Crawford County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 13 of 22)

David Lust

The career of no man in Crawford county, Ohio, more forcibly illustrates the value of industry and integrity than that of David Lust, of Lykens township. Mr. Lust is a native of Ohio, and was born in Marion county, October 26, 1828, a son of Jacob and Mary (Stoneman) Lust. Jacob Lust and his wife both died in 1829, and their son Jacob, their only other child except the subject of this sketch, is also dead. David was reared by his grandfather Lust and began active life by working on farms in Chatfield township, Crawlord county. After working by the month for four years he located on his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He now owns another farm of one hundred and forty-two acres and another of eighty acres, his land aggregating three hundred and eighty-two acres. He has acquired this fine property by industry and good business management, and those who know him best rejoice with him most in his worldly success. Politically he is a Democrat. A friend of public education, he has devoted himself to the development of "good schools in the township, and has rilled the office of school director for thirty years. Ohio's present admirable school system had not been developed when he was in his youth, and, remembering" that he was obliged to be satislied with a scanty education obtained in subscripts n schools taught in a log school house, he has done everything in his power to give improved educational facilities to each successive generation of children in his township. He is a member of the German Methodist church, in which he has for many years held the office of trustee and in which he was treasurer when its house of worship was erected in Liberty township.

April 6, 1854, Mr. Lust married Catherine Yeiter, who has borne him ten children, all of whom are living, and they have twenty-two grandchildren. Their son Jacob lives in Holmes township, Crawford county. Their daughter Elizabeth married William Heaver, of Libert}- township, Crawford o imty. Their son Simon lives in Liberty township. Ther daughter Marian married Philip Cook and lives in Whetstone township, Crawford county. Their son Noah lives in the township last mentioned. Sarah is the wife of William Hayden, of Morrow county, Ohio. Wesley lives in Holmes township, Crawford count}-. Lydia married Isaac Stump and is a member of her father's household. Their son Abraham is a farmer in Holmes township, Crawford county. Their son Amos lives in Lykens township.

Harvey Close

Harvey Close, of Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio, is a Si Nelson and Elizabeth (Bender) Close, and was born at the old home of the family in Texas township, March 31, 1858. Nelson Close, who was a prominent citizen of Texas township, was born in the Empire state in 1818, and died at his Ohio home April 25, 1874. By his wife, Elizabeth Bender, who is still living, he had children as follows: Mary, who married Michael Davis and lives in Nebraska : Gei irge, who owns a part of his father's old homestead : Hannah, who is dead ; Ella, who lives in Texas township ; Harvey, who is the immediate subject of this sketch : Adelbert, who is dead ; and Alta, who married Robert 1'orbet and lives in Holmes county, Ohio. Mr. Close was a member of the Lutheran church, in which his widow is also a communicant. The latter taught a subscription school in a log building at Benton in her young womanhood.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools near his home and for a time was a student at the Normal School at Fostoria, Seneca county, Ohio, and finished his studies at Ada, Hardin county, this state. He began active life as a school-teacher at the age of eighteen years, and from that time on for twelve years he taught school every winter, giving his attention to farming during the spring, summer and fall months. Since 1888 he has devoted himself exclusively to farming. He is the owner of ninety acres of fertile land, which he has improved and placed under cultivation and which he has furnished with a good house, large barns and graneries and all essential outhouses. He gives his attention to general farming and stock-raising and makes a specialty of strawberries, to which he devotes about three acres of land and of which he sold four hundred ami seventy-five bushels in 1901.

Mr. Close was married March 21, 1883, to Miss Lizzie Fleming, and they have two children: Iva, aged seventeen; and Charles, aged eleven years. Mr. Close is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he fills the office of steward. In politics he is a Democrat, and he exerts a recognized influence upon local affairs. He circulated the petition for the postoffice of the village of Plankton and conferred upon the locality the name by which it has become known. He was first elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1880, and by repeated re-election he has served in that office since except during four years. In 1890 he was elected to the office of land appraiser. The public schools of the township have always been very close to his heart, and he has, by suggestion and otherwise, been instrumental in broadening their scope and in increasing their efficiency. His long experience in the school-room gave him a practical and technical knowledge necessary to such service, and he has been an adviser both to teachers and directors, whose opinion has been often sought and has always been held valuable.

William C. Seele

Among the progressive, energetic and successful young farmer-citizens of Holmes township, Crawford county, is William C. Seele, who' has been prominently identified with the public affairs of the county for some years. The birth of Mr Seele occurred August 6, 1863, on the farm which he now occupies. His parents were Emil and Catherine (Spade) Seele, the former of whom was born in WTurtemberg, Germany, on March 31, 1823. He came to< America with his parents in 1840. They located in Lykens township and remained there all their lives. Emil Seele learned the trade of shoemaker and folio-wed it for some years, in connection with his farming operations. After several years of residence in this county, he purchased our subject's present farm, then consisting of sixty-three and one-fourth acres, and there he lived until within a short time of his death, when he went to reside with his son Albert. Emil Seele was well known through Crawford county, and held the offices of constable and supervisor. In politics he was a Democrat. Eight children were born to him and wife, and all of these survive, viz. : Melinda, the wife of Charles Gerstenberger, of Chatfield township; Edward, of this township: Matilda, the wife of Abraham Ditty, of this township; Dellmor, of Broken Sword; Albert, of Bucyrus township; Celesta, the wife of Daniel Smith, of Bucyrus ; William C. ; and Charles Wesly, of Cleveland, Ohio.

William C. Steele grew up and attended the common schools in his district, supplementing his primary education by attendance upon the sessions of both the Normal College at Ada, and at Xew Washington, in 1882, beginning his successful career as a teacher. For twelve terms he efficiently taught in the public schools through Lykens and Holmes townships, becoming well and favorably known through the county thus early in life. In 1893 he was united in marri age of Miss Metta Margraff, who was a native of Lykens township and was the daughter of Charles and Leah (Miller) Margraff. Mr. Margraff was a German and came with his family to Ohio from Pennsylvania.

AYhile still a teacher, our subject occupied his summers in Cleveland. Ohio, working in the ice business, and thus earned enough to enable him to purchase a farm from his father in the year prior to his marriage, and he located upon it at that time. Although he is interested in agricultural matters, he has taken a very active part in public affairs. For two years he was township clerk on the Democratic ticket, and was re-elected for a second term, dedeclining then to serve longer. His next position of trust was that of township treasurer, and as such he is now serving his sea aid term. During the administration of President Cleveland he was appointed postmaster of Broken Sword, and served faithfully for two years. Although something of a politician and a man of influence, he has never sought the offices he has so honorably held, they having been secured for him by his friends. He is. one of the progressive men who are invaluable in a community, has been a member of the school board and is a friend of all educational advancement in the county. Fraternally he is connected with the Court Broken Sword. No. X^[). Independent Order of Foresters, of which he has been recording secretary for the past two years ; also is a member of Broken Sword Tent, No. 123. Knights of the Maccabees, and is keeper of the records and finances; and is a member of Broken Sword

Grange, No. 1487, P. of H., in which he has been secretary, then overseer and at present is the master of the lodge. His ability is recognized in this community and he is justly regarded as one of the representative men of Crawford

Jacob Ranck

Crawford county, Ohio, has many citizens of Pennsylvanian descent who as farmers and in business life have ably demonstrated the potency of the Pennsylvania Dutch blood in the work of enlightenment and progress. Prominent ami nig such citizens is Jacob Ranck. who was born in Texas township, in 1843, and ir. at this time a prosperous citizen there.

Jacob Ranck is a son of David Ranck, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, who settled in Wyandot county, Ohio, in 1829, whence he removed in 1836 to Texas township, Crawford county, on government land upon which he had hied a claim two years previously. The tract consisted of one hundred and ninety-four acres and was heavily timbered. He erected a log cabin, containing ore room, into which he moved his family, then began in earnest the work of clearing and improving his land. He died there in 1865, at the age of sixtythree years. He married Frances Betzer, and they had three sons and eight daughters, and ten of their eleven children are now living.

All three of their sons fought for the flag of their country in the Civil war. Jacob and Lewis C. in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio- Volunteer Infantry, from August 19, 1862, until the close of the war. and Ephraim in the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the one hundred days' service. Jacob and Lewis saw their first experience of battle at Winchester, June 15th, 1863, where thev were made prisoners of war and taken to Libby prison. After two' days' confinement they were transferred to the Belle Isle prison. Nineteen days later Jacob Ranck was paroled and went to Annapolis, Maryland, whence after a short time he went home on parole. Eventually he rejoined his regiment at Martinsburg, West Virginia. The regiment did guard duty for several months. Its next fighting was at Newmarket, and after that engagement it retreated to Cedar Creek, where General David Hunter was put in command, and on the 26th of May thev again advanced through Newmarket and on to Piedmont, June 5. where they again had a severe engagement with the enemy, under command of General W. E. Jones. June 6 they took possession of Staunton without further opposition ; and after destroying thousands of dollars' worth of Confederate govern- ment property, they again advanced to Lexington, where they defeated Mc- Causland, and after destroying considerable Confederate property and Governor Letcher's residence, they again moved on to Lynchburg, where they again met the enemy, under Early, June 18. Finding the enemy too strong, they began their retreat during the night of June 18, by the way of Salem through Buford's Gap, and on to Gauley Bridge, arriving at Parkersburg, July 5, and at Martinsburg July 10, having marched eight hundred miles from the 2d day of May, 1864, till the 10th day of July, following. During July, 1864, it had a number of engagements at Snicker's Gay, July 17, at Kernstown, July 23, and at Winchester, July 24. September 2d the regiment fought at Berryville; at Opequan under General Sheridan, September 19 ; at the battle of Fisher's Hill, September 22; and at the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, all in 1864. It was then transferred to the Army of the James, under the command of General Gram, and was for some time stati< ued at Camp Holley, at Deep Bottom. After that, under the command of ( reneral Ord it assisted in trie' capture of Petersburg and Richmond. After the fall of Richmond, with the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania, it was detailed to burn the bridge across the river over which it was believed Lee intended to escape. The movement was not successful, and Mr. Ranck was made a prisoner of war April 6, and was soi held with Lee's command at the time of Lee's surrender. His faithful service was recognized by promotion to the office of corporal. Lie received only one wound during the entire term of his service, and that was a slight one, occasioned by the. concussion of a spent ball.

At the end of his memorable experience as a soldier, Air. Ranck returned to' Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio, and soon afterward went to Wyandot county, Ohio, where for five years he farmed on rented land. At the expiration of that time he bought eight}- acres there, on which he lived two years. He then bought one hundred and thirty-six acres of land in Antrim township, Wyandot county, where he followed agriculture until 1885, when he moved to his present farm in Texas township. He owns seventy-eight acres of well improved land and gives his attention to general farming.

He affiliates with the Republican party and has held the office of township clerk in Texas township for one year, and while a resident of Wyandot county he filled the office of assessor of Antrim township for four years.

Lie was married February 2/. 1868. to Miss Caroline Gottier, and they have three children, - Jesse G., a farmer in Texas township; Ida B., who was married to Melville C. Hudle; and Clara L., who is the wife of Howard J. Miller.

Mr. and Mrs. Ranck are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, careful in their adherence to all its requirements, and are liberal supporters of its various interests ; and Mr. Ranck is a man of decided public spirit who aids to the extent of his ability any movement which in his good judgment promises to benefit any considerable number of his fellow citizens. He is a quiet and unostentatious man, who speaks little of his own good deeds, but who :s known as a good neighbor of most generous sympathies, who has more than once proven himself a friend in the hour of need. Mrs. Ranck is a woman of many virtues, who is known as a model wife and mother and who has been a most worthy helpmeet to her husband and a power for good among those with whom she has associated.

No history of Crawford county would be complete without the mention, in connection with professional interests, of Dr. F. M. Virtue, who has gained a very creditable standing as a representative of the medical fraternity. He engages in practice in Sulphur Spring's and the surrounding country, and his marked ability and the confidence reposed in his skill are indicated by the liberal and constantly increasing patronage which is accorded him.

The Doctor was born in Morrow county, Ohio, September 5, 1863, and comes from sturdy Irish ancestry. His paternal great-grandfather, Robert Virtue, was a weaver by trade, learning that pursuit on the Emerald Isle, where his birth occurred. On coming to America he located near Wheeling, Virginia, where he took up his abode upon a farm and remained there for several years. He then removed to Guernsey county, Ohio, where he spent his last days. His son, Robert Virtue, Jr., the grandfather, was also born in Ireland, and was a little lad when with his parents he came to the new world. He was largely reared in Guernsey county, Ohio, and after his marriage he removed to Morrow county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death. His son, Samuel Virtue, the Doctor's father, was reared on the old homestead in Morrow county, but was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, October 3, 1S4T. The work of the farm became familiar to him in his youth, and the occupation to which he was reared he followed for a period of several years. After he had arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Jane McVay, who was born in Morrow county, in 1844, and was of Scotch descent, her grandparents on both sides of the family bavins: come to the new world from Scotland. After his marriage Samuel

Virtue purchased a farm near Chesterville. Particularly successful in curing diseases of horses, his neighbors frequently seeking his services in that regard, he determined to buy a library and inform himself thoroughly concerning veterinary surgery and enter that profession, which he practiced for many years, while still on the farm. His business, however, became so extensive that he removed to Iberia, where he practiced his profession for ten years and then went to Mt. Gilead, where he has engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery during the past twelve years, and for four years his son, Charles E., has been in partnership with him. Samuel and Jane Virtue became the parents of four children, namely: Frank M. ; Charles E., a veterinary surgeon of Mt. Gilead ; Delphus B., a medical practitioner of Iberia ; and Maggie, the wife of David Douglas, of Iberia.

Dr. Virtue, whose name introduces this record, spent the first thirteen years of his life at home un a farm and then began earning his own living as a farm hand, working for six consecutive summers on three adjoiningfarms. In the winter he attended school, and at the age of eighteen, having acquired a broad general knowledge, he began teaching. Desiring to still further perfect his education, he afterward entered the Ohio Central College, at Iberia. He followed teaching through four school years, and in the spring of 1883 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. W. C. Bennett, of Iberia. In the fall of 1884 he entered the Western Reserve University, of Cleveland, Ohio, where he was graduated on the 9th of March, 1887. On the 18th of April, following, he located in Sulphur Springs, in the office vacated by Dr. M. M. Carrothers, and in the fourteen years which have come and gone he has built up a remunerative and greatly increasing practice. His time is occupied by his professional duties almost day and night, showing the wide-felt confidence which the public has in his ability.

On the 20th of October, 18S7, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Lue Hall, a native of Iberia, Morrow county, and a daughter of Isaac and Eliza Hall. Five children have been born of this union, all sons, namely: Vance McVay, Cecil R., Ivan V., Samuel F. and Robert M.

The Doctor is unfaltering in his support of Republican principles and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. For the past nine years he has been a member of the school board, and has also been treasurer of his district. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend, true in his allegiance to its best interests. He and his wife are members of the Hope Reformed church, with which they united in 1888, and for four years he held the office of elder. He likewise belongs to Liberty

Lodge, No. 845, Knights of Honor, in which he is past dictator, and is also a member of Sulphur Springs Tent, No 298, K O. T. M. Of both societies he is examining physician. He belongs to the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, and through his connection therewith, as well as by constant reading and study, he keeps himself in touch with the progress that is constantly beingmade in the medical fraternity.

Lysander M. Waller

Lvsander Milton Waller was a man of prominence and influence. He was "born in Chautauqua county. New York, July 20, 1827, and died at his farm residence in Lykens township. Crawford county, Ohio, on the 17th of April, 1892. He was a leading factor in agricultural circles in the county for many years, and was respected and honored by a wide circle of acquaintances.

His father, Milton Waller, was a native of Washington county. New York, and a cooper by trade. His mother's maiden name was Polly Coon. These parents had six children, as follows: Lysander Milton, our subject; Helen, deceased; Stephen, farmer of Lykens township; Comfort B., of Bowling- Green, Ohio; Sarah A., deceased; and Sophia, wife of Cornelius Swalley, of Lykens township. In 1833 the father came by team to Ohio and for fifteen months resided in Seneca county, but in the year of his arrival in the state he entered eighty acres of land, constituting a part of the farm which was the home of our subject and took up his abode thereon in 1834. Of round logs he built a little cabin of one room in the midst of the heavy timber, and there began the difficult task of clearing the fields and preparing them for the plow. He continued farming throughout his active business career and died on the old family homestead in Lykens township, in February, 1880, when seventythree years of age. He served as clerk and trustee of his township and was an active factor in public affairs, leaving the impress on his individuality for good upon the substantial development of the state. He aided in laying out roads, building schools and materially assisted in the work of progress and improvement. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife was called to her final rest in 1872.

Mr. Waller, of this review, was a lad of six years of age when brought by his parents to the home farm in Crawford county. He aided his father in clearing the land and cultivating the fields, and throughout life followed the occupation to which he had been reared. He was an energetic and enterprising farmer and good crops rewarded his industry.

As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Mr. Waller chose, in 1848, Miss Arietta Cory, who died in 185 1. leaving a daughter named Ardella. now the wife of Frank La Rue, of Lykens township. In 1859 ^ir- Waller again married. Miss Anna Jane Yingiing, a daughter of Jonas and Alary (Thomas) Yingiing. becoming his wife. She was born in Chatfield township. Crawford county, Ohio, and her father was a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, while the mother was a native of Wales. Her parents were married in Pennsylvania and became early settlers of Chatfield township. Unto the second marriage of our subject one child was born - a daughter, Amy Sophia, who died in infancy. Mr. Waller was a Democrat in politics, served as count y commissioner two terms, and also as township clerk. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a most excellent citizen, an enterprising and successful farmer, a true friend, a faithful husband and kind father.

August Marquart

August Marquart, who owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of land in Cranberry township, was born on the 31st of July, 1856, on the farm in this township, which is now occupied by his father, Michael Alarquart, one of the honored pioneer settlers and representative men of the community. The days of his childhood and youth were passed in a manner similar to that in which most farmer boys spend their time. He attended the public schools, worked in the fields and at the age of nineteen entered upon an independent business career, renting and cultivating the Kline farm of one hundred and fourteen acres.

On the 23d of September, 1880. August Marquart led to the marriage altar Miss Mary J. Tilton, a native of Cranberry township and a daughter of Arthur Tilton and thus he secured for the journey of life a faithful companion and helpmeet. Her father was one of the early settlers of Crawford county, Ohio, having come to this state from Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred. After his marriage Mr. Marquart engaged in farming upon the old homestead l< ir two years and then assumed the management of the farm upon which he now resides, a tract of eighty acres. In addition to this he and his brother Jefferson two years later began cultivating the home farm on the shares. Subsequently the}- dissolved partnership and Mr. Marquart, of this review, engaged in the further development of his eighty-acre farm and also carried on the greater portion of the home farm. About 1888. however, he abandoned his work upon the home place and rented the Kappus farm of one hundred and forty-five acres, continuing on that place for two years. During the succeeding two years he cultivated his eighty-acre place and also rented some fields of the home farm. In early life, beginning in his nineteenth year, he operated a threshing machine, continuing that business for three years. In 1892 he invested his earnings in forty acres of the old William Anderson farm and three years later he purchased another forty-acre tract of the same farm. In 1900 he bought eighty acres adjoining so that he now has a quarter section of land. His place is a desirable one, for the soil is rich and alluvial and yields good crops in return for his labor. Upon the place is seen substantial buildings and the latest improved machinery and all modern accessories and the owner is regarded as one of the enterprising agriculturists of his community.

The marriage of Air. and Mrs. Marquart has been blessed with seven children: Ida, now the wife of Perry Musselman, of Cranberry township; Minnie, Elmer, Ora, Emma, Arthur and Lillie, all at home. The parents hold membership in the Lutheran church and for six years Mr. Marquart has served as one of its trustees. In politics he is not bound by party ties. He believes, however, in clean politics and supports the men whom he thinks will most honorably and ably discharge the duties of office. He is one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Crawford county, is a publicspirited man who supports all church and charitable work and co-operates in every movement for the general good.

William S. Nicholls

In the parish of St. Teath, County of Cornwall, England, William S. Nicholls was born, on the 25th day of December, 1855. His parents were William and Hannah (Lobb) Nicholls. His mother and also an infant brother ( John Francis ) died when William S. was eighteen months old, and thus very early in life he was deprived of the tender care and nurture of a mother. When six years of age he went to live with his maternal grandparents, Francis and Mary Lobb, and with them made his home until he was twelve years of age; then ( 1867) his father removed to Plymouth, Devonshire, taking his son with him. Here our subject completed a common school education m the public schools of the city. In 1871 he was bound as an apprentice to the woolen drapery or clothing business, for a term of three years. This contract was afterward cancelled, for a consideration, in lieu of removal. In April, 1873, Mr. Nicholls, then seventeen years of age, left Plymouth and his native land in com- pany with friends with whom he had lived for six years, embarking- from Liverpool in the "S. S. Batavia," Cunard Line, for New York, in which city he landed on May 12th. Thence he proceeded to Cleveland, Ohio, the place of destination, arriving there May 15th.

Soon after landing in the land of his adoption Mr. Xicholls engaged as a salesman in the clothing and merchant tailoring business of Henry Beckman, of Cleveland, and was thus employed for several years, subsequently accepting a position with E. R. Hull & Company, clothiers and furnishers, of Cleveland. In 1888 he removed from that city to Bucyrus, accepting a position as store keeper and shipping clerk for the Steam Shovel & Dredge Company at the latter city. With this concern he remained until it removed from Bucyrus to South Milwaukee, in 1893. In ^94 Mr. Nicholls accepted a position with The Hopley Printing Company, taking charge of the circulation of the Bucyrus Evening Telegraph, a position which he has since held.

Soon after his arrival in this country Mr. Xicholls united, in 1874, with the Congregational church of Cleveland, and soon after coming to Bucyrus united by letter with the First Presbyterian church. He has long been an active worker for the church, and is now the official superintendent of the Sundayschool of his church.

He was united in marriage to Miss Emma L. Aumiller, September 30, 1 89 1. Mr. and Mrs. Xicholls have a bright and entertaining little daughter, Nellie Mabel, now six years of age. Mrs. Xicholls is a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Boyer) Aumiller, and was born and reared in Crawford county. She, to,,, is a member of the First Presbyterian church, and is reckoned among the active and leading church workers. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls enjoy most pleasont social relations, and their home is well known because of its generous hospitality. Her father was a worthy and well known pioneer of the county, and resided within its borders for over fifty-four years. He was a native of Union county, Pennsylvania, born October 16, 1809, and when nineteen years of age, in 1828, came by way of wagon with an elder brother and the brother's family to Crawford county. His brother settled on a farm one mile northwest of Bucyrus, and they cut through the dense forest a road to the farm, this road being the first one in that direction from Bucyrus. In 1836 Daniel Aumiller married Sarah Boyer, and immediately afterward entered from the general government a tract of land lying about two miles west of Bucyrus. On the land he built a rude log house in the woods, haunted by the wild beasts and the scarcely less wild Indians. On this farm Mr. Aumiller continued to reside the rest of his days ; and farming was his life pursuit. He and his wife, in an early day, were members of the Evangelical church, which was weak numerically and died not flourish. He was noted for his strict integrity and probity of character. His death occurred February 8, 1882. His good wife survived him many years, dying February 26. 1898. in Bucyrus, to which city she removed about six years prior to her death. She, too, was a native of Union county, Pennsylvania, born February 18, 181 7, and was a daughter of John and Barbara Bover. She came to Crawford county in 1828 with her mother and stepfather, and ever afterward made her home in the county, and so was a resident of the county for a period of seventy years. She bore her husband eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, all of whom lived to years of maturity, four now being deceased. The father was of French Huguenot descent, while the mother was of German lineage. The farm on which they settled, as stated, had already been entered by Mr. Aumiller from the government, and it has never passed out of the hands of the family, now being owned by Airs. Nicln ills and a sister. For many years Mrs. Miller was a consistent Christian, a member of the Lutheran church. She possessed many sterling qualities of heart and mind and was universally beloved.

Madisox Price

Madison Price, a pioneer conductor of the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad residing at Crestline, was born in Holmes county, Ohio, March 21, 1845. His father, Wiliam Price, was also a native of that county, hern in 181 7, and was a farmer by occupation. In 1849, accompanied by four of his brothers, he joined the California Argonauts, who, in search of the gold fields, traveled across the plains to the Pacific coast. In 1852 he returned eastward and died the same year in Holmes county, Ohio. His wife was Catherine De Belle Woods, the widow of Hugh Woods. She was born in Virginia, in 1820, and at an early age was brought by her parents to Ohio. Her death occurred at Shreve, Holmes county, this state, in January, 1901. This worthy c< tuple were the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters, namely : Winifred, Louisa, Madison, Joseph D. and Adelia, all natives of Holmes ci iiinty.

The snbject of this review was the eldest son and third child. He was burn in a log cabin and pursued his education in a log schoolhouse. At the age of twelve years he went to Wayne county to live with his uncle, the Rev. Hugh Price, a minister of the Disciple church, who resided upon a farm. At the age of eighteen years he enlisted in response to the country's call for aid.

becoming a member of the Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he remained for six monuths and was then honorably discharged. In 1863, however, he re-enlisted, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Sixtysixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His regiment participated in the capture of Morgan and aided in the taking of Cumberland Gap. For about six months Air. Price was with the One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio and then returned to his uncle's farm in Wayne county, this state. The following year he accepted a position as brakeman on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, was thus employed for about a year, after which he again took up his abode upon the farm and devoted his time to agricultural pursuits for four years, but in 1869 lie again entered the railroad service as a brakeman on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad, serving in that capacity until 1873, when he was promoted to conductor. His service with the road covers many years and indicates his close application and his faithfulness to his work. He is a very reliable railroad employe, enjoying the unqualified confidence and respect of his superiors and the warm regard of many of the patrons of the road.

In 1868 Air. Price was united in marriage to Aliss Elizabeth Sigournev Mower, who was born near Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, November 9, 1848. Her father, John Mower, was born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but in his young manhoi d removed to Richland county, Ohio, where he engaged in teaching and farming Later he was a justice of the peace. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, though one of his grandfathers, the Rev. Abram Crider, was one of the founders of the United Brethren church. He married Elizabeth Hartupee, who also was born in Pennsylvania, of parents of French Huguenot descent. One of her ancestors was an officer of the Revolution, and many of the family served in that war. Both of Mrs. Price's parents died when she was a child and she was reared and educated by her grandparents. After attaining womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to Madison Price, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. T. K. Dissette. Three children graced their marriage: a daughter, who died in infancy; William Mower Price, born in Galion, Ohio, June 19, 1871 ; and Frank Carl Price, born in Crestline, Ohio. August 6, 1873. Both are graduates of the Crestline high school. The former is an engineer on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the latter is a machinist in the employ of the Big Four Railroad Company.

Air. Price is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, with which he has been connected for about seventeen years. In his political faith he has been a Republican since casting his first presidential vote for General Grant. Air. and Mrs. Price belong to the Methodist Episcopal church of Crestline, Ohio, where they reside in their own pleasant home.

Joseph E. Hall

Joseph Edward Hall is numbered among the native sons of the Buckeye state now actively connected with the business interests of Bucyrus and thus contributing to its welfare and growth while promoting his individual prosperity. He was born in Ganges, Richland county, Ohio, and is a son of T. C. and Julia Hall. His father was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, June 13, 1822, near Xew Garden, and in 1838 removed to Stark county, where he engaged in business as a dealer in harness and saddlery. He was there married and subsequently removed by wagon to Ganges, Richland county, where he was engaged in the dry-goods business in connection with Horace Lvbarger, the partnership being maintained until about 1852, when Mr. Hall disposed of his interest and removed to Crestline, where he took a contract for grading on the line of the Ohio & Indiana Railroad in connection with a Mr, Conover. This road is now known as the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railway. On the completion of the contract Air. Hall erected the first brick house in Crestline, now known as the Olive house, and into that he moved, keeping boarders there for some time. He was also proprietor of a dry-goods store and was prominent in public affairs, serving as postmaster and also filling the positions of township trustee and road supervisor. Soon afterward he became the proprietor of the Crestline House, which was the main hotel of the place. Later he sold that property but continued the dry-goods business for two or three years, when he came to Bucyrus and in connection with C. L. and A. D. Juilliards he purchased the dry-goods business of Rupp, Fisher & Hall. The new firm was organized under the name of Hall & Juilliards, and this continued for some time. They built the west end of what is now known as the Ouimby block, into which they removed their stock of goods. At a later date C. L. Juilliards sold his interest in the business to T. C. Hall and A. D. Juilliards. and the new firm carried on business for several years, when Mr. Juilliards sold out and P. Lewis and J. J. Fisher became partners of Air. Hall, under the firm style of Lewis, Fisher & Hall. Mr. Hall did not give much of his attention to merchandising, his time being devoted to farming, but ultimately he returned to Bucyrus and took charge of a mercantile enterprise under the firm name of T. C. Hall & Sons. He remained in the drv-goods business until 1874, when he engaged in contract work to construct the Atlantic & Lake Erie Railroad, which is now known as the Toledo & Ohio Central Road. The contracting firm was composed of B. B. McDonald, T. C. Hall, Horace Rouse, W. C. Lemert and J. G. Frayer. In his later years Mr. Hall retired from active business, merely supervising his farming interests while living in Bucyrus.

Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Julia Juilliard, who was born near the city of Montpelier, France, May 24, 1822, and came with her parents to this country when about fourteen years of age, the family locating in Stark county, Ohio, upon a farm where the daughter remained until she gave her hand in marriage to T. C. Hall. For many years they traveled life's journey together but were separated by the death of her husband on the 6th of March, 1896. He had contributed in large measure to the improvement, upbuilding and advancemnt of Ohio, leaving the impress of his forceful individuality upon many lines of progress.

Joseph Edward Hall, whose name begins this review, acquired his early education in the schools of Bucyrus and afterward entered his father's store as a clerk, being employed in that capacity for six years, when he removed to Wyandot county, locating upon a farm. There he resided for three years, after which he took up his abode on the old Reed farm, near Bucyrus, where he remained until his removal to the city three years later. Again he entered the store, then conducted under the firm name of Louis Fisher & Hall, continuing with the firm for three or four years, when a change was made in the ownership, the new firm being Hall & Juilliard. After two years another change occurred, our subject becoming a partner in the enterprise under the firm name of T. C. Hall & Sons. He acted as buyer for the house and carried on the business under that style for three years, when Mr Hall sold cut to* Fisher Brothers and began the business of railroad contracting. His first contract was on the construction of the x\tlantic & Erie Railroad, now the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad, and for three years he devoted his energies to that work.

On once more returning to Bucyrus, Mr. Hall again entered the mercantile field, purchasing the dry-goods business of William Rouse & Son, which, he conducted under his own name and under his personal supervision for two and a half years, when he disposed of the store to J. M. Black & Company. He next accepted a position at Moxahala, Ohio, as manager of a company store and after acting in that capacity for two years he purchased the store, which he conducted for some time and then sold to the Moxahala Iron Company. He then took a contract for the construction of a part of the exten- sion of the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad Company, known as the Buckingham branch, and later returned to Bucyrus, where, in company with his brothers, L. C. and J- S. Hall, he purchased the dry-goods and grocery business of C. G. Malic, conducting the same for seven or eight years, when 'Sir. Hall, of this review, became the sole proprietor by purchasing his brothers' interests. He was then alone for three years, on the expiration of which period official duties claimed his attention, for he was specially appointed postmaster August 8, 1898, by President McKinley and was regularly reappointed on the 24th of January, 1899, for a term of four years, so that he is the present incumbent. Air. Hall was united in marriage to Emma Caldwell, a daughter of William and Lizzie Caldwell. She was born near Bucyrus, acquired her education in the common schools of Crawford county, and on the 15th of December, 1870, became the wife of Joseph E. Hall. They now have one - laughter, Xellie, who was born January 19, 1872, and has completed the educational course in the schools of this city, and is now the wife of W. A. Blicke, of Bucyrus. Mr. Hall holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has a wide acquaintance in this portion of Ohio, where his worth and ability are widely recognized, winning him the warm regard of his friends.

Henry Berg

Henry Berg is the superintendent of the Leesville Stone Company of Leesville Crossroads, and was born in Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, January 26, 1850. His father, Valentine Berg, was a native of Germany and, believingthat he might improve his financial condition in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic U> America when a young man, taking up his abode in Mansfield, where he died when his son Henry was but six years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Heis and she, too. was born in the fatherland, coming' to the United States when a maiden of six summers. She died when her son Henry was but three years old. He was the second child and eldest son born to his parents, and after his mother's death he was reared by his maternal grandfather, Henry Heis, who was one of the early settlers of Leesville. Henry Berg went to his home in 1862 and there he remained for about four years, after which he lived with his uncle for about three years. He attended school at intervals until he was fourteen years of age, when he entered upon an apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade under the direction of Hon. D. O. Castle, now representative from the thirteenth district in congress. Mr. Berg served for three years and one month as an apprentice to the firm of Castle & Beach, and as a journeyman continued in their employ for two more years. He was afterward employed as a salesman in the store of Castle & Heckert, at Leesville, after which he began business on his own account. About a year later he entered into partnership with 1). O. Castle, which connection was maintained for about one year, when Mr. Castle was elected county recorder. He then worked in the recorder's office for fourteen months, after which he returned to Leesville and purchased the old Castle shop and homestead and again engaged in the shoe business, which he continued until the nth of June, 1883. On that day he accepted the position of bookkeeper with the Leesville Stone Company. Recently he was appointed superintendent of the same, which position he has held since.

In 1878 Mr. Berg was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta, daughter of Christian and Magdakna Huhn, early settlers of Crawford county, Ohio. Her father served in the army in America from 1861 to 1865. Mrs. Berg is the second of a family of three daughters and was reared and educated in Leesville. Both our subject and his wife hold membership in the English Lutheran church, and in politics he is a stalwart 1 )em< crat. being recognized as one of the leaders of his party. He has served as township clerk for five years, has been treasurer for ten years and is now the incumbent of that office. For about eight years he has been a member of the school board, and in all these positions has shown that the trust reposed in him is full}' merited. Whatever success he has achieved in life is due to his own efforts, resulting from his economy, industry and integrity. His career forcibly illustrates what may be accomplished by determination and energy in a land where all avenues are open and excellence is rewarded.

Franklin P. Dick

Among the best-known citizens of Crawford county, a leader in Democratic political circles and prominent in township affairs, is the substantial farmer and stock-raiser. Franklin P. Dick, whose fine farm is located in Dallas township.

The birth of Mr. Dick occurred in Cass township, Richland county, Ohio, on November 18, 1855, and he is a son of Jacob and Ann ( Bushey ) Dick, coming of old Dutch ancestry. Jacob Dick was born in Wayne county, Ohio, a son of George Dick, who settled in Richland county in 1832 and lived and died there. The father of our subject became 2. successful farmer, but died at the age of forty years in Hancock county, his wife having died previously, in 1862, in Richland county, when only twenty- four years old. The six children left by these parents are all living, namely : Franklin ; Mary Adam, of Shelby, Ohio; Minnie De Witt, of Auburn township, this county; Olive; Jennie Kime, of Blooming Grove township, Richland county; and Maggie Hassenger, of Auburn township, this count)-.

From the age of fourteen years Mr. Dick has shaped his own career. He became motherless at the age of seven, and as his father kept the home intact by a second marriage, he remained until the death of this parent also, and then started out, his capital being his country-school education and his experience of farm life. For thirteen years he found employment and a home with his uncle, Levi Dick, in Richland county. At the age of twenty-seven he married Miss Lovena Noecker, a native of Richland county, and a daughter of Benjamin and Lavina (Vanhorn) Noecker, early settlers of that county.

After his marriage Mr. Dick settled on a farm near that upon which he now lives, in Dallas township, and for ten years he rented land. At the end of this period he had so prospered that he was prepared to purchase the onehundred-acre farm he now occupies, and immediately set about its improvement. Mr. Dick is a progressive and enterprising farmer, and all of these improvements are in the best of style. He rebuilt his barn with an L-shaped basement, ninety by forty-two and thirty-two feet. Mr. Dick has made a success of general farming and usually feeds a large number of hogs.

The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Dick are Jesse J., Sarah May, Francis Alwilda and Ruth Columbia. Both he and wife are consistent members of the United Brethren church and are well and favorably known for their many kind and neighborly actions. As one of the leading Democrats in the county Mr. Dick has been identified with many party affairs, and for six years served as township trustee, being elected to the office again in 1901. As an energetic, liberal and enterprising citizen he is highly esteemed, and is a truly representative resident of Dallas township.

Jacob H. Schaeffer

A splendid commentary on the desirability of residence in Crawford county is the fact that so many of its native sons have continued their residence from birth to the present time within its borders, becoming prominent as representatives of its business interests and carrying forward the work of improvement and advancement along many lines of progress. Such a one is Jacob H.

Schaeffer, who was born in Chatfield township, February 1, 1843, ^ns parents being George and Anna (Capst) Schaeffer, both natives of Neabronn, Uhrwirller, Alsace, France, the former born December 15, 181 5, and the latter October 12, 1809. The paternal grandparents of our subject were John and Catherine (Zeider) Schaeffer. The grandfather was a tailor by trade, following that pursuit throughout the greater part of his business career. The maternal grandparents were John and Margaret (Liever) Capst, who emigrated to America at an early day, settling in Cranberry township, Crawford county. George Schaeffer learned the tailor's trade with his father, but the work was distasteful to him and he never followed it as a vocation. Having heard excellent reports of the opportunities America afforded to her citizens, he determined to seek a home in the land of promise, and when eighteen years of age sailed for the new world. Upon landing in New York he at once resumed his journey, crossing the country, and on reaching Ohio took up his abode in Stark county, where he remained for two years, working by the day and month. He had saved about fifty dollars, when, in 1835, ne came to Crawford county and located forty acres of land in Chatfield township, which he had entered from the government the year previous while making a prospecting trip through this portion of the state. The land was covered with dense timber, but with characteristic energy he began to clear the place, and after cutting down some trees he erected a log cabin, in which he and his worthy wife began life in true pioneer style. They had to endure the hardships and difficulties which usually fall to the lot of frontier settlers. Their home, however, was for many years the best in the neighborhood. During the first year Mr. Schaeffer cleared and sowred three acres with wheat. The wolves and other wild beasts were very numerous in the neighborhood and were frequently in close proximity to the cabin. Money was an almost unknown medium of exchange in this part of the country, for the farmers received goods instead of coin for their product--. Their wants, however, were few, and when money became an absolute necessity Mr. Schaeffer would go many miles to obtain work on the canal or on other public works, and thus receive the money with which to purchase furniture 1 >r other equipments for the house. They lived frugally, but though their meals were of simple fare they were heartily relished, for labor gave a good appetite to those early settlers. The table was a rude one of his own construction and the chairs were merely slab stools. But this pioneer family was happy and murmured not over the hardships of their lot, hoping that in course of time the}- would be able to' have better advantages and enjoy more of the comforts of life. This hope was at length realized, and Mr. Schaeffer became one of the well-to-do farmers of Chatfield township, where he continued the operation of his eighty acres of land, making his home thereon until 1893, when he took up his abode with his son Jacob, there spending the last few years of his life. He also owned the farm of seventy acres upon which our subject now resides. He was a consistent member of the Lutheran church from his fifteenth year, and his integrity, fidelity and uprightness won him the confidence and good will of many warm friends. He died July 27, 1895, and his wife passed away March 21, 1877. They were the parents of seven children, and all are yet living, namely: George, a resident of Perry county, Michigan; John A., who is living in Huntington county, Indiana; Elizabeth, the wife of Adam Donnenwirth, of Cranberry township; Jacob H., of this review; Adam B., who is living on the old homestead in Chatfield township; Catherine A., wife of John C. Conklin, of Plymouth, Ohio; and Anna, wife of Henry Reichart, of New Washington.

Amid the wild scenes of frontier life in the pioneer home Jacob H. Schaeffer spent the days of his youth. His education was obtained in a log school house, where the teaching was rather of a primitive order. He and his brothers could attend school only when the work of the farm was at low ebb, for their services were needed in reclaiming the wild land for the purposes of civilization. On reaching his majority Mr. Schaeffer went to Huntington county, Indiana, where for three years he worked as a farm hand, and on reiurnmg home he and his brother Adam began the operation of his father's two farms, which they cultivated on the shares. After his marriage, which occurred in 1867, he settled with his bride upon one of his father's farms in Cranberry township, - the place upon which he is now living and which has since been his home. After his father's death he purchased this tract of land, and with marked energy and diligence has carried on the work of improvement and cultivation. His fields are well tilled, his buildings kept in good repair and everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance.

On the 17th of September, 1867, Mr. Schaeffer was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Kieffer, a native of Lykens township and a daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Breitenbach ) Kieffer, both of whom were natives of German}-. Two children were born of this marriage: Frank A., who operates the old homestead; and Lovina E., who is with her father. On the 2d of July, 1891. a cloud darkened the sunshine of this home, for the wife and mother was called to her final rest upon that day. Mr. Schaeffer is a worthy follower of the teachings of the German Lutheran church, in which he holds membership. He votes with the Democracy and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has refused to accept all offices, save that he served for six years as school director. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend, and he is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the progress and improvement of his native county, in which he is uniformly regarded as a valued and enterprising citizen.

Charles A. Laubach

If all those qualities which constitute good character are essential to the man who would succeed in the city where to a considerable extent he is a stranger to those with whom he deals, how much more necessary are they to the man who would succeed in a country community where nearly every important act of his life is known to every one with whom he associates. A city man may have a good reputation and not deserve it, but any man living in a country township or village who is known as a man of honor, with whom it is not only safe but desirable to have business relations, may be set down as richly deserving all the good things that are said about him. Such a man is Charles A. Laubach, of Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, some account of whose in every way creditable career it is the intention of the editors to include in this work.

Charles A. Laubach was horn near Allentown, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1843, and was educated in the public schools and reared to the hard but healthful and useful labors of the farm, which at the age of seventeen years he forsook to become a carpenter. A year later, when he was about eighteen years old, he went to Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, where for three years he worked as a carpenter as opportunity afforded. Being of an enterprising turn of mind and not wishing to pass his entire life as a hired hand, he then entered upon a career as contractor and builder, which, with few intervals, he has continued successfully to the present time. In 1877 he assumed the management of a sawmill, which he soon purchased and has since owned. This business he has run in connection with his building operations, and for the past ten years in connection with building and farming, with considerable success. In 1891 he moved onto his farm of one hundred acres, where he has lived since that time. He does miscellaneous farming, and has shown himself to be as well informed and as resourceful as many older farmers in his community.

June i, 1 86 1, Mr. Laubach married Rebecca Shook, who has borne him five children, who will be mentioned here in the order of their nativity. Their daughter Sarah married David Shock, of Seneca county, Ohio. Their daughter Laura is the wife of John King, of the same county. Their son Alfred T. married Loretta Armitage and has managed his father's farm during recent years. Their daughter Celestia is a member of her parents' household. Their daughter Almeta is dead.

Mr. Laubach is a Democrat in politics, but is not an active politician in the ordinary sense of the term ; but while he is not an office seeker and has refused most of the offices that have been offered to him, he served his fellow townsmen as justice of the peace for three years and as township trustee for six years, and his public spirit is so well developed that he aids to the extent of his ability every movement tending to the public good. He is a member of the German Reformed church and a liberal contributor toward the maintenance of all its interests.

James H. Malcolm

Honored and respected by all, there is no man in Bucyrus who occupies a more enviable position than did James Llarvey Malcolm in industrial and financial circles, not alone on account of the brilliant success he achieved, but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he ever followed. He posessed untiring energy, was quick of perception, formed his plans readily and was determined in their execution, and his close application tc business and his excellent managemen brought to him a high degree of prosperity, so' that he left his family in very comfortable circumstances.

Mr. Malcolm was born in Marlboro, Ulster county, New York, October 18, 1827, and was a son of James and Elizabeth (Hayne) Malcolm, who had four sons and seven daughters. The father died when our subject was only eight years of age. The Malcolm family is of Scotch origin and was founded in America by James Malcolm, Sr., the grandfather, who wTas born in Scotland, November 30, 1786, and was married there. While on the ocean en route for America their only child died, but during their residence in New York three other children were born to them. James Malcolm, Sr., served in the war of 181 2 and was aid-de-camp to General Winfield Scott at the battle of Lundy's Lane, while his son, James, was also a soldier in the same contest with Great Britain. There were a series of honorable titles in the old Scotch family and the Malcolms of America have ever been distinguished for the sterling traits of their ancestors.

Owing to his father's death James Harvey Malcolm, of this review, was early thrown upon his own resources. His youth was spent upon a farm and he attended the district schools as he had opportunity, working in a mill morning's and evenings in order to pay his board. The persistence and determination of his Scotch ancestry were thus shown forth, and in later life enabled him to triumph over many obstacles. When he was sixteen years of age he began buying cattle for his brother, who was one of the first to slaughter cattle and send quartered beef down the Hudson river to the Xew York markets. After three years spent in that way he went to Xew York city and worked in the Washington market, engaging in selling beef by the quarter, and continuing in that business for five years, during which time, he formed the acquaintance of some leading stock-dealers of the Sandusky Plains, including the Monnetts. In 185 1 he went to California by the water route, being thirty-six days on the way, which was then considered a very quick trip. He purchased a tract of kind in the Santa Clara valley and for one year devoted his attention to the organization and conduct of a ranch, which he then sold for a fair profit. His next venture was on the great Vine ranch, twenty miles below Sacramento, where he gave his attention to the raising and marketing of vegetables. Frequent overflows, however, made the business too uncertain to suit him, and, disposing of his interests, he returned to New York in the winter of 1854.

Again Mr. Malcolm engaged in the cattle business in his native county, but since the time when he had made the acquaintance of Crawford countymen several years before, he had been interested in this section of the country and in 1856 he carried out a long cherished desire of casting in his lot with the residents of this part of Ohio, lie soon engaged in buying and feeding; cattle, in partnership with George Roberts, which connection was maintained for three years. He next rented one of the Monnett farms, and later purchased three hundred and sixty acres, to which he afterward added three hundred acres. He engaged in farming on an extensive scale and his stock interests were equally important. He owned altogether eighteen hundred acres of land, having, as his financial resources increased, made judicious investments in real estate until his holdings were among the most extensive in this part of the state. He also was interested in the cattle business in Kansas, with his son-in-law. In all of his work he was progressive and energetic and his labors brought to him an excellent return. He always followed the most honorable and straightforward business methods, and over the record of his career there has never fallen the suspicion or shadow of wrong.

In 1878 he purchased a home on North Sandusky avenue, in Bucyrus, and located in the city for the convenience of his family, but continued his personal supervision of his farms, driving out nearly every day in all kinds of weather. After some vears' residence in the county he became the president < >f the Monnett Bank, and therein displayed his excellent business ability and keen discernment in his control of financial interests. He gained for the institution a high reputation, which largely increased his patronage and made it one of the most reliable institutions in this part of the state.

On the 4th of November, 1862, Mr. Malcolm was married to Miss Elsie M. Monnett, a daughter of Abraham Monnett, who was the president of the Second National Bank of Bucyrus, in which position he continued up to the time of his death He was also president of the Farmers' Bank at Marion. Unto Air. and Mrs. Malcolm were born the following children: Catherine E., is the wife of William Mitchell Aye, who formerly resided in Morrow county, but is now a resident of Manhattan. Kansas, in the vicinity of which citv he owns a very large ranch. They have one son, Malcolm. Gilbert Farris Malcolm, the second of the family, is residing upon a farm six miles south of Bucyrus. He married Miss Elizabeth Hineman, of Marion and they have two children - James Harvey and Catherine E. The third and youngest of the family is Elmira Ala}-, a graduate of the high school, now at home with her mother. The children were all provided with good educational advantages, and the son and both daughters attended the high school in Bucyrus. Air. Malcolm died June 1, [900, and thus the community lost a valuable citizen, but the greatest loss was in his home, where he was ever a loving, considerate and devoted husband and father. In early life he was a member of the Methodist church, but after coming to Crawford count}- united with the Presbyterian church, of which his wife was a member. He took an active part in Christian work, contributed liberally to the support of various churches and was in earnest sympathy with all movements for Christian development. He took an active interest in public affairs pertaining to the general welfare, and co-operated in many movements for the public good. His success was the result of honest effort in the line of honorable and manly dealing. His aim was always to attain to the best, and he carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. His life marked a steady growth in material, intellectual and moral development, and he left to his family a handsome fortune and an untarnished name, for his record is one above reproach.

Jacob Miller

The well-known citizen of Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, whose name appears above and some account of whose busy career it will be attempted here to give, traces his ancestry to Germany. His father. Christian Miller, was born in the fatherland, in 1824, and acquired the usual publicschool education given to youths in his native land. As soon as he left school he began an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade. Later he served four years in the German army. In 1849 ne came to America, making- the voyage on a sailing vessel, which landed in New York City fifty-five days after its departure from its German port.

Going west as far as Ohio, Mr. Miller located at Republic. Seneca county, where he worked a year as a shoemaker. Removing then to Lykens township, Crawford count}-, he bought an acre of land, upon which he established a home and for five years carried on a shoemaking business. After that he bought eight}- acres of land near Lykens, where he farmed and worked at his trade for six years, until he bought his farm on which he died, October [3, 1879. His wife died February _>S, 1889, at the age of sixty-six years. They were members of the German Reformed church, and in politics Mr. Miller was a Democrat. "When he arrived in Ohio his cash capital consisted of fifty cents, but for some time before he died he was the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres. In the best sense of that often-abused term he was a self-made man, and his character was such that he commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was the father of nine children, as follows: Jacob, who is the immediate subject of this sketch ; Catharine, who is the widow of Richard Dewalt, of Chatfield township ; Christian, w1k> lives in Texas township : John and Mary, who died in infancy; Lucy, who married Otto Weisenaure, of Lvkens township; Sarah, who is the wife of William Kirges, of Seneca count}-; Henry D., pf Lykens township; and one who died in infancy.

Jacob Miller was born in Bloom township, Seneca count}". August 9, 1840, and was a year old when his parents brought him to Lvkens township. He remained in his father's household assisting his father on his farm until he was twenty-two1 years old. when he married Elizabeth Stuckey, daughter of Daniel Stuckey, by whom he has had four children, Charles F. ; Lola E., who married Loren Hufford, of Seneca county; Cora, who is at home: and Catharine E., who died in infancy. His wife died December 13, 1884. and he was married October 12, 1893, to Catharine Schaffer, who has borne him a daughter named Mabel L. Miller.

After his first marriage Mr. Miller removed to the farm on which he now lives, and for ten years he and his family lived in a building which he now uses as a cow stable. He owns one hundred and nineteen acres of good land,, one hundred acres of which is cleared, and he has improved the farm until it is one of the best in the vicinity. He is a member of the German Reformed church, which he has served faithfully in the office of trustee. Though not a politician in the accepted sense of the term, he is not without authority in the councils of the Democratic party, and has come to be known as a man of much, public spirit.

Jacob Seery

Although he has passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, Jacob Seery is yet actively collected with agricultural pursuits, still managing his farming interests which throughout many years have brought to him a good return for his labor, making him one of the well-to-do citizens of Lykens township. He needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for no representatives of the farming class in this county are more widely or favorably known than the Seery family, that was founded here in 1833, at which time Solomon Seen-, Sr., brought his wife and children to Lykens township. The subject of this sketch, then a youth of eight summers, was born in Ross county, Ohio, November 19, 1825, but was reared on the old family homestead here and pursued his education in a log school house, such as was common at that time. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until his marriage, when he began farming on his own account.

On the 226. of January, 1852, Jacob Seery was united in marriage to Miss Lavina A. Cooiv, and their home was blessed with the presence of four children : Alvaro E., now deceased; De Forrest B., a resident farmer of Lykens township; Lorenzo M. D., deceased; and Reno R., who is with his father and assists,him in the operation of the home farm.

After his marriage Mr. Seery removed to the farm upon which he now resides, and it has, therefore, been his home for almost half a century. He has here one hundred and fifty-six acres of good land and owns elsewhere a valuable farm of eighty acres. He has cleared fifty acres of the home place and has made excellent improvements thereon, all of which stand as monuments to the enterprise and thrift of the owner. He is still managing the operation of his fields and the raising of stock, and his activity in business affairs at the age of seventy-six years should put to shame many a man who, grown

In his political views Mr. Seery is a stalwart Republican, and for three years he served as township trustee. During the Civil war he enlisted in the home guards for five years. In 1864 his regiment was called out, and as a private he went to the scene of conflict. He was mustered in at Camp Chase for one hundred days' service, and with his command went to the defense of Washington, being stationed at Fort Worth, near Alexandria. He is now a member of Roberts Post, No. 672, G. A. R., of Poplar, and has served as senior vice commander. He has always been loyal to the best interests of citizenship, and has taken a deep and active interest in the upbuilding and progress of the -county, in which almost his entire life has been passed.

Charles F. Margraff

Charles F. Margraff, a well-known and highly esteemed resident of Lykens township, was born in Bucyrus, January 4, 1843, his parents being William H. and Wilhelmina (Reidel) Margraff. The father was a native of Saxony, Germany. In the family were nine children, as follows : Augusta, the widow of the Rev. Robert Graetz, of Bucyrus; Caroline, the widow of the Rev. August Michlalis, of Bucyrus: Emeline, deceased wife of John Linn; Bertha, the wife of John A. Schaber, of Bucyrus; Julia, who married Adam Augene, of Lykens township; Charles F. ; Lottie, the deceased wife of August Brause ; Sophia, the wife of Hiram Smith, of Bucyrus; and W'illiam H., of Fayette county, Iowa. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and in 1836 came to America on a sailing vessel, arriving at Xew York City after a voyage of seven weeks. He thence made his way by water to Sandusky, and from there drove across the country with ox-teams to Bucyrus. Establishing a shoemaking shop, he carried on business along that line with good success from 1836 until 1850, when he removed to Lykens township, purchasing the farm upon which Henry Fralick now resides. He purchased land in the Indian reserve and eighty acres near his home, making one hundred and sixty acres in the home farm. He traveled quite extensivly in Europe, and while in this county gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, whereby he gained a comfortable competence. He died in January, 1889, at the ripe old age of eightythree years, while his wife passed away in 1884. when seventy-three years of age. They were members of the Lutheran church, active in its work and deeply interested in the extension of its influence.

Charles F. Margraff was a little lad of seven years when he came with his parents to Lykens township, and in the common schools he acquired his education, which, however, has been largely supplemented by reading, observation and experience, until he is now a well-informed man. He assisted in the work of the home farm until his marriage, when he began farming on his own account. He rented land from 1868 until 1874, and then with the capital he had acquired purchased eightv acres of the old homestead, upon which he resided for four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to' the farm upon which he now resides, and the many excellent improvements here stand as monuments to his enterprise, being the visible proof of an energetic, active and honorable career. He owns here one hundred and thirty acres of fine land, of which one hundred acres have been cleared, and he has elsewhere one hundred and sixty-four acres in Lykens township. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, and in both branches of his business is meeting with creditable prosperity. Honesty he regards as the best policy in all trade transactions, and his business career is one unassailable.

On the 19th of December, 1867, Air. Margraff was married to Miss Leah .Miller, and unto them have been born five children: Armetta, the wife of William C. Seele, of Holmes township; Mary Ellen, the wife of O. J. Cory, of Tiffin, Ohio; Ida Irene, wife of Henry D. Miller; Edwin S., deceased; and Charles Clarence, a carpenter by trade, living in Lykens township. The family is one of prominence in the neighborhood, and the hospitality of the best homes of this part of the county is extended to the members of the househld. In politics Air. Margraff is a Democrat, but not strongly partisan. For two terms he served as township trustee, giving excellent satisfaction by his faithful discharge of duties. He is a member of the Evangelical church and a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family whose history has been interwoven with that of Crawford county through many decades.

Samuel Shupp

Among the highly esteemed citizens of Crawford county who have been particularly well known for many years, is Samuel Shupp, a successful agriculturist, a worthy member of a leading" religious denomination and an intelligent and progressive citizen. Mr. Shupp was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1828, a son of John and Maria (Yaeger) Shupp, and was one in a family of twelve children, all of whom have passed to the other shore

John Shupp was horn in Dauphin county. Pennsylvania, while his greatgrandfather was horn on the sea during the passage ®i his parents from Germany to America. The father of our subject grew to manhood in the Keystone state and followed the trade of shoemaking. In the fall of 1830. with his wife and a son-in-law. he started from the Pennsylvania home in a onehorse wagon, and finally reached Crawford county, Ohio. They were looking for a suitable location, and before returning Mr. Shupp purchased eighty acres of the farm upon which our subject now resides. He then went back to perfect arrangements for the removal of the family in the following spring. As soon as traveling could be undertaken with safety and comfort, Mr. Shupp, with his wife and children, save the oldest son, who came about one year later, started for Crawford county. They were accompanied by one son-in-law and his two children. They had two wagons, one being a prairie schooner, hauled by a four-horse team. Many of the older members of the family made almost all of the long journey on foot, and finally arrived at the little cabin erected by the former settlers. This was found toe small to hold the whole family, but with great cheerfulness beds were made in the corn crib, and when the cabin was full the overflow found peaceful rest after the hard labor of the day within the improvised house. So many hands soon made light the work of erecting a new house of hewn logs, and before long they were all very comfortable. Soon the father entered for hi- children three farms, of eighty acres each, in Lykens township, and two others, of eight)- acres each, in Holmes township, and also entered one eighty-acre tract for a nephew, who shortly followed them to Crawford county. This nephew gave a year of work to Mr. Shupp in pay for the land. Mr. Shupp also purchased twenty-five acres adjoining his land. in this township, and an additional thirty-two acres in Lykens township. His death came in 1863, when he had reached his eighty-first year. During all his life he had actively supported the Democratic party. For many years he was an earnest worker in the German Reformed church, while his wife was just as devoted to the Lutheran faith. Services in all religious denominations were held in those days in the school houses and both parents attended together. The mother survived her husband three or four years, living to be seventyeight.

Our subject was reared at home, but had few educational advantages on account of the unsettled state of the locality. This lack has long since been remedied. In 1849 he married Miss Mary Young, but a year later the young wife died, and soon after her infant child also passed away. After his marriage Air. Shupp settled on a portion of his father's property, which he farmed on shares until he was bereft of his wife and child, when he returned home and soon after began making preparations for a western trip. However, his parents dissuaded him from carrying out this plan, as they were advanced in years, and to gratify them he settled down at home again and took up his old occupations. Later he married Miss Rosanna Schaal, a native of Germany, and then purchased the home farm and had his beloved parents take up their residence with him. giving them filial care and loving attention until their -death.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Shupp were: John L., of Sandusky, Ohio; Mary A., the wife of Rev. Isaiah Laipply, an Evangelical minister in Nebraska ; Simon F., of Marion. Ohio; Sarah J., the widow of Elias Candel, of Lykens township; Rebecca, the wife of C. P. Deervester, of Broken Sword, this county; and Emma, E., the wife of Samuel Cover. Mrs. Shupp died in February, 1863, and on March 31, 1S64, Mr. Shupp was married to Miss Elizabeth Gerhart. a native of Lykens township, the daughter of Martin and Eve E. (Lehman) Gerhart, b >th natives of Germany. They came to Crawford county early in the '30s. Three children were born to this last marriage : Edwin, of Holmes township; Rolandus, a farmer on his father's land in Holmes township ; and Bessie B., at home.

Mr. Shupp retains only one hundred acres of land, although he has owned much more. His political belief is in the principles of the Republican party, although prior to the Civil war he was a Democrat. For more than forty years he has been an active and prominent member of the Evangelical church and has faithfully served it as trustee, class-leader, local preacher and in the minor offices, contributing generously to all of its charitable and benevolent enterprises.

Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith is a retired farmer living in New Washington, and bis position of financial ease has been Avon by years of indefatigable labor in the earlier period of his manhood. He was born in Hardin county, Virginia, February 24, 1831. his parents being John and Rebecca (Davis) Smith, of whose family of eight children our subject is the only survivor. The father was born in Virginia, about 1785, and in the Old Dominion was reared to manhood, early becoming familiar with farm work in its various departments.

He married Miss Rebecca Davis, also a native of Virginia, and upon a farm they began their domestic life. In the fall of 1833 they removed to Crawford county, Ohio, and the father entered 1hree hundred acres of land in Chatfield township from the government. At th: t me there were only two houses in New t Washington and no roads had been made through this section of the country, so that the pioneer settlers blazed the trees in order to mark a path through the forest. Mr. Smith erected a hewed-log house in the midst of the wilderness and then began the arduous task of clearing his land and preparing it for the plow. He was a frugal, energetic man, and had placed much of his farm under cultivation at the time of his death, which occurred in 1845.

Anthony Smith, of this review, was then only fourteen years of age. His childhood and youth were passed at home and he received but a limited education, owing to the inadequate school facilities found in the pioneer settlement. After his death our subject and his brothers operated the home place until the time of our subject's marriage, in 1866. He then purchased the interest of the other heirs, becoming the owner of two hundred and twenty-five acres of the old homestead, and from that time until his retirement to private life he was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the fall of 1867, however, he sold the old home farm and purchased a better improved property comprising one hundred and sixty acres in Cranberry township, where he cultivated the fields until 1878. He then rented his farm and removed to New Washington, purchasing the present home property in which he yet resides.

On the 30th of January, 1866, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Koehler, a native of Cranberry township and a daughter of Herman and Martha (Guiss) Koehler. Her father was a native of Helserberg, Germany, born August 2, 181 7, and when a lad of twelve years he came to America with his parents, the family settling in Cranberry township, Crawford county, in 1833, being among the first residents of this locality. His wife was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February 1, 1825, and on the 1 2th of November, 1842, she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Koehler, Her death occurred June 22, 1893. Both were consistent members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and were beloved by all who knew them. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born three children, namely : John H., a resident of New Washington; Margaret M., wife of George Longyear, of New Washington: and William H., who is living with his parents.

Air. Smith exercises his right of franchise in support of Democratic principles. He, too, belongs to the Lutheran church, and is a man of genuine worth, highly regarded for his sterling traits of character. He has made his home in Crawford county since pioneer days and has witnessed the wonderful changes which have transformed this region from a wild tract into cultivated farms and comfortable homes. He has seen the forests cut away, to be replaced by fields of waving grain, and has watched the introduction of the railroad, the telegraph, the telephone, the business enterprises and industries and all improvements known to the older east. He takes just pride in what his county has accomplished, and is a loyal and public-spirited citizen.

Frank O. Sears

Frank O. Sears, a son of Benjamin Sears, a well-known resident of Crawford count}', was born on the homestead farm in Bucyrus township, on the 24th of April, 1863, and has always resided in this portion of the state. The first four years of his life were spent on the farm, at the end of which time lus parents removed with their family to the city of Bucyrus, where his youthful days were passed. In the public schools there he acquired a fair literary education, and at the age of seventeen years, in partnership with his brother, Rufus V. Sears, he began farming and stock-raising upon his father's land, a short distance west of the city. This partnership continued for five years from the spring of 1880. but since 1885 our subject has operated the farm alone, and is now accounted one of the leading agriculturists and stock-raisers of the county.

On the 20th of May, 1891, Mr. Sears wedded Miss Elizabeth Walker, a daughter of L. L. Walker, and four children have been born unto them, namely : Sallie M., Melissa M., Benjamin and Annie B. In politics Mr. Sears is a Republican. His life is a busy and useful one, and the capable manner in which, he manages his farm has Brought to him a good financial reward for his labor.

Peter Seerv

In pioneer days Peter Seery came to Crawford county and has been an interested witness of the growth and development of this portion of the state since that time. He has borne his part in the work of upbuilding and progress, and has aided in transforming the wild land into beautiful homes and farms. He well deserves mention among the pioneer settlers, and gladly we present the record of his life to our readers.

1818, his parents being Solomon and Magdeline (Vangundy) Seery. The father was born in Pennsylvania, and when young went to Ross county. After arriving at years of maturity he married Miss Vangundy, and unto them were hern twelve children: Alary, John, David, Peter, Samuel, Ann, Solomon, Magdeline, Jacob, Francis, Jeremiah and cue that died in infancy. The only ones now living are Peter, Solomon, Jacob and Francis.

In the spring of 1833, accompanied by his two oldest children, the father came to Crawford county, making the journey by ox team. He located in Lykens township, entering eighty acres of land from the government, and erected thereon a log cabin, built of split logs and containing but one room. He spent the summer in clearing his land and in the fall returned to Ross county for his wife and the other members of the family. Again the journey was made with ox learns, and here in true pioneer style the Seery family began life, sharing in the trials and experiences of the frontier. Later the father entered a quarter section of land from the government, and throughout the remainder of his life successfully carried on agricultural pursuits. He was a progressive and public-spirited citizen, who aided in laying out the roads, organizing the school districts and otherwise promoting the work of public progress and improvement. He served as township trustee and in other local offices, and his labors in behalf of the community proved of great value. He was a member of, and active worker in, the United Brethren church until his death, which occurred in [861, when he was seventy-two years of age. His wife, who survived him thirteen years, was also a consistent member of the United Brethren church.

The subject of this review was a youth of fourteen when he came with his parents to this county. He aided in the work of clearing and developing the land and in an early day engaged in hauling grain. He remained on the farm with his father until twenty-seven years of age, when he was married and removed to the farm upon which he now resides. Only a few acres had been cleared at that time and the home was a primitive log cabin. To-day he owns one hundred and thirty acres of valuable land, constituting a fine farm, splendidly improved.

Air. Seery first wedded Margaret Pennington, and unto them were born five children, namely : Mary F., now deceased; William H., a carpenter residing in Kansas ; Williard W., of Polk county, Wisconsin ; Rhoda M., wife of James Delinger, a stock-buyer of Lykens township; and Phoebe ]., wife of John Kannel.

Ohio. The family attended the United Brethren church, of which Mr. Seery is an earnest and active member, having served therein as steward and trustee and aided in every possible way in advancing" its growth and extending its

George Shroll

The time has gone by when the life of a farmer was one of toil with discouraging and depressing surroundings. At present no class of citizens are so independent or so comfortably fixed as are the farmers of a county like that of Crawford, Ohio. Among the well-improved and productive farms and commodious and attractive residences is that owned by George Sholl, farmer and stock-raiser, in Bucyrus township. His birth was in this count}", October 18, 1855, and his parents were Levi and Barbara ( Wisman) Shroll, both of German descent.

Levi Shroll was born in Pennsylvania and came to Crawford county with his parents, and later married Barbara Wisman, whose family has notice in another part of this volume. Five children were born of this union, two of whom died in childhood, and one, Sarah, died at the age of twenty-one. Maria is the wife of Frederick Trisk, of Todd township, our subject being the only other survivor. The mother died when George was but an infant of one and one-half years. After marriage the father had settled on our subject's present farm, and here he died in 1876, having been a successful farmer and respected citizen.

Reared on the farm and educated in the public schools, George Shroll grew to self-respecting" manhood, and by the time he was prepared to set up a household of his own he most thoroughly understood the science of farming" from practical experience. In 1881 he married Leafie Conkle, the only daughter of Niche-las and Susan Conkle, a pioneer and one of the most successful farmers -of this county, who was born in Bucyrus township. In 1879 he moved to Sedalia, Missouri, and died January 11, 1885. The mother and five brothers of Mrs. Shroll all live in Missouri. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shroll : Clarence C, Jesse E. and Raymond.

The land owned by Mr. Shroll shows its tine cultivation on every side, and his flocks cover many fields, as he is largely interested in the raising O'f sheep. The stranger is immediately impressed with the air of neatness and thrift which pervades the surroundings of Mr. Shroll, his buildings being modern in. stvle and finish and models of their kind. For manv vears he has been a leading member and willing supporter of the United Brethren church and is deservedly popular among his acquaintances, and through the township is known as honest, upright and industrious.

Thomas Tobin

The name of Tobin is a familiar one in Crawford county, for through many years its representatives have been actively connected with its agricultural interests and have been promoters of the progress and development of this portion of the state. Thomas Tobin, of this review, was born in Letter Kenny count}', Donegal, Ireland, about 1822. Little is known concerning the ancestral history of the family, for during his early boyhood his parents died within one week of typhoid fever.

After the death of his parents Thomas Tobin found a home with his uncle, John Gibson, where he remained until his twentieth year. Then, in connection with his brother William, he rented a field and raised a crop of flax. With the sale of this crop and through other means the brothers acquired enough money to enable one of them to come to America, and as William was the elder our subject turned over his money to him, with the agreement that William was to send for Thomas when he had earned the sum sufficient to pay the latter's passage to the new world. In 1844 our subject started for the United States, landing in Philadelphia on the 3d of July,after seven weeks spent on the bosom of the Atlantic. Two weeks later he came to Ohio, making the trip by rail to Johnstown, thence by canal to Pittsburg and on to Wooster, Ohio, by stage. From that place to Rome he continued the journey on foot. During the succeeding autumn he went to work for a Mr. Haymaker, in Franklin township, Richland county, by whom his brother William was employed, and for a year continued in that service, receiving the meager compensation of three dollars per month for his services. He next went to Mansfield, where he engaged in carpentering for two years, and in the spring of 1847 he returned to Franklin township, entering into partnership with his former employer, Mr. Haymaker, the connection being maintained until late in the succeeding autumn. Their relation being then severed, Mr. Tobin continued carpentering and building on his own account until after his marriage, when he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits.

On the 6th of April, 1849, was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Elizabeth Shilling, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of David and Anna (Hollister) Shilling, both of whom were natives.