he entered claim to forty acres of government land in Seneca township, the same being entirely unreclaimed and covered with heavy timber. He built a primitive log cabin on his place, and this continued to be the family home for a number of years, while the work of clearing and otherwise improving the farm was pushed vigorously forward. Here the father passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring about the year 1850, prior to which time he had increased the area of his farm by the purchase of an adjoining fifty acres. His religious faith was that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared. His devoted wife survived him many years, her death occurring at the home of her daughter Teresa, in Putnam county, on the nth of Sep tember, 1896, at an advanced age. Nicholas, Wall, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the old homestead farm, becoming familiar with the labors, incidental to its reclamation and cultivation at an early age, and securing such educa tional advantages as were afforded in the common schools of the place and period. He was but eleven years of age at the time of his father's death, and thereafter he was associated with his brothers in the manage ment of the farm until 1862, when the household was broken up, the mother going to the home of her daughter Teresa, where she was cared for with loving solicitude until she was called upon to obey the inexorable summons of death. After thus leaving the old home our subject asso ciated himself with Jeremiah Rex in the operation of a sawmill, in Seneca township, and was identified with this enterprise for a period of about twelve years, In 1874 he leased the Judson Lookinbill farm, in Seneca township, and there continued in agricultural pursuits for eight years, at the expiration of which he purchased a tract o-f forty acres in Clinton township, at a point three miles east of Tiffin, disposing of this CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 195, property a year later, and then, in 1882, purchasing his present fine homestead, where he has since been successfully engaged in diversified farming and the raising of a high grade of live stock. He has a good residence, and all other improvements on the place indicate that the owner is a progressive and energetic 1x13111653' man. Mr. Wall exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of tlie Democratic party, and in religion he holds to the faith in which he was reared, being a communicant of St. Patrick's Catholic church. On the 3d of May, 1870, Mr. Wall was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Adelsperger, who was born in Loudon township, this county, of which her father, John Adelsperger, was a pioneer settler. Mr. and Mrs. Wall are the parents of three sons and one daughter, namely : Frank E., who is engaged in farming in Hopewell township ; and John A., Leo and Mary, who still remain at the parental home. SAMUEL FEASEL. One of the prominent and honored early settlers of Seneca county is the gentleman of whom this sketch is penned. He is a practical, thorough-going farmer, understanding every department of the work connected with the proper supervision of a country home, and success. has abundantly rewarded his persevering labors. Now, in his- declining years, he may look backward over the pathway he has traversed and truly feel that his efforts have been blessed, while he can have few regrets for idle days and wasted, moments. Mr. Feasel was born in Franklin county, Ohio, on the 29th of Sep tember, 1826, a son of Henry and Mary J. (Kennell) Feasel. Tlie father took up his abode in Liberty township, Seneca county, in 1833, at that time locating on the farm on which our subject now resides, at the center of Liberty township, entering the land at the same time that his brother George became the owner of his farm, in 1828. The father erected a log cabin in the midst of the dense wilderness, and there i96 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. he made his home throughout the remainder o-f his life, passing to his final reward in the eighty-fourth year of his age. By his marriage to 'Mary J. Kennell he became the father of nine children, but only five of the number are now living : Catherine, the wife of John Ch-aney, of Liberty township ; John, a resident of Bettsville ; Susan, the wife of Edward Pope, of Lansing, Michigan; Jacob, who makes his home in Liberty township; and Samuel, the subject of this review. Those who have passed away are: Polly, George, Alexander and Elizabeth. Air. Feasel, of this review, has spent nearly his entire life on his present home place. Early in life his time was chiefly employed in clearing new land, and thus his educational privileges were somewhat limited, but practical experience, reading and observation have con tinually broadened his knowledge and have made him a well informed man. After his marriage he continued the operation of his father's land, and after the latter' s death he and his brother Alexander became the owners of the old farm. Our subject has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful and progressive agriculturist, always known for his prompt and honorable methods of dealing, and thus he has earned the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow men. Until within the last few years he gave his political support to the Republican party, but he is now identified with the Prohibition party, and to its principles he gives an earnest and unfaltering support. For the past forty years he has been a worthy member -of the Zion's Temple United Brethren church, in which he has served as one of the trustees since the building of the church. When twenty-two years of age Mr. Feasel was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Powell, but after two years of happy married life she was called to her final rest, leaving one child, Mary F., who is now the wife of A. E. Alderton, of Saginaw, Michigan. Three years after the death of his first wife our subject wedded Miss Martha Kime, and two chil dren blessed their union, — Belle, who is the wife of Lewis Glick, a resi dent of Bascom, Seneca county ; and Alice, who died in childhood. For his third wife Mr. Feasel chose Miss Elizabeth Armstrong, their mar riage being solemnized on the 4th of May, 1858, and unto them have CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 197 been born the following children : Laura J., who is the wife of John P. Lynch, of Liberty township; Irvin, who died at the age of twenty-five years; Albert, who passed away at the age of thirty- four; Homer, who operates a stave factory at Grafton, Ohio; Roscoe, who carries on the work of the homestead ; Lueetta, who became the wife of Norman Mow- rey, died at the age of twenty-five years, and her two children, Bessie and Russell, now make their home with our subject; Eva is the wife of James Blue, of Toledo, Ohio; Edna, who remains at the parental home, taught the school in her home district for a period of four years, being one of the successful and popular teachers of the county; and Mandie died at the age of three years. Our subject has eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Feasel is one of the most honored and highly esteemed citizens of his community, and it is safe to say that no man in Seneca county has a wider circle of friends and acquaint ances. GEORGE BENHAM. George Benham has since 1896 filled the office of justice of the peace in Fostoria and has been very prominent in public life, always laboring earnestly for the welfare and progress of his community. He is numbered among the native sons of Seneca county, his birth having occurred in Big Spring township, where his father, William Benham, located in 1832. The fraternal grandfather, Shadrack Benham, was a native of New England, the family coming from Connecticut to the Buckeye state. When William Benham arrived in Seneca county he entered land from the government and at once began developing and improving a tract for his farm. He married Julia A. Chappelle, a daugh ter of Caleb and Charlotte (Sperry) Chappelle. Her father settled in Wayne county, Ohio, on emigrating from Vermont to the west. He was a builder by occupation and became one of the earliest residents of Loudonville, Ohio, laying out a part of that town upon his farm. His efforts were very helpful in promoting the early progress and improve- 198 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ment of this portion of the state. Mr. Benham, the father of our sub ject, continued to carry on agricultural pursuits, making farming the means whereby he provided for the wants of his. family. At an early date he served as justice of the peace, and his rulings were strictly fair and impartial, being in accordance with his honorable career throughout life. He died in 1847, at the age of forty-five years. In his family were four children, the only brother of our subject being William Frank lin Benham, who went to the west in 1854. For many years he was in the United States service and when last heard from was making his home in California. George Benham early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, assisting his father in the develop ment and improvement of the old homestead in Big Spring township, but when the country became involved in civil war he put aside all per sonal considerations and enlisted, at Findlay, Ohio, in 1861, being sworn in at Tiffin on the 6th of August, as a member of Company A, Forty- ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the 13th of October, 1864, his regiment being a part of the Army of the Cumberland. He was wounded at the battle of Stone River, but on recovering- from his injuries rejoined his command in time to take part in the Atlanta campaign, participating in all of its engagements. He was a brave and true soldier, ever found at his post of duty, whether -on the picket line or the firing line. Returning to his home in 1865, he has since that time been a resi dent of Fostoria. In early life he learned the trade of carpenter and builder, and he has been closely associated with building interests in this place, his handiwork being seen in many of the substantial and fine structures of this city. He has always lived faithfully up to the terms -of a contract, and, with high regard for the strict ethics of industrial and commercial life, he has commanded uniform confidence and esteem. His fellow townsmen recognize his- worth and ability and have fre quently called him to public office, and he has been an active factor in that department of service which maintains law and order. For ten years he was constable, and in 1896 he was chosen justice of the peace, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 199 to which office he was re-elected in 1899, so that he is the present incumbent in the position in Fostoria. In Hancock county, Ohio, Mr. Benham was joined in wedlock to Miss Eunice Eliza Thomas, a daughter of Liverton and Anna (Wade) Thomas, of Washington township. Prior to his death her father removed to Fostoria, where his last days were spent. He came from \¥ayne county, Ohio, to Seneca county, and was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until he took up his abode in this city. For some years he filled the office of justice of the peace and was a prominent and influential man. The marriage of Mr. and Airs. Benham was blessed with six children : Bruce Burris, who is connected with the Lake Erie & Western Railroad and resides in Muncie, Indiana; Minnie Belle, the wife of Walter A. Hamilton, of Grand Rapids, Michigan ; Anna Cordelia, who is a trained nurse in New York city; Ralph W., who is a clerk in the service of the Wabash Railroad Company, at Chicago, Illinois ; Lillian Florence, who is a teacher in the public schools of Fostoria; and Frank Judson, who is engaged in dredging the Grand river, in the government employ, at Grand Rapids, Michigan. They also lost two children. Mrs. Benham and her family are active members of the Pres byterian church, and she is a most estimable lady, enjoying the high regard of many friends. Mr. Benham gives his political support to. the Republican party, and belongs to Norris Post, G. A. R., and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. MONROE J. RISTLER. In reverting to the lives and deeds of those who initiated the onerous work of developing the virgin wilds of Seneca county and thus laying the foundations for that prosperity and precedence which now char acterize this favored section of the Buckeye state, it is imperative that recognition be had of the Kistler family, who' have been identified with the history of the county from the early pioneer epoch and whose mem- 200 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. bers have invariably maintained the highest standard of integrity and honor, commanding unequivocal respect and esteem. Of his immediate family the subject of this review is now the only survivor, and he has passed the age of three score years and ten, while his life and labors have granted dignity and honor to the industrial and social fabric of the county in which he has made his home from his early youth. Mr. Kistler is a native of the state of Pennsylvania, having been born in Lehigh county on the 12th of August, 1827, one of the seven children of Michael and Mary (Hoppes) Kistler, who were likewise born in the old Keystone state, of stanch German ancestry. Of their children we record that John died in Seneca county at the age of sixty- five years; Michael in Adams county, aged sixty-five; Selma became the wife of John Garman and died in Indiana, aged seventy-six years ;. Judith married William Evert and- died in Seneca county, aged forty- eight ; Joseph died in Adams township, aged eighty-two, and Nathan in Illinois, aged fifty-eight; Monroe J., the youngest member of the family, is the immediate subject of this review. Michael Kistler came with his family from Pennsylvania to- Seneca county, Ohio, in the year 1832, there having been ten other families in the company which made the trip from- the old Keystone state with teams and wagons, all locating in the practically unbroken wilds of Seneca county. Mr. Kistler pur chased one hundred and sixty acres of timbered land in Adams town ship, about the only improvement on the place being a primitive log cabin, in which the family duly installed the household effects and prepared to grapple with the problems of pioneer life. The father cleared and improved his farm, with the assistance of his. sons, and there continued to reside until death ended his labors, in 1866, at which time he had attained the venerable age o-f eighty-four years, being honored and revered as one of the patriarchs of the com munity. His wife entered into eternal rest in 1852, both having been devoted members of the Lutheran church, in which they were zealous workers and original members. Upon attaining his legal majority Monroe J. Kistler, the immediate subject of this review, began the work of clearing a piece of wild land CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 201 in Adams township, for the purpose of establishing a home of his own. On the 4th of April, 1852, at the age of twenty-five, he was united in marriage to Aliss Alary Rine, who was born in Fostoria, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Drake) Rine, who- were numbered among the early settlers in Seneca county. Being but six years old at her mother's death, she lived twelve years with her uncle, Abraham Rine, on the farm where she had made her home- for the past thirty- five years. A few months afeer his marriage Mr. Kistler located on an other farm of one hundred acres, in Adams township, improving the place and there continuing to reside for a period of ten years, after which he purchased his present homestead of Abraham Rine, his wife's uncle, who had entered it from the government. He did not take up- his resi dence there until five years later, having passed the interim in cultivating another farm. In the home farm are one hundred and six acres, and in addition to this our subject owns an adjacent tract of forty acres, in Thompson township. He has brought his farm to a high state of cul tivation, has made the best of improvements on the same and has one of the most attractive homes to- be found in this section, the success which has attended his earnest and indefatigable efforts in the past years being shown in the general air of thrift and prosperity which pervades the homestead. In politics Air. Kistler gives his support to the principles of the Democratic party, and he has served in various offices of local character. His religious faith is that of the German Reformed church, and for many years he has been one of the influential members of Salem church, having served for several years as one of its elders. Mr. and Mrs. Kistler became the parents of three daughters, — Sarah E., who: remains at the parental home, though she is in constant demand as an expert dressmaker; Rachel Angeline, the wife of Emery Butz, a farmer of Adams township; and Jane A., who died in infancy. Our subject and his estimable wife have also reared, with utmost care and kindliness, four other children, one being a grandniece, Lana Overmiller, who came into their home at the age of two years and who was reared with the same advantages as their own children. She is now the wife of John 13 202 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Flicker, of Thompson township. The other three were from the Protest ant Orphans' Home, at Cleveland. Maggie Axe, who entered their home at the age of twelve years, is now the wife of Herbert Kistler; James Gordon Bennett came to them at nine years of age and remained until he was eighteen, and he now resides near Clyde. Pearl Airhart, who is now thirteen years of age (June, 1902), has been a member of their family circle from the age of nine. DEROY C. DUNN. One of the most valuable and most highly improved farm properties in Seneca county is that owned by the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph and who is recognized as one of the representative citizens of the county, where he has passed practically his entire life, the family having been one of prominence in the community from the early pioneer epcch to the present time. Mr. Dunn was born on the farm which is now his home, the date of his nativity having been October 16, 185 1. His parents, William N. and Sophia W. (Clark) Dunn, were natives of Sullivan county, New York, and they were numbered among the first settlers in Hopewell township, Seneca county, Ohio, where the father took up a tract of gov ernment land, the same having been heavily timbered. They became the parents of six children, of whom five are living at the present time, namely: Arlington, of whom individual mention is made on another page of this work; Devolson, who is a resident of Tiffin; Deroy C, the subject of this sketch; Norman, who likewise is a representative farmer of Hopewell township,; and John, of Tiffin. Deroy C. Dunn was reared on the old homestead farm and received such educational privileges as were afforded in the public schools of the neighborhood. At the age of eighteen years he went to Lyons, New York, and was there employed on a farm for a period of three months, after which he returned to his native county and again became identified CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ' 203 with the work of the old homestead. After his marriage, in 1876, Mr. Dunn continued to work the homestead for his father for a period of five years, at the expiration of which, in 1881, he purchased one hun dred acres of the place, including the residence and other farm build ings, and in 1898 he purchased from his mother an additional tract of ninety-two acres, and thus he has one of the best farms in the county, the land being exceptionally prolific, while the improvements- are such as to greatly enhance the value of the property. Mr. Dunn is a pro gressive and public-spirited citizen, and no man in this section is held in higher confidence and esteem. In political affairs he gives his support to> the Democratic party so far as national issues are involved, but in local affairs he maintains an independent attitude, not being directed by strict partisan lines. He and his wife are both active and consistent members of the Protestant Alethodist church. The attractive residence of our subject is one of the finest rural homes in the county, and it is a center of refined hospitality. On the 1 6th of January, 1876, Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to Aliss Savilla S. Crum, who was born in this county, of which her father, the late Frederick Crum, was a pioneer settler. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn have two children, Nelson F. and Mary O., both of whom remain at the parental home. GEORGE W. MEYERS. He whose life now comes under review must be distinctively regarded as one of the representative citizens of Seneca county, — one whose prominence in the annals noting the progress of agriculture in this favored section of the Buckeye commonwealth is similar to the position occupied, in the earlier stages of development and reclamation, by his honored father, who was one of the intelligent and enterprising pioneers of the county, where he lent his assistance in causing the tower ing forests to give place to the grain fields whose soil has for years been furrowed and refurrowed by the plowshare. Mr. Aleyers was born on the parental homestead in Bloom town- 204 • CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ship, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 27th of May, 1835, being the son of Jacob and Maria (Warren) Aleyers, of whose nine children the four surviving are as follows: Mary F., the wife of Henry Meyers, of Attica; George W., of this review; AVilliam T., who is engaged in the insurance business in the city of Toledo ; and Frederick, a resident of Denver, Colorado. The father of our subject was born in Switzer land in the year 1797, and there he was reared and educated, learning the trade of shoemaker. About the year 1821 he emigrated to America and made his way to Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade until he had accumulated sufficient money to enable him to return to his native land- for his parents, thus showing how deep was his filial devo tion and how sterling his character. On his return to the United States he was accompanied not only by his venerable parents, but also" by his two brothers. Henry and David. From Philadelphia they started for Ohio, but while en route the parents became ill, compelling them to stop in Aleadville, Pennsylvania, where both died about two years later. Jacob Aleyers and his brother David then came to Seneca county, locat ing in Bloom township, where Jacob purchased a small tract of land, to which he added by entering claim to adjoining tracts, and finally became the owner of one hundred and eighty acres, while his brother David accumulated two hundred. They also filed entry on an eighty-acre tract for their brother Henry, who had remained in Philadelphia, where he was employed as an instructor in the blind institute, there remaining about eighteen years, and having been the first -to teach to the blind the art of making brooms and brushes. His health finally became impaired and he then came to Seneca county and settled on his farm, so that the three brothers were numbered among the j>ioneers of this section. The father of our subject died in 1861, and his wife, whom he married in Philadelphia, passed away four years later. He was a Democrat in his earlier years of residence here, but was an ardent supporter of the Union cause as the Civil war drew on, and cast his vote in support of Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. He and his wife were devoted members of the Reformed church, and their lives were ever in harmony with the sincere faith which they professed. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 205 George W Meyers was reared on the old homestead farm, in Bloom township, receiving the basis of a good practical education in the schools of the neighborhood, the supplementation having come by reading, per sonal application and association with the practical affairs of life. Upon attaining maturity his father gave him employment by the month, and he thus continued to be concerned in the management and improvement of the homestead until the death of his father, and thereafter until the farm was sold by the heirs and the estate settled up, in 1870. Upon thus dividing the estate our subject invested his funds in his present farm, in Venice township, the same comprising one hundred and sixteen acres, and here he has since maintained his home, having been signally pros pered in his efforts and having made the best of improvements on the place. In 1900 he purchased an adjoining farm of sixty acres, but he anticipates removing to the town of Attica in the near future and prac tically retiring from the active duties and labors of the industry through which he has attained success. This will prove the consistent reward of his many years of toil and endeavor. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and in religion his faith is that of the Universalist church. February 28, 1867, Mr. Meyers was united in marriage to Miss Mary Aleyers, who was born in this county, the daughter of Rudolph and Magdalena Meyers, who- also were born in Switzerland, the two families, however, being not of the same lineal descent. Mr. and Airs. Meyers have no children. HARRISON DETTERMAN. The Detterman family has been conspicuously identified with the development and the industrial activities of Seneca county from an early epoch in its history, and the subject of this sketch is a worthy representa tive of this sterling pioneer family, the name which he bears standing for absolute integrity of character and for that productive industry which has conserved the development and substantial upbuilding of this fa- 206 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. vored section of the Buckeye state. He is a native of Seneca county, where he has passed his entire life and where he commands the highest esteem of those among whom he has lived and labored to such goodly ends. Air. Detterman was born in Bloom township, on the 30th of No vember, 1837, being the son of John H. and Catherine (Stigameyer) Detterman, both of whom were born in Prussia, the respective families having been neighbors there. John H. Detterman, in company with his brother Harmon and another young man, named Buckholt, emigrated to America when about twenty years of age, the three running away from home in order to escape service in the Prussian army. They first located in the city of Sandusky, Ohio, and thence the three came to Scipio: township, Seneca county, whence, somewhat later, the two brothers proceeded to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they were employed in connection with the construction of a canal during one summer. They then came again to Seneca county, and here John H. was united in marriage to- Miss Catherine Stigameyer, who had crossed the ocean in the same vessel. He then effected the- lease of eighty acres of raw land in Bloom township, clearing the same of its heavy growth of tim ber and developing a good farm. There he continued to reside for a period of ten years, at the expiration of which, in 1844, he located on the farm where our subject now resides. Here his original purchase comprised one hundred and twenty acres of wild land, and upon the same he built a log cabin of two rooms, making this primitive domicile his habitation for several years. He. cleared and improved the place and there remained until 1869, when he purchased another tract, o-f two hundred acres, in Bloom township, where he continued to make his home until his death, on the 27th of April, 1900, at a patriarchal age, lacking but twenty-six days of ninety years. His wife died on the ist of August, 1866, and he subsequently was united in marriage to Mrs. Anna Somers,, who: died at the age of seventy-seven years,. Of the first marriage six children were born, of whom three — William, Alary and an infant — died young, the others being Harrison, the subject of this sketch; Amos, a representative farmer of Adams township; and Samuel, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 207 who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Bloom township. Of the second marriage there were no children. John H. Detterman had only five dollars when he arrived in America and here faced the problems of life, and his industry and good judgment- were so effectively brought to bear that he became the owner of more than four hundred acres of land in Seneca county. Pie was a Democrat in politics, and his religious, faith was that of the Evangelical Association, of which he was a devoted and influential member, having been class leader in the Detterman church for more than sixty years consecutively and having" been honored by all who- knew him. His wife, the mother of our sub ject, was a devoted Christian woman, being a member of the same church and a lady of gentle and noble character. Harrison Detterman was a child of seven years at the time when his parents removed to the farm which he now owns:, and in the primi tive district schools he secured his early educational training. He con tinued to assist in the cultivation of the homestead until his marriage, after which he located on a farm of one hundred and nine acres, in Adams township. He disposed of this property at the expiration of nine years and returned to his father's homestead, of which he as sumed charge, and here he has ever since continued operations1 in the line of general farming and stock-growing. He added to his holdings from time to time until he became the owner of four hundred acres of fine land, but he has since divided much of the property among his children, retaining in his homestead one -hundred and twenty acres, and having one of the well improved and valuable farms of this section of the state. His political support is given to the Democratic party, and he served for several years as trustee of his township, proving a capable and dis criminating executive and doing all in his power to forward the best interests' of the community. He is a zealous member of the Evangelical Association and has been an active worker in the church for many years, having held the office of steward for nearly forty years:, while for thirty years he has- been incumbent of the office o-f superintendent of the Sun day-school of Trinity church, which is located opposite his own resi dence. 208 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. On the 17th of November, 1859, Mr. Detterman was united in marriage to Aliss Sophia Einsel, who was born in Pleasant township, on the 12th of October, 1837, the daughter of Henry and Sarah (Keller) Einsel, who removed to Seneca county from Fairfield county in the early pioneer days and here passed the remainder of their lives, the father passing away on the ist of September, 1886; and his wife on the 3d of November of the succeeding year, aged, respectively, eighty-one and seventy-four years. Both were lifelong members of the Evangelical As sociation and were numbered- among the honored pioneers of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Detterman five children have been born, of whom one died in infancy, while those- surviving are: John H. and William A., who: are representative farmers of Adams township; Martha E., who remains at the parental home; and George E., who is likewise a successful farmer of Adams township. HENRY D. KEPPEL. Among the prominent and successful farmers and influential citizens of Seneca county is numbered Mr. Keppel, whose fine estate is located in Hopewell township. He is a native son of the county and a repre sentative of one of its honored pioneer families, while it has been his to maintain the high reputation borne by his father, who was one of the leading men of this section of the county, being honored and esteemed by all who knew him. Mr. Keppel was born on the farm where he now maintains his home, the date of his nativity being April 30, 1849. He is one of the five children born to George and Mary E. (Rosenberger) Keppel, and four of the number still survive, namely: Anna C, the wife of Daniel L. Crum, of whom sj>ecific mention is made on another page of this work ; Jane E., the wife of J. B. Lautzenheiser, of Hopewell township ; Hattie L., the wife of Nelson A. Miller, likewise of this township; and Henry D., the subject of this review. George Keppel, father of our subject, HOME OF HENRY D. KEPPEL. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 209 was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of March, 1810, being the son of Henry and Anna C. (Steimetz) Keppel, natives respectively of Northampton and Westmoreland counties and representa tives of old and prominent families of the Keystone state. They removed to Knox county, Ohio, in the year 1822 and resided there until 1839, when they came to Seneca county, where they passed the residue of their lives, the former passing away in 1842, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife survived him by many years, her death occurring in i860. Henry Keppel served a year in the Indian wars in Pennsylvania. George Keppel, who was the eldest son and the third child in a family of six children, was reared on the homestead farm, and the management of the place largely devolved upon him after he had attained years of maturity, his educational advantages -having been such as were afforded in the public schools of the day. In the fall of 1838 he purchased the homestead now owned by our subject, the same having comprised one hundred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land, and in the following year he established his home here, clearing the greater portion of the tract and making the best of improvements, including a thorough system of tile drainage. In the year 1872 he erected a fine brick residence, at a cost of about three thousand dollars, and he attained a high degree of success .through his well directed efforts, being one of the influential citizens of the community. He also- acquired another farm, of one hundred acres, located two and one-half miles west of the homestead, and was progressive and energetic in his methods, while his attitude was ever that of a public-spirited citizen. On the 10th of November, 1842, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Rosenberger, who- was born in Jefferson county, West Virginia, the daughter of Henry and Jane Rosenberger, who were numbered among the pioneers of Seneca county, Ohio. George Keppel was a man of fine mentality and inflexible integ rity, and he did much to advance the interests of this section of the county. In politics he gave his support to the Democratic party, but he was never an aspirant for public office. He was a devoted member of the First English Lutheran church in the city of Tiffin, and his gen erous support of the same was indicated by the contribution of five 210 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. hundred dollars to aid in the erection of the church edifice. No man commanded a higher degree of confidence and esteem in the community and his memory is revered by all who know him, his death occurring on the ioth of September, 1897, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, six months and six days. His widow still survives him, in her eighty- first year, and makes her home with her children, who accord her the utmost filial solicitude. Henry D. Keppel, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead and received his early educational training in the public schools, effectively supplementing the same by a course of study in Heidelberg College, in Tiffin. Upon attaining his majority he assumed the management of the farm, and thus continued until the death of his honored father, when he became the owner of the home stead, where he has passed his entire life. Mr. Keppel has been suc cessful in his farming operations and has made further improvements ¦on the fine old homestead, having erected, in 1899, one of the best barns in the county, while in every respect his estate shows that he is a progressive and energetic member of the agricultural community. In politics, while never seeking the honors or emoluments of public office, he has given a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party and has been very influential in public affairs of a local nature. His wife is a member of the United Brethren church, to whose support they contribute in a liberal way. On the 1 8th of December, 1877, Mr. Keppel was united in mar riage to Miss Mary Al. Miller, a daughter of Adam Miller, of whom individual mention is made in appending paragraphs, and of this union three children have been born, namely: Hattie Z., the wife of A. D. Biehler, of Pleasant township; Jesse E. and Nettie C, the two latter remainng at home. Adam Miller, father of Mrs. Keppel, was born in Maryland, in the year 1818, and when he was a lad of eight years he came with his father, Daniel Miller, to Seneca county, the family locating on one of the pioneer farms of Hopewell township, where his parents passed the residue of their lives. He assisted in the reclamation and cultivation CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 211 of the home farm until he attained years of maturity, and after his marriage to Miss Margaret Creeger, he rented the farm now owned by the widow of Michael Flynn and there continued in agricultural pursuits for a period o-f five years, at the expiration of which he purchased eighty acres of the present homestead, in section 20, Hopewell township, adding to the same from time to time until he accumulated a fine estate of two hundred and eighty acres. Here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on the 27th of October, 1901. He gave a stanch support to the Republican party and was prominent in' public affairs in the community, having held the office of township clerk for a number of years and having" been one of the influential men of this section of the county. His religious faith was that o-f the United Brethren church, of which he was a zealous and consistent member of the church of this name at Bascom. His six living children are as follows : Henrietta, the wife of William Glick, of Tiffin ; Nelson A., of Hopewell; Mary, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Bertha, the wife of John Adams ; James A., a resident of Bascom ; and Hattie, the wife of Elmer Lott, of Boston, Alassachusetts. HENRY L. WENNER, M. D. Tiffin is fortunate in that she has mlany very able representatives of the medical fraternity among her citizens, — men whose compre hensive study and ready adaptation of scientific knowledge to the needs of suffering humanity has- resulted beneficially in the alleviation of hu- mon suffering and the restoration of health. Occupying an enviable position among the prominent representatives of the profession is Dr. Wenner, one of Tiffin's native sons, his birth having occurred here on the 19th of September, 1861. Here he spent his boyhood days until he was seven years o-f age, and then went to Bucyrus, where he remained for ten years, attending the public schools: until he had attained the age of seventeen. He then returned to Tiffin and was graduated in the 2 12 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. high school here at the age of eighteen. He began reading medicine with Dr. A. B. Hovey, with whom! he remained for a year, and after ward studied under the direction o-f Dr. X. C. Scott, of Cleveland, Ohio, and in the medical department of the Western Reserve University, in which institution he was graduated in March, 1882, before he. had reached his majority. Dr. Wenner began practice in McCutchenville, Seneca county, where he remained for six months, and was then in Arcadia for two years, after which he located in Tiffin, where he has since remained. Here he has since been in continuous practice and the success which has attended his efforts has been based upon a thorough1 and comprehensive knowl edge o-f the principles of the sciences of medicine and surgery, and cor rect application to- the needs of suffering humanity. While he has en gaged in general practice he makes a specialty of surgery. His suc cess in this direction is due to his minute and accurate acquaintance with anatomy, combined with power of diagnosis, a cool head, steady muscles and mechanical genius. April 22, 1883, Dr. Wenner was united in marriage to Miss Jennie R. Smith, who died April 26, 1885. On the 26th of October, 1886, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Emma Huss, of Tiffin, and they now have two children: Henry L. and Alarjorie E. In his political views the Doctor is a Republican, firm in his faith in, and sup port of, the principles o-f the party. He was presidential elector from his district when William McKinley was first chosen to the presidency. For two years he was a member and one year president of the school board of Tiffin and was a candidate for congress in 1898, making a strong run in a district which has an acknowledged Democratic major ity of great strength. He has served on the county executive committee for ten years, a part of the time as its chairman, and he takes an active and helpful interest in the work of the, party, his labors having been at tended with gratifying results. He has been state councilor of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and is now its state treas urer and is also the Ohio trustee of the Orphans' Home of that drder.i which institution is located in Tiffin. The Doctor is also connected CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 213 with the Independent Order of Odd Fellow's and the Knights of Pythias. In the line of his: profession he is identified with the Seneca County, Cleveland and the Northwestern Ohio Medical Associations, and there by keeps in touch with the advanced thought and improved methods which are brought before those bodies and discussed for the good of all, thus rendering more proficient the labors o-f the physicians practic ing in these districts. In his religious faith and membership he is a Baptist, while his wife belongs to- the Methodist church. His life has been consistent with his church relations, and no physician in Tiffin has higher regard for the ethics of his profession. His skill has led to gratifying success and at the same time his hopeful spirit and genial temperament have been important factors in sustaining the courage of those to- whom he has ministered thus aiding nature in her attempts to restore the normal condition of the patient. PROFESSOR REUBEN GOOD, A. M., Sc. D. Among the citizens of Seneca county there is none to: whom is ac corded a greater meed of honor and affection than to the venerable gentleman whose name appears above, for his life has been consecrated to exalted aims and he has been one of the most potent factors in the religious and educational advancement of this section of the state, having been one o-f the founders of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, one of the prominent educational institutions o-f Ohio, with whose work he was actively identified for the long term of two score years. He is a rep resentative of a family of distinction and sterling worth, long identi fied with the annals of American history, and his personal career has been one of signal usefulness, contributing new laurels to- the honored name which he bears. Alany will there be who will read with pleasure and profit this brief review of his life history. •Reuben Good was born at Rehrersburg, Berks county, Pennsyl vania, on the 8th of July, 1818, the son of Philip A. and Elizabeth 214 • CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. (Haak) Good, both of whom passed their entire lives in Pennsylvania, being of sterling German ancestry. Philip A. Good became one of the influential citizens of his native state, being a man of strong in tellectuality and having been a successful teacher for a number of years. He served as a member of the state legislature and was also incumbent of various county offices of trust and responsibility, such as pro-thonotary of the orphans' court, county surveyor and clerk o-f the common pleas court. He was an active and devoted member of the Reformed church, as was also his wife, a woman o-f gracious presence and distinctive refine ment. He died on the 4th of October, 1832, aged about forty-eight years. His father, Jacob Good, was born in one of the German-speaking can tons of Switzerland, whence he emigrated to America about 1763, being a young man at that time, and he located in Pennsylvania, where he be came a teacher and also followed other vocations and where he passed the residue of his life. He had received a good education in his native land and his mentality, was of that high order which has been char acteristic of the family in succeeding generations. Upon coming to America he changed the orthography of his name to the present form, the original patronymic having been Guth. In Pennsylvania he prepared himself for the ministry of the German Reformed church, but his ca reer as a clergyman was cut short by his death, at the age o-f about forty- five years. The mother of our subject was born near Reading, Berks county, Pennsylvania, and in that locality she passed the greater portion of her life, being summoned into eternal rest on the 20th of March, 1840, at the age of about sixty-three years. By her marriage to Philip A. Good she became the mother of eleven children, of whom we enter record as follows : Johanna died at the age of eighty-five years ; Will iam A., a teacher and a clergyman of the Reformed church, was the first superintendent of schools in Berks county, Pennsyl vania, where he practically introduced the public-school system, and there died at the age of sixty-five years, having received the degree of Alaster of Arts from Marshall College at Alercersburg, Pennsylvania; Margaret died in 1896, aged eighty-four years; John P. died in infancy; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 215 Elizabeth passed away in 1840, aged twenty-five; Reuben is the imme diate subject of this sketch; Jonathan J. was a soldier in the Union army in the Rebellion and was instantly killed by a shot in- the forehead, at the battle of Chickamauga, in 1863, at the age of forty-three years; Jeremiah, A. M., D. D., was graduated in Marshall College and w-as practically the father1 of Heidelbelrg College, and is now deceased ; Sarah is the wife of Rev. William K. Zieber, D. D., of Hanover, Penn sylvania; James, who likewise was a graduate of Marshall College, died at the age of twenty-four; and Anna M., who became the wife of Dennis Holtz, of Seneca county, Ohio, died in 1890, at the age of sixty years. The boyhood days of Reuben Good were passed in the parental home, in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he received excellent instruc tion under private tutors and in Dr. Dawson's classical school. When he had attained the age of fourteen years he secured a clerkship in a local mercantile establishment and followed this vocation until he was nineteen, when he resumed his interrupted educational work, being then matriculated in Marshall College (now known as Franklin & Marshall College), at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated in 1842, with the degree of A. B. He then entered the theological seminary of that institution, continuing his studies for three years and finishing the course. He was ordained in Ohio, in 1845, to' the ministry by the proper judicators of the Reformed church. Locating at Greenville, Darke county, he engaged in missionary work on a circuit including that vicin ity and the field about Dayton, while he supported himself during these early years of devoted labor by teaching. In September, 1850, Rev. Mr. Good was elected by the Ohio synod as rector or head master of the projected school at Tiffin, which preparatory school was expected to expand into Heidelberg College. Early in November, immediately upon Rector Good's arrival in Tiffin, he, in company with Alajor Louis Balt zell, a prominent man of the city, personally canvassed Tiffin for the first students, whose number, on the day of opening, was but seven, rapidly increasing to eighty-five, and by the end of the scholastic year the total enrollment showed one hundred and fifty different names. Airs. A. M. Lee, an experienced teacher, devoted all her time, as did Rector 216 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Reuben Good, to the school, and as: did Professor J. H. Good in the chair of mathematics and in the way of an extensive correspondence with preachers and liberal laymen throughout the Ohio- synod, and elsewhere in Pennsylvania and Maryland, in behalf o-f the school with its flattering beginning as to' students and its needs as to money for endowment, build ings, etc. The latter gentleman was strong enough to do the work of" a half dozen men and he "did it most excellently well," so as to be justly named the "Father of Heidelberg College." Like this gifted brother, Rector Reuben Good's work increased, he being chosen- to oc cupy the professorial chair of natural sciences, in which capacity he- rendered effective and devoted service until his retirement, in 1890, by reason of advanced age, but he is still connected with the institution as an emeritus professor, retaining a deep- interest in the affairs of the college, to whose upbuilding he gave the best years of his life and to whose alumni he is endeared by ties of unequivocal respect and affection. He no-w enjoys that otium cum dignitate which is the just reward for his many years of able service as one of the world's workers, having a pleasant home, surrounded by twenty acres of land, within the city limits of Tiffin and being still vigorous in mind and body for one of his advanced age. He is well known to the people of this section of the state in educational and religious circles, while to him is granted the veneration due to one who has ordered his life upon a. lofty plane and labored for the good of his fellow men. In politics, Mr. Good has given his allegiance to the Republican jjarty from the time of its organi zation, and during the Rebellion he was a zealous supporter of the catise of the Urn-ion. On the 29th of September, 1847, was solemnized the marriage of Professor Good to Miss Mary J. Winters, who was born in the city of Dayton, Ohio, and who remains his devoted and cherished companion as the shadows of their lives begin to tenderly lengthen, she being now seventy-five years of age. She has been active in church work and has proved a true helpmeet to her husband, being a woman of unassum ing presence and gentle refinement. Her father, Rev. David Winters, D. D., was an influential clergyman and the regular pastor of the First CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 217 Reformed church in Dayton, Ohio, for a long term of years. At the Dayton Academy Airs. Good received her education. Professor and Airs. Good were the parents of eleven children, of whom four died in infancy. Those who lived to mature years are as follows : Rev. Charles W., a clergyman of the Reformed church, has held several important charges and is no-w at the old home, caring for his parents, with true filial solicitude; he was graduated at Heidelberg College, and there after continued his studies for one year at Yale and one at Oxford, Eng land; Edward R., likewise a graduate of Heidelberg, was a member of the firm of E. R. Good & Brother, leading publishers in Tiffin, and his death occurred September 28, 1901, at the age of forty-six years; Mary is also a graduate o-f Heidelberg; William H., wdio received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the same institution, is a publisher and dealer in books and photographic supplies in Tiffin; Anna received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Heidelberg and is now the wife of Pro fessor M. E. Kleckner, who holds the chair of biology and geology in that institution ; Lily, likewise a graduate of the college, with the same degree as her sister, is the wife of Rev. Harvey S. Nicholson, pastor of the Re formed church at Colon, Alichigan; and Irving is a compositor in his brother's printing establishment. THOAIAS J. KINTZ. One of the prominent citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Thomas J. Kintz, who is cashier of the Tiffin Savings Bank, and who is also financially interested in a number of successful enterprises in this locality, in ad dition to being identified with public affairs. Mr. Kintz is a native o-f Ohio, having' been born at Canton, Stark county, February 14, 1844. His parents were George and Eliza (Con- aghan) Kintz, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania. In his young manhood he came to Ohio- and located in Stark county, and there for a period of about twelve years, he was engaged in the hotel 14 218 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. business. He then lived for a short time in Tennessee, going from that state to Indiana, where he went into business,, making his home in Terre Haute, where he died at the age of eighty years. The mother of our subject was a, daughter of Dennis Conaghan, who was born in Ireland, but who: became a resident of the United States in his youth, his marriage occurring in the state of Pennsylvania, where his children were born. Airs. Kin.tz became a resident of Ohio at the time of her marriage, and she died, of typhoid fever, at her home in Canton, at the early age of thirty-five years. She was a woman of many virtues, a devoted mother, and a consistent member of the Catholic church. Thomas J., of this sketch, was a babe of eighteen months when he was thus deprived of his mother's care and affection, and he was then taken to' the home: of his grandfather Conaghan, in Wyandot county, Ohio. Flere he lived until he was three years of age, when his uncle, Joseph Conaghan, who was a prosperous farmer in Seneca township, Seneca, county, took the little lad into his household and there he remained until he was twenty-one. He grew up on the farm and assisted his uncle, but he was given excellent educational ad vantages by this kind relative. After finishing a preparatory course in the common- schools of Seneca township, at the age of eighteen he en tered Heidelberg College, at Tiffin. After one term of study Mr. Kintz engaged in teaching and by this plan was enabled to continue at the college, following this profession for five years: In 1867 Mr. Kintz was selected for the position of deputy recorder of Seneca county, filling the position with so much efficiency for eight years that he was made recorder, upon the death of the former incum bent. This vacancy he filled for the unexpired term of one year anr'i two weeks, and at the expiration of that time he was honored with an election to the office and. subsequently re-elected, the combined terms covering a period of upwards, o-f seven years. During this service Air. Kintz had not been unmindful o-f the interests of the Democratic party, of which he is an active member, and by which he has been frequently honored. For the ten years succeeding his long service in the recorder's CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 219 office, from 1880 to 1890, Mr. Kintz was engaged in the abstract and real-estate business in this city. When the project of establishing the Tiffin Savings Bank was agitated, Mr. Kintz was one of the financiers who recognized the wisdom of this move and he became one o-f the organizers of this enterprise. The bank began business on March 3, 1890, Air. Kintz entering as cashier, which position he has faithfully filled ever since. The financial disturbances of the country in 1893 left no trace on the business of this- institution. Its capital stock is fifty thousand dollars, of which Air. Kintz owns eleven thousand. The deposits range from three hundred and ninety to four hundred thou sand dollars, and it is considered one o-f the safest banking institutions in the state of Ohio, the careful, conservative methods of its manage ment meeting with the approbation of the public and gaining unqualified confidence. Mr. Kintz has other large business interests in this city. He is also interested in a large amount of real estate, one valuable holding being his handsome residence on Perry street. On February 15, 1872, Mr. Kintz was united in marriage to Miss Adalaide V. Weller, who w;as born in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, where she was educated and reared, but who later became a resident of Roches ter, New York, and still later of Tiffin, Ohio. Ever since his first entrance into political life Mr. Kintz has been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and in 1873 he was elected on its ticket a member o-f the city council, his personal popularity hav ing an influence, as his residence was then in a Republican ward. Upon removing from' the ward within the next year he resigned his position, but he was recalled by the council in 1898 and again in 1900, and he is still serving the city, being one of its most loyal officials. Fraternally our subject is a member of Seneca Lodge, No. 35, I. O. O. F., of Tiffin, and also of the B. P. O. E. of this city. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Methodist church, and for a time he served as a member of its building committee. Mr. Kintz is a representative self-made man, and is a liberal, public- spirited citizen, ever living up to the demands of the day and taking an interest in all which will benefit his city. 220 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. NEWTON U. EGBERT. The subject o-f this sketch is of the third generation of his family in Seneca county, which fact gives the natural implication that the orig inal location here was made in those early days when the section now marked by fruitful farms, thriving cities and attractive villages was yet practically unreclaimed from the primeval forests. The transitions have been marked, and the Egbert family has contributed to the work of development and progress and has: ever stood representative of ster ling" integrity o-f character and of definite energy and enterprise. It is assuredly fitting that mention be here made of the lives and labors of those who have wrought to: goodly ends. Newton Uriah Egbert was born in Pleasant township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 18th of September, 1844, being the son of Jeremiah W. and Lucy A. (Rule) Egbert. The father was born in. Franklin county, Ohio-, on the 19th of September, 181 7, and his wife was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, being the daughter of Daniel and Jane (Groscost) Rule, honored pioneers o-f Seneca county. Our subject is one of the nine children born of this union, and seven of the number grew to years of maturity, namely : Norman D., a farmer o-f Clinton township; Newton U., the immediate subect of this sketch; Dora, the wife of Clay Holtz, of Adams township; Elizabeth, who' became the wife of Henry Stinchcomb and who died in Michigan, aged forty-four vears; John, a farmer of Clinton township-; Lillian, a young lady who resides in the same township, as does also- Isaac R. Jeremiah WT. Egbert was the son of Uriah and Susanna A. (Williams) Egbert, who came from Pennsylvania to Franklin county, Ohio-, and thence to Sen eca county in 1823, taking up a tract of government land in Clinton township and there establishing their family in the primitive log house characteristic of the locality and period. This farm continued to be the family home until 1832, when they removed to Pleasant township, wdiere Uriah Egbert entered a claim of two hundred and forty acres of government land, there developing a good farm and there living to a venerable age, as did his wife Susanna. After his marriage the father CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 221 of our subject located on a two-acre tract in Pleasant township, where the two elder children were born. Soon afterward he secured eighty acres in Clinton township, and cleared the place of its heavy growth of timber, making good improvements. There he continued to reside until fifteen years prior to his death, when, at the settlement o-f the estate, he purchased his father's old homestead, where he was engaged in farming until his demise, on the 18th of December, 1898, his cherished and devoted wife having preceded him into eternal rest in February, 1890. They were well known and uniformly esteemed in the com munity, both having been zealous and consistent members of the Meth odist Episcopal church. The Egbert church and cemetery are on his farm entered by his father Uriah. Newton U. Egbert grew up on the parental farm, assisting in its work and receiving" such educational advantages as were afforded by the public school of the locality and Baldwin University, which he attended for three years. He remained at the parental home until his marriage, save for the period of his military service in the civil war, and then located on a farm of two hundred and five acres, in Adams township, developing this into one of the valuable places in this county and there continuing to- make his home for the long period of twenty-six years. He then located on his present homestead place, which comprises one hundred and thirty-seven acres, and his attention is still given to- farming and stock-raising. He is the owner of an estate of one hundred and thirty-seven acres in Adams township, and his farm is one of the most attractive in- this locality, having a commodious residence and other excellent improvements. In 1864 Mr. Egbert enlisted, for a term of one hundred days, as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volun teer Infantry, with which he was sent to assist in the protection of the federal capital, being honorably discharged at the expiration of his term. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and since 1868 has been a member of the Green Springs Lodge, No>. 318, I. O. O. F., having passed all the chairs in the same. In politics he is a stanch Re- 222 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. publican, but has never sought nor desired official preferment in this line. On the 8th of November, 1874, Mr. Egbert was united in marriage to Miss Amanda H. Beard, who was born in Washington county, Alary- land, the daughter of John and Susan (Sager) Beard. She continued his devoted companion and helpmeet until her death, which occurred on the 1 2th of August, 1897, at the age of fifty-six years, her memory remaining as a benediction to all who knew her and had appreciation of her true and noble character. She left three children: Bessie H., who is her father's housekeeper; Alildred, the wife of John Riggle, of Clinton township; and Schuyler C, who remains at the paternal home. DANIEL C. RULE. It can not be other than gratifying, jn view of the nomadic spirit which is growing to- animate all classes of American citizens, to- find a locality in which are to be found citizens of worth and prominence who have passed their entire lives in the localities where they were born, and who: command the respect and esteem of those who have been familiar with their entire careers. In the older settled sections of the far east we find instances where property has been held from genera tion to generation by one family, and where the old homesteads signify something more than mere names, but in the western and middle states this condition has not been so pronounced. In Seneca county, Ohio-, however, as the pages of this work clearly prove, are to- be found many representatives of families who here initiated the work of ' reclaiming the virgin wilderness and who here made for themselves homes which their children and grandchildren are glad to retain as homes. One of the scions- of pioneer stock in Adams township is Mr. Rule, of whose career we are pleased to enter a brief review. Daniel C. Rule was born in Adams township, this county, on the 10th of December, 1838, being the son of Daniel and Jane (Groscost) CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 223 Rule, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. They became the par ents of nine children, of whom only two- survive, — Jane, the widow cf D. W. Dudrow, of this county; and Daniel C, to whom this sketch is devoted. Those deceased are Lucy A., Elizabeth, Samuel, Albert, Byron, Alatilda and Isaac P. The father of our subject came from Pennsyl vania to Seneca county in the year 1832, locating in Scipio township, where he entered claim to- a tract of government land, whose reclama tion- he instituted, and there he remained- for a period of five years, at the expiration of which he removed to Adams township, where he pur chased two- hundred and sixty-three acres of wild land, which he de veloped into a valuable and productive farm and which continued to be his home until his death, which occurred in 1887, at tlie venerable, age of eighty-six years, his wife having passed away in 1879, aged sev enty-seven. Daniel C. Rule was born and reared in Adams township, his educa tional advantages being such as were afforded in the common schools of the place and period, while he supplemented this discipline by a course o-f study in the academjy then maintained in the village of Republic. When eighteen years of age he put his scholastic abilities to practical test, and was a successful teacher for seven terms, teaching during the winter months and assisting in the work of the homestead farm in the summer seasons. He was married in 1862, and thereupon located on his present farm, which: he reclaimed and which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, having a finely improved place of one hun dred and sixty acres and carrying on diversified farming, his efforts hav ing been attended with success, implying the reward justly due for his assiduous labors and application in the past. He also gives attention' to the raising of stock, and for many years was engaged in the buying and shipping of the same. In politics his support is given unreservedly to the Republican party, and in 1876 he was elected assessor of his township, giving an effective and acceptable administration. He was the candidate of his party for representative in the state legislature in 1877. On the 30th of March, 1862, Mr. Rule was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Church, who was born in Adams township, the daughter 224 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of Earl and Calena Church. Mr. and Airs. Rule have three children: Annie, the wife of Alartin Brunthaven, of Sandusky county; Ralph R., a representative young member of the bar o-f Norwalk, Ohio-; and Daniel C, Jr., who was a student at Adelbert and who is a graduate' of the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada, being a civil engineer by profession. JOHN NEIKIRK. One of the native sons of Seneca county who rendered to the nation the valiant service of a loyal son o-f the republic at the time of the war of the Rebellion and who is now one of the honored citizens and suc cessful farmers of Adams township, is Mr. Neikirk, and it is our privilege to here incorporate a brief review of his life, according him due consideration as a representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state. Air. Neikirk was born on the farm where he now maintains his home, the date of his nativity being December 23, 1834. His father, Joseph Neikirk, wras born in Washington county, Indiana, the son of Michael Neikirk, who came thence to Seneca county with his family in the early pioneer epoch. Joseph Neikirk was married in Seneca county, Barbara Noel becoming his wife, and to, them seven children were born: Mary, the widow of Dorsey Hardsock, of Adams township; William, who lost his life while serving in the Civil war; David, who also was a soldier in the Union army and who- is now deceased ; John, the subject of this review; and Samuel, Elizabeth and Barbara, all of whom are deceased. The father of our subject passed away in 1887, at the venerable age of eighty-two years, and the death of his devoted and cherished wife occurred in 1873, at the age of sixty-four. They located on the farm now owned by our subject shortly after their mar riage, and here continued to reside until death terminated their mortal careers. The father was a blacksmith by trade, and followed this voca tion in his earlier years in connection with his farming, and his life was V ^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 225 one of signal integrity and honor. He reclaimed his farm from the virgin forests and lived to enjoy the fruits of his years of toil and endeavor, being revered as one of the sterling pioneers of the county. On the old homestead John Neikirk was reared to maturity, early becoming familiar with the strenuous work pertaining to its develop ment and cultivation and securing his preliminary educational discipline in the common schools. This was effectively supplemented by a course of study in the academy then maintained in the village of Republic, and thereafter he became a teacher in the schools of the county, devoting his attention to successful pedagogic work during the winters of 1850 and 1857. In 1859 occurred his marriage, and after this important event in his career Mr. Neikirk rented a tract of land near the old home and continued its cultivation for a period of four years. In March, 1864, he located on a farm of eighty acres in Adams township, and this continued to be his home until 1888, in March of which year he returned to the old homestead, where he has since been successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, having a well improved place of seventy acres. In May, 1864, Mr. Neikirk tendered his services to the Union by enlisting as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which regiment his brothers David, AVilliam and Samuel, as well as his brother-in-law, Dorsey Hardsock, were also members. The regiment was sent to aid in the defense of the national capital, and there our subject was in service for a period of one hundred days, at the expiration of which he received his honorable discharge. He still manifests his interest in his old comrades by retaining member ship in the Grand Army of the Republic, being identified with Robinson Post, No. 135, at Republic. In politics he has ever given his support to the Republican party, taking a proper interest in public affairs of a local nature and keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the hour. On the 6th of October, 1859, Mr. Neikirk was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Noel, who was born in Allen county, Indiana, the daughter of John and Elizabeth, (Ensley) Noel, who removed from 226 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Seneca county, Ohio, to Dekalb county, Indiana, in 1839, where the father died at the age of forty-seven years, his widow still maintaining her home in that state and having attained the advanced age of eighty- five years (1902). They became the parents of seven sons and four daughters, of whom five are living at the present time, namely : Philip, who served in the Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war, is a resident of Dekalb county, Indiana; Sarah E. is the wife of our subject; Solomon is a resident o-f Knob, Shasta county, California; and Perry and Samuel are residents of Indiana. Those deceased are George, who died at Memphis, Tennessee, during the Rebellion, having been a soldier in the One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry ; Susan, who became the wife of John Long; Lucy, who- married Holmes Link; Eliza, who became the wife of Joseph Rechtenwald; and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Airs. Neikirk are prominent and influential mem bers of the English Lutheran church, with which our subject has been identified for forty years, having served as elder and deacon. Our subject and his wife have no children of their own, but have reared one girl from the age of eight years, Clara Elnora Redfox, no-w a young lady. GEORGE W. FITZ. Among the honored veterans of the war o-f the Rebellion is num bered Air. Fitz, who accorded to his country the loyal and patriotic serv ice of a true son of the republic, and whose life has been such as to com mend him to- the respect and good will of his fellow men. He is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Adams township, Seneca county, having purchased his present fine homestead in 1886. The old Keystone state figures as the place of Mr. Fitz's nativity, since he was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of July, 1842, being the son of Henry and Sarah (Harbaugh) Fitz, both of whom were born in that state, of German lineage. His father was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and thus our subject was reared under CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 227 the invigorating discipline of the old homestead, receiving his educa tional training in the common schools. At the age of twenty-two years, on the 19th of September, 1864, Mr. Fitz signalized his patriotism by enlisting as a private in Company M, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Vol unteer Cavalry, with which he proceeded to- West Virginia, taking part in the engagements at Cedar Creek and Gordonsville, the regiment being attached to Sheridan's command, in the Army of the Potomac. In the battle at Gordonsville Air. Fitz was wounded, receiving a minie ball in the right arm just below the shoulder, but he was not long incapacitated for active duty and continued in the service with his regiment until victory had crowned the Union arms, when he received his honorable discharge, having made a record as a faithful and valiant soldier in the ranks. After the close of the war Mr. Fitz returned to> Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1867, when he came to- Ohio, locating in San dusky county, where he was employed as a day laborer for one year, after which he came to- Seneca county and turned his attention to farm ing, renting land until 1886, when he effected the purchase of his present farm, which is located two and one-half miles southeast of Green Spring, in Adams township, and which comprises one hundred and ten acres, having formerly been known as the Benner farm. The place is well im proved and is of marked fertility, while to: his operations our subject has brought to bear so much discrimination, energy and good judgment that he has- gained a place as one of the substantial farmers of the county, his place being a model farm and giving evidence of the- care bestowed in keeping everything in the best condition and in securing the maximum returns from its cultivation. Mr. Fitz has net failed to take a proper interest in public affairs of a local nature, and the confidence and esteem in- which he is held in the community has been shown in his official preferment, since he served with ability as township trustee. His political proclivities are- indicated in the stanch allegiance which he gives to the Republican party, in whose cause he has contributed his efforts and influence. He keeps in touch with his. old comrades in arms 228 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. by his identification with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a popu lar member of Potter Post, No. 105, at Green Spring. On the 25 th of December, 1867, Mr. Fitz was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Donaldson, who was born in Adams county, Pennsyl vania, the daughter of Andrew J. Donaldson. Our subject and his wife have no children, but he has made a home for her niece, Flora Fowler, from her childhood, and she remains as a member of the family. Mrs. Fitz is one of the active members of the Woman's Relief Corps, main tained as auxiliary to- Potter Post, G. A. R. IRA H. LEPARD. Ira H. Lepard, one o-f the prominent and successful agriculturists of Seneca county, is a native son of Venice township, his birth having here occurred on the 5th of March, 1858. He is a son of John and Harriet (Hoyle) Lepard. The father is also a native of the Buckeye state, where he was born in Lancaster, February 23, 1828, a son of Isaac and Nancy (Huffman) Lepard, natives, respectively, of Pennsyl vania and Maryland. When two years of age, in 1830, the son John was brought by his parents to Seneca county, the family locating on the south line of Reed township, where the grandfather entered eighty acres of land, and, after clearing a sufficient space, built a cabin thereon. During the erection of this round-log dwelling the family lived in wagons. He at once began the arduous and difficult task of clearing and placing his land under cultivation, and there his life's labors were ended on the 21st of January, 1848, when he had reached the fifty- first milestone on the journey of life. Some years after his death his widow removed to Attica, and there she was called to the spirit world September 11, 1892, at the age of ninety-three years. They were among the earliest residents in Reed township, there having been but two houses in Attica at the time of their arrival, and Tiffin, then called Fort Ball, was a small hamlet of about a dozen houses. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 229 John Lepard, their son and the father of our subject, received but limited school advantages, and after his father's- death he assumed the management of the home farm. One year after his marriage he located on a rented farm one mile west of the old homestead, where he made his home for about nine years, and on the expiration of that period, in 1864, he purchased the farm of one hundred and twenty acres where his son Ira now resides. As time passed, however, he increased his landed possessions by adding a forty-acre tract, thus making him the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. From: the age of two: years his entire life was spent in Seneca county, and he therefore witnessed its growth from a wilderness, to' its present improved conditions. His political support was given to the Democracy, and although not a member of any religious denomination he was an attendant and liberal supporter of the Baptist church and was ever active in any movement tending to- promote the welfare of his fellow men. He died on the 7th of October, 1893, at the age of sixty-five years. On the 8th of October, 1854, Mr. Lepard was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Hoyle, who: was born' in the state of New York March 1, 1827, a daughter of Horace and Grizella (Holcomb) Hoyle, the former a native of Providence, Rhode Island, and the latter o-f New- York. After their marriage the parents removed to Lorain county, Ohio. Their daughter Harriet became a successful teacher at sixteen, and after coming to. Seneca county was the first teacher in the Attica schools, in 1852, where she taught up to the time of her marriage. She is still living on the old home farm, and is w ell preserved in all her mental faculties. She has ever shown a decided interest in educational work, being thoroughly informed on all lines of literature and take? special delight in the study of the Bible. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lepard were born six children who grew to years of maturity, namely : Mary, who died at twenty-six: Eunice, who has been an invalid for thirty- four years; Ira, the immediate subject o-f this review; Emmla and Hattie, also at home ; and Flora, the wife of A. N. Kelly of Chicago-, Illinois, and who was a teacher for three years. 230 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Ira H. Lepard acquired his primary education in the district schools near his home and later attended the Attica high school. He worked with his father on the home place until 1886, and in that year began farming a portion of the old homestead on the shares, thus continuing until his father's death, when he assumed the entire management of the place, besides fifty acres of his own purchase. Throughout his entire- business career he has been industrious, energetic and successful, and he has won for himself an honorable name in trade circles, while at all times he has received the unbounded confidence of his fellow men. Mr. Lepard was married on the 3d of September, 1887, to Miss May Neikirk, a native of Adams township, Seneca county, and a daugh ter of D. J. Neikirk. She passed away on the 27th of February, 1898, and on the ist of January, 1902, our subject married Miss Jennie L. Alter, a native of Middletown, Ohio. Her parents, John K. and Emma E. (Bainbridge) Alter, removed to Dakota in 1883, and there the daugh ter attained to womanhood. After completing a common-school edu cation she received a course in the high school of Ellendale, North Da kota, and later in the Manual Training School at the same place. At the age of seventeen she began teaching, and for a period of ten years taught in the country schools, in the Mound City schools of South Dakota and in the Ellendale schools, in North Dakota, resigning from the latter school to: get married. She is one of the correspondents of the "West Land Educator," the official teachers' bulletin of North Dakota, which is a journal founded to- assist teachers, and in the conduct of which she retains an interest. At the time of her marriage, however, she endeavored to withdraw her correspondence, but her resignation was not accepted. Mr. Lepard gives his political support to the Republican party, and is frequently a delegate to the conventions. In his social relations he is a member of Venice Lodge, No. 197, I. O. O. F., in which he served as a noble grand for seven terms ; is a member of the Inde pendent Order of Good Templars, in which he has held office for the past fifteen years ; and during the past year was master of Honey Creek Grange, No. 13 14, P. of H. His religious preference is indicated by CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 231 his membership in the Baptist church, in which he has been an office holder for twenty years, and throughout his life he has been an active worker in the cause of Christianity. JAMES LEROY LAKE. Reed township, Seneca, county, Ohio, includes among its repre sentative farmers and respected citizens James Leroy Lake, who- is a native son of this township, his birth here occurring on the 27th of May, 1846. His father, Joshua Lake, was born in Cayuga county, New York, May 6, 1805, and there he was reared to- years of maturity. About 1833 he came to- Seneca county, Ohio, locating on an eighty-acre tract m Reed township, but in 1862 he sold this place and removed to the farm on which our subject now resides, there purchasing one hundred and ten acres, which continued to: be his home until his life's labors were ended in death, in his seventy-ninth year. He gave an unfaltering sup-port to the Democratic party, and for many years he served his township as a justice of the peace, as treasurer and assessor, holding the latter position when there were but fifteen families in the township. He later filled various other township positions. He was a leading mem ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. As a companion on the journey of life Mr. Lake chose Miss Lydia Thatcher, who was born in Tompkins county, Newr York, December 4, 18 18, and her death occurred on the 21st of August, 1899, when she had reached the age of eighty-one years. She, too, was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Unto this worthy couple were born four children, but only two now survive, our subject and Dr. O. A. Lake, of Green Spring, Ohio-. James Leroy Lake enjoyed the educational privileges afforded by the common schools of his neighborhood during his youth and early manhood, and at the age of twenty years he began the business of stave- making, which was a very profitable occupation at that time. While thus engaged he made over three thousand staves, and at the same 232 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. time he also carried on agricultural pursuits during the summer months. As the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well di rected efforts he has purchased land and is now the owner of his pres ent fine homestead, located in Reed township, Seneca county. In addi tion to farming he does considerable work as a stone mason. In political matters, he has followed in the footsteps of his father and also gives a stanch support to- the principles o-f the Democracy, and for four years he served his township- with efficiency as a justice of the peace. He has also held the offices of township trustee and assessor, and in all these positions he has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. In his social relations he is a member of Lodi Lodge, No. 493, I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of Harmony Grange, No. 481, P. of H. In February, 1868, Mr. Lake was united in marriage to- Miss Samantha Insley, but this union was soon terminated in death, for the wife was called to her final rest on the 15th of September, 1869. For his second wife he chose Miss Helen Hakes, but this union was also terminated in death, April 5, 1893. On the 15 th of April, 1896, Mr. Lake married Miss Elsie M. Wilhelm, a native of Stark county, Ohio, and a daughter of David and Margaret (Brillhart) Wilhelm, a prom inent farmer of Reed township. They have one child, Irvin Leroy, who- was born July 15, 1898. JOSEPH M. BEVER. Upon the roll of the representative members of the legal profession in Seneca county, Ohio, consistently appears the name of Joseph Milton Bever, who is a native son of the county and a representative o-f one of the sterling pioneer families of the state. In no profession is there a career more op-en to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation o-f the absolute ethics o-f life, or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 233 application, mature judgment and a, determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants- which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice, and it is one into which none should enter without a recogni tion of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for sucess does not perch on the falchion o-f every person, who- enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the legitimate result of application and unmis takable ability. Possessing the qualifications of the able lawyer, Mr. Bever has attained marked precedence in his chosen profession and has high standing at the bar of his native state, — a. bar that has been graced by the transcendant abilities of many of the ablest men in the annals of the nation. He has been actively engaged in the practice of his profes sion in the city of Fostoria for nearly a quarter of a century, has been concerned in much important litigation and is; known \o be thoroughly informed in the science of jurisprudence, an able attorney and a safe and duly conservative counsel, while his- personal integrity ami honesty of purpose have begotten an objective confidence and esteem of no equivocal order. In a work touching those who have been concerned in the public and civic life of Seneca county it is clearly incumbent that specific men tion be made of Air. Bever. Joseph Milton Bever was born on a farm in Eden township, Sen eca county, Ohio-, on the 9th of December, 1853, being the youngest of the six sons of Rev. Joseph and Elizabeth (Knouse) Bever, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Pennsylvania, she being of stanch old Pennsylvania German stock. Rev. Joseph Bever was one of a family of thirteen children who' accompanied their parents on their emigration from Virginia to- Ohio,, in the year 1822, and within the following year they located about five /and one-half miles south of Tiffin, Seneca county, where they made their home in the almost un broken wilderness. Seneca county was not then organized, and this family endured, with other hardy pioneers, the labors and privations incident to life in the sylvan wilds of this section. One of the early teachers of Rev. Joseph Bever was Air. Burlingame, father of Hon. Anson Burlingame, late minister to Russia, but his early scholastic dis- 15 234 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. cipline was confined to a period of about nine months' duration, the popular appreciation o-f educational training at that time being greatly subordinate to that of developing a capacity for arduous toil. The youth, however, realized to no slight degree to how great an extent his sphere of usefulness would be circumscribed through lack of proper mental training, and through every means possible he sought earnestly to increase his store of knowledge, reading the few books which he could secure in the frontier settlement and undoubtedly thus applying himself by the light of the open fireplace or the flickering candle, since it is not to be thought that he would or could be released from his share of the arduous daily toil incident to the reclaiming of the farm in the virgin forest. His determination, however, proved sufficient to insure his con tinuance of study and reading and he developed marked intellectual strength and became a man of no inconsiderable scholastic attainments. As a young man he felt himself called to- preach the gospel, his nature being intrinsically fervent and spiritual, and thus he identified himself with the United Brethren church, by which, in due course of time, he was licensed to preach, forthwith entering upon the active work of the ministry. His first circuit comprised man}- o-f the counties of north western Ohio, — a section then traversed by few roads, and those of the most primitive type, while few of the streams were spanned by bridges of any sort, thus making the field far from inviting. His zeal and de votion did not falter by reason o-f these and other obstacles1, and he con tinued in the active work of the Master for the greater portion of his life, as pastor and presiding elder, being one o-f the revered pioneer clergymen of his denomination in this section. He removed to- Fostoria from the old homestead, which he had aided to reclaim, in 1871, and he did not withdraw from) pastoral work until about 1882, when his ad vanced age caused him to resign to a considerable extent his active labors. He continued to: make his home in Fostoria until his death, which occurred in November, 1896, his devoted wife having passed away in 1883. Of Rev. Joseph Bever it may well be said that he was a "friend to truth, of soul sincere, in action thoughtful and in honor clear; who broke no promise, served no private end ; who gained no title and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 235 who lost no friend." Six sons survive him, namely : Captain Russel H., of Tiffin, is now deceased; M. A., of Marion; D. AL, of Tiffin; L. 0., of Kenton; J. T., of Bowling Green; and Joseph M., the subject o-f this sketch. To the district schools of Eden township Joseph M. Bever is in debted for his early educational training", and there he continued his studies, also assisting in the work of the old homestead, until he had attained the age of seventeen years, when he accompanied his father on his removal to Fostoria, which has ever since been his home. In 1873 he was matriculated in Otterbein University, at Westerville, Ohio-, where he was graduated in the centennial year, 1876, with the degree of Bach elor of Science. Shortly after his graduation Mr. Bever entered the office of W. J. Rigby, in Fostoria, and there began the technical reading and study which were to: fit him for his chosen profession, his devotion to his work and his excellent assimilative powers being such that he becamle eligible for and was admitted to the bar of the state in 1878. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession in Fostoria, where he has ever since continued. His years of close application and his reli ability and talent in the various branches of his professional work have eventuated in a definite and worthy success, giving him prestige as one of the leading members of the Seneca county bar, while his hold upon the confidence and esteem of the local public has: been shown in the prefer ments which have come to him in official capacities. In 1878 he was elected city solicitor of Fostoria and was again chosen as incumbent of this office in 1880. Two years later he was appointed city clerk, to fill a vacancy, and at the regular election following, in 1883, he was chosen to fill out the unexpired term in this office. In 1884 came to him the dis tinction of being elected to- the chief executive office of the municipal government, and that his administration met with popular approval is manifest when we revert to the fact that he was re-elected mayor in 1888, and for a third time- in 1891. In January, 1897, Mr. Bever was appointed city solicitor, to fill a vacancy, and was retained in this office by popular election in April of the same year, while he was re-elected in 1899. He has ever taken a deep- and active interest in educational mat ters and served for twelve years as a member of the city board of school 236 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. examiners, while he was also- a member of the first board of trustees of Fostoria Academy. In politics Mr. Bever gives his allegiance to the Republican party, of whose principles and policies he has been an able advocate. In connection with that noble fraternal organization, the Inde pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Mr. Bever has attained the most .dis tinguished preferment in the gift of his brothers in the order, being at the present time grand master o-f the grand lodge of the state of Ohio, within whose jurisdiction are found seventy thousand members. He became identified with the order in 1881 and has been one of its most honored and enthusiastic devotees, having been frequently a representa tive to- the grand lodge and- having served in other official capacities. He holds his membership- in Fostoria Lodge, No, 305, in his home city. On the 10th of July, 1878, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Bever and Miss Sootie J. Rugg, of Franklin county, and they have three children, — Mabel M., Roscoe and Thurl'ow, all of whom are graduates of the Fostoria high- school, and all of whom are zealous members of the Presbyterian church. NICHOLAS ROCK. It is gratifying in this age to meet a man who has. had the courage to face the battles of life with strong heart and steady hand and to win in the stern conflict by bringing to: bear only those forces with which nature has equipped him, — determined purpose, invincible courage, sturdy self-reliance and that self-respect which is begotten of worthy ambition and a desire to do right under all circumstances. These ele mental attributes o-f character have been signally exemplified in the ca reer of the gentleman whose name initiates this review, for he came to this country from the fatherland without the. aid of capitalistic rein forcement or influential friends, and has gained a notable victory through the normal and legitimate avenues of industrial activity, being now a successful merchant of Reedstown, Seneca county, and also having in the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 237 same township a valuable farm property. He has become one of the representative citizens of his township, and his course has been such as not only to gain him distinct prosperity but also the great reward implied in the confidence and esteem of those who know him. Mr. Rock was born in the grand duchy of Luxemburg, on the 30th of May, 1857, the son of John and Catherine (Lang) Rock, who be came the parents of sixteen children, of whom eleven survive, while only four of the number are residents of the United States, namely : Dom- inick, o-f Bismarck, Huron county, Ohio1; Matthew, a resident of San dusky ; Catherine, the wife of John Fritz, of Thompson township, Seneca county ; and Nicholas, the subject of this review. John Rock was for many years engaged in the hat, cap and furnishing-goods business in the town of Dudlingen, Luxemburg, where his death occurred in the year 1874, his widow still maintaining her home there. Our subject was reared and educated in his native place and there learned the trade of sho-emaking, to which he devoted his attention until 1880, when he came to America, his resources at the time of his arrival being repre sented in the sum1 of one hundred and fifty dollars, and this being bor rowed capital. From New York he came to Sandusky, Ohio, where he entered the employ of his uncle, John Greethan, who was there engaged in the grocery and provision business. He was thus employed for a period of three years and within this time there was assigned to him the duty o-f driving a huckstering wagon through the section of Seneca county where he now makes his home. While thus engaged Mr. Rock- formed the acquaintance of Aliss Veronica Gerber, to- whom he was united in marriage on the 24th of October, 1882, she having been born in Thompson township, the daughter of Michael Gerber, who- was born in the province of Alsace, which was then a portion of the territory of France, and who emigrated thence to America and became one of the early settlers of Seneca county, Ohio. In the spring subsequent to his marriage Mr. Rock located on the farm, in Reed township, which be now owns, the same comprising eighty acres and having been then the property of his father-in-law. Here he continued to devote his attention to general agriculture and stock-raising and here, on the 27th of Octo- 238 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ber, 1887, occurred the death of his wife, who: is survived by four chil dren, — Charles M., Monica R., Peter M. and Veronica. On the 22d of October, 1889, Mr. Rock was married to Miss Rosa Dannenmiller, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of John Dannen miller, who was an influential farmer of that locality, where his death occurred. Two children have been born to- our subject and his wife, — Julia and Scholastica. In 1892 Mr. Rock left the farm, which he had purchased o-f his first wife's father several years previously, and located in Reedtown, where he purchased the mercantile establishment and busi ness of John G. Weaver, and here he has since continued to- do- a thriving business, handling a select and comprehensive stock of general mer chandise and securing a representative patronage from the wide radius of territory normally tributary to the village. He is progressive and public-spirited in his attitude, and- none can envy him a success so worthily achieved. He still owns his farm property, the place being well improved and under effective cultivation. Though never an aspirant for office Mr. Rock has given a, steadfast allegiance to: the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, his communion being with St. Mary's Assumption church in Reed. He visited the Paris exposition of 1900 and incidentally made a quite extended tour of the European continent, having the pleasure at the time of visiting his old home in Luxemburg. ELLSWORTH L. McDOLE. It is a well attested maxim that the greatness of the state lies not in its machinery of government, or even its institutions, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in their capacity for high and unselfish effort and their devotion to the public good. To this class belongs Ells worth L. McDole, of Kansas, Seneca county, a man prominent in the business, social, political and church circles of the village. Mr. McDole was born in Meigs county, Ohio- July 1, 1861, a son of Joseph and Sarah (Adams) McDole. The father was a native of the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 239 Keystone state, his birth having there occurred in Beaver county, on the 28th of December, 1825, and he was of Irish extraction. When a child he removed with his parents to Meigs county, Ohio, where he grew to years of maturity, and there he was married. When the time came for him to assume the responsible duties of life for himself he chose the life of a farmer, and in that county he followed the tilling of the soil until 1884. He was an energetic and capable agriculturist, and became a man of much influence in his locality. In that year he came to Kansas, Ohio, and after his son's marriage he took up his abode with him, and here he and his wife both still reside. In political matters he was formerly an old-line Whig, but in later years he has been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, although he has never sought the honors of pub lic office. For many years he has also been an active member of the Dis ciples' church. As a companion on the journey of life Mr. McDole chose Miss Sarah Adams, who was born at Yellow Creek, Jefferson county, Ohio, June 19, 1835. Her father, John Adams, was descended from the old Revolutionary branch of the family of that name. Unto- this union were born three children, — W. Asbury, who for many years has been a teacher and merchant in Parkersburg, West Virginia; Ulysses C, of Kansas, Ohio-; and Ellsworth L., the subject of this review. Ellsworth L. McDole was reared to years of maturity under the parental roof, and during his early youth he attended the common schools of his locality, while later he entered the Longbottom Academy, of Meigs county, where he enjoyed superior advantages. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the school-room as an instructor, and for the twelve following years he devoted his entire time and attention to educa tional work, in West Virginia, Ohio-, Kansas, Missouri and again in Ohio. During four years of that time he was the efficient principal of the Kansas, Ohio:, schools. While engaged in the teacher's profession he also studied medicine, under the preceptorship of Drs. E. H. and' A. M. Chilcote, of Bloo-mdale, Wood -county, Ohio, and later entered the medical department of the University of Wooster, but one year prior to his graduation he was obliged to leave that institution on account of ill health. After abandoning the profession of teaching he engaged in 240 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the drug business, in 1894, and has continued in the same to the present time. Mr. McDole has ever been a stalwart advocate of Republican prin ciples, and by that party he has been many times elected to positions of honor and trust. For a number of years past he has been a member of the county and executive committees of his party. For a short time he served as deputy collector of revenues, under Colonel Waldorf, and was later appointed a gauger at Troy, Ohio; but, although he stood the highest in the civil-service examination, he did not accept the position, owing to his extensive business interests. He has served as a member of the county board of school examiners, and on January 1, 1898, was made the postmaster at Ransas, Ohio. Prior to that time, in April, 1893, he was elected a justice of the peace, and has ever since continued to fill that position. He has also served as deputy state superintendent of elections. The marriage of Mr. McDole was celebrated- on February 25, 1900, when Miss Minnie I. Hinsman became his wife. She is a native of San dusky county, Ohio, and a daughter of Christian Hinsman. They have one child, Julia, born February 24, 1902. In his social relations Mr. Mc Dole is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, in which he has served as deputy grand chancellor, under appointment by Grand Chancellor Winn ; he is also- a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Kansas Tent, Knights of the Maccabees. Since 1884 he has been a member of the Methodist Epis copal church, in which for several years he served as a steward and as Sunday-school superintendent. He is a man of strong mentality, keen discernment, great tact and resolute purpose, and is therefore well fitted for the political honors which have been conferred upon him. . JAMES PILLARS. The late Judge James Pillars, of Tiffin, well deserves more than casual mention in connection with those men whose lives here carried an influence in shaping the history of this community. He was born, JUDGE JAMES PILLARS. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 241 as he himself often expressed it, on "Yellow creek," in Jefferson county, Ohio, about 1820, the exact date of his nativity being unknown, even to himself. Scarcely anything can be learned of his family, though we know that he early inclined to study, familiarizing himself with such limited books as he could secure for himself or borrow for the time being. His desire was for the acquirement of an education, and in accordance with that fixed idea he entered the. academy at Norwalk, Ohio, though no data can now be obtained touching his removal from his native county. After obtaining such advantages as the academy afforded he began reading law in the office and under the preceptorship of John Whitbeck, at Norwalk. In seeking for a suitable location in which to begin the practice of his chosen profession he chose Tiffin, having already formed some few acquaintances here, among others being Warren P. Noble, who was then a young lawyer of about his own age. He applied himself to the principles of the law, the abstruse reason ing upon which it was based appealing strongly to his peculiarly analytical mind. Clients were slow in coming, and for several years the practice of his profession afforded him a precarious living. He had not learned the art of retaining money, and the end of each year found him no better off financially than at its beginning until the time when he decided toi join his fortunes with those of the lady of his choice, Miss Sarah M. Deming. of Norwalk. She possessed to a high degree the business tact and managerial ability lacking in her husband, and henceforth the financial cloud's were less ominous, the sunshine of prosperity being more frequently seen through the rift. Judge Pillars was never of a popular turn of mind, his warmest friendships being with those few who could understand him. Never a special aspirant for public honors, he was prevailed upon, in 1859, to become a candidate for the nomination for state senator, but not being disposed to make a personal canvass and lacking those traits that enhance personal popularity he was defeated. When he was nominated for a seat on the common-pleas bench, in 1868, he was chosen without special effort, as his legal ability was well known to be second to that of no man in the district. As a judge he was hard-working and methodical. 242 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his technical and profound knowledge of law enabling him to hand down decisions that were notable for clarity and for soundness of logic, and strength and brilliancy of diction, while they ever manifested his thorough familiarity with law and precedent. Judge Pillars' ability and keenness of intellect were such that he would have graced a seat on the supreme bench, delighting as he did in the analytical discussion of those fundamental principles that form the basis of all law. He took a deep interest in the younger members of the bar, no task asked at his hands being too onerous or too great for him to grant and fulfill. He often wrote the entries for them, and in this his exactness, clearness and mastery of the language were clearly shown, the articles being models of brevity, conciseness and powerful composition. He was a wide reader and his powers of assimilation were prodigious, his private library stand ing pre-eminent in this section of the state. He found greatest consola tion in the perusal of those old authors whose wit and learning have graced the past, and no sacrifice was too great when the object was to secure some ancient volume valuable in edition, contents or binding. His arguments on the bench, while noted for incisive logic, brevity, clarity and force, often led to- conclusions that caused much opposition, it not being merely hinted but openly declared that his decisions were some times shaped by extraneous influences that militated against strict justice. He demanded more exactness of procedure on the part of attorneys who had fallen into somewhat loose methods, and thus elevated the courts, placing business upon a more methodical basis than heretofore, though what was gained in one way might have been lost in another. His keenness of intellect and command of the basic principles made his mind specially ready to grasp new points of law, — possibly to the exclusion of reasoning that might lead to sounder judgment. He was never more at home than when supporting by the subtlest logic what seemed to others a losing side, his facility of argument: and coloring with delicate shades of language leading his opponents to accept his views. Whatever may have been said in criticism of Judge Pillars, no one ever questioned his ability or learning, and had his nature been evenly balanced there would have come from his life an influence for good beyond the power CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 243 of man to conjecture. He was a peculiar man, — probably with more diversified elements and attributes than any other man who has ever lived in Tiffin, and whatever phases of character were presented- for con templation, there would be ever found a brilliancy second to none. His mind was o-f that texture found in the pessimist, the world carrying a dark and forbidding aspect for him, the result of this attitude being that in his later years he became almost misanthropic, recourse being fre quently had to: those stimulants whose effect was to- momentarily en hance and emphasize the natural brilliancy of a once powerful mind, but whose reflex was to intensify the darker, sadder musings of a disordered and distorted imagination. Judge Pillars died in the year 1888, having tasted much of life, feeling the thrill that comes from pure, abstract reasoning and from liv ing in touch with the master minds- of centuries past, and also realizing to the full the bitterness resulting from being out of sympathy with those with whom he lived and moved. C. G. COOR. Mr. Cook is the superintendent of the Peabody Buggy Company, of Fostoria. He has resided in this city since 1887 and has occupied his present position since 1897. Previous to that time he was: for five years connected with the Fostoria Buggy Company, the predecessor of the cor poration which he now represents. Mr. Cook is a native of Dayton, Ohio, in which city his birth occurred in 1850. After acquiring his education in the public schools he began learning the carriagemaker's trade, which he also followed in Cincinnati. He became an expert workman, master- tering the business in every detail. He thoroughly understands mechan ical principles, is practical and is fully competent to direct the efforts of the large force of workmen employed in the factory. He has supervision over the labors of from one hundred to one hundred and thirty men, and is thus controlling a business of considerable magnitude. In his relations 244 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. with those who work under him he is always fair and just, and is ready to recommend for promotion, as opportunity offers, all those who are diligent, honorable and loyal to the company's interests. He owes his own advancement to- reliability, close application and steadfast prin ciples. These qualities have won him continual promotion until he to day occupies a very prominent position in trade circles. Mr. Cook was married, in Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Kate Linkert, of Rochester, New York, and they now have two sons and a daughter. One son, Harry, occupies the position of foreman in the employ of E. W. Walker, at Goshen, Indiana, while William works with his father in the factory of the Peabody Buggy Company. The daughter is Gertrude, a student in the high school. Socially Mr. Cook is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he had taken royal-arch degree. He also has membership relations with the Knights of the Maccabees and in his political affiliations is a Republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him as he prefers to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. His life history illustrates how potent are loyal principles, diligence and honorable effort in attaining success when one does not have friends or wealth to aid him at the outset of a career. WILLIAM HENRY NORRIS. Among the most highly regarded citizens of the city of Tiffin, Ohio, is William H. Norris, who has resided here since 1891, having been previously engaged- in agricultural pursuits. Although not actively engaged in farming Mr. Norris still exercises a superintendence over his •land, which is located in the near vicinity, while he enjoys all the com forts o-f city life in his pleasant home, at No. 191 North Sandusky street. Mr. Norris is a son of the Buckeye state, having been born in Seneca county November 11, 1831. His ancestral line runs back to England, from which land carte his great-grandparents, Nathaniel and Grace Norris, who settled in Frederick county, Maryland. There the grandparents of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 245 our subject were born, Thomas P. and Susanna Norris, the former on February 18, 1765, and the latter on March 16, 1775. They moved to Harrison county, Ohio, in the early days of its settlement, and they were accompanied by their son Lott, who- was then a young man. An older brother, Nathaniel, had come to Seneca county in 1827, and in the latter part of the same year Lott Norris, who was the father of our subject, also came hither. They entered government land in Scipio township, four miles northwest of Republic. At that time the whole country was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and it required much hard work to clear this land and convert it into its present state of fertile pro ductiveness. After his marriage, in the spring following his location, Lott Norris erected a comfortable log cabin on his land and devoted his energies- to the clearing of his acres and improving his condition. He owned ninety acres here and remained on the farm for some eight years, removing then to a new purchase, near by, of ninety-two acres, of which eight- acres had already been cleared. Here Mr. Norris worked with unceas ing industry until within a few years of his death, retiring prior to that event to Tiffin, where he passed away at the age of sixty-one years. Although he had been a busy man from his earliest days of activity, he found time to faithfully serve his community in various official posi tions, his clear judgment and known integrity making him a valuable citizen. He accumulated means, and at the time of his death owned one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Adams township and an additional one hundred and eighty-two acres in Scipio township, all of which had been acquired by his own energy. When the Mad River Railroad was built through this county it materially increased the value of his property. He was an interested and active member of the. Repub lican party, and was a leading member of the Methodist church, aiding in its early establishment in his locality. The mother of our subject belonged to one of the old and long- established families of Maryland. Her name was Lourana Todd, and she accompanied her parents upon their removal to Seneca county, where they also entered government land. She was an attendant of the 246 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Dunkard church, and although she never became a member the simplicity of life and the pious and unworldly belief of the adherents of their faith attracted her. She died at the age of forty-eight years. Eight children were born to Lott and Lourana (Todd) Norris, two of whom are- deceased, namely : Mary, who died in 1864; and Charles, who died when but eighteen years of age, while serving in the army. The survivors are as follows : William, who is our subject and the eldest of the family; Ephraim, who is a farmer in Adams township; John, who resides in Tiffin ; Sarah, who1 married Jacob Bunnell ; Susan, who mar ried B. J. Vandervere; and Emma, who married Albert Bunnell. The boyhood days of our subject were spent at home, where his youthful energies found plenty of exercise in assisting in farm work. His educational advantages were rather limited, not on account of any want of ambition on his part or neglect on the part of his parents, but because of conditions prevailing at the time in this locality. He remained at home and gave his assistance to his father until he was twenty-four years of age, and then started out in life for himself. He went to Mason county, Illinois, and there worked for several years as a carpenter, but at the request of his parents he returned to his home and remained there, giving needed assistance in the management of his father's large interests for eighteen months. Mr. Norris was married October 7, 1858, to Miss Lizzie Coffman, who was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1833, being a daughter of Joseph and Fannie (Kanagy) Coffman, the spelling of the family name having formerly been Kauffman. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Seneca county in 1842, settling in Scipio township, where her father became a large farmer and an act ive member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died at the age of eighty years and seven months, and was a man who was noted not only for his prominence and financial prestige, but also for his many benefac tions to the poor, his charities being liberal and wide spread. He was generous to his children, giving eighty acres of land to each one of the six. PI is father, Peter Coffman, was a native of Switzerland and be longed to the Moravian faith. The mother of Mrs. Norris was likewise CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 247 a consistent and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and her years were extended to- ninety-two-. The maternal grandpar ents of Airs. Norris were of English lineage, the original American an cestors having come to- Pennsylvania, the grandparents being born in Shippensburg, that state, and later became residents of Stark county, Ohio, in the days of its early settlement. Mr. and Mrs. Norris had a family of four sons, two of whom died in early childhood, the survivors being : Charles Albert, who is a pros perous farmer of Adams township; and Martin Edward, wdio is also successfully engaged in farming", in Scipio- township. Mrs. Norris inher ited eighty acres of land from her fatiier's estate, and this she trans ferred to one of her sons, and eighty acres were also given to the other son, this still leaving a tract of eighty acres, which Mr. Norris rents. After his marriage Mr. Norris bought a farm in Scipio township, although he was obliged to go- into- debt, but in a short time was able to add an adjoining tract of eighty acres, in Adams township. His in dustry has been rewarded by prosperity. Mr. Norris has not been un mindful of public affairs, even while his family and business called for his close attention. For two years he belonged to the state militia, and in May, 1864, when the call came for defenders of the nation's capital, he, like Cincinnatus of old, left his plow in the furrow, and with Com pany K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment, under Colonel Lee, hastened to the city of Washington. Mr. Norris remained on his farm until increasing years prompted him to turn over its active management to a tenant and enjoy the ease which his industry and energy had earned. In 1891 he erected his present comfortable residence in Tiffin, and since removing there has been one of the city's esteemed citizens, interested in its development and assisting in public-spirited enterprises. Mrs. Norris and her sons are particularly active in the Methodist church and in the charitable and benevolent work in this city. Although Mr. Norris has reached the psalmist's age, there is small indication o-f failing powers in either mind or body, the strength of youth still remaining to a remarkable degree. Mr. Norris rightly attrib utes his excellent health and freedom from many of the ills of advancing 248 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. years to his perfectly temperate life, as he has never indulged in either strong drink or in the use of tobacco in any form. He is a man of integ rity and of noble purpose, — one who has done his share in the upbuilding of the prosperity of his section and who most justly deserves the high measure of esteem in which he is held. LORENZO SHERMAN. This venerable pioneer and representative agriculturist of Seneca county has lived on the farm which is now his home for more than half a century, while he has been a resident of the county from his infancy, thus having witnessed1 and taken an active part in the development of this section of the state from a sylvan wild to its present condition as an opulent agricultural and industrial community, with admirably im proved farms and thriving cities and villages. From the rude forest lodge of the early days, the primitive schools and the meagre advan tages of the pioneer epoch, he has seen the varied transitions and in the evening of his life is enabled to enjoy the fruits of his long years of earn est toil and endeavor.* He early began to contribute to the work of clear- ing the land from its heavy forest, later assisted in the establishing of better schools and better public improvements, while his life course has ever been so directed as to retain to him the unqualified approval and esteem of the community in which he has passed practically his entire life. As a sterling representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state, it is imperative that a due tribute be incor porated in this publication. Lorenzo Sherman is a native of the old Empire state of the Union, having been born in Oswego county, New York, on the 27th of April, 1823, the son of Japhet and Hannah (Holmes) Sherman, the former of whom was born in the state of Rhode Island, in the first year of the nineteenth century. They became the parents of six children, namely : Lorenzo, the subject of this sketch ; Elkanah, who was in the one hun- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 249 drecl days' service during the war of the Rebellion, and who is now deceased; Pliram, a resident of Kansas; Caroline, deceased; Warren, a resident of Oregon ; and Franklin, who is deceased, having also been a Union soldier in the Civil war. Our subject was but two years of age when his parents removed from New York state to Ohio:, in 1825, settling on a tract of land in Eden township, the father having here purchased eighty acres, all of which was still covered with the primeval forest, the place being now owned by J. R. Plolmes. Here he erected a primitive log cabin of one room, utilizing the logs in their original shape, as there was not sufficient time or the needed assistance for the hewing of the timber. This rude domicile was equipped with a slab roof and such other meager fittings as were available, and yet the toil, deprivation and isolation were borne with stanch fortitude and the humble home was worthy the name. On this farm the father of our subject passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring when he was forty-three years of age. His widow lived to attain remarkable longevity, passing away at the age of one hundred years and eleven months. Our subject grew up on the pioneer farm, and while still a youth attained a local reputation as an ox-driver and logger, having contributed in the work of clearing out roads and making other necessary improvements in the locality. He remained on, the old home stead until the time of his marriage, having attended the primitive sub scription schools as opportunity afforded, the same being held in log houses, with puncheon floors, slab seats and wide fireplace, familiar in the earl)r days, and yet in "scholastic institutions" of this type many of the eminent men of the nation have received their early discipline. In the year 1847 Mr. Sherman purchased a tract of sixty acres of wild timbered land in Eden township, paying ten and one half dollars per acre for the same ; and this he cleared and improved and it is interesting to note that it is still his homestead, though he has added to the area of the same by the purchasing of one hundred acres, thus having two fine farms, both being under a high state of cultivation and devoted to diver sified agriculture. His long years of earnest effort have not been denied the reward due and he has long been known as one of the substantial le 250 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. farmers of the township, while he has retained the confidence and good will of the people of the community, being" kindly and charitable in nature and ever regarding the wishes and rights of others, as is evidenced in the fact that he has never been a party toi a lawsuit during" his entire life. His political support is given to the Republican party. On the 7th of May, 1846, Mr. Sherman was united in marriage to Miss Leah Stalter, and their two living children are Hiram J. and Mary E. Hiram J. Sherman operates one of the farms. He married Miss Frances Jane Culver and they have two children, — Myron A. and L. Katie. Mary E. Sherman began to teach at the age of seventeen years, and taught in the schools of Seneca and Wyandot counties for twenty terms. Both she and her brother were educated in Heidelberg University. Two children are deceased, — one in infancy, and William H., who died of typhoid fever at the age of thirty years. HENRY KIRGIS. One of the leading citizens and substantial and representative farm ers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Henry Kirgis, a large landholder who has been identified with the interests of Bloom township since 1872. On the paternal side Mr. Kirgis is connected with a long line of German forefathers, his father, Jacob Kirgis, having been born in Wur- temberg, Germany, coming to the United States with his father, Jacob Kirgis, in- 1834. The latter settled in Seneca county, Ohio, and here bought large tracts of land, in Seneca township, the old farm now being the property of Lewis Kingseed. Jacob Kirgis was married, in this latter township, to Mary Schaffer, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsyl vania, her parents also being pioneers in Seneca county. A family of six children was born to Jacob and Mary Kirgis, namely : Henry, who is the ¦subject of this biography ; Elizabeth, who married John Sponsaller and lives at New Washington ; Julia, who married Mathias Bippees, of To ledo, Ohio; William, who lives in Lykens township, Crawford county; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 251 Daniel, who also lives in Crawford- county; and Caroline, who married Lewis Buck, of Bucyrus, Ohio. In 1834 Mr. Kirgis also entered a tract of government land in Wyandot county, but he never resided upon it. After his marriage Jacob Kirgis removed to- the farm on which our subject was born, erecting there a comfortable log cabin. Although containing but one room, its construction made it warm and perfectly adapted to the needs of the occupants. Here he reared his family and engaged in the clearing of the surrounding land, continuing to- improve it until 1848, when he moved to Lykens township, Crawford county. Here Mr. Rirgis bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, cleared and im proved this property also, and continued residence upon it until 1866, when he returned to his former farm. His death occurred in New Wash ington, in 1875, at the age of seventy-eight years, his widow surviving him two years. Both parents o-f our subject were worthy and con sistent members of the Lutheran church, and they had lived lives of industry and honor, and had accumulated a competency. Henry Kirgis was the eldest child of his parents, and he was born in Seneca township, Seneca county, January 16, 1840. He had attained his seventh year when his parents moved to Crawford county, and there he grew to manhood, having been educated in the common schools. In February, 1862, he was married to a most estimable young lady of Crawford county. Miss Mary Shellhorn, and to this union- four children were born, namely : William, who is a resident of Scipio township, Seneca county; Mattie, who married Samuel Haines, of Bloom town ship; Ann M., who married George Claire, a banker in Sycamore. Ohio; and Henry M., who is a resident of Venice township. Soon after marriage Air. and Mrs. Kirgis came to Bloom township, where the former purchased one hundred and fifty-six acres of land, and they lived on that farm for six years, then disposing of the property and buying another tract of eighty acres. In 1872 Air. Kirgis removed his family to the farm where he now resides, making a first purchase of two hundred and forty acres of land, and now owning here three hundred and eighty acres. Thus he has a home farm of large extent, and this, undei the excellent methods pursued by the owner, has become one of the most 252 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. productive in this township. In addition to this valuable property Mr. Kirgis is also the owner of a farm of eighty acres and another tract of one hundred and forty-nine acres, in Scipio township, while this does not include two- hundred acres which he has generously given to his chil dren. Mr. Kirgis has used good judgment in his investments in real estate, and his ample fortune has been accumulated by thoroughly hon orable and legitimate means. In connection with general farming and stock raising, he has dealt in wool for the past fifteen years. In his political views our subject has always been devoted to the prin ciples of the Democratic party, but he has been personally a much es teemed citizen aside from politics, and he was continued in the office of township trustee for a period of eleven years. He is regarded as a liberal, public-spirited citizen, living up to- the demands of the day and taking a deep interest in his section. Both he and his wife are among the leading members of tlie Lutheran church, to which Mr. Kirgis has long been a liberal contributor and of which he has served as trustee for several years. PAUL W. ZUTAVERN. One of the leading farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Paul W. Zutavern, who was born in Bloom township, this county, June 20, 1859, being a grandson of Conrad Zutavern and a son of Henry and Margaret (Geiger) Zutavern, who had- a family of eleven children,: — three sons and eight daughterSj — of whom seven survive. Henry Zutavern was a son of Conrad Zutavern, and both were born in Baden, Germany. Conrad Zutavern brought his family to- America and settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and later1 his son Henry came to Seneca county and here entered one hundred and sixty acres of govern ment land, while still later he entered six hundred acres in the state of Michigan. At one time he thus owned large tracts of land, some of which he improved, and some of which he sold. Henry Zutavern died in 1874, at the age of sixty-five years, after an industrious and worthy CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 253 life. His estimable wife survived until 1879, her death occurring at the age of sixty-seven. Both parents had been consistent and valued members of the German Reformed church. The early rearing of our subject was on his father's, farm, where be assisted in the work of improvem|ent and cultivation, while he attended the district schools. At the age of nineteen years there devolved upon him the duty of taking charge of his father's estate, and he successfully carried on operations there until 1881, managing the farm with econ omy and ability, gaining in the meantime an experience which he has put to good use in the conduct of his own agricultural enterprise. Mr. Zutavern comes of a long line of farming people and there are few details of this industry which he does- not fully understand. Being a man of progressive ideas and intelligent comprehension, he makes use of modern machinery, understands drainage and succession of crops, dis playing in every branch of his business the interest and knowledge which have enabled him to take the leading position he does among Seneca county farmers. The improvements which Mr. Zutavern has made on his property are substantial and permanent, his commodious barn, which is ninety-eight by forty feet in dimensions, having been erected in 1897. All of his other buildings are in proportion, and there are few farms in this township which are so- desirable in every way. Our subject has here a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of arable land, well adap ted to the production of all grains and vegetable growths, and equally well suited for stock-raising, the latter being an important feature in Mr. Zutavern' s operations. The marriage of Mr. Zutavern was solemnized on November 5. 1881, when Miss Alvada Spaulding became his wife. She was born in Bloom1 township, the daughter of Samuel D. and Alary (Trail) Spauld ing. Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Harry B., Rollo H. and Ethel B., all of whom have been given excellent educational opportunities. Mr. Zutavern has been devoted to the principles of the Republican party all his life, and has exerted considerable influence in party ranks in this township. He has served in local offices, and is at present, and 254 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. has been for the past three years, one of the valued trustees o-f Bloom township, having recently been elected for a second term. He is a man of upright life and character, holding the esteem of all his neighbors and having a wide circle of friends. Both he and his estimable wife and family belong to the Bloomville Reformed church and are prominent in the good work it carries on. For several years he has served as deacon of the church, and he was a member of the building committee under whose direction was recently completed the erection of the present church edifice, at a cost o-f eleven thousand dollars. Mr. Zutavern belongs, to that class of men whose word is as good as their bond. He is highly esteemed in public life and much beloved in his family, where he is a kind and careful father and husband, devoted to the welfare of those de pendent upon him. ISAAC B. STINEBAUGH. One of the substantial and representative men of Seneca county, Ohio, is Isaac B. Stinebaugh, who is one of the most highly esteaned citizens of Bloom township, where he owns and operates a large and valuable farm. For many years he has been identified with the indus trial development and public life of this section, and is widely and favor ably known. Mr. Stinebaugh is a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having taken place on the site of the present thriving town of Republic, Novem ber 14, 1829. He was the only child of Adam: and Susannah (Bowser) Stinebaugh, and was born on his honored mother's nineteenth birthday. 1 His father, Adam) Stinebaugh, was born February 20, 1799, in Lan caster county, Pennsylvania, in which state the family has many repre sentatives. Adam had married early in the spring of 1829 and in the fall of that year, with his father-in-law, John- Bowser, drove from Penn sylvania toi Ohio, and in Seneca county he purchased a farm of sixty acres, on which stood a log cabin, this occupying the only spot which had been cleared by the previous owner. Here Mr. and Mrs. Stinebaugh CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 255 settled and here our subject was born. After seven years of hard work on this place, Mr. Stinebaugh sold it advantageously, the Miami River and Lake Erie railroad having been built through' it. He then purchased eighty acres of the farm which is now owned by his son. Here Air. Stinebaugh continued to- live until his death, which occurred in 1885. He was a man of great industry and was a very prominent worker in the Bloom and Scipio' Freewill Baptist church. The death of his wife occurred in 1856. She was born in Washington county, Maryland. Isaac B. Stinebaugh, of this sketch, grew up on the farm and was given as good educational opportunities as: the local schools afforded, finishing his studies in the Republic Academy. Before he was seven teen years' old he became a teacher, and filled that position very satis factorily for two winters, but then he returned home to take charge of the farm. Being the only son, bis services were needed by his father. Mr. Stinebaugh was* married on July 3, 1856, to Miss Nancy Long, who Was a native of Scipio township, this county, being the estimable daughter of Michael and Plepzibah (Famuliner) Long. To this union was born a family of six children, all of whom still survive with one exception, namely, Susan B., who: was the wife of Everett Cooley, and who died in 1886, aged twenty-nine years. The others' are as: follows : Isaac L., a graduate in civil engineering, at the Ohio- State University, is now following his profession as a civil engineer; Sceva is the wife of Dr. A. F. Walker, of Sycamore, Ohio; Maggie J. is the wife of Hannibal L. Keller, of Clinton township, this county; Charles: E., a well known educator and a graduate o-f the Ada Normal School, is principal of a school in Rising Sun, Ohio; and Lilly D. is the wife of Nathaniel Loose, of Detroit, Michigan. In his children, Mr. Stinebaugh has been pecu liarly fortunate, all of them developing into respected members o-f society. Mr. Stinebaugh owns two hundred and forty acres of well improved land in Bloom township and is one of its leading agriculturists. His home is one of comfort and plenty, and although time has touched him and silvered his hair, it has done it gently and he is still quite capable of carrying on his, business affairs and taking his part in matters of public interest. He is a man of enlightened and progressive ideas, and 256 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. for thirty-five years has been one of the directors of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and for fourteen years was township- trustee. In political life Mr. Stinebaugh has always testified to his adherence to the Republican party by ardently supporting its men and measures, being one of the intelligent citizens of this community, and one who has always kept in touch with the trend of public life. For almost a lifetime he has been actively connected with the Baptist church, in which he was reared by a careful father and mother, and for thirty-three years he was its quarterly clerk, and one of its trustees. In every relation of life Mr. Stinebaugh has lived up to high ideals, and he is one of the most re spected men of this township, honored for his public spirit and integrity of character. SAMUEL B. SNEATH. The honored subject of this sketch bears a name which has been intimately identified with the annals of the city of Tiffin and of Seneca county since the early pioneer epoch. His father was one of the first to engage in mercantile pursuits in the little town which has developed into a prosperous and attractive city, and was otherwise concerned in the industrial progress of this section of the state; while our subject him self is a native son of the county, has here passed his entire life and has contributed- to its material progress and prosperity to- an extent equaled by but few, if any, of his contemporaries. He has been an important factor in its commercial, public and industrial affairs for a long term of years and thus has done much to advance the gen eral welfare. Few lives furnish a more striking" example of the wise application of sound principles and safe conservatism than does his. The story of Mr. Sneath's success is short and simple, containing no exciting chapters,, but in it lies one of the valuable secrets of the marked prosperity which it records, and his private and business life are preg nant with- interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in dramatic action, for in the connection we find the record of an honorable and SAMUEL B. SNEATH. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 257 useful life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular. His interests are of diversified and important nature, his attitude has ever been essentially public-spirited, and it may safely be said that no man in the county has done more to forward the march of improvement and material progress in this section than has this sterling pioneer and honored business man. Samuel B. Sneath is a native of the city in which he now main tains his home and in which he holds prestige as president of the Com mercial Bank and as the leading business man, his birth having taken place in the family homestead, on Washington street, opposite the site of the present court house, while the date of his nativity was December 19, 1828. His father, Richard Sneath, of Scottish lineage, was born in the state of Delaware, where the family had been found in the colonial epoch of our national history, and there he was reared and educated, finally removing to Alaryland, where his marriage to Miss Catherine Baugher, a native of Frederick county, that state, was solemnized. In 1826 he came with his family from Maryland to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Tiffin, where he engaged in the mercantile business and also in manufacturing, continuing to' be identified with these lines of enter prise until his death, in 1842, at the age of fifty-six years. He was numbered among the first merchants in the pioneer town and was an energetic and able business man; though he met with financial reverses shortly before his death. His political support wras given to the Whig party, but he was not actively concerned in public affairs of a political nature. His wife survived him, her demise occurring in Tiffin, at the age of about sixty-eight years. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They became the parents o-f eight chil dren, all of whom grew to maturity, and of whom four survive at the present time, the subject of this sketch having been the sixth in order of birth. Samuel B. Sneath was about thirteen' years of age at the time of his father's death, and he continued to attend the public schools of Tiffin till the age of fifteen, when he began his practical career by securing work in the fanning-mill manufactory which had been established by 25 8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his father; while shortly afterward he became a clerk in a local dry- goods establishment, where he remained about three years. In 1853 he entered into partnership with Jesse Shriver, under the firm name of Shriver & Sneath, and engaged in the dry-goods and clothing busi ness in his native town. At the expiration of about eight years Air'. Sneath disposed of his interests in this enterprise and turned his atten tion to the produce business, in which he continued for the long period of thirty years, within which time he had expanded the scope of his en terprise by engaging in the grain business upon an extensive scale. He purchased an elevator in Tiffin and also became a stockholder and director of the National Exchange Bank (now the Tiffin National Bank), in whose organization he wasi prominently concerned. In the Centennial year, 1876, Mr. Sneath effected the organization of the Commercial Bank, of which he acted as, cashier for a time, finally be coming president of this important financial institution and having held this chief executive office for the past decade. About 1890, his other interests placing imperative demands upon his time and attention, he turned over his produce and grain business to: his son, who then entered into partnership with A. A. Cunningham, as will be noted in the ap pended sketch of Ralph D. Sneath. The magnitude and- importance of the enterprises and undertak ings, which have felt the governing hand of Mr. Sneath1 can not be lightly estimated in any work which has: to do with the development and progress of this favored section of the Buckeye state. In 1897 he inaugurated the construction of the Tiffin, Fostoria & Eastern Elec tric Railway, the line of fourteen miles between Tiffin and Fostoria being completed in 1899, together with an operating plant of the best modern order. The cost of this enterprise was very large, demanding a preliminary investment which would have thwarted the designs of one less confident of ultimate results - and of his own powers of accom plishment than is Air. Sneath, the road being now in full operation and upon a paying basis, while its value to the localities touched can not be overestimated. Mr. Sneath is also the largest individual stockholder in the National Machinery Company, in Tiffin, owning one-third of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 259 the capital stock, which is placed at three hundred thousand dollars. He placed the enterprise on its feet, through his far-sighted and pro-gressive policy, and it may well be said that his interposition in any undertak ing is practically a voucher for its success. Pie is the owner of a half interest in the business of the firm of Sneath & Baker, conducting the most extensive carpet house furnishing establishment in the county, and he also owns what is known as the "Green Line" city railway in Tiffin, while he also figures as an extensive land-holder, having three fine farm properties in the county, in addition to valuable real estate in his home city. Mr. Sneath has been identified with every public enterprise in Tiffin, having been one of the committee of three to- which was assigned the task of securing the right of way and the putting through of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in this section, and he has been known for years as the leading business man and one of the prominent capitalists of Tiffin, his success having been at tained .by worthy and legitimate means and through his own efforts, so that to him has always been accorded the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem, the citizens of the county being appreciative of the value of his influence and co-operation in connection with any project or undertaking conserving the general welfare. In politics Mr. Sneath has given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, but he is essen tially a business man and has invariably refused- to accept public office. Though he has now passed the psalmist's span of three score years- and ten, this honored pioneer retains the vigor of a man of fifty, being alert and active and1 giving his personal- supervision to his varied financial and industrial interests-.. He has passed his entire life in Tiffin, having witnessed its growth from a mere hamlet in the forest to its present position as a modern and thriving city, and in all these years he has maintained a secure hold on the respect and good will of the people of the community. Mr. Sneath was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Davis, who was born in Tiffin, being the daughter of Levi Davis, one of the pioneer settlers of the town. Mrs. Sneath was summoned into eternal rest some twelve years later, leaving two children, Fanny S., the wife of C. 260 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. F. M. Niles, of Toledo; and Ralph D., to whom specific reference is made in the appended paragraphs. Mr. Sneath consummated a second marriage, Miss Laura A. Stephenson becoming his wife. She was born in Findlay, Ohio, the daughter of William Stephenson, and she now presides with gracious dignity over the beautiful home, which is the center of refined hospitality. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and is prominent in the social life of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Sneath have had two children, — Marian Lee, who is attending school ; and Richard W., who died at the age of seven. RALPH D. SNEATH. As may be seen from the foregoing sketch, the subject of this re view is of the third- generation of his family in Seneca county, and like his honored father is a native son of the city of Tiffin. Mr. Sneath is, known as a young man of distinctive business acumen and sterling" character, and he is a worthy rq>resentative of the honored name which he bears. He is the senior member of the well-known firm of Sneath & Cunningham, grain dealers and general commission merchants, with headquarters at Tiffin, and through his energy and progressive methods, with the able co-operation of his associate, the enterprise has been made one of wide scope and importance, having unmistakable influence on the- industrial activities of this section of the state. An epitome of the career of Mr. Sneath is certainly apropos in this work. Ralph Davis Sneath was born in Tiffin, on the 31st of October, 1863, being the son of Samuel B. Sneath, of whom individual mention is made in the preceding review. Our subject secured his preliminary ed ucational discipline in the public schools of Tiffin and supplemented the same by attending Oberlin College for one year. When about nineteen years of age he was given a clerkship in the Commercial Bank, of which his- father is president, and in this institution he gained that intimate knowledge of business methods which has been of such signal value to CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 261 him in his later associations. He continued to be employed in the bank about four years and then became associated with his father in the grain and commission business. After three years he conducted operations on his own responsibility and thus continued until 1900, when he entered into the present partnership association with Arthur A. Cunningham, and since that time the business- has been conducted under the firm name of Sneath & Cunningham, while the scope of operation is indicated in the fact that they now operate twenty-one elevators, located in Seneca and the adjoining six counties. Sneath & Cunningham are recognized as the most extensive grain dealers in Seneca county and their business is one whose value to the community is unmistakable, touching, as it does, the great productive activities of one of the best agricultural dis tricts of the state. In politics Mr. Sneath is a stalwart Republican, though he is like his father, in never having sought or desired- the honors or emoluments of public office. On the 14th of July, 1886, Mr. Sneath was united in marriage to Aliss Nancy Hurst Moore, who was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter cf Rev. R. B. Moore, now a prominent citizen o-f Vineland, Neyv Jer sey. Mr. and Mrs. Sneath are the parents, of two children, — Samuel, aged fourteen years (1902), and Emma Louise, aged ten. JOHN R. HOLMES. No- citizen of Eden township, Seneca county, is more widely known or highly esteemed than John R. Holmes. Of a sterling pioneer family, he and his ancestors have been prominent in the development, organiza tion and maintenance of this county, always being safely counted upon to endorse and support to the extent of their ability every good work, move ment and enterprise. Mr. Holmes was born in Eden township, July 27, 1837, a son of David and Maria (Downs) Holmes. The father was born in Holmes- ville, New York, but in 1825 be came from the Empire state to Ohio, and 262 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. for a time thereafter made his home with his brother-in-law, J. Sher man, in Eden township. He was a blacksmith by trade, and for several years he followed his. trade at Melmore, while for a time he was also engaged in the operation of a threshing machine. His father, Jedediah Holmes, who was the founder and laid out the town of Holmes vill-e, New York, subsequently joined him in the Buckeye state. After com ing to this: state he located in Eden township, and died here, aged sev enty-seven years. In 1859 David Holmes joined the great army of gold-seekers who' were making their way to: the Pacific coast, and he made the journey to the Golden state with an ox team, and on his arrival there he located at Marysville, where he purchased cattle and drove them to the mines. After a residence of two: years on the Pacific slope he again returned to his- home in this state, locating on the farm which our subject now owns, but about 1879 he put aside the cares of a business life and from that time until his death, which occurred January 4, 1891, he lived in quiet retirement at Melmore. His wife passed away in death February 10, 1882. They became the parents- of three sons, — Jeremiah, who was, born in 1833, and died at the age of twenty-two years; John R., of this review; and James W., who: is a practicing physician of Tiffin, Ohio. John R. Holmes has spent his entire life in this locality and to its public school system he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. At the age of twenty-two years he began the active duties of life on his own account, and as a fife occupation he chose that to which he had been reared, namely, farming, to which he has de voted the best efforts o-f his- life. With the excqDtion of one year, which was spent in Lucas: county, his entire life has been passed on the farm which he now owns and occupies. It can be truly said of him that he has grown up with the locality. Here he was, born, here his boyhood was spent and here he determined to achieve that success in life which illustrates his industry, his intelligence and his superior business quali fications. Not daunted by any adverse circumstances but fastening his eye upon the object before him, by persistent effort and judicious man agement his business career has been crowned with success. His farm CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 263 now contains one hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, and here he is extensively engaged in general farming and stock-raising. January 27, 1874, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage to Miss Annie Foley, and they have eight children, — Eva, Sheldon A!.. Bertha, Clara, Benton, Byron, Elson and Anna Helena. The family circle has not been broken by the hand of death, and they occupy an enviable position in society circles in Seneca county. Eva is a bookkeeper in Cleveland, where Sheldon M. is a drug clerk; Bertha is employed in Tiffin; and all the other children are at the parental home. Mr. Holmes gives his political support to the Republican party, stanchly advocating the principles of that grand old party. HENRY STUCKY. Among the representative farmers and stock-growers of Seneca county is the subject of this review, who, is the owner of a fine landed estate of more than four hundred acres and carrying on the various departments of his enterprise with that discretion and energy which are sure to: find their natural sequel in definite success. To such men as Mr. Stucky we turn with particular satisfaction as offering in their life his tories justification for works of this nature, — not that their lives have been such as to gain them wide reputation or the admiring plaudits of men, but that they have been true, to the trusts reposed, have shown such attributes of character as entitle them to the regard of all, and have been useful in their spheres of action. Henry Stucky comes of stanch German lineage, but is himself a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born on a farm in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, on the 5th of August, 1850, the son of Carl and Mary (Kiefer) Stucky, both of whom were born in Germany, where they were reared and where their marriage was solem nized. In 1847 they emigrated to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel and being forty days en route. They located on a farm in 264 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Crawford county, Ohio, the father reclaiming the same from the sylvan wilds, and in that county both passed the remainder of their lives, being- folk of frugal, industrious habits and inflexible integrity of character. In his native county our subject was: reared to the sturdy discipline of farm life, and his educational opportunities were such as were provided in the common schools o-f the locality, and period. He began his inde pendent career at the age o-f twenty-two- years, when he secured employ ment as a farm hand, and finally he rented a tract o-f land in Bloom township-, Seneca county, where he remained eight years, at the expira,- tion of which he located on his present homestead farm, in Eden town ship. The same comprises one hundred and ninety-three acres, and he also owns another farm of eighty acres in the same township, o-ne of one hundred and twelve acres in BloOm township, and still another tract, of thirty-five acres, — thus bringing the total area of his landed property in the county up to four hundred and twenty acres. The major portion of this land is under a high state of cultivation and of marked productivity, being devoted to: diversified agriculture and to the raising of high-grade live stock. Mr. Stucky commands unqualified confidence and esteem in the community, gives his influence in support of all measures for the general good, is a stanch Republican in politics and is a consistent mem ber o-f the Reformed church, of which his wife also is a devoted member. On the 24th of December, 1874, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Stucky to AUiss Almira Rlaiss, and they are the parents- of five chil dren, namely: Emory R., Lucius C, Eliza E., Grattan H. and Grace. CHARLES I). HOLTZ. A representative citizen of Seneca county and a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state, Mr. Holtz is peculiarly worthy of consideration in this compilation. He is a native son of Seneca county, with whose annals the family name has been identified from the early pioneer epoch, and in connection with the indus- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 265 trial development and material upbuilding of this locality the members of the family have played an important part, ever commanding the highest confidence and esteem of the community. Charles D. Holtz was born in Pleasant township, Seneca county, on the farm now owned by his brother John, the date of his nativity being January 31, 1846. He is a son of Jacob P. and Susan (PIuss) Holtz, both of whom were born in Frederick county, Maryland, the former be ing a son of Jacob Holtz, who was of stanch old German lineage. He, was born in 1786, and his wife in 1788, and each lived to the age of about seventy-five years. Their children were as follows : William ; Jacob P., the father of our subject; Mary Elizabeth; George; Lewis Ezra, now a resident of Putnam county; Ann Charlotte; and Dennis, who resides on the old homestead in Clinton township. Jacob P. Holtz was born on the 14th of June, 18 15, and in 1834 he came with his parents and their six other children to: Seneca, county, Ohio, the trip being- made with' teams and wagons. The grandfather of our subject purchased several hundred acres of land in Clinton township, and there passed the remainder -of his life, having reclaimed a good farm with the assistance of his sons. Here was solemnized the marriage of Jacob P. Holtz to Miss Susan Huss, who was born August 5, 1818, the daughter of David Huss, who removed with his family from Frederick county, Maryland, to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1827, locating in Eden township, of which he was one of the first settlers. Jacob- P. and Susan Holtz became the par ents of three children, — Jacob S., who enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and who- died in July, 1864, in Ft. Strong hospital, at Arlington Heights, District of Columbia; Charles D., the immediate subject of this review; and John, who is one of the representative farmers of Pleasant township. Shortly after his marriage the father of our subject came to Pleasant township- and located on a quarter section of wild land, reclaiming the same and adding to his hold ings from time to time until he had a fine estate of about seven hundred acres. Here1 he continued to: make his home until his death, which occurred in 1889, his widow, surviving until August, 1896, when she passed away at a venerable age. He was a man of distinct individuality 17 266 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and ability, was one of the influential citizens of the county and was a stalwart Republican in his political proclivities. His life was one of signal honor and usefulness and he was revered- as one of the sterling pio neers of the county. Charles D. Holtz, the immediate subject of this review, was born on the old homestead, in Pleasant township, and was there reared to ma turity, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in the public schools of the place and period. After his marriage he located on a farm of ninety-five acres, in Adams township, and there made his home for an interval of eighteen years, at the expiration of which he took up his residence in Pleasant township on the farm where he now lives, hav ing here developed a fine property which was part of the old homestead, and having made the best of permanent improvements, including a com modious and attractive residence. He now owns three hundred and fifteen acres of land, the major portion being under a high state of culti vation, while he has also devoted considerable attention to the raising of high-grade stock, being successful in both departments of his enterprise, which is directed with ability and energy. Mr. Holtz is also the owner of two brick business blocks in the town of Green Spring, which is his post office address, and for more than fifteen years consecutively he has served as a member of the directorate of the Seneca County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, whose headquarters are at Tiffin. He was treas urer of the company in 1896 and 1897, while in 1898 he was elected to the office of president, and has been re-elected consecutively ever since. He served one year as assessor of Adams township and for five years as trustee of the same township, being recognized as a capable executive and a man of spotless integrity in all the relations of life. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, of whose cause he is a zeal ous supporter. Fraternally he is identified with Green Spring Lodge, No. 427, A. F. & A. M., of which he has served as worshipful master. In 1874 he became a member of Union Grange, No. 1078, Patrons of Husbandry, and has been one of its influential and active workers having- served the same in the various official chairs. On the 9th of October, 1872, Mr. Holtz was united in marriage to CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 267 Miss Alary L. Smith, who was born in Green Spring, the daughter of S. H. and Charlotte Smith, now residents of Bellevue, and of this union three children have been born, namely : Grace, who is a graduate of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, and who is now the wife of H. W. Robin son, a leading grain merchant of Green Spring; Nellie, who is likewise a graduate of Heidelberg College and who remains at the parental home ; and Jessie, who is a student in the same college, being a member of the class of 1903. MICHAEL BOROUGH. The vicissitudes and conditions of pioneer life were not unknown to the subject of this sketch, and though he has marked the intervening years with "ceaseless toil and endeavor" he has had the satisfaction of realizing that his efforts have been crowned with success, since he stands to-day as one of the prominent and prosperous farmers of Seneca county and as one of its honored citizens. Mr. Borough is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Sandusky county on the 16th of January, 1836. His father, Abraham Borough, was born in Pennsylvania, whence he was taken in his early childhood to Virginia, where he was reared and educated. He continued to reside in the Old Dominion state until 1828, when his father, Frederick Borough, removed with his family to Ohio, locating in Jackson township, Sandusky county, where he took up a quarter section of wild government land, upon which he erected a house of hewed logs, and then gave his attention to reclaiming the land. He was a tailor by trade and spent his last years with a son in Michigan, where he died at the patriarchal age of one hundred and five years, five months and twenty days. Abraham Borough married, in Wayne county, Miss Sarah Setts, and they became the parents of six sons and four daughters, namely : Samuel, a resident of Eaton county, Michigan ; Michael, of this sketch ; Henry, a resident of Hancock county ; Daniel, of Wood county; Mary, the wife of David Mowry, of Fostoria; Lily, the wife 268 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of Emanuel Snyder, of Arcadia, Hancock county; Amanda, wife of Reuben Ringle, of Gratiot county, Michigan ; and John, Levi and Sarah, wdio are deceased. In 1840 Abraham Borough removed from Sandusky county to Liberty township, Seneca county, where he remained a few years and then returned- to Sandusky county, where he continud to reside until 1850, when he again came to Liberty township-, and here purchased a tract of eighty acres, to whose cultivation he devoted his attention for the ensuing fifteen years. He then purchased a farm in Hancock county, but eventually came back to Seneca county, his death occurring in Fostoria at the venerable age of eighty years. His wife passed away at the age of sixty-nine years, both having been consistent members of the Evangelical church. Michael Borough, the immediate subject o-f this sketch, grew up on the pioneer farms owned by his father, and his early educational advantages were such as the primitive log school-house of the period afforded, and he walked one and one-half miles to the school-house each day. He continued to assist his father in his farming operations until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, when he gave inception to his independent career by engaging in the work of clearing land and chopping wood, continuing to be thus engaged, for three years. He there after operated a threshing outfit and also engaged in farming on rented land, thus continuing until 1869, when he took up his abode on the farm which he now owns, near Fort Seneca, Pleasant township, and here he has made excellent improvements of a permanent nature, while he has placed the farm under a fine state o-f cultivation, having one hundred and eighty acres of as good land as is to be found in this favored section ' of the state, his farm bordering the Sandusky river. In his farming operations he also devotes special attention to the breeding of short-horn cattle and Shropshire sheep. In politics Mr. Borough accords allegiance to the Republican party, and the personal estimate placed upon him in. the community has been signified in his being called upon to serve in the office of township trustee. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 269 he has served as trustee, steward and class-leader for more than a quarter of a century, his wife also being a devoted worker in the church. On the 5th of December, 1861, Mr. Borough was united in mar riage to Miss Mary Oswalt, and they have three children, — William H., who assists in the management of the homestead, married Annie Hushey, of Sandusky, and they have two children, — Horace and Venona; Jennie, the wife of Dr. J. C. Bowman, of Martin, Ohio; and Lola, the wife of Alonzo Taylor, of Oklahoma. ELIJAH NIEBEL. This honored veteran of the Civil war, and now a leading agricult urist of Seneca county, may be justly termed a self-made man, for from his early years he has been obliged to make his own way in the world, and bravely and victoriously has he met adversity. He was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, January 10, 1839, a son of Levi and Elizabeth (Ritter) Niebel. The father was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in September, 1816, and in 1832 removed with his parents to Wyandot county. After his marriage he began farming in Fairfield, Ohio, and there the mother of our subject was called to her final rest in 1841, and of her two children Elijah alone survives. His only brother, John, was killed by acident at the age of thirteen years. After her death the chil dren found a home with their paternal grandparents until the father's second marriage, about two years later, when Miss Hannah Bish became his wife. From 1844 until 1856 the father made his home in Bloom township, Seneca county, and in the latter year removed to the farm two miles southeast of Fostoria on which our subject now resides, but some time in the '70s he left this place and removed to Fostoria, and since 1901 he has made his home in Hancock county with his son Henry. Elijah Niebel, the subject of this review, received but limited edu cational advantages during his youth and early manhood, for in early life he was obliged to assist in the clearing of the home farm, but by 27o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. constant reading, study and observation in later life he has added greatly to his knowledge and has become a well informed man. On the 31st of October, 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil war, he nobly offered his services to his loved country and was assigned to Company D, Seventy- second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving as a defender of the starry banner for three years and eight months. During his military career he took part in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, including those of Pittsburg Landing, the siege of Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson and Brandon. After the last named engagement he returned home on a thirty days' furlough, after which he returned, to his regiment and took part in the battle of Paducah. He was captured on the nth of June, 1864, near Meridian, Mississippi, during the engagement at Price's Cross-roads, and was confined in the prison pen at Andersonville for three months, after wdiich he was- transferred to Florence, South Caro lina, there remaining as a prisoner of war until the ist of the following March. He was then paroled, at Goldsboro, and returned to his home. His army experience is one of which he has every reason, to be proud, for he was ever found at his post of duty, and for his promptness, bravery and strict fidelity to duty he won the praise of his- officers and the respect and esteem of his comrades. In 1866 Mr. Niebel took up his abode in Fostoria, which continued to be his home for the following five years, during which time he w^as engaged in the arduous task of clearing land. For the succeeding twenty months he resided on his father-in-law's farm, in Loudon township, and he then became the owner of seventy-five acres of his present home place, where he has ever since continued to reside. As the years have passed by prosperity has abundantly rewarded his well directed efforts, enabling him to add to his original purchase until his landed possessions now consist of one hundred and fifty-five acres of rich and productive land. His success, however, is hot the outcome of propitious circum stances, but the honest reward of labor, good management, ambition and energy, without which no man can win prosperity. On the 3d of October, 1865, occurred the marriage of Mr. Niebel and Miss Emily Young. Her father, David Young, was one o-f the early CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 271 pioneers of Seneca county, Ohio, coming to this locality from Stark coun ty. They became the parents of six children, — Flora Belle, deceased; one who died in infancy; Sarah A., also deceased; Minnie, wife of William Mathers, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Clara, wife of J. H. Arnold, of that city ; and Arthur C, of Toledo. Mr. Niebel is a stanch supporter of Re publican principles, and socially is a member of Norris Post, No. 27, G. A. R., of Fostoria, and has revisited some of the scenes of former strife while he was a soldier. His religious preference is indicated by his member ship in the First United Brethren church at Fostoria, of which he is a zealous member and active worker, and in which he has served, in various official capacities, being a trustee at the time of the building of the present edifice. HARRY E. BRADNER. Harry E. Bradner, wdio is p-resident o-f the Fostoria. Heat & Light Company, represents: one of the pioneer families of the state, but farther back into the history of this country can his ancestry be traced. His great-grandfather, the Rev. Bradner, was a native of Scotland and emi grating to> America founded the family in the new world. He was a min ister o-f the Presbyterian church and was1 living in New York city when William Bradner, the grandfather of our subject, was born. William: Bradner married Laura Everingham, and after residing at Niagara Falls, New York, for some years, he came with his family to Ohio-, set tling in Perry township, Wood county, and engaging in merchandising in Mill Grove. It was. his son, John A. Bradner, who became the father of our subject. Prominently connected with railroad building in this state, he was for many years one of the most distinguished citizens of Fostoria. He married Miss Catherine Phillips and unto: them were born eight children, of whom, Harry E. is the seventh in order of birth Mr. Bradner of this review pursued his early education in the public schools of Fostoria, completed the high school course, and then, with a broad general education to serve as the foundation upon which to 272 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. rear the superstructure of professional learning", he took up the study of law, in the office and under the direction of Charles A. Strauch, of Fos toria. He did not practice, however, but, becoming interested in the City Heat & Light Company, he was: made its secretary and treasurer, and in January, 1902, was elected its president. On the 3d o-f April, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brad ner and Miss Edith Butterfield, a daughter of Isaac and Antonia (Gris- wold) Butterfield, the latter being a daughter of Samuel Griswold, who was the first white child born in Columbus, Ohio-. He became well known in connection with journalistic interests in Ohio, published a paper at Tiffin, later one at Marion, and at the time of his death was the editor and proprietor o-f the Fairfield County Gazette, at Lancaster, Ohio. His son Samuel, an uncle of Mrs. Bradner, was one of the editors of the Omaha Bee. Unto- Mr. and Mirs. Bradner has been born one child, William Robert. The parents are well known in Fostoria, where they have a large circle of acquaintances, and enjoy the hospitality o-f the best homes. Mr. Bradner is accounted one of the most progressive and energetic business men o-f the locality and his reliability and personal worth make him a popular and valued citizen. OWEN T. BROWN. Few residents of Fostoria have been more actively connected with its upbuilding and progress, than Owm T. Brown, the president of the Mechanics' Banking Company, and no: history of the county would be' complete without a suitable record of his life. He was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, one the 27th of March, 1835, a son of Edward and Margaret (Williams) Brown, who on emi grating to America in 1844 settled in Newark township, Licking county, Ohio, where they spent their remaining years, the father passing away in 1 86 1, at the age of sixty-eight, while his widow survived him until 1870, dying at the age of sixty-five. Owen T. was but a little lad of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 273 seven years when with his parents he crossed the Atlantic. He was reared in Licking county and attended the schools of Newark, and when he had put aside his text books he became connected with the grain trade there. In 1875 he removed to: Fostoria, but still engaged in buy ing and selling grain in Newark, as a member of the firm of Brown Brothers. On arriving in this city he became a partner in the firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company, which connection was maintained until 1890, wdien he went to Europe. At that time a reorganization brought into existence the firm of Brown & Bannister, the business continuing until 1896, Mr. Brown becoming the sole owner of the business. In July, 1899, he became the president of the Miechanics' Banking Com pany upon the reorganization of the old Mechanics' Savings Bank Com pany. Under his direction the new institution has had a remarkable growth. The conservative business, policy which he inaugurated has brought commensurate success, the patronage increasing until it has assumed large proportions. Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Jones, who was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, March 27, 1835. Twice have they revisited their native land and in 1901 they traveled all over the European continent, visiting the principal points of modern as well as historic interest. Four children were born to them, but Edward, their first, died at the age of six. Wilbur Charles, Anna M. and Mamie E. are the younger members of the family. Mr. Brown has been active and influential in promoting public progress and the upbuilding of Fostoria. He is a progressive, enter prising citizen, deeply interested in every movement calculated to advance the general good. For three terms he served as a member of the city council, and was the president o-f the board at the time the city water works were established and when all the contracts for city paving were given. The council asked him to resign his position as one of its mem bers, in order to make him president of the water-works commission and allowed him to name the other two committeemen. The building of the water-works plant, involving the expenditure of two hundred thousand dollars, was completed in a thoroughly satisfactory and business-like 274 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. manner. The same gratifying conditions existed concerning the city paving. He has ever been a Republican, strong and earnest in support of the party, his efforts in its be-half being accorded of value in party lines. For thirty years he has- been identified with the Masonic fraternity, being connected with the blue lodge and chapter. Long a consistent and faithful member of the Presbyterian church', for twenty-six years he has served as one of its trustees. He is a conservative business man of recognized ability and sterling integrity, acknowledged as a power in commercial, political, fraternal and church circles. He has not been so abnormally developed along any line as to make him a genius, but he belongs to that class o-f representative Americans who give due attention to those varied lines of thought and action which most affect the general good. Among his warmest friends are those who: have known him through many years, — a fact which indicates that his career has ever been honorable, and upon the pages o-f Seneca county's history appears the- name of no man who is more worthy of public regard than Owen T. Brown. EDWARD E. HEATH. Edward E. Heath, who is connected with the development of the oil industry at Rollersville and makes his home in Republic, was born in Tompkins county, New York, February 12, 1843. His father, James Heath, removed with his family, to Harford, New York, in 1849, and in the public schools of that place Edward E. acquired his literary edu cation. At the age of seventeen years, however, he started out upon his business career, working at the tinner's trade in Homer, New, York, where he served an apprenticeship to that pursuit. He was thus engaged until the 21st of August, 1862, when he placed his name upon the roll of volunteer soldiers to aid in the suppression of the rebellion in the south. On the 19th of September he was mustered in the United States service, becoming a member of Company PI, One Hundred and Fifty- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 275 seventh New York Infantry, at Hamilton. He joined the army for three years, and with his regiment proceeded to the front. The first engagement of importance in which he participated was at Chancellors- ville, and there he was wounded by a minie ball, which passed clear through the left thigh and- lodged against the bone in the right leg. He was then in the field hospital for three days, after which he was sent to a hospital in Washington, where he remained for seventeen days, dur ing which time the ball was extracted. He was then sent to David's Island, where he remained until the ist of September, at which time he was transferred to Fort Schuyler. Later he was at Bedloe's Island and at Alexandria, Virginia, when he was put on detached service, being thus engaged until his discharge, at the close of his term of three years. He was mustered out on the 14th of July, 1865, as first sergeant, having been promoted to the rank of corporal before leaving New York. On account of his wounds he was at one time granted a furlough of one month. He did his duty faithfully and well and was always found with his command until his injuries necessitated his remaining in the hospital. After the close of his military service Mr. Heath took up his abode in Homer, New York, where he followed his trade for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Tioga county, New York. At Candor, that county, he was engaged in the hardware business until 1874, when he came to Republic, Ohio, on a visit, hoping that his wife's health might be improved. She was so much benefited by the change that he decided to, remain here and soon afterward began buying and selling walnut timber. Later he engaged in the tinware and hardware business in Republic and is now connected with the oil industry, owning six oil wells at Rollersville, Ohio, the enterprise being successful. On the ist. of December, 1869, Air. Heath was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Shaw. She was born in Scipio township, Seneca county, a daughter of Joseph Shaw, whose history appears elsewhere in this work. In his political views Mr. Heath is a Republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party. He holds membership in Captain Horace Robinson Post, G. A. R., of Republic, of which he was formerly commander, and his wife belongs to the Women's Relief Corps, of which 2 76 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL' HISTORY. she is treasurer. He is a past noble grand of Republic Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O. F., and his wife is a past noble grand of the Daughters of Rebekah. She has been quite prominent in the work of this organization and was a delegate to the state meeting of the order, representing the twenty- first district. In public affairs Mr. Heath has taken a deep, active and helpful interest. He was a member of the town council and served on the fire and water committee. He does everything in his power to pro mote the welfare and progress of his community, and for twenty years he has been correspondent of the Tiffin Tribune. In his business inter ests he has met with creditable success, owing to his enterprise and keen discernment in financial matters. THOMAS C. KNIGHT. This venerable pioneer of Seneca county is a native son of the Buckeye state and a representative of one of the families who- came to this commonwealth in an early epoch, dignifying the same by their services and worthy lives, even as he has done during the more than four score years which have elapsed since he was here ushered into the world. Honored by all, there is no citizen of the county more worthy of consideration in this compilation, and we find satisfaction in noting here the more salient features in his career. Mr. Knight, after years of active and earnest endeavor, is now living retired in the attractive little city of Tiffin, honored as one of the patriarchs of this locality. Mr. Knight comes o-f stanch English lineage in the agnatic line and is a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, having been born on the old homestead farm on the 28th of February, 1821, the son of John and Mary (Glaze) Knight, who became the parents of seven children, of whom only two survive, — Elizabeth, the wife of Barney Brinker, and the owner of the old homestead, where she still lives; and Thomas C, the venerable subject of this review. John Knight was born in the city of London, England, and when he was a lad of nine years CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 277 hir, parents came to the United States, locating on a farm of one hun dred and sixty acres, four miles distant from Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio, where John Henry Knight, the grandfather of our sub ject, passed the remainder of his life, as did also his wife. He cleared and improved his farm, which ultimately became the property of his son and namesake, who finally sold the place and purchased a tract of wild land in Sandusky county, to which he removed when our subject was but three years of age. Some years later he returned to Pickaway county and there purchased another farm, which continued to be his home for the residue of his life, the old homestead being now owned by his daughter, as has been noted. He died in 1834, at the age of fifty-two years, having been a man of ability and utmost probity. In politics he gave his support to the Democratic party, ever manifesting a deep interest in all that concerned the welfare of the community. His wife was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, her parents being of Prussian lineage, while the family was established on American soil in the colonial epoch, as is evident from the fact that one of her uncles in the paternal line served with distinction in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution. He was captured by the British and was held in duress until he nearly died of starvation, but finally succeeded in making his escape and rejoining the colonial forces. George Knight, an uncle of our subject, also rendered effective service in the second conflict with Great Britain, having served as a soldier in the war of 1812. The mother of Mr. Knight lived to attain the exceptionally ven erable age of ninety-seven years, her death occurring in Pickaway county. Thomas C. Knight remained with his parents, assisting in the work of the farm and receiving his early educational discipline in the some what primitive schools maintained in Ohio- in the pioneer days. He was but thirteen years of age at the time of his father's death, and he there after continued to assist his mother on the home place until his mar riage, in 1848, when he came to Seneca county and located on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Hopewell township, reclaiming the place and placing it under a high state of cultivation, while, as the years passed and prosperity attended his efforts, he made excellent improve- 2 78 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ments of a permanent nature, the place now being equipped with sub stantial buildings and all other requisite accessories and facilities. This fine farm property is still owned by Mr. Knight, and there he continued to reside until 1885, when he sought surcease from the active labors of a busy and useful career and removed to the city of Tiffin, where he has a pleasant home, in which he is passing the sunset years of his life in peace and happiness. In politics Mr. Knight has maintained an inde pendent attitude and has invariably refused to accept official preferment, though he has ever been ready to lend his aid and influence in support of all legitimate objects for the public good. On the 9th of February, 1848, was solemnized the marriage of Air. Knight to Miss Alary Powell, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, the daughter of Philip Powell, a prominent and influential pioneer farmer of Fairfield county, and this union was blessed with nine chil dren, of whom seven are living at the present time, namely: William, a successful wholesale business man of the city of Cleveland; Marion, who is a grain merchant of Tiffin; Amos, a prominent and successful physician of Attica, Ohio; John; Laura, the wife of William Reid, of Pickaway county; Thomas E., who has a farm adjoining the old home stead; and Sherman, who is identified with the glass-manufacturing industry at Dunkirk, Indiana. Mrs. Knight died in July, 1891, aged sixty-seven years, and her demise was a source of bereavement to a large circle of friends outside the sacred family precincts. WILLIAM H. ANWAY. William' H. Anway represents one of the honored pioneer families of Seneca county, and his birth occurred on the old family homestead, in Scip-ic township, June 22, 1835. There he was reared, and in the com mon schools he acquired his early education, which was, supplemented by study in the Republic Academy. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 279 the 3d of September, 1857, the lady of his choice being Miss Lucinda Tremaine, who was born in Fulton county, Ohio, a daughter of Warren and Nancy (White) Tremaine, who came to Seneca county about 1828, establishing their home in Scipio township. Her father purchased eighty acres of land, upon a part of which the town of Republic now stands. About 1835 he removed to Fulton county, Ohio, and there entered land from the government. He became one of the prominent and influential pioneer settlers there and took an active part in promoting public progress. He aided in organizing- the township in which he lived and was its first justice of the peace. His death occurred in 1841 and his wife passed aw-ay in January, 1887, at the age of eighty-four years. He left to' the care o-f his widow two daughters, Mrs. Anway and Clotilda. The latter became the wife of A. H. Smith, and died at Delta, Ohio, in February, 1902. Their mother then conducted the farm of three hundred and twenty acres for eight years after her husband's death. On- the expira tion of that period she married Elijah Smith, the father of A. H. Smith. She survived her second husband and died at the home of Mrs. Anway at the venerable age of eighty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Anway began their domestic life upon a farm which continued to- be their place of abode until 1872, in which year they came to Republic. After two years, however, Mr. Anway resumed farming upon the old homestead, but when two more years had passed he sold that property and again came to Republic, where he continued until 1880. In that year he began farming upon a tract of land near the town, and there continued agricultural pursuits until 1901, when he retired from active business life and one more took up his abode in Republic. He is still the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, and of this eighty acres were entered from the government by his paternal grandfather, William Anway, and has since been owned by some representative of the name of Anway. Industry has characterized his business career and his sound judgment and careful management have been the means of bringing to him creditable and desirable success. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Anway was blessed with four children, but Emma, the oldest, died in 1872 at the age of fourteen years ; Kate 2 8o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. became the wife of A. I. Stickney, station agent at Republic, and died in 1884; AVilliam W. is a farmer of Scipio township; and Laura is the wife of C. E. Karshner, of Barberton, Ohio. In his political views Mr. Anway is a Republican, and, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, is enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. He has served as a member of the town council of Republic and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of his community. For more than a quarter of a century he has been a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Republic and is most true and loyal to the teachings of this fraternity, which is based upon brotherly kindness and helpfulness. Throughout his entire life Air. Anway has resided in Seneca county, and through sixty-seven years has witnessed its growth, development and progress, taking just pride in what has here been accomplished and bearing his part in the work of public improvement. The qualities of upright manhood have won for him high regard, and his worth is widely recognized. JOSIAH KISTLER. As a native son of Seneca county and a representative of one of the earliest pioneer families in this section o-f the Buckeye state, Mr. Ristler is eminently entitled to representation in a compilation which has to do with those who have been the founders and builders of this common wealth, while such- is his personal honor and integrity of character and such his standing as one of the successful and progressive farmers of the county that this consideration is all the more compatible. Mr. Ristler was born in Adams township, Seneca county, on the 13th of April, 1838, being the son of Joseph Kistler, who was born in Pennsylvania, of sturdy German ancestry. Joseph Kistler was born in the year 181 5, and in his youth accompanied his parents on their removal to Seneca county, Ohio, where he grew to maturity on the pioneer farm, which was reclaimed from the sylvan wilds of this section CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 281 of the state. Here his marriage occurred and here he reared his chil dren. Josiah was reared on the old homestead, early beginning to lend his aid in the work of improving and cultivating the same and securing such educational advantages as were afforded in the common schools of the place and period. After attaining his legal majority he continued to work for his father, receiving one hundred dollars per year and the privileges of the family home. He was thus engaged until the year suc ceeding his marriage, which was solemnized when he was twenty-four years of age. Air. Kistler was united in marriage to Aliss Susan Bookholdt, who was born in Seneca county, and to them eight children were born, of whom four are living, namely: Joseph, a successful farmer o-f Adams township ; Sarah, the wife of William Burger, of Clinton township- ; Herbert, who is engaged in farming in Adams township; and Webster, who remains at the parental home, assisting his father in his farming operations. He married Miss Lizzie Eberhardt, and they have one child, Leroy. The year subsequent to- his marriage Mr. Kistler leased a farm in his native township, giving his attention to its cultivation for a period of five years, after which he purchased sixty acres of land in Adams township,, disposing of this property a year later and returning to the parental homestead, where he successfully engaged in farming for ten years. He then purchased eighty-five acres of land in Adams township and there made his home for seven years, at the expiration of which time he bought his present fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres. This place he has improved in the most effective way, making it one of the most desirable farm properties in the. county, and here he has given his attention to diversified farming and to the raising of high- grade live stock, success having attended his efforts in all departments of his enterprise. He has never failed to avail himself of new methods which commended themselves to his judgment, and has been wide-awake and progressive, avoiding the ruts along which so many agriculturists continue to travel, thereby handicapping their success. In his political allegiance Air. Kistler has given his unqualified support to the Demo- 18 282 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. cratic party, taking an active interest in its cause and in those affairs , which have to do with the general prosperity of his home community. He has served as road supervisor for the long period of eighteen years, making a most capable official, and was a director of the school board of his district for twelve years. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, of which he has been a deacon for the past six years. His wife, whose death occurred April 4, 1901, had been a devoted mem ber of St. Joseph's Reformed church. A man of highest integrity and of unvarying courtesy and kindliness, he is honored by all who know him and is regarded as one of the representative citizens of his native township. ANDREW EMERINE. In the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competence and solid career on the part of the average business man fighting the every-day battle of life, there is but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter ; but for a mind fully awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of the man who, without other means than a clear mind, a strong arm and a true heart, conquers fortune and gains not only the temporal rewards of his toil, but also that which is greater and higher, the respect and confidence of those with whom his years of active life have placed him in contact. America is distinctively a cosmopolitan nation; she has drawn from the four quarters of the world and rapidly assim ilated the heterogeneous elements. To no country, however, does she owe more than to Germany, from whose provinces have come men of sturdy integrity, determined purpose and marked intellectual vigor, — men who have proved both builder and conservators. The German-American is in the average case imbued most thoroughly with the spirit of our national institutions, and brings to bear his strength of manhood in per petuating and advancing the higher interests of the republic. The subject of this review is known and honored as one of the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 283 representative and public-spirited citizens of Fostoria, Seneca county, Ohio, wdiere he has maintained his home for more than half a century, having been one of the pioneer business men of the little village of the early days and having contributed a due quota to its advancement to its present status as an attractive and thriving little city of the Buckeye commonwealth. He has had an abiding and practical interest in all that has touched the prosperity and substantial upbuilding of the town, and here he has risen, through his own well directed and honorable efforts, from the position of a harnessmaker plying his trade in a diminutive shop, which he shared with two other young tradesmen in different lines of enterprise, to that of president of the First National Bank and the owner of extensive real-estate and capitalistic interests. Such a life record can not fail of lesson and incentive, and it is gratifying indulgence to here trace, the career of the German lad who came with his industrious and honored father to the United States, where he early assumed the practical responsibilities of life and where he has attained notable success during the long years which have developed his powers and made him a valuable factor in the community. Andrew Emerine was born in Wittenberg, kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 3d of December, 1829, the original orthography of the name having been Amhrine. His parents, George and Anna (Heine) Emerine, were of stanch old German lineage and their marriage was solemnized in Wittenberg, where the mother died when our subject was about two years of age. His father soon afterward emigrated to America and in 1836 he located on a farm in Liberty township, Seneca county, Ohio, where he remained several years, clearing and improving a farm in the forest. He then removed to Sandusky county, where he made his home until 1861, when he located in Hancock county, where he con tinued to. be identified with agricultural pursuits until his death, at the patriarchal age of ninety years. He was a man of sterling integrity and indefatigable industry, devoting his life to honest toil and endeavor and commanding unqualified confidence and esteem. His son Andrew re mained at home, assisting his father in the work of the farm, until he had attained the age of eleven years, when he faced the battle of 284 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. life on his own responsibility, finding employment as a chore boy on a neighboring farm and thereafter continuing to be identified with farm' work until he had reached the age of seventeen. It is scarcely necessary to state that the early scholastic advantages' afforded to Mr. Emerine were exceedingly limited in- scope, but to one of so alert mentality the lack of early educational advantages can not prove a bar to the acquire ment -of definite and comprehensive knowledge, as is evident when. we but stop to consider the intellectual strength of the man of to-day, his broad mental grasp and mature judgment. For about three years Mr. Emerine had lived in the home of a Mr. Spielman, a few miles south of Tiffin, Seneca county, and he gave up his work there at the age of seven teen for the purpose of learning the trade of harness-making, in which connection he came to Fostoria, which was then a. small hamlet, known by the name of Rome. Here he served an apprenticeship of three years under the direction of Jacob Fritcher, receiving his board and clothing during the interval and becoming a competent artisan in the line. Of the buildings in the little village of Rome at the time he took up his residence here not more than fifteen remain to-day in the flourishing city of Fostoria, the name of the town having been changed in honor of the father of ex-Governor Foster, who has here maintained his home from childhood. After completing" his apprenticeship- Mr. Emerine worked as a journeyman at his trade until he had accumulated a, surplus of about fifty dollars, and with this as a basis he engaged in business on his own responsibility, opening a harness shop in a little building, sixteen feet square, in which were provided accommodations also for the tailor shop of Charles Relley, who was also jDostmaster, and for David Stackhouse, a shoemaker, the three enterprises flourishing in their respect ive lines. Our subject secured the necessary tools and equipments on credit and invested his entire fifty dollars in stock. There was at the time but one other harness shop in this immediate locality, Joseph Lewis conducting a similar enterprise at a little settlement called Risdon, located about one-half mile north of Rome, from which it was separated by a strip of woods. Mr. Emerine continued to conduct his harness-making business until 1872, securing larger quarters as the exigencies of his CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 285 increasing business "demanded. The county was rapidly settling up and developing, he secured good prices for his products and work and his business was signally prospered, his sales running as high as twelve thousand dollars a year and orders for work coming so rapidly as to test the capacity of the establishment. He gave credit to every one who asked for same, and the sterling character of the people of the com munity is indicated when we revert to the fact that he never lost to exceed fifty dollars through thus placing his confidence in those who secured work on credit. For many years our subject manufactured all the horse collars sold in his place, giving his personal attention to the cutting of nearly all his leather stock and working assiduously night and day to meet the demands placed upon him. What more consistent and well merited than that such earnest application, should meet with definite reward? He employed several workmen in his shop and its products had the highest reputation for superior excellence, while his business methods were ever above criticism, as they have been in the later years during which he has had to do with affairs of wide scope and importance. At the expiration of twelve years Mr. Emerine found that he had a modest fortune of about ten thousand dollars, and upon this was based the wider success which was to- come to him through enterprise and far-sighted business policy. Pie purchased at that time a tract of land, for which he paid four thousand dollars, and within a year he disposed of the same at a profit of twenty-four hundred dollars, this operation signifying the turning point in his business career and leading to his withdrawing from that line of enterprise which had served as the nucleus of his success. He continued to handle real estate, and from i860 to 1875 large profits could be realized from the handling of Ohio realty, both improved and unimproved. Mr. Emerine had the prescience and sagacity to take advantage of the opportunities thus afforded during the war of the Rebellion and the years immediately fol lowing", and he has ever since continued to be largely interested in real estate in this section of the state. He retired from the harness business in the year 1874, in order to- devote his attention the more closely to his other interests. He purchased tracts of wild land at nominal prices 286 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and by improving the same through clearing off the forest, constructing drains and erecting substantial buildings was enabled to dispose of many of the properties at a good profit, while others he retained in his posses sion as a good permanent investment. At the present time he is the owner of twenty-one farms, with an aggregate area of fully seven thou sand acres and situated in Wyandot, Hancock, Logan, Seneca and Wood counties. His general plan has been in this connection to lease the farms for a grain rental, though in several instances he has entered into part nership relations with lessees of his farms, devoted principally to grain and in a few cases involving the raising of high-grade live stock, having had as many as one hundred head of cattle on a fine stock and grain farm located about one and one-half miles distant from Fostoria. In connection with his real-estate operations Mr. Emerine incident ally developed a large brokerage and loaning business and: this eventually led to- the establishment of the First National Bank of Fostoria, of which he has been president from the time of its organization. The institution filed articles of incorporation in December, 1882, under the national banking laws and with the following named: stockholders : Andrew Emerine, of Fostoria; George W Hull, of Bucyrus; G. J. Hull, of Findlay ; Lovell Harris, of Upper Sandusky ; T. D. Adams, of Fostoria ; Ross Crocker, of the same city ; and Hon. John McCauley, of Tiffin. The bank is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars and its history has been one of substantial growth, wise and conservative management and marked prosperity, our subject having remained, by successive elections, its chief executive officer and giving to it the benefit of his high business abilities, discriminating judgment and fine administrative powers. The original cashier was Truman Hull, who was succeeded after two years by Alonzo Emerine, son of our subject, who has ever since been the capable incumbent of this responsible position. The list of stockholders contains the names of men prominent in business and financial circles and standing as voucher for reliability and solidity in the institution, the deposits of the bank now aggregating about fifty thousand dollars, while its business in all departments has been most satisfactory from the start. Deeply interested in all that conserves the well being and material CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 287 advancement of the city and county of his- home, Mr. Emerine has ever been known for his genuine public spirit and has given his aid and influence to many enterprises through which he hoped to foster the industrial prestige of Fostoria. A glass manufactory and a brick factory with which he identified himself proved unable to be successfully oper ated, but he is one of those prominently concerned in the Seneca White Lime Company, which operates eight kilns, affording employment to forty married men and having a capacity for the daily output of six hundred barrels of lime, the product being specially adapted for use in manufacturing glass and as a fertilizer, in which latter function it is extensively used in Pennsylvania. Mr. Emerine is also president of the First National Bank of North Baltimore, Ohio, the same having been organized in 1892 and being capitalized for sixty thousand dollars. This is likewise one of the solid financial institutions of the state, and its' cashier is Levi Wooster, a son-in-law of our subject. _ Mr. Emerine has still other important capitalistic interests, being concerned in the oil industry as a member of two- different operating companies, one of which had its inception about fifteen years ago-, and since that time it has paid in dividends to each of its fifteen stockholders about sixty thousand dollars. Our subject erected in his home city the Emerine block, one of the finest structures in the business district, and in this the bank is located. His fine modern stone residence is one of the most attractive homes in Fostoria and one of the handsomest and m.ost sub stantial in this section of the state. In politics our subject gave his allegiance to the Democratic party for many years, but finally became convinced that it had deviated materially from its original principles and he has consequently maintained an independent attitude in politics for some time, exercising his franchise in support of policies and- measures rather than holding to distinct partisan lines. He is a. member of no fraternal organization, having ever found that his home and his business bad full claims upon his time and attention without recourse to extraneous associations. Though not a member of any religious organization he has a deep- reverence for spiritual verities, and has been a liberal con- 288 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tributor to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife was a member and which he attends. In 1850 Mr. Emerine was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Bair, of this county, and she entered into eternal rest in i860, leaving two children, — Alonzo, who is cashier of the First National Bank of Fostoria, and Amanda, who became the wife of Levi Wooster, cashier of the First National Bank of North Baltimore, and who died at the age of thirty years, leaving two children, — Lula and Trude. In Decembet, 1863, was solemnized the marriage of our subject to Miss Amy Noble, who was born in Brant county, Canada, and who died at the age of fifty-nine years, leaving five children, namely : Sarah, who is the wife of John Faulhaber, o-f Fostoria; Lucy, who remains at the paternal home ; Cora, who is the wife of J. C. Crisswell, of Mount Gilead, Mor row county ; Andrew, who- is teller in the First National Bank of Fostoria ; and Amy, who remains at the paternal home. WILBUR C. BROWN. In no other land on the face of the globe is there accorded so per fect and consistent a recognition of individuality as in America, and here only has it been possible to- overco-me the prejudicial animus against admitting the ability and capacity of youth and to afford to the indi vidual a full province in which to> exercise the most potent functions of which he is capable, regardless of the fact that over his head may not have passed as many years as represent the age of those with whom he comes in competition in any of the fields of human endeavor. An ex emplification of the potentialities of youth is given in the honorable and peculiarly successful career of the subject of this review, and though he now mantains his residence in the national metropolis, he calls Ohio his home and is still intimately identified with both political and busi ness affairs in his native state, while such has been his prominence in Seneca county, where he was reared to maturity and where his honored CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 289 father still resides, that it is signally consistent that a review of his career be incorporated in this publication. Among Ohio men in New York city none has more quickly achieved a high position in the business and financial world than Col. Wilbur C. Brown. He is a son of Owen T. Brown, one o-f the representative citi zens of this county, and as specific mention of him is made on other pages of this work it will not be necessary to- recapitulate at this junc ture. Wilbur Charles Brown was born in Newark, Licking county, Ohio, on the 20th of November, 1863, and be received his preliminary education in the public schools of that place and the city of Fostoria, Seneca county, to which his parents removed in his early youth. He was graduated in tlie Fostoria high school in 1880, with the highest honors of his class. He early manifested a predilection for literary work, his taste in this direction being exact and appreciative and his creative talents definite and critical. It ma.y be appropriately stated that when only fourteen years of age he edited and printed an amateur news paper, and his initial step after leaving school was to accept the position of city editor of the Daily Jeffersonian, at Findlay, Ohio. In April, 1882, Colonel Brown resigned his editorial position for the purpose of entering the banking" house of the Hon. Charles Foster, in Fostoria, Mr. Foster having at that time been governor of the state. This incumbency Colonel Brown retained until January 1, 1888, when he tendered his resignation and became treasurer and general financial manager of a very extensive flouring-mill company which was organized in Fostoria by the late Hon. M. D. Harter, this corporation operating the largest winter-wdieat milling plant in the Union. Colonel Brown's business career has been one of brilliant order, and yet has been the natural sequel of the determined application of his distinctive abilities and to his extraordinary grasp- of manifold details and his indefatigable energy. As a young man he has risen to a position of unmistakable prominence m the financial and industrial world, and while it is scarcely within the province of this article to- enter into details, a brief reference to- the more salient points in his career can not prove m!al apropos. In 1896 ex cessive work and responsibility thrown upon him by the tragic death of 290 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Harter resulted in Colonel Brown's enduring a most severe attack of congestion of the brain, which barely escaped a fatal termination. After partially recuperating he resigned his position, having carried the great industry through a. most critical period in its history, practically, as was said of Lord Brougham, "doing the work of seven men," and showing a wonderful capacity for the handling of affairs of the widest scope and touching both the working and financial phases involved in the great enterprise. In November, 1896, Colonel Brown became associated with Hon. Abner AlcRinley, brother of the late martyred president, and thereupon removed to New York city, where his rise has been rapid and contin uous, bringing him in touch with large financial interests. ' He has gained a reputation as a man well equipped equally with the solid and the brilliant qualities essential to- financial success. He was one of the syndicate of capitalists that built the Detroit & Lima Northern Railroad, of which he was treasurer, and of another syndicate that organized the International Fire Engine Company, a nine-million-dollar corporation, and is one of the largest stockholders in the American Mutoscope Com pany, of whose directorate he is a member. At Fostoria he organized the Fostoria, Shade & Lamp Company, representing the largest in dustry of the sort in the Union, and he is a director and one of the largest stockholders in the- White Mountain Paper Company, with twenty-five million dollars capital, while he has various other financial and industrial interests of wide scope and importance. Colonel Brown served on the military staff of President McKinley during the four years of the latter's administration as governor of Ohio. in which connection he held the rank of colonel. With clearly defined and ably fortified political opinions, he early gave evidence of his inter est in the work of the Republican party in Ohio, and he soon became recognized as one of the most efficient and valuable workers in the ranks of the party in his native state. He was elected delegate to the national convention of his party in 1892 and had the distinction of being the youngest delegate in the convention, and he was elected secre tary of the Ohio delegation representing the thirteenth congressional CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 291 district of the state, and was one of the four alternate delegates at large from Ohio to the Republican national convention at Philadelphia in 1900. For ten years he was chairman of the city Republican committee of Fostoria, being at the head of the city organization and a prominent member of the Fostoria Republican, Club. He has invariably declined to accept political preferment of any order, though he has often been importuned to become a candidate for important offices. His political connections and influences have been notable and he has been in close touch with the leaders of his. party in both his native state and the nation at large. Colonel Brown is an effective political speaker, and during the presidential campaign, of 1900 he devoted much of his time to the canvass, making addresses in New York, New Jersey, West Virginia and Ohio-. In his speeches he especially gave attention to the financial issues of the contest, and gained a reputation for singularly thorough information and great ability and effectiveness in the discussion of those complicated questions. The Colonel was a most intimate personal friend of President AlcKinley, of whom he was a, stanch admirer, and it was his- sad privilege to- have stood at the bedside of the lamented president when he answered the inexorable summons of death and closed a life of exalted usefulness, beauty and honor. Colonel Brown is identified with the Republican Club of New- York, the Transportation Club, the Lawyers' Club and the Ohio Society of New York, while he is also a member of various social organizations in the old Buckeye state, to' which he is ever loyal as one o-f its native sons. In the midst of the thronging demands of a busy life he is always approachable, being gracious in his association with his fellow men and enjoying a personal popularity which is a natural result of his char acteristics. ANTHONY McCANDLISH MARTIN, M. D. Among the honored representatives of the medical profession in Seneca county stands Dr. Martin, who is located in the attractive village of Bloomville and who is known as one of the native sons of the county 292 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of this sectio-n'of the old Buckeye state. His ability in his profession has gained him marked prestige, while his personality is such as to have gained to him a host of warm friends in the community where his ministrations are given. Dr. Martin was born in Bloom township on the farm noW owned- by his brother George, in section 10, the date of his nativity being April 15. 183 1. His father, John C. Martin, was born near Mifflin, Penn sylvania, the son of William Martin, a native also of that state. John C. removed with his widowed mother and the other members of the family to Fairfield county prior to 18 12, in which year the records show that he went to Hamilton county, where he remained two years. He then returned to Fairfield county, where was, solemnized his marriage to Aliss Alary A. McCandlish, and of their children we enter brief record, as follows: William is a resident of Iowa; Robert is deceased; Anthony AlcCandlish is the subject of this sketch; Wilson and John are deceased; George, a retired farmer, is a resident of Bloomville; Albert resides in King City, Missouri ; and Jane is deceased. The father of the Doctor came to Seneca comity in 1827, making the trip with team and wagon and transporting his family and household effects to the forest wilds of Bloom township, where he entered claim to eighty acres of government land, upon which he erected a log cabin. He was a wheelwright and chairmaker by trade, and he thus was led to build a shop on his farm, and there he gave a, portion of his time to the work of his trade, including the manufacturing of chairs and spinning wheels for both wool and flax, and the necessary reels, and for his products he found a ready demand in the pioneer community. He remained on his original place for two years and then removed to the farm where his son, the) Doctor, was born, and there he spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the age of eighty-one years, his wife having preceded him into eternal rest, dying at the age of sixty-six years. Both were devoted members o-f the Presbyterian church and were people of sterling char acter and marked mentality. Dr. Martin was reared under the invigorating discipline of the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 293 pioneer farm, and his first scholastic training was secured in a primitive subscription school held in the house of John Davis, Bushnell Austin acting as instructor. Later he continued his studies in the old academy at Republic, and when nineteen years of age he put his acquirements to practical test by engaging in pedagogic work, becoming one of the pop ular and successful teachers of the county. When twenty-one years of age he began reading medicine in the office of Dr. George R. Weeks, one of the early physicians of Bloomville, continuing to teach school during the winter months and thus defraying his expenses. After three years he entered the Western Reserve Medical College, at Cleveland, where he continued his technical studies for one year, after which, in 1854, he entered upon the active practice of his profession in Reedtown, Seneca county. Later he was matriculated in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1859, receiving the degree of M. D. He was thereafter engaged in practice at Republic for one year, and then removed to a farm in Reed town ship, where he continued his professional work in connection with agri cultural pursuits for a period of eleven years. The following two years were passed in Venice township and the Doctor then, in 1872, came to Bloomville, where he has ever since been established in the practice of his profession, retaining a large and representative supporting patronage and being recognized as an able member of the medical profession and as a citizen of the highest character. His political support is given to, the Republican party, and though he has ever shown a consistent interest in public affairs of a local nature he has never sought political prefer ment of any order. The Doctor is specially fond of travel, and he and his wife have been able to indulge themselves freely in this interesting and profitable diversion, having crossed the Rocky mountains nine times and having also visited other sections of the Union. On the 22d of June, 1854, Dr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Hossler, who- was born in Stark county, Ohio, the daugh ter of Jacob Hossler, one of the pioneers of this county, where he located in 1834. Of this union two children have been born, namely: Anna M., the wife of E. F. Hanna, a wholesale commission merchant 294 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Franz Sigel, who is a graduate of the Colum bus Medical College, and who is engaged in the practice of his profes sion at Napoleon, Ohio, Mrs, Alartin is a member o-f the Presbyterian church and is prominent in the church and social life of the community. For nearly fifty years the Doctor has devoted himself to the prac tice of the most noble of all professions, and it should be noted that there are but two other men in Seneca county now actively engaged in practice who were in the practice when he began. His success in his chosen field of work has redounded to his greater professional precedence. With a careful diagnosis he has endeavored to understand his patient, and with careful and sympathetic nursing has wo-rked to assist nature in her healing processes. FREDERICK ZARGES. Stuttgart, the picturesque old capital city of Wurtemberg, Germany, figures as the birthplace of the venerable subject of this review, who is one of the honored citizens of Seneca county, where he has maintained his home for almost half a century and where he has attained prosperity through his own well directed efforts. Though advanced in years he retains remarkable mental and physical vigor, and he is esteemed as one of the sterling pioneer citizens of the county where he has lived and labored to goodly ends. Mr. Zarges was born in Stuttgart on the 8th of April, 1818, and is now the only survivor of the seven children of Frederick and Catherine (Kideisch) Zarges, both of whom, passed their entire lives in Wurtem berg, the former having been a cabinetmaker and joiner by trade and vocation. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native city, and in preparing for the active responsibilities of life he learned the trade of florist and gardener, to which he devoted his attention in Germany until he had reached the age of thirty years, when, in 1847, he severed the ties which bound, him to home and native land and set forth to seek his fortunes in America, where he believed superior oppor- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 295 Trinities were afforded for individual accomplishment. His financial re inforcement at the time of his arrival in New York city was represented in the sum of eighty dollars, but he had the excellent equipment implied in a sturdy physique, energy, integrity and a thorough knowledge of hor ticulture and floriculture, sot that he had little to fear in the way of making his services of value, even though a stranger in a strange land. He passed one week in the national metropolis and then proceeded to Rochester, New York, where he entered the employ of the well known nursery firm of Ellwanger & Barry, the senior member of which had been a co worker with him in Germany. After a few months had elapsed Mr. Zarges went to Kingston, Canada, to- accept a position, but not being satisfied with the conditions and outlook in that connection, he soon returned to Rochester and thence, somewhat later, went to- Groveland Center, New York, where he was engaged in gardening for one year, at the expiration of which time he went to Duanesburg, Schenectady county, where he was engaged in gardening for two- summers, passing the winters in Rochester. He then passed a year in Elmira, after which, in the spring of 1853, he was sent to Kentucky to lay out a nursery for a man named Hobbs, having in the meantime become the owner of eight acres of land within the city limits of Rochester. He established the nursery for Mr. Hobbs, at a point ten miles east of the city of Louis ville, remaining in that locality until the fall of 1854, when he returned to Rochester, where he purchased a stock of trees and other requisite sup plies, with which he came to Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, where he en gaged in the handling of nursery stock, continuing to- have his stock shipped in from Rochester and from Sandusky, Ohio. In 1856 he pur chased six acres of land in Hopewell township, two miles south of Tiffin, and here set out a nursery for himself, continuing to- handle stock shipped in from the east until his own place should become available as a source of supply. Before the close of the war of the Rebellion he had secured a good start, so far as the condition of his own nursery was concerned, but such were the local conditions that he was unable to do a profitable business and much of his stock was dug up: and destroyed in a bonfire. Mr. Zarges then abandoned the nursery business and turned his attention 296 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. to market gardening on his place, and shortly afterward he purchased an additional sixteen acres, across the road from his original tract. In 1876 he erected on the new place a substantial brick house, taking up his resi dence there in the fall of that year and here he has ever since maintained his home, continuing to follow the line of enterprise which he inaugu rated so many years ago and which he has conducted with so marked ability and discrimination as to attain a high degree of success and a position of independence. For the past thirteen years he has given over much of the practical and managerial work to his son, but, though ven erable in years he has not resigned the active duties o-f life, having vitality far greater than the average man of sixty and finding pleasure in maintaining an active supervision of the interests to which he has so long given his time and attention. In 1885 Mr. Zarges purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty-two acres in Seneca, township, and this property which is well improved, he still owns. At the time of the crucial epoch of the civil war Air. Zarges gave his unqualified support to Abraham Lincoln as candidate for the presidency, but in later years has been iden tified with the Democratic party, of which his son also is: a supporter, while both are zealous members of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Zarges has ever retained the unequivocal confidence and esteem of his fellow men and is to-day one of the popular men of his community, the years resting lightly upon him as the shadows of life begin to lengthen, while he stands as a worthy example of what is possible of accomplish ment on the part of one who will apply his best energies and abilities in facing the problems of life. On the 5th of July, 1864, Mr. Zarges was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Staib, who was born in Seneca county, the daughter of Levis Staib, who emigrated from Wurtemberg, Germany, and took up- his resi dence here about 1835, thus becoming one of the pioneers of the county. Mrs. Zarges has been a true companion and helpmeet to her husband during the long years of their married life, and their union has been blessed with one son, Frederick Lewis, who resides at home and has charge of the gardening business established so- many years ago by his father. He was born in this county on the 8th o-f August, 1865, and was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 297 here reared and educated. On the 23d of May, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie De Bussman, who was born in this county, the daughter of Frederick and Rosa (Snyder) De Bussman, and of this union three children have been born, two of whom survive, — Frederick and Leila. Myra died in early childhood. CHARLES PI. SEIGER. That independent spirit, enterprise, industry and determination so essential to a successful career in connection with any vocation are pos sessed in an eminent degree by the subject of this review, who is engaged in the blacksmithing and wagon-making business in the village of Kan sas, Seneca county, Ohio, and who is honored as one of the sterling citi zens and representative business men of the place. Air. Seiger was born in the county of Sandusky, Ohio, on the 8th of August, 1868, being a son of Ellis and Christina (Shoemaker) Seiger, whose six children all survive, namely : Lucy, the wife of Phineas Gamertsfelter, of Sandusky county; Charles H., the subject of this review; Emma, the wife of W. O. Riehm, of Liberty township,, Seneca county ; Joseph and Jacob, who- reside in the village of Kansas ; and Minnie, the wife of Edward Lewman, of Liberty township. The father of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, whence he removed with his parents to- Sandusky county, Ohio-, when a boy, being there reared and educated and being for many years identified with sawmilling, grist- milling and farming in that section of the Buckeye commonwealth. In 1884 he came to- the town of Kansas, where he operated- a gristmill for a number of years, being now engaged in the oil business, operating sev eral wells in this locality. Charles H. Seiger remained at the parental home during his early youth and received his educational training in the public schools. After the removal of the family to Kansas he was here employed in his father's mill and at various other occupations until he had attained the age of 19 298 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. nineteen, when he began serving an apprenticeship at the trade of black smith, in which he became an expert artisan. He was employed by others for an interval of five years and then, in 1892, -opened a shop of his own. He has built up a large and profitable enterprise, doing wagon- making and operating a planing mill in connection with his general blacksmithing, and being frequently referred to as the "busiest man in the town," this being praise to which he is clearly entitled, for he is indefatigable in his industry and his business methods are such as to retain to him unqualified confidence and esteem in the community. In his political proclivities Mr. Seiger is a stanch supporter of the prin ciples and policies of the Republican party, and fraternally he is identi fied with Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, while both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is also a prominent member of Kansas Lodge, No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is treasurer at the time of this writing. November 24, 1894, was solemnized the marriage of Air. Seiger to Miss Mabel Grove, who was born in Erie county, Ohio, the daughter of the late William Grove, a successful merchant of Castalia, and of this union three daughters have been born, namely : Bernice, Vera and Lela. HARRISON THORNBURG. Seneca county contributed to the federal army many a brave and valiant soldier during the war of the Rebellion, and among those sur viving at the present time, — when the ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic are rapidly being decimated by the one invincible foe, death, — stands the subject of this sketch, who was loyal to his country in her hour of peril and who has ever since been her stanch supporter in the "piping times of peace." In the connection it is also interesting to revert to the fact that our subject's father, Eli Thornburg, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and that his maternal grandfather, Henry Meyers, bore arms in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 299 showing that loyalty and patriotism have been ever characteristic of the family and also, incidentally, revealing the fact that it was established on American soil in the colonial epoch. Mr. Thornburg is one of the representative farmers of Seneca county, where he has passed the major portion of his life, his parents having been numbered among its pioneer settlers. Air. Thornburg is a native of the state of Maryland, having been born in Washington county on the 12th of May, 1828, the son of Eli and Sarah (Meyers) Thornburg, who became the parents of six chil dren, of whom Wesley, the eldest, met his death while serving in the war of the Rebellion. The others are : Harrison, Martha S., Mary, Margaret E., and Captain Thomas-H., who is the only survivor besides our subject. Captain Thornburg was a lieutenant in the Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he started as a private. Eli Thorn burg removed with his family to Seneca county in 1832, locating in Tiffin, where he followed his trade, that of mason, until his death, in 1854, at the age of sixty-five years, his wife passing away in 1869, aged about seventy years. Our subject was about five years of age at the time of the family's removal to this county, and here he was reared toi maturity, securing such scholastic advantages as were afforded by the public schools and learning the mason's trade under the effective direc tion of his father. He continued to follow his trade in this locality until 1852, when the gold excitement in California led him to make the long, perilous and weary trip across the continent to the new Eldorado, the journey being made with a mule team and not being completed until the expiration of three months. He went to the mining camp at Hang- town (now known as P'lacerville) and there joined the eager throng of gold-seekers, working in the placer beds for two years and being quite successful in his efforts. He then returned to Ohio, on this occasion making the trip by boat and by way of the isthmus of Panama." He now engaged in farming in Eden township and was thus employing his time at the outbreak of the Rebellion. In 1863 he enlisted as a, private in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being mustered into the service in the city of Cleveland, for a term of 3oo CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. one hundred days, and thence proceeding with his command to assist in defense of the national capital, at Fort Hagerty receiving his honorable discharge at the expiration of his term. He then returned to his home in Eden township, and in 1879 he purchased his present fine farm, of one hundred and sixty acres, where he has been duly successful in his farm ing operations and in the raising of an excellent grade of live stock. An air of thrift and prosperity pervades the place, the permanent improve ments being of excellent order and every detail showing the careful supervision of an energetic and progressive owner. His political sup port has ever been given to the Republican party and he has neglected none of his civic duties, doing all in his newer to conserve the best interests of the community and being here held in the highest esteem. Air. Thornburg has never married. ELIAS W. CRUM. The Crum family is o-f sterling old German origin, but has been es tablished on- American soil since the colonial epoch, the original repre sentatives in the United States having located in Pennsylvania, with whose annals the name has been identified for several generations. The. subject of this review, one of the highly esteemed and prosperous farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, may well be considered a representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state, since his father came here forty-five years ago and cast in his lot with the people who were here developing the forest lands into fine farms, inaugurating the work which has been so splendidly carried forward and which has made the county one of the most attractive and prosperous sections o-f the old Buckeye commonwealth. Many of those who figure as founders and builders of the county find representation in this publication, and we are pleased to thus consistently make reference to the Crum family and to the indi vidual career of the gentleman whose name initiates this review. Elias W. Crum was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, on the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 301 28th of April, 1846, being the son of Frederick and Susanna (Reeme) Crum, of whose eight children seven are living at the present time, namely: Daniel, a prominent farmer of Hopewell township; Elias W., the immediate subject of this sketch; Frederick, a resident of Hamilton county, Indiana; Theodore, a farmer of Pleasant township-; Wesley, en gaged in agricultural pursuits in Eden township; Savilla, the wife of Deroy C. Dunn, of Hopewell township ; and Oliver, a successful mer chant at Bascom. The father of our subject was likewise born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 18 16, being the son of Leonard and Catherine (Stein) Crum, the former of whom was also born in the same county, whither his father had emigrated from Germany. Grandfather Leonard Crum passed his entire life in his native county, passing away at the age of eighty-four years and having devoted- his life to agricultural pursuits, owning three hundred and twenty acres of land in Dauphin county. His son Frederick grew to maturity on the old homestead, and for six years after his marriage was engaged in farming on a tract of land owned by his father. He then purchased a farm of eighty-seven acres in his native county and there made his home until 1857, when he came with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, where he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres now owned by our subject. Five years later he- purchased the eighty-acre farm where his son Daniel L. now resides, and in 1871 he purchased another farm, comprising one hundred and thirty-four acres, located three miles north of Tiffin, in Clinton township,, where he made his home about four years. He then purchased forty acres adjoining this last farm and there erected a com modious and attractive residence. Here he was living at the time o-f Irs wife's death, July 16, 1889, and two years later he removed to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Dunn, where he remained until his death, on the 5th of January, 1899. He was a man of spotless reputation and noble character, was one of the world's sterling workers and gained independence and prosperity through his own efforts, ever commanding that unalloyed esteem which indicates objective appreciation of gen uine worth. He was o-ne of the influential citizens of his community, and though he never sought official preferment he gave an unfaltering 302 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. allegiance to the Republican party. He was eighty-three years of age at the time of his death, and his cherished and devoted wife, who- was born in the same county as was he himself, passed away at the age 01 sixty-four years. Elias W. Crum, as may be inferred, was surrounded with the benefi cent influences of a true home, though it was humble in character, and he waxed strong in mind and body while assisting in the work of the homestead farm, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in the common schools of the period. His marriage occurred in 1871, and his father then removed to Clinton township, leaving the homestead farm in his charge. Here he continued in the vocation to which he was reared, and his energy and progressive methods were attended with such results that he was enabled to effect the purchase of the homestead in 1880, and here he has ever since maintained his home, bringing to bear the most approved and scientific methods and facilities in the cultiva tion of his land, and making the best of improvements, including a substantial and handsome brick residence, which he erected in 1890 and which is to: be noted as one of the fine homes of this township. In addi tion to- his homestead farm he is also- the owner of sixty-five acres in Clinton township, this place being in charge of his son-in-law, Silas Bretts. Mr. Crum has commanded, for the same reasons, the esteem and confidence so freely accorded to his venerated father, and the family hold a prominent position in the social life of the community. In politics Air. Crum exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party, but the honors and emoluments of public office have had no allurements for him. He and his wife are devoted members of the Protestant Methodist church, and he has been a member of the board of trustees of Bethel church for the past five years. On the 31st of January, 1871, Mr. Crum was united in marriage to Miss Frances Lambright, yvho was born in Maryland, the daughter of Henry Lambright, who came with his family to Seneca county in 1856, settling in Clinton township, where he passed the residue of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Crum are the parents of three children. — Minnie CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 303 I., the wife of Clement Barnes, a farmer o-f Hopewell township ; Mary' O., the wife of Silas Bretts, who- has charge of our subject's farm in Clinton township; and Plerbert L., who remains at the parental home ISAAC W. COOKSON. The pioneers of a country, the founders of a business, the originat ors of any undertaking that will promote the material welfare or ad vance the educational, social and moral influence of a community de serve the gratitude of humanity. One of the leading factors in the 'mer cantile activities of Kansas, Ohio, is the hardware store of Isaac W. Cookson, who is at all times, a public-spirited and progressive citizen, never withholding his support from any movement which tends to- ad vance the public good. A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurred in Sandusky county, December 19, 1856. His father, Joseph Cookson, was also- born in that county, in 1834, to which place his parents had removed from Pennsylvania. There the son Joseph was reared and married, and when the time came for himj to- begin the active battle of life on his own ac count, he located on a farm in Sandusky county, which continued to be his home until 1894. In that year he came to Kansas, Ohio, where he and his wife still reside. She bore the maiden name of Mary Sprout, and their marriage was blessed with four children, three of whom still survive, namely: Isaac, the subject of this review; David F.. who still makes his home in Sandusky county; and Jacob C, a prominent agri culturist of Liberty township. Isaac W. Cookson chose as a life occupation that to- which he had been reared, and at the age o-f twenty years he began farming on rented land, thus continuing for the following ten years. In 1886 he removed to Sycamore, Ohio-, where he gave his attention to the creamery business for the following three years, and on the expiration of that period, in 1889, came to this city to engage in the hardware business with his 304 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. brother, David F. This relationship was of short duration, however, for within a year our subject became its sole owner and has ever since conducted the business alone. Since entering upon an independent career he has made good use of his opportunities and has prospered from year to year, conducting all business matters systematically and in all his acts displaying an aptitude for successful management. But not alone in the business world has he won prominence, for in the ranks of the Repub lican party he is recognized as a leader. While a resident of Sycamore he was elected and served as a member of the town council, but was obliged to resign that position on account of his removal from the city. In 1892, under Harrison'' s administration, he was made postmaster of Kansas, in which capacity he served for four years, discharging his duties in that important position to the satisfaction of all concerned. In his social relations he is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, and of Kansas Lodge, No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is a past grand and past chancellor, respectively. December 19, 1876, Mr. Cookson was united in marriage to Miss Laura Byers, a native of Loudon township and a daughter of Philip Byers. They have two children, — Lulu, the wife of Ralph Smith, of Fremont, Ohio-; and Maud E., at home. The family hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Air. Cookson has served as a steward and as president of the Epworth League. AMOS KELLER. Amos Keller is one of the prominent business men of Seneca county, his home being in Seneca, township. He has met with creditable success and has commanded uniform- confidence and respect by his business methods, so that the record of his career is full of interest. In all his trade transactions he has been honorable ; at all times he has been ener getic ; he forms his plans readily, carries than forward to successful completion, and is now enjoying well merited prosperity. ^y^C^u^o^ & ^^££^1^ Lfif^Z^^^^^^/Z^^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 305 Mr. Keller was born near Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio. De cember 26, 1839, and is a son of Joseph Keller, whose birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1797. The grandfather of our sub ject was Henry Keller, who, about the year 1809, removed with his family to Fairfield county, Ohio, and there Joseph Keller was reared to manhood upon a farm. He was about twelve years of age at the time of his removal to the Buckeye state, and through the period of his youth he assisted in the operation of the old homestead. On attaining his majority he began working" at the cabinet-maker's trade, which he fol lowed for two years, and then decided to resume farm work, purchasing a tract of land which he owned and operated until 1849. In that year he removed to Clinton township, Seneca county, and became the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land, two miles from Tiffin. This is now owned by Mr. Schoffner and Mr. Schreikel. This farm was par tially improved when it came into: the possession of Mr. Keller, and he and his family became the occupants of a log cabin that had previously been erected upon the place. While his wife attended to -the household duties he took his place in the fields and continued the cultivation of the soil until 1855, when his life's labors- were ended in death. He held membership- in the Evangelical Association and his life was consistent with the teachings of that denomination. He was three times married, his first wife being Airs. Catherine Plite, by whom he had one child, wdio died in infancy. For his second wife he chose Aliss Elizabeth Tussing, and they became the parents of six children, namely : Mary, who be came the wife of Solomon Meisse and died in. 1899; Reuben, who. was a resident of Seneca county and died in 1882 ; Sarah, who- is the widow of David Meisse and makes her home in Springfield, Ohio; Isaac W., a resident of Fairfield county, this state; Amos, the subject of this review" ; and Joseph, who died during the civil war, while at Camp Dennison, in 1864, was wounded at the battle of Stone River, but the immediate cause of his death, was an- attack of smallpox; he belonged to Company H of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he was orderly sergeant. After the death of his second wife, Joseph Keller. 306 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Sr., married Nancy Good and they had one son, Noah, who is living in Fairfield county, Ohio-. Amos Keller spent the first ten years of his life in his native county and then accompanied his family to Seneca county, where he pursued his elementary education in the public schools, later continuing his studies in Heidelberg College. There he remained as a student from 1857 until i860. In 1861 he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, with the intention of becoming a teacher of the higher branches of learning, but on account of ill health he was forced to abandon his college course. He was afterward engaged in teaching school until May, 1864, whtn he responded to his country's call for aid, joining Company A of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In fantry, for one hundred days' service. The regiment was sent to- the defense o-f Washington, and- on the expiration of his term Mr. Keller returned to Seneca county, yvhere he worked on a farm during the sum mer months and in the winter seasons continued his educational work, being a most successful and competent teacher. In the year 1866 he purchased a tract of twenty-eight acres of land, with a sawmill, the place being known as the old St. John property. For seven years he operated the sawmill and in 1874 he erected a gristmill. He also placed a circular saw in the sawmill, in 1877, and in addition erected a planing mill, conducting the three departments o-f his, business, in all of which he has met with success. The capacity of the flour mill is fifty barrels per day. The plant is equipped with a full roller process and the flour manufactured is of a very high grade, thus finding ready sale on the market. His planing mill and sawmill are equally well adapted for the uses to which they are put and in both lines Air. Keller is receiving a liberal patronage. Upon his place he has made splendid improvements, including the erection of a beautiful three-story brick house, which was built in 1883. He has ninety-five acres in the home place and his land has become very valuable by reason of the growth in population in the county and also owing to the many excellent improvements which he has placed upon his property. He also owns a separate farm, of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he has over sixty thousand tile, k- ¦ -. ¦-¦,:' ;', ¦ RESIDENCE OF AMOS KELLER. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 307 whereby the place has been converted into a tract of rich fertility ; and also has a third farm, of fifty-five acres, making a total of two hundred and seventy acres. On the 10th of October, 1867, Mr. Keller was united in marriage to Aliss Martha Sneath, who was born in Pleasant township, this county. on the ist of September, 1846, being a daughter of William and Martha Sneath. The family came to Ohio from Maryland in the early pioneer days, first locating in Trumbull county and thence coining to Seneca county, where they were numbered among the early settlers of Clinton township. Robert Sneath, a brother of Mrs. Keller, is one of the repre sentative citizens of the county. Mrs. Keller was summoned into eternal rest on the nth of March, 1902, leaving two- children, — Rufus E. and Abbie F. The daughter is a graduate of Heidelberg College, in Tiffin, in which her husband, Professor A. D. Keller, is now an instructor. Our subject and his wife also took into their home, at the age of four years, an orphan girl, Elsie May Sorners, and she received the care and advantages which they accorded to their own children. Mrs. Keller was a woman of noble and gentle character, ever ordering her life in har mony with the deep Christian faith which was a dominating element in her nature, and being devoted to her home and family, though she thor oughly enjoyed the advantages of travel, in company with her husband. She had been exceptionally strong and- vigorous, both mentally and phys ically, and her death came with slight premonition, casting a shadow- over the entire community in which she had been so highly esteemed. Her memory rests as a benediction upon those who came within the sphere of her gracious influence. In his political views Mr. Keller is a stanch Republican, giving an earnest support to the party, and for twelve years he has served as a member of the school board, being president of the board during this entire period. He also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at McCutchenville, in which he is steward and trustee. Other offices he has filled, and he is ever interested and active in support of the cause, doing all in his power for the spread of Christianity. In the year 1900 he attended the Paris exposition and traveled extensively abroad, visit- 308 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ing France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Belgium and England. Mr. Keller well deserved this period of recreation and rest, for his has been an active and busy life. There is no element o-f indolence in him and his unremitting diligence has been the means of bringing him a handsome competence as he has carried forward his business affairs. T. C. LOOSE, M. D. During the years which mark the period of Dr. Loose's professional career he has met with gratifying success, and during his residence in Bloomville he has won the good will and patronage of many of the leading citizens and families of the place. He is a great student and endeavors to keep abreast o-f the times in everything relating to dis coveries in medical science and methods of treatment. Progressive in his ideas and favoring modern methods as- a whole, he does not dispense with many of the true and tried systems which have stood the test of years. A native son of Seneca county, he was born in Clinton township. March 15, 1874, a son of Eli and Jennie (Bader) Loose. The father was a son of John Loose, who- became one o-f the early settlers of the locality, coming to the Buckeye state from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and on his arrival here he took up his abode in Clinton township, three miles north of Tiffin, where the son Eli grew to years of maturity on the homestead farm. Later he became a student in Heidelberg College, wdiere he prepared himself for the ministry, and was ordained in the Evangelical church. At the close of his studies, however, he purchased a farm adjoining his father's place, and for many years thereafter gave his attention to- farming, preaching only at intervals, and without taking- regular pastoral work. After devoting about twenty years of his lit; to agriculture he sold his farm and accepted a charge as resident min ister of the United Brethren church at Attica, having- in the meantime CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 309 withdrawn from the Evangelical church on account of there having been no society of that denomination near him. Remaining in Attica for three years he accepted a charge in Oceola, where he remained for a similar period, going thence to Whitesville, where he spent the follow ing three years. During the next two years he ministered to his church at Green Spring, and fro-m! that point went to Johnsville, Morrow county, his present location. During the past twelve years he has devoted his life entirely to the work of the Mlaster, and his efforts- have been blessed with a religious awakening that has been highly gratifying. His wife was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, Her father was a native of Germany, but when a boy he accompanied his father on his removal to America, and after their arrival in this- country they took up their abode in Fair field county. Unto- Mr. and Mrs, Loose were born three children, but only two are now living, the brother of our subject being Arthur, who is a resident of Green Spring, Seneca county, where he is engaged in the provision business. T. C. Loose, whose name introduces this review, acquired his ele mentary education in the schools of his native locality, and at the early age of eighteen years he became a teacher in the district schools, follow ing that profession for two- terms. Wishing to follow the practice of medicine as- a life occupation, he accordingly, in 1891, entered the office of Dr. C. A. Force, of Attica, remaining under his p-recquto-rage until his entrance into- the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, in 1892, and during his vacations he still continued his reading under Dr. Force. In the spring of 1896 Dr. Loose was graduated in the- Starling Medical College, receiving one of the five honorable mentions given by the college for best grades, and a set of gynecological instruments for the best work in gynecology. On the ist of April following his graduation, he located in Bloomville, where he has- built up a lucrative and constantly increasing practice. In 1894 occurred the marriage of the Doctor and Miss Daisy A. Sutton, of Attica, a daughter of A. G. Sutton, a prominent banker of that city. One child has brightened and blessed the home o-f our subject and wife,— Bushnell A. Dr. Loose is a member of the Seneca County Med- 310 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ical Society, and also of Eden Lodge, No. 310, F. & A. M. His political support is given to the Republican party, and for a number of years past he has served as- a member of the school board and as health officer. JOHN B. ZIMMERMAN. John B. Zimmerman, one of the leading agriculturists and most highly esteemed men of Seneca county, was born on the farm on which he now resides on the 16th of December, 1838, a son of Barney and Sarah (Sager) Zimmerman. The father, who was born in Maryland in 1804, served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he followed in the state of his birth until 1836, when he came with his wife and four children to Seneca county, Ohio, purchasing eighty acres of land near where our subject now resides. His- wife proved to, him a faithful helpmate during this early pioneer epoch and nobly assumed the management of their farm while her husband worked at his trade. He erected many of the pioneer log cabins for the settlers in this locality, and later, when the frame houses came in vogue, he formed a partnership with Josiah Hilderbrake, and together they followed contracting and building for many years. Mr. Zimmerman was an expert workman, but later in life he abandoned his trade and retired to his farm, where his life's labors were ended in death on the 3d of March, 1888, at the age of eighty-four years. He was very liberal in his political views, but his preference was for the Democracy, and on its ticket he was elected and served as county commissioner, serving for three years, while for about nine years subsequently he was an infirmary director. For more than sixty years he was a member of the German Reformed church, ?t Fort Seneca, during much of which time he held office. He was a man of sterling character, never having had a lawsuit throughout his entire life, and in all movements for the betterment of his community he took' an active part. The mother o-f our subject was born in Maryland m 1810, and her death occurred in 1897, at the age of eighty-seven years Unto this worthy couple were born six children, five of whom still CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 311 survive, namely : Jacob, a, farmer of Pleasant township, Seneca county ; Solomon, who resides in Sheridan, Michigan; Alargaret, the wife of Rev. David Sherrick, also of Pleasant township; John B., the subject of this review ; and Sophia, the wife of Levi Repp, of Harlan, Indiana. John B. Zimmerman grew to manhood amid the refining influences of a cultured home, and his education was received in the common schools of the neighborhood. On the 9th of September, 1861, he ran away from home and enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Com pany B, Forty-ninth Ohio: Volunteer Infantry, under General William H. Gibson, and until November, 1862, the regiment formed a part of the Army of the Cumberland. After the battle of Shiloh Mr. Zimmerman was detailed as an ambulance driver, but five months later was trans ferred to the quartermaster's department, as assistant, and while serving in the latter capacity, on the 9th of October, 1862, he was captured near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and was taken to Nicholasville and there paroled the third day afterward. Reporting for duty at Columbus, he was sent home on a furlough, and for several weeks thereafter was a constant sufferer from rheumatism, on account of which he was dis charged, in December, 1862, not even having been exchanged. After recovering his health he began farming the home place on the shares, and two years- after his marriage he removed to- Clinton township., lo cating two miles north of Tiffin, where he began work at the black smith's trade, in partnership with a brother-in-law, and though he had no special training he was able to: perform all work demanded in the shop. Eighteen months later our subject left that place for Fort Seneca, where he opened up a shop and for seven years he w-as there engaged in work at his trade, following which he was engaged in the mercantile business at that point for five years, but the latter venture proved un profitable and at the close of that period he found himself in debt to the amount of twelve hundred dollars. Coming thence to Liberty township, he rented his father's two farms, and1 succeeded in clearing off his in debtedness. In 1880 he purchased a farm adjoining the old homestead, paying two thousand dollars in cash and assuming an indebtedness of four thousand dollars, and this he continued to farm in connection wit 3i2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his father's land. In 1898, after his mother's death, he purchased the interests of the remaining heirs in the old homestead, and this has ever since continued to be his home. He belongs to that active class of agriculturists who are never ready to settle down and to "take life easy," which seems to be the goal ever in view to multitudes of farmers ; he is not afraid of work and would not be content to live in quiet idle ness and luxury, for he realizes that work is the salvation of mankind and idleness is a curse to- one's self and the community. In 1863 occurred the marriage of Mr. Zimmerman and Miss Anna E. Omwake, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Jacob and Anna E. (Beck) Omwake, who came to Seneca, county, Ohio, in 1846. Two children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, — Henry A., a prominent agriculturist of this township, married Ida B. Ens- minger, of Kewanee, Illinois, and in company with his brother he re cently purchased the John Birkey homestead; Homer D., who operates the old home farm. The Democracy receives Air. Zimmerman's hearty support and co--op-eration, and in his social relations he is a member of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, G. A. R., of Tiffin. For thirty-six years he. has been an active member of Shiloh Methodist Protestant church, in which he has served as class leader, and for twenty-four years be has been superintendent of the Sunday-school. In business circles he sustains an enviable reputation, and his energetic nature, strong determination, sagacity and cap-able management have brought to him a handsome competence. He carries forward to suc cessful completion whatever he undertakes, and his business methods have ever been in strict conformity with the ethics of commercial life. WILLIAM HARRISON NULL. Residing in the town of Kansas and ranking with the representative farmers of Seneca county is found the subject of this review. He was born in Frederick county, West Virginia, on the 28th of February, 182 1, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 313 son of Jacob and Susanna (Puffenberger) Null. The father also claimed West Virginia as the state of his nativity, and there he was reared and married, following the oecujjations o-f farming and milling as a means of livelihood. When about twenty-eight years of age he came to Seneca county, Ohio, entering eighty acres of forest land in Liberty township, and also purchasing an eighty-acre tract located just across the road from the John Shoemaker farm. On the latter place was a hewed-log cabin, and there he spent the remainder of his life. With the aid of his sons he cleared the land, placed his fields under a fine state of cultivation and from time to time added to- his landed possessions until he became the owner of eight hundred acres. His political support was given to the Democracy. Both he and his wife reached the ripe old age of eighty years, and she was called to her final rest just a few days prior to her husband's death. Four children were born unto this worthy couple, namely: William Harrison, the subject of this review; Lovina, the wife of Joseph Cesna,, of Eaton county, Alichigan; Sarah, the widow of John Chester and a resident of Tiffin; and Clarinda, the wife of Samuel Schrodes, also of Tiffin. William H. Null grew to manhood amid the jiioneer surroundings of a new and unsettled country, acquiring but a limited education in the primitive log school-house, which he attended in his youth, for early in life he was obliged to assist his father in clearing and cultivating the farm. After his marriage he farmed on rented land for two years, and then removed to a tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres which had been purchased by his father and which he deeded to our subject in the following year. Mr. Null is now the owner of two farms, comprising two hundred and five acres of excellent farming land, located in Liberty township, but for the past thirty years he has made his home in the- village of Kansas, with the exception of three years when he returned, to his farm. His has been a busy and useful life, — a life filled with arduous and useful toil, but he is no-w the possessor of a comfortable: competence. Mr. Null was first married in 1846, Miss Catherine Brown becom ing his wife, and after her death he- wedded Miss Sarah Hawver, a 20 314 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. native of Maryland. By the second union five children were born, namely: Ada D., the wife of Fred Veach, of Liberty township; Effie L., the wife of Elmer Leggitt, of Woodville, Ohio; Elizabeth, the wife of Mtert Grant, of Pleasant township, Seneca county ; John K, who re sides on one of his father's farms; and William Harrison, Jr., who oper ates the second farm. Mr. Null gives his political support to the Democ racy. Throughout nearly his entire life he has been a resident of Seneca county, and has been identified with many of the interests that have contributed to its substantial development and improvement. His prob ity, fidelity and sterling worth have won him the unqualified confidence of his fellow townsmen, and now, in the evening of life, his pathway is brightened by the veneration and respect which ever follow an upright career. Mrs. CATHERINE BOYD. The subject of this review- has passed her entire life in Seneca county and is a worthy representative of one of its sterling pioneer fam ilies, as was also her husband, now departed this life, and thus it be comes compatible that specific mention be made of both in this com pilation. Airs. Boyd was born in Seneca county, being a, daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Elliott, the former of whom was born in the state of Pennsylvania, whence he came to- Seneca county in an early day, locating in Bloom township, wdiere he reclaimed a farm and there maintained his home for many years, being regarded as one of the representative men of the county, and being honored for his sterling integrity of purpose. He is still living, having attained the venerable age of eighty-four years, and he is now- making his home with one of his sons, in Reno county, Kansas. The mother of our subject died when the latter was but two years o-f age, and her father subsequently mar ried Miss Elizabeth Sheidler, who died three years later, and he there after consummated a third marriage, Aliss Polly Harnish becoming his CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 315 wife. She was a woman of noble character, and under her solicitous care Airs. Boyd was reared to years of maturity, receiving her educa tional discipline in the public schools in the vicinity of her home. On the 13th of December, 1867, Miss Catherine Elliott was united in marriage to Levi Franklin Boyd, who was born in Reed township, on the 24th of July, 1842, being the son of Hiram and Jane (Reed) Boyd, who were numbered among the early settlers in Reed township. Mr. Boyd was reared to manhood on the old homestead farm and was educated in the common schools of the locality and period. His intrinsic loyalty and patriotism were quickened into decisive action when the thundering" of Confederate guns against the ramparts of old Fort Sum ter announced that the nation's integrity was menaced by armed rebel lion, and in 1861 he enlisted as a private in- Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was in active service for a term of three years, and the history of this valiant regiment is practically his own history during that period of strenuous conflict through which- the Union was perpetuated. He was captured and was held in duress at Libby, Anderso-nville and other prisons of the south, and after receiving his honorable discharge he returned to' his home and here in Seneca county he ever afterward gave his attention to agricul tural pursuits. Just prior to: his marriage Mr. Boyd purchased forty acres of the present finely improved homestead, subsequently adding to the same, and it now has an area of ninety-six acres and is one of the most valuable and attractive places in the township. Here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on the 23d of Decem ber, 1893. F°r many years prior to his demise Mr. Boyd had been badly crippled with rheumatism, resulting from exposure and hardships dur ing his term of service in the civil war, and he was practically unable to do any active work for eighteen years before his death. He was a man of spotless character and held the esteem of all who knew him'. His political support was given to the Republican party, but he never sought official preferment. Fraternally Air. Boyd was identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, and he ever maintained a warm interest in his old comrades who followed the stars and stripes on many a sanguinary battle- 316 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. field of the south. He is survived by his wido-w and their one daughter, Jennie, who- is the wife of James Harrison, who- has the management of Mrs. Boyd's homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have two children, — Hazel and Frank. Mr. Boyd was a man of a high order of mentality, was progressive in his methods, animated by the highest principles, and was one whose life was prolific in good, while no: citizen of the community was more highly honored than was he, who had here passed his entire life, aiding in the development of the county and lending his influence in support of all worthy measures for the general good. His death was sincerely deplored by a wide circle of loyal friends. ROLLIN K. WILLIAMS. The most elaborate history is perforce a merciless abridgment, the historian being compelled to select his facts and materials: from manifold details, This applies to specific as well as generic history, and in the former category biography is placed. In every life of honor and useful ness there is no dearth of incident, and yet in summing up- the career of any man the writer must needs touch only the more salient points, giving the keynote of the character but eliminating all that is superfluous to the continuity of narrative. Within the pages of this work will be found individual mention of many prominent and influential citizens whose lives have been practi cally passed in Seneca county and who are representatives of pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state. Of this number is Mr. Williams, who was born on the old homestead where he now lives, in Adams township, and who is one of the progressive and successful farmers of the county. Mr. Williams was born on the 7th of December, 1844, being the son of Jeremiah Williams, Jr., who- was born in Fairfield county, Ohio-, in the year 1806, being the son of Jeremiah, Sr., a, native of Anne Arundel county, Maryland, and a soldier in the Revolutionary CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 317 war. Pie emigrated to Ohio in an early day, becoming a pioneer settler of Fairfield county, as did he later of Seneca county, to- which he re moved with his family in 1824 or 1825, taking up a tract of government land in Eden township, where he reclaimed a, good farm. The last years of his life were passed with his son, on the farm where Rollin K. now lives, his death occurring at the age of eighty-five years, while his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Gaither, died here also at the age of eighty-two. They became the parents of four sons and six daughters, and of this number none are living at the present time. The children who grew to maturity were Reuben, Elisha, Susan, Elizabeth, Mary, Eli and Jeremiah, Jr. Reuben settled in Warsaw, Indiana, where he established a newspaper, the same being now edited and published by his son, General Reuben Williams ; Elisha Williams removed to Fulton county, Ohio-; Susan married Uriah Egbert and lived in Pleasant town ship ; Elizabeth and Mary married and removed from this county ; little is known as to Eli; and Jeremiah, Jr., was the father of our subject. About 1833 Jeremjiah Williams, Jr., came to Adams township, hav ing here purchased a quarter section of heavily timbered land, only four acres having been cleared, while a primitive log cabin had been erected. In this domicile he took up his abode, and here he inaugurated the work of reclaiming and otherwise improving the farm, which continued to be his home until his death, on the 16th of August, 1878, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife survived him only nine months, both hav ing been devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in wdiich they were active workers, while to them was given the unqualified esteem of the community where they passed so many years of their lives. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Eliza L. Kinzer. and she was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Susan Rinzer. She was reared from early childhood in Eden township, where she was married, her first union having been with John Jones, and after his death was solemnized her marriage to Jeremiah Williams. Of this second union six children were born, namely: Alargaret O., a maiden lady, w-ho died on the 15th of October, 1901, having remained at the old homestead ; John, who died in infancy ; Frances Amanda, who be- 3i8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. came the wife of Jacob Yotter, of Kosciusko county, Indiana, and who died in 1874; Cyrus, a resident of Kosciusko county, Indiana; Edmund B., a farmer of Adams township; and Rollin K, the immediate subject of this sketch and the owner of the old homestead. Rollin K. Williams grew to maturity on the old homestead farm, early beginning to assist in its improvement and cultivation and secur ing his preliminary educational training in the district schools, after which he continued his studies in the academy at Republic. With the exception of an interval of six years, when- he worked at Mel more, Eden township, he has consecutively maintained his home on the old farm where he was born. A portion of the original tract has been sold, but he still owns a fine farm of ninety acres, covering the home stead, the same having the best of permanent improvements and being kept under a high- state of cultivation, yielding bounteous harvests in return for the labors and care expended. In politics Mr. Williams is a stalwart suj^porter of the Democratic party, and he has served for four teen years as justice of the peace, in which capacity he has rendered effective and impartial work. Both he and his wife are zealous and in fluential members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the office of circuit steward, trustee and assistant superintendent o-f the Sunday-school. On the 25th of November, 1869, Mr. Williams was united in mar riage to Miss- Eliza J. Endslow, who was born September 24, 1848, in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of William and Eliza (Junk) Endslow, pioneers o-f Crawford county, where the father settled as early as 1825, having emigrated thither from Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where he was born and reared. He died on the farm which he had thus entered and reclaimed, in Crawford county, in his seventy-third year. His wife was born in Ireland, whence she was brought to Pennsylvania, when eight years of age, having been reared in Juniata county, Pennsyl vania, where her marriage was solemnized. She died in Crawford county, Ohio, when her daughter, Mrs. Williams, was but two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of four children, of whom we incorporate a brief record, as' follows: Mary O. is the wife of Edward CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 319 Norris, of Scipio township, and they have two children, Carl and Alice ; Dwight O., who- is a druggist in New London, Ohio, married Miss Cora Selmann, and they have- one child, Helen ; Cassius A. is in the employ of the Toledo & Ohio Central railroad, at Columbus; and Rollin K, Jr., remains at the parental home. LEWIS J. CLOUSER. The beautiful cemetery of Green Lawn, at Tiffin, Ohio., owes much of its attractiveness to the effective efforts of Mr. Clouser, who has had charge o-f the same for more than a, decade and a half, having been chosen to the office of sexton in 1885. It is ever fitting that "God's acre" should be made as beautiful as possible, typifying the ideal life beyond and bespeaking the glories of immortality in so far as is possible ; and thus no community can claim to: have done its duty if its cemeteries are neglected and unkempt. Tiffin has placed an able incumbent in the office of sexton of Green Lawn,, where nature and art vie with each other in making attractive the city of the! dead. Mr. Clouser comes of stanch German lineage, though the name has long been identified with the annals of American history, and he is him self a native of Seneca county, where he has passed his: entire life, hav ing been born on the homestead farm, in Clinton township, on the 28th of December, 1857. His father, Aaron Clouser, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he grew to: maturity and where was sol emnized his marriage to Aliss- Anna Aker, a native of the same county. In 1848 they came to Ohio and located in Seneca county, the father purchasing a, farm two miles northeast of Tiffin and devoting his atten tion to general farming there until 1876, when, his children having married and established homes of their own, he came to- Tiffin and was made sexton and so served till his death, wdiich occurred on the 18th of September, 1900, at the venerable age of eighty-two years. He was a mem-ben of the English Lutheran church and in his earlier life had been a 320 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. quite active worker in the cause of the Republican party. He was one of the California argonauts of 1849, where he was fairly successful in mining for gold, remaining there nearly three years. He was a son of Abraham and Catherine Clouser, natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been a tailor and w-eaver by trade and a representative of a German family which located in the Keystone state in an early day. Anna ( Aker) Clouser, the mother of our subject, was born in Berks county, Pennsyl vania, and died in Seneca county, Ohio, at the age of fifty-six years, having been a devoted member of the Lutheran church. She was a daughter o-f Joseph D. and Catherine (Mosier) Aker, natives of Penn sylvania, where they passed their entire lives, the former being killed in a storm, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife passing away at the age of sixty- four; both were devoted members of the Baptist church. Of the children of Aaron and Anna (Aker) Clouser six grew to maturity, namely: Eliza, who: is the wife of Abraham Fretz, a prom inent farmer of Seneca county; Anna M., who is the wife of John E. Huffman, likewise a farmer of this county; James, a railway conductor, residing in Westchester, Pennsylvania; Lewis J., the subject of this sketch; Mary E., who is the wife of Alva H. Speck, of Tiffin, where he operates a flour mill ; and Rose Alice, who was a most devoted member of the Lutheran church, and who passed away in 1883, at the age of sixteen years. Lewis J. Clouser passed his boyhood days on the old homestead farm, early beginning to lend his aid in connection with its work, and securing his educational discipline in the district schools and the public schools in Tiffin. When twenty-one years of age he found employment at Green Lawn cemetery, with his father, who was sexton, and there after continued to- be identified with its care-taking at intervals until 1885, when he was made sexton of the same, a position which he has since retained, taking deep interest in the beautifying of the cemetery and in keeping it in immaculate order at all times. His services have been duly appreciated, as is evident from his long retention in the posi tion. In politics he has ever given a stalwart allegiance to the Re publican party, and he served for several years as a member of the board CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 321 of election judges. Fraternally he is prominently identified wdth the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed the degrees of both lodge and encampment, and also with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, at Tiffin. He is a member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran church. On the 23d of February, 1886, Air. Clouser was united in marriage to Miss Ida Speck, who was born in Clinton town ship, this county, the daughter of Peter and Mary Speck, her father hav ing been one of the pioneer farmers of this section of the state, and of this union two daughters have been born, — Martha Alice and Viola E., both of whom remain at the parental home. JOSEPH F. HOOVER. Back to stanch old German stock does Mr. Hoover trace his lineage, and that in his character abide those sterling qualities which have ever marked the true type of the German nation, is. manifest when we come to consider the more salient points in his life: history, which has been marked by consecutive industry and invincible spirit, eventuating most naturally in securing himi a high position in the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He has passed his entire life in Seneca county, where his father was one of the early pioneer settlers, contributing to its devel opment and prosperity, even as has his son in connection with the indus trial activities which have conserved consecutive advancement. Joseph F. Hoover was born on the pioneer farm in Loudon town ship-, on the 17th of October, 1843, being the fifth in order of birth of the nine children of Benedict and Frances (Miller) Hoover, and one of the four who are living at the present time, the others being Louisa, the wife of Simon Flaxenhar, of Liberty township; Andrew, of Hopewell town ship; and Mary, the wife of Henry Miller, of Loudon township. The parents were both natives of Germany, where they were reared and edu cated, coming to America- while still young, their marriage having been 322 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. solemnized soon after their arrival in New York city. Soon afterward they came' to- Seneca county, Ohio-, settling" in Loudon township,, where the father entered a tract of forty acres of government land, upon wdiich he built one o-f the primitive log houses common to the pioneers, and set himself valiantly to the task of clearing and improving" his farm. Here he and his devoted wife passed the remainder of their lives, honored by all who- knew them: and known as people of sterling character. On the old homestead Joseph F. was reared to maturity, contributing his share to the work incidental to the: same and securing a common-school educa tion. He was married in 1865, and since that time, with the exception of an interval of about three years, has lived on the farm which he now owns, the same having originally been the property of his father-in- law, one of the early settlers in the county. Directly after the death of this sterling pioneer our subject purchased the home farm, of seventy acres, to which he has since added by the purchase of eighty acres in Liberty township and eighty-five acres in Loudon township, so that he now has a valuable and well improved landed estate of two hundred and thirty-five acres, in three farms, while he has so directed his efforts as to: gain the maximum success in connection with his agricultural opera tions, being recognized as one of the progressive and representative men of this locality and commanding unqualified respect and esteem. His public-spirited attitude has gained him recognition in connection with the governmental affairs of the county, and he served two terms as trus tee of Hopewell township, in which his homle is located. His political proclivities are indicated in the unwavering allegiance which he has ever given- to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Cath olic church, in which he was reared, and of which his wife also is a com municant, being members of the congregation of St. Andrew's church. On the 3d of May, 1865, Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Aliss Nancy Anderson, who- was born on the farm where they now re side, and here she has practically passed her entire life. Her father, John Anderson, was one of the early settlers of Seneca county, having come hither from Franklin county, Ohio, and originally entering claim to- this seventy acres of government land. He later purchased an addi- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 323 tional one hundred and twenty acres, and here he passed the residue of his days, his death occurring at the age of seventy-five years. The maiden name of his wife was Candacy Chaney, and she entered into eternal rest at the age of sixty-five. Mr. and Airs. Hoover became the parents of ten children, all of whom are living except Mary, who died in infancy. The others are: Dennis, who is engaged in farming in Hopewell township; Nettie, the wife of Henry Koerper, of Liberty town ship; Jennie, the wife of Joseph Swartzmiller, of Loudon; Thomas, who resides in Tiffin; Anson, of Loudon; and Frank, Harry, Lloyd and Douglas, who remain at the parental home. LEVI CORFMAN, M. D. Among the more esteemed citizens of Tiffin, Ohio-, is Dr. Levi Corfman, who for many years has been one of the representative practi tioners of this city, and who still, at the advanced age of seventy-four, gives his professional services to those who feel the confidence in his skill which his successful career has- inspired. Tlie birth of Dr. Corfman occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, June 18, 1827, and his early years were passed on a farm. His education in the elementary branches was acquired in the district schools of his locality; and- he very distinctly recalls, the old log structure which was his alma mater, with its puncheon floor and slab benches. The pic turesque old school-house has long passed away before the march of progress, but the lessons learned within its walls prepared the ambitious youth to take1 up the study of medicine while still in early manhood. His first instructor in this science Was Dr. Bennan, of Elmore, Ohio, with whom he continued for some years, improving his time so well that he was then considered capable of taking charge of a practice in Belle Vernon, Wyandot county, Ohio, where he remained for two years. The young physician then moved to Pleasantville, Fairfield county, Ohio, and remained there during four years, locating then in Berwick, Seneca 324 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. county, where he remained for three months. The next four years were spent in Wyandot county, where he had made many friends during his. previous residence, going from bis old location to Corey, in the same County, and remaining there for four years also, at the end of this period going to- Findlay, where he immediately entered upon a successful profes sional career wdiich continued up to the time of his removal to- Tiffin, in 1881. Since locating in this city Dr. Corfman has been a signally success ful physician. Although he was educated in the old schools of medicine, long experience has made almost every human ill familiar to him, and his successful treatment and skill has proved that the foundations of med ical science are the same, and also- that schools and colleges do- not make physicians'. A real physician is born, as surely as is an artist. For a long time Dr. Corfman's services, were given upon the call of necessity, no matter how inclement the weather or how pressing his own needs; but advancing years made it necessary to- restrict his practice, and he has, for the past nine years, only given his attention to- chronic cases, many of them being those given up by younger physicians. Dr. Corf man is a man o-f wonderful vitality, bears his years well and is more active than many men of one-half his age. He is kept busily occupied with his office practice, and he will be sadly missed when he no longer consents to give the benefit of his long experience. On October 12, 1851, Dr. Corfman was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Decker, of Fairfield county, Ohio, a most estimable lady, who still survives. Tlie family of children born to Dr. and Mrs. Corfman were eight in number, two sons and one daughter still surviving, namely : Abraham, who is a successful' physician at Toledo-, Ohio; John, who is engaged in farming in Seneca county; and Lillie V., who- is a graduate of the high school and who resides at home. The other children were : Elizabeth, who died at the age of ten years ; Susan V., who died at the age of twenty-one in Findlay ; Etta, who died at the age of ten years ; Maggie ML, Who married J. D. Rolley and died at the age of twenty- eight, leaving one child, Lillie Inez, who died in childhood; and Sarah C, who died, unmarried, at the age of twenty-eight years. In his political convictions Dr. Corfman is an adherent of the Dem- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 325 ocratic part}-, although he takes no active interest in politics, beyond voting. Both he and wife are connected with the Evangelical church, where they are both held in high esteem. WILLIAM' DUDRO'W One and three-fourths males to: the southeast of the thriving little city of Green Spring is located the fine homestead farm of the subject of this review, who- is one of the native sons of Seneca county, of which his father was a pioneer settler. Air. Dudrow is prominently concerned in the raising of and dealing" in high-grade live stock and his progressive methods and discriminating judgment have placed him among the suc cessful farmers and business men of his native county, while he has so ordered his life as to gain and retain the confidence and high regard of those with whom he has been thrown in contact. It is clearly incumbent that a sketch of his life be incorporated in a work having to do with the representative citizens of the county. Mr. Dudrow was born on the pioneer homestead, in Adams town ship, Seneca county, on the 22d of August, 1856, the son of David W. and Alary J. (Rule) Dudrow, the former of whom was born in Fred erick county, Alaryland, and the latter in Seneca county, Ohio. The father of our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, and as a young man emigrated thence to the sylvan wilds of Seneca county, Ohio, where he was employed for a time on a farm and then rented land. Finally he purchased a tract of sixty acres, near the present home of his son Frederick W., to which latter he eventually removed and here passed the residue of his life, having reclaimed his farm and placed the major portion of the same under effective cultivation. At the time of his death he was the owner of about three hundred acres of land, his demise occurring in Alay, 1888, at the age of sixty-three years, while his widow is still living on the old homestead, aged about sixty-eight years. In politics he was a Republican, and both he and his wife be- 326 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. came devoted members of the United Brethren church, being honored as sterling pioneers of the county. They became the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living, namely : Byron, a prominent attorney of Fremont, Ohio; William, the subject of this review; Fred erick W., a successful farmer and stock-grower of Adams township- and associated with our subject in business; and Jennie, the wife of George Baker, of Adams township. William Dudrow grew to maturity on the old homestead, early be ginning to aid in its reclamation and cultivation and securing his pre liminary educational training in the district schools, after which he continued his studies for a time in the academy at Republic, an institu tion held in high regard in the early days and the precursor of the present normal school at that place. Mr. Dudrow remained at the parental home until his marriage, which was solemnized on the 19th of October, 1881, when Miss Adelle Crockett became his wife, she being the daugh ter of Edward and Eliza (Brown) Crockett, pioneers of Adams town ship, where Mrs. Dudrow was born and reared. Of this union two children have been born, — William and Mary, both of whom remain at the parental home. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Dudrow located on his present homestead, of which his father had still retained possession, and here he has since maintained his home, having developed the place to a state of high productiveness and made the best of improve ments of a permanent nature, including a commodious and attractively located residence. Here he is the owner of a tract of one hundred and forty acres, while he is associated with his brother Frederick W. in the ownership of an additional one hundred and twenty acres, — a part of the old homestead. He devoted his attention to general farming until 1890, when he entered into partnership with his brother and instituted the buying and shipping of live stock upon a somewdiat extensive scale, handling cattle, hogs and sheep and gradually expanding the scope of operations until the business is now one of marked importance. In addi tion to- thus handling stock he utilizes his farm to a great extent in the breeding and raising of high-grade cattle and swdne, and the brothers have through their well directed enterprise attained a, success of pro^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 327 nounced order, doing much to- advance the stock interests of this section of the state, and being honored as capable, conscientious and energetic business men. In politics Mr. Dudrow supports the Republican party, and he served for six years as trustee of his township, ever showing his interest in all that touches the general welfare of the community. THOMAS H. ARTES. Residing in the midst of the oil regions of Ohio, Thomas H. Artes, of Fostoria, is well known as an operator and contractor, having for a number of years been extensively engaged in the development of oil wells in this portion of Ohio. He is numbered among the native sons of Penn sylvania, his birth having occurred in Warren county, that state, in 1854. His father, William Artes, was a native of Tidioute, Warren county, and was a son of Thomas Artes, a lumberman who had extensive business interests in that portion of the state. He was born in the eastern part of Pennsylvania,and as he passed through the years of manhood accumulated a handsome competence as the result of extensive and important business interests. His son, the father of our subject, w"as also connected with lumbering interests in Pennsylvania. He married Catherine Clark, also a native of the Reystone state. Seven children blessed this union, the subject of this sketch being the fourth son. Throughout his entire life Thomas H. Artes has been interested in the development of the oil industry. He began this work in Pennsyl vania, and in 1896 came to Fostoria, where he has ever since drilled and operated in oil wells in connection with others, and all his wells have been fair producers. He is an experienced judge of oil lands and can fairly estimate the probable flow and quality of oil, so that his invest ments, being judiciously made, have resulted in bringing satisfactory- financial returns. In the state of his nativity Mr. Artes was united in marriage to Miss Letta L. Maultby, and unto them have been born four children, a daughter 328 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and three sons, namely : Anna, Harry, Wilbur and Ben. Both himself and wife are well known in Fostoria, where they have many warm friends, ever showing a working interest in all that makes for the eleva tion o-f thought and life in the community. RAWSON CROCKER. Rawson Crocker, of Fostoria, is a representative of an honored pioneer family of this portion of the state. He was born in this city in 1 84 1 and is of Welsh extraction, his ancestry being traced back to Seth Crocker, who resided in Washington county, New York. He was the great-grandfather of our subject, whose grandfather was John Crocker. The latter married Lucy Bartlett and immigrated westward, taking up his abode in Seneca township, Seneca county, Ohio-, in 1823, and there remaining about nine years, at the expiration of which, in 1832, he removed to- Loudon township. This worthy couple became the par ents of two children, — Roswell and Laura. The latter was married to the Hon. C. W. Foster, of Fostoria, and still resides in this city, at the age of ninety-six years. She is the mother of ex-Governor Charles Fos ter, one of the distinguished citizens of Ohio-, who served most capably as chief executive of the state. Roswell Crocker, the father of our sub ject, was born in Cambridge, Washington county, New York, May 25, 1806. WTith his parents he came to1 Ohio, and through many years he was prominently identified with the substantial improvement and up building of Seneca county. He entered from the government a tract of land, and upon a, portion of the same the city o-f Fostoria now stands. He made the first plat of the town, which he called Rome. It was in 1832 when he took up his abode here and established a milling business, conducting a sawmill from that date until 1837. He then erected a grist mill which he operated until 1846. Leaving the town he then removed to a farm ten miles south of Fostoria and built a flourmill and sawmill at Springville. At that point he carried on his milling operations until CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 329 about 1852, when he sold out and returned to Fostoria, building here another flouring mill, which he conducted until 1865. In that year he retired from business, having in the meantime accumulated a comfort able competence, wdnch enabled him to rest from his former labors. In the early days when business development was yet in its infancy, his enterprise proved of vast benefit to- his fellow citizens and at the same time brought to him creditable success. He lived to be more than ninety- three years of age and passed away December 30, 1899, respected and honored by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah A. Cooper, was a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, her parents being William and Anna (Giles) Cooper. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Crocker were born two sons, but the brother of our subject, Allen Crocker, died in 1865, at the age of twenty-six years. Rawson Crocker has spent the greater part of his life in Fostoria and after attending the public schools here he continued his education in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He is also a graduate of Eastman's Business College, of Poughkeepsie, New York, and when mental training had prepared him for the practical duties of life he became a factor in business circles in his native town, where he has since remained. He was only sixteen years of age when, in 1857, he began to clerk for the old firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company, be coming a partner of that concern in 1867, and remaining for a period of six years. Since 1875 he has engaged in the grocery business and in real estate dealing. From 1878 to: 1894 he was also engaged in the insurance business, and at the present time he is a stockholder in the Seneca. County Bank. His attention is largely given to the superin tending of his investments and his property interests. His business career has ever been marked by diligence and enterprise and as the years have passed he has accumulated a handsome competence. In 1867 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Crocker and Miss; Lucy E. Caples, a daughter of Philip D. and Sarah (Brown) Caples. Her mother was a daughter of Major Case Brown, whose family came from Canada to Ohio. The Caples were early settlers here, taking, up their abode in Seneca county in 1832. Philip D. Caples, the father 21 330 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of Mrs. Crocker, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, March 5, 1816, and was a son of Robert F. and Charlotte F. Caples, natives of Mary land and Pennsylvania, respectively. About 1819 they came to Ohio, settling in Wayne county, and in 1832 they took up their abode in Jackson township, Seneca county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Crocker has been blessed with four children: John R., of this city; Charles P., who is connected with the Seneca County Bank, of Fos toria; Ross E., who- is with the Crouse-Tremaine Carbon Company; and Fred, — all the children being residents of Fostoria. Mr. Crocker exercises his right o-f franchise in support of Republican principles, and for one term served as a member of the city council. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic order. Viewed in a personal light he is a strong man, — strong in his honor and his good name. His business interests have claimed much of his attention, yet he has ever found time to- faithfully discharge the duties of citizenship- and promote public progress through active co-operation in all measures for the general good. HOWARD S. FREE. A prominent farmer of Reed township, Seneca county, Ohio, Mi. Free is the representative of one of the county's earliest pioneer families. He was born on the farm where he now resides, on the 21st of July, i860, a son of John and Eliza (Wolf) Free. The father traced his na tivity to the Old Dominion, his birth having there occurred about 1820, a son of George and Elizabeth (Ellenberger) Free. When a child he accompanied his parents on their removal to Seneca county, Ohio, the family being among the earliest settlers of Bloom township, where the father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, now known as the old Goose Pond farm. There the son John was reared to years of maturity, and in his youth the Indian children, who were then numerous in this portion of the state, were his playmates. Prior to his marriage he re- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 331 moved to- Scipio township, there purchasing the farm now owned by James Knapp, on which he located after his marriage, and in addition to the conduct of this place he also farmed the old Free homestead which he later acquired. After his father's death, however, he sold his posses sions there and came to Reed township, where land could be purchased at a more reasonable figure, and here be became extensively engaged in the raising of sheep, owning from five to six hundred head. In this enter prise his efforts were rewarded with a high degree of success and he be came a very wealthy man. His landed "possessions were also- very exten sive, consisting of five hundred acres in the home farm, one hundred and sixty in Scipio- township and' one hundred acres in Huron county. His life's labors were ended in death on the 4th of April, 1874, and from his honorable career many lessons may be gleaned, — lessons of independence and self-reliance, of regard for the rights and feelings of others, o-f cour age in the time of reverses and affliction. He was a. Democrat in his political views, and at various times served his township- as its trustee, but he never desired the honors or emoluments of public office. For many years he was a worthy member of the United Brethren church, in which he held various official positions, and was ever a faithful worker in the cause of his Master. As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Free chose Miss Elizabeth Wolf, who was born about 1823, a daughter of Samuel Wolf and Susanna Bretz. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Free five are now living, namely: Martha J., the wife of B. F. Moore, of Cherryvale, Kansas ; Euphrasia, the wife of Levi Keller, of Reed township, Seneca county ; Octavia, the wife of J. H. Cook, the history of whom follows this sketch; Howard S., the subject of this review; and Oresta E., the wife of W. R. Bathrick, of Norwalk, Ohio. Howard S. Free, of this review, was but fourteen years of age when his father died, and for the following" five years he made his home with his brother-in-law, Levi Keller, who resided on the old homestead farm. On the expiration of that period our subject, then, in his nineteenth year, took charge of the home place, renting the same, which consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, from his mother. The place was divided after 332 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his father's death, our subject receiving as his share of the estate one hundred and five acres, situated just across the road from the old home, but this he subsequently sold and purchased the old Free homestead, for which be received a quit-claim deed, and here he has ever since made his home. In the business world he ranks with the ablest, and his efforts along the line of his chosen occupation have been attended with a well merited degree of success. The year 1884 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Free and Miss Cora Neikirk, a native of Reed township and a daughter of Daniel and Sarah J. (Milton) Neikirk, residents of Venice township, Seneca county. They have become the parents of three children, — Amy I., Iva M. and John O. Mr. Free gives his political support to the Republican party, and on its ticket he has been a candidate for the positions of trustee, treasurer and justice of the peace, but at each election was defeated by a small majority as the township, is strongly Democratic. He is one of the leading mem bers of the United Brethren church, in which he has filled the offices of steward and trustee and has also served as superintendent of the Sunday- school. JOHN HENRY COOR. J. H. Cook, one of the prominent and successful agriculturists of Seneca county, was born in Prussia, Germany, April 2, 185 1, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Determan) Cook. The name was formerly spelled Koch, but the present generation have adopted the English orthography of Cook. Our subject was reared to years of maturity in his parents' home, and in the common schools of the locality he enjoyed his early educational advantages, which, however, were extremely limited, he never having attended school after his sixteenth year. At the age of twenty- one years he began the active battle of life on his own account by working in the woods at stave-making. Immediately after his marriage he pur chased one hundred and fifty-one acres of land, his present home place, and- from that time until the present he has met with a well merited degree CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 333 o-f success. As the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has been enabled to add. to his possessions, first purchasing one hundred acres of land five miles west of the home farm, which is in his wife's name, and in 1899 he bought one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, making in all four hundred and eleven acres of excellent farming land. In addition to this he also owns a forty-acre tract in Nebraska. By persistent energy and considerable foresight he has been enabled to succeed in his farming operations, and he now has one of the best improved and most fertile properties in this section of the county. The marriage of Mr. Cook was celebrated on the 10th of February, 1876, when Aliss Octavia Free became his wife. She is a native of Scipio township, Seneca county, and a daughter of John Free, now deceased. Unto this union have been born four children, — A. Ray, Ariey F., Lynn E. and Almetta B., all at home. Mr. Cook exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and for about six terms he has served his township efficiently as its trustee, while for the j>ast six years he has filled the office of justice of the peace, his term of office expiring in 1902. Mrs. Cook is a member of the United Brethren church. The family is one of prominence in this locality, and all who know them entertain for them highest respect. DR. JOHN W. MARTIN. Among the representative citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Dr. John W. Martin, who for many years was a leading dental practitioner in this city, a man who stood at the head of his profession in this vicinity. The birth of Dr. Martin was on March 3, 1832, on his father's farm in Clinton township, Seneca county, Ohio, and he was a son of John and Barbara (Broadbrick) Martin. His father, John Alartin, was born in Maryland, his parents both being natives of Frederick county, in that state, and he was reared there to manhood and was married there. His trade was that of millwright, and this he followed in Frederick county 334 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. until 1826, when he was attracted to the rich lands then being opened up for settlement in Seneca county, Ohio. He entered land located three miles north of the present city of Tiffin, although at that time the settle ment consisted of but a few houses. Here Mr. Martin built his log cabin, the typical home of the pioneer, began the clearing of his land and also worked at his trade, along the river, as opportunity offered. Later he gave up this branch of activity and turned his whole attention to farming, clearing and improving more land, and at the time of his death was a man of substance and had spent his seventy-one years as became an honest and upright man. In his political beliefs, Mr. Martin was a Whig, although he was not an active partisan. During his early and middle life he was a working member of the Reformed church and was a trustee in the first church of that denomination in Tiffin. Later he became connected with the United Brethren denomination, but no matter what difference existed in the doctrine, he did his full duty as he saw it, and was a man whose memory is honored. He served in the war of 1812, being at Baltimore when the British general Ross was killed. He began life dependent upon his own resources and left an estate consisting of eighty acres, of excellent, well- improved land. The mother of Dr. Martin was a native of Pennsylvania and was a woman- of many Christian virtues, a devoted mother and a consistent member of the United Brethren church. Her death took place at the age of eighty-one years, and both she and husband were buried in Fairmount cemetery, in this city. The family consisted of six children, but all of these have passed away with the exception of the subject of this sketch. David G, the eldest son, became a carpenter, and while still in early man hood located in Dayton, Ohio, where he died at the age of eighty-four ; Margaret married Daniel Shaw and she died at the age of forty-five; Mary died- at the age of sixteen ; Sophia married Lucas Flack and lived to the age of sixty-eight; and Elizabeth died when a maiden of sixteen. The boyhood days of John W. Martin, who was the youngest of his parents' children, were spent on the farm, and his early education was acquired in the district schools. Later he enjoyed, a term of nine months' CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 335 instruction at Otterbein University, at Westerville, returning then to his father's farm, which he continued to operate until his twenty-fifth year. At this time, having lost his wife, he became sufficiently interested in the subject of dentistry to take up its study, for this purpose entering the office of Dr. Franklin, of Tiffin, a well known dentist of that time. Dr. Martin first located, for practice in this profession, in Westerville, in wdiich pleas ant town he remained- for two years, coming to Tiffin in 1861, where he soon built up a lucrative practice, which continued to increase until his re tirement from activity, in 1892. During all these years he has grown with the advances made in his chosen profession, and few practitioners in this locality more thoroughly enjoyed the confidence of the public. The marriage of Dr. Martin was on March 24, 1853, to Miss Rachel A. Berkey, of Liberty township, Seneca county, who was a daughter of John and Lydia (Ream) Berkey, farming people of this county. She died in 1855, having been a consistent member of the United Brethren church. She left one daughter, Rachel S., who married H. H. Neligh and now resides with her father. She has two children : Ralph A., aged twenty, and Clara Martin Neligh, aged seventeen. The second marriage of Dr. Alartin was to Elizabeth A. Souder, of this township, who was a daughter of John. and Elizabeth Souder, who came to this county, pio neers, in 1825, buying land located one and one-half miles north of Tiffin. The father of Mrs. Martin was a farmer and a local preacher in the Methodist church. Mrs. Martin died in 1884, her life having been one of good deeds. In his political attachment Dr. Martin has been a life-long Repub lican, and has been an active member of his party and influential in its councils. For a period lasting since his twentieth year, he has been a member of the Alethodist church, and is a trustee in the same. Since retiring from the practice of the profession, which he adorned for so many years, Dr. Martin has enjoyed a quiet life, having ample means. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres of excellent land, and in addition to this owns some half dozen residences in this city, while his own home on North Washington street is one of the most desirable in this locality. Dr. Martin is well known and is universally 336 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. respected. His prominence in his profession, his devotion to his party and his leadership- in his church, have marked him as one of the repre sentative citizens of Tiffin. HENRY W. CREEGER. It is eminently fitting that in this work be entered a memoir of the honored subject of this: review, who was one of the influential citizens of Seneca county, where he practically passed his entire life, lending his aid in reclaiming this section of the state from the sylvan wilds, enduring the vicissitudes and disadvantages of the pioneer epoch and ever order ing his life according to- the highest principles of honor and integrity, thus gaining and retaining the confidence and good will of his fellow men. He was a man of indomitable perseverance, distinct individuality and most kindly nature, and now that he has passed forward to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns," he leaves the legacy of an unblemished life and one that was prolific in usefulness and worthy example. Mr. Creeger was of German lineage, though the family has been identified wdth the annals of American history for several generations. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, on the ist of April, 1823,- one of the ten children of Henry and Catherine (McDonald) Creeger. Of the children only two- survive,. — Margaret, the widow of Adam Mil ler, of Hopewell township; and Mary, the widow of Jeremiah Matthews, of Niles, Michigan. The father, Henry W Creeger, was born on a farm in Frederick county, Maryland, and he was reared and educated in his native state, where he continued in agricultural pursuits until 1825, when he emigrated to- Seneca county, Ohio, being accompanied by his wife and children. When he arrived in this section of Ohio- he found the locality almost an unbroken wilderness, Indians still being" common, while bears, deer and other beasts of the forest were to be encountered on every side. He entered claim to a quarter section of government CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 337 land, in Hopewell township, and the same is now the beautiful farm homestead of Mrs. Creeger, the widow of our subject. He built a log- cabin in the forest and in this primitive domicile the family installed their "household gods," thus dedicating the little dwelling with the sacred name of home. In noting the well tilled fields, the attractive residence and other improvements which mark this fine homestead to day, it is difficult to realize that only a few years ago- w-as to be found only this little cabin, snugly ensconced amid the giant trees of the forest primeval. What the labor involved, What the deprivations en dured, what the courage and fortitude brought to bear and what the mutual aid and solicitude accorded, it remains for the pages of history to reverently record. The work of reclaiming the farm proceeded and here the father of oiir subject continued to live and labor until death set its seal upon his mortal lips, his demise occurring when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-one years and had begun to- reap the fruits of his ceaseless toil and- endeavor. His devoted wife preceded him into eternal rest, having passed away at the age of sixty-one. Later on he found a second companion and worthy help-meet, being united in mar riage to Mrs. Catherine (Wertz) Brendle, the w-idow of Jacob- Brendle. No children Were born of this union, and Mrs. Creeger, a devoted Christian woman- of noble character, passed to her reward at the age of seventy-one years. She was born in Germany, where she was reared and educated and where her marriage to Jacob Brendle occurred. There his death occurred and later his widow came with her five children to America, in 1854, becoming a resident of Seneca county, where her marriage to Mr. Creeger was solemnized. The five children o-f the first marriage were as follows. : Jacob Brendle, a farmer of Hopewell town ship; George, a resident of Tiffin, this county; Barbara, the lately de ceased widow of Alichael Walters, cf Hopewell township; Alargaret, the wife of Jacob Fleckner, of Loudon township; and Christena, who is the widow of the subject of this memoir and who was but an infant at the time of her father's death. By the two marriages noted the singu lar condition came about that she was the daughter-in-law of her own mother. 338 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Henry W. Creeger was a child of two years when his parents came to Seneca county, so that practically his entire life was here passed. He grew to maturity on the old pioneer farm in the forest and early began to assist in the work of reclaiming the land and placing it under culti vation. It is a matter of record that he aided in clearing the road from the homestead to Tiffin, this thoroughfare being literally hewed out through the forest. The schools of the place and period were neces sarily primitive in character, but he took advantage of such opportunities as were afforded, and thus gained the foundation for that broad in formation and mature wisdom which came to him through the practical duties and associations of later years. As a: young man he assumed marital responsibilities, taking unto- himself a wife, in the person of Aliss Ruth A. Culverson, who- was born in this county, where her parents were likewise early settlers. Of the four children resulting from this union three yet survive, namely: Osra John, of Tiffin; Chippewa L., of Cass county, Missouri; and Melissa A., the wife of Sylvester Wagner, of Tiffin. After his marriage Mr. Creeger remained on the old home stead for a time and then removed to a tract of eighty acres which he had purchased, in the same township, the same adjoining his father's farm and being now a portion of the Adam Miller property. He remained on this place until about 1858, when, his father having died in the mean while, he purchased the old homestead and there continued toi reside until his death' on the 17th of April, 1896. His life was in every way exem plary and his loss was deeply felt in the community, while to those of his immediate family his memory will ever abide as: a benediction and a guide. In politics- he was a, Republican, and his religious faith was that of the Church of God, of which he was a zealous: member. He left a valuable estate, and upon the home farm he operated a stone quarry for some years after his return to the same, this industry proving profitable. The attractive and commodious residence which his widow now occu pies, and which is hallowed by the memories and associations of the past, was erected by him in 1876. On the 15th of January, 1864, was solemnized Mr. Creeger's second marriage. He then wedded Miss Christina. Brendle, who was born in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 339 Germany, and concerning whose parentage and early life due mention has already been made. She survives her husband and still resides in the old home, cherished by her children and by the wide circle of friends gained during her long residence in the county. She is a, type of that noble womanhood which has played so prominent a part in the history of the development and progress of this section, and here she has main tained her home since her childhood days. Of her ten children four are deceased, namely : Jesse Lawrence, who died at the age of two- years ; Minnie Viola, who died at the age of ten; Henry Oliver, who: passed away at the age of fourteen ; and Bertha, who became the wife of George Shaull and died at the age of twenty-one years. Of the surviving chil dren we enter the following brief record: Elnora J. is the wife of William Conr.ad, of Eden township; James W. has charge of eighty acres of the old homestead ; Mary Catherine is the wife of John King, of this1 township; Charles R. operates the remaining eighty acres of the home farm ; Ida E. is the wife of Oliver King ; and Burdette is still with his mother. OWEN HAINES. One of the well known and representative farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Owen Haines, who is a man of means, prominence and influence in Seneca township. The birth of Owen Haines was in Carroll county, Maryland, Sep tember 15, 1830, and he was a son of Job and Ann (Sweitzer) Haines, to whom were born nine children. The names of the latter were : Uriah, deceased; Josiah, of Adrian, Ohio; Eleanor, deceased; Jonathan, of Carey, Ohio; Owen, of this biography; Levi, of Carey; Ann, deceased; Lydia, the wife of William Myers, of Tiffin ; and Mary Jane, the wife of J. J. Yent, of Adrian. Job Haines left his home in Carroll county, Maryland, in 1840, and came to> Seneca county, Ohio, making the long journey by teams, bring ing along as many of the old home belongings as was possible. The 540 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. farm which he selected was then owned by David Elder and consisted of two tracts, of eighty and one hundred and sixty acres, in Seneca town ship, the improvements being a log cabin of two rooms, surrounded by twenty acres of cleared land. For this farm Mr. Haines paid the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. Here his life ended within five years, his death being probably hastened by hard work on his farm. He wras but forty-five years of age at the time, and our subject was but fifteen, The latter was spared his mother until 1856, when she, too, passed away. Owen Haines of this sketch was ten years old when his parents located in this township and county. At the age of eighteen he went to Tiffin and there entered upon an apprenticeship to the mason's trade, at which he worked for three years. The excitement over the discovery of gold in California had reached this town and many men both young and old left everything to try their fortunes in the mines. Among those who left Tiffin on March 22, 1852, bound for California, was Mr. Haines. He joined a party of ninety-six and reached California on August 27, 1852, after traveling five months. As this party started out over a known trail and was well equipped, each man having either a horse or a mule, they reached their destination without serious mishap. From Kansas City, which then consisted of one log cabin, they took ox teams and some four hundred milch cows. This overland trip was made by way of Salt Lake City, but the return one was made by water, in 1855, after three years of satisfactory success. After his return to Tiffin, Mr. Haines had the satisfaction of being able to purchase the old home farm, wdiere he continued to reside until 1870, at which time he sold it, its present owner being James Pennington, and removed to the farm which he now occupies. Here he has a fine farm of ninety-four acres which he has placed under a fine state of culti vation, while he has also made substantial and permanent improvements, which have added greatly to its appearance and value. Mr. Haines was married, in 1858, to Miss Nancy Terflinger, and a family of six children was born to this union, named : Levi, Esther, Ida M., Charley, Leroy and Bertha, all of whom are still living. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 341 In his political connection Mr. Haines has been all his life identified with the Republican party. In 1864 he enlisted as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment when it was sent to the defense of Washing ton city. He is a member of General W. H. Gibson Post, G. A. R., of Tiffin, and is a very active member of the Masonic fraternity, with which he has been connected for forty-eight years. He was one of the charter members of Wyandot Lodge, No 315, of McCutchenville, with which he is still in connection, and wdiere he has served in a number of official positions. The only other charter members still living are George Mul- holland, of the vicinity of Adrian, who is still a member, and Benjamin Brundage, of Bakerville, California. Mr. Haines is one of the very intelligent, substantial and responsible men of this township. He has been a successful agriculturist and has done much to develop the resources of his fine estate, making another of the fine farms which are the pride of Seneca county. He enjoys the respect and esteem of the public as a man of integrity, while he is much beloved in the narrower circle of private life. HON. JAMES V. MAGERS. Among the distinguished citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, James V. Magers has been prominent for a number of years, being a well-known educator and successful business man, as well as a leader in political life, and a factor of value in the development of this section of the county. He is now occupying the highest political office in the gift of his fellow-citizens, that of mayor of the city of Tiffin. Mr. Magers is a product of the state of Ohio, his birth having taken place in Canton, Stark county, May 17, 1842. The home of the paternal ancestors of our subject was for several generations in the state of Mary land, his great-grandfather having belonged to the company of gentle men who accompanied Lord Baltimore in his visit to the colonies. Law- 342 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. rence Magers, the grandfather of James V., was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland, and there occurred the birth of Joseph E. Magers, the well known father of our subject, of this city. As soon as Joseph E. Magers attained a suitable age he entered upon an apprenticeship to a millwright, and when proficient made his way to Canton, Ohio-, where there was need of his skilled services in the construction of mills. He was there engaged in mill construction, when, on account o-f failing health he was obliged to give up his work. He came with his family to- Seneca county and en gaged in farming, having invested in land in Seneca township. After ward he bought another farm situated two and one-half miles east of Tiffin and resided here from 1871 to 1894, at which time he retired from active agricultural life, thenceforth residing in this city until his death in the following year at the age of seventy-seven. Mr. Magers had been for years prominently identified with Demo cratic politics and served this county as commissioner for six years with the greatest efficiency, filling at various times other offices of responsibilty. He was long a justice of the peace, also served in the caj>acity of infirmary director. He was a man of strong political convictions, never swerving in his adherence to the party of his choice. He was married in Stark county to Aliss Mary A. Sneeringer, who was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and who accompanied her mother to this locality. Her death took place in 1897, at the age of seventy-three years. A numerous family consisting of eleven children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Magers, six of whom grew to maturity. James V. Magers was ten years old when his parents located in Seneca county. His early years were passed in attendance at school, and when about seventeen he entered Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, where he was pursuing his studies at the outbreak of the Civil war, which in terrupted his college course for the time being. This interruption caused Mr. Magers to turn but more closely to an intellectual life, and he natur ally engaged in teaching, occupying his winters in this way, while there was always need of his assistance on the farm during the summer seasons. For nine years prior to 1881 he devoted the entire school year to teaching in this county, making his home, in New Reigel and becoming one of .the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 343 most popular educators in the county. During this time he served for two years as clerk of Seneca township, and seven years as clerk of Big Spring township, during all these years making warm and loyal friend ships. In 1881 Mr. Magers was elected clerk of Seneca county. Aban doning the professional life he moved to Tiffin to enter upon the duties of his office. These obligations were performed in a maimer which re sulted in a re-election in 1884. Later he became part owner and manager of the Tiffin Weekly News, a journal which had a large circulation throughout the county. AVhile engaged in this line of business he was appointed assignee of a large manufacturing concern, the Belgium Glass Works Company, and as the affairs o-f this company were in a complicated condition he severed his connection wdth the paper and gave his whole attention to the final adjustment of the company's affairs. Mr. Magers then embarked in the business of fire insurance, which he carried on until 1900, although in 1899 he had been elected by his fel low citizens to the office of mayor. So well did his administration suit the populace that his re-election in 1901 gave universal satisfaction. As a public official Mr. Magers has upheld the dignity of the place and with commendable public spirit has encouraged all the measures which he has been assured would reflect honor upon the city. Mayor Magers was united in marriage on January 7, 1868, to Miss Mary J. Adelsperger, of this county, and six children have been born to this union, two of whom died in infancy, the survivors being : Charles F., who is a rising young physician, of this city; and Olive I., Camilla E. and Victor L., the last mentioned a student of Heidelberg University. The family is one of culture and refinement and prominent in social circles. Mr. Magers has been a, consistent- politician, never wavering in his devotion to the Democratic party, in which he has been active since his sixteenth year. He has personal friends by the score and his political friends know that he has always been true to. them. Air. Magers is highly esteemed in Tiffin ; while many do not agree with him on political matters, they give him unbounded credit for the excellent administration he has given their city. 344 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. MICHAEL ARBOGAST. Michael Arbogast, who- is engaged in general farming and stock- raising in Seneca township, was born in Pendleton county, Virginia, August i, 1824, and is a representative of one of the early families of the Old Dominion. His grandfather was Henry Arbogast, whose son, Peter Arbogast, the father of our subject, was likewise a native of Pen dleton county. When he had attained his majority he married Sophia Arbogast, who- was born in the same locality, and they became the par ents of four children : Jesse, who died near Bushnell, Illinois ; Phebe, who became the wife of T. J. Windsor; Christina, who married Aaron Carr; and Michael. AVith the exception of our subject all have now- passed away. It was in the fall of 1826 that Peter Arbogast, accom panied by his family, together with Andrew Arbogast and his family, left Virginia for Ohio. The Buckeye state was just then being opened up to civilization. Some districts had previously been settled, but the greater part of the land still belonged to the government and progress and improvement were scarcely known. The party left Virginia with a four-horse team and traveled across the country, fording streams and making their way through almost impenetrable forests until they reached Seneca county. Casting in his lot with its jiioneer settlers, Peter Arbogast purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Hopewell township. This had previously been entered from the gov ernment and upon the farm was a log cabin containing one room. There was also a log barn and a. few acres had been cleared. It is a part of the farm now owned by Mr. Zarges, Mr. Arbogast resided upon that place until his death, which occurred in 1835. He aided in laying out roads and in organizing schools, always performing his share in every frontier work which has led to the present development and progress of the county. His wife: survived him many years, pass ing away in 1861. She had received the constant care and attention of her son whose solicitude was never abated. Michael Arbogast, the youngest child, was only two years of age when brought by his parents to Seneca county, where he has spent CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 345 all the years of his childhood and manhood. He aided in the difficult task of clearing the farm] and preparing the fields for cultivation, and when the land became arable he bore his part in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. As his father died when he was only nine years of age, he and his mother carried on the farm, together operating the land, with the aid of an ox team. It was in 1855 that he took up his abode upon the place wdiere he is yet living. All through the years of an active and useful manhood he has devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and in the legitimate channels of business he has won a very desirable competence. On the nth of March, 1852, Mr. Arbogast was united in mar riage to- Miss Jane R. Stoner, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Reagan) Stoner, and she died June 2^, 1882, their union having been blessed . with nine children, namely : Alice, who married Jacob Staib, is now deceased; John F. is a resident of Seneca township; Nettie is the wife of Robert E. Lutz, of Oklahoma; Lewis is a mechanic and resides in Tiffin; Charles resides near .Bushnell, Illinois; Rush operates the home stead farm; and three sons passed away in childhood. Mr. Arbogast put forth every effort to make a comfortable home for his family and to give his children those opportunities by which they were well prepared for the practical and. responsible duties of life. He first purchased, in 1854, one hundred and twenty-three acres of land, the improvements on which consisted of a log house and a log barn. He went in debt for the entire amount, three thousand six hun dred and ninety dollars, and this was all paid in three years. Fifty acres had been cleared and in course of time his fields were green with the crops that promised golden harvests. As his financial resources in creased he added to: his landed possessions and within the borders of the home farm' are now comprised two hundred- acres. He also owns another farm, of one hundred acres., in Seneca township, and upon both he has made excellent improvements, erecting in 1875 one of the most pretentious brick residences in the vicinity. He has used the latest machinery for facilitating farm work, has erected good barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and has in every 23 346 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. way a very valuable and desirable property. He has never sought office, for his attention has been claimed by his business interests. His resi dence in the county covers more than three-quarters of a century, ana the present generation cannot realize the changes which have occurred during this period. Mr. Arbogast remembers seeing many Indians in the locality and has driven through Tiffin with ox team many a time when the mud came up to the hubs of the wagon wheels. The flourish ing city then contained only a few pioneer cabins and the county gave little promise of its present splendid development. However, the pio neers laid broad and deep the foundation for its present progress, Mr. Arbogast performing his full share in the work of citizenship. He has ever favored reform and improvement, and his labors have been effect ive in promoting the general welfare. Owing to his father's death he early had to take up the responsible duties of a business career, and industry, economy and honesty have- been salient features in his his tory, enabling him to advance steadily until he now occupies a promi nent place on the plane of affluence. AARON SHIREMAN. In recalling the well-known and highly esteemed citizens of Seneca county, Ohio-, who, by honest and industrious lives have accumulated property and attained prominence in this locality, Aaron Shireman, a resident of Seneca township, demands mention. Mr. Shireman is a native not only of the county but also of the town ship where he now lives, having been born here on January 26, 1842, and his useful life of more than a half century has been passed in this state. His parents were Conrad and Margaret (Seip) Shire man, both of whom were born in Germany, where they were mar ried and from which country they subsequently started for the United States. After reaching this country Mr. Shireman located first at Buffalo., New York, where for some time he worked at his trade, which CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 347 was that of blacksmith. Later he moved to Seneca county, Ohio, started into business in McCutchenville, and there conducted a blacksmith busi ness for a number of years. He died at the age of seventy-four years, in 1877, the death of his wife being some ten years thereafter. They had five children, consisting of four sons and one daughter. The daughter, Rate, and one son, David, are now- deceased, the survivors being as fol lows : Conrad, who carries on a prosperous shoe business in McCutch enville ; Jacob, who, is a skilled carpenter of the city of Fostoria ; and Aaron, who is the subject of this sketch. The boyhood and early youth of our subject passed away in Seneca township. Here he attended school, was a good student and became well grounded in the elementary studies. His father's farm afforded enough employment, in addition to- the assistance he could give at the forge, to keep him employed until he had decided his own vocation in life. At the age of eighteen the youth entered upon an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, having always had a natural leaning and skill in that direction. He closely applied himself and soon became an excellent workman, and for some forty years his services have been in demand though the county. He can point wdth justifiable pride to a number of substantial structures which testify to his industrial ability, and a number of these have been built from his plans or suggestions. Mr. Shireman is also a farmer and stock raiser, his farm of eighty acres being in a good state of cultivation, showing that his talents do not all lie in one direction. His buildings are commodious and substantial, his home being one of the most comfortable in the township. Mr. Shireman was married in 1870 to Miss Emmarilla Harmon, who was born in Seneca township, a daughter of William and Mary Harmon. One child was born to this marriage, Ida M., who married Daniel Zeis, a talented young dental student in Columbus, Ohio. In his political convictions Mr. Shireman has always been identified with the Republican party, but he is not a seeker for any political promo tion, although strong, reliable, capable men like Mr. Shireman are the ones who most faithfully bear the responsibilities of office. Whatever success has attended Mr. Shireman's efforts is due entirely to his own 348 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. energy, industry and ability. From small beginnings he gradually at tained a prominence in his vicinity which entitles him to be regarded as a leading citizen of his township. His reputation is that o-f a man of busi ness integrity and he is esteemed by all who- know b'm. SCOTT J. A1ATTHEWS. In connection with an industrial enterprise of marked scope and importance the subject of this review has attained a high degree of suc cess and is known as one of the representative business men pi Seneca county, of which he is a native son. He was born in the village of Bascom, this county, on the 8th of March, 1869, being the son of Henry W. Matthews, of whom specific mention is made on another page of this work. His early years were passed in the town where he has ever maintained his home, and after securing his rudimentary education in the public schools he became a student in that fine old Episcopalian institution, Renyon College, at Gambier, Ohio, where he completed a thorough scientific course. As early as his fifteenth year Air. Matthews initiated his active business career by being employed' in the saw and planing mill of his father, who was one of the founders of the town of Bascom. In 1890 our subject went to Tennessee, in the employ of the Matthews Lumber Company, of which his father is the principal owner, and he there remained as lumber inspector during the greater portion of the time until 1894, when he returned to Bascom and assumed charge of the lumbering interests of his father, acquiring an individual interest in the business, and has con tinued to operate the mill ever since. His mechanical ability early became manifest, and soon after attain ing his majority he began manufacturing small boats, of the skiff type, and from this he has developed an enterprise in the line that is one of marked importance. About the year 1892 Mr. Matthews constructed his first naphtha launch,- the same having been made for his own use. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 349 The boat proved to be a greater practical success than he has anticipated, and led to his making a careful study of the science of boat-building, in which he gained a high reputation for practical skill. In 1897 his ability in this line having attracted the attention of George Burwell, super intendent of the Lozier Manufacturing Company, of Toledo, now of Plattsburg, New York, which then controlled bicycle plants in the cities of Toledo, Ohio,, Westfield, Massachusetts, Toronto, Canada, and Thom- sonville, Connecticut, and he was given an order for a naphtha launch of his own design. The matter of providing a satisfactory motor came up, and Mr. Burwell decided to buy the castings and manufacture the motor in the Toledo shops. The practical result was most satisfactory, and from that time on Mr. Burwell has devoted his attention exclusively to the manufacture of motors o-f this type, his success having been as pronounced as has that of our subject in the line of boat-building. After Mr. Matthews had constructed the boat for Mr. Burwell they entered into a copartnership in the industry of building boats in Bascom, and the enterprise is now one of the most important in Seneca county. The motors used are all manufactured by the Lozier Motor Company, Platts burg, New York, and the boat factory in Bascom is known as the western branch of this company, though the business is conducted under the firm name of Matthews & Company. In the local factory employment is given to a corps of about forty expert workmen, and the products of the establishment have a high reputation, the business having had a consecutive expansion under the able direction of Mr. Matthews and now standing as one of the leading industrial enterprises of this section of the state. Starting with a capital of one thousand dollars in 1892, it has now an investment of twenty-five thousand dollars, from thirty-five to forty thousand dollars being paid annually for operating expenses, and annual sales in the two plants amounting to two- hundred thousand dollars. All sales are made through the Plattsburg office, the boats being in demand on the great- lakes and on both coasts of the United States, with a large and rapidly growing business from foreign countries. The new five-horse-power gasoline motor for Emperor William's yacht tender was made by this 350 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. firm, which was selected after thorough tests by expert engineers. While Bascom is not a pretentious town, selection for such an industry was a wise one, labor conditions and abundant supply of material giving it precedence, and it may honestly claim to be the center of one of the important industries of the country. In 1899 Mr. Matthews exhibited one of his naphtha launches at the International Export Exposition, jn Philadelphia, and secured a medal on the same, while in 1900, at the Paris exposition, in competition with fully one hundred other manufacturers, his boat received the high est award, this fact being sufficiently significant to require no further statement as to the superior excellence of the boats manufactured by the concern. Mr. Matthews is one of the able young business men of the county and is held in the highest regard by all who know him. In politics he exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and while he is essentially public-spirited in his attitude he has never been an aspirant for political office. He is a. member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, Rnights of Pythias, at Tiffin, and is also identified with the uniformed rank of this order. On the ist of August, 1894, Mr. Matthews was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Miller, daughter of Wesley W. Miller, the present postmaster of Bascom, and of this union two children have been born, — Carl L. and AVard A. JOHN SEITZ. John Seitz, one of the most prominent citizens of Seneca county, was born on the farm where J. K. Spitler now resides, in Bloom town ship, on the 1 2th of March, 1829. His paternal grandfather, Elder Lewis Seitz, was a native of York county, Pennsylvania. About the year 1800 he removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, settling near Lancaster, where he soon became recognized as one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of the locality. At the public land sale he pur- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 351 chased about two hundred and forty acres of land, but he never removed to that property and it was afterward divided among his children. He became a minister of the Primitive Baptist church, and throughout his life he was an active worker in the cause of the Master. Elder Lewis Seitz, Jr., the father of him whose name introduces this review, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, October 21, 1802, and there he received his education and was early inured to the work of the farm. He, too, became a minister of the Baptist church, but as a means of livelihood followed the tilling of the soil, for he never received any compensation for his work as a minister. In 1825 he located on a part of the land which had been purchased by his father in Bloom town ship, on which he erected a one-room log cabin, in the woods. The land was then in its primitive condition, containing large groves of black walnut, butternut and poplar timber, but as the years passed by he suc ceeded in clearing and improving one hundred and sixty acres, and there he made his home until 1864, his landed possessions at that time con sisting of two hundred and forty acres. In that year, however, he left his pioneer home and for a few years thereafter was a resident of Wyan dot county, after which he returned to Bloom township, there main taining his residence until his life's labors were ended in death, in 1890. For sixty-six years he served as the pastor of the Baptist church at Honey Creek, in Bloom township, and he also held various township offices, his political support having been given to the. Democracy. For his wife Mr. Seitz chose Miss Barbara Kagy, and they became the parents of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to years of matur ity: Catherine, who became the wife of D. H. Patterson and is now deceased; Lyd-ia, the deceasd wife of Jacob Seiple; Elizabeth, the wife of Eli Bretz and a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio ; John, the subject of this review; Mary, wdio married A. D. Bretz and makes her home in Alarion county, Ohio; Annie, deceased, who married Samuel Bretz; Bar bara, Hannah, Abraham, Daniel and Lewis, all deceased ; Aaron, a prom inent farmer of Bloom township ; Lovina, who makes her home in Bloom ville; and Jonas, also deceased. The mother of this family was called to her final rest when she had reached the age of forty-two years. She, 352 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. too, was a member of the Baptist church, and was an active worker in the cause of Christianity. John Seitz, of this review, remained on the old home farm in Bloom township until he was eighteen years of age, during which time he pur sued his education in the old log school-house of the neighborhood. He then entered the Seneca County Academy, at Republic, where he remained as a student for two terms, under W. H. Harvey as principal, and for a time thereafter he followed the teacher's profession in his native local ity. After his marriage he continued to make his home under the parental roof for the following year, while for the three subsequent years he was engaged in merchandising in Bloomville, after which he returned to the locality of his birth and there located on eighty acres of unimproved land. Directing his energies to the arduous task of clearing and improving his land, Mr. Seitz soon had his farm under an excellent state of cultiva tion, and there he made his home until 1865, when he came to the farm on which he now resides, here purchasing one hundred and eighty acres. As the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has succeeded in placing his fields under a fine state of cultivation, has placed many valuable and substantial improvements on his land and has erected a large brick residence. His is one of the attractive and valuable homesteads of the locality, and everything about the place indicates a progressive and thrifty owner. There he is exten sively and successfully engaged in general farming and- stock-raising. On the 9th of April, 185 1, Mr. Seitz was united in marriage to Miss Cecilia J. Hite, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (DeLong) Hite. Unto this union have been born seven children, namely: Milford K, a prominent jeweler of Bloomdale, Wood county, Ohio; Omar B., who was accidentally killed by a horse on the range in Texas ; Marshall, a farmer and fruit-grower of Texarkana, Arkansas; May, the wife of R. W. Thornburg, a prominent physician of Toledo ; Nettie, deceased ; and Orin K, who operates the home farm, married Rena Lamberson and they have one child, F. Marion. Mr. Seitz, of this review, is not a member of any religious denomina tion, but is a constant attendant at the Baptist church. He has ever CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 353 taken an active and commendable interest in the public affairs of the county, and has held many positions of honor and trust. In 1862 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace of Bloom township, and eight years afterward, in 1870, was elected to represent his district in the legislature, and so acceptably did he discharge the duties entrusted to him in that responsible position that he was re-elected for a second term. In 1874 and again in 1878 he was a member of the senate. Allen O. Myers was at that time clerk of the senate, and he gave to our subject the appellation of the "watch dog of the treasury," it having ever been the aim of Mr. Seitz to work for the masses, and while a member of that important body he proved a power for good to those he represented. From 1867 he became known as a Greenback Democrat, and in 1880 supported Weaver for the presidency. In that year also he was nominated by the Greenback party for governor of the state of Ohio, and in the ensuing campaign he visited various parts of the state. In 1887 the Union Labor party nominated Mr. Seitz for the same office, and he received twenty- five thousand votes, after an active campaign. In 1891 he was the nom inee of the People's party for governor, again visiting nearly every sec tion of the state, making an able and spirited canvass, and on this occasion also receiving a vote of twenty-five thousand. He had as competitors both McRinley and Campbell, and upon Labor Day he spoke from the same platform in Cincinnati, and the papers reported his speech as hav ing effectually captured the crowd. During this period Mr. Seitz also edited a column in the interests of the People's party in the Cincinnati Post. In 1892-3 he published in Tiffin the "Plow and. Hammer," in the interests of the same party, and he has rendered most effective service in upholding the principles which he advocates, having been in demand as a campaign speaker in Michigan, Indiana, AVest Virginia, Texas, etc. The late General William H. Gibson, of Tiffin, paid him a marked tribute, saying that he was logical and eloquent and that there was but one man in northwestern Ohio who excelled him. In 1896 Mr. Seitz was one of the presidential electors on the Bryan ticket, and was active in the cam paign, under the direction of the campaign committee, and he has since 354 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. declined all importunities to become a candidate for office, maintaining an independent attitude in politics. Mr. Seitz is a man of strong mentality, keen discernment, great tact and resolute purpose and is therefore well fitted for the political honors which have been conferred upon him. He commands the respect of his fellow men by reason of his sterling worth of character, and Ohio numbers him among her honored sons. Rev. Prof. J. H. GOOD, D. D. The subject of this sketch was a masterful man in his church, the Reformed church in the United States, and likewise in educational circles. Born on the 22d day of November, A. D. 1822, in the vicinity of Read ing, Pennsylvania, it was in the Reading Academy he was prepared for pursuing a regular college course in famous Marshall College, subse quently called Franklin and Marshall College. He distinguished himself at Marshall College and afterward in the theological seminary of the Reformed church. He was the "honor man" in his class, and while he ranked first in scholarship he was also considered as- ranking first in leadership of his fellow students,, both in college and theological seminary. When Air. Good was barely twenty-four years old he was induced by his distinguished instructors, especially by Professor Philip Schaff, D. D., LL. D. (who was impressed with the fact that the Reformed church needed a college in Ohio), to head such an educational movement by cOming west in person and giving himself to the work. For three or four years he earnestly strove to make this educational movement in the Ohio synod something more than mere "synodical resolutions." No money was promised, no students pledged, nothing in fact but "wind" and "resolve" was Synod's contribution thus far toward founding a college as an adjunct of the theological seminary of the Reformed church. This latter school of theology had just made an inauspicious beginning, under Rev. Professor A. P. Freese, at Columbus, Ohio, and was hardly CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 355 expected to live. College-bred students for the seminary were likely to be lacking until the church itself put both institutions into such successful operation that the one might complement the other. To do this fifty years ago was many times more difficult than now, because a long cam paign of information- and the instilling of enthusiasm throughout the church in eastern and southern Ohio had to be kept up under the alert management of Rev. Mr. Good and a few personal friends. In the cen tral part of the state he labored personally and in the other parts by correspondence. By his wonderful hopefulness and persistence Professor J. H. Good, as the acknowledged champion of the great cause, carried the undertaking to a successful termination in the founding of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio, in the month of November, A. D., 1850. During the four preceding years of his residence in Ohio, first at Lancaster and then at Columbus, so much apathy existed among the lay members of the Reformed denomination throughout the state, who were expected in their material prosperity to- liberally furnish funds and students- for an institution of higher learning, that Professor Good at his own financial risk, but with synodical authority, began, in the latter part of the year 1848, the publication of a church or denominational paper (the Christian World, now published at Dayton, Ohio,), with the avowed purpose of making it the instrumentality of forwarding the college movement. The labors of this gifted leader in the Ohio synod were indefatigable, — in his private academy at Lancaster, Ohio, meant to be a starter of the church college, which might be relocated elsewhere; then in- Columbus, Ohio, where he edited the church paper and taught in the theological seminary to prevent its becoming disorganized, all the while keeping up an extensive correspondence with Rev. Hiram Shaul, residing in Tiffin, which latter labor was wOndrously fruitful, in that the citizens of Tiffin through Rev. Mr. Shaul finally made satisfactory proposals for locating the church's institutions in the enterprising little city of Tiffin. Its citi zens, together with some Reformed people living in the vicinity, guar anteed a reasonable percentage of the large expense for grounds and the erection of a three-story college building, should the Ohio synod under Professor J. H. Good's leadership, be induced to found a first-class col- 356 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. lege in this new portion of the Buckeye state. What Rev. Mr. Good forecast and optimistically outlined in personal speech and in his wide and burdensome letter-writing was fully realized. Much had to be taken in faith on his personal assurance and pledge to the citizens as to what he could persuade synod to do in the case. The synod seemed likely to choose the central part of the state for locating the college, and, in fact, at a hastily called special meeting, its constitutionality being questioned at the time, it was in some unsatisfactory way or manner "resolved" to do this very thing. A few months later, however, the synod convened constitutionally in Navarre, Ohio, and accepted Profes sor J. H. Good's view of the situation. By an almost unanimous vote his outspoken preference for Tiffin over any and all competing localities was in constitutional form indorsed. Furthermore he was at this meet ing elected professor of mathematics. He received four-fifths of all the votes of synod, being considered the best mathematician ever graduated by Marshall College. He was expected to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the projected college, which he wrote and reported to synod and the same was adopted. Rector Reuben Good's school, begun in Tiffin immediately after the meeting of the Navarre synod, had in a few weeks so increased in the number and in the quality of its students as to have a satisfactory per centage of those advanced in the higher branches of study and prepared for a classical course in college in the near future. The number of these, together wdth the less advanced students, one hundred and fifty in all, made it necessary for the strenuous mathematical professor to do a large amount of teaching during the first year of the school's existence, while having upon his broad shoulders many other very heavy burdens. The prosperity of the school, however unexpected, justified the wisdom of synod in its "resolution" to have a charter from the state of Ohio. On the 19th day of February, 1851, the general assembly of Ohio passed the act "to incorporate Heidelberg College, at the city of Tiffin." With a legal status thus secured, much was to be done, and nearly all devolved on the energetic Professor J. H. Good, in the absence of a president of the newly chartered college. Being a member of the board of trustees, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 357 by the logic of events he must needs be its controlling spirit and leader. He served on all its important committees and saw that said committees did their work, or else he did it for them. He prevailed on his per sonal friend, Rev. Hiram Shaul, to, give up the pastorate of the First Reformed church, at Tiffin, to- accept the position of financial agent and to devote his entire time to collecting funds for the seminary anid an endowment for the college, thoroughly canvassing eastern Ohio and other portions of the state. It was arduous and discouraging work, and the agent was in constant communication with Professor Good, who animated and directed his work. At one time he actually prevented, by his own personal influence, the abandonment of the task. Professor Good's spirit was abroad in every part of the synod's territory; his correspondence was immense, and most men would have quailed before the stu pendous work to be done. Fortunately he was in the prime of life, in full possession of noble powers and his- heart knew no' fear. With faith in God and faith in his own resourceful nature he could not fail. Nay, this great father of Heidelberg lived to see a glorious success, achieved. A building adapted to the needs of the college was imperatively demanded. "Much of the labor connected with the erection of a suit able building devolved upon the energetic professor of mathematics," is the testimony of ex-Chancellor Kefauver after investigating documentary evidence. A site being chosen in the eastern portion of Tiffin, Professor Good, as chairman of the building committee, prepared the plans for the contemplated college edifice. The basement story was put up in the autumn of 185 1 and the corner stone was laid by Major Lewis Baltzell, in behalf of the board of trustees, May 13, 1852, when General Samuel F. Carey pronounced an oration before a crowd of about seven thou sand people. Professor Good's temporary connection with the theological sem inary had not ceased upon his coming to Tiffin, in 1850, owing to the fact that the professor-elect of theology had not yet arrived. With the arrival of Professor E. V. Gerhart, A. M., in the latter part of May, 185 1, he was relieved of further supervision in reorganizing the theo logical seminary, but his work in the college was increased and he was 358 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. compelled to take additional branches of study, as was also the case with Professor Reuben Good, to whom the college trustees assigned the depart ment of natural science; and this was also the case with Professor Sarah J. Thayer, a fine classical scholar, who gave the higher classes instruc tion in both Latin and Greek, in addition to other college duties. Presi dent E. V. Gerhart, of course, did his full quota of work in the chair of mental and moral philosophy, while Professor S. S. Rickley taught some of the normal branches of study, coming into the faculty a year later. The number of students rapidly increased from one hundred and fifty to very nearly two hundred, including those in the seminary. Thus there was sunshine as well as shadow in those early days of Heidelberg's his tory, When the pioneer settlers were not fully prepared, if in purse (which may be indeed questioned) yet not understandingly, for several years to adequately support the self-sacrificing professors and instructors. The latter defect was ably and grandly supplied by the sainted Henry Leonard and others whose names became imperishably connected with Heidel berg's history. Rev. A. Nelson, D. D., of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, says : "Heidelberg College and Heidelberg Theological Seminary, espe cially the former, made a strong showing from the very beginning." Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D., LL. D., several years later says: "The college (Heidelberg), by reason of its able faculty and its determination to do thorough educational work, had a more encouraging outlook than many other western colleges which I personally visited and- inspected by direction of the Western College Society of New England;" and he recommended a donation of twenty-five hundred dollars to Heidelberg's contingent fund by his society. The society got into financial straits before this was paid, but from this eminent Congregationalist minister's good words Heidelberg realized something in aid in another form. Turning now to the personal characteristics of the "father of Heidel berg," who for thirty-eight years was one of Tiffin's distinguished citi zens, we quote again from ex-Chancellor Refauver, incidentally remark ing that when about forty-five years old Professor Good received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Franklin and Marshall CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 359 College: "Dr. J. H. Good was wonderfully constituted. We find men greater than he was in some particular endowment, but few are his equals in gifts that make a man's life as symmetrical as was his. In his habits he was methodical in all his work. System was a great object with him. To this trait can be attributed largely the abundance of his labors. Dr. J. H. Good possessed a logical mind. He never jumped at conclusions, but in the smallest matters reasoned them out. It was owing to this fact that his religion was not of the emotional type, he being ready always to give a reason for the hope within him. He alarmed a congregation in our city not many years ago when he announced that there were twenty-nine propositions in the text, and entered upon their discussion with considerable animation. Before he had proceeded to any length in the sermon his hearers discovered that there was much in store for them, and that they would get it, too, without any trespassing upon either their time or patience. He was quite a literary man, being the author of a number of books, and a frequent contributor to' our different church papers." Dr. Kefauver adds: "Intellectual giant as he was, he was not such a slave to his views as to suppose all others differing from him must be in the wrong. He was willing to allow to others of oppos ing sentiments the possibility of being right ; and whenever the cause of truth required absolutely a union of sentiment between contending parties- he had the magnanimity to do his part of the yielding in the case." So much has been recorded on these pages about our subject as the father of Heidelberg and the institution's early history interwoven with his young life that of necessity much has been omitted regarding his happy domestic life, his pulpit ministrations, his active pen in contro versial writing, his encouragement of the enlistment of college students for the defense of the Union in the dark days of 1861-5, and his sub sequent occupancy of a position, from .1868 to 1888, at the head of Heidelberg Theological Seminary, when (1868) he gave up the chair of mathematics to Professor C. Horn-ting, A. M., — all of which must be left to the writer of a larger biography than this short sketch. Dr. Lewis H. Steiner, former librarian of the Enoch Pratt free library, of Baltimore, Maryland, a student of Professor Good before the 360 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. latter came to Ohio, gives us in fitting language these concluding words : "Scholarly, deeply pious, devotedly attached to his -church, a vigorous and honest antagonist, an excellent citizen, he has gone from the church militant to receive the reward that awaits good and faithful servants. The church will be unworthy of her history when she forgets the memory of men like Jeremiah Haak Good." Dr. Good died in Tiffin January 25, 1888, and over his grave, in beautiful Greenlawn cemetery, his monument bears the simple inscrip tion "Resurgam," expressive of his immortal hope. DANIEL H. CRAMER. The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore the real upbuilders of a town are those who- stand at the head of the leading enterprises. One of the most progressive, energetic and reliable business men of Seneca county is Daniel H. Cramer, who is extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber. His home is in Loudon township and he was born on the farm where he now resides, November 22, 1858, his parents being William and Charlotte (Snyder) Cramer, the former a native of Pennsylvania. In their family were the following children: Daniel H., of this review; William A., Morgan E., John J. and Frederick V., all of whom reside in Fostoria; Jane, the wife of Isaac Stultz, of Jackson township; Nettie, the wife of John Hazen, of Loudon township; Anna, who married Edward Seeman, of Dunkirk, Indiana; Allie A., who- resides at home; and Nellie, who died at the age of six years. Under the parental roof Daniel H. Cramer was reared, and in the common schools he acquired a knowledge of the branches of English learning usually taught in such institutions. His business and mechan ical training was received in his father's mill, and there he worked until 1893, mastering every department of the business and becoming thor oughly familiar with the work of manufacturing lumber, both in prin- &*,/¥>, Z^^Z^f^-UrC) CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 361 ciple and detail. In the year mentioned he purchased the business of his father and has since been at the head of what is now one of the lead ing enterprises of the community. From the time he was fifteen years o-f age he has been the head sawyer in this mill. When he entered upon the duties of the position he was so- small that he had to stand upon a box. There is no planing mill in this portion of the state that is better equipped or more complete in- its appointments. It is supplied with modern machinery of the latest improved kinds needed in the busi ness, much of which has been introduced since our subject became the owner. He is a splendid business man, enterprising" and wide-awake and knows how to reach maximum results with minimum effort. There is nothing wasted about his place, every slab being used in some man ner. His careful supervision has made the enterprise one of profit, and in addition to its control Mr. Cramer is also engaged in contracting and building, having erected some of the best houses and barns in this sec tion of the county. He is also the owner of three or four threshers, which he operates in conjunction with his other business affairs. On the 13th of December, 1880, Mr. Cramer w-as united in mar- " riage to- Aliss Isa Overmeire, a native o-f Sandusky county, Ohio, and . a daughter of Hugh Overmeire, a retired farmer now living in Fos toria. In his political affiliations Mr. Cramer is a Republican, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to- give his entire attention to his business interests. To him there has come the attainment of a dis tinguished position in connection with the great material industries of the county, and his efforts have been so discerningly directed along well- defined lines that he seems to have realized at any 'one point of progress the full measure of his possibilities for accomplishment at that point. A man of distinct and forceful individuality, of broad mentality and most mature judgment, he has left and is leaving his impress upon the- industrial world. For years he has been an important factor in the development of the natural resources of the state, in the upbuilding of the county and in the promotion of the enterprises which add not alone to his individual prosperity -but also advance the general welfare and prosperity of the county in which he makes his home-. 23 362 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. JUDGE JOHN McCAULEY. When the history of Seneca county and her public men shall have been' written its pages will bear no more widely known- name and record no more distinguished career than that of Judge John McCauley. If "biography is the home aspect of history," as Wilmott has expressed it, it is entirely within the province of true history to commemorate and perpetuate the lives and characters, the achievements and honor of the illustrious sons of the nation. The name of Judge McCauley is insepar ably associated with the history of jurisprudence in this part of Ohio, and his characteristics are not unlike those of Carlyle, the philosopher, for there have ever been manifest in him a certain rugged- strength, strong determination and decisive views, which have been powerful agents in winning him success at the bar. The Judge is a son of Henry and Susan (Relley) McCauley, both of whom were born and reared in Paisley, Scotland. They were mar ried in 1834 and immediately afterward emigrated to the Union States, settling in Columbiana county, Ohio, where they purchased a farm. Later they sold that property and bought a tract of land in Wood county, Ohio, where they lived for about six years, when they removed to a farm in Hancock county, Ohio, wdiere the father spent his remain ing days, his death occurring in 1881, when he was seventy-seven years of age. His wddow survived him twelve years, dying at the home of the Judge, in Tiffin, at the age of eighty-seven. Judge McCauley was born in Columbiana county, December 9, 1834, and attended the primitive schools of Wood and Hancock counties until sixteen years of age, when he entered the academy at Republic, Seneca county, three years being devoted to preparation for college. At the age of nineteen he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, completing the classical course by graduation in 1859, and receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He taught several terms of school in order to pay his expenses while pursuing his education in the academy and college. The resolute spirit which enabled him thus to make his own way through school has also been an important factor in his pro- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 363 fessional career and has gained him advancement to- a prominent place in the ranks of Ohio's able attorneys. On the ist of September, 1859, he began reading law with the late Judge James Pillars, one of the most brilliant and prominent attorneys and jurists of northern Ohio. By hard study and close application he was enabled to pass the examination at the end of a year and was accordingly admitted to the bar. In i860 he began practice in Tiffin, and in 1875 he entered into partnership with Robert G. Pennington, a distinguished member of the Seneca county bar, this relation being maintained for four years. Later he became asso ciated with Henry J. Weller, his present partner, the firm of McCauley & Weller taking a foremost position at the bar of central Ohio, and the important litigation with which their names are connected being an indi cation of their ability and the esteem- in which they are held. Mr. McCauley was elected prosecuting attorney of Seneca county in 1865 and re-elected in 1867, serving for four years. In 1874 he was elected a member of the convention called to revise the state constitu tion. In 1879 he was elected judge of the common-pleas court for the tenth judicial district of Ohio1, a district comprising Wood, Hancock, Hardin and Seneca counties. After three years upon that bench he resigned, in order to accept the position of a member of the supreme- court commission, which was tendered him by Governor Charles Foster, in April, 1883. His duties in this capacity were no less arduous and important than were those of the supreme court judges, though he served faithfully as a member of this commission until its work was finished in 1885, when he resumed the private practice of law. His knowledge of the law being comprehensive and profound, he was well qualified for the important duties which devolved upon him, and lie was accredited with strict fairness and impartiality in his rulings on the bench. He fully sus tained the dignity of the office, permitted no contention or wrangling among counsel and despatched the business of the court with remarkable facility. His appointment to the supreme-court commission was gener ally recognized by members of the bar as one of peculiar fitness, and at no time did his course fail to justify their high regard for him. His advice is freely and constantly sought by the younger members of the bar, and 364 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. is generally given. He has been remarkably successful in practice, is powerful in argument before court or jury and marshals his points in evidence with masterly skill, and with marked accuracy applies to them the principles of law bearing upon the subject. In 1864 Judge AlcCauley was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Lockwood, a daughter of Dr. Alonzo and Alarinda (Newcomb) Lock- wood, of Fostoria, Ohio. Unto them were born five daughters, of whom one died in infancy. The Judge is of a most sympathetic disposition and those in need or distress never appeal to him in vain. There is no display or ostentation connected with his benevolence and he is entirely free from vanity, being a plain-spoken, large-hearted and fair-minded man. He holds no membership relations with church or secret society, but is guided by a high sense of morality and broad humanitarian prin ciples. JOSEPH SHAW. Captain Joseph Shaw, now deceased, was through many years num bered among the representative citizens of Seneca county, and by an upright and honorable career commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was born in Scipio township, Cayuga county, New York, March 20, 181 1. Plis father, Robert Shaw, was born in 1785 and was a farmer by occupation. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Sarah Keller, who was born in 1787, and in 1836 they came to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Scipio township, where Robert Shaw pur chased several hundred acres of land and located upon the farm, on Mor- risson creek, now owned by Mrs. John Rosenfeldt. Unto, him and his wife were born ten children: Alary, Eliza, Joseph, Matilda, Sallie, Silas, George, Roxa, Jerome and Alfred. The last named is the only one liv ing, and he resides at Chicago, Illinois. The father of this family remained an honored resident of Seneca county until his death, which occurred August 14. 1864. His wife survived him about four years, passing away in 1868. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 365 Captain Joseph Shaw, whose name introduces this review, was reared in the state of his nativity and when a young man was captain of an Erie canal boat for seven years, running between Albany and Buffalo In 1841 he came to Seneca county, making his way by canal to the Great Lakes, and when he arrived in this portion of the state he became identified with agricultural interests, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Scipio township, two and one-half miles west of Rej>ub- lic. He at once began the cultivation and improvement of his farm, wdiich in course of time he transformed into a valuable property. In the year of his emigration westward Mr. Shaw was united in marriage, at Genoa, New York, to Rachel Ogden Price, a native of that place. They became the parents of three children, the eldest being Jane E., who married Captain George Tubbs. The second daughter, Helen, is the wife of Sergeant E. E. Heath, and Annie E. is the wife of G. R. Hemmingway, the proprietor of the Miller House, in Ashland, Ohio. Captain Shaw, with his family, returned to New York in 1850, remain ing for twenty years, much of the. time being spent as a hotel proprietor at various points. He returned to a farm: west of Republic in 1870, but his last years were passed in Republic, where he died August 20, 1877. His widow survived him twenty-three years, dying in Ashland on March 30, 1900. Jane E. Shaw, their eldest daughter, was born in 1843 and on the 26th of Alay, 1868, she gave her hand in marriage to Captain George Tubbs, who' was a native of Elmira, New York, born May 19, 1833. At the timie of the civil war he aided in organizing the One Hundred and Forty-first Regiment of New York Infantry, being elected second lieu tenant of Company I. He was promoted to first lieutenant and at the battle of Resaca he was wounded by a minie ball, which struck him in the right foot. After his recovery he was given charge of an invalid corps for a short time, but later was detailed as topographical engineer on the staff of General Rnipe, commanding a brigade of the First Division of the Twentieth Army Corps. Subsequently, on the march from Savannah through the Carolinas, he was appointed topographical engineer on the staff of General Jefferson C. Davis, of Indiana, who com- 366 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. manded the Fourteenth Army Corps. These honorable positions on staff duty were conferred on Captain Tubbs both for his efficiency as an officer and on account of his physical inability to- march and command his com pany. After participating in the grand review, in the city of Wash ington, Captain Tubbs returned to- the Empire state, where he was mar ried. He resided in Candor, Tioga county, New York, where he con ducted an iron foundry for four years. On the expiration of that period he sought a home in Ohio, living in Republic and vicinity. Here he maintained pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his membership in Robinson Post, G. A. R., at Republic. He served as commander of Robinson Post, as mayor of Republic and was serving his second term as justice of the peace at the time of his death, which occurred on the 2d of March, 1899. For the past fifteen years Mrs. Jane E. Tubbs has been actively engaged in Relief Corps work, and is filling the position of president of Robinson W. R. C. for the fifth time. She is also a member of the Farmers' Household Club, the Reading Circle and the Daughters of Rebekah. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Tubbs was blessed with three children : Joseph K., who. is an oil pro ducer living in Rollersville, Ohio; Robert M., who is in the office of F. E. Myers & Brothers, at Ashland, Ohio; and Charles E., who is living with his mother in Republic. FRANCIS J. BORK. Among the prominent and successful citizens of Seneca county, Ohio-, must be mentioned Francis J. Bork, who is a prosperous farmer and respected and useful member of society. His valuable estate, which is located two miles south of Tiffin, attracts attention and favorable com ment, not only on account of the evidences of agricultural superiority but also by reason of its attractiveness and its air o-f generous comfort. Francis J. Bork was born on Christmas day, 1843, m Bloom town- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 367 ship, Seneca county, being a son of Frederick and Margaret (Young) Bork, natives, respectively, of Germany and France. His early life was spent on a farm and his experiences were those of the average youth of his. locality, — plenty, of farm work in the summers and study in the dis trict schools in the winters. Until he had reached his seventeenth year Mr. Bork lived with his parents in Bloom township, and in i860 he, accompanied them on their removal to Seneca township, remaining at home and assisting his father until the date of his own marriage, eleven years later. The marriage of Air. Bork was to: an estimable and attractive young lady of his neighborhood, Aliss Elizabeth Smith, who became his wife on January 29, 1871. They have one child, Maria, aged nine years. Soon after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bork came to their present farm, and here they have made their home ever since. Although the hospitable home of our subject and wdfe is one of the most comfortable and well appointed in this township, this is almost wholly due to the industrious efforts of its owner, as very few improvements had been made on this farm when Mr. Bork came to it. When he purchased his farm it was with the intention of engag ing extensively in farming and stock-raising. It consists of one hun dred and fifty-nine acres of land and is unusually valuable on account of its close proximity to the city of Tiffin. Being a practical man, Mr. Bork understands all these advantages, and he has one hundred and thirty acres of his land under cultivation, raising grain and other prod ucts for which this part of the state is notable. As a, successful stock- raiser he is well known in the township, his superior methods of feeding and sanitary housing meeting with excellent results. Mr. Bork has taken a deep and intelligent interest in his vocation and he has also taken pride in his surroundings. In 1881 he built one of the most commodious and complete barn structures to be found- in this neighborhood, its dimensions being thirty-eight by eighty feet. This was followed, in 1888, by the erection of a large, modern brick residence, of pleasing appearance without and solid comfort within. Mr. Bork has 368 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. provided for safety from fire by having all of his numerous buildings covered with slate roofs, adding beauty to utility. For many years Air. Bork has been a leading member of the Dem ocratic party in this section and served as township supervisor for a long period, in this position he looked carefully after the interests of the tax-payers and his administration has reflected credit upon the office. In religious life he is a consistent member of St. Joseph's Catholic church. Mr. Bork is a quiet, unobtrusive citizen, busily occupied wdth his own large interests, but takes a public-spirited pride in the advancement of enterprises which promise to be of benefit to- his township. Pie is chari table in his benefactions, liberal in his support of public enterprises, hon est and upright in his business dealings and kind and devoted in the bosom of his family. He is a man who- not only possesses the esteem of his fellow citizens, but who also deserves it. Airs. Bork was born in Germany, the daughter of Matthias and Mary Ann (Smith) Smith, who emigrated to America when she was two years of age, locating on a farm in Liberty township, Seneca county, Ohio, whence they eventually removed to- Lucas county, where Air. Smith's death occurred. His widow still maintains her home in that county. Airs. Bork was a young lady of twenty-one years at the time of her marriage, and she has proved a true companion and helpmeet to her husband. REV. GEORGE W. WILLIARD, D. D., LL. D. As a minister of the gospel and as editor and educator Rev. Dr. George W. Williard was widely known, and although his life's labors have been ended his influence is yet widely felt in the lives of those with whom he was associated, and bears fruit in the kindly deeds and virtues of those who follow his example and carry out his precepts. Instructing through the press, from the pulpit and in the school-room, the lessons which he expounded fell deep- into the heart of many a reader or auditor and aided in the development of upright manhood and Christian CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 369 womanhood. Tiffin, Ohio, knew him long and well as the president of Heidelberg College, wdiich he raised from a comparatively insignificant institution to the rank of the best colleges of the land. George W. Williard was a native of Frederick county, Alaryland. where he was born on the 10th of June, 1818, the son of John and Alary (Shafer) Williard. His ancestors were French Pluguen.ts, who fled from their native land to escape the persecutions incident to the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, proceeding to Germany and thence emigrating to America in the early colonial epoch. Dr. Williard's early educational advantages were very meager, but, having" determined to devote his life to the Christian ministry, he eagerly availed himself of ever}- opportunity which wrould enable him to broaden his knowledge and thus be better prepared for the exalted calling". To this end he entered the high school at York, Pennsylvania, when sixteen years of age. There he remained until the school was removed to Mercersburg", where Alarshall College was established in 1835, and in the latter institution he was grad uated with the class of 1838. It may be noted, incidentally, that Alarshall College was later merged into- Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancas ter, Pennsylvania, and that the institution is maintained under the auspices of the Reformed church. Pie studied theology at Mercersburg and was licensed to preach in October, 1840, being soon afterward ordained a clergyman of the Reformed church. He spent four years in simultaneous charge of three congregations, one being in Virginia, twelve miles dis tant from his two Pennsylvania churches. On the expiration of that period he went to Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in preaching and also taught in the local academy. For three years there after he was pastor of a church in Winchester, Virginia, and then became pastor of the Reformed church at Columbus, Ohio, continuing at that place until 1855, when he resigned to accept a call from a church in Dayton, Ohio, where he labored as an earnest and zealous minister of the gospel until 1866. In that year he accepted the presidency of Heidel berg College, in Tiffin. Previously to this time, in 1853, he was elected editor of the Western Missionary, the organ of the Reformed church in the west, and he continued to fill that position, in connection with his 370 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. pastoral work, until his removal to Tiffin. He found the affairs of the college in a very discouraging condition, there being few teachers and scarcely any endowment. ¦ It was, in fact, little more than an- academy, but gradually he succeeded in placing it on a solid financial basis and in raising the educational standard to an equality with that of other col leges of the land. During the presidency of Dr. Williard, which con tinued for twenty-four years, there were erected on the campus a presi dent's home, a boarding- hall for young women and a commodious, col lege building, at a cost of seventy-two thousand dollars. These buildings were all paid for before he left the institution, and there was handed to the trustees ninety-one thousand dollars safely invested and bearing seven per cent, interest, together with notes to the value of twenty-five thou sand dollars, bearing six per cent, interest. A library fund of about six thousand dollars was also secured, together- with a considerable bene ficiary fund for the aid of indigent young men. There were three hun dred and forty-six students enrolled in 1890, when he resigned the presi dency, and the school was in a most flourishing condition, as the result of his untiring labors, his zeal and his ability. Added to his compre hensive knowledge, mature wisdom and Christian piety was a practical business acumen and a singular facility for the effective imparting of instruction, and all of his varied powers were constantly exerted in behalf of the college. In 1890 Dr. Williard, after a regime of nearly a quarter of a cen tury as president of Heidelberg, accepted the chair o-f ethics and apolo getics in, and was acting president of, Ursinus College and Theological Seminary, at Collegeville, Pennsylvania, where he remained for nearly three years. After a short residence in Lancaster, that state, in 1895, he founded and organized the Hivling Memorial Reformed church, of Dayton, Ohio, and he presided as pastor of the same until his death, which occurred on the 17th of September, 1900. The congregation first met in a car shed, which had previously been, used as a stable, but under the control and guidance of the devoted pastor the church became strong and prosperous, and an edifice was erected at a cost of nearly twenty thousand dollars. With untiring effort, with a nature so hopeful as to CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 371 ever baffle discouragement, Dr. Williard carried forward his work of improving the mental and moral condition of his fellow men and aided in the development of sterling character, which represents all that is of definite and permanent value in life,. — the only thing that commands true respect and honor and that broadens the nature and fits it for the pro gression in the life to come. Not only was Dr. Williard known for his pastoral and college work, but he also won distinction in the realm of religious literature. His literary productions were quite extensive and were widely read among the people of his denomination. In 1851 he published a translation from the original Latin of Dr. Ursinus' Commentary on the Heidelberg Cate chism. In 1 87 1 he assisted in the preparation of the Western Liturgy o-f the Reformed Church; in 1879 he wrote and published the History of Heidelberg College, together with thirteen addresses and sermons deliv ered to the graduating classes; in 1883 he edited a Treasury of Family. Reading, which had a wide circulation; in 1890 he published the Life, Work and Character of Henry Leonard, who for thirty years was the successful financial agent of Heidelberg College; and his best and most important work was the Comparative Study of the Dominant Religions of the World. He was also a frequent contributor to- the different periodicals of the church. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was con ferred upon him by Franklin and Marshall College, of Lancaster, Penn sylvania, in 1866, and that of Doctor of Laws by Monmouth College, of Monmouth, Illinois, in 1888. Dr. Willarcl was thrice married. On the 21st of April, 1841, he wedded Miss Louisa C. Little, a daughter of Dr. P. W. Little, of Mer cersburg, Pennsylvania, and after her death he married Miss Emily Jane Hivling, a daughter of Colonel John Hivling, of Xenia, Ohio, the mar riage being solemnized on January 3, 1866. Her death occurred in 1891, and on the 7th of October, 1893, Dr. Williard was united in mar riage to Miss Mary E. Gormley, a daughter of Joseph Gormley, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who survives him. By the first marriage there were five children, of whom two are living at the present time, the eldest of these being Dr. George P. Williard, a prominent physician of Tiffin, 372 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. to whom individual reference is made in appending paragraphs. His brother, Rev. Edwin R. Williard, was for nearly a decade pastor of Grace Reformed church, at Akron, this being one of the most flourishing churches of the Ohio synod, and his pastorate there was terminated in 1900. He is now in pastoral charge of the Salem Reformed church, at Canal Fulton, Ohio. Death came to Rev. Dr. Williard when he was eighty-two years of age, and after he had devoted a half-century to the work o-f Christian education, through the school, the pulpit and the press. He labored with out ceasing, and his zeal supplemented broad knowledge that rendered him a forceful and convincing speaker and an entertaining and instructive writer. His mind was analytical and inductive, his arguments logical and his leasoning strong and convincing. At this point it would be almost tautological to enter into- any series of statements showing Dr. Williard to have been a man of high intellectuality and broad public spirit, for these have been shadowed forth in the lines of this review. Strong in his individuality, he never lacked the courage of his convictions, but there were as dominating elements in this individuality, a lively human sympathy and an abiding charity, wdiich, taken in connection with the sterling integrity and honor of his character, gained for him the respect, confidence and honor of men. GEORGE P. WILLIARD, ML D. For more than a quarter of a century George Parker Williard has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Tiffin, and the years have told the story of a successful career, due to the possession of innate talent and acquired ability along the line of one of the most important professions to which man may devote his energies, — the alleviation of pain and suffering and the restoration of health, which is man's most cherished and priceless possession. This is an age of progress in all lines of professional achievement, and Dr. Williard has kept abreast CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 373 of the advancement that has revolutionized methods of medical and sur gical practice, rendering the efforts of the physicians of much more avail in warding off the inroads of disease than they were even at the time when he entered upon his professional career. The Doctor is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Huntingdon, that state, on the ist of July, 1845. He is a son of Rev. Dr. George W. Williard, subject of the foregoing memoir. His boyhood days were spent under the beneficent influences of a cultured and refined home, the family having removed to- Columbus, Ohio, in his early childhood, while he was ten years of age when they located in Dayton, this state, where he prosecuted his studies in the public schools, being graduated in the Dayton high school when seventeen years of age. Almost immediately thereafter he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. John Davis, of that city, and on the 9th of March, 1867, he was graduated in the Jefferson Medical College, in the city of Philadelphia. Thus amply fortified for his chosen calling, he opened an office in the village of Fort Seneca, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 29th of June, 1867, and for six years he continued in active practice. In 1873 the Doctor went to California, where he became associated in prac tice with his cousin, Dr. Cephas L. Bard, a brother of United States Senator Thomas R. Bard, and this professional alliance continued two years, at the expiration of which Dr. Williard returned to Ohio and located in Tiffin, where he has continuously been in practice for the long period of twenty-six years. Long since he left the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few, his ability and devotion to his pro fession gaining him this relative precedence. He has studied and read broadly, carrying his investigation into every field of thought bear ing upon his profession and having readily adopted those methods and improvements, which wide experience and sound judgment indicated to him: a definite valuation in connection with his work. When nineteen years of age, in 1864, Dr. Williard became a mem ber of Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-first Regiment of the Ohio National Guard, and wdth that command went to- the front for service 374 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in the war of the Rebellion. They were sworn in at Dayton and thence proceeded to West Virginia. The Doctor first served as regimental steward, at Harper's Ferry, and later was post steward in the fort at Federal Hill, Baltimore, Maryland. While in the- military service he had six hemorrhages, and as a result became so debilitated as to- necessi tate his discharge from the service, and he endured seven other hem orrhages after his return home, but he -eventually recovered his health and has never asked for a pension. Dr. Williard holds membership in General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, Grand Army of the Republic, and thus maintains friendly relations and comradeship with those who were loyal defenders of the integrity of the Union during the dark days of the civil war. He is also: identified with Tiffin Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., of which he is a valued member. In politics he has always been a Republican, and while he warmly endorses the principles and policies of the party and is a liberal contributor in the promotion of its cause, he has never accepted office, preferring to devote his entire time and at tention to his practice. For several years he has held the position of local surgeon for the Big Four Railroad and also' for the Fostoria & Tiffin Electric Railroad. The Doctor is one of the leading physicians of this part of the state, with broad and comprehensive knowledge o-f the theory of medicine and surgery and wide experience in practice, his abil ity being attested by the representative support he receives in the com munity where he has so long lived and labored and where his popu larity is of the most unequivocal order. On the- 1 6th of February, 1881, Dr. Williard was united in mar riage to Miss: Electa Stout, of Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of Elias Stout and the granddaughter of David Stout, who was one of the pioneers of Dayton, where he located when it was a mere village. Mrs. Williard was reared and educated in Dayton and is a woman of gracious pres ence and innate refinement, being prominent in the social life of Tiffin. She has made her home celebrated for its pleasing hospitality and good cheer. She holds membership in the Presbyterian church, in whose work she takes a deep interest. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 375 GEORGE W. HERR. The name of Herr is one known throughout Seneca county, for here our subject has passed his entire life and here his parents resided for many decades. He was born on the farm on which he still resides, on the 1 2th of February, 1865, a son of George and Elizabeth (Shoeffer) Herr. The father was born in Prussia, Germany, April 10, 1822, and in the place of his nativity he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1848 he crossed the Atlantic ocean to the United States, and after his arrival in this country he made his way to the Buckeye state, spending a short time in Chillicothe, and from there removed to Gabon. At the latter place he was married, and there worked at his trade for about four years, on the expiration of which period, in 1852, he came to Sen eca county, purchasing eighty acres o-f land where our subject now re sides. Later he added to- his original purchase an adjoining eighty acres, making his landed possessions to consist of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1891, however, he laid aside the active cares of a busi ness life and removed to New Washington, where his death occurred about six weeks later. He gave his political support to the Democracy, but was never a seeker after the honors of public office, preferring to give his time and attention to- his business interests. He was a worthy member of the Lutheran church, and was highly esteemed for his many noble characteristics. His widow is still living, being now in her sev enty-third year, and is a resident of New Washington. Of their eight children four now survive, namely : Elizabeth, the wife of S. J. Kibler, of New Washington, Ohio; Susan, who- makes her home wdth her mother; George W., of this review; and Louise, the wife of Frank Schoff, of Venice township. George W. Herr is indebted to the public-school system of Seneca county for his elementary education, and later he became a student in the New Washington high school. At the age of nineteen years he ac cepted a clerkship- in the employ of Jesse Marquardt, a New Washing ton druggist, with whom he remained for about eighteen months, when he returned home and assumed the management of the old home farm. 376 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. I Soon after his marriage his parents left the old homestead and removed to New Washington, and since that time our subject has had entire con trol of the place. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and his is one of the valuable and model homesteads of the township. He is progressive in his methods, is ever ready to adopt new and mod ern improvements and is recognized as one of the representative agri culturists of the community. December 9, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Herr and Aliss Ida Buchman. She is a native of Bloom township, Seneca county, and a daughter of P. A. and Rose Ann (Brillhardt) Buchman, he a general merchant of Carrothers. This union has been brightened and blessed by the presence of two children, — Alarie E. and Marion M. Air. Herr gives his political support to the Democracy, and for three years he served as a director of the schools. The family are members of the Lutheran church, in which he has held the office of deacon. CHARLES OLMSTED. Charles Olmsted for many years has been an active factor in the financial circles of Fostoria through connection with both public and private interests. At the present time he is serving as city treasurer arid his record in this direction is remarkable, for he has been the incumbent since 1870. No higher testimonial could be given of his efficiency and trustworthiness than the proof of their faith in him which his fellow townsmen give at each election. His name is synonymous with in tegrity in every community where he is known, and over the record of his public career and his private life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. His residence in Fostoria covers a period of almost half a century, and while he- has prospered in his business undertakings the community has also been greatly benefited by his efforts in its behalf. Mr. Olmsted is a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, his birth hav ing occurred in 1830. He is descended from good old Revolutionary CHARLES OLMSTED. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 377 stock, his great-grandfather having served his country in the war for independence. The family was founded in New England at a very early epoch in o-ur colonial history. Judge Jesse S. Olmsted, the father of our subject, was born in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and for a time resided in Albany, New York, whence he emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Lower Sandusky, among the pioneer settlers of that portion of the state. He became quite prominent in public affairs in that portion of the state, and was honored with several public offices. He w-as associate county judge of Sandusky county, was also county treasurer and a. member of the school board. One of the early merchants of Upper Sandusky, he carried on business there for many years and was an active factor in commercial circles. He married Azuba Ferguson, whose parents removed from New York to- Ohio, becoming early set tlers of Sandusky county. In the place of his nativity Charles Olmstead, of this review, spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the public schools he ob tained his education, but from early manhood he has been a resident of Fostoria. Removing to this place in 1856, he established a dry-goods store and also carried on general business interests, dealing especially in grain. He was a member of the firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company, the senior partner afterward becoming the governor of Ohioi. The dry-goods business was sold out in 1876, but the firm continued' in the grain trade under the same firm name until 1890. Since that time Mr. Olmsted has given his entire attention to- the banking business and to the management of the city's finances. In 1891 he established the Mechanics' Savings Bank Company, became its president and continued its conduct until 1899, when he sold to the Mechanics' Banking Com pany, of which he is one of the directors. He is a man of keen dis cernment in business, his: judgment being rarely, if ever, at fault, and his efforts have been an element in producing business stability and progress in the city in which he has so long made his home. In Fostoria, in i860, Mr. Olmsted was united in marriage to Aliss Margaret E. Skinner, a daughter of the Hon. Morris P. Skinner, one of the early settlers of this place. Her father owned and operated a 378 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. farm and was prominent in public affairs. He was honored with elec tion to the office of representative in the state legislature, was also county commissioner and was well known in public life, leaving the impress of his individuality upon public thought and feeling". Unto our subject and his wife were born tw-o: children: Jesse S., of this city; and Alary A., the deceased wife of Frank Carroll, of Columbus. Every interest calculated to benefit the community — to promote its welfare along lines of material, social, political, intellectual and moral advancement — receives the endorsement and co-operation of Mr. Olm sted, and therefore he is accounted one of the most valued citizens of Fostoria, He belongs to- the Mlasonic fraternity, in which he has at tained the Knights Templar degree, and the basic principles of the order find exemplification in his helpful relations with his fellow" men. For six years he served as a member o-f the school board, and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend, — one who- believes in keq>ing a high standard of intellectual improvement. In politics he has been a stanch Republican since the organization of the party. He was first elected to the office of city treasurer in 1870 and at each election- since that time has received not only the united support of his party but also the ballots of many members of the Democracy. No- trust reposed in him has been betrayed in the slightest degree, and he has made for himself an unassailable reputation in public office. His manner is genial and cordial and the qualities of an upright manhood have won for Mr. Olmsted a position of distinction in Seneca county. JUDGE JOHN KAULL ROHN. One of the most talented and distinguished lawyers and jurists connected with the bench and bar of the Seneca circuit was Judge John R. Rohn, who, in a. profession where advancement must depend upon individual merit and ability, gained a most prominent position. The profession of the law, when clothed with its true dignity, purity and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 379 strength must rank first among the callings of men, for law rules the universe. The work of the legal proession is to formulate, to har monize, to regulate, to adjust, to administer those rules and principles that underlie and permeate all government and society and control the varied relations of men. As thus viewed there attaches to the legal pro fession a nobleness that cannot but be reflected in the life of the true lawyer, who-, rising to the responsibilities of the profession, and honest in the pursuit of his purpose, embraces the richness of learning", the firmness of integrity and the purity of morals, together with the graces and modesty and the general amenities of life. Of such a type Judge Rohn was a representative- and his career was one which reflected credit upon the bar of his district. It was on the 5th of April, 1859, that the Judge was born at the family hoirie, two and a half miles east of Tiffin, on the North Green field road, on the farm no-w owned by Rev. Dr. Rust. His parents were Asia and Eliza (Kaull) Rohn. The father was born in Catasauqua, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, December 2^, 1814, and was the young est in the family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, born unto Daniel and Catherine (Helman) Rohn, the former of French lineage and the latter of German extraction. The mother of the Judge was born in Trexlertown, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, October 14, 181 7, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Swartz) Kaull, and her father was the eldest in the family of six children born to John and Alaria (Steininger) Kaull. Her mother was a daughter of Samuel and Mollie (Gregory) Swartz, the former of German and the latter of English birth. Asia and Eliza (Kaull) Rohn, the parents of the Judge, were reared and married in the Keystone state and in the spring of 1849 started for Ohio-, arriving in Seneca county three weeks later, making the entire journey by wagon. They settled on a farm two- and a half miles directly east of the court-house on the North Greenfield road, and there resided- for twenty-six years. In 1875, however, the father sold the old farm, and purchased the home place which is still owned by the mother, near the Green Lawn cemetery. 380 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Early in life Judge Rohn became imbued with a strong desire to acquire a more advanced education than the public schools afforded and bent every energy to its accomplishment. His own labor made possible his collegiate course in Heidelberg" College, which he entered in the fall of 1875. He pursued the scientific course and was graduated on the 19th of June, 1879. During the succeeding winter he engaged in teach ing school in the Stickney district about two and a half miles east of Republic. He desired, however, to make the practice o-f law his life work, and, with a broad general knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to: rear the superstructure of professional learning, he be gan reading law in the office of the firm of Noble & Adams, attorneys of Tiffin, and was regularly admitted as an attorney and counselor at law by the supreme court of Ohio, October 2, 1882. In the spring of 1883 he established an office in Tiffin and soon he manifested ability that showed him capable of handling most important and involved liti gated interests. Gradually he rose to prominence. In the preparation o-f cases he was most thorough and exhaustive; he seemed almost in tuitively to grasp the strong points of law and fact, while- in his briefs and arguments: the authorities were cited so- extensively and the facts and reasoning thereon presented so cogently and unanswerably that he left no doubt as to the correctness of his views and conclusions. His devotion to his clients' interests was proverbial and all who entrusted their interests to- him had in' him implicit confidence. He made a specialty of corporation law and was particularly strong in that branch of jurisprudence. His practice was very satisfactory and he had the gratification of receiving from the highest courts of Ohio- decisions favorable to his clients. In 1896 Judge Seney resigned from the bench of the circuit court and Governor Bushnell appointed Judge Rohn to fill the vacancy. He took his place upon the bench and served wdth marked ability, his decisions displaying marked judicial soundness, thorough knowledge of the law and ready adaptability of its principles to the points in litigation, together with marked impartiality and freedom from judicial bias. Owing to the heavy Democratic majority of the county he was not chosen at the next election and resumed the private practice CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 381 of law, having a distinctively representative clientage. Pie was thus engaged until stricken with the illness: which terminated his life on the 15th of June, 1 901. In connection with his profession Judge Rohn was connected with one of the most important industries of this part of the state, being a heavy stockholder in the National Machinery Company, of Tiffin. He was one of its incorporators, its secretary and a member of its board of managers. It was capitalized for three hundred thousand dollars and has paid from sixteen to eighteen per cent, annual dividends. The plant has been recently enlarged and the success of the enterprise was attributable in large measure to the wise counsel and efforts of Judge Rohn. His wife is now a member of its board of directors. He was also attorney. for the Tiffin Commercial Bank and of the Pennsylvania and Lake Erie Railroad. Companies, and also represented other corpora tions as their legal adviser. June 16, 1886, the Judge was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Schliff, of Spring-field, Illinois, and unto them were born two daugh ters, — Helen Elizabeth and Margaret Louise. He found his greatest happiness in his home and he considered no- personal sacrifice too great that w-ould enhance the happiness or promote the welfare of his wife and children. Two months before his death he was informed by the physi cians of the serious nature of his illness and at once began making preparations for his family, daily instructing his wife concerning" his business affairs that she might know how to superintend her property interests. His keenest anxiety was that his wdfe and daughters should be well provided for, and Mrs. Rohn has displayed excellent business and executive ability in controlling her affairs. When the end came the funeral services were held by the Rev. J. P. Stratton and the in terment made at Green Lawn. To his family Judge Rohn left the priceless heritage of an unsullied reputation. He was a, gentleman of innate culture and refinement, a lover of art and- of the beautiful. He followed the injunction o-f Shakes peare, "Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice." He was ever affable, courteous and kindly, and was entirely free from1 ostentation or 382 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. display. He looked fully ten years younger than he was, for the years had fallen lightly upon him. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, he commanded uniform regard, and from his friends he won love and esteem. CONRAD H. ZUTAVERN. There is no nation that has contributed to the complex makeup of our American social fabric an element of more sterling worth and of greater value in supporting and fostering our national institutions than has Ger many. From this source our republic has had much to, gain and nothing to lose. Germany has given us men of sturdy integrity, indomitable per severance, higher intelligence and much business sagacity, — the result being the incorporation of a strong and strength-giving fiber ramifying through warp and woof. A man who- may well look with pride upon his German-American origin is the subject of this review, who is a repre sentative of one o-f the pioneer families of Seneca county, where he has passed his entire life, and where he is personally recognized as a. repre sentative citizen, having attained a high degree of success through his operations in connection with the great basic art and science of agri culture. Air. Zutavern was born on the old homestead farm, in Bloom town ship, this county, the date of his nativity having been April 2, 1848. He is one of the eleven children born to Jacob H. and Margaret (Geiger) Zutavern, and of the number six are living at the present time, namely : Christina, the wife of Jacob Horn, of Michigan ; Luanda, the wife of Conrad Lebold, of Venice township; Conrad H., the subject of this sketch; Caroline, the wife of Benjamin Shelhorn, also of Michigan; Amelia, the wife of Leonard Smeltz, of Kansas, Seneca county; and Paul, a resident of Bloom township. Jacob H. Zutavern was born in Baden, Germany, whence he, as a lad of eight years, accompanied his parents on their emigration to America, the family settling in Tuscarawas CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 383 county, Ohio, where he was reared to maturity and wdiere his marriage was solemnized. A year after this important event in his life he came with his wife to Seneca county, where he took up a pre-emption claim of one hundred and sixty acres, in Bloom township, the tract being heavily timbered. Here he erected the approved form of log cabin common to the pioneer epoch, and then gave his virile strength and energy to the work of reclaiming the land for cultivation. His industrious efforts were prolific in ultimate success, and he eventually purchased- forty acres of adjoining land and also became the owner of the farm of one hundred and four acres where his son, our subject, now lives, and also accumulated six hundred acres in Michigan. From these statements it may be gleaned that his success was pronounced and that he was an influential citizen, while his integrity of character and his kindly nature gained him a warm place in the confidence and esteem of those with whom he came in con tact in the various relations of life. He lived to, attain the age of sixty- eight years, his demise occurring in the year 1873. He identified himself with the Republican party at the time of its organization and ever after ward continued a stanch advocate of its principles. He was a member of the Reformed church, as was also his wife, who survived- him by about eight years. He became one of the wealthiest men of Bloom township and his influence was ever given in support of all worthy enterprises and projects for the general good, so that he stood as a model citizen and as one who, had made a large contribution to the development and progress of this section of the state. Conrad H. Zutavern, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the old homestead and is indebted to the public schools of the locality for the early educational advantages which were his. In Williams county, Ohio-, on the 24th of December, 1871, when twenty-three years of age, Mr. Zutavern was united in marriage to Miss Maria Smeltz, who was born in Venice township, Seneca county, where her father, Jacob Smeltz, was a pioneer settler, his later years being passed in Williams county. After his marriage our subject settled on his present farm, which he purchased of his father at that time. He has erected substantial buildings on the -place, effected other improvements of the best order and 384 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. has made it one of the best farms in this section. - At the time of this writing (May, 1902,) he is erecting an attractive residence in the town of Attica and it is his intention to retire from the more active duties of the farm and to make his home in that village. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but has had no predilection for public office. He and his wife are prominent members of the English Reformed church at Car- rothers, in which he is an elder. They have no children. Mr. Zutavern has the highest standing in the community and is one of the honored and influential citizens of his native county. GEORGE DEISLER. The German fatherland has contributed a most valuable element to the complex social fabric of the American republic, which has gained much through this, source, the element being one which has ever con served the march of progress and stood for sterling manhood and woman hood. The honored subject of this sketch, who. is one of the successful farmers of Seneca county, is a native of Germany, but has practically passed his entire life in America and is to be mentioned as a scion of one of the highly respected pioneer families of Seneca county. Mr. Deisler was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 5th of February, 1825, being the son of Conrad and Anna C. (Brundt) Deisler, of whose seven children only two survive, — George, of this sketch ; and Conrad, who owns the old homestead and who is likewise a successful farmer of Venice township. The parents emigrated from the fatherland to- the United States in the year 1833, and after residing for a brief interval in Wooster, Ohio, came that same year to Seneca county, where the father purchased sixty-six acres of land, upon a portion of which the present village of Carrothers is located. Here he continued to devote his attention to farming for many years, — until the spring of 1872, when he and his wife took up their home with their daughter, Airs. Flechner, in Crawford county, where they passed the residue of their lives, each attaining the venerable age of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 385 eighty-two years. The father of our subject was a stanch Democrat in his political proclivities and was a zealous member of the German Re formed church, in which he held various official positions. George Deisler was reared to maturity on the homestead farm, early beginning to aid in the work of reclamation and cultivation and having limited educational advantages as were implied in an irregular attendance in the primitive schools of the locality and period. Upon attaining his legal majority he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of carpenter, and after thus serving for a term of three years, secured thirteen dollars per month the last year ; he thereafter devoted his attention to the work of his trade for a further interval of above eight years, making nearly all the coffins used for the neighborhood. In 1854 he was married, and soon afterward he settled on the old homestead, to whose cultivation he devoted himself until the spring of 1858, when he purchased one hundred and fifteen acres of his present farm, in Venice township, to which he then removed. He has made the best of improvements on the place, to whose area he has added by the purchase of an adjoining tract of thirty and one- half acres, so, that the fine farm now comprises one hundred and forty- five and one-half acres. The place is under a high state of cultivation and gives evidence of the careful management and progressive methods which have been brought to bear, the owner having ever commanded unquali fied confidence and esteem in the community where he has lived from youth to advapced age, ever giving his aid and influence in support of all worthy enterprises and measures for the general good and standing as one of the world's noble army of workers. In politics Mr. Deisler has ever been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and his devotion to duties of citizenship in the exercise of the right of franchise has been singularly marked, as is evident when we revert to- the fact that in all the long years which have passed since he attained his legal majority he has on only two occasions failed to deposit his vote in support of the men or measures approved by his judgment. He has, however, never sought political office for himself: He is a devoted member of the Reformed church at Carrothers, in which for many years he served faithfully and efficiently in official position. 386 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. In November, 1854, Air. Deisler was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Shade, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, the daugh ter of Samuel and Catherine (Carrick) Shade, who took up their resi dence in Seneca county in 1835. The father of Mrs. Shade, Frederick Carrick, was a valiant soldier in the Continental army during the war of the Revolution. During a long and ideal married life of nearly half a century Mrs. Deisler continued as the devoted and cherished companion and helpmeet of her husband, her summons to the "land of the leal" com ing on the 29th of September, 1898, when she passed away in her sixty- ninth year. She was a woman of noble character and her memory rests as a benediction upon those who came within the immediate sphere of her influence. Air. and Mrs. Deisler became the parents of eleven children, and all are living, namely: Benjamin F., a farmer of Defiance county; Lucinda, the wife of Gottlieb Hash, a farmer o-f Paulding county ; Joseph, a farmer of the same county ; George William, engaged in the insurance business in the city of Sandusky; Sarah A., the wife of Daniel F. Smith, Bloom township ; James Samuel, a resident of Tiffin ; Simon, a ditch con tractor of Paulding county; Reuben, a resident of Toledo and a passenger fireman, for the Pennsylvania Railroad; John H., of Williams county; Catherine A., the wife of John M. Sponseller, who has charge of the farm of our subject, and who has three children, — Herbert J., Dora Fay and George Alilton ; and Harvey, a farmer of Paulding county. WILLIAM J. SMITH. William J. Smith, one of the best-known citizens of Seneca county, is a representative of good old Irish stock. His father, John AI. Smith, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, August 10, 1826, but in 1837, when a lad of eleven years, he accompanied his parents, James A. and Eliza beth A. Smith, on their removal to- America, the family locating in Phila delphia, Pennsylvania, where the son, John M., grew to1 mature years and learned the wagon-maker's trade. In 1847 be made the journey to CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 387 Seneca county, Ohio, where he decided to locate, and, sending east for his parents, they purchased the old John Smeltz farm east of Caroline. In 1849, however, John M. Smith left his Ohio home for the gold fields of California, making the journey by way of Cape Horn, and after his arrival in the Golden state engaged in mining and farming, in which he met with a reasonable degree of success. In 1853 he returned to his home in Seneca county, purchasing the James McKittrick farm, where he spent the remaining years of his life, having been called to his final rest 011 the 17th of April, 1898, his death resulting from the kick of a horse, living but two: hours after the accident. From 1867 until 1880 he was a member of the Presbyterian church in Caroline, but in the latter year he united with- the Reformed church, of which he remained a con sistent member until his life's labors were ended in death. His political support was given the Democracy, and for one or more terms he was the efficient justice of the peace of his township. As a companion on the journey of life Mr. Smith chose Miss Mathilda Smith, and they became the- parents of ten children, nine of whom still survive : James A., of Baldwdn, Indiana; William J., of this review; Mary A., the wife of George Aylea, also of Indiana; Nancy J., the wife of James Clemens, of Carrothers, Ohio; Daniel H., a prominent farmer of Venice township; Samuel A., who also makes his home in this township, as does his brother, Thomas J. ; Matilda A., the wife of Charles Armitage, of Reed township; and James H., of Venice township, William J. Smith, of this review, is a native son of Venice town ship, Seneca county, hisi birth having here occurred on the 15th of Sep tember, 1857, and to its public-school system he is indebted for the edu cational privileges which he received in his youth. At the age of twenty- one years he began operating a threshing machine, later purchasing a new steam thresher, and for sixteen years he followed that occupation. In 1892 he became the owner of his present home farm, consisting of eigthy acres of rich and productive land, and soon after its purchase he abandoned his threshing operations in order to give his entire time and attention to the cultivation of his land. He is recognized as a man of executive ability and enterprise and is numbered among the leading citi- 388 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. zens of the community. He is liberal in his political views, but his preference is for the Democracy, and in his social relations he is a mem ber of Attica Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M. December 18, 1884, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Theodosia Sovereign, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Rufus and Nancy (Rodgers) Sovereign, natives respectively of Canada and Ken tucky. Five children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, but the first born died in infancy, and the third in order of birth, Rufus, also died in childhood. The three surviving are Edith, John and Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Reformed church. CHARLES L. WEININGER. One of the leading and representative farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Charles L. Weininger, who is a most highly esteemed and sub stantial citizen of Seneca township. The birth of Mr. Weininger occurred in Wyandot county, Ohio, May 6, 1846. He Was a son of John and Catherine (Lane) Weininger, and a grandson of Adam Weininger, the latter of whom was a native of Germany. From that land he emigrated to: the United States in 181 5, at a date when this country began to make great strides in the direction of permanent commercial, industrial and particularly agricultural progress. Adam Wleininger was just the type of settler needed in the lands offered by the government, in the state of Ohio-. Honest, industrious, plodding and persevering, no: physical task was too- great for him to undertake in the hope of providing for the welfare of those dependent upon him, and soon his home in Fairfield county showed the effects of his activity. In 1826 he moved to Wyandot county, where he became possessed by some two thousand acres of land, and here he lived until his death, at the1 age of eighty years, being at that time one of the most re spected men ofhis locality. His trade was that of blacksmith. His old home is now owned by the heirs of Jesse Badge'r, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 389 John Weininger, who was the son o-f Adam and the father of our subject, was- born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and grew up on his father's farm, accompanying him to Wyandot county. He became a man of prominence in his locality, filled a number of the local offices with great efficiency and was- a. leading member of the Baptist church. His first marriage was to Catherine Lane, who was a daughter of John Lane, and they had five sons, viz. : Solomon and George, of Wyandot county ; Joel, of Fostoria; Jackson, deceased; and Charles L., of this sketch. The second marriage of Mr. Weininger was to Miary Johnson, who still sur vives and is a resident of McCutchenville. After his first marriage he obtained one hundred and thirty acres of his father's farm, which was heavily timbered, erected here a log cabin and here his death occurred in April, 1 89 1, at the age of eighty-one years. From 1832 to- 1835 he kept a hotel, on the old plank road, one mile north of McCutchenville, during which time he became well known to the traveling public, those being the times when the country inn offered most welcome rest and entertainment for the passengers o-f the old "stage coach," of pleasant memory. At his death Mr. Weininger left an estate of six hundred acres. Our subject was reared on the old farm- and received the best educa tional advantages offered in his locality. After finishing the common- school course he attended Heidelberg College, in Tiffin. In 1876 he was united in marriage to- Miss Laura Welsh, who was a native of Zanesville, Ohio, and four children were born to this union, namely: Frank, at home; Hernia, the wife of Paul Bigger; Dolly, deceased at the age of six years ; and Welsh. Soon after his marriage our subject moved to his present farm, which he had purchased in 1867, and which is located in sections 35 and 36, in Seneca township, and comprises one hundred and forty-five acres of rnjost excellent land, and the old home farm, which he also, owns, contains one hundred and thirty acres. Here he carries on extensive operations in farming and stock-raising, being thoroughly equipped for both lines of activity in the way of modern machinery and permanent and substantial improvements. These have all been made by Mr. Weininger and reflect 390 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. credit upon his good taste and judgment. His home is one of the most comfortable to be found in the vicinity. Mr. Weininger is a sensible and well-balanced citizen, a leading member of the Democratic party, a good business man and one who keeps thoroughly abreast of the times. His children have been given excellent educational advantages, his daughter having become noted for her talents in drawing and music, in the convent school which she attended for four years, in Tiffin. He is highly respected in the township and is justly considered one of the representative men. CHARLES D. GANGAVER. There may be found in almost all American communities quiet, re tiring men, who never seek official preferment or appear prominently in public affairs, yet nevertheless exert a widely felt and beneficent influence in the community, helping to construct or solidify the foundation upon which the social and political world rests. Such a man was the honored subject of this memoir, and he was ever found faithful to duty, under whatever aspect it presented itself, never sacrificing integrity and honor to personal expediency and so living as to command unqualified confi dence and esteem as em&nating from those with whom he came in contact in the various relations of life. Not undue eulogy but rather simple jus tice is done to the memory of such a man when perpetual record is made concerning his life and accomplishment, and this the writer would at tempt in this simple tribute to one who stood "four-square to every wind that blow's," who attained definite success in temporal affairs and who was one of the representative farmlers and honored citizens o-f Seneca county during the major portion of his long and useful career. Mr. Gangwer was of stanch German lineage and was himself a na tive of the old Keystone state of the Union, having been born in Allen- town, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of December, 1836. He was reared and educated in his native town and when seventeen years of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 391 age began an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade, becoming an expert in the same and continuing to follow this vocation in AUentown until he had attained the age of twenty-eight years. Then he came to Seneca county, Ohio, and located in Tiffin, where he passed one winter, after which, in 1859, he took up his abode on the fine farm where his widow now resides, in Pleasant township, five miles north of Tiffin. The- place was practically unreclaimed from the forest wdlds, and the only improve ment of note was a. small log house of the pioneer type in which they lived fourteen years. He cleared the greater portion of the place and brought the land under effective cultivation, having laid hundreds of rods of tile and converting what was originally almost a swamp into- one of the best farms of the community. As the years passed and prosperity attended his assiduous and well directed endeavors, Air. Gangwer made the best of permanent improvements: on his homestead, including in 1869 the fine brick residence where his widow now lives, the same being commodious and o-f attractive architectural design, and standing as one of the beautiful homes of the county. He devoted his attention to diver sified agriculture and to' the raising of high-grade stock; and since his death his wido-w has superintended the management of the farm, show ing marked executive capacity and- profiting by the experience of her long and grateful association with her honored husband. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres, all of which is available for cul tivation except seven acres, which are yet covered with native timber. In politics Mr. Gangwer supported the Democratic party and its princi ples, and his religioiis faith was that of the Reformed church at Fort Seneca, of which he was an elder for years and of which his widow- also is still a, devoted member. On Whitsunday of 1858 Mr. Gangwer was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Gensenlither, who was born in AUentown, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1840, the daughter of Jacob and Lena Gensenlither. Mr. and Mrs. Gangwer became the parents of four children, namely: Annie Al., the wife of William Dutrow, of Tiffin ; Caroline, the wife of John W. Coy, a capitalist of Washington, D. C. ; Henry, who is successfully en gaged in farming near Columbia City, Indiana ; and Jane, who became 392 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the wife of Rev. S. W. Seaman, a clergyman of the Reformed church at Columbus, Ohio, and died July 7, 1901, at the age of thirty-five years. She left two children, — Eveline and Karl. She was,' educated in Heidel berg College, where she was a classmate of her husband, whom she after ward married when twenty years- of age. All the children have been educated at Heidelberg College, and Henry was a teacher in the county ten years. Since Air. Gangwer's death Mrs. Gangwer has taken into her family a young girl named Louisa Holsinger, who- has become a valued companion. Air. Gangwer died December 7, 1898, in his sixty-second year. He had an uncle named Thomas Gangwer, who, was a saddler by trade, was a cripple and came to Seneca county with his brother James, the father of the subject of this sketch, some five years previously to the latter's arrival. Charles D. came to care for his uncle, who: in return for the care gave him eighty acres of land. Thomas set up a slxyp on the farm, where he worked as long as he was able, for during the last five years of his life he was almost helj>less. During the ten years of his life here he was tenderly cared for by Charles D. and his wife. The parents of our subject continued to reside upon this farm until their death, the mother dying in 1876 and the father fifteen years later. JAMES P. MOURER. James P. Mourer is a well-known attorney of Fostoria who: has at tained to, a leading position at the Seneca county bar, although he has been in practice here only about eight years. He is numbered among the native sons of the city, his. father being John J. Mourer, who was born in Alsace, France, and who, on emigrating to the new world, about 1864, took up his abode in Fostoria. Here he established a clothing store, which he successfully conducted for a number of years, dying in 1898, at the age of forty-six. He married Catherine Knissel, who was born at Kaiserslautern, Germany. At the usual age James P. Mourer entered the public schools, con- JAMES P. MOURER. , £ eft JL her husband a most devoted wife. George Ebbert, the father of Ann Ebbert, and his wife, Sarah Wood, were born, reared and married in Philadelphia. Their parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and in Philadelphia accumulated wealth and held high social position. Upon his marriage George Ebbert re moved to Uniontown, where he established a mercantile business, which he conducted with marked success for forty years. In many respects 396 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. he was a model man, sound in judgment, successful in whatever he undertook, kind in heart and- generous, in hand ; and this is also: to be said of his wife, who was a model as a wife, mother, neighbor and friend. The paternal grandfather of George E. Seney was the distinguished jurist and statesman of Maryland, Joshua, Seney. For three successive terms he represented his native county in the, Maryland house of dele gates, and later the colony of Maryland in the last continental congress. He was a member of the electoral college which re-elected George Wash ington president of the United States, and was chief justice of the courts in the: third judicial district of Alaryland. In the first and second congresses, under the constitution of the United States, he was a repre sentative from the state of Maryland, and was elected to: the third con gress, but died before it convened. Upon the marble stone at the grave o-f this eminent man is inscribed these words : "From the Commencement of the American Revolution, at various periods of his life, he filled with ability some of the highest stations, and discharged with integrity some of the most important duties to which his native state could appoint him ; preserving through the whole a character, both private and public, unstained by a single vice." The wife of this eminent citizen of Maryland was Frances Nichol son, a daughter of James Nicholson, a distinguished commodore of the navy in 1776, and whose father, Francis Nicholson, was, prior to the Revolutionary war, the colonial governor of Maryland. Another daugh ter of Commodore Nicholson was the wife of Albert Gallatin, who was the secretary of the United States treasury under Presidents Jefferson and Madison, a senator in congress from the state of Pennsylvania, also envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States to Great Britain, to France, to Russia, and to the Netherlands. Another CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 397 of the commodore's daughters was the wife of Colonel William Few, who was a member, from Georgia, of the convention that framed the constitution of the United States1 and later a senator in congress from that state; and another the, wife of John Montgomery, who was the mayor of Baltimore and later a representative in congress from Mary land. A son of Commodore Nicholson was a member of congress from Maryland, and another son, was a captain and later a commodore in the United States navy. John Seney, the paternal great-grandfather of George E. Seney, was born in Maryland, and there was eminent as a lawyer and in public affairs. In the Revolutionary war he was the captain of a militia com pany organized for the defense o-f the colonies and later was, in com mand of a regiment of which he was the colonel. Near the clo-se of the struggle be was elected to represent his native county in the Maryland house of delegates, and was re-elected for nine successive terms, in two of which his distinguished son, Joshua Seney, was a representative. He was a member of the convention which framed the constitution of Mary land, preparatory to her admission into the Union of the states, and later was a member of the convention called by the people of Maryland to ratify or reject the constitution of the United States. At the first election of electors for president and vice president of the United States he was chosen an elector for the state of Alaryland, and in the electoral college voted for George Washington for president. George E. Seney was born in1 Uniontown, Fayette county, Penn sylvania,, May 29, 1830, and when less- than two years of age his parents removed to Tiffin, where his years have been near three-score and ten. With a good common-school education, he was at the Norwalk Seminary for three years, when its principal was- that eminent scholar and divine, Rev. Edward- Thomson, D. D., late a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church. Later, and for two years, he was employed as a clerk in a Tiffin dry-goods store. At the age of eighteen years he was in the city of New York, purchasing a stock of books and stationery for a book store, which he and an uncle opened and conducted in Tiffin. In this store he remained for a year or more, and afterward, for a time, assisted 398 ' CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the auditor and the treasurer. of Seneca county in the assessment and collection of taxes. With a desire to be a merchant, he, through a relative in the east, secured a position in a wholesale dry-goods store in St. Louis. To this his parents were opposed, for they desired him to be a lawyer. To please his father and mother he entered the office of Luther A. Hall, Esq., of Tiffin, to study law, with the understanding that if at the end of three months he preferred the place open for him at St. Louis, neither parent would object. Years afterward, when he was well established in his profession, Mr. Hall, in speaking of him, said : "The first day George was in my office, he and the law fell in love, and they have been loving ever since." Certainly neither he, his kindred, nor his friends have had occasion to regret that he entered professional, instead of commercial, life. Two years of study prepared him for admission to- the bar, and in 185 1 he commenced the practice of law as a partner of his preceptor, Mr. Hall. This copartnership continued for less than three years ; and, upon its dissolution and until his election as judge, he practiced law alone. When- the law firm: of Hall & Seney dissolved, of the eighteen practicing lawyers in Seneca county several were of marked ability and had been long at the bar, but from the beginning Judge Seney had a lib eral share of the legal business. His clientage grew, both in volume and in importance and at the end of four years, when he became judge, his practice compared favorably with that of lawyers o-f twice or even thrice his years and experience. At the bar he had made the reputation of a studious, methodical and reliable lawyer and an able and effective jury advocate. At the age of twenty-seven years, George E. Seney was elected judge of the third judicial district of Ohio, for the constitutional term of five years. He was made the candidate of his party for judge by the unanimous vote of a convention composed of many representative Democrats, a number of whom- were lawyers. The voting strength of the two political parties in the district was about equal, but at the elec tion Judge Seney had a majority of one thousand and six over the Re- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 399 publican candidate, General John C. Lee, then a practicing lawyer at Tiffin. After the election of Judge Seney, and before his term of office commenced, he declined the appointment of United States district attor ney for the northern district of Ohio-, tendered him by President Bu chanan. Tlie third judicial district was composed of twenty counties, in each of which three terms of the common-pleas: court and one term of the district court were held in each year, — the former by one of the five district judges and the latter either by three of these judges or by two and a judge of the supreme court of Ohio. In several of these counties Judge Seney held terms of the common-pleas court, in other counties parts of their terms; and, either with two: of the district judges, or with one and a judge of the supreme court, held a term of the district court in sixteen of the twenty counties of the judicial district. The judges holding these courts during these five years were Josiah Scott, Tho-mas W. Bartley, Milton Sutliff, William Y. Gholson and Jacob Brinkerhoff, of the supreme court, and Mathias C. Whitney, William Lawrence, Alexander Latta, Josiah S. Plants and George E. Seney of the common- pleas court; and of these ten judges Judge Seney is the sole survivor. The first court held by Judge Seney was at Perrysburg, then the county seat of AVood county; and the first lawyer to address him in a cause was the Honorable Morrison R. Waite, then a practicing lawyer at Toledo- and later the chief justice of the supreme court of the United States. In this connection it may be remarked that Judge Seney was one of the committee appointed by congress to accompany the remains of Chief Justice: Waite from Washington to Toledo and to be a pall bearer at his funeral. Upon the bench, Judge Seney presided with dignity, courtesy and strict impartiality. So marked was his knowledge of the law and his ability to apply it to the points at issue that his decis ions were valued as the considerate judgment of a sound lawyer and an upright and just judge. While on the bench he prepared and had pub lished what is known to the legal profession as Seney's Ohio Code, which was republished in 1874. Among lawyers this work is highly 400 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. valued, and is in constant and extensive use in Ohio- and several of the western states. Judge Seney, near the close of his judicial term, which was in the second year of the late Civil war between the states, enlisted in the One Hundred and First Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and upon its organization was commissioned one o-f its first lieutenants, and subse quently its quartermaster. Recruiting for this regiment, in wdiich he and another enlisted man largely assisted, began late in July, 1862, and early in September following the regiment, over one thousand strong, was on the hills near Covington, Kentucky, resisting the advance of the Confederate forces under General Kirby Smith upon Cincinnati. In the Army of the Cumberland, under Generals Buell, Roseerans, Thomas and Sherman, the One Hundred and First Ohio Regiment served until the close of the war. Its service was conspicuously effective at the battles of Perryville, Lancaster, Nashville, Stone River, Chicka- mauga, Chattanooga and Franklin, and in tlie five months of fighting and marching from Alissionary Ridge to Atlanta, under General Sher man. From the day the One Hundred and First Ohio Regiment crossed the Ohio- river at Cincinnati until impaired health unfitted him for further service in the field, a period of nearly three years, Judge Seney served with his regiment in all of its campaigns. Upon resigning his commis sion in the army he resumed the practice of law, at Tiffin, and in a short time was in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative practice, easily main taining his place among the leading representatives of the profession. In the law, as in every other walk of life, success depends largely upon industry, and the Judge was known as one of the most indefati gable and tireless workers. His large clientage connected him with much of the most important litigation tried in the courts of this part of the state. More than twenty years ago- a biographer in writing of him said: "As a lawyer he is highly esteemed by the profession; his cases are thoroughly prepared and ably and effectively presented to the court and the jury. While he is a fine speaker and with his oratorical gifts and graces excels as an advocate, he no> less excels by his sound judg ment and rare sense as an attorney and counselor. The fact that he is CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 401 usually assigned the closing argument in a case indicates the esteem in which he is held by his associates in the trial. As a man he is genial, and has the native delicacy and refinement of the educated gentleman." A later biographer says : "Judge Seney rose rapidly in his profession and is known as an able lawyer and an eloquent and effective jury advo cate, — firm and decisive in character, quiet and gentle in manner, unos tentatious in bearing, a pleasing public speaker, a person of refined tastes, and esteemed and popular with his professional associates." Still another biographer says: "Judge Seney was the youngest man who ever held common-pleas court in Ohio. He was elected judge at the age of twenty-six years and served a term of five years with satisfaction to litigants and lawyers and with honor to himself. He was a hard and conscientious worker and has the qualities that commend a judge, — patience and gravity, dignity and courtesy, urbanity in demeanor, a high sense of justice, a desire to- be right and the application required for careful research and investigation to ascertain the law applicable to a case." In politics Judge Seney has taken more or less interest, more as a Democrat and less as a politician. His paternal ancestors were strong in the Democratic faith and the Democracy of the Judge is, and has been, always and ever, unwavering. He has made many speeches in support of the men and measures of his party, and in many other ways has been active and efficient in the affairs of his party. In conventions to nominate Democrats as candidates for office he was either a delegate or a spectator, but never a candidate except when nominated for judge and for member of congress. When elected to congress he was fifty-two years of age, and the only office that he had held or had been a candidate for was that of judge twenty-five years before. The Democratic state convention in 1856 nominated him for presidential elector on the Bu chanan and Breckinridge ticket. He was a delegate to the Democratic national convention at St. Louis, in 1876, which nominated Samuel J. Tilden for president of the United States. He was the president of the Democratic state convention which met at Cleveland in 1887. As a spec tator he was at the Democratic national convention which nominated 402 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. for president James Buchanan at Cincinnati in 1856, Stephen A. Douglas at Baltimore in i860, Winfield S. Hancock at Cincinnati in 1880, and Graver Cleveand at Chicago in 1884; and as a spectator attended the Republican national convention which nominated for president Benja min Harrison at Minneapolis in 1892, and William McKinley at St. Louis in 1896. He was a delegate at large from Ohio to the convention of Democrats at Indianapolis, in 1896, which nominated General John M. Palmer for president and Simon B. Buckn-er for vice president, and to them- he gave his vote at the election. In 1874 he was the candidate of the Democratic party for congress, and at the election was defeated by less than one hundred and forty votes'. This defeat a friend explained in this language: "It will be re membered that in the convention he refused, again and again, to be a candidate for the nomination, and protested, again and again, against his candidacy when nominated. These refusals and protests gave every voter to- understand that he was opposed to his own election, and this, with the fact that he made no effort to: be elected, was enough to elect the opposing candidate by a very large majority." Indeed, of Judge- Seney it may be truthfuly written that he had no ambition for distinction in public affairs, but regarded the pursuits of private life, and particularly those pertaining to his profession, as being in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts. Endowed by nature with high intellectual qualities, to which have been added discipline, and embellishments of culture, his is a most attractive personality. Well versed in the learning of his profession and with a deep knowledge of human nature and of the world, with great shrewdness, keen sagacity and extraordinary tact, he is in the courts an advocate of great power and influence, while his private life has left its impress upon the moral growth of the community. Had Judge Seney been less a lawyer and more a politician, his public career would not have ended at the close of his fourth term as a representative in congress. He was the choice of several members of the Ohio- legislature for United States senator when the late Henry B. Payne was elected to that office, and later, when the late Calvin S. Br ice was made a senator in congress. More than once CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 403 during his congressional term, and since, he was urged by prominent and leading Democrats and by his party press to be a candidate for governor of Ohio', but always and ever refused the use of his name in a nominating convention. When the free coinage of silver at the ratioi of sixteen to one be came a political issue, the Republican party and the anti-free-coinage Democrats proposed to make him their candidate for congress, and in refusing the candidacy he said that he would not accept the commission of a member of congress if tendered him. Years of industrious and energetic labor in his profession have not been- without substantial rewards toi Judge Seney. Until recently he was the owner of the Tiffin Gas and Electric Works. Pie is the largest stockholder in the Tiffin Savings Bank, and now is, and has been, since the organization of the bank twelve years ago-, its president. In the city o-f Tiffin and in the county of Seneca he is the owner of valuable real estate and gives personal attention to its management. His elegant residence at the corner of Clay and Water streets is, within and without, a most elegant structure. Progressive, liberal and enterprising, he takes an active and leading- part in whatever is calculated to advance Tiffin and the good of her people. His estimable wife, Anna Walker Seney, is a daughter of the late Joseph Walker, Esq., long a merchant o-f Tiffin, and a granddaugh ter of the late Josiah Hedges, Esq., who was the founder of Tiffin and is remembered by many citizens as an active leader in public affairs fifty years, ago. john m. Mcdonald. This name is one known throughout Seneca county, for here Mr. McDonald has passed his entire life and here his parents resided for many decades. He has long been recognized as one of the leading agri culturists of his locality, and for many years has held a foremost place in the public affairs of the county. He has- been faithful to- his concep- 404 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tio-ns of the duties of citizenship-, ever striving to advance the interests of his fellow men. Air. McDonald was born in Tiffin, Ohio, May 6, 1835, a son of Upton and Rebecca (Cromer) McDonald. The father, who was a na tive of Maryland, was there reared and married, and after that event they came with her parents, three brothers and two sisters to the Buckeye state, immediately taking up their abode in Seneca county. For a time after their arrival here they camped in a tent in Tiffin, the city then containing but two: or three houses, and later her father located on a farm near what is now Cromer Station, which was built on the farm of her brother, Ezra Cromer. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald made their home with her father for about three years, when they purchased a farm near by, consisting of eighty acres, and there they spent the remainder of their lives, he dying when our subject was about ten years of age. After the father's death the mother became the wife of Jacob Warner and survived about twenty years. The union of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald was blessed with ten chil dren, seven of whom are now- living, namely : James, a resident of Carbondale, Kansas ; Susan, the widow of John Walters and a resident of Liberty township, Seneca county; John M., the subject of this re view; David, a prominent farmer of Pleasant township; Ezra, a shoe maker at Fort Seneca ; Rebecca, the widow of Lafayette Letherman and a resident of Liberty township; and Albert, of Williams county, Ohio-. John M. McDonald, of this review, acquired but a limited educa tion, for in early life his services were needed in developing a new farm. From the time of his marriage until 1861 he was employed at various occupations by the day or month, and at the latter date enlisted for ser vice in the civil war, becoming a member of Company F, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for one year. During his military career he took part in the battles of Murfreesboro and Stone river, also many others of lesser importance, and after being confined in a hospital in Murfreesboro:, on account of a severe illness, for three months, he was honorably discharged. For about three years after his return from the war he suffered from ill health, and he has never fully recovered his former strength and vigor. He subsequently became the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 405 owner o-f forty acres of land in Pleasant township, where he made his home for three years, when he sold that property and purchased the land which he now owns, paying eight thousand four hundred dollars for eighty acres one and one-half miles northwest of the courthouse in Tiffin. Incurring five thousand dollars of indebtedness, Mr. McDonald paid it in seven years. He is a man of energy and enterprise, and along the line of his chosen calling he has met with a well merited degree of success. On the 22d of February, 1855, occurred the marriage of Mi". Mc Donald and Miss Emily R. Van Natter. She is a native of the state of New York and a daughter of Moses and Rachel (Adams) Van Natter, who came to Seneca county in 1841, locating near Bettsville, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Of the nine children born unto' our subject and wife only five are now living, namely: Nelson W., who is engaged in the manufacture of buggies in Tiffin, Ohio; Milan W., who is employed in a glass factory in Fairmount, Indiana ; Chester, o-f Lib erty township, Seneca county; Orton W., a prominent farmer of Reed township; and Daisy B., the wife of Otto Bo-ur, also of Reed township. At the age of eight years Effie E., the eldest girl, was drowned through carelessness of playmates. One child died in infancy. Korah G. died at thirty-two. He had been a farmer in Seneca county, and a daughter, Adelsa, died at twenty-three, having lived at home and being summoned to the great hereafter almost without a moment's warning. In his social relations Mr. McDonald is a member of General W. H. Gibson Post, G. A. R., and his political support is given to the Re publican party. His religious preference, as is that of Mrs. McDonald, is indicated by membership in the United Brethren church in Tiffin. WILLIAM H. DORAN. For many years the Doran family has occupied a distinctive place in the affairs of Seneca, county. From| a wilderness, this section has been gradually transformed to a fertile farming country, clotted with happy 406 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. homes, and in this glorious labor the Do-rans have been active and zeal ous, leaving to their children and to posterity the records of useful, well spent lives. John Doran, the grandfather of our subject^ was a native of Vir ginia, but as early as 1822 he came to- Seneca county, Ohio, entering eighty acres of government land where a brother of our subject, George W., now resides. At the raising of the old Hunter mills his back was seriously injured, but he survived the fracture for thirty-five years and reached the ripe old age of ninety years. Jonas Doran, the father of our subject, was born on his father's farm in Hopewell township, Seneca county. As a companion on the journey of life he chose Mary A. Arm strong, and they became the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters, namely : William H. ; Inez, the wife of W. C. Welty ; John ; Delia, the wife of Walter Hiser; Rosa, the wife of Lafayette Covert; Ella, the wife of Elias Zeis; Sheridan; Frank; George; and Ida, de ceased. The father of this family was called to: his final rest in 1890, at the age of fifty-nine years, but his widow still survives and resides on the old home farm, three and one-half miles northwest of Tiffin, where their children were born and reared. William H. Doran, whose name introduces this review, was born on the 19th of February, 1855, and he continued to reside on the old homestead until after his marriage, when he rented a farm in Clinton township, there remaining for one year. For the following six years he farmed on rented land in Seneca township, coming thence to- Hopewell township, where he again located on rented land, thus continuing for seven years. On the expiration of that period he became the owner of one hundred acres- of his present farm, and as the years have passed by he has added to his original purchase until his landed possessions now consist of one hundred and- eighty acres of rich and fertile land. He has placed his fields under a fine state of cultivation, has erected commodious and substantial buildings, and in m|any other ways has added to the value and attractive appearance of his place. In addition to the raising of the cereals best adapted to. this soil and climate he has also- engaged CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 407 extensively in the stock business, and in both lines of labor he has met with a high degree of success. In October, 1877, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Doran and Miss Amanda Lynch. Mrs. Doran is the daughter of John A. and Sarah (Utz) Lynch, was born in Liberty township, and was eighteen at her own marriage. Her father died the year of her marriage, while her mother is still living, residing at Tiffin. Mr. and Mrs. Doran have be come the parents of eight children, — Nellie, Olive (wife of Peter War ner), George, Thomas, James, William, Jesse and Laura. Mr. Doran's social relations connect him with the Masonic fraternity, and politically he is identified with the Republican party. He is greatly esteemed by all who- have the pleasure of his acquaintance, and is a man of wide influ ence in this, his native township. PHILLIP BOLLINGER. One of the well known and influential citizens of Venice township is Phillip Bollinger, who has spent his entire life here. He has always been actively interested in everything which tended to- promote the de velopment of this region, and has been confidently counted upon at all times to endorse progressive measures and to: uphold the law, right and justice. The Bollinger family are numbered- among the old and honored residents of the county, and their history may be found in the sketch of L. W. Bollinger in this volume. Our subject was born in Venice town ship, Seneca county, February 20, 1852. Shortly after his marriage he became the owner of eighty acres of land in this locality, and as the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has been enabled to add to his original purchase until his landed possessions now consist of two hundred and thirty acres of rich and fertile land. His fields are under an excellent state of cultivation, good and substantial buildings adorn the place, and its neat and thrifty 40S CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. appearance indicates to the passer-by the supervision of a progressive owner. In matters of political importance he gives his support to the Democracy, and his religious: preference is indicated by his membership in the Reformed church, in which he has long served as a deacon. For a companion on the journey of life Mr. Bollinger chose Miss Anna AI. Funk, a native of Stark county, Ohio-, and a daughter of Isaac and Catharine (Kitzmiller) Funk, he now residing in Bloomville, Sen eca county, and she being deceased. Seven children have blessed the union of our subject and: wife, namely: Ida, the wdfe of James Free born, who resides on a portion of his father's farm; George F., AVilliam E., Ollie, Cera, Emma, and Andrew J., and with the exception of the eldest all are at home. Air. Bollinger is at all times charitable and benevolent, and it is safe to say that no man in Seneca county has a wider circle of friends and acquaintances. CLAY HOLTZ. A native son o-f Seneca county and one of its progressive and in fluential citizens is Mr. Holtz, who is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this section of the state, where he has passed his entire life, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits, in connection with which he has attained a high degree of success, the while commanding the high esteem of those who have known him and had appreciation of his honorable and useful career. Mr. Holtz was born on the old homestead, in Pleasant township, Seneca county, on the nth of December, 1841, one of the six children of William and Catherine Ml. (Cramer) Holtz, who became the parents of four sons and two- daughters, namely : Harrison, who was drowned in childhood; Clay, the immediate subject of this sketch; William, who was a member of Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being captured by the enemy at Chickamauga and dying while held a captive in Andersonville prison ; Susan, wdio is the wife of MRS. CLAY HOLTZ. CLAY HOLTZ. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 409 Norman Egbert, of Clinton township; Rosa, who died in infancy; and Scott, who is a resident of Tiffin. The father of our subject passed away in 1862, and his widow survived him by many years, her death occurring on the 16th of November, 1895, at the venerable age of sev enty-one years. Clay Holtz grew to maturity on the old homestead farm, receiv ing his early educational training in the public schools and continuing to assist in carrying on the w-o-rk of the home place until he was prompted to take up the sterner duty devolving upon him as a loyal son of the republic, when the integrity of the Union was menaced by armed re bellion. On the 9th of October, 1861, when nineteen years of age, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer In fantry, for a term of three years. He proceeded to the front with his regiment and was thereafter a participant in many of the mjost notable engagements of the great civil conflict, among the number being the following: Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, after which last the regiment was attached to- the Army of the Cumberland and was thereafter in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Burnt Plickory, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek and the siege of Atlanta. At FYanklin, W'est Virginia, on the 22d of Alay, 1862, Air. Holtz was taken prisoner, being in the field hospital, but was immediately paroled and returned to his home and here attended school until his exchange, in January, 1863, and he rejoined his regiment in the early part of the following month, at Burke's Station, Virginia, arriving in time to take part in the battle o-f Chancellorsville. He thereafter continued to serve- constantly in the ranks until the close of his term of enlistment, when he received his' honorable discharge, and he forth wdth returned to his native county and here assisted his mother in the operation- of the old homestead until 1869, when he located on his present farm, which was a part of the estate. To this he has added from time to time until he now has a fine farmstead of three hundred and forty acres, in one body, while he has made the best of improvements upon the same, having a commodious and substantial residence, good barns and other requisite 23 410 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. buildings for the accommodation of stock, products and implements, and he has thoroughly developed his broad acres and brought the farm into: a high state of cultivation. He raises diversified crops and also gives attention to the raising of a high grade of live stock. Mr. Holtz is essentially public-spirited in his attitude, and his influence has ever been cast in support of all enterprises for the general good, his political allegiance being accorded to the Republican party, of whose cause he has been a zealous supporter, though never seeking the honors or emolu ments of public office. Fraternally he perpetuates his interest in and friendship with his old comrades in arms by retaining" membership in the Potter Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Green Spring, while in the same place he is identified wdth the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd- Fellows. On the 28th of February, 1868, Mr. Holtz was united in marriage to Miss Andorah Closson Egbert, who was born in Clinton township-, this county, the daughter of Jeremiah and Lucy Ann (Rule) Egbert, her name having been conferred at the request of a Mr. Closson, an old friend of the family, who- wished to thus perpetuate the name o-f his deceased fiancee. Of the eight children of Mr. and Mrs. Holtz we offer the following brief record : Harry, who. assists in the management of the homestead farm; Alice, who is the wife of John Stackhouse, who is located in Cleveland, being in government employ; AVilliam, who served in the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American war, having been for nine months an orderly sergeant on the staff of General Bates, and he is now attending a dental college in the city of Cincinnati; Kathryn, who attended Baldwin University, is now one of the successful and popular teachers in the schools of this county ; Susan, who was graduated in the Green Spring Academy and later attended the Lebanon Normal School, began teaching at the age of fifteen years and continued her pedagogic work for a period of three years, at the expiration of which she was married to a schoolmate, Charles Bridwell, and they now reside in Solitude, Kentucky; Charlotte, who is the wife o-f Eugene Crabill, a farmer near Tiffin, Ohio ; Lucy, who was educated in the Northern Indiana. Normal College at Valparaiso, was a success- -¦•* JfUfii^ft LJttjfe t %f*^*^. *S5 1 |m| ta*-~ ' %j ,-^jii h^aa _AjMffl^ffl&SaB Pj pw^B ^^^^ksB ^ ¦JsfJk ^L IHpf^ p| imbi^m^^^^. ¦¦£&?: HOME OF CLAY HOLTZ. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 411 ful teacher and is now the wife of Elmer Rosenburger, of Melmore, this county; and Zula Juanita (pronounced Wau-ne-ta) is attending the township' graded schools. JACOB BRENDLE. No better illustration of the characteristic energy and enterprise of the typical German-American citizen can be found than that afforded by the career of this well known farmer o-f Hopewell township. Coming to this, country in early life, he has made his way to- success through wisely directed efforts-, and he can now look back with satisfaction upon past struggles. Mr. Brendle was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 14th of June, 1839, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Wertz) Brendle. These par ents had five children, namely : Jacob, the subject of this review ; George, a resident of Tiffin, Ohio; Christina, the widow of Henry W. Creeger and- a resident of Hopewell township; Barbara, the lately de ceased widow: of Michael Walters; and Margaret, the wife of Jacob Fleckner, who- makes his home in Loudon township, Seneca county. The father of these children died in Germany, in 1852, and two years- later the mother, with her five children, came to America, locating in Bas com, Seneca county, where she resided up to the time -of her marriage to- Henry Creeger, the father of Henry W. Creeger. She was called to her final rest on the 16th of March, 1884. Jacob Brendle, of this review, was but fifteen years of age when he came with his mother to Seneca county, Ohio. His education was re ceived principally in the schools of his native land, for after coming to this locality he was permitted to attend school during only two months of each winter for two years. During his first summer here he found employment on the farm, while for the following two years he worked in a sawmill, latert spending six months in a potash factory in Care}-, Ohio. After his mother's second marriage he worked on his stepfather's farm for eleven years, and after the latter's death he rented the prop- 412 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. erty for one year. In 1869, in company with his brother George, he. purchased his present farm, then consisting of one hundred and forty acres, and this relationship was continued until 1884, when the property Was divided, the brother securing as his share the town property, while our subject became the owner of the farm. As the years have passed. by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has added to the original purchase until he is now the owner of one hundred and. eighty acres of as fine land as can be found in Seneca county. He is one of the progressive and skilled agriculturists- o-f the locality, and his un daunted enterprise and resolute purpose have been the means of raising him from a position of comparative obscurity to- one of affluence in the ' business world. In 1874 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brendle and Miss Anna Baug'hman, a native daughter of this locality, where her father, Casper Baughman, located in an early day. Six children have blessed this union, namely: William and Jacob, who are attending school; Emma. and Ella, at home ; and two deceased, Charles and Catherine, In political matters Mr. Brendle votes with the Democracy, but he is liberal in his views and his support is withheld from no, movement or measure which in his best judgment is intended for the public good. He is a worthy member of the German Reformed church, in which he has long served as an elder and for a number of years he has also held the position of deacon therein. No one in the community enjoys a better reputation for integrity of word and deed, and when a man stands high in the estimation of the people who have known him during nearly his entire lifetime no greater testimonial o-f his worth can be given. FRANK J. FREDERICK. Everywhere in our land are found men who have worked their own way from humble and lowly beginnings to places of leadership, and of this class Frank J. Frederick is a prominent representative. A native son. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 413 of the Buckeye state, his birth here occurred in Tiffin, on the 21st of Oc tober, 1864. His parents, John and Rosella (Kuepper) Frederick, were born in Luxemburg, Germany, and in 1849 they came with their parents to the United States. The paternal grandparents of our subject were John and Margaret Frederick, and the former was a. stone-mason by trade. They took up their abode in Tiffin. The maternal grandfather was stricken with cholera during the voyage, and for a time was quar antined on Bedloe's Island, where he soon afterward died. His wife brought her family to Seneca county, locating on a farm near New Riegel. John Frederick, the father of our subject, learned the carpenter's trade, and since his marriage, which occurred in 1863, he has continued to work at his trade in Tiffin. He gives his political support to the Democracy, and the family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church. Of the twelve children born unto Mr. and Airs. Frederick only three now survive: Frank J., of this review; Charles, a resident of Tiffin; and Mary, at home. Frank J. Frederick grew- to years of maturity under the parental roof, and the common schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educa tional privileges. At the age of fourteen years he began work in the agricultural works in Tiffin, where he was employed as a machinist for the following four years, while for a similar period he worked as a mill wright. He was next employed as a pattern-maker in the Tiffin National Machine Company's works in Tiffin, resigning his position therein after a four years' service to work at the carpenter's trade. He had never before worked at the trade, but he hired as an experienced workman. However, he was a close observer, and in the course of three years was recognized as one of the most expert workmen in the city of Tiffin. After four years he engaged in contracting and building, and during the succeeding five years he erected many houses in Tiffin, many of which were built for parties who paid for them on the installment plan. When twenty-one years of age Mr. Frederick purchased a residence property in that city, for which he paid one hundred dollars down and assumed an indebtedness of nine hundred dollars, but in three years' time, by careful and judicious management and indefatigable industry, he was 414 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. enabled to pay the entire amount. He also purchased a lot and erected another residence, for which he was obliged to go in debt to- the amount of about seventeen hundred dollars, but eighteen months later he sold that property and in 1893 bought another residence, for which he again assumed an indebtedness for seventeen hundred dollars. About six months afterward he purchased a half interest in a sawmill at -St. Stephen's, but after continuing therein for six years he sold his interest to his partner, Peter Foos, In 1898 he purchased his present general store and residence property at St. Stephen's, and in the mercantile line he is meeting with a high and well-merited degree of success. In 1890 Mr. Frederick was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Foos, a sister of Peter Foos, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. Five children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, namely: Clarence W., Bertha R., Irvin A., Hilda L. (wdio died in infancy) and Leland B. Mr. Frederick is- identified with the" Democratic party, but he is liberal in his views and supports: the men whom he regards as best qualified to fill positions of trust. The family are members of St. Ste phen's Catholic church. JULIUS UNSER. One of the practical, progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Seneca county is Julius Unser, who owns a. beautiful and highly culti vated farm in Hopewell township. He was born in this locality on the 17th of December, 1863, a son of Joseph and Johanna (O'Brien) Unser. The father was a native of Germany, but on the 14th of March, 1825, when he was a babe, the family left their little German home across the sea and came to America, locating in Loudon township, Seneca county, where they were among the early pioneers. The grandfather was a stone mason by trade, and in addition to following that vocation he also farmed an eighty-acre tract of land which he had entered from the government. On this place the son Joseph grew to, years of maturity, and after his CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 415 father's death he assumed the entire responsibility of the place, thus con tinuing until 1876, when he removed- to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres wdiich he had purchased the year previously. There he continued to make his home until 1892, when he took up his residence in Tiffin, and there his death occurred on the 17th of March, 1893. He became very successful in his farming operations, and in 1885 he was enabled to purchase an additional one hundred and twenty acres, where his son Daniel now resides. His widow also owns eighty acres adjoining the home place. Mr. Unser gave his political support to the Democracy and religiously was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, three of whom still survive, namely: Julius, the subject of this review; Daniel, a prominent farmer of Hopewell township; and Mary, the wife of John Smith, also of this township. One named Cecelia, died at eleven years of age, and a second was given the same name, and died at the age of twenty-seven years, on March 17, 1898, while still an inmate of her parental home. Loretta died in childhood, and Catherine married Andrew Shingler and died when twenty-seven years of age. Julius- Unser assisted his father in the work of the home place until 1889, when he assumed its entire responsibilities, and from that time until the present he has had entire charge of this valuable tract. Since attain ing to mature years his business ability has been constantly manifested, showing unlimited possibilities, and as the result of undaunted enterprise, perseverance and resolute purpose he has risen to a commanding position in the business circles of Seneca county. He gives his political support to the Democracy, and in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his county, state or nation he takes an active interest. Mr. Unser was first married in 1890, when Miss Matilda Phillips became his wife. She was a native of Seneca county and a daughter of John Phillips, a prominent farmer of St. Stephen's, this county. One child, Idella, came to bless and brighten their home. In 1895 the de voted wife and mother passed to her final rest, and two years later Mr. Unser wedded Miss Catherine Kauffman, also a native of Seneca county, and they have one child, Richard. The family are members of St. Mary's 4i 6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Catholic church, and are held in the highest regard by their innumerable friends. The Unser place is one of the attractive farms of the county, the house being one of the large two-story brick structures for which this section is noted. DANIEL L. CRUM. One of the progressive, practical and enterprising farmers of Seneca county is Daniel L. Crum, who resides in Hopewell township, where he owns and cultivates a rich tract of land. He is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Dauphin county, on the 18th of August, 1844, and his parents being Frederick and Susanna S. (Reeme) Crum. Upon the home farm he was reared and in the common schools he obtained his education. His early work in the fields well fitted him for carrying on farming on his own account when he entered upon an independent busi- career. In February, 1867, Mr. Crum was married to Miss Anna C. Kepple, a daughter of George Kepple, who was one of the pioneers of Seneca county and is now deceased. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm of one hundred and thirty-four and a half acres in Clin ton township, three miles north of Tiffin, which his father had purchased the year previous. There our subject engaged in the tilling of the soil for four years and then removed to the farm upon which he is now living, although his residence here has not been continuous since that time. This "farm was also owned by his father, and Mr. Crum of this review leased it for seven years, at the end of which time he had accumulated capital sufficient to purchase it and since then he has been its owner. In 1889 his father persuaded him to rent his farm and removed to Clinton town ship in order to look after the farm owned by Mr. Crum, Sr., and through the succeeding eight years our subject rented and operated his father's place, returning to his own farm on the expiration of that period. Here he owns ninety-two and a half acres, and in addition his wife owns seventy acres one mile north of the home farm, all of which Mr. Crum CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 417 cultivates and annually he garners rich harvests as a reward of his labor. The home of our subject and his wife has been blessed with eight children, seven of whom are yet living : Viola L., the wife of Colonel Cleggitt, of Pleasant township, Seneca county; Naomi G, at home; Alice AlcCleta, the wife of A. L .Lightner, of Tiffin; Ella E., who is with her parents; Edward D., an employe of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; Arlington L. and Irvin R. who are still under the parental roof. Mr. Crum and his family are well known in the community and their home is a very hospitable one. He has never been an aspirant for political office, 'but has firm faith in the Republican party and its principles and always supports it with his ballot. He is one of the enterprising agriculturists of the county and is an esteemed citizen, worthy of high regard. <» » » WILLIAM H. KING. The record of an honorable, upright life is alw-ays read with interest, and it better perpetuates the name and fame of the subject than does a monument, seen by few and soon crumbling into dust beneath the relent less hand of time. Those who have fought and suffered for the country in which their lot is cast are especially deserving of an honored place in its annals, and their posterity will turn with just pride to these records of the founders and preservers of a prosperous, united nation. Born in Sandusky county, Ohio, October 31, 1837, Mr. King is a son of Samuel R. and Alary (Stewart) King. The father, who was a native of Maryland, and married there, located in Wyandot county, Ohio, and began farm life there on rented land. After remaining in that lo cality for a time he removed to Sandusky county, where he purchased a farm, but in 1850 he disposed of that property and came to Seneca county, taking up his abode in Hopewell township, and there he spent the re mainder of his life, passing away about 1858. In early life he gave his political support to the Whig party, -but after the Republican party was 4i 8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. formed he joined its ranks and was ever afterward a stanch supporter of its principles. Of the six children born unto Samuel R. and Mary (Stewart) King only three are now living: Davenport S., a prominent farmer of Hopewell township; Henrietta, the widow of Henry S. Ruse and a resident of Lorain, Ohio; and AVilliam H., the subject of this re view. Savilla Jane married George Mundwiler and died about one year later; Alartha married George Ruse and died about the same length of time thereafter; and Daniel R., the youngest of the family, was a teacher for eight years in Seneca county, and was later in the hardware trade at Sycamore, Ohio, where he died at about twenty-eight years of age. AVilliam H. remained under the parental roof until his sixteenth year, during which time he pursued his education in. the village schools near his home. At that early age he began life on his own account as a farmer boy, working out for others by day and month, thus continuing until the inauguration of the civil war, when, in 1864, he loyally offered his services to the Union cause, entering Company I, One Hundred and Six ty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which, he served for three months at Arlington Heights, Virginia. After his return home Mr. King again took up the quiet duties of the farm, pursuing agriculture for two years on land belonging to his mother-in-law, and on the expiration of that period, in 1867, he became the owner of his present home farm of seventy acres, where he has ever since continued to make his home. He had an indebtedness of over two thousand dollars, which was cleared off at the same time he was making improvements, having a comfortable house and convenient barn. He has laid several hundred rod's of drainage tile, and the fields are now in a first-class productive condition. He is an enterprising and prosperous farmer, and his efforts in the line of his chosen calling have brought to him a high and well merited- degree of success. In the year 1859 Air. King was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Ruse, who was born in Hopewell township, a daughter of Solomon Ruse, one of the early pioneers of this, locality. Three children were born of this union: Ida, the wife of William F. Martin, of Hopewell town ship; Silas and John H., both of Hopewell township. This loving CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 419 wife and mother has been called to the home beyond, and for his second wife the father chose Miss Aladora Freeze, a daughter of Barney Freeze, who was also among the very early settlers of Seneca county. This mar riage has been blessed with eight children, namely : James, at home ; Lillian, the wife of Charles Creeger, of Hopewell township; Susan, the wife of Ross Creeger, also of this township; and Russell, Lulu, Ray, Harrison and Carl, at home. Mr. King's political support is given to the Prohibition party. He is a member of Hopewell Bethel Church of God, and its interests have been greatly promoted through his zealous and earnest work. His many admirable qualities of heart and mind have gained for him a large circle of friends, and he is widely and favorably known in Seneca county. SAMUEL WANNAMAKER. The name of Wrannamaker has been an honored and respected one in Seneca county, Ohio, since 1849, when the present family of the name was established here by Isaac Wannamaker, who was the father of Sam uel Wannamaker, a highly respected citizen of Seneca county. Samuel Wannamaker, who is the subject of this sketch, was born- December 16, 1836, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and he was a son of Isaac and Catherine (Billig) Wannamaker, both of whom were natives of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. Isaac Wannamaker and family moved to the former county in 1834, and there followed a farming life until 1849; then he removed to Seneca county and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Seneca township. He acquired more land, became pros perous and prominent in his locality and at the time of his decease owned an aggregate of two hundred and eighty-seven acres. Mr. Wannamaker was one of the leading members of the Lutheran church, where now his widow, who lives with Samuel, is one of the "mothers in Israel," having reached her ninetieth year, the record of her life being one of kind, good deeds. Isaac Wannamaker and wife were the parents of eleven children, the 420 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. survivors of the family being as follows : Caroline, Samuel, Joel and Sylvester, all of Seneca township. The names of those wdio- have passed away were Edwin, Daniel, Elias, Henry, Jacob, Mary A. and Isaac. Samuel Wannamaker was thirteen years of age when the family came to Seneca county, a happy, healthy schoolboy, useful on the farm even at that early age, the "chores" being usually apportioned to him. After locating here he re-entered school and acquired a good common- school education, which has been supplemented in later years with reading and association with public men and office through the county. He con tinued to make his home with his parents until he was thirty-five years of age, for fifteen years following the -threshing business. His tastes and talents, however, were not all in the direction of an agricultural life, and Mr. Wannamaker entered a carpenter shop in order to thoroughly learn this trade, becoming in the course of time a most skillful workman. Although the demands of his business take him away from home quite frequently, he has always made Seneca township his place of residence, and there enjoys the respect, esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. To this esteem his friends have testified by calling upon Mr. AVanna- maker to fill positions of responsibility in the township, notably in the office of township treasurer, which he has efficiently filled for the past nine years. On the school board he has been a man of excellent judg ment, and while school director the educational affairs of his district have been carefully considered. He has taken a deep interest in political mat ters in this township, and is justly considered one of the leading members of the Democratic party, with which he has been identified since his young manhood. Mr. Wannamaker was reared in the tenets of the Lutheran church and he has been an interested and active member for a number of years, serving as trustee of the church in Tiffin, where he has been one of the elders during a long period. Mr. Wannamaker is a man of parts, well read on a number of subjects and one who has testified in many ways to the interest he feels as a public-spirited citizen. In private life he is a man of exemplary character and has always been devotedly attached to his aged mother, who still experiences his tender care. He was married CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 421 in 187 1 to Amanda Huntsberger, who died in less than one year there after. His sister Caroline has continued at home and has charge of the household, being devoted to her aged mother. MIGHAEL WALTER. For many years Michael Walter occupied a very conspicuous place"- among the agriculturists of Seneca county. His career was that of an honorable, enterprising and progressive business man, whose well-rounded character also enabled him to take an active interest in education and social and moral affairs, and to keep well informed concerning the momentous questions affecting the nation. In all life's relations he com manded the respect and confidence of those with whom he came in con tact, and the memory of his upright life is an inspiration to the many friends who knew him well and were familiar wdth his virtues. A native son of the Buckeye state, Mr. Walter was born in Big Springs, Seneca county, April 12, 1845. ^1S parents were Michael and Margaret E. (Witrick) Walter, and they had ten children, namely: Elizabeth, the wdfe of George Hetzel, of Wyandot county, Ohio; Mar tin, of Wayne county, Ohio ; George, a prominent farmer -of Hopewell township; Michael, of this review; Henry, o-f Williams county; Mary, the wdfe of George Brendle, of Tiffin ; John, who makes his home in Liberty township, Seneca county ; Joseph, also of Williams county; Sarah, the wife of Martin Weigel, of Seneca township' ; and William, a resident of Liberty township. Michael was the first of this family to pass to the home beyond, and the youngest child has now reached the age of forty years. Michael Walter, of this review, grew to years of maturity on his parents' homestead farm, receiving his elementary education in the com mon schools of the neighborhood, but being a broad reader he greatly added to his knowledge in later life and became a well informed man. In 1870 he went to Wayne county, Ohio, spending several months in that locality, and following this he was employed for two years in the hum- 422 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ber regions of Michigan. Returning to his boyhood home, he once more took up his abde on the home farm with his father, and after his marriage he farmed the place for one year, removing thence to Liberty township, where for the following two years he was engaged in the saw mill business. On the expiration of that period he again returned to the old homestead, his parents having both died in the meantime, and for three years thereafter he farmed the place in the interest of the other heirs. In 1877 he became the sole owner of the farm, wdiich consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, and there he continued to make his home until his life's labors were ended in death. He took a leading and active interest in the public affairs of his locality, and his political support was given to the Democracy. In 1870 Mr. Walter was united in marriage to Miss Mary B. Brendle, the history of whose father will be found on another page of this volume. Eight children were born unto this union, only five of whom are now living, namely : Jesse AVilliam, a prominent farmer of this county; Frank S., who is engaged in the operation of a threshing machine; and Charles L., Orlando H. and James E., at home. During the last sixteen years of his life Mr. Walter was a cripple, having been injured by being thrown from and run over by a binder. He closed his eyes in death on the 3d of October, 1901, passing away in the faith of the German Reformed church, of which his family also are members. A prominent representa tive of industrial interests, a popular factor in social life, a faithful friend, a kind husband and father and a consistent Christian, he leaves behind him an untarnished record. His widow, who supplied the principal facts in the above article, also passed to the great beyond on the 20th of Jan uary, 1902. JAMES ALBERT NORTON. ' Probably no person ever born in Seneca county has had a wider rep utation or a more extended acquaintance than James A. Norton, who was born on the nth day of November, 1843, in the village of Bettsville, this county. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 423 His parents were among the pioneer settlers of the county and did much in giving an impetus to the advance and growth of the progressive features which have so distinctively marked the history of this section of the state. His father, Dr. Rufus Norton, born in Utica, New York, was a son of Isaiah Norton, who was a native of the north of England, a descendant of a long line of ancestors, the representatives of which still remain prominent in English municipal affairs. The family was a branch of the Scottish McNaughton clan, well known in Scotch history of the time of the "Dark Douglas." His mother, Clarissa AVaters, was of French-English descent, and possessed the vivacity and determination characterizing the union of the Anglo-Saxon and Latin races. Born of such an ancestry and endowed by nature with more than a liberal share of intellectual power, personal attraction, magnetism, elo quence and courage, it is no wonder that James A. Norton should rise to the position and success he has achieved. The youngest of a family of five, four sons and one daughter, his boyhood days were passed in his native village, where he attended school, and accompanied his father in the long drives consequent upon a large medical practice, in which he became deeply interested in the profession he afterward followed. His studies were continued later in the public schools at Tiffin, and were marked by the close application and thoroughness which he has shown in every undertaking engaged in since then. Bred and nurtured in the Democratic faith, inspired with an ardent love for his country, moved by patriotic impulses, young Norton was an enthusiastic advocate for the maintenance of the Union, and found the restraint of school especially irksome, when the civil war came; and the news of battles fought, victories won or lost, made his heart beat with ambition and his pulse tingle with excitement until he could no longer endure inaction, so on the 16th of August, 1862, he bade adieu to home and friends, went to Monroeville and enlisted, when only eighteen years of age, in Company K, of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in as a sergeant. He soon had occasion to begin actual service, for in September he went with his regiment to Covington, Kentucky, to repel a threatened invasion of the rebels under General 424 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Kirby Smith, but was soon afterward ordered to Louisville, where the regiment became part of General Buell's army. On the 8th of October he first faced the enemy in battle array and thrilled with "The stern joy wdiich warriors feel In fo-emen worthy of their steel," when, at Perryville, a stubborn fight with the Confederates was had. This was quickly followed by a skirmish at Lancaster, then, on Decem ber 30th, the year was closed by the memorable battle of Stone River. The young soldier bore himself well in all these scenes of carnage, and won the admiration of his comrades by his conduct, and often to this day he is greeted by survivors of that fight by their recalling incidents of Stone River. In this battle the One Hundred and First Regiment took a most prominent part, and suffered greater loss than any -other regiment engaged in the fight. Nearly all its officers were killed, the gallant Col onel Leander Stem being among the number. The remnant of the regi ment passed the winter in scout duty around Murfreesboro until it was ordered to take part in the Tullahoma campaign, and later to move against Chattanooga. It was in this latter campaign, at the battle of Chicka- mauga, September 20th, during the second day's fight, while supporting the Hotchkiss battery, that Sergeant Norton was wounded, his ribs on the left side being broken, and his left lung injured, from which he has never fully recovered. He was left lying on the field of battle until found in an unconscious condition by his brother, Cyrus G. Norton, who was also a member of his company. He was taken to Chattanooga and placed in the old dye house used as a hospital, from which place he was removed to Stevenson, Alabama, and then to-- Hospital No. 8, at Nash ville, Tennessee. Here he was granted a furlough, and returned to his home on a visit. Rejoining his regiment at Nashville, he was ordered by the brigade commander to report before an examining board for promo tion to the regular army, under general orders requiring the selection of the most capable men to officer new troops. After a severe examination he was passed and received his commission as lieutenant, signed by President Lincoln, and was assigned to the One Hundred and Twenty- third United States (Colored) Infantry, with orders to report to General' CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 425 John M. Palmer, who sent him to Louisville, Kentucky, to drill the colored troops. This detail was not regarded with favor by many of the officers, who- declined such assignment, but Lieutenant Norton, believing it a soldier's duty to obey orders, hastened to- his post and at once began to carry out his orders. After the dark-skinned soldiers had acquired considerable proficiency in military tactics and were under good discipline he was made adjutant and detailed with a body of troops to go to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to locate and care for a quantity of ordnance, remain ing at this place until October 16, 1865, when he was mustered out by an error. Orders had been sent to muster out the One Hundred and Twen ty-second Regiment, but in copying the order at division headquarters it was made to read "One Hundred and Twenty-third," and thus, inad vertently, his connection with the army ceased. In the meantime Lieutenant Norton had married. While at home on his furlough, on the 19th day of July, 1865, he went to Fostoria, the home of his bride, and there wedded Miss Adeline Hemming, then in her twentieth year of age, who accompanied him back to- Louisville and remained with him until he was mustered out. Miss Hemming was the daughter of Thomas Hemming, who was one of the early settlers of the county, and who was the oldest educator, in point of service, in north western Ohio, having been engaged in teaching for over fifty years. He was also county surveyor for a number of years, and as such made the. survey of Seneca county. Returning to civil life, Mr. Norton took up the study of medicine in his father's office and soon became a valued assistant. His close appli cation was, however, too great a strain upon his health, and in 1869 he- went to Hampton, Iowa, and entered upon a separate practice of his: chosen profession. Deriving great benefit from the invigorating climate,, his health became restored, and he soon had a large practice, constantly increasing, until in 1871, his father being accidentally killed, he returned to his native village and for eight years was the leading physician of that part of the country. Having inherited the creed of Democracy, observation and study but deepened and strengthened his convictions and belief in the truth and 27 426 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. solidity of Democratic principles. In those stirring times of political action he could not refrain from taking more than a passing interest in -the events of the day, and when he entered into the field of political con flict his keen sagacity, sound judgment and enthusiastic devotion to party principles soon placed him at the forefront as a leader. Recognizing his ability and fitness, his party in Seneca county in 1873 placed him in nomination as their representative to the general assembly of the state, to which office he was elected by a large majority. Here his qualifications were quickly recognized, and he became one of the leaders, and his fund of information, his readiness in debate, his fluency of speech and his elo quence gave him prominence. He was placed on important committees, and was elected speaker pro tern, of the house. His course while in the legislature gave him a high standing in the councils of his party in the state, where he was recognized as one of its foremost advisers. During his attendance at the general assembly he devoted his evenings and spare moments to- the study of law, in the office of Hon. George L. Converse, at Columbus, and in 1879 was admitted to the bar. It was largely due to Mr. Norton's efforts that the law was passed requiring all public officers to execute all pension papers free. At the close of the general assembly in 1879 Mr. Norton returned to Tiffin, which he made his headquarters while acting as general man ager and solicitor for the Wiley Construction Company, of Massachusetts. During 1880 he purchased the paper known as the Herald, and edited it with such vigor that the first issue brought a five-thousand-dollar libel suit, which, however, was never prosecuted. The Herald was later sold to Dr. E. B. Hubbard, and subsequently became the Tribune. Air. Nor ton still kept an active interest in local politics, serving as president of the school board, president of the common council, and as a member of the Seneca County Agricultural Society. The only political defeat that Dr. Norton ever met was when he ran for councilman on the famous "cow ordinance." Standing for rigid enforcement of its provisions, he wras defeated by the vote of a large number who wanted their cows to run at Irrge. In 1884 he was delegate to the national Democratic convention. In August, 1885, he was appointed auditor of Seneca county in place of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 427 F. E. Stoner, deceased, and in October of the same year was elected to the office, and again in 1887 was re-elected. He was appointed as United States inspector of customs at Panama by President Cleveland, but de clined. He served as chairman of the Democratic state central and exec utive committees, and as chairman of the state convention. In 1890 he was appointed by Governor Campbell as state commissioner of railroads and telegraphs, serving the state with fidelity and success during the whole of Governor Campbell's administration, and for four months under Governor AIcKinley, when he resigned to accept a position in the law department of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In 1896 Dr. Norton was nominated by the Democracy of the thirteenth district of Ohio for repre sentative in congress, at a convention held at Marion, Ohio. In 1898 he was renominated, at Upper Sandusky; in 1900, at Bucyrus, he was again for the third time nominated; and in 1902, at Sandusky, by an over whelming majority, he was again selected as candidate for the fourth term in congress, and each time he has been elected, by increasing majority. In congress he has served on the invalid pensions and District of Columbia committees, and he has given time and attention to- the duties of his office. His quick perception, his sound judgment, wise counsel and unfailing good nature join in giving him a firm hold upon the esteem, confidence and friendship of his fellow members. He is ever ready to champion the principles of his party, and is ever at the front, taking the advance step, and points out in speeches of combined logic, argument, sarcasm and eloquence the true position upon which Americans, as such, regardless of party can stand. Dr. Norton, with his social nature, of course could not but have some affiliation with fraternal organizations, so we find that in the winter of 1864-5, at Louisville, Kentucky, he became a member of Compass Lodge, No. 222, F. & A. M., and in 1882 a member of Tiffin Lodge, No. 80, Knights of Pythias. He was a charter member of Leander Stem Post, G. A. R., and a regular attendant until, at the death of General W. H. Gibson, this post united with another post and took the name of W. H. Gibson Post; then Mr. Norton, with a large number of. others, withdrew, believing it was a wrong to the memory of the heroes wdio 428 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. died on the field of battle to drop their name for one who had no greater military claim and who had been honored in civil life. Mr. Norton is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and finds pleas ure in the friendships and fraternal spirit found in that order. Generous to a fault and social to a high degree, Mr. Norton wins friends easily, and he has the happy faculty of drawing them closer to him as the years pass by. Viewed in a jjersonal light he is a strong man, of excellent judgment, fair in his views and highly honorable in his. relations wdth his fellow men. His integrity stands as an unquestioned. fact in his career and his example is well worthy of emulation. HENRY R. FUNK. An old resident, esteemed citizen and successful agriculturist of Seneca county, Ohio, is found in Henry K. Funk, who- was born on the farm wdiich he now owns and occupies, in Seneca township, March 19, 1837. He was a son of Daniel and Sarah (Reams) Funk, the former of whom was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on June 21, 1804, and. passed out of life on August 19, 1879. The latter was also born in Fair field county, on April 11, 1812, was reared and educated and also mar ried, April j 1, 1829, in that county, but died in Seneca county on Octo ber 17, 1893. Although a family of seven children was born to the parents of our subject, the only survivor is the latter. The others were as follows : Ellen, who married Daniel Hemming and died at the age of twenty years; Ann Catherine, who married Henry Jones and died in 1875, aged forty-one years ; Alary, who became the wife of Daniel Reisz and died when thirty-three years of age ; Jacob, who- married Sylvia A. Stoner, the eldest sister of the wife of our subject, and they have five children, — Oliver M., Hattie Ellen, Arthur, Bertha and Harry. Jacob died Feb ruary 19, 1890, in his forty-ninth year; and John and Daniel, the other brothers of our subject, died unmarried. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 429 It was in the year 1834 that Daniel Funk moved from Fairfield county to Seneca county, where he entered a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of government land on section 19, in Seneca township, now comprised in the farms of Jacob and Henry Funk. Upon this land he immediately erected a hewed-log cabin, containing- but one room, in which picturesque little home his family was safely sheltered. This land was heavily timbered and became of value as the town o-f Tiffin expanded into a little city, and railroad lines began to connect this locality wdth the great west. Mr. Funk was an industrious man, one wdio enjoyed the esteem of his neighbors and was well known at the time of his death, in 1879. His widow survived until her eighty-first year, dying in 1893. Henry K. Funk, who- is the subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm of his birth, and remained at home until the outbreak of the civil war in 1861. When every town, village and country lane was responding to the call for young life to be offered upon the altar of coun try, our subject was one of that courageous and loyal band. He entered Company K, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a service of three years, and with his regiment was sent into the locality wdiich soon became historic and sacred ground to the true American citizen. He took part in his first battle at Green river, Kentucky, and then came Nashville, Corinth, Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga and then Nashville again. Mr. Funk was twice wounded, first at New Hope Church, when he was incapacitated by a ball passing through his left cheek, coming to the surface under his right ear. This serious wound kept him in hospitals in Louisville and camp for three months, his regiment being in Georgia when he returned to- it. He accompanied his comrades in the last war movements when his portion of the army marched from Nashville to New Orleans and then to Texas, where his term of service expired, and he was mustered out on November 13, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio-, his gallantry have caused his promotion from private to- sergeant. Mr. Funk returned to the old home and in this vicinity he was mar ried, in March, 1866, to Miss Elmira Shoup, and a family of five chil dren was born to this union, two of whom died in infancy, Daniel B. and John dying of scarlet fever in young boyhood, and Clara, reaching matur- 430 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ity, became the wife of Elsworth Corfman and died at about twenty-two, leaving one son, Dayton Corfman. Mrs. Funk died June 12, 1887. The second marriage of Mr. Funk was on July 21, 1891, to Mrs. Rozella (Stoner) Snyder, who was the widow of Frank Snyder, and the daughter of George and Louisa (Wilkins) Stoner. Two children have been born to this marriage, namely: Rolla C, April 13, 1892; and Henry Franklin, October 8, 1898. Soon after his first marriage Air. Funk went to Harrison township, Henry county, where he lived for seven years, coming then to his present farm, where he has been a successful farmer and stock-raiser ever since. The excellent improvements which make this one of the model farms of the township have been placed here by him, who nowr has one of the best arranged, most co-mfortable and attractive homes in this vicinity. Here he has -one hundred and twenty-five acres, which is in a high state of cultivation. Air. Funk has always upheld the principles of the Republican party, although he has been no politician in the real sense of the word. His quiet, busy home life has had more attraction for him than the excite ments of politics. For some forty years, however, he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a valued brother Mason in Wyandot Lodge, No. 314, at AlcCutchenville. Mr. Funk has many friends in this township, where his character as an upright and honorable man is well known. He is pleasant and agree able in manner, and both he and estimable wife delight to offer the hos pitality of their pleasant home .to- their many friends. VERNON H. SLOSSER. Of all the young men who have acquired their educational discipline in Seneca county and have had their characters molded and developed in its institutions, receiving here the impetus toward progress and achieve ment characteristic of the times, certainly none have reflected greater CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 431 credit upon the county than- the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this review. Mr. Slosser was born on the farm on which he now resides on the 13th of May, 1871, a son of John and Louisa A. (Wolf) Slosser, and of their two children he alone survives. The father was born in Vir ginia October 10, 181 1, and in 1830 he came wdth his parents to, Seneca county, Ohio, his father, Peter Slosser, locating land in Clinton town ship, where he continued to reside for eighteen months. In the mean time he had entered the farm which our subject now owns, on which he erected a cabin, and there the grandparents lived and died. The grandfather and his eldest son, Peter, together acquired about eighteen hundred acres of land in Seneca county and also about two hundred acres in Wood county, the latter being heavily timbered, and there they con ducted a sawmill for a number of years. After the grandfather's death the son John, the father of our subject, was made administrator of the estate, and as his share of the property he acquired, the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Soon afterward he was married to Miss Emaline Wolf, but three years later their happy married life was ended in death, the wife having been called to the home byond. Mr. Slosser afterward married her cousin, Aliss Louisa A. Wolf, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, August 13, 1834, a daughter of Andrew Wolf. Mr. Slosser continued to reside on the homestead farm until his death, which occurred on the 17th of October, 1897, in- his eighty-sixth year, passing away in the faith of the United Protestant church, in which he had long served as a deacon. He gave his political support to the Republican party, and for many years he was a justice of the peace, during which time he united in marriage many residents of the county. The year following her husband's death Mrs. Slosser removed to Bascom, where she has ever since made her home. Vernon H. Slosser, the immediate subject of this review, was reared to manhood amid the refining influences of a cultured home, and the edu cational advantages which he received in his youth were those afforded by the common schools of the neighborhood. After his marriage he took charge of the old family homestead, which he farmed on the shares for 432 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. a time, and after his father's death he acquired as his share of the prop erty one hundred and twenty acres, where he is extensively engaged in general farming. He is a young man of keen foresight and sagacity, and therefore is enabled to make judicious investments, which yield him a good profit. He is energetic, enterprising and reliable, and therefore has won and retains the confidence of the residents of the locality in which his entire life has been passed. On the 22d of December, 1892, Mr. Slosser was united in marriage to Miss Cora Dewald, a native of Loudon township, Seneca county, and a daughter of Philip Dewald, one of the early pioneers and prominent farmers of that township. Three children have graced this marriage, but only Nina E. is now living. Marion J. died of pneumonia February 20, 1902, aged two years and seven months. JAMES H. KNAPP. The Empire state has sent her sons into every portion of the Union, Seneca county claiming a share of those wdio- have come to Ohio. Among them is James H. Knapp, who was born in Putnam county, New York, July 12, 1842, his parents being Gilbert and Cynthia (Chase) Knapp. In the family were three children, John and Cyrus, both residents o-f Erie county, Ohio, being the younger brothers. They are operating the old family homestead near Castalia, Erie county, wdiere their father purchased one hundred sixty acres of land, to. wdiich he added as his financial resources increased, until his farm comprised three hundred and twenty acres. He made extensive improvements and, converting his land into productive fields, they annually returned to him abundant harvests. Throughout his entire life he was a farmer and died at the old homestead March 8, 1894, at the age of seventy-two years. His widow still survives him, now in her eighty-second year. James H. Knapp was a lad of but six when he came to Ohio, and upon the- home farm he grew to manhood. In 1864 he offered his serv- ct tsC^lsn^L^l. OC /&, t^r^oc/L^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 433 ices to the government, joining Company I, One Hundred and Forty- fifth Ohio Infantry, which was in the hundred-day service in defense of Washington. In 1867 he went to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he was engaged in the dry-goods business two years. Returning, he located in Scipio township, where he took charge of the farm for his wife's stepfather, Hon. Daniel Brown. Plere he has since resided, and that he is an enterprising and energetic farmer is indicated by the farm's neat and thrifty appearance. On the 1 2th of October, 1870, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Knapp and his- cousin, Mrs. Joanna Crissel, a native of Putnam county. New York, and the widow of Captain W. J. Crissel. Captain W. J. Crissel was a native son of Perry county, Ohio, and in his youth learned the harnessmaker's- trade, though quite early in life he became a mer chant, conducting a successful dry-goods trade at Republic for several years. His marriage to Miss Joanna Brown took place in 1853, from which time he resided on the present home, where he died February 9, 1869. At the outbreak o-f the Mexican war he enlisted in an Ohio regi ment, serving as sergeant throughout the war and receiving a wound in one arm during one of those ever memorable and desperate battles. In 1864, when the national capital was thought to- be in danger, he organ ized a company for its defense. At the organization of the One Hun dred and Sixty-fourth Regiment he was elected captain of Company R, and so served during the brief but interesting j>eriod required by the government. He was a brave, popular and efficient officer and one who gained and retained the esteem of his men. As in all matters in which he became interested, he took a leading part in advancing the farming interests of the community, and rendered much encouragement and help in the introduction of the best breeds of stock, his farm really becoming headquarters for sheep men, as many sales of Vermont Spanish Merinos were held here and breeders from all sections of this and surrounding- states came to recognize him as a wide-awake, enthusiastic and pro gressive citizen. The results of his ambition were well exemjdified in the many substantial improvements he made on the farm, which had been for many years the well-known home of his wife's parents. 434 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Captain Crissel's enthusiasm was never shown to: better advantage than when he was advocating the principles of the Republican party, and being thoroughly informed on political history, he was never at loss for substantial argument to maintain his views, which were ever fore most, though his strength lay largely in his personal contact with men and his persuasive private conversation. Though never aspiring to political honor, he ably filled various local offices. His wide reading and scholarly attainments made him' one of the best-informed men of the township, and his active participation in public matters and the Ma sonic fraternity, in which he: was highly honored, coupled with pleasing personality and affable manners, made him universally respected and loved. Two sons were born to Captain and Mrs. Crissel : Daniel B. and Fred, both of whom are: residents of Scipio township. The parents of Mrs. Knapp were Hon. Daniel and Sally M. (Chase) Brown, who:, in the year 1836, came from Tompkins county, New York, to, Seneca county, Ohio, where her father purchased one hun dred and thirty-three acres of 'land, constituting the farm upon which Morgan Ink now resides. He there cleared the fields and developed an excellent farm property, upon which he resided until 1853, when he came to the farm which is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Knapp- and 'which adjoins the old homestead. There he died in 1872, at the age of 'seventy-two- years. He was a member of the state legislature in 1844-5 and was widely recognized as a leader of public thought and opinion in his locality. He also- held some local offices, including those o-f justice of the peace, coroner and trustee, and after the organization of the Re publican party he became one of its stanch advocates and worked un ceasingly to: promote its growth and insure its success. Of the Univer salis church he was an active and zealous member. His wife survived him for many years and passed away January 25, 1896, at the age of eighty-one. Their only child was she who is now Mrs. Knapp. Air. Knapp is now the- owner of three hundred and thirty-five acres of rich and arable land, all in one body, and carries on general farming and stock-raising, making a, specialty of the breeding of short-horn 'cattle. In public affair's he takes a deejj and active interest, and his CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 435 fellow townsmen elected him township trustee for ten years and in further recognition of his worth and ability elected him county com missioner in 1895. Mr. Knapp is active and earnest in his adherence to and advocacy of Republican principles, though his ability and proved honesty as a trustee gave him, when a candidate for the commissioner- ship, the sup-port of a large element within Democratic ranks. He re ceived a, majority of about eight hundred, when the county is conceded to the Democrats by about eleven hundred under normal conditions. Such extravagance had crept into the management of the county s affairs that a man was needed whose influence would tend to counteract that tendency, and Mr. Knapp was thought to possess just the essential elements, — sagacity, keen business acumen, absolute honesty and a will that could be stubborn if necessary. In 1882 he had been selected as secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Relief Association, and during his ten years of service its business had more than doubled, having four millions of insurance at risk in 1895. His value as a shrewd financier and economical manager was thus well known, and that no mistake waS made in his selection as commissioner is amply proven by reference to the financial condition of the county when he entered upon his duties and that shown two and one-half years later. The total indebtedness March 1, 1895, was in excess of $161,500, while September 21, 1897, it was but $17,750, a reduction of $143,800. A comparison of tax levies* is even more interesting. In 1894 it was seven and seventy hundredths, while for 1897 it was but three and seventy-six hundredths. The above- statistics amply illustrate the value of such a man on the board of com missioners. Yet in the face of what was accomplished for the county, Mr. Knapp was defeated for re-election. The Knapp homestead, one mile south of Republic, on the Kilburn road, is not only one of the best appointed farms- of the county, whose operation returns ample tribute to the owner's sagacity and manage ment, but it is also noted for the cordial hospitality ever extended, whether to the personal friend or to the stranger. No: children have crowned the union of Mr. and Mrs. Knapp, yet one little girl, Minnie Knapp, was taken into the family and an excellent permanent home 436 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. provided; and now that she- has reached mature womanhood she still remains to partially compensate in presence and tender attention for the: generous solicitude of which she has- been the recipient. It affords us pleasure to present herewith excellent portraits of this esteemed couple. DANIEL REISZ. One of the excellent farmers, old settlers and prominent citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, is Daniel Reisz, who owns and occupies a farm in Seneca township, a tract of valuable land which his father entered from the government in 1833. The birthplace of Daniel Reisz was in the Rhine province of Bavaria, Germany, November 9, 1829, and he was a son of Jacob and Mary E. (Scheer) Reisz, both of whom were natives of the fatherland. Jacob Reisz and family started from Europe in 1833, taking passage on a French sailing vessel, finally reaching the friendly shores of America after fifty-one days of exposure to the tumults of the ocean. Mr. Reisz brought his, wife and children to Seneca county, Ohio, and as he found land in this locality to suit his purpose he entered eighty acres and immediately began its improvement. The first work was the building of a log house, and although it contained but a single room it proved a comfortable home in which a family of sixteen children found parental care. Mr. Reisz was a hard-working man and lived to be only fifty years of age, dying in 1846. Twelve of his children grew to manhood, the wholesome, out door life wdth its accompanying duties making these children strong and robust, able to fill successfully useful positions in life. At the outbreak of the civil war three of these home-bred boys offered their lives for their adopted country, our subject being the only one who survived. John became a private soldier in the Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infan try and died in 1862, in Memphis, Tennessee; and Jacob joined a Wis consin regiment, and later was sent home on account of disability, his death occurring ten days later. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. AZT Our subject was not four years old when his parents located on this farm. It was wild timber land, crossed by a trail of the Seneca and. "Wyandot Indians, and it was no uncommon sight to- see members of these tribes on some part o-f the farm. Mr. Reisz had few educational opportunities, no schools: having been established in the vicinity, and as early as eight years old his services were of considerable value in the clearing of the land. Game was plentiful and when only five years of age he was entrusted wdth a rifle and added to the contents of the family larder by shooting squirrels. Until his enlistment for army service, in 1864, our subject remained on the farm, but at that date he followed the example of his brothers and became a private in the Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was mus tered in at Sandusky, and joined the regiment at Chattanooga. He par ticipated in the battles, at Pulaski, Columbia, Spring"' Hill, Franklin and Nashville, and remained in the service until the close of the war, accom panying his regiment in all of its movements, finally returning unharmed to his old home. Here Mr. Reisz has resided ever since, engaging suc cessfully in farming and stock-raising, having brought his land to a high state of cultivation, his improvements making it one of the most desirable farms in Seneca township. The first marriage of Mr. Reisz was in i860, to, Miss Mary A. Funk, whose death occurred in 1872. In 1873 be was united in mar riage to Miss Susan Henry, and to this union a family of four children- has been added, viz. : Lucy Idella, who is the wife of William Herbert, of Loudon township ; Laura, who resides at home and is a popular teacher in this county; Lamanda J., who is an expert dressmaker residing at home; and Charles Tecumseh Sherman, who is a teacher and one of the successful farmers of this vicinity. In his political convictions Mr. Reisz has never wavered in his allegiance to the Republican party. He was reared in the Lutheran- church, where he has officiated the greater part of his life, though hold ing decided views on questions relating to. theology, being a close Bible student and familiar with both ancient and modern history. For forty- three years Mr. Reisz has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, hav- 438 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ing joined it in 1858, and belongs to Wyandotte Lodge, No. 314, of Mc Cutchenville. Mr. Reisz is widely known and universally esteemed. His long residence here has identified him with the changes wdiich have taken place in this county, and he has- ever been an important factor in promoting en terprises looking to the upbuilding of the agricultural interests of Seneca township and county. Ever alive to the advantages of education, he has not only afforded his own children the best opportunities, but also- has constantly worked for a better grade of public schools, seeing in them the greatest safeguard to American institutions. C. A. FORCE, M. D. In viewing the mass of mankind in the varied occupations of life, the conclusion is forced upon the observer that in the vast majority of cases men have sought employment not in the line of their peculiar fitness, but in those fields where caprice or circumstances have placed them, thus explaining the reason of the failure of ninety-five per cent, of those wdio enter commercial and professional circles. In a few cases it seems that men with a peculiar fitness for a certain line have taken it up and marked success has followed. Such is the fact in the case of the subject of this biography. He has attained to a distinguished position in connection with the medical fraternity of Seneca county, making his home in Attica. He was born in Hardinsburg, Indiana, April- 2, 1858, and is a son' of Alfred and Lucinda (Davison) Force. His father was born in Schuyler county, New York, June 8, 1822, and was there reared to man hood. He engaged in farming and was also well known for his musical ability and talent, giving instruction in vocal music. Later he entered the Scudder Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, and, was graduated in 1857, after which he went to Hardinsburg, wdiere he practiced for three years. He then came to Attica and opened an office and practiced until 1864, when he sent his family to the east while he enlisted in the Union CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 439 army as a surgeon in the One Hundred and Eighty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, remaining at the front until the close of the war. He rendered valuable service to the sick and suffering troops, and when hos tilities had ceased he went to the east, locating in Horseheads, New York. There he remained until 1881, when he again came to Attica, where he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 17th of Sep tember, 1900. He was one of the most prominent and skilled physicians of the county and had a large and important patronage. His political support was given the Republican party and he was an active and influ ential member of the Universalist church. The Force family is of French lineage, the name having been originally La Force. The mother of our subject was of Scotch-Irish descent. She was born in Schuyler county, New York, February 20, 1826, and died May 5, 1895. In the family of this worthy couple w"ere four children, of whom three are living: Winfield S.; Alice, the widow of Rev. S. T. Tackabury ; and C. A., of this review. Dr. Force, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof, and after attending the graded schools was graduated in the high school in Horseheads. In 1879 he took up the study of medicine, his reading being directed for two years by Dr. R. P. Bush, of Horse heads. Later he became a traveling salesman and for two years repre sented a Philadelphia drug house. In 1883 he came to- Attica and in the fall of the same year matriculated in the Starling Medical College at Columbus, where he completed a regular course and was graduated in the spring of 1885. He then entered into partnership wdth his father, with whom he practiced until 1889, when, on account of ill health, the senior physician retired from active connection with the medical profes sion, and Dr. Force, of this sketch, succeeded to the business of the firm. He has built up a very large and lucrative practice and is ranked among the leading physicians of the county. On the 15th of September, 1885, Dr. Force was united in marriage to Miss Emma Tendick, a native o-f Attica, Ohio, and a daughter of the Rev. Peter Tendick, now deceased. They have two children, Mary H. and Rockwell C. The Doctor belongs- to Attica Lodge, No, 367, F. & 440 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. A. M., has filled all of its offices, and is identified with Attica Lodge, No. 302, K. of P In politics he is a stanch Republican, and for eight years was a member of the town council, while for about ten years he was the health officer. He is now the president of the school board at Attica and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He also served for three years as president of the water-works. His public-spirited interest in the general good has been manifest in many ways, especially in the hearty co-operation which he gives, to every movement or measure calculated to advance the general welfare. However, he makes his pro fessional duties his first care. He took a post-graduate course in New York in 1888 and another in the same school in 1895, while in 1901 he pursued post-graduate work in the Clinical School and the Cook county hospital, of Chicago. He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, and through reading and investigation keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession. Anything is of interest to- him which tends to bring to man the key to that mystery which we call life. He has the closest regard for the highest professional ethics and enjoys in an unusual degree the respect of the members of the medical fra ternity as well as of the public. CHARLES ASH. Seneca county, Ohio, has been the home and scene of labor of many men who have not only led lives which should serve as a lesson and incentive to those who come after them, but who have also been of im portant service to: their county and state through various avenues of use fulness. Like his honored father, Charles Ash has been an important factor in connection with the industrial activities- of this his native county, where he has not only attained a high degree of success in connection with the great basic art of agriculture, but has also done much to pro mote the industry of stock-raising and forward the agricultural interests as a buyer and shipper of grain. In September of the present year CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 441 (1902) Mr. Ash will enter upon the active duties of the office of treas urer of Seneca county, and his election to the same is significant of the high estimate placed upon his integrity and abilities by the people of his native county, for he was chosen to this responsible office as the candi date on the Republican ticket, by a majority of about twelve hundred votes, and that in face o-f a normal Democratic majority of about fifteen hundred in the county. His preferment under these conditions is, indeed, significant, and no further endorsement need be entered as indicating the confidence and- esteem in which he is so uniformly held, for the public is a discriminating factor and ever pronounces unequivocally upon the in trinsic worth of the individual. Charles Ash was born on the parental homestead, in Jackson town ship, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 18th of December, 1857, being the son of that honored pioneer citizen, William Ash, to whom individual refer ence is made on another page o-f this work, so- that a genealogical re capitulation is not demanded at this juncture. Our subject was reared on the old homestead and received his early educational training in the public schools of the locality. At the age of eighteen years he became actively associated with his father in the buying" and shipping of live stock, soon giving evidence o-f that discrimination and that executive capacity which have been the conservators of his success. In February,. 1885, Air. Ash effected the purchase of eighty acres of his present fine homestead, and forthwith located on the same, where, in connection with: general agriculture, he continued to- devote his attention to the buying and selling of live stock for a number of years, his operations in the line being of marked benefit in furthering the advancement of the stock industry in; this locality. He has added to his landed estate until he now owns six- hundred and ninety-one acres, in five farms, of as valuable land as cart be found in the county, the same having been equipped with the best of permanent improvements and standing as model farms of this section of the state. His farming is conducted by tenants, though in past years he did an extensive business, cultivating several hundred acres, with several men in his employ. His principal crops are wheat, corn, clover-seed and hogs. For twenty years he tilled on a much larger scale than at 28 442 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. present, though he now manages the home farm of three hundred acres, growing nearly one hundred acres of corn as one feature of this line of his business. He also owns three hundred and twenty acres of land in Logan county, Ransas. Nearly a decade ago Mr. Ash enlarged the scope of his operations by beginning to buy and ship grain, initiating this enterprise in a somewhat modest way. It has, however, been cumulative in character, and in the summer of 1901 he erected a well-equipped grain elevator in the village of Amsden, and has since handled a large business in this line, making extensive shipments and thus aiding materially in advancing the agricultural interests of the locality. He is essentially alert and public-spirited in his attitude, and his interest in all that con serves the general welfare is unabating. In political matters Mr. Ash has ever been found stanchly arrayed in support of the princijeles and policies of the Republican party, and tie has been called upon to serve in postions of local trust and responsibility aside from that to- which reference has already been made. He was in cumbent of the position of township clerk for two years, and for the past sixteen years has served as justice o-f the peace, an office in which his father gave able and efficient administration for more than a quarter of a century. In November, 1901, our subject was elected to preside over the fiscal affairs of the county, and, as before stated, will enter upon the discharge of his duties as treasurer in September of the present year. In 1900 he served as land appraiser of his township. Fraternally Mr. Ash is identified with Fostoria Lodge, No. 305, Independent Order of Odd Fellows with Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, at Kansas, this county ; and with Kansas Tent, No. 282, Knights of the Maccabees. On the 25th of March, 1883, Mr. Ash was united in marriage to Miss Belle F. Foster, who was born in Jackson township, the daughter of Sampson and Alargaret (Stahl) Foster, an influential farmer of that locality, and of this union five children were born, namely : Earl, Her bert F. and Carmen, who remain at the parental home ; and William and Rebecca, who died in infancy. Mrs. Ash is a member of the Methodist Protestant church, and while our subject is not a member of any religious CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 443 body he is chairman of the board of trustees of the Alethodist Episcopal church at Amsden and takes a consistent concern in the promotion of religious, educational and other interests for the general good. THOMAS BLAIR. Thomas Blair, who is engaged in general farming in Seneca town ship, is numbered among Ohio's native sons, for his birth occurred near New Lancaster on the ist of January, 1816. More than eighty-five years have passed since that time and great changes have occurred in the Buckeye state. It has long since ceased to be a "western" state, for progress and civilization have moved far beyond the. Mississippi. Its wild lands have been reclaimed and transformed into fertile farms, towns and villages have sprung up and some of the most extensive business in terests of the country have been established within its borders. Mr. Blair has taken a deep interest and just pride in what has been accomplished here, and at all times in a quiet but loyal way he has supported the meas ures and movements which he believed to be for the general good. His parents, John and Rachel (Wilson) Blair, were honored pioneer settlers of Ohio and in 1824 they came with their family to Seneca county, taking up their abode in Seneca township, living upon the Indian reserve for a few years. Mr. Blair afterward entered eighty acres of land from the government and erected a hewed-log house. His land was covered with heavy timber and it required persistent and hard work to clear it and make it ready for the plow. As the years passed, however, great changes occurred in the appearance of the farm, which became a very attractive tract of land. The father of our subject made his home thereon until his death, which occurred wdien he was seventy-five years of age, while his wife had reached the age of seventy years, she dying but five days after him. They were the parents of seven children : Will iam, who died at sixty-five; Rachel, who married John Swaney and died at seventy-five; Thomas, the subject of this review; James, a resident of 444 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Iowa; and John, who resides in Wo-od county; Alexander died a young man; and Andrew died at about sixty. In taking up the personal history of Thomas Blair we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Sen eca county, his residence here covering" more than three-fourths of a cen tury. He was a little lad of only eight years when he arrived in Seneca township and for a, few years thereafter his playmates were the children of the Alohawk Indian tribe. He became thoroughly familiar with the Alohawk tongue and greatly enjoyed the sports of his Indian friends. He never had any trouble wdth them and expresses strongly the opinion that there is more honor among the red race than is often found among the white men. All the experiences and trials of pioneer life were familiar to him, as well as pleasures of a character that are unknown at the pres ent day. When nineteen years of age he entered upon an independent business career, hiring out to clear land, and from that time forward he has depended entirely upon his own resources for all that he has enjoyed in the way of material comforts. Mr. Blair was first married in 1840, the lady of his choice being Alary Sailor, by whom he had five children : John W-, who lives in Mon tana; Thomas J., a resident of Gratiot county, Alichigan ; Rhoda, the widow of Benjamin Clay, of Adrian. Ohio-; Jeremiah, who also- resides in A'lontana ; and Samuel, who died at thirty-two. After the death of his first wife Air. Blair -was again married, his second union being with Aliss Elizabeth Spitler, by whom he also had five children, as follows : Joseph, who makes his home in Alontana; Alary, the wife o-f Joseph Al. Conoway, of Virginia; Grace, who- married John Fruth; Frank, at home; and Amanda, who married Albert Fruth. At the time cf his marriage Mr. Blair had but one horse and his financial resources were very limited. Pie erected a log cabin on the farm wdiere he now resides, the primitive home containing but one room. Long since, however, it has been replaced by a commodious modern resi dence, and good barns and outbuildings have been added and all de sirable improvements made. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he cleared and improved, making the place a rich and arable CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 445 tract, the fields yielding to- him) a golden tribute in reward for his labor. For many years he has served as school director and has ever taken a deep and attaching interest in all that pertains to intellectual development. As one of the honored pioneers o-f the county, he justly deserves representa tion in this volume. His memory forms1 a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present and few men now living in Seneca county are better informed concerning its history when Ohio was a frontier state than is Thomas Blair, whose reminiscences of the early days are most interesting. ALFRED L. SHAFER. The agricultural interests of Seneca county have no, better repre sentatives than its- native-born citizens, many o-f whom are classed among its most practical, enterprising and successful farmers. One of the num ber is Mr. Shafer, who is one of the prominent citizens of Pleasant town ship. Dependent upon his own resources from his boyhood, he has so applied his energies and ability as to attain a success worthy the name, while his high standing in the community indicates the objective appreci ation of his sterling character. Mr. Shafer was born in Clinton township, this county, on the 30th of November, 1841, being the son of Joseph and Susan (Cain) Shafer, both of whom1 were born in Pennsylvania, where their marriage was solemnized. They became the parents of four children, namely : Mary J., the wife of Ransom Meredith, of M'arshall county, Indiana; Eliza, the widow of W. P. Daywald, of Clinton township; Alfred L., the sub ject of this review; and John A., who died in Indiana, at the age of fifty- seven years. The parents of our subject, came to Seneca county in 1837, locating on a farm in Clinton township, where the father reclaimed a tract of wild land and where he made his home until his death, in 1849, at the age of forty-seven' years, his wife passing away in 1881, at the age of seventy years. 446 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Alfred L. Shafer was reared in his native county and when but ten years of age he assumjed. the practical responsibilities of life, working by the day or month for his board and clothing, and being in the employ of others until 1861. He secured his early educational discipline in the pub lic schools, and through his own efforts accumulated sufficient funds to enable him to continue his studies for a time in Heidelberg College, at Tiffin. That he duly profited by the opportunities afforded him is evident from the fact that he began teaching school when seventeen years of age, and he continued his pedagogic work in Seneca county for twenty years during the winter months, while during the summers he devoted his attention to farm work. In 1861 he rented a farm) and continued agri cultural operations under these conditions until 1868, when he- located on his present farm, wdiich he likewise rented, the same being then the prop erty of his father-in-law. In 1872 he purchased the farm, which com prises o-ne hundred and forty acres, and here he has made the best of im provements and placed the land under a high state o-f cultivation, his success being due to his energy, discrimination and pro-gressive methods. Mr. Shafer has ever maintained a lively interest in public affairs of a local nature and has been influential in his township. He is a stalwart advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and for nearly thirty years served as justice of the peace, while he was a trustee of Pleasant township for several years. He is a man of forceful individ uality and marked intellectuality, and to him has been given the most unequivocal confidence and esteem of the people of the community. Pie is one of the prominent and enthusiastic members of Union Grange, No. 1078, Patrons o-f Husbandry, of which he is the master at the time of this writing, and his religious faith is that of the Reformed church, being a member at Glade Union, in which he has been an elder for many years. On the nth of April, 1865, Air. Shafer was united in marriage to Miss Rachel McMeen, who was born in this county, being the daughter of William S. and Sophia (Stewart) McMeen, a pioneer farmer of this section of the state. Our subject and his estimable wife have four chil dren, namely : Alice L., the wife of Frank J. Stinchcomb, superintendent of schools at Payne, Ohio:; Nora, who remains at home, a popular and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 447 successful teacher, having attended the Ada and Fostoria Normals and Heidelberg College ; Nellie, the wife of Forrest Niswender, at S wander, .Ohio-; and Glenn, who is a student in Heidelberg College. William S. McMeen was born in Scotland ; married in Lvco-ming county, Pennsylvania, Sophia Stewart, a native of Ireland. The)- located on the present homestead of Air. Shafer in 1835, then in the woods, and here Mrs. Shafer was born on the 7th of April, 1839. The father died at seventy-seven, the mother in her ninety-seventh year, having been torn in 1799. Of their eleven children six reached maturity, and Airs. Shafer is the only survivor. Two- brothers, Robert and John, were killed in the war, Robert in the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 'wounded at Murfreesboro and dying from the effects. John was in the cavalry and was killed in action. Two died in California, — AVilliam and James,— who went there during the gold excitement. The only sis ter, Sophia, married Emmet F. Drake and died at the age of thirty-five years. The parents were among the original members of the Presby terian church in Tiffin. JAMES STINCHCOMB. Among the early settlers and representative farmers of Seneca county is James1 Stinchcomb, a veteran of the great civil war, who was born in Bloom township, this county, March 25, 1832, a son of John and Barbara (Turflinger) Stinchcomb. The father was a native of the state of Maryland, born in 1799, and when a: child he was brought by his parents to Ohio-, locating near Salem, in Fairfield county, where the son grew to years of maturity and was married. In 1827 he took up his resi dence in Seneca county, but two years previous to that time he had vis ited this section and bad here entered eighty acres of land in Bloom township, on which he made his home until 1851. In that year he dis posed of his possessions there and came to Clinton township, purchasing the one hundred and sixty acres o-f land which is now owned by Charles Bender, and there his remaining days were passed, he having passed away 448 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in death in 1854. His political support was- given to the Whig party, and religiously he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. By his marriage to Barbara Turflinger he became the father of ten chil dren, four of whom- are now living : Elizabeth A. ; James ; Henry, of Odessa, Michigan; and John W., of Canton, Ohio James Stinchcomb of this review has spent his entire life in the county of his nativity, and to its public-school system he is indebted for his early educational privileges. Later he becamie a student in Heidel berg College, and at the age of twenty years he became a member of the teachers' profession, continuing as an instructor for twenty-two terms during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he was engaged at carpentering and farming. After his marriage he located on the farm belonging to his father-in-law, but still continued the teacher's profession until the property passed into- the possession of his wife, when he gave up that occujration, and since that time has devoted his entire time and at tention to his agricultural interests, his farm -being three miles north of Tiffin and containing one hundred and- forty-seven acres. Through the careful direction of his business interests and by indefatigable industry he has acquired a handsome property and at the same time has so con formed to the ethics of business life that he has the unqualified confidence of all with whom he has had business transactions. During the civil war he entered the Union army on the 2d of May, 1864, becoming a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and for four months was on detailed duty at Washington. Previous to this time he had served as a member of Company F, Home Guards, and while a member of that body was called to Johnson's Island at the time of the Vallandigham alarm, In 1870 Mr. Stinchcomb was united in marriage to: Miss Matilda ,E. Baker, who was born in the house in which our subject now resides. In February, 1871, this loving and devoted wife was called to the home beyond, and afterward Mr. Stinchcomb was married to her sister, Miss Anna S. Baker, and they have one son, Robert S. Mrs. Stinchcomb died August 2, 1890. The Prohibition party receives: Mr. Stinchcomb's sup port and co-operation. He is well known for his uprightness and relia- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 449 bility in the practical affairs of life, and ke is one of the highly respected members of the community. No man has taken keener or more decided interest in educational ad vancement than Mr. Stinchcomb. When in the profession he took a hand in securing better wages for teachers, enabling them to prepare better for that noblest of professions. He helped to' organize the teachers of the county into a union, and a decided stand was taken that resulted in much better compensation to teachers, and, in consequence, much better schools throughout the county. He has pronounced views- on the. live questions .of the day and is fearless, and vigorous in his expression, touching the abuses incident to- present systems of government and struggles for civ ilization. JACOB STAIB. Among the native sons of Seneca county who still maintain their residence Within her borders is Jacob Staib, who- resides in Seneca town ship, owning a valuable tract of land which- each year returns to him a ¦comfortable income. He was born in this township August 18, 1849, and is a son of Jacob Staib, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. When the father had reached man's estate he sought a companion and helpmate for the journey of life and wooed and won Miss Sarah Haug, also a na tive of the same kingdom. They became the parents of six children: Caroline, residing on the home farm; Jacob, our subject; Nellie, the wife of Valentine Hoffman ; Catherine, who married Carl Wittig and resides at Deep Water, Missouri ; Elizabeth, also residing on the home farm ; and Magdalena, who died in childhood. The father was a landscape gardener in Germany, continuing that pursuit until 1833, when, at eighteen years of age, he resolved to test the truth of the favorable reports which he had beard concerning the opportunities furnished by America in business circles. Accordingly he engaged passage on a sailing-vessel, — for it was prior to the era of steamboat navigation, — and after forty-two days spent on- the briny deep, landed in- New York. He made his way to Seneca 450 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. county, Ohio, taking up his abode upon the farm which three years later was purchased by his parents, Jacob and Catherine (Kloepfer) Staib. The government still owned the greater part of the land and he entered a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he built a log cabin with but one room. In that he kept bachelor's hall for two years, and in 1846 he was married, his wife coming with him from Germany, where he visited after being twelve years in America. For almost twenty years he continued residing upon his first farm, but in 1855 removed to the farm upon which his remaining days were passed and on wdiich his death occurred September 20, 1901, when he had reached the age of eighty- six years, seven months and seven days. His was a. busy, useful life, in consistent harmony with his professions as a member of the Lutheran church. In politics he was a Democrat, always endorsing the principles of that party but never seeking office. His wife died in 1883. His father died at eighty-seven, while his mother survived toj the age of ninety-seven years. Jacob Staib, Jr., was a little lad of only six years when his parents removed to the farm upon which he is now living. The common schools afforded him his educational privileges, and as he was the only son he always remained at home in order to assist his father in the cultivation of the land. After he had attained to man's estate he took charge o-f the farm, erecting a second brick house. The farm now contains ninety-seven acres, upon which he resides, with twenty acres- of the old home stead which his father secured in its wild state more than two-thirds of a century ago. On the 23d of October, 1879, Mr. Staib was united in marriage to Miss Alice Arbogast, who died May 16, 1885, and unto them were born four children. These are Nettie I., Lorenzo M., Victor J. and Alverda J. They hold membership- in the Evangelical Association and are earnest Christian people whose well-spent lives commend them to the esteem of their fellow men. Mr. Staib exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party andj has been honored with some local offices, serving as- school director for many years, while for three years he was a township trustee, just now being re-elected. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 451 No word o-f blame could ever be attached to him in relation to the dis charge of his official duties, for he was- ever prompt, reliable and capable. His work in private life is equally well known and in his history there are many lessons well worthy of emulation. SAMUEL EAKIN. Throughout life this gentleman has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Seneca county, Ohio,, and is to-day one of the leading farmers of Seneca township-. He is one of the county's native sons and a representative of one of her honored old families, whose identi fication with her history dates from an early period in the development of the county. Mr. Eakin was born on the farm where he now resides, and is a son of James Eakin, a native of Washington county, Virginia. His paternal grandfather, James Eakin, aided the colonies in their struggle for inde pendence, serving for six years- in the Continental army during the war of the Revolution. At an early day the father of our subject went to Illi nois, making the entire journey on horseback, then returned to Virginia, but soon after located in Delaware county, Ohio:, whence he came to- Sen eca county in 1822. He entered three hundred and twenty acres of gov ernment land in Seneca township, and in the midst of the wdlderness opened up the farm on which our subject now lives. His land, being the choicest of this region, was covered with a heavy growth of timber, "prin cipally poplars and walnuts, and the forests had to be cleared away be fore the land could be cultivated. Mr. Eakin's first home in this county was a rude cabin of one room, built of round logs and furnished in the most primitive style. With the early development and progress of this section of the state he was prominently identified, and on the roll of Sen eca county's- honored pioneers his name should be among the foremost. At one time he bought two hundred and eighty acres of land in Wyandot county, at an Indian land sale. In early manhood he was united in mar- 45.2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. riage with Miss Susan Anderson, and to them were born fourteen chil dren, of whom eleven grew to manhood or womanhood, and nine are still living. The father died on his farm in Seneca county in 1879, at the age of eighty-seven years, and his wife passed away in 1886. They were people of prominence in the community where they had so- long made their home, and were highly respected and! esteemed by all who knew them. Samuel Eakin was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day, aiding in the arduous task of improving a new farm, and pur suing his literary studies in a log school-house. He obtained a good common-school education, which has well fitted him for the practical duties of life. With the exception o-f six years he has spent his entire life on the farm where he was- born, and- is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-six acres of the old homestead bordering the Sandusky river. Hie carries on farming and stock-raising successfully, and in all his under takings has displayed marked ability as a business man. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democracy, but has- never sought office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his farming interests. He is widely and favorably known and is recognized as one of repre1- sentative men of his community. REV. AARON YAM-BERT. Among the old and honored residents of Seneca county, Ohio, who will long be recalled with feelings of true respect and affection, was- one who for a period of twenty-seven consecutive years followed the example of his holy Master, "going about doing good." This was Rev. Aaron Yambert, who: passed out of life on July 4, 1888. The birth of Rev. Mr. Yambert was February 14, 1809, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and he was a son of John H. and Sybilla (Glick) Yambert. In 183 1 he accompanied his parents when they removed to Seneca county, Ohio. At the age of eighteen he learned- the carpenter*.1; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 453, trade and at this age also became converted to the truths of religion. He lived a life of morality and exerted a good influence on his fellow workmen during his young manhood, but he did not begin his ministerial labors until 1832. He was ordained in the Evangelical church and started out to his first pastorate in Pickaway county, Ohio. This was but the entrance into a ministerial life which continued with his years. He be came a vigorous preacher, thoroughly persuaded to the truths he taught, and he easily led others, and on all occasions, without fear or favor, was ready to uphold his belief. In 1845 be settled with his family on what is known as the old Yambert homestead, where he became the owner of one hundred and sixty-two acres, As his family increased he felt it his duty to: provide for their welfare, and this farm- was carried on wdth care and made pro ductive and valuable. The marriage of Mir. Yambert was on February 10, 1839, to Miss Sarah Huffer, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, Decem ber 28, 1813. She was a most estimable woman, a devoted wdfe and ten der mother, and for fifty-four years was a worthy example of Christian goodness. She died on February 27, 1887, at the age o-f seventy-three years. Air. and Mrs. Yambert had a family of thirteen children, namely :. Caroline, who- married George Rosier, of Seneca township; Mary, who married Chauncy Boucher, of Williams county, Ohio-; Lo-vina, who mar ried Joseph Conklin, of Seneca township; Joshua J., who- lives in Wood ford county, Illinois ; Aaron H., who lives at Rising Sun, Ohio; Sarah C, who' is the wddow of George Ingman, of Mexico,, Ohio ; Susanna, who married J. W. Boucher, of Wdlliams county, Ohio; Sybilla, who resides on the old homestead ; and Julia, deceased, who was the wdfe of Daniel Ellenberger. Four children died in infancy. Air. Yambert, when he first started out in his ministerial work, made his visits from one part of the country to the other on horseback, and many were the stories he could relate of the lonely districts into which he brought spiritual comfort. This great state, which now teems with every industry and overflows- with population, was at the time of the beginning of his work spiarsely settled in many localities, Seneca county 454 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. being still traversed by old Indian trails. He was one of the pioneer preachers and was well fitted by nature for his work. Although be en joyed the fruitful rewards of agricultural industry, he turned his back on the comforts of home and braved storm and flood, in many instances, to comfort the dying or to help the living. Mr. Yambert was sadly missed when advancing years kept him more closely at home. He was known as the friend of the poor, and probably the most characteristic qualities belonging to him were useful ness and industry. He was devoted to his work and- was permitted to see many fruits of his faithful service. The old home, consisting of resi dence and sixty-two acres of valuable land, is owned by his daughter, Miss Sybilla Yambert. CHRISTIAN TROTT. Christian Trott is well known as an enterprising and progressive citizen of Seneca township, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits, his- well-directed efforts bringing to him gratifying success in his under takings. Switzerland has sent her proportion of citizens to the new world and they have becomie valued' residents of the communities in which their lots have been cast. They have ever been a valiant people, strong of purpose, fearless in defense of what they believe to be right, industrious, persevering and reliable, and the characteristics of his race are found in Christian Trott. He was born in the land of the Alps, April 25, 1848, and is a son of Frederick and Magdaline (Myers) Trott, in whose family were twelve children, — six sons and six daughters. The grandfather, Henry Trott, was a French soldier with Napoleon's army when they crossed the Alps. When on the return trip he was taken ill and the army moved on, leaving him, but eventually he recovered, was married and settled in the village where he had been left by the military forces. He was a blacksmith by trade and carried on business in that line throughout his life. The father was a tinsmith by trade and in May, 1848, he sailed with his family for CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 455 America. There were no steamers at that time and the sailing craft was upon the bosom of the Atlantic for forty-seven days before it reached the harbor of New York. The Trott family did not continue long in the east, coming at once to Ohio. They stopped first at Sandusky city and in a short time Mr. Trott had his family comfortably located on a small farm near that place. In 1865 he came to Seneca county and purchased one hundred and forty acres of land in Seneca township, constituting the farm upon which our subject now resides. He continued its cultivation until his death, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his life's labors were ended in 1869. His widow still survives him, at the old home, and is now in her ninety-first year, being well preserved in her faculties. Three of the brothers of our subject were soldiers of the civil war, responding to the country's call for aid in suppressing the re bellion of the south. Of these Henry is now deceased, while Frederick is in the west and Jacob resides in Adams township. Christian Trott accompanied his parents to- Seneca county at the age of seventeen years. He is almost entirely self-educated and1 has earned the proud American title of a self-made man. He did not have the op portunity to attend school, for when eight years of age he began earning his own living, working on a berry farm for fifteen cents per day. When his father died he took charge of the home farm and has since resided thereon, devoting his energies to its further cultivation and improvement. He has cared for his mother, returning in his filial affection the love and care which she bestowed! upon him in his early youth. On the 9th of March, 1875, he was united in marriage to Alfiss Tabitha Eakin, and unto them have been born eight children, as follows : Emma, wife of George .Wagner; George, a resident of Idaho; Ida, the wife of Andrew Wagner; Mary, who is teaching school and resides with her parents; Frank, en gaged with the Pennsylvania Railroad ; Ella, who married William Wal ton; Clara and Cora, both at home. The family have a very pleasant home on the old farm^ and the members of the household enjoy the warm regard of many friends, in the community. Mr. Trott owns one hundred and ninety acres of valuable land bordering the Sandusky river, the tract being rich and arable and returning to him excellent harvests as a reward 456 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. for his labor. The Trott residence stands on an eminence about one. hundred feet above low water of the principal river in northern Ohio, commanding a delightful view of several miles of as fine a section of country as the state affords. Mr. Trott's methods are progressive and a glance will indicate to the passer-by that the owner is a man of industry, careful management and practical ideas. He votes with the Republican party, having endorsed its principles since becoming an American citizen. In 1896 he was appointed commissioner of Seneca county, serving for eight months. In 1890 he took the United States census for his town ship. He belongs to Wjyandot Lodge, F. & A. M., of McCutchenville, and enjoys the high esteem of his brethren of the fraternity, being treas urer of his lodge for thirteen years. Mr. Trott certainly deserves great credit for what he has achieved in life. Without any pecuniary advan tages or influential friends to aid him at the outset of his career, he has advanced1 steadily to- an honorable position of affluence, overcoming all obstacles and difficulties by determined purpose, his trials seeming to come as an impetus to renewed effort. He is- now classed among the rep resentative agriculturists of Seneca county and his career is in many re spects well worthy of emulation. A man of independent and earnest thought, his line of action has come from a line of reasoning based upon his own observation and familiarity with passing events, not being gov erned by the ideas of others unless they seem to him based on sound principle and reason. MINRAD BORR. Minrad Bork is a representative of an honored pioneer family of Seneca county, and throughout his entire life he has resided within the borders of this county, his birth having occurred in Bloom township on the 3d of October, 1856. He is a son of Frederick and Margaret (Young) Bork. The former was born in Germany and was a son of Philip Bork, with whom he came to the United States, taking passage on a sailing vessel which reached the harbor of Baltimore after1 forty days- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 457 The family at once continued their, westward journey, and on arriving in Seneca county made a location in Bloom township. Here the grand father was connected with the development of a tract of wild land and with agricultural pursuits until his death, which was occasioned by an accident on the railroad. The first possession of the Bork family in this county was a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of wild land which they secured from the government, and their pioneer home was a little log cabin built in the usual pioneer style save that it contained two rooms instead of the usual number — one. With the work of clearing and de veloping this farm Frederick was actively associated, and throughout the years of his residence here he carried on agricultural pursuits. Here he reared his family of ten children, as follows : Philip, a farmer of Sen eca township; Eva; Frank, a farmer of Eden township-; Miagdaline, the wife of G Fred Buchman ; Mary, who. has passed away ; Lewis, a resi dent of Benton county, Indiana ; John P., who is living in Eden town ship; Minrad, the subject of this review; and Philomenia and Elizabeth,. both living in Tiffin. The subject of this review was only four years of age when his father removed to the farm upon which he now makes his home. Here he was reared to manhood and early became familiar with the work of the farm in all its dej>artments, laboring in the fields and meadows. He also attended the district schools, pursuing his studies through the winter' months when the work of the farm was practically over for the year He assisted his father throughout the period of his minority and when1. thirty years of age he took charge of the old homestead and has since' devoted his energies to- its cultivation. In 1884 he purchased this prop erty and he now owns two hundred and forty-two acres, all in one tract in Seneca township. His fields are well tilled and surround good farm buildings. In his pasture lands are seen high grades of stock, and all modern equipment and accessories are found upon his place. He makes a specialty of raising Durham cattle and has some fine specimens of that breed. One hundred and fifty-five acres of his land is under cultivation and annually he harvests rich crops. On the 4th of March, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 29 458 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Bork and Miss Annie Reinhart, by whom he has three children, Edward, Clara and Joseph. The parents are well known in the community, hav ing always resided in Seneca county, and the hospitality of many of the best homes of the locality is extended freely to them. In his political affiliations Mr. Bork is a Democrat, and while he always casts his ballot for the men and measures of the party and loyally advocates its inter ests, he has never sought or desired public office. His religious faith is -that of the Catholic church. PHILIP H. BORR. It is a notable fact that Ohio's sons always have a deep attachment for their native state, and indeed Ohio's history has been a wonderful •one in many respects. Her sons have become prominent in every walk ¦of life, and several of them have become the nation's leaders, occupying the chair of chief executive of this great republic. One man alone, or 'even a few men, do not constitute the strength of the commonwealth. It is the aggregate endeavor of loyal citizenship of the vast majority, and in this respect Ohio has been fortunate, for her representatives have been •enterprising, resolute men, who- have striven with natural conditions until they have made the country bloom and blossom as the rose, and have car ried forward the work of progress and improvement until Ohio occupies a leading position in the great galaxy of the Union. Air. Bork, of this review, is numbered among the wide-awake, alert men of Seneca county, and to-day is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits in Seneca township. He was born in Bloom township, January 19, 1841, and is a son of Frederick Bork, whose birth occurred in Germany, whence he crossed the Atlantic to America in 1834 in a sailing vessel, which after a voyage of forty days dropped anchor in the harbor of Baltimore. With horses he proceeded westward until he reached Seneca county and took up his abode in Bloom township. Mr. Bork entered one hundred and sixty acres of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 459 land from the government, constituting the farm upon which Peter Stuckey now resides. As this district was heavily timbered, logs were the best available material for building houses, and he erected a little log cabin containing two: rooms, the structure being formed of round logs. With determined purpose he undertook the task of clearing his land, which was covered with walnut and hard-wood timber. Alany trials and difficulties, were to be endured by the pioneers, but they met these with resolute hearts and continued their labors until success crowned their efforts. Frederick Bork was accompanied to: Ohio by his father, Philip, and family, and the former was accidentally killed on the railroad at Monroe, Michigan. It was in August, 1838, that Frederick Bork was united in marriage to- Miss Margaret Young, a native of Germany, wdio came to America two years after the emigration of her husband. Ten children were bo-rn of this union: Philip, our subject; Eva ;_ Frank, a, farmer of Eden township; Magdaline, the wife of G. Fred Buchman; Mary, who: has passed away; Lewds, a resident of Benton county, In diana; John P., who is living- in Eden township; Minard, of Seneca township; and Philomenia and Elizabeth, both living in Tiffin. When the family arrived in Seneca county their cash capital con sisted of but two- hundred dollars, but in a frontier region determination, hard work and perseverance count for more than money. At the time of his marriage Frederick Bork brought his bride to: the old' homestead farm in Bloom township and there he remained until 1861, when he removed to Seneca township, taking up: his abode on the place where his son Minrad now lives. It continued to be his residence until 1885 when he removed to Tiffin, there to enjoy a well earned rest, living in retirement until the 31st of January, 1899, when he was called to the home beyond in his ninety-first year. He was a consistent member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, to which his wife also belonged. Her death occurred June 13, 1 891. At one time he was the owner of nearly three hundred acres of land1 in Eden and Seneca townships, and his property was all acquired through- his own untiring efforts, his- life record proving con clusively what a potent force are diligence and resolution in tlie active efforts of business: life. 46o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Philip H. Bork was born and reared in Bloom township:, where he spent the first twenty years of his life. He attended the public schools and assisted in the labors of the home farm, going with his- father's fam ily to Seneca township in 1861. He was married on the, 22d of October, 1872, to Miss Alary Fisher of Fremont, and unto them have been born two children, — Alary AI. and Frank O., — both at home. The son has. been a student in Heidelberg College. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Airs. Bork settled1 upon the farm which has since been their home. The same fall he sowed some seed for fruit trees and gradually increased his nursery business until he now has an excellent nursery of three acres and enjoys a very liberal patronage in that direction. His farm comprises one hundred and three acres and is divided into fields of convenient size, where each year he harvests good crops o-f wheat, oats, corn and other cereals adapted to this climate. He has made a close study of the best methods of farming and his broad experience has enabled him to- so direct his efforts as to win success in his undertakings. He and his family are communicants of St. Joseph's Catholic church and in politics he is a Dem ocrat, though in local matters he supports the best men, — those whose honesty is above question. ABRAHAM H. DELAPLANE. One of the well-known, representative farmer-citizens of Seneca- county, Ohio, is Abraham PI. Delaplane, who has been identified with the progress and agricultural development of this county for a number of years. He has lived in various sections of it, his farm in Seneca town ship being his present home. Air. Delaplane is a native of Alaryland, a state wdiich has contributed to Ohio many of the latter' s best and most progressive and successful citizens. The birth of our subject was in Frederick county April 14, 1 83 1, and he was a son of Frederick and Fanny (Huff) Delaplane, who removed from Maryland to Ohio in 1846, locating in Seneca county, in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 461 the vicinity of Tiffin. Later they occupied a farm near American, Ohio, and there our subject continued to reside with his parents until 1852. His education was acquired in the common schools of this locality, and was such as was afforded- the farmer youths at that time, consisting prin cipally of irregular attendance during a few winter sessions. Air. Dela plane has supplemented his early education with reading, travel and asso ciation wdth men, and is now, notwithstanding former advantages, a well informed citizen. When the whole country was aroused over the finding of gold in California Mr. Delaplane joined a party going to- the west and made the trip by water in 1852. He visited the various mining camps and re mained engaged in prospecting and mining for a period of two years, with varying success. He then came back to Mexico, Ohio, bought a thresh ing machine and outfit and for several years followed t'he threshing busi ness, this proving very lucrative. After his marriage, in 1859, Mr. Dela plane settled down to farming, locating first on a tract of good land in Venice township, which he cultivated for three years. Then he took charge of a farm in Eden township, on which he carried on farming with success for two years, finally permanently locating, in 1863, on his present well cultivated and highly productive farm in Seneca township1, Which has been his home ever since. Mr. Delaplane is a practical and experienced farmer and stock-raiser, takes a deep interest in his vocation and devotes close attention to it. The marriage of Mr. Delaplane was in 1859, to Miss Mary A. Penn ington, who was born in Eden township, Seneca county, a daughter of Adam and Cynthia Ann (Wagner) Pennington, and five children were born to this union. Three members of this family are now deceased, namely : Nellie, Lena and Ettie, all of whom died of consumption in young womanhood, the survivors being as follows : Jennie, who mar ried Barn Burton and resides in Gratiot county, Michigan; and John F., who is a farmer in Wyandot county, Ohio. In political sentiment Mr. Delaplane has always been in affiliation with the Republican party, but he is a man of quiet, domestic tastes and has never sought political recognition. During his residence in the far 462 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. west he saw life in many phases and under many conditions, and it only gave him a more sure conviction that in the long run the fruits of the soil are more satisfactory than the products of the mines. He is a man who is highly regarded as trustworthy and honorable in all business transactions and worthily represents Seneca township as intelligent and progressive. Both Mr. and Mrs. Delaplane are consistent members of the Mc Cutchenville Methodist church, where they are valued for their many estimable traits of character. Their home is one of hospitality and they enjoy the respect and esteem o-f a wide circle of friends. JAMES M. BARE. James M. Bare is a representative of the farming interests of Seneca township. He was born near Mexico, Wyandot county, Ohio, June 29, 1832, and is a son of Abraham Bare, who was born in Virginia, and Who, as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, chose Polly Miller. They became the parents of eight children : Ephraim, a resident of Wyandot county; John, who has passed away; James M., the subject of this review; Mary, the wife of Lewis Palmer and resides in Henry county; Elizabeth, the widow of Hosea Palmer and resides in Iowa; Eliza, who married John Istone, a resident of Iowa; Abraham, who makes his home in Wyandot county; and Emma, who became the wife of Lewis Lundy, of Wyandot county. The father of these children removed frorn Virginia to Fairfield county, Ohio, and it was there that his marriage took place. He remained in that county until 1827, when he went to- Wyandot county and entered eighty acres of land from the gov ernment. Upon this claim he built a log cabin of one room. It had a puncheon floor and a chimney built of mud and sticks, through which the smoke had its egress from a broad firejjlace. The land was covered with a dense growth of timber, the trees growing so thick that the sun light could hardly penetrate to the ground beneath, but in the course CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 463 of time this was cleared away and the fields brought forth good harvests. The father was a cabinetmaker by trade, and in addition to his other work he engaged in making coffins for the early settlers. He afterward operated a carding machine and continued to make his home upon the farm which he developed in Wyandot county, it being his place of resi dence until his death, which occurred in 1869, when he was sixty-nine years of age. His wife died in 1866. Both were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and all who knew them respected them for their genuine worth and many acts of kindness. Mr. Bare was particularly prominent in church work and was a man of strong tempera ment whose influence for good was widely felt. He was also known on account of his temperance principles and by reason of the work which he accomplished in behalf of the county in laying out roads and otherwise assisting in its pioneer development. It was upon the old farm homestead- described above that James M. Bare first opened his eyes to the light of day. There he spent his childhood and youth, enjoying the sports common to boys of that period and assisting in the cultivation of the fields. He remained under the parental roof until January 1, 1855, at which time he was married, Miss Eliza Pennington becoming his wife. They are now the parents of five children, who are yet living: Ada C, who married Charles Mangus; John, who is the proprietor of a hotel in Buffalo, Illinois ; Elva, a brick and tile manufacturer of Tiffin; Alma, the wife of Rev. John T. Miller, a minister of the Church of God; and James L., a merchant at McCutchen ville. Seymour, the eldest, became a farmer o-f Eden township and is now deceased.After his marriage Mr. Bare rented a part of his father's farm and continued to make his home thereon for fourteen years, on the expiration of which period, in 1868, he came to Seneca county and purchased the farm upon which he now resides. He owns here one hundred and ten acres of land, and the soil is productive and returns to- him golden har vests in rewards for his labors. He also engages in the raising of stock and has excellent equipment upon his place, all of which indicate that the owner is a progressive and practical agriculturist. In 1876 Mr. 464 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Bare was called upon to- mourn the loss of his first wife, and in 1878 he was again married, his second union being with Miss Ellen Bercaw. They have a pleasant home in Seneca township and have made many warm friends during their residence in this county. Mr. Bare exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Repub lican party. He can relate many interesting incidents concerning pioneer life in Ohio and his knowledge comes from practical experience. He attended school in the little building which was erected of logs and in which the seats were made of slabs. The other furnishings were as prim itive and the methods of teaching were totally unlike those of the present day. Great changes have occurred, -not only in educational lines, but in all departments of life, and no- one has been more in favor of progress and improvement in beneficial lines than James M. Bare, who is an enter prising and public-spirited citizen. -WILLIAM ASH. It is now our privilege to touch briefly upon the life history of one of the representative and successful citizens of Seneca county, — one who has passed practically his entire life within its borders, being a member of one of its pioneer families and a man who has commanded at every fetage of his career the unqualified confidence and esteem, of the com munity, as is evident when we revert to the fact that he has been a long 'time incumbent of offices of distinctive trust and responsibility. He has achieved a high measure of success through his indefatigable and well- directed efforts and is one of the substantial and honored citizens of Jackson township, where he has a finely improved landed estate ol six hundred acres. Mr. Ash claims the old Keystone state of the Union as the place of his nativity, having been born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of April, 1830, a son of George and Letitia (Reed) Ash, of whose six children three are living at the present time, namely : Upton, MRS. WILLIAM ASH. WILLIAM ASH. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 465 a successful farmer of Liberty township; William, the immediate sub ject of this review ; and Sarah, the wife of George Sour, o-f Jackson township. The father of our subject was born in Bedford county, Penn sylvania, in the year 1799, and removed thence with his family to Sen eca county, Ohio-, as one of its pioneers in 1833, our subject being at that time a child of about three years. George Ash entered a claim to one hundred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land in Liberty town ship, reclaimed and otherwise improved the place and here continued to make his home until his- death, at the patriarcial age of ninety years, his wife having passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. In the primitive log school-house of the pioneer epoch William Ash received his early educational training, and- he well recalls the meager equipments of the little institution of learning, with its puncheon floor, slab benches and wide fireplace. He contributed his quota to the work of the homestead farm until the time of his marriage, in 1852, when he inaugurated his independent career by purchasing eighty acres of his present fine estate, much of which has been cleared and improved under his personal direction. As success crowned his efforts he continued to purchase additional land, until he now has upward of twelve hundred acres, all within three miles of the home farm of four hundred acres. The same is one of the most attractive rural homes: in this favored sec tion of the state, having a commodious residence of pleasing archi tectural design, together with excellent barns- and other farm buildings of the most approved type. He now keeps all his eight farms rented. He has himself converted five hundred acres of wild land into valuable farms. His lands are now valued at from eighty to one hundred dollars per acre. He was about the first to begin the use of tile for underground drainage, — a feature of improvement that he has- continued, laying tile every year for twenty-five years, till all his farms are in most excellent condition. He has spent thousands of dollars in tiling, but this has ¦converted flat land covered with water much of the year into the most productive farms of the state. About the year 1870 Mr. Ash began buy ing and shipping live stock, his operations extending over a wide area. For about a decade and a: half he was extensively engaged in, stock- 466 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. raising, doing much to promote the interests of this important industry in this section of the state, and incidentally, through his discriminaion and marked business acumen, attaining a success of a, distinctive order.j In politics Mr. Ash has ever given an unqualified allegiance to- the Republican party, and as one of the able and honored citizens of his community he has naturally been called upon to serve in local offices of important nature. He was incumbent of the office of justice of the peace for the long period of twenty-seven years, within which he did much to bring about an amicable adjustment of minor difficulties among his neighbors ; he served three terms as- trustee of Jackson township, and in 1890 was elected land appraiser of his township. He is one of the leading stockholders in the First National Bank of Fostoria, in which he has held the office of vice-president for the past fourteen years. On the ist of January, 1852, Mr. Ash was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Trumbo, who was born in this county, the daughter of Enoch Trumbo, one of the pioneers: of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Ash became the parents of three children, of whom two survive, namely : Ellen, the wife of Alfred Mowrey, of Jackson township; and Charles, who is engaged in farming and grain dealing at Amsden and was elected in 1 90 1 to the office of treasurer of Seneca county, being a well-known Republican worker, chosen in a strong Democratic county, the first in stance of the kind in the county. The youngest, Jessie Fremont, died when seven years old. No man is more highly esteemed in the community than is Mr. Ash, and it is a pleasure to incorporate this brief tribute to one of the 'county's sterling citizens. WILLIAM H. ZEIS. Among the leading and successful farmer citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, William H. Zeis has long been one of the representative men. Since 1883 he has been a resident of Seneca township and has been all his life identified with the interests of Seneca county. The birth of Mr. Zeis was in Liberty township, in Seneca county, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 467 December 24, 1838, and he was a son of Jacob and a grandson of Mar tin Zeis, the latter of whom was one of the pioneer settlers of Seneca county and one who was notable in its early enterprises. As early as 1816 Martin Zeis left Germany on a sailing vessel, bound for the United States. Three long months were spent on the Atlantic ocean, and the tired voyagers then made their way to Frederick county, Alaryland, where they lived for eleven years, Mr. Zeis having brought his family with him. It was just at this date that the agricultural advantages which settlement in Ohio promised began to attract sturdy pioneers from other states, who saw in this opportunity a future provision for the large fam ilies which at that time were not unusual. Hither came grandfather Zeis and his ten children, the trip consuming a long time, on account of the poor roads, many of them almost impassable. Air. Zeis located in Liberty township, Seneca county, entering here one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, and here the remainder of his life was spent. By trade he was a shoemaker and he carried this on in con nection with farming and became one of the leading citizens of his town ship. He was a man of great industry and was earnest in his desire to promote the advancement of his township. It was his personal effort which cut the first road through the forest from Shiloh church to Cromer Station, his land covering a part of the present site of the village of Cromer. With the assistance of his many sons he soon built a comfort able log cabin and established here a family which has ever since been one of respectability in the county. Jacob Zeis, who was the father of our subject, was born in Baden, Germany, and he accompanied his parents to America and was his father's helper in his early settlement in Seneca county. He married Abbie Craun for his first wife, and they had three children, the survivor being Martha, the wife of Thomas Guinn, a resident of Iowa : John M. and Jacob being deceased. The second marriage of Jacob Zeis was to Eliza beth. Lauer, who was born in Wittenberg, Germany. She came to America at eighteen years of age and died in her sixty-second year. Fourteen children were born to this union, of which our subject was the oldest. The others were as follows : Lewis, deceased; Jacob, of Clinton 468 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. township; Christiana, deceased; Daniel, a private in the Twenty-eighth Iowa Infantry, who. died during the war ; Rebecca, the widow of David Fought, of Seneca township; Lucinda, deceased; Theodore, deceased; Matilda, deceased; Charles, a resident of Indiana; Truman, a resident of Hopewell township; Benjamin, a farmer of Liberty township; James, the farmer on the old homestead in Liberty township; and Leander, a resi dent of this tow-nship. After his first marriage Jacob Zeis bought eighty acres of land in Liberty township and there he made his home during the continuance ¦of his life. This farm is now the property of his son, James F. Zeis. The early life of William H. Zeis, of this biography, was spent on the old home farm in Liberty township. He embraced every educational opportunity within his reach, his advantages being limited. He recalls very distinctly the old log schoolhouse with its uncomfortable slab benches whereon the children of his day sat with aching backs, on account of no supports being provided, while a scarcity of books was felt by almost all ¦of the pupils. The teacher was usually partly paid by subscription and was expected to board around among the families. Many romances have been written of those days, but Mr. Zeis needs none of these, as he easily recalls them and is able to compare the chances which the children of to day enjoy beyond those offered to their forefathers. There was plenty of work to be done on the home farm and- Mr. Zeis remained assisting his father until he was twenty-seven years of age. Then he married and bought sixty acres of land and for two years oper ated both that and his father's farm, moving then into Seneca town ship and operating a farm there for the two following years. Mr. Zeis then removed to his former home in Liberty township, where he made many substantial improvements and remained from 1870 to 1883, coming then to his present most desirable farm in Seneca township. Here Mr. Zeis owns one hundred and fifty-five acres in section 27, and has given his attention to general farming and stock-raising. He is well known in agricultural circles and his methods of farming and management of stock commend themselves to his neighbors as wise and productive of excellent results. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 469, Although the greater part of his life has been given to cultivating the soil, Mr. Zeis has had other interests, and has always arrayed himself on the side of law and order. In 1862 he became a member of the Home Guards and was with Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regi ment, wdien it went, in 1864, to- serve in the defense of the nation's capital. It is a well-known fact in his locality that he is an uncompro mising Republican. The first marriage of Mr. Zeis was to Miss Ellen Cromer, who was a daughter of Ezra Cromer, and the children of this union were as fol lows: Ira N., wdio is a practicing physician in Carey, Ohio; Daniel W., who is attending a dental college of Columbus, Ohio ; and Elizabeth, who died in infancy. Airs. Zeis died in 1872. The second marriage of Mr. Zeis was to Miss Sarah Cromer, who was a sister of his first wdfe, and the children of this marriage are as follows: Ezra E., Jesse W., and Lula L., all residing at home. Mr. Zeis is highly esteemed in his township as an honorable man and is known to be interested in matters of public moment, having always done his part to advance every worthy enterprise, looking to the agricultural development of this part of Seneca county. Ezra Cromer was born in Maryland, of German origin, and mar ried, in Liberty township-, Seneca county, Sarah Craun, a sister to Abbie Craun, the first wife of Jacob Zeis. His home adjoined the Zeis farm at Cromer station, which was located on his farm and named in his honor. He died there at sixty-eight years of age. His widow now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Zeis, aged eighty-six, well preserved. Mr. Cromer and wife were active in the Methodist Protestant church, in which he was a class-leader, and his life very much devoted to the growth and advancement of the church .and of the moral upbuilding of the com munity. PHILIP DeWALD. During the pioneer epoch in the history of Seneca, county the De- Wald family was founded within its- borders by John and Elizabeth (Reisick) DeWalld, who, leaving their little German home across the- 470 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. sea, took up their abode in Hopewell township, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1833. The mtembers of the family took an active and prominent part in the development of this section of the state, aided in transforming its wild lands into rich farms and in other ways promoted the progress and advancement wdiich made a once wild region the home of a contented, prosperous people. On first arriving in the county John DeWald took up his abode north of Bascom, but owing to- the swampy condition of the land he remained there but a short time and then located one mile south of that city, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing to his final rest in 1850. On one occasion during the early pioneer days he and his wife were returning to their wilderness home from a journey to- Tiffin, when the wife suddenly called her husband's attention to: what she called a "large black dog." After a glance the husband immediately handed the reins to his companion, and, grasping a small hickory stick which he had cut for a cane, sprang from the wagon in pursuit of the animal. The latter proved to be a large black bear, which, rearing on its hind feet, prepared for battle; but Mr. DeWald by rapid and repeated blows killed the animal after a fierce struggle ! Unto: Mr. and Mrs. DeWald were born ten children, three of whom still survive : Maria, the wife of Jacob Starber, of Tiffin; Peter, a prosperous armter of Loudon township, Sen eca county; and Philip, the subject of this review. The latter was but two years of age when he was brought by his parents from Bavaria, Germany, where he was born in 183 1, to the United States, the family locating in Hopewell township, Seneca county, Ohio-, where he grew to manhood, and after his father's death his time was occupied in looking after the homestead farm. After his marriage he continued to make his home on the old place until about 1881, when he purchased eighty-two acres of the farm which he now owns, in Loudon township. As the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has been enabled to add to his boundaries a tract of forty acres just across the road in Hopewell township. From his early youth he has been obliged to make his own way in the world, and all that he now owns stands as a, monument to: his untiring energy and his excellent business ability. He can recall vividly to- mind the- time CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 471 when Tiffin was no larger than the village of Bascom at the present day, when the now rich and populous county of Seneca was a vast wilderness and wdien wild animals roamed at will. In the wonderful transformation which has since taken place he has nobly borne his part, and he is now numbered among the honored pioneers of this portion of the Buckeye state. Mr. DeWald was united in marriage to Miss Mary Merganthaler, a native of Loudon township, and they have six children, — John, Anna, Henry, Ellen, Cora and William. The daughter Cora is the wife of Vernon Slosser, a prominent farmer of Hopewell township. Mr. De Wald gives his political support to the Democracy and is a member of the German Reformed church. GEORGE W. ROSIER. One of the well-knowm and substantial citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, is George W. Rosier, who is now retired from agricultural activity, but who owns some of the most valuable farming land in Seneca township. The birth of Mr. Rosier took place in Baltimore county, Maryland, April 3, 1841, and he was a son of Abijah and Dorcas Rosier, farming people of that county. His earliest recollections are connected with rural life and agricultural activity, and the life of the farmer has been the one of his choice ever since. He was sent to the common schools of his locality and acquired a fair knowledge of the elementary branches but he early found it a necessity to begin an independent career for him self. At the age of sixteen years Air. Rosier became an inmate of his uncle's home, and remained on the latter's farm until 1861. At that time public feeling was at fever heat, and with other young men of his locality Mr. Rosier became a member of a company of home guards, the branch of the service being known as Pennell's Legion, and it was composed of various regiments of cavalry, infantry and artillery. This company of 472 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. which our subject was a member, continued in the service for a period of thirteen months, being occupied mainly in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, at points in Maryland, and also in West Virginia. After the close of his army service, in the winter of 1862, Mr. Rosier went north with the object in view of obtaining a satisfactory situation- on some farm, and before spring opened he had secured an excellent posi tion on a farm in Wood county, near Fostoria. Here his industry and knowledge of farming" made him a valued assistant, and he remained on this place for one and one-half years. Desiring to see more of the farm ing section, he then went to Seneca county and worked on a farm in Thompson township for two years, later coming into Seneca township, where he worked for a time for others, but, noting the richness of the soil and the excellent advantages of location enjoyed in this township, he later purchased forty acres. Here Air. Rosier carried on farming successfully, gradually accumulating means and experience, and here he made his home until 1890. At that time he moved to- the farm which he now occu pies, which is an estate comprising one hundred and fifty-six acres, one hundred and forty of which he has under a fine state of cultivation. He has engaged in a general line of farming, and has been one of the excel lent stock-raisers of this section of the county, his methods of carrying on all agricultural operations having a thoroughness about them which has resulted in a prosperous condition. In 1901 Mr. Rosier retired from active labor, turning the great farm over to his son and his son-in-law, who are capable and efficient farmers. This farm is well improved, three comfortable residences and two commodious, barns being among the substantial improvements. The first marriage of Mr. Rosier was to Miss Amelia Fought, who died in less than two years thereafter. His second marriage was No vember 27, 1867, to Aliss Caroline Yambert, wdio was a daughter of Rev. Aaron Yambert, a well-known and most highly esteemed clergyman of the Evangelical Association. Four children were born to this marriage, viz. : Laura, who is the wife of A. P. Gremlich ; Annie, deceased, who was the wife of I. B. Crumrine; Ida, who is the wife of Ira Montrose; and Frank H., who operates the home farm. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 473 Mr. Rosier has always been a member of the Democratic party. Both he and wife belong to the Evangelical Association, in which they are highly valued. Although Mr. Rosier is now one of the solid, sub stantial men of his township, he is entirely self-made, having had scarcely any assistance in establishing himself. Early in his career he realized that the foundation stones of success were industry, honesty and per severance, and all through life he has possessed the requisites, the result being that he is able to spend the evening of his days in comfort, enjoy ing the knowledge that he has won the confidence and esteem of friends and neighbors. GEORGE E. SMITH. Among the well known and highly esteemed citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is George E. Smith, who has resided in this city since 1894, and is now filling the responsible position of private secretary to Congressman James A. Norton, a position for which the practical knowledge, the college edu cation and the versatile gifts he possesses, particularly fit him. The native state of Mr. Smith was Michigan, where he was born on September 6, 1854, in Kalamazoo county. His parents were Rev. M. I. and Mary (Edwards) Smith, the former of whom was born in Con necticut but reared in Auburn, New York, where he remained until his marriage, going then to Alichigan, where he was a minister in the Alethodist Episcopal church for a period of twenty-five years. During the civil war he entered the Third Michigan Volunteer Infantry,- and' served as chaplain of that regiment. He was a man of parts and learn ing, always ready to promote by tongue and pen the cause of education, and his sixty years of life showed fruits of piety and usefulness. He- was a nephew' of Lieutenant Governor Ingersoll, of Connecticut. The mother of our subject, Mary (Edwards) Smith, was born, reared and educated near Syracuse, New York, and survived her husband for some years, dying January 2, 1901, at the age of seventy-eight years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist church, a devoted wife and 30 474 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. a tender mother. She had seven children, our subject being the fourth in the order of birth. George E. Smith j>assed his early life with his parents and in his youthful days attended the schools in the locality in which his father was stationed as a clergyman of the Methodist church. Later he pursued a higher education in the colleges both at Albion and at Lansing, Michigan, preparing then to take up the study of law. His reading was with the well known Judge Buck, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and in 1875, Mr. Smith was admitted to the bar. For about ten years he practiced law in that city, but an accident which happened to him, in 1884, bringing on peritonitis, made it necessary for him to lay aside business care for several years. A sojourn in Florida enabled him to regain a measure of health, but when he returned to active life he decided to entirely change his busi ness, and accepted the management, in 1886, of a large factory, in San dusky, Ohio. In 1889, when Air. Norton was appointed commissioner of railways and telegraphs, by Governor Campbell, he made Mr. Smith his chief . clerk, and in this office he served for several years, finally resigning dur ing the administration of Governor McKinley. Mr. Smith then became the traveling representative of the Safety Lighting & Heating Company, through western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan, making contracts with the railroads in the interests of this company, which is a New York corporation. In 1894 Mr. Smith came to Tiffin and became associated with the Tiffin Bent Wood & Lumber Company, continuing with that concern until he accepted his present congenial position with Hon. James Norton. As secretary to this statesman he is brought into touch with public affairs and he is known as a very judicious, diplomatic and most efficient official. Mr. Smith has been actively identified with the Democratic party ever since his youthful days, and has been prominent in all local conventions, including those of city, county and state, ever since he has been a resident of Ohio. His ability as a worker is highly rated. He has shown his interest in educational matters by giving his time as a member of the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.' 475 board of education. Fraternally he is connected with Tiffin Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M. Mr. Smith was married, in 1880, to Miss Susan Booth, of Kala mazoo, Michigan. Reared in the Methodist church, under the loving care of worthy Methodist parents, Mr. Smith early imbibed the prin ciples of that religious body, and they have ever been an influence in his life. He has served the church in many capacities, has been a delegate many times and represented his church in the annual conferences of that denomination. His literary work has excited considerable favorable comment. In 1893 he published a book of poems which ranks high in literary merit, and is now engaged on a historical work, intended to cover a recent epoch in the nation's history. He has a ready pen, but much of his work in the newspapers, although of great value, is not traced di rectly to him. Socially Mr. Smith is a favorite, his pleasing manner, quick intelli gence and courteous demeanor making him many friends. JOHN MARTIN. In the best development o-f Seneca county- John Martin bore an im portant part. He was identified with the agricultural interests of this section of the state from pioneer days, and while promoting the material welfare of the community also gave an active and liberal support to those measures which tended to advance its intellectual and moral status. His life was filled with good deeds and kindly thoughts, and all who knew him entertained1 for him the highest regard, by reason of his upright, honorable life. Over the record of his career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and his example is well worthy of emulation by his many friends, Mr. Martin was born on the farm on which his widow now resides, in August, 1845, the only child of Michael and Mary (Shafferly) Mar tin. The father was a native of the Emerald Isle, and in the land of his 476 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. birth he spent the first thirty-eight years of his life, coming thence to the United States. Some time later, in the '30s, he made his way to Ohio, where he secured employment on the Maumee canal, but while thus en gaged he had the misfortune to break his. leg, which rendered him a cripple for life. He then entered a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, the birthplace of our subject, and he and Alichael Martin, David Lahey and John Whalen were the first to- locate in this section of the state. There Mr. Martin lived to- the advanced age of ninety-three years, and his wife reached the rijDe old age of ninety-two- years. She was a native of the fatherland, and when about forty years of age came with her par ents to America. Pier people were in very limited circumstances., and she was therefore obliged to- earn her own livelihood. Mr. Martin was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, and a few years before her death his wife also united with that faith. John Martin, the immediate subject of this review, was early taught the value of industry, and when a youth the arduous task of clearing new land and placing it under cultivation fell to his lot, for his father was a cripple and unable to perform hard labor. For about twelve years, in addition to his work on the farm, he also sold fruit trees through this" section, and thus he became well known to many of the residents of the county. His life furnishes a. striking example of the boys who secure their own start in life, — determined, self-reliant boys, willing" to- work for advantages which many others secure through inheritance, destined by sheer force of character to succeed in the face of all opposition and to push to the front in one important branch of enterprise or another. As a man his business ability was constantly manifest, showing unlimited possibilities, nothing too great to grasp and master, and he arose to a foremost position among the business men of Seneca county. The marriage of Mr. Martin was celebrated in January, 1866, when Miss Otilla Huth became his wife. She was born in Hopewell town ship, Seneca, county, a daughter of Nicholas and Eva (Swing) Huth,, both natives of Germany. The mother was brought to America when a child, but the father remained in his- native country until about forty years of age, when he, too, crossed the ocean to the new world, settling CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 477 in Hopewell township, two miles south of Bascom. Twelve children blessed the union of our subject and wife, but only eleven are now living, namely : Mary E., the widow of Henry Eschenbrenner and a resident of Tiffin; Mathilda, the wife of Charley Kimmet, of Liberty township; Margaret E., the wife of Nicholas Brickner, o-f Jackson township ; Ellen L, the wife of J. H. Seewald, of Toledo, Ohio; Sarah, Alice and lsa- belle, at home; Susan, of Norwalk, Ohio; Mary J., the wife of Joseph Kimmet, of Liberty township; and John E. and Alichael S., at home. Mr. Martini gave his political support to the Democracy, and the family are members of St. Joseph's- Catholic church. He was a man of firm convictions, honest purpose, kindly nature and upright life, and the world is better for his having lived. He departed from the scenes of earth's activities June 11, 1897, but his memory is still enshrined in the hearts of his many friends. LEVI BOYD. Within the confines of Seneca county will be found many success ful and honored business men who are of the second generation of their families to have become prominently identified with the industrial act ivities of this favored section of the Buckeye commonwealth, and such is true in the case of Levi Boyd, who is a native son of the county and who has here passed his entire life, being now numbered among the influen tial and prosperous farmers of Jackson township and a citizen who com mands the confidence and esteem o-f the community where he has lived 'and labored to goodly ends. Mr. Boyd was born on the homestead farm in Jackson township, on the 1 2th of November, 1846, being one of the ten children of William and Eliza (Dick) Boyd, and one of the five sons who still survive, namely: Sarah E., the wife of David Wirick, of Jerry City, Wood county; Eli W., of Jackson township, Seneca county; and Edwin D., Ellis, and our subject, also residents of this township William Boyd was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, about the year 18 16, and as a 478 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. young man he emigrated to Ohio, locating in Seneca county, where for a number of years he devoted his attention to making shingles, cross- ties, etc., all the work being accomplished by hand. Later he purchased forty acres of heavily timbered land in Jackson township, reclaiming the same to cultivation and eventually adding to his possessions until he had a good farm of one hundred and eighty acres, the greater portion of which was cleared under his personal direction. Here he continued to maintain his home until his death, in 1891, when he passed away in the fullness of years and well earned honors. His original political affilia tions were with the Whig party, but he joined the Republican party at the time of its organization and ever continued to give it his support. He was a devoted and active member of the Reformed church, as is also his wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, about 1822, and who still main tains her home on the old farm. Levi Boyd early became inured to the various1 duties of the farm, and his educational privileges were such as were afforded in the public schools of the locality. Upon attaining his legal majority he assumed charge of the homestead, which he worked on shares, and thus continued until one year after his marriage, in 1868, when he removed to- his present fine farm, which was then the property of his father-in-law. After oper ating the place for two years he purchased forty acres adjoining it on the south, and there maintained his abode until 1890, when he purchased eighty-four acres of his father-in-law, simultaneously removing to the same and also purchasing forty acres lying contiguous on the east. In recent years he has made some changes, and his farm now comprises one hundred and twenty-six acres, well improved and under most effective cultivation. He has given his attention to diversified farming and has been very successful in his operations, In politics Mr. Boyd has given an unswerving allegiance to the Republican party, and he served six years as trustee of his native township, where he is held in the highest regard by- all who- know him. He is a member of the Canaan United Brethren church and is serving on its board of trustees, being treasurer of the same and also holding the office of steward iri the church, in whose CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 479 work, as in all that concerns the general welfare, he maintains a deep interest. August 19, 1868, Air. Boyd was united in marriage to Miss Melissa J. Long, who was born on the farm which is now his home, the daughter of Benjamin L. Long, one of the representative pioneers of this township, Mrs. Boyd was summoned into eternal rest in the year 1890, leaving three children, — Elsie R., now the wife of Charles Nichols, of this town ship; Benjamin F., who remains at the paternal home; and Margaret M.r the wdfe of J. B. Stein, of Morgantown, West Virginia. February 28, 1893, Mr. Boyd was married to Mrs. Mary (Bloom) Sprout, who was, likewise born' in this county, being the daughter of William Bloom, one of the well-known: business men o-f Fostoria, and widow of Daniel Sprout; JOSEPH RODEGEB. The family of which the subject of this memoir is a most honored representative is a pioneer one of Seneca county, and its members have borne their part nobly in the work of progress and improvement. He was born in Bloom township-, Seneca county, November 4, 1847, a son of Jacob and Magdalena (Neiswander) Rodegeb. The father traced his nativity to the Old Dominion, where he was born on the 31st of January, 1795. When- a young man he came to Seneca county, Ohio, where he entered two hundred and forty acres of land in Bloom township, a part of which is1 no-w owned by John Newcome, there erecting a log cabin in the forest. He was one of the early pioneers of the township, and his life's labors were ended in d'eath on the 9th of August, 1850. His wdfe was called to her final rest in 1877. This worthy couple became the parents of ten children, four of whom' still survive, namely : Henry, a resident of Michigan; Magdalena, the wife of William Ringle, of At tica, Ohio; Daniel, who makes his home in the state of Washington; and Joseph', the1 subject of this review. Joseph Rodegeb was reared to manhood at the old family home in Seneca county, and the educational privileges which he received in his 480 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. youth were extremely limited. When he was: but sixteen years of age he was left in charge. of the homestead, three of his brothers being in the Union service and the other in Michigan, and with the exception of eighteen months spent in the lumber regions of Michigan he remained on the old place until his mother's death. He then exchanged his interest in the homestead for an eighty-acre tract in Bloom township, to which he removed, and there he made his home for the following nine years. Selling that property in 1888, he then j>urchased his present home farm in Venice township, two miles east of Attica, which consists- of one hun dred and one acres of rich and productive land. He has made many im provements on his place, has placed his fields under a, fine state of culti vation, and in many ways has added to its value and productiveness and attractive appearance. In 1 87 1 Mir. Rodegeb was united in marriage to Aliss Lucinda Summers, and afterward, April 5, 1894, Aliss Emma Long became his wife. She is a native of Venice township, Seneca county, and a daugh ter of Adam and Elizabeth (Swartz) Long, no-w deceased. This union has been blessed with two children, — Lorena May and Joseph Fred. Mr- Rodegeb gives his political support to the Republican party, and he is an active worker in its ranks. During the war five of the Rodegeb brothers served in the army, two losing their lives as the result of the exposure. They were Jacob, who' was in the Fifty-fifth Ohio and died at Fredericksburg, Virginia ; and Isaac was in the Forty-ninth and died also in hospital ; Henry enlisted from Michigan in the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, and served three years; and Daniel and Joseph both were in the One Hundred and Sixty- fourth Regiment, and after a short service his mother secured Joseph's release on account of his minority. PHILIP KISSABERTH. In the history of the agricultural interests of Seneca county the name of Philip Kissaberth occupies a leading place, fo-r through many years he has been one of the representative farmers of the county, pro- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 481 gressive, enterprising and persevering. Such qualities always win suc cess, sooner or later, and to Mr. Kissaberth they have brought a hand some competence as the reward of his well directed efforts. A native of Tiffin, Ohio, he was born September 5, 1845, a s°n of George and Catherine Kissaberth. The father was born in Hesse-Darm stadt, Germany, where he was reared and married, and some time in the '30s, in company with three brothers and a sister, came to the United States, locating in Tiffin, where for several years he was employed in a warehouse. He then removed to a farm in Hopewell township, and later purchased the tract of fifty acres on which our subject now resides, and there he passed away in death in 1864, in his- fifty-first year. By his marriage to Catherine Osman he became the father of eight children, six now living, namely: Gabriel, a resident of Fostoria; William, a prominent farmer of Putnam county, Ohio; Jacob, an agriculturist of Loudon township; Philip, the subject of this review; George, of Gilboa, Putnam county; and Sophia, the wife of George Cramler, of Bucyrus. Philip Kissaberth, of this review, was reared from a child on the farm on which he now resides, and the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth were those afforded by the common schools of the neighborhood. After his father's death he took charge of the home farm and continued to care for his aged mother until she, too, was sum moned to the home beyond, at the age of eighty years, after which he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead and thus became its sole owner. He is now the possessor of one hundred and twenty acres of rich and fertle land. From his early years he has been industrious and persevering in whatever enterprise he has undertaken, and by diligence and economy has accumulated a competence for his de clining years. He has been a life-long supporter of the Democracy, and has been called upon to fill many positions of honor and trust within the gift of the people of his township. He has served with efficiency as supervisor of Loudon township, and was long a member of the school board, of which he was made a clerk and director. May 8, 1866, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kissaberth and Miss Susan Smith. She is a native daughter of Seneca county, where 482 .CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. her father, Jacob Smith, was one of the early pioneers, settling upon a tract of wild land near the present Kissaberth house, and there Susan was born. Her parents both died there, he at eighty and her mother, whose maiden name was Susannah Deppler, at seventy-six. He came to the United States from Switzerland, his native land, and settled in Buffalo, and later moved to Wayne. Four children have been born unto this union, as follows : George, who farms his father's land, living on the old Smith homestead; Jonah, a resident of Seneca township; Rosa, the wdfe of Andy Frankert, of Loudon township; and Jesse, deceased. The family are members of the Zion German Reformed church at Bascom, in which Air. Rissaberth has long served as a deacon. JOHN G. DROLL. One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful agri culturists of Seneca county is John G. Droll. He is public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intel lectual and material welfare of his locality, and for many years he has been numbered among its- most valued and honored citizens. A native son of the county, Mr. Droll's birth occurred in Seneca township, March 21, 1859, a son of George and Catherine (Brown- stetter) Droll. The father was born in a little German home across the sea in 1829, but in 1846 he came with his parents to America, locating in Seneca township, Seneca county, Ohio-. After the death of his father he became the owner of eighty acres of land in that locality, and there he made his home until 1874, when he sold his possessions there and bought the farm on which our subject now resides. That property con tinued to' be his home until 1892, and in that year, leaving his son John on the place, he located on a small farm of eight acres near New Rigel, where he has since lived in quiet retirement, enjoying the rest which he has so truly earned and richly deserves. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Droll was blessed with twelve children, eleven of whom still survive, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 483 namely: Mary, John G, Catherine, Rosa, Mathilda, Frank, William, Killian, Edward, Anna and Margaret. John G. Droll, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire life in Seneca, county, and to: its public-school system he is in debted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth and early manhood. As a life occupation he chose that to which he had been reared, and throughout his entire business career he has been en gaged in the tilling of the soil, his efforts in this direction having been crowned with a high and well-merited degree of success. His political tendencies connect him with the Democratic party, and religiously he is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church. The marriage of Mir. Droll was celebrated on the 17th of Novem ber, 1885, when Miss Elizabeth Hug became his wife. To this union were born six children, — Josephine, Charlie, George, Barbara, Leo- and Sophia, — all at home. Death entered this happy family circle on the 12th of September, 1898, when the wife and mother was called to the home beyond. Her life was beautiful in its purity and Christian virtues, and her memory will long remain as a blessed benediction to her immedi ate family and friends. COMMODORE P. A1EEKER. This sterling representative of one of the pioneer families of Ohio is a native son of Seneca county, where he was reared to maturity upon a farm, early beginning to assume the practical responsibilities of life and lending bis- aid in connection with the reclamation and improvement of the old pioneer homestead. That he has lived and labored to goodly ends is clearly indicated in the position which he holds in the confidence and high regard of his fello-W men and- in the success which has crowned his efforts as an exponent of the great basic art of agriculture, which has been his vocation throughout his entire business career. His fine farm is located in Jackson township, and no resident of the community commands a fuller measure of respect and esteem1. This epitome oi his 484 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. life history will be read with interest by his many friends and will serve as a permanent memorial to his sterling character and worthy life. Named in honor of the distinguished hero- of the battle of Lake Erie, Commodore Perry Meeker was born in Eden township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 4th of September, 1833, the son of Charles and Rachel (Clark) Meeker, of whose eleven children eight survive at the present time, namely: Jacob, Angeline, Charles, Jane, Charity E., Thomas, Commodore Perry and Hannah. The father of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, and when he was twelve years of age he accom panied his parents on their removal to Ohio, and they first located in Fairfield county, but later came to Seneca county, where the grandfather of our subject took up eighty acres of government land in Eden town ship, being one of the first settlers in that locality and there reclaiming his farm from the forest. Here he passed the residue of his life, having been successful in his operation and having acquired about three hun dred acres of land. Charles Meeker was reared to maturity on the old homestead farm in this county, and shortly after his marriage he began his independent operations as a farmer, eventually becoming the owner of a large landed estate and standing as one of the influential men of Eden township, where he lived to attain the patriarchal age of ninety- twoi years.Commodore P. Meeker, the immediate subject of this review, re mained o-n the old homestead during his youthful days, and as his services were early in requisition in connection with the farm work, his educational advantages were reduced to a minimum, but by personal application and association with practical affairs in later years he has become a man of broad general information and strong mentality. At the age of eighteen years Mr. Meeker went to AVo-od county, where he was employed at farm work until his marriage, at the age of twenty-one, when he located on a tract of eighty acres owned by his father in that county. There he continued to reside until 1863, when he located in Eden township, Seneca county, and there remained one year, at the ex piration of which he settled on his present homestead farm, in Jack son township, where he has since maintained his, home. The farm com- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 485 prises eighty acres, and was covered with a heavy growth of timber when he located on the place. He cleared all but fifteen acres of the land and placed it under most effective cultivation, making the best of improvements as opportunity permitted and developing- the place into one of the most attractive and valuable in this section. The value of the farm is greatly enhanced by the fact that there are nine productive oil wells on the same, this being a source of no inconsiderable revenue. Though he has ever taken a proper interest in public affairs of a local nature, Mr. Meeker has never sought office and has maintained an in dependent attitude in politics. Mr. Meeker was united in marriage to: Aliss Emma Bassett, who was born in Wood county, Ohio, and of this: union seven children have been born, of whom five survive, namely : Charles, a resident of Hatton, Wood county; Nelson, who is a farmer near Rising Sun; Percy, who resides in the same locality ; William, a resident of Findlay ; and Minnie, . the wife of Daniel Baker, who has charge of our subject's farm. MARTIN LICHTLE. Among the honored and venerable citizens of Seneca county is the subject of this review, who has here maintained his home for a period of half a century, winning a definite success by means of the agricultural industry, to which he devoted his attention during the long years of an active business life. He is now retired and is enjoying that repose and rest which are due to him now that the shadows of his life begin to lengthen in the golden west. His career has been without shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and thus- he has ever commanded the con fidence and esteem of his fellow men, his more than four-score years resting lightly upon him and being crowned with honor. Mr. Lichtle is a native o-f the province of Alsace, Germany, which at the time of his birth, on the ist of November, 181 7, was still a part of France. There he was reared to years, of maturity and there he learned: 486 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the trade of weaver, to which he devoted his attention until 1852, when he emigrated to the United States, making the voyage on a sailing ves sel, Maria Teresa, and arriving in the port of New York city forty-two days after embarking. From New York he came to Tiffin, Ohio, and for three months after his arrival he was employed in connection with the construction of the Big Four Railroad, after which he purchased thirty acres of land in Loudon township and here settled and began his career as a farmer. Success crowned his energetic and well-directed efforts and he was enabled to add to his original tract until he had accumulated a finely improved landed estate of two hundred and sixty acres. He continued in agricultural pursuits in an active way until his advanced age led him to lay aside the cares involved, and- he recently sold his farm- property to his sons John and Andrew and his son-in-law, Joseph Brickner, and he now makes his home with the son first men tioned. In politics he has ever given his allegiance to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, of which he has been a communicant from his youth. At the age of twenty-seven Mr. Lichtle was united in marriage to Aliss Therese Murey, who like wise was born in Alsace, France, and who accompanied him on his re moval to America. She died twenty-two: years since, and his second .wife, who is still living, was Mrs. Christina Roth. Of their nine chil dren six survive, namely : Elizabeth, the wife of Peter Caser, of Indi ana; Rosa, the wife of Joseph Brickner, of Loudon township; John, also of this township; Andrew, who likewise operates a portion of the old homestead; and Michael and Joseph, who reside in the city of Cleve land. John Lichtle, son of the subject of this sketch, still resides on the old' homestead farm: where he was reared, having purchased one hun dred acres of the same of his father, and he is known as one of the energetic and progressive farmers and stock-growers of this section, while his course has ever been such as to retain to him' uniform respect and esteem. Like his honored father, he is Democratic in politics and a communicant of St. Patrick's Catholic church. He was born on the 3d of July, 1857. John Lichtle has been twice married, — first to Miss CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 487 Sophia Sigman, who died in August, 1897, leaving seven children, namely: Anna, Alary, Emma, Dora, Frederick, Isabel and Henry. On the 25th of January, 1899, Mr. Lichtle weddisd Miss Catherine Myers, who was born in this township-, the daughter of Joseph Myers, and of this union one child has been born, — Florence. HENRY RINEBOLD. Throughout his- entire life Henry Rinebold has been numbered amoung the residents of Jackson township, Seneca county. His birth occurred on the farm- on which he now resides, on the 18th of August, 1856. His father, Jacob, was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1821, but when a boy he was brought by his parents, John and Catherine (Wun- inger) Rinebold, to' Seneca county, the family locating in Loudon town ship, where the son Jacob grew to years of maturity. He was here mar ried to Mary A. Lambright, and they became the parents of nine chil dren, seven of whom still survive : Noah, Elizabeth, Henry, Ann, Mahala, Rachel and Jacob. The two who: have pasecl away are John and Margaret. After his marriage Mir. Rinebold purchased eighty acres of school land in Jackson township, to which he afterward added another eighty-acre tract and still later another tract of eighty acres, and in addition he also had forty acres in Wood county. His remaining days were spent in his home in Jackson township, and his eyes were closed in death on the 4th of March, 1894. During his entire life he was a stanch sup porter of the Democracy, and was a worthy and acceptable member of Zion German Lutheran church. His, wife passed to her final reward on the 16th of August, 1887. In coming to Jackson township he located on the present farm, which had been leased to another man, who had made some slight improvements, including a log house, and this was his home until erecting the present brick residence in 186 1. He cleared out the greater part of one hundred and sixty acres and his life was de voted to the cultivation of his1 farm. 488 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Henry Rinebold, whose name forms the caption of this review, received a common-school education in his youth, and1 from an early age he has been identified with the work of the farm. After his mar- ' riage he assumed the management of the homestead farm, and here he has- spent his entire life. After his father's death he became its owner, and the place now consists of one hundred and twenty acres, all of which is under an excellent state of cultivation. This farm also- con tains eleven oil wells, all of which are excellent producers, and are yield- ing to their owner a handsome financial return. Although his business interests are such that they claim nearly his1 entire time and attention, he is at all times a public-spirited and progressive citizen, actively con cerned in all that pertains to the welfare of his fellow men, and his political support is given to the Democracy. He is generally found in - the party conventions and has often been called upon to be a party rep resentative in various campaigns, generally polling a handsome vote. Mr. Rinebold was married May 27, 1877, to Miss Lodema Sheffler, a native of Wood county, Ohio, and a daughter of Conrad and Presida (Buchtle) Sheffler. Three children have blessed this union, namely-: Ora Z., the wife of W. R. Mazey, of Delphos, Ohio; and Harvey D. and Wilbert Henry, at home. The family is one of prominence in Sen eca county, and their pleasant home is the center of a cultured society circle. JACOB ECKER. In a recent editorial touching the German element in our complex social fabric a leading Chicago daily spoke as follows : "The German is thoughtful, deliberate; the nation is fortunate in which he is numerous. His mind, profound, thorough, painstaking and1 free from sudden emotion, acts as a balance wheel for its environment. Germany has sup plied to the United States splendid elements of citizenship." None can doubt the truth of these statements, and in nearly every section of the United States the German-American figures, as a valued and potent CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 489 factor. The subject of this review is a worthy representative o-f this type, and his life has been one of signal usefulness and honor, while he has commanded uniform confidence and esteem by reason of his ster ling character. He has passed the greater portion of his life in Seneca county, and here he has attained success through his own efforts, being numbered among the substantial farmers of Jackson township. He has depended o-n his own resources from his boyhood, and through his well- directed efforts and determinate purpose has achieved independence and a high degree of prosperity. Mr. Ecker was born in the kingdom-, of Bavaria, Germany, and in the fatherland he was reared to the age of sixteen years, having secured his educational training in the excellent schools- of Bavaria. As a lad of sixteen he emigrated to America, making the trip in a sailing vessel and being on the water for seventy-six days. Shortly after his arrival he came to- Seneca county, making Fostoria his destination, and for the ensuing six years he was employed on various farms in this locality. At the expiration of this period he rented land and engaged1 in farming on his own responsibility, continuing operation under these conditions for twelve years, within which time he accumulated sufficient money to justify him in the purchase of his present farm,, which comprises ninety acres. When he located here the improvements made were of primitive order, a log house and a log barn having been erected on the place, which now has a fine residence and other buildings of the best type, while the land has been brought under a high state of cultivation. In addition to the homestead Mr. Ecker also- cultivates the farjn of one hundred and sixteen acres owned by his wife, the same being also lo cated in this township. In political matters Mr. Ecker gives a stalwart- support to the Democratic party, and- his religious faith is that of the Reformed church, while his wife holds membership in the Lutheran church. He takes a lively interest in all that concerns the well-being o-: the community and he served for fifteen years as school director of hi • district. On October 21, 1863, Mr. Ecker was united in marriage to Mis-- Lucetta Stahl, who was born in Seneca county, the daughter of Henry 31 490 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and Elizabeth (Rinebold) Stahl, and of this union three children have been born, namely : Amelia, the wife of John Heughberger, of Leipsic, Ohio; Ephraim, who is associated with his father in his farming op erations ; and Annie, the wife of Elmer Ash, of Gratiot county, Michi gan. Mrs. Ecker's parents have both died since the above sketch was written, — the mother on the 6th of March and the father on the 3d of May, 1902. 4 ¦ » JEREMIAH PANKHURST. This gentleman was one of the honored pioneers who- aided in lay ing the foundation on which to- erect the superstructure of Seneca county's present prosperity and progress. Through the period of early development he was an important factor in the improvement and ad vancement of this section of the state, and was also concerned with the broader interests which had to do, with the welfare of the common wealth. Jeremiah Pankhurst was born in Kent county, England, on the 9th of January, 1809, and when twenty years of age he left the land of his birth for Canada, where he remained but a short time and then went to New York. He subsequently made his way to- the Buckeye state, where for a number of years he was engaged in work on the canal. The year 1834 witnessed his arrival in Seneca county, where he entered forty acres of land in Loudon township, to- which he afterward added until he became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres, but in 1847 be dis posed of that property and purchased the one hundred and twenty acres where Mrs. Pankhurst now resides. He was very successful in his chosen line of occupation, and at one time he owned as high as seven hundred acres of land, but he afterward divided his property among his children, assisting each in turn as it came time for them to start on the journey of life on their own account, till his estate became reduced to three hundred acres at his death. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HI STORY 4L,1 Mr. Pankhurst was married in 1836, when Aliss Alary Williams became his wife, and one child, Moses, came to bless their home, but he was called upon to lay down his life on the altar of his country at the battle o-f Stone River, at the age of twenty-two. The loving wife and mother was also: called to the home beyond, and in 1841 Mr. Pankhurst wedded Miss Lucy A. McDougle, a native of Culpeper county, Vir ginia, and a daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Updyke) AlcDougle, who came to Seneca county as early as 1834. By his second marriage Mr. Pankhurst became the father of thirteen children, but only seven of the number are now living, namely : Daniel, John, Peter, Wesley, Amanda A., the wife of Robert Bingham, o-f Jackson township; Celinda, the wife of Joseph E. Chilco-te, also of Jackson township, and Lucinda A., at home. Mr. Pankhurst gave his political support to the Republican party, and he was honored with many of the public offices of his township. He was called from this earth on the 17th of October, 1884, passing away in the faith of the Alethodist Episcopal church, o-f which he was long a faithful and consistent member. His was a long, active and hon orable life, and his name is indelibly inscribed on the pages of Seneca county's history. ANSON A. ANDERSON. The first half of the nineteenth century was characterized by the immigration of that pioneer element wdiich made the great state of Ohio what it is. These immigrants were sturdy, heroic, upright, sincere people, such as constitute the intrinsic strength of a commonwealth. It scarcely appears probable that in the future history of the world another such period can occur, or indeed any period when such a solid phalanx of strong-minded men, and heroic, self-sacrificing women will take pos session of a new country. Too careful on too frequent reference cannot be made in the pages of history concerning those who have figured as the founders, and builders of a great commonwealth, and in connection 492 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. with this brief review of the personal history of Mr. Anderson it is our privilege to touch incidentally and specifically upon interesting data in regard to the sterling pioneer family of which he is a member and which has been identified with the annals of the Buckeye state since an early period in the last century. Our subject is known as one of the influential and worthy citizens and successful agriculturists of Seneca county, where he has passed practically his entire life, since his parents here located in the year of his birth. Anson A. Anderson is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born in Franklin county, Ohio, on the 18th of March, 1833, the son of John and Candacy (Chaney) Anderson, who became the parents of seven children, of whom only our subject and his sister Nancy sur vive, she being the wife of Joseph Hoover, a prominent farmer of Hope well township. John Anderson was born in Pennsylvania, about the year 1804, and from that state his parents emigrated to Ohio while he was a boy, locating in Franklin county, where his father took up a tract of wild land and where he was residing at the outbreak of the war of 1812, for which he enlisted, his death occurring at Fort Findlay while he was still in the service. His wddow subsequently became the wife of a Mr. Jacob Eisenhart, and of their three children two survive, — Jacob, a resident of Michigan; and Harriet, of Williams county, Ohio, The father of our subject was reared on the pioneer homestead in Franklin county, receiving his educational discipline in the primitive schools of the place and period and early beginning to share in the arduous work of the farm. In that county occurred his marriage to Miss Chaney, and then he came to Seneca county in 1833, where he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1876, while to him was accorded un equivocal esteem in this section of the state, where he was a pioneer set tler. Upon coming to the county he entered claim to seventy acres of government land, in Hopewell township, the same being heavily tim bered and practically untouched by the hand of man. He made a clear ing and erected a little log house, and then set himself vigorously to the task of reclaiming the farm, eventually making good improvements and bringing it into effective cultivation. This farm is now owned by his CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 493 son-in-law, Joseph Hoover, previously mentioned. Mr. Andersen con tinued to reside on this homestead until his death, prior to which he had added to his landed estate in the county until he was the owner of more than two hundred acres. His wife had died two years previously. Anson A. Anderson, the immediate subject o-f this review, was in debted to the pioneer schools of Seneca county for the educational ad vantages which were his in his youth, and he continued to assist in the improvement and cultivation of the old homestead until he had attained the age of twenty-three years, when he inaugurated his independent career by securing employment at farm- work. Two years later his mar riage occurred, and shortly afterward he rented a farm in Liberty town ship, where he continued in agricultural pursuits until 1872, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of his present farm, in the same township, subsequently adding to the same by the purchase of con tiguous tracts until the home farm now has an area of two hundred and forty acres. That he has been successful in his farming, which has been diversified from the start, is shown in the acquisitions he has thus made and in the fine improvements which are to be noted o-n the place, while he has further augmented his landed estate, being the owner of forty acres in Jackson township, sixty acres in Loudon township and eighty in Hopewell township, this entire property being well improved and under effective cultivation, the aggregate area of the estate being four hundred and twenty acres, so that our subject is to be designated as one of the extensive landholders of the county, as he is also known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen and as a man of irreproachable character. He has exerted a timely and valuable influence in public affairs of a local nature, maintaining an independent attitude in poli tics, and the popular confidence in which he is held has been signalized by his election to offices of trust and responsibility, since he served six years as justice of the peace and two terms as trustee of Liberty town ship. He is a communicant of St. Andrew's Catholic church, of which he is a trustee. His family also hold membership in the same church and are prominent in the social life of the community. On the ist of January, 1858, Mr. Anderson was united in mar- 494 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. riage to: Miss Catherine Corrigan, who was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Peter and Catherine (Nolan) Corrigan, who were among the honored pioneer farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, where he died at sixty-four years o-f age. Of the ten children born to M'r. and Mrs. An derson all are living except Addie, who died at the age of seven years. The others are here named in the order of their birth : John, Jessie, Nettie, William V., James, Frank, Lawrence, Charles and Louis. HENRY BYERS. As one reviews the history of the county and looks into the past to see who were prominent in its early development he will find that through a long period the name of Byers has been closely connected with the progress and advancement of this section of the state. For many years Henry Byers, of this review, has been a resident of Seneca county. Wild was the region into wdiich he came when a boy of fourteen years, and from that early period he has been prominently identified with the history of the community. A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurred in Stark county, February 20, 1838, a son of Jacob and Nancy (AlcLoughlin)' Byers. The father was born in Frederick county, Maryland, but when a boy he came with his father, John Byers, to Stark county, Ohio, wdiere the latter entered land from the government. Wild was the region at that early day. Its forests stood in their primeval strength, the prairie land was still unbroken, and the Indians roamed through the dense woods, seeking the game which could be had in abundance. There the son Jacob grew to years of maturity, and after his marriage he settled down to the quiet and peaceful life of a farmer. About 1852 he re moved to Seneca county, purchasing eighty acres of land, which now forms a part of our subject's present farm, and there he spent his re maining days on earth, passing away at the age of eighty-three years. In early life he gave his political support to the Democracy, but later he CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 495 became identified with the Republican party, and his religious preference was indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. Of his eight children only three now survive, — Jeremiah S., a prominent farmer of Jackson township, Seneca county; Eliza, the wife of Isaac Cook, of Grattan, Michigan; and Henry, the subject of this review. The latter grew to years of maturity on his father's farms in Stark and Seneca counties, and to their public schools he is indebted for the educational advantages which he received in his youth. When the trouble between the north and the south threw the country into civil war he nobly put aside all personal considerations, and in 1862 became a member of Company K, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer In fantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. With his regiment he took part in the battles of Perryville and Murfreesboro-, but at the latter engagement he was wounded and taken prisoner. After a confinement of three weeks in Libby prison he was paroled and sent to the hospital at Annapolis, thence to the parole camp and later to Camj> Chase, Where he was ordered, after being exchanged, to join his regi ment at Bridgeport, Alabama. Mr. Byers participated in all the battles in which his regiment took part excepting that of Chickamauga, and at the close of hostilities he was mustered out of service, receiving an honorable discharge in June, 1865, after which he returned to his home and again assumed the management of the homestead farm, which had been his task since his sixteenth year. Two years after returning from the war he was married, bringing his- bride to the old family homestead, and after his father's death, in the early '80s, he purchased the place. Prior, to this time he had also become the owner of a forty-acre tract adjoining, and thus his landed possessions were increased to- one hundred and twenty acres, where he is now extensively engaged in gen eral farming. . He is a business man of much more than ordinary abil ity, and his unremitting toil and close attention to business throughout his active career have been the means of winning for him the handsome competence which is to-day his. The marriage of Mr. Byers was celebrated in 1867, when Miss Susanna Stainbrook became his wife. She, too-, claimed Ohio as the 496 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. state of her nativity, her birth having occurred in Muskingum county. They became the parents of four children, but two of the number, Fannie J. and Margaret E., have- passed away in d'eath, at eighteen and thirteen respectively, and the two- surviving ones are Sarah E. and Arthur E., both at home. The loving wife and mother has joined her children in the spirit world, having closed her eyes in death in 1888. Mr. Byers gives his political support to: the Republican party, but, although he is a public-spirited and progressive citizen to a marked degree, has never been a seeker after political preferment. For many years he was a mem ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, but that congregation afterward disbanded, and he has never since allied his interests with any denomi nation, although he is a, constant attendant at divine worship. His social relations connect him with Ash Post, G. A. R., at Kansas, this county, in wdiich he holds pleasant relations with his old army comrades of the- "blue." ISAAC KAGY, Ml D. Dr. Isaac Kagy, who was born on the farm on which he now resides, February 2, 1828, is a representative of one of the old and prominent families of Seneca county. His father, John Kagy, was a native of the Old Dominion, having been born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, on the 17th of January, 1797, a son of Rudolph and ''Hannah (Siple) Kagy, who became the parents of the following named children: John, Jacob, Christian, Abraham, Catherine, Barbara, Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary, Rudolph, Henry and Martin. In the year 1819 this family left their home in the Old Dominion state and came to Ohio taking up their abode on a pioneer farm near Rushville, Fairfield county, where the grandfather of our subject died at the age of fifty-five years, his widow long surviving him and passing away at the venerable age of ninety-one years. Both were prominent and devoted members of the Baptist church and were known as persons o-f sterling character. Deacon John Kagy, the father of the Doctor, was twenty-two MRS. ISAAC KAGY. ISAAC KAGY. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 497 years of age wdien he accompanied the family on their removal to Fair field county, and after his arrival there he engaged in farming and teach ing school. In 1822, at a public land sale, he purchased the farm on which our subject now resides, in Eden township, but this did not be come his permanent place of residence until 1827. His first home here was a log cabin o-f one room, the domicile being twenty feet square and being constructed of round logs. This continued to be the family home for ten years, at the expiration of wdiich period the present substantial brick residence was erected on the same site, in 1837. It is finished in walnut and butternut timber taken from the farm, and the brick utilized was also manufactured on the homestead, this having been one of the first brick houses to be erected in the county. Mr. Kagy secured his original homestead, of one hundred and sixty acres, from the govern ment, and at that time it was covered with a. dense growth of native tim ber, principally walnut, but as the years passed he succeeded in effect ively reclaiming the land and soon the fields were under an excellent state of cultivation. Here he continued to make his home until the 4th of April, 1865, when he removed to an adjoining farm, and from that time until his death he lived in quiet retirement, enjoying the fruits of his former toil and endeavor. He was a worthy member and active worker in the Baptist church, in which he long held the office of deacon, and in all the relations of life he was signally true, faithful and hon orable, commanding the high regard of all who- knew him. In Fairfield county, on the 3d of December, 1820, Deacon John Kagy was united in marriage- to Miss Catherine Hite, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, on the 25th of July, 1801, and they be came the parents of ten children, concerning whom we here incorporate a brief record. Andrew, who was a graduate of the Cincinnati Medical College, was long engaged in the practice of his profession at Union Mills, Iowa, where his death occurred in the year 1871 ; Hannah became the wife of Henry Boroff, and her death occurred in 1853 ; Rudolph, who was born Alay 13, 1826, became a successful farmer in Alarion county, Illinois, where he located in the year 1861 and where his death occurred on the 29th of June, 1901 ; Isaac, the next in order of birth, is 498 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the immediate subject of this review; John B., who is a prominent at- torney-at-law of Salem, Illinois, and ex-judge of the county court, was for many years a professional partner of Judge Silas L. Bryan, the father o-f William Jennings Bryan; David, who was born May 23, 1832, died in Illinois, on the 8th of February, 1887, having been there engaged in farming, while he was also a successful teacher for a number of years ; Rachel, who was born May 3, 1834, is the wife of Benjamin Huddle, of Marion county, Illinois; Catherine, who was born on the 25th of Jan uary, 1837, became the wife of Hiram J. Cummings, and she died at their home, in Pierce City, Missouri, on the 19th of March, 1885; Levi, who was born October 29, 1838, is a resident of Fostoria and was for merly incumbent of the office of auditor of Seneca county; and Amos H., who- was born- January 16, 1841, is a prominent attorney of Kansas City, Missouri. The father of these children lived to attain the vener able age of eighty-eight years, his death occurring at the home of his daughter Rachel, in Illinois, whence his remains were brought to the old home in Seneca county and interred in the Kagy cemetery. His, cherished and devoted wife passed away at the age of eighty-five years. Dr. Isaac Kagy, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm where he now maintains his home, and his: preliminary educa tional discipline was received in a subscription- school one mile distant from the homestead residence. At the age of eighteen years he was matriculated in the Physio-Medical College in Cincinnati, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1849, an'd immediately after leaving that institution he located in Bloom township, in his native county, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession for eight months. During the winter of 1849-50 the Doctor was engaged in teaching in one of the district schools of the county, and thereafter he resumed the active practice o-f hist profession, locating at Green Spring, where he remained for five years. At the expiration of that period he was compelled to abandon the work of his profession, his health having become much impaired, and from that time until 1861 he served as post master at Green Spring and was also the local station agent for the M. R. & L. E. Railroad. In the year mentioned he resigned these po- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 499 sitions and became auditor of Seneca county, retaining this incumbency for a period of four years, having been elected to this office in i860. In 1863, having prosecuted a careful course of technical reading, the Doc tor was admitted to: the bar of the state, though he has never given much attention to work in the line of this profession. He has long been an active factor in political and governmental affairs in the county and has gained distinctive recognition as one of the leaders, of the Demo cratic party in this section of the state, ever laboring earnestly and effect ively to advance the party cause. In 1865 the Doctor was elected to rep resent his district in the Ohio legislature, in which he served for a term of two years, proving an able and valuable working member of the legislative body. For three years he was incumbent of the office of justice of the peace, and while serving as county auditor he was simul taneously a member of the city council and the board of education of Tiffin. In 1872 Dr. Kagy was appointed by the county commissioners to fill a vacancy in the office of county auditor, and in 1885, when oc- * curred the death of the county treasurer, John Heabler, the Doctor was chosen to- fill the vacancy and- served in that capacity for sixteen months. Dr. Kagy's name is a familiar one in political circles in this section of the state, and, by reason of his marked intellectuality and superior abil ity, he is well fitted to aid in molding the policies of the state, to control general interests and direct public opinion, and he has been a potent factor in the councils of his party, serving as delegate to its various con ventions in the county and state and doing specially effective work in advocating its cause during the different campaigns and through timely and able contributions to the public press. From 1890 until 1900 Dr. Kagy served consecutively as a member of the state board of equaliza tion, the number of whose members is the same as that of the state sen ate, and whose duties are in the equalization of the real-estate assess ments in the state. From 1873 to 1875 he was one of the proprietors and editors- o-f the Toledo Democrat, devoting the major portion of his time to editorial work in this connection, while from early years he had been a frequent and valued contributor to the local papers. When Ma jor Armstrong was elected to the office of secretary of state he insisted 500 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. upon the Doctor's taking up a line of editorial work on the Seneca Ad vertiser, and he did very efficient service in this capacity. He is a felici tous public sj^eaker and his services have long been in requisition in this capacity, both in connection with political work and on various other oc casions. The Doctor was one of the organizers of the Seneca County- Agricultural Society, with which he continued to be identified until the organization became defunct. In 1857 he became a member of Green Spring Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being later dimitted to Tiffin Lodge, of which, he has been a prominent member for a score of years. While Dr. Kagy has a deep respect for spiritual verities, he has ad vanced and pronounced views and is in thorough sympathy with the doctrines advanced by the late Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll. He was reared under the rigid discipline of the Baptist church, and such is the constituency of his vigorous mentality that he early began to- be some what skeptical as to the consistency of orthodox religious tenets, and his reading and investigation eventually led him to become an avowed agnostic. His mind is intrinsically logical and he demands reasons, not dogmatic statements, and thus he secured little satisfaction in attempt ing to reconcile religious doctrines with scientific truths. He has been an extensive and careful reader, has marked powers of assimilation, and his analytical and logical mind has brought to him definite convictions, which he is ever able to- effectively defend. In 1867 the Doctor retired to the old Kagy homestead, in Eden township, and to this he has since added until he now has a. fine landed estate of two hundred and twenty-five acres. He has made this his home for many years, and save for intervals when official or business duties demanded his residence elsewhere, has continuously given his personal supervision to the cultivation of the farm and to the raising of a high- grade of live stock, having been very successful in both departments of his farming enterprise. The Doctor is o-ne of the county's most pro gressive and public-spirited citizens, and he has so ordered his life as to command unequivocal confidence and esteem in the county where he has passed practically his entire life. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 501 On the 29th of March, 1849, Dr. Kagy was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Taylor Martin, who was born in Perry county, Ohio, being the daughter of Samuel S. and Mary (McCormick) Martin. Three children have been born of this union, namely : Samuel T., who died in infancy; Mary C, who is the wife of Thomas J. Frazier, of Zanesville, and Hannah S., who- is the wife of Dr. James S. Haly, of Napoleon, Ohio, JOHN W. SPRAGGINS. John W. Spraggins, general superintendent of the National Ma chinery Company, of Tiffin, Ohio-, was born in Cambridgeshire, Eng land, January 30, 1861. When eight years old he accompanied his par ents, Isaac and Mary Ann (Granger) Spraggins, to America. In Eng land the elder Mr. Spraggins was employed as a gamekeeper, but after locating in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1868, he became connected with the firm of Scofield & Wilson, which firm were the pioneers in the business which has developed into the gigantic corporation now known as the Standard Oil Company. Mr. Spraggins was a faithful employe and a hard-work ing man until his death, which took place at the age of forty-nine years. The mother of Mr. Spraggins, of this sketch, died at the age of fifty years, as the result of a street-car accident. The children who- sur vived infancy were as follows: Anna, who: died early; John W., who is the subject of this biography; Alice, who married William. Farrel, A Shelby, Ohio; Isaac, who- is a boiler-maker for the Standard Oil Com pany in Cleveland; Nellie, living at Camden, New Jersey; and Anna, who is the wife of John Little, a, resident of Cleveland, who has an in terest in the Shelby Tube Works. The school life of our subject closed at the age of nine years, when he had mastered the mysteries of the Third Reader. Although but a lad his growing needs had to be supplied by his own labor, and he accepted a position in a brick-yard in Cleveland, remaining there until he was made a messenger boy in the service of the Standard Oil Company. Hi? s 502 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. father was long an employe, and was the inventor of the steam still now in use by this company. The youth continued in this situation for sev eral years and then became a clerk in a shoe store in Cleveland, all the time gaining a firmer hold on the respect and in the esteem o-f those with whom he was associated. In 1878 he entered upon an apprentice ship in Cleveland in the trade of machinist, and remained three years, becoming a skilled workman, his capacity and general character causing his engagement with the National Machinery Company when it removed its plant from Cleveland to Tiffin. This was on January 12, 1883, the business, then being one of small proportions, but before the roof was on the new factory the confidence of his employers was shown to: Mr. Spraggins. by his selection by them' as foreman, which position he most efficiently filled for the succeeding six years. In 1895 he was made general superintendent, and has filled this responsible position ever since. The National Machinery Company is a large industrial plant, its capitalization being three hundred thousand' dollars, and its force o-f workmen reaching some two: hundred and sixty skilled mechanics, its output being shipped all over the United States and' Europe. This business is the manufacturing of machinery for the making o-f wire nails, nuts and bolts and special machinery, the volume of trade having increased since its location in Tiffin to: a wonderful extent. Mr. Spraggins has1 followed the fortunes of this company from the bottom and much of its success must be regarded as a result of his efficient superintendence. In marked degree he possesses just the quali ties required in such a position, and- he enjoys not only the confidence and esteem of his employers but also1 the respect and obedience of those under his supervision. On January 19, 1882, Mr. Spraggins was united in marriage to Miss Isabella McCoy, of Cleveland, and a family of three children has been born to them, namely: Charles A., who learned the machinist trade, and who has just finished a business course in Heidelberg Uni versity; and Linnie and William H., Jr., both of whom are at home. In his political sympathies Mr. Spraggins has long been an active CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 503 member of the Republican party and has many friends in its ranks, although he has not consented to- hold office. Fraternally his connec tion is with the B. P. O. E., Lodge No. 94, of Tiffin; Pickwick Lodge, No-. 175, Knights of Pythias; Uniform Rank, No. 50; the Rnights of the Alaccabees, and the United Workmen. His family are attendants of the Presbyterian church of this city, where they are held in esteem. It can not be otherwise than inspiring to consider a career like that of Mr. Spraggins and to note its results and rewards. His early en vironment was shorn of almost every worldly advantage, but through sheer force o-f character he has surmounted the innumerable obstacles in his path and has won prominence and competency and the respect and affection of a large ircle of friends. FREDERICK L. SMELTZ. As a representative of one of the pioneer families of Seneca county and as one who has here passed his entire life, it is certainly consistent that we enter in this work a review of the career of Mr. Smeltz, who has long been identified with the agricultural and stock-growing inter ests of the county, having a fine estate in Venice township and being honored as one of its representative men. He is a native of the town ship in which he no-w maintains his home, having been born on the old pioneer homestead on the 17th of July, 1852, the son of Martin and Christianna (Lebold) Smeltz, who became the parents of ten children, of whom five survive, namely : Conrad, a resident of Venice township ; Franklin, whose home is in Caldwell county, Missouri; Frederick L., the subject of this sketch; Maria, the wife of John AVest, of Bloomville; and Sophia, the wife of Levi Hillis, of the old homestead. Martin Smeltz was a native of Darmstadt, Germany, and was a son of Peter Smeltz, who emigrated thence to- Pennsylvania when Mar tin was a lad of seven years. Peter Smeltz afterward removed to- Car roll county, Ohio-, where he became- a pioneer farmer and where he 504 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. passed the remainder of his life. Martin Smeltz, father of our subject, came to- Seneca county while still a single man and here entered claim to a tract of three hundred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land in Venice township. Here he erected a log cabin and made ready to: bring his family to- the new home. Before starting on his return journey to Carroll county he placed his cooking utensils beneath the split-plank floor of his little cabin, and while on his way he encountered a family named Delaney, to- whom he gave information as to the point where he had erected his house, and the family were given permission to occupy the same during the wdnter. Mr. Smeltz returned with his wife, whom he had married in Tuscarawas county in the meantime, and here he de veloped a good farm, becoming one of the honored and successful farm ers of this section. His wife died about the year 1855, and he sub sequently married a Miss Mary Lenhardt, there being no- issue of this union. Martin Smeltz lived to- attain the venerable age of seventy-two years, his death occurring in Caroline in the year 1880. Frederick L. Smeltz, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the parental homestead and received such educational advantages as were afforded in the public schools maintained in this locality in the days of his youth, while he early began to lend' his assistance in the work of the farm. At the age of eighteen years he assumed charge of the home place and there continued to make his- home for several years farther. He was married in the fall of 1878 and about a year later he removed to his present home farm at Caroline, which was then owned by his father-in-law and which he purchased in 1884. ln 1880 he jxirchased a tract of eighty acres adjoining this farm, opposite his present home. In 1897 Mr. Smeltz purchased fifty-three acres contiguous on the south, and in addition to this his wife owns about eighty acres additional ia the township, so that the aggregate area of the landed estate is two hundred and forty acres. For the last few years our subject has been to a large degree retired from the active work of the farm, having his land cultivated by others on shares. He has one of the finest and most modern farm, residences in the county, erected in 1 880-1, and the family home is a center of generous hosjDitality. He is held in the highest CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 505 esteem in his native county and is known as an able business man and as one whose probity is above question. Mr. Smeltz fully appreciates the charms and broadening influence of travel, and has visited nearly all the states of the Union. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Republican party, taking a lively interest in all that concerns the general welfare of the community and lending his aid and influence for all. worthy objects. His religious faith is that of the Protestant Alethodist church, of which his wife and children are devoted adherents. On the ist of October, 1878, Mr. Smeltz was united in marriage to Miss Christianna M. Lebold, who was born in Venice township, the' daughter of Frederick and Rachel (McKibben) Lebold, one o-f the in fluential pioneer citizens of this locality, where he was engaged in agri cultural pursuits until the time of his death, at sixty-eight. Frederick Lebold was born in Wittemberg, Germany, a son of Conrad and Chris tianna (Eichenhofer) Lebold, and when one year old was brought to Tuscarawas county, Ohio-, and at thirteen to- Venice township, Seneca county. He was married at twenty-seven to Rachel AlcKibben, who was born in Pennsylvania and brought to Seneca county when, four years old, and who is still living at the old home at Caroline, aged sev enty-three. Mrs. Smeltz was the only child to reach maturity and she was born and reared in this, vicinity. Our subject and his wife have two children, — Lawson F. and Inez A., — both being popular young people and taking an- active part in the social affairs of the community where they have been reared and educated. WILLIAM CRAMER. Honored and respected by all, William Cramer was for many years identified with the agricultural interests of Seneca county, Ohio, but he is now living retired at his- pleasant home in Fostoria. He was born in York county, Pennsylvania, Alarch 30, 183 1, a son -of John and Cath erine (Sloat) Cramer. His father, also a native of that county, was 32 506 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. born on the 25th of September, 1794. He was there married, and all of his children were born in the Keystone state. About 1836 he came -with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Loudon township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on the present site of the Cramer sawmill. There he also erected a sawmill, which was conducted by water power until about 1840, but it was in operation only about three months during the year. In this locality Mr. Cramer passed to his final reward on the 29th of June, 1859. Unto this worthy couple were born ten children, eight of whom still survive, namely : Daniel, who now makes his home with our subject; Henry, a resident of Fostoria; John, of Van Wert, Ohio; Emanuel, a resident of Ionia county, Michigan; Adam, also of Fostoria; William, of this review; Sophia, the widow of Peter Wickerham and a resident of Big Spring township, Seneca county ; and Sarah, the wife of Augustus Elliott, of Ionia county, Michigan. Three of the children have now reached the eightieth mile stone on the journey of life, and the youngest has passed the age of sixty- five years. William Cramer, our subject, was reared amid the refining inflflu- ences of a cultured home, and the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth were those afforded by the common schools. At the age of twenty-four years and in company with his brother Daniel, he erected a steam sawmill on the site of his father's old mill, the latter having fallen into decay, but this property was destroyed by fire in i860, and in the same year, in company with his brother-in-law, Alorgan Snyder, Mr. Cramer erected the fine mill property which is still standing. After his father's death he acquired eighty acres of the old homestead, which he conducted in connection with his milling business, and for many years be also operated a threshing machine. In 1894, however, he sold his possessions to his son Daniel H., and removed to the village of Fostoria, where he is now living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of former toil. On the 19th of October, 1856, Mr. Cramer was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Snyder, a native of Mahoning county, Ohio, and the daughter of Abraham and Susannah (Smith) Snyder. The latter died of typhoid fever at Nashville, Tennessee, July 23, 1864, while nobly serv- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 507 ing his country in the Civil war. This union has been blessed with ten children, nine of whom are still living: Daniel H. ; William A., a travel ing salesman of Fostoria; Jennie, the wdfe of Isaac Stultz, of Jackson township, Seneca county; Morgan E., a member of the Fostoria fire department; John J., an electrician of Fostoria; Nettie A., the wife of John Hazen, also of Fostoria; Anna S., the wife of Edward Seeman, of Dunkirk, Indiana; Allie A., a saleslady; and Fred V., also an electrician, at home. The Republican party receives Mr. Cramer's hearty support and co-operation, and for one term he has served as a justice of the peace. His religious preference is indicated. by his connection with the Meth odist Episcopal church, of which he is an honored and esteemed mem ber and for many years has served as its class-leader. Throughout his business career he was emphatically a man of -enterprise, positive char acter, indomitable energy and liberal views, and is thoroughly identified in feeling with the growth and prosperity of the county which has so long been his home. DANIEL WILLIAMS. How rapidly time is thinning the ranks of the brave boys in blue who went forth in defense of the nation's integrity during the dark and stormy epoch of the Civil war is evident to even the superficial observer, and the silvered heads of those who appear in the ranks of the veterans at the various encampments of the Grand Army of the Republic show whither the line of march is tending. The younger generation may well look iri admiration and honor upon these valiant sons of the republic who saved to the world a grand and united country, and though time has thrown its beneficent influence over the story of the great conflict and the animosities of the past have been softened and chastened, yet never can there be aught but appreciation of the services of the men who followed the stars and stripes on the sanguinary battle fields of the south. One of the honored veterans of the war of the Rebellion is the subject of this 508 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. brief tribute, whose home has been in Seneca county during the entire period of his life and who is to-day numbered among, the successful farmers of this section of the state. Mr. Williams was born on a farm in Jackson township, this county, on the ist of Alay, 1842, being one of the eight children of John" and Barbara Williams and one of the five who are living at the present time. Three of the sons went forth in defense of the Union during the war of the Rebellion, and one of the number sacrificed his life on the altar of his country. John Williams, who is now a resident of Michigan, was in the one hundred days' service, and David, who was a member of Company E, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisted at the age of eighteen years and was so seriously wounded in the battle of Stone River that he died from his injuries, passing away at Murfreesboro, Ten nessee. The subject of this sketch was reared on the old homestead, securing his early educational training in the district schools, and he was but twenty years of age when he took up arms in defense of an imperiled Union, enlisting on the 13th of September, 1862, as a private in Com pany E, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which his brother David was a member, as has been noted. The first engagement of importance in which our subject took part was that at Stone River, and thereafter he was an active participant in many of the most memorable conflicts incidental to the great struggle for the perpetuation of the Union, including the battles of Liberty Gap:, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge; the Atlanta campaign in its entireity, the battle of Nashville and the engagement at Pickett's Mills, wdiere it is evident that he was in the thick of the fray, since sixteen bullets passed through his clothes. Mr. Williams rendered valiant service and remained in the ranks until victory crowned the Union arms, being honorably discharged in June, 1865, and being mustered out at Nashville. General Rosecrans established a roll of honor of those soldiers who had become distinguished, and Private Daniel Williams was one of two named from Company E, and was dis tinguished by wearing a special ribbon. After the demoralization of the forces during the battle of Stone River but six privates of his com- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 509 pany stacked arms that night. His action led his superiors to select him for this special honor. After his discharge Air. Williams returned to Jackson township and resumed his identification with agriculture. He has made this town ship his home during his entire life and he took up his residence on his present well improved farm;- in 1893, having ninety acres and devoting his attention to- general fanning. He is highly honored in the community, is a Republican in his political proclivities and keeps in touch with his old comrades in arms by retaining membership in the Grand Armyj of the Republic, being affiliated with Norris Post, at Fostoria, of which he is a popular member. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Epis copal church, of which both he and his wife are devoted adherents. On the 24th of January, 1867, Mr. Williams was united in mar riage to Miss Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Stark county, the daugh ter of Philip- Smith, and they became the parents of four children, namely : Martha E., the widow of Ernest M. Solomon and now residing with her parents ; she has one son, Hubert L. ; Myrtie A. became the wife of Daniel Fell and died in this county at the age of twenty-six years ; Ella is the wife of Frank Harrison, of Jackson township, and has two sons, — Roy W. and Ralph; and John, the youngest of our subject's chil dren, is associated with his father in the operation of the farm. CHARLES R. LONG. Charles R. Long, the leading liveryman of Fostoria, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, February 14. 1872, a son of John W. and Mar garet (Ricketts) Long. The father also was born in that county, in 185 1. His mother died when he was a child and he was afterward reared in the home of John Ricketts. When twenty years of age he was united in marriage to Margaret Ricketts, the niece of John Ricketts, also a native of the same county, and after their marriage they purchased a forty-acre tract and engaged in farming. In 1876 he removed to Dun- 510 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. kirk, Hardin county, Ohio, where he embarked in the livery business and also engaged in the sale of buggies, thus continuing until 1895, and during that time he was very successful, having sold over fifteen hundred buggies in that village alone. In the latter year be engaged in the same line of trade in Findlay, but in 1901 he sold his livery busi ness and has since given his attention to the supervision of his farm- of four hundred and twenty-eight acres in Hardin county, though residing in Findlay. He gives his political support to the Republican party, and in his social relations is a member of the Knights of Pythias and' the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The union o-f Mr. and Mrs. Long was blessed with nine children, six now living, namely: Charles R., the subject of this review; James, engaged in the livery business in Findlay; Harvey, in the same line of trade in Napoleon, this state; Raleigh, who is engaged in business wdth his brother James in Findlay; Robert, who is in the employ with our subject; and Hazel, at home. Charles R. Long is indebted to- the common schools of his native locality for the educational privileges which he enjoyed1 in his early youth, and afterward he became a student in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio. From 1895 until 1896 he was engaged in the livery business with his father, but in that year the latter sold his interest to George Rummel, which relationship was maintained through the suc ceeding year, Mr. Long then selling his interest in order to remove to Rising Sun and engage in the same line of trade. For two years he was actively identified with the business interests of that city, but desir ing a broader field for his operations he then, in 1899, took up- his abode in Carey, conducting a successful livery business in that city until Sep tember, 1901. That month witnessed his arrival in Fostoria, where he .soon afterward purchased the interests of Russell E. Smith, one of the oldest and best known liverymen in this locality. He has a thoroughly equipped livery establishment, keeping twenty-five of the best roadsters; with a full complement of buggies, surreys, coaches, etc. Mr. Long has attained prominence in the business circles of Seneca county, while in private life no man in the community has more friends than he, which have been won and are being retained by his honorable methods and his CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 511 outspoken devotion to the best interests of the community and his mental ability. The marriage of our subject was celebrated on the 25th o-f August, 1897, when Aliss Nellie Babcock, a native of Akron, Ohio, became his wife. They have two children, — Joe and Franklin. Mr. Long gives his political support to the Republican party, and his social connection is with Carey Lodge, No. 393, K. of P. MELCHIOR STARCK. This well known farmer of Seneca county, Ohio, whose home is in Liberty township, was born in Germany in 1827, and is a son of Melchior and Margaret Starck. Reared and' educated in his native land, he at length determined to try his fortune in the new world, and in 1848 sailed- for America. After a long and tedious voyage of fifty- seven days he landed in Quebec, and proceeded at once to Seneca county, Ohio. He located in Liberty township, on the farm where he has since lived with the exception of five years. On coming to this country he was accompanied by his parents, but the father died about five months after his arrival here. In his family were six children, of whom our subject is the oldest. In the midst of the forest Mr. Starck cleared and improved a farm, and built thereon a log cabin with a huge fireplace at one end. In this primitive home several years were pleasantly passed, but it has long since been replaced by a more commodious and pretentious brick dwell ing. In his home farm he now has one hundred! and sixty acres, and also owns another tract of eighty acres, making in all two hundred and forty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He is a thorough and skillful farmer and in his labors has met with most excellent success During the dark days of the Civil war Mr. Starck entered the service of his adopted country, enlisting in June, 1864, as a private in Company 5i2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. C, One Hundred and Twenty-second Ohio ' Volunteer Infantry, and remained at the front until hostilities ceased, repeatedly taking. part in skirmishes and battles, including Winchester, Cedar Creek and Peters burg, where he was wounded, receiving a bullet through his leg. Polit ically he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and its principles, and religiously is a communicant of Liberty Catholic church. He is widely and favorably known in the community where he has so long made his home, and well merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held. Hon. AMOS DECKER. Amos Decker was born in Thompson township, Seneca county, on the old Decker homestead which he now owns, his natal day being the nth of November, 1839. His father, Jacob Decker, was born in Union county,, Pennsylvania, in 1809, and was a son of John Decker, who emigrated with his family to Wayne county, Ohio, taking up his abode there in 1816. He entered a tract of land from the government and in 1830 came to Seneca county, establishing his home in Thompson township, where he again secured government land. This is now the property of Henry Luce. He married Julia A. Royer and in the pio neer style of the times they began their domestic life. As the years passed Mr. Decker accumulated considerable land and he also entered from the government the quarter-section upon which our subject was born. He died in his sixty-fourth year and the community mourned the loss of one of its representative and valuable citizens, for he had taken an active • and helpful part in many measures for the general good. He aided in organizing the schools of Thompson township, was an active worker in the Reformed church and co-operated earnestly in every move ment which he believed would advance the general welfare and progress of his county. Under the paternal roof Jacob Decker, the father of our subject, spent his boyhood days. His educational privileges were quite meager, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 513 both because his services were needed in clearing and- developing his father's farm and because of the primitive condition of the schools at that time. He was only seven years of age when with his parents he came to Ohio, and thus amid the wild scenes of the frontier he was reared. In 1828 he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for three years, and was then married, in 1831, after which he lived for one year on the old homestead. He then removed to the farm upon which the birth of Amos Decker occurred, and made that place his home until 1868, when he took up his abode upon an adjoining farm, remaining there for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Bellevue, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring- on the 7th of November, 1896, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He married Miss Susan Billman, and they became the parents of six children, namely: Barbara, the wife of Joseph Sherck, of Bellevue; John, wdio is living near Brinkley, Arkan sas, where he owns and operates a ranch ; David, who is a farmer and veterinary surgeon of Oklahoma ; Amos, of this review ; Milton, of Belle vue; and Jefferson, who- died in infancy. In public affairs Hon. Jacob Decker was quite prominent. He served for two terms as county com missioner and in 1849 was elected a representative of his district in the state legislature. Again he was called to that position, defeating Will iam H. Gibson, one of the most prominent and influential residents of Seneca county. He was an active member of the general assembly of Ohio and to each question which came up for consideration he gave earnest thought and attention, fearlessly supporting the measures which he believed to be right, and with equal ardor opposing those which he believed would work to the detriment of his county and state. He voted with the Democracy and it was on the ticket of that party that he was elected to office. Amos Decker, who was born and reared on the old family home stead, entered the district schools at the usual age and afterward became a student in the Republic Academy under Professor Aaron Schuyler, the noted mathematician. When twenty-one years of age he took charge of the old home farm and throughout his entire life has been engaged 514 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in agricultural pursuits. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life he chose Miss Lucy Paine, a daughter of Hon. John W. Paine and a granddaughter of John Paine, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Adams township, Seneca county. It was in that township that Mr. and Airs. Paine married, and in 1865 they removed to Thompson town ship to the farm upon which Christian Woleslagle now resides. Mr. Paine served as notary public and also held the office of justice of the peace in Adams township. He was an attorney at law and his knowl edge of the principles of jurisprudence enabled him to discharge his duties as justice with excellent ability. He was called to represent his district in the state legislature, serving during the sessions of 1856-7 and succeeding Jacob Decker. For a second term he was elected and held the office in 1860-61. He left the impress of his individuality upon the legislation enacted during those periods, and widely was he recognized as one of the most prominent and honored residents of his community. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Decker was celebrated October 20, 1864, and afterward he took charge of the old home farm. In 1866 he purchased a part of this, becoming owner of one hundred and eighty acres. He made his home thereon for nine years and then came to the farm: upon which he now resides. Many excellent improvements has he placed upon his property. He has here sixty-seven acres, but his landed possessions aggregate three hundred and twenty-seven acres, in Thompson township. He carries on general farming and stock-rais ing, having for many years purchased and sold stock in connection with his farm operations. In 1887 be became connected with the grain trade in Bellevue, where he remained for three years, associated with Mr. Gardner for two years of that time and afterward with his father, Jacob Decker. He next formed a partnership with Mr. Sherck, to whom he subsequently sold his interest. In all his business undertakings his effores have been characterized by enterprise, sound judgment and executive ability. He carries forward to- successful completion whatever he undertakes and his labors have been crowned with a high degree of success. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 515 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Decker have been born fourteen children: Emma, the wife of J. D. Royer, of Thompson township; Clara, the wife of S. F. Royer, a brother of Judge J. C. Royer, of Tiffin; Susie, the wife of E. E. Elliott, of York township, Sandusky county; Mary, who was engaged in teaching for several years and is living with her parents; Charles A., who makes his home in Thompson township; Mattie V., who for three years has been engaged in teaching; Myra, Harry W., Ralph and Ross, all of whom are now under the parental roof; Irvin J. and Sarah, who passed away in infancy, as well as an infant not named; and Nelson, who- died at the age of thirteen years. Mr. Decker has for many years been recognized as a leader of public thought and opinion in his locality. In 1880 he was chosen to represent his district in the legislature, and by re-election served for two consecutive terms. He was an active and honored member of that body, served on a number of important committees, and to the best of his ability — and that ability is of no inferior order — he labored for the interest of his constituents and for the welfare of the commonwealth. He has also served in a number of local offices, for many years being a member of the school board, part of that time as its president. For four years he was township clerk and in 1890 was chosen justice of the peace, in which capacity he served until 1900. On two different- occasions he was land appraiser. He has been a member of the central committee of the Democratic party and is generally found as a delegate to the principal party conventions. He is justly accorded a place among the prominent and representative citizens of Seneca county, for he belongs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit is used not alone for their own benefit. Air. Decker is wddely and favorably known throughout the state, his abilities well fitting him for leadership in political, business and social life. The terms progress and patriotism might be considered the keynote of his character, for throughout his career he has labored for the improvement of every line of busines or public interest with which he has been associated, and at all times has been actuated by a fidelity to his country and her welfare. 516 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ANTON SCHERGER. Though no land is richer in opportunities or offers greater advant ages to its citizens than America, success is not to be obtained through desire, but must be persistently sought. In America "labor is king," and the man who resolutely sets to work to accomplish a given purpose is certain of success if he has but the qualities of perseverance, untiring energy and practical common sense. Anton Scherger is one whose career excites the admiration and gains the respect of all, for through his diligence and persistent purpose he has won a leading place in agri cultural circles in Seneca county, where he has made his home since the age of eight years. Mr. Scherger was born in Germany April 15, 1837, a son of Anthony and Josephine Scherger, in whose family were three sons, our subject being the eldest. Constantine is now engaged in the marble business in Delphos, Ohio, and John Dolphus is a blacksmith at the same place. It was about 1844 that the father determined to seek a home in the new world, for, having heard favorable reports of the opportunities here offered, he believed that he might improve his financial condition in America. Accompanied by his wife and children, he took passage on a sailing vessel and on reaching the western shore of the Atlantic pro ceeded across the country to Cincinnati, where he remained for about a year. He then came to Seneca county and purchased forty acres of land in Liberty township, for which he paid two hundred dollars. There was a log cabin containing one room upon the place and the trees had been cut down on a five-acre tract, but the brush had not been cleared. Mr. Scherger at once began the further development of the place and soon the monarchs of the forest fell before his sturdy strokes. As acre after acre) was cleared he cultivated his fields, and in course of time golden harvests rewarded his labors. He continued to- engage in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-three years of age. His wife survived him only a short period and then she, too, passed away. They were members of the Catholic church and were numbered among the worthy German citizens of Seneca county who have CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 517 contributed in a large measure to the substantial improvement of this portion of the state. Anton Scherger spent the first seven years of his life in the father land and then accompanied his parents on the long voyage across the Atlantic. He was a youth of eight when the family arrived in Liberty township and he contributed his full share to the arduous task of devel oping the home farm. The public schools afforded him his educational opportunities and through the winter months he pursued his studies, working in field and meadow in the summer seasons. On attaining his majority he began farming on bis own account, taking charge of the old home place, which he has improved and operated until the present time. Here he has five hundred acres of valuable land, and he has elsewhere three other farms, so that his realty holdings aggregate eight hundred and sixty acres, constituting a very valuable and desirable property. His attention is given to general farming and stock-raising and in both branches of his business he is meeting with creditable success. All of the splendid improvements upon his place are monuments to his enterprise, industry and economy, and to-day his is one of the best equipped farms in this portion of Ohio. In 1889 he erected his beautiful nine-room residence, which is built of brick and has a slate roof. He has also built commodious and substantial barns and outbuildings ¦ and has a model country seat. Mr. Scherger was united in marriage April 25, 1857, to Miss Dor othy Albert, and unto them have been born ten .children : Lawrence ; Annie; John, deceased at thirty-six; Michael; Theresa; Henry; Andrew ; Joseph, Mary and Frank. Annie is the wife of Martin Hammer, of Jack son township ; Therese is the wife of Joseph Burns, of Loudon township : and Mary is the widow of Stephen Hartenstine and resides with her parents. She has one child, Frank Alfred. The parents and their children are communicants of St. Andrew's Catholic church, and in his political affiliations Mr. Scherger is a Dem ocrat, who warmly endorses the principles of the party which he believes most conducive to good government. During all the years of his resi dence in Seneca county he has given his support to measures -for the 518 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. general welfare and has always been accounted one of the most pro gressive and practical farmers since he became identified with agricult ural interests. Careful management, good business ability and honesty in trade transactions have brought to him the high degree of success which he now enjoys. JACOB COOK. Jacob Cook is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Richland county on the 6th of November, 1826. He was born and reared upon a farm and continued there to reside until twenty- one years of age, when he went to Sandusky county and was employed as a farm hand for ten dollars and a half per month. He spent a year there and on the expiration of that period came to, Seneca county, where he was employed in the same capacity until 1852, when, attracted by the discovery of gold in California and hoping to acquire a competence more rapidly than was possible to do by engaging in farm work, he started for the Pacific coast by way of the overland route. He traveled by team, riding over eighteen hundred miles upon a mule. It was upon the 15th of March when he started and it was not until the last of July that he reached' his destination. The journey was long and wearisome, leading over the hot stretches of sand and other deserts, through the mountain passes and through regions inhabited by Indians, but at length Mr. Cook safely reached California and entered the mining regions on the middle fork of the American river. He afterward went to Hang- town, making that journey in order to get provisions, and he carried forty dollars' worth of flour upon his shoulder back to the camp. In the succeeding spring he went to Frenchtown, where he and a partner purchased a wagon and blacksmith shop, this being located at Shingle Springs. The first day the work which they did brought them in an income of one hundred and twenty-five dollars. Mr. Cook continued in that business for three years, meeting with excellent success, his services being in constant demand. He then sold his shop and returned CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 519 home. He had saved three thousand dollars, but this he intrusted to the keeping of friends and lost all except sixty dollars. Having to begin business life anew, he then purchased a team and followed freighting over the mountains, driving eight and sometimes ten teams of mules to Virginia City, Silver City and other mining camps. He was one of the first teamsters to drive eight and ten-mule teams and the trips which he made covered from forty to one hundred and eighty miles. He received excellent prices for his services, hauling one load for which he was given nine hundred and sixty-five dollars. It took him about a month to make a trip, for the roads were often very poor, as- little travel had been done in the far west up to that time. For ten years Mr. Cook engaged in teaming. At one time he could have sold his eight-mule team for five thousand dollars, but he refused the offer. On the last trip which he made he had two wagons coup-led together and carried twenty-five thou sand pounds of freight. On selling out his business in that line he pur chased a livery stable in Sacramento, California, and continued in that business for one year. He often received from forty to: one hundred and twenty-five dollars per day as rental for his teams, but when a year had elapsed he sold out, clearing about one thousand dollars on his stable. Wishing to return to- Ohio, Mr. Cook disposed of his business inter ests in the far west and once more took up his abode- in Thompson town ship, Seneca county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, making his home thereon for three years. He afterward lived for seven years in Flatrock village, and when that period had elapsed he- purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land where he now resides in Thompson township. To-day his landed possessions comprise one hun dred and ten acres, constituting a rich and valuable farm, which he has placed- under a high state of cultivation and supplied with all modern equipments and improvements. Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Mary Tomey, and they have four children living, — John, Otto, Ina and Lee. The daughter is the wife of George Bowersocks, and the sons are still at home. From his boyhood days Mr. Cook has held membership in the Evangelical 'church, with which he is still identified, and his Christian principles have 520 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. guided his life. His history, if written in detail, would form many an exciting as well as interesting story, for he lived in California at the time when there was no effective government organization, when the miners were largely a law unto themselves, and then the desperadoes often took matters into their own hands until the law-abiding citizens were aroused and established the vigilance committees. Mr. Cook knows what it is to endure all the hardships o-f life in a mining com munity far from civilization. He has enjoyed, too, the pleasures of a quiet home life in his native state, and in Seneca county he has many friends who esteem him highly for his sterling worth. OTHO A. BUNN. Otho A. Bunn was born upon the farm where' he now lives on the 30th of July, 1866, and is a son of John R. Bunn. The family is well known in Seneca county, having been established here at an early day. The father of our subject was united in marriage to Amanda Bower and they became the parents of four children : Samuel, who died in infancy; Ida, the wife of G. H. Park, a farmer of Liberty township; Otho A., wdiose name introduces this review; and Martha, who died at the age of six. The father was at one time a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio, and on leaving that locality came to Seneca county, settling in Liberty township on land which had been entered from the government by his father, David Bunn. On coming to this county he had secured a claim of one hundred and sixty acres and it has since been a possession of the family, being now the home of our subject. David began the making of the farm and died here. John R. Bunn continued to carry on agricultural pursuits on this farm up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1888, when he was seventy-two years of age. His widow still survives him and is yet living on the old homestead at the age of seventy-three years. The Bunn farm is dear to our subject, not only because it is the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 521 residence of his later years but also on account of childhood associations. He pursued his education in the common schools, mastering the branches of English learning usually taught in such institutions. During the sum mer months, when school was not in session, he assisted in the work of the farm, and when twenty-two years of age he took charge of the old home place and has since worked it. He now owns ninety-seven acres of the land and is carrying on general farming. Everything about the place is indicative of the supervision of a practical and progressive owner who keeps in touch with modern improvement. On the 2 1 st of February, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bunn and Miss Ellen Stuckey, a daughter of Philip and Mary Ann (Rosenberger) Stuckey. They now have two interesting children, — Russell. and Dora. Mr. and Mrs. Bunn are widely and favorably known in the county and enjoy the warm regard of many friends. He is a Republican in his political views, but has never taken an active interest in political work, preferring to- give his undivided attention to his busi ness, whereby he is winning a comfortable competence. As many of his warmest friends are numbered among those who have known him from boyhood days it is an indication that his career has been straightfor ward and honorable. ELI KERN. Among the native sons of Seneca county is numbered Eli Kern, who for more than sixty years has lived in this portion of the state. He was born upon the farm which is yet his home, in Thompson town ship, his natal day being August 21, 1839. His parents were Anthony and Sophia (Eberhardt) Kern, who resided in Union county, Pennsyl vania. They became the parents of ten children, five sons and fiv^ daughters, of whom eight are now living. It was in the year 1830 that Anthony Kern left the Keystone state and emigrated westward to what was then the frontier of Ohio, taking up his abode upon the farm in Seneca county which is now the home of his son Eli. His father, Peter 33 522 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Kern, had entered land from the government. It was covered with a heavy growth of timber through which the sunlight could hardly pene trate to the ground beneath, but Mr. Kern was a man of resolute spirit and strong determination and at once began the task of clearing the land and transforming it into richly cultivated fields. It was arduous -work, but in course of time it was accomplished and his labors were rewarded with rich and abundant harvests which enabled him to enjoy many of the comforts of life. He continued to reside here throughout his remain ing days, passing away at the advanced age of seventy-seven years. His wife had been called to her final rest four years before. It was upon the old family homestead here that Eli Kern was born and reared. At the usual age he entered school, walking to a little log school-house in which instruction was given after the primitive manner of the times. Like most farmer boys, his summer months were spent in the fields, where he assisted in the plowing, planting- and harvest ing, gaining- a practical training which enabled him to carry on farm work on his own account successfully at a later day. In 1876 Mr. Kern was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bruner, and unto them were born three children, Elsie, Elva and Elma. The second daughter is the wife of John Drohen. After his, marriage Mr. Kern removed to the village of Lodi, where he conducted a sawmill for a year, but finding that farm work was more congenial he returned to the old homestead. After three years he purchased and conducted a thresh ing machine, making that his business through a long period. When his father died he returned to the old home place, which is now his property. It comprises eighty acres of land and in addition he owns and cultivates another farm of one hundred acres in Thompson town ship. In addition to the raising of the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he is also engaged in stock-raising, and upon his place are high grades of horses, cattle and hogs. In his business undertakings he is industrious, indefatigable and straightforward, and his efforts have been crowned with a creditable measure of success. His political support is given the Democracy, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, in which he has long held membership. From pioneer days down CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 523 to the present he has been an honorable and honored citizen of Seneca county, and though his life has been quietly passed it has ever been char acterized by the faithful performance of duty and is therefore well worthy of emulation. 4 « » GEORGE H. PARK. George H. Park is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Seneca county. When the greater part of this county was in its primitive condition, when its lands were wild and unclaimed, when its streams were unbridged, its forests uncut and when the work of progress and improvement was a thing of the future, the) Park family was founded here by George Park, the grandfather of our subject, and since that time different members of the family have contributed in' large measure to- the general improvement and substantial advancement which have brought about the present prosperity. The grandfather con ducted a hotel in Tiffin — the first one there — and entertained the pioneer settlers who traveled to this region. His son, Peter D. Park, the father of our subject, was the first white male child born in the city of Tiffin, and amid the wild scenes of the frontier he was reared. When he had reached adult age he sought a companion and helpmate for the journey of life and wedded Sarah Heming. They became the parents of three children: George H.; Sarah M., who died in childhood; and Charles L., a resident of Liberty township. The mother died when her eldest child was only eight years of age. George H. Park and his brother, thus deprived of a mother's care, went to live with Jacob Fleck, by whom they were reared, our subject remaining in his family until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, at which time he was married and went to a homei of his own. At the age of eighteen he had begun working at the carpenter's trade and followed that pursuit for nine years, becoming a proficient builder. On the 6th of January, 188 1, Mr. Park was joined in wedlock to Miss Ida Bunn, and unto them have been born three children, — Alverda 524 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. A., Lawrence C. and Minnie M., — all yet at home. In 1886 Air. Park removed to the farm upon which he now resides and which has since been continuously his home. Here he owns eighty acres and he also has another tract of eighty acres, all in Liberty township. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and has made most of the improve ments upon his place. There are good buildings, well tilled fields, fine grades of stock' and all modern accessories and equipments, and the farm is a very attractive and desirable country seat. While he has led a busy life, devoting the greater part of his atten tion to the operation of his land, Mr. Park has yet found time to faith fully perform all duties of citizenship. He gives his political allegiance to the Republican party, which he has supported since age gave to him the right of franchise. He never falters in his allegiance to its prin ciples and he keeps well informed on the issues of the day, thus being able to support his position by intelligent argument. He has served as a trustee of Liberty township for six years, and his long continuance in the position indicates his faithfulness to the duties devolving upon him. His religious faith is shown by his membership in, and work in behalf of, the Evangelical church, in which he has served as steward for twenty years. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed, and his loyalty to- truth and the right is among his strongest characteristics. He has spent his entire, life in this county, and the fact that many of his warm est friends are numbered among those who have known him from boy hood is proof that his entire life has been straightforward and hon orable. ISAAC ROYER. Isaac Royer is a representative o-f one of the pioneer families, of Seneca county, and is now actively identified with agricultural pursuits, being accounted a practical and pro-gressive farmer of Thompson, town ship. He was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, on the ist of Jan uary, 1820, and is a son of John and Mary M. (Romig) Royer, in whose f -unity were twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Of this num- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 525 ber eleven reached mature years and these still living are Isaac, of this review; Kate, the widow of James Fisher, of Michigan; John, a resident of Sterling, Kansas; Neriah, who lives in St. Louis, Missouri; Lydia, who married John Matz, of Thompson township, who has passed away ; Marion, of Thompson township; and Jared, also of this township. Those who have passed away were Sarah, Annie, Samuel, Betsey and Mar garet. Deciding to establish his home in the Buckeye state, John Royer, the father of our subject, severed the business ties which bound him to Pennsylvania and with his family moved to Summit county, Ohio, where he remained for three years. He afterward spent a similar period in Wayne county, and in the year 1828 came with his family to Seneca county, taking up his abode in Thompson township, where he entered four hundred and eighty acres of land, constituting the farm upon which his son Jared now resides. He was the third man from Pennsylvania to settle in Thompson township, the forerunner of many others. The Seneca Indians were still here at the time of the arrival of the family, and the chief of the tribe and his squaw had been sheltered for the night in the cabin home which belonged to the Royer family. The father of our subject erected a log house after the primitive manner of the times. It contained but one room, was covered with a slab roof and had a puncheon floor. When a number of years had passed, however, this pioneer dwelling was replaced by a more commodious and modern home. John Royer gave his time and attention to clearing, developing and improving his land and there carried on farming until his death, which occurred in the eighty-eighth year of his age. It was through his efforts that the Royer ditch in Thompson township was made, thus reclaiming land which now constitutes some of the finest farms in this section of the state. Mr. Royer also aided in building the first log church for the Reformed denomination in Thompson township, and for many years he served as a trustee and elder in his church. He was an important factor in all movements which led to the substantial develop ment and improvement of the county in an early date, and his name should be placed on the roll of honored pioneers of Seneca county. 5^6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Isaac Royer was but an infant when his parents left the Keystone state, and was a lad of only eight summers when they came to Seneca county. Here he was reared upon the old family homestead, remaining there until 1843. During that time he attended the public schools, but his training at farm work was not nearly as meager as the mental instruc tion which he received. He early became familiar with the work of the fields and his practical experience in that direction enabled him to- carry on farming on his own account with excellent success. In the year 1843 Mr. Royer was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Stitler, a daughter of Henry Stitler, and unto them were born three children, — Elizabeth, John and Mary, — but all are now deceased, the mother having passed away in 1847. in 1849 Mr. Royer was again married, his second union being with Miss Julia A. Fridley, who was born in Seneca county, New York, in 1826, a daughter of Louis Fridley, who came to Venice township in 1838. Ten children have graced this marriage, of whom four are yet living : Mary, the wife of Edward Fobel, of Thompson township; Amanda R., the wife of Thomas Wolfe, also of this township; Sarah, who married Thomas Higgins and is living in Bellevue, Ohio; and Malinda, the wife of William Sears, of Bellevue. Those who have passed away are Benjamin F., Neriah, John J. and Josephine, twins, and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Royer now have eight grandchildren. In 1849 this worthy couple removed to the farm upon which they now reside, and Mr. Royer here owns two hundred acres of valuable land, while in another tract he has eighty acres. He cleared most of his land himself and all of the improvements upon the place are an indica tion of his enterprise and business ability, while the substantial buildings stand as monuments to his labor and resolute purpose. His attention has always been given to agricultural pursuits, and as the years have passed the well tilled fields have returned to him golden harvests, from the sale of which he has realized a handsome income. During the greater part of his life Air. Royer has held membership in the Reformed church, to which his wife also belongs, and for many years he has been a deacon and elder in the church. He contributes CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 527 liberally to its support and has used his aid and influence for the upbuild ing and advancement of the cause of Christianity, while in his life he has exemplified his' Christin faith. His political views are in harmony with the principles of the Democracy, but he has never had the time, nor desire to seek office. He has the honor o-f being a resident of Thompson township the longest of all, seventy-four years having passed since he arrived here. Great changes has he witnessed through this period. He has seen the passing of the Indians and has watched the forest give way to rich and fertile fields, while the work of progress and improvement has been carried on in all lines which lead to business prosperity and substantial development. He has taken great pride in what has been accomplished in the county and has ever borne his part in the work of improvement. He relates many interesting incidents of these pioneer times, when people lived in log cabins and followed a path through the forest in order to visit neighbors. But true hospitality existed in those days and many pleasant hours were spent in the homes of neighbors, who perchance lived many miles away. There was much hard work to be done in clearing and improving farms, but as the years passed the labors were requited by abundant returns, and like others Mr. Royer has secured a comfortable competence through his enterprising efforts. DAVID HOLMES. It is but in justice due that in this volume should be accorded a tribute to the memory of one who was identified wdth the civic and indus trial life of Seneca county in so prominent a way as was Mr. Holmes, whose abilities and unswerving integrity in all the relations of life gained to him unlimited esteem from all with whom he came in contact. Super added to this, the memoir is the more consistent from the fact that he was a native son of the county and here passed his entire life, attaining marked success and becoming one of the representative and influential men of this section of the state. 528 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. David Holmes was born on a farm in Venice township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 12th of May, 1843, and here his death occurred on the 7th of February, 1898. His parents, John and Sabina (Hillis) Holmes, had a family of eight children, of whom four survive at the present time, namely : Amos, who is a resident of Michigan ; Rebecca, the wife of Lafayette Palmeter, is a resident of the state of Missouri; Sarah, the wdfe of Benjamin Slough, of Michigan; and John, who resides in Attica. The subject of this memoir was reared on the old homestead farm and received a common-school education, and as a young man served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, to which he de voted his attention for a time, though agricultural pursuits constituted his vocation during by far the greater part of his independent business career, and through the medium of the same he achieved a high degree of prosperity. Mr. Holmes became the owner of two hundred and fifty acres of land in Huron county, Ohio, and also acquired the controlling interest in the old parental homestead of two hundred and twenty-six acres, the latter having been divided among the heirs subsequently to his death. Mr. Holmes was a man of a high order of mentality, was espe cially progressive and discriminating in the management of his business affairs and was one who had a deep and abiding interest in all that made for the general prosperity and advancement of the community in which he lived and in which he was honored by all who knew him. In his political proclivities he was found stanchly arrayed in support of the principles and policies: of the Democratic party, and for nine years he was incumbent of the responsible office of trustee of Venice township, and he also gave the benefit of his influence and marked executive ability in promoting educational interests in the county, having been for a num ber of years a member of the board of school directors of his district. Mr. Holmes was one of those prominently concerned in the grange movement, and he gave his best efforts in the cause o-f this fraternal organization, through which he felt that much could be accomplished for the intellectual and material advancement of the agricultural com munity. He was called upon to serve as master of Venice Grange, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 529 Patrons of Husbandry, in his township, and was one of the active and influential members of the order in the county and state. On the 2 1 st of January, 1893, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Holmes to Mrs. Isabella (Philhower) Sheely, the widow of Andrew Sheely. She was born in the state of New Jersey, as was also her father, Elias Philhower, who became a resident of Seneca county, Ohio, in the early '70s, and here passed the remainder of his life. Of the three children o-f Mrs. Holmes' first marriage two survive, namely: Mary, who is the wife of Jacob Heintz, of Crawford county; and Francis A., a successful agriculturist of Seneca county. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes became the parents of three children, — Esther Sabina, Sarah Almeda and Oliver Wendall. Since her husband's death Mrs. Holmes has continued to reside on the homestead, which is one of the best improved and most attractive in this section of the county, and she has shown marked judg ment and executive ability in the management of the farm and other business interests, and as a woman of gracious presence and true refine ment she has gained a wide circle of friends in the community, and her home is a center of cordial hospitality. ISAAC FEASEL. It is an indication o-f the opportunities and advantages which Sen eca county affords to- her citizens that so many of her native sons still reside within her borders having no inclination to seek homes elsewhere. A representative of this class is Isaac Feasel, who is a resident of Lib erty township and who was- born in this township on the 26th of Au gust, 1836, his- parents being George and Jane (Anderson) Feasel, the former a native of Virginia. Unto this worthy couple were born eleven children, namely: Mary A., Jacob, John and Alargaret, who have passed away; Elizabeth, now residing in Henry county; Lucinda, de ceased; Isaac, our subject; Andrew, who lives in Missouri; George, who has also passed away ; Sarah, the wife of John Armstrong, a resident of 530 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Illinois ; and Rebecca, the widow of John Lynch. The family has long been identified- with Seneca county and its representatives have ever borne their part in the work of public advancement and improvement. It was in 1821 that George Feasel, who- was then twenty years of age, arrived in Seneca county, making the journey by team, moving a family to this place. He then returned to Franklin county, Ohio, where he had previously located, making his home there almost before Colum bus was established, the city then1 being but a hamlet containing a few pioneer homes. Mr. Feasel, however, was pleased with the appearance and prospects of Seneca county and in 1829, accompanied by his wdfe and four children, he returned to this locality and entered from the government a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty township. There in the midst of the forest he erected a log cabin con taining but one room and in primitive pioneer style the family began life in this portion of the state. Indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and his resolution and energy enabled him to carry on the work of improving his land until the richly cultivated fields re turned to him golden harvests. He continued his farm operations throughout his active business career and lived- upon the old homestead until his death, which occurred in 1886. His wife passed away at the age of eighty-four years. They were members of the United Brethren church and were people of the highest resj^ectability. The father aided in laying out roads, in organizing schools and in promoting improve ment in many lines of progress. Associated with other pioneers he made possible the present prosperity and progress of the county, and Well does he deserve mention in a history of the leading and representa tive men of Seneca county from early days down to- the present. It was upon the old family homestead that Isaac Feasel first opened his eyes to the light of day, and in Liberty township he was reared, early becoming familiar with the arduous tasks of developing a new farm in the midst of the forest. Trees had to: be cut and the land pre pared for cultivation before a return could be gained for labor. In company with his brother John he would take jobs- of clearing new land, clearing about forty acres each season and- receiving three to five CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 531 dollars per acre for the heaviest timber, and so continued for about seven years, making several hundred acres that he assisted in clearing. He became very expert in the 'use of the ax. He was the first man in the township, toi begin the use of tile in draining his land, and was yet three thousand five hundred dollars in debt when he bought his first tile, against the prediction of many friends, including his wife, that it would not pay. He persisted and in three years had paid his debts, not owing a dollar. The crops produced were nearly doubled and land that it was said' would not yield enough for his bread has never failed to produce excellent crojjs. Mr. Feasel worked with bis father until twenty-seven years o-f age, when he made preparation for a home of his own by his marriage to Catherine Good. Unto them have been born eight children: Orlando, a resident of Liberty township-; Rosetta, at home; Jacob and Delia, twins, the latter the wife of Franklin Hall; Sarah J., the wife of Charles Lightner; Lydia, who married J. F. Early; and John, who died in in fancy. After his marriage Mr. Feasel purchased eighty acres of wild land and his first home was also a pioneer log cabin, containing but one room. After two years he removed to the farm upon which he now resides and which has been his- home for thirty-five years. • It was then but partially improved, but with characteristic energy he began its further development and soon well tilled fields returned to him good harvests. At the time of the Civil war he put aside all personal consideration and on the 27th of September, 1864, enlisted in the First Ohio- Heavy Artillery, joining his regiment at Cleveland, Tennessee. He then served until the close o-f the war and was a loyal defender of the Union. For five months he was in the hospital at Knoxville, but ultimately re covered his health. In his political views Mr. Feasel is independent, supporting -the man whom he thinks best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliations. He has never been an aspirant for office, as his farming interests have claimed his entire attention. He now owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of good land, and no better improvements can be found in the township than are upon his place. He has an at- 532 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tractive residence, substantial barns and outbuildings and the latest im proved machinery. There are over fifteen miles of tiling on his farm and he successfully engages in the cultivation of the crops best adapted to this climate and in stock-raising, both branches of his business re turning to him a good income. His business methods have ever been commendable and have gained to him the high regard of all with whom he has been associated. JOHN PANKHURST. The life history of him whose name heads this sketch is closely identified with the history of Seneca county, which has been his home throughout his entire life, and since attaining to: years of maturity he has been closely allied with its, interests and upbuilding. His life has been one o-f untiring activity and has been crowned with a high and well merited degree of success. Mr. Pankhurst was born in Jackson township, Seneca county, on the 25th of November, 1852, a son of Jeremiah and Lucy A. (Mc- Doughel) Pankhurst. The father was born in the far-off country of England, in 1809, and when nineteen years of age he crossed the At lantic to- the new .world, landing in this country with but twenty-five cents in his pocket, a stranger in a strange land, and this amount he paid to a girl to direct him to: a place where he could obtain employ ment. In an early day he took up- his abode in Seneca county, Ohio, settling in Loudon township, but later came to- Jackson township, and became the owner of six hundred acres of land. He was a Republi can in his political views and religiously was a, member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Pankhurst became the parents o-f thir teen children, only seven of whom are now living, namely : Daniel, who makes his home in Sandusky county, Ohio; Peter, of Fostoria; John, the subject of this review; Amanda, the wife of Robert Bigham, of Jackson township ; Wesley, of Fostoria ; and Celinda E. and Lucinda A., twins, the former the wife of James R. Chilcote, of Jackson town ship. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 533 John Pankhurst, of this review, grew to years of maturity on his parents' homestead farm, and the educational advantages which he ac quired in his youth were those afforded by the common schools of his neighborhood. After his marriage he located on one hundred and twenty acres of land in Jackson township, this tract having been inherited by his wife from her father, and at that time it was covered with timber. Mr. Pankhurst at once began the arduous task of clearing the land, living in a log cabin which stood thereon. Four years later, however, he sold the property and purchased his present home place, which consists of one hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land, and there he is extensively engaged in general farming. By persistent energy and the display of considerable foresight he has succeeded in his chosen line of endeavor, and he is now the owner of one of the most valuable and highly cultivated homesteads in the county. November 16, 187 1, when but nineteen years of age, Mr. Pank hurst was united in marriage to Miss Marietta Trumbo, a daughter of Enoch Trumbo, an account of whose life will be found in the history of Phiny Trumbo in this volume. Three children have been born unto this union, but only two are now living, — Charles T., who is attend ing the Western Reserve Medical College, of Cleveland, Ohio, and1 Irvin, at home. The eldest, a daughter, died in infancy. The Republi can party receives Mr. Pankhurst's hearty support and co-operation, and for one term he served as the trustee of his township. At the present time he is serving as a member of the school board. In his social re lations he is a member of Fostoria Lodge, No. 86, K. o-f P., and- also of the Uniformed Rank, No. 59. He is of a social disposition, cour teous, and genial in manner, and throughout the county in which his entire life has been passed he has a host- of warm friends. GEORGE WHITMAN. An enterprising and progressive farmer and honored citizen of Venice township is George Whitman, who has spent his entire life in the Buckeye state, his birth occurring in Attica, on the nth of Decern- 534 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ber, 1857. His parents were Michael and Barbara (Vogelsang) Whit man, and they had seven children, three of whom now survive : Fannie, the wife of George Jordan, of Attica; Margaret, the wife o-f William Conrad, also of that city; and George, the subject of this review. The father was born in Germany, but when a. young man he left his home across the sea and came to America. He was a wagon-maker by trade, and after his arrival in this country he located in Mansfield, Ohio-, where he was married and soon afterward took up his abode in Attica, there opening a wagon-making shop. At the outbreak of the Civil war he put aside all personal considerations and nobly offered his services to his, adopted country. At the battle of Gettysburg he received a mortal wound, and he died in a hospital at Evansville, Indiana. After his death the mother married Andrew Myers, by whom she had one child, Anna B., the widow of John Cunningham. Mr. Myers was also a wagon- maker by trade, and was working for Mr. Whitman at the time of the latter's enlistment for the war, and conducted the shop during his ab sence. George Whitman, the immediate subject of this review, was but a little lad of ten years when he was obliged to begin the active duties of life on his own account, and for a time thereafter he worked for various farmers in Seneca county, his educational advantages having been thus necessarily very limited. In 1877 be purchased an outfit and engaged in the huckstering business, thus continuing through the four succeeding years, and in 1881 he became an employe in the saloon of Adblph Hassler, where he remained for three years. Later for four years he conducted a place of his own, when the building and contents were destroyed by fire, and he then became the owner of a farm in Reed township, continuing as- a tiller of the soil for the following three years. On the expiration of that period, however, he left the quiet duties of the farm and once more returned to Attica, where he erected a brick block and for seven years was the proprietor of a saloon. In the spring of 1899 he purchased the farm which he now owns, known as the George Ringle1 farm, and consisting of one hundred and ninety acres in the northeast corner of Venice township, where he has ever CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 535 since made his home. He has placed his land under an excellent state of cultivation, and his fields annually return to their owner abundant harvests. The marriage of Mr. Whitman was celebrated on the 23d of De cember, 1884, when Miss Anna Songer became his wife. She is , a native daughter of the Buckeye state, her birth occurring in Bucyrus, Crawford county. Her father, John Songer, is one of the well known farmers of Venice township, and he now makes his home in Attica, Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whitman have been born three children : Virda M., Alvin Ray and Glen L., all attending school. Air. Whitman gives stanch support to the Democracy, and while a resident of Attica he served for one term as a member of the city council. He was reared in the faith of the German Reformed church and still holds membership relations with that denomination. ELIJAH B. FERREE. Elijah B. Ferree, who is a representative of the farming interests of Scipio township, is numbered among the citizens that Maryland has furnished to the Buckeye state. He was born in Washington county, Maryland, January 31, 1840, and is a son of Cyrus and Elizabeth (Wy- dow) Ferree, in which family were but two children, the younger being Margaret, who married Benjamin Leckrone and died in 1898. Leav ing his native state, the father emigrated westward and took up his abode in Scipio township, Seneca county, Ohio-, purchasing" ninety-one acres of land, from- which he developed the farm upon which our subject now resides. This was but partially cleared and upon it he made his home until four years prior to his death, which occurred in 1894, when he was in his seventy-ninth year. The subject of this review was a little lad of only eight summers when the family came to Ohio. He worked in the fields and meadows, assisting his father in the farm labors, and through the winter seasons 536 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. he attended school, acquiring a good English education to fit him for the practical duties of life. He was married March 4, 1866, to Elizabeth Smith, a native of Scipio- township and a daughter of Abraham and Nancy (Blakely) Smith, — the former a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in the Emerald Isle. Mr. Smith became one of the pio neer settlers of Scipio township, taking up his abode upon a tract of land which had been entered from the government by his father. He had one hundred and sixty acres all covered with heavy timber, and in the midst of the forest he built a little log cabin and began clearing away the trees which still stood in their primeval strength. As acre after acre was cleared he plowed and planted it and in the course of time good harvests rewarded his efforts. His death occurred February 12, 1883, when he w-as seventy-five years of age, and his wife passed away in 1867. They were members of the Baptist church and were people of sterling worth who enjoyed the high regard of all who knew them. The mar riage of Mr. and Mrs. Ferree has been blessed with two children, — - Curtis H. and Martin W., — both of whom are now married and reside on and manage the home farm. Curtis H. married Frances A. Will iams and has three children,. — Roy, Ruth and Sarah. Martin W. mar ried Lola Egbert. After his marriage Mr. Ferree removed to Clinton township, where he lived for twenty-two years, and then returned to the old homestead, where he now owns one hundred and eighty acres of land, together wdth sixty-five acres in Clinton township, which adjoins the homestead. He carries on general farming, his- life being quietly passed, yet it is such a career that always commands respect, for he is honorable in business and trustworthy in all life's relations. JOHN M. NAYLOR. Honored and respected by all, there is no man in Tiffin who occu pies a more enviable position than John M. Naylor in commercial and financial circles, not alone on account of the brilliant success he has ^ C^y^T^-j—e. Zcjx^. <¥• *- ^y z^" CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 537 achieved but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever fallowed. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to-day his. In early manhood he entered upon his business career' without capital, and, placing his dependence solely upon the sterling qualities of diligence, perseverance and honesty, he has worked his way steadily upward and now occupies a commanding position in the business circles of this city. Mr. Naylor was born in Wooster, Ohio, December 9,, 1822, a son of James and Eleanor (Musgrove) Naylor, both of whom: were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Beaver and the latter in Dauphin. county. The father was a carpenter by trade and was engaged in house building in Wooster, Ohio-, for many years. During his boyhood John M. Naylor attended the public schools and before he had left his 'teens he engaged in- teaching. In this way he earned the money with which to pay his tuition in 'Granville College, where he remained as a student- for some time. His aim was to obtain a thorough preliminary education and then study -law, but at the age of twenty he was induced to- accept a clerkship in a hardware store owned by the firm of Jacobs & Kouke,, at Wooster. For four years he remained in that service and then en tered into partnership with Harvey Howard. They came to Tiffin ancL opened a hardware store under the firmi name of Howard & Naylor,. and under that style .conducted the business for four years, wdien Mr. Naylor purchased his partner's, interest, conducting the enterprise successfully for a number of years, when- he sold his store. Under his management,, however, it grew to be the largest mercantile establishment in the town and was excelled by few, if any, in the northern part of the state. Air. Naylor made a careful study of the wishes o-f the people and" made an earnest effort to- please, sincerely wishing to give good satisfaction as well as gain success. His honorable methods and enterprise brought him a continually increasing patronage and when he was enabled to com mand an excellent income he made judicious and extensive investments in real estate. He has in many ways been connected with business ac- 34 538 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tivity in Tiffin. He was one of the founders of the National Exchange Bank, now the Tiffin National Bank, of which he has always been a director and large stockholder. He- finally became its president and is now at the head of the institution, which owes not a little of its success to his excellent ability and sound judgment. On the nth of December, 1849, Mr Naylor was united in mar riage to- Aliss Cornelia T. Pittinger, a daughter of Judge Benjamin Pitt- inger, and unto them were born two children, but both are now deceased. Cora, born in 185 1, died in 1853, and Frank, who was born in 1854, died in 1883, while on a visit to Florida. Mr. and Airs. Naylor occupy one of the finest brick residences in the city, his success in former years enabling him to- secure for them all the comforts and many of the lux uries that go to make life worth the living. Pie is now seventy-nine years of age, but he is still very active and could pass for a man many years younger. Instead of retiring altogether from business life he still gives his attention to banking and to the control of his real-estate in vestments, being still a valued factor in financial circles in Tiffin. Of a studious nature, he has devoted much attention to the study of standard works and has thus gained valuable and comprehensive information, such as is seldom possessed except by a college graduate. Tiffin has found in him a warm and helpful friend, ever ready to promote her wel fare along the lines, of substantial progress and improvement. For fifty- four years he has been identified with her business and social interests, and during this time has proven to: be- a man of excellent executive abil ity with marked percei>tive and reasoning faculties. His judgment and prompt decisions are seldom at fault and throughout the years his course has been characterized by a conscientious desire to be just and fair in his treatment of all. In politics he has ever been a stalwart Republican, but the honors and anoluments of office have had no: attraction for him. During the Civil war he strongly endorsed the presidential policy and was a warm supporter of the Union. He holds membership in the Meth odist Episcopal church and contributes most liberally to its support. When the new brick house of worship was erected he gave most lib erally to the work and aided in pushing forward the enterprise in other CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 539 ways. He is a man of even temperament, calm and self-poised, of re fined character, in whom nature and culture have vied in making an hon ored and interesting gentleman. His erect form and clear-cut features give little suggestion of the fact that he had almost completed eight decades since starting upon life's journey. Nature deals kindly with the man who abuses not her laws, and though Mr. Naylor' s business cares have been extensive, age rests lightly upon him. LESTER SUTTON. Through the years of his manhood Attica has numbered Lester Sutton among its most prominent and' progressive citizens. He may well be termed one of the founders of the city, for he has been the pro moter of many of its leading business enterprises, and the growth and development of the city depend upon its commercial and industrial activity. His connection with any undertaking insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is in his nature to carry forward to suc cessful completion whatever movement he is associated wdth. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man o-f business, and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won for him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow men. Mr. Sutton was born in Steuben county, New York, in the town of Hornellsville, July 13, 1836, his parents being John and Christina (True) Sutton. The father was born in Pennsylvania, April 2, 1800, and when a young man removed to Steuben county, New York. He had previously married a Miss Hendershot and to them were born six children, of whom three are living: Isaac, who resided until recently near Owosso, Michigan, and died May 19, 1902 ; William, also- a resi dent of Michigan; and Mjargaret, the wife of Thomas Doorley, of Steuben county, New York. In New York the father took up his abode on a farm in Steuben county, and in September, 1852, he removed to- 540 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Seneca county, settling in Reed township, where he remained for sev eral years. On selling that property he purchased a farm in Venice township, upon which he maintained his residence until a short time prior to his death, his last days being spent in Attica, where he died in 1878. His, wife passed away in 1890. They had six children, of whom three are living: Lester; Susan, the wife of John H. Carpenter, of Tiffin; and Alva, who is with his brother in the- bank. Mr. Sutton was again married, March 18, 1902, to Mrs. Rebecca. Smith, who is a daughter of Jeremiah and Arvilla (Olds) Carpenter, both deceased. She was born in Venice township and was married at nineteen to James Mi. Titus, and at twenty-one was a widow, and at length became the wife of Harvey Smith, who died about three years later. She has re sided in Attica for years. She has two daughters : Myrtle Titus, the wife of W. S. Force; and Margaret Smith, the wife of J. W. Price. In early life John Sutton was an ardent Whig and became a stanch. Abolitionist. When the latter party ceased to have an existence he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, with which he contin ued to affiliate until his death. He held membership in the Alethod'st. Protestant church. Under the parental roof Lester Sutton spent his, early boyhood days and after attending the common schools was graduated at the academy of Republic, Ohio, at the early age of eighteen years. He then began teaching and for eight years successfully followed that pro fession, five terms- being in one district. In 1862 he took up the study of law under General Leander Stem, of Tiffin, remaining in his office until the death of his preceptor in the battle of Stone river. The office was- then closed and Mr. Sutton resumed teaching, but continued his law reading until 1866, when he was admitted to the bar. A short time previously he had removed to Attica and here he opened an office, continuing in active practice until the present, during which time he has gained a large and distinctively representative clientage. In the year 1882 he established a private bank; known as the Banking House. of Lester Sutton, wdiich is the only institution of the kind in the town. From the beginning it has- been attended wdth a high degree of success.. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 541 and is of great value to the citizens as well as a source of income to the owner. For forty-five years Mr. Sutton has been in demand over a wide area as an auctioneer, and even in the last years, when he was occupied with other business, his services have been sought throughout the county. He has also been chosen as administrator o-f estates, his handling of such always being to the- universal satisfaction of the heirs, the courts, and of all concerned. Probably no man in the county has done more business- in this particular line than he. On the 20th of March, 1859, Air. Sutton was married to- Miss Emeline. Rundell, a native of Seneca county, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Miranda Rundell, who were early settlers of this locality, coming to- the Buckeye state from New York. Five children were born unto our subject and his wife, of whom four are yet living: Leonard L., a fire insurance and real-estate agent of Attica, Ohio-; Laura, the wife of Ross W. Ayres, a business man of Chicago, Illinois-; Charles C, in his- father's bank; and Luella, who- married E. S. Bernard, a deputy postmaster of 'Tiffin, Ohio. On the 7U1 of February, 1901, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, her loss being mourned not only in her own home but also throughout a large circle of friends. Mr. Sutton has long been recognized as one of the most prominent, influential and active citizens of Attica. He has been solicitor for the town almost since his arrival here, and has been connected with every public interest or measure for the welfare and promotion of the place. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but has never sought or desired office. He belongs to Attica Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M., and is also the only surviving charter member living in- the town. He has held all of its offices and for thirteen consecutive years was its- honored master. He has also taken the degrees of the Scottish rite up to and including the thirty-second, and has passed all of the chairs in Venice Lodge, No. 197, I. O'. O. F. He is a member of the Baptist church and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the material, social, intel lectual and moral welfare of his, town. He has ever discharged his duties with marked ability and fairness, for he is a most loyal, public- spirited citizen. As a business man hd has been conspicuous among 542 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his associates, not only for his success, but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods. In everything he has been eminently practical, and this has been manifest, not only in his business undertakings, but also- in social and private life. SAMUEL F. KAUFMAN. In connection with the mercantile interests of Attica Mr. Kaufman has become well and favorably known, and by his own unaided efforts he has risen to his present high position in the business world. His birth occurred in Crawford county, Ohio-, March 7, 1864, his parents being Daniel and Elizabeth (Kaufman) Kaufman. The father was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in 1816, and the mother's birth also occurred in the Keystone state, in 1825, and both were of Dutch de scent. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a merchant in that state, but meeting with financial reverses there he removed with his family to> the eastern part of Ohio, his son Daniel being then a small boy. When twenty-five years of age the latter camle to Crawdord county, purchasing eighty acres of land in Cranberry township, after which he returned to his old home and was married. He immediately brought his bride to: his new Ohio home, erected a log cabin twelve by twelve feet in the dense woods, and after paying the first installment on the place he had but ten dollars left. As time passed by he succeeded in clearing his, land, and there made his home until within six years of his death, when he purchased property in and removed to Tiro, there passing away in death in 1891. He gave his political support to the Republican party and was a. member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. His wddow is still living, and now makes her home' with her son Amos in Tiro. This worthy couple became the parents of ten chil dren, seven of whom are now living, namely: Mary, the wife of Peter Lash, of Crawford county ; Sarah, the wife of Frank Lash, of Richland county ; Katie, the wife of Jacob Fike, of Los Angeles county, Cali fornia; Nora, the wife of J. E. Brown, also* of that coimty; Emanuel, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 543 a stock dealer of Attica; Amos, of Crawford county; and Samuel, the subject of this review. The last mentioned remained under the parental roof until his nine teenth year, during which time he pursued his education in the district schools of his neighborhood. In 1882 he entered the grocery store of George H. Hamilton, of Attica, where he was employed as a salesman for two and a half years, on the expiration of which period he entered the jewelry store of T. K. Crane, wdth the agreement that he was to jDur- chase the stock of goods after serving a given period. Accordingly, about eight months later Mr. Crane left the store, our subject then becoming its sole owner and manager. After two- years had passed by he was enabled to: purchase the stock of another jeweler of the town, and on the expiration of a similar period he became the owner of the business property, which he occupied for the following four years. Subsequently he built his present substantial brick building and about ten years ago he began adding to his jewelry stock until in addition thereto- he now carries queensware, notions, stationery, books and many other articles. In the line of watches, especially, he not only enjoys a large retail trade but does quite a lucrative jobbing trade, selling to jewelers in various Ohio towns. In all his business relations he has been thoroughly up right and conscientious, and has- won the respect and esteem of those with, whom he has had business or social intercourse. The marriage of Mr. Kaufman was celebrated on the 30th of May, 1890, when Miss Icedore Huffman became his wife. She is a native daughter of Attica, and prior to her marriage she was a success ful and popular teacher in its schools for a number o-f years. She is a daughter of Josiah and Sarah L. Huffman, and the former, who was one of the prominent farmers of Venice township, is, now deceased.. Unto our subject and wife have been born two children, — Morton L., born September 25, 1893, and Paul H., born June 9, 1900. Mr. Kauf man gives his political support to the Republican party, and for two years he was a member of the city council, serving in that position at the time of the building of the water works. Socially he was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity in Attica, but has since 544 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. withdrawn his membership therefrom. He is a member of Attica Lodge, No-. 367, F. & A. M., of Bellevue Chapter, No. 113, R.. A. M., in which he was initiated on the 3d of May, 1898. He became a. member of Bellevue Council, No. 82, April 5, 1900, and on the 23d of May of that year was made a member of De Molai Commandery, No. 9, of Tiffin. He is also a member of Attica Lodge, No.. 317, J. O. U. A. M., and Sappho Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Both he. and his wife are members of the Alethodist Episcopal church. PETER DeWALD. The unostentatious routine o-f private life, although of vast im portance to- the welfare of the community, has not figured, to any great extent in history. But the names of men who have disinguished them selves by the possession of those qualities which mainly contribute to the success of private life and to the public stability, and who> have en joyed the respect and confidence of those around them, should not be permitted to perish. Their examples are most valuable and their lives well worthy of consideration. Such are the thoughts that involuntarily come to mind when, we take under review the career of such an. hon ored pioneer as the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph. He is a representative o-f o-ne of the old families of Seneca county, and his mind links the early formative epoch with that of latter-day progress and magnificent prosperity. Such are the men particularly worthy of mention in a work of this nature. Peter Dewald, who: has passed practically his entire life in Seneca county, comes of stanch old German lineage and is himself a native of the fatherland, having" been born in the kingdom of Bavaria, in the year 1827, the son of John and Elizabeth (Rusick) Dewald, two of whose ten children are living at the present time, namely: Peter, the subject of this sketch, and Philip, who is elsewhere mentioned in this work. Maria, who became the wife of Jacob Starber, of Tiffin, died May 1, 1902.. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 545 In rthe early '309 John Dewald emigrated from Germany to America and took up his residence in Seneca county, Ohio, locating on what were designated as the "Swale lands" north of the present village of Bascom, in Hopewell township. On account of the superabundance of water in that locality at the time, he removed to a point one mile south of1 the village mentioned-, and there reclaimed a farm and con tinued to reside until his death,- in the year 1850. The subject of this sketch was reared on the old homestead farm: and his educational privileges were such as could be supplied in the primitive log school- house of the period. In 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Bar bara Smith, who:1 was born in) Buffalo, New York, being the daughter of Jacob- Smith, who located in Seneca county in the year 1833, settling in Loudon township. In his youth our subject learned the carpenter's trade, and for seven years after his marriage he continued to, devote his attention to the same, his services being in constant requisition during the early days. In 1866 he erected a residence- on his present farm, which is most eligibly located in Loudon: township: and which he pur chased prior to his marriage. Upon the completion of this dwelling- house he took up his residence on the farm, and the same has ever since been his home and the scene of his well directed and successful efforts. He now- has a landed estate- of two hundred and fifty acres, the same being in three farms and all are in this township. He has been indefatigable in his industry, has ever been animated by the highest principles and has been a valuable factor in the develop ment and progress of the county, where he has- so ordered his life as to gain and retain the unequivocal confidence and- high regard of all with whom he has come in contact. He has made the best improvements on his estate, and it is interesting, in view of its present attractions and well tilled fields, to revert to the fact 'that he personally reclaimed from the virgin forests the greater portion of his home farm, wdiich is one of the best in this section of the county: He has ever shown himself con cerned in the enterprises and undertakings which conserve the general welfare, and has given- his allegiance to the Republican party from the time of its organization, while his religious faith is that of the Zion 546 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Reformed church, of which he and his devoted wdfe have long been zealous and consistent members. Of their ten children all but one are living and all are well established in life and are numbered among the sterling and honored people of their home county, where all still reside, the following brief record being given concerning them : Alary is the wdfe of John Rainey, of Loudon township; Jacob is a farmer of Hope well township; Margaret, unmarried, resides in Tiffin; Susan is the wife of John Coppes, of Loudon township; William is- a farmer of Hopewell township; Peter remains at the parental homestead; Alice died in her twentieth year; and Delia, Nora and Leota remain at the home of their honored parents. HENRY W. MATTHEWS. The name of Henry W- Matthews is inscribed on the roll of Sen eca county's honored and valuer! citizens, and the part which he has performed in the development of the county well entitles him to prom inent mention in this volume. Almost entirely through his efforts the town of Basco-m — so named in honor of a Mr. Bascom who was a resident here — was established, in which he has long made his home, laboring for its promotion and welfare. Air. Matthews is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth hav ing occurred near Lexington, Richland county, on the 23d of Septem ber, 1841, a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Creeger) Matthews. About 1852 or 1853 the father camle with his family to. Seneca county, a lo cation being made in Hopewell townshijp-, where he purchased a farm, and there his death occurred, at the age o-f sixty-five years. The mother- is still living with her sen George, at Niles, Michigan, being remarkably well preserved for a woman of eighty-five. Our subject is the eldest of his four living children, the others being Augustus, who- is engaged in the lumber business in Alichigan ; Jeremiah, engaged in the same vocation in South Bend, Indiana ; and George, who is engaged in the manufacture of bicycles in Niles, Alichigan. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 547 The educational privileges which Henry W. Matthews was per mitted to: enjoy in his youth were those afforded by the common schools of his neighborhood, and on a, farm in the county of his nativity he was early inured to the labors of the field and meadow. At the age of twenty- two years he began without means the active duties of life on his own account, and after following agricultural pursuits for a time he engaged in the lumber and milling business on Wolf creek, erecting a sawmill by borrowing three hundred and fifty dollars to make a first payment of four hundred- dollars. In the three years following he had cleared off that debt and had about fifteen hundred dollars to use in erecting the second mill at that point. This he conducted for three years and then erected the present mill at Bascom. To his skill and ability is due the erection of the first circular-saw. mill in this section of the country, which was located on the present site of the boat factory of his son, S. J. Miatthews, and this he conducted as a saw and planing mill until 1895. In 1885, in company with his brother, J. H. Matthews, he ex tended his milling business into- Tennessee, where at one time they owned six sawmills, while in addition- thereto they also became the own ers of eighteen hundred acres of timber land in that commonwealth, a part of which they have cleared and converted into a valuable farm, of seven hundred acres. Throughout the period o-f his connection with the interests of Seneca county Mr. Matthews has exerted a wide and helpful interest in its affairs, and the prosperity which the thriving little city of Bascom now enjoys is due in a large measure to his untiring energy and ability. He was instrumental in securing the right of way for the street railroad from Tiffin to: Fostoria, and is now a stockholder and director of the company. He is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and on its ticket he was twice elected to the position o-f trustee of his township and three times as treasurer. He has served about thirty years on the township board o-f education, being responsible for the first brick school-house in Bascom!, more than thirty years ago, as well as for the present new three-room building; — one of the best in the county — ¦ which was demanded by the growth o-f the village, though secured 548 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. against strenuous opposition. The Bascom- Sand Ridge Cemetery As sociation was also o-rganized by him. To: a considerable extent he has been a builder, especially in the village of Bascom, where he still owns a do-zen or more residences; and besides he is also the proprietor of a choice farm a mile and a half northwest of the village. His religious tendencies connect him with the United Brethren church, in which he has long served as a trustee. He has given his aid in many generous ways to: the perpetuation of those forces which con serve the best interests of the community, and the course that he has followed in political, business and social circles commends him to the high esteem of all. He was married on the 26th of May, 1868, in Frederick county, Maryland, to Miss Linnie C. Smith, of that county. They have but one child, named Scott J., of whom separate mention is made- in this volume. GEORGE C. LAKE. As one of the able and progressive newspaper publishers of Seneca •county and as representative of two of its honored pioneer families, it is with distinctive gratification that we here accord a review of the career of Mr. Lake, editor and publisher of the Attica Weekly Hub, a vigorous- and ably conducted paper and1 one which is a valued exponent of local interests. George Clifford Lake was born in Venice township, this county, on the 2d of April, 1866, being the son of Wilson D. and Mary L. (Cain) Lake, wdio became the parents of three children, of whom two survive, namely: Charlotte A., the wdfe of J. L. Williams, of Reed township, this county; and George C, the immediate subject of this sketch. That the name borne by Air. Lake has been long identified wdth the' annals of this county is evident when we revert to the fact that his father was likewise born in Venice township, in the year 1825, and that he here passed his entire life, — having been a, resident consecutively of Venice township with the exception of three years passed in Reed town- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 549 ship. He was a son of David1 L. and Ruth (Lester) Lake, both of whom were born in Geneva, New York, whence they came to Seneca county, Ohio, directly after their marriage. The latter was a sister of Marvin Lester, who achieved distinction as a scout and Indian fighter and whose name is familiar in the history of this section of the Union. Upon arriving in the wilds of Seneca county the grandparents of o-ur subject took up a quarter section of government land, two miles west of the present town of Attica, and there they erected their primitive dog domicile, with puncheon floor and other rudimentary equipments. David L. Lake set to himself the task of clearing and improving his frontier farm and he reclaimed the greater portion. When well ad vanced in years he and his wife removed to Barry county, Michigan, locating near Hastings, where they passed the residue of their lives.. The father of our subject was reared on the old homestead in Venice township, early beginning to contribute to: the arduous work of reclama tion and cultivation, and securing only such educational advantages as were afforded- in the subscription or district schools precariously main tained by the isolated settlers of the pioneer locality. After his mar riage he settled on what is now- known as the Samuel Nesbitt farm, two miles southeast of Attica. Here he purchased eighty acres and there after devoted his attention to the improving and cultivation of the place, where he maintained his home until April, 1867, when his residence was destroyed by fire, and he then disposed of the farmi and removed to Attica, where he was for some time employed as an engineer in the local planing mill and blind and1 sash factory. Incidental to the excite ment attending the destruction cf his home by fire he suffered a. stroke of paralysis, and was ever afterward crippled from the effects. He died on the 20th of March, 1875, and he commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem in the community, being a man of absolute rectitude and one whose life had been one of consecutive application, even in the face of serious physical infirmities. He originally gave his support to the Dem ocratic party, but early espoused the cause of the Prohibition party, it having been his honor to deposit the first Prohibition ticket ever voted in Reed township. -.While deeply -appreciative of spiritual verities and hav- 550 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ing a firm belief in an all-wdse Providence, he never identified himself with any religious body, though his ideas were to a large extent in har mony with the tenets of the Universalist church. Hugh B. Cain, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was for many years high sheriff of New York state and was a man of influence in political affairs in that state, as was he later in Seneca county, Ohio, having located in Attica in the year 1835 and here erected a residence of octagonal form, the same being one of the most pretentious and unique dwellings in the town at that period. He was a man of fine mentality and was an important factor in the Democratic party in this section of the state. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Susan B. Lemon, both died in Attica, in whose best social life they were con spicuous figures. The mother of our subject was summoned into eternal rest on the 18th of August, 1898, having been a resident of Attica for sixty-three years and having been its oldest inhabitant at the time of her demise. George C. Lake grew up under the influences of farm life, but was only twelve years of age at the time when his father's misfortunes made it necessary for him to contribute to- his own support, and thus he has depended upon his own resources from his boyhood to- the present time. As may be inferred, his early educational privileges were thus very lim ited in scope, but as a boy he began an apprenticeship at the printer's trade, and it has been well said that to: thus serve in a newspaper office is equivalent to a liberal education, and through his intimate association with the "art preservative of all arts" Mr. Lake has acquired a broad and exact fund of information and is an able writer and thinker. At the early age of fourteen he was made foreman of the Attica Journal, and two years later he assumed the editorial chair. He continued- in the employ of the Journal for sixteen and one-half years, within which time he had won his spurs in the field of journalism and had developed a distinctive executive capacity, fortified by intimate knowledge of all details of the line of enterprise to which he had thus given his attention. On the 10th of Mlarch, 1896, Mr. Lake severed his connection with the Attica. Journal and founded the Attica Weekly Hub, which he has .con ducted with signal success, developing a, valuable paper and an excel- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 551 lent business in the other departments of his enterprise. The paper is independent in politics, is a seven-column folio and is issued on Wednes day of each week, while it now has a circulation of nearly one thousand copies, going into the best homes in this locality and exploiting local interests and affairs in the most approved style. The job department of the Hub office is well equipped and the work turned out is of the high est type. Mr. Lake is one of the representative newspaper men of the county and is popular in both business and social circles, having a wide acquaintanceship in this section and being a progressive and public- spirited citizen. In politics he exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Democratic party. Fraternally he is identified wdth Attica Lodge, No. 302, Knights of Pythias, in wdiich he has passed all the official chairs; with Attica. Lodge, No. 212, Junior Order United American Mechanics; and with Attica Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Lake has been twice married. On December 17, 1891, he was united to Miss Susie L. Goodnough, of Wheeler, Gratiot county, Michi gan, she having been the daughter of Romanzo Goodnough, a promi nent factor in the ranks of the Democratic patry. He and his wife were both born in Seneca county, whence they removed to- Michigan a number of years ago-. Mrs. Lake was summoned into the eternal life on the 18th of January, 1898, having been the mother of three children, cf whom Durell Bird and Ferris AlcKinley survive. On the 14th of Oc tober, 1900, Mr. Lake married Miss Lulu Honey, who was born in Sen eca county, the daughter of Christ Honey, who was born in Baden, Germany, and who- became one o-f the pioneer settlers in Seneca county. Mr. and Mrs. Lake have one daughter, Beulah Angeline. CHARLES H. FEASEL. Charles H. Feasel is a self-made man, who from early boyhood has been dependent upon his own resources. Unaided he has fought the battles of life and has come off conqueror in the strife. To-day a valu- 552 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. able farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres pays to him' a golden tribute and is the visible evidence of his life of industry and perse verance. Mr. Feasel is numbered among the native sons of Seneca county, his birth having occurred in Liberty township, April 5, 1857. His par ents, Alexander and Mary A. (Turner) Feasel, were- also natives of Ohio-, and the former was: born in Liberty township, the paternal grand father of our subject, Henry Feasel, having been one of the honored pioneer settlers of the locality. Coming here in earty days, he entered land from the government and began the development of a farm, making a good home for his family. Alexander Feasel spent his entire life here and after attaining to man's estate devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-five years of age. In his. family were four children : William, a resident of Seneca county; Elmer, who is living in Jackson township; diaries H., of this review ; and Mariette, the wife of Frank Brown, an agriculturist of Lib erty township.On the old home farm Charles H. Feasel was born, and in the com mon schools he pursued his education. When a little lad of seven sum mers he went to live with his, grandparents and at the age of thirteen he began earning his .own. livelihood by working as a farm hand .in the neighborhood. The compensation was- not great, but it made him inde pendent and he developed a self-reliance and a force of character which have proved important elements- in his later business prosperity. When nineteen years o-f age he left Ohio, going to Michigan, but after a few months he returned to this, state and for a year was employed as a farm hand in Seneca township- and has since been a representative of its agri cultural interests. At the age of twenty-one, August 6, 1879, Mr. Feasel was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Jane (Flack) Updegraff, a daughter of Lewis and Margaret Ann (Null) Flack and the widow of John Andrew Updegraff, and their home has been blessed with seven children, as follows : Alex ander; Nora Augusta, who died when three years o-f age; Eva Belle, LeEtta, Hattie E. A., Mary Jane and Franklin E. J. Mrs. Feasel CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 553 has two children by her former marriage, Ernest and Alinnie Allay Updegraff, now wife of Herman Barton. Eva Belle is the wife of James Cheney, Alexander married Viola Cheney and Ernest Upde graff married Ada Sheets. Mr. and Airs. Feasel began their do mestic life upon the farm which is still their home. Our subject here owns- and operates one hundred and twenty-five acres of rich land and is carrying on general farming. His fields are well tilled, his buildings are substantial and kept in good rep-air, and everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating his careful supervision. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, having from his early boyhood been dependent upon his own resources. His: life has been- quietly passed, yet there is much in his history that is worthy of com mendation. He has ever been straightforward in his dealings with his- fellow men and has placed' his dependence upon the substantial quali ties of industry, careful management and resolute purpose, so that he now occupies a prominent position among the substantial farmers of Seneca county. NORMAN DUNN. Norman Dunn, one of the leading and representative agriculturists- of Seneca county, was born on the farm on which his brother, Deroy C. Dunn, now resides, on the 20th of March, 1853, a son of William Nel son Dunn, the history of whom will be found in the sketch of Arling ton Dunn in this volume. Our subject received his education in the' common schools of the neighborhood, and at the age of eighteen years, secured employment in the molding department of the Tiffin Agricul tural Works, where he remained for one year, and for eight months thereafter worked on the construction of the Baltimore & Ohio Rail road, while for the following two months, he was employed by the Penn sylvania Railroad Company. Returning thence to the old home farm, he was there engaged in agricultural pursuits wdth his brother Deroy ¦until May, 1875, when he began farming a forty-acre tract belonging to 35 5 54 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his father, located where the Belgian Glass Works were later built. After his marriage his: father gave him thirty acres of the tract, and about three years later he was able to- purchase the additional twenty acres, but in 1889 he disposed of that property and the following year became the owner of his present valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres, where he has ever since resided. On this place he has erected a handsome brick residence and a commodious barn, has placed his fields under an excellent state of cultivation, and his is now one of the best developed and most desirable homesteads in the county. In February, 1876, Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to- Miss Jennie B. Wagner, a daughter of John Wagner, now deceased. Three children have been born of this union : Ida May, the wife of John Eitz, of Tiffin, Ohio; Ralph Clark, at home; and Parker AV., who also is with his parents. The Democracy receives Mr. Dunn's hearty support and co-operation, and although he takes an active interest in the public affairs of his locality he has never been a seeker for political preferment. He has attained prominence in business circles, while in private life no man in Hojiewell has more friends than he, and they have been won and are being retained by his attractive personality, his outspoken devotion to the best interests of the community and his mental ability. JAMES T. WALTERMIER. During the war of the Rebellion, representing a most crucial epoch in our national history, Seneca county sent forth a due quota of her valiant sons to defend the integrity of the Union, and one of the number to to thus honored as a veteran, of this great fratricidal conflict is the gentleman whose name initiates this- sketch and who has made his home in the county during his entire life, being now a successful farmer of Jackson township. Air. Waltermier was born in Big Springs township, this county, on the 24th of June, 1844, the son of John and Gertrude (Carter) Wal termier, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, wdience they came CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 555 to Seneca county in an early day. They became the parents of ten children, of whom three are living at the present time. James T. was but seven years of age at the time of his father's death, and he Was then taken into the home o-f Martin Fiant, of Jackson township, by whom he was reared, assisting in the work of the farm! and attending the public schools as opportunity afforded. He was a youth of but seventeen years when the thundering of rebel guns: against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter aroused a loyal protest in his heart, and he did not long delay tendering his services in defense of his country. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company B, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, his .term of enlistment being for three years. His command was assigned, to the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, and he took part in some of the most fiercely contested and ever memorable battles of the great war which determined the integrity of the Union. Among the number were the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca, Vicksburg and Chickasaw Bayou, and later he was with General Sherman in the famous march to the sea. At Dalton, Georgia, Mr. Waltermier was cap tured by the Confederates, and was held prisoner from May 27, 1864, until the close of the war. He was released and duly mustered out of the service, and then returned to Jackson township, greatly broken in health by reason of the many hardships he had endured on the field and while in captivity. On this account he was practically unable to do any active work for a period of nearly two years, but finally resumed the occupation to which he had been reared and in which he has ever since continued. He is one of the few survivors of the ill-fated "Sultana," whose boilers exploded and fifteen hundred returning Union prisoners were drowned. He is a member o-f the Sultana Memorial Association. After his marriage, in 1867, Mr. Waltermier purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Jackson township, and there resided for two: years, at the expiration of which- period he sold the property and rented the farm on which he now lives, purchasing the same in 1883. Here he has a well-improved and highly cultivated farm of eighty acres, and through his well-directed efforts he has- been successful in his farm ing enterprise and is one of the substantial men of the township, where 556 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. he is known and honored for his sterling worth of character. His political support is given to the Democratic party and his religious faith is that of the Reformed church, of which he is a devoted and. prominent member, having been a deacon of Olive Chapel for a period. of about twelve years. On the 24th of January, 1867, Mr. Waltermier was united in mar riage to Miss Mahala Swope, who was born in this county, the daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Hampshire) Swope, pioneer settlers. Of the. seven children of this union five are living and all remain at the parental home except the eldest, their names, in order of birth, being as follows :. Ella, the wife of Charles Master, of AVood county; and Etta A!., Nora A., Oscar J. and Irvin T. Mrs. Waltermier was born in the house in which she now lives, December 7, 1845. Her father, Daniel Swope, was born in Al organ county, this state, as was also her mother, they being married there, and, he entered this tract of land from the government, settling here about 183 1 in the woods before there was another house between here and Fostoria, five miles distant, and there were very few in the entire county. Indians were thick about them, with whom they were on pleasant terms. The present residence, built about 1835, was one of the first frame residences erected in the county. Her parents lived here till her mother's' death, at fifty-five years of age. Later her father removed to Knob- noster, Missouri, about fifteen years ago, and there died, in his ninety- sixth year. They had six children, all but one still living ( 1902). Lydia is the wido-w of Levi Wertz, o-f Wood county ; Eli Swope lives in Alis- souri ; Noah died at the age of fifty-two years ; Israel and Samuel, also of Missouri ; and Mahala, who has lived, except three years, on a farm in Kansas. ELI L. ROSENBERGER. One of the prominent old pioneer families of Seneca county is that of the Rosenbergers, which has been well represented in Liberty town ship from a very early day. They have ever borne their part in the up- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 557 building and development of this region, and have invariably been ex ponents of progress and liberal ideas upon all subjects. Henry Rosenberger, the founder of the family in this portion of Ohio, came from Virginia to Clinton township, Seneca county, in a very early day. In this locality Anthony Rosenberger, his son and the father of our subject, was born about 1829. When the time came for him to choose a life occupation he continued in the vocation to which he had been reared, farming, and after his marriage he rented his father's farm and land adjoining". Later he became the owner of forty acres in PI ope- well township, but remained there only a short time and then located on land belonging- to his father-in-law. In 1863 he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of our subject's present farm, which con tinued to be his home from- that time until 1872, when he purchased and removed to a farm of one hundred and twenty-seven acres in Pleasant township, there spending his remaining days, his death occurring about 1880. He was a Republican in his political affiliations and was a mem ber of the Methodist Protestant church, in which he was an active and efficient worker and for many years he led1 the singing therein, having a fine bass voice. For his first wife Mr. Rosenberger chose Jane Michaels, and they had three children, namely : Jennie, the wife of Edward Heilman, of Clinton township ; Mary, the wife of David Zim merman, of Hamilton county, Indiana; and Eli L., the subject of this review. The wife and mother passed away in death in 1862, and for his second wife the father chose Miss Margaret Zimmerman, by whom he had' one child, Ida, now the wife of Frank Edwards, o-f Pleasant township. Mr. Rosenberger is still living at the old homestead, aged sixty-seven. Eli L. Rosenberger received his elementary education in the com- man schools of this locality, and later he was a student for one term in Heidelberg College, where he enjoyed superior educational advantages. He was twenty years of age at the time of his father's death, and in the following spring he removed to his present home farm, near the home stead, where he owns ninety-seven acres of rich and productive land. The place is extremely fertile and well improved and is considered one 558 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of the most valuable farms of its size in the county. In 1896 he erected one of the most magnificent farm residences in- Seneca county, wdiich is supplied with all the modern conveniences known to- the city home and is complete in all its- appointments. Two months after locating upon his present homestead Air. Rosen berger was united in marriage to Miss Flora I. Michaels, a daughter of George Michaels, now a resident of Illinois. Two children have been born -unto this union, — Ralph R. and Ward E. The Republican j>arty receives Mr. Rosenberger's support and co-operation, and his religious preference is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Protestant church. He gives his support to all moral, educational, social or material interests which he believes will benefit the community, and as a man of sterling worth he justly merits the high regard in which he is held. H. G. BLAINE, M. D. Dr. H. G Blaine is one of the well-known residents of Seneca county. He has gained distinction in the line of his chosen calling, in which he has ever been an earnest and discriminating student, and he holds a position of due relative precedence among the medical practitioners of this section of the Buckeye state. A native of Wheeling, West Virginia, his birth occurred on the 25th of November, 1858, a son of William I. and Nancy V. (Vo-shal) Blaine. Plis father's nativity was in the Keystone state, his birth oc curring in Carlisle, in 1827; and while yet a boy he accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to: manhood and learned the printer's trade. On his father's side he was descended from good old English ancestry, while his maternal ancestors w-ere of Welsh descent. By his marriage to Nancy Vo-shal he became the father of six children, five now living, — George H., who- is employed by the Colonial Steel Company in South Monaca, Pennsylvania; Ella, the wife of A. J. Whitney, of Bettsville, Ohio; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 559 Lillie, the wife of George Sherman, of Attica, this state; Laura, the wife of Bentley McLean, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and H. G, the subject of this sketch. Owing to misfortunes which befel his parents, H. G. Blaine was left to the cold mercies of the world at the age of three years. His parents had early removed' to. the south and the ravages of war had thus devas tated the home of his childhood. Cast upon the charities of distant relatives, he was brought to' this state and finally found shelter in the home of W'illiam F. Leonard, a farmer of Seneca county, who reared him to- years of maturity and gave him the advantages of the common schools. Later he attended the normal school of Republic and Fos toria. He has depended entirely upon his own efforts since the early age of sixteen years, when he began teaching in the schools of the neighbor hood, following that occupation during the wdnter season, while in the summer months he was employed at farm labor, thus continuing until his twentieth year. Two years previous to this time, however, when eighteen years of age, he determined to adopt the medical profession as a life work, and accordingly soon afterward entered the office of Dr. James- M. Parker, of Attica, Ohio. In the fall of 1880 he, matriculated in the Columbus Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, where he attended his first course of lectures. In the spring of 1882 he was graduated at the Indiana Eclectic Medical College, of Indianapolis, Indiana, also re ceiving a second diploma from the Toledo Medical College in 1886. A month after his graduation he opened an office for the practice of his profession in the village of Reedtown, a small hamlet in Seneca county, but after one year's residence there, in February, 1883, he formed a part nership with Dr. Alfred Force, at Attica, Dr. Blaine's present location, this partnership relation continuing until July, 1884, when it was dis solved by mutual consent. With his great love for the work in which he was engaged and his indomitable energy, Dr. Blaine did not feel that his practice then called forth his- entire efforts, and he therefore set to work to establish a medi cal journal, in which he would be able to- set forth his own ideas relating to medical science and at the same time open an avenue through wdnch 560 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. he might become more familiar with the opinions of the profession at large. Accordingly, on the ist of October, 1884, he issued the first number o-f the Medical Compend, a practical monthly epitome of medi cine and surgery and the allied sciences, and this he published in Attica until April, 1889, when his private office, the office of the Medical Com pend and the printing office, together with their contents, were destroyed by fire. In the following June Dr. Jonathan Priest, of Toledo, Ohio, became associated with our subject in the publication of the Medical Compend, and the office of the journal was moved to that city, of which Dr. Blaine became a resident in 1892. Uj»n the death of Dr. Priest Dr. H. S. Havighorst was made a partner, and the name of the journal was changed to- the Toledo Aledical Compend, thus continuing until 1894, when the journal was sold, and in 1896 our subject returned to Attica. In 1885 he was appointed to the chair of diseases of women and children in the Toledo Medical College, and he was afterward chosen to fill the chair of diseases of the nervous system in the same institution, which position he held until May, 1892, when he resigned from the faculty. He is the author of the work entitled "The Physician : His Re lation to the Law." The principal object of this book is to: give in a condensed form the relation of the physician to the special laws which control him and of which he, as a rule, nas a very vague and imperfect idea, together with a more extended knowledge of the legal rules which govern the collection of his fees. The ethical code of the three schools of medicine are also given without comment, and other' chapters contain the statutory enactments in the various states regulating the practice of medicine. In 1877 Dr. Blaine was united in marriage to Lucy E. Shanks, a daughter of James Shanks, of Chicago- Junction, Ohio, and they had four sons: Ernest G. and Earl H., twins, the latter now deceased; Harry S., a mail clerk of Toledo-, Ohio; and William G, a student in the high school of Toledo. On the 18th of June, 1898, the Doctor was united in marriage to- Miss Maude Endslow, a native of Crawford county, Ohio-, and a daughter of Thomas B. Endslow, the well-known miller of New Washington, Ohio. The only child of this marriage is CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 561 now deceased. The Democracy receives Dr. Blaine's hearty support and co-operation, and he is now a member of the Democratic county execu tive committee; was elected mayor of Attica, Ohio, in April, 1902, while for the past three years he has also been the health officer. In 1899 he and his son, E. G., erected the Attica Telephone Exchange and the toll lines to Bellevue, Monroeville, Chicago Junction and Scipio, but in June, 1 90 1, he sold his interest in that corporation. In the interests of his profession' he is connected with the Northwestern Ohio Medical Associa tion and the Ohio: Medical Society, and in his social relations he is a member of Attica Lodge, No. 302, K. of P., of which he is a past chancellor; is deputy state counselor of Attica Council, No. 317, J. O. U. A. M., and is examining physician and consul of Attica Camp, No. 9216, Modern Woodmen of America. ANDREW WERLEY. No better illustration of the characteristic energy and enterprise of the typical German- American citizen can be found than that afforded by the career of this well-known citizen of Seneca county. He was born in Braunlingen, Baden, Germany, November 22, 1825, and is a son of Francis J. and Agatha ( Rapenegger) Werley, also natives of Baden, Germany, where they died in 1848. The father was a clock-maker, and followed that occupation as a means of livelihood up to the time of his death. Of the nine children torn unto this worthy couple only three are now living, namely : Jane, the wife of Casper Richter, of Colum bus, Ohio; Andrew, the subject of this review; and Teresa, the wife of Jacob Schiffer, of New Riegel, Ohio. Andrew Werley was reared and educated in the land of his nativity, and in 1846, when a young man, he left the home of his childhood and youth for the United 'States. Traveling through France from Strasburg to Havre de Grace, he there embarked on the French steamer "Globe," and- arrived in the harbor of New York on the ist of June, 1846, after 562. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. an ocean voyage of forty-four days. After his arrival in this country he made his w^ay by canal to Delaware county, Ohio, arriving in New ark on the 29th- of June of the same year, and on the following Fourth of July joined his brother John in Delaware. He there made his home for the following two years, during which time he was engaged in sell ing- clocks through that and adjoining counties. From 1848 until 1856 he worked in the Ohio- Tool Company's plant in Columbus, and in that year he located in New Riegel. His- brother John was then engaged in the mercantile business in that village, and for two years our subject remained in his employ, going thence to Thompson township, where he erected and conducted a store- at Frank's Corner for four years. He then returned to New Riegel and at a sheriff's sale purchased the store formerly owned by his brother John, the latter having sold the same about two- years prior to that time. From that time until 1878 Mr. Werley was there engaged in a general mercantile business, but on the expiration of that period he sold his stock of goods to his son-in-law, Charles, H. Klein, and in 1880 built an elevator and engaged in the grain business. After devoting his attention to that occupation for eight years he sold his interests and retired from the active duties of a business life. While residing in Columbus, Ohio, on the 27th of August, 185 1, Mr. Werley was united in marriage to: Miss Catherine Smith, a native also of Baden, Germany, and a daughter of Philip and Anna Smith. The family came to- Seneca county, Ohio-, in 1835 purchasing land 111 Seneca township, and there they spent the remainder of their lives. Of the twelve children born unto our subject and wife only nine are now- living, namely: Stephen A., a resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Rosa, the wife of C. H. Klein, of Auglaize county, Ohio; Minnie M., wdio makes her home in Chicago, Illinois; Clotilda and Sophia T., at home; Victor M., of Carey, Ohio; Lo-retta E., the widow of Albert E. Friend, of Cleveland, Ohio; Isabelle M., the wdfe of George Fowler, of Du buque, Iowa; and Seraphin C, a bookkeeper, of Marysville, California. The children all received excellent educational advantages, and they CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 563 speak and write both the German and English languages. Mrs. Werley died November 1, 1889, aged sixty-three years. Air. Werley gives his political support to the Democracy, and for nineteen years he held the office of township treasurer. When the New Riegel post-office was established he became its first postmaster, and when the town was incorporated he became its first mayor, in which lie is the present incumbent, this being his sixth term in that important position. For a, period of twenty-four years he has served as a school director, and for many years he has served as a delegate to the county, 'state, judicial and senatorial conventions of his party. The family are members of St. Boniface's Catholic church. CHARLES E. FEASEL. In the history of the agricultural interests of Seneca county Charles E. Feasel well deserves prominent mention, being one of the leading and enterprising farmers of Liberty township. He was born in Jackson township on the 24th of June, 1863, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Stahl) Feasel, who were the parents of seven children, as follows: Clara, deceased; Charles E. ; William, who resides in Liberty township; Ida E., who died in childhood; John L., a resident of Jackson township; Esther E., the wife of George Aumaugher, of Jackson township; and Irvin, who resides in Jackson township. Throughout his active business career the father of this family was connected with agricultural pursuits, becoming a well-known and enterprising farmer. He died in 1886, at the age of fifty-eight years, and his wife, surviving him eleven years, passed away in 1897, also at the age o-f fifty-eight years. Charles, E. Feasel is indebted to the public-school system of his native county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He- worked on the home farm: through the months of summer, attending school during the winter season, and with the labors of field and meadow he early became familiar. At length he left the home place in order to engage in business on his own account and chose as his vocation the -'564 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. work to which he had been reared. He is to-day the owner of a tract of rich and arable land of one hundred and thirty-five acres and carries on both general farming and stock-raising. His fields give promise of .golden harvests and in his pastures and feed lands can be seen good giade-s of cattle, hogs and sheep, which find a ready sale on the market and add materially to his annual income. He has good improvements uj>on his place and a glance will indicate to the passer-by that the owner is a progressive agriculturist. In the year 1885 was celebrated the- marriage of 'Air. Feasel and Miss Mary Millhine, of Jackson townshij}, and a daughter of John and Sarah Millhine. Seven children have been born of their union, namely : irvin E., Harvey H., Cora E., Alberta B., May Ethel, Belvah M. and Gladys A. The parents hold membership in the United Brethren church, taking a very active part in its, work and contributing materially to its support. Mr. Feasel has been honored with several offices in the church; has been superintendent of the Sunday-school, class-leader, trustee, and is now secretary of the board of trustees. He has also filled civic posi tions, having for three years capably served as the township treasurer. He has likewise been a member of the school board and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend, who does all in his power for its advancement. His political faith is that of the Republican party, and, as every true American citizen should do, he keeps well informed on the issues of the day and does what he can to secure the adoption of the principles in which he believes. In manner he is frank and genial, and his many good qualities are recognized by friends who have known and respected him from' boyhood. J. FRANK TITUS, M. D. Seneca county, Ohio, has its full quota of skilled physicians and .surgeons, and among the number may be noted the subject of this re view, Dr. J. Frank Titus. He was born in Jackson township, this CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 565 county, on the 20th of January, 1870, a son of Giles J. and Sarah E.. (White) Titus. The father also claimed the Buckeye state as the place of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Cleveland in 1838, and there he grew to mature years and learned the trade of plasterer. When a young man he removed to Iowa, and there remained until the break ing out of the Civil war, when he went to Quincy, Illinois, there offer ing his services to the Union cause by becoming a member of the Eighty- fourth Illinois Infantry. He remained a brave and valiant soldier until the terrible struggle was past, and during his services he was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. After his honorable discharge he came to Seneca county, Ohio, establishing a turning factory in the village of Kansas, where he was engaged in the manufacture of wooden bowls. About 1878, however, he removed his plant to- Woodville, Sandusky county, and from 1883 until 1890 was engaged in the same business at Green Spring, Ohio. In the latter year he became a resident of Fos toria, where he has since been living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of former toil. He gives a, stanch and unwavering" support to- the Re publican party, and religiously is a member o-f the United Brethren church. While a resident of Iowa he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. White, and they became the jjarents . of eight children, four now living : Roger, a commercial traveler of Cleveland, Ohio ; Lillian, the wife of George W. Mallott, of Rocky Ford, Colorado; and Ger trude, the wife of E. J. Earnest, of Jackson, Alichigan; and J. Frank, the subject of this review. J. Frank Titus began the active battle of life for himself when but a boy of seventeen years, as an employe in a general store at Cummings, Wood county, Ohio, there remaining for four years. On the expiration of that period he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in which institution he was graduated in the homeopathic departmtent in the spring of 1896. In the fall of that year he came to Attica and opened an office for the practice of his chosen profession. Although one of the more recent representatives of the profession, he has already gained distinction in the line of his chosen calling, has ever been an earnest and discriminating student, and all who. 566 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. know him' have the highest admiration for his many excellent character istics. The marriage of Dr. Titus was celebrated June 5, 1900, when Miss Bertha L. Rhineberg- became his wife. She is a native of Green Spring, Seneca county, and a daughter of T. B. Rhineberg, now a resident of Reed township. The Doctor is a member of Attica Lodge, I. O. O. F., in which he is now serving as vice grand, and is a member of Attica Lodge, No. 302, K. of P., in which he has held all the offices and at the present time is master at arms. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. JACOB S. ARMSTRONG. Among the native sons of Scipio- township who still reside within its borders is Jacob S. Armstrong, whose birth here occurred July 28, 1834, his parents being George and Mary A. (Swickard) Armstrong. The father was a native of Jefferson county, Ohio-, and in 1834 arrived in Seneca county, at which time he took up his abode upon the farm in Scipio township, where our subject was: born. His first home was a little log cabin, in which he lived in true pioneer style, bravely meeting all the hardships and trials which fall to' the lot of the pioneer. Only a few- acres of the land had been cleared, but with characteristic energy he be gan the further development of the farm, which he continued until ill health caused him to: return to Jefferson county. There he remained through the succeeding decade and then returned to- Scipio township, again locating upon the old homestead. It was his place of residence until 1856, when he went to Reed township, where for twenty-eight years he carried on agricultural pursuits, his life's labors being ended in death in 1884. He was then seventy-three years of age, his birth having occurred in 181 1. His wife passed away March 9, 1883. In his business undertakings Mr. Armstrong met with excellent success. He acquired nine hundred acres of land in. Reed and Scipio: townships and well did he earn the proud American title of a. self-made man. His prosperity was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 567 the outcome of earnest and diligent effort, guided by sound judgment. His fellow townsmen recognized his worth and ability and frequently called him to serve in township offices, and the Methodist Episcopal church found in him a valued and worthy member. In the family were four children, namely: Jacob S., of this review; Samantha, the wife of Alpheus Wall; John G., a resident of Reed township; and Tabitha, the wife of George Wail, who served as a soldier in the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the civil war. In taking up the personal history of Jacob S. Armstrong, we present to our readers the life record o-f one who is widely and favorably known in Seneca county as a representative farmer. His preliminary educa tion, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by study in the Rqxrblic Academy, and his business training was received upon the home farm, where he early became familiar with the work of the fields. On the 5th of March, 1861, he gained a companion and helpmate for the journey of life in the person of Miss Sarah Ann Tompkins, who was born in Thompson township, Seneca county, and is a daughter of Isaac and Christina (Scothorn) Tompkins. Her mother was the first white child in Reed township, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Armstrong having located there in 1824, when she was three years old. Mrs, Tomp kins is still living with Mrs. Armstrong, and has reached the advanced age of eighty-one years. Her husband came to- Seneca county from New York about 1833 and here met and married Aliss Scothorn. The mar riage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with one child, Lillian, the wife of Daniel Benfer. They reside with her parents and have four children, — Wade A., Glee S., Claude E. and Darl J. The family home is a fine brick residence which was erected by Mr. Armstrong and is one of the largest houses in Seneca county. It is tastefully furnished and is surrounded by a beautiful and well kept lawn, Many excellent im provements, have been made upon the farm, which comprises two hun dred and eighty acres of rich land. In addition to- the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to the climate, M'r. Armstrong is engaged in stock- raising, and both branches of his business are remunerative1. In politics his views are in harmony with socialistic ideas, as ex- 568 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. pressed in Pop-ulistic jjlatforms. His wife is a member of the Baptist church and he belongs to the Miasonc fraternity, with which he has been identified for more than thirty years. He is also a member of the Grange and is- widely known in his native county, where his life has been so honorably passed that his record is well worthy of emulation. There have been no exciting chapters in his history, but his record is that of a man who has ever been true to the duties of citizenship', of friendship and of the home. DAVID W. BROWN. From his boyhood the subject o-f this sketch has been a resident of Seneca county; and that he is a representative of one of its pioneer fam ilies is evident when we revert to- the fact that he has now attained to the age of nearly four-score years. His life has been one of signal useful ness and honor, and his memory links the early pioneer epoch, with its primitive surroundings and equipments, inseparably with this latter era of prosperity and opulent achievement and conditions which have marked the advent o-f the glorious twentieth century. As a representative farmer of the county and one of its pioneer citizens, it is incumbent that we enter this review of the life history of Mr. Brown. David W. .Brown is a native of the state of Maryland, having been born in Frederick county, on the 9th of December, 1826, the son of George and Julia Aim (Scott) Brown, who became the parents, of seven children, namely : Catherine, who married William W. Null and died in 1866; David W., of this sketch; Christian, who- died in 1879, from disability contracted in the war; Sarah, the wife of Aaron C. Reese, of Linden, Ohio ; Thomas, who died in childhood ; Leetha, the wife of Jacob Ash, of Kansas, Ohio-; and Wesley B., who enlisted in the Civil war when only sixteen years old and is now a resident of Williams county. Thomas Brown, the grandfather of our subject, was of English ancestry, a farmer in Frederick county, Maryland, married Susan Harmon, of German descent, and died in 1828, at the age of fifty-five years. His --^^ejr***^ ^ynr-fi-urvu^ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 569 wife died in 183 1, at the age of fifty-six years. Their children were John, who- died at the age of twenty-one years; Thomas, who was a soldier in the war of 18 12, fought in the engagements at Bladensburg and Baltimore, and in 1836 settled in Miami county, Ohio; William, who died while a young man, at Greencastle, Pennsylvania ; and Chris tian, who- came to Seneca county, Ohio, with his brother George in 1833, married Susan Shaull, a daughter of John B. Shaull, who located on the present homestead of David W. Brown about 1822 or 1823; Christian died in 1842. George Brown, the father of our subject, came with his family from Maryland with a team and wagon, taking up his abode in Tiffin, then a mere hamlet in the midst of a wild forest, where settlers had inaugurated the work o-f reclamation not many years previously. Here he followed: his trade, that of cooper, for a short time, and in 1835 removed to Eden township, where he leased land and engaged in farming". In 1839 he removed to Liberty township, where he purchased a tract of eighty acres, which served as the nucleus of his well-improved estate of one hundred and sixty acres, since he had purchased additional land and had im proved the property prior to- his death, at the venerable age of eighty- four years, the last twenty-seven years of his life having been passed at the home of his son, the subject of this review. He was a man of ster ling character and held the unqualified esteem of the people of the com munity. He served as a justice o-f the peace for a number of years and_ was also the incumbent of other local offices. His religious faith was. that of the Lutheran church, of which his wife was likewise a member.. She passed away at the age of forty-two years. David W. Brown was a lad of seven years when he accompanied" his parents on their removal to Seneca county, and here he was reared to maturity, his educational advantages being necessarily limited, so that it may be said that he is self-educated, even as he has been the architect of his own fortunes in a temporal way. When twenty-two years of age. he began learning the shoemaker's trade at Bascom, serving an appren ticeship of one and a half years, and thereafter he worked at Fort Sen eca, from 1852 to 1854, and then removed to- Liberty township, where 36 570 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. he continued to follow his trade for a year, and next extended the scope of his enterprise by also: engaging in agricultural pursuits and the rais ing of live stock. Pie had, indeed, begun his business career by buying farm animals at the early age of seventeen years. He has continued to reside in Liberty township to- the jjresent time, and has followed his trade to a greater or less extent in connection with his farming- and stock-raising industry. His efforts have met a merited success and he is now the owner of a, well-improved and highly cultivated farm of eighty acres, having retained this amount of the estate of two hundred and forty-eight acres which he here owned at one time. In politics Mr. Brown is a stanch stmporter of the Democratic party, with which he has been allied from the time of attaining" his ma jority, and during all his years of toil and endeavor he has been broad- minded, upright and public-spirited, and has conittuanded the confidence and esteem of those among whom his life has been passed. On the 28th of March, 1852, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Aliss Susanna Null, who- was born in Hopewell township, this county, the daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Puffenberger) Null, who were born and married in Virginia, whence they came to Seneca county about 1830, settling on a. heavily timbered tract of land in Hopewell townshij}, whence about two years later they removed to- Liberty township, where Air. Null purchased eighty acres, subsequently adding to his property, owning four hundred acres at the time of his death, when eighty-two years of age. His wife died at the age of seventy-six years, six months and two days. Mrs. Brown is one of five children living, the others being W. H. Null, retired, a resident of Kansas, Ohio; Lovina, now Mrs. Dr. Joseph Cessna, at Kalamo-, Michigan; Sarah, the wife of John Chester, of Tiffin; and Clarinda, the wife of Samuel Shrodes, of Tiffin. The ten children of Mir. and Mrs. Brown are: Thomas J., who read law- at Tiffin, was admitted to the bar, practiced at Chicago, was married in Illinois to- Aliss Susie McCullough, and is now a practitioner cf law and an insurance agent at Atlanta, Georgia ; Albert, who was reared on the farm, married Luella Astry, is a farmer in Williams CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 571 county, this state, and has two children, — Lottie K. and Ariel; Cath erine, now the wife of William Wagonhouser, of Sylvania, Lucas county, Ohio, with four children, — Claude W., David Albert, Alva and Alyrl ; William H., a farmer of Plopewell township, who married Malinda Alt- man had has six children, — Ladema, Viola, Maud, Alvernon (who died at the age of seventeen years), Isora and Virgie; Susan E., who married Jacob H. Wagoner, of the same township, and whose children are George, Marie, John and Louisa; John D., who read law at Valparaiso, Indiana, practiced his profession at Kansas City, has been engaged in editorial work in Missouri, married Mary Young and has one daughter, named Mabel ; Elander, who died in infancy ; Awilda, who is the wife of Henry Puffenberger, her husband having the farm of the old Puffen- berger homestead in Liberty township; they have lost one child in in fancy and are now rearing a nephew, George A. Brown, aged at pres ent five years; Jessie, now Mrs. John Smith, of Wood county, this state, with two- children, — Ethel Leone and Eva; and Charles S., who married Mrs. May McCall and has three children, — Clio, George and Susie. He is engaged in the oil business in AVoo-d county. JOHN BALL. One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men of Seneca county is John Ball. He is public-spirited and thor oughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community, and for many years he has- been numbered among the most valued and- honored citizens of Seneca county. His birth occurred in- Huron county, Ohio-, November 18, 1851, a son of Joseph and Celia (Clous) Ball. His father was born in Ger many about 1820, and he was there reared and married, and prior to his removal to this country three children were born to him in his little German home. In 1850 he crossed the broad Atlantic to the United 572 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. States, spending about fourteen weeks on the voyage, and after arriving. in New York he made his way to Huron county, Ohio, there purchasing fifty acres of land in Norwich township. About 1862 he sold his pos sessions there and- removed to- Venice township, Seneca county, here becoming the owner of an eighty-acre tract, but later sold that property and removed to Bloom township, where his last days were spent, his death occurring in 1894. Eight children were born unto Air. and Mrs. Ball, namely : James, a prominent agriculturist of Seneca county ; Ben jamin, deceased; Margaret, the widow of Frank Schank and a resident of Huron county, Ohio; John, the subject of this review; Frank, who is employed by his brother Joseph ; Catherine, deceased ; Mary, w-ho1 wife of Michael Brown, of Huron county; and Celia, the wife of Leo Layman, of Ottawa county, Ohio-. To the public-school system of his native locality John Ball is in debted for the educational jD-rivileges which he received in his youth, but his advantages in that direction were extremely limited. About six years prior to his marriage he rented the Jacob Funk farm of one hundred and. sixty acres, but in 1890 he removed from that place to the Jacob- Hossler farm of two hundred and forty acres, on which he made his home tor one year. While residing there he became the owner o-f a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Bloom township, exchanging for the same. a tract of sixty acres which he had- purchased some time in the '70s while making his homle on the Funk farm. He gives his entire attention to the raising of the cereals best adapted to- this soil and climate, and in the line of his chosen vocation he is meeting with a high and well-merited degree of success. In matters of national importance he gives his politi cal support to the Democracy, but at local elections he supports the men whom in his best judgment he regards as best qualified to fill positions of honor and trust. On the 14th of October, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ball and Miss Catherine Reiderman. The lady is a native of Erie county, Ohio, and a, daughter of January Reiderman, whose birth oc curred in Germany. Of the five children born to: Mr. and Mrs. Ball four now survive, — John C, Bertha M1., Celia B. and Christian O., — CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 573 all at home. The family are members of the Catholic church, in which Mr. Ball is serving as councilman and as a, member of the building com mittee, having assisted in the construction of the St. Stephen's church, parsonage and school building. Many years of his life have been spent in Seneca county and among its best citizens he is widely and favorably known. OWEN P. GREEN. Owen P. Green owns and cultivates sixty acres of land in Scipio township and is a progressive farmer, following" modern methods. He was born in this township August 7, 1843, and is a son of Elias and Mary A. (Lap-ham) Green. His father was a native of Cayuga county, New York, and in an early day emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Scipio townshipi when the work of progress and improvement was in its incipiency. When our subject was nine years of age the father re moved with his family to Hardin co-urtty and there spent his remaining days. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Green were born five children: Eliza J., now deceased; Timothy; Owen P.; Ansel C. ; and Lavinia A., who has passed away. After the death of the father the family returned to Scipio township, where Owen P. Green was reared to manhood. When a youth of fourteen he began earning his own living, working, as a farm hand- by the month. After the inauguration of the Civil war he felt that his, duty was toward his country, and to the government offered his services on the 7th of August, 1 86 1, becoming a mlember of Company H, One Flundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was sent to the front and the first engagement in which he participated was at the battle of Stone River. He was also in the engagements at Chickamauga and Franklin. At the battle of Chickamauga he was wounded by a. shell and for four months lay in a hospital. On the 19th of June, 1865, the war having ended, he received an honorable discharge. His record was ever characterized by fidelity to duty and bravery in the midst of battle and he returned to his home with- a creditable military record. 574 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Again Mr. Green took up- his abode in Scipio township. He was married February 2, 1871, to Miss Sarah E. Wilkerson. Mrs. Green was born on the farm where she now lives, a daughter of Charles and Jane (White)' Wilkerson, who were both born in Cayuga county, New York, where they were married September 10, 1837, and they came to Seneca county in 1840. Air. Wilkerson secured this tract of land in the woods, erected a log house and in 1858 built the present residence. Both himself and wife died here, he October 19, 1889, in his eighty-first year, and she August 31, 1901, aged eighty-nine years. They had three daughters', — Delia, now the widow of Edgar S. Lamkin, and Celia C, Mrs. Stephen Howland, both residing" in Republic; and Airs. Green, the youngest. She was educated in the academy at Republic and taught for a time in the home school. Mr. Green is carrying on general farming and stock-raising with good success, his place being neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating his careful supervision. He exercises his- right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and1 believes firmly in its principles. He is to-day as true to his duties o-f citizenshijD as when he followed the old. flag upon the battlefields of the south. GEORGE BRINEY. George Briney was born upon the farml where he now resides, Au gust 4, 1843, and is a son of John Henry Briney, a native of Alsace, Ger many, who came to America with his parents about 1827, being at the time thirteen years of age. His father was Henry Briney, wdio: wdth his family took up his abode in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where he became connected with business interests as a clerk in a hotel. In the Keystone state John Henry Briney was reared to: manhood and as a companion and helpmate on the journey of life he chose Rebecca Line- baugh. They became the parents of six children : Jacob, who- died at the age of seventeen years ; Caroline, the wife of George Detterman, of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 575 Adams township; Henry, a resident of Henry county, Ohio; George, of this review; Catherine, who- has passed away; and Mary, the wife of T. F. Mohr, of Scipio township. In the year 1838 the father of these children made his way to Ohio, settling in Scipio- township-, Seneca county, upon the farm- where our subject now resides. He had pur chased this in connection with his father at a previous date, the tract comprising ninety-three acres. Upon it a log cabin of one room had been built and five acres of the land had been cleared, but the remainder was covered wdth heavy timber. Upon this farm the grandfather of our subject died at the age of eighty-four years, and here John Henry Briney passed away in 1890, his wife surviving him only one year. Both were seventy-eight years of age when called to- the home beyond. The father had been very successful in his business pursuits and had accumu lated three hundred and twenty acres of land. He was a member of the Lutheran church and was widely known and highly respected for his 'sterling worth. On the old family homestead George Briney of this review was reared, early becoming familiar with the work of cultivating the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the autumn. During the winter months when the farm work was j>ractically over for the year he attended school and until twenty-three years of age he gave his father the benefit of his services. At that time he removed to the farm upon which his brother-in-law, Mr. Mohr, is now living, and later .took up- his abode upon the original homestead of ninety-three acres where his birth occurred. He has devoted his attention to agricul tural pursuits and stock-raising and has made excellent improvements upon his place, which now returns to him annually a good income. October 18, 1866, M'r. Briney was united in marriage to Catherine Detterman, and their union has been blessed with eight children : Clara, the wife of B. D. Yundt, of Scipio township; Frank, of Thompson township; Warren, who is with his father; Nellie, who became the wdfe of H. Hileman; and Claude, Edith, Lena and Gladys. The parents hold membership in St. Jacob's Reformed Lutheran church and Air. Briney belongs to the school board, on which he has served for twenty years, 576 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the cause of education finding in him a warm friend, who exercises his official prerogatives for the substantial advancement of the schools of his neighborhood. Having always resided in this locality, he is well known, and the fact that many of his warmest friends are numbered among those with whom he has been acquainted from boyhood is an in dication that his career has ever been honorable and upright. JACOB SOUDER HUSS. From the early pioneer epoch the life of the honored subject of this review has been identified with the industrial activities of Seneca county, of which he is a native son and in which he has maintained a consecu tive residence. He has now passed the psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, and this fact is significant, since it indicates the early date at which his parents must have cast in their lot with the pio neers of this now prosperous and opulent section of the old Buckeye state. His father exercised a. potent influence in the development and advancement of the county in the early days,, and this is also true of the son, who has here iived and labored to- goodly ends, so ordering his life as to command the unreserved confidence and regard of all who know him. To a review of his earnest and honorable life we turn with a feeling of respect and satisfaction, since the same offers both lesson and Incentive. Jacob S. Huss was born on the old pioneer farm, amid the sylvan wilds of Eden township, this county, on the 5th of December, 1828, being one of the three children of David and Nancy (Olmsted) Huss. Ann, the wife of Jacob Holtz, died at the age of seventy-eight years, and • Elizabeth is the wife of Lysander Reynolds, of Clinton township. David Huss was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of that state, where he was reared and educated and where he- learned the trade of carpenter. When a young man he re moved to Frederick county, Maryland, where his wife was born and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 577 where their, marriage was solemnized. Soon after this important event they emigrated thence, in 1827, to- Seneca county, Ohio, where the father purchased forty acres of heavily timbered land, in Eden township, later buying additional land until he had one hundred and twenty acres. He cleared his farm and gradually brought the same into cultivation, his original domicile being a primitive log cabin, which he erected in a small clearing in the forest. He continued to reside in this county until his death, in 1873, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His political alle giance was originally given to the Whig party, but upon the organiza tion of the Republican party he identified himself therewith and con tinued to be an earnest supporter of the same until his death. He wielded a strong influence in public affairs of a local nature, and served with ability and for long periods in various township offices, including those of justice of the peace, assessor and trustee. He was a man of spotless integrity and never violated the confidence reposed in him by any of the relations of life. His widow survived him nearly ten years, her demise occurring in 1882, in her eighty-third year. Jacob S. Huss was reared on the old homestead, early beginning to contribute to the work o-f development and cultivation and conning his lessons in the little log school-house as opportunity presented. He con tinued to work for his- father until he had attained the age of twenty- four years, when he assumed charge of the home farm, later becoming the owner of seventy-two acres, contiguous to his father's farm, having purchased the land in three different portions. In 1867 they disposed of their property in Eden township and removed to Clinton township, where our subject purchased a tract of one hundred and forty-nine acres, to which he subsequently added twenty acres, and here he has ever since given his attention to- general farming and stock-growing, having re claimed the farm and made the best of improvements on the same. His father continued an inmate of his home until death ended the labors of a useful and active life. The mother of our subject also continued in his home until her death, and her memory remains as a benediction to all who came under the influence of her noble and gentle character. In pol itics Mr. Huss has given an unqualified support to the Republican party, 578 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. but he has never permitted his name to appear in connection with can didacy for public office. On the ioth of April, 1855, Mr. Huss was united in marriage to Miss Almira E. Reynolds, who was born July 17, 1834, in Cayuga county, New York, the daughter of Abraham and Harriet (Goldsmith) Reynolds, who camje to Seneca county, Ohio, about 1835 and here passed the remainder of their lives, having cleared and improved a good farm in Eden township. The father here died at an advanced age. Air. and Mrs. Huss became the parents of two children : Jessie, who is the wife of Frederick Dudrow, of Adams township, and has two children, — Harry Huss Dudrow and Byron Fred Dudrow ; and Ella, who married Frank Trout and died at the age- of eighteen years. Mrs. Huss became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in her youth and has ever continued a devoted adherent of the same. JOHN BIGHAM. The great basic industry of agriculture, which must ever figure as the bulwarks of our national prosperity and progress, has in Seneca county an able representative in the person of Mr. Bigham, who- is a representative citizen of Liberty township and one of the substantial and prosperous agriculturists of this section of the state. Mr. Bigham was born in Fredericktown, Knox county, Ohio, on the 5th of March, 1832, being the son of John and Eliza (Lewis) Bigham, both natives of Pennsylvania. They became the parents of eight chil- ' dren, of whom only three are living at the present time, — Margaret, who is unmarried and who resides in Melmore, this county; Samuel, a resi dent of Ionia county, Michigan; and John, the subject o-f this sketch. John Bigham, Sr., was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and was there reared to maturity. He there married, and in 1832 he camje wdth his family to Ohio, locating in Knox county, at Frederick- town, where he remained until July of the following year, which rep-re- ¦ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 579 sents the date of his- arrival in Seneca county. Here he purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land, near the present village of Melmore, erecting a primitive log cabin as a home for his family, and then setting himself valiantly to the task of reclaiming his land and placing it under cultivation. As time passed, the evidences of his success became each year more distinctly marked, and he here made his home until his life's labors were terminated by his death, in September, 1883, when his estate was rej>resented by the old homestead of one hundred and sixty acres 'and several hundred acres of valuable land in Ionia and Eaton counties, Alichigan. In politics he was- originally an olddine Whig, but eventually transferred his allegiance to- the Republican party, whose cause he there after gave a zealous suj>port. He was a man of distinct ability and ster ling character and was highly esteemed in the community. His wife passed away in 1840, at the age of thirty-six years. John Bigham, jr., the subject of this sketch, grew up on the old homestead farm, in Eden township, and that he made the most of the scholastic advantages which were offered in the public schools of the place and period is evident from the fact that as a y^oung man he became a successful and popular teacher in the district schools, engaging in such pedagogic work for eight terms, in Seneca and Crawford counties and in Washtenaw county, Michigan, and showing himself to have been a diligent and appreciative student. In 1857 he yvent to Washtenaw county, Michigan, where he was employed in a sawmill for three months and thereafter as a farm hand until the winter season came on, when he secured a position as teacher. The following spring his marriage was solemnized, and with his bride he soon afterward returned to Ohio. locating on a farm in Crawford county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own responsibility, becoming the owner of one hundred and ten acres. After about six years had elapsed he disposed of this place and purchased another farm, of one hundred and thirty-two acres, in the same county but about two miles southeast of Melmore, and ad joining the old homestead. He disposed of this property in 1870, pur chasing a tract of one hundred and eighty acres in Jackson township, Seneca county, which he still owns, having made excellent improvements 58o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. on the place and there retaining his residence until 1889, wdien he re moved to the farm of one hundred acres owned by his wife, in Liberty township, and this has since been the family home, — one of the most attractive in this section. Air. Bigham supervises the operation of both these fine farm properties and on every hand are to be seen the evidences of the careful and discriminating attention bestowed and the progressive methods employed. In politics he is a loyal supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and while a resident of Crawford county he served two terms as trustee of his township and also held the office of assessor. In 1 89 1 he was appointed postmaster of Angus, Ohio, and has since- been the incumbent, the office being located on the farm, through which passes the Nickel Plate Railroad. Fraternally he is identified with Fos toria Lodge, F. & A. M., having been a member since 1861, and his religious views are in harmony wdth the tenets of the Presbyterian ¦church, though not a member, while Airs. Bigham holds views more in accord with the Dunkard church. In 1856 Mr. Bigham was united in marriage in Washtenaw county, Michigan, to Miss Jane Clarke, who was born in the state of New York, and who died in 1888, leaving three children, — Mary E., wife of U. N. Keller, of Her, this county; Robert, of Her; and Martha J., wife of N. B. Flack, of Amlsden. Subsequently Mr. Bigham- consummated a second marriage, his union to- Miss Sarah Ann Flack being solemnized on the ist of October, 1889. Mrs. Bigham was born on the farm where she now lives, being the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bach- tell) Flack, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born in Fayette county and the latter in Franklin county. Jacob Flack was the son of John L. and Barbara (Snyder) Flack, who- were numbered among the earliest settlers of Seneca county, having come here in 1826 and locating on the farm now owned by More Flack, of whom mention is made on another page. The laiid was heavily timbered and here the grandfather of Mrs. Bigham erected his log house and duly installed his Lares and Penates. He reclaimed his farm and became the owner of several hundred acres of land in the county, dividing the estate among his children -and passing to his reward at the age of sixty-five years, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 581 one of the honored pioneers of this state. Jacob- Flack was born on the 19th of December, 1813, and he entered into eternal rest on the 4th of May, 1867, after a life of signal honor and usefulness. After his marriage he settled in the woods on the farm now owned by Mrs. Big ham and her home during her entire life. Plere he owned two hundred acres, which had been given him by his father, and here he remained until his death, having been one of the prominent and influential citi zens of the county and having been held in the highest regard by all who knew him. He was a Democrat in politics and his religious faith was in touch with the Dunkards. His wife is now deceased, having passed away August 7, 1899, in her eighty-first year. They were the par ents of two daughters, the younger being Barbara Ella, who married. E. M. Williams and who died in 1868, aged twenty-seven years. Sarah Ann bad ever lived with her parents, her life being devoted to the de mands o-f home and family. JOHN F FRUTH. Year has been added to year and decade to decade until the aggre gate of almost half a century has been attained since the time when the subject of this sketch came as a lad to Seneca county, of which his father was a pioneer, still living within its confines, as a venerable patriarch and as a man whose life has been such as to retain to him the high esteem of his fellow men. When the family took up their residence in Loudon township this section was still practically a frontier region, awaiting the awakening touch of the sturdy pioneers who would still further transform its wild lands into rich and productive farms and beautiful homes, establish villages, churches, schools and various com mercial and industrial enterprises and thus continue the inceptive work of reclaiming the country for the uses and blessing of mankind. The natural advantages of this section attracted at an early day a superior class of settlers,— a thrifty, industrious, progressive and law-abiding- 5S2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. people, whose influence has given- permanent direction to- the work of development and material advancement. Or this type was the father of our subject, who is one of the sturdy sons of the German fatherland who have taken up their abode in America to become an integral part of its social fabric and a valuable factor in conserving its normal and legiti mate progress. Tlie Fruth family is one peculiarly worthy of consider ation in this work, touching Seneca county and its people. John F. Fruth was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 21st of May, 1853, being the son of Frank and Catherine (Fruth) Fruth, of collateral branches of one of the old and honored families of that section of the great German empire, where both were born, as were also their ten children, of whom only four survive, namely : Leonard, who makes his home with the subject of this review; Adam, a farmer of Scipio township; Catherine, the wife of A. Heinze, of Loudon town ship; and John F., whose name appears at the head of this article. The father of our subject was born in Bavaria, on the 15th of September, 1813, and was there reared and educated and there learned the trade of baker, to which he continued to devote his attention in his native land for a number of years. He emigrated with his family to: America in the spring of 1854, the subject of this review being at the time a child of about one year, and they located at a point about eight miles distant from the city of Cleveland, Ohio, where the father devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits about two years, his devoted wife having died only four weeks after the arrival of the family in the United States. In 1856 Frank Fruth came with his children to Seneca county and settled in the township of Loudon, where he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres o-f land, to whose reclamation he forthwith directed his attention, and- here he has ever since1 maintained his home, the old homestead farm being now owned by his son-in-law, Mr. Pleinze, but being still the abiding place of the venerable father, now nearly ninety years of age, who receives from his children the deepest filial respect and solicitude. He has given his political support to' the prin ciples and policies of the Democratic party and his entire life has been CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 583 one of sterling rectitude and honor, while his industry was unflagging until his advanced years necessitated his retirement from the active duties of business. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran church, with which his wife, who passed away so many years ago-, was likewise identified. John F. Fruth, to- whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared o-n the old homestead and early began to lend his aid in the work of clearing and cultivating the same, while his educational privileges were such as were afforded in the primitive public schools of the period. His mar riage occurred in the year 1873 and he then purchased forty acres of land in Loudon township, the same being in section 32, and in four years he traded this place in part payment for his present fine homestead, which comprises one hundred and sixty-six and a fraction acres. Here he has made excellent improvements, has brought the farm into- the high est state of cultivation, of diversified order, and has made it one of the attractive and valuable rural homes of this favored section of the Buck eye commonwealth, where he has practically passed his entire life, which has been so- directed as to retain to him at every stage in his career the high esteem of those with whom he has come in contact. Though he has never sought the honors of political office, Mr. Fruth has given a stanch support to- the Democratic party and has shown at all times a deep interest in all that goes to further the general welfare of the com munity. His religious connection is with the W(est Independent United Brethren church, of which Mrs. Fruth likewise is a member. On June 22, 1873, Mr. Fruth was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary (Peter) Fruth, who was born in Loudon township, daughter of Jacob Peter, who removed from Germany to this county as- a. pioneer of the year 1833. At the age of eighteen years she had married Conrad Fruth, the brother of John F., and he died March 17, 1868, leaving two sons, John Henry Fruth, now a farmer of Hancock county, and Conrad, also of that county. They were both reared by their uncle and step father, receiving such assistance as could be rendered when establish- ing homes of their own. Of the four children born to our subject and his estimable wife three are living at the present time: Jacob, a resi- 584 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. dent of Hancock county, married Miss Lydia Mertz and has one son, Roswell R. ; Millie remains- at the- parental home, as does also the younger daughter, Catherine. ALANSON S. OWEN. Among the representative citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, few are better known in Bloom township than is Alanson S. Owen, who has been an honored resident of this county for seventy years. Mr. Ow-en was born in Yates county, New York, on November 9, 1826, a son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Spooner) Owen, both families being promi nent ones in Yates county. They reared in that state a family of seven children, the four survivors being as follows : Lewis R., who resides in Fairfax, Iowa; Charles, who lives in Eden township, Seneca county; Alary, who is the wife of Lewis Blackman, and lives in Rock county, Wisconsin; and Alanson S., who, is the- subject of this brief biography. Nathaniel Owen, the father of our subject, was born in Orange county, New York, in 1789, going in young manhood to- Yates county, where he married and engaged in farming, remaining there until 1832. His attention had been called to the rich lands in Ohio which were await ing settlers. The great canal system of that state was well under way, the spirit of progress was in the land, and with an idea of securing homes for his family of seven children, Mir. Owen decided to emigrate- to the younger state. The- journey was made in pioneer fashion and the new home was secured in Scipio township and was located two. miles- north of our subject's present home. Air. Owen bought one hundred and ninety-three acres of land, for the sum of nine hundred dollars. Thirty acres of this tract had been partially cleared- and the previous owner had built o-n it a house of hewed logs. This became the family residence and was thus occupied for almost fifteen years. Nathaniel Owen was a man of great physical strength and endurance, one who drove his work instead of permitting it to drive him, and this land soon became re- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 585 munerative under his methods. As his children grew older he pur chased additional land, consisting o-f four tracts of eighty acres each and another farm o-f forty acres, it always being his great desire to provide for his children. This good father was not permitted to reach old age, although he had never known a day of sickness in his life prior to his last illness. He died on September 14, 1847, being at that time aged fifty-eight years, eight months and fourteen days. Through life he bad been a consistent member of the Methodist church, filling its offices and supporting it in a liberal manner. The mother of our subject survived until 1882, her age at that time lacking but- thirteen days of being ninety years. She was born December 6, 1791, in Yates county, New York. She was a woman of high Christian character, estimable in every way and one who met the demands made upon her with a kindness and forbearance which en deared her to all who knew her. Alanson S. Owen was but five years old when his parents settled in Seneca county, and in its subsequent development he has been an im portant factor. As soon as his years permitted, he assisted in the clearing of the home farm, at the same time taking advantage of all educational advantages offered in this locality. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching the winter terms of school in his township, working through the summers on the farm, and four years were passed. in this manner. Later three summers were spent in assisting his brother- Lewis in his farming operations, on the share plan. Those were years. of happy industry, and under the combined efforts of Nathaniel Owen- and these sons the lands owned by this family became noted for their- evidences of cultivation and their abundant productiveness. The marriage of Alanson S. Owen occurred on December 7, 185 1„ when he was united to- Miss Lydia Slaughter, who was born in Yates county, New York, and became a resident of Seneca county, Ohio, in 1841, at which time her parents located here. Two children were born to this union: Myra B., who is deceased, was the wife of L. H. Hohe, and her only surviving child is Jean A., who is a lad of eleven years and who is living with his grandparents; and Eugene S., who is ex- 37 586 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. county auditor and recorder and present county treasurer of Kidder county, North Dakota, residing" at Steele. Mr. Owen remained on his brother's farrm after his marriage, working on the share plan, until 1855, when he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, and removed to his new home. In i860 he en tered three hundred and twenty acres of land in Gratiot county, Michi gan, his deed bearing the signature- of President Abraham Lincoln. He resided for four years on that newly acquired property, which his son now owns. Two years were passed in Sandusky county, Ohio,, but the majority of his days have been spent in Seneca, county, where he is widely known and much esteemed. Mr. Owen has always been a member of the Republican party and has ever been its active supporter. He has been identified with the prosperity of this county and is a worthy representative of a family which has left an impress on its life, — a characteristic American family of the type that forms the back-bone of the country's greatness. DAVID A1YERS. Among the well known and highly respected citizens and pros perous farmers of Seneca county is David Myers, who as a practical agriculturist has few superiors in this township. The Alyers family originated in Switzerland, from which country have come many of the hardy pioneers who have made the wilderness, in which they first settled in their new homes on this side of the Atlantic, blossom into productiveness and return wealth to their descendants. Among those who tired of the religious persecutions in his own coun try was David Alyers, a native of Switzerland, who- settled, in its early days of occupancy, in Bloom township, choosing this location on account of its evident fertility and advantageous situation. David Myers, the father of our subject, married Elizabeth Woolerd, and they became the parents of a family of nine children, — four sons and five daughters. Five of the family still survive. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 587 The first purchase of land made by David Myers was forty acres, which he entered from the government, his frugality and industry enab ling him to add to his possessions until at the time of his death he owned an estate, in one tract, comprising one hundred and ninety-four acres. Mr. Myers was a hard-working man all his life, but his years extended to seventy-four, all of which had been usefully employed, his death occurring in 1881. The beloved mother of our subject survived until 1890, her death taking place at the age of seventy-four years. Both parents were beloved in the home and respected in the neighbor hood. Their lives were circumscribed by the limits of this community, where they left to their children and neighbors records of quiet and worthy lives. David Myers, who, is the subject of this biography, was born on the old farm in Bloom township, the scene of his parents' early strug gles. He received an excellent common-school education and has applied all his energies to' the development of this farm. In connection with his father he cleared the additional purchases as they were made, and in his father's declining years he assumed full management. With Mr. Myers farming is not simply an occupation, his experience and knowl edge have enabled him to enjoy it as a science. Nature has concealed few secrets from him ; he thoroughly understands every branch of the business, the properties of the soil and its adaptation to the various veget able growths, the horticultural possibilities of his land, and the econom ical raising and feeding of stock. The improvements which Mr. Myers has been continually engaged in making on his farm are substantial and of a permanent character, and render it both comfortable and attractive. As a general farmer his methods are considered excellent, his one hundred and ninety-four acres yielding crops which testify to his close attention to business as well as to the fertility of this part of Seneca county. As a citizen David Myers enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens, many of whom have known him from his infancy. He has never taken any active part in political life, his home interests and employments proving more attractive. In the Independent Order of 588 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Odd Fellows, however, he has taken a deep interest, and he is one of the valued members of the lodge in Bloomville. In the peaceful fol lowing of his vocation Mr. Myers has won the respect of all who know him, and also the solid comfort which is the just reward of duties faith fully performed. JOHN NEWCOMER. In noting the prominent and successful agriculturists of Seneca county, Ohio, John Newcomer, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and eight acres in Bloom township-, deserves special men tion. Not only has he demonstrated his practical knowledge of farming and stock-raising, but for a number of years he has also been a well known business man and is a public-spirited citizen. Mr. Newcomer's native state is Ohio, and his birth occurred on Alarch 3, 1836, in Medina county. His parents were Peter and Mary (Rohrer) Newcomer, the former of whom was born in Washington- county, Maryland, from which he moved into Medina county, Ohio, in 1833. There he purchased a tract of land, and there a log cabin was the family home for many years. Peter and Mary Newcomer had a family of nine children, their names being as follows : John, of this sketch; Abraham, a resident. of Medina; Margaret and Anna, twins,' the latter being deceased; Jacob, of Medina county; Daniel, deceased ; David, deceased; Henry, of Medina; and Mary. The parents of this family lived quiet, frugal lives and when they passed away left many friends who were sincere mourners. Born and reared on a farm, John Newcomer, of this sketch, has followed an agricultural life with success, his early environment giving him a practical knowledge of this vocation. His education was acquired in the public schools, which he attended, with the sons o-f other farmers, during the winter sessions, the summers being usually given- to work on the farm. In those days much of the labor which is now done by cunningly contrived machinery fell upon the youths, and hay time and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 589 harvest meant as much hard work for the school lads as for those who were older and stronger. Perhaps this caused our subject to leave the farm for a short season and learn the carpenter trade, but he returned to farming life shortly afterward, employing the winter seasons in carpenter work. In 1861 Mr. Newcomer came to Seneca county and bought eighty acres of good land, in Bloom township, within one mile of Bloomville, living on that place for five years. Selling that place, he bought another tract of -eighty acres, improved the same and cultivated it for ten years. He finally sold this farm also, and in 1876 he moved to his present farm, where he owns one hundred and eight acres of excellent land, which he has made into one of the best farms of this locality. The excellent and appropriate improvements on this place have been made by Mr. Newcomer, and they testify to his good judgment and practical char acter. Here he has successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, his land being well adapted to both industries. For the past fifteen years he has added another line of business, dealing extensively in fertilizers. Mr. Newcomer was married on October 25, i860, to Miss Susan Buckley, who was born Alay 18, 1840, in Bloom township, being a daugh ter of George and Magdalena (Troxel) Buckley. A family of five children was born to this union, namely : Jerome L., who operates the home farm and is a capable agriculturist, married Millie M. Griffin and they have one child; Emily L. is the wife of Alvin Huddle, a druggist of Bloomville ; Jennella is the wife of William Baldwin, an oil dealer of Bloomville ; Lillian M. is the wife of Harry Buckingham, a druggist of Bloomville; and Magdeline resides at the parental home. All of this family command the esteem of the communities in which they live, and are among the most intelligent residents. George Buckley was born 111 Berlin, Prussia, and at the age of thirteen years came to America with his parents, Michael and Barbara Buckley. They settled in Stark county, Ohio', and there he was married to- Magdalena Troxel, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Troxel. Immediately after their marriage George and Magdalena Buckley came to Seneca county, locating in Bloom town- 590 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ship, where they passed the remainder of their lives. His death occurred in 1842 at the age of thirty-seven years, while his widow survived him by more than fifty years, dying at the age of eighty-six. She had become the wife of Isaac Rohrer. Her five children by the first marriage were as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob Detweiler; Catherine, who died in her twenty-first year, unmarried ; Michael, of Kosciusko county, Indiana; Susan, the wife of Mr. Buckley; and Hannah, who is the widow of John Halm and lives in Bloomville. Air. Newcomer is a Republican in his political views, and he has served efficiently in a number of the local offices, notably as township trustee. He has shown his interest in educational matters by serving for years on the school board, during wdiich time his sensible and con servative course did much to permanently improve this branch of the township's business. Both he and wife are members of the Mennonite church, holding association wdth the society in Medina county, and he is one of the honest and upright citizens of the class which has made Bloom township a leading section of the county. STEPHEN A. SAUL. The air of solid prosperity which attracts attention all over the state of Ohio is nowhere more apparent than in Seneca county, which stanchly upholds the state's reputation as a leader in valuable farms. Among those who have done good work in sustaining this supremacy is Stephen A. Saul, a highly esteemed resident and prosperous farmer of Bloom township. Mr. Saul is essentially an Ohio product, his own birth, as well as that of his father and his grandfather, having occurred in this state. Stephen A. Saul was born o-n November 6, i860, in Bloom township, Seneca county, on the farm1 no-w the property of Jacob Brodie. He is a son of Edward and Lavina (Kagy) Saul, the former of whom was a son of Samuel Saul, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 591 in 1802. In 1825 Samuel Saul came to Seneca county and entered government land, living on his farm here until his death, at the age of eighty-six years. He was a well known and highly esteemed citizen and was serving as county commissioner at the time of the purchase of the county infirmary farm. Edward Saul, the father of Stephen A., was born in 1826, in Eden township, soon after his parents' location in Seneca county. At the opening of the Miami reservation in Indiana Mr. Saul entered one hun dred and sixty acres of government land, which he gave to his chil dren and upon which his son, John K. Saul, now lives, in Howard county, Indiana. In 1857 he moved to the farm where our subject was born, this being the old home of his wdfe. Here he died in 1872, a man of prominence in his native county and the owner of land here and in Indiana. Lavina (Kagy) Saul, mother of our subject, is a daughter of Abraham Kagy, who resided in Bloom township-, where she was born in 1832, and where she still lives, enjoying the tender ministrations of her attached relatives and many friends. A family of ten children was born to Edward and Lavina Saul, and eight of these still survive, as follows : Robert R. M., who is a resident of Lykens township, Crawford county; John K., who is a resident of Howard county, Indiana; Isabella, yvho lives with her mother; Stephen A., who is the subject of this biography; Martha E., who is the wife of Alex Kingseed and who lives in Howard county, Indiana; Maria L., who is the wife oi H. J. Weisenauer, of Howard county, Indiana ; Eliza, who is the wife of H. J. Brodie, a resident o-f Bloom township; and Hannah, who married William Smeltzer, also of Howard county, Indiana. Those deceased bore the names of Lewis and George. Although Mr. Saul, of this sketch, was reared on a farm, he enjoyed excellent educational advantages, supplementing the common-school course with a season in Bloomville and- the Ada Normal school. At the age of nineteen he began to teach school, employing the winter seasons in this way for six terms, and giving excellent satisfaction, while he became popular and well known in that connection. The summers dur ing this time were fully filled with farm work. 592 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Air. Saul was married, on October n, 1883, to Miss Susie Weis enauer, and a bright and intelligent family of eight children have been born to them, namely: Mabel (who is a teacher in Bloom township), Jay O., Allen J., Mary, Arthur, Florence, Cora and Esther, — all living at home. Mr. Saul and his family lived on the old farm until 1888, when they moved to Howard county, Indiana, where they remained until 1893, at which time they returned to- the present farm, where they have lived ever since. This farm, which was improved by Abraham Kagy, comprises two hundred and forty acres of as excellent laud as is to be found in Bloom township. Mr. Saul owns a farm of eighty acres in Howard county, Indiana, and is still connected financially with some of its. leading enterprises. During his residence there he was one of the organizers of the Howard Gas Company, and still retains a director ship in it. As a leading member of the Democratic party he exerts considerable Influence, which, however, is never directed in the interests of political preferment for himself. As a farmer and stock-raiser he ranks very high in this county, and as a citizen he is regarded as a most worthy repre sentative of one of the oldest and most honored of the county's families. BENJAMIN F. MYERS. Benjamin F. Myers, who during life was one of the esteemed teach ers and prominent men of Tiffin, Ohio-, was a descendant of one of the German pioneers of this state, his grandfather, Conrad Myers, coming hither from- Pennsylvania, and settling in Mahoning county in 1796. Conrad Alyers, the son of Conrad, married Leah Rauch, who was born in Pennsylvania, and in 1845 removed to Seneca county, settling on a farm in Jackson township. They had a family of five sons and four daughters, one of the sons being the subject of this biography. Benjamin F. Myers was born May 2, 1833, in Mahoning county, Ohio. His early education was acquired in the primitive district schools, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 593 and as early as the age of sixteen years he began teaching, a profession which he followed for upward of thirty-seven years with signal success. Ambitious and energetic, he soon found a way to become a student in Heidelberg University, at Tiffin, where he entered the scientific depart ment, becoming one of the most ambitious and detennined students in his class. After leaving college he immediately resumed teaching, first in the district schools, but, as his ability became known, rising to the principalship of one of the most important schools in the city of Tiffin. For twenty years Mr. Myers was assistant superintendent of the city -schools, and he became favorably known in all educational work, both in the city and county. For a period of thirty-seven years Mr. Myers was a leading educator, his scholarly attainments giving him promi nence in higher educational circles, while his pleasing personality and thorough comprehension of the trend of educational life made his services of incalculable value. Particularly was he known as a member of the board of county school examiners, a position which he filled with credit for twenty years. Aside from his educational work, which was unusually beneficial, Mr. Myers was prominent in other lines. In 1885 he was elected, as the candidate of the Democratic party, to the office of county treasurer, his record for ability and personal integrity giving him a very large majority ahead of his ticket. He efficiently served the county in this responsible position during two terms, and was one of the most faith ful officials that Seneca county ever had. He was also interested in several commercial enterprises and was one of the organizers and stock holders in the Tiffin Savings Bank, being its vice-president from its organization until his death. Mr. Myers was married, in 1856, to Miss Leah A. Faulk, of Colum biana county, Ohio, and to this union was born one son, Claude Eugene, who is still living with his mother. He married Miss Nellie C. Pindar. Mrs. Myers is still a resident of Tiffin, occupying a stately brick resi dence on Clinton avenue, this beautiful place having been occupied and owned by them at the time of her husband's decease, July 20, 1896. It is located in a choice residence section of the city and is a valuable part 594 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of the estate which Mr. Alyers had accumulated. He was a man of excellent business ability and was successful in his enterprises. He- was an active member and liberal supporter of the First Reformed church, as is also his widow, and here he was sincerely mourned. In the church and in the social life of the community Mrs. Myers is known for her interest in good works. As a man of the strictest business integrity Benjamin F. Alyers will always be remembered by the public; as a careful and conscientious teacher many will long testify to his efficiency; while his genial, gen erous disposition and kind and sympathetic nature endeared him \.o all who knew him and surrounded him with many loyal friends. In the death -of Air. Alyers this city and Seneca county lost an esteemed citi zen; the youth, whose characters are shaping for life's activities, lost an earnest and sympathizing instructor; the church was deprived of a conscientious Christian and benevolent yvorker ; and the family mourned a loving husband and father. CASPER GUSS. Among the highly esteemed residents of Tiffin, Ohio, and one who has made many warm personal friends since his location in this city, in 1890, is Casper Guss, who is now living practically retired, after an agricultural life of many years. Casper Guss was born on November 4, 1830, in Berks county, Penn sylvania, being a son of Casper and Mary (Selser) Guss, both of whom were natives of the same county. The ancestry of both paternal and maternal lines traces back to German origin. Casper Guss, the father of our subject, married in his native county, and in 1834 he removed with his wife and eight children to Sandusky county, Ohio, At that time all transportation in this section was done by wagon, and it is quite- probable that the wagon was the family home until a log cabin could be erected in the forest where the new home was located. Mr. Guss CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 595 was one of the hardy pioneers of that section and he labored assiduously in the clearing and development of his farm. He was a hatter by trade, but gave his attention to- agricultural affairs in his Ohio home. He died at the age of sixty-five years, having been a man who was beloved in his family and respected by the outside world. In politics he was a Demo crat and in religion a Lutheran. The mother of our subject, Mary (Selser) Guss, lived until the age of seventy-seven years, her death occurring in Sandusky county, Ohio. She was a woman of many virtues, a consistent member of the Lutheran church, a helpful wife and a devoted mother. Our subject was one of a family of ten children and is the only survivor. Casper Guss, who is the subject of this biography, was three and one-half years old when his parents moved to Sandusky county, Ohio-, where he grew up among pioneer surroundings. His educational oppor tunities were few, on account of the conditions of the time and place, although he took advantage of all that he could secure. When he was nineteen years old he went to Fremont, Ohio, where he remained at work in a blacksmith shop for two years, but, finding that this line of work was injuring his health, he returned to the farm. Here he remained until his father's death, and then managed the estate for his mother until 1871, when he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Pleasant township, which he operated for five years. Selling this farm, Mr. Guss bought another containing sixty-five acres, in Eden township, and this he man aged with success until he decided to somewhat limit his activity, and sold it, purchasing his present pleasant home on Greenfield street in Tiffin. Here Mr. Guss has enough land to enable him to take exercise in the raising of his choice fruit and vegetables, and to also enjoy the comforts and conveniences of city life. The first marriage of Mr. Guss was solemnized in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1855, when Miss Malinda Bookwalter became his wdfe. They became the parents of six children, four of whom died in infancy, the survivors being : Eva, who married Daniel Hill ; and Mary Charlotte, who mar ried Reuben Hoyt, the renowned manufacturer of perfumes in New York. The second marriage of Mr. Guss occurred in 1870, when he 596 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. wedded Miss Anna Niemeyer, who was born in Prussia, and three chil dren were born to this union: The first child died in infancy; Rufus, who is employed in the agricultural shops here; and Frank is a machinist in this city. Mr. Guss has always been a Democrat and during his residence in Sandusky county held a number of the local offices. He is a valued and -consistent member of the First Reformed church and is known to his fellow citizens as a man of unswerving integrity, of excellent example -and of value as a citizen. JOHN K. SPITLER. Among the progressive and enterprising citizens of Seneca county, 'Ohio, none has more successfully supported its claim to be one of the best farming districts in the state than has John K. Spitler, a repre sentative of an old and honored family of this vicinity. Jacob Spitler, who was the grandfather of John K., the immediate subject of this biography, located here as -early as 1826, at that time 'entering eighty acres of government land. Here he lived to old age, a man of excellent rejD-ute, leaving behind him a fainily of fourteen chil dren. The Spitlers have ever been a vigorous race, the descendants ¦of thirteen members of this family being numerous through this state, many of them occupying positions of responsibility, and all displaying -characteristics which reflect credit upon honorable ancestors. Notably was Daniel Spitler, who was the father of John K., a worthy representative of his family. He accompanied his father from Fairfield county, where he was born, assisted him in his jD-ioneer efforts and made his- father's house his home until his own marriage. Daniel was the father of eleven children, of whom we enter record as follows : Martha married J. L. Hershberger, of Bloom township; Agnes is the widow of Ralph Tittle; Sabina is Mrs. Tonnessen, and lives in Indiana; John K. is the subject of this biography; Eliza married G. B. Hall, of Tiffin ; Monroe is deceased ; May married Charles King, of Wood county, Ohio ; and the others died in infancy. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 597 After his marriage to Hannah Kagy Daniel Spitler moved to a faim of his own, this containing eighty acres of wild land, and here he erected a log cabin and worked with unceasing industry, clearing his land, and beginning its cultivation, which he continued through life, accumulating satisfactory fruits from his toil. In this home of his own. making he died, in 1896, at the age of seventy-seven years. His widow survived until June 30, 1901, when she, too, passed away, at the age of seventy-seven years. Both parents had lived up to, the teachings of the Baptist church, of which she had been a leading member and he an attendant and supporter. John K. Spitler, who is the subject of this sketch, was born August 17, 1850, a son of Daniel and Hannah (Kagy) Spitler, who were then residents of Bloom township. He was reared on the home farm' and, was afforded better educational opportunities than fell to the lot of many youths of his age, his father consenting to his supplementing his common-school education with one term at Heidelberg College and an academic course of three terms at Republic Academy. Mr. Spitler grad uated from the position of pupil into that of teacher, and although at this time he was but twenty-one years old he very efficiently fulfilled the duties of teacher for six terms in the Seneca county schools. In ali farming districts the summers claim the time and labor of the young people of school age, and it was only during the winter seasons that his services were in demand. After his marriage, in 1873, Mr. Spitler settled down to an agri cultural life, renting land for the first five years and then buying a tract of good land, in Eden township, where he remained for a period of ten years. In the meantime he had been looking about for a per manent home where he could carry on extensive operations in farming and the raising of high-grade cattle. He found a suitable place in his. present fine estate, which was formerly the home of bis wife's father and originally settled by Elder Lewis, Seitz, and it is thus one of the old farmsteads of the county. A trade was soon effected which placed this very valuable property in his control. Mr. Spitler has, unques tionably, one of the best improved farms in Seneca county, and here- 598 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. he carries on general farming and stock-growing. In all his methods he is progressive and enterprising, and he has succeeded in his endeavors, as a result of intelligent, well directed -effort. In addition to the two hundred acres of land included in the home farm Mr. Spitler also owns a valuable forty-acre tract in the oil fields of Wood county, on which are located seven productive wells. Mr. Spitler was married on February 13, 1873, to Miss Martha Patterson, who was a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Seitz) Patter son, and four children have been born to this union, namely : Calvin B., who attended Heidelberg- College and was graduated in the law school at Ada, is now a well known attorney in Tiffin; Cora B. is a talented musician, and a student in the Ursuline. Convent, in Tiffin; AVorden M. is a teacher in district schools; and Ralph is at home. This comprises a family of unusual intellectual fiber. In his political attachment Mr. Spitler has been a life-long Demo crat. He is held in the highest esteem in his locality, being a man of responsibility, and he not only represents an honorable old family but also personally stands for all that is best' in the life of his community. CHARLES GEYER. In the death of Charles Geyer, in 1891, the city of Tiffin,, Ohio, lost one of its leading capitalists and esteemed citizens. For many years he had been identified with the development of business interests here, and was one of the progressive and public-spirited men who took a deep interest in promoting the institutions which seemed to promise to be of benefit to the county, and particularly to Tiffin, in which city he took a justifiable pride. The birth of Charles Geyer occurred near Leipsic, in the kingdom of Saxony, Germany, October 13, 1827, and he was a son of Christian and Catherine Geyer, also natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1839, settling in Huron county, Ohio. Christian Geyer was a tanner by trade, an occupation in which the family had engaged for CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 599 generations. He carried on a tanning business in his new home and became a prosperous man, early introducing his son in the business. Charles was instructed in the tanning business in the thorough manner indicative of the methods of a German father, and in 1859 he was com petent to engage in the business himself. He opened up a tannery in the village of Caroline, Venice township, in Seneca county, where he also engaged in farming for some years. In 1871 he removed the busi ness to Tiffin, where he continued it for some time, later becoming a dealer in hides and pelts, in which line he became very well known, his business being o-ne o-f the largest in this locality. This he managed with increasing prosperity until 1889, when he retired from it in favor of his son Samuel, who carries it on at the old location. Although Mr. Geyer built up his success by his own efforts he was for a number of years one of the most important factors in Tiffin's Industrial life, and he became the owner of much valuable property in this city and vicinity. His accumulations were but the natural result of a life of industry and close attention to business. Among the valuable tracts included in his holdings is one tract of thirty acres, within the city limits, on which are located four paying -oil wells, and in addition he owned a number of valuable building lots, some of these well improved, and also ten acres in the same tract which contained his own beautiful home, a large brick residence, surrounded with attractive grounds. The Empire hotel, one of the best arranged and most convenient hostelries of the city was also bis property, and this he superintended until the time of his death, although he delegated its management to others. It is now ably conducted by two o-f his sons and is one of the leading hotels in Tiffin. He was one of the incorporators and until bis death was one of the board of directors of the Commercial Bank, a leading financial institution of this city. Mr. Geyer was married in 1854, in Chicago, Illinois, to Miss Ida Kaessmann, a native of Leipsic, Germany, where she was born on Novem ber 23, 1836. In 1854 she crossed the ocean and went to relatives in the city of Chicago, where she met and married Air. Geyer. A family of six sons and three daughters was born to Mr. and Mrs. Geyer, all 600 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. but one of these still surviving and being numbered among the promi nent residents of Tiffin. They are as follows : Louisa, who grew to- young womanhood and was educated in this city, married Hon. J. L. Kaley, of Omaha, Nebraska; C. Charles, who is engaged in the oil busi ness at the wells ' here, married Miss Nellie Dean, of Tiffin ; Samuel carries on the hide and pelt business established by his father; Emma married William Hertzer, who is the cashier of the Tiffin National Bank;. Frank, who married Miss Ida M. Riedel, of Fostoria, is: connected with- his brother Arthur as joint proprietor of the Empire hotel, and, with their brother Charles, they are interested in the four oil wells located on their mother's estate ; William is clerk in the Empire hotel ; Ida, a young lady, remains at the parental home ; and Oscar died at the age of six years. Both Mr. Geyer and wife were prominent in the English Lutheran church, to which he was a liberal contributor. His death took place on May 6, 1891. Mr. Geyer was a man of large physique, and he was, large in mind and heart, a man who was devoted to the welfare of his. city, to his friends and to his family. On account of his business con nections he was well known and his death was felt to be a serious loss- to this community. The concerns which he was instrumental in organ izing still flourish and reflect credit upon his business sagacity. PETER BRAYTON. The subject of this sketch, who is one of the representative farmers and honored citizens of Big Spring township, is a representative of o-ne- of the pioneer families, of this section of the Buckeye state, and is dis tinctly entitled to consideration in this publication. He was- born in Crawford township, Wyandot county, then a portion" of Crawford. county, on the 7th of February, 1825, being a son of Elijah and Anna. (Holbrook) Brayton, of whose eleven children only our subject and his brother Asa survive, the latter being a leading physician of Carey, Ohio. Elijah Brayton was born in Vermont, about the year 1785, and was. PETER BRAYTON. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 601 reared to years of maturity there. About the year 1816, in company with his wife and children, he emigrated to Ohio, settling in Crawford township, Wyandot (then Crawford) county, where he entered a claim to a tract of eighty acres. A few years later he built a gristmill ore Tymochtee creek and operated it successfully for several years, this being, one of the first mills in that locality. In the year 1826 Alatthew Bray ton, a brother o-f our subject, was stolen by members of a tribe of Sen eca Indians from Canada, when- he was seven years of age, and all eff ortst to recover him proved fruitless and all trace of him was- finally lost. In 1833 Elijah Brayton removed with his family to Seneca county,- and here became the owner of about four hundred acres of land in Big Spring township, the present home farm of our subject being a portion of the original estate. Here he passed the remainder of his long and useful life, passing away at the age of eighty years. In politics he was originally a Whig and later gave his allegiance to the Republican party. For a number of years he was the overseer of the poor in this township, aiid he was a man who commanded the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was a devoted member of the United Brethren church at Carey, in which he served as an official for several years. His house, which was erected in 1833, was the place of the earliest preaching of his church ministers. This house is still standing, in fair preserva tion. Mrs. Brayton died at the age of fifty years. In Elijah Brayton's family were eleven children, of whom three sons — William, Peter and Asa — reached maturity. The daughters were: Harriet, Lucy, Mary and Olive, who grew up and married. Harriet be came the wife of Jonathan Hildebrand and died at the age o-f seventy- five years. Lucy became the wife of William Davis and died at the age of fifty years. Mary married David Burns and died at the advanced age of eighty years, in Audrain county, Missouri. Olive married Alvin Dow and died at the early age of twenty-two years. William- Brayton became an extensive and prosperous farmer in Crawford township, where he owned about seven hundred acres of land, most of which he had given to his children. He died in 1897, in his eighty-seventh year. Peter Brayton received his early educational training in the log. 38 602 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. school-house of the pioneer days, standing on the site of the jjresent school-house. Of course it had the usual puncheon floor, slab benches and other characteristic equipments of the period. Young Peter was early called upon to assist in the work of clearing the homestead, which was heavily timbered, and thus he was, enabled to attend school only at irregular intervals. He was married in 1845 ano^ then located on a tract of sixty-one and a half acres which had been given to him byr his father, .and here he began farming. After the death of his father he purchased an adjoining eighty acres, which was a part of the old homestead ; and. as prosperity attended his efforts he purchased other land from time to- time and became the owner of a fine estate of six hundred acres, the .greater portion of which he has divided among his children. One tract ¦contained the two famous springs that gave the township' its name. In 1834 he attended the first town election, held in an Indian cabin at these springs, and he recalls that but thirteen votes were cast, almost every man securing an office and his father being chosen fence-viewer and his brother William- clerk of the township. Mr. Brayton's life has been one of signal usefulness and honor; snd now, as its shadows begin to lengthen, he rests secure in the high esteem of all who know him, and is, known as one of the representative pioneers of his township-. The only person now living in the township who was here when1 the Brayton family came is Austin Knowlto-n, now aged ninety-two years, who lives near the village of Adrian, on land that he entered a year or two previously to- the arrival of the Brayton. family. John Luzada, who is now a resident of the village o-f Sprlngville and is ¦eighty-seven years old, came with Elijah Brayton, being brought up by him. In politics Mr. Brayton is a Republican, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has long been a devoted member, at Carey. On the ist of January, 1845, Mf- Brayton was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Ogg, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, the daugh ter of Kinsey Ogg. She proved a true helpmeet during their married life of more than a score of years, her death occurring on the ist o-f Au- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 603 gust, 1871. She is survived by five of her six children, namely: Jo sephine, the wife of John Fulk, of Putnam county ; Jesse, also a resident of that county; Emma, the wife of Joseph Crislip; Lafayette, a, resident of Big Spring township; and Tefronia, who is the wife of Major Bright, of Hancock county. Newton, the third child, died at the age of twenty- two years, having devoted his life to the demands of the home. Forest E. Crislip, a son of Joseph and Emma Crislip, no-w manages the old homestead of Air. Brayton, receiving the same for his devotion and at tention to the declining years of his honored grandfather. He married Lucy Williamson, and they have one little daughter, Gertrude, of the fourth generation of the family to- live on the old homestead. In March, 1872, Mr. Brayton was married to Miss Hannah Little, 'who was born in Hancock county, a daughter of Solomon Little, who was a pioneer of that county; and the only child by this marriage is deceased. Our honored subject has seventeen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. PLINY TRUMBO. It is a weli attested maxim that the greatness of a state lies not in its machinery of government, nor even in its institutions, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in their capacity for definite accomplishment and their devotion to the public good. One of the native sons of Seneca county who has attained marked success in con nection with agricultural pursuits and who was a valiant soldier in the war of the Rebellion is Mr. Trumbo, who is now living retired in the pleasant village of Amsden. He belongs to that public-spirited, useful type of men whose ambitions and desires are directed in those channels through which flow the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number, and- it is therefore consistent with the purpose and plan of his work that his record be given among those of other representative citi zens of Seneca county. Air. Trumbo was born on a farm in Jackson township-, Seneca county, 604 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. on the 17th of May, 1845, being the son of Enoch Trumbo, who was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and where he learned the trade of stone mason. He came to Ohio in 1832 and assisted in the construction of the canal locks at Youngstown, while in the meanwhile he filed claim to one hundred and sixty acres of govern ment land in Jackson township, Seneca county, wdiere he remained a short time and then resumed his work on the canal. The same fall he came. back to his farm, which was as yet a sylvan wild, being covered with a dense growth of hard-wood timber. Here he erected a log cabin, sixteen feet square, in yvhich he and his brother Andrew estab lished "bachelor's hall" and instituted the work of clearing the land. In this township was celebrated his marriage to Eleanora Robertson, daugh ter of Robert Robertson, who was born in Ireland and who was num bered among the pioneer settlers in Jackson township. Of this union six children were born, namely : Rebecca, the wife of William Ashr of Jackson township; Daniel W., who died at the age of sixteen years;. Alaria, wdio died at the age of four years; Pliny, the subject of this sketch; Marcus D., who resides on the old homestead; and Mary E., the wife of John Pankhurst, of this township. The father died on the 30th of July, 1894, and his loss was deeply felt in the community, where he had ever been a pro-gressive and representative citizen and one who commanded unqualified confidence and esteem. , He held the office of county commissioner, assisted in the organization of JacksOn township,. and for many years was incumbent of the offices of township trustee and justice of the peace. His political support was given to- the Repub lican party, and he was actively concerned in the public affairs of local nature having been prominent in connection with the establishment of the early schools in the towmship and ever aiming to promote the general" good by ready interposition and lively interest. He became the owner of more than five hundred acres of land and was numbered among the honored and successful citizens of the county. His wife .preceded him-' into eternal rest, passing away on the 18th of June, 1873. Pliny Trumbo, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead farm and received his early educational training in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPPIICAL HISTORY. 605 the common schools. On the 12th of September, 1862, he gave dis tinctive evidence of his intrinsic loyalty by enlisting as a privatum Com pany E, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by General William H. Gibson. The first engagement in which he participated was that at Stone River, where he was wounded by a minie ball. He then went to a house on the battlefield, and soon afterward the building was surrounded by Wheeler's cavalry and he was taken prisoner. He was removed to Libby prison, where he was confined- for one week and then taken to City Point, where his exchange was effected after one month's imprisonment, and whence he proceeded to the parole camp at Annapolis. Finally he was sent to Camp Chase, in Ohio's capital city, where he was granted a furlough. He remained at his home until the •expiration of his furlough and then, having been exchanged, rejoined his regiment near Murfreesboro after an absence of five months. There after he participated in the engagements at Liberty Gap, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, and still later was in pursuit of Longstreet. At the expiration of its term of enlistment his regiment veteranized and Mr. Trumbo was then assigned to the Sixty-eighth Indiana Infantry, with which he served two months and then rejoined his old regiment. He then took part in- the battles of Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Pickett's Mills, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree creek, and finally succumbed to a sunstroke just previous to the Jonesboro campaign and was sent to the hospital at Vining Station and thence to Nashville, being detailed for hospital service and so continued till discharged, in June, 1865. After thus rendering the valiant service of a true son of the republic Mr. Trumbo returned to his home, and after his marriage, in 1867, he located on a part of the old homestead and there engaged in farming, continuing successfully in this line until 1899, when he retired from active labor and took up his residence in his present attractive home, in the village of Amsden. He still owns his fine farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres, on which he has made the best of improvements and which is one of the model places of this section of the state. In his political proclivities Mr. Trumbo is a stalwart Republican, and when but twenty-one years of age he was called upon to. serve in a 606 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. local official capacity, and for many years, at intervals, was incumbent of various offices, having been trustee of his township and having served eight years as township clerk and six years as assessor. He is a mem ber of the Alethodist Episcopal church, and fraternally is identified with Norris Post, No. 27, G. A. R., at Fostoria. He was vice-president of the Farmers' Mutual Relief Association, of Seneca County for a period of four years and has been a member of its directorate for the past eighteen years. On the 1 2th of Alay, 1867, Mr. Trumbo was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Nederhouser, who was born in Summit county, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob Nederhouser, and of this union three children have been born, namely : Clara, the wife of Elmer Harrison, of Jackson town ship; and Milan and Irvin, who are engaged in farming in the same township-, the latter operating the homestead. AIORE FLACK. To the early settlement o-f Seneca county, Ohio, the old Keystone state made many contributions, and thus was gained at the start a most desirable class of citizens, — sturdy, energetic, progressive and of inflex ible integrity. One of the early pioneer families of the county has a representative in the subject of this review, who has inherited the sterling traits which have made the name an honored one in the annals of this section of the state. He is one of the progressive and prosperous farm ers of the county, holds the respect of all who know him and is well entitled to representation in this work. Mr. Fiack was born on the old homestead farm where he now resides, in Liberty township, the date of his nativity being Alay 26, 1859. He was one of the sixteen children of Louis S. and Margaret A. (Null) Flack, and is one of the nine who still survive, the others being Joseph, Warren, Byron, Ada, John, Henry, Alice and Jane. Louis S. Flack, father of our subject, was likewise born in Liberty township, being the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 607 son of John L. Flack, who emigrated to this county from Pennsylvania in an early day, becoming one of the pioneer settlers in the forest wilds which then designated this section of the state, and he lived and died on this same farm. Here Louis S. was reared to- the sturdy discipline of the pioneer farm, and here his marriage was solemnized. Finally he purchased the interests of the other heirs to the homestead, in Liberty township, where he thus passed the remainder of his life, being success fully engaged in general farming and owning about five hundred and forty acres at the time of his death, which ocurred in August, 1866, at which time he was forty-nine years of age. He was an ardent Democrat in his political proclivities, was influential in public affairs of a local nature and on many occasions acted as delegate to county and state con ventions of his party. His widow subsequently became the wife of John Crawford, and she died on the homestead in 1896, at the age of seventy-two years, no children having been born of the second marriage. More Flack, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the old homestead which has been in the possession of the family for so many years, and his educational training was secured in the public schools. Upon attaining his legal majority he engaged in agricult ural pursuits on the old farm, and thereafter rented the same until 1897, when he purchased the interests of the other heirs and now continues in the successful conducting of diversified farming, keeping everything about the place in first-class order and bringing to- bear every agency which will add to the facility of the farm work and insure the highest possible measure of success in return for the labor expended. The typical American term of "hustler" may well be applied to him, and the same expresses much that could not otherwise be indicated save by extended circumlocution. In political matters Mr. Flack gives his allegi ance to the Democratic party, and while he keeps well informed in regard to the issues of the hour, and also shows a lively interest in all that touches the progress and material prosperity of the community, he has never been an aspirant for public office. Mr. Flack still clings to the independent state of "single blessedness," his home being presided over by a housekeeper. 608 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. JOSEPH SENDELBACH. History generally treats of those who have attained eminence in politics or statecraft, in military circles and to some extent in the field of letters and art, but has little to do with those toilers upon whom the real prosperity and progress of the nations depend. It is left to- specific biography to perpetuate the record of those law-abiding citizens who-, in the midst of the active affairs of this work-a-day world, stand forth in integrity of purpose, loyalty to friends and native land, and in that enter prise and industry which make for the well-being of their respective com munities. To this class belongs Mr. Sendelbach, who is of stanch old German lineage and who is one of the progressive and successful farm ers and stock-growers of Liberty township', Seneca county, where he has passed his entire life and where he has gained prosperity through his own well directed effort, the while commanding the unequivocal esteem of the community in which his life history is familiar. Mr. Sendelbach was born on the farm where he now resides on the ist of April, 1846, being the only child of Joseph and Anna Mary Sendelbach. His father was born in Germany, where he was reared and where his first marriage was solemnized. He finally emigrated from his native land to America, settling in Seneca county, Ohio-, in the pio neer days, and here securing the tract of wild land which constitutes the present home of his son, the subject of this review. He became the owner o-f two hundred acres of land, which he largely reclaimed, and here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in 1864. After the death of his first wife, who tore him one son and three daughters, he married Ama Alary, the mother of our subject, who was the only child cf the second union. The devoted mother died in 1881, having been a zealous member of St. Andrew's Catholic church, as was also her- husband. In this faith their son was reared, and he and his family are communicants of the church, holding membership in the parish of St. Andrew's, in Liberty, of which Mr. Sendelbach has served as trustee. Mr. Sendelbach was eighteen years of age at the time of his father's CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 609 death, and thereupon he assumed charge of the old homestead, of which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres about five years later, while subsequently he acquired title to the remaining forty acres. Here he has passed his entire life, devoting his attention to diversified farming and to the raising of high-grade stock, while he has brought to bear such discrimination and energy that his efforts have been attended by a high degree of success. He has made fine improvements of a permanent nature, including a commodious, modern residence, of attractive archi tectural design, which he erected in 1896, while the other farm buildings are indicatory of the progressiveness which has conserved our subject's prosperity. His1 educational advantages were such as were afforded in •the public schools in the vicinity of his home, and he is honored as one of Seneca county's sterling sons and able business men. His political ¦support is given to the Democratic party, and while he takes a proper interest in all that concerns the well-being of the community he has never ¦sought official preferment. Mr. Sendelbach was united in marriage to Miss Louise Long, who •entered into eternal rest in 1876, leaving four children, namely: Mary, the wife of Nicholas Altwies; Catherine, the wife of Charles Walter; Teresa, the wife of Nicholas Blazer; and Henry W. On the 10th of January, 1877, Mr. Sendelbach married Miss Margaret Brickner, who was born on the adjoining farm, the daughter of George Adam and Eve (Smith) Brickner, and of the ten children of this union Joseph and John are deceased, the survivors, all of whom remain at the parental home, being as follows : Laura,. Michael, Frank, Sebastian, Leona, Lena, Josephine and Louis. HENRY G. FALTER. If one is to sojourn for any length of time in that naturally favored section of Seneca county designated as Venice township he is sure to note with appreciation the changes wrought by the hand of man to the •end of securing the great fields of waving grain, the undulating meadows, 610 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. with their herds and flocks, the substantial improvements and various other conditions indicatory of a prosperous agricultural community. He is almost sure also to forthwith hear specific mention made of one of the model framsteads of the township, that being the domain of the- subject of this sketch, who is a member of one of the pioneer families of this county, where he has passed his entire life, and who has by his. course given added honor to a name which has been honored in this locality from the early days when was inaugurated the work of reclaim ing the forest wilds. Abiding here in j>eace, contentment and plenty, esteemed by those among whom his life has been passed, conspicuous in all that tends to the conservation of the best interests of the community, known as one of its most progressive and able farmers, — wdiat more consonant than that the life of such a man be taken under consideration in this connection? Air. Falter was born in Venice township, this county, on the 30th of October, 1852, being a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Houk) Falter, of whose eight children five survive, namely: Henry G., the subject of this sketch; Christina, the yvife of Lewis Phillips, of Bloom town ship ; Joseph, a resident of Huron county ; Anna, the wife of Joseph Thoma, of Saginaw county, Michigan; and John, a resident of the city of Cleveland. Philip Falter was born in Germany in 1826, and wdien a boy of ten years he came with his parents to America and the family settled in the heavily timbered section of this county known as Venice township. On the spot where our subject was born many years later the grandfather erected his primitive log cabin, and then essayed the herculean task of hewing out a farm in the forest. The farm upon which he thus located is that now owned by John Worm. There the father of our subject was reared to- years o-f maturity and after his mar riage acquired the old homestead, to whose cultivation and improvement he continued to devote his attention, until 1863, when he disposed of the property and purchased the farm now owned by our subject. Here he continued to reside until his death, in April, 1873, his devoted wife hav ing passed away in the preceding month, while the death of their eldest. daughter occurred in the July following. Philip Falter was a Democrat CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 6n in politics, was a member of the Catholic church, as was also his wife, and was one of the representative and highly esteemed citizens of the county. Henry G. Falter was but twenty year's of age at the time of his parents' death, and as he was the eldest of the family the management of the farm and the care of the family devolved upon him, though he was scarcely more than a boy. He bravely assumed the responsibility, his father's will providing that he should have the use of the farm for a period of four years, and at the expiration of this period the stipula tion was that he should receive eighty acres of the homestead and his brother Frank forty acres, while they were to pay the other heirs for their interests. Our subject at this time assumed an indebtedness of four thousand dollars, having nothing save the farm of eighty acres and a yearling colt, which subsequently died. The crops of the first year were almost a total failure, and the same discouraging condition was in evidence the second year, the outlook being so unpropitious that Mr. Falter nearly decided to give up the farm. The third season, however, excellent crops were garnered, good prices for produce prevailed and an era of prosperity for him was finally ushered in. He has had, as a matter of course, certain reverses since that time, but his discrimination and good management have enabled him to make a steady progress and to attain a high degree of success. He takes special pride in maintain ing good fences, keeping his buildings in the best o-f repair and so enrich ing his land as to keep its productiveness at the maximum point, not permitting it to retrograde, as have many farmers in the older-settled sections of Ohio and other states of the middle west. As the result of his ability and well directed efforts Mr. Falter is to-day known as one of the best and most substantial farmers in this section, now having one hundred and forty-nine acres in his home farm, while for the past six years he has also rented and operated an adjoining farm of one hun dred and sixty acres, and has so added to its value and fertility that the owner who had placed it on the market recently refused to sell the prop erty, after having investigated as to its condition and intrinsic worth. In politics Mr. Falter gives a stalwart allegiance to the Democratic <6i2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. party, and he served as township trustee for six years and for a long term of years he has been a member of the school board. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, and he is one of its most influential and devoted members in this section, being a member of the board of trustees of St. Stephen's church, at St. Stephen, and a member of the building committee, under whose direction a new rectory is being con- •structed. In the year 1875 Mr. Falter was united in marriage to Miss Mary Worm, wdio was born in this township, of which her father, the late Christian Worm, was an early settler, having emigrated hither from Germany. Of the eight children born to. our subject and his estimable wife all excej>t one are living and all these remain at the parental home, their names, in order of birth, being as follows : Philomena, Philip, Lawrence, Edward, Anthony, Clement and Theresa. Oliver died at the •age of six years. The family occupy a position of prominence in the social life of the community, and the attractive home is a center of cordial hospitality. JOHN C. STEINMETZ. In the beautiful and industrially prolific county of Seneca, Ohio, there is a fine farmstead which has been owned by representatives of the Steinmetz family from the early epoch, when the sturdy pioneers came hither and set to themselves the task of reclaiming and making productive the forest primeval, where so long had the red man, in his motley garb, disputed dominion with the beasts of the field. The farm of which we speak is that owned by the gentleman whose name intro duces this paragraph and who is known as one of, the most successful and influential agriculturists of this favored section, while, his is the distinction to be of the third generation of the family to be identified with the history of Seneca county. Here in the early days came Martin Steinmetz, the grandfather of our subject and of stanch old German lineage, having been born in the province of Alsace, which Germany sue- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 613. ceeded in wresting from France and annexing to its own great empire. He emigrated thence to America with his family, and they forthwith made their way through to Ohio, which was then held to be on the very frontier of civilization, and from Canton they came through to Seneca county, being compelled to cut their way through the dense forest. The grandfather secured a tract of entirely wild and heavily timbered land in Venice township', purchasing one hundred acres which had' shortly before been secured by government entry, and here he built his modest log cabin beneath the grateful umbrageous canopy of the Ohio forests. This noble pioneer, a man of the stanchest integrity, found, as his portion a full quota of the vicissitudes which were the inevitable concomitants of pioneer life, — perils that shadowed the day and the- night, hardships and privations, all demanding fortitude, faith and indomitable perseverance in yvorking toward desired ends. It is gratify ing to note that the patriarchal homestead has remained in the posses sion of the family, for such tenure is too slightly typical of our restless, ambitious American life. John C. Steinmetz was born on the farm where he now resides, in- Venice township, the date of his nativity having been December 29, 1852. He is a son of Michael and Mary (Falter) Steinmetz, who- became the parents of eleven children, of whom nine survive, namely: John C, the subject of this sketch; Philip, a resident of Toledo, Ohio; Clement, of Tiffin ; Anthony, of Dunnington, Indiana ; Mary Angeline, wife of Joseph Phillips, of Venice township; Christina, wife of Stephen Worm, of Paulding county; Cecelia, wife of Isadore Worm, of St. Stephen, Seneca county; Louisa, wife of John Ewald, of Dunnington, Indiana; and Mary, wife of Frank Freeland, of Dunnington. The father of our subject was born in Alsace, Germany, and was about" eighteen months old at the. time when the family emigrated to America. He was reared on the pioneer farm in this township, having very limited educational advantages, and here his marriage was solemnized, some years after which he purchased the farm now owned by our subject. He had learned the trade of carpenter and built for himself a residence- on his farm, where he continued to make his home and to work at his; 614 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. trade, also developing and improving the farm. His wife died in the year 1881, and he later was united in marriage to Miss Lena Watts, of Tiffin, to which city he soon afterward removed and has there main tained his home ever since. At the time of his removal he owned one hundred and thirty-six acres in the home farm and eighty acres located three miles northwest of the same, all of which he has now sold, having made desirable investments in Tiffin property. Of his second marriage one child was born, but is now deceased. Mr. Steinmetz has been one of the prominent and honored men of the county, is a Democrat in his political proclivities, and for several years he was incumbent of office, having served both as assessor and trustee of Venice township. He is a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic church. John C. Steinmetz was reared on his present homestead and secured his educational discipline in the public schools of the locality. On the 16th of November, 1880, he was united in marriage to Aliss Catherine Ball, who was born in this township, the daughter of Joseph Ball, who was born in Germany and who was a pioneer of Seneca county, being now deceased. After his marriage our subject located on his father's eighty-acre farm, to which reference has been made, and there he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1886, when he returned to the homestead farm, which he rented from his father until 1891, when he purchased the property, which he has greatly improved, making it one of the most attractive and valuable rural estates in this section. He has remodeled and enlarged the buildings on the place and his home is one which gives an unmistakable evidence of the energy and discrimina tion which have been brought to bear by the progressive owner. He is public-spirited in his attitude and gives his support to all legitimate meas- ures'and undertakings for the general good, his political allegiance being accorded to the Democratic party, while his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, under whose beneficent discipline he was reared. Cath erine (Ball) Steinmetz was summoned into eternal rest on the 19th of February, 1896, and is survived by four of her five children, namely: Edward, Earl, Lawrence and Clement, — all of whom remain at the pater nal home. On the nth of October, 1899, Mr. Steinmetz was married a CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 615 second time, Miss Anna Zirger becoming his wife. She was born In Tiffin, and is the daughter of Marcus Zirger, of whom special mention is found on another page. The family are prominent in the social life of the community and are held in the highest regard by all who know them. BENJAMIN F. KNEPPER. Back to the old Keystone state of the Union must we turn in tracing the genealogy of M'r. Knepper, since records extant indicate that his paternal ancestors located in Pennsylvania iin the colonial epoch, having come thither from the German fatherland, as did also- the maternal pro genitors. Our subject is now one of the honored and prosperous farm ers of Seneca county, and from his study ancestors he has inherited those sterling traits of character which have enabled him: to work out his own salvation and to gain and retain the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He has been dependent upon his own resources from his boyhood, and through his indefatigable industry and determination has advanced step by step to the goal of independence and prosperity, richly meriting this reward of his ceaseless toil and endeavor. Benjamin Franklin Knepper was born in Franklin county, Pennsyl vania, on the 4th of December, 1838, and he and his sister Amanda, the wife of John Boner, of that county, are the two surviving children of Peter and Eliza (Wagemon) Knepper, the former of whom was born in the same county in 1793, being the son of Abraham Knepper, likewise a native of Franklin county and the son of Abraham, Sr., who came from Germany and established his home' in Pennsylvania. The grandfather of our subject passed his entire life in his native county, where he lived to the patriarchal age of ninety-five years. There Peter Knepper was reared to the discipline of the farm, and after his mar riage he purchased one hundred and thirty acres adjoining the old homestead, and there remained until his death, in 1847, at the age of fifty-four years. He was a Democrat in politics and his religious faith 616 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. was that of the Seventh Day Adventists. He was twice married, his- first wdfe having been a Miss Geeseman, and of their union three chil dren were born, only one of whom- survives, — Sarah, the widow of Daniel Bricker, of North Baltimore, Ohio. His second wife, the mother of our subject, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, being the daughter of Jacob Wagemon, likewise a native of that county and of German lineage. Mrs. Knepper survived her husband many years, passing away in 1892, at the age of seventy-two. Benjamin F. Knepper was but nine years of age at the time o-f his. father's death, and from, that time forward he depended on his own resources for a livelihood, so that his educational advantages were neces sarily limited in scope. Through reading and active association with the practical affairs of life he has, however, effectively supplemented" the meager education gained in his boyhood. He began his independent career by living with various farmers in the vicinity of his old home,. working for his board until he had sufficiently advanced in years and strength to make his services of greater value. At the age of nineteen he came to Seneca county, Ohio., arriving here in the fall of 1856. He- worked as a farm hand during the summer months and at chopping wood in the winter, being industrious and frugal and saving his earn ings. By this means he accumulated a sufficient sum of money to- justify him, in 1861, in the purchase of eighty acres of land in Hopewell town ship, and the following year he assumed the additional responsibilities. of a man of family, his marriage being then solemnized. With his bride he took up his residence on his farm, which was covered with heavy timber, having erected a primitive log house as a domicile. He: cleared twenty acres of the land within the succeeding two years and then disposed of the place, in 1864, and purchased an eighty-acre tract in- Liberty township, the same being cleared of timber at the time, and this continued to be his home and field of operations for six years, at the expiration of which, in 1870, he sold the property and purchased one hundred and forty-three acres of his present fine homestead, in Hope well township, four and one-half miles northwest of Tiffin, which is his postoffice address. By the purchase of adjoining lands he has increased-. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 617 the area of the homestead, which now comprises two hundred and forty acres of fertile land,, the place being well improved with good farm build ings and maintained under a high state of cultivation, while Mr. Knepper also owns forty acres three miles east of the home farm, in Clinton town ship. His political support is given to the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are zealous members of the Bethel Methodist Protestant church. On the 6th of February, 1862, Mr. Knepper was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Reeme, the daughter of William Reeme, a native, as is she, of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Seneca-. county, Ohio, in the spring of 1857. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Knepper we enter the following brief record : Minnie V. is the wife of John Loose, of Hopewell township; Cyrus D. is a farmer of Clinton township; Eva G. is the wife of Frank Beck, of Liberty township; Arietta B. is the wife of Curtis Ash, of Hancock county; Emma C. is the wife of Curtis Edwards, o-f Liberty township; Benjamin D. is engaged in farming in Hopewell township; William I. has charge of the parental homestead; Russell M. is a notary public at Tiffin; and Clara C. is at the parental home. LOUIS WILLIAMS BOLLINGER. Of stanch old German lineage is the subject of this sketch, who is a native son of Seneca county and now numbered among its success ful and influential farmers. Mr. Bollinger was born on the parental farm, in Venice township, on the 16th of June, 1856, being a son of Louis and Margaret Bollinger, the former of whom was born in the Rhine district of Germany and the latter in Wurtemberg. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom eight are living at the present time, namely : Margaret, the wife of George Duerr, of Gratiot county, Michigan ; Catherine, the wife of Samuel Kimmel, of Venice township, Seneca county; Louisa, the wife of David Sellers, of Attica, this county; 39 618 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Louis W., the subject of this sketch; and Philip, Daniel, Alexander and John F., all of whom reside in Venice township. The parents emigrated from the German fatherland to America about the year 1840 and located in Venice township, their marriage having occurred after their arrival in the United States'. The father of our subject was for some time ¦employed as a locomotive fireman on the railroad from Sandusky to 'Carey, thereafter was employed in a warehouse in the town of Republic, .and finally settled on his little farm of thirty acres, to which he subse quently added until he became the owner of a fine landed estate in this township, having in his possession two hundred and fifty acres- at the time of his death, at the age of fifty-six years, June 25, 1880. He was a man of influence in the community, one whose integrity of character was beyond question, and he was held in high esteem in this section. He gave his sujDport to the Democratic party, being one of the promi nent workers in its cause in this township, of which he served as trustee at one time. He was a member of the Reformed church, as was also bis wife, who survived him about sixteen years. Louis W. Bollinger, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the old homestead farm and received a common-school education. After the death of his father he took charge of the home farm for his mother, so continuing until his marriage, in 1882, when he rented and located upon a farm of sixty-four acres owned by his mother. He -operated this farm on shares for a period of seven years, and then, in 1891, purchased a tract of forty acres, upon which he took up his abode. Later on he rjurchased his present home farm, which comprises eightv acres, and he has further added to his landed estate until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land in four tracts, the greater portion being in Venice township. He has been the architect of his own fortunes, having received from his father's estate only about nine hundred dollars, and he is now known as one of the most success ful, energetic and progressive farmers of this section of the county, having made the best of improvements on his property and directing his efforts with marked discrimination and ability. He gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, but has never desired the honors of political CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 619 office. He and his wife are members of the Pike Reformed church, and are people who command the highest regard in the community. On the 1 6th of October, 1881, Mr. Bollinger was united in mar riage to Miss Rebecca Deisler, who yvas born in this township, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Dish) Deisler, pioneers of the county, and of the three children torn to Mr. and Mrs. Bollinger two survive, — Matilda and Rosa, both of whom remain at the parental home. JOHN B. WILHELM. The pursuits of life are as varied as are the tastes and capacities of men, and it is an interesting and useful study to observe the degree of their assimilation. Among the jDrogressive and influential farmers and apiarists of Seneca county is Mr. Wilhelm, whose attractive and valuable farmstead is located in Venice township. He has maintained his home here for more than two score years, being reared to maturity in this county, and here so directing his independent business career as to attain a high degree of prosperity and to command the unqualified confidence and regard of his fellow men. Air. Wilhelm is a native of the province of Alsace, Germany, though the same was an integral portion of France at the time of his birth, which occurred on the 6th of October, 1844. His parents were John and Catherine (Swalier) Wilhelm, both of yvhom were born in Alsace, the father of the former having been a soldier in Napoleon's army. John Wilhelm was born in the year 1808, and in 1857 he emigrated with his family to America, locating in the state of New York, where he remained until the fall of the following year, when he came to Seneca county, Ohio, and leased a tract of land in- Bloom township, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for several years. He then pur chased forty acres of the farm, now owned by his son Aloysius, one mile west of the village of St. Stephen, and there he passed the residue of his life, which was one of rectitude and signal usefulness, his death occurring 620 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in 1886, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a Democrat in his, political proclivities, and his religious faith was that of the Catholic- church, of which his wddow is also a devoted communicant, being now in her eighty-sixth year and making her home with her son Aloysius J., of Bloom township. Of her six children four yet survive, namely : John B., the immediate subject of this review; Aloysius J., a successful farmer of Bloom township; Therese, who is Sister St. Clara in the Ursuline convent in the city of Tiffin ; and Joseph C, a resident of Henry county, this state. The subject of this sketch was afforded excellent educational advant ages in his youth, having secured his rudimentary discipline in the com mon schools in the vicinity of his home, and having effectively supple mented this by a course of study in the academy at Republic and later by one in Baldwdn University, at Berea, Ohio. From the age of four teen years he lived in the homes of various farmers, working on the- farm during the summer months and attending school during the win ters, defraying the expenses of his education wholly through his own efforts. At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Wilhelm began teaching school, and he thereafter continued to follow the pedagogic profession for about a decade in Seneca and Stark counties, being very successful' in his work and gaining marked prestige in that line. In the year 1871 Mr. Wilhelm was united in marriage to Miss Marcella Delaney, who was born in Venice township, this county, a daughter of Matthew Delaney, one of the pioneer farmers of this locality. In 1873 our subject took up his residence on his present homestead, which was a part of the estate of his father-in-law, the land having been entered as a government claim by Mr. Delaney in 1833. Mr. Wilhelm now owns one hundred and ten acres of very fertile and prolific land, has made the best of improvements on the place and is known as one of the substantial and progressive farmers of this section. He also has forty acres in a separate farm. For a number of years he has devoted special attention to the raising of bees, and he is known as one of the leading apiarists of the state, having made a careful study of the habits and' needs of the busy little toilers and having been highly successful in- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 621 handling this department of his enterprise. He places, on the market each year from fifteen hundred to two thousand pounds: of the finest honey, the product always being sent out in the most inviting form and invariably •commanding the highest market price. In politics Mr. Wilhelm gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, of whose cause he has been a, stanch sujDporter, and he served two terms in the office of township trustee, taking a deep interest in all that concerns the welfare of the community and being essentially public spirited. His religious faith is that under whose benign influence he was reared, and he is a, com municant of the Catholic church, as are also his wife and children. Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm became the parents of five children, of whom three survive, namely : Frank X., Anna C. and Clara, all of whom re main at the parental home, being popular in the best social life of the community. JOHN FRUTH. The subject to- whose life history we now direct attention has passed practically his entire life in Seneca county, though he is a native ¦of Germany, and has, been conspicuously identified with the industrial and civic activities of this section of the state, being one of the success ful farmers and highly honored citizens of Loudon township, where his parents, took up their abode in the pioneer epoch of the county's history. Mr. Fruth was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 17th o-f June, 1851, being a son of Jacob and Sevilla (Sherdon) Fruth, of whose seven- children four survive at the present time, namely: Sevilla, the wife of Conrad Herbert, of Big Spring township; Susannah, wife of David Peters, of Alvada, this county; John, the subject of this sketch; and Gustave, who makes his home with our subject. The par ents were both native of Bavaria, and there they maintained their home until 1854, when they bade adieu to the fatherland and emigrated to America, the subject of this review being but three years of age at the time. They landed in New York city after a voyage of thirty days' 6;;2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. duration, and thence .came directly through to- Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and settled on a farm near the city of Cleveland, the place having been purchased by Jacob Fruth prior to his emigration, through the medium of his sister, who had preceded him to America and had located with her husband in Cuyahoga county. Mr. Fruth remained in that county two years and then disposed of his farm and came to Seneca county, locating in Loudon township, where he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty-four acres, the same being now owned by his son-in-law, David Peters, previously mentioned. The father of our subject cleared and improved this farm and there made his home until his death, at the age of sixty years, his wddow surviving him many years and passing away at the age of seventy-five. They were folk of sterling character — earnest, industrious and God-fearing", — and were devoted members of the United Evangelical church. Mr. Fruth gave his support to- the Democratic party after becoming a naturalized citizen, and he ever commanded the esteem of the people o-f the community where he lived and labored to- such goodly ends. John Fruth, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was: reared on the old homestead and received a common-school education. He remained at home until his marriage, in 1874, and soon • afterward purchased' seventy acres of his present farm, where he began his independent, ca reer. In 1885 he purchased an adjoining sixty acres, and as he has made the best improvements and brought the place under a high state of cultivation, be now has one of the valuable and attractive farm es tates in this section of the county. He has ever taken an active interest in the enterprises and undertakings which have been projected for the general good of the community and his attitude has been that of a public-spirited and progressive citizen. In politics his allegiance is given to the Democratic party, and he has served as a member of the town ship central committee of his party, while he has also been incumbent of other positions of trust and responsibility. He was assessor of his township for two terms, was road supervisor for an equal period and was the candidate of his party for township- trustee in 1895, but was defeated, owing to political exigencies. He is incumbent o-f the office CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 623 of school director at the present time, and has, at intervals, held this office for several years. He is an elder in St. John's United Evan gelical church and is a zealous worker in the same, his wife also- being a devoted member of the church. Fraternally he is identified with Loudon Grange, No. 723, Patrons o-f Husbandry, of which he is chaplain at the time of this writing. On the 10th of February, 1874, Air. Fruth was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Mergenthaler, who: was born in Loudon township, the daughter of Gottfried Mergenthaler, who was one of the early settlers of this township, having emigrated thither from Wurtemberg, Germany. Of the thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fruth twelve survive, namely: Jacob F., a farmer of this township; William C, of Big Spring township; David, of Loudon township; Ida C, wife of Henry Zuern, of Seneca township; Christina E., wife of George Heilman, of Hancock county : and Daniel L., Clara F., Abraham J., Sarah A., John C, Clarence H. and Lena M., who- remain at the paternal home. JOSEPH M. MARTIN. It cannot be other than gratifying to note that within the pages of this compilation wdll be found mention of many prominent and success ful citizens of the county who have here passed their entire lives and who stand representative of the sturdy pioneer element which instituted the herculean task of reclaiming this section of the state from the wdlder- ness, carrying the work valiantly forward and leaving it to- their sons and daughters to rear the superstructure upon the foundations thus firmly laid. Those who have been the founders and builders of Seneca county are the ones who find place in this edition, and in the connection we are j>leased in being permitted to- briefly review the genealogy and personal career of the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch and who is one of the influential farmers and stock dealers of the county in which he has lived his entire life. 624 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Martin was born in Liberty township, o-n the 29th of October, 1848, being the son of Jacob and Sarah (Hostler) Martin, of whose nine children six now survive, namely : Jacob B., a resident of Fos toria, Ohio; Hiram F., of Eaton county, Michigan; Joseph M., sub ject of this review; Sarah C, wife of Leander Zeis, of Seneca town ship, this county; Savannah, the wife of Edward Hep-shire, of the same township; and Rufus, a successful farmer of Seneca township. Jacob Martin, father of these children, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 28th of October, 181 6, being the son of Jo-cob- and Margaret Martin, whom he accompanied on their removal to- Seneca county, Ohio, in 1833. Jacob Martin, Sr., took up a quarter section of government land, in Liberty township, the tract now owned by Andrew Sherger, and there he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. Jacob, Jr., father of our subject, assisted in clearing and improving the homestead, and after his marriage he rented land for a number of years and also- cultivated another quarter section which his father had acquired, clearing the greater portion of the same. Later he purchased a tract of forty acre* and there lived for some time, finally disposing of the property ans purchasing the old home place, where he continued to reside until the time of his death, on the 3d of March, 1873. Pie was a Democrat in his political proclivities, but never sought official preferment, and he was a prominent and influential member of the United Brethren church, of which he was an officer for many years, being a man of unblemished character. His wdfe, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1818, died in 1896, at the age of seventy-eight years, her family having come- to Seneca county about the same time as did the Martin family. Joseph M. Martin, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead and was indebted to- the public schools of the lo cality for his early educational advantages. In 1872 his marriage oc- curred and thereafter he resided about seven months on a farm owned by one of his brothers. He then removed to the farm of his mother- in-law, renting the place and there continuing in agricultural pursuits for six years. In the meanwhile he effected the purchase of a tract of forty acres on the opposite side o-f the road, and at the expiration of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 625 the time noted he also bought the homestead o-f which he had thus re mained in charge, the same comprising one hundred and four acres. Later he purchased an adjoining fifty-four acres and still later a con tiguous tract of fifty-three acres, thus increasing the area of this fine farm to an aggregate of two hundred and eleven acres. As time has passed he has increased his landed estate in the county, and his prop erties are considered to be among the most valuable in this section of the state. He is also the owner of the Grassman farm, of eighty acres, in Liberty townshija-; the Crall farm, in the same township and of equal area, and upon all of his properties the best of improvements have been made. For the past decade Mr. Martin has figured as one of the lead ing stock buyers and shippers in the county, while in addition to general agriculture he gives: special attention to- the raising of high-grade stock. His extensive operations as a buyer have given him a wide acquaintance ship throughout this section of the state, and he is known as a man of marked business and executive capacity and as one whose integrity of purpose is beyond cavil, thus retaining" uniform confidence -and esteem. His political support has been given to- the Democratic party from the time when he first exercised his right of franchise, but he has had no desire for public office, and this was so signally manifested on one oc casion, when he was his party's nominee for trustee of his township, that he was defeated, having made no personal effort to forward his own interests in the connection and having given frequent assurance that he preferred not to accept the position. Notwithstanding these conditions he was defeated by only twenty votes. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Protestant church, and he is one of the trustees of the Shiloh church. On the 19th of May, 1872, Mr. Alartin was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ellen Zeis, who was born in Liberty township, this coun ty, on the farm- now owned by her husband, being the daughter of God frey and Margaret (Sager) Zeis, sterling pioneer settlers of this county Of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Mlartin all are living except an infant daughter, those surviving being Eva M., the wife o-f William Rosen berger of Liberty township; Homer A., a successful young farmer of 626 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the same township; Celesta E., the wife of Harry Beck, o-f Pleasant township; Wilbert W., who is now- a, student in Heidelberg College, at Tiffin; and Rufus M., who remains at the parental home. HENRY SEEWALD. Among the many honored sons of Seneca county who still continue- to make their home within its borders there are few whose careers have been more varied and interesting" than that of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph and who- is now one o-f the influential and highly esteemed members of the agricultural community o-f this section of the Buckeye state. He was left an orphan at an early age but was thereafter not deprived of the advantages of a cultured and refined home; he became a sailor on the Great Lakes, later identifying himself with the wider maritime realm, as a sailor on boats plying the ocean; it was his to: render most valiant and meritorious service as a soldier in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion, while in the gaining of the no less honorable victories which peace ever hath in store he has shown himself equally loyal to himself, to- truth and to- the duties of citizenship. It is thus signally appropriate . that a review of his life- history be incorporated in this publication, which has to do wdth those who have contributed to the development and upbuilding of the county of which he is a native and a representative of a sterling pioneer family- Air. Seewald was born in the city of Tiffin, which was then a mere village, on the 8th o-f March, 1836, being the son o-f Valentine and Philipena (Lang) Seewald, of whose three children he is now the only survivor. The children were Lewis, who left home when eleven years old and was never heard of thereafter; and Charles, who was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, having- been a member of Com pany A, Eighth Ohio' Volunteer Infantry, with which he was an active participant in the battle of Gettysburg, wdiere he received a wound which finally necessitated the amputation of one o-f his legs, and he died Au- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 627 gust 16, 1863, from the result of the injury, aged twenty-one years. The father of our subject was a native of the kingdom of Bavaria, Ger many, where he was reared to maturity and where he learned the trade of locksmith and gunsmith. As a young" man he severed the ties which bound him to home and fatherland and emigrated to the; United States, settling in Tiffin, Ohio, where he continued to- follow his trade until his death, on the 22d of December, 1846, at the age of forty-four years. His wife was likewise a native of Germany, whence she came to- America in company with her parents, Henry and Catherine Lang, and family, first locating in Baltimore, where they remained for a time and then came to- Tiffin, making the entire journey on foot. They were thus pioneers of this county and their descendants have been prominent in the annals of the state, as- were other representatives of their family in the same generation. Her brother, William Lang, is the author jf Lang's History of Seneca County. Philipena (Lang) Seewald was born in the year 1 809, and she died in Tiffin, at the age of thirty-three years. Henry Seewald was but six years of age when he was deprived of his mother's care, and four years later he was doubly orphaned by the death o-f his father. He then went to- Fremont, this state, wdiere he found a home with his uncle, Rev. Henry Lang, his early educational adVantages having been such as were to be had in the somewhat primi tive public schools of the day. At the age of fifteen years he became a sailor on the Great Lakes and was thus engaged for a period of six years, after which be was employed as a sailor before the mast, on the Atlantic ocean, for four years, within which time he had a varied and, in- retrospective view, an interesting experience. In the meanwhile the ominous cloud of civil war had obscured the national horizon, and when the conflict was finally precipitated Mr. Seewald was not slow to give distinctive evidence of his intrinsic patriotism. On the 7th of September, 1861, he enlisted, at Philadelphia, on his return from a voyage to Cuba, as a private in Company D, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to- the Army o-f the Potomac and with which he took an active part in many of the most notable -628 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and sanguinary battles of the Rebellion, notably the following: The engagement at West Point, the Seven Days' fight before Richmond, the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellors ville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and Spottsylvania. At Chancellors ville, on May 3, 1863, he was wounded, being struck by rifle balls three different times, and owing his life to a diary and a Testament wdiich he had jiicked up a few minutes before the battle and placed in his breast pocket, the book so retarding the course of the bullet as to. render the injury not a serious one. He still has the old Testament to which he owes his life. On picking it up he remarked : "This is thick enough to stop a ball." In the engagement at Spottsylvania, however, on the 12th of May, 1864, Mir. Seewald received a severe wound which developed blood poisoning and necessitated his confinement in the Lincoln general hospital, in Washington, until the expiration of his term of service, when he received his honorable discharge, on the 19th of September, 1864. That he still retains an interest in his old comrades is manifest in his attending reunions of the old soldiers and visiting the battle ground ¦of Gettysburg. After the expiration of his military service, wdiich was one of dis tinction, Mr. Seewald returned to his home in Tiffin, and shortly after ward, in the spring of 1865, he purchased ninety acres of his jD-resent farm, in Loudon township, to wdiich he has added until he now has a fine place of one hundred and forty acres, well imp-roved and under most effective cultivation. Much of the land was still covered with the native timber at the time he took up: his residence here, and he has personally cleared more than half of his place and reclaimed the land to cultiva tion, so- that he has had his share of the pioneer experiences. In addi tion to his general agricultural operations, Mr. Seewald also: devotes special attention to the raising of shorthorn cattle, of which he has some fine types. He has ever given an uncompromising support to- the Re publican party and has taken a deej> interest in public affairs of a local nature. He served for fifteen years as a member of the school board of his district, and as, a public-spirited and progressive citizen has given his influence in the furtherance of good government, educational and re- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 629, ligious interests and all that conserves the general welfare, while to him is accorded in his native county the fullest measure of esteem and con fidence. On the 1 8th of April, 1865, Mr. Seewald was united in marriage to Miss Susan Strausbaugh, who was born in Seneca county, the daugh ter of Jacob Strausbaugh, who was one of the pioneers of the county, whither he removed from York county, Pennsylvania. They reared ten children, namely: Blanche B., wife of John Bessler, of Los Angeles, California; Jessie C, the wife of James Dunn, of Tiffin; Charles V., a successful teacher in the schools of Loudon township; Leo- O., a resi dent of Bismarck, North Dakota ; Arthur W., in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; Grace, the wife of Daniel Flannagan, of Toledo ; Asa, who remains on the old homestead ; Ira H., a resident of Toledo, as is also Raleigh T. ; and Maud S., who remains at the pa rental home. Airs. Seewald died on the 15th of February, 1894, at the age of forty-nine years. DAVID BOYD. One of the venerable pioneers and honored citizens of Seneca county is Air. Boyd, who is now. living retired from active business, after a long life of signal industry and well directed endeavor. His career has been characterized by an inflexible integrity of purpose and he has ever commanded the fullest measure of esteem in the community where he has passed so many years cf his life, his home being in Jackson township. Air. Boyd claims the old Keystone state as the place of his nativity, having been born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of Feb ruary, 1822. He was reared and educated in his native county and when fourteen years of age entered upon an apprenticeship at the black smith trade. After attaining" maturity he removed to Cumberland1 county, where he was employed at his trade for a period of two years. 630 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. He then set forth for Ohio, making the trip on foot and locating in Rich land county, where he remained o-ne year, at the expiration of which time he came to- Seneca county and established his home in Jackson township, where he has ever since resided. He at one time owned a farm of three hundred and sixty acres, but has disposed of this property with the exception of one acre, where he has maintained his homte from the time when he first located in the township. Upon locating here he established a blacksmith shop, and here he continued in the active work o-f his trade until 1891, when he retired. His services were in demand by a large circle of patrons, and he is well. known to the people of this section o-f the county. In 1844 Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Miss Rosana. AVeiser, who was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of Feb ruary, 1822, and they became the parents of five children, namely: Hugh AV. A., Who- is engaged in farming in this township and who served as a valiant soldier during the war of the Rebellion, having en listed, in June, 1863, as a private in -Company C, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served six months, the regiment having been in pursuit of Morgan on his famous raid and having par ticipated in the engagement at Cumberland Gap. On the 2d of May, 1864, Mr. Boyd re-enlisted, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the one hundred clays' service, being assigned to duty in the defense of the national capital. After the expiration of his second term Mr. Boyd returned to- his home, and in October, 1864, he again tendered his services to the Union, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Eighty-third Ohio- Volun teer Infantry, which was with General Thomas in the Franklin and Nashville campaign, and in this regiment he served until the close of the war, when he received his honorable discharge and was duly mustered out. He retains a vital interest in his old comrades in arms and is prom inently identified- with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a mem-ber o-f Norris Post, at Fostoria, of which he has ever served as commander. Jacob H. C. Boyd, the second son o-f our subject, was likewise a soldier in the Civil war, having served for .seven months in the One Hundred CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 631 and Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he is now a successful farmer of his township. John A. S., Benjamin F. and David I. died in early childhood. In politics Mr. Boyd- is a stanch Republican, and he has served as trustee of his township. His religious faith is that of the M'ethodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a member since 1848, his wife also being a devoted member of the same. Air. Boyd has eleven oil wells" on his place and the same are being profitably operated. He has at tained prosperity through his own well directed efforts, and in the even ing of his life enjoys the due reward of his active and useful career. FRANCIS H. SCHLINK, M. D. Among the representatives of the medical profession in Seneca county is Francis Henry Schlink, who is established in active practice in the village of New Riegel. Dr. Schlink is a native of the state of In diana, having been born in Allen county, on the 14th of January, 1856, a son of George P. and Mary A. (Rose) Schlink, of whose nine chil dren four are living at the present time, namely: John, a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana; George and Joseph, who reside in Allen county, that state; and Francis H., the subject of this review. George P. Schlink was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, in the year 1812, and came to America, in company with his mother and step-father, in the year 1833. After residing for a short time in the city of Buffalo, New York, the father of our subject removed to Allen county, Indiana, Avhere he engaged in agricultural pursuits. There, on the ist of Jan uary, 1843, "was solemnized his marriage to Miss Mary A. Rose, who was born in Alsace, France (now a German province), and who had come to America with her parents in the year1 previous to her marriage, the family locating in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The father of the Doctor continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits in Allen county, In diana, until his death, which occurred on the nth of February, 1865, 632 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. while his wife passed away en the 25th of the succeeding month, both having succumbed to- attacks of typhoid fever, as did- also one of their daughters, who died about the same time. They were devoted members of the Catholic church and were people of sterling worth of character. Dr. Schlink was but nine years of ag"e at the time of the death of his parents, and thereafter he lived until his fourteenth year in the home of two families of the neighborhood, one o-f the men with whom he was thus placed later becoming his brother-in-law. Under these con ditions the Doctor resided in New Haven, Indiana, where he secured his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools. At the age of sixteen years he entered Notre Dame College, at Notre Dame, Indi ana, where he- completed the literary and scientific courses and was graduated as a member of the class of 1877. He thereafter took a course of study in the medical department o-f the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and later continued his technical studies in the Miami Med ical College, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated as a member of the class o-f 1880. In the meantime the Doctor further reinforced himself in the line of his profession by taking a special course of study in physical diagnosis in the hospital wards, together with a. course of lectures in the city hospital of Cincinnati, so: that he was specially well equipped for professional work at the time of his graduation. In the spring of 1880 Dr. Schlink entered upon the active practice of his pro fession at Delphos, Ohio, where; he built up: a representative business and attained high prestige. In 1882 the Doctor became a member of the Northwestern Ohio' Aledical Association, which, in the following year, he represented as a delegate to the convention of the American Medical Association, of wdiich he becamie a prominent member'. In the same year he Was chosen as a member of the board of health of Delphos, and in that capacity served for a number of years, while he was also, ex amining physician for the Alichigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Detroit, as he was also local surgeon, at Delphos, for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. The Doctor continued in the practice of his profession at Delphos until the spring of 1894, when he came to New Riegel, where he has since been established in a large and- rep-re- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 633 sentative practice, being held in the' highest esteem in the community and being recognized as one of the leading members of the medical fra ternity in Seneca county, many difficult surgical operations being as suc cessfully handled by him as when treated by specialists in the larger cities. His, religious faith is that of the Catholic church, and he is a communicant of St. Boniface church. On the 18th of May, 1881, Dr. Schlink was united in marriage to, Miss Agnes A. Ostendorf, who was born in Delphos, Ohio, the daughter o-f Joseph Ostendorf, who: was one of the stockholders and the foreman of the Union Stave Works, at Delphos, being thus in active service for a quarter of a century, but being now retired from active- business. Dr. and Mrs. Schlink became the parents of five children,. of whom four survive, namely : Josephine M., who is a graduate of the musical conservatory of the Ohio- Normal University and who is a successful teacher of music in Tiffin, where she is organist of St. Alary's church; Albert G, a student of the Ohio Normal University, at Ada; and Rosa T. and1 Henry A., who remain at the parental home. Elmer, the second in order of birth, died at the age of twelve years. ELIAS HOLLENBAUGH. At this juncture we enter memoir of one of the sterling citizens of Seneca county, where he located in pipneer days, developing a fine farm from the forest wilds of Jackson township and attaining a high degree of success through his energy and well directed efforts. He was a man of exalted honor and integrity and he ever held the highest esteem of all who- knew him. It is signally fitting that in this compilation be incor porated a tribute to this sterling citizen, who entered into eternal rest on the 4th of June, 1901. Mr. Hollenbaugh was a native of the state of Pennsylvania, hav ing been born in Berks county, on the 8th of April, 1838, and he was reared to the sturdy discipline of farm life, receiving a common-school 40 634 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. education. As a young man he came to- Seneca county, where he began working on a farm, by the month, so continuing until his patriotism and loyalty led him- to tender his services in defense of the Union during the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio: Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close- of the war, — a term of nearly three years. After receiv ing his honorable discharge and being mustered out, Mr. Hollenbaugh returned to> Pennsylvania, where his second marriage was solemnized, ¦and soon afterward he returned to: Seneca county, in conrpany wdth his wife, being located near Bettsville for a period of seven months, after which he purchased forty acres of land in Jackson township, the tract being covered with native timber, with the exception of about five acres, which had been previously cleared. In a primitive log cabin of two : rooms he and his devoted wife established their home and he then set himself valiantly to- the work of reclaiming his farm from the sylvan wdlds, his efforts being attended with such success that he was able to add to the area of his farm, becoming the owner of one hundred acres, nearly all of which he cleared of its heavy gro-wth of timber while he made the best of improvements on the place, including a commodious .and attractive residence, where his widow still maintains her home. On the farm are several oil wells, which add to the value of the fine prop erty. Mr. Hollenbaugh ever gave his influence and tangible aid in support of all measures and enterprises projected for the general good, being active in the upholding of educational and religious work and being a Prohibitionist in his'political allegiance. He was a man whose in tegrity was unimpeachable and to him was given the unstinted con fidence and esteem of the community in which he lived and labored to ¦such goodly ends. He was a devoted member of St. John's Evangelical church, in which he was ever found an active worker. Air. Hollenbaugh was first married to Miss Susanna Mangle, who passed away in 1862, leaving two children, — Syriah, wdio is the widow of John C. Wonders; and Amelia, the wife of Eli Schaeffer, of Berks county, Pennsylvania. On the 8th of February, 1866, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Hollenbaugh was united in marriage to Miss Caro- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 635 line Reigle, who. was born in Berks county, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom we enter brief record, as follows : Frank is a successful farmer of Paulding county, Ohio-; Alary is the wife of Na thaniel Zimmerman, of the same county ; John is a resident of San dusky county; Eli is engaged in operating the homestead; Samuel and Cordelia are deceased; Sarah is the wife of William Zimmerman, of Paulding county; Clara is the wife of Alfred Saum, of Seneca county; Ida is the wife of Francis Kline, of Sandusky county ; and Alda is the wife of Henry Myers, of Wood county. LEMUEL DOWNS. Not all men order their lives to their liking; nor yet are all men true to themselves in living as nearly to their ideals as possible and attaining to such success as their opportunities and talents render ac cessible. We now turn to one who accomplished much during his long and useful life, the entire span of which was passed in Seneca county, where he stood as a worthy scion of one of the early pioneer families, and though his was not a. pretentious or exalted life, it was true to itself and its possibilities, and one to whom the biographist rhay revert with a feeling of respect and satisfaction. Mr. Downs- was born on the old homestead farm, in Eden town ship, Seneca county, March 10, 1834, and it is interesting to note the fact that this continued to be his abiding place until death set its seal upon his mortal lips, thus closing a life of signal usefulness and honor, his death occurring on the 3d of April, 1895, at the age of sixty-one years. He was one of the progressive and influential farmers and stock- growers of this section, and his efforts were directed with such discrim ination, energy and ability that his success' was much above the average attained in connection with the dignified vocation of the husbandman. His father, John Downs, was born in the state of Virginia, where he was feared to maturity. He removed to Ross county, Ohio, where his 636 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. marriage to Caroline Holder was solemnized, and thence he came to- Seneca county in 1824. Here he entered four hundred acres of govern ment land, the greater portion being still an unbroken forest wild, and. established his home in one of the primitive log houses common to the place and period and for many years later. Of this estate the farm now owned by the wido-w of our subject was an integral portion, and here. John Downs and his devoted companion passed the residue of their days, each being about eighty years of age at the time of death. They had a family of thirteen children, all of whom are deceased, our subject having. been the youngest and the last to- pass away. Lemuel Downs was born on this old homiestead and was here reared. amid the scenes and conditions incidental to- pioneer life, his educational advantages, though meagre, being the best afforded in the locality, the schools being of primitive order, — simple log buildings, wdth the slab seats and puncheon floors. He early began to assist in the work o-f the farm and after his marriage began his- independent career on a portion. of the old homestead, eventually developing" a fine jD-lace, making the best of jD-ermanent improvements, as is evident from the appearance o-f the. farm to-day, and fromi time to time accumulating- other land until, at the. time of his death, his estate comprised more than six hundred acres. In properly handling a property of this sort it is needless to say that much administrative- and executive ability was demanded, in addition to a thorough knowledge of the science of agriculture and the proper handling of details. That his success w_as one of large measure was due to his own efforts, and he was one of the leading farmers and stock-growers of the county, having- devoted special attention to- the raising o-f sheep of the best grade, as well as cattle. In politics Air. Downs was a life-long Democrat, and he served as township trustee and in other local offices. The title of "Squire," by which he was familiarly known, was given him. when a boy on account of his father having served in that capacity for years. He wras a man of inflexible integrity, making no compromise for the sake of advancing personal aims or ambitions, and yet showing that kindly tolerance which ever commands strong and abiding friendships. On the 13th of February, 1862, Mr. Downs was united in mar-.-. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 637 riage to Miss Lucinda Miller, who was born near Mexico, Wyandot ¦county, the daughter of George and Esther (Stratton) Miller, pioneer settlers of that county. Mr. and Airs. Downs became the parents of six children, of whom we make brief mention as follows : James W. died at the age of nine years; Cora May is the wife of Charles Gulick, of Eden township; Jennie Esther is- the wife of Calvin Spitler, an attorney of Tiffin; Allen J. died at the age of eleven years; John Guy is proprietor of a livery in Tiffin ; and George L. is operating the old homestead. WILLIAM N. DUNN. In order to perpetuate for coming generations the record of one who was very prominently connected with the growth and development ¦of Seneca county, but who has now passed to his final reward, a brief account of the life of William Nelson Dunn is placed on the pages of this volume. He was a public-spirited citizen, in harmony with advanced ideas, intelligent progress and one always liberal in his contributions to aid the social, material and religious advancement of the county. He was one of Seneca county's poneer settlers and was a most worthy and exemplary citizen. William Nelson Dunn was a native of the Empire state, his birth having there occurred in Sullivan county, February 1, 1815,-and he was a son of James and Mehitable (Hopkins) Dunn. Of the parents' large family of eight children all are now deceased. His father was a farmer and lumber dealer, owning about four hundred acres of timber land, on which he operated two sawmills and rafted lumber to Phila delphia. In 1 83 1 he moved upon his farm in Wayne county, New York, where he lived until life's labors were ended in death. In the fall of 1841, in company with Henry D. Clark, who later be came his brother-in-law, William N. Dunn, of this review, came to Sen eca1 county, Ohio-, locating in Hopewell township. Our subject cleared and improved his farm- and became the owner of over twelve hundred 638 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. acres of land in the state of Michigan and in Seneca county. His life was characterized by energy, perseverance and hard work, and to these principles his success was due. In 1872 he put aside the active cares of the farm and removed to Tiffin, where the remainder of his life was spent. For eight years he was a constant sufferer from partial paralysis of the muscles and nerves, but he bore his affliction with a noble courage and fortitude.In 1842 Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to Miss Sophia W. Clark, a native of Rensselaer county, New York, and a daughter of George. and Dorcas (Sweet) Clark. The father died when the daughter was a child, and her mother afterward married Elijah Lake and removed to Wayne county, New York. Mir. Dunn was called to his, final rest in 1883, and the community thereby lost one of its valued citizens, the church a consistent benefactor, his neighbors a faithful friend and his family a devoted husband and father. In his political associations he was a Democrat. His widow still survives and now resides in the home property in Tiffin. She is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church and a member of the Industrial Chapter of the church Guild. She is very active in church and charitable work and is loved and hon ored for her many noble characteristics. t stead ily in touch with the progress which has made great changes in medical practice since he first located in Tiffin, thus rendering his efforts much more effective in producing the desired result of lessening pain and re storing health. His efforts, ho-wever, have not been so closely confined to his profession that it has excluded all connection with other business relations, for he was one of the organizers of the Tiffin Savings Bank, of wdiich he is now vice-president. He has lost considerable money by going security, but altogether his career has been a successful one, and respect and honor have been accorded him, together with a comfortable competence. Although he is now seventy-six years of age he yet prac tices, his nature being one to- which idleness is utterly foreign. His worth is such that to know Dr. McCollum is to- esteem and honor him. SYLVESTER CUNNINGHAA1. Sylvester Cunningham- was one of the honored and respected resi dents of Seneca county, and when called to his final rest the community mourned the loss of a valued citizen, — one who was esteemed by all with 654 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. whom he had come in contact. He was born in Homer, New York, January 10, 1815, and upon his father's farm was reared, early becom ing familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri culturist. The common schools offered him his educational privileges- and he afterward learned the stone-mason's: trade. Removing from Homer to Aurora, New York, he followed that trade and also engaged in farming there until 1856, when he determined to- establish his home in the Buckeye state, whither he came and took up his residence in Scipio township, Seneca county. He purchased a farm of sixty acres, where Lemuel Stewart now resides1, and for a few years resided thereon, after which he purchased another tract of land, of eighty acres, and upon the second farm hie spent his remaining days, He was clo-sly associated with agricultural pursuits in this part of the county and contributed in no small measure to the improvement and development of the locality. His farm work was conducted along progressive lines and he made for his family a very comfortable home. In his religious views he was a, Methodist, belonging to the church of that denomination in Reji-ublic. He also held membership relations with the Alasonic fraternity, in which he attained to the degree of a Knight Templar. He passed away May 30, 1S83, at the age of sixty-eight years. His life was a busy, useful and upright one, characterized by energy, by straightforward dealing in busi ness, loyalty in citizenship and honor in social relations. Thus his ex ample is in many respects well worthy of emulation and his memory is enshrined by all who- knew him. In early manhood Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Wilkerson, and they became the parents of three children. The eldest is Charles M., who is now living in Osborn, Kansas, and is a re tired farmer and ranchman. When the country was engaged in civil war he offered his services to the government, in 1861, and became a member of Company B, Seventh Ohio- Infantry. With his command he participated in the battles of Bull Run, Winchester and Gettysburg. He was in the army commanded by Sherman, and during the latter part of his service he was a member of the Ninth Ohio Cavalry, under Kilpat- rick, and at the front he remained until the close of hostilities, when he CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 655 was, honorably discharged with the rank of captain of Company I, Ninth Ohio Cavalry, being promo-ted from first lieutenant. His valor and meritorious conduct had won him promotion and he made for himself a most creditable military record. Elizabeth, the second child of the family, became the wife of Sydney J. Anway and died in 1893. Helen J., the youngest child, is the widow of Eli F. Beard, to whom she was married October 27, 1873. Her husband was born in Reed township, September 6, 1842, and was reared upon a farm, where he remained until a short time prior to the commencement of the war of the Rebellion, when he began working at the carriage-maker's trade. However, he watched with interest the progress of events in the south and determined that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would strike a blow in its defense. Accordingly on the 18th o-f June, 1861, he enlisted at Camp Chase, as a member of Company G, Twenty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years' service. Proceeding to- the front, he participated in both battles of Bull Run, and on the 8th of June, 1862, was wounded in the left knee at the battle of Cross Keys. Not long after this he was granted a furlough and returned to his home. On the ex piration o-f his leave of absence, however, he rejoined his regiment, and at Chancellorsville, on the 3d of May, 1863, was again wounded, this time in the right shoulder. On the 21st of December of the same year Mr. Beard re-enlisted in the same company and regiment; and in the engagement at Deveaux Neck he was very seriously wounded in the lower jaw, on account of which injury he was sent to the hospital, and there, by reason of his disability, he was discharged, on the 18th of May, 1865, with the rank of corporal. On being mustered out of service Mr. Beard came to Republic, Sen eca county, his parents having removed to that place during his absence. In 1874 he patented and became the manufacturer of the Buckeye churn, ( establishing a factory in Republic. There he carried on the business until 1888, when, on account of failing health, he placed his plant in charge1 of parties, from Sidney, Ohio, who: were to manufacture the churns, giv ing Mr. Beard a royalty upon the same. The value of his invention has been widely acknowledged and- the churn is now in general use through- 656 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. out a large portion of this part of the country. Of Robinson Post, G. A. R., of Republic, Air. Beard became a charter member, and he was one of its honored and valued representatives. In the Masonic fraternity he belonged to both the blue lodge and chapter, and in his life he ex emplified the- beneficent principles of the craft. Of the Methodist Epis copal church he was a consistent and faithful member, and his life was ever in harmony with its teachings. He passed away October 3, 1893, leaving to his widow not only a comfortable competence but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. Mrs. Beard is well known in Seneca county, where she has many warm friends. She belongs to Cornelia Chapter, No. 93, Order of the Eastern Star, and is the present worthy matron of that body. She has also served as president of Rob inson Relief Corps, No. 106. DANIEL LOOSE. Daniel Loose, a well-known citizen of Clinton township, Seneca county, Ohio, owns and operates a valuable farm whose neat and thrifty appearance well indicates his careful supervision. Substantial improve ments are surrounded by well-tilled fields, and all of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are there found. Mr. Loose is a. native of this state, his birth having occurred near Baltimore, Fairfield county, December 25, 1829. He is one of a family of seven children born to Rev. John and Sarah, (Measey) Loose, the others being Israel, a resident of Tiffin, Ohio; Sarah A., deceased; John H., who makes his home in Clinton township; Sophia, the wife of Jacob Rosenberger, of the same township ; Eli, a minister of the United Brethren church, now ministering to a church in Morrow county, Ohio ; and William, deceased. The parents of our subject were born in Lan caster county, Pennsylvania, where they were married, and from there they removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, In 1837 they came to Seneca county and settled in Clinton township, where the father erected a saw- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 657 mill and engaged in its operation, in connection wdth his farming. He later purchased two hundred acres- o-f the land in Hopewell township and there gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he followed throughout the remainder of his life. For many years he served as a local minister of the Evangelical church, and was an earnest, consistent Christian gentleman, honored and respected by all who knew him. He died at the age of sixty-eight years. The subject of this sketch was a child of eight years when he ac companied his parents on their removal to Seneca, county, and here he was reared upon a farm, being given the usual advantages of a common- school education. During his minority he gave his father the benefit of his labors upon the home farm, and at the age of twenty-one rented the place, carrying it on quite successfully for three years. He also was associated with his brother in the sawmill business for two years. At the end of that time Mr. Loose purchased a tract of eighty acres, on which he made his home for three years. At the end of that time he bought the Bretz farm, of one hundred and sixty acres, in Eden town ship, and lived there until taking up his residence upon his present farm, lying a short distance south of the city limits of Tiffin. Industrious, progressive and energetic, he has met with excellent success in his farm ing operations and is to-day the owner of three places, aggregating three hundred and twenty-one acres, all under cultivation and well improved with good and substantial buildings. In connection with general farm ing he follows stock-raising, and has found that branch of his business quite profitable. On November 20, 1864, Mr. Loose was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Bretz, daughter of Philip and Alary Bretz. They are among the esteemed citizens of their community and are active members of the Eden Evangelical church, in which Mr. Loose has served as trustee and steward for many years. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. Of the children of Air. and Mrs. Loose we enter the following brief record : Orrin Edward is a bookkeeper in Kansas City, Missouri ; Wi- 658 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. hurt Reverdy resides in Tiffin; Carrie Marie is the wife of Dr. Jesse B. Gilbert, of East Grand Forks, Minnesota; Otto Bretz was killed at Katchubig, Samar, Philippine Islands, on the 18th of April, 1899, as will be noted later; Harvey G. is identified with the operation o-f the farm; and Elmer DeWitt is a student in Heidelberg University, in Tiffin. Of the untimely death of Otto Bretz Loose we may speak farther. Thirty soldiers of the Forty-third Regiment were on guard at the jD-lace men tioned and were attacked by six hundred of the insurgents and all but ten of their number were killed. They had taken refuge in a convent and for four days from Easter Sunday were continuously engaged in endeavoring to repel the attack of the rebellious enemy, and on Wed nesday the convent was set afire and the unjMOtected and valiant soldiers were mercilessly shot down. Otto: had left his home about six months previously and the news of his death came as a shock to the community in which he had been reared and brought deep sorrow to the family and a large circle of warm friends. He was a bright young man of twenty- five years and thus sacrificed his life in his country's cause, far from home and native land. WILLIAM' B. ROLLINS. AVilliam B. Rollins is now living retired in Fostoria, enjoying a well-earned rest. His birth occurred in 1842, in Montgomery to-wnsbip, Wood county, Ohio-, not far fro-m this city, his parents being Almon and Alary (Sherwood) Rollins. His paternal grandfather was William Rol lins. The father of our subject becamjei one of the early settlers of Wood county, wdiere in pioneer times he served as justice of the peace and where he died during the boyhood days of his son AVilliam, passing away in 1847, at the age of fifty-two years, his birth having occurred in 1795 in Connecticut. The family was found'ed- in New England at a very early date, his ancestors establishing a home in New Hampshire. He was united in marriage to- Miss- Mary Sherwood, a daughter of William Sherwood. Her mother belonged to the same family of which Ethan CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 659 Allen was a descendant. William Sherwood served as grand master of the Masonic Lodge o-f New Jersey. Later he emigrated westward and took up his abode in Honey Creek, near Fort Seneca, Seneca county, there spending his remaining days. Under the paternal roo-f Williami B. Rollins spent the days: o-f his childhood, and when about nineteen years of age he offered his services to the government. He had watched- with interest the progress of event's in the south and resolved that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would strike a blow in its defense. Hardly had the smoke of Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when, in April, 1861, he became a member of Company H, Twenty-first Ohio Infantry, for three months. The command1 saw service in West Virginia. It was soon proven, how ever, that the war was not to. be a mere holiday affair and troops were enlisted for three years. On the 5th of August, 1861, Mr. Rollins joined Company H, of the Forty-ninth Ohioi Infantry, with which he remained until 1865, when, the war having ended, he returned to' his home. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, -Corinth, Stone River, Liberty Gap, Lawrenceburg, Kenesaw Mountain and Chickamauga, and in the last named was wounded and taken prisoner on the second day of the battle, September 20, 1863. He was held as a prisoner of war for seventeen months and ten days, being incarcerated- on Belle Island and in the smjall-pox hospital of Richmond, in Libby Prison, in Macon, Georgia, and was the first prisoner put in Andersonville Prison, being one of the first men to enter that notorious place. He was afterward transferred to Milan Prison, later to Florence, South Carolina, and then sent to Savannah, Georgia, where he was paroled' in 1865. Immediately after the war Mr. Rollins camle to Fostoria and for twenty-one years was engaged in the produce business, during which time he enjoyed a liberal patronage and acquired a handsome compe tence which enabled him to- retire to private life in 1886. He was the junior member of the firm of Morgan & Company, whose operations were extensive and whose business reputation was unassailable. In this city Mr. Rollins was joined in wedlock to Miss Louise E. Lewis, a daughter p-f James and Phoebe (Gregg) Lewis, of Fostoria. 660 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Her father was torn in Albion, New York, and his ancestors were among those who valiantly aided in winning independence for the na tion in the Revolutionary war. He is now deceased but his widow still survives and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Rollins. Our subject and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is connected wdth the Knights of the Maccabees, the Knights of Pythias and with the Masonic order, exemplifying in his life the beneficent and helpful spirit of these fraternities. If one examines into his life record to, find- the secret o-f his success it will be seen that his prosperity has resulted from] close application, unfaltering diligence and keen discrimination. His history contains no exciting chapters, but in it are many examples well worthy of emulation. He has not only won success but also that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches. +—* LOUIS PHILLIPS. One of the prominent old pioneer families of Seneca county is that of Phillips. They have ever borne their part in the upbuilding" and de velopment of this region and have invariably been exponents of progress and liberal ideas upon all subjects. Mr. Phillips, of this review, was born in Norwdch township, Huron county, Ohio, December 27, 1853, and is a son of John and Catherine (Groves) Phillips. Of the parents' ten children eight are now living, namely: John, a resident of Tiffin; Louis, of this review ; Joseph, a prominent farmer of Venice township, Seneca county; Martin, of Bellevue, Ohio; Jacob, also of Venice town ship; Mary, the widow of Frank A. Falter and a resident of St. Stephen, Seneca county; Fannie, the wife of Philip Steinmetz, of Toledo; Anna, the wife of Daniel Unser, of Hopewell township, Seneca county. Helen and Matilda are deceased. Louis Phillips was reared to- years of maturity in his native county, but on account of impaired hearing his educational privileges- were naturally very limited. After his marriage he located on the farm where CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 66 1 he still resides, then the property of his father, but later he became the owner of seventy-seven acres, and in addition thereto he also farms sev enty-seven acres belonging to his father. In business circles he sustains a most enviable reputation. Plis energetic nature, strong determination, sagacity and capable management have brought to him a handsome competence, and he is now numbered among the influential and repre sentative agriculturists of Bloom township. The marriage of Air. Phillips was celebrated in 1877, when Miss Christena Falter became his wife. She is a daughter of Philip Falter, whose history will be found in the sketch of Henry G Falter in this volume. Ten children have been born unto this union, nine of whom still survive : Edward, Alary, Rosa, Lo-retta, George, Helen, Clara, Fred erick and Clarence. The children are all at ho-me with the exception of the eldest, who is a farmer in Indiana. Mr. Phillips exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, but he has never been an aspirant for the emoluments of public office, pre ferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. The family are members of the Catholic church, and they are respected and highly esteemed throughout the county. HENRY BALBIAN. The city of Tiffin, Ohio, is the home of some of the most flourish ing industries of Seneca county, and the place of residence of those whose energy and ability control these enterprises. One o-f the leading- business citizens of Tiffin is Henry Balbian, whose connection with the Tiffin Wioolen Mills has existed since 1899, and he is a worthy repre sentative of that class of large-brained, progressive and public-spirited men without whose business acumen and advanced ideas many lines ot trade would become entirely inactive. By birth Mr. Balbian is a German, his residence in the United States- dating from the day -of the assassination of President Garfield, in 662 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 1 88 1. He was born in Rhein-Pfalz, Bavaria, Germany, March 13, i860, and was given good educational opportunities, studying for a time in an academy- in Heidelberg. His father, Gustave Balbian, is a native of the same place, and still resides there, at the age of eighty years, venerable and respected. For a long priod he was a prominent and prosperous woolen manufacturer, and it was in his father's mills that our subject acquired his thorough knowledge of the manufacture of woolens. When Mr. Balbian reached the city of New York he was but twenty years old, but he was already a skilled workman and very soon he en tered upon a business engagement in Lisbon Falls, Maine, where he was superintendent of mills, at a salary of five thousand dollars a year, this connection lasting for founyears. His next business association was in Philadelphia, where he managed a large mill for six years, leaving there to assist in the starting of anew plant at Louisville, Kentucky, which he successfully and satisfactorily managed for the succeeding three years'. In the fall of 1892 he returned to the north and became the manager of a mill at North Vassalboro-, Maine, remaining with that concern until 1897, when he went to Cleveland, Ohio, there taking charge of the larg est plant of its kind in America. The fertile brain of Air. Balbian was continually busy, seeking out new methods, projecting new plans and p-repariiig for a permanent future for himself. In 1898, in connection with his brother Frederick, he bought the Vassar Woolen Mills and the electric-light plant in Vassar, Michigan, this large enterprise now being under the superintendency of Frederick Balbian. Mr. Balbian still bad expansive ideas, and in 1899 he came to- Tiffin, Ohio, and considered the advisability of purchasing the old Tiffin Woolen Mills, a 'plant wdiich had been idle for some years. Mr. Balbian, with the business ability which has always distingui shed him, finally determined to take charge of this plant, wdiich formerly had not been successfully conducted, and to put in improved machinery, ap ply his own enlightened methods of management and to- endeavor to make this a valuable and paying property. This he has done, and now the industry is one of the leading ones of the city, employing a very large force of workmen and attracting a great volume of trade. The CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 663 i output o-f the plant consists of all classes of woolen goods, and in con nection with the mills Air. Balbian conducts a, large tailoring establish ment. His methods are practical, because he is a practical man. He understands every detail of his work and knows just where to expand and where to economize and still to' keep his goods up to the standard he has led the trade to expect. Henry Balbian was married o-n October 3, 1882, to Miss Lena Ellen Bat-z, who was born in Connecticut, and they have three daugh ters, namely: Lillian May, Lena Ellen and Anna Matilda, all well educated young ladies and fitted for .the best social circles in Tiffin. Air. Balbian was reared in the Lutheran church, and his wife is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. In politics he votes more for the man than in the interests of any party, while fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and has attained the thirty-second degree in the Masonic order. . Mr. Balbian is one of the substantial citizens of Tiffin, and his beau tiful home, on Milmore street, is the center of a genial hospitality. Pie is liberal and public-spirited and takes pride in the progress of this city, being ever ready to assist in all enterprises which promise to be of benefit. He is recognized as a leader in all matters of business, and is always at home where shrewdness, clear-headedness and sound judg ment are brought into play. As manager of the Tiffin Woolen Mills he has shown his ability and skill, having a large capacity for work him self, and possessing those qualifications which enable him to manage large forces of men without friction. ALBERT L. FLACK. Albert L. Flack, Sr., the founder of the house of A. L. Flack & Company, wholesale dealers in specialties, cigars, groceries, sundries, etc., in Tiffin, Ohio, is one of the leading business men of this city, as well as o-ne of its most substantial and progressive citizens. 664 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Flack was born in the village of McCutchenville, Seneca county, Ohio, February 8, 18-49, being a son of Josiah and Sylvia Ann (Daily) Flack, and a grandson of George Flack, who was one of the early settlers of Seneca county and who was an extensive farmer six miles south of Tiffin, where he died, and for many years was a victim of the cholera epidemic. Josiah Flack, the father of our subject, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, and accompanied his father when he came to Seneca county, learning the tailoring business under the instruc tion of a Mr. Rose, and following the same for a number of years. In middle life he moved, to Adrian, this county, and for several years was engaged in the grain business, hand-ling it in the interests of David M. Arndt, but his last days were spent in Tiffin, where he died at the age of seventy-four. In politics- he was an adherent of the Republican party, and in religion was a member of the Methodist church. He was an up right, honorable man and his memory is respected by all who knew him. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Samuel Daily, who was a pioneer of this locality, where in those- early days he conducted a large tannery, on the site of the present engine house and city hall, on Market street. Mrs. Flack was born in Tiffin and has grown with the growth of the: city, and is still surviving, being one of the most highly esteemed members of the Methodist church, with which she has been so long connected. She has always resided in Tiffin with the exception of the period during which her husband was in business in Adrian and some eight years spent in. Williams county, Ohio, and is yvell known to all of the older residents. The boyhood of Albert J. Flack of this sketch w-as spent in Adrian, Ohio, and in Williams county, this state, and his education was ac quired in the public schools. For a period of about three years he en gaged in teaching in Adrian and Sycamore, and then came to- Tiffin, where he engaged, at this time in the insurance business. After several years he became identified with a manufacturing industry in this city, known as the Tiffin Union Churn Company, and for a time; traveled in its interest, with excellent success. He then purchased an interest in the Oval Wood Dish Company, the general offices of which are located at Delta, Ohio, the large factories being operated at Traverse City, Michi- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 665 gan, and for the past sixteen years he has been in charge of the sales de partment, successfully managing the general agency of this business. The increasing demands for the products of this company have made it necessary for Mr. Flack to give much of his time to traveling, the goods finding ready sale all over the United States and in Canada. As an energetic man of business Mr. Flack has few superiors. He has, in addition to promoting the business of the company which he has so long represented, established in Tiffin the house of A. L. Flack & Company, and has organized a cigar manufactory, located at No. 157 Washington street, the same being the second largest of its kind in the city, although established only three years ago. He is identified with several important business enterprises in addition to those already named, a notable one being the Home Telephone Company, of which he is pres ident. He is the owner of valuable property in Tiffin, including his beautiful modern residence on Monroe street, the same being one of the most desirable in the city. Recently Mr. Flack has effected the organ ization of the Knisely-Flack Company, in the city of Toledo, the same being incorporated, and its enterprise being that of the manufacture of custom-made shirts and underwear, while the Golden Elixir Company, whose product is the widely celebrated health tonic of the name men tioned, is also a recent acquisition of the Knisely-Flack Company, Ralph E. Flack, son of our subject- being secretary and acting treasurer of both companies. From early manhood Mr. Flack has been an active Republican, but has never consented to become a candidate for office, having no personal political ambition but having been ever ready to promote the interests of his friends and the party cause. He has taken a very active interest in the Masonic fraternity for many years, being identified with Tiffin Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., and the various organizations in this city and the Scottish Rite bodies and the Mystic Shrine in Toledo and Cin cinnati. Both he and his two elder sons are thirty-second degree Ma sons and are widely and favorably known in the order. Mr. Flack is also a member of Pickwick Lodge, No, 175, Knights of Pythias, and of Tiffin Lodge of the Benevolent Protective Order o-f Elks. The religious 42 666 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. connection of the family is with St. Paul's Methodist church, to which he contributes liberally in the support of all its benevolent work. On the 28th of March, 1872, Mr. Flack was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Brown, the daughter of Jep-tha Brown, residing near Syca more, Wyandot county, and the three sons, of this union are all inter ested in the business with which their father has1 so long been connected. They are among the prominent and highly esteemed young men of Tiffin, their names, in order of birth, being as follows:: Edgar B., Ralph E. and Clifford J. Mr. Flack is a self-made man. His entrance into business life was in an indifferent capacity, but his energy and industry soon won him recognition and since then his progress has continually been upward. He understands most thoroughly the many details of his various enter prises which owe much to his thoroughness. Socially and in a business way he is a man to make friends, and they are legion, not confined to- his home in Tiffin, but all over the country where business has called him. ,' GEORGE STEARNS. George Stearns is o-ne o-f the extensive land-owners of Seneca county and now makes his home in Republic, although he yet supervises his agricultural interests. He was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson county, New York, on the 10th of July, 1826, and has therefore passed the spalmist's span of three score years and ten, but old age is not necessarily- a syn onym, of weakness and helplessness- and need not suggest, as a matter of course, want of action. There is an old age which grows stronger as the years advance and gives out of its rich stores of learning and expe rience for the benefit of others. Such is the life of George Stearns, one of the honored and esteemed citizens of Seneca county. His father, George Stearns, Sr., was a native of Vermont and after arriving at years of maturity married Sophia Baker, a daughter of Judge Samuel Baker. He removed from the Green Mountain state to New York at an early date and was married in Steuben county, whence, in 1825, he CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 667 came to- Seneca county and entered from the government three hundred and twenty acres, of land in Scipio township. He then returned to the Empire state and four years later, in 1829, brought his family to Ohio. At that time he took up his abode in Eden township, upon the farm now owned by Dr. Fleet, making it his place of residence until his death, which occurred August 27, 1831, when he was thirty-seven years of age. His wife survived him and became the wife of William Fleet. She re mained on the homestead, in Eden township, until her death, in 1839, leaving one daughter born of this second marriage, — SojD-hia, who mar ried Charles Nolan and now lives at Ottawa, Kansas. Of the four chil dren of the first marriage who survived their parents we enter the fol lowing brief record: John B., who lived for many years in Scipio township, moved to South Dakota, where he died in 1890, his remains being brought back to- Seneca county and interred in Rock Creek ceme tery; George is the subject of this review; Daniel, who made his home in Garden Grove, Iowa, passed away in 1892; and Alfred, is living at Gar den Grove, Iowa. When only five years of age George Stearns lost his father, and at the early age of thirteen he was left an orphan by his mother's death. He remained upon the home farm with his stepfather, Mr. Fleet, through the succeeding year and then went to live with his guardian, Richard Baker, of Eden township, with whom he remained for six years. In the meantime he pursued his education in a log school-house, instruction be ing given after the primitive manner of the times,. When twenty years of age he came to Scipio township and began clearing the farm' which his father had entered from the. government. He and his brother John inherited this property, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of heavily timbered land, many of the trees being black walnut. Mr. Stearns boarded with a family that he had employed and they lived in a log cabin. With characteristic energy he began clearing away the trees, and- the sound of his ax in the forest indicated that one after another those monarchs of the- woods were falling before his sturdy strokes. As the land was cleared he plowed and planted it and in- course of time his labors were rewarded with good harvests. He remained upon his- old homestead until 1887, when he came to Republic. He cleared all o-f his 668 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. share of the land, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, and made excellent improvements,, including the erection of a commodious resi dence, substantial barns and' outbuildings and all other equipments that constitute a model farm. He still owns the property, wdiich has never been out of the Stearns family since it was entered from the government, more than three-quarters of a century ago-. As bis financial resources increased he added to his property, until he now has three hundred and sixty acres of rich land in the homestead, and he also owns a valuable farm, of one hundred and1 ninety acres, in Decatur county, Iowa. AVhile living upon his farm: he engaged quite extensively in sheep-raising, mak ing a specialty of Merino sheep. More than a half a century has passed since George Stearns and Orvilla King started in life together as man and wife. Their wedding was celebrated August 2, 1849, the lady being a daughter of Obediah and Phoebe King, of Scipio township. Two- children were born unto them: Frank E., who is now living in Chicago; and Clary S., a banker of Garden Grove, Iowa. The two- sons went west as young men and for a few years were engaged in clerking for their uncles, in Garden Grove, Iowa, where they finally engaged in general merchandising for them selves. Later on they were identified with the organization of the First National Bank in that place, with a branch bank at Leroy. C. S. Stearns now devotes his entire attention to: the banking interests, while Frank E. still continues in mercantile pursuits, having a store at Carrollton, Mis souri, and also being resident buyer in Chicago for a number of country merchants. Air. and Airs. Stearns gained a very large circle of friends and acquaintances in Seneca county, for the latter passed her entire life here, and our subject was but an infant at the time he was brought by his- parents to this locality. The loved and devoted wife of our subject was summoned into eternal rest on the 9th of October, 1892, having been an invalid for about two years prior to her death. She was a wo man of fine intellectual gifts, was widely read in the best literature and had that intrinsic courtesy, kindliness and refinement which denote the true gentlewoman. She was ever ready to lend her aid and' influence in furthering all that tended to help the community, was charitable and tolerant in her judgment and liberal in her contributions- to worthy CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 669 causes. She was a woman of noble and gracious character and held the appreciative affection of an exceptionally wide circle of friends. When the civil war was in progress Mr. Stearns enlisted for one hundred days' service, becoming a member of Company K, One Hun dred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, wdiich command par ticipated in- the defense of Washington. Since the organization of the Republican party, be has been one of its stanch advocates, unswerving in his loyalty to its principles. His worth is widely recognized, for his life has been a busy, useful and upright one. Great changes have oc curred in Seneca county since he took up his abode here. Time and man have wrought a wonderful transformation, for at the time of the arrival of the family this portion of Ohio was largely a frontier district in which the work of progress and improvement was scarcely begun. The greater part of the land was in its primitive condition, just as it came from the hand of nature, but the labors of the pioneers: soon produced a great change in the appearance of the country, the wild forest districts being transformed into rich farms which became the homes o-f a contented and happy people. In the work of progress and improvement Mr. Stearns has ever borne his part, and his labors have resulted in promoting the public good and at the same time have brought to him prosperity as the reward of his enterprise and diligence. CAPTAIN JOHN AV. CHAMBERLIN. In the death of Captain John W. Chamberlin, in 190 1, the city of Tiffin, Ohio, lost one of her leading citizens. He was at that time the cashier of the Tiffin National Bank, a very prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and a well known veteran of the civil war. Captain Chamberlin was born on a farm: in Crawford county, Ohio, May 21, 1837, being a son of James and Roxanna (Courtright) Cham berlin, the former of whom was born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and the latter being also a native of the same place. James Chamberlin moved with his family to Ohio in 1832 and embarked in the mercantile 6;o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. business in McCutchenville, o-n the plank road between Tiffin and San dusky, and remained there a number of years, where he was well known as a business man and postmaster. His first wife, who was the mother of our subject, spent the whole of her life in this state, dying January 19, 18-50, at the age of forty-four years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist church, and he had been a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he was an elder. The only child by this marriage was the late John W. Chamberlin. The second marriage of Mr. Chamberlin was to a Mrs. Hall, by which union there were four children. After passing his boyhood in farm, work John W. obtained a situa tion in a store in McCutchenville and began a business- career which ended only with his death. He taught school in the vicinity of the vil lage for one year, going then to- Iowa, where also he engaged in teach ing. On his return to- this state he was employed in a store until the outbreak of the civil war. At the age of twenty-four he set about recruiting a company at and near Carey, and was elected and commissioned its captain. This new organization, which was raised in seven days, was made Company A of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Captain Chamberlin, whose commission was dated August 12, 1862, was mus tered out of service with the rank of major, his commission as such being dated March 13, 1865. At Winchester, on June 15, 1863, the brigade of which his regiment was a part, while on the advance to- Gettysburg, was surrendered to the enemy by an officer temporarily in charge, and Captain Chamberlin and his brother officers were confined nearly ten months in Libby prison at Richmond, — till March 21, 1864. AVhile a prisoner Captain Chamberlin was placed on a board of distribution of supplies sent by our government to the enlisted soldiers and had personal charge of three large hospitals, with twelve' hundred inmates. July 6, 1863, he and twenty-three other captives were compelled to draw lots, two to be executed in place of two Confederate captives executed by our government; but the lot did not fall upon him. He was paroled March 21, 1864, and rejoined his regiment at Newmarket, Virginia, May, 1864, and he was finally discharged June 2, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. Returning to Carey, Captain Chamberlin resumed his mercantile CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 671 pursuits. In 1874 he came to- Tiffin as secretary of the Tiffin shoe fac tory and held this position until 1878, when he was elected cashier of the National Exchange Bank. Upon its reorganization as the present institution, the Tiffin National Bank, be was retained in the same posi tion. He took a prominent part in the organization of the State Bankers' Association and was elected its president. Distinguished as was the late Captain Chamberlin as a soldier, a man of business and a financier, be is chiefly remembered for his emi nence as a member of the fraternity of Freemasons. Masonry was the rule and guide of his life, and his improvement and excellence therein was with him his highest avocation. His dignity of presence and con versation, his uprightness of character as well as his erectness of stature, his equable demeanor and his gentleness to all, were outward expressions of the esoteric truths which he not only believed but also lived. He was the only Mason in this part of the state who had attained the thirty- third degree of the craft, — an honor which is held by only a few in each state and which, unlike the thirty-second degree, cannot be obtained by application, but is conferred only for excellent and; meritorious work in advancing the cause of Masonry. His Masonic record will best indicate his standing in the order locally and throughout the whole country, and is here presented in an abridged form,; He was made a Master Mason November 9, 1858; a Royal Arch Mason June 9, 1859; a Royal and Select Master Mason June 2, 1865; and a Knight Templar November 28, i860; and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite was conferred upon him1 April 5, 1866, and the thirty-third degree September 5, 188-5. He was the master of Carey Lodge six years, of Tiffin Lodge four years, and con ferred the lodge degrees on forty-nine candidates; was the high priest of Seneca Chapter, R. A. M., three years, and conferred the chapter degrees on thirty-four candidates; was thrice illustrious, master of Clin ton Council for ten years, conferring the degrees on thirteen candidates ; was eminent commander of De Molay Commandery seven years, and conferred the chivalric degrees upon ninety-three candidates. At the annual meetings of the grand lodge and grand chapter his 672 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ability was repeatedly recognized, and he was placed on the most import ant committees. For six years he was chairman of the committee on charities and dispensation. In the grand chapter he was elected to the several offices, and in 1883 became grand high priest of the grand chap ter of Ohio. He was elected president of the council of high priests, in which office he continued until his death. During these years as presi dent he conferred the order of high priesthood on fully six hundred candidates. His efforts toward the founding of the Ohio Alasonic Home at Springfield led to his appointment as trustee and treasurer of the in stitution at the time of its inception, and he was thus incumbent to the day of his death. His lifelong zeal and his conspicuous abilities, recog nized by the higher authorities, led to his recommendation and election to the thirty-third degree, the first and only time the honor has been enjoyed by a Seneca county Mason. His obsequies were conducted by the Knights Templar. The first marriage of Captain Chamberlin was solemnized on June 6, 1861, to Miss Mary Cowles, who died Alay 13, 1867. A daughter, Mary, was born to this marriage and died in girlhood. On November 2, 1870, Captain Chamberlin was married to Miss Livonia R. Buell, who with one son, John W., now in young manhood, survives him. Mrs. Chamberlin- was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, a daughter of Hon. William Myron and Laura P (Starr) Buell, the former of whom was: a native of Delaware county, Ohio, and the latter of New Hartford, Connecticut. Air. Buell became a prominent merchant and grain-dealer at Crawfordsville and Carey, Ohio, and was a captain of militia in 1840, and went to California in 1852. In his political affiliations he was- a Democrat, and at o-ne time was a member of the California legislature. His death occurred in that state, when he was aged about fifty-nine years. The mother of Mrs. Chamberlin had an ancestral line reachine to the Mayflower, being a lineal descendant of Elder William Brewster, who came on that historic vessel in 1620, its first voyage to America. Her death occurred in 1849, when she had attained her thirty-seventh year. She had been the faithful and tender mother of six children, Mrs. Chamberlin being eight years old at the time of her decease. The latter was educated at Carey, Ohio, and spent several years in teaching. She CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 673 now resides in the beautiful home left by her husband on Sycamore street in Tiffin, and is an active member of the Methodist church. Her son John is a student at the Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland. HARMON H. COOK. The life history of him whose name introduces this review is closely identified with the history of Seneca county, which has been his home for many years. His business career was begun in this county, and through out the years wdiich have since come and gone he has been closely allied with its interests and upbuilding. His life has been one of untiring activity and has been crowned with a degree of success attained by com paratively few. He is of the highest type of business, men, and none more than he deserves a 'fitting recognition among those whose enter prise and abilities have enabled them to climb to- the topmost round of the ladder. Harmon H. Cook was born in Prussia, Germany, January 14, 1849, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Determan) Cook. The name was orig inally spelled Koch, but the present generation have adopted the English spelling of Cook. The father was also born in Prussia, his birth occur ring in 1820, and he was there reared and married. While residing in his native land he was principally engaged in the manufacture of wooden shoes. In 1854, with his wife and four children, he left his little home across the sea and came to America, locating in Adams township, Sen eca county, Ohio. He was then in poor circumstances, and was enabled to make the journey here only through the assistance of his wife's broth ers, — John H. and Harmon Determan, who- were among the earliest pioneers of Adams township. There the father of our subject worked by the day at clearing land and at whatever honorable occupation pre sented itself, and from his savings he was soon enabled to purchase one hundred and thirty acres of land. This he was able to free from all indebtedness in a few years, and as the years passed by he added to his 674 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. possessions until he owned five hundred acres of well improved and val uable land. His life's labors were ended in death in 1894, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife's brothers, John H. and Harmon Deter man, both began life in this country poor boys, and they, too, became wealthy. The sons and grandsons of these are all now well situated in life, and thus the Cook and Determan families are influential ones in this portion of the state. Henry Cook was a stanch Democrat in his political views and was an active worker in the Reformed church. His wife survived his death but two weeks, when she, too, passed away, dying at the age of sixty-eight years. This worthy couple became the parents of nine children, all of whom still survive, namely: Catherine, the wife of Melchior Kechly, of Nebraska; Harmon H., the subject of this review; Henry, a prominent farmer of Reed township; Frederick, who makes his home in Scipio township ; Louis, also of that township ; Eliza, the wife of Wilson Cole, of Reed township; John, a prominent agriculturist of Scipio township; Anna, the wife of Robert Stroub, also of Scipio township; and Daniel, of Thompson township, Seneca county. Harmon H. Cook is indebted to the common schools of the neigh borhood for the educational advantages which he enjoyed, but these, however, were extremely limited, as he was the eldest son o-f the family and much of the burden of the farm: work fell on his young shoulders. At the age of twenty-one years he left his parents' home and began the active battle of life for himself, working as a farm hand for the follow ing two years. He then continued agricultural pursuits as1 a renter, and two years after his marriage he purchased ninety-six acres and a fraction- over, a part of his present home, while about six years later he increased the boundaries of his possessions by purchasing forty-eight acres ad joining, thus making his farm one of one hundred and forty-five acres. When he first purchased his land he assumed an indebtedness of four thousand dollars, but industry and economy, combined with excellent management and sound business judgment, soon reduced the amount; but when his second farm was purchased the debt yvas again increased to four thousand dollars. However, this he was enabled to pay off through the same means, and in 189-5, taking advantage of the depression in . prices, he purchased one hundred and forty-six acres- in Huron county, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 67s Ohio, which is 'a valuable property. During the present year, 1902, he became the owner of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Scipio .township, Seneca county, and he also owns a farm1 of forty acres in Ne braska, thus making him the possessor of four hundred and ninety-one acres. His business career furnishes a splendid example of what may be accomplished through determined purpose, laudable ambition and well directed effort, for the position that he has attained in life has been won entirely through his own endeavors. In 18-75 Mf- Cook yvas united in marriage to- Miss Mahala Seiple, a native of Seneca county and a daughter of John Seiple, no-w deceased. To this union six children have been born, but the second child, Edson, died at thirteen- years of age, as tlie result of an accident. Those living are : Lillie, Amana, Vernon, Lorena and- Roy, all at home. Mr. Cook gives a stanch support to the Democratic party, but has never been an office-seeker, preferring to give bis undivided attention to his extensive business interests. He is a worthy member of the Reformed church. REV. JOHN P. PUETZ. Among the highly steemed citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, no one is more universally respected by all classes than is Rev. Father John P. Puetz, rector of St. Joseph's Catholic church. He came here in 1885 and his faithful service has been given for years to this parish, where he has had the satisfaction of seeing abundant blessing bestowed upon it. Father Puetz was born on German soil, in a Rheinish province, De cember 20, 1833. His parents were John P. and Mary Ann (Schrid) Puetz, both of whom- were born, reared and married in the same prov ince. They were respected and industrious farming people, who left their native land to find better opportunities, for their children in the United States. In 1846, when their son John was thirteen years of age, they emigrated from Germany to Ridgeville township, Lorain county, Ohio-, where they continued an agricultural life until the death of Mr. Puetz, at the age of fifty-four. His widow survived until in her seventy- 676. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. second year. They were devout members' of the Catholic church, in yvhich faith their family of eight children was carefully reared. The early life of the future priest was similar to that of other lads cf his age, who grow up on a farm and attend the district schools, al though from1 early youth1 a serious mind had disclosed the trend of his inclinations. This induced his parents to- send him, at the age of eighteen, to be instructed in St. Mary's Seminary and College, at Cleveland, where he remained for five years under the scholarly influence of noted teachers who thoroughly prepared him for entrance upon the special study of the ology. Due progress was- made in this department and in 1865 he was ordained to the priesthood, in Cleveland, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe. Succeeding his ordination the young priest was placed in charge of the parish and church at Galion, Crawford county, Ohio, the results of his five years' pastorate there being the erection of a school-house, the extension of a large and interested congregation and an impulse given to the religious- work of the community, which has ever since borne fruits. Father Puetz then went to Sherman, Huron county, Ohio-, where he re mained for three years, busily engaged in building up and strengthening _ the religious institutions of his church. From there he was transferred to Milan, Erie county. Father Puetz came to that parish when it was in sore need of help, and there he faithfully labored for eleven years, serv ing three churches, building a flourishing parochial school and leaving the church in a prosperous, financial condition. These unremitting labors, however, had told upon his health, and the succeeding eighteen months were spent in rest in Europe, where he devoted much time to visiting the venerable and historic landmarks of his church. On June 15, 1885, he and his brother, Rev. Martin Puetz, came to Tiffin, and together assumed the pastorate o-f St. Joseph's. For twelve years they labored as mutual coadjutants, this- association being broken only by the d'eath of Father Martin, at Los Angeles, California, on January 21, 1897, the immediate cause being an affection of the lungs. Much has. been accomplished in the seventeen years since Father Puetz came to this congregation. The interior work of the church has been renewed, a steam-heating apparatus installed and jjaintings and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 677 statuary appropriately placed. There is seating capacity for one thou sand persons. The congregation numbers about five hundred families. The rectory, a magnificent structure, was erected in 1887, at a cost of nine thousand dollars. A commodious school-house, wdiich accommo dates four hundred and sixty pupils, was erected in 1895, and the school is in charge of the Ursuline Sisters. The older boys are under the man agement of lay brethren. There are two libraries in the school, free to young people. The management of so large a parish and the cares at tendant upon it keep Father Puetz a busy man, although he is never too much otherwise occupied to take an interest in all outside matters look ing toward the prosperity o-f this community. A scholar, he is widely read in various fields of literature ; and he is an earnest advocate of those refining and uplifting influences that make for human elevation. He counts his friends in Tiffin by the score, as they are not, by any means, confined to the limits of his own congregation, his quiet, orderly, useful life having gained for him the esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact. It was in the years 1873-4 that he visited Europe. May 1, 1873, be left home and visited Glasgow, Scotland, and Edinburg and Castle Mary Queen of Scots ; spent three days in London in general sight-seeing ; two days in Paris ; traveled south through France to the Pyrenees, visiting Lourdes, famous for the cures by "Our Lady of Lourdes;" east to Mar seilles, by steamer on the Mediterranean sea to Leghorn, Italy, Genoa, the birthplace of Columbus, Valencia and Najoles ; ascended Mount Ve suvius to the crater, breathing its sulphurous fumes; visited Pompeii, Rome, and saw the Pope, Pius IX; visited the great art galleries at Rome, and St. Peter's church, one of the seven wonders of the world; also the catacombs, Venice and Milan; thence by stage to Switzerland^ where he remained from August, 1873, to May, 1874; visited Carlsbad, Bohemia, and through Germany to his birthplace in Freiberg, where he found but two persons whom he knew, and finally back to London and Liverpool, and thence by the White Star line to America, reaching New- York in October. Rev. Martin Puetz, two and a half years younger than the subject of the foregoing sketch, his brother, pursued the same educational cur- 678 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. riculum and was ordained by Bishop Rappe two years previously to his brother. He was stationed at Monroeville, Huron county, this state, twenty-one years, erecting there a new and beautiful church and having a large congregation. Joining his brother, he came to Tiffin. He devoted special attention to Sicilian music and had one of the finest choirs at Monroeville; and here in Tiffin he developed the same idea, supplementing the operatic style, with the happy result of forming as fine a choir at St. Joseph's church as could be found in the diocese. This place has developed a fine touch of art in the music of the church, there being now about twenty-five voices- in the choir. His interest in the church was great and he was rigorous in his efforts to have the musical services imposing. He was well liked by all regardless of church relations. Failing health led him to resort to Los Angeles, California, which place he had barely reached when his useful life ended in death. His body was brought back to his old home here and great honor was paid him at the funeral. LORENZO D. RICKETTS. When it is stated that the father of the subject of this sketch was a native son of the Buckeye state it will be evident in a prima facie way that he was a representative of one o-f the early pioneer families of this section of the Union, while it was also his to be numbered among those sterling pioneers of Seneca county who laid broad and deep the founda tions o-f the present prosperity and advanced position of the: count}-. Coming here in an early day he took part in subduing the wild land and reclaiming it for cultivation, and during the long course of a half cen tury he was numbered among the honored and influential citizens of the county. Here also- was born the subject of this review, and he has ably sustained the high reputation achieved by his sire, and is one of the leading farmers and stock-growers of Loudon township, where he has a finely improved landed estate and where he has practically passed his entire life, setting at naught the old adage, in its wider application, that CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 679 "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country," for he com mands the confidence and esteem of the people of the community in which he was born and reared and in which he has directed his efforts to so goodly ends. He well merits representation in this work. Mr. Ricketts was born on the old homestead farm in Loudon town ship, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 9th of September, 1837, being a son of John and Do-rcas (Shippy) Ricketts, of whose four children three are living, namely: Lorenzo D., our subject; Lydia, who- makes her home with him; and Perry, who is also a successful farmer of this township. John Ricketts was born in Fairfield county, Ohio-, in the last year of the eighteenth century, 1800, and was there reared under the influences of pioneer life, receiving such educational advantages as were implied in a somewhat desultory attendance in the primitive schools of the day, these being maintained mostly on the subscription plan, while the "temples of learning" were rude log cabins, equipped with puncheon floors and slab benches. In 1828 he left his native county and came to Seneca county, which was at that time practically a virgin forest, and here he was again to renew his pioneer experiences and to endure those arduous labors and encounter those vicissitudes which are ever the lot of the one who thus aids in the initial stages of the march of progress as the star of empire takes its way to the west. Upon his arrival he entered claim to a tract of eighty acres of wild land in Loudon township, and here erected a log house, to which he removed his family in the follow ing year. Later he took up an additional forty acres and he then set himself vigorously and courageously to the task of reclaiming the land, the greater portion of which he brought under cultivation. He here con tinued to make his home until his life labors were ended, his death occur ring in 1875, in the fulness of years and well merited honors. His po litical allegiance was given to the Democratic party, and in the early days he served as trustee of his township, being one of the first incumbents of this office. His wdfe passed away on the old homestead, having been to him a true helpmeet and a devoted mother to her children, who will ever revere her memory, which rests as a. benediction upon all who came within the sphere of her influence. Lorenzo D. Ricketts, the immediate subject of this review, was 680 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. reared under the sturdy and invigorating discipline of the old homestead farm, and his educational training was secured in the jDublic schools of his native township. Upon attaining maturity he assumed charge of the paternal farm, and was successful in the cultivation of the same and also in the line of stock-raising, to which he has continued to, devote con siderable attention. He still owns and operates forty acres of the old farm, while in 1896 he purchased the farm of forty acres, in the same township, on which he now makes his home, having a commodious and comfortable residence and the best of improvements in all other essential lines, while he is known as a progressive and able business man, not con tent to follow entirely along the beaten path, but standing ready to avail himself of all appliances and methods which will add to the success of his farming operations. He also takes a commendable interest in all that concerns the well-being of the community, and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His political proclivities are indi cated in the stanch support which he accords to the Democratic party, whose cause he espoused upon attaining his legal majority. He has never married and his sister presides over the domestic economies of his home, where a generous hospitality is- extended to a wide circle of their friends in the community where both have passed their lives. GRATTAN H. BAKER. One of the earliest families making permanent settlement in Sen eca county was that now worthily represented by the gentleman whose name forms the heading of this article. For many years they have been identified with the agricultural interests of this locality, and have aided materially in the development of the resources of Seneca county, taking an active part in everything calculated to- promote the welfare and hap piness of the majority. Judge Samuel Baker, the grandfather of him whose name heads this review, was of the fifth generation from Thomas Baker, who- was born in England in 16 18, and after coming to America he located at HOME OF GRATTAN H. BAKER. GRATTAN H. BAKER. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 68 1 East Hampton, Long Island. In 1639 he settled at Alilford, Connecti cut, and in 1650 returned to- East Hampton. Judge Samuel Baker be came a prominent sheep-raiser of Steuben county, New York, where he also held the important office of judge of the court of common' pleas. In his family were twelve children, eight of whom, four sons and four daughters, came to- Seneca county. Thomas J. and Franklin came to this county in 1822, settling in Eden township, where each secured three hundred and twenty acres of government land on section 13, but the latter Was only permitted to enjoy bis new home for a few years, being called to his final rest in 1831. In 1822 a sister, Mary, who- became. the wife of Joseph Baker, also came to this county and settled in Scipio township. John Baker came to Seneca county in 1828, locating in Eden township, and in the same year his sister Sophia, with her husband,. George Stearns, found a home in this locality. Two- others, Ann, the wife of Zelolus Knapp, and Lucretia, the wife of Sylvanus Arnold, also came to Ohio, but both afterward removed to Garden Grove, Iowa. Richard Baker, the father of our subject, was born in Urbana, New York, in January, 1809, and- there he received his education in the public schools and was early inured to- the labors of the farm. In 1835 he joined his brothers and sisters in Seneca county, locating on the farm on which our subject now resides, and here he became the owner of four hundred acres of land on sections 26, 35 and 36. His home place was on section 26, and at that time only a few acres had been cleared and a small log cabin had been erected. As the years passed- by prosperity rewarded the well-directed efforts of Mr. Baker, and he was enabled to add to his original purchase until he became the owner o-f one thousand acres of rich and fertile land, and there he was extensively engaged in the raising of sheep, having been the first to import a fine grade into Seneca county, bringing a fine drove of Spanish Mlerinos from the state of New York in 1836. In 1872, however, he left this valuable place to the care of our subject and removed- to another farm in the township, there making his home until called to his final rest, when he had reached the eightieth milestone on the journey of life, passing away in the faith of the Alethodist Episcopal church, in which he had been long an active 43 682 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. • worker. In 1836 Air. Baker married Miss Fannie Wheeler, who- was born in 1819, a daughter of the Hon. Grattan H. Wheeler, who was formerly a state senator from Steuben county, New York, and for sev eral years he was also a member of congress. The ancestry of the Wheeler family can be traced back to John Wheeler, who served as a sergeant at Concord, Massachusetts, as early as 1639. Airs. Baker's grandfather, Silas Wheeler, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and in 1775, after following Arnold through Maine, he was wounded and captured in Canada, and was taken to- Ireland; where, owing to- the inter vention of Henry Grattan, he was released. Mr. Wheeler promised to name his first male child Grattan Henry, and he was the father of Mrs. Baker. Mrs. Baker was called to the home beyond in 1887. Grattan H. Baker, the immediate subject of this review, was born on the farm on which he now resides, on the 15th of September, 1848. His elementary education- was received in the common schools of his neighborhood, and later he entered Hillsdale College, at Hillsdale, Michigan, where he enjoyed superior advantages. About the time of his marriage he became the owner of the old home farm of four hundred acres, where he has ever since continued to: make his home, and as time has passed he has increased his landed jjossessions until he is now the owner of six hundred and seventy-five acres, six hundred acres of which are in Eden township, Three hundred and sixty acres of his place are under an excellent state of cultivation, and in addition to the raising of the cereals best adapted to this soil and climate he is also extensively engaged in raising short-horn cattle and black-top Merino sheep. His is one of the finest improved farms in Seneca county. On the 4th of January, 1872, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Aliss Franke Fleet, a daughter of William and Eliza (Ogden) Fleet. The father came to Ohio- in 1830, and became the owner of sixteen hun dred acres of land in Eden township. His death occurred on the 20th of June, 1880. He was twice married, his first union being with Mrs. Sophia Stearns. Mrs. Baker was born in Eden township, Seneca county, and was educated in the public schools and Heidelberg College. When twenty-one years of age she gave her hand in marriage to Grattan PI. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 683 Baker, and they have four children,— AVilliam F., who- is a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University, and is now a member of the firm of Pad dock & Baker, whose office is in the Calumet building, at 189 La Salle street, Chicago: July 20, 1901, he married Miss Catherine Paddock, a daughter of George L. Paddock, a prominent attorney of that city; Richard G. , who is at present engaged in the cattle business in Colo rado; Eliza O., who is a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University and is now at home; and Florence, who is a member of the senior class of the same institution. Mr. Baker gives his political support to the Re publican party, and in religious belief he is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church. EDSON F. GRAY. It argues well for the advantages of Seneca county that so- many of her residents have never cared to change their place of abode, finding here good business opportunities as well as pleasant social life and edu cational opportunities. Edson F. Gray is numbered among the native sons- of the county, his birth having occurred September 25, 1845, upon the farm, where he now resides, in Scipio township. He is a son of Samuel B. and Jane (Striker) Gray, both natives of Steuben county, New York. In the year 183 1 they came to Ohio, establishing their home in Eden township, Sen eca county, temporarily, and in 1832 he settled upon the farm- in Scipio township which is now the home of our subject and which had been entered by his father from the government. It was a tract of land of two hundred and fifteen acres, upon which he erected a log cabin built of round logs and containing but one room. All around1 the little dwelling stood the tall forest trees, but in course of time these fell before the sturdy strokes of the woodman's ax and the sunlight showered across the grain in fields which had been cleared through his efforts. He remained upon the farm until 1851, when he went to California, where he was engaged in prospecting and mining. After two years spent upon the 684 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Pacific coast, however, he returned to Seneca county and remained on. the old homestead here until his death, which occurred January 20, 1880,. when he was sixty-nine years of age. He long survived his wife, who had departed this life in 1850. In connection with general farming, Samuel B. Gray was a land surveyor and civil engineer and followed. those pursuits for many years, being actively associated with the work of land surveying in this county. In politics he was a stanch Republi can and had served his township as assessor. In his family were seven, children, of whom' five reached maturity. Marcus, who was born July 4, 1841, died at Lexington, Kentucky, in December, 1862, when a mem ber of Company K, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Charles, who was a member of the same company, was: captured while on scouting, duty and died in the prison hospital from injuries received when cap tured, at Richmond, Virginia, December 28, 1863. Edward F. is the- next of the family. Jane is the wife of James Merchant, of Tiffin. Mary is the wife of Daniel Smith, of Republic, Ohio, Upon the old family homestead Edward F. Gray was reared, and like most lads of the period he attended the common schools of the neighborhood and was trained to the work of the farm, by assisting his father in the development and cultivation of the fields. He was thus- engaged until May, 1864, when, as a private of Company K, One Hun dred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he went to- the front for one hundred days' service and participated in the defense at Washing ton. When twenty years of age he assumed the management of the- home farm, which he has since continued. To-day he owns two- hundred and fifteen acres of rich and arable land, on which he is carrying on gen eral farming. Since 1884 he has been extensively engaged in stock-rais ing, making a specialty of Shropshire sheep and Jersey cattle, and finds- ready sale for all surplus breeding animals at satisfactory prices. On Christmas day of 1879 was celebrated the marriage of Edward" F. Gray and- Miss Harriet L. Smith, and their union has been blessed with three children, — Gretta T., Frank Grattan- and Letha Louise, to whom he has given the best local educational advantages. Mrs. Gray- wasi born on an adjoining farm. Her father, David Smith, came on horseback from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Ohio when about twenty CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 685 years of age. In 1839 he married Susan Neikirk, a daughter of Jacob Neikirk, and she was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and was, eight years old when her people came to Ohio. She died August 26, 1899, at the age of seventy-eight years, and Mr. Smith February 26, 1901, at the .age of ninety. In the family there were twelve in all, who reached ma turity, of whom eleven are still living, 1902. Mr. Gray exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and has served as assessor and trustee for a number of years. In 1884 he was a candidate for county commis sioner, and he was a land appraiser in 1900. He belongs to Hildreth Lodge, F. & A. M., of Republic, and maintains pleasant relation with his army comrades through his connection with Robinson Post, at Re public, in which he has served as the commander, and he attends the re unions and national encampments. He enjoys reading history, espe cially of the rebellion, and- has taken interest in details of noted battles of the civil war. There are but few points about the leading battles, the officers, the cause and sequence of historical events in the war, etc., with which he is not acquainted. His interest is keenly alive to public affairs and he enjoys helping in political work. Having always resided in this, county, his life history is largely familiar to many of its citizens, and his career is known to be well worthy of regard. It has been characterized by diligence and enterprise in busi ness and by trustworthiness in all life's relations. ELIAS H. GRIMES. Elias H. Grimes is a well known and progressive farmer in Seneca •county, where he has acquired valuable landed interests. He is now suc cessfully engaged- in the operation of his farms and derives therefrom a good income. Mr. Grimes was born in Frederick county, Maryland, on the 7th of March, 1829, and is a son of James and Rebecca (Ott) Grimes, in whose family were eleven children, five sons and six daugh ters. In the year 1833 James Grimes came to- Ohio, taking up his abode 686 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in Liberty township, Seneca county, where he purchased eighty acres of land from the government. Not a furrow had been turned or an im provement made upon the place, the entire tract being still in its primi tive condition as left by the hand of nature. Air. Grimes erected a rude log house of two rooms and with characteristic energy began the devel opment of his farm, which in time yielded to him golden harvests in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon it. His was a useful, honorable and active career and he passed away in his eighty-fifth year, respected by all who knew him. He had served as justice of the peace for nine years and his rulings were strictly fair and impartial. His wife passed away when fifty years of age. Elias H. Grimes, was a little lad of only four summers when he left his native state and accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio. Here in the midst of the wild scenes of the frontier he was reared to manhood, enjoying the pleasures as well as enduring the hardships and trials incident to the establishment of a home in a pioneer region. He pursued his education in a log school-house and early became famil iar wdth the arduous task of developing a new farm. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until he had attained the age of twenty- two years, when he entered upon an independent business career, work ing as a farm hand in this county. After he had been employed in that capacity for a few years, he rented, land and began farming on his own account. Eighteen years later he removed to St. Joseph county, Indiana, wdiere he purchased eighty acres of land, making his, home thereon for seven years, after which he returned to Seneca county and took up his abode on the old family homestead in Liberty township, He conducted work upon that farm, for five years and then came to his- present place of residence. He owns here a rich tract of eighty acres and has a second tract of like amount, being a part of the old homestead, so that his landed possessions comprise a quarter section of the rich soil of Ohio. He is now successfully carrying on general farming in a most modern way, and all of the improvements and accessories of a model farm are found upon his place. March 19, 1861, Air. Grimes was united in marriage to Miss Mar garet Luman, and unto- them have been born the following children : CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 687 James E., Ellen Emma (a twin who: died at one year), David O., Charles, Joseph B., Samuel, John, Amanda, George, Mary E., Myrtle May, Blanche B., Rosa A., Howard E. and Willard M. Charles and James are in Washington and all the remainder are at home or living near. The family is well known in the community and the members of the house hold have many warm friends. Mr. Grimes exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his tim-e and attention to bis business affairs, in which he is meeting with creditable and well deserved success. All that he has is the reward of his own labor and his life record proves what a potent element is diligence in the active affairs of life. JOSEPH L. ANWAY. Mr. Anway was torn October 13, 1829, on the farm: where he now resides. His father, William: Anway, was a native of Cayuga county, New York, where he was born in 1803. His father was William Anway, who, with his son William came to Seneca county, Ohio, soon after the land sales in 1821, taking up his abode in Scipio township. He entered three hundred and twenty acres of land from the government and is re membered as one of the honored pioneer settlers of this locality. The work of improvement and civilization had then scarcely begun, and he rendered substantial aid in laying broad and deep the foundations for the present prosperity and progress of this portion o-f the state. He was accompanied to this state by his seven sons and three daughters, all of whom became active factors in the upbuilding and improvement of this region. William Anway passed away at the early age of forty-eight years. William Anway, Jr., was twenty-one years of age on the very day of his arrival in Scipio township, and relates that the first night was spent in an old Indian but which stood near the present Baltimore & Ohio depot in Republic. He married Eliza Lap-ham, who was born in 688 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 1809, in Massachusetts, the daughter of Joseph and Lovina (Rowland) Lap-ham. Her parents had eight children toi reach the years of maturity, namely: Eliza; Noah, who married and died in Attica, aged eighty-five years; Henry, who became a farmer in Reed township and died- past seventy years of age; Ruth and Phebe, who married and died young; Slocuim, who lives at Odessa, Michigan; Alary Ann, now the wife of Jacob High and living at Portland, Michigan, being aged eighty-one years ; and AVilliam, who lived on the old homestead and is now retired and living at Republic, aged seventy-four years. Joseph and Lovina, the parents, died aged respectively eighty-nine and eighty-five years, On emigration from Alassachusetts the family made their home for a time in New York state, and came to Ohio about 1825. The residence was a mansion, erected sixty years ago, and was, the largest in the county. Mrs. Anway was seventeen years of age at the time of her marriage. She and her husband had four children, of whom Joseph L., the subject of this sketch, is the eldest. William H., of Republic, has separate men tion on- another page of this work; Morgan H., born July 14, 1840, is a resident of Scipio township; and Phoebe J., still unmarried, is living at the old home, identified with all the advancement o-f the community. Soon after their marriage the parents removed' to: the farm one and a half miles so-utheast of Republic, upon which Joseph L. Anway is now living. It then comprised eighty acres, upon which the father erected a log cabin and where with characteristic energy he began to clear the timber off and improve the land, in the course of years developing a valuable farm. He prospered in his business and by additional pur chases extended the boundaries of his property until he owned six hun dred and ten acres at the time of his death. Both he and his wdfe yvere consistent and influential members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were active in its work. Mr. Anway departed this life in 1863, being survived by his coinpanion until July 31, 1881, when she, too-, was called to- rejoin him beyond the boundless sea. Joseph L. Anway was reared on the family homestead, and the com mon schools afforded him his educational' privileges. The first school which he attended was held in a small log building, but dater he was a student in the academy at Republic. When twenty years of age he be- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 689 gan to teach, which profession he followed through three winter terms, with reasonable success. With the exception of a few years his entire- life hasi been passed at the old home, and well does he deserve mention- among the progressive agriculturists of the community. In October, 18-52, Mr. Anway was united in marriage wdth Miss Betsey A. Thomp son, who died in 1864. By this marriage there were three children: Martha and Ida J., who died in infancy; and Myrta Ann, now the wife of Irvin Ogden, having one child, M. J'o-sie, aged six years. On the 16th of December, 1869, Mr. Anway was again married, his union being with Miss Maryette Ames, a daughter of Charles and Alvira (Higley) Ames. Her father, born in Connecticut, married in Genesee county, New York, and came to Scipio township, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1863, and died in November, 1898, at the age of eighty-five years, while his wife had passed away in July of the same year, at the age o-f eighty years. At the celebration o-f the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage all but one of their nine children were living. The record is as follows: Judson, a resident of North Dakota, was a member of the Twenty-fifth Ohio Vol unteer Infantry, serving for three years in the -civil war, and was wound ed at the battle of Chancellorsville ; Henry was a member of the Sixty- sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was killed during the war, in the battle of Lookout Mountain; Louisa is the wife of Morgan H. Anway, of Scipio township; William lives in the state of Washington; Emily is the wife of John E. Anway, of Chicago Junction; Maryette, already spoken of; Joseph, a resident of Fargo, North Dakota; Albert, who re sides at Minneapolis'; and David, also a resident of Fargo. Mr. Anway, our subject, owns and cultivates two- hundred and sev enty acres of fertile land in the homestead. Pie also has another tract of eighty acres on section 21 of the same township. Nearly all of the improvements upon these places are his work and1 stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. The residence was erected in 1845. The home has ever been open to welcome the homeless or destitute. Twelve boys and one girl have resided here with the family from early years, being given school and other advantages. The girl, Mary J. Ames, is now a teacher at Big Lake, Minnesota, being principal of the schools. In public affairs Mr. Anway has been prominent, and for eighteen 690 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. years held the office of trustee of Scipio township, discharging his duties with marked faithfulness and capability. Socially he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and politically he is a Repub lican. He manifested his loyalty to the government during the civil war by his enlistment, on the 2d of May, 1864, as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, which was sent to the defense of Washington. He is a member of Captain Robinson Post, G. A. R., of Republic. WILLIAM HOUCK. Among Seneca county's native sons: William' Houck is numbered, his birth having occurred- in Clinton township on the 31st of January, 1842. His father, Henry Houck, was born in Frederick county, Mary land, whence in 1832 he made his way to the Buckeye state, settling in Seneca county. He married Rachel J. Shriver, and they became the par ents of five sons, of whom William- is the eldest, the others, being Louis, a merchant of Webster City, Iowa; Ezra M., who is living in Seneca township; Wilson, who died at the age of ten years; and Hiram S., whose death occurred in Summer county, Kansas. The second son was a soldier of the civil war, enlisting twice during the progress of that event. William Houck remained in Clinton town-ship until fifteen years of age, when he removed with his parents to Seneca township, continuing at home until bis marriage, which important event in hisi life occurred in 1862, the lady of his choice being Miss Ann M. Manges, by whom' he has four children : Margaretta J., the wife of John Claybaugh, a resi dent of Seneca, township; Mary A., the wife of Alvin Johnson, who is also- living in that township1; Ida O. ; and an infant son, deceased. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Houck began their domestic life upon a farm which belonged to, her father and there resided for three years, when they removed to the farm, which has since been the home of our subject. At the time of his marriage, however, he put aside all business and personal consideration, bade adieu to his young wife and on CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 691 the 2d of May, 1864, joined Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Infantry, as a private. The regiment was mustered in for one hundred days' service and was sent to the defense of Washington. When the term had expired Mr. Houck was mustered out and returned to his home in Seneca county. He is now a member o-f Gibson Post, G. A. R. In 1896 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 23d of December of that year, leaving many friends, for her excellencies of character had gained for her the love and esteem: of all. Mr. Houck and family hold membership in the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Houck has served as elder since 1877. He has always endeavored to shape his life according to his Christian belief and his name is synony mous with integrity and with fair dealing in all his relations with his fellow men. ABRAA1 D. SHIDLER. Among the worthy and progressive agriculturists of Seneca, county no one is more justly entitled to an honorable place in its history than Mr. Shidler, who was: born on the farm which is now his home and who has been usefully identified with the prosperity of the county in the pro motion of its agricultural interests and of progressive measures for the general good. He has made the county his home throughout his entire life and has been a witness of its development from the early pioneer epoch, while his also is the distinction of having been one of the brave defenders of the Union during the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Shidler was born on his present farm,, in Pleasant township, on the 8th of January, 1850, being the son of John and Annie (Sellers) Shidler, the former of whom was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. O-f their six children we make record as follows : Charlotte is deceased; Catherine is the wife of John P. Lousway, of Putnam: county; Abram D. is the subject of this sketch ; Laura B. is the wdfe of Charles Ross, of In diana ; Eliza A. is deceased ; and Ellsworth- is a resident of Sandusky county. John Shidler came to Seneca county in 1838, in company with his father, Jacob Shidler, and they located in Pleasant township, of •692 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. which they thus became pioneeis : the father of our subject here purchas ing a tract of seventy-nine acres of government land, the same being heavily timbered. Plere he erected a little house of hewed logs, and on the place the family remained until 1861, when the father removed to an other farm, of fifty acres, in the same township, where he remained' until his death, in 1889, his widow thereafter abiding in the home of our sub ject until she, too, was called to her eternal rest, in December, 1901. Both were devoted members of the German Baptist church and they were held in the highest esteem- in the community where so many years of their lives were passed. The father was a shingle-maker and carpenter, and in the former line he did a profitable business here in the early days, manufacturing the shingles by hand. The farm which he first purchased is now the home of his son, to whom this sketch is principally devoted. Abram D. Shidler was reared on the old homestead and attended the district schools as opportunity afforded, but when a mere lad, but little past his fifteenth birthday, he manifested his youthful patriotism and loyalty by tendering his services in support of the Union, enlisting, on the 13th day of January, 1864, as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Ohio- Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered into the service at Camp Chase, in the city of Columbus, and thence pro ceeded with his command to Winchester, Virginia, where they remained at the front until July 12, 1865. Thence they went to Harper's Ferry, where they remained about ten days, after wdiich they proceeded to the national capital and then to Alexandria, Virginia, where they were sta tioned until the 23d of December. The war having now closed, the regi ment returned to Columbus, where our subject received his honorable discharge and was mustered out as a youthful veteran. He then came back to Seneca county and was associated with his father in his farm ing operations until 1870, when he came back to his present farm, which his father still owned, and here he has ever since maintained his home and devoted his attention to general agriculture, having added fifty-five acres to the original tract and now having a finely improved farmstead of one hundred and twenty-nine acres. In politics he is a stalwart Re publican, but has never sought official preferment, though he served with marked efficiency as clerk of the school board of his district for a term CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 693. of years. His religious faith is: that of the Progressive Dunkard church, of which his family are also' members. Fraternally he maintains his- association with his old comrades in arms, through his identification with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of General William Gibson Post, at Tiffin. In 1870 Mr. Shidler was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ross, who- was a daughter of William Ross, a pioneer of Seneca county, and of this union twelve children were born, of whom1 six are deceased, namely : William, Charles, Logan, Jesse, Roy and Albert. The surviv ing children are: Annie, the wife of Ezra Smith, of Pleasant township; Franklin, at home; Clara, the wife of Willard W. Jones, of Old Fort;. and Oliver, Elmer and Russell, who remain at the parental home. Mrs. Shidler passed away in 1893, and on the 26th of November, 1895, our subject was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary E. Osiborn, who was born. in Seneca county, the daughter of Absalom and Malissa (Parker) Hall. She was first married to Roswell Osborn, by whom she had one daugh ter, Lottie M., who remains at the subject's home. Mr. and Mrs. Shidler have two children, — Abraham Dewey and Violet M., who died on the 27th of June, 1 901. Their pleasant home is the center of gracious hos pitality and they have a host of friend's in the community. EPHRAIM STAHL. It is pleasing to note the large number of native sons of Seneca county who are identified with its industrial activities and who command unqualified confidence and esteem in the communities where they have passed their entire lives. Of this number is Mr. Stahl, who is one of trie- successful men of the county where he was for many years a representa tive farmer, having now retired from active business and maintaining his home in the city of Fostoria. Mr. Stahl was born on the old homestead farm in- Jackson township, on the 29th of July, 1848, being the son of Henry Stahl, who was born in Perry county, this state, on the 2d of January, 1821, his father having been one of the pioneers of Ohio. When he was seventeen years o-f age- 694 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. he accompanied his widowed mother on her removal to. Jackson town ship, Seneca county, and they settled on the farm where our subject was born, having purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of wild land, and there he made his home until 1851, when he located on the Sandusky road, erecting a brick house, where he lived until his death, which occurred May 3, 1902. His wife, whose maiden name was Eliza beth Rineboldt, departed this life only a short time before, on March 6, 1902. She was born in Perry county, Ohio. They became the parents of six children, namely : Rebecca, who became the wife of John Feasel, is deceased; Lucinda is the wife of Jacob Ecker, of Jackson township; Lydia is the yvife of Gottlieb Mertz, of Hancock county; Ephraim is the immediate subject of this sketch; Esther is the widow of Jacob Hiser- man, of Jackson township; and Levi, who died in infancy. Henry Stahl was a man of fine mentality, having secured his education principally through personal application outside of the school-room, and as: a youth he was a successful teacher in the primitive log school-houses of this county, teaching the first school in Jackson township, and following this profession for several years during the winter months. In politics he al ways gave a stanch support to the Democratic party, and his religious faith was that of the Lutheran church, in which he was a zealous and active worker. For many years he held the office of justice of the peace, and he als'o served as, trustee of his township. Prior to' dividing his estate among his children he was the owner of about eight hundred acres of land, being one o-f the prosperous and influential men of the county. Ephraim. Stahl, the subject of this sketch, was- reared on the old homestead farm and received his educational discipline in the public schools of the place and period. At the age of twenty-one years- he was . married, and he thereafter continued to devote his attention to agricul tural pursuits, on the old homestead, until 1896, when he took up his resi dence in Fostoria, where he has an attractive home in a desirable section of the city. He still retains possession of his farming property, having a valuable and finely improved estate of three hundred and sixty acres. His political allegiance is given to the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. On the 10th of June, 1869, Mr. Stahl was united in marriage to CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 695 Miss Louisa Peters, yvho was born in Loudon township, Seneca county, Ohio, the daughter of Abraham Peters, one of the pioneers of Seneca county. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl had three children, namely : John F. and William E., who are successful farmers of Jackson township; and Henry, wdio died in infancy. SAMUEL HORN. The subject of this memoir was at the time of his death incum bent of the responsible position of superintendent of the Seneca county infirmary, being known as a capable and faithful executive and being held in the highest esteem in the community. It is eminently consistent that we here direct attention to the more salient points in the life his tory of Mr. Horn, who maintained his residence in Seneca county for thirty-four years, being prominently identified wdth its industrial and) official interests. Mr. Horn was a native of the old Keystone state of the Union, having been born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 10th of June, 1829. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school educa tion. When eighteen years o-f age he entered upon an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade, devoting his attention to this line of work for a period of three years and then returning to the farm. He continued to- be thereafter engaged in agricultural pursuits in his native state until 1869, when he came with his family to Seneca county, Ohio-, locating in Fort Seneca, where he purchased a gristmill, to whose operation he thereafter gave his attention for a period of five years, at the expiration of which he again turned to the vocation of an agriculturist, in Clinton township, where he remained until 1883, when he was chosen superin tendent of the county infirmary, retaining this incumbency two years and two months and managing the affairs of the institution with distinctive discrimination and ability. He then resumed farming in Clinton town ship, .where he made his home until 1892, when he removed to a farm of his own in Crawford county, but a few years later he returned to- Clin- 696 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ton township, where he followed farming until 1897, when he was again called to the superintendency of the infirmary, in the administration of whose affairs he continued until his death, on the 31st of March, 1902, his efforts meeting with the approval of all concerned and making the institution the more creditable to the county. His last term as super intendent covered exactly four years, his demise occurring on the fourth anniversary of the day on which he assumed control. In speaking of his official service the Seneca. Advertiser, of Tiffin, gave utterance to: the following statements : "He was recognized by all as a competent and obliging official and his methods of conducting the county farm and caring for the unfortunates under his charge were such that he had the esteem and respect of every person on the place and the complete con fidence of the infirmary directors." In politics Mr. Horn was- ever a stanch supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, and he served for several years as trustee of Clinton township. His religious faith was that of the Reformed church, of which his widow is likewise a devoted member. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a charter member of Tiffin Lodge, No. 80, Knights of Pythias, under whose auspices his funeral obsequies were conducted, on Thursday afternoon, April 3, 1892, at the Reformed church in Tiffin, the Rev. J. D. Buhrer officiating. The Odd Fellows' fraternity was also largely represented at the funeral, a delegation from the lodge at Fostoria having been p-res~ ent, in addition to many of the brothers of the Tiffin organization of the order. He was laid to rest in Greenlawn cemetery, and the community realized fully that a good man and capable official had passed to his reward. On the 22d of February, 1854, Mr. Horn was united in marriage to Miss Alary Meitzler, a native of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of six children, namely: Rosa, who is the wife of Rev. Henry Gramm, of Toledo, a clergyman of the Reformed church; Elmina, who is the wife of Clariden Cramer, of Clinton township; Ben jamin and John, who are farmers of Oklahoma Territory; Aquilla; who CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 697 is the wife of Eugene Heiberger, a druggist of Philadelphia, Pennsyl vania; and- Samuel A., a farmer of Clinton township. Mr. Horn was one of the widely known horse dealers of Seneca county, his operations in this line covering the period of his, residence on the farm) north of Tiffin, and it is said that one of the finest shipments of high-grade roadsters, bought in the vicinity o-f Hillsdale, Michigan, ever sent into the city of Philadelphia was made under his direction and se lection, each o-f the animals being able to make a record, of three minutes or better. JOHN A. BRADNER. By the death of this honorable and upright citizen Fostoria and Seneca county, and, indeed, the state of Ohio-, sustained an irreparable loss and were deprived of the presence of one who had come to be looked upon as a guardian and friend. Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose, those whose lives have been exem plary of the true and good and who- are therefore really great citizens. Such, a man was John Alonzo Bradner, whose entire career, both busi ness and social, served as, an inspiration to the aged and as a model to the young. His work as a member of the legal profession, and more especially as a railroad builder, was o-f the greatest benefit to the state, and by his usefulness and general benevolence he created a memory) whose perpetuation does not depend upon sculptured stone or elaborate mortuary crypt, but rather upon the- spontaneous and freewill offering of a grateful and enlightened people. His connection with Fostoria's de velopment and growth and with the cumulative work of material im provement was largely instrumental in placing the city in the proud po sition it to-day occupies. Mr. Bradner was born August 13, 1833, at Niagara Falls, New York, a son of William and Laura (Everingham) Bradner. He spent his early life in the place of his nativity, pursued his education in the Lewiston Academy, and in 1849 removed with his parents to Perry 44 698 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. township, AVood county, Ohio. His father established a store at West Mill Grove and he became a salesman therein. After clerking for six years he bought the store from his father and- for two years carried on the enterprise individually. In 1859 he removed to: Fremont, Sandusky county, where he was manager of a warehouse for the ensuing four years. In March, 1863, Air. Bradner arrived in Fostoria, wdiere he established a hardware and stove business, conducting the same with adequate success for a period of nine years, or until 1872, when the de mands made upon his attention by other business enteiprises caused him to dispose of the store to devote his entire time to- the development of other interests. For thirty-five years Mr. Bradner was engaged in railroad build ing. He aided in securing the right of way, and was engaged in the construction of the Hocking Valley, the Ohio1 Central and the Nickel Plate Railroads-; and he also took the contract for the construction of nineteen miles of the old Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Alichigan Rail road and thirty-five miles of the Clover Leaf Railroad. Thus, as a rail road contractor, he was closely associated with the work of improve ment, for no other one agency has so direct or so important bearing upon the upbuilding and progress o-f a country as the introduction o-f railroads. He also secured the right of way for the Toledo, Fostoria & Findlay Electric Railroad, and at the time of his death he was the secretary and treasurer and the general manager of the Ohio & Northwestern Electric Railroad. In the winter of 1900-1901 he secured for this corporation the right of way from Fostoria to Jerry City, and while engaged in that work was taken ill, jD-assing away on the 9th o-f July, 1901, at the age of sixty-eight years. When the state had been largely supplied with rail roads for transportation by the power of steam, his progressive spirit led him to take up the new methods of travel by the aid of electrical power, and thus he was associated with the upbuilding of interurban lines. This, however, did not comprise the extent of Mr. Bradner's con nection with business interests. He macadamized the principal streets of Fostoria ; was engaged in the stone and lime business, having been a large stockholder and president of the Fostoria Stone & Lime Com- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 699 pany; was one of the organizers of the first gas company here; and in all ways was known as a progressive, public-spirited and influential citizen. He was a man of keen sagacity, capable of looking beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future. He labored not alone for himself or for his own generation but also for posterity, for through many years to come his efforts will benefit those who follow him. His interests were of important character and of great magnitude, and al though his business career was so successful as to- seem almost phenom enal, it but represented the fit utilization of his powers along the lines where mature judgment led the way, and his prosperity was the result of his own efforts. While he was engaged in building the Hocking Val ley Railroad Mr. Bradner was associated with Mi". Ransom Crocker in the founding and platting of a town in Wood county, located on the line of this railroad, and the same was named in honor of -the subject of this memoir. Bradner is now a very attractive and jwosperous town of seventeen hundred population, being located in the center of the oil belt and having before it an unmistakably auspicious future. On the 3d of Alarch, 1856, Mr. Bradner was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Phillips, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Phillips, of Jerry City, Ohio, and unto: them were born the following named chil dren: Catherine, the eldest, is the wife of Samuel Lynn, of Toledo; May became the wife of Pliny Jones, of Fostoria, and is now deceased; Rosa, who- was the wdfe of Brice M. Stout, o-f Fostoria, is likewise de ceased; Martin, who was editor of the Evening News, of Fostoria, died at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving a wife and two children, — John A. and Frederick; Jessie is the wife of Edward Cooper, of Fos toria; Franc is the wdfe of Frank Stout, a furniture dealer in Fostoria, which city likewise continues to- be the home of the two other sons, Harry E. and John R. In addition to all his other interests John A. Bradner studied law. was admitted to the bar in 1879, and became the first city solicitor of Fostoria. For twenty-one years he was incumbent of the office o-f jus tice of the peace, and his rulings were ever fair and impartial. He served for seven consecutive terms in that office in Loudon township, and was 700 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. elected for the eighth term. For six years- he was the mayor of Fostoria, and his executive duties were so ably and faithfully performed that one could readily have believed that he had no- extraneous interests and was giving his entire time to the administration of the municipal government. He was a man remarkable in the breadth of his wisdom, in his indom itable perseverance and in his strong individuality. His entire life had' not one esoteric phase, being an open scroll, inviting and challenging closest scrutiny. True his were ' 'massive deeds and great ' ' in one sense, and yet his entire life accomplishment but represented the result of the exercise of the intrinsic talent which was his and the directing of his efforts along those legitimate and prolific lines wdiere mature judgment and rare discrimination led the way. A man of indefatigable enterprise and fertility of resource, he carved his- name deeply on the records of the industrial and professional history of this section of the great state of Ohio-, which owes much of its advancement to his labors. Though he had no personal political ambition, Air. Bradner was a stalwart Re publican in his political adherency, and was ever signally true to the duties of citizenship, while his religious faith was that of the Presbv- terian church. His home life was ideal in character, and those to whom he was nearest and dearest find in the grateful memory of his noble and useful life a perpetual benediction, his widow still surviving him and maintaining her home in Fostoria. EDWIN RANDELL. For over seventy years this gentleman has been a resident of the Buckeye state, and throughout the long period of his residence within its borders he has ever taken an active interest in its development and improvement. His birth occurred in Rockland, Knox county, Maine, on the 19th of November, 1827. His father, AVilliam Randell, was born in Belfast, that state, and was a carpenter by trade, following that line of occupation during the time of his residence in the east. In 1831, ac- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 701 companied by his family, he made the journey by canal and the Great Lakes to Sandusky, Ohio, and- from that city the family journeyed by wagon to Seneca county. On his arrival here Mr. Randell purchased one hundred acres of land, in Eden township, which at that time formed a part of the Mohawk reservation, and a sawmill had been erected on the land. He placed his fields under an excellent state of cultivation, made many substantial and valuable improvements- o-n his land, and his became one of the most attractive and desirable homesteads of the town ship. At the time of his death he was the owner of one hundred and ninety-six acres. Our subject now has in his possession a deed signed by General Henry Knox, secretary of war under General AVashingto-n, and bearing date of the year 1801, the document covering a grant of land sold to his grandfather, Thomas Randell, whose father, John Randell, was the founder of the family in America, whither he came from England. William Randell, the father of our subject, was united in mar riage to Eunice Crockett, and they became the jj-arents of the follo-wdng children: Eliza, the deceased wife of Theodore Graves; Edwin, the subject of this review; Elbert, deceased; Nathaniel, a resident of Cass county, Missouri ; Theodore and Josephine, both deceased, as is also the youngest child, who died in infancy. The father o-f this family was. called to his final rest in 1882, when he had attained the age of eighty-two years. He became one of the prominent and influential men of his lo cality, where he was honored with a number of positions of distinctive trust and responsibility. While a resident of Maine he was a lieutenant in the state militia. Edwin Randell, the immediate subject of this review, was but four years of age when he was brought by his parents to Eden township, and here he was early inured- to the labors of the farm in all its departments, while the educational advantages which he enjoyed in his youth were those afforded by the primitive schools of the times. In 1847 he went to Napoleon, Henry county, Ohio, where he purchased one hundred and ninety-two acres of wild land, and as the years passed he succeeded in placing his land under effective cultivation, and there he made his 702 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. home until 1866, when he returned to Eden township. By purchase he then became the. o-wner of the old homestead farm, where he co-ntinued to reside until 1892, in which year he removed to his present residence, in the same township, though he still retains possession of the original homestead. After a long, active and useful business career an hon ored retirement has been vouchsafed Mr. Randell, and he is now en joying the fruits of former toil. He has a small tract adjacent to the homestead, and here he has- erected a pleasant residence, of attractive architectural design and equipments, the same being located three miles south of the city of Tiffin and being one of the mlost desirable homes in this vicinity. On the ist of October, 1855, M'r- Randell was united in marriage to Aliss Ellen Palmer, and they have had six children, of whom we enter brief record as follows : Sumner, yvho- is a resident farmer of Eden township, married Bertha Cook, and they have two children, Erwin Paul and Arthur; Harold is engaged in mining in the state of Idaho; Alay remains at the parental home; Augusta became the wife of William C. Strohm and died at the age of thirty-nine years, leaving three chil dren, Edwin, Leah and Augusta, all of whom have resided with their maternal grandparents, Edwin being now superintendent of the Home Telephone Company, at Tiffin ; and Maude and Nina died in childhood. Airs. Strohm was an artist of fine talent, having executed many ex cellent paintings in oil. one of which, entitled the "First Homestead," exhibited at the Columbian Exposition, in Chicago, in 1893, depicted the first homestead entered from the government near Beatrice, Ne braska. The picture was executed for Mrs. John A. Logan, wife of the renowned general, and by her was placed on exhibition, as noted. Several of Mrs. Strohm' s productions have sold for handsome prices and a number of specimens of her art work are to be found in the pleasant home of her father, including portraits of his parents and also- one of herself. Mr. Randell has marked and appreciative literary talent and has contributed many valuable articles to- the leading papers of the county, and- in many other ways has he proved a valued factor in connection with CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 703 the interests of the community. He has- attained a distinct local reputation from his poetical productions, and has published a neat volume of verse, the same having afforded marked pleasure to many readers in Seneca county. Two of his poems, relating to the late Spanish-American war, are appropriately reproduced in this connection. PEACE. The deafening crash of Samson's belching- guns No longer jars the ambient summer air, Nor scares the waves that lap the pleasant isle. The steel-clad ship, Erstwhile the nucleus of a battle cloud, Upon the breast of ocean peaceful lies, With all her pent-up thunders held in thrall. The inky cloud That swathed her form in battle's mad'ning hour, From which the lightning flames of battle flashed, As leaps the living flame from midnight cloud, To hurl their crashing ruin on the foe; Now, borne upon the wings of tropic winds, Float buoyant summer clouds along the skies, Or sail far off within the azure deeps. The chalices of flowers Are lovelier now than when a tryant's heel Trod out their sweet perfume. The favored land of myrtle and of palm, By freedom's inspiration roused elate, Is fanned by freedom's zephyrs; and her sons And daughters, freed from despot's galling yoke, Shall grow to fairer stature with the years That now are rising with her brighter morn. Now is closed for aye The long account of tyranny and wrong That marked the rule of medieval Spain; Where superstition's despot, with red hand, Has trodden all man's nobler impulse out And bound the aspirations of his soul. Her bloody conquests in the western world, The hosts of progress in their onward march Have blotted from the century's changing chart. 704 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. The mailed hand that carried conquest far Now falfs as nerveless as if conqueror's sword Had never flashed in Cortez' mailed hand. The flames that lit Inquisitorial fires have smoldered out Before the light that science sheds abroad, To chase gray superstition's ghosts away. The bigot zeal That planned strange racks to torture men who dared Assert the right to follow reason's guide Athwart the darkness of the middle age, Is quenched before the light our era sheds, Or flies like noxious vapors from the sun. O! fair Antillean pearl, The brightest gem upon the ocean's breast Within the sitting of the tropic sea; Our ears too long have listened to the sobs, Blent with the cruel clank ot chains that wore Their gory links into her bleeding limbs. Those gyves are rent asunder; rise thou up! Put on thy buskins and go forth to make Thy lovely isle the fairest of the world. SANTIAGO. The Spaniard sought the bloody fray, His ships came sailing from the bay, The bay of Santiago. But Samson's grim sea lions lay Eager to bar their onward way, To rush with fury on their prey And cloud with battle's pall that day The bay of Santiago. "Onward full speed," and on they go, With battle's madness on the foe; The sea is white with foam below; The swift ships dash the waves to snow, The battle cloud is gathering low And floating ominous and slow O'er 'leaguered Santiago. Before the carnage, fell and red, Before the conflict, fierce and dread, In vain the Spanish squadron fled; In vain on wings of fear they sped From fated Santiago. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 705 Amid the battle's deafening roar. Down on the dauntless foe they bore; The Spaniard's steel-clad hulls they tore, His decks they strewed with wreck and gore, By shuddering Santiago. Alas for Spain! her bravest fail To breast the battle's fiery gale; It rends her triple coats of mail; Her stoutest hearts begin to quail; They see the Vikings' sons assail Their squadron with an iron hail, And turn to flee with steam and sail Away from Santiago. Her stanchest ships in terror feel The shock through all their ribs of steel; The very waves beneath their keel Are scattered as the vessels reel From war-doomed Santiago. The battle lightning leaped and flashed, The battled thunders boomed and crashed, The grim sea lions onward dashed, The sea by shot was plowed and lashed, By awe-struck Santiago. To 'scape the battle's deadly roar, Their prows are turned toward the shore, Where wide-winged vultures wheeling o'er The blue waves lapping on the shore Shall wash their slippery decks of gore. By conquered Santiago. DANIEL WAGNER. He to whom this memoir is dedicated passed practically his entire life in Seneca county, and for the long span of his useful and honorable career as a farmer he was prominently identified with the industrial activities of this section of the state, his days having been part and por tion of the indissoluble chain which linked the annals of the earlv pioneer epoch with those o-f latter day progress and prosperity. This record is entered as a slight tribute to a man who stood "four square- 706 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. to every wind that blows" and whose strength was as the number of his days. Daniel Wagner was born in Perry county, Ohio, on the 26th of July, 1825, being the son cf David Wagner, who was born in Pennsyl vania, whence he emigrated to Ohio in the early pioneer days. The family came from Perry to Seneca county in 1828, locating on a tract of wild forest land on section 19, in Eden township, the place now owned by Wesley Crum. David Wagner cleared this farm of its heavy growth of native timber, placed the land under cultivation and there continued to make his home until his death, at the age of eighty years. Our subject was but three years of age at the time of the re moval to Seneca county, and here he grew up under the sturdy discipline of the pioneer farm, receiving such educational advantages as were af forded in the primitive schools of the place and period. He continued to assist in the work of the old homestead until he had attained the age of twenty-one years, though he had been married a year previously, and he then took up his- residence on another farm, in the same township, where he devoted his attention to general agriculture for a period of twelve years, at the expiration of which he removed to the farm where his widow now resides and where his death occurred, on the 28th of Feb ruary, 1892. In the home farm are comprised one hundred and forty- two acres, and upon the place he made the best of improvements, in cluding a fine modern farm residence. He was the owner of three hun dred and two acres of land at the time of his death, and was well known as one of the substantial farmers and influential citizens of the com munity, honored as one of the sterling pioneers of the county. In his political affiliation he was arrayed in support of the Democratic party, and his religious views were indicated in- his being a devoted member of the Unted Brethren church, of which his widow also is an adherent. On the 12th of April, 1855, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Musgrave, who was- born in this county, of which her father, Elijah Musgrave was an early settler. To Mr. and Mrs. Wagner seven children were born, namely : Film-ore, a resident o-f Lyon county, Kansas; Elmore, who is a farmer, maintaining his home in Fostoria; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 707 George, a farmer of Wyandot county ; Hattie, the wdfe of Philo Keller, a mechanic of Tiffin; William, a farmer of Eden township; Orp-ha, the wife of Joseph Heck, who has charge of the homestead ; and Ida, who remains with her mother in the old home. FRANKLIN J. FRY. A representative of one of the old and honored families o-f Seneca county, which since pioneer days has been prominently connected with the development and substantial progress of this section of the state, Mr. Fry is worthily sustaining the high reputation of the family, through his active and useful life, prominence in connection with the agricultural industries of this favored section o-f the Buckeye state and his influential position as o-ne o-f the county's extensive landholders. There is utmost compatibility in here entering a brief review of his career, and aside from being a valuable and perpetual record the article- will be read with interest by the many friends of himself and the family. Mr. Fry is a native son of Seneca, county, having been born on the parental homestead, in Pleasant township, on the 14th of October, 1840, the son of Philip- H. and Elizabeth (King) Fry, who became the par ents of four children, of whom three survive, — Orrin J., a successful and prominent farmer of Pleasant township; Franklin J., of this sketch; and Henry P., a representative agriculturist of Liberty township. The father was a native of Prussia, where he was born in the year 1805 and where he was reared and educated, there learning the trade of carpenter. In 183 1 he emigrated to America and for the first year worked at his trade in Maryland, while in the spring of 1832 he came to Tiffin, Ohio, the county-seat of Seneca county, and here assisted in the erection of the first court-house. In the fall of the following year he went to Sandusky county and was thereafter prominently engaged in contracting and building, erecting a large portion of the most important buildings as far northward as Fremont, that county, and being associated with Joseph 708 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Moore in the building of a number of grist and cotton mills. His mar riage occurred in 1837, and he then purchased a tract of thirty acres' across the line in Seneca county, in Pleasant township, which is con tiguous to Sandusky county. Here he made his home and for some years he continued to follow his trade. After paying for the property mentioned he purchased another tract, of one hundred and sixty acres, in the same township, this same being eligibly located on Wolf creek and- constituting the present home of his son, the subject of this sketch. He forthwith took up his residence on this place, and about 1855, in con nection with his agricultural operations, established a dairy business, operating a cheese factory and doing a profitable business. In 1858 he bought another quarter -section in this township and in 1866 he pur chased fifty-eight acres lying between his home farm and his original thirty acres, thus throwing the three places into one farm, with the aggregate area of three hundred and fifty-eight acres. In 1872 he pur chased the old homestead of his father-in-law, Jacob King, in Sandusky county, the same comprising eighty acres, and thus his landed estate became one of no- inconsiderable extent and value. Mr. Fry was a man of distinctive intellectuality, being a reader of the best literature and keeping well informed- in regard to- the questions- and issues of the day. His individuality was forceful and his convictions- clearly de fined, while he ruled his life upon the highest plane of honor and probity, thus1 gaining a commanding position in the confidence and es teem of his fellow men, and being one o-f the influential citizens of the community where he lived and labored to. so goodly ends. Originally he was a stanch Democrat, supporting the principles and policies advocated by Jefferson and Jackson, but when the party repudiated paper currency his convictions as to political expediency led him to transfer his allegiance to the Greenback party. After the passing of this organization he main tained an independent attitude in politics. He served in various town ship offices, always efficiently and to the satisfaction of the people, and for many years he held official position in the Protestant Methodist church, of which he and his wife were devoted members. His death oc curred in 1891, his widow surviving until 1901, when she passed away CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 709 at the age of eighty-four years. She was- the daughter1 of Jacob King, who was one of the early settlers of Seneca, county. Franklin J. Fry, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the parental farmstead and was accorded excellent educational ad vantages, having secured his preliminary discipline in the district schools, after which he co-ntinued his studies in turn at the high school in Republic, in Heidelberg College and in the Berea Business' College. At the age of twenty-one years he began teaching during the winter terms, giving his attention to farming during the summer months, by assisting his father in the management of the homestead. In 1866 his marriage was solemnized and for the ensuing year he continued farm ing on the parental homestead, while the following three years were devoted to the same line of industry on the farm owned by his father- in-law. In 1871 he purchased two hundred acres of his present farm estate, taking up his residence on the place at that time and ever since continuing to make this his ho-mle, having added fifty-six acres to' its area and brought the place under the highest state of cultivation, while he has made permanent improvements of the best order. He- also owns in this same township, (Pleasant) another farm, of two hundred and seventy-five acres, lying across the river from his home place, and this farm he rents, and he also owns a tract o-f two hundred and twenty acres, which was a portion of the homestead of his father-in-law. Mr. Fry has ever maintained a lively interest in all that touches the advancement of the legitimate interests of the county and state, and in the fall of 1901 he was elected township- trustee of Pleasant town ship, of which office he is now- incumbent, while he also served two years as township treasurer. His political affiliation is wdth the Demo cratic party, and he has taken an active interest in public affairs of a local nature. Pie is a member of the Pleasant Township Farmers' So^ cial, and he and his family are prominent in the social life of the com munity, their friends being in number as their acquaintances, while their pleasant home is a center of refined hospitality. In 1866 Mr. Fry was united in marriage to Aliss Augusta T. Titus, who was born in Pleasant township, being the daughter of Rasselas R. 710 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Titus, one of the pioneer settlers in the county. Of this union two- chil dren were born, — R. T., who is deceased; and Delene, who is one of the popular young ladies of the county, her gracious and gentle personality and marked talents winning to- her the- friendship of all with 'whom she comes in contact. She is a graduate of the Ursuline College in Tiffin, and for one year was a student in the celebrated New England Con servatory of Music, in Boston, while she is at the present time attending Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio, preparatory to finishing her musical education in Boston. Her talent in connection with the "divine art" is unmistakable, and it is the wish of her parents to afford her the best possible advantages in the pursuing of her musical studies, to- which she is strenuously devoting her attention. JOHN ALBRIGHT. John Albright is one of the extensive land-owners of Seneca county, and he has prospered in his undertakings through well directed efforts, capable business manag-ement and keen discernment in controlling his affairs. He to-day owns five hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable land and in the home farm has a quarter section. His residence is one of the attractive farm: dwellings of the county and everything" about his place indicates the careful supervision of the owner. Mr. Albright is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Lancaster county, October 20, 1835. He is the eldest of the four sons of Charles and Molly (Smith) Albright. It was in the spring of 1835 that his father canto by team to Seneca county, locating- in Scipio township, and here he began working at his trade o-f carpentering. Soon after he purchased eighty acres of wild land in Adams township. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the place. It was a timber tract on, which- the trees stood in their ¦primeval strength. A log cabin first sheltered the family, and in true pioneer style they lived while the father was clearing the land and improving" the farm. In CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 711 course of time he placed it under a high state of cultivation and was, enabled to add all modern equipments and conveniences to his property. He owned three hundred and twenty acres of land, all in one body, and in connection with general farming carried on cabinetmaking and un dertaking, manufacturing the coffins and superintending all of the fun erals held in this section of the county. He was a member of the Dunkard, or German Baptist church, and died in April, 1886, at the age of seventy-six years, his birth having occurred in 18 10, wdiile his wife passed away on the 8th of January, 1887. Their sons were Jo-Iin; Jacob, now living in Adams township; David, who died In 1871 ; and Isaac, a resident of Bellevue, Ohio. At the usual age John Albright entered the district school near his home and began mastering- the branches of English learning wdiich con stitute the basis of all our knowledge. He afterward enjoyed the ad vantages of a course in Republic Academy and when twenty-one years of age he left home and went to- Dayton, where for two years he was employed at the carpenter's trade. When that period had elapsed he returned to- Seneca county and resided at his present home in Adams township until his marriage, which occurred- on the ist of December, 1863, the lady of his choice being Alary Huddle, who was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, a daughter of Benjamin and Annie (Seitz) Huddle, the latter a daughter of Lewis Seitz. Of the children of our subject and his wife we record that Charles F. is a resident of Chicago Junction; Athena died at the age of sixteen years; Upton D., who follows- farming in Scipio township, lives at the parental home; and Orin L., who was adjutant of Company E, Second Ohio In fantry, during the Spanish-American war. After his marriage Mr. Albright and his bride began their domestic life upon the farm which has since been his home. Here he owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich land, which annually returns to him good harvests, a reward for his enterprise and labor. In other farms he has rich lands, and altogether has a landed estate aggregating five hundred and twenty-five acres. Upon his place are found good grades of stock, the latest improved machinery, and all modern accessories for 712 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. facilitating his work, and the prosperity which he is now enjoying is the reward of his earnest and persistent efforts. He has served as township trustee and fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order. Although born in the Keystone state, he has spent almost his en tire life in this county, and his many excellent traits of character com mend him to the respect and confidence of all with whom he is asso ciated. JULIUS J. LONSWAY. Air. Lonsway is the owner o-f one of the finest farms o-f Seneca county and his residence is accounted one of the best in this section of the state. It is specially attractive in appearance and, moreover, is noted for its gracious hospitality, which makes it a favorite resort of the many friends of the family. Julius J. Lonsway was born in Hopewell township, Seneca county, in 1847, a son of Peter and Amelia, (Handle) Lonsway, natives, re spectively, of Canada and Pennsylvania. It was in the year 1840 that Peter Lonsway emigrated from Pennsylvania to: Ohio, locating in Hope well township, this county, where he passed the remainder of his life, reclaiming and improving his farml and being known as one of the sterling pioneers of the county. He died o-n the old homestead, on the 17th of April, 1886, having attained the age of sixty-one years, and his widow survived until 1888, being sixty-five years of age at the time of her death. Of their ten children we incorporate the following brief record: Emanuel Al. is- a resident of Loudon township; Julius J. is the immediate subject of this sketch; Alfretta E. is the wife of Henry Wag ner, of Clinton township; John V. is identified with railroading and is a resident of Kansas City, Missouri ; Almond L. is deceased ; Sarah E. is the wife of Charles Coon, of Loudon township; Austin J. is a resident of Nebraska; Jonas B. is a prominent attorney of Cincinnati; Charles P. is a ranchman of Nebraska; and Victor is deceased. The father of our subject, in connection with his agricultural pursuits, was also en gaged for a number of years in public contracting, and in this line1 he HOME OF J. J. LONSWAY. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 713 was successful, his operations in the two- spheres of endeavor enabling him, to provide most effectively for the maintenance of his family. As a contractor he aided in the construction of the Mad River Railroad, between Tiffin and Carey. Both he and his wife were devoted com municants of the Catholic church, holding membership in St. Mary's church, in Tiffin. Upon the old homestead farm, in Hopewell township, Julius J. Lonsway was reared, and through the winter months he secured his early educational discipline in the common schools of the neighborhood. When twenty-six years of age he inaugurated his independent business career by renting the old home farm, and he continued to reside in Hopewell township until 1882, when he remioved to Scipio- township,. and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, making his home on this farm until 1901. In that year he removed to his present home stead farm, in Clinton township, and upon this place he has made the best of improvements and on every hand are to- be seen the distinct evidences of thrift and- prosperity. He has here a quarter section of land, known as the old Montgomery farm, and each year, as the result of his well directed efforts, he gathers excellent harvests and also: re ceives good financial returns from the sale of his live stock, devoting particular attention to the raising of a high grade of stock. He has " recently erected a commodious residence of modern and attractive de sign, and also a fine barn and other requisite outbuildings, and his farm now compares most favorably with the1 best to be found in this attractive section of the Buckeye state. In politics Mr. Lonsway gives a stanch allegiance to the Demo cratic party, but the honors and emoluments of public office have had no attractions for him, and he has preferred to devote- his time and atten tion to his business interests, through which he has attained a gratify ing and well merited success. Industry, energy and progressive spirit have ever been dominating characteristics in his makeup and through these forces he has attained a distinctive degree of prosperity and is numbered among the representative agriculturists of the county. He was reared in the faith of the Catholic church and is a communicant of St. Mary's church, in Tiffin, taking a deep interest in its work. 45 714 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. On the 8th of October, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lonsway to Miss Catherine AIcNama, who was born in this county, the daughter of Morris McNama. Mr. and Airs. Lonsway became the parents of six children, of whom three are living, — Florence, John P. and Morris J. Alary is deceased and the other two children died in infancy. The devoted wife and mother was summoned into eternal rest on the 4th o-f February, 1895, having been a woman whose gracious and noble character won to- her uniform esteem and the affection of a wide- circle of friends. REV. JOHN R. FORRER. It gives us great pleasure to present to our readers a sketch of the life of one of whom the community may well be proud ; one who- has filled his daily life with that brotherly love and Christian charity wdiich have proved a light guiding many to- the better way. Widely known in church and social circles, his life is well worthy of emulation by the young men of his age who are desirous of leaving a name that will be loved and honored. Father Forrer was born in Zuckenrist, canton of .St. Gall, Switzer land, on the 7th of February, 1868. After completing a college course in his native land he came to the United States, and for the following six years was a student in the St. Mary's Seminary, at Cleveland, Ohio. He was ordained to the priesthood o-f the Catholic church on the 23d of December, 1893, and soon afterward was made assistant at St. Stephen's church, in Cleveland, where he continued until June, 1898. At that time he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's church, in Loudon township, and o-f St. Andrew's congregation, in Liberty township, Sen eca county. Since taking up his present work Father Forrer has built up the schools in his parish in a wonderful degree and has installed new life into the church work. From his youth his has been a serious and deeply religious nature, and as he has grown older the meaning and responsibilities of life have worn a yet graver aspect for him. He is CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 715 thoroughly earnest and sincere in all his thoughts, words and deeds, and his noble, manly life has proved an inspiration to many of his friends and associates. His success in his church work here has been almost phenomenal, and is due to his habits- of application and to the perseverance which have characterized- his entire life. His influence has ever been found on the side, of progress, of liberty and of right, and the effect of his labors in this section have been far-reaching and beneficial. DANIEL BOLLINGER. Numbered among the younger business- men of Seneca county is Daniel Bollinger, whose entire life has been passed in this county. He is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of Venice township, his skill and ability in his chosen calling being- plainly manifest in the well tilled fields and neat and thrifty appearance of his place. His birth occurred in Venice township, Seneca county, Alay 4, 1863, and he is a son of Lewis and Margaret Bollinger, whose history will be found in the sketch of L. W. Bollinger in this volume. Daniel Bollinger, of this review, remained in his parents' home until 1886, during which time he attended the common schools of his neighborhood. In that year he obtained employment as a farm hand with George Heapler, with whom he remained for one year, and during the following year he remained with his parents. After his marriage be purchased forty acres of land in Venice township, and on this small farm he began to make for himself a home. In 1897, however, he sold that tract and purchased the farm which he now owns, consisting of ninety acres o-f rich and fertile land, and it originally formed a, part of the old Bollinger homestead. His desire to make for himself a name and place among the substantial men of the Buckeye state has been ac complished, and as- the record of a young man his is one of which he may justly be proud, but the success, he has achieved in life is the just reward of meritorious, honorable effort, which commands the respect and 716 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. admiration of all. In matters of political importance he casts his ballot in favor of the men and measures of the Democracy. He has served as a member of the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a warm friend, and at all times he is public-spirited and progressive. On the 1 8th of Mjarch, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bollinger and Miss Louisa Deisler, a daughter of Charles Deisler. Six children have come to- brighten and bless their home, namely : Orlena, Alarie E., Rosetta, Clara E., George D. and Samuel E. Air. and Mrs. Bollinger are members of the Reformed church. JO'SEPH BLUM. From the study of the life history of Joseph Blum one may learn valuable lessons. The spirit of self-help: is. the source- of all genuine worth in the individual and is the means of bringing to man success wdien he has no- advantages of wealth or influence to aid him. It illustrates in no uncertain manner what it is possible to- accomplish when perseverance and determination form the keynote to a man's life. Dei- pending upon his own resources, looking for no outside aid or support, Mr. Blum has risen to- his present high position in the business circles of Seneca county. Air. Blum was born in Alsace, France, on the 24th of August, 1852, and is a son of Joseph and Alary (Brumlbach) Blum. The par ents also were natives of that province, and there they spent their entire lives. In early life the father was appointed keeper of the forest, and he served in that important position throughout the remainder of his life. Of their six children five are still living, namely : Francis, George «md Joseph; -Helen, the widow of John Miller and a resident of New Washington, Crawford county, Ohio; and Mary, the wife of Charles Gosser, of Alsace. Joseph Blum spent the early years of his life in his parents' home, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 7x7 and the educational privileges which he was permitted to- enjoy in his youth were those afforded by the common schools of his locality. In 1872, however, he left the home of his childhood for the United States, embarking from Liverpool, and after a stormy voyage of twenty-four days landed in the harbor of New York. He soon made his way to Sen eca county, Ohio, walking from Tiffin to the home of his uncle, John, Blum, two and one-half miles east of Attica, where he was employed at farm labor by the month. In 1893 he rented a farm east of Attica, known as the Steigmeyer place, which continued to be his home for the following three years, and on the expiration of that period, in 1896, he purchased the Sam Rivert farm, his present home place, of one hun dred and twenty acres. It will thus be seen that he is a type of the pro gressive spirit of the age. His undaunted perseverance, indomitable en terprise and resolute purpose have been the means of raising him from a position of comparative obscurity to one of prominence in the agri cultural circles of Seneca county. He is now the owner of a valuable and attractive little farm, which he has placed under an excellent state of cultivation, and everything about the place indicates the supervision of a progressive owner. His political support is given to the Democracy. The marriage of Air. Blum was celebrated in 1891, when Aliss Matilda Ansberger became his wife. She is a native daughter of Sen eca county, and her father, Albert Ansberger, is one of the- well known agriculturists o-f Venice township. This union has been blessed with one child, Josephine. The family are members of the Catholic church. HENRY L. SMITH. "We build the ladder by which we rise" is a truth which is certainly applicable in the case of Mr. Smith. He is a type of the progressive spirit o-f the age, — a spirit which has given America pre-eminence along its various' business lines, — and the undaunted enterprise, indomitable perseverance and resolute purpose which have characterized his career 718 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. have been the means of raising him from a position of comparative ob scurity to one of eminence in the business world. A native son of the Buckeye state, Henry L. Smith was born in Jackson township, Seneca county, on the 6th of December, 1862, a son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Smith. Tlie father was a native of Germany, and from his home across the sea he came to America in 1812, when a young man, locating in Jackson township, Seneca county, where he made his home for many years. He then took up his abode in Fostoria, where he spent his remaining" days, his death having oc curred in 1873, but he is still held in kindly remembrance by his friends and associates who still survive. Unto John and Elizabeth Smith were born nine children, and eight of the number are still living, namely: Adam, who makes his home in Elkhart, Indiana; Eva, the wife of John Smith, of Dakota; Nicholas, a, resident of Long Branch, New Jersey; Henry, whose name introduces this review; Michael, a resident of Kenton, Ohio-; Andrew, who makes his home in Toledo-, this state; Rosa, the wife of Dennis Fullerton, of Fostoria; and Emma, the wife of William Wolf, also of that city. Henry L. Smith, of this review, remained under the parental roof until his twelfth year, and at that early age he started out in life for himself, beginning the stern and unrelenting battle of life alone and unaided. From that time until his twenty-first year he worked at any occupation that would yield him an honest living, and he was then married and located on the Pennel farm, which is- now owned by E. WT. Pankhurst, where he remained as a renter for five years. On the expira tion of that period he was able to- purchase a tract of forty acres, on which he continued to reside for the following six years, when he sold that place and purchased his present home farm. His homestead con sists of one hundred acres of land, o-n which are located ten valuable oil wells, and in addition to superintending the work connected therewith he also has charge of the sixteen wells located on Mr. Pankhurst' s place. For a number of years past the work o-f his farm has been carried on by renters, as Mr. Smith's time is fully occupied with his other business interests. He is now classed among the • enterprising and substantial CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 719 business men of Seneca county, and possesses the energy, determination and sound common sense o-f his German' ancestors. At the age of twenty-one years- Mr. Smith was united in mar riage to Jennie Switzer, a native of Wood county, Ohio, and five children have brightened and blessed their home: Cleo, Claude, Hewey, Archie and Charles, all of whom are still under the parental roof. Mr. Smith has given a lifelong support to- the principles of the Republi can party, and for six years he served as the efficient constable of Jack son township. He is a man of strong mentality, keen discernment, great tact and resolute purpose, and is therefore well fitted for the position he now occupies. His business interests are capably managed and are bringing to him a handsome competence, and Ohio numbers him among her honored sons. JOHN F. ROSENBERGER. John F. Rosenberger, who resides in Liberty township, where he is successfully engaged in general farming, was born July 2, 1833, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine (Scha.ll) Rosenberger. The father was a native of West Virginia and at an early period in the develop- men of this section of Ohio removed from his native state to Seneca county, making the journey across the country with teams. In many places the streams were unbridged and the roads lay through dense forests, showing that the work of civilization had scarcely been begun. He arrived at his destination in 1826 and settled, upon a tract o-f one hundred and sixty acres in Hopewell township, making his home there for two years. When that period had elapsed he came to Liberty town ship and entered fro-mi the government two hundred and forty acres of wild land, on which he built a log cabin and also- a sawmill, operated by water power. This was the first sawmill in Seneca county and con tributed in large measure to the industrial activity o-f the community and was a great convenience to the early settlers who wished to secure lumber without going long distances- from home. In connection with the operation of his sawmill he also conducted the work of the farm, 720 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civilization. When the trees were cut and the brush cleared- away he planted his crops and in the course of time reaped good harvests, Upon the old homestead he spent his remaining days, passing away in i860, at the age of seventy-three years. He took considerable interest in public affairs and was recognized as a man of prominence and influence in the community. He served as trustee, and his opinions did not a little in shaping the public policy. He held membership- in the United Brethren church, to which his wife also belonged. She met her death by accident, being killed by a run away horse only a week after her husband's demise. This worthy couple were the parents o-f ten children, of whom six are yet living", namely: David, a resident o-f Bettsville, Ohio; Michael, who makes his home in Perrysburg; Rebecca, the wife of Samuel Mo-wrey, of Marion county, Ohio; John F., of this review; Horace, of Williams county, Ohio ; and Margaret, a maiden lady residing" in Fostoria. Those who have passed away are George, Nicholas, Rosanna and Sarah. The subject of this review was born and reared in Liberty town ship and pursued his education in the log school-house at Bettsville. He early became familiar with the work of the farm through practical experience, and on attaining his majority he took charge of the old homestead, upon which he lived until 1867, when he came to the farm upon which he now resides. Here he has successfully engaged in the cultivation of his fields and in the raising of stock. He owns one- hundred and sixty acres of land, and nearly all of the improvements thereon have been made by him. • It was 011 the 9th of June, 1859, that Mir. Rosenberger was joined in wedlock to Aliss Harriett Lynch, and their union has been blessed with eight children: Marion, of Liberty township; Alvadore, of San dusky county; Jesse, at home; Newton, of Illinois, dealing in hardware and furniture; Delia, a dressmaker of Gibsonburg, Ohio; Catherine, a milliner at Clyde, this state; Do-llie, at home; and Alinnie, a dressmaker at Gibsonburg. Mr. Rosenberger is a stanch Republican in his political affiliations, and, as every true American should do, he keeps well informed on the issues of the day, so that he- is enabled to support his position by intel- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 721 ligent argument. He has held the office of township treasurer and faithfully discharged 'his duties, but has never aspired to political honors. He has always lived the life of an honest, industrious and enterprising farmer and his activity has resulted in bringing to him a comfortable home and competence. SAAIUEL WAGNER. The soldier who risks his life on the field o-f battle for a cause in which he believes, lias always received the highest praise of men; next to him' stands the pioneer, who braves the dangers and hardships of the frontier, opening up new districts to- the march of civilization. De prived of the comforts and conveniences of the older settled sections, in quiet endurance of difficulties and the overcoming of innumerable obstacles, he works on, day after day, at the arduous task of making the wild land, hitherto uncultivated, bring forth the harvests that shall provide him and his family with sustenance. In the work of early im provement and development in Seneca county the father of our sub ject took part, as one of its pioneers, and as our subject himself is a native son of the county and was born in the pioneer epoch, it is needless to say that he too contributed his quota to this work, while he now stands as one of the prominent and successful farmers of the county, honored as a pioneer citizen and as a man of indubitable probity in all the relations of life. Samuel Wagner was born o-n the old homestead farm in Eden township, on the 3d of November, 1838, being one of the eleven chil dren of David and Susan (Up) Wagner, the former o-f whom was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and the latter in Perry county, same state. The father had been previously married, and his first wife left at her death tyvo sons, Jacob and John, both o-f whom are now deceased. Of the children of the second marriage the following are de ceased : Polly, the wife of Jacob Anden ; Christiana, the wife of Adam Gunber; Nancy, who married Jacob Von Blon; Annie, who married Samuel Balon; Daniel; and Sally, the wife of Jacob Sharp. The sur- 722 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. vivors of the family are : Elizabeth, the widow of Christopher Wagner, of Miami county, Indiana; Lydia, the wife of Silas Thomas, of Kosci usko county, that state; Catherine, the widow of Jerry Sailor; Samuel, the subject of this review; and George, a resident of Defiance county, Ohio. In the year 1827 the father of our subject removed with his family to- Seneca county, Ohio, settling in Eden township and taking up a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 19, where Wesley Crum now lives, and in addition to this he later secured in the same township eighty acres of government land, the entire tract being prac tically unreclaimed from the forest wilds. There was a log cabin on the homestead, the sarnie- having been built by either Indians or hunters, and this primitive domicile constituted the first home of the family in this- township. The father cleared and otherwise improved much of his land, and' here continued to reside until his death, about the year 1864, at the age of seventy-three years, his wife surviving until 1869, when she passed away, at the age of seventy-four. They were folk of enterprise, piety and honesty, being industrious and unpretentious and representative of that exalted integrity which was characteristic of the noble pioneer element in Ohio. The subject of this review grew to- maturity on the old homestead, early becoming inured to the sturdy toil involved in its reclamation and cultivation, and having such educational privileges as were afforded in the pioneer schools. After the death of his father he assumed charge of the home farm, yvhere he remained until 1873, when he located on a farm in Clinton township, there remaining two years, and he then came to his present fine homestead farm, in his native township, of Eden, where he has eighty acres of highly productive land, while the improvements on the place are of exceptional excellence, including a commodious and substantial residence. Ever mindful of the duties of citizenship and taking a deep interest in all that concerns the advance ment and stable prosperity of his native county, Mr. Wagner is known as a, public-spirited and progressive citizen, and he exercises his fran chise in support of the Democratic party and its principles. In the year 1861 Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Maria Isabel Messer, who proved to him a devoted companion and helpmate, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 73 3 aiding- and encouraging him in his efforts to: gain a competency and a position of independence' and proving a loving wife and mother. She was summoned into- eternal rest on the 26th of September, 1899, leav ing two sons,— William H. and Charles. William H. Wagner, who- is a resident of Tiffin, married Miss Delia Bour, and they have three chil dren,— Irene, William and Paul. Charles- Wagner, who- has charge of the homestead- farm, married Aliss Cora Biles, and they have two chil dren, — Ross and Glenn. WILDAIAN LOOMIS. The name of Wildman Loomis is inscribed high on the roll of Seneca county's honored pioneers and leading citizens; and the part which he has taken in founding- and developing the county well entitles himi to prominent mention in this volume. His birth occurred in Fremont, this state, March 24, 1819. His father, Reuel Loomis, was born in Alassachtisefts, July 12, 1775, be came a tanner, currier and shoemaker by trade, and in 181 1 made the journey by team to- Buffalo, and from that city went by boat to Detroit, where he worked at his trades. During the war of 1812 he served as a minute man and for about six months of the time was held as a pris oner by the British at Detroit. In 1814 he moved to Fremont, Ohio, where he secured land and froml that time until 1822 w"as engaged principally in agricultural pursuits. In December of the latter year he came with an ox cart to Seneca county, locating in Eden township, on the farm which is now owned by our subject, securing there one hundred and six acres of school land, the purchase price being a dollar and thirty-seven cents an acre. The place at that time was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and in the midst of the forest he erected a round^log cabin, sixteen by twenty feet. In addition to the tilling of the soil, he also erected a, tannery on his farm, where he followed the occupation of tanning for many years; and he also made shoes for the early settlers of the neighborhood. As a companion on the journey of life he chose Anna Lyon, who 724 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. was born September 22, 1782, and they had three children: Samuel C, who was born on the 15th of September, 1805, and died in 1843; Ro- dolphus, who was born June 23, 1812, and died near Bloomington, Illinois, in 1863; and Wildman, the subject of this sketch. On the farm which he had cleared and improved the father passed away in death, on the 15th of August, 1852, while his wife survived until 1857. When three years of age, Wildman Loomis was brought by his parents to Seneca county, to the farm on which he now resides, and during early youth assisted in the arduous task of improving the land. Practically for four-score years this place has continued to: be his home, and throughout his active business career he has been continuously en gaged in the tilling" of the soil. He has made many improvements on the place, while his landed possessions now comprise eighty-eight acres, whereon he is successfully engag-ed in farming and stock-raising. Pie early learned the wagonmaker's trade, but later became a carpenter and did contract work in addition to his farming operations. During the war of the Rebellion he offered his services to the Union cause, becom ing a corporal of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, in 1863, formerly the Sixty-ninth, and known as the Plome Guards, and the same year they were taken out to: Johnson's island to guard rebel prisoners. They were afterward mustered into the United States service, and subsequently the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth was called to Arlington Heights, near Washington, where they were en gaged in defending the city for one hundred and eighteen days. On the 17th of October, 1839, Mr. Loomis was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Myers, and their union has been blessed with five children, namely: George, who makes his home in Defiance, Ohio; Elizabeth, who died young'; Lucy, who became the wife of Matthias L. Weagley and died at the age of forty-four years, leaving five children, mentioned a little further o-n; Mary, who died young; and Omar R., a prominent farmer on adjoining" land in Eden township-. Mrs. Weag- ley's children are: Wellington D., who was reared by his grandpar ents and is now carrying on- the homestead farm; Amos R., of Wood county; Laura, the wife of Christ Lantz; Elmer, of Los Angeles, Cali fornia ; and Frank, of Eden township. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 725 Mr. Loomis, the subject of this sketch, is a member of the Aleth odist Episcopal church, in which he has served as steward for more than forty years; and his wife- has been identified with that denomination ever since her fifteenth year. In political matters Mr. Loomis gives an un faltering support to the principles of the Republican party. He has passed the eightieth milestone on the journey of life, and his- path has been marked by good deeds, honest purpose, commendable industry and worthy motives; and when the final sum-mons comes he will leave a record worthy of emulation. REV. M. R. SCHMAUS. Father M. R. Schmaus, in charge of St. Stephen's church, was born in Bavaria, Germany, on the 18th of May, 1867, a son of Leopold and Teresa (Fischer) Schmaus. They became the parents of nine children, all of whom survive and with the excqDtion of our subject all are residents of their native country. Father Schmaus received a education in Dillingen and Augsburg, Bavaria, and after receiving a classical course he- joined the Fathers of tlie Precious Blood and pre pared for the priesthood. In 1886 he came to the United States and entered the St. Charles Seminary at Carthagena, Ohio, where he studied philosophy and theology. In 1891 he was ordained to the priesthood, first serving in the dioceses of Fort Wayne and- Cincinnati, and since 1897 he has been located at St. Stephen's. The church was estab lished about sixty years ago- and its membership now numbers about twenty-nine families. Under his supervision a parsonage is now in course of erection, at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars, and also a modern school building. Father Schmaus' influence is ever found on the side progress, liberty and right, and the effect of his labors has been far reaching. He has filled his daily life with that brotherly love and Christian charity which ever prove a light to guide many to the better way, and he is loved and honored by his parishioners and by all who- know him. 726 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. JOHN ROBERTSON. John Robertson is an octogenarian and, in fact, has almost com pleted the half of another decade, but old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness or inactivity ; it need not suggest as a matter of course lack of occupation or helplessness, for there is an old age which grows stronger in many ways wdth the passing years. This is true in the case of John Robertson, who yet superintends his farming interests and keeps in touch to a large extent with the progress which is being made along many lines of activity in the world. He is a native- of Paris, France, although of English parentage. He was born December 16, 1817, a son of Ed ward Robertson, who took part in the famous battle of Waterloo-, under the Duke of Wellington. When John Robertson was two- years of age his parents became residents of Portsmouth, England, where he was reared to manhood and -entered upon his business career, but the new world attracted him and he came to "the land of the free and the home of the brave," crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, for it was before the day of rapid navigation ,in steamboats. The vessel in which he took passage dropped anchor in the harbor of New York city and he proceeded to Centerville, that state, wdiere he worked at the weaver's trade until 1846, when he came to Ohio. Mr. Robertson chose Seneca county as the scene of his future labors, and here purchased fifty acres of land in Liberty township. There he built a log cabin and began life in the west in true pioneer style, devoting his energies to- the cultivation of the fields and the improvement o-f his farm, until October, 1861, when he put aside all business cares and per sonal considerations in order to- respond to the call of his adopted coun try for aid. He donned the blue uniform and joined Company F. Fifty- fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and with his regiment proceeded to, the scene of action. The first battle in which he participated was at Bull Run, and later he took part in the engagements at Slaughter Mountain, Chancellorsville and Galesburg. Pie served' faithfully and loyally for three years and then, with a creditable military record, returned to his home. Again arriving in Seneca county, Air. Robertson resumed work CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 727 upon his farm, which he operated for seven years thereafter and then purchased his present home, wdiich has since been his place of abode. The farm comprises one hundred and thirty-three acres and on it are many substantial improvements and modern equipments. This farm was entered from the government in 1820 by our subject's uncle, who was a resident of Virginia and never located on his Ohio claim. Throughout the long years of his residence in Seneca county, covering more than sixty years, Mr. Robertson has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and along this line o-f honorable business industry he has won a desirable competence. He has ever been as true to- his duties of citi zenship as when he followed the old flag upon southern battlefields. In politics he has been a stanch Republican since the organization of the party, and although he has never sought office he has done all in his power in a quiet way to- secure the success of the party. He found iii America the opportunities for advancement which he sought, and never has he regretted his determination to make his home in the new world or in Seneca county, where he is now an honored and respected citizen. SAMUEL DRENNING. The Drenning family of which o-ur subject is a representative had its origin in England. His grandfather came to: the new world, estab lishing his home in Pennsylvania. There, in Bedford, Samuel Dren ning, his son, was born, and there lived and died. He married Jane Bridges, who was of Scotch lineage and a daughter of Abraham Bridges of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, whose father came from the land o-f the heather to the United States at an early period in American history. Samuel Drenning, whose name introduces this review, was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania, in the year 1842. He spent his childhood and youth in his parents' home and in the public schools of the neighbor hood) acquired his education. Wishing to try his fortune in a more western district than that in which he was reared he made his way to 728 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Fostoria, in March, 1863. Feeling that his country needed his services and aroused, by a patriotic spirit, he enlisted in November, 1863, in Com pany E, Forty-ninth Ohio Regiment. He started on the Atlanta campaign, but at the battle of Resaca he was wounded. This necessitated his ao- sence from further active field service until March, 1865. He- after ward served in Tennessee and in the southwest, being mustered out at Victoria, Texas, in November, 1865. On returning to Fostoria, Mr. Drenning engaged in the wood-working business, which he has- since followed-. In this line he has met with a fair degree of success, so carefully conducting his business: interests that his patronage has stead ily increased and his sales: have been yearly augumented. Mr. Drenning was united in marriage to: Miss Mary J. Milheim, of Fostoria, where she was born and reared, her father coming from the Keystone state. Three children, grace the union of our subject and his wife, namely : Nellie, now the wife o-f W. E. Baker, of Findlay ; James, who resides in Toledo; and Laura, who is still under the parental roof. Mr. Drenning retains pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and with them likes to recount the incidents of the camp and the battle. During his residence in Fo-storia he has become widely known and the elements of an upright manhood have gained for him! the respect and confidence of all with whom he is associated. WILLIAM MERGENTHALER. For almost a third o-f a centry William Mergenthaler has been iden tified with the industrial interests of the city of Fostoria, being well known as a carriage manufacturer. Seneca county numbers- him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Loudon township, on a farm located five miles south of this city, in the year 1850. His father, Godfrey Mergenthaler, was one of four brothers who settled in Seneca county at an early period in its development and bore a very active part in the work of improvement and progress. The other three broth- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ' 729 ers were Jacob, John and Gottlieb. All four came to Seneca county with their father and each took up land from) the government and inaugurated the work of developing the same into fertile and productive farms. They were natives of Wittenberg, Germany, and on crossing the Atlantic to the new world made their way direct to Ohio. The father of our subject was twice married, his first union having been with Aliss Heiserman, who likewise was a native of Germany, and they became the parents of two sons- and one daughter, — Jacob and Melcher, who are well known citizens of Fostoria; and Mary, who is the- wife of Philip Deywalt, and resides near Bascom, Hopewell township-. After the death of his first wife, Godfrey Mergenthaler was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena, Hilghay, who was born in Germany, and of this union five children were born, — Catherine, Henry, William, Caroline and Magda lena, — all of whom are living with the exception of Henry, who died at the age of twenty-six years. William Alergenthaler, the immediate subject of this review, passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with all, the duties that fall to the lot of the agri culturist, while to: the public-school system of the place and period he is indebted for the educational privileges- which he enjoyed. Since the year 1869 he has been identified with the manufacturing interests of Fostoria, having in that year here established a carriage manufactory, which he has since conducted with success. He purchased land on East Tiffin street, where his shop and brick block are now located. He sells his products throughout the state of Ohio and also ships to' Indiana and Pennsylvania. He manufactures a full line of wagons and buggies and has recently inaugurated the manufacturing of automobiles. His plant is thoroughly equip-ped with the latest improved machinery for the facile carrying on of the business, and the excellence of his products, noted for their durability as well as style and workmanship, has secured to Mr. Mergenthaler a patronage which is steadily increasing and which has made him one of the prosperous business men o-f the attractive city where he maintains his home. Mr. Mergenthaler exercises his franchise in support of the prin ciples and policies of the Democratic party, but has never been an aspir- 46 730 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ant for office, his time being fully occupied by his business affairs, in which he is meeting with signal success. All that he possesses he has gained through his own efforts and unfaltering energy and enterprise. Ever alert to adopt new methods which commend themselves to- his judgment as tending to improve ot"\facilitate his business, he has stead ily advanced along the highway which leads to definite success, and he is accounted one of the prominent and prosperous business men of Fos toria, where he commands unequivocal confidence and esteem. In 1872 M'r. Alergenthaler was married to- Miss Alary Zennet, of Findlay, Hancock county, and they became the parents, of four chil dren, namely : Lulu, wdio died at the age of twenty years ; Harry M., who is now associated with his father in business and who- is one of the popular and progressive young business men of Fostoria, being a mem ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and still residing at the parental home: Laura, who is the wife of Delmo Eberhardt, o-f Fos toria, and has one child, Florence E. ; and Nellie, the youngest of the children, remains at the home of her parents. JOSEPH VAN NEST. One of the representative and honored citizens of the city of Tiffin, Ohio, is Joseph Van Nest, and such has been his life record as to par ticularly entitle him to consideration in a, work of this nature. Air. Van Nest was born in AVooster, Wayne county, Ohio-, on the 15th of January, 1843, being a son of Peter and Susan Van Nest, the fonner o-f whom was born in Pennsylvania, on the 15th of May, 1813, and there he passed his earlier boyhood- days, early starting out in life on his own responsibility, as will later appear in this connection. His parents were John and Catherine Van Nest, both of whom were native of Penn sylvania, whence they removed to Wayne county, Ohio, in the early '30s, their son Peter having preceded them' to that locality. John Van Nest, who was a valiant soldier in the war of 1812, was a. harness- maker by trade, and this vocation he continued to follow until his death. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 731 His only surviving son is John, Jr., who still resides in this state, hav ing attained the venerable age of eighty-six years. As the name unmistabably indicates, the Van Nest family originated in Holland, where John Van Nest, the great-grandfather of Joseph Van Nest of this sketch, was- born, emigrating thence to America and settling in New Jersey, where many of his descendants are yet to be found and where the family has, ever been held in high regard and honor. Rev. Peter Van Nest, a brother of this original Holland an cestor, became a renowned preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, having been led into the ministry under the eloquent pleadings of the Wesleys. Peter Van Nest, the father of our subject, began carrying the mail at the age of eight years, thus demonstrating the intrinsic energy and self-reliance o-f a lad who was eventually to become a large manufac turer and succesful man of business. At the age of thirteen years he made his way on foot from- Pennsylvania to Wooster, Ohio, where he entered upon an apprenticeship in a blacksmith shop. When he was about nineteen years o-f age he sent a conveyance to: the old home in Pennsylvania and with the same his parents came through to' Wayne county, passing the remainder of their lives in. Ohio-. Peter Van Nest retained his residence in Wooster until 1848, when he came to Tiffin, where he engaged in carriage-making, building up a business second to none of similar order in northern Ohio-. He carried on this enterprise, with cumulative prosperity, until his death, on the 22d of February, 1877. He was a leading member o-f the Methodist Episcopal church, a man of great business ability arid high moral worth, commanding un qualified confidence and esteem in all the relations of life. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Bucher, was a woman o-f noble Christian character. She was born in Maryland, on the 5th of September, 181 8, and came thence to Wayne county, Ohio, with her parents, Christian and Elizabeth Bucher, the former of whom was born January 19, 1775, devoting his life to agricultural pursuits and passing away at the age of seventy-nine years, while his wife, who was born in 1771, lived to attain the extremely venerable age of ninety-eight years. Mrs. Van Nest was a girl when the family thus- came to Ohio, and here she passed 732 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the residue of her life, her death occurring on the 15th of July, i86i_ She was a devoted and consistent member of the Alethodist Episcopal church, and her life was sustained and beautified by her Christian faith. Peter and Susan (Bucher) Van Nest became the parents of the follow ing children : Sarah, who now makes her home wdth her brother Jo seph ; John, who served as a private in the Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years, was wounded at Shiloh and he died at the age of forty-seven years ; William H. served about six months during the- Civil war, being a 'member of the One Hundred and Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he is now a prominent business man of Tiffin, as will be incidentally noted later on; Joseph is the immediate subject of this sketch; George, who likewise enlisted in the Union army during the Rebellion, served about six months as a clerk in the depart ment at Nashville, and he died at the age of forty-four years ; and Mar tin died in childhood. Joseph Van Nest was but five years of age when the family removed. to Tiffin, and in the public schools of this city he received his early edu cational training. After leaving school he was employed in his fa ther's factory until the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion. In April,. 1861, he enlisted as a soldier, but as the quotas were filled he was not assigned to any regiment until August 11, 1862, when he: became a mem ber of Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio- Volunteer Infantry,. with the rank of corporal. The regiment was assigned to the First Brigade of the First Division of the Fourth Army Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. He was engaged with his regiment in all the great- battles in which it participated, including the engagements at Perry- ville, Knob Gap, Stone River and Chickamauga. In. the battle of Stone- River he received three severe wounds, — two in the left leg and one in the left arm,— and as a consequence he was incapacitated for active service for a period of five months. On the 13th of January, 1863, Mr.. Van Nest was taken prisoner, at Harpeth Shoals, on the Cumberland river, and was paroled with other prisoners on the same date. He re joined his command and was in the battle of Liberty Gap, Tennessee,. while he had the distinction of being color guard of his regiment during Sherman's memorable march to the sea. Thus he participated in the: CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 733 lies of Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost, Dalto-n and Resaca, in which last engagement he was again severely wounded, in the right knee, on May 14, 1864, being struck by both shell and bullet, though the bullec was not found until three years later, when it was extracted. These wounds have proved a permanent disability, and Mi'. Van Nest had been con fined to the hospital for more than a year prior to his discharge from the service, on the 20th of July, 1865. After his return from the army, where the fortunes of war had .so cruelly treated him, Air. Van Nest returned to- Tiffin and again be came identified- with the carriage manufacturing business of his father, having been a partner in the enterprise for three years prior to the lat- ter's death. He then entered into, a partnership with his brothers, John, William and George, and they continued the business successfully until 1889, when William Van Nest purchased the same and has since carried forward the important industry individually. Joseph Van Nest was not thereafter actively engaged in any vocation until 1894, when he was brought prominently before the citizens of the county by his candidacy, on the Republican ticket, for the office of sheriff. Seneca county is re garded as belonging to the Democratic party, but Mr. Van Nest, never theless, was elected, and that over the most popular candidate on the Democratic ticket. He was the first sheriff elected on the Republican ticket in thirty-five years, and he would doubtless have been re-elected had not an unusual occurrence awakened political animosity. In Oc tober, 1895, Sheriff Van Nest, with a small force of deputies, repelled an immense mob, maddened by drink and thirsting for revenge for the murder of Tiffin's popular marshal, August Schultz. Nothing but death, which was administered to two of the leaders of the mob, was sufficient to check its impetuosity, and volley after volley was fired by the ¦sheriff and his' five deputies before the corridor of the jail was finally ¦cleared of the ferocious multitude. The coolness of Sheriff Van Nest in this ordeal and also in the trying hours afterward, when he laid and executed a plan by which Lee Martin escaped with his life to . the Fre mont jail, brought into high relief the true soldierly qualities and ma ture judgment of the man. President McKinley, who was then governor of Ohio, cornpli- 734 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. mented Air. Van Nest on his bravery in performing his duty. The sheriff had a very narrow escape himself, as, in the tumult and excite ment of the time, a number of bullets were fired at him. Although he felt at the time that he had done only his duty, Mr. Van Nest was later reminded that this fulfilling of his trust was not forgotten by that great and noble man, Governor McKinley, for through him he received an appointment as land appraiser for the government, in Indian Territory, the duty involved being the providing of the proportionate allot ment of the lands to the five civilized Indian: tribes, — the Chickasaws, the Cho-ctaws, the Cherokees, the Creeks and the Seminoles. About one hundred and seventy appraisers and equalizers were appointed to- visit the territory, and in September, 1900, Mr. Van Nest took charge of his portion of the work, returning to: Tiffin the following July and having performed his prescribed duty with the efficiency which has marked his entire public and business career. In the Indian Territory the appraisers maintained seventeen camps, in each of which were six of their number, besides a cook and two- teamsters. They would estab lish headquarters in a certain township and would then carefully inspect 'each quarter section, for the purpose of equalizing the allotment among the Indians, such an equal division of the land having not, been previously been made, and after giving the work his most careful attention Mr. Van Nest returned to his home in Tiffin, where he is now living retired from business activity, enjoying the comforts of a delightful home and conscious that he is beloved wdthin the circle of his intimate acquaint anceship, as is he also esteemed and respected by his fellow citizens at large. In politics it is scarcely necessary to state that he is a stalwart supporter of the Republican party and the principles for which it stands exponent, and fraternally he is one o-f the popular and valued members of General William' PI. Gibson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, in Tiffin. In the year 1868 Mr. Van Nest was united in marriage to Aliss Marian L. Mo-rehouse, a young lady five years his junior. She was born in Onondaga county, New York, wdiere she was reared and edu cated. She was a woman of gracious and beautiful character, was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and when she was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 735 summoned into eternal rest she was deeply mourned by a very large cir cle of appreciative and devoted friends, her death occurring on the 29th of November, 1900. She is survived by lies three daughters: Artie S., who is the wife of Andrew Greer, of Wyandot county ; Jessie E., who remains at the paternal home; and Nellie Belle, wdio is the wife of W. W. Bemisderfer, of this county. JACOB WERTZ. From a little German home across the sea Jacob Wertz w-as brought to the new world and entered upon a career which seems almost in credible; yet it is not simply the outcome of propitious circumstances, but the honest reyvard of labor, good management, ambition and energy. His birth occurred in Wittenberg, Germany, on the 29th o-f De cember, 1850, his parents being George and Barbara (Brendle) Wertz. With his wife and children the father took passage on a sailing vessel and came to America, spending thirty-four days o-n the water, and after his arrival at once made his way to Bascom, where he engaged in the mercantile and sawmilling business. This venture, however, did not prove profitable, and the savings of many years of hard and laborious toil were swept from him; but he immediately set to, work to retrieve his lost possessions and embarked in the cultivation of the soil. This proved a more profitable employment and he was soon recognized as one of the leading and successful farmers of Seneca county. He has now reached the seventy-eighth milestone on the journey of life. Mr. and Mrs. Wertz became the parents of ten children, four sons and six daughters, but only five of the number are now living, namely : Jacob, the subject of this review; Barbara, the wife of Michael Weller; Henry, a successful farmer of Hbp-ewell township; George; and Mary, the wife of Charles Miller, of Scipio township, Seneca county. When four years of age Jacob Wertz was brought to Ohio, and in the public schools of this locality he received the educational advan tages which he enjoyed in his youth, At the early age of fourteen he 736 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. began the battle of life for himself, working for four dollars a mo-nth for eight years, and during that time he saved eighteen hundred dollars. With the means thus acquired he was able to purchase his present farm of one hundred and forty acres, near Basconi, and he has placed the same under an excellent state of cultivation, and here he is actively en gaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is in- every sense of the word a self-made man, — one who, without any advantages at the commencement of life, has battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable courage and sagacity has achieved both honor and afflu ence. In April, 1879, Mr. Wertz was united in marriage to Elizabeth Smith, and they have two children, — Emma and Jacob, both at home. The Democracy receives Mr. Wertz' hearty support and co-operation, and all movements and mieasures which have for their object the ad vancement of his fellow men find in him a firm- friend and active worker. Since ten years of age he has been a member of flie Reformed church, and for the past ten years he has served as a deacon therein. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed in the community in which they have so long made their home, and their well wishers are legion. PAUL MILLER. We now come to a consideration of the more salient points in the life history of one of the representative business men of Seneca county, one who: stands forward as a native son of the county and a member of a sterling pioneer family. His name has ever been synonymous with upright manhood and good citizenship; he has given his influence and means to the betterment of society, to- schools and church, to the support of good government and to the industries which have had im portant bearing on the advancement of the prosperity and material up building of the county. Air. Miller was born in Venice township this county, on the 5th of May, 1840, being the son of John M. and Frederica (Writer) Miller, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 737 who became the parents of ten children, namely: John M., David T., Lewis, Elias, Christian C, Paul, Aaron and Moses (both deceased), Solomon, and Hannah, who is the widow of Mr. Gruner. John M. Miller was born in Germany, on the 15th of June, 1801, and was there educated, learning the weaver's trade. He was there married, and in 1832 emigrated to America, locating in Medina county, Ohio, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for a period of four years. In 1836 he came to Seneca, county and purchased a quarter section of heavily timbered land, in Venice township, having to cut a way through the forest to reach his place. Here he built a primitive log cabin, and he cleared the farm- and brought it under a fine state of productivity, while the success which had attended his efforts was attested by the fact that prior to his death he had accumulated about five hundred acres of good land in this county. He was a zealous member of the Lutheran church, and held various, local offices of trust and responsibility. His first wife died in 1850, and he subsequently married Miss Catherine Kalb, who died in 1880, there having been no- children born of their union. The father of our subject passed away in 1885, at the venerable age of eighty- four years and honored as one o-f the sterling pioneers of the county. Paul Miller, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the old homestead and acquired his early educational discipline in the public schools. He thereafter learned the carpenter trade, and in Jan uary, 1864, he enlisted in the Union armiy as a mechanic, working at bis trade in St. Louis, thence being sent to Nashville and later to Johu- sonville, Tennessee, where his command remained until driven out by the Confederate forces, when they returned to- Nashville, where Mr. Miller received his honorable discharge, in the spring of 1865. He then returned home, and for a time was located in Lykens township, Crawford county, whence he removed to Tiffin, Seneca county, where he purchased a sawmill, which he operated four years, and then removed to Swanders Station, Shelby county, where he remained four years, at the expiration of which time he came to- Bloomlville, where he has since maintained his home and where he has conducted an important business in the way of milling, lumbering, contracting and building and farm- 73§ CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ing, being one of the active and progressive business men of the county and having shown a marked capacity for affairs of wide scope and importance. He has owned seven different sawmills, and also- is at the present time owner of a well equipped sash and door factory in Bloomville. He is a stanch Democrat in politics and served for four years in the office of justice of the peace, w-hile for more than a decade he was a member of the town council of Bloomville. His religious faith is that of the Reformed church, of which his wife also is a member. In 1863 Air. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Mar shall, who was born in Venice township, this county, the daughter of Jacob Marshall, who was born in Germany, whence he came to America, becoming one of the pioneer farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, where he owned several hundred acres of land at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had eight children, namely: John B., of Bowling Green, Ohio; Elizabeth A., the wife of E. D. Swanders, of Bowling Green; Emma C, the wife o-f C. F. Sponseller, o-f Cleveland; Benja min F., Harry N. and Charles B., who are at the parental home; Ilona, who is deceased; and Iva Pearl, who is at home. T. D. STEVENSON. T. D. Stevenson, an insurance broker of Fostoria, has been a resi dent of this place for a comparatively brief period, locating here in 1890. During the past three years he, has represented various insurance companies and has has secured a good- clientage in this line. A native of Sandusky county, Ohio, he was born in Green Creek town ship, in November, 1842, his parents being David and Mary (Madden) Stevenson. The parents were born in the north of Ireland and both were of Scotch-Irish lineage. They became early settlers of Sandusky county and there the subject of this review was reared. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted, in 1861, for three months' service, as a member of the Eighth Ohio Infantry, joining the regiment at Tiffin, after which he- went to Camp Chase, but being one of the youngest recruits he was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 739 sent home. Not deterred, however, he resolved to carry out his de termination of becoming a Union soldier,, and going to Morrowville, he joined the Third Ohio Infantry, for three years' service. For two years he was with that conimiand in the Army of Cumberland, serving under Generals Buell, Kilpatrick and Sheridan, and in other commands. In the battle of Stone River he sustained two wounds and on account o-f his injuries he wras discharged and then returned home. When he had sufficiently recovered, however, he re-enlisted, becoming a, member of the Ninth Ohio Infantry, and he served until discharged at the close of the war. He had previously learned the harnessmaker's trade and in the Ninth Ohio he ranked as saddlery sergeant. While residing in Sandusky county Air. Stevenson was for fourteen years engaged in teaching, beginning in the district schools. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar, having previously studied law, and wdiile residing in Gibsonburg- he engaged in practice. Air. Stevenson laid out the town of Gibsonburg on the farm which he owned, and he named the place in honor of Colonel Gibson, of Tiffin, giving him an interest in the property. The little village has flourished and grown as the years have passed. Mr. Stevenson engaged in the real-estate business, dividing his land into lots, developed the town and placed it upon a sub stantial foundation. He established a good school there and was ever active in the promotion of the interests of the community until his health failed. In 1884 he was elected county clerk of Sandusky county and then removed to Fremont, where he filled the office for three years. He was also justice of the peace of Gibsonburg for fourteen and one-half years and in these positions of public trust and responsibility he proved himself capable and loyal. In the year 1890 he came to Fostoria, where he established a grocery store, successfully conducting it until 1899, when he became an insurance- broker, representing various fire, life, accident and tornado- insurance companies. The policies which he writes amount to thousands of dollars each year, and his commissions thereon return to him an excellent income. In AVood county, Ohio, Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage to Miss Rosetta A. Fowder, a daughter of Amos D. and Castara T. (Enead) Fowler. Her parents were early settlers of Erie county, Ohio,. 740 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and in 1861 removed to Wood county, where her father engaged in farming. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson has been blessed wdth four children : Amo-s Claude, the eldest, is now an attorney of Toledo. He is a graduate of the Union schools of Fremont, of Stedman Business College, at Toledo, and completed the classical course in Oberlin Col lege. He then began preparation for the legal profession, pursuing his law course in the Ohio State University, at Columbus, and in the cap ital city he was admitted to' the bar. He is now one of the enterprising and capable young attorneys of Toledo, where he is rapidly winning advancement. Ray D., who is a graduate o-f the high school of Fostoria, will complete a course of study in the Ohio State University with the ¦class of 1903. Thomas D., who was a graduate of the Union schools of Fremont, Ohio', died in December, 1892, at the age of twenty years. Edson M. died in October, 1892, at the age of ten and one-half years. In his fraternal relations Mr. Stevenson is a Mason and for thirty-nine years has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all the offices. He also belongs to the post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Fostoria. He is to-day as true to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the starry banner upon the battlefields of the south. Whatever he has accumulated in life is the result of his own efforts. He entered upon his business career without capital and without the aid of influential friends, and has advanced stead ily to a prominent position. All wdio know him esteem him very highly for his- genuine worth and although he has been a resident of Fostoria for a comparatively brief period he has made many warm friends here. PHILETUS NYMAN. Among the men of prominence and substance who have assisted -materially in the growth of the industrial enterprises of Tiffin, Ohio, must be mentioned the late Philetus Nyman, whose death occurred at his residence in this city on January 7, 1892. For a long period he Was the junior member of the well known manufacturing firm of Loomis CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 74 1 & Nyman, o-f Tiffin. He was descended from Revolutionary stock, his maternal grandfather, Mr. Woolvor, having taken a prominent part in the Continental army. Philetus was born in Ithaca, New York, No vember 12, 1822, a son of John and Elizabeth (Hower) Nyman, the former a native of Holland. He came to the United States during his youth, locating in the state of New York, was there married, and when his son Philetus was still a child removed to Ohio, where he engaged in farming. Young Philetus grew up on the farm, taking advantage of all edu cational opportunities, though limited, which came within his reach, and at about the age of eighteen years entered a shop- at New Haven,. Ohio, where he learned the trade of machinist. This knowledge was put to practical application after he settled in Tiffin, Ohio, in 1848. Here he formed a business partnership with John D. Loomis, in the manufacture of all kinds of farming machinery in use at that time, mak ing a specialty of plows. Although the beginning yvas small the industry and energy of the partners soon made it known, and it grew into one of the largest manufacturing plants of this city, for many years, the firm name of Loomis & Nyman being a guaranty of a superior make of goods in that line. With almost unvarying success this business flourished, and the partnership continued until 1891, when it was dis solved by the mutual consent of both. At the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Nyman assisted in the formation of a company of one-hundred- day men for action in case of state invasion, and of this he was made lieutenant, but their services: were not needed and they returned from Cleveland to their homes. He was. in sympathy with stable government,. being ever an upholder of law and order. The marriage of Air. Nyman occurred on October 7, 1848, in Crawford county, Ohio, to -Miss Anna Hanes, daughter of Daniel and Susanna (Bordner) Hanes, both of whom were natives of Penn sylvania, but came to Ohio in an early day and located in Crawford county. Mrs. Nyman was born in Stark county, Ohio-, January 1, 183 1. Seven children were born unto Mr. and- Mrs. Nyman, only four of whom grew to years of maturity, namely: Alice, the wife of Charles F. Searles and a resident of Port Clinton, Ohio; Ella, who married 742 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Henry L. Thornton and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio-; Ida, who married James. T. Lynch, o-f Tiffin; and Etta, who- married James W. Knott and lives in Toledo, Ohio-. The children were all highly educated and are leaders in their various social circles. Mirs. Nyman is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Nyman's kind heart made him ever ready to respond to the call of charity, although his unassuming habit and retiring manner made many of his benefactions known only to the re cipients of his bounty. He was a. man who: took his greatest pleasure in the comforts of his home and the welfare of his family, for whom he had carefully provided a competency. Although not a man of exceed ing wealth, his means were ample, and the beautiful home now occupied by his widow is a sample of his provision of her comfort. It is located on Melmore avenue, and its attractive grounds- make: it a beautiful fea ture of that handsome thoroughfare. The death of Mr. Nyman was caused by an affection of the heart. He left behind him a spotless repu tation and a large circle of devoted friends. HENRY F. SCHEERER. In the death of Henry F. Scheerer, in the year 1898, the little city of Bloomville sustained the loss of one o-f its able business men and most highly esteemed citizens, — one who was honored in the community not less by reason of his sterling character than on account of his public- spirited attitude and his influence in the furthering of the progress and substantial upbuilding of the town. It is certainly fitting that a memoir to him be incorporated in this work, and in the connection it will be found that he was the architect of his own fortunes, and that his life was o-ne dominated by the highest principles of honor and integrity. Mr. Scheerer was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 2 ist of April, 1829, and was there reared and educated, remaining in the fatherland until he had attained the age of twenty years, when, in 1849, he emigrated to: America, believing .that here were to be found superior advantages for the young man dependent upon his own re- . CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 743 'sources for a maintenance. Soon after his arrival he made his way to Ohio, locating in Bloom .township,, Seneca county, where he learned the trade of shoemaker, in the shoe and cabinet shop, of the Shideler Brothers, remaining there, for three years and then taking up his resi dence in the little town of Bloomville, where he worked at his trade until 1857, in which year he opened a general store, handling clothing, boots and shoes and groceries, and soon afterward he enlarged the scope of his business enterprises by engaging in the handling of poultry, wool, hogs and sheep, and for a great many years his wife had charge of the store while he was absent in connection with his other branches of business. He disposed of his mercantile business in 1872, and within the following year completed the erection of the Scheerer Block, a two- story brick structure, and one of the best business buildings in the town. In 1872 he had erected the attractive and commodious residence in which his widow still makes her home, the same being then the largest and most pretentious residence in the town, and he was also- the owner of a, con siderable amount o-f other town property, improved and unimproved. Mr. Scheerer was a man of mature judgment and marked business ability, and his interest in all that conserved the advancement of his home town was unflagging. He was a Democrat in his political pro clivities, and he was naturally called upon to serve in various, offices of trust and responsibility, having been for a number of terms incumbent of the offices of township trustee and township treasurer, and having also done effective work in the position of street commissioner, in which capacity he established the first turnpike streets in Bloomville, while he was a member of the town council for many years. He was one: of the influential members of the Reformed church, in which he served as -deacon and trustee, his widow also- being a devoted member of the same church. Mr. Scheerer was summoned into eternal rest on the 1 6th of September, 1898, and his loss was deeply felt in the community Where he had passed so many years of his active and useful life and where his friends were equal in number to his acquaintances. On the ist of September, 1853, Mr. Scheerer was united in mar riage to Miss Sarah C. Hunsicker, who was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Alichael and Hannah (Clements) 744 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Hunsicker, who came thence with their family to Seneca county in 1843, locating in Bloom township, where Mr. Hunsicker purchased a farm and where he continued to reside until after the war, his latter years being passed at Berlin, Canada, wdiere both he and his wife died. He was a weaver by trade and followed that vocation for several years. His son John, who died December 22, 1901, was one of the first dry-goods merchants in Bloomville. The eldest daughter, Anna, who- married Conrad Briner, died April 6, 1902, aged seventy-seven years. Mrs. Scheerer still resides in the beautiful home so: hallowed by the associa tions and memories of the past. She proved a devoted companion and helpmeet to her husband, aiding him in the attaining of a position of in dependence and a success worthy the name. They had no children, but they made a home for one little girl, Emma Charity McGaha, who entered their home as a child of two years, and remained until she at tained womanhood. She is now the wife of B. New comb, of Toledo'. Mr. Scheerer was ever most liberal in his donations to' the support of the church, one provision of his will being an endowment, the inter est being used for perpetual support of the minister of the Reformed church in Bloomville. He had also made two quite important donations to Heidelberg College, one o-f which was for a scholarship which ren dered substantial benefit toward the education of several students. Mrs. Scheerer continues this active interest in all such benevolences, thus carrying out not only her husband's desires but also: following the bent of her own inclinations. A handsome family vault and monument o-f Vermont granite have been erected in Mount Pisgafa cemetery. JACOB M. SCHATZEL. Jacob M. Schatzel has for eighteen years been the city clerk of Fostoria. Further comment concerning his ability and faithful dis charge of duty is hardly necessary. He enjoys to: an unusual degree the respect and confidence of his fellow men, and his connection with the public interests of Fostoria has been of the greatest benefit to the city CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 745 in promoting its advancement along lines of substantial and desirable progress. Mr. Schatzel is a native of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and a son of John and Margaret (Ripple) Schatzel, both of whom were natives of Geunthersblum, Germany. His father came to America when twen ty-four years of age, making his home in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. When the mother crossed the Atlantic to' the new world she became a resident of Pittsburg. During the boyhood of Jacob the family re- moved to Texas, in 1856, but two years later returned to- Pennsylvania,. but subsequently again made the journey to Texas. In i860 they came to Sandusky, Ohio.. At the age of sixteen years Jacob entered his country's service. Four times before he had enlisted, but each time he was rejected on account of his youth. In 1865, however, he was ac cepted and served for seven months as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio- Volunteer Infantry, his services be ing in- the Shenandoah valley. After the war Mr. Schatzel returned to Upper Sandusky, where he learned the tinner's trade, which he followed for six years. Subse quently he conducted a tin and hardware store in White-house, Ohio, for six years, and was not only a leading merchant but an enterpris ing citizen, and for a time was also a member of the city council. He came to- Fostoria in 1876 and established a hardware store and tinshopr which he conducted for five years, being, for two: years in partnership with Mr. Faulhaber. In Lucas county, Ohio, Mr. Schatzel was united in marriage to Miss- Mary K. Fiscus, of Whitehouse, a daughter of Peter and Bar bara (Myers) Fiscus, who were natives of Alsace, France. After com ing to America they located in Cleveland- and later moved to: White- house. Mr. and Mrs. Schatzel have five children: Juliet L. is a grad uate of the high school and is now a successful teacher in the public schools; George P., also a graduate of the high school, read law in the office of J. V. Jones and C. A. Strauch, was admitted to the bar in 1898 and is now practicing in Fostoria; Albert F. is a graduate o-f the dental department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and "is practicing his profession in Fostoria; Leo J., who completed the 47 746 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. high-school co-urse, is now a student in chemistry at Ann Arbor. Don H., the youngest, is a student in the home schools. For twenty years Mi". Schatzel has served as notary public, and for five years he was secretary of the gas board. For seventeen years he has held the position of clerk o-f Loudon township and for eighteen years he has been city clerk of Fostoria, having first been chosen to the office in 1884, when Fostoria was but a village, and after its incor poration, in February, 1889, he was- continued in the position in which he is now serving1 with marked credit to himself and the city. He was president o-f the Fostoria Library Association, to which he was elected upon its organization in 1901, and is the present secretary. In the Ma sonic fraternity he is regarded as a worthy and exemplary member, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter of Fostoria and to' the com mandery at Tiffin. He is also connected with the Grand Army post and for five years was its quartermaster. The family attend the Pres byterian church, taking an active part in its work, and every movement that tends to promote public progress and improvement receives the en dorsement and co-operation of Mr. Schatzel. In whatever relation of life we find him — in the government service, in political circles, in busi ness or in social circles — he is always the same honorable and respected gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him. LEE NIGHSWANDER. A gentleman of ability, determination, enterprise and laudable am bition, Lee Nighswander has for some years been identified with edu cational interests in Ohio- as a cap-able instructor, and at the present time be is loyally serving Seneca county as its auditor, making his home in Tiffin. He was born in Fort Seneca, on the 13th o-f March, 1854, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Bare) Nighswander. He is of Swiss descent, his paternal grandparents, Christopher Nighswander and wdfe, being natives of Switzerland, the beautiful land of the Alps. Emigrat- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 747 ing to1 America, they were residents of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, at the time of the birth o-f their son Joseph Nighswander, wdio became the father of our subject. He was reared in his native city, learned the blacksmith trade and ere leaving the Keystone state was married to Elizabeth Bare, who also was born in- Pennsylvania. About 1852 they came to Ohio, settling in Seneca county, the father purchasing a farm ,at Fort Seneca, in Pleasant township. To the further development and improvement of his eighty acres he gave his attention until seventy- two years of age, when his life's labors were ended in death. He was truly a self-made man, owing his success entirely to: his own efforts, and by perseverance and diligence winning a comfortable competence. In early days he gave his political support to' the Republican party, but in his later life voted with the Democracy. By reading and observation he became a well informed man, and his upright life was in harmony with his profession as a member of the Dunkard church. His wife passed away when sixty-eight years of age. She was reared in Har- risburg, Pennsylvania, and like her husband was a member of the Dunk ard church. This worthy couple were the parents o-f twelve children, all of whom reached maturity, our subject being the tenth in order of birth. Upon the home farm Lee Nighswander spent the days of his boy hood and youth and, after acquiring his preliminary education in the common schools, at the age of seventeen he entered the normal school at Republic, Ohio. Subsequently he spent several years in Heidelberg University, in Tiffin, and then began teaching, being engaged in the- district and village schools and also in conducting a summer normal school in connection with Heidelberg College, for two years. He devoted about fourteen years to the profession and then a ted a position in the United States railway-mail service, running between Sandusky and Lima, Ohio, on the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, for eight months. He then resumed teaching and was numbered among the capable edu cators of this part of the state until he accepted his present office, on the 1 8th of October, 1898, having been elected to the position in 1897. He was very efficient in the work of the school-room, giving excellent satisfaction. He was able to maintain an orderly school and not only 748 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. had he the power of discipline, but also the ability to impart clearly and concisely to others the knowledge he had acquired. Mr. Nighswander was united- in marriage to Miss Addie Barto,, who was born in Watson, this county, a daughter of Elias and Mary (Gamble) Barto. Her father is now! living a retired life in Watson. The home of Alt. and Mrs. Nighswander has been blessed wdth one daughter, Maude, who- assists her father in the office. Mr. Nighswander ¦ is a stanch Democrat in politics, has given active aid in advancing the work of the party and rejoiced in its success, but he has .al ways refused to accept office until he became ai candidate for county auditor, in which office He is fully justifying the confidence of his friends in his capability and his trustworthiness. He has a very wide acquaintance in Seneca county, and his social, genial nature and upright: manhood render him very popular. ALBERT J. HENZY. Albert John Henzy is an active factor in commercial circles in Tiffin, where for many years he has successfully conducted a furniture store. He is also: well known in connection with public affairs and at the present time is serving as. sheriff of Seneca county. His business career has been characterized- by enterprise integrity and diligence; his officiajl service by faithfulness and capability, while his good Intent is manifest in the prompt and fearless discharge of his duties. Mr. Henzy is a native of Ohio-, his birth having occurred in Sam- dusky, Erie county, on the 4th of October, 1864. His father, Joseph Henzy, was a native of Switzerland and there spent his youth, early- learning the stone-cutter's trade and later engaging in contracting. When ' twenty-two years of age he crossed the Atlantic to- the United' States, and taking up his abode in Sandusky he there engaged in con tracting along the line of his chosen vocation until about five years prior to- his death, which occurred in 1890, when he was sixty-four years of age. He became- a leading contractor, doing an extensive and important CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 749 business, and as the years passed a handsome competence rewarded his labors. He was associated with Clemmens Brothers, who- had the contract for the building of the first lock in the Sault Ste. Marie canal. His thorough understanding of mechanical principles, his practical work manship and his enterprise made his services, in great demand, and he •executed some very important contracts in Ohio- and other states. He was entirely a self-made man, for he started in life empty-handed, and when he came to- America his only foundation for success was his knowl edge of his trade, but his enterprise and diligence soon won recogni tion and for many years a most liberal patronage was accorded him. He held membership in the Catholic church and w-as a Democrat in his political faith, but never sought or desired office. He married Teressa Ebendinger, a native of Baden, Germany, who came to- Amer ica in her early womanhood and is still living, at the age of seventy-five years, being well preserved and active for one of her years. She too is a member of the Catholic church. In the family were four children : Katherine, who married Thomas Ward ; Elizabeth, who died at the age of twenty-two; Albert J., of this review; and Charles, who is a sales man in a furniture store in Toledo, Ohio. When Albert J. Henzy was six years of age his parents removed with their family to Marble-head, Ohio, but after four years returned to Sandusky. He attended the district schools in the former place, and .St. Mary's parochial school and the high school in Sandusky, Ohio. When about fifteen years of age he began clerking in a furniture and undertaking establishment in Sandusky, where he remained for -four years, after which he was employed in a retail shoe store for two years. On the expiration of that period he accompanied his mother on a, voyage- to Europe, visiting many points of interest in that country, and upon his return to his native land he accepted a position as salesman in a furniture store in Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained about six months. In 1884 Mr. Henzy came to Tiffin and has since been identified with the business interests of this city. He was employed as a clerk in a shoe store until 1887, when in partnership with Otto- Wagner, he ¦purchased the furniture and undertaking business of Philip- Rummel & Son. After a year Mr. Wagner sold out to J. W. Huffman and four 750 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. years later Air. Hemy purchased Mr. Huffman's interest and was alone in business until 1889, when he admitted two of his employes to a part nership in the store, which has since been conducted under the firm name of A. J. Henzy & Company. For'twelve years he continued at his first location and then removed to- Washington street and purchased the store of Feigie Brothers. He has been very successful since he embarked in merchandising on his own account and his patronage has increased, for he conducts a thoroughly modern store, carrying a large line of goods of all grades, for wdiich he asks reasonable prices. His business methods will bear the closest investigation and his careful attention to- the wants of his patrons, together with his honesty and diligence, have brought to him gratifying business. On the 25th of Alay, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Air. Henzy and Miss Rosa AI. Kibbler, a daughter of Anthony Kibbler. She was born and reared in Tiffin, and by her marriage she became the mother of five children, of whom: one died at the age of two years. The others are Irvin L., Herman, Helen and Louisa. In his political views Air. Henzy is an earnest Democrat and has always taken a deep interest in the growth and success of his party. In 1900 he was elected sheriff, entering upon the duties of the position in January, 1901. He is a capable and trustworthy officer and deserves commendation for his fidelity in the public service. He and his wife are- communicants of St. Joseph's Catholic church, and in the community they have gained many friends, while the hospitality of many of the best homes of Tiffin is freely extended them. JOSEPH HARTER. Among the prominent citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Joseph Harter, wdio has been- identified with the growth and development of this city for a very long period, during which time he has not only assisted in the various enterprises which have built up Tiffin, but has also- established a business of large proportions for himself, and has gained the esteem of his fellow citizens. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 751 Mr. Harter is of German birth and parentage and worthily repre sents the land and people of his nativity. He was born on March 24, 1837, near the river Rhine, in Baden, Germany, being a, son of Nepem- puck Harter, who was a tailor. The family consisted of himself, two older brothers and two sisters, the brothers coming to- America prior to 1854. In that year our subject accompanied his mother and sisters to the United States, and joined the older brothers, Frederick and Ben edict, who were engaged in business in Tiffin, the latter being a tailor. The mother died of cholera within that same summer. Frederick Harter was then carrying on a stone-cutting business here, and Joseph entered his yards and remained working for his brother for two years, becom ing a reliable and skilled stone-cutter. Mir. Harter then went to Cincinnati, wdiere he found work at his trade in one of the numerous yards- in that city, and finally, with a de sire to see more of the country and its possibilities, he went as far west as Chicago, spending one summer there at work, but finally decided that Tiffin offered as many advantages for business as any place he had seen. It was: in a very modest way that Mr. Harter, in 1859, opened up a shop and yard in this city, depending upon his excellent work to bring bimi patronage. He had made some headway when the business convulsion caused by the outbreak of the Civil war paralyzed many lines of trade. Being a, musician of no mean ability, Air. Harter decided to enter the army in that capacity, and enlisted, on October 8, 186 1, in the Fifty-fifth Regiment of Ohio: Volunteer Infantry. During the various movements of this regiment he was a valued musician, his playing of the E flat cornet more than once inspiring hope and energy in the despondent and homesick soldier lads who- were then but new to the stern game of war. Mr. Harter participated in the engagements which took place through Virginia, was: at Danville, Cross Keys and Cedar Moun tain, and was honorably discharged at the close of one year and returned to Tiffin. Upon bis return Mr. Harter resumed his stone and marble business, applying himself closely, looking after every detail personally, and suc ceeding as a result of this energy and industry. He has now one of the largest marble and granite yards in this city and enjoys the patronage 752 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of not only Seneca but adjoining counties, traveling through them himself and still personally looking after the details. This he is sure is one reason of his success, that he has never delegated the business to others, but by this close and steady application has never lost sight of the demands of his trade and the best possible way of meeting it. His is one of the oldest business houses in Tiffin, and the success which he- has attained is wholly due to individual effort. Mr. Harter was married .August 28, 1862, to Miss Lena Wehrle, who was born in Seneca county, a daughter of Xavier Wehrle, who was a farmer and later a business man of Tiffin, dying of cholera in 1854. They have had six children, three of the children dying in in fancy. The three daughters at home are Elizabeth, Emma, and Tillie, the last named a teacher in the Tiffin public schools. While devoting close attention to his personal affairs, Mr. Harter has been public-spirited and has contributed in every way in his power to the upbuilding of the city. He has given his interest, time and- means to many noble enterprises. In political life Ml". Harter assumes an in dependent attitude in local affairs, but in national matters he votes with the Democratic party. He is a valued member of William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, G. A. R., of Tiffin, and takes an active interest in it. He is a- man who for business integrity as well as personal attributes, is held in the highest esteem in Tiffin. Although Mr. Harter insists that he is sixty-five years old, his friends find it difficult to believe that he has reached the half-century mark, his youthful energy still directing all his movements. Few men of Tiffin can claim a larger circle of personal friends. FREDERICK MANECKE. For a third of a century Frederick Maneck-e has been a representa tive of Fostoria and has been closely and prominently associated with the development of the oil industry in this portion of the state. He is a man of sound business judgment and of keen discrimination, and the prosperity which he has achieved is the direct outcome of his own CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 753 labors. He is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Washington township, Hancock county, two- miles from Fostoria, April 9, 1848. His father, Henry Manecke, was one of the pioneer settlers of that township, having located there in 1838. He was born in Germany in 1801 and when a young man of about twenty years determined to seek his fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Subsequently he removed to- Stark county,- Ohio, and in the year mentioned came to Hancock county. He took up- his abode upon! a farm composed entirely of wild land, only two acres having been cleared. He owned at first but a quarter section, but as the years passed he added to his property until his landed posses sions aggregated one thousand acres. This place is highly improved with fine buildings and all modern equipments and accessories which go to make up a model farm' of the twentieth century. The property is now owned by William and Peter Manecke, brothers of our subject, the former being also the vice-president of the Mechanics' Savings Bank of Fostoria. The father died in i860, at the age of fifty-nine years. His wife, to whom he Was married in Philadelphia, bore the maiden name of Christina Markley, and was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. With her parents she came to the new world, the family settling in Hardin county, Ohio, near Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Manecke became the parents of the following children: William, who is vice-president of the Me chanics' Savings Bank of Fostoria, as already stated ; Peter, who is liv ing on the old homestead ; Emily, the wife of Andrew Bowman-, of De^ eatur, Illinois; Jefferson, wbo is extensively engaged in farming near Decatur; Frederick, of this review;- Harmon, who is also an, extensive farmer living near Decatur and for one term represented his district in- the state senate of Illinois; and Albert, who: is agent for a machinery business at Decatur, Illinois?" Under the parental roof Frederick Manecke spent his boyhood and youth and early became familiar with all the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His education was acquired in the public schools, and he assisted in the improvement of the home farm until 1869, when he came to Fostoria, which has since been his place 754 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. o-f abode. Throughout the intervening years: he has been an active factor in business circles. He yvas first employed in a- p-laning-mill as a joiner and afterward became superintendent of a foundry and ma chine shop, but since 1889 has been connected with the gas and oil producing business, becoming a contractor and superintendent o-f the city gas plant. He is now interested in forty producing wells, having sunk nearly eight hundred wells under contract. He is also a, stockholder in the Eureka Planing- Mill & Lumber Company. His efforts in these directions have been attended wdth a high degree of success and to-day he is the possessor of a handsome competence acquired entirely through his own. efforts. Mr. Manecke was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Hosier, the only daughter of Peter and Susan Hosier, pioneer settlers of Fos toria. Removing from this city to Washington township, Hancock county, he was interested there in farming until his life's labors were ended in death in 1898 when he was seventy- four years of age, though for twenty years he lived in Findlay. He served as county treasurer for two terms in Plancock county and was prominent in its public affairs. In addition to his agricultural interests be established the Farmers' Bank of Findlay, of which he was the president until he sold his interest, and then aided in the establishment of the City Bank of Findlay, o-f wdiich he was the president until his death. For many years earlier in life he was engaged as a building contractor in Fostoria and thus his business interests were extensive and of an important character, bringing to him well merited prosperity. He married Miss Susan Sheman o-f Stark county, Ohio, whose people were from the vicinity of Plagerstown, Maryland. Air. Hosier's people also were from the same locality and both families became pioneer settlers of Ohio. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Manecke has been blessed with one son, William, who is, en gaged in business with his father. Air. Manecke belongs, to the little group -of distinctively representa tive business men who have been the pioneers in inaugurating and build ing up the chief industries of this section of the country. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this great and growing country, and, acting in ae- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 755 cordance with the dictates of his faith and judgment, he has garnered, in the fullness of time, the generous harvest which is the just recom pense of indomitable industry, spot integrity and marvelous enter prise. He is now connected with many extensive and important busi ness interests. WINFIELD S. WAGNER. Upon a few principles of natural justice is erected the whole super structure of civil laws tending to meet the desires and relieve the wants of all alike. It has been said that "the business of the lawyer is not to make the laws but to apply them to the daily affairs of men." But the interests of men are of so diverse a nature, and so intermingled and complex, that the problem1 presented to both lawyer and judge often seems to demand the wisdom of an oracle. The relations of life are con stantly changing; the exigencies of the law are those of to-day, and a lawyer is essentially a man of the present and must meet the issues of the hour. His work is such as to- bring him into contact with every relation of life; and, thus the worthy devotee of the legal profession must needs be a man of natural ability and broad mental grasp, in addi tion- to being thoroughly read in the science of jurisprudence. Among the representative members of the bar in Seneca county is Judge Win field Scott Wagner, who now presides on the probate bench of the county, and who' figures as one of the county's native sons, who has here attained distinction. We shall here note the more salient points in his genealogical and individual history. Winfield S. Wagner was born on the homestead farm, in Pleasant township, Seneca county, on the 27th of June, 1862, being the son of Edmund Carpenter Wagner, who was: born in Lancaster county, Penn sylvania, where he was reared under the invigorating discipline of the farm. As a young man he emigrated thence to Ohio, in 1843; an(b after passing about a year in Tiffin, located on a farm near Fort Sen eca. He soon afterward purchased, in .that locality, a tract of wild land, which he reclaimed, there continuing his residence until 1862, when he purchased a farm in Liberty township, where he made his home 756 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. until 1884. He later resided a few months in the city of Tiffin and then removed to Cowley county, Kansas, where he bought a tract of land, though thereafter he resided in Wdnfield, until his death, in 1889, at the age of sixty-nine years. He espoused the cause of the Repub lican party at its organization, but in 1874 transferred his allegiance to the Democratic party, with which he was identified until his demise. He was a self-made man, having depended upon his own exertions from early youth, and he so ordered his life as to merit and retain the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He was a son of George and Josephine (Carpenter) Wagner, the former of whom was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and the latter at Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, Maryland. George Wagner was engaged in farming and stock-grow ing in Lancaster county, Pennsylvaia, until about 1854, when he came with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, buying iand in Pleasant town ship, where he remained until his death, at the age of eighty-one years, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-six, having been a de voted member of the Reformed church. Two of her brothers were active participants in the war of 1812-13. The maiden name of Judge Wagner's mother was Catherine Berkey, and she was born in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1830, being the daughter of John and Lydia (Reeme) Berkey, who- were born and reared in Pennsylvania, where their marriage was solemnized. They were numbered among the early pioneers of Ohio, having settled in Perry county as early as 1818,. and there residing until 1829, when they came to Seneca county, and were among the first settlers in Liberty township, where Mr. Berkey took up a tract of government land in the virgin forest. He improved a farm and there died, at the age of fifty- nine years, his wife surviving him until 1867, when she passed away at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother of our subject was born on the old homestead and- recalls that during her childhood the Indians were still numerous throughout this section, where the white settlers were rapidly encroaching on their original domain. She is still living, making her home in Topeka, Kansas, having attained the venerable age of seventy-two years. Of her eight children Judge Wagner was the ¦sixth in order of birth and is one of the five yet living. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 757- Winfield S. Wagner grew up on the honiiestead farm, attending the public schools until 1879, when he was matriculated in the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada, where he completed a two-years course. Thereafter he put his scholastic acquirements to practical use by engag ing in pedagogic work, being one of the successful teachers in the public schools o-f his native county for a period o-f six years. He then began the reading of law in tlie office of George E. Schroth, a promi nent member of the bar of the county, residing" in Tiffin, and in 1889 he was duly admitted to- the bar of the state. He then engaged in the practice of his profession in Tiffin, gaining prestige as an able and dis criminating lawyer and securing a representative clientage. He was in control of a growing and- lucrative practice of general character until 1896, when he was elected to- the office of judge of the probate court of the county, of wdiich he has since continued in tenure, by successive re- elections, his able and signally discriminating administraton having gained to him the most unequivocal endorsement on the part of his pro fessional confreres and the general public. Judge Wagner has ever given a stanch allegiance to: the Democratic party, of whose principles. and policies he has been an effective advocate, having rendered material assistance in forwarding the party's cause in the local field. Prior to his election to- the pro-bate bench he had served for two years as chair man of the Democratic central committee of Seneca county, and he- was again chosen to this office in the spring of 1901. Tlie Judge is a man of gracious personality and has the power of winning and main taining strong friendships. His popularity is thus assured, and yet no- one shows greater tenacity of purpose or is firmer in the courage and de fence of his convictions. On the 1 6th of April, 1884, Judge AVagner yvas united in marriage to Miss- Caroline Bealer, who like himself is a native of Seneca county.. She is the daughter of Andrew and Catherine Bealer, two of the sterling- pioneers of the county. Judge and Mrs. Wagner have one daughter,. Gertrude, who was born on the 10th of November, 1885. The pleasant home of the family is a center 'of gracious hospitality and o-ur subject: and his wife are prominent in the social life of the community. YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 9002 05805 4314