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A CENTENNIAL it

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

OF

//srt

73*7

OHIO

ILLUSTRATED

'A people that take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never

achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by

remote generations." — Macaulay

CHICAGO

The Lewis Publishing Company 1902

WW«

1

PREFACE.

THE REV. NEWELL DWIGHT HILLIS, the rising star in the bril- liant firmament of the Presbyterian ministry and now the occupant of the pulpit of Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, made famous by the great Henry Ward Beecher, said: "By universal consent biography is the most fasci- nating of literature. Its charm doubtless grows out of the fact that it is the siory of life. At best only a secondary interest can attach to those dead things named stones and stars. But biography has at least three advantages: it concerns life, it concerns human life, and it concerns man in his best form, in the person of earth's best and bravest spirits. For these reasons the books that have ushered in new epochs for society have generally been biog- raphies. Indeed, the very heart of a nation's literature is the history of its heroes."

Crawford County, Ohio, has sustained within its confines men who have been prominent in public affairs and great industrial enterprises for half 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 individuals 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 perma- nent 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.

PREFACE

The elements of success in life consist in both innate capacity and deter- mination to excel. Where either is wanting, failure is almost certain in the outcome. The study of a successful life, therefore, serves both as a source of information and as a stimulus and encouragement 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 capa- ble 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 publishers, have fully realized the magnitude of the task. In the collection of the ma- terial 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 recog- nition 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 com- plete than are the " standard" histories of a country.

THE PUBLISHERS.

INDEX.

Adams, Franklin, 230

Agnew, J., 864

Alexander, William L., 194

Allen, Benjamin F., 720

Altstaetter, Henry, 358

Arbuckle, William, 292

Ashcroft, Adam, 824

Auck, Michael, 184

Babst, Dan, Jr., 253

Babst, Daniel, 398

Babst, Jacob, (54

Banks, Obadiah, 819

Barney, J. G., 244

Battefeld, Lewis H., (S'.l

Baumgartner, John, <>(>0

Beal, John, 463

Beall, James P., 152

Beard, Joseph H., 24(>

Beck, Daniel, 822

Bender, Anthony, 775

Bender, Jacob, 8(50

Bender, John, 63(5

Bender, Philip, (513

Bender, William. 698

Bennett, Smith W., 853

Berg, Henry, 526

Birk, Christian F., 118

Birk, Emanuel R.. 12

Black, Robert R., 327

Blair, George O.. 4 71)

Bland, Jerome, (542

Blicke, William A., 91

Bliss, Julius J.. 54

Brause, George A-, 490

Breisinger, Charles, 163

Bridgeman, William H., 764

Brine, James, 817

Brinkman, Daniel, 3i I

Broede, Jacob, 811

Broemel, August, 37

Brose, Daniel, 672

Brown, Catherine B.. 70*3

Brown, Charles A., 443

Brown, Jacob, 669

Brown, Jacob, 792

Brown, John, Sr. , 728

Brown, John, Jr., 728

Brown, Joseph D., 494

Brown, Sebastian, 481

Brown, William, 791

Brown, William S., 862

Brown, Willis A., 48(5

Bucyrus Methodist Episcopal Church, 437

Burgbacher, John, 807

Burger, John, 70.1 Burt, G. W., 405 Cahill, John C, 838 Caldwell, Smith C., 237 Campbell, John B., 4'.>:; Carle, Frederick, ] I ', Carmean, Jonathan, 338 Carmean, Mathew L., 208 Carrick, Aaron, (596 Carrothers, James B., 76'3 Carson, Tarlington B., 12 I Cary, Lewis, 17 Chance, Aaron, 784 Chaney, Sylvanus C, 140 Charlton, Amos B., 856 Chesney, John A., 11 J Cleland, Arthur, 772 Close, George, 459 Close, Harvey, 511 Close, Nelson, 459 Clutter, Thomas H. B., 76 Cory, Hugh M., 548 Coulter, James W., 383 Cover, Richard, 682 Cover, W. D., 757 Crawford, William, 12 Crissinger, Elias, 829 Critzer, William H., 412 Crowley, Robert E., 564 Crum, David, 578 '/rum, Jacob, 806 Cupp, John W., 282 Dalzell, Emma J., 183 Davis, E. P., 239 Dawson, William, 738 De-nzer, Jacob, 129 Denzer, Lewis I., 130 Dewalt, Samuel, 814 Dick, Frank, 101 Dick, Franklin P., 521 Dickson, James M., 469 Didie, George W., 201 Dillinger, John, (184 Donnenwirth, George, 164 Duncan, Arthur M., 188 Dunlap, James, 675 Durnwald, Peter, 668 Durr, John Jacob, 866 Durr, Ludwig, 473 Dwire, Emory I Jay, 7K: Eberhart, George J., 341 Edler, Charles. (541 Eckert, John R., 708 Eckert, William A., 123

6

INDEX.

Eckstein, Adam, 665 Eckstein, John, 771 Eichhorn, Samuel, 848 Eise, Christian F,, 402 Endslow, Thomas B., 740 English, John, 298 Ensminger, Albert M., 172 Esterline, Samuel, 491 Fauser, Jacob, 788 Feick, Adam, 793 Fetter, Nicholas, 385 Finley, Ebenezer B., 27a Firstenberger, Jacob D., 403 -Fisher, Cyrus W., 29 i -.her, John, 845 Flickinger, Edward, 375 Forrest, Wallace B., 144 Forum Printing Company, 372 Foster, F. M., 225 Fralick, Edward, 582 Frank, C. P., 408 Frankenfield, Andrew, 820 Franz, W. C, 335 Freese, E. M., 417 Freese, Samuel S., 823 French, John W., 652 Frost, Abraham, ISO Gearhart, J. J., 693 Gebhardt, John, 191 Gee, Samuel, 471 Geiger, William M., 585 Geissmann, S. William, 4(51 George, Tilghman, 110 Gledhill, Joseph, 440 Gledhill, William, 554 Gordon, John, 605 Gormly, James B., 1*!1 Green, Daniel, 697 Green, Henry B., 756 Gregg, Robert, 694 Grubb, Wesley, 617 Guinther, Isaac C, 386 Guiss, John, SOI Gunder, James M., Z\'-\ Gundrum, Silas, 840 Haas, Abraham, 812 Hadley, Nathaniel J., 80 Hall, Alexander, 367 Hall, Joseph E., 52 1 Hall, Lawrence W\, 22 Hammond, Albert, 556 Harkenrider, John. 843 Harley, Solomon, 795 Harris, Stephen R., 302 Harrop, James E., 488 Hartman, Herman H., 3oo Harvey, Andrew J., Ill Hassel, Conrad, 133 Haworth, Albert, 240 Hays, William, 313 Hazlett, Andrew J., 218 Heinle, George W., 289 Heinlen, Franklin D. , 3 L2

Helfrich, Peter. 103 Heller, CassiusC, 753 Herbold, John G., 198 Herman, Anthony, 500 Hilborn, Charles M., 825 Hilborn, John, 703 Hilborn, Samuel, Y-'^ Hise, William H., 100 Hoffmann, John, 610 Holbrook, Franklin, 372 Holland, James O., 2S0 Hollinshead, Jesse, S30 Holmes, Joseph W., 392 Homer, James R., 84 Hood, George W., lis Hopley, John, 156 Hoppel, Jeremiah J., 649 Hosford, Asa, 24 Hosier, David E., 260 Hosier, Isaac, 742 Hoss, P. Fred, 852 Hull, J. C. Ffemont. 35 Humphrey, John W., 631 Jenner, George L., 725 Johnston, Henry D. E .,676 Johnston, Robert T., 623 Johnston, Robert W., 651 Jones, Alonzo M., 23 Kalb, David, 865 Kanzleiter, Daniel, 21 1 Kearsley, Edmund R,, 348 Keil, John, 433 Keller, Amos F., Wl Keller, George, 23 Keller, John, 555 Keller, Oliver J., 316 Keller, Philip, 319 Kelly, Webb J., 754 Kennedy, Thomas S., 168 Kerr, George T., 314 Kerr, James, 147 Kerr, Robert W., 113 Kessler, Gabriel, 322 Kibler, John W., 311 Kibler, Matthias, 2S4 Kibler, Samuel J., 284 Kiess, William C., 38 Kilbourne, James, 15 Kimerline, Charles E, 408 Kimerline, Jonathan F., 368 Kinninger, Charles, 44 Koons, Samuel B. , 751 1 Kunnert, John P., 312 Kuntz, John W., 206 Laibbly, Abraham, 855 Lake, Charles, 93 Lambert, E., 821 Lantz, P. F., 433 Lash, Benjamin F., 630 Lash, Francis M.. 734 Lash, Peter B., 780 Laubach, Charles A., 5: 11 Lederer, Adam G., 2/ .

INDEX.

Leimenstoll, Henry, 346 Lemert, Wilson C, 566 Leonhart, Adam. 626 Leonhart, John, 446_ Lichty, Adam J., 435 Liebich, Frank E., 182 Linn, Henry R., 557 Linn, William, 396 Locke, Daniel W., 94 Lucas, Arista O., 212 Ludwig, Samuel, 479 Lust, David, 510 Lust, Frederick, 445 Lust, Israel, 507 Lust, Jacob, 297 Lust, Nathan, 354 Lutz, David A., 671 Lutz, David E., 467 Lutz, Emanuel L., 667 Lutz, Michael, 464 Lyons, Elijah, 689 Mahon, Charles, 745 Malcolm, James H., 532 Malcolm, Gilbert F., 562

Margraff, Charles F.. 539

Markley, Horatio W., 686

Marquart, August, 519

Marquart, Jefferson, 559

Marquart, Michael, 663

Martin, Louis C, 657

Mather, George, 290

Matthias, H. S. Z., 104

May, FrederickW., 456

May, Louis, 456

McCallum, D. D., 259

McCarrell, James S., 24

McConnell, William F.,

McCracken, Charles W.,

McGaughy, Frank C, 401

McKean, Alexander, 628

McKinstry, James, 248

McMahon, James F., 378

McManis, William, 765

McMichael, Daniel, 16

McNutt, Ezekiel C. 691

Messner, Albert F., 62

Methodist Episcopal Church of Bucyrus, 437

Michelfelder, John, 362

Miller, Burton R., 422

Miller, Eli. 607

Miller, George W., 59

Miller, Henry D., 571

Miller, Jacob, 537

Miller, John R., 253

Miller, Louisa, 131

Miller, William H., 592

Miller, William H., 638 Millimiter, Jacob C. 155 Molle'nkop, Joseph, 621 Monnett, Abraham, 572 Monnett, Family, The, 831 Monnett, Orwin B., 608 Monnett, Thomas J., 584

U5

Monnett, Wallace L., 271

Moore, Andrew, 815

Moore, John, 580

Morgan, Reuben O., 300

Morrow, Charles, 733

Morrow, James, Sr. , 475

Morrow, John, 462

Morrow, William, 731

Mueller, C. H., 199

Mulford, Allen B., 726

Mulford, John H., 637

Munch, Jacob, 858

Muth, August, 670

Myers, John G., 112

Myers, Samuel, 365

Neff, Aaron, 633

Neff, David E., 89

Neff, E. M., 622

Neff, Emanuel, 635

Neff, Joseph, 63

Ness, Charles, 863

Newman, Fred, 318 Nicholls, William S., 520 Norton, Fernando J., 331 Norton, Samuel, 13 Nye, Albert S., 655 Nye, William S., 841 Oberlander, Henry J . , 810 Oberlander, Henry N., 600 Ohl, Owen, 818 Outhwaite, John, 498 Patterson, Thomas N., 847 Peppard, David M., 411 Perrine, James H., 204 Petri, Jacob H., 395 Pfahler, Caleb, 799 Pfleiderer, Daniel, 178 Pfleiderer, Isaac, 749 Pfleiderer, Jacob J., 598 Pfleiderer, John, 604 Plants, Josiah S., 22 Pope, Theodore F. , 451 • Price, Madison, 522 Pry, Frederick, 709 Pry, Jacob, 799 Pry, John, 709 Pry, Lewis, 801 Pugh, Moses, 428 Quaintance, Aaron J. li'- Quaintance, Joseph W., 35(5 Rader, Aaron, 482 Rader, James P. , 485 Ranck, Jacob, 51 ! Raub, Henry A.. 210 Reehl, William W., 174 Regula, Thomas, is; Reichhard, Adam 627 Reisinger, Louis K., 2! Rexroth, John, 118 Richards, Joseph M. Riedie, Jacob, 789 Rininger, Eli, 778 Robinson, David C, 776

85 1

INDEX.

Robinson, James H.. ■">; \

-'Robison, Elmer D., 040 Rose, John, 13 Ross, Peter, 634 Ross, Royal R., 560 Rowse, Zalmon, 1 i Ruhl, John, 25 Rupp, Charles G., 25 Schaber, Charles F., 19 Schaeffer, Jacob H., 528 Schafer, Jacob F., 42 i Scheerer, Nicholas, 591 Schick, Lorenz. 235 Schieber, Henry, 108 Schieber, John C, 406 Schiefer, Christopher G.,701 Schifer, Frederick, 364 Schill, Joseph, 315 Schuler, Philip, 344 Schwemley, Albert H., 262 Schwenk, Henry L., 760 Scott, David A., 661 Scott, Josiah, 18 Scroggs, Charles J., 200 Scroggs, Jacob, 269 Sears, Benjamin, 51 Sears, Frank O., 544 Sears, RufnsV., 53 Seele, William C, 512 Seery, Jacob, 538 Seery, Peter, 54 I Seery, Solomon, 809 Shade, Simon, 674 Shalter, Hiram, 699 Shalter, John, 503 Sharrock, Charles A., 243 Sharrock, Garrett, 22!) Sheckler, Charles R., 576 Sheckler, John P., 474 Sheckler, William H., 404 Sheehand, J. P., 597

^Sheetz, Jacob, 73

-Sheetz, John H., 265 Sheibley, Albert, 256 Sheibley, Matthias, 589 Shell, Joseph M., 015 Sherer, Emanuel D. , 224 Sherer, Jacob, 223 Sherer, John A., IS Sherer, John C, 43 Shilling, Clyde D., 763 Shroll, George, 546 Shumaker, Charles B., 192 Shupp, Samuel, 540 Siefert, John E., 502 Siefert, Michael, 71 Sigler, George E., 786 Simmons, Benjamin F., 680 Sinn, Benjamin A., 826

""Smith, Alexander, 802 Smith, Anthony, 542 Smith, Harrison, 343 Smith, Hiram E., 3 I i

Smith, Jefferson I., 328

""Smith, John A., 587

-Smith, John F., 577 Smith, L. M., 388 Snavely, Isaac, (519 Snyder, Samuel, 552 Snyder, William, 381 Spahr, George A., 14!) Sponseller, Samuel, 121 Sprankle, Allen G., 217 Springer, Matthias M., 151 Stahley, Reuben, 295 Starner, George W., 281 Starner, Leonard, 785 Steinhilber, Ezekiel, 155 Stevens, Benjamin, 710 ', Stevens, Jacob H., 504 Stevens, Sherman H., 496 Stine, William A. 492, Stock, Samuel A., 737 Stuckey, George, 551 Stumpf, Frank, 790 Sturtz, Fremont F., 120 Swingley, Frederick, 139 Taylor, William S., 274 Teel, Elisabeth, 333 Tobias, James C, 32 Tobin, Charles, 700 Tobin, Thomas, 547 Tracht, R. C, 414 Trago, John H., 438 Tuttle, William S., 614 Uhl, Jacob, 658 Ulmer, Jacob, S49 Underwood, Valentine, 72 I Valentine, Horace E., 20 Virtue, Frank M., 516 Vollrath, Charles, 84 Vollrath, Edward, 01 Walker, John A., 75!) Waller, Lysander M., 518 Warner, Frank P., (ill Warner, Robert K., 170 Weaver, George, 735 Weaver, John J., 714 Wechter, Frank, 458 Wechter, George, 594 Wentz, John, 321 White, Leo, 827 Whitmyer, Charles L., 325 YVickham, George W., 722 Williams, G. Washington, 221 Williamson, David, 13 Wingert, Andrew, 782 Winkelfoos, Michael, 639 Wisman, Adam J., 151 Wisman, Frederick, 279 Wood, Martin V. B., 718 Woods, Thomas C, 202 Young, Bernard, 5! 15 Youngblood, R. M., 846 Zimmerman, George D., 683

A CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

OF

CRAWFORD COUNTY, OHIO.

Introductory.

From the east and southeast came the pioneers who made the early white settlement in the state of Ohio. Hardy sons of toil were they, following, closely upon the steps of the retreating- savages. Broad and deep did they lay the foundations of civilization; wisely and well did the old residents build thereupon; and the magnificent results have been enlarged, beautified and enjoyed by their successors.

The state of Ohio was organized and ushered into existence on the 3d day of March. 1803, with its present limits of territory, — two hundred and ten miles north and south, two hundred and twenty miles east and west, in length and breadth, embracing approximately 39,964 square miles. The- closing days of the first century of existence of the state constitute a fitting" occasion for the publication of a centennial biographical record of those whose civilizing influences wrought the great changes that have taken place in this' region since its reclamation from the savages and of those who are now car- rying forward the work thus inaugurated. To this end the succeeding pages of biography are devoted to the lives and deeds of many who have been prom- inent in the settlement, growth and development of Crawford county.

The origin of Crawford county as a distinct political division of the state dates back to February 20, 1820, when the general assembly of the state passed an act for the ''erection of certain counties" out of the vast tract of wilderness known as the "New Purchase," and acquired by treaty on the 29th

of September, 181 7, made at the foot of the Maumee rapids with the Indians,,.

1

io CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

who ceded to the United States the whole of the remaining portion of the state still under Indian domination.

By a treaty made at Greenville, August 3, 1795.. the United States had acquired of the Indians the whole of the state of Ohio save that portion in- cluded within a line drawn from the mouth of the Cuyahoga river to Fort Laurens, the present site of Bolivar, in Tuscarawas county, and thence west with the line known as the "Greenville Treaty Line" or "Indian Boundary." In 1807 a further cession was made by the Indians, of that part of their ter- ritories which was included between the line of the Cuyahoga river and a new one, drawn from a point on the southern shore of Lake Erie, between the mouth of Sandusky Bay and Portage river, to a point due south on the "Boundary line," a point just a little east of the village of Cardington, in Morrow county. This line passed through what is now Crawford count}-, on the western bound- ary of the "Three-Mile Strip," represented in its width in this county by Sandusky township.

It is to be remembered that Richland county, then rapidly settling up, ex- tended to the eastern border of the "Three Mile Strip," and that the eastern tier of townships of Crawford county, namely, Auburn, Vernon, Jackson and Polk, originally belonged to Richland county.

By the act of the general assembly of Ohio, enacted Februarv 20. 1820, the whole of the Maumee valley was opened to settlement, and was divided up into counties for judicial and governmental purposes. Townships 1, 2 and 3 south, in range 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 east, and all the land east of these townships up to what was then the western limits of Richland county, was named Crawford county, in honor of the gallant soldier. Colonel William Crawford, who was captured by the Delaware Indians and burned by them at the stake, in 1782. on the plains within these boundaries. At first the di- vision of territory known as Crawford county did not have any political -ignificance or power, but was attached to Delaware county. When Marion county was regularly organized. December 15, 1823, Crawford county was attached to it, as the act reads, "for judicial purposes." This association did not continue long. On the 17th of February, 1824, the increase of popula- tion having become so great as to make it inconvenient for the more remote ettlers to go to Marion to transact their business, that portion of Crawford county which was situated north of the Wyandot reservation, "including one tier of townships lying east and west," was attached to Seneca county for judicial purposes. This continued until January 31. 1826, when, by act of the general assembly, Crawford county was organized into a separate and

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. n

distinct county. This act declared "that those townships and fractional town- ships in Crawford county which have heretofore been attached to and formed a part of any township in Marion or Seneca counties, respectively, are herebv atached to and declared to be a part of Crawford township, in said Crawford count}', till the same shall be otherwise provided for by the commissioners of said count\."

Crawford county as thus organized embraced a scope of territory three congressional townships in width, and extended from the eastern boundary of Sandusky and Cranberry townships to the western boundary of Crawford, Salem, and Mifflin townships in Wyandot county. The Wyandot Indian Reservation covered the larger part of what is now Wyandot county and three miles of the western portion of what is now Bucyrus and Holmes townships, Crawford county. In 1835 the Indians sold to the government a strip seven miles off the east end of their reservation, which was sold by the government publicly in Marion, Ohio. February 3, 1845, Wyandot county was erected, and in the general reorganization of the counties that occurred Crawford lost all territory west of the middle line of townships in range 15 east, and gained from Marion county a strip of territory two miles wide extending to the Richland county line, and from the latter county on the east a tract four miles wide, extending the whole length of Crawford from north to south, some twenty miles. But in 1848 a tier of fractional sections were taken off in the erection of Morrow county, leaving Crawford in its present limits. On the 6th of March, 1845, tne county commissioners organized the county into townships. A change was made in the following June, establishing Jackson township, and in March, 1873, Jefferson town- ship was erected, and since then no change has been made in boundary lines of townships. The county, as now arranged, is comprised of the following civil townships : Auburn, Vernon, Jackson, Polk, Jefferson, Sandusky, Cran- berry, Chatfield, Liberty, Whetstone, Dallas, Bucyrus, Holmes, Lykens, Texas and Todd.

A large proportion of the early settlers of Crawford county were from Xew England, Xew York, Pennsylvania and other eastern states, while a few came from the south. But later in the settlement of the county the German elements assumed the ascendancy. About the year 1832 there was a large accession of German population, coming direct from Germany, by way of the Erie canal to Buffalo and thence to Cleveland or Sandusky. The political troubles of Germany, in 1848, brought many Germans to the county, and, to-day, many a German "agitator" is represented among the county's most

i2 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

reliable citizens. The Pennsylvania Dutch, also, are numerously represented in the county.

Colonel William Crawford, in whose honor Crawford county was named, was a Virginian, of Scotch-Irish lineage, born in the year 1732. His childhood home was that of a pioneer farmer of the Old Dominion. His edu- cation was limited. In early life he learned the art of surveying in com- panionship with Washington, and followed the vocation, together with farm work, until about twenty-three years of age.

In the year 1755 he forsook the plow and compass and began a most brilliant military career. Commissioned an ensign by the governor of Vir- ginia, and joining a company of riflemen, he accompanied the army of the ill-fated General Braddock in the march against Fort du Ouesne. For gal- lantry displayed upon that disastrous occasion, Ensign Crawford was pro- moted the following- year to a lieutenancy. Later he received a cap- tain's commission, recruited a company and participated in the second march against Fort du Ouesne, reaching which the army found it vacated. F or three years thereafter Captain Crawford remained in the army service of Virginia, and then returned to his home in the valley of the Shenandoah. Until 1707 he was again engaged in farming and sur- veying. After examining the valley of the Youghiogheny, he located there in what is now Fayette county, Pennsylvania, thither removing his family in the year 1769.

\\ hen the war of independence came on he recruited a regiment for continental service. January 12, 1776, he was made lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth Virginia Regiment, and October 1 ith, the same year, he was appointed colonel of the Seventh Regiment of Virginia battalions, by congress, com- mission to be dated the 14th of August. Colonel Crawford served under Washington upon the seaboard, repaired to Fort Pitt, built Fort Crawford, engaged under Mcintosh in the Detroit expedition, aided Clark's expedition, then retired from active military service by returning to his home, hoping to discontinue in warfare. But, induced to join in the Sandusky expedition, we find him again in warfare, and it was in this last named expedition that he 1" I his life. While on this expedition he was captured by the Delaware Indians, and at their hands met an awful death by torture, — burning at the stake. June 1 1. 1782 !

it is fitting that some mention, in this connection, be made of the gallant officers who served under Colonel Crawford in the Sandusky expedition.

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 13

Colonel David Williamson, one of them, participated in the Sandusky expedition as held major. He was a patriot, who loved his country. Worthy of especial note in his valor displayed at the battle of Olentangy, fought in what is now Whetstone township, Crawford county, June 6, 1782. He did much to encourage his heroic little band of soldiers, and was ably seconded by the indefatigable "John Rose," whose cheerfulness, suavity and coolness were only equalled by his wonderful skill and intrepidity.

"John Rose," the hero of the retreat of Crawford's army from the plains of Sandusky, it afterward developed, was rea'iy a young Russian nobleman — the Baron Gustavus H. Rosenthal, of Livonia — who, because of killing an- other in a duel, had been obliged to fly from his own country and seek safety, first in England and then in America. In the Revolutionary war he served the colonists with fidelity until its close, without having revealed his true name or rank, and then, by permission, returned to Europe, subsequent to the Sandusky expedition. He was regarded with favor by Emperor Alexander ancl became grand marshal of the province of Livonia. The first link in that bright chain of friendship, which has ever existed between the Russian em- pire and the United States, was forged by "John Rose."

Other officers who served under Colonel Crawford in the expedition

were: Thomas Gaddis, John McClelland, Britton, who were field

majors; Daniel Leet, brigade major; John Knight, surgeon; and John Slover and Jonathan Zane, pilots.

On the site of the battle of Olentangy there stands a monument erected to the memory of the brave army of the Sandusky expedition.

Samuel Norton, the first settler of Bucyrus township, was born within one mile of Congress Spring, near Saratoga, New York, March 3, 1870. His father was of Scotch descent, and many years previous to the birth of Samuel had emigrated from Scotland and settled in Connecticut. Samuel Norton was married, January 1, 1804, to Miss Mary Bucklin, who was born in Coventry, Kent county, Rhode Island, October 31, 1785. The Bucklins were of English descent, and Mary Bucklin s parents removed from Rhode Island to Little Falls, New York, when she was about six years of age, and some twelve years afterwards to what is now Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, where she was married to Samuel Norton. The young couple settled near Elk Hill, then in Luzerne but now in Susquehanna county. The

14 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

district is situated in the mountain regions of that state ; the land is poor, and even at that time the country was very wild. It is said that at one time, while Norton was still a resident of Elk Hill, he shot a panther which meas- ured eleven feet and three inches in length ! These wild beasts have never been seen in Crawford county since it was first settled by white men; and, although the first settlers of Bucyrus township emigrated to a newer country, they did not, in some respects, find a wilder one.

Norton was dissatisfied with this wild, rocky Pennsylvania land, and, after residing there with his wife for fifteen years, determined to seek a more pleasing country. He caught the western fever and finally decided that his destination should be the land obtained by the "New Purchase." His wife was opposed to this movement of the Norton family and refused to go unless her brother Albijence Bucklin would go along. Norton finally succeeded in inducing Bucklin to accompany him with his family, by promising him fifty acres of land. Norton had previously visited the new country, selected a quar- ter section on the present site of Bucyrus, and had returned to his native state for his family. Very late in the spring of 1819 the pioneers left their home in Pennsylvania, and, after journeying about six hundred miles in a big "schooner" wagon, reached the quarter section of land which Norton had se- lected, in October, 1819. The party consisted of the following eighteen persons : Samuel Norton and his wife, Mary Norton ; their three daughters, Louisa, Catherine and Elizabeth (the late Mrs. A. M. Jones); their three sons, — Rensellear, Warren and Waldo Norton; Albijence Bucklin and his wife; their six children, — Esther, Cynthia, Austris, Elizabeth, Almeda and Pitt; also, Polly, an adopted daughter of the Bucklins, and Seth Holmes.

After reaching their destination the two families lived for three days in an Indian wigwam, which stood near the present site of the court house, and during this brief period the three men constructed a more durable residence. This first rude home was built of small round logs and erected upon the bluff of the Sandusky river. The two families moved into this log cabin, and shortly afterward another was built for the Bucklin family. When these early settlers constructed their first cabin the nearest white neighbors were eight miles off, 1 >n the banks of the Olentangy, and that settlement consisted of only a few squatters, who were generally as nomadic in habit as they were transient in location. The Norton family occupied their first log cabin home during one winter and until July, 1820. In this cabin was born, on the nth of February, 1820, Sophronia Norton, who was the first white child born on the site of the present city of Bucyrus, and probably was the first born in the present limits of

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 15

Crawford county. Samuel Norton operated a tannery on a small scale for several years, farmed and in 1835 built and opened a hotel. He was an old- school Baptist and a man of many sterling qualities. He died April 18, 1856, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. His wife, Mary Norton, lived three years after her husband's death, and finally passed away, April 29, 1859. Other children born unto them, not already mentioned, were Harris P., Charles, Jefferson and William B. Being the first settler and original pro- prietor of the land on which Bucyrus was laid out, Samuel Norton was justly entitled to the name of the "Father of Bucyrus."

Colonel James Kilbourne was a native of Xew Britain, Connecticut, born October 9, 1770, was highly educated, and in early life became a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, and about the year 1800 was ordained. "When scarcely more than nineteen years of age he married Lucy Fitch, daughter of the celebrated John Fitch, the inventor and builder of the first steamboat in the world. He became a pioneer settler of Ohio, in 1802, and the following- year established a colony from his native state in the Scioto valley. A church was built and he became the rector. He visited neighboring set- tlements in other parts of the state, preaching and organizing church societies, many of which became permanent Episcopal churches. He retired from the ministry in 1804.

Upon the organization of the state government of Ohio, he was appointed a civil magistrate, and also an officer of the militia for the northwestern frontier. In the spring of 1805 he explored the southern shore of Lake Erie, and selected the site of the city of Sandusky. About this time he was made state's surveyor of a large portion of public lands. In 1806 he was appointed one of the first trustees of the Ohio' College at Athens, and in 1808 one of three commissioners to locate the seat of Miami University.

During this year he married for a second wife Miss Cynthia Goodale. his first wife having died soon after he came to Ohio.

About this time he was made major of the "Frontier Regiment." later was promoted to the colonelcy, but this position he resigned, as he also did the former position. On the organization of the Worthington College, in 1812, he was elected its president. The same year he was appointed by Presi- dent Madison as a commissioner to settle the boundary between the public lands and the Great Virginia Reservation. Immediately after the comple- tion of this service he was elected a member of congress. Later he became a colonel, hence his military title. In 1814 he was again elected to congress.

1 6 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

In 1823 he was elected to the state legislature, and again in 1838-39 he was a member of that body. After a long, useful and active career he died, at Worthington, Ohio, April 9, 1850. Why is he mentioned in a biographical history of Crawford county ? It was while surveying public lands that Colonel Kilbourne first appeared in what is now Crawford county. It was he who then persuaded Samuel Norton to have a town survey made upon his farm. Norton owned the laud on which Bucyrus is now located. The location the Colonel regarded as a beautiful site for a town. It was within a few miles of a direct line of travel from Sandusky, the nearest point on Lake Erie, to Co- lumbus, the state capital; a tide of emigration had set in; many were settling in the vicinity, and consequently the prospects for a thriving village at this point were flattering. After some hesitation Air. Norton consented to the survey, and Colonel Kilbourne made the original town plat in February, 1822. The new town was named Bucyrus by the Colonel. One of his favorite his- toric characters was Cyrus, the Persian general who conquered the city of Babylon, and there is reason for believing that Colonel Kilbourne named the town in honor of this distinguished character, prefixing to the name "Cyrus" the syllable "bu," the sound of the first part of the word "beautiful," declar- ing that the name Bucyrus should always mean "beautiful Cyrus."

Daniel McMichael was born in Ireland about 1778. and when about sixteen years old his parents emigrated to America and settled in Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania. When he attained his majority he married Mary McDowell, who was a native of Scotland and came to the United States with her parents at an early date. The following children were the issue of their marriage: David, Mathew, William. Martha, Alary, Daniel, Allen and Hat- tie. In 1820 McMichael removed with his 'wife and family to Crawford county, and settled for a few weeks on what is now the northern part of Bucyrus corporation. Being a miller by trade and a mechanical genius, he de- sired to engage in the milling business, and, finding a more suitable location about four miles tip the Sandusky river, removed his family to the land he first entered in Liberty township, which township he was the first settler to invade. In a few months he commenced work on this new enterprise, which was the first mill erected in what was then Crawford county. He soon found he could not depend upon the Sandusky river for water to keep the machinery running twelve months each year, and, the outlook not being promising, he rented the mill in 1823 to Nehemiah Squire and removed to Bucyrus, where he died some two vears later.

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 17

Colonel Zalmon Rowse was among the earliest pioneers of Crawford county. He was a native of the Bay state, born in the year 1789. His par- ents were poor and unable to give him the advantages of a classical educa- tion. He was endowed with a quick and comprehensive mind and by his own efforts he succeeded in getting a good education, which he turned to the best advantage by engaging in school teaching. When sixteen years old he went to Wayne county, Pennsylvania, and while there, when he had arrived at the age of nineteen, he was married to Miss Mehetabel Kent, who was then six- teen years old. In the spring of 182 1 he walked from Wayne county, Penn- sylvania — five hundred miles — to Crawford county, Ohio, where he entered three tracts of land of eighty acres each, after which he again walked to his home. In the fall of the same year he came to this county with his family, which consisted of his wife and six children, coming by means of a team of oxen, arriving in December. He first located in Whetstone township, but later in Bucvrus township. He taught one term of school after he came to the county.

Mr. Rowse was a man well fitted for public trusts, and the citizens ap- preciated his natural abilities by electing him to many important positions. He was one of the first justices of the peace in Bucvrus township, and served in this capacity for nearly twenty years. In 1825 he was commissioned lieu- tenant-colonel of the Fourth Regiment of Ohio Militia. During the latter part of 1825 and until Crawford county was organized, in 1826, Colonel Rowse served as one of the commissioners of Marion county, to> which Crawford county was then attached "for judicial purposes." Upon the organization of Crawford county Mr. Beardsley was appointed clerk, but shortly afterward resigned, and Colonel Rowse became his successor. He served the people faithfully in this position for many years. At this time the recording of deeds and mortgages was a part of the duties of Colonel Rowse, and he left an excellent file of records.

In 1826 he was one of the charter members of the Columbus & San- dusky Turnpike Company, and in 1846 a charter member of the Bucyrus Lodge of Freemasons. In 1831 he erected the American Hotel of Bucyrus. His death occurred August 15, 1854, after a residence in the county of over thirty years. He was a member of the Whig party and was a man of gen- eral respect. Of his children, Horace and William Rowse became prominent merchants of Bucyrus.

Lewis Cary, born in New Jersey, in 1783, first resided in Jefferson

1 8 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

county, Ohio, but came to Crawford county in the spring of 1822; erected the first hewed-log cabin, with a shingle roof and grooved floor, in Bucyrus, all other cabins until then having been made of round logs and puncheon floors ; built and operated the first tannery in Crawford county, and was the first postmaster of the village of Bucyrus, being appointed by President Monroe, about 1823. He died in Defiance, Ohio, in 1866.

Josiah Scott. — Perhaps the most distinguished lawyer and jurist of Crawford county was Josiah Scott, of whom the following eulogy was de- livered in 1886 before the Ohio State Bar Association, by the Hon. Stephen R. Harris, of Bucyrus :

"Josiah Scott was born on the 1st day of December, 1803, in Washing- ton county, Pennsylvania, on his father's farm, three miles from Cannons- burg, the seat of Jefferson College, where he was educated under Dr. Matthew Brown, and received his religious impressions under the celebrated Dr. Mc- Millen. He lived at home, walked daily to and from the college, and grad- uated in the year 1823, with the highest honors of a class of thirty-two young men, many of whom afterwards rose to distinction, mostly in the church and as college presidents, among whom may be mentioned the names of David H. Riddle, LL. D., president of Washington and Jefferson College, and David L. Carroll, D. D., president of Hampden Sidney College, Virginia.

"After his graduation he was thrown entirely on his own resources and set out at once to enter courageously upon the life work before him. He first went to eastern Pennsylvania and for a period of two years taught in a classical academy at Newton, Bucks county, and in this time prepared several students for the freshman class at college, some of whom graduated at his own alma mater and came to preferment in after life. He went south and taught a classical school for two years in Richmond, Virginia, employing his leisure time in the study of law. He then returned to the home of his youth and was soon after chosen by the authorities as a tutor in Jefferson, where four years before he had taken his degree with distinguished honor. He taught in this institution for one year, during which he employed his leisure intervals in pursuing his legal studies. At the end of that time he decided to visit Ohio, with a view of selecting a location for the practice of law. He traveled west on horseback, as was the custom of the day, and arrived at Mansfield in the spring of 1829, where he visited Hon. Thomas W. Bartley, who had been his pupil at college and afterward became his associate on the bench. He was admitted to the bar and permanently located himself at Bucyrus, the

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 19

county Seat of Crawford county, Ohio, in the month of June, 1829, when that village was but a hamlet in the wilderness, and nearly half of the county was, and for some fifteen years afterward remained an Indian reservation, oc- cupied by the Wyandots.

"His abilities were very soon appreciated and he rapidly rose in his profession, so that he was regarded as a lawyer of great influence with court and jury, both in Bucyrus and in the surrounding counties, where he had a growing practice. In 1840 he was elected as a representative to the general assembly for the counties of Crawford, Marion and Delaware. In 1855 he removed to Hamilton, Butler county, and continued the practice of his profession with great distinction and success, in competition with such lawyers as John Woods, Lewis D. Campbell, Thomas Milliken and William Bebb. In October, 1857, lie was elected judge of the supreme court of Ohio, for the term commencing on the 9th day of February, 1857. Shortly after his election he was appointed by the governor. Chase, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Ranney, and held under the appointment until the 9th day of February, the commencement of the regular term. He was twice re-elected and continued on the bench until the 9th day of February, 1872. hav- ing declined to be a candidate for another term.

"Some vears before he left the bench he returned again to Bucyrus, and at the expiration of his term he resumed practice and continued until January. 1876, when he was appointed by Governor Hayes a member of the supreme court commission. On the expiration of the commission, in February, 1879, he again resumed the practice of his profession, but was soon stricken with a malignant disease, which terminated his life on the 15th day of June, 1879, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, but still in his intellectual prime.

"Such, gentlemen of the Ohio State Bar Association, is a brief sketch of the eventful life of one of the most gifted men who ever adorned our pro- fession. It is with a willing heart and grateful mind that I embrace the present opportunity to commemorate his virtues, only regretting my inability to set forth in a deserving manner the tribute which I shall endeavor to bring to his memory.

"Over thirty-seven years ago I came to Bucyrus a stranger, and com- menced the practice of my chosen profession. I was young and diffident, and the first member of the bar to give me a friendly greeting and extend the hand of encouragement was the Hon. Josiah Scott. After a few months' acquaintance and professional intercourse he invited me into his office as a partner. We continued our partnership until he removed to Hamilton. After

20 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

he returned from Hamilton to reside in Bucyrus, while still on the bench, he made my office his headquarters, and at the expiration of his term we re- sumed our partnership, after an interval of over twenty years. We continued together until his death, and by the terms of his last will and testament he made me one of his executors. Do> I need, therefore, to> apologize for my veneration of the man, and when I say I will revere his memory as a friend and benefactor until the last pulsation of my heart ?

"In the professional and judicial career of Judge Scott he did not neglect the pursuits of learning, but habitually indulged in mathematics, the reading of English classical authors and the study of Latin and Greek literature. Of the ancient classics, Horace and Demosthenes were his favorite authors. He would turn at random to any portion of Horace or Virgil and translate them fluently into elegant English. Sometimes, in his arguments at the bar, in the midst of a flight of eloquqence, he would quote and adapt passages from Pollock's Course of Time or Milton's Paradise Lost with such ease and grace, and so appropriate to his theme as to make his hearers lose sight of the quotation.

"He was always diffident and retiring until called out by some genial friends or professional associates, in whose company he might be cast. On such occasions he was always found to possess conversational powers of a high order, enlivening his conversation by a warm glow of delicate humor and brightening it often by lively flashes of wit. His knowledge and skill in mathematics were astonishing. No mathematical problem capable of solution baffled him. It may be safely asserted that he was absolute master of algebra and geometry. He would solve difficult algebraic problems mentally in an incredibly short space of time, announcing his methods as he progressed. By way of light reading he would peruse by the hour that wonderful pro- duction, Euler's Elements of Algebra, with as much delight as if it were a romance, instead of a work so deep that few but professional mathematicians could comprehend it.

"Whilst he was a profound scholar and linguist, yet his greatest tri- umphs were at the bar. He had leading practice in all the counties in his part of the state, and rarely was an important jury case tried but he con- ducted one side of it. It was there he displayed his great power as a nisi- prius lawyer. His skill was displayed in the cross examination of witnesses. He seldom rebuked or intimidated a witness so as to excite his stubbornness or aggravate his hostility, but rather led him along first in the line of undis- puted facts in a pleasant manner until he would get the truth out of him,

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 21

when it was unintentional on the part of the witness, who had gone on the stand with the full determination to perjure himself in behalf of the opposite party. On such occasions a grim shade of disappointment might be ob- served to steal over the countenances of the opposing counsel. In his argu- ments he was ordinarily mild, eloquent and persuasive before a jury, but when occasion required he would pour out a torrent of invective that was overwhelming, like that of Curran's celebrated denunciation of Flood in the Irish parliament. In his argument to the court, Judge Scott was logical and convincing. He belonged to that older class of lawyers who began the prac- tice when books were few, but read, studied and thoroughly mastered all the elementary principles of the law. I have seen him in combats with other law- yers of the same class, a race that has nearly all disappeared, such as Judge Stewart, Bartley, Kirkwood, Brinkerhoff and Cooper K. Watson, and deep were the impressions they made on my mind in the outset of my practice. What models for the emulation of the young- practitioner ! In their legal con- flicts it was a battle of giants. What ponderous arguments, mostly on prin- ciples rather than an array of authorities, with Judge Bowen on the bench to appreciate them, without requiring the production of books! Such thrusts and such parries ! Such logical reasoning, so pregnant with legal principles that they would seem unanswerable, and then see an antagonist meet and combat them like Hercules with his club! I sometimes pause and ask, Will ever cases be tried like those again ?

"Whilst on the bench, Judge Scott's position was characterized by the highest degree of learning- and accuracy. His published judicial opinions are found in the Ohio State Reports, from volume V to volume XXI inclusive, and the first series of volumes containing the decisions of the commission, and they take rank with the best ever announced from the bench. In preparing a brief, when a lawyer finds a decision of Judge Scott on the subject, it always affords pleasure and relief. His analysis is so complete and his reasoning so conclusive and easily understood that one almost wonders why the question should ever have been involved in doubt. It is also a notable feature of the Ohio State Reports that there are few, if any, dissenting opinions in cases where the decisions were announced by Judge Scott. He left his impression upon the jurisprudence of Ohio as distinctly as any other figure in the his- tory of our courts, and his opinions are not only sound, but instructive.

''He was an earnest believer and professor of the truths of the Christian religion, whose holy precepts he practiced in the whole course of his life. It mav safely be asserted that he never in his life, in his business, in his pro-

22 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

fession, in court or elsewhere, did or conceived a dishonorable act, and his life teaches us that without professional uprightness and integrity there can be no enduring success. Judge Scott always regarded it as a duty, not only to his client and himself, but a higher and more important one to his country, which bestows on a lawyer important privileges and requires of him important services, to discourage groundless and unlawful litigation, and to present his client's case truthfully and fairly. Sad, indeed, would be the thought, when such a man is gone from earth, were all his learning" and wisdom gone, too. But all of such men cannot die. While his body slumbers in the earth his words of wisdom and his example of purity will shed their lustre as a beacon to guide those who succeed him."

Lawrence \Y. Hall came from Cuyahoga county in the spring of 1844 and commenced the practice of law in Bucyrus. For six years from October, 1845, he held the office of county prosecuting attorney; was elected judge of the common-pleas court in 1851 and held the office until 1857; was elected a member of the house of representatives of the thirty-fifth congress, and then resumed the practice of law. He was a brilliant, able lawyer, and as a political and partisan leader possessed even still greater ability. In the last years of his life his course was less commendable. The opposition to the war of the Rebellion, developed in Bucyrus and vicinity, attracted the attention of the government, and in 1862 Judge Hall was arrested and nominally held for several weeks a political prisoner, at Camp Mansfield, and finally discharged without further action. In consequence of ill health, largely on account of drink, he was on parole, and required to report. — only as it suited his con- venience. He died at Bucyrus, January 18, 1863.

Josiah S. Plants, born in Pennsylvania in 1820, died in Bucyrus, Au- gust 23, 1863, of wounds received by the accidental discharge of a gun. He was educated in Ashland (Ohio) Academy, studied law under the preceptor- ship of Judge Josiah Scott, and was admitted to the bar and began practice at Bucyrus, in 1844. He rose very rapidly in the profession, and, in 1858 was elected judge of the common-pleas court; and while in office he was dis- tinguished for industry, honesty of purpose, devotion to his friends, fidelity to his clients and earnestness and force as a public speaker. His career at the bar and on the bench was such as to justify the highest expectations of his friends had his life been prolonged.

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 23

Alonzo M. Jones, deceased, was a native of Berkshire county, Massa- chusetts, horn April 4, 181 1. His parents were Ludwig and Mary (Hale) Jones. They removed to the Western Reserve in the spring of 181 7 and settled in Lorain county, where their son was reared. He had gained a limited education when, at the age of fourteen, he lost his father in death, and thereafter, until twenty-one, the care and support of his family fell upon him. He began the study of medicine, in the spring of 1832, at La Grange, in the office of Dr. E. W. Hubbard. A year later he attended lectures at the medical school in Worthington, Ohio, graduating in July, 1834. He came to Bucyrus, in December, 1835, an<^ thereafter continued his profession with scarcely an interruption until 1843. For some seven years thereafter Dr. Jones operated a woolen mill, and then, selling his interest in the mill to a partner, he engaged in the real-estate business, for several years with success. In 1866, in com- pany with three other gentlemen, Dr. Jones embarked in the manufacture of hubs, spokes and bent work. He was a competent business man and a worthy citizen.

In 1838, he married Elizabeth Norton, a daughter of Samuel Norton, an early pioneer of the county, and the original proprietor of the land on which the village of Bucyrus was first laid out. Of the eight children born unto the marriage, five died in infancy and childhood. The other three were Mary L., wife of Col. W. C. Lemert, Lorenzo E. and Volney W.

Dr. George Keller, deceased, was one of the most eminent and skillful physicians and surgeons that ever graced the medical profession in Crawford county. He was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, the date of his birth being November 24, 1826. He was three years old when his father re- moved to Ohio and settled at Dalton, where Dr. Keller spent his youth and was educated. When only fifteen he began the study of medicine, under a practi- tioner of Dalton, and until he was prepared to practice, both studied medicine and taught sciiool. At DeKalb, Ohio, he began the practice and after some time spent there he went to Cleveland to further prepare himself for the pro- fession by attending medical lectures during the sessions of 1846 and 1847.

Returning to Dalton, he practiced there until March, 1850, when he be- came physician for a party of two hundred and forty people, who were travel- ing overland to California, this journey covering a period of one hundred and eight days and fraught with some accidents and fatal occurrences, nine men being killed by the Indians on Pitt river. On July 4, 1850. the}- reached their destination, arriving at a point on the Sacramento river. For six months Dr.

24 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Keller practiced in Yuba City and Marysville. Returning to Ohio, in May, 1 85 1, he located at West Liberty, where he remained about three years, and, graduating, in the spring of 1853, from the Cincinnati Medical College, he was then located for a short time at Bluffton, Indiana, but in 1861 became a resi- dent physician of Bucyrus, where he continued until the time of his death, with an interruption of about two years spent at Churubusco, Indiana.

In 1877 and 1878 he was a member of the faculty of the Fort Wayne Medical College. He was well educated and of varied knowledge and skill in his profession. He was noted for his literary ability and extensive knowl- edge of various subjects. Some ten years ago death closed his useful and exemplary career. In 1848 he married Mary J. English, of Canton, Ohio, who survives him and still resides in Bucyrus.

James S. McCarrell, one of the best known older citizens of Bucyrus, was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1836. His par- ents were James and Nancy (Shearer) McCarrell. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools until fourteen years of age, when he was sent to an academy at Hookstown, Pennsylvania, where he studied for three years, after which he spent six years in teaching school. When aged twenty-four years he entered a dental office at New Brighton, Pennsylvania, where he was a student of dentistry for three years. After a further stay of two years in New Brighton he came to Ohio and located in Bucyrus, and began the practice of dentistry, in which he has been so successful as to estab- lish a high reputation for himself.

January 16, 1867, Dr. McCarrell married Mary Matthews, of San- dusky, Ohio.

Asa Hosford was among the early settlers of Crawford county. He was born in Richfield, Massachusetts, in 1799, and lived to a ripe old age, spending an active and fruitful life. When he was six years of age his par- ents became residents of Jefferson county, New York, where they spent four- teen years and then removed to Ontario county, New York. He was reared < in the farm, and when he became twenty-one years of age, and having a strong desire to see Ohio, he and his brother went by steamboat to Cleveland, and then started out on foot for the interior of the state. This was in the fall of 1819, and in Huron county Mr. Hosford remained all winter, and was joined in the spring by his parents, who with him located in Crawford county, where he worked for several years to earn his first one hundred dollars, with

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 25

which he entered eighty acres of land near Galion. In the year 1824 he opened the first hotel in the neighborhood. It was located within the present site of Galion, and for eight years he was its proprietor, and then sold it for six hundred dollars, and purchased forty-three acres of land, which was situ- ated where the heart of Galion is to-day. It was his intention to lay out a town on it, but finally sold the land to Michael and Jacob Ruhl, who laid out the town of Galion, September 10, 1831. Mr. Hosford, in 1832, purchased the mill property in Polk township, which he operated for more than fifty years.

In 1825 Alta Kent became his wife, who bore him three children, viz.: Rebecca, Eri and Stephen.

John Ruhl, the father of Michael and Jacob Ruhl, who laid out the town of Galion, September 10, 1831, came from York county, Pennsylvania, direct to Crawford county. His family consisted of his wife and his children. — Michael, Jacob, Levi, Henry, Peter and Rebecca. He was possessed of considerable means in land and money, and his sons became important factors in the development of Polk township, and the town of Galion. His grand- son, Alexander A. Ruhl, son of Jacob and Sarah (Daws) Ruhl, served as auditor of the county four years from 1859, and was elected clerk of courts in 1879. Alexander A. Ruhl was born in Shrewsbury, York county, Penn- sylvania, April 4, 1828; was well educated; married, in 1853, Aurelia M. Shanke, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Charles G. Rupp, son of Peter and Hellena (Earnst) Rupp, was born February 3, 1822, in York county, Pennsylvania. Gottleib Rupp, his grand- father, was a native of Germany, came to America late in the eighteenth cen- tury and settled in York, Pennsylvania, where he was a butcher : he had four sons and two daughters. The marriage of Peter Rupp and Hellena Earnst was blessed with four sons and two daughters. The father died at York, Pennsylvania, in 1825, while the mother survived him many years, dying at Wapakoneta, Ohio, in 1878, aged ninety-three years.

Charles G. Rupp received a limited education, became a clerk at the age of eleven, at his native town, and was thus employed for ten years. In 1843 he came to Ohio by stage and capal, remained only a short time in Galion. then went to Leesville, where he kept store for three years, and then re- moved to Bucyrus, in 1848, and was employed as a clerk for four years. He then engaged in business for himself, with partners, for a short time and was

26 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

compelled to retire on account of ill health; but later he became a clerk again. Upon the failure of the Bucyrus Machine Works he became the assignee and settled up the business, which required some three years. In 1873 he bought a stone quarry at Leesville, which was a profitable investment. He was post- master of Leesville during the administration of President Polk. In politics he was first a Free-soiler and then a Republican. He was married, in 1848, to Margaret J. Ruhl, of Gabon. To the marriage were born four children, — Annie, Clara, Maggie and Lincoln, who grew to maturity, while five died in childhood.

HORACE EUGENE VALENTINE.

In the affairs of state, as taken aside from the extraordinary conditions of warfare, there are demanded men whose mental ken is as wide and win »se gen- eralship is as effective as those which ensure successful maneuvering of armed forces by the skilled commanders on the field of battle. The nation's welfare and prosperity may be said to hang as heavily upon individual discrimination and executive ability in the one case as the other. It requires master minds to marshal and organize the forces for political purposes and produce the best results by concerted effort. One of the honored Democratic political leaders of Crawford count)- is Hon. Horace Eugene Valentine, who served for two terms as state senator from the thirty-first senatorial district, and his public record reflects credit upon his constituents and district which he represented. He is also an active man-of-affairs in business circles, being the cashier of the First National Bank of Bucyrus, which position he has occupied since 1898.

Mr. Valentine is one of the native sons of Crawford county, his birth hav- ing occurred in the village of Benton in Texas township, April 8, 1859. He represents an old New York family, his ancestors having come from the Em- pire state. His father, James Valentine, removed to Crawford county from the city of Syracuse, New York, about 1830, his wife and his parents coming with him. He secured a tract of land in Texas township and there devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in the year 1861. His wife bore the maiden name of Angeline Clark. She was born near Syracuse, New York, and was a daughter of Edward Clark, who served in the New York Militia in the war of 1842. Mrs. Valentine was called to her final rest in 1866. They had four sons, the eldest being Edward, who enlisted for service in the Civil war and died in Libby prison; Jabez Clark,

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 29

deceased; George B., deceased, and Horace Eugene. There was one daughter, Emily, now deceased.

Throughout his entire life Horace Eugene Valentine has been a resident of Crawford county. His preliminary education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by study in the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, Ohio, where he was graduated in the class of 1888. The following year he was elected county surveyor of Crawford county and was re-elected in 1892, serving continuously until 1895, covering a period of nearly seven consecutive years. Before his retirement from that office he was elected, as a Democrat, to the position of state senator to represent Crawford, Seneca and Wyandot counties, or the thirty-first district. He served for four years and filled the position so creditably that in 1897 he was re-elected. He was one of the active working members of the senate and gave to each question which came up for consideration earnest thought and study and left the impress of his individ- uality upon the legislation of the two terms served by him. He was the author of the anti-trust law of Ohio, known as the Valentine Anti-Trust Law. It was declared constitutional by the state supreme court and if enforced would effectually do away with injurious and unlawful trusts. His labors were untiring in behalf of the people and his record is creditable to the district which honored him.

In 1889 Mr. Valentine was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Nedry, of Texas township, a daughter of Joseph Nedry, one of the pioneer settlers and native sons of Crawford county, who is now seventy-five years of age. His father came to Ohio from Pennsylvania at a very early period in the development of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Valentine have been born two children, Allen Gladstone, and Florence Emily.

Mr. Valentine is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and on the political stage such is his popularity and such his personal magnetism that his appearance to address the people is the signal of due en- thusiasm. He is a sturdy American character and a stalwart patriot, and has ever had the strongest admiration for our free institutions, being ever ready to make any personal sacrifice for their preservation.

CYRUS W. FISHER.

Colonel Cyrus W. Fisher, who for many years was a prominent pro- moter, constructor and operator of railroads in the west, has for the past decade been a leadings and influential citizen of Bucvrus. He was born in

30 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Waynesville, Warren county. Ohio, on the 22(1 of September, 1835. His father, a prominent physician of Waynesville, removed to Indiana in 1839 and in 1844, accompanied by his family, vent to Illinois. The following year he became a resident of Monroe county, Wisconsin, and in 1846 set- tled in Rock county, that state, from which place Cyrus W. Fisher was sent to Ohio in j 848 to attend school at Waynesville. In 1849 ms parents returned to Ohio, locating in Lebanon, Warren count}-, at which place our subject completed his academic studies in 185 1. Soon afterward he joined a corps of engineers engaged in making surveys of several railroads centering- in Cincinnati. He was thus employed until 1854. when he entered the service of the Ohio & Indiana Railroad Company, winch was constructing its line between Crestline, Ohio, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, serving in various capacities with that company, in shops, offices and in running trains upon the road until July, 1850. Next he entered the employ of the Bee Line Railroad as conductor, running between Crestline and Indianapolis. In Feb- ruary, 1857, he accepted a position in the office of John Canby, superintend- ent of the same road, at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and continued in that capacity until 1 86 1.

When President Lincoln issued his first call for seventy-five thousand troops Mr. Fisher entered the army and was chosen first lieutenant of his company, which reported at Camp Chase. Columbus. It was mustered into the I nited States service for three years as Company F, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The field and staff officers of the regiment were: W. S. Rosecrans, colonel : Stanley Mathews, lieutenant colonel ; Rutherford B. Hayes, major; Cyrus W. Fisher, adjutant; and Skiles Gardner, quartermas- ter. The regiment was sent to West Virginia, in July, 1861, and partici- pated in the battles, marches and hardships of the campaign of that summer and fall which resulted in clearing West Virginia of Rebels. In November, 1 861, Mr. Fisher was appointed major of the Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and joined that regiment at Camp Dennison, Ohio. In Februarv, 1862, his command was sent to Paducah, Kentucky, and was one of the regiments form- ing- the division first commanded by Brigadier General W. T. Sherman. In November of the same year Mr. Fisher was promoted to lieutenant colonel of his regiment, which remained with that division that afterward became the nucleus of the Fifteenth Army Corps, and thus took part in many battles and sieges until the close of the war. His promotions are an indication of his ability as a military leader and of his unquestioned loyalty and fidelity to duty.

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 31

In Bellefontaine, Ohio, on the 15th of December, 1859, Colonel Fisher had been united in marriage to Miss Sallie M. Dunham, who died September 25, i860, and on the nth of August, 1864, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Martha I. Hetich, of Crawford county, Ohio, by whom he had three children — Cyrus, John and Sallie, but the second is now deceased.

In March, 1865, accompanied by his wife. Colonel Fisher removed to Oskaloosa, Iowa, and purchased the Oskaloosa Herald, of which he was pro- prietor and editor-in-chief until February, 1868. During his residence in Bellefontaine, Ohio, he had studied law under the instruction of the Hon. Benjamin Stanton, who was for a number of years the member of congress from that district. In July, 1864, Colonel Fisher was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio, and after selling the Herald in 1868 he opened a law office in Oskaloosa, Iowa, but threatened pulmonary troubles com- pelled him to seek the dryer climate of the Rocky mountains.

Having been tendered the position of superintendent, general freight and ticket agent of the Denver Pacific Railroad, he accepted the appointment in November, 1869, being the first to hold those offices, on any railroad in Colo- rado. He acted in those capacities until the road was purchased by the Kan- sas Pacific Railway in 1873. In the summer of 1870 the Kansas Pacific Railroad was completed to Denver and he was tendered the position of super- intendent of the Denver division, which he accepted in September of that year, thus serving until July 15, 1878. He was also superintendent of the Colorado Central Railway for a few months until Mr. Loveland again assumed control of the road in 1875. In the summer of 1878 he was made superin- tendent of the mountain division of the Union Pacific Railway, and assumed the duties of that office on the 15th of July, remaining there until February 7, 1879, when he resigned to accept the position of general superintendent of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railway, of which he was also chosen a director and second vice-president in January, 1880. Upon the purchase of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad by the Union Pacific he left that employ in September, 1882, and became general manager of the Xew Orleans & Denver Railroad Company, of which he was elected president and general manager in 1883. In 1884-5 ne was lessee and general manager of this road, but resigned in March, 1886, to acept the position of general manager of the Rock Island lines west of the Missouri river, a position which he held until 1888, building and putting into operation thirteen hundred miles of railroad during that time.

32 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Colonel Fisher's wife, a sufferer from rheumatism, died at Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1888, and the Colonel then resigned his position and spent six months traveling in Europe, after which he returned to Denver. In 1889 he brought his children to Bucyrus, where he established a home for them. In 1891 he married Airs. Alary D. Beer, and has since continued his residence in Bucyrus.

In politics Colonel Fisher has ever been a stalwart Republican, and has done much active service in behalf of the Grand Old Party. In the cam- paign of 1896 he effectively supported William McKinley, who was his comrade in the Civil war, and in order to lessen the silver "craze" in Colo- rado he went to that state to do service for the party of sound money doctrine. While he was in Denver the Denver, Cripple Creek & Southwestern Railroad Company was organized, and Colonel Fisher was elected president of the company, acting in that capacity for two years, when the road was sold to the Colorado Southern. The Colonel has been identified with the Masonic fraternity since 1857, and is now a thirty-second-degree Mason. He is the present commander of the Grand Army post at Bucyrus, and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias lodge. His has been a very active and useful career, in which he has advanced steadily to positions of importance and responsibility. His prosperity has resulted entirely from his own efforts, and his promotions have come to him in recognition of his worth and merit. He is widely known in railroad circles throughout the country, and his repu- tation in business circles is above reproach, while in social life he is known as a genial, courteous gentleman who enjoys the warm regard of many friends.

JUDGE JAMES C. TOBIAS.

Judge James C. Tobias was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the nth of November, 1856, a son of William B. and Catherine (Mills) Tobias. The father was born near Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, October 1, 181 5, and was a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Clause) Tobias. William B. Tobias resided on a farm until he was fifteen years of age, receiving but three months' schooling, and that at a night school. He then went to Carlisle, where he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker to learn the trade, serving four and a half years. Then, after working about six months as a journeyman, he went to Greencastle, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1836, there opening a shop, and worked at his trade for about three

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 33

years. His health failing, he closed his shop and took up farming- in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, farming and residing in that county until 1864, when he came to Crawford county and settled in Liberty township, removing to Holmes township some four years later. In the latter township he continued his residence until 1877. when he sold his farm and removed to Bucyrus, where he spent the remainder of his life in retirement from active business affairs. He died in Bucyrus. in 1882. at the age of sixty-seven years. In 1841 he mar- ried Catherine Mills, a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. She is now. in 1 901, residing in Bucyrus, and is eighty-four years of age. She bore her husband the following children who reached mature years: William F.. Jane ('., Elizabeth. John L., James C. and Daniel M.

William B. Tobias was dependent upon his own resources from an early age, but by energy and industry he prospered and gained a good estate. When the Civil war broke out he was residing four miles from the Maryland state line, and the army of General Robert E. Lee marched through his farm. destroying much of his property, while the state militia destroyed his stock without scruples, taking all but six of his horses. At that time his son. James C, the subject of this biography, was a mere lad, and when the Union army encamped on the Tobias and adjoining farms to that of his father, the lad visited the soldiers' camp, where he was permitted to go in and out with free- dom, as he was also permitted to do when a part of General Lee's army camped in the same vicinity. But the boy was soon to be taken from the scenes of his birthplace and that of warfare, for in 1864, when James was eight years of age, his father resolved to remove with his family to Crawford county. His youth was spent upon the farm and his preliminary education was acquired in the common schools. He was afterward sent to Cold Run Academy, and in the spring of 1872 entered Oberlin College, where he studied until the following September, when he entered Mount Union College, remaining there three years. He thus acquired a broad literary education to serve as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional knowledge. During the period of his college days he taught school during" the winters, and all his vacations he labored upon the farm earning money to assist in paying col- legiate expenses.

Predilection led him to prepare for the profession of law, and in the fall of 1876 he became a student of law in the office of Finley & Swigart, well known attorneys of Bucyrus. He was admitted to the bar at Delaware, Ohio, July 2, 1878, at the age of twenty-one, and immediately afterward began

34 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

the practice of law in Bucyrus, soon winning a fair share of the public patron- age. Important litigated interests were entrusted to him and he soon demon- strated his ability to successfully handle the intricate problems of jurispru- dence. In 1 88 1 he entered into partnership with F. S. Monnett, ex-attorney general of Ohio, under the firm name of Tobias & Monnett, their relationship being maintained until 1888, when Mr. Tobias was elected probate judge of Crawford county, a position he continuously filled until 1894. In 1896 he was elected judge of the court of common pleas for the district comprising Craw- ford, Marion and Wyandot counties, and is the present incumbent, his term continuing over a period of five years and re-elected in 1901, without opposi- tion, for a second term. His decisions have been conspicuously fair and im- partial and based upon a thorough understanding of the law.

In 1879 the Judge was united in marriage to Miss Amina J. Monnett, a daughter of Abraham Monnett, elsewhere mentioned in this volume, and they now have two children, Deane A., who is now a student in the Ohio State University, at Columbus, and Helen, who is pursuing her education in the Bucyrus high school. The Judge has always given his political support to the Democratic party and is unswerving in his advocacy of its principles. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend, and for fifteen years he efficiently served as a member of the school board, acting as its president during the last ten years of his incumbency. He did much to promote the interests of the schools, his labor proving of great benefit along the lines of intellectual advancement. The Judge has been identified with the financial interests of the city as well as with the practice of law, and was one of the organizers of the City Bank of Bucyrus, in which he served as vice-president for ten years and director for eighteen years. Socially he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Knights of Pythias fraternities, serving as past chancellor in the lodge of the latter organization. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is one of the trustees. Endowed by nature with high intellectual qualities, to which have been added the 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 springs of human conduct, he is in the courts an advocate of great power and influence and on the bench is a judge who ever commands the respect of the lawyers and of the public by reason of his dignitv in office and extreme fairness in decision.

CEXTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 35

J. C. FREMONT HULL.

The superior business ability of Mr. Hull has been an integral factor in the commercial activity whereon has rested much of the prosperity of Craw- ford count v. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens, and yields its tribute of admiration and respect for the ability and accomplishments of those whose works and actions con- stitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride. Therefore it is proper that a just celebrity should be given to those men who are prominent m their day and generation that the living may enjoy the approbation of their contemporaries as well as that of a grateful posterity.

J. C. F. Hull is one of the leading and progressive business men of Bucyrus, where he is occupying the important position of cashier in the Sec- ond National Bank. He was born in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1861, and is a son of the late George W. Hull, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, July 21, 1824. his parents being Benjamin and Elizabeth (Smith) Hull. Benjamin Hull came to Ohio from New Jersey. In 1828 the family removed to Whetstone township, Crawford county, locating upon a farm, and there George W. Hull was reared to manhood. In 1844 he was united in mar- riage to Miss Attie Scribner. of Marion county, a daughter of Samuel and Elmira (Clark) Scribner. The Scribners were New Hampshire people, and the maternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the war of 1812. In an earlv dav he engaged extensively in dealing in stock, which he drove over the mountains to the east. His death occurred when he had attained the very advanced age of ninety-six years. His wife's people lived and died in Marion county, Ohio. In 1855 George W. Hull removed with his family to Morrow county, locating near Cardington. He was an energetic and wide-awake business man, made judicious investments in real estate and at one time was the owner of over fifteen hundred acres of land in Crawford, Morrow and Wyandot counties. In ante-bellum days he was a stanch abo- litionist, and was one of the promoters of the "underground railroad, whereby mam- negro slaves were assisted on their way to Canada, where they could enjoy freedom without fear of being returned to their former masters. His earnest Christian life was in harmony with his belief as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served both as steward and class leader, and was also prominent and influential in public affairs, having served as county commissioner in Morrow county for one term, while for twelve years he capably filled the office of justice of the peace. In 1877

36 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

he came to Bucyrus and assisted in organizing the Crawford County Bank, in which enterprise he was associated with Abram Monnett. who was made president, while Mr. Hull became vice-president, and his son, Lewis W. Hull, cashier. These gentlemen, together with L. B. Harris, of Upper Sandusky, and E. Blair, of Bucyrus. constituted the board of directors. The bank was opened for business January i, 1878, and Mr. Hull was connected therewith until his death, which occurred in 1891. when he was sixty-eight years of age. He became .president of the institution on the death of Mr. Monnett, and remained at its head until a short time prior to his own demise, when he retired, Mr. Blair becoming his successor. In 1885 the bank was reorganized and chartered under the name of the Second National Bank of Bucyrus. Mr. Hull took a very active interest in many important concerns contributing to the suhstantial development and material progress of Bucyrus, and in his death the town lost one of its most valued and honored citizens. He was a gentleman of keen discernment and sound judgment in business affairs, and his advice was valued very highly in commercial circles. His wife, surviv- ing him about two years, passed away in 1893, at the age of sixty-eight years. Their eldest son, J. G. Hull, is the cashier of the Farmers National Bank at Findlay, Ohio, a position which he has occupied since 1880. Lewis W., another son, was the first cashier of the Crawford County Bank, now the Second National Bank of Bucyrus, and at present he resides in Upper San- dusky. Ohio. There are also two sisters in the family, Mrs. Olive A. Mon- nett, wife of Mervin J. Monnett, of Central City, Nebraska; J. C. F., our subject; and Adell, wife of Ed D. Wolfe, who is general freight agent at Dallas, Texas, for the Queen & Crescent Railroad Company.

J. C. F. Hull, the immediate subject of this article, spent the first six- teen years of his life in his native county, much of that time being devoted to the mastery of the branches of study forming the curriculum of the public schools near his home. In 1877 he accompanied his parents to Bucyrus, and in 1879 entered the bank as collector. He closely applied himself to the work given to his charge, and from time to time was promoted, becoming cashier on the 1st of January, 1885, a position which he has occupied continuously since. Previously his father had established the Farmers' National Bank at Findlay, Ohio, and our subject went to that place in 1880 and acted as assistant cashier for three years, and was then cashier of the First National Bank of Fostoria, Ohio, a bank he assisted in organizing, securing its charter. In this bank his father was also a stockholder. He resigned the position of cashier of this bank to become the cashier of the Second National Bank of

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 37

Bucyrus. He is still a stockholder in the Farmers' National Bank of Findlay. Mr.' Hull is thoroughly conversant with banking business in every detail and possesses excellent executive ability, keen discrimination and reliable judgment. These are qualities which are absolutely essential to the successful conduct of banking institutions, and his ability and labors have been a potent factor in securing the prosperous business which the Second National Bank has enjoyed. His labors have not been confined to one line, for he is president of the Bucyrus Board of Trade, and treasurer and general manager of the Bucyrus Telephone Company. He has acted as trustee for an unusually large number of estates'in Crawford county, each of which he has settled up satis- factorily to all concerned. He has also dealt quite extensively in real estate, and is the owner of valuable property in Bucyrus. including a handsome resi- dence in the city.

In Republican circles Mr. Hull is also recognized as a leader, and since April, 1900, he has represented the third ward of Bucyrus in the city council, being elected to that position in a Democratic ward, which fact indicates his personal popularity and the trust reposed in him by those who know him best. He is treasurer of the Crawford county Republican central committee, and on a number of occasions he has served as a delegate to the state con- ventions of his party. Socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in the first named he has passed all of the chairs. He holds membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Bucyrus, and during the past ten years he has served as its trustee and treas- urer. His business career is above reproach. He has met every obligation most fully and honorably, is courteous and fair with his patrons and his reliability commends him to their confidence and good will.

AUGUST BROEMEL.

August Broemel is the editor and proprietor of the Bucyrus Courier, the German weekly paper of the county, and is a well known factor in journal- istic circles. He is also regarded as one of the reliable and enterprising citi- zens of the community, whose active co-operation in the movements for the general good is both practical and profitable. As his name indicates. Mr. Broemel is a native son of the fatherland, his birth having occurred at Stadt Ilm, Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Germany. He pursued his education in the public schools of his native land and also in an academy where special

38 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

training was given after the manner of that received in Armour Institute, of Chicago, pupils being fitted for various lines of business life. He was nineteen years of age when he bade adieu to home and friends and crossed the Atlantic to America. In 1872 he purchased the Bucyrus Courier, which he has since published. This is a German weekly newspaper, which was estab- lished in 1874. For a short time Mr. Broemel was associated with a part- ner, but during the greater part of the period in which he has published the paper he has been alone in business. It has a large circulation among the German speaking people of this portion of the state and exercises a wide-felt influence in public affairs. Mr. Broemel is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and support of measures for the public good through the columns of the Courier, and at the same time advances the interest of the Democratic party.

In Bucyrus occurred the marriage of Mr. Broemel and Miss Emma Liebich, a native of Bucyrus. In 1896 he was elected a member of the city council and by re-election has been continued in the office since that time. He is a member of the German Lutheran church and is found as a champion of educational, material and moral interests.

WILLIAM C. KIESS.

The subject of this review is a self-made man who, without any extraor- dinary family or pecuniary advantages at the commencement of his career, has battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable courage and integ- rity has achieved both character and fortune. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his wav upward and is numbered among the leading citizens of Crawford county, where he is now occupying the position of judge of the probate court, having entered upon the duties of his office on the gth of February, 1900. His public service has demonstrated that the trust reposed in him is fully merited, and his name is now found on the record of reliable and capable officials in this section of Ohio.

Mr. Kiess was born on a farm in Whetstone township, in 1857, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Delker) Kiess. His paternal grandfather, Christopher Kiess, was a native of Germany, received excellent educational privileges and became a successful teacher in his native land. Crossing the Atlantic to' America, he followed the profession of teaching for twenty years in Pennsylvania. Jacob Kiess, the father of our subject, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and after arriving at years of maturity

CEXTEXXIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 41

wedded Catherine Delker. whose birth occurred in Germany, and who came to the United States when a maiden of fifteen summers. In the year 1850 they removed to Crawford county, locating upon a farm, which the father owned and opeiated until his death, which occurred in 1882, when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife passed away in 1885, at the age of sixty- nine years. They were people of the highest respectability, enjoying the esteem and good will of all with whom they came in contact. Of their family, four sons and a daughter are living, namely : William Christopher, of this review; Jonathan H., Simeon and Joseph H., all of whom are successfully following farming in Whetstone township; and Mrs. M. A. Butts, of Hia- watha, Kansas. Two sons, Daniel and Samuel, and two daughters, Lydia and May Margaret, are deceased.

Born upon his father's farm, William Christopher Kiess was there reared and earl}- took his place in the fields to assist in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. In the public schools he acquired his elementary education, which was supplemented by study in the Ada Normal University in the year 1887-8. Subsequently he became identified with educational work, and for seven years was known as a competent instructor in the schools of Whetstone township. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, then called him to public office, and for four years he served as clerk of the town- ship, and was also land appraiser there. In the fall of 1899 he was elected to the office of probate judge of Crawford county and entered upon his duties February 9, 1900, for a three years' term, so that he is the present incumbent. He is extremely faithful, prompt and reliable in performing the labors that devolve upon him, and is making a most creditable record.

Mr. Kiess was united in marriage, in 1879, to Miss Sarah E. Wagner, a daughter of John and Mary Wagner, of Wrhetstone township, who came to Crawford county from Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1852. Both have now passed away, the father dying at the age of sixty-four years, the mother being called to her final rest when sixty-nine years of age. The marriage of the Judge and Mrs. Kiess has been blessed with two children, — ■ Thomas Clinton, who is now seventeen years of age and is a student in the high school, and Bessie Belle, who is also pursuing her studies in the schools of Bucyrus. In his political affiliations the Judge has ever been a Democrat, and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, politically and otherwise. His religious views are indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church. On the 15th of March. 1900. he removed his family to Bucyrus, where they now occupy a pleasant home, which is celebrated for its gracious hospitality.

42 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

In the county which has been his home throughout his entire life Judge Kiess has made many warm friends, owing" to his possession of those sterling traits of character which ever} where command admiration and respect.

EMANUEL R. BIRK.

Emanuel R. Birk is one of the prominent business men of Bucyrus, where he is engaged in the manufacture and sale of harness and saddlery. A coun- try has but one chief ruler, be he king, emperor or president. Comparatively few men can attain to the highest office in civil or military life, but com- merce offers a broad and almost limitless field in which one may exercise his powers unrestrained and gain leadership at the head of a chosen calling. Drawing the lessons which we do from the life of Mr. Birk, we learn that the qualifications necessary for success are a high ambition and a resolute, honorable purpose to reach an exalted standard that has been set up.

One of the native sons of Bucyrus, he was born July 25, 1866, unto the marriage of John G. and Johanna B. (Kuhn) Birk. His father was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born July 22, 1823. In accordance with tlie laws of his native country he attended school until fourteen years of age, and then began learning the harnessmaker's trade, which he mastered both in principle and detail. Believing that the new world offered better oppor- tunities for advancement than the older and more thickly settled countries of Europe, he determined to cross the Atlantic, and in 1845 sailed for New York. In 1847 ne came to Bucyrus and three years later established a harness shop on his own account, beginning the business which is now carried on by his son, our subject. In 185 1 he married Miss Johanna B. Kuhn, of Whet- stone township, Crawford county, though born in Germany, and unto them were born four sons and one daughter,— Christian F., who is now mayor of Bucyrus; Lewis C; foreman of the harness shop; Emanuel R., of this review; George M., who is conducting a drug store in Bucyrus; and Elizabeth, wife of F. P. Donnenwirth, of Bucyrus. The father was the treasurer of Craw- ford county from 1874 to 1876. His death occurred November 10, 1888. Emanuel R. Birk spent his youth in the usual manner of lads in the ordinary walks of life and enjoyed the pleasures of the playground and gave considerable time to the duties of the schoolroom. After putting aside his text-books he began learning the harnessmaker's trade of his father in 1882. He worked with him until the latter' s death, in 1888, when he succeeded to the business, which he has since carried on. He now enjoys a large and

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 43

growing trade, which covers Crawford county and northeastern Ohio. The business has more than doubled under the management of Mr. Birk. He carries on a retail trade and also manufactures harness and saddlery, and the excellent quality of his goods, combined with his honorable business methods, reasonable prices and earnest desire to please, has secured to him gratify- ing prosperity.

On the 25th of October, 1892, Mr. Birk was joined in wedlock to Miss Melinda L. Vollrath, a daughter of Albert Vollrath, who for a number of years conducted a planing-mill in Bucyrus, but is now living a retired life. He is a native of Stadtilm, Germany, born January 31, 1830, and is a son of Gottlieb R. Vollrath, who was born in the same place September 29, 1804. There the grandfather acquired his education and married Frederike Meissner. After coming to Bucyrus he carried on the cabinet-making business, being one of the leading representatives of industrial concerns in this part of the state. He was highly respected as a reliable business man and public-spirited citi- zen. His son, Albert Vollrath, acquired his education in the schools of the fatherland, and when twenty-one years of age came to Bucyrus, in companv with his parents, his two brothers, Charles and William, and his sisters, Mrs. Christian Renkert and Mrs. Frank Blicke. Mr. Vollrath entered upon his business career in Bucyrus as a contractor and builder, and in 1852 he became a partner in the planing-mill, which he conducted up to me time of his retirement from active business life. Mr. Birk is identified with two fraternities, the Masonic and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He attends the German Lutheran church, and as a citizen he co-operates in all movements for the general good, withholding his support from no measure which he believes will advance the public welfare.

JOHN C. SHERER.

John C. Sherer, than whom there was no citizen more widely or favorably known in Whetstone township, Crawford county, was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1830 and was the eldest son of Adam Sherer, one of the pioneers of that count}', where he was known as a public-spirited and progressive citizen and one who exerted considerable influence in political affairs, his opinions carrying weight in the councils of his party, while his labors con- tributed in no immaterial way to its success.

John C. Sherer was his father's chief assistant after the removal of the family to Whetstone township, Crawford county. His educational advantages

44 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

were only those afforded by the common district schools, but reading, observa- tion and experience constantly broadened his fund of knowledge and he became a well informed man, being recognized throughout the county as a gentleman of more than ordinary intellectual strength. He always followed agricultural pursuits and developed an excellent farm, to which he added all the modern accessories and improvements. Neatness and thrift character- ized his place, and the practical yet progressive methods which characterized his work contributed to his prosperity.

Mr. Sherer was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Helfrich. a daughter of Peter Helfrich, one of the leading farmers of the county, and they made their home about four miles west of Galion, where they owned a nice prop- ertv. Thev became the parents of six children : Jenny M. ; William ; May S. ; Harry W., who is now located in Columbus; Willard A., of Toledo; and John A., who is principal of the East End schools of Galion. Four of these children, together with their mother, still survive the husband and father, and Airs. Sherer and her son still reside upon the farm.

In his political views Air. Sherer was a Republican, and on account of the minority of the party in the county he was not so- prominent in political affairs as he otherwise would have been. He was abundantly qualified for office, and in a quiet way he did much to promote the welfare and progress of the community. He enjoyed the friendship and regard of all with whom he came in contact, irrespective of political or religious belief, and his death, which occurred in 1879, was sincerely mourned by the general public.

CHARLES KINNINGER.

The subject of this review is one of the best known and most active workers in the ranks of the Democratic party in Crawford county, and has rendered most effective service in the party cause. But recently his second team as probate judge of the county closed. In this office he acted as deputy previous to his election to the office for a period of six years, and then having been elected twice to the position he served as the incumbent six years, and is now holding a clerical position in the same office. As a man of splendid character and much ability he has been conspicuous in public affairs, and has made a record which commends him to the public confidence and assures him the esteem of the community.

Judge Kinninger is numbered among- the native sons of Crawford county, his birth having occurred at Sulphur Springs, in Liberty township, July 22,

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CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 47

1853. His parents, John and Caroline (Schindler) Kinninger, were both natives of Germany, and took up their abode in Liberty township, Crawford county, many years ago. They resided in Sulphur Springs, where the father followed wagon-making. He was a hale and hearty man at the age of ninety- two years, at which time, in 1881, he met with an accident which resulted in his death. His wife passed away in 1879, when seventy-two years of age. She was twice married, Mr. Kinninger being her second husband. By her first husband. Christian Sexauer, she had four children: William F., Chris- tian, Frederick and Lewis, all of whom are now deceased. By the second marriage there were also- four children : Caroline, who has passed away : Rosa, wife of W. D. Mewhort, of Sulphur Springs; John, deceased; and Charles.

The father was not in very affluent circumstances and therefore could not give his children more than a common-school education, hence our sub- ject received only such advantages of mental discipline as he could obtain in the village schools of his native town. He learned the trade of carriage painting in the carriage factory of his half-brother's at Sulpher Springs, con-1 ducted under the name of the Sexauer Carriage Works. He eventually became superintendent of the factory, for, although he began work in the humble capacity mentioned, he was advanced through various positions as he demonstrated his ability to perform the work entrusted to him. In early life much responsibility devolved upon him in connection with the support of his parents. He was employed in the factory until he was made deputy probate judge, but his first public service was in the capacity of clerk of Liberty township, in which he has served for several years. In 1888 he became deputy probate judge under Judge J. C. Tobias, and he made a splendid record, continuing- in that position for six years, when in 1893 he was elected probate judge and entered upon his duties in 1894. He was re-elected in 1896 and served as probate judge through six consecutive years, retiring from the office on the 9th of February, 1900, as he had entered it — with the confidence and good will of the public. On that occasion the members of the bar presented him with a fine silver tea and water set, — a compliment to his efficiency in office and an expression of their friendly and high regard for him as a man and citizen. He has always taken a very active interest in political affairs as a worker in Democratic ranks, has served as a member of the county central committee, and for three years was a member ui the county executive committee.

In Liberty township Judge Kinninger was united in marriage to Miss 3

48 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Alice Bickley, a daughter of Joseph Bickley, of Sandusky, Ohio, and their living children are Emma E., George E., Edna M. and Grace Alice. Their first born, Harry \\\. died at the age of seventeen years. The son George E. enlisted in 1896 as a member of Company A, Eighth Ohio National Guard, and at the time of the Spanish-American war he volunteered with his regi- ment in the United States service, in which he was mustered in as a corpora!. Idie command was sent to Cuba and participated in active service there, being present at the surrender of Santiago. He recently received an hon- orable discharge from the company after five years' connection therewith. The family now reside upon a fine farm two miles south of Bucyrus, in Bucyrus township, where the Judge owns one hundred acres of land. He is successfullv carrying on stock-raising, and the fine grades of cattle which he raises enables him to command a ready sale on the market. In whatever work he undertakes he is energetic and industrious, and thus he has advanced to a position among the affluent citizens of Crawford county. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Honor, of Bucyrus, and is also a member of the German Lutheran church. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend, and while residing in Bucyrus he served for several years as a member of the city school board. During' his residence at Sulphur Springs he was the leader of one of the best bands in the county, and his love of music is one of his salient character- istics and is a source of pleasure not only to himself but also to his many friends, enabling him to become an active factor in entertainment and social circles.

JOHN A. SHERER.

Professor John A. Sherer, principal of the East End schools of Galion, is one of the most competent and successful educators in this portion of Ohio, a man of strong mentality, whose careful preparation has well qualified him for his work and who has a just comprehension of the importance of the duties devolving upon him.

Professor Sherer was born on a farm a few miles northwest of Galion and is of ancestry well known in Crawford and adjoining counties. His lather, John C. Sherer. is mentioned on another page of this volume. His mother belonged to the distinguished and numerous Helfrich family, so -civ allied with the history of this locality. Mr. Sherer was born in 1873, and in his early youth attended the district school near his home, while later

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 49

he enjoyed the privilege of a course in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. On its completion he began teaching- and had charge of a number of schools in Crawford county through a period of ten years. His success in a general way attracted the attention of the school board of Galion and lie was called here to take charge of the East Side schools in 1900. The able manner in which he discharged his duties in that scholastic year recom- mended him for the position for the succeeding year, and through his two years' service he has won the highest commendation.

In 1899 Professor Sherer was married to Miss Viola Kiess, the daughter of a prominent and well known family of Whetstone township. Professor Sherer is one of the county board of school examiners, and has the acquaint- ance and friendship of the majority of teachers in the county. He is also one cf the board of trustees of the Crawford County Historical Association, and his literary contributions to the history of Crawford county, in various news- paper articles, have attracted not only local attention but also that of the State Historical Association.

At this point it would be almost tautological to enter into any series of statements as showing the Professor to be a man of broad intelligence and genuine public spirit, for these have been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. Strong in his individuality, he never lacks the courage of his convictions, but there are as dominating elements in this individuality a lively human sympathy and an abiding charity, which, taken in connection with the sterling integrity and honor of his character, have naturally gained to him the respect and confidence of men.

CHARLES F. SCHABER.

Charles F. Schaber is one of the younger representatives of the bar of Bucyrus, but those who are acquainted with him and are familiar with his ambitious and resolute spirit have no fear in predicting for him a successful future. Bucyrus may well be proud to claim him among her native sons. His birth occurred in this city July 30, 1873, his parents being John A. and Bertha W. (Margraff) Schaber. The paternal grandparents were John George and Fredrica Schaber, who with their family, consisting of John A. and Frederick, came to Crawford county in June, 1854. The last named died in Bucyrus several years ago. The father of our subject, after following the blacksmith's trade in Bucyrus for several years, took up his abode at

50 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Sulphur Springs, where he established and conducted a dry-goods and grocery store. He subsequently became identified with the mercantile interests of Bucyrus, and in 1877 he became an active factor in official life, being elected in that year to the position of county sheriff, in which capacity he served for two terms. After his retirement from office he engaged in the insurance busi- ness until 1896, when he put aside all business cares and is now quietly rest- ing in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. In his political views he is a Democrat, unswerving- in his advocacy of the principles of the party, and he and his family are members of the German Lutheran church. Charles F. Schaber is their only living son (one dying in childhood), but there is one daughter, Sophia M., who is a graduate of the high school and is now a successful teacher in the schools of this city. She is also a trustee of the Bucyrus Memorial Library and a member of several literary societies.

Mr. Schaber has always been a resident of Bucyrus, and the public- school system of the city provided him with his educational privileges. In January, 1892, he became a clerk in the county probate office, under Judge J. C. Tobias, and later served through a period of six years as deputy probate judge, under Judge Charles Kinninger. His labors in that position proved to him an excellent training school in the line of law and probate work. He read law under the direction of the firm of Finley & Gallinger, of Bucyrus, and after mastering many of the principles of jurisprudence he successfully passed an examination and was admitted to the bar in December, 1900. He immediately opened an office, in partnership with W. J. Schwenck, with whom he has since been associated in the active practice of law, the firm meeting" with complimentary success, although they are the youngest members of the Bucyrus bar. Mr. Schaber is resolute and determined, and such qualities cannot fail to secure success.

His labors were at one time interrupted by military service. In 1892 he enlisted in the Eighth Ohio National Guard as a private, but was soon advanced to official positions. At the time of the Spanish-American war, in 1898, he was mustered into the United States service as lieutenant and adjutant of the Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was also ordnance officer of the regiment. He was sent to Cuba with his command, which joined the Fifth Army Corps, participating in the battle of Santiago, and was present at the capitulation of that city. At length the regiment was recalled to the United States, and Mr. Schaber was honorably discharged from the service.

Socially he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being the exalted ruler of Bucyrus Lodge, No. 156, also is connected

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 51

with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees. He is a young man of genial manner, unfailing courtesy and many sterling qualities, and is very popular in social circles.

BENJAMIN SEARS.

Richard Sears, the progenitor of the American branch of the Sears fam- ily, landed at Plymouth Rock in 1632. He and his descendants after him bore their share as pioneers in the subjugation and settlement of the new world and in those events which culminated in the independence of our nation.

Benjamin Sears, the subject of our sketch, is descended on both sides from Revolutionary ancestry. His great-grandfather, Captain Elkanah Sears, was a conspicuous figure in Massachusetts during the Revolutionary war. He was distinguished for his activity in promoting the cause of free- dom, and was a member of the committee appointed to provide necessities for the Continental army. After the breaking out of hostilities he equipped a war vessel, which he commanded. Many personal anecdotes are related of him in family history and tradition, which illustrate his character as a man of great enterprise and courage. His son, Benjamin Sears, following the line of descent to the Crawford county family, was born at Chatham, Con- necticut, in 1 771, and removed thence to New Durham, New York. He filled with honor various military offices, and among the papers now in pos- sesion of the family is his commission as major, signed by Governor De Y\ itt Clinton. He became a minister in the Baptist church, and in that capacity distinguished himself by his zeal and fidelity. He felt much drawn toward mission work among the Indians, and in 182 1, in company with his two sons, John and Benjamin, all having received appointments as missionaries among the Indians, journeyed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and established there the first Baptist church in that territory. While returning to his family in New York the next year, he was taken sick with fever at Delaware, Ohio, and died there October 11, 1822, much lamented as a man of energy and piety. He was buried in the old grave yard east of the college campus at Delaware, and a monument marked the last resting place of the pioneer missionary. Eighty years afterward, when the grave yard at Delaware was abandoned, the remains were removed to the family lot in Oak wood cemetery at Bucyrus, Ohio. Letters written by him in his last illness, now in possession of the

52 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

family, show with what resignation, hope and courage he entered "the valley of the shadow."

His oldest son, Elkanah Sears, the Crawford county pioneer, was born in Meredith, New York, in 1795, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Aminda Nicholson, in East Rockport, Ohio, November 15, 1886, aged ninety- one years. His mother, whose maiden name was Ann Biglow, was a woman of remarkable character, and belonged to a family; members of which have attained national distinction. Elkanah Sears came to Crawford county in 1836 with his family, consisting of a wife and four children, three sons and one daughter. He moved upon a farm two miles west of Bucyrus. For several years the family occupied a log cabin on the place, and afterward a two-story log house, which in the course of time was weather-boarded, and thus became, for that period, one of the most pretentious dwellings in the neighborhood.

Elkanah Sears continued to live for many years on the farm where he originally settled, occupied with the duties of a pioneer farmer. His wife, whose maiden name was Desair Phelps, came of a distinguished family, and was a very superior woman. She proved herself an efficient helpmate and in those early days of limited school privileges she assisted in inculcating into the minds of her children that desire for knowledge and ambition for improve- ment to which, doubtless, much of their success in life is owing. These children, now all living, the eldest over eighty years of age and the youngest nearly seventy, venerate their mother long since gone to her reward. The eldest of the family, John Dudley Sears, is living a retired life at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. For more than half a century he practiced law. He was not only the acknowledged leader of the bar in his county, but by many was regarded as the best legal authority in this section of Ohio. He was equally successful in a business way, and in a green old age now enjoys, in the esteem of his fellow citizens, the rewards of a life well spent.

Cyrus, the youngest son of Elkanah Sears, grew to manhood in Crawford county. He graduated at the Cincinnati Law School, and began the practice of law in Cincinnati, where he also lectured in the law school. When the war of the Rebellion broke out he entered the army, where he continued in service throughout the war, and greatly distinguished himself in many battles. He rose to the rank of colonel. For distinguished gallantry at the battle of Iuka he received a medal of honor from congress. After the close of the war he practiced law for a time at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and later engaged in manufacturing and mercantile business, also in farming and real estate.

CENTEX X I AL BIOGRAPHIC 'AL HISTORY. 53

He now resides in Harpster, Wyandot county, Ohio, in which locality he has large real estate and other interests. He married a daughter of David Harpster, long known as the wool king of Ohio.

The only daughter of Elkanah Sears, Mrs. Lewis Nicholson, is a widow living at Lake wood, Ohio.

Benjamin Sears, the second son of Elkanah Sears, is the only member of the family who has made his permanent home in Crawford county. He continued to reside on the farm where his father settled until 1876. Since that time he has lived in Bucyrus. He was successful as a stock-raiser, fruit-grower and nurseryman, and in these pursuits laid the foundation for an estate now one of the most considerable in the county. He is largelv interested in real estate and in banking, and is a man of great business sagacity and judgment. He is quiet and unostentatious, simple in his habits and style of living, and although his early education was limited he has always been a great reader, and is one of the most widely informed and best-informed and best-read men in the community. On subjects in which he has taken a special interest, such as horticulture and botany, he is recognized as one of the best local authorities.

He has a family of seven children living, three sons and four daughters. His oldest daughter, Annie, who was for fourteen years a missionary in China, died in 1804. His oldest son, R. V. Sears, is a successful lawyer at Bucyrus. His. second son. Frank O. Sears, is a leading farmer and stock- man, residing with his family on the old family homestead, two miles west of Bucyrus. The third son, Hiram B., is unmarried, and was for some years in the newspaper business in Bucyrus. He is at present assisting his father in the management and care of his property. Of the daughters, who are all ladies of culture and education, the eldest, Alice, is living at home, and is an ornament in the literary and social life of the city. Minda P. is a graduate in medicine and a woman of superior ability. Bertha is a successful teacher in Cleveland ; and Ruby D., the youngest daughter, is married to* Mr. Otto Carpenter, a prominent insurance man of Cleveland, Ohio.

RUFUS V. SEARS.

Rufus V. Sears is the oldest son of Benjamin and Melissa (Minich) Sears. His mother is the granddaughter of a Revolutionary soldier and a descendant of one of the early settlers of Maryland. He was born at the old family homestead, two miles west of Bucyrus. After graduating at the

54 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Bucyrus high school he followed farming- for several years, in the meantime pursuing the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1886. He imme- diately began the practice of law in Bucyrus. In 1888 he married Sallie J. Harris, the accomplished daughter of Hon. S. R. Harris, of Bucyrus. In 1893 Mr. Sears formed a partnership with Mr. Harris, the leader of the Crawford county bar. The firm enjoys a large and lucrative practice, being retained in many cases of importance both in the state and federal courts.

Air. Sears, while not personally ambitious in politics, has always been a Republican, and in 1894 was elected city solicitor of Bucyrus, by a large majority over his Democratic opponent, although the city was strongly Dem- ocratic. He has been as successful in business matters as in professional life, and is interested in various investments and enterprises, taking an active part in every movement for the benefit and prosperity of the city and com- munity. He is a director of the Bucyrus board of trade, a director in the First National Bank of Bucyrus, and president of the Buckeye Traction Company, now constructing several electric railway lines.

Mr. Sears is the father of three sons: Paul Biglow, born December 17, 1 89 1 ; Demas Lindley, February 6, 1894; and John Dudley, December 4, 1897.

JULIUS J. BLISS.

No compendium such as the province of this work defines in its essential limitations will serve to offer fit memorial to the. life and accomplishments of the honored subject of this sketch, who is numbered among the prominent educators of Ohio, and for six years has been superintendent of the public schools of Bucyrus and previous to this time was for more than a decade a successful teacher in Crawford county.

Professor Bliss was born on a farm in Bainbridge township, Geauga county, Ohio, May 16, 1854, and traces his lineage back through many gen- erations to the founder of the family in America — Thomas Bliss, who came from Devonshire, England, in 1635, and was a member of the Plymouth colony. Representatives of the name were active and leading citizens of the communities in which they resided, and took an important part in shaping the events which go to form the colonial history and early annals of the Republic. Ephfaim Bliss, Sr., joined the Colonial army at the time of the war of the Revolution, serving as a member of the company commanded by Captain John Pain. His son, Ephraim Bliss, Jr., was a member of the com- pany commanded by Captain Israel Hix. He joined the service in 1775,

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CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. $7

and loyally aided in the cause of independence. His home was in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. His son, Benjamin Bliss, the great-grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in 1760, and when the yoke of British oppression became intolerable the same patriotic and liberty loving spirit which prompted his grandfather and his father were manifest in him and caused his enlistment as a member of the company commanded by Captain Sylvanus Martin. He lived to enjoy republican liberty for more than half a century, passing away in 1823.

Otis B. Bliss, the grandfather of our subject, resided in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, at North Adams, in his early manhood, and thence came with the family to Ohio in 1833, locating in Bainbridge township, Geauga county, where he secured a tract of wild land. With characteristic energy he began its improvement, transforming it into a rich and fertile farm, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1873, when he was sixty-five years of age. He married, in 1831, Julia Elma Maria Potter, a daughter of Olney and Mary (Richardson) Potter, of Gloucester, Rhode Island. Mrs. Bliss was born November 26, 1809. Her grandfather, James Potter, was also a Revolutionary hero, serving as lieutenant in a Rhode Island regiment under command of Colonel Christopher Smith. His father, Samuel Potter, was captain of a company in Colonel Dyer's regiment of Rhode Island troops. The celebrated divine. Bishop Potter, is also< a member of this family. Among the children of Otis B. and Julia E. M. (Potter) Bliss was Olney R. Bliss, the father of our subject. He, too, was born in Geauga county, in the year 1833, and is still living at a ripe old age, his home being in Brookville, Kan- sas. His has been a useful, active and honorable career, and he is still well preserved. He married Mahala J. McFarland. a daughter of John Wesley McFarland, of Bainbridge township, Geauga county, and took up his abode in that county in 1816, emigrating Avestward from Berkshire county, Massa- chusetts. The McFarlands are of Scotch lineage, and the first members of the family in America, leaving the land of hills and heather in 17 19, took up their abode in what was then the Massachusetts colony.

Professor Julius J. Bliss has spent his entire life in the Buckeye state. He acquired his education in the district schools of his native county, receiv- ing instruction from some very capable instructors from Xew England. At an early day he entered Hiram College, during the presidency of B. A. Hinsdale, a learned man who for some years was the leading professor of pedagogy west of the Alleghanies. There he frequently saw and heard that great teacher who afterward became the chief executive of the nation, James

58 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

A. Garfield, and the spirit of the master found lodgment in the character of the pupil. However, wishing- a more complete course of study than Hiram College then afforded. Professor Bliss matriculated in Oberlin College, where he completed the full classical course and was graduated in 1881, with the degree of bachelor of arts. Five years later, in 1886, his alma mater con- ferred upon him the degree of master of arts. Throughout his entire busi- ness career he has been connected with the profession of teaching. For two and a hall years, from 1883 until 1885, he was one of the teachers in the high school of Bucyrus, and then went to Crestline as superintendent of the schools of that city, continuing- in charge through the succeeding decade. The schools there grew rapidly during his incumbency and marked improve- ment was seen in the methods of teaching- and in the work done in the schools. Fie not only kept abreast of the times in thought, but had the bravery to put that thought into practice. He carried forward his investigations along orig- inal lines, and introduced into the schools valuable methods of great utility. The School Journal, published in 1894, contained the following:

"The receipt of the manual of the public schools of Crestline, Ohio, at this office led us to look up the Ohio boy who could plan so rich, though so logical, a course of study. Here, it seemed to us, was planned work of a really practical nature, and yet in harmony with the best thought of the 'new education.' Investigation showed that the theory was fully wrought out in the schoolroom, and that under his direction an able corps of teachers are securing results superior to those in many much larger places. The high school courses are unique and most admirable. We have never seen the work of a high school better arranged. It is simple, yet rich and complete.

"Our long experience in teaching and superintending enables us to judge these matters, and we unhesitatingly pronounce Professor Bliss one of the most level-headed and progressive of such superintendents."

In the year 1895 Professor Bliss was called to the superintendence of the public schools of Bucyrus and has since remained in charge, his services giv- ing excellent satisfaction. It is well known to all what great progress has been made in the methods of education and that the attendance of the schools has "greatly increased. There are three school buildings in the city, with twenty-eight teachers, and in 1900 the membership was twelve hundred and seventy-two pupils, which has increased to more than thirteen hundred in the present year, 1901. During the incumbency of Professor Bliss the increase in attendance at the high school has been more than one hundred per cent, and the institution is of such a high character that its graduates are prepared

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 59

to enter college without further mental training. There are now one hundred and fifty students in the high school department. The number of courses of study have been increased and improved and an elective system has been added, which has proved very profitable and popular, enabling the scholars to pursue such courses of study as they believe will be of most benefit to them in later years. The influence of his work cannot be estimated, but will prove of lasting benefit to all who have come under his instruction. He is continually seeking to promote advancement, and labors with and for his teachers that the results attained may be of the highest practical benefit. In many instances he has made individual study of his pupils, realizing that their needs are as varied as are their characters. Professor Bliss is the possessor of the highest grade state teacher's certificate, and his fame as an instructor is not limited by the confines of Crawford county, for he is known throughout the state in educational circles as one whose ability is of superior order. He is a graduate of the Ohio State Teachers' Reading Circle, of the Chautauqua literary and scientific course, and has taken the Prang course in form study and drawing.

In 1886 Professor Bliss was united in marriage to Miss Ella May Fuhr- man, of Bucyrus. a daughter of Thomas and Adeline (Kirby) Fuhrman and the foster daughter of George Donnenwirth, the president of the Bucyrus City Bank. Their marriage has been blessed with two children, — Marion George and Mary Mahala. Mrs. Bliss is a lady of superior culture and refinement, and intellectual activity make her a leader in society in Bucyrus.. She, too, pursued the Chautauqua course. The Professor holds member- ship in the Congregational church and his wife in the Presbyterian church, and socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity.

GEORGE W. MILLER.

As a representative of an honored pioneer family, of the educational interests of Crawford county and now of the insurance business, George W. Miller is widely and favorably known throughout this section of the state. He has attained to an enviable position in the business world entirely through his own unaided efforts. Faithfulness to duty and strict adherence to a fixed purpose in life will do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or advantageous circumstances. The successful men of the day are they who have planned their own advancement and have accomplished it in spite of many obstacles and with a certainty that could have been attained only through

60 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

their personal efforts. It has been along such lines that George W. Miller has won and maintained a creditable position in business circles in his native county, where he is now occupying the position of secretary of the Crawford Count}' Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company and of the Crawford County Agricultural Society.

He was born in Todd township in 1859, a son of John D. and Mary (Kahl) Miller. The father came to Ohio with his parents in 1837 anc^ located in Richland county. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, in 181 3, and his parents, George M. and Cartherine (Rex) Miller, were also natives of the Keystone state. Having arived at years of maturity, in 1840 John D. Miller married Miss Mary Deal, and their union was blessed with five children, three of whom are yet living: Nathaniel M., living in California; Annias D., a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio; and William A., of Seneca county, this state. Andrew J. died in 1901, in California; and a daughter died in childhood. Annias D. and William A. served through the Civil war as defenders of the Union. The mother of these children died in 1852. and in 1855 Mr. Miller wedded Mrs. Mary Barga. a widow who had two children, Albert and Lovina. She was the daughter of Henry and Susan (Rank) Kahl, who emigrated to Richland county, Ohio, from Pennsylvania, at an early date. The subject of this review is the only child born unto this marriage. His father came to Crawford county in 1852 and located on a farm just north of Oceola, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days, the later dying in 1890, at the age of sixty-six years, and the father in 1896, at the age of eighty-three. Both were consistent Christian people, and enjoyed the respect of all who knew them.

The childhood days of George W. Miller were spent on the old homestead which he now owns. His education was mostly acquired in the common schools, supplemented by a course in the Northwestern Normal, of Fostoria, Ohio. Having qualified himself for teaching he became a follower of that profession and for a number of years performed the duties of an instructor in the schoolroom through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he engaged in farming. Having the ability to impart readily and with accuracy to others the knowledge he had gained, and being also an excellent disciplinarian, he proved a competent educator, giving excellent satisfaction. During the last three years of his school work he was employed as principal of the Oceola schools. He did much to advance the efficiency of the schools and his labor was attended with gratifying results. He is now president of the countv board of school examiners and of the Ohio Teachers' Reading

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 61

Circle of the county, thus keeping in close touch with the educational interests of this part of the state.

In 1880 Air. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Dell A. Sigler, the youngest daughter of George E. and Harriett (Horrick) Sigler, of Todd township. Her parents were among the pioneers of Crawford county, hav- ing come here in the early '40s. They were the parents of four children: Mary L., Elliot W., Rosamond E. and Dell A. Mrs. Sigler, who was the daughter of John and Mary (Grimes) Horrick, died in 1898, but Mr. Sigler is still living on a farm in Todd township. He is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Hines) Sigler and is a native of Pennsylvania, while his wife was born in Ashland county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller has been born but one child, Minta M.. who is in the senior year in the high school of Bucvrus. In that city her parents have a pleasant home, justly celebrated for its warm- hearted hospitality.

In 1898 Mr. Miller was elected secretary of the Crawford County Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, which was organized in 1877 and now is the strongest farmers' mutual in the state. In 1899 he was elected sec- retary of the Crawford County Agricultural Society, and since his election the society has introduced the educational feature in their fair and it has proven one of the best attractions. A new hall has been constructed espe- cially for this feature, which is filled each year with the best work from the schools of the county. Mr. Miller also served for fourteen years as treasurer and clerk of Todd township. In his political views, like his father, he is a stalwart Democrat, and takes an active interest in the work of the party, doing all he can for its substantial advancement and success. He is a man of strong purpose, of sterling worth and of unquestioned integrity and fidelity to duty, and enjoys the high regard of the people among whom his entire life has been passed.

COLONEL EDWARD VOLLRATH.

Prominent among the lawyers of Crawford county, and well known in public affairs is Colonel Edward Vollrath, of Bucyrus, in which city his birth occurred forty-three years ago. His parents, Charles and Elizabeth Vollrath, were natives of Germany. He attended the Bucyrus public schools, graduat- ing at the high school in 1878. After attending- Wittenberg College, Spring- field. Ohio, he entered Princeton Lmiversity, at which latter institution he graduated in 1883. In youth he worked at the carpenter's bench, but predilec-

62 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

lion led him to the study of law. In 1885 he was admitted to practice as an attorney at law by the supreme court of Ohio, and has since practiced with success as a member of the Crawford county bar.

In 1884 Colonel Vollrath entered the Ohio National Guard as a private. He rose to the rank of major, in which capacity he volunteered with his regiment — the Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry — in the Spanish-American war, and participated with Shatter's corps in the siege of Santiago, Cuba, He was mustered out of the United States service as major of volunteers, and was chosen colonel of his regiment — the Eighth Ohio — upon its reorgan- ization into the Ohio National Guard. Colonel Vollrath has a large and lucrative practice, and is also largely interested in manufacturing and real estate.

In 1888 he married Miss Millie C. Wise, and his home is celebrated for its generous hospitality. Fraternally Colonel Vollrath is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He is a member of the St. Paul's English Lutheran church at Bucyrus ; has been a deacon in the church for more than fifteen years, and for several years he has superintended the Sunday-school.

Unassuming and genial in manner, and always fair and just in all deal- ings, Colonel Vollrath is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, and enjoys the confidence of a wide circle of friends.

ALBERT F. MESSNER, M. D.

Dr. Albert Frederick Messner is one of the younger representatives of the medical fraternity in Bucyrus, but his years seem no bar to his success, as his ability is such as to win for him a constantly growing practice. He is numbered among the native sous of the city, his birth having occurred here on the 3d of May, 1865. His father, Frederick Messner, was born at Schulerhoff, Germany, and after crossing the briny deep to> the new world he took up his abode in Bucyrus. He married Fredrika Nachtrieb, who was born in Bretzenacker, in the province of Weiblinger, Germany, and after coming to the new world took up her abode in Columbus, Ohio.

The Doctor, at the usual age, entered the public schools and after putting aside his text-books he worked at the carpenter's trade for three years, but desiring to enter professional life he took up the study of medicine, reading under the direction O'f Dr. Jerome Bland, with whom he continued until nine- teen years of age. He then studied in the Starling Medical College of Colum- bus, Ohio, where he remained for two terms, after which he became a student

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 63

in the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, where he was graduated in 1890, at the age of twenty-four years. The same year he opened an office and began practice in Bucyrus, where he remained until 1896, when, wishing to still further perfect himself in his chosen work, he crossed the Atlantic to Berlin, Germany, and pursued a post-graduate course as a student in the Frederick Wilhelm University, known as the Imperial University. In the latter part of 1897 he returned to his native land, resuming practice in Bucyrus. On the 1 6th of April, 1896, Dr. Messner was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Jordan, a daughter of Daniel and Mary A. Jordan. Their pleasant hime in Bucyrus is noted for its hospitality, which is freely extended to their large circle of friends. The Doctor has attained a remarkable degree of success in his professional career, and is accorded a prominent position in the ranks of the medical fraternity by his brethren of the profession and by the public as well.

JOSEPH NEFF.

An esteemed citizen and substantial farmer of Holmes township, who has been identified with much of the development of this section of Crawford county, is Joseph Neff, who was born in Hepburn township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1829, a son of Michael Neff. (The family history may be found in the sketch of David Neff, in another part of this volume. )

The early life of Joseph Neff was similar to that of other healthv and happy boys, some schooling but much more farm work occupying his time. Until he was twenty-eight years old he remained at home, managing the farm for his mother. In the spring of 1857 our subject, with his mother, brother Jonathan, and three sisters, came to Crawford county, Ohio, and spent his first summer with his uncle, John Wagner. In the fall Joseph Neff and his brother Jonathan, bought two hundred acres of his present home farm, and here the brothers carried on extensive operations for a number of years together, their mother residing with them. During this partnership they in- creased the acreage to three hundred and seventeen, and when Jonathan Neff decided to retire from active labor Joseph purchased his interest. In later years he lias added to it and now owns in Holmes, Liberty and Sandusky townships some nine hundred and ten acres of the finest farming land in Crawford county.

Mr. Neff was married February 9, 1869, to Sophia D. Yeiter, and to

64 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

this union were born nine children, eight of whom still survive : Emanuel, who married Sarah Krauter; Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Durr; Aaron and Amos C, twins; J. Jacob, who married Ella Schieber ; Mary, the wife of Abra- ham Schieber; Matilda, deceased; Emma, at home; and Joseph. All of the children are at home or located on farms in the county. Mr. Neff is sur- rounded by his descendants and has great cause to feel pardonable pride in them. Mr. and Mrs. Neff are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Neff, one of the most generous of men. donated the ground and was a member of the building committee for the Methodist church building, which was erected on his farm near his residence. For a number of years he has been a trustee and his advice and business management of its affairs are invaluable. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and has taken an active part in educational matters and has been a wise and judicial member of the school board. Mr. Neff is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Crawford county.

Mrs. Neff was born in Liberty township, Crawford county, Ohio, April 5, 1840. Her parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Aupperly) Yeiter, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and wrere married there and came to this country in 1832, and settled in Liberty township, where they lived and died, the father dying in 1878 and the mother in 1885. They had nine children, of whom four are deceased. The names are John, deceased; Jacob; Mary, deceased; David; Catherine; Christina, deceased; Frederick; Sophia; Eman- uel, deceased.

JACOB BABST.

In studying the lives and characters of prominent men we are naturally led to inquire into the secret of their success and the motives that prompted their action. Success is oftener a matter of experience and sound judgment and thorough preparation for a life work than it is of genius, however bright. \\ nen we trace the career of those whom the world acknowledges as success- ful and of those who stand highest in public esteem, we find that in almost every case they are those who have risen gradually by their own efforts, their diligence and perseverance. These qualities are undoubtedly possessed in a large measure by the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and added to these is a devotion to principle that may well be termed the keynote of his character. It is this which commands the confidence and respect so

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 67

universally given him, and it is this which has secured him prominence in the professional and industrial circles of Crestline.

Mr. Babst was born in Canal Fulton. Stark county, Ohio, February 11, 1846, and is the third child of Daniel and Margaret (Yost) Babst, whose life history may be found elsewhere in this volume. When seven years of age he was brought by his parents to Crestline, where he pursued his edu- cation in the public schools. In early life he learned the tinner's trade, which he followed for about eight years, when, in 1868, he opened a stove and tin store, which he successfully conducted until 1871, when his father erected the building and opened his present bank, at which time he disposed of his store and joined his father in the bank, acting as bookkeeper for one year. May 10, 1872, he went to Berea, Ohio, where he opened the first bank in that village, the firm being known as Clark, Babst & Companv. By an agreement entered into with his father prior to his going to Berea, he returned to Crestline the following May, and became cashier of his father*:' bank, assuming entire management, and these relations continued until the retirement of his father in 1878. It was at this time that Dan Babst, Jr., became identified with the bank, a co-partnership being formed between the brothers, the active management, however, remaining in Jacob's hands, as heretofore. This partnership was dissolved by mutual consent in May, 1887, when Jacob became sole owner of the institution, continually occupying the same room and same position for almost one-third of a century. His good judgment, keen discrimination and scrupulous honesty have caused this insti- tution to be regarded as one of the most reliable financial concerns in the county. His close application to business duties and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens have been the potent elements which have marked to a great degree the increasing patronage of his bank. These strong char- acteristics are noted not only by his daily acquaintances but also by his fellow bankers, he having served three years on the Ohio Bankers' Association executive board, and was selected by this association, being one of five in the state, to represent them at the World's Congress of Bankers at Chicago during the World's Fair, and again in 1898 he represented this same body at the American Bankers' Association at Denver.

At the present time he is the president of the Burch Plow Works, which employs about forty men. He organized the Schill Brothers' Furnace & Range Company, of which he was one of its stockholders and directors.

In him Crestline has always found a warm friend. Xo movement which embodied the development and upbuilding of this city ever failed to get his 4

68 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

hearty endorsement and active support. Indeed, he has been looked upon as their leader, being selected as chairman of committees on public improve- ments. He may well be termed the "father of pike roads" in this township. The first articles in the city papers agitating the "piking" of the roads emanated from his pen, the initial meetings being held in his banking house, it was through his efforts that the first "pike" road was built in this town- ship, and to-day it is noted for its splendid roads, being one of the foremost townships in the county. One of the most important considerations of a city is its sanitary condition. It is this feaure which attracts the attention of the promoter and the home-seeker, and it is this which assures health to its inhabitants, and to this end Mr. Babst has toiled most untiringly : nor did he cease his untiring labors until he succeeded in securing a sewerage system which is the beginning of a movement that must prove of great benefit to the community. While Crestline cannot boast of an oil well to-day, yet it was the pioneer town in the late oil development in Ohio, and in this Mr. Babst was the prime mover, being personally interested in five wells.

He stands very prominent in the Knights of Pythias fraternity, hav- ing frequently represented this order in the grand lodge. He is known all over the state as the "Pythian," for his activeness in behalf of the order. Pie belongs to the Masons, having been a member for thirty-two years, and also holds membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

Like his father, his support is ever given to the Republican party, and while he has always refused political honors yet he has taken an active interest in all local affairs, and is always ready to uphold the principles of the ''Grand ( )1<1 Party," and has often been a delegate to the state convention of his party.

In i860 Mr. Babst was united in marriage to Miss Mathilde Stoll, a daughter of George F. and Caroline Stoll, of Bucyrus, who were pioneer set- tlers of this county. To a man's social standing and to his success or failure in business life may be attributed to a degree the co-operation he receives from the personage he selects for his life companion. As a factor in the progressive and successful business life of our subject can be added the influ- ence of his domestic life which is portrayed in the character of his wife. Before marriage Mrs. Babst was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Crawford county and has a broad, progressive and comprehensive mind. Their beautiful home, winch is so noted for the hospitality they have exhibited there, has been made brighter by the presence of three children : Earl D., who is now a prominent attorney at Detroit, Michigan; Jessie, the wife of H. H. Cocklev, the secretary of the Shelby Steel Tube Company, of Cleveland,

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 69

Ohio; and Bertha S., who is with her parents. Their home is always found open tor the warm reception of their many friends, and the family enjoys a leading place in social circles and gatherings in the county. The churches and charitable organizations of Crestline all profit by Mr. Babst's generous nature, and the poor and needy always find in him' a warm friend. Thin we see portrayed the life of an active and progressive self-made man,— the life of an honest, kind-hearted and charitable man who for a third of a century has participated in the business life of Crestline, and during this entire time he has so conducted himself and the affairs entrusted to him as to gain the respect and esteem of the entire county, and no word of censure has ever been uttered against him.

LEWIS H. BATTEFELD.

In the affairs of state, as taken aside from the extraordinary conditions of warfare, there are demanded men whose mental ken is as wide and whose generalship is as effective as those who insure successful maneuvering of armed forces by the skilled commanders on the field of battle. The nadons welfare and prosperity may be said to hinge as heavily upon individual dis- crimination and executive ability in the one case as the other. It requires master minds to marshal and organize the forces for political purposes and produce the best results by concerted effort. One of the leaders in Demo- cratic ranks in Crawford county is Lewis H. Battefeld, who has labored untiringly and effectively to promote the welfare and progress of his party and to secure a successful termination to its campaigns. He has filled many position ; of public trust and is now serving for the second term as county commissioner.

Mr. Battefeld resides in Bucyrus and is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in the capital city in 1842, his parents being Lewis and Christina (Biber) Battefeld. both of whom were natives of Ger^ many. The father was a Hessian and the mother was born in Wurtemberg. She was a little maiden of nine summers when, in 1832. she was brought to Crawford county, Ohio, by her parents, Conrad and Christina (Utz) Biber, both of whom spent their remaining- days in this county. Having located here in pioneer times, the grandfather of our subject entered land from the government in Cranberry township, and there developed and improved a farm.

the parents of our subject both died of cholera in 1849, and he was

;o CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

thus left an orphan at the early age of seven years. Lewis H. Battefeld was educated in the country schools. He has also added largely to his knowledge through reading, observation and experience. In i860 he came to Bucyrus and learned the trade of harness and saddle making under the direction of J. G. Birk. For fourteen years he followed that pursuit and then abandoned it to engage in the manufacture of drain tile in Bucyrus, in 1876. He com- menced operations on a small scale, using horse power, but his trade soon demanded increased facilities; steam power was introduced, improved ma- chinerv was secured and an extensive business was carried on. The enterprise is now conducted by his son, Lewis P. Battefeld, in his own name.

Our subject has frequently been called to public office and has been long a recognized leader in Democratic circles. In April, 1869, he became city marshal and filled the office for two years, and at the same time was town- ship constable. For six years, from 1886 until 1892, he was township trus- tee of Bucyrus township, and in 1895 he became county commissioner, being elected in 1894. Three years later he was re-elected to the office, so- that he is the present incumbent. For two years he was president of the County Commissioners' Association of Ohio, filling the office in 1898-9, its sessions being held in Toledo and Dayton in those years. From the time he attained his majority down to the present Mr. Battefeld has never wavered in his allegiance to Democracy. He was a delegate to the national convention held in Kansas City in 1900 from the thirteenth congressional district of Ohio, and has been chairman of the county central committee of the Democracy for the past eight years, filling that position at the present time. For five years prior he was also a member of the committee and he has frequently been a delegate to congressional and state conventions, where his opinions carry weight in the councils of his party.

Mr. Battefeld was united in marriage, in Bucyrus, to Miss Phillipina krebs, a daughter of Frederick Adair and Christina (Weibel) Krebs, who came from Rhine, Bavaria, to the United States in 1852, and located in Liberty township, Crawford county, upon a farm, where they remained until called to the home beyond. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Battefeld is Lewis P. They Inst a daughter, Cordelia S., who died in 1886. The son is a graduate of the high school of Bucyrus, of the class of 1887, and is now carrying on the business established by his father. He manufactures brick and terra cotta and employs about twenty workmen, making shipments to various towns in Ohio. He is a member of the blue lodge and chapter of the Masonic fraternitv, and, like his father, is a stalwart Democrat.

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 71

Socially Mr. Battefeld, whose name introduces this record, is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in the latter he has filled all of the offices. He also belongs to the English Lutheran church. His business affairs were ever so conducted as to gain for him a constantly increasing patronage. He was at all times strictly reliable, and his integrity, combined with his keen dis- crimination and capable management, won him a high degree of success, so that he is now enabled to rest in an honorable retirement from the active cares and duties of business life. Always courteous and genial, he possesses a social disposition that well fits him for the part he has taken in political affairs. The high esteem in which he is held speaks better than words can do as to his character as a man and a citizen.

MICHAEL SIEFERT.

Michael Siefert, who is proprietor of a warehouse and has other prop- erty interests in New Washington, is one of the oldest of the pioneer set- tlers of Cranberry township, where he now lives. Throughout the years of his residence in this county he has been known as a progressive and wide- awake citizen. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, October 8, 1S30, and is a son of John and Salome (Lantz) Si-efert. The father of our subject was born in Alsace, France, now a part of Germany, in 1803, and was there reared to farm life. His father, John Siefert, emigrated to America with his wife and seven children in the year 1827, landing- at New York city after a voyage of twenty-seven days. Making his way westward, he came through the canal to Stark county, where a location was secured, the father pur- chasing forty acres of land, upon which he spent his remaining days. The same year of their arrival John Siefert was married and located in Stark count}-, where he operated one farm of forty acres, conducting this on the shares for six years.

In 1834 he came to Crawford county and entered a farm of eighty acres, one mile northwest of New Washington. Upon this tract of land he built a log cabin sixteen by eighteen feet, and soon his family were installed in their new home. The farm was all covered with a dense growth of timber and the Indians in the neighborhood were far more numerous than the white settlers, but that year several white families took up their abode in the vicinity of the Siefert farm. The father of our subject cleared his land and pur- chased thirty acres adjoining, developing a valuable property, upon which he

72 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

resided until the time of his death, which occurred in 1859. His wife, who was born in Alsace, France, in 1804, came to this country with her parents on the same vessel on which her future husband made the voyage, and the Lantz family also located in Stark county. Mrs. Siefert survived until 1863, when she, too. was called to her final rest. Six children were born of their union, but only two of the number are now living, namely: Michael and Anna, the latter the wife of John Schemley, of New Washington.

Michael Siefert spent the days of his childhood in his parents' home, and to the common-school system of the neighborhood he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. On the 19th of October, 1854, he started out upon an independent business career, going to Eaton Rapids, Michigan, where he worked in a hotel until the 23d of December following, then returning to his home. On the 29th of January, 1856. he married Miss Christine Hofsisz, a native of Baden, Germany, who was born August 12, 1834, and came to America in 1854 with her mother and step-father, who settled in Crawford county.

After their marriage our subject and his wife took up their abode upon the old family homestead, which he cultivated on the shares until the death of his mother. He then purchased the interests of the other heirs and sub- sequently added a tract of twenty-five acres. Later he purchased seven other farms, making judicious investments in real estate as his financial resources were increased. However, he has since sold all of this with the exception of a tract of thirty acres, one mile east of New Washington, and the home farm. In 1879 he purchased the warehouse at New Washington, which he still owns, and he also' has his present town residence and three other dwellings here, the rental from which materially increases his income. He took up his abode in New Washington in 1882 and his attention has since been largely given to the management of his invested interests.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Siefert has been blessed with fourteen children, of whom nine are yet living, namely: Jacob, a resident farmer of Wyandot county, Ohio: Caroline, the wife of John Knodel, of New Wash- ington, Ohio; George, of New Washington; William, who operates the home farm; Anna, wife of Frederick Michelfelder, a shoe dealer of New Wash- ington ; John, also of New Washington ; Clara, wife of George Sheets ; Emma, who married Art Donnenwirth, a, telegraph operator of Waldo, Ohio; and Frederick, with his parents in New Washington.

Mr. Siefert gives his political support to the Republican party and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never sought or desired office,

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 73

preferring to give his attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with very creditable success, his labors bringing to him a handsome com- petence, so that now he is enabled to enjoy an honorable retirement. For more than sixty years he has been a witness of the growth of the county, having watched its development from earl}' pioneer days.

JACOB SHEETZ.

The history of a state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly the chronicles of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens, and yields its tribute of admiration and respect for the genius or learning or virtues of those whose works and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride, and it is this record that offers for our consideration the history of men, who in their characters for probity and benevolence and the kindly virtues, as well as for integrity in the affairs of life, arc ever affording to the young worthy examples for their regard and emulation. Therefore it is proper that a just celebrity 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.

Jacob Sheetz certainly deserves mention among the representative men of Crawford county. He stands at the head of the firm of Jacob Sheetz & Brother, bankers and merchants, and the influence of his business activity is widely and beneficially felt. He was born in New Washington September 23, 1843, being one of the six children of John A. and Margaret (Donnen- wirth ) Sheetz. As the name indicates the family is of German lineage. The father of our subject was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, December 3, 1809, and in 1824, when only twenty-one years of age, crossed the Atlantic to the new world in company with an older sister. After landing in New York city they made their way to Ohio-, locating in Columbiana county, where they took up their abode. For some years the father of our subject was employed as a farm hand and at various occupations which would yield him an honest living, receiving but six dollars per month in the first capacity. His sister having married and removed to Crawford county, he determined to go to Dayton, where he secured employment in a livery stable. He wa^ very fond of horses and prospered in this new line of business. About 1830 he came to Crawford county to visit his sister, and, being pleased with the

74 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

locality, determined to remain. Therefore lie purchased ninety acres of land in Auburn township, which tract includes the present site of the village of Waynesburg. He erected a log cabin, planted an orchard and began the task of clearing his land and cultivating crops. He was three times married. His first wife was Miss Margaret Weisenbacher, whom he wedded in Day- ton, in May. 1836; but after a short married life she died, in July of the same year. Subsequently (October, 1837) he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mar- garet Weaver, of Auburn township, Crawford county, and this union was blesed with one child, Catherine Agetta, now the wife of William H. Don- nenwirth, a resident farmer of Stark county, Ohio. The second wife lived but a little more than a year, and about 1842 John A. Sheetz wedded Mrs. Margaret Hesse, the widow of Ehregott Hesse and a daughter of George Donnenwirth. She was a native of Alsace, Germany. Her father emigrated to America about 1820. locating in Stark county, Ohio, whence he came to Crawford county, taking up his abode in Cranberry township, three miles northwest of New Washington, where he resided until his death. In early womanhood his daughter Margaret became the wife of Ehregott Hesse, a merchant of New Washington, and after the death of her first husband she carried on the business until her marriage to Mr. Sheetz, when he took up his abode in the town and assumed the management of the business, conduct- ing the same until his death, which occurred December 7, 1889. The Democracy received his political support, but he never sought office as a reward for public service. He was, however, the first postmaster of New Washington, and for several years prior to the establishment of the post- office at this place he walked once each week to a point four miles west of the town in order to meet the stage and get the mail for the people residing in this locality. As an accommodation for his business patrons and his fellow townsmen residing in this locality he continued to act as postmaster for many years. By his third marriage Mr. Sheetz had six children, four of whom are yet living, namely : John H., a banker and merchant, who is in partnership with his brother: Louisa P., wife of John M. Guiss, of New Washington; Jacob, of this review: and Caroline, now the wife of John L. Assenheimer, a lumber dealer and contractor of Bucyrus.

Jacob Sheetz had the refining influences of a good home and the advan- tages of educational privileges in his youth. Having pursued his education in the common schools, he supplemented his preliminary course by study in the Bucyrns high school, in DeKalb College and in a private institution of learning in Cleveland. From his sixteenth year he worked upon his father's

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 75

farm during the summer months, becoming' familiar with all of the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Later, however, his father insisted upon his entering the store, and when he was nineteen years of age he took his place behind the counters, there serving as a clerk. He soon manifested superior aptitude for business, and six months later he had complete charge of the enterprise. In less than a year the bills were made out in the name of John A. Sheetz & Son, although this was unauthorized by a business part- nership. In 1866, however, our subject purchased a half interest in the store, and in 1874 his brother, John H., purchased the father's interest, and the firm of Jacob Sheetz & Brother has since carried on operations. Not long afterward our subject established the Farmers Exchange Bank, under the name of the John A. Sheetz Company. Both branches of his business have contributed in a considerable measure to the general prosperity of the community, and at the same time have returned an excellent revenue to> the partners.

On the 17th of October, 1867, Mr. Sheetz was married to Miss Eliza- beth A. Guiss, a native of Cranberry township and a daughter of Abraham Guiss, one of the prominent farmers of the community, now deceased. He was a native of Columbiana county, Ohio. This marriage has been blessed with three children:- Ada M., the eldest, is the wife of John Seifert, pro- prietor of an elevator at Xew Washington ; George W., who is a graduate of the New Washington high school and of the Spencerian Business College, of Cleveland, Ohio, is now attending the Ohio State University, preparing himself for the practice of law; and Emma L., the youngest, is also a grad- uate of the high school of New Washington and is now the wife of Martin L. Belser, D. D., of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In his political affiliations our subject is a Democrat, and for ten or more vears has served as a member of the town council, exercising his official prerogatives in support of all measures for the public good. For fifteen years he has served on the school board and was one of its members when the present school building was erected. He holds membership in the Lutheran church, and was one of its trustees, serving on the finance committee when the present church edifice was built. He is one of the most public-spirited and progressive citizens of the county, and has contributed in a large measure to the upbuilding and improvement of this part of the state. When he became a member of the mercantile firm of which he is now at the head he assumed an indebtedness of three thousand, seven hundred and fifty dollars. The year following he erected a residence and thus increased his indebtedness, but

76 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

in a short time, owing to his capable business methods and management, he was enabled to pay off all obligations and has continually added to his wealth. He is a man of whom the most envious can scarcely grudge success, so well has he earned it, so admirably does he use it, so entirely does he lack pride of purse. He is kind, unaffected and approachable, and every comer has a claim upon his courteous attention. There has been nothing sensational in his career, every step has been thoughtfully and deliberately made and every advance has been at the cost of hard and self-denying labor. Born to lead, his great experience makes him a safe counselor and guide. He stands to-day in his mature years a strong man, strong in the consciousness of well-spent years, strong to plan and perform, strong in his credit and good name and a worthy example for young men to pattern after.

THOMAS H. B. CLUTTER. M. D.

A prominent physician and the oldest practitioner of Crestline in years of continuous connection with the medical profession in this place is Dr. T. H. B. Clutter, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1841, and is a son of J. P. Clutter, who was also a native of the same county. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in Washington county, Pennsylvania, at the ripe old age of eighty years. His father, John Clutter, was a native of New Jersey and served as teamster in the Revolutionary war, enlisting for service at the age of seventeen years. The paternal great- grandfather, who was also named John Clutter, was also a defender of the nation, serving in the army for seven years and was paid for his services in continental money, and some of this money yet remains in the family.

A native of Germany, he came to America when a young man and took up his abode in Washington county, Pennsylvania, his being the first family to settle west of the Alleghany mountains. Their home was in the midst of the deep forest. The settlements were afterward made and these early pioneers were frequently called upon to fight with the Indians, and a num- ber of the white settlers were massacred by the red men. John Clutter, the great-grandfather, was a well known Indian fighter and a great hunter, and lived to be ninety years of age, his being a family noted for longevity. The maternal ancestors of our subject were of German and French blood. The grandfather, James Andrews, was a native of New Jersey, but was of Ger- man lineage, and his people had located in Washington county, Pennsyl- vania, among- its pioneer settlers. He married a Miss Van Vorhees, who

^ '\ '- v

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 79

was of French lineage. She was born in New Jersey and was educated in the English schools, being able to speak both English and French fluently. The maternal great-grandmother of Mr. Clutter belonged to the Blackburn family, and she, too, was a native of New Jersey. The Clutter and Andrews families were united by the marriage of J. P. Clutter and Margaret Andrews, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. They became the parents of seven children, — five sons and two daughters. All of the sons reached manhood and with but one exception are yet living; but the daughters died in infancy. The mother passed away at the age of seventy years. Her son Samuel is now living in Akron, Ohio. John P. resides in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and Robert M. is a resident of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.

The Doctor, who was the second son and third in order of birth in his parents' family, spent his youth in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his education in the district schools. In 1861, when twenty years of age, he came to Crestline and began the study of medicine with Drs. A. and A. E. Jenner, under whose direction he continued his reading for five years. In the meantime he attended lectures at Starling Medical College, and was thus well equipped by broad learning for his professional duties. He began practice in Leesville. Crawford county, in 1867, and there remained until 1888, when he located in Crestline, where he has since successfully fol- lowed his chosen calling. He was graduated in the Columbus Medical Col- lege, with the class of 1879, and has always continued his close study of his profession, his reading and investigation keeping him abreast with the most advanced thought of the times. In addition to his practice he is interested in the First National Bank of Crestline, of which he is a director.

The Doctor was twice married. In 1867 he married Miss Joanna Day, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, born June 15, 1842. After her death he was again married, on the 15th of November, 1896, his second union being with Miss Ida Mapes, of Bucyrus, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania.

The Doctor is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and at all times takes a very active part in political affairs, attending conventions and doing- all in his power to promote the growth and success of his part}'. He has also served in the city council and on the school board, and takes a deep and abiding interest in everything pertaining to the welfare, progress and sub- stantial upbuilding of his community. Of the Masonic fraternity he is a very prominent member, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also connected with the Ancient Arabic Order of the

So CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. The success which attends his efforts is but in natural sequence, for his position soon became assured as an able physician, a man of sterling- integrity and one devoted to- his profession and to the inter- ests and welfare of those to whom he ministered. He possesses marked judgment and discernment in the diagnosing of disease, and is peculiarly successful in anticipating the prognosis of complications, seldom making a mistake and never exaggerating or minifying- the disease in rendering his decisions in regard thereto. He is a physician of great fraternal delicacy, and no man ever observed more closely the ethics of the unwritten profes- sional code or showed more careful courtesy to his fellow practitioners than does Dr. Clutter.

REV. NATHANIEL J. HADLEY.

Rev. Nathaniel J. Hadley, pastor of the Christ English Lutheran church, was born in Mahoning county, just south of the Western Reserve line, No- vember 17, 1866. the son of prosperous parents whose home was on a farm. After attending the district schools the son took a course in Poland Union Seminary, which in its day was one of Ohio's most famous preparatory in- stitutions. Among others who have there fitted themselves for more ad- vanced educational work is President William McKinley. Mr. Hadley's course was an intermittent one, and in the intervals between the periods of study he engaged in teaching. He later entered the Northeastern Ohio Normal College, also a well patronized institution in the Western Reserve, its location being Canfield, Mahoning county. Subsequently he matriculated in Witten- berg College and was graduated at that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1891. In the fall of the same year he entered Wittenberg Theological Seminary and on the completion of the three-years course the degree of Bachelor of Divinity was conferred upon him. The same year his alma mater bestowed upon him the degree of Master of Arts.

Immediately afterward, in the fall of 1894, he was ordained as a minister of the gospel by the Wittenberg synod at Bellefontaine, having been licensed to preach the gospel by the same religious authority the previous year. In fact, while in his senior year he had been called upon and had supplied several pulpits in the absence of the regular pastors, one of which he supplied for five months. In May, 1894, Rev. Mr. Hadley took charge of his first congregation at West Liberty, Logan county, a town of about fifteen hundred population. There he remained in successful and harmonious relations with

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 81

his flock until called to the broader field over which he now watches in Galion. This was on March 15, 1898.

Rev. Mr. Hadley's work in Galion has been of a nature that well illus- trates the force of character of the man, convincing the greatly increased con- gregation that they were fortunate in choosing him as their spiritual adviser and pastor. Young and energetic, he went to work with a will, wiped out an indebtedness and established the church organization on a basis which has added to its power and influence. In numbers the congregation has greatly increased, and its progress and development has been so marked as to attract the attention of churches in larger cities. When in Logan county he was president of the County Christian Endeavor Union and during his incumbency in the office the county had the distinction of winning the banner offered by the State Association for the best organization and for the progress and work of the year. Since accepting his pastorate in Galion Rev. Hadley has served for one term at the head of the Crawford County Christian Endeavor Union. Rev. Hadley has been president of the Ministers' Union of Galion and at present is the secretary of the Wittenberg Synod. He is also editing an eight-page parish paper entitled the "Lutheran Visitor."

In 1895 he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Myrtle Bowsher, who had taken a select course at Wittenberg" College and was previously a teacher in the public schools of Millersburg, Ohio, where her parents reside, her father being a prominent merchant of that place. Mrs. Hadley is a lady of superior intelligence and culture and is of great assistance to her husband in the exercise of the high functions of his holy calling.

Christ's English Lutheran church.

Christ's English Lutheran church of Galion, Ohio, had its beginning in the summer of 1831 when the Rev. John Stough on the invitation of some Lutheran and Reformed church families came to- Galion. He at once organ- ized a united church, composed of the two denominations and served the congregation as pastor for five years, when on account of the infirmities of age he was compelled to resign. During his ministry he added to the church through instruction and confirmation forty-three members. He was suc- ceeded by the Rev. Mr. Lower of the Lutheran church and then followed three pastors of the German Reformed church in succession. About this time the united congregation built a church edifice on the southeast corner of Church and Union streets. During the existence of the united congrega-

82 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

tion the Rev. Solomon Ritz, George Leiter and F. J. Ruth of the Lutheran church occasionally preached -in the English language. About 1841 the united church separated, the German Lutherans and the German Reformed people each building a church of their own, while those who preferred the services in the English language bought the old church property, organized an Eng- lish Lutheran church and secured as their pastor the Rev. J. B. Hoffman. The immediate succeeding pastors were Revs. Andrew Kuhn, J. Grouse, E. Eastman and I. Culler. Of these pastorates very little can now be learned save that Rev. Andrew Kuhn served the congregation for nearly four years, dur- ing which time nearly sixty-one members were added to the church. The choice of a successor to Rev. Kuhn resulted in a division of the church. There were two candidates for the position. The friends of the defeated candidate were dissatisfied and a number withdrew from the church and united with other denominations. Rev. Grouse was the successful candidate and remained as pastor for two years and nine months, during which time he was only able to add seven members owing to the inharmonious condition of the congregation. In September, 185 1, Wittenberg synod in its session at Bucyrus arranged the church of the synod into pastorates. By this act the Galion pastorate was composed of the following named churches : Galion, New Castle, Leesville and Lost Creek. In April, 1852, the Rev. J. F. Ruth became the pastor of this new charge. He found the Galion church small in membership but composed of faithful and pious people. This congregation received one service every two weeks. Rev. Ruth continued as pastor until April, 1 86 1. During the nine years of his service here seventy-five persons were received as members of this congregation.

Rev. Ruth was succeeded by Rev. J. Stover, whose pastorate continued two years and nine months, during which time the membership was increased bv twenty-one, but the church largely felt the depressing influences of the Civil war. In March, 1864, Rev. J. F. Ruth was recalled to Galion and served this charge until 1870. The old church edifice had become dangerous and for nearly two years the congregation worshipped in the Baptist church. During this time an effort was made to buy a lot and erect a new house of worship. The work progressed and the new church was dedicated in Febru- ary, 1869. The indebtedness of the church was fully covered by subscriptions but as there was a shrinkage in the collection the church was left in debt. The membership was increased by thirty-eight during the second pastorate of Rev. Ruth.

During the fall of 1869 some of the members, enjoying their new church

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 83

home and recognizing a good opportunity for building up a strong English Lutheran church in this growing city, desired to be separated from the rest of the charge and employ a pastor to devote his entire time to the congregation. This was accomplished during the following year. Rev. Ruth continued as the pastor of the remainder of the charge and the Rev. H. B. Miller was invited to become the pastor of Christ's English Lutheran church.

On the 1 st of January, 1871, Rev. Miller took charge of the congregation and on the 29th of the same month organized it under the name of Christ's Evangelical Lutheran church of Galion. There were about fifty-six mem- bers. Rev. Miller continued as pastor until 1876, during which time he re- ceived one hundred and seventeen members into the church, but lost by letter, removal and excommunications fifty-three, thus leaving a net gain of sixty- four. At the end of his pastorate the church membership was one hundred and twenty. His successor, the Rev. E. W. Souders, served the congregation from Jul}', 1876, until July, 188 1, and at the close of this pastorate the church had one hundred and fifty-three members. He was succeeded by the Rev. C. S. Ernsberger, who took charge November 13, 1881, and continued as pastor until January 1, 1891, during which time there were two hundred and forty-seven new members received, but by letter and otherwise one hundred and forty-three left the church, its membership being two hundred and fifty-seven at the close of his pastoral service here. By the 1st of October, 1882, he had also liquidated a debt of ten hundred and fifty dollars and during 1884 and 1885 the church was repaired at a cost of fifty-seven hundred dollars, the repairs consisting of the building of a Sunday-school annex and the remodeling of the auditorium. The church also made great advancement along all the lines of church work.

FivHi the 1st of April, 189 1, until September 1, 1893, the Rev. James K. Argo was pastor, and during that time the church membership was in- creased by sixty-six, though death, removal and other causes reduced the net gain to thirty-nine, and the church indebtedness was decreased from ten hun- dred and seventy dollars to three hundred and twenty-five. On the 1st of December, 1893, Rev. M. Colver became pastor of the church, then number- ing three hundred and seventeen members, but though eighty-eight people were received into the church by him the net gain was only twenty-eight. He remained until December 1. 1897.

The present pastor Rev. N. J. Hadley, assumed charge March 15, 1898, at which time there were found by careful examination only three hundred and eighteen names upon the church record. There have been received up to

84 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

the present time (October i, 190 1) one hundred and thirty-one new members, but lost by death, letter and otherwise forty-seven, leaving a net gain of eighty- four, thus making the present membership four hundred and two. The aver- age attendance at the Sunday-school in the beginning of this pastorate was eighty-seven and at the present time is one hundred and sixty; the Christian Endeavor society has thirty members and the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society is meeting every demand made upon it by the general societv. The indebtedness of the church, which was composed of the deficit mi the current expenses, was one thousand dollars. This amount was can- celed during the first year of his pastorate. The church has been repaired, including repainting, papering and carpentering at a cost of between four and five hundred dollars, all of which has been paid for and the church is free from debt. Thus far during this pastorate there have been fifty-three funerals conducted, fifty children baptized and thirty-one marriages solem- nized.

CHARLES VOLLRATH.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Saxony, Germany, born May 16, 1835, a son of Gottlieb and Fredericke (Meissner) Vollrath. He attended the schools of his native land seven years, and came to this country with his father's family, which lived the first year in Rochester, New York, and in May of 1849 came to Bucyrus. Here Charles Vollrath learned the car- penter's trade and followed it till 1855, when he became interested in a planing- mill, a business in which he prospered for years.

March 23, 1858, he married Elizabeth Hocker, a native of Baden, Ger- many, born in June of 1831.

JAMES R. HOMER.

In the following record will be given the history o<f the busy and useful career of a distinguished resident of Gallon, who as a citizen, a leading busi- ness man and a soldier has ever done his duty without fear and without reproach, with an eye single to the greatest good to the greatest number. He has been honored by election to public office and is now filling the posi- tion of mayor in a most acceptable manner. He is a man of keen discrimina- tion, sound judgment, and his executive ability and excellent management have been a great benefit to the city of which he is now the municipal head.

./P ^Ar>^i

£S*

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 87

He has made his home in Gallon since 1854, and throughout this long period he has been the promoter of many movements and measures for the general welfare and advancement of the material progress of the community.

James Rodolphus Homer is a native of the Pine Tree state, his birth hav- ing occurred in Monson, Maine, on the 7th of April, 1833. His father, William Hoar, was a native of Monson, Massachusetts, and died in the year 1870, when more than sixty years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Betsy Goodel and she, too, was born in Monson, Massachusetts, but died in Monson, Maine, in 1897, when she had almost attained the age of ninety years. Their son, James R. Homer, spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his father's home and pursued his education in the schools of his native city, also spending one winter in the city of Monson, Massachusetts. He had but one brother and no sisters. His brother, Henry Homer, died at Monson, Maine, leaving two sons, who reside at the old homestead, from which place is taken the famous Monson slate. The subject of this review was about eighteen years of ag"e when, in 1851, he left home and started out to make his own way in the world. In 185-). he emigrated westward and became identified with the interests of Crawford county as a resident of Gabon. Here he secured employment in a foundry, being thus engaged until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he put aside all personal and business interests in order to aid his country in the preservation of the Union. His patriotic spirit was aroused, and in August, 1862, he joined Company E, of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which company was organized at Galion. He entered the service as a private, but was promoted from time to time until he was made first lieutenant, and as such had command of his company. The regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland, and with that great military force he participated in the engagements at Perryville, Stone River and Chickamauga, the last named being a continuous engagement of many clays. Subsequently he took part in the Atlanta campaign, and though tinder tire for one hundred days he was never wounded or injured in the slightest degree. Always found at the post of duty, he was brave and loyal in his efforts to- protect the old flag and with a most honorable military record he returned to his home, the blue uniform being a badge of honor.

In Galion Mr. Homer worked at his trade, and in 1869 he embarked in

business on his own account, purchasing a half interest in the foundry owned

by A. C. Squier, the relationship being continued almost without a break for

about twenty-nine years, and was then terminated by the death of Mr. Squier,.

5

88 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

who passed away on the 4th of April, 1896. Since that time Mr. Homer has been alone in business, and is now sole proprietor of the enterprise with which he has been so long identified. That it has been attended with success is indicated by its long continuance as an active factor in the industrial circles . f I rali >n. Its patronage has steadily increased in volume and importance, and as a result Mr. Homer has acquired a good income.

In 18^7 was celebrated the marriage of Air. Homer and Miss Jane E: Nave, of Galion, who came from Pennsylvania to Crawford county with her parents, both of whom died here. The Naves were pioneer farmers of Polk township. Her brother, Sol P. Nave, was one of the first postmasters of Galion. and his son, the Rev. Orvill Nave, is now a chaplain in the regular armv. He spent fourteen years in producing a topical Bible, which has recently been published and which is now meeting with an excellent sale. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Homer have been born two children, the son, Charles O., is a graduate of the high school of Galion, and is now interested in the Building & Loan Association. Pie married Miss Lewis, of Galion, a daugh- ter of the late George F. Lewis, who died in this city in 1897. Charles O. and Minnie Homer now have two children : James Lewis and Lucile, aged, respectively, five and two years. The daughter of the family, Lulu Belle, is a graduate of the high school, and for seven years successfully taught in the public schools of this city.

Mr. Plomer has ever taken a deep and commendable interest in every- thing pertaining to< the welfare and progress of his adopted town, and has been honored with several positions of public trust. On his forty-sixth birthday he was elected mayor of Galion, which at that time contained a population oi about three thousand, he being the first mayor chosen under the new city charter, which was obtained in 1879. He served for one term, and then, after an interval of twenty years, he was again elected to the same position, taking the office April 7, 1899, on the sixty-sixth anniversarv of his birth. Pie is now the present incumbent and capably handles the reins of the city government. He exercises his official prerogatives in support of many movements of reform and improvement. For four terms he has been a member of the city council, having first been elected to that office in 1862, while his last term was in 1896. For eight years he was a member ■of the school board and labored earnestly for the advancement of the edu- cational interests. He is identified with the Republican party, the principles of which he warmly advocates and is untiring in his labors for the promotion of its success.

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 89

Mr. Homer is prominent in social circles, being identified with various fraternal organizations. He became the first commander of Dick Morris Post, G. A. R., of Galion, and has ever manifested an abiding interest in the organization whereby he retains a pleasant relationship with his old army comrades. A prominent Mason, he belongs to the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, in the consistory of Cleveland, Ohio. He has passed all of the chairs in the blue lodge and has served as worthy master. In his life he has exemplified the benevolent spirit of the fraternity, which inculcates among its members principles of mutual helpfulness. The family attend the services of the Episcopal church. In all life's relations Mr. Homer has won the confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen. He is public spirited to a degree that renders him a very helpful citizen and he is held in the highest esteem by people of all classes and of all shades of political and religious belief.

DAVID E. NEFF.

As a thorough and successful farmer, an excellent neighbor and a highly respected citizen David E. Neff enjoys the esteem of the community in which he lives, and is regarded as a representative citizen of Liberty township. His birth was in Hepburn township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, on Sep- tember 17, 1825, a son of John Michael and Christina (Wagner) Neff, and he was one of a family of eight children, the three survivors being David E. ; Christina, a maiden lady living with her brother Joseph ; and Joseph, a farmer in Holmes township.

John Michael Neff, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Mahrenjen, Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1783, a son of Michael and Catherine (Graff) Neff, both of whom died in Germany, after rearing a family of six sons and one daughter. These sons were all of fine physique, all of them except John Michael being over six feet in stature. Two of them, Lorentz and Frederick, during the German war with France were chosen, on account of their fine appearance, as members of the king's body guard at the battle of Leipsic. In 1818 our subject's father, with his own family and three brothers, Lorentz, Abraham and John, emigrated to America. At that time the trip was a long and wearisome one. They took a flatboat from their home and came down the river Rhine on it to Amsterdam, and there embarked on a sailing vessel, the Susan, and added their number to the three hundred

90 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

passengers already on board. Before sailing two deaths occurred, but there were none later on the voyage : on the contrary there were two births, one of these being a son born to our subject's parents, when in sight of land, and he was piously named Gottlobe, the meaning of the name being Praise God. As the voyage had consumed eighty-six days, seventy-six of these being with- out sight of land, the joy and thankfulness over its ending was universal, and perhaps no one rejoiced more than did John, who had been hidden in a barrel of household effects.

Idie destination of the family was Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and there they settled. The father was thrice married, his first wife and her infant died together. It was the wife of the second marriage that made the voyage with him, and she bore four children, all of whom are deceased. The mother of our subject, Christina Wagner, was the third wife. She was born in the same locality as the father, and was a daughter of John and Christina (Herdtneck) Wagner. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. NefT came to America on the same vessel with Mr. NefT, and were in very limited cir- cumstances. Having a family of seven children, Christina and her sister Dorothy were bound out, after landing, to a family in Philadelphia, to work out their passage, and at the expiration of three years Christina was mar- ried to our subject's father and became the former's estimable mother. An uncle of Mrs. Neff occupied the position of veterinary surgeon to the king of Wurtemberg. In Germany the Wagner family at one time had been pros- perous, but unfortunate limes came and they also came to America to repair their fortunes and settled in Lycoming- count}'.

With his brother Abraham, John Michael NefT bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Hepburn township, each taking sixty acres, and both added to their estates in later years, the father owning at one time one hun- dred and twelve acres. After the death of his second wife he walked to Philadelphia to bring back with him the bright girl he remembered so well, and with her as his bride returned to the farm, through ten inches of snow. By trade he was a potter, and he established a [lottery on his estate, but the country was too sparsely settled to make this pay. Here he lived, and died on April 2T. 1841.

Our subject grew up on his father's farm in Pennsylvania and received

his education in the common schools, in the German language, and for six

weeks received instruction in English, after lie was twenty-one years of age.

\1 the age of eighteen he apprenticed himself to the cabinet-making trade, in

Wiliiamsix.rt, Pennsylvania, and remained until he was a finished workman.

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 91

In April, 1848, he took passage on a canal boat to Philadelphia, being able to work for his passage, as the owner of the boat was a friend, and he soon found employment in Philadelphia, at his trade, following it there for fifteen months, at the expiration of which time he returned to Williamsport.

In 185 1 Mr. Neff took a trip to Crawford county, Ohio, with his brother John, who was returning to Ohio with his bride, this being a pleasant excursion of sixteen days in an old prairie schooner. He spent the winter in Crawford county, returning to Williamsport in the following June, but in rhe spring of 1858, as his health seemed impaired, he removed with his wife and two children to Crawford county, in order to be again with other members of liis family. His mother, with his brothers Jonathan and Joseph, with three sisters, had moved to this locality the previous year. Our subject lived with the family eight years. They had purchased two hundred acres of land and our subject worked with them in Holmes township and assisted in paying for it. In the spring of 1866 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres and removed to it, where he has ever since resided, engaged in developing and operating this fine property.

The marriage of Mr. Neff was on September 7, 1854, to Miss Mary Wise, a native of Lycoming county and the daughter of Jacob Wise, also a native •of Pennsylvania, who with his wife, Mary Magdalene (Ott) Wise, were of German extraction. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neff numbered four, these being Henry E., living at Ada, Ohio; Ellen M., deceased; Charles J., the farmer on the home farm ; and Louisa, deceased.

In politics Mr. Neff has been for many years a stanch supporter of the Republican party, although his first vote was cast for a Democratic candidate. His family belongs to the English Lutheran church, which he also attends and to which he gives liberal support. The social standing of the family in Liberty township is high, and Mr. Neff is well known as a liberal-minded and most estimable citizen who enjoys the respect of all with whom he has either business or other relations.

WILLIAM A. BLICKE.

The history of a community as well as that of a nation is chiefly the chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by that of its representative citizens, and yields its tribute of admiration and respect for the genius, learning or virtues of those whose works and actions constitute the

92 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

record of a state's prosperity and pride; and it is in their character, as exempli- fied in probity and benevolence, kindly virtues and integrity in the affairs of life, they are ever affording worthy examples for emulation and valuable lessons of incentive.

Air. Blicke, who is now acting as cashier of the Bucyrus City Bank and who through almost two decades has been connected with this institution, was born in Bucyrus, April 4, 1866, his parents being Frank and Theressa (Voll- rath) Blicke. The father was born May 6, 1836, in the town of Nice, Ger- man}-, and between the ages of seven and sixteen years pursued his education in the public schools there, receiving good mental discipline. In the year i860 he determined to try his fortune in America and crossed the briny deep to the new world. After landing in New York he made his way westward to Bucyrus, where he began merchandising, conducting a store for twenty-five years with signal success. His trade grew with the increase of population and his business brought to him an excellent financial return. He carried on operations along that line until 1898, when, with a handsome competence. he retired to private life to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. He is now living in his adopted city, surrounded by many of the comforts and luxuries of life, and enjoying the esteem of many warm friends. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to public office, and from 1888 until 1892 he served as county treasurer. He was also the treasurer of Bucyrus township for several terms, was city treasurer for four years and for a number of terms was a member of the city council. His public duties have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity, and the record of his service is one worthy of the highest commendation. His wife resides with him in their pleasant home in Bucyrus, and they have two daughters, — Carry M. and Lulu M., who are still under the parental roof.

The boyhood days of William A. Blicke were spent in a manner usual to lads of the period. He enjoyed the pleasures of the play-ground and devoted considerable time to the duties of the schoolroom. In 1879 he entered the county recorder's office, where he served as deputy for a year and a half, and on the expiration of that period he entered the Monnett Bank, now the Bucyrus City Bank, in the capacity of bookkeeper and assistant cashier, filling the dual position in a most acceptable manner. On the 1st of January. 1901, he was elected cashier, and is now acting in that capacity. He is thoroughly familiar with banking, and his close application, energy and creditable business methods have been potent factors in securing the success of the institution which he represents. His labors have not been confined to one line, for in

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 95

1884 he organized the W. A. Blicke Fire, Life & Accident Insurance Agency, which is still one of the leading insurance organizations in the county. He has been auditor of the People's Savings Loan & Building Company since its organization in 1889, and has capably controlled these various interests.

The marriage of Air. Blicke was celebrated in 1889, Miss Antonia L. Mader, of Bucyrus, becoming his wife. The lady was a daughter of J. G. Mader, a director of the Bucyrus City Bank. She died in 1891. leaving one son, Frederick F.. who is now in school. In 1901 Mr. Blicke married Nelle

A. Hall, daughter of Joseph Hall, postmaster of Bucyrus. Mr. Blicke is connected with Demas Lodge, No. 108, K. P., and Bucyrus Lodge, No. 156,

B. P. O. E., and of the latter is trustee. He also belongs to the German Lutheran church. In 1888 he was elected city clerk of Bucyrus and filled the position for a term of twelve years. His entire life has been passed in the city which is yet his home, and the fact that those who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his warmest friends is an indication of an up- right and honorable career. He has ever won the respect of his fellow men by his fidelity to duty and his worth as an individual is indicated by the warm esteem in which he is uni formal v held.

CHARLES LAKE.

The history of Charles Lake forms an integral part of the annals of Craw- ford county, for he has been engaged in the jewelry business in Bucyrus for fifty years and is one of the most successful and enterprising merchants of the city. His life has been an evidence of the fact that ambition, enterprise and diligence can cope with an adverse fate and ultimately reach the goal of prosperity. He arrived in Bucyrus in 1852, and since that time he has advanced steadily toward prosperity and is to-day accounted one of the pro- gressive, respected and well-to-do merchants of this portion of Ohio.

Mr. Lake was born April 20, 1838, in Chester, which was then the county seat of Meigs county, Ohio. His father, Joseph Lake, removed from Hartford, Connecticut, to the Buckeye state in 1800. Fie was then a young man desiring of improving his financial condition in the west. He secured a tract of land, cleared and improved it and developed it into a fine farm. He married Eliza Cassell, who was of Scotch descent and came to the Buckeye state from Hartford, Connecticut. Their son, Charles, was reared in the county of his nativity, pursued his education in the public schools there and learned the jeweler's trade in Cincinnati, Ohio. He came to Crawford county

94 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

from the vicinity of Pomeroy, Meigs county. On arriving in Bucyrus he opened a jewelry store, and his close attention to business and honorable methods have enabled him to command a liberal share of the public patronage and therefore enjoys a large and constantly increasing trade and a good in- come. He carries a well selected stock of goods and his splendidly equipped store would be a credit to a city of much1 greater size than Bucyrus.

Mr. Lake was united in marriage to Miss Appalie Seiser, of Bucyrus, a daughter of William H. and Salome (Lozier) Seiser. The father came to Ohio from Germany with the Zoar colony. One daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lake, Helen, who is now the wife of James Aylward, of Toledo, Ohio. They also lost a daughter, Fanny, and one son, Edwin, who died at the age of eight years. The mother was called to her final rest in December, 1890, at the age of forty-five years. In his political affiliations Mr. Lake is a Republican, earnestly advocating all measures of his party, believing that it contains the best element of good government. He is an attendant on the services of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a gentleman of scholarly attainments, his library being one of the important features of his pleasant home. From an early age his life has been one of ceaseless activity, and all that he has acquired is the reward of his own labors. He is a man of strong purpose and resolution and brooks no obstacles that can be overcome by deter- mined and honorable effort, and it is these laudable qualities that led to his success. He justly merits the high regard in which he is held and his example should serve as a source of encouragement to others.

DANIEL W. LOCKE.

Holding marked prestige among the prominent members of the Bucyrus bar is Daniel Wheeler Locke, who has been successfully engaged in the prac- tice of the legal profession since the 1st of October, 1879. There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which is universally accorded him, and through twenty-one years' connection with the legal inter- ests of the county his has been an unblemished character. With him success in life has been reached by sterling qualities of mind and a heart true to every manly principle. In his varied business interests his reputation has been unassailable, and in offices of public trust he has displayed a loyalty that has classed him among the valued citizens of the commonwealth. In the courts

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CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 97

of his district he displays strong mentality and a power of argument that has won for him many notable forensic victories.

Daniel W. Locke was born in Bucyrus September 25, 1858, his parents being Daniel Wheeler and Martina (Bodine) Locke. His paternal grand- parents were John and Ruth (Saxon) Locke. The former was born in Woburn. Massachusetts, June 10. 1752, and died March 31, 1834, in Choco- nut, Pennsylvania. He was one of fifty men who, disguised as Indians, threw the tea into the Boston harbor on the 16th of December, 1773, an act which has since become historic under the name of the Boston Tea Party. Opposed to the policy which Great Britain was pursuing toward her American colonies, he joined the Colonial army and was mustered into the service March 19, 1777, as a member of Captain Blodgett's Company and Colonel Enoch Poore's Regiment of New Hampshire troops. He marched with the company of Captain Melwich to the relief of Ticonderoga. In 1775 he had served as a minute man in Captain Parson's Company, and this proved an excellent training school for his later military service. In 1781 he was a member of a company commanded by Captain Thomas and attached to the New Hampshire Militia Regiment commanded by Colonel Renal. He was a loyal defender oi the colonies, doing all in his power to secure independence for the republic.

Nathaniel Reed Locke, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Deer- field, Connecticut, in 1792, and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Llester Ross, a daughter of Dr. William and Sophia (Merceran) Ross. Her mother was a daug'hter of Joshua Merceran, who served as aide-de-camp on the staff of General Washington on Long Island. Daniel Wheeler Locke, Sr., father of our subject, and a son of Nathaniel R. and Hester (Ross) Locke, was born in New York and came to Crawford county, Ohio, when a young man about twenty years of age.. Here he joined his brother, David R. Locke, in the publication of the Bucyrus Journal. The latter went from Crawford county to Findlay, Ohio, and thence to Toledo. He became famous under the nom do plume of Petroleum V. Nasby, of the Kentucky Cross Roads. His first article written under this name was due to a remark of a German minister named Vail, who, while attending a funeral of a Union soldier at Wingerts Corners, in Crawford county, in his prayer asked God "to havre mercy on another victim of this God-damned abolition war." This appeared to David Locke as very ridiculous in a minister of the gospel and inspired his first article on the slavery question. The preacher's name was Peter Vail,

98 CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

and Mr. Locke changed this to Petroleum Vail, adding the name of Nasby, which was that of a quaint, humorous and original character who lived near Benton, Crawford county, named Nasby Wilcox.

Daniel Wheeler Locke, the father of our subject, abandoned the journal- istic and printing business on account of trouble with his eyes, and then began dealing in stone. He died in Crawford county in 1858, at the age of twenty-eight years, from injuries sustained in a runaway. He had mar- ried Miss Martina Bodine, a daughter of Peter and Susan (Ervin) Bodine. Her mother was a daughter of Peter Ervin, who served as a colonel in the Revolutionary war. The Bodines resided in Cayuga county. New York. Mr. Locke died very suddenly at a time when his wife was ill in bed. She was left with no patrimony and with three small children to* support. She borrowed money at ten per cent, interest, purchasing a sewing machine, and by doing work as a seamstress began to provide for the support of herself and her children, Daniel W. and Ross, the latter now in the newspaper business in Tiffin, Ohio. Another brother, Mathew Bodine Locke, the twin of our subject, had died in childhood. After a time Mrs. Locke had savecl enough money to purchase a home for her little family. She gave to her children good educational advantages and did everything in her power for them. There was something heroic in the sacrifice which she made for her sons, putting aside every personal interest in order to provide for them and gain for them a good start in life. She is still living, at the age of sixty- nine years, and has the gratitude, respect and unbounded love of the two children for whom she cared and who have now attained to man's estate,, being numbered among the respected citizens of the communities in which they reside.

Daniel W. Locke, whose name introduces this record, began to assist his mother as early as possible, and when only fourteen years of age engaged in teaching. He also sold books and did everything else he could in order to make an honest living-. Llis preliminary education, acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by study in the high school of Bucyrus and in Wooster University. Desiring- to- engage in the practice of law, he began reading under the direction of the well known firm of Scott & Harris, of Bucyrus, and when he had mastered many of the principles of jurisprudence he passed an examination before the supreme court at Columbus and was admitted to the bar on the 1st of October, 1879. His success in a profes- sional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong advocate before the jury and concise in his appeals to the courts.

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He is also remarkable for his wide research and the provident care with which he prepares his cases. In no instance has his reading- ever been con- fined to the limitations of the questions at issue; it has gone beyond and compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected, but for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them. His logical grasp of facts and principles and of the law applicable to them has been another potent element in his success; and a remarkable clearness of expression, an adequate and precise diction, which enables him to make others understand not only the salient points of his argument but his every fine gradation of meaning, may be accounted among his most con- spicuous gifts and accomplishments. He was one of the organizers of the Bucyrus Loan & Building Company, in February, 1887, and since that time has been its secretary.

In Bucyrus, in 1887, Mr. Locke was united in marriage to Miss Eva Kerr, a daughter of John Kerr and a granddaughter of Robert Kerr, who was one of the pioneers of Crawford county and one of the wealthiest men in this portion of Ohio. Her mother bore the maiden name of Alice Chambers, and in early life resided in Carey, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Locke have been born two sons, — John George Gormley and Daniel Wayne. Mr. Locke is identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, has served as past chan- cellor in the local lodge and is now a representative to the grand lodge. In the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks he is serving as chaplain, is past chancellor in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and past councilor in the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He also belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Foresters and to the Presbyterian church, and in the latter he is now serving as trustee. His political support has been given the Republican party and he is an enthusiastic advocate of its principles and policy. He does all in his power to promote its growth and success and has several times been honored with nominations for office. He was a candidate for congress in the thirteenth district in 1900, and, although the district has a Democratic majority of seven thousand, he made a strong race and suc- ceeded in largely reducing the vote given to the Democratic candidate. He is a man whose life experiences have been broad and varied, and as the years have passed he has learned the lessons of life and become imbued with humanitarian principles. His strong individuality, his generous sympathy and marked intellectuality have rendered him one of the honored and valued citizens of his native state, and