Crawford County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 15 of 22)

William M. Geiger

William M. Geiger was born in Bloom township, Seneca county. Ohio, February 1, 1846, a son of Henry and Christina ( Zuderoem) Geiger. Henry Geiger, a native of Germany, was brought#to America by his father, Jacob Geiger, when he was thirteen years old. The family located in Stark county, Ohio, where Jacob Geiger lived out his days and died. Henry Geiger began his active life in Stark county as a farm hand, doing work by the month. In 1835 he located in Bloom township, Seneca county, where, after filing his claim to one hundred and sixty acres of government land, he began a fight for fortune with one dollar in money and an ax. and little else, - without a team, which would have made his labors easier. He managed to erect a log cabin, but having no stove was obliged during the first two years of his residence there to cook beside a convenient stump. For a time he had no neighbors except George Weickley and Jacob Hosier and a Mr. Troxel. The three were the first settlers in Bloom township. At his death Mr. Geiger owned two hundred and forty-seven acres of improved land, which was regarded as one of the best farms in Seneca county He died in 1882, in his seventieth year. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed church and was influential in all public affairs. The following brief mention of each of his eight children will be found interesting in this connection : Conrad lives in Fulton county, Ohio. Catharine is dead. Jacob lives in Bloomville, Ohio. Maria is the wife of Nelson Shaffner, of Bloom township. Seneca county, Ohio. Of William M., who is the immediate subject of this sketch, mure will be said hereafter. Henry lives in Indiana. Madison is a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio. Jacob, who is the owner of his father's homestead, is one of the prominent men in Seneca county and is president of the Sycamore Bank and of the Bloomville Bank.

Wiliam M. Geiger was reared on his father's homestead in Seneca county, Ohio, and remained there until 1869, when, at the age of about twenty-five years, he married Miss Maria Lebold, and moved upon an eighty-acre farm in Bloom township. He remained there a year and then he removed to his present home farm in Lykens township, Crawford county, which he purchased of William Hanks, and which contains one hundred and fort}' acres; and this, added to fifty acres which is comprised in another farm that he owns, gives him an aggregate of one hundred and ninety acres. He carries on general farming and stock-raising on a large scale and with a satisfactory percentage of profit.

Though he has persistently refused to accept any public office, he is, as a Democrat, interested in all public" questions and his public spirit is such that he is at all times ready to assist to the extent of his ability any movement for the general good. He was a charter member of Wren Lodge, No. 530, Knights of Pythias, of Lykens Ohio, has helled every chair in that body and has been a representative of the order in th.e grand, lodge.

Mr. Geiger was educated in the common schools in Vogue during his boyhood and has many interesting reminiscences of days spent beneath the low roof of the log school-house. For some time after his father came into the neighborhood wild game was plenty and at times wild turkeys roosted on the roof of his cabin. Mr. Geiger still owns two of the first set of chairs in use in his father's house. His father was a man of good character and good business ability and expert knowledge, and these qualities constituted the founda-

Air. and Mrs. Geiger have had four children. Their daughter Bertha D. is a member of their household. Their sen Nelson E. was graduated at the Ada Commercial College, at Ada, Hardin county, Ohio, and married Margaret Johnston and lives on the old Gingling homestead, a line farm of one hundred acres. Miss Emma Geiger died at the age of nineteen years : and Mr. and Mrs. Geiger lost a son named Edward, who died when he was thirteen years old.

John A. Smith

Throughout his entire life John A. Smith has resided in Crawford county and therefore his record is well known to many of its citizens, by whom he is regarded as a man of sterling worth, his industry, energy and reliability having won for him the merited regard of his fellow men. He was born in Jackson, now Jefferson, township, Jul}- 24, 1837, his parents being George and Hannah (Chisholm) Smith. His paternal great-grandfather. John Joseph Smith, was born in Baden, Germany, November 8, 1736, and there resided until late in life, when he came to America, but he was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring soon afterward, on the 16th of November, 1813, when he had attained the age of seventy-seven years His wife, Mrs. Catherine Smith, was born August 8, 1736, and died November 11, 1819. Their son, John Joseph Smith, grandfather of our subject, was born in Baden, Germany, July 25, 1767. and just before attaining his twenty-first year O'f was married. To avoid military service he came to America in the spring )f 1788 and purchased a small farm in Perry county, Pennsylvania. To this he added in later years until his landed possessions were quite extensive. Bv occupation he was a weaver. PI is death occurred July 9, 1836. He was an ardent member and a local preacher of the United Brethren church and was a man highly respected for his many virtues.

The father of our subject was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, January 10, 1803, and was a son of John Jacob and Elizabeth ( Fisher) Smith. In his native county he was reared and there learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed through the winter months while in the summer season he assisted in the cultivation and improvement of his father's farm. In his native county he married Miss Hannah Chisholm, who was born in that count}', September 28, 1806. her parents being John and Margaret (McBride) Chisholm. Her father was born near Glasgow, Scotland, while her mother was a native of

Perry county, Pennsylvania. Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.. Smith in Perry count}', and in the spring of 1836 the family came to Crawford county, Ohio, the father entering from the government forty acres of land in. Jackson, now Jefferson township. He soon afterward purchased an adjoining tract of ten acres. All was wild, his farm being covered with a dense growth of forest trees, in the midst of which he erected a log cabin. When he had thus provided shelter for his family he at once began clearing away the trees, the woodman's ax awakening the echos in the forest. His labors in this direction were followed by the track of the shining plow, and he continued the work of developing the fields up to the time of his death, which occurred April 23, ICS52. In the winter months he also worked at the shoemaker's trade until about 1850. He was a Whig in his political affiliations and served for a number of years as township trustee, while for a considerable period he rilled the office of a member of the school beard and did all in his power to promote the cause of education in the community. He was an ardent worker and consistent member of the United Brethren church, taking a leading part in its work, was one of its officers and was a liberal contributor to all charitable and benevolent purposes. His wife died in February, 1864. Her many excellent qualities and true womanly character had won her the esteem and friendship of all with whom she had been associated. She had seven children, but only two are living, John A. and George B., the latter a resident of North Baltimore. Wood county, Ohio.

John A. Smith spent his boyhood days on the home farm and in the common schools he mastered the English branches of learning usually taught in such institutions. He was only fifteen years of age at the time of his father's death and three years later took charge of the home farm, which he operated for his mother until the spring of 1864. On the 28th of May, 1863, he won as a companion on life's journey Miss Jemima Modderwell, a native of Liberty township, Crawford county, who was born on the farm which is now her home and where she has resided continuously since her birth, with the exception of one year. Her parents were James W. and Alary ( Peterman ) Modderwell, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. With their respective families they came to Crawford county, Ohio, becoming its first settlers. In the spring of 1864 Air. Smith removed to his father-in-law's farm, which he operated as a renter until 1875. He then purchased the farm of eighty acres in Liberty township and twenty acres in Sandusky township and in later years he has added twenty-one acres to the tract in Sandusky township. Pie is diligent, persevering and energetic in his farm work and the well tilled fields return to him abundant harvests for his labor. In 1864 he purchased a thresher and for twenty-four consecutive years he carried on the threshing business and also operated a wood-saw. He became one of the expert threshers of the county and secured a very liberal patronage, his services being in demand throughout the harvest season.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two children: Anna W., now the wife of J. S. Keller, a hardware merchant of Sulphur Springs; and Nessie F. S., who married \Y. C. Charlton, who operates her father's farm. The parents have a wide acquaintance in the county and the hospitality of many of the best homes is extended to them. In political views Mr. Smith is a stalwart Republican. For thirteen consecutive years he served on the school board and is at present acting in that capacity.' He has also* served repeatedly as supervisor and in 1900 he was appointed census enumerator. Fie is now secretary of the Crawford County Pioneers' Society, and is one of the most highly respected men of the count}'. For more than sixty-three years he has resided in Crawford count}-, and his memory forms the connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. Where are now seen richly cultivated fields once stood the forest trees and the intersecting roads had not been laid out. The pioneer homes were widely scattered and the work of progress and improvement was in its primitive condition. He belongs to that class of substantial citizens who have aided in the work of improvement, and well does he deserve mention among the honored pioneers.

Matthias Sheibley

Matthias Sheibley, who carries on general farming in Cranberry township and has served as township trustee, is a native resident of Ohio, for his birth occurred in Shelby. Richland county, January 25, 1863, his parents being" Albert and Elizabeth (Karl) Sheibley. Their children were provided with loving care and attention in youth and were afforded good education privileges that they might be fitted for the arduous duties and the responsibilities of life. Our subject acquired his elementary education in the district schools, which was supplemented by study in the high school of Xew "Washington. He was trained to farm work on the old homestead and remained with his father until he had attained his majority, when he started out upon an independent business career. During the following year he was an employe of the Crawford county infirmary and in the succeeding year was employed by a Mr.

Gibson, a prominent farmer living east of Bucyrus. He then returned to the infirmary, where he remained for two years and afterward he was engaged in tile ditching and threshing. He also followed various other occupations through a period of four years and then rented land of a Mrs. Hamilton - a tract of sixty acres in Cranberry township. Thereon he began farming for himself, and during five years cultivated that land. Mrs. Hamilton then died and the farm passed into the possession of her sister, Mrs. William jolly, but during these years Mr. Sheibley had displayed business ability of such an order that he Was retained to manage the property, which he has since cultivated. The farm now comprises eighty-six acres. In 1892 he increased his responsibilities by taking charge of his father's farm of eighty acres, and on the old homestead he now resides.

On the 10th of April, 1894, occurred the marriage of Mr. Sheibley and Miss Catherine McMahon, a daughter of Thomas McMahon, a prominent agriculturist of Vernon township. The young couple began their domestic life in the old Sheibley residence, where he had resided for two years prior to his marriage. Unto them have been born three lovely children, but Frank J., the eldest is now deceased. The others are Edward W. and Gertrude E.

Mr. Sheibley is a very energetic man, indolence and idleness being utterly foreign to his nature. During the year 1896-7 he had the management of the farm belonging to Mrs. Bloom, formerly a portion of the Volney Powers farm, and in 1900 he also assumed the responsibility of cultivating his father's land, comprising forty acres, one mile east and a quarter of a mile south of Xew Washington. He is operating altogether two hundred and six acres of land and is one of the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of the community. He carries on his work along advanced lines, basing his labor upon scientific principles, close observation and practical experience. He is a recognized factor in political circles, being a leader in Democratic ranks. In 1892 he was elected justice of the peace, filling the office for three years, and in 1899 ^ie was chosen a member of the board of township trustees, in which capacity he is now serving in a most commendable manner. He and his wife are consistent members of the Catholic church and for four years he served as one of its trustees. Mrs. Sheibley is a charming and accomplished wife, who presides with gracious hospitality over their pleasant home. They contribute to the support of all charitable work and public interests calculated to promote the general welfare, and the circle of their friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintances.

Nicholas Scheerer

Mr. Scheerer was born in the village of Kleinbnndenbach, county of Homburg, Rhine province, Bavaria, Germany May 7. 1825, and his early childhood was spent upon a farm in the fatherland, but when a youth of fourteen he 'began learning the carpenter's trade, depending entirely upon his own resources for advancement in life, and well may he be proud oi his success, as his close application and industry made him a good workman, and his unaided labor brought to him a comfortable competence. He followed this pursuit in the land of his birth until 1847. when, at the age of twentytwo, he resolved to try his fortune in America, and upon a sailing" vessel embarked for the new world. After fifty-two days spent upon the water anchor was dropped in the harbor of Xew York and he found himself a stranger in a strange country, unfamiliar with the language and customs of the people. He started out upon his new life with determined heart, however, resolved to make the most of his opportunities.

Coming to Chatfield township. Crawford county. Air. Scheerer was employed as a journeyman carpenter for four years and then began contracting and building on his own account, which pursuit he followed with good success for seven years. The money he saved enabled him. in 1853, to purchase sixty acres of land, upon which he located, giving his time to the development of his farm and his building operations, lie had cleared aln the entire tract, when, in 1863, he removed to the farm upon which he now resides, and which has been his home for thirty-eight years. Today he owns a quarter section of rich land, well improved, and his valuable farm is attractive with its many improvements, including a line residence, which he planned and erected.

In 1850 Mr. Scheerer was married to Miss Elizabeth Schaack. who was born November 8, 1828, in Schmittshausen, county of Zweibruecken. Rhine province, Bavaria, Germany. She came to America in 1849 anc^ m I(^5° was married to Mr. Scheerer. This union was blessed with seven children, oi whom six are living, their names being as follows : Henry, of Seneca count)- ; Jacob and John, farmers of Chatfield township. Crawford county: Sarah, the wife of Solomon Klink, of Liberty township; Elizabeth, the wife of Emanuel Pfleiderer; and Louisa, the wife of George Pfleiderer, also of the same township. These are residing on farms near Ridgeton and Sulphur Springs.

determination to make America his home, for in this land, where ambition and energy are not hampered by caste or class, he has worked his way steadily upward and has not only gained prosperity, but has also made many warm

William H. Miller

William II. Miller is now living a retired life in Bucyrus, after long connection with stock dealing interests, whereby he won a handsome competence that now enables him to put aside the more arduous duties of business. He was born September 4. 1844. ni Winchester, Ohio, and is a son of John Miller, who died during the early boyhood of our subject. The father was a native of Germany and emigrated to this country about 1830, settling at Winchester, Crawford county, about 1837. The mother, Mrs. Catherine Miller, is still living.

William Henry Miller acquired his education in the common schools of his native county and subsequently resided with his brother-in-law, Jacob Yeaaglv. whom he assisted in farm work, receiving as compensation for his sei vices his board and clothing. He was thus employed until about seventeen or eighteen years of age. after which he worked for Ephraim Monnett and G. H. Wright. He afterward entered the service of William Kinear, with whom he remained until February, 1864, when he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a member of Company E, Thirty-fourth Ohio Mounted Infantry. He was then only nineteen years of age. His command was known as Captain Shaw's Company, and after the promotion of Captain Shaw, Captain Helwig was in charge. Mr. Miller participated in the battle of Lynchburg and of Staunton and in the movement in western Virginia. He was wounded on the 24th ^X July, at the battle of Winchester, being shot through the hips. He was then taken from the field by two comrades, being supported by placing his arms around their necks, and in this way he was dragged along until late in the evening, when he was placed on a horse and rode until about ten or eleven o'clock at night. He was then put in an ambulance, in which he remained until the next afternoon, when he was transferred to a freight car with mam- other wounded comrades and thus taken to Sandy Hook, Maryland, where his wounds were dressed in the field hospital. He there remained for several days, and he and his comrades were again placed in box cars and sent to Baltimore. While in the hospital in that city gangrene set in and he also suffered from fever. Many of his comrades died of flesh wounds, from the effects of gangrene and blood poisoning, but the best possible care and 'attention was given the wounded soldiers. From Baltimore Mr. Miller was afterward transferred to Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, where he remained until the surrender of General Lee, when he received an honorable discharge and returned to Bucyrus.

Here Mr. Miller worked at various employments for a time, after which he returned to the service of Mr. Monnett. After a time he was married and began farming upon rented land in Marion county, Ohio, which he op< erated on the shares, continuing to make that place his home for five years. He then rented a farm in Crawford county, of Robert Kerr, giving part cash for the use of the land, and paying the remainder of the rental in farm products. In a few years he was able to rent the entire farm of six hundred and forty acres, for which he gave fifteen hundred dollars a year. He then began dealing in stock-buying, feeding and selling cattle, and for about thirteen years he remained upon the Kerr farm. He then purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres south of Bucyrus, for which he paid nine thousand dollars. After a year or two there passed he engaged in buying and shipping stock, in partnership with Samuel Shriber. After leaving the farm he continued in that business for three years. He rented the place and took up his abode in Bucyrus, however, continuing the stock business until the spring of 1900, when he retired to private life. In 1887 he purchased of Charles Raymer a farm of eighty acres, for the sum of three thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars, and in 1896 he purchased another tract of eighty acres on the east, known as the Morris farm, for which he gave thirty-four hundred dollars. His business affairs as a stock dealer were prosecuted so diligently and managed with such keen discrimination that he was annually enabled to add to his income and is now the possessor of a handsome competence.

In August, 1866, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Weirick, a daughter of Aaron and Margaret Weirick. Her father was born in Weiricktown, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1814, and about 1834 emigrated to Crawford county, Ohio, where he purchased and operated a farm. His wife bore the maiden name of Margaret A. Clark, and was a daughter of Archibald and Ann Clark. Her birth occurred April 5, 1819. The mother of Mrs. Weirick's paternal grandmother lived to the very advanced age of one hundred and three years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born four daughters and a son, namely: Josephine, born April 29, 1867, Ellamina, born March 6, 1869; Margaret, born February 6, 1871, and died on the same clay; Florence, born February u, 1872; and Sanford Aaron, who was born April 22, 1874, and died August 9, 1882. Mr. Miller is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Bucyrus, contributes liberally to its support and is deeply interested in all that pertains to its upbuilding and advancement.

George Wechter

George Wechter was born in Monroe county, Xew York, October 1, 1829. and is to-day one of the wide-awake and progressive farmers of Cranberry township, Crawford county. He is the eldest child of George and Frances ( Hertrich ) Wechter, and the family is of French lineage. His father was born in France, in 1806, and learned the blacksmith's trade, after which he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, making the voyage in 1828. He was accompanied by his wife and one child. Locating in Rochester, New York, he there followed various occupations until he had acquired a few hundred dollars, when he purchased a small place of seven acres near the city, residing thereon until 1853, when he came to Ohio. Here he purchased eight}- acres of land in Chatfield township, Crawford county, and successfully carried on agricultural pursuits for some time, when he sold that property and bought a quarter section of land in Cranberry township, upoon which his son Frank now resides. Throughout his remaining days he carried on farming, his life's labors being ended in death in 1884. His study of American politics led to his support of Democratic principles. In religious faith he was a Catholic, and in the community where he took up his abode he was well known and highly respected for his possession of many sterling characteristics. His children were George; Alar)' A., the wife of Peter Miller, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Jacob, of Allen county, Indiana; Joseph, a florist of Rochester, New York; and Franklin, who is living in Cranberry township.

George Wechter had the usual experiences of farmer boys in youth, enjoying the pleasures of the play-ground, attending to the duties of the schoolroom and assisting in the work of the home farm. In 1850 he was united i-i wedlock to Miss Mary A. Brinderman, of Rochester, New York, but a native of Prussia, having come to the United States with her parents when a young lady of eighteen years. Mr. Wechter and his bride began their domestic life in the suburbs of Rochester and during the four succeeding years he was employed in a nursery or along other lines of labor that would yield him an honest living. Thinking to better his financial condition further west, he came to Crawford county, Ohio, in 1854, and was employed as a farm hand in Cranberry township until i860, when, with the capital he had acquired through his industry and economy, he purchased his present home place, comprising twenty-six and three-fourths acres. It has been his residence for forty-one years, and his labors have been given to its cultivation and improvement.

On the 1 st of October, 1862, Air. Wechter was drafted into the service of his country, and leaving his wife to care for the family of five children in their forest home, he shouldered his musket and started with his comrades for the front. He was mustered in as a member of Company F. Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was assigned to> the Army of the Cumberland, under General Rosecrans, and was stationed for some time at Bowling Green, Kentucky, and at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The troops were also ordered to Chattanooga, but the order was countermanded. They reached Stone River three days after the battle at that point, and after doingguard duty at the places mentioned Mr. Wechter was mustered out of the service at Hillsboro, Tennessee, on the 1st of August, 1863. He then returned to his family and resumed the responsibilities and burden of their support, having since devoted his attention assiduously to farm work.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wechter have been born five children : George and David, who are residents of Cranberry township; Jacob, who operates the home place ; Agnes, the wife of Peter Maas, a resident farmer of Cranberry township; and Mar}", deceased. The family hold membership in the Catholic church, and in his political views Mr. Wechter is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired the emoluments of public office, his time being fully occupied by his business duties.

Bernard Young

Bernard Young- owns and operates one hundred acres of land in Cranberry township and the well developed farm gives every evidence of the careful supervision of an owner at once practical and progressive. He was born on the 1st of January, 1S55, in Crawford county, his parents being Peter and Mary (Stein) Young. The father was a native of Alsace, France, now a part of Germany. His birth occurred in 181 5 and when he was eighteen years of age he crossed the Atlantic to the new world with his parents. His father was Louis Young, who came to this country in 1833 and on his arrival here took up his abode in Crawford county and entered land in both

Auburn and Cranberry townships, the former then a part of Richland county. Subsequently he became an extensive land owner, his poossessions aggregating several hundred acres. After the death of his wife he returned to the fatherland on a visit and while there was taken ill and died.

Peter Young, the father of our subject, lived with his parents until his marriage, which occurred in 1839, Miss Mary Stein becoming his wife. He then located on a tract of land in Auburn township, belonging to his father, and then cultivated the same on the shares for a number of years. Later he acquired a farm of his own, where his son Bernard now resides. It then comprised two hundred acres, and upon the place he remained until called to the home beyond. In 1865 he purchased a farm of one hundred and fiftytwo acres on the corporation line of New Washington, now owned by Thomas Nedolus. In his political views he was a stanch Democrat. For some years he served as trustee of Cranberry township, called to that office by the vote of his neighbors, who recognized his worth and ability. Of the Catholic church he is an ardent and zealous member and through a long period served as church trustee and in other ecclesiastical offices. His wife was born in Lutering, Alsace, about 1819, and made the journey across the Atlantic about the time of the emigration of the Young family, taking up their abode in that portion of Crawford county which was then included in Richland county. Her death occurred in the year 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Young were the parents of ten children, but only four are now living, namely : Catherine, wife of Bernard Alt, of Auburn township; Margaret, who is engaged in teaching school in Buffalo, Xew York; Barbara, who resides in Putnam -county, Ohio; and Bernard, of this review.

At the usual age our subject entered the school-room and therein mastered the principles of English learning. He was married June 24, 1884, to Miss Catherine Kastner, a native of Crawford count}' and a daughter of Andrew and Cecelia (Horning) Kastner, both natives of Baden, Germany. In early manhood the father came to the United States and the mother was brought to America by her parents when a little maiden of only three years. Both became residents of Crawford county. Unto our subject and his wife were born four children: Charles, Frank, Cecelia and Joseph.

Mr. and Mrs. Young began their domestic life on the farm where they yet reside, our subject there owning one hundred acres of land, which had been given him by his father. The place is divided into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences. The cereals best adapted to the climate are raised, the buildings are kept in good repair and the farm in all its appointments is modern and well improved. Mr. Young votes with the Democracy and in religious belief is a Catholic. He now serves as one of the trustees of the church and contributes in large measure to the promotion of the cause. His entire life has been passed in Crawford county and the fact that many of his best friends are numbered among those who have known him from boyhood, is an indication of an honorable career.

J. P. Sheehand, who is one of the early settlers of Crawford county and for many years was a well-known railroad engineer, was born on a canal boat near Cincinnati, November 20, 1834, his parents being William and Mary ( Patten) Sheehand. Plis father was a native of Ireland and on coming to this country became a canal boat captain on the Dayton & Pickaway canal. His wife was born in Kentucky and is now living, at the age of seventyeight years, in Loudonville, Ashland county, Ohio. This worthy couple became the parents of nine children, but only three are now living, namely: William P., who is a passenger conductor on the St. Louis & Alton Railroad; Margaret, the wife of John Davis, of Loudonville, Ohio; and J. P., of this review.

Our subject is the eldest of the surviving children. His parents removed to Ashland county, locating on a farm, where he was reared, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In his youth he attended the district schools of the neighborhood and afterward began working on the railroad, driving a cart at the time of the building of the Pennsylvania road through Ashland county. He was afterward employed on a construction train, carrying water and oiling cars. His next service was in the capacity of brakeman. He worked in that way on the first local freight train on the Pennsylvania road, running between Crestline and Alliance, Ohio, and for three years he acted in that capacity, after which he was employed as fireman for two years and eight months on the same line. He 'was next promoted to the position of engineer and for thirty-eight vears he acted in that capacity on the Pennsylvania Railroad, running most of the time between Crestline and Alliance. For eighteen years he was passenger engineer on one of the fast trains. He is the oldest employe of the Pennsylvania Railroad at this place, being continuously in their service since 1S53, during which time he was never suspended from duty. He has, however, suffered from injuries from railroad wrecks,, having at one time been incapacitated for work for three months. The company, however, recognize him as a most careful expert and reliable engineer, and no higher testimonial of faithful service can be given than the statement of the fact of his long continuance with one occupation.

In the year 1856, Mr. Sheehand was united in marriage to Miss Sidna Van Gill, and unto them have been born four children who are yet living, namely: Frank, who is a passenger engineer on the Pennsylvania Railroad; William L., a master mechanic at Massillon, Ohio; Clyde, who is engaged in the telephone business in Crestline ; and Laura, the wife of W. K. Scott, of Galion. Mr. Sheehand belongs to the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Crestline, and is one of the pioneers of the place, having long been identified with its interests, and his co-operation is heartily given to every movement and measure for the general good. He has a very wide acquaintance here, the circle constantly increasing with the passing- years and the number of his friends is almost co-extensive with the number of his acquaintances.

Jacob J. Pfleiderer

Prominently identified with the farming and stock interests of Crawford county is Jacob J. Pfleiderer, a resident of Liberty township. The birth of Mr. Pfleiderer was in this township, on August 4, i860, and he was the son of David and Mary (Heckenlively) Pfleiderer.

In 1 83 1 the grandparents of Jacob J. Pfleiderer, who were Christian and Barbara (Auberly) Pfleiderer, emigrated from their native country, Germany, to America, and stopped for a few months in Columbiana county, Ohio, en route to Crawford county, arriving in the latter in the spring of 1831. Christian Pfleiderer located on a tract of eighty acres of land in Liberty township, which at that time was still virgin forest. After entering this tract of land from the government. Christian here built a pioneer cabin of logs, a part of which still stands. Those were busy clays, but gradually the land was cleared and from time to time other tracts were added to it, until finally it became one of the largest, as well as the best, farms in Crawford county.

David Pfleiderer, the son of Christian and Barbara Pfleiderer, came to this countrv and to this county with his parents when they emigrated from Germany. He grew to manhood here and on November 13, 1842, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Heckenlively, of Chatfield township. She was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on September 15, 1826, and was a daugh- ter of John and Margaret (Lefler) Heckenlively, both of whom were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to the United States in the same vessel, and were married in Baltimore three weeks after landing, and went then to Columbiana comity, Ohio. In 1832. with friends, they went to Phillipsbnrg, Ohio, where they remained some eighteen months, and in 1833 they emigrated to Crawford county, where the grandfather entered eighty acres of land in Chatfield township, a mile west of the town of Chatfield, built a log cabin in the big woods, and began the clearing of the land. Here he lived until about 1843. His first wife died in 1839, and in 1843 ne married a second time and removed to Liberty township. After coming to Crawford county he began his gospel ministry, in the English Lutheran church, and for several years traveled in Iowa as one of its efficient missionaries. To the marriage of David and Mary Prleiderer fourteen children were born, and eleven of these still survive, viz. : Magdalena, the wife of Christian Harmon, of Warsaw, Indiana; Mary A., the wife of Gottleib Lindharth, of Liberty township; Abraham, of Kosciusko county, Indiana; Margaret, at home; Barbara, the wife of Reuben Crall, of Liberty township; Lvdia, the wife of Samuel Ulmer, who conducts a sawmill at Sulphur Springs ; Isaac, of Liberty township ; Jacob, of this sketch, a twin brother of Isaac; Leonora, the wife of Jacob Ulmer, of Liberty township; Caroline, the wife of S. Light, of Liberty township; and Clara, the wife of Henry Sheiber, of Liberty township.

After marriage Mr. Prleiderer located on a farm of eighty acres adjoining the home place and still later, when given the opportunity, purchased the home farm from the other heirs, and thus became one of the large landholders of the county. He took an intelligent interest in public affairs and was particularly prominent in the Evangelical church, where for twenty-five years he did all he could to advance the cause of religion. He was very liberal and assisted in the building" of two churches and was a man who possessed the confidence and esteem of every member of the community. In September, 1898, he was stricken with paralysis of the left side, this affliction causing him to1 grow very nervous, and the end came on January 17, 1901, at the age of seventy-eight years, one month and fifteen days. His widow survives and resides on the old homestead.

Jacob J. Prleiderer grew to manhood on the home farm and obtained his education in the common schools. At the age of twenty years he began the business of buying and selling stock and was very successful in this line. On December 11, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Chambers, who was a native of this township, having been born on the farm which adjoins her home. Her parents were William and Elizabeth (Heller) Chambers, the former of whom was a native of Crawford county. His father, Elias Chambers, was one of the early pioneers of Crawford county, while his' mother, Elizabeth Heller, was a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and had been brought to Crawford county when but seven years of age, by her parents, Jacob and Catherine (Hay) Heller. To our subject and wife six children have been born: V. Blanche, Elgar J., Florence E., Mary Elizabeth, Ernest Merl and Lois M. The three eldest of these children have displayed unusual intelligence and have passed the Boxwell examination, and all are being- thoroughly educated and give ever}' promise of becoming an honor to their estimable parents, as well as useful citizens of Crawford count)'.

The first year following our subject's marriage he spent in farming on the home farm and then rented a farm belonging to his wife's grandfather, which was located across the road from his present farm, and in 1890 he purchased it, the tract containing one hundred and fifteen acres. Here the family resided until 1895, when Mr. Pfleiderer bought forty acres of the farm he now occupies and removed to it. across the road, and rented his large farm to a tenant. In 1899 he purchased an additional ten acres, which was adjoining land, and now this home place consists of fifty acres and is one of the most attractive places in the vicinity. In 1900 he rebuilt the family residence, introducing all modern improvements, and he now possesses an ideal country home. Since 1893 he has done little farming, having then sold his agricultural implements, and now devotes his time to the buying and shipping of stock, and is known as one of the most successful dealers through the state.

Mr. Pfleiderer has been a life-long Democrat and has been very active in party affairs. From 1893 to 1899 he served most efficiently in the office of township trustee and has exerted considerable influence in this section. Both he and wife are leading- members of the Evangelical church.

Henry N. Oberlander

The gentleman whose name is mentioned above and who is a well-known farmer of Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, is descended from old and honorable trans-Atlantic stock, which was transplanted to one of our eastern colonies, whence his father, Emanuel Oberlander, emigrated to Ohio at a period early enough to be counted among the pioneers of this great state.

All those qualities of mind and heart, all those characteristics which make for personal success and good citizenship, have been conspicuous in nearly every generation of his family.

Henry N. Oberlander is a native of Lykens township, Crawford county, and was born on the 14th day of March, 1863. He received his early education in such crude public schools near his home as were in vogue at that time and was earl}- initiated into the mysteries of practical farming. According to his father what was his father's due, he remained with him, assisting" him in every wTay possible, until he was twenty-one years old, then with willing" hands and active brain and a clean record he took up the battle of life on his own account. He began his independent business career by renting the farm which he now owns, which became his by purchase in 1895. The farm consists of one hundred and twenty acres of well improved and very productive land, in connection with which for the past ten years he has cultivated the Shalter farm. He has made many improvements on his place and gives his attention to general farming, in which he has been satisfactorily successful. Air. Oberlander also owns and operates the grain, elevator at Lykens, and in partnership with G. B. Ouaintance owns and operates a grain elevator at Ridgeton, Ohio.

Jul)- 10, 1884, Air. Oberlander married Lily M. Dillinger, a daughter of David Dillinger, deceased, and they have two children, named AVynonaand Chalmers, who are now gaining an education. The daughter is especially promising, having obtained ;i teacher's license at the age of fifteen.

Politically Mr. Oberlander affiliates with the Democratic party and he exerts a not uncertain influence on local affairs. AYhile he has never been an office seeker, a considerable number of responsible offices have sought him and in the interests of good government he has accepted them. He has twice filled the office of assessor in his township, and for five years has been a member of the board of education. During this time he has done everything* in his power to improve the efficiency of the schools, and in the fall of 1900 was elected to the office of count}' commissioner, which he is filling with great ability and credit. It may be said of him that he is a man of pronounced public spirit, and his admiring fellow citizens bear testimony to the fact that he may safely be depended upon to advance to the extent of his ability any movement, which in his good judgment promises to benefit the people of his township or county. He is a member of Lykens Lodge, No. 530, Knights < >f Pythias.

John Pfleiderer

Prominent among" the public-spirited, progressive and successful farmers of Liberty township, Crawford county, Ohio, is John Prleiderer, one of the most highly esteemed citizens of this locality. He is a product of this township, born here on November 14, 1833, a son of Christian and Barbara Prleiderer, who were natives of Germany and became early settlers in this part of the state. Seven children were born to these worthy pioneer parents, the three survivors being Christian, of this township; John, of this biography, and Daniel, also of this township.

John Prleiderer grew up in his father's house, a sturdy, healthy lad, noted for his strength and manliness, and at the age of twelve years was able to take his place with the grown laborers in the harvest held. He has seen the wonderful changes which have taken place in Liberty township, as his >ervices were required to assist in the clearing of the fertile fields he now owns of the virgin forest growth. AYell he remembers the hardships of those early days and recalls many interesting events of men and localities of which the world never tires of hearing, because of the prominence the Buckeye state has so long held in public regard.

After the marriage of his brother David, young John went to make his home with him, as he was his guardian, and worked for him until his marriage, on June 16, 1859, to Miss Mary A. Kafer, a native of Liberty township, and a daughter of Frederick Kafer, a native of Germany, who was an early settler of the county. Previous to his marriage he had made preparations for it by purchasing sixty acres of land, which is included in his present farm. In later years, as prosperity smiled upon him, on acount of his persevering efforts, he gradually added until he now owns one hundred and sixty-one and one-halt acres in the home place, and also owns a most desirable tract of eighty acres, located one and one-half miles south of Sulphur Springs, and also a section of land in Texas, which promises to be very valuable.

The eight surviving children of Mr. and Airs. Prleiderer are: Franklin, Samuel, and Emanuel, of this township; Joseph, the farmer on the home place; Lizzie, the wife of George Abendroth, of this township; Amanda, the wife \i Louis Witter, of Bucyrus ; and Emma and Ida, at home.

Air. Prleiderer is one of the most progressive farmers of this localitv. His investments are undertaken with good judgment and are universally remunerative, while aside from his personal matters he is interested in any- thing which promises to be of benefit to the locality. In politics he has always been a Democrat. For the past fourteen years he has faithfully served in the offices of the Lutheran church and contributes to it largely, ever being ready to promote its charitable and benevolent enterprises.

John Gordon

The farming interests of Bucyrus township are in the hands of capable agriculturists, and one of these, who has shown a thorough understanding of the principles of modern farming, is John Gordon, a native of South Wales, born there, in county of Glamorgan, on March 3, 1849, being the only representative of his family in America. The parents of Air. Gordon were Thomas and Catherine (Morris) Gordon, and they reared a family of seven children: Mary, Thomas, Eliza, John, Ann. Richard and George, Ann and Richard having passed away. Both parents have also passed out oi life, while the others of the family still reside in the old home in South Wales.

John Gordon was reared on his father's farm and received a commonschool education, remaining at home until he attained his majority, although lie had long cherished a desire to see the country across the Atlantic. On the 20th day of May, 1870, he set sail for America, landing at Ouebec, Canada, from which point he took a train to Toronto, a schoolmate living in that city. Later he made his way to Trumbull county, Ohio, where he secured lucrative employment on a dairy farm, and remained there for three years, in the employ of Xoble Thompson. During the year 1874 he worked in the Pennsylvania oil regions, and then another year for Mr. Thompson, leaving him when Air. Thompson sold his farm, but later again returned to this kind employer when he resided in Painesville.

It was during his association witli Mr. Thompson that he had the good fortune of meeting" the lady who later became his wife. She was the amiable daughter of Henry Flock, a prominent farmer of Bucyrus township, a visitor in the home of Mr. Thompson. The marriage of Mr. Gordon to Miss Callie F. Flock took place February 24, 1875, following- which was their removal to Crewford county, where the home has ever since remained. For two vears Mr. Gordon remained with his father-in-law and then bought land in Todd township, where he owns one hundred and sixty-eight acres of land. In 1888 Mr. Gordon returned to the farm of his father-in-law, where he now resides, the former, who lives retired, enjoying the care of his children and grandchildren . The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon were : Florence, Luella,

Henry, Elva, Alice and Letty, of whom Lnella, Henry, and Alice survive. Mr.. Gordon enjoys the respect and esteem of the neighborhood in the highest degree, and is known as one of the most intelligent and progressive farmers of the township.

Henry Flock, the father of Mrs. Gordon, is the eldest son of Stephen and Catherine Flock, and was born in the Rhine province of Bavaria, Germany, December 14, 181 5, and there was thoroughly educated. While still a youth he went to work in order to contribute to the support of the family, but then wages were very low and many days he worked for twenty cents a day. In the localitv of his home wood was scarce and it was necessary for him to haul fuel, or fagots, a distance of almost ten miles, on a wheelbarrow ; consequently the stoves were seldom very hot. The lawr did not permit the peasants to cut green timber, and their way of obtaining fuel was to break off the dead limbs, it frequently being necessary for them to climb the trees in order to secure these branches. Upon one occasion young' Henry became so benumbed with the cold, while in a tree, that he almost fell to the ground, and this, with other severe trials, led him to a determination to try his fortune in America.

When he became of military age he was too short to enter the service, and the officials put him back one year, expecting him to grow, but he failed to do so, and thus was rejected altogether. Although his inclinations were toward matrimony, circumstances were not promising, in Bavaria, and in 1839 he put into practice his resolve to leave the fatherland. Settling in Bucyrus, Ohio, he worked in a hotel for Abraham Halm, remaining with him three years, receiving for his services seven dollars and fifty cents per month, and during this period, although sick for six months, he managed to savfe one hundred and fifty-eight dollars. Of this amount he sent forty-five dollars to ( iermany to pay the passage of Miss Catherine Slicker to America. Some two years later she reached the United States, and upon her arrival in Bucyrus she and Mr. Flock were married.

After severing his business connection with Mr. Hahn, Mr. Flock worked for three years for other parties, keeping continually bus}-, finally entering the employ of Dr. Willis Merriman, where he remained as a faithful clerk for seven years. In March, 1853, he removed to Wyandot and formed a partnership with James H. Reinicker in the mercantile business, and later Mr. Flock bought his partner's interest and continued the business until 1870,. when he transferred it to his son. While residing in Wyandot, Mr. Flockserved the village as postmaster for seven years, and while a clerk for Dr.

Merriman he was made treasurer of Bucyrus corporation, possessing the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. In 1870 he located on his present farm.

The first marriage of Mr. Flock was on September 22, 1842, to Catherine Slicker, born January 20, 1820, in Bavaria, who emigrated to America with the family of Peter Geiger. These children were born of this marriage : Mary, who married William Welsh; Daniel; Kate, who married Peter Bair ; Louisa, who married John B. Welsh; Caroline, who married John Gordon. The mother died October 11, 1862, and the second marriage of Mr. Flock was on November 6, 1864, to Mary Jane Clark, who was a teacher in the schools of Bucyrus for several years. Her death occurred January 25, 1875. On October 11, 1877, occurred his marriage to Lena Hooker, who also passed away, his last wife having been Mary Stoll, who died in 1901.

When but thirteen years of age, Mr. Flock united with the Evangelical church, in Germany. When he settled in Bucyrus, he joined the German Lutheran church, and later in life the English Lutheran church.

Eli Miller

A thoroughly representative citizen and successful farmer of Holmes township, Crawford county, is Eli Miller, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, on March 13, 1850, a son of Joseph and Louisa (Hacker) Miller, and belonged to a family of ten children, nine of whom are living, viz. : Eli, of this biography; John S., residing on a part of the home farm; Ceno P., residing with his mother on the home place; Alva M., of Putnam county; Josiah, of Putnam county; Joseph F., of Wyandot county; Barbara, the wife of George Grau, of Whitley county, Indiana; Dora, the wife of Frank Muchling, of Putnam county ; and Ellen, the wife of Joseph Nickler, of Liberty township. The parents of Mr. Miller were married in 1848, and they then located in Crawford county, purchasing the eighty acres of land which now is included in the Miller home, and as prosperity came the father purchased much more land, eighty acres lying to the north of his farm, eighty on the south and fifty a short distance east, making a large estate of two hundred and ninety acres in all. The father died January 28, 1897, and there passed away one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Holmes township.

Eli Miller, a worthy descendant of most excellent parents, was carefully reared by them through childhood, and attended the common schools. He was taught to be industrious and honest and those lessons have never been forgotten. On February 20. 1873, he was married to Miss Julia A. Spalir, a native of this township, a (laughter of George A. Spahr (a sketch of whom appears in another part of this volume), one of the prominent farmers of this county. Following his marriage, Mr. Miller purchased fifty acres of land in the vicinity of the home farm, but finding the payments too heavy for a beginner he sold the property to his father and rented land until the spring' of 1888, when he removed to his present home farm, which he had acquired in the fall of 1883. Here Mr. Miller has given his attention most successfully to general farming and stock-raising, becoming, as the years have passed, one of the reliable and substantial farmers of Holmes township.

Five children came to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, the survivors being: Elmer M., Dennis E., Harvey L., and Alfred E., Clarence J. being the name of the little son that passed early out of life. With the exception of Dennis, who is engaged in teaming in Bucyrus, these manly, intelligent sons still remain under the parental roof. In politics Mr. Miller is a Democrat, and has taken a great interest in public affairs. For the past seven years he has been a trustee in the United Brethren church, of which he has long been a worthy member and to which his contributions are most substantial. Holmes township is fortunate in having among its citizens such honest, energetic and progressive men as Eli Miller.

Orwin B. Moxxett

Agriculture forms the basis of all commercial and industrial prosperity. It is the corner stone of the business structure and has led to the upbuilding* of many nations. The rich and fertile lands of Ohio have become the place of residence for a prosperous and contented people who have established a commi inwealth of which they have every reason to be proud. Among the successful agriculturists and stock-raisers now identified with the interests of Crawford county is the gentleman whose name introduces this review and who1 was born on one of the old and valuable farms of this portion of the state - the Monnett homestead, in Bucyrus township. The date of his birth was September 29, 1850. His father, the Rev. T. J. Monnett, was a Methodist minister, and, in accordance with the laws of that denomination, he was removed from one pastorate to another, so that our subject spent his youth in various places, including Fostoria, Kenton and Upper Sandusky. When he was ten years of age his father retired from the ministry and the family took up their abode on the old homestead in Bucyrus township where his birth had occurred and where he remained until nineteen years of age. In the fall of 1869 he was sent to the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, there to supplement his preliminary scholastic training with more advanced education. After a year, however, his health failed him and he had to abandon the course. He next, took a course in J. W. Sharp's Commercial School, at Delaware, and was graduated with the highest honors of his class. He then became bookkeeper E< ir the Bucyrus Woolen Mill Company, and after a year spent in that position he became a partner in a grocery store, the connection being maintained for a little more than two years.

Mr. Monnett then returned to the farm, lint in a short time became an employe of the American Express Company and assistant ticket agent for the Big-Four Railroad Company at Gabon, which service continued for about seven months. In 1876 he returned to the farm and was engaged in its cultivation until 1882, when he removed to Bucyrus, where he rilled the position of superintendent for the Bucyrus Gas Light & Fuel Company for four and a half years. His father was interested in the company, and when he sold out Mr. Monnett, of this review, again resumed farming on the old home place, where he has since remained, being ranked among the leading farmers and stockraisers of the county. He has been especiallv interested in sheep-growing for a number of years, and keeps on hand several hundred head of sheep. He has four hundred acres of rich land, divided into Highly cultivated fields and rich meadows, and the work carried on within the boundaries of his farm brings a good financial return.

In 1877 Mr. Monnett was united in marriage to Miss Annie Hoffman, a daughter of Charles F. Hoffman, who many years ago was a well-known business man of Bucyrus, and is now living a retired life in Houston, Texas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Monnett have been born two children, Ethel and Bessie, both of whom are at home. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Monnett are members. He has taken quite an active interest in politics as an advocate of the Republican party, and was its candidate for county treasurer in 1899. He made a good race, running ahead of the state ticket, but as his party is in the minority in the county he was defeated. He was the candidate for county sheriff in 1901. He is a member of the Republican executive committee of Crawford county, and belongs to tho Farmers' Institute. For a number of years he has been a correspondent for the home papers and for the Ohio State Journal, also' the Pittsburg National Stockman and Farmers' Journal. Under the nom de plume of Tim Frinx he has written much of a humorous character for the Forum. His articles are entertaining, fluently written and many of them are of great value, especially those pertaining to agricultural and stock-raising subjects, for his wide experience in these departments of labor and his excellent success have made his .opinions worthy of adoption'. Well known in his native county as a citizen of worth, as a reliable business man, as a trustworthy friend and as a considerate husband and father, these qualities have gaijied him admiration and esteem.

John Hoffmann

Nature has certainly intended that the last years of man shall be spent in retirement. He loses the vigor and strength of former years, and the fitting crown of an active career is rest from labor. This has been vouchsafed to Mr. Hoffmann as the reward of a busy and useful life. He was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, September 13, 1842. His father, Andrew Hoffmann, was a native of the same locality, and the grandfather was born, lived and died in that portion of Germany. Andrew Hoffmann was born in 1817, and in 1854 came to America, bringing with him his family. He had married Margaret Schaeffer, also a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, born in the year 1822. They became the parents of thirteen children, of whom six are yet living: Adam, who married Lovina Coyer and is now deceased; George, who is married and resides in California; John, of this review; Andrew, who married Carry Kauaram ; Margaret, now the widow of David Blum ; Catherine, wife of John Mathias ; Elizabeth, the widow of John Esinger; and six who died in infancy. The mother of this family passed away in 1893. Jonn Hoffmann pursued his education in the schools of Germany for five years and then accompanied his parents on their emigration to America when a lad of eleven summers. His father died the second day after they arrived in Ohio. The family made their way direct to Crestline and John continued his education in the schools of this city for a short time, but soon began to earn his own livelihood, working at any employment which would yield to him an honest living. Later, however, he began learning the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for two years, and subsequently learned the baker's trade. He was then engaged in the baking and grocerv business in Crestline for thirty-three years, one of the oldest merchants in years of continuous connection with commercial circles in the city. He had a well-conducted establishment, supplied with everything in his line, and his trade was a large and profitable one. Thus year In- year he increased his income, for his moderate prices, honorable deal-

Air. Hoffmann was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Frank, who was born in Germany, May 24, 1844, and in early life came to the United States with her parents, first locating in Erie, Pennsylvania. Her father, George Frank, was born in Germany, in 1804, and in 1845 bade adieu to the fatherland, crossing the briny deep to the new world. He afterward became a farmer in Morrow county, Ohio, where he died about 1875. His wife bore the maiden name of Margaret Heigle, and she, too, was born in Germany. After the death of her husband she came to Crawford county, where her remaining days were passed. Mrs. Hoffmann accompanied her parents from Pennsylvania to Morrow county, Ohio, and thence came to Crawford county. The marriage of our subject and his wife was celebrated in Morrow county and has been blessed with six children, but the first two, Matilda and Emma, are now deceased, and Charles, the fourth member of the family, has also passed away. The others are: Elizabeth; Anna, the wife of A. Fabor ; and Frances. Mr. Hoffmann gives his political support to the Democracy, and is a member of the German Reformed church. Entering upon his business career at a very early age, with no friends or influence to aid him, he has advanced steadily through the strength of his own merit and as the result of close application and untiring industry. Such a career should serve as a source of inspiration to others to whom fate seems unkind. Success can always be gained by determined purpose and honorable dealing when guided by sound judgment, and it is such qualities that won for Mr. Hoffmann his place among the representative men and leading merchants of Crestline. Although he is not yet sixty years of age, he has a competence sufficient to enable him to live without further labor and to enjoy the fruits of his former toil.

Frank P. Warner

One of the public-spirited and progressive citizens of Crawford county, Ohio, who is prominent in his locality both in political and religious circles, is Frank Warner, who was born on the farm where he now resides, on October 8. 1852, and was a son of John and Rebecca J- (French) Warner, who had six children, four of whom survive, these being as follows : William, a resident of Hicksville, Defiance county ; Julia, the widow of J. H. Fry, of Sulphur Springs, this state; Frank, the subject of this sketch; and Thomas J., a resident of this township.

John Warner, the father of our subject and one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Liberty township, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, on June 9, 18 17, and was a son of Charles and Catherine (Boblets) Warner, who. with their family, removed from their native state and settled in Harrison county, Ohio, where they remained nine years, removing at the end of that time to Vernon township, Crawford county, where John has since resided. John Warner assisted his father in clearing up his land and learned the carpenter trade. Soon after beginning business for himself his shop was burned and he lost all of his tools, but he soon earned more, and in the course of time accumulated a considerable fortune, owning two farms, comprising in the aggregate two hundred and forty acres of land. In politics he was a Democrat and for some sixteen or eighteen years held the office of justice of the peace and also served his township in other positions. For many years he was a leading member of the Lutheran church, and for a long period was an official member. His death occurred on September 17, 1896, when he had reached his eightieth year, passing away with the respect of his fellow citizens and lamented by a large circle of friends.

The mother of our subject was born in Cumberland, Maryland, a daughter of Judge French, who was one of the first settlers of the county. Mrs. Warner died in 1S92, one of the most esteemed residents of Vernon township, where she was beloved for her many acts of neighborly kindness.

Frank P. Warner, who- is the subject of this biography, was reared at his paternal home and acquired his education in the common schools, where he was an apt and ambitious student. By his marriage, on December 24, 1874, to Miss Isabelle Maxwell, he became connected with one of the prominent families of Defiance county, Ohio. Mrs. Warner was a daughter of William R. Maxwell, who occupied a number of important positions in his county, where for twenty-four years he was a justice of the peace, during which time he performed eighty-four marriage ceremonies. For eight years Mr. Maxwell was county, commissioner, and regret was expressed very universally throughout Defiance county on the occasion of his death, in 1899, at the age of seventy-seven years.

After marriage our subject and his estimable wife established their home on the farm, where Mr. Warner engaged in farming on shares for a time. At the death of his father a portion of the estate came into his possession, by will, and later he purchased the interests of the other heirs, and is now the owner of the whole one hundred and fifty-three acres, this land having been earned by his father by work at his trade of carpenter during his earlier years. It is a very valuable and highly improved property and makes one of the most agreeable homes in the township. The one son born to our subject and wife, Charles Ray, was reared and educated in this locality and later married Miss Maud Weaver, and now the hospitable old home roof shelters the two families, the son assisting his father in the management of the property.

Mr. Warner comes of a Democratic family and is a stanch supporter of Democratic men and measures. Like his father, he has long been a leading member of the Lutheran church, belonging to the church council, while fraternally he is connected with Tiro Lodge, No. 592, K. of P., and is recognized as one of the best farmers of Vernon township.

Philip Bender

Honored and respected by all, there is no man in Crawford county who occupies a more enviable position in business circles than Philip Bender, who for many years has devoted his energies to> the tilling of the soil and to the raising of a high grade of stock. A native of Richland county, Ohio, his birth occurred on the 5th of April, 1857, a son of Jacob Bender, also of this county. Our subject received his education in the primitive schools of his locality, and on his father's farm he was early inured to the work of field and meadow. In 1881, in company with his brother John, he assumed the management of the homestead farm, which they continued for about ten years. On the 1 8th of December, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth May, a daughter of Lewis May, of Vernon township. For one year after his marriage our subject continued farming the old home farm in partnership with his brother, although he maintained his residence in Tiro. In March, 1893, he removed to the farm which he now owns and occupies, he and his father purchasing of William Hanley one hundred and sixteen acres, our subject liecoming the owner if forty-six acres, while his father took possession of the remaining seventy acres Subsequently Mr. Bender purchased his father's interest in the tract, thus becoming the owner of the entire one hundred and sixteen acres. In 1900 he rebuilt his barn, and has improved his place in many other ways until it is now one of the valuable and attractive homesteads of the township. In addition to the raising of the cereals best adapted to- this soil and climate he is also> extensively engaged in the breeding of Aberdeen cattle, and in both branches of his business he has met with a high and well-merited degree of success.

presence of two children, - Carrie M. and Clarence T. The family is one of prominence in their locality, and are attendants and liberal supporters of the Lutheran church. Mr. Bender gives his political support to the Democratic party. He is an energetic business man of marked ability, a progressive citizen and justly popular in his wide circle of acquaintances.

William S. Tuttle

Wherever they have found residence in the United States, Canadians have been model citizens, and their descendants have followed in their footsteps. Prominent among Canadians who have settled in Crawford county, Ohio, was the late Alvin F. Tuttle, whose son, William S. Tuttle, is a well-known farmer of Texas township.

Alvin F. Tuttle was born near Elizabethtown, Canada. May 26, 1818, and was reared to manhood there. In 1839 he settled in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio. In 1841 he was joined by his parents, and they bought eighty acres of land where John Tuttle now lives. Later Alvin F. Tuttle removed to Texas township and bought eighty acres of land where nis son, William S. Tuttle, now resides. He added to his original purchase until he owned one hundred and ninety acres, which he cleared and improved until it was a valuable agricultural property. He was a Republican in politics from the organization of that party until his death, and took much interest in township affairs, serving his fellow citizens as township clerk and filling the office of assessor of taxes for more than fifteen years. He was for more than sixty years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, devout in his worship, regular in his attendance at stated services and generous in his contributions toward the supportof its material interests. When he came to the county he began his career in a log cabin which he erected in the wilderness. The woods were alive with game of all kinds and the Indians were frequent visitors at his humble abode. He was married October 1, 1844, to Eliza Thompson, who died May 26, 1893. He died May 26, 1901, and they are buried in Poplar cemetery near their old home. They had five children, the followinginformation concerning four of whom will be found interesting: Norsicy A. died in infancy; George T. lives at Bucyrus, Ohio; V. O., who was a butcher, died in Nevada; and Dow J. is a merchant at Sycamore, Ohio.

William S. Tuttle, youngest child of Alvin F. and Eliza (Thompson) Tuttle, was born on the farm in Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio-, on which he now lives, September 17, 1856. He was reared to farm labor and educated in the district school. He farmed in association with his father until the latter's death, and is one of the most successful general farmers in the township. He is now the owner of his father's old homestead. In politics he is a Republican, and he has held the office of trustee of Texas township for five years. He is a Knight of Pythias and is widely known as a popular, enterprising and public-spirited man. January 1, 1880, he married Miss Jennie Dunlap.

Joseph M. Shell

A brilliant example of a self-made American citizen and a grand exemplification of the progress that an ambitious foreigner can make in this country of unbounded opportunities is shown in the case of Joseph M. Shell, one of the leading Austrian-American residents of Ohio. His singular success is due to his own energy and the high ideal which his lofty and laudable ambition placed before him. Success in any walk of life is an indication of earnest endeavor and persevering effort, - characteristics that Mr. Shell possesses in. an eminent degree.

He was born in Austria, on the 17th of September, 1845, an<3 ms parents, Joseph and Catherine ( Lautner) Shell, were also natives of the same country. The father was born in 1824 and was a son of Frank Shell, a potter by trade.. He, too, learned the potter's trade and followed that occupation in the town of Staab. In 1872 he came to America, locating in Venice township. Seneca county, Ohio, where he purchased a small tract of land of twenty-six and twothirds acres and turned his attention to farming, engaging in that pursuit up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 1st of April, 1877. He was a member of the Catholic church and died in that faith. His wife, who was born in 1825, was a daughter of John Lautner, also a potter by trade, and her death occurred in the year 1896. This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children, but only four are now living, namely: Joseph M. ; Barbara, wife of Wend Muhr. a resident farmer of Cranberry township; Amelia, wife of Andrew Schott, an agriculturist of Chatfield township; and Charlie, who is engaged in the cultivation of a tract of land in Huron county, Ohio.

In the schools of his native land Joseph M. Shell pursued a thorough education in the German tongue, and after coming to America he was through one winter a student in the English school near his home. He .also attended night school, and thus became a well-informed man, whose knowledge is continually being supplemented by reading, experience and observation. In early manhood he entered his father's pottery and mastered the business. Believing that better opportunities were afforded for advancement in the new world, he bade adieu to home and friends in 1865 and sailed for the United States, landing in New York City on the 12th of November, after a voyage of forty-nine days on the sailing vessel Louis Henry. The day after his arrival he proceeded to Cleveland, where he arrived with a cash capital of only two dollars, and of this sum he paid one dollar and fifty-six cents for a comfort. For two years he worked at his trade in that city and then went to Shenandoah, Richland county, where he engaged in the pottery business for a year. It was during his residence there that he supplemented his education by one term's attendance in the district school. In the spring of 1868 he came to New Washington, Crawford county, erected a residence and a shop and embarked in the pottery business on his own account. But the new enterprise did not prove profitable, and after a year he closed his shop and secured a situation in connection with the building of the Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railroad, which was then being constructed through New Washington. He was employed in that capacity for about a year and also worked in a water house. Later he followed any labor that would yield him a living, and in the fall of 1874. having through his diligence, perseverance and economy acquired some capital, he purchased forty acres of land one mile west of his present home. In the following spring he removed to his farm, which was partially cleared, and with characteristic energy began its further development and improvement, transforming it into a comfortable home and richly cultivated fields. He soon remodeled the house and in 1881 lie built a bank barn. Two years later he sold the property for one hundred and ten dollars per acre, and through the succeeding year he engaged in the cultivation of a farm belonging to his brotherin-law. Mr. Muhr. In 1884 he purchased his present property, comprising a tract of eighty acres in Cranberry township, and has to-day one of the most attractive and desirable farms in the county. His life has been one of marked industry and enterprise, and upon this sure foundation he has builded the superstructure of his success.

Mr. Shell was married November 12, 1868, to Miss Catherine Kreim, a native of the same town in which occurred the birth of her husband. She was brought to America by her parents when only four years of age, and by her marriage she has become the mother of ten children, of whom seven are yet living, namely : Rosa, the wife of Edward Alt, of New Washington ; Edward, who is a graduate and now a teacher in the Catholic school of North

Careful consideration of the political issues and questions of the day has led Mr. Shell to identify himself with the Democracy, and upon that ticket in 1887 he was elected township trustee, in which position he served for six years. He was also a member of the election board of Cranberry township for nine years, and during the greater part of that period served as presiding judge of the board. In 1900 he was elected land appraiser of the township and filled the office of a member of the school board for several years. In every political position in which he has been called to serve he has discharged his duties with promptness and reliability, displaying marked loyalty to the trusts reposed in him. He is a zealous member of the Catholic church and was one of the liberal contributors toward the erection of its house of worship in New Washington. He came to America a poor young man, empty-handed, yet with strong will and determined purpose, and these stood him in stead of fortune. They served as a starting point on the highway of prosperity, and steadilv has he advanced, gaining as the result of his energetic labors a favorable and well-merited confidence.

Wesley Grubb

Among the respected, well-known and popular residents of Crawford county, Ohio, is Wesley Grubb, who owns a fine farm in Todd township, but who for the past sixteen years has been engaged in the blacksmithing business in this locality. The birth of Air. Grubb was in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on September 5, 1845, and ne was a son nt John and Margaret (Emminger) Grubb, who reared a family of eight children; four oC. these still survive, namely: Catherine, who is Mrs. Russell, of Wichita, Kansas; Agnes, who is Mrs. James Cordell, of Boone, Iowa ; Alary, who is Airs. Luther Alinich, of Paola, Kansas; and Wesley, who is the subject of this biography.

John Grubb was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in June, 1813, and grew up on the farm, married and rented land until 1854, at which time he emigrated to Ohio, with his family, coming first to Richland county and spending a short time in Mansfield. After looking over the countrv he found a tract of land consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, located on the Ashland road, which suited his fancy, and this he bought, and it remained the family home until 1859, when he sold it and came to Crawford county, where he purchased a farm of eighty-three acres east of Osceola, in Todd town- ship. However, in 1864, as his two sons had left home, one going to Iowa and our subject entering the army, Mr. Grubb rented his farm and removed into Osceola and was engaged there for several years in the sawmill and mercantile business. In 1887 he removed to Kansas and has since that time made his home with his daughter Alary. The mother of our subject, nee Margaret Emminger, died when her children were grown, and Mr. Grubb was later united in marriage to Miss Emily Poole, there being no issue from this marriage, and she has been dead for the past fifteen years. Mr. Grubb is now in his eighty-ninth year and is still in possession of all of his faculties, still takes and active and intelligent interest in the doings of the Republican party and is revered in the Methodist church, in which his membership has covered more than fifty years.

Wesley Grubb, who is the subject of this biography, was the youngest of his parents' children, and he received a good common-school education. He was but eighteen years old when he offered his services to his country, enlisting in Company A, Twelfth Ohio Cavalry, on October 2$, 1863, as a private, and one year later he was made an officer, although still so youthful. He continued in the service until the expiration of his enlistment, and was mustered out on November 14, 1865, after taking part in some of the most serious engagements of the Civil war, these being: Mt. Sterling, Kentucky; Marion, Virginia ; Cynthiana, Kentucky ; Salt Works, Virginia ; Salisbury, North Carolina ; and various minor engagements.

After his return from the army Mr. Grubb went to work for his father in the sawmill, later for Judd & Decker, in the Osceola gristmill, but after his marriage he located on a farm, managing his father's property for two years. His wife then inherited the farm upon which our subject now resides from her father's estate, and upon this property our subject erected a handsome residence, which has been the family home ever since, although Mr. Grubb does not actively engage in farming. He has a predisposition for working in iron, and although he never served an apprenticeship he has conducted a very successful smithy for the past sixteen years, his work comparing favorably with that of those who learned the trade in the old style.

In 1868 our subject was married to Miss Rhoda A. Williams, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, a daughter of Reason Williams, who was a member of Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio* Volunteer Infantry, and gave his life for his country. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Grubbs, - Emmett, deceased, and Ethel, at home. Mrs. Grubbs died October 11, 1901. v

Mr. Grubb is an ardent Republican and possesses considerable influence in public affairs, but is no seeker after official favor. Fraternally he is a Mason and is connected with Nevada Lodge, No. 343, A. F. & A. M., of which he served as worshipful master for live years, and with Leith Post, ( \. A. R., of Nevada, Ohio, holding the offices of past commander, quartermaster and adjutant, and is aide-de-camp of the Department of Ohio, G. A. R., at the present time. Rhoda, wife of Wesley, died October 11, 1901. Air. Grubb is one of the highly esteemed citizens of this county, and enjoys the friendship and respect of all who have come into fellowship with him. He was a brave soldier, and since that time he has been a useful citizen, upholding the laws and exerting an influence through his locality in favor of all measures looking to the material interests of his county, township, neighborhood and home.

Isaac Snavely

Isaac Snavelv has resided in Ohio for more than half a century and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families. People of the present end-of-the-century period can scarcely realize the struggles and dangers which attended the early settlers, the heroism and self-sacrifice of lives passed upon the borders of civilization, the hardships endured, the difficulties overcome. These tales of the early days read almost like a romance to- those who have known only the modern prosperity and conveniences. To the pioneer of the early days, far removed from the privileges and conveniences of city or town. the struggle for existence was a stern and hard one, and these men and women must have possessed indomitable energies and sterling worth of character, as well as marked physical courage, when they thus voluntarily selected such a life and successfully fought its battles under such circumstances as prevailed^ in the northwest. The grandparents of our subject were Isaac and Anna ( Baum ) Suavely. The father of our subject was Michael Suavely, who was horn in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1818, and when a young man he became a resident of Richland comity, Ohio. There he was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Whistler, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, February 19, 1829, and was a daughter of Jacob and Nancy A. (Funk)' Whistler. Her father was born in Bucks c ounty, Pennsylvnaia, March 3, 180 1, and there spent his youth, learning the trade of wagon-making. Through following that occupation he accumulated some money, and in 1833 he emigrated his few household effects. He located in Franklin township, Richland comity. They had intended to travel further, but the birth of a child, now Mrs. Sarah Smith, on the night of their arrival in Franklin township, caused them to locate there, and Mr. Whistler entered land, eventually becoming one of the well-to-do farmers of the community. He first secured from the government a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he built his cabin and began the task of clearing away the trees and preparing the soil for the plow. As his financial resources increased he added to his property until he had some four hundred acres. He also purchased extensive landed interests in Wood and Hancock counties and gave to each of his sons three hundred and fifty acres of land and to each of his daughters one hundred and sixty acres. He was a member of the Dunkard church and earnest Christian principles permeated his life, making him a man whose example was well worthy of emulation. He died August 13, 1883.

Michael and Barbara (Whistler) Suavely established their home in Richland county, Ohio, where they remained until about six months after the birth of our subject, when they removed to Crawford county, the father entering one hundred and sixty acres of the farm whereon he now resides. This was then a tract of virgin forest, only a small portion of the farm having been cleared, while upon the little patch of land had been erected a log cabin inhabited by an earlier settler. Mr. Suavely was a man of energy and strong determination and at once began the task of cutting away the trees and putting the land under cultivation. There he carried on farming until his death. About 1874 he purchased an additional tract of eight}- acres, so that his farm comprised altogether two hundred and forty acres. His political support was given to the Democracy, and he was a life-long and earnest member of the German Baptist church. His death occurred November 2$, 1884, and his wife died in 1887. They had five children, but only two are living: Isaac and JMary A., the latter now the wife of Adam B. Wolf, of Cranberry township.

Isaac Snavely, being but an infant when brought to Crawford county, mav be said to have passed his entire life within its borders, and is, therefore, -closely identified with its interests. He attended the common schools in his youth and was trained to farm work, so that he was well prepared to carry on agricultural pursuits on his own account when, after his marriage, he began the improvement of a farm. He erected a set of buildings on the west half of the old homestead and took up his abode there with his young bride, operating -eighty acres of land. Thereon he made his home until his father's death, -when he exchanged his farm for the property of his brother, who was culti-

Mr. Snavely has been twice married. In October, 1872, he wedded Miss Sarah E. Resh, a native of Huron county, Ohio, and a daughter of Henrv Resh, a prominent agriculturist. They had three children, of whom two are living : Clara, now the wife of Albert Musselman, of Cranberry township ; and Barbara, at home. The mother died in September, 1881, and on the 25th of August, 1882, Mr. Snavely was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Harvey Swartz, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Musselman. They now have five children, - Ray W., Arthur G., Florence A., Samuel A. and John W., and the family circle has never been broken by the hand of death.

Mr. Snavely has never been an aspirant for public office, but when election day comes round he manifests his political preference by casting his ballot for the adherents of the Democracy. He belongs to the German Baptist church and was one of the leaders in the erection of Cranberry Chapel in 1879, it being used as the union church by the German Baptists, the Church of God, the Free- Will Baptists and the Methodists.

Such, in brief, is the life record of Isaac Snavely, whose progressive spirit has enabled him to achieve success in business affairs and whose upright life has been the means of gaining for him the warm regard of many friends.

Joseph Mollenkop

Joseph Mollenkop was born on a farm in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, Ohio. November 4, 1865, and is a son of Samuel and Eliza ( Deppler) Mollenkop, both parents being natives of Ohio. They were married in Crawford county and settled on a farm in Bucyrus township. In after vears they removed to Sandusky township, and there the father died in 1876, aged fortyseven years. Subsequently the mother married \Yilliam G. Kail), with whom she now lives in the town of Chatfield.

Our subject was reared on the farm. Upon his own resources he was thrown at the age of eleven years, at the death of his father. At the age of eighteen years he came to Chatfield. where he has since made his home, being engaged as a clerk in a general store. For the past sixteen years he has clerked for A. Muth, general merchant. In 1892 he married Mary Muth, a daughter of his employer, and unto the marriage two children have been born, namely : Pearl and Raymond.

Chatiield since 1898. In 1896 he was elected justice of the peace, which officehe held for one term. His education was obtained in the public schools. Heis a self-made man, and is esteemed and respected for his many sterlingqualities.

When determined purpose and unflagging perseverance are lacking effort is rendered futile and resolution unavailing. Well-formulated plans and a close adherence thereto, these are the necessary concomitants of success, and as exemplified in the career of Mr. Xeff, have brought to him a richly merited degree of prosperity. Fie is now in control of one of the leading dry goods stores of Crestline, his native city, and occupies an enviable position in commercial circles.

Mr. Xeff was born November 10, 1863. His father, John Neff, was a native of Germany, and after arriving at years of maturity was there married. He afterward crossed the Atlantic to "the land of the free," and located in Gabon, Ohio, where he followed his chosen occupation of carpentering, being employed in the railroad shops. Some time in the '60s he removed to Crestline and became proprietor of a hotel, which he conducted up to' the time of his death, which occurred when he was about fifty-nine years of age. He was a member of the German Lutheran church, lived in harmony with his Christian belief, and his fair name in business was never tarnished by unscrupulous dealings. By his first marriage he had three children. When their mother had passed away he was again married, in this country, to Mrs. Catherine (Burkhardt) Henge, a widow. She, too, is a native of the fatherland, and is still living. She first married Anthony Henge, and by that union had one son. The parents of our subject had five sons and one daughter of the second marriage, of whom three are still living.

E. M. Xeff. their youngest child, was reared in Crestline and acquired his education in the schools of the town, but at the age of fifteen years he started out in life on his own account, securing a clerkship in the employ of the firm of McKean & Thoman, with whom he remained for twelve years, mastering the business in principle and detail and giving the fullest satisfaction to employers and patrons, as shown by his long continuation with the house. For about five years of the time he was chief clerk. In 1891 he embarked in business on his own account, opening a small "Rackett" store with a very limited stock. From that humble beginning, however, has grown his present excellent establishment with its large stock and modern appointments. In

1896 he erected a two-story brick building on Setzer street, and now has one of the largest dry goods establishments in the town. He enjoys a large and constantly increasing patronage and has a very enviable reputation for straightforward dealing. In addition to his store he has other business interests, being a stockholder in the Schill Brothers Manufacturing Company and in the First National Bank.

In 1884 occurred the marriage of Mr. Neff and Miss Emma Lampert, a native of Crestline and a daughter of William and Jamima Lampert. Their marriage has been blessed with eight children: Stella J.. Arthur J., Theador M., Norma E.. Millita, Edward G., Catherine and Marthia. The parents hold membership in the German Lutheran church, in which Mr. Neff has held several offices, including that of treasurer for six years and trustee for two years. He has taken a very active part in its work and is a generous contributor to all measures calculated to prove of general good along lines of reform and progress. In politics he is a Democrat, and, as every true American should do, feels an interest in the success of the principles in which he believes, but has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with very creditable prosperity.