Crawford County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 16 of 22)

Robert T. Johnston

Among the worthy pioneers of Crawford county was Robert Thompson Johnston. More than a half century of his useful and exemplary life was spent in Bucyrus, and to the upbuilding of the city he contributed in no smail degree, so that no compendium of the county would be complete without the record of his career. He was born on the 30th of October, 1822, in Wooster, Ohio, his parents being Thomas and Abigail ( Powell ) Johnston. In tracing the family genealogy it is found that the first of the name in America was the father of our subject. He was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1782, and probably left the Emerald Isle when about seventeen years of age, for he became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 180S, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where his naturalization certificate was issued, stating that he had been a resident of the country for five years. Hence the probable date of his emigration was 1802. He was a tailor by trade, and in the early part of the century he settled in Columbiana county, Ohio, where in 18 16 he took an apprentice. The paper of indenture is now in possession of his grandson, and is a contract between Thomas Johnston and a youth who desired to learn tailoring. We infer that Mr. Johnston was married at the time, for according to the terms of the contract he agreed to clothe and board the youth, for in those days apprenticeship nearly always carried with it the agreement that the pupil should be taken into the home of the "master.'' Thomas Johnston died at Wooster, Ohio, in the year 1853, his wife preceding him in death, passing away in the year 1841, aged fifty-seven years.

Unto Thomas and Abigail (Powell) Johnston five children were born, namely : Thomas Powell, Mary, Eliza, Rebecca and Robert Thompson. With their family the parents removed from Columbian county to Wooster, WTayne county, and there they continued to- reside until Robert T. Johnston, their second son, was eight years of age, when they removed to a farm in the same county, making it their home for seven successive years. This while, the early childhood of Robert T. Johnston was spent in the town of his nativity. His youth, up to the age of fifteen, was passed upon the farm, where his lot was not unlike that of other farmer lads, whose privilege it is while developing into manhood to enjoy the wholesomeness of rural life and there learn lessons of industry and perseverance. His educational privileges were necessarily limited, for the schools of Ohio at that time were quite unlike those of to-day, which have reached a high standard of excellence. For the purpose of educating their children the parents returned to Wooster, where Robert attended school for a year and then entered a printing office, where he was employed for a little more than two years. Owing- to failing health he decided to1 give up the printing business and turn his attention to the study of medicine. For three and a half years he was a student in the office of Dr. S. Bissell, of Wooster, teaching school in winter, and for two years he attended medical lectures at Willoughby College. He then practiced for one year in association with his preceptor at Wooster.

Dr. Johnston came to Bucyfus in November, 1845, - a poor young man. His chosen profession did not prove congenial and he engaged in the drug business shortly after arriving in the city, opening the first drug store here in 1845, with Jabez B. Larwill as a partner. This relationship was maintained f( ir about three years. While Dr. Johnston remained a member of the medical fraternity for only a brief period, he was always called by the title. Upon the close of the partnership with Mr. Larwill, Dr. Johnston sought to continue in the drug business, but having no capital of his own, and it being the custom of wholesale druggists in the east to lend a helping hand to worthy and reliable young men in the rapidly growing west, he was aided by the firm of J. M. Maris & Company, of Philadelphia, which house, at its own risk, in 1848 supplied him with a stock of goods. This was a strong testimonial of the busi- ness reputation which he bore. The confidence thus reposed in him he ever merited, and the firm of J. M. Maris & Company remained his friends for years afterward, even until his demise. It was at the beginning of his career as a druggist that Jabez B. Larwell became associated with him. The store was located in a frame building on the east side of Sandusky avenue, but after the dissolution of the partnership in 1848 Dr. Johnston removed into the building still occupied by the Johnston Drug Store. There he continued business uniil his life labors were ended in death. For more than half a century he was in the drug business in Bucyrus, and throughout the greater part of that period he occupied one building. As the years passed his trade became increasingly profitable and he amassed a very comfortable competence as the result of his close attention to business, honest dealing, steady habits and a thorough knowledge of drugs and their properties, together with a spirit of kindness and friendship toward his fellow men.

In his youth Dr. Johnston was taught that the principles of the Democratic party were for the good of all classes, but he was opposed to the institution of slavery, and as the Republican party opposed the extension of slavery he joined its ranks in 1856. During the administration of President James K. Polk he served as postmaster of Bucyrus, but other than this he held no political position of any importance. In matters religious he was of the Presbyterian faith. The records of the Bucyrus Presbyterian church show that on the 14th of August, 1846, he united with that congregation by letter from the church at Wooster, Ohio. His faithful, consistent and blameless Christian life made him not only a strong influence in behalf of Christianity at large but also a strong pillar in his immediate church. Plis clear comprehension and unusually strong mentality rendered him authority in all points of church doctrine and polity. For years he was a ruling elder in the church and labored earnestly and effectively for its welfare. He was one of the organizers of the Oakwood Cemetery Association and served as its treasurer for about thirty years. For several years prior to his death he was afflicted with rheumatism, and, being unable to walk, he would ride each week day to and from his place of business, and seldom did he miss divine seiwices at the church on Sunday. He was stricken with paralysis Tuesday night, January 31, 1899, and on Sunday, February 5, he passed to the great beyond. Thus passed away a man whose life was blameless, whose example was well worthy of emulation. Mis life shed a helpful and beneficent influence upon all with whom he came in contact, and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.

F. Haskell, of Pittsburg, who survives him and still resides in Bueynis, where she is loved and esteemed for her many sterling qualities and Christian character. She was born in Newport, Ohio., February 2, 1830, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Dana) Haskell. Her father was a son of Major Jonathan and Phoebe (Green) Haskell, the former a native of Massachusetts, who served with distinction as an officer in the war of the American Revolution. Unto the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Johnston were born three children: Belle C, who lives with her mother; Frank Thompson; and Pamelia Dana, now the wife of Charles M. Hord, of Columbus, Kansas. The son was born in Bucyrus, March 23. 1857. was reared in his native city and has here spent his entire life. He pursued his preliminary education in the schools of Bucyrus and then entered Wooster University, returning home in 1878. He then became associated in business with bis father, who made him a partner in the enterprise, and in 1879 he was graduated in the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy. After his return the firm style of R. T. Johnston & Son was assumed, and for a number of years before the father's death the son was the active manager of the business which he has since conducted with excellent success. In 1882 Frank T. Johnston was married to Miss Clara U. Rupp, a native of Bucyrus and a daughter of Charles G. and Margaret J. (Ruhl) Rupp. Three children, Ralph R,, Bessie P. and Margaret H., have been born of this marriage.

Adam Leonhart

For almost a third of a century Adam Leonhart has resided upon the valuable and attractive farm in Chatfield township which is now his home and where he owns and operates two hundred and thirty-four acres of land. He was born on the old Leonhart homestead in the same township, September 15, 1840, and there remained until twenty-one years of age, his childhood and youth being passed in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period. The duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the labors of the fields on the home farm occupied his attention. Thus the vears went by until he had attained his majority, when he sought as a companion for the journey of life Miss Mary Crabach, and their marriage was celebrated on the 8th of March, 1868. Mr. Leonhart then began farming as a renter, first renting a portion of his father's farm, later other lands, and for several vears farmed rented lands. He owns two hundred and thirty-four acres of land, all in one body, including a tract of valuable timber land. It has been divided into fields of convenient size for cultivation, and almost always he raises good crops, which sell at high market prices, thus bringing him a merited reward for his labor.

The home of Mr. and Airs. Leonhart has been blessed with six children, as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of William Kline, of Cranberry township, Crawford county ; Ira A., who is living in New Washington ; Emma ; Oliver H., a veterinary surgeon ; and Nora and Walter, at home. They have also lost one child, Clara B., who died at the age of seven years. The family attend the German Evangelical Lutheran church, of which Mr. Leonhart is a consistent member. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic part}-, but has never been an aspirant for the honors and emoluments of public office, preferring to give his attention to his farming operations, whereby he has gained a place among the men of affluence in his community.

Adam Reichhard

For a quarter of a century Adam Reichhard has made his home upon the farm in Chatfield township which he still occupies. He is numbered among the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Cranberry township, November 4, 1836, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth Reichhard. The father was born in the western part of Germany and when a youngman crossed the briny deep to the new world. Here he was married and six children were born of the union, namely: Elizabeth, now deceased; Adam; Annie, who has also passed away: John, a resident of Columbus, Ohio; Catherine; and Henry, who is living in New Washington. It was in the year 1834 that the father came to Crawford county, establishing his home in Cranberry township, where he died in 1848. our subject being then twelve years of age.

When a child of two years, however, Air. Reichhard, of this review, became a member of the family of Adam Kaylor, whose wife was an aunt of Mr. Reichhard's mother, and with them our subject remained throughout his boyhood and youth and when they were old they made their home with Mr. Reichhard. Farm work occupied much of his attention in youth, and the district schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges. On the 9th of July, 1857, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Leonhart. a daughter of George Leonhart, and unto them have been born thirteen children, of whom ten are

Soon after his marriage Mr. Reichhard began farming in Chatfield township and in iS;r(> took up his abode upon the farm where he now lives. For four years prior to that time he had engaged in buying and selling stock of all kinds. He owns here eighty acres of land and has six hundred and forty acres in Texas. He deals in stock and also carries on general farming and for thirtythree years engaged in the operation of a threshing machine.

His life has been a busy one, industry being one of his most marked characteristics. This forms the basis of all success, and his extensive operations and well directed business affairs have brought to Mr. Reichhard enviable prosperity. Fie has yet found time to devote to public interests and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. For seven years he served as constable, was road master for eighteen years and school director for twenty years, discharging the duties of all the offices in a most capable and reliable manner, so that over the record of his public career there falls no shadow of wrong. In his political views he is a Democrat, and religiously he is a member of the German Evangelical Lutheran church. Those who* have known him from boyhood are numbered among his warmest friends - a fact which indicates that his has been a life worthy of high regard. Through more than six decades he has resided in the county and well does he deserve mention among her representative citizens.

There is not in Jefferson township, Craw ford county, Ohio, a man who is held in higher esteem for all that constitutes good citizenship than the subject of this sketch. Alexander McKean was born in Leesville, Ohio, June 2j, 1839, a son of Dr. John and Rebecca (McClaskey) McKean. Dr. John Mc- Kean, a detailed account of whose life would be very interesting reading, was born at Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, February io, 18 10. Long before that time his father had carried the mail on horseback between Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland, and in 18 19, when the future physician was about nine years old, the family removed to Calcutta, Columbiana county, Ohio, where the youth gained a good common school education and a practical knowledge of business as it was transacted there at that time. When quite young he began teaching school, studying medicine in his spare moments and in that employment he earned money with which to pay for his professional ed- ucation. In 1830, equipped with the necessary diploma and some little experience as a medical practitioner, he started out on horseback in quest of a location in which to practice his profession. He passed through Mansfield, Ohio, which did not appear promising to him, and at Galion he found only a few log cabins. While taking dinner at the last mentioned settlement he met the Rev. Robert Lee, the founder of the village of Leesville, who pursuaded the young physician to locate at that point. For four y ears he boarded with the Rev. Mr. Lee and was practically a member of his household. Then he married Miss McClaskey, who bore him nine children, the following information concerning the most of whom will be of interest in this connection. Their daughter Margaret, who became Mrs. Robert Hall, is dead. Alexander, who is the immediate subject of this sketch, was the second in order of birth. William, Rebecca J. and John L. are dead. Eugenia is the wife of John Ludlum, superintendent of the Barnett shops at Canton, Ohi< 1. Jac< ib lives in California. Emma is the wife of D. G. R. Edwards, of Los Angeles, California.

Dr. McKean lived at Leesville, Ohio, giving his entire attention to a growing medical practice, until 1806, and then removed to Crestline, Ohio, where he practiced his profession until 1879, when he retired. He died in 1890, aged eighty years. His wife died in 1886. They were consistent members of the Presbyterian church, in which he took great interest. He was a well read man who gave much attention to the world's progress in every department of human endeavor, and he was a charitable man who gave his professional services freely even when there was no hope of pecuniary reward. He rode over the country in all directions from his place of residence and had hundreds of accounts on his books, but it is said of him that he never sued on any claim or pressed any delinquent unduly.

Alexander, his oldest son, was born and reared and educated at Leesville, Ohio, and at the age of twenty-two moved upon a farm near that place, where he lived until 1872. From 1872 to 1889 he lived on a farm near Crestline, and in 1889 he located on his present farm in Jefferson township. Crawford county. He is the owner of eighty acres of good land and gives his attention to' the production of miscellaneous crops. He is a Republican, and while not a practical politician he has been active in promoting all measures tending to benefit the township and county. Devoted to his church, the Lutheran, he has been liberal in the support of religious worship wherever he has lived. His life embraces not only the modern but the pioneer period of the history of this part of the country and is rich in reminiscence of the early days. Among other recollections is one concerning the advent of the first cook stove at Lees- ville. Money as a commodity those times was scarce, and his father having secured a load of wheat from the settlers for medical services, and for the express purpose of buying a stove, hired John Clements to haul it to Sandusky City, a distance of sixty miles. Clements returned with the stove on the evening of the fifth days after leaving, when every one in the village turned out to see it.

Mr. McKean was married January i, 1862, to Margaretta Osborn, who died August 19, 1897. To them were born ten children, nine of whom are living. Bernhard, the oldest son, is married and lives on the farm. Sherwood, a railroader, lives in Crestline. Ohio. Irene died April 4. 1880. Hall and Claude, both railroaders, reside in Pratt, Kansas. Grace is the wife of William Thoman, also a resident of Pratt, Kansas. Pearl is the wife of Elmer Courter, whose home is in Galion, Ohio, and who is a railroader. The three voungest, Ariadne, Edna and Philena, live with their father on the old homestead.

Benjamin F. Lash

One of the highly respected farmers of Crawford county, Ohio, is Benjamin Franklin Lash, who was born in Crawford county, in Auburn township, on December 17, 1840, and he was a son of Peter and Mary (Fredline) Lash, extended notice of whom may be found in the sketch of Peter B. Lash, in another part of this volume.

Benjamin Franklin Lash was reared on the home farm and obtained his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. His father died at the age of forty-three years, and from the age of seventeen years the management of the home farm fell upon his shoulders. After his marriage he still continued on the home farm, operating it for his mother, on shares, for some five years. He then purchased a farm of fifty acres in Sharon township, in Richland county, and resided upon that property for the following two years. During this time the Mansfield, Cold Water & Michigan Railroad was built through his property, and he was made foreman of construction for four miles of the road, and after the completion of this division of the road he was made an offer of the important position of division master, but he did not accept the position, on account of the objections of his family to his becoming a railroad man.

Selling his farm at this time, Mr. Lash went to Plymouth township, in Richland county, and there bought eighty acres, but in the following summer the railway officials solicited him to accept a position in their service, but he still declined. For four years he remained on the Plymouth farm and then purchased one hundred and twenty acres of his present home farm, in Auburn township, in Crawford county. This was in the spring of 1876, and five years later he purchased the sixty acres lying directly across the road from his home property. Both of these farms are highly improved and well represent the excellent agricultural conditions for which Crawford county has long been noted.

On January 12, 1865, Mr. Lash was united in marriage to Miss Sarah T. Kauffman, who was a native of Cranberry township and a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Kauffman, the latter having come to Crawford count}- and settled in Cranberry township early in the '40s. Three children have been born to this union, the two survivors being: Alary E., at home; and Nellie Clyde, the wife of Elias Cashman, who resides on our subject's sixty-acre farm and operates the whole farm.

The first vote Mr. Lash cast for president was for Abraham Lincoln, and he has always been active in party affairs, serving in several of the local offices, notably during one term as land appraiser and one term as township assessi u\ His parents were among the organizers of the United Brethren church on the Auburn circuit, and some of the family is still connected with that religious body, but our subject and family are connected with the Methodist church, and for the past forty-four years Mr. Lash has been one of its leading members and hearty and liberal supporters. For many years he has served as superintendtne of the Sunday-school and has done much t« 1 awaken and keep alive an active interest in religious work in his locality. At present he is one of the class-leaders and has been the chorister ever since his earliest connection with it. Mr. Lash is a representative of an honored and esteemed ancestry, and he enjoys the position of being one of the representative men of Auburn township. With regard to his personal habits we may add that Mr. Lash has never chewed a particle of tobacco or smoked a cigar or pipe, and has never taken a drink of liquors of any kind, nor has played a game of cards or danced a jig.

John W. Humphrey

A prominent and highly esteemed citizen of Crawford county, Ohio, is John W. Humphrey, of Vernon township, whose birth was in New Haven, Huron county, Ohio, on January 28, 1836. He was the eldest son of Evan and Sarah E. (Hoyt) Humphrey, who reared ten children to useful manhood and womanhood. The other members of the family are as follows : Matilda, the wife of Peter Will, of Richland county; Franklin, who enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, and -died of wounds received in the battle of Winchester, Virginia, in 1861 ; James, who was in the same company and died in Salisbury prison ; William, a resident of Kansas City; Sarah E., the wife of Samuel Esterline, of this township; Mary J., the wife of Ira Gloyd, of Kansas City; Jacob, a resident of Texas; Elmira, the wife of Henry Esterline, of Crestline ; and Evan, a horse dealer of Kansas City.

Evan Humphrey, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia, in 1797, and grew to maturity in his native state, at which time he removed to Lickingcounty, Ohio, where some of his brothers and sisters had located, and while in that county engaged in driving a stage for a period, later going to Huron county, where he married and took up his residence in the town of New Haven. There Mr. Humphrey opened up a butcher business. At the birth of her infant Mrs. Humphrey died, and later Mr. Humphrey married Sarah E. Hoyt, who had been born in the state of New York and came with her parents to Huron county.

In 1836 Evan Humphrey removed with his wife and two children to Crawford county, buying a farm of eighty acres of a Air. Hagerman, this farm being now the property of Samuel Esterline, and here he spent the remainder of his life. This land, when he took possession of it, was all timber and swamp, and predictions were made that the family would starve upon it before it was ever brought to a producing state ; but Air. Humphrey was not easily dismayed and not only lived to see it all cleared, but also to have it regarded as one of the most desirable and valuable farms in the county. First he added twenty acres to the original purchase, and by ditching and tiling changed its conditions, and upon it reared a family that equaled in robustness the children of those who doubted his earlier judgment. In his earlier days he voted with the Democratic party, but later in life adopted the principles of the Republican party. For a time the township election booth was in his house. Air. Humphrev was an active member in the religious body known as the Church of God, for a number of years belonging to its official body. He lived to more than seventy-five years, and died one of the most highly esteemed men of his neighborhood.

John W. Humphrey, of this biography,, attained his manhood in his home and was given superior educational advantages. After completing the common school course he was sent to the private seminary in De Kalb, which was conducted by a local educator of note, Professor Thompson, and at the age of twenty years he was deemed sufficiently educated to become a teacher himself. For six terms he taught in the district schools of his neighborhood, but his marriage closed this career, as then he began work as a farmer. For about five years Air. Humphrey managed the home farm for his father and later followed the same vocation on other rented land, but in 1874 he purchased eightyseven acres of his present home farm, and subsequently has added eleven acres, making his present holdings a fraction over ninety-eight acres. Here he has demonstrated his ability as a farmer and now owns a tract of land which compares, in cultivation and improvement, very favorably with any other in this township.

In 1858 Mr. Humphrey was married to Miss Rebecca Traub, who was a native of Galion, Ohio, and who was a daughter of Henry Traub, who came to Crawford county at an early day. To our subject and his wife have been born nine children, their names being as follows : William H., a resident of Auburn township; James B., of Stevensville, Montana; Emma, the wife of Arthur Knowles, of this township ; Sadie, the wife of Charles Gribben, of Richland county; Ella, the wife of Thomas B. Branton, of Montana; Catherine, the wife of George Gutschall, the farmer on our subject's home farm; and Anna, Zoe and Ira, at home.

In politics Mr. Humphrey has always been in sympathy with the Democratic party, and has most efficiently tilled a number of local offices. For the past twenty years he has been a justice of the peace, and for three successive terms he has been elected township clerk, and for two1 years was one of the best and most satisfactory assessors the township ever had. Both Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey are consistent members of the Church of God, in which our subject has been an honored elder for more than fifteen years. He is a man of sterling character and is justly held in the highest esteem in his locality.

Aaron Neff

Among the young men who are cultivating a portion of the soil of Crawford county with gratifying success should be mentioned Aaron Neff, who is a prominent agriculturist of Sandusky township. This is indeed a beautiful farming country, and the land which cur subject now cultivates is some of the best in the locality.

A native son of the Buckeye state, Air. Xeff was born on the 21st of February, 1873, in Crawford county, a son of Joseph Neff, one of the most prominent and esteemed citizens of this countv. Aaron was reared to manhoood under the paternal roof, acquiring his education in the common schools of his locality. At the age of twenty-two years, in company with his brother Emanuel, he came to Sandusky township, Crawford county, and began operating the two hundred and forty-four acres of land which belongs to his father, for which he pays cash rent. He is meeting with success in his venture as an agriculturist and he now occupies a front rank among the public-spirited and progressive young farmers of his locality. In his political views he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He is very popular and is held in high esteem by the people of his localitv for his honorable character and energetic nature.

Peter Ross

One of the fine farms in Lykens township is owned by Peter Ross, who has a valuable tract of three hundred and nineteen acres, all under a high state of cultivation and improved with all modern accessories. He has resided thereon for many vears and is numbered among the leading agriculturists of Crawford count}".

Mr. Ross was born in Germany. November 19, 1836, a son of Peter and Margaret (Simmermacher) Ross, whose family numbered six children, namely : Catherine, who married Chris Kibler, of Chatfield township; Peter, of this review ; George, who died in 1899 ; Philip, who was one of the first contractors on building in Bucyrus, and now makes his home in this city ; Margaret, the wife of Charles Jacobs: and William, who is connected with the planing mills in Crestline, Ohio.

During the first eighteen years of his life Peter Ross, of this review, remained in the fatherland, and during that period pursued his education in the public schools. It was in the year 1854 that he came to America as a passenger on a sailing vessel, which was twenty-eight days in reaching the harbor of New York. The following year his parents also came to the new^ world. Our subject spent the first year after his arrival in working as a farm hand in Vernon township, and in 1855 he came to Lykens township, where his father purchased eightv acres of land, upon which he now resides. Only fifteen acres of the land had been cleared, and a log house was almost the only improvement on the place. Mr. Ross continued to engage in agricultural pursuits upon that farm until 1866, when he went to Jackson, where he was employed for a year. Later he rented land for a year and then returned to the old homestead, where he has since remained a resident. As his financial resources have increased he has made judicious investments in property and is to-day the owner of three hundred and nineteen acres, constituting one of the attractive and desirable farms of the county. The fields are thoroughly tilled and usually yield excellent crops. In his farming operations Mr. Ross has ever been industrious and progressive, and his place, in its neat and thrifty appearance, is proof to the passerby of the careful supervision of the owner.

In 1867 Air. Ross married Miss Elizabeth Schimp, and unto them have been born ten children: Emma, deceased; Philip; Jacob; Henry, deceased; Charley, Adam, Tilley, Henry, Martha, who died on the 18th of October, 1 901, and Christian. The parents are members of the Lutheran church, in which Air. Ross has served as trustee and as a township official. He contributes liberally to its support and is deeply interested in its welfare and growth. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy. His life has been one of honorable activity, in which his enterprise and industry have enabled him to overcome all obstacles and work his way upward to success. It was a wise decision that brought him to America, for in this land he found the opportunities he sought and has gained a comfortable competence.

Emanuel Neff

One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men of Sandusky township is Emanuel Neff, who has attained a front rank in agricultural circles in his locality. He was born in Holmes township, Crawford county, Ohio, on the 9th of January, 1870, a son of Joseph Neff, whose history will lie found on another page of this volume. Our subject was reared to manhood on his father's farm, his educational advantages being those afforded by the common schools of his neighborhood. On the 28th of March, 1895, ne' was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Krauter, a native of Cranberry township and the daughter of Jacob Krauter, who came to this locality with his parents when a child, the family locating in Libert)' township. Immediate. after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Xeff came to Sandusky township, locating on the farm where the}' still reside and which belongs to his father. The place consists of two hundred and forty-four acres of rich and fertile land, and there our subject and his brother Aaron are extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, their efforts in both branches of their business being attended with a high and gratifying success. They pay cash rent for the land.

the men and measures of the Republican party. He has made farming his life occupation, in which lie has been very successful, and his record thus far in life has been such as to commend him to the respect and esteem of all with whom he has had business or social intercourse.

John Bender

A resident of Crawford county, John Bender has for many years been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of his locality, and has contributed materially to the advancement and progress of the county through this channel. He is a well informed man. possessed of broad general information, and in his nature there is nothing narrow or contracted. All who know him esteem him highly for his- genuine worth, and it is with pleasure that we present the record of his life to our readers.

Born in Richland county, Ohio, on the 15th of December, 1852, he is a son of Jacob Bender, also a prominent agriculturist of Crawford count}'. Upon the homestead property our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and his labors in the fields were alternated by stud}' in the district schools of the neighborhood. After reaching mature years he and his brother Philip began farming the old homestead as renters, which they continued until the brother removed to a place of his own, and our subject then continued operating the home farm alone for a time. After his father's death he purchased eighty acres of the place, the tract containing all of the farm buildings, and two years later, by his perseverance and constant toil, he was enabled to purchase an additional forty-five acres, and his landed possessions now aggregate one hundred and twenty-five acres, all being under a high state of cultivation and improved with all the modern accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the present day. He is practical and progressive in his methods of farming, and in the management of his business affairs he displays a .sound judgment that has brought to him a merited success.

In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bender and Miss Tracy Brady, a native of Henry county, Ohio, and a daughter of Cornelius and Anna ( Kevs) Brady. The father was one of the earliest pioneers and most prominent farmers of Henry county, and he now makes his home with his son, Alphonses. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bender have been born ten children, - Edith, Ralph. Anna. Romain, Virl, Ollie, Moodie, Oliver, Otis and Lais, all still under the parental roof. In his political faith Mr. Bender is a stanch Democrat.

The family enjoy the hospitality of many of the best homes of Crawford county, and their circle of friends is almost co-extensive with their circle of acquaintances.

John H. Mulford

The subject of this sketch is of that stanch old New Jersey stock which has planted the seeds of progress and of prosperity in all parts of our land. He has been known as a merchant and farmer for many years and is one of the leading- citizens of Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio. His father, John Mulford, a native of New Jersey and a tanner by trade, came to Ohio in 1832 and worked at his trade in Monroeville, Huron county, until he r elmoved to Richland count}', where he bought eighty acres of land. After farming for a while, he became a general merchant at Ganges, Richland county, where he traded successfully two years. At the end of that time he removed his enterprise to Bellville, where he ran a store for one year. From 185 1 to 1868 he followed mercantile business successfully at Benton, Crawford county. Then, disposing of his mercantile interests, he retired to his farm, where he died December 20, 1878, at the age of seventy years. At the time of his death he owned three hundred and sixty acres of land. Influential in local affairs, he served for many years as township trustee and treasurer. In politics he was a Republican. He was for many years a consistent and helpful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His good wife survived him until June 2, 1892, when she died at the age of eighty-two years. Lodusky, wife of John Mulford, was the daughter of Silas Bevenstock, and came alone to Ohio about the year 1832, from Vermont. She taught school and was housekeeper for her brother, A. B. Bevenstock, after the death of his first wife. She was married to John Mulford, in 1834, and the}' had three children - William, Allen and John H.

John H. Mulford was born near Bellville, Richland count}', Ohio, January 2, 1845, an(l was s'x years of age when his father removed to Benton, where he was reared to manhood. He gained a substantial education in the village school and had a valuable business experience as a clerk in his father's store. Later he turned his attention to farming and he was so employed until he married Julia Longwell, a daughter of Peter Longwell, February 29, 1868. For eight years after his marriage he lived in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio. From the spring of 1877 to 1896 he was the proprietor of a popular general store at Benton. Meantime, in 1885. he removed to his present farm in Texas township and from that time until 1896 he was both a farmer and a merchant. Since he disposed of his store he has given his entire attention to general farming and stock-raising. He owns one hundred and sixty acres in Texas township and one hundred and eighty acres in Lykens township, making an aggregate of three hundred and forty acres. He is a Republican in politics, and has been treasurer of his township for ten years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which for some time he has held the office of trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Mulford have six children, named Rolla, Mary, Jesse, Milo, Cora and Oland.

William H. .Miller

William Henry Miller is a passenger conductor on the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad and makes his home in Bucyrus. He was born March 11, 1858, in Tiffin, Ohio, and is a son of Louis Miller, whose birth occurred February 6, 1829, in Scheime, Alsace, which was a province of France prior to the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. and came to this country with his parents in 1835, locating at Massillon, Stark county, Ohio, where he acquired his education and learned the shoemaker's trade, and in 1852 removed to Tiffin, Seneca c< 'Unty, this state.

He married Eva Zircher, who was born December 16, 1833. in Alsace, France, and was brought to the United States in 1830, the family locating on the boundary line between Seneca and Crawford counties. Her parents afterward removed to Tiffin, Ohio, about [870. Airs. Miller departed this life April 17, 1884, but the father of our subject is still living.

In the common schools of his native city William II. Miller, of this review, pursued his education, and 1 n putting aside his text-books at the age of thirteen assisted his father in the c< nduct of a meat market. He was concerned with that business for about five years and then turned his attention to farming. For two years he engaged in operating a threshing machine and sawmill machine, the former being the second one brought to Seneca count}". On the 5th of January, 1882, he came to Crawfi >rd county and accepted a position as brakeman on the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad, making his first trip on the Qth of January of that year. After acting in that capacity for a year and four months he was promoted to the position of conductor, in Mav, 1883, and served on a through freight for three years, when he was made the first conductor on a working train 1 n the road. He filled that position for about three months and was then transferred to a local freight train on the Cornine di- vision, running between Corning and Columbus. After six months he was transferred to a local freight train on the Bucyrus division and was on that line for about ten months. Later he was made passenger conductor, in which capacity he has served to the present time, covering a period of fourteen years.

On the 20th of April, 1882. Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Margarite M. Link, a daughter of Adam and Mary Anna Link. Her father was a tailor by trade and was born in Baden. Germany, June 5, 1828. When a young man of twenty years he came to the United States and was here married to Miss Alary Anna Stundel. who was born March 19. 1828, in Bavaria, and came to the new world in 1847, landing at Baltimore. Mrs. Miller was born in Liverpool, Pennsylvania, July i~ . 1858, and became a resident of Bucyrus in 1865. Unto our subject and wife have been born two children: William Edward, whose birth occurred November 28, 1882, and Annie Kathrine, born October 17, 1884. Mr. Miller and his family are all members of the Catholic church, and he is identified with various fraternal and civic societies, including the Order of Railway Conductors, the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His long service on the railroad indicates unmistakably his fidelity to duty and his ability in the discharge of the tasks which devolve upon him. He is most trustworthy and painstaking and has won the friendship of many patrons of the 1 iad.

Michael Wixkelfoos

Michael Winkelfoos, who for many years has been connected with the railway service, resides in Bucyrus where he is a well known and highly esteemed citizen. He was born in McKeesport, Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, on the 23d of October, 1852, and is a son of August Winkelfoos, who was born at Michelstadt in Hesse-Darmstadt. Germany, which was also the birthplace of his wife, who bore the maiden name of Barbara Reh. Both came to America prior to their marriage. In 1852 the father went to San Francisco, California, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1873, at the age of forty-six years. His widow, who was born in 1833. is still living and now makes her home in Mansfield, Ohio. In the family are two children who yet survive, namely : Michael, of this review and Mrs. C. Stephen, a widow, who is living in Crestline.

Mr. Michael Winkelfoos, whose name heads this record, pursued his education at Crestline, Crawford county and at Lima, attended the public schools and on putting- aside his text-books he entered upon his business career in 1867, at the age of fifteen years, as an employe on the eastern division of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago road. He at first ran between Crestline and Alliance. His duties were those of a fireman, but in 1872, at the age of nineteen years, he was made an engineer. Very seldom is one so young appointed to such an important position. He continued with the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne and Chicago road until 1877, and for the past thirteen years he has been a passenger engineer on the Toledo & Ohio Central road. In 1880 he took up his alxide in Columbus, whence he removed to Bucvrus, where he is now permanently located. During his long railroad experience he has met with several accidents. In 1895 he was in a head-end collision, in which the fireman, Frank Doty, was killed, while Mr. Winkelfoos was badly injured. He has also been in two other wrecks, where the engine turned over, in which he has suffered some injuries, and on one occasion his engine became ditched in a tunnel. He is, however, most careful in his work, reliable and trustworthy and has the entire confidence of the companv.

In 1874 Air. Winklefoos married Miss Caroline Ludwig, a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth ( Mager) Ludwig. Her father went to Crestline in 1842 and has there made his home ever since. He was born at Nedemdow in Hesse-Darmstadt, and for fifty years was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, but for the past seventeen years he has lived retired, making his home in Crestline. His birth occurred January 9, 1825, and he is therefore now seventy-six years of age. Plis wife, who was also a native of Germany, was born August 19, 1828, and died January 28, 1900. Two of their daughters are yet living, namely : Mrs. Winkelfoos and Mrs. J. W. Smith, the latter a resident of Crestline. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with the following children: Fred, who is now employed as fireman on the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad ; Gustave, who died at the age of six years ; Bartholomew, who was killed on the Pennsylvania road, at the age of twelve years; Delbert. who is employed by the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad Company and makes his home with his parents; and Emma, who is now in school.

Mr. Y\ "inkelfoos is a prominent and exemplary Mason and holds membership in the blue lodge, chapter and council. Both he and his wife are also members of the Order of the Eastern Star, in which Mrs. Winkelfoos is now serving as warden. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Deutsche Gesellschaft. In politics he is independent, preferring to support the men whom he thinks best qualified for the office, regardless of party affilia- tions. Both he and his wife are active members of the German Lutheran church and are people held in highest esteem because of their many excellent qualities. They are earnest and efficient workers in church and lodge and wherever known have won the regard and friendship of many with whom they have been brought in contact.

Charles Edler

Crawford county, Ohio, has reason to congratulate itself upon havingwithin its borders many leading citizens of German birth and extraction. Prominent among these is Charles Edler, of Jefferson township, who was born in Baden, Germany, June 24, 1830, a son of [Martin and Margaret (Shriek) Edler, of whose twelve children only three survive - the subject of this sketch, his brother George and sister Elizabeth, both of whom remain in the fatherland.

Charles Edler was brought up on his father's farm in Germany and came to America in 1852, landing in New York after a voyage which consumed twenty-seven days. He went to Ohio and making his headquarters at Galion worked out as a farm hand four years. In 1856 he married Margaret Beach, a native of Crawford county, Ohio, and about that time he bought a small piece of land in Whetstone township, Crawford county, on which he began farming on his own account. He remained there until 1862, when he bought eighty acres of land across the county line in [Marion county, where he lived ten years, meanwhile adding forty acres to his original purchase. In 1872 he sold his farm in [Marion county, and removed to his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Jefferson township, Crawford count}-, Ohio. He has adhered closely to general farming and stock-raising and has made a notable business success. He is a stanch Republican in politics, devoted to the traditions and principles of his party and has always been influential in public affairs, but though he has helped friends to important offices he has never sought any official position for himself, and as a farmer has been too busy to give much attention to practical politics. He is a broad-minded man of much general information who has read a good deal and has traveled extensively. In 1900 he visited three months in Germany, and the Paris Exposition, and in 1901 he and his wife attended the Pan-American exposition at Buffalo, New York.

Bucyrus, Ohio. Their daughter Alan- married Samuel Eichhorn, of Galion. Their daughter Catharine became the wife of Levi Smith and lives at Galion. Their daughters Amanda and Margaret are members of their household. Their daughter Etta married Elmer Smith and also lives at Galion. Their son George is a resident of the same city. Their son Carl manages his father's farm and takes a prominent part in many township and county affairs.

I here is no other profession in which greater responsibility rests than is peculiar to the medical profession. Upon the skill and fidelity of the physician depends life and death in great measure. No other professional man has greater opportunity to gain the confidence and esteem of his fellow man than has the physician. The public mind, nevertheless, is sharp and piercing in criticism; the sick, too, are susceptible to change of sentiment, easily discouraged, quick to make changes of mind, so that after all the physician has not only to battle with disease but also with ever-changing temper of mind and heart so manifest in mankind. And that physician who succeeds in the art of healing and establishes and long holds for himself high rank in his profession and in the esteem and confidence of his patients and fellow men deserves no little praise from the pen of the biographer.

Among skillful, successful and esteemed physicians of Ohio the subject of this sketch holds a conspicuous place. He was an Ohio farmer's son, and made school teaching a stepping-stone into the profession of medicine; began his professional career a poor man, and not under the most promising circumstances, but more than thirty years mark the span of a successful professional career lor him, and yet he is still active and promising of no limited years of usefulness in his profession.

Dr; Bland is a native of Ohio, born on a farm in Muskingum county, July 22, 1840, and spent the first twenty-three years of his life 011 the farm, where he was schooled in arduous labors of farm life, learning- most useful lessons of industry and perseverance that have characterized his life. His parents were Ebenezer and Harriet (Lane) Bland, and of their ten children, three daughters and seven sons, the Doctor was the eldest. The father was a native of Virginia, while the mother's native state was Maryland. John Bland, the paternal grandfather of our subject, came from Virginia to Ohio as early as 1798, and settled in Muskingum county. The land which he obtained by patent from the general government is still in possession of his do- scendants, which are numerous in Muskingum county. From sturdy ancestors our subject is descended, and his father and mother were possessed of many sterling qualities.

At the age of nineteen years Dr. Bland began teaching in the country schools of his native county, and, in all, he taught nine winter terms. In 1862 he became a student in Denison College at Granville, Ohio, where he remained till 1864, after which date he taught several terms of school.

Disposition of mind, that of a student, led him into preparation for professional life. Deciding upon the profession of medicine, he began, in 1864, the study of medicine, under the preceptorship of Dr. Joseph McCann, an old and successful practitioner of Irville, Ohio. Later he attended one term of lectures in the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, this state. He then began the practice of medicine at Hanover, also in this state, where he remained two years, and then returned to the Starling Medical College, where he graduated in 1869. He then came to Crawford county and located at Benton, now Poplar, where he continued in a most active and lucrative practice for fourteen years. During this time so large was his practice that he was "on the go" almost night and day. Xo other physician of the county ever had larger, if as large, a country practice as had Dr. Bland while he was located at Benton, from which place he came to Bucyrus in 1883, since when he has been numbered among the most active and successful physicians and surgeons of Bucyrus, enjoying a very large and lucrative practice. He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, of the Ohio State Medical Society and of the American Medical Association.

In politics the Doctor is a Democrat. He has served five years as county coroner and was a member of the pension board of examiners for four years under the second administration of Graver Cleveland. He also' is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar and also a "Shriner," holding membership in Alkoran Temple, at Cleveland.

He has considerable business interests, being the proprietor of the Knisely Springs stock farm, owning and breeding high-bred horses, his stock farm being noted for its high-class horses. On his farm are also most valuable mineral springs, the water from which constitute the product for the Knisely Mineral Springs Bottling Works.

In the mention of the Doctor's family history there is a peculiar item to record. He had two brothers, Charles and John Bland, who studied medicine under him, and both entered medical college and died of consumption during the last year of their studies in college, and both at the age of twenty-eight,, though their deaths occurred some eight years apart ; and while a third brother died of consumption, his other brothers and himself are large and robust men.

In 1867 Dr. Bland married Lucy Coon, and they have had a son and two daughters. The son, whose name was Ebbie, died while in Cuba during the Spanish-American war, and his remains were brought back to this country and interred in Arlington cemetery, near Washington, D. C. He was a member of Company A, a company of Bucyrus soldiers. The daughters are Hattie, now Airs. A. J. Yawger, of Bucyrus; and Alice, now in school.

Dr. Bland is in every sense of that over-used term a self-made man. Many have been his life struggles, but steadily he has worked his way up in his profession and business affairs. His success in life has been largely due to his fortitude of character, stern resolution and fidelity of purpose. Pleasant and agreeable in manner toward his fellow men, his friends are man}' and his name respected.

Elmer Deax Robisox

An enterprising young farmer of Cranberry township, Elmer Dean Robison, was born at the family homestead, where he now resides, October 22, 1866, and is one of a family of six children whose parents were Robert and Esther (Robison) Robison. Only three of the children, however, survive, the eldest being Margaret J., wife of Isaac Helem, of Chicago' Junction, Ohio,, while the youngest is William L., a resident farmer of Cranberry township. The father was twice married, his first union being with Alary A. Robison, a. daughter of William Robison, who was one of three brothers and a brother of the grandfather of our subject. There were three children by this marriage,, but all are now deceased.

Many of the leading citizens of Ohio have come to this state from Pennsylvania, and among the number was the father of our subject, who was born in Perry county, of the Keystone state, on the 10th of October, 1825. His parents were John and Jennie (Baxter) Robison, who were also natives of that county and the former was of Scotch-Irish extraction, while the latter was of Scotch parentage. In 1867, when their son Robert was only twelve years of age, they traveled by wagon to Ohio, bringing with them their household effects. The journey led them through dense forests and across unbridged. streams, and with the pioneer settlers of this portion of the Buckeye state they cast in their lot. Having arrived in Crawford county, the grandfather purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Cranberry township, now owned by Adam Eckstein. He was a blacksmith by trade, and after locating here erected a shop on his farm, conducting business along that line for a number of years. In early life Robert Robison worked in the smithy with his father and in this. way mastered the business, becoming quite an expert at the forge. When twenty years of age he opened a shop of his own in Waynesburg, and during the succeeding three years worked almost day and night in order to- gain a start in business life. He received good pay for his labor, and on the completion of that period he had received three thousand dollars. This he invested in a farm of eighty acres, where his son, William L., now resides. It was then almost entirely forest land, and in the midst of the green woods he erected a log house, as well as a shop, giving his attention to blacksmithing. He hired some one to clear his land and devlop the fields. Some time later he developed forty acres adjoining his farm, thus extending its boundaries until it comprised one hundred and twenty acres. He continued work in the smithy until 1867, when he purchased of Casper Eberly a tract of land of forty acres, on which he erected a residence, and then moved to the farm which is now the home of his son Elmer.

He then abandoned blacksmithing, except as he occasionally did a little work in that way as an accommodation for some friend or neighbor. In 1876 he purchased thirty acres of land lying just north of the home farm and in 1880 bought fifty acres of the Cory heirs, lying just across the road from his residence. This is now the property of our subject. His landed possessions after these purchases aggregated two hundred and forty acres, and he also owned a town residence, surrounded by eleven acres, in New Washington.. After a useful, honorable and active career he was called to1 his final rest March 16, 1900. During the last eight years of his life he was blind, but he bore the affliction with Christian fortitude. He held membership in the Presbyterian church and was a stanch Democrat in politics, but would never accept office, preferring to devote his energies to> his business affairs, which demanded all of his attention and which brought to him a good financial return for his labor. He possessed an iron constitution, indomitable will and unflagging energy, and his life is in many respects well worthy oi emolution. His wife was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1832, and was a daughter of George' Robison, a native of Perry county, Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish extraction, as was also> her mother. The paternal and maternal grandfathers of our subject were own cousins. George Robison, the maternal grandfather, was an officer in the war of 1812, and after the close of hostilities was recognized as a leader in military matters for many years. By trade he was a cooper and he acquired considerable land, thus becoming in comfortable circumstances. He and his wife both spent their lives in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and their daughter, Mrs. Esther Robison, passed away in Crawford county, January 5, 1900.

Elmer Dean Robison, whose name forms the caption of this article, was given the educational privileges afforded by the common and high schools of New Washington, completing the course with the first graduating class, in 1883. The same fall he entered Oberlin College, where he completed the work of the junior year. His health then failed him and he was compelled to discontinue his studies, which was a great blow to him, for he possessed literary tastes and wished to prepare for a profession or for some literary work. Leaving college, he returned home, and after a few months spent in recuperating he became a student in the Davis Business College of Toledo, where he was graduated in the fall of 1887. During the succeeding winter and summer he remained at home, his health being greatly benefitted thereby. He assisted in the work of the farm to some extent, and in the fall of 1888 he began teaching, which profession he followed through the winter months, while in the summers he aided in the labors of the field and meadow.

However, when the spring of 1890 came he found that the confinement of the school-room had again undermined his health and he went to Colorado, where during the following six months he improved rapidly. He extended his trip into Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, California, Wyoming and Nevada, and in November, 1890. returned to his home. The following year his father lost the sight of one eye through an accident. In January, 1892, Mr. Robison, of this sketch, took a trip through the south to Jacksonville, Florida, in order to recover from the effects of the grip, and spent two months in that sunny clime, after which he made his way northward to Atlanta, Georgia, where he accepted a position with the Southern Bell Telephone Company, acting as secretary to the superintendent. He served in that capacity until, in a traction accident on a Sunday excursion on the Chattanooga river, he had his legs almost cut off. For six weeks he was forced to remain in bed. He then returned home to rest and recuperate, and soon after his arrival his father entirely lost the sight of both eyes.

At the earnest solicitation of his parents Mr. Robison decided to remain at home, where he has since continued, caring for his father and managing the farm. He is a most energetic and resolute young man, of strong purpose and marked ability, and his business management has brought to the farm good success. He votes with the Democracy and socially is identified with Hyperion Lodge, No. 651, K. P., in which he has helled all of the chairs and is now -serving as keeper of the records and seals and master of finance. His life has been upright and honorable, energetic and diligent, and throughout the community he has a large circle of friends.

Jeremiah J. Hoppel

Jeremiah J. Hoppel is justly regarded by the citizens of Liberty township as one of their leading and representative men. He is a thorough farmer, a reliable township official and is thoroughly respected by his neighbors and those who know him best in private life. The birth of Mr. Hoppel was in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on December 5, 1847, a son ot" Reuben and Christina (Deal) Hoppel, and is one of the surviving children of a family of four, his sister being Emma E.. the wife of A. B. Charlton. The two deceased sisters were Anna, the wife of John Davidson; and Effia, the wife of Joseph Kinsley.

Reuben Hoppel was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, of French ancestry, on August 18, 1818. At the age of fourteen years, he with his brothers. Charles and Adam, lost the parental care of their father, and were thrown upon their own resources. Reuben worked for neighboring farmers and grew up industrious and respected and married Christina Deal in his twenty-third year, her death occurring in 1862. After marriage he bought a farm, in the timber land and settled down to the laborous task of clearingit and putting it under cultivation. By 1858 he had succeeded in clearing it and had erected substantial buildings, but his brother Charles had gone to Indiana and prospered and Reuben decided to also go as far west as Ohio. He had inherited several thousand dollars from his granfather Kester, who owned extensive chestnut timber lands in Northampton county which sold for a fortune, after his death, and this money Reuben Lloppel brought with him to Ohio, buying with it one hundred and eighteen acres of land in section 6, Liberty township. This farm was later known as the model farm and passed into the possession of the Klunk family, by which it is still owned. After a residence of some six years upon it, Mr. Hoppel sold it and bought of Jacob Thomas, three hundred and twenty acres adjoining his former farm, on the south and here resided until 1896, having made it one of the best improved farms in the county. Here he built a handsome brick residence, in

1885. In 1896 he sold the farm, which then contained two hundred and forty acres, and removed to Holmes township, where he purchased a small home farm of sixty acres, located one mile north of Bucyrus and there he had his residence for three years, his death occurring on February 2j, 1899, in his eighty-first year. He had married, after the death of his first wife, Mrs. Mary Deagle, formerly a Miss McMichael, and three children were born to this union, viz: Ida, the wife of William Dinninger, of Holmes township; Reuben, of Plymouth, Indiana; and Ada, the wife of Charles Winner, with her mother, in Holmes township. The mother of our subject was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, about 1820, a daughter of Frederick anl Eva Teel, also of that county, where her father lived. He died in 1848, from -dropsy. Eva Teel, his wife, died at the same place in 1852. In politics Mr. Hoppel supported the Democratic party, for several years was one of the trustees of Liberty township and a man much respected. He was a consistent member of the Reformed church.

Farm life has produced the greater number of the solid and responsible men of the country. In the homely duties on his father's estate, young Jeremiah Hoppel passed from childhood to youth and manhood, receiving the best available schooling in the locality. His marriage on February 5, 1873, was to Miss Martha Schieber, a native of this township, a daughter of Christopher and Lydia (Hirschberger) Schieber, the former of whom was a native of Germany, the latter of Pennsylvania. Following this event, our subject became the owner of eighty acres of land from his father, bravely and happily began domestic life in one of the old pioneer log cabins, and in three years time was able to erect an attractive and comfortable residence and in 1883 completed one of the best barns of this neighborhood. In 1894 our subject sold this farm and purchased the old Michael Charlton farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, in 1900 adding eighty-three acres adjoining, and now is the owner of two hundred and forty-three acres of as excellent land as can be found in the state of Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoppel have four children : Myrtle, the wife of Ralph McCalman, of Danville, Illinois; Otis Milton, at home; Elger James, attending Heidelberg College; and Helen, at home. Mr. Hoppel's political sympathies place him in the Democratic party, and in 1900 he was elected trustee of the township, and is serving with the greatest satisfaction to the public. Several years he served on the school board and is a trustee of the library board of Sulphur Springs. His early rearing was in the Methodist church, but his family are connected with the Lutheran church, and to this denomination he gives support. He has always taken a great interest in his home surroundings and has lately added very much to its attractiveness by the rebuilding of his commodious modern barn. His success has been attained by the exercise of honesty, energy and industry.

Robert W. Johnston

Robert W. Johnston was born in Green township, Ashland county, Ohio. His father, Thomas Johnston, was born at Frederick City, Maryland, September 12, 1809, his parents, John and Christina (Johnston) Johnston, having emigrated from county Fermanagh, Ireland, about the year 1808. When eighteen years of age Thomas Johnston became a resident of that part of Richland county, Ohio, which subsequently became a part of Ashland county, where he resided continuously until his death, April 18, 1871. When but a little past his majority he became a wagoner, and for a number of years followed the occupation of conveying, by wagons drawn by six-horse teams, merchandise from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Pittsburg for the merchants in Richland and adjoining counties, and hauling the produce of the then new country to eastern markets. The advent of the railroads did away with this occupation, and his life was then wholly devoted to farming and stock-raising, in which he took special interest, being among the first to introduce Durham or short-horn cattle into Ashland county from the Blue Grass region of Kentucky. He married, in 1833, Sarah Ann Workman, who was born at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1813, and was brought by her parents, Joseph and Lydia (Shields) Workman, to Vermilion township, Richland, now Ashland, count}- in 1815. She died at Gallon, January 27, 1893. Joseph Workman was born in couny Monaghan, Ireland, March 12, 1786, and came to America with his parents in 1793. His father, Benjamin Workman, was educated for the ministry in the Covenanter church, but instead of carrying out his original plans devoted his life to teaching, following that occupation until he reached the age of seventy-five years. Joseph Workman was a soldier in the war of 1812, being a member of a Pennsylvania regiment, and two of his uncles, James and Hugh Workman, served with Colonel Crawford in the disastrous campaign against Sandusky. .He was one of the earlv justices of the peace in Vermilion township, have filled that office in 1817-18, and and was a member of the first Ohio state board of agriculture.

Robert W. Johnston spent his youth on the farm in Ashland county, attending the public schools, Vermilion Institute at Hayesville, and Green Town

Academy at Perrysville. In 1876, having decided to engage in the study of law, he entered the law office of Henry C. Carhart, at Galion, and graduated at the Cincinnati Law School in the class of 1879. In the same year he was admitted to the bar and immediately formed a partnership with his preceptor, Mr. Carhart, and has practiced his profession continuously at Galion. Mr. Johnston has taken an active interest in all things pertaining to the welfare of the city of Galion, and has been concerned in the promotion of various enterprises which have contributed to its progress. Politicallv he has always been a Republican, and is a strong adherent of the principles of the party, and although Galion is strongly Democratic he has served both as mayor and city solicitor, having been elected to the former office in 1S83 and to the latter in 1893.

John W. French

John W. French owes his success in life to his, own efforts and has gained the only title which America confers upon her citizens, that of a self-made man. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, November 8, 1832, his parents being Samuel and Rebecca (Welch) French. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, born about 1800, and was a son of Irish parentage. His mother died during his early childhood and he was then reared by his maternal grandfather, William McLaughlin, who came to Ohio about the time of the mother's death, settling in Columbiana county, where he took advantage of the offer made by the government to the settlers who could claim land and would develop farms. He built a log cabin and made a home for his large family numbering ten children, seven sons and three daughters. Several sons were veterans of the war of 181 2. Samuel was a captain in the service and Robert loyally aided in the defense of his country, died while on his way home and was buried in the f< >rest of Seneca county, but his grave was unmarked and therefore could never be visited by the family.

The father of our subject was reared in the pioneer home amid the wild scenes of frontier life and early became familiar with the arduous task of clearing and cultivating the fields. In 1844. after his marriage, he removed with his family to Wood county, where he leased a tract of forest land, built a log cabin home and in the succeeding four years cleared about forty acres, deriving considerable income from the sale of the wood as well as from his farming operations. In 1848 he came to Crawford county, settling in Lykens township, where he followed agricultural pursuits until 1859, when he re- moved to Huron county, where his death occurred two years later. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church and the Democracy received his political support. In early manhood he married Miss Rebecca Welch, who was born in Virginia about 1808 and a daughter of James and Esther (Ada) Welch, both of whom were of Irish extraction. They went to Columbiana county, Ohio, early in the nineteenth century and there the maternal grandfather of our subject built the first double log house ever erected on the site of Wellsville. For many years he conducted a tavern there, entertaining the pioneer settlers. Both he and his wife died in that county. For over a half century he was a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church. He was the only member of the family to remove to' the eastern part of the state, becoming actively connected with its upbuilding and promotion. His father was the first white settler to locate in Seneca count}-. Ohio, south of the Sandusky river, his nearest neighbor at the time being twenty-three miles distant. One of his sons. John Welch, served as a representative in the state legislature and another son, Hugh, was judge of the county court, while Martin was a Methodist minister. These sons had lint meager educational privileges, being self-made men and exercised a strong influence for good in the community where they resided. Albert G. Welch, a brother of Airs. French, and an uncle, of our subject, could not write his own name when he left home, but the ambition, determination and energy so characteristic of the family enabled him to advance steadily in knowledge and prominence. Later he became a state senator, was also sheriff of Columbiana count}'. Ohio, and subsequently was deputy warden of the Ohio State Penintentiary. Mrs. French was a lad}' of sterling worth and ability and proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet on the journey of life. Her death occurred in the year 1875. She was the mother of ten children, but only four are now living, namely: John W-. Joseph, who resides in Kansas City, Missouri; Elizabeth, widow of .Martin Corbet, of Chicago; and Esther, the widow of Levi Leonard, of Huron county, Ohio.

John W. French was reared to rural life and the work of the fields on the home farm. Flis school privileges were very limited, his only text-books being the testament and a spelling book, but through broad reading, supplemented by a retentive memory he has become a well informed man and continually increases his knowledge by keeping in touch with the advanced thought and progress of the day. At the age of twenty years he left his parents' home and removed to Putnam county, where he worked in a sawmill. After three years he returned to Crawford county, and as he possessed considerable natural mechanical ingenuity he began working at the carpenter's trade in Lykens township. During the succeeding four years, in connection with Comfort Waller, he erected many houses and barns in the township, and thus largely promoted its improvement. In 1856 he went to Tiffin, where he entered the employ of contractor and builder. Scudder Chamberlain, with whom he remained for four years, when, in 1861, he returned to Lykens township.

On the 24th of February of that year occurred one of the most important events of his life, - his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Jane Perky, a native of Seneca county. Ohio, and a daughter of David and Mary (Seitz) Perky. Her father was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and her mother of Fairfield county, Ohio, and during their childhood they went with their respective parents to Seneca county, this state. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. French located in Lykens township, where he continued working at his trade until the nth of May, 1864, when he enlisted at the call for troops to serve one hundred days, joining Company E of the One Hundred and Thirtysixth Ohio Infantry. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and was stationed at Fort Worth, Virginia. In September of the same year Mr. French was mustered out and returned to his home. In the fall of 1866 he removed to Huron county and purchased fifty-three acres of land and continued carpentering, renting his farm. In the spring of 1873 he sold that property and came to Cranberry township, Crawford county, where he has since resided. Upon his arrival here he purchased seventy acres of land and, abandoning his trade, he has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits. After some years he added forty-one acres to his farm, so that the home place now comprises one hundred and eleven acres.

Mr. and Airs. French became the parents of four children, of whom two are vet living, namely: Sherman L., a farmer of Cranberry township, and David P., who is operating the home farm. Imogene and Martin, the eldes: and youngest of the family, are now deceased. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Air. French is a Democrat in his political faith. He is an example of the boys who educate themselves and secure thenown start in life, - determined, self-reliant boys, willing to work for advantages which others secure through inheritance, destined by sheer force of character to succeed in the face of all opposition and to push to the front in one important branch of enterprise or another. As a man his business ability has been constantly manifested in one phase or another and he has gained an excellent success, a just reward for his meritorious and honorable effort, which commands the respect and admiration of all.

Albert S. Nye

Albert Sheridan Nye. one of the enterprising" agriculturists of Cranberry township, was born July 30, 1867, in the township which is still his home, his parents being Jonathan and Lovina (Immel) Nye. The father was also a native of the Buckeye state, for he was burn in Medina county. March 2, 1823, his parents being Jonathan and Sabrina (Briggs) Nye. The grandfather of our subject was born in Massachusetts, in 1770, and his father bore the name of Jonathan Nye and was a well-known resident of the Bay state. He was also- a son of a Jonathan Nye, who engaged in whale fishing, following that hazardous occupation for many years.

The grandfather of our subject was reared in his parents' home and the common schools afforded him his educational privileges. After his marriage he turned his attention toi farming, which he followed for a number of years, and subsequently he lemoved to- New York, where his wife died. He was afterward married again, his second union being with the grandmother of our subject. By the first marriage there were seven children, but all are now deceased. Soon after his second marriage the grandfather came to> Ohio, locating in Medina count}', where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of forest land, where he erected a log cabin. Through the following* years he performed the arduous task of clearing away the trees and plowing and planting the fields, operating his farm until 1825, when he sold that property and came to Crawford county. Here he entered one hundred and sixty acres in the mids of the forest, near what is now North Robinson, and built a log cabin, into which the family removed. He cleared eighty acres of his land and gave the remaining" eighty acres to two of his sons. Upon this farm the grandfather died in 1840, his wife surviving until 1853. Upon her death the farm passed into possession of Jonathan Nye and his brother Lorenzo. In 1857 they sold this property and the father of our subject came to Cranberry township, where he purchased his present home, comprising a tract of eighty acres, while Lorenzo- Nye bought ninety-five and a fraction acres just across the road from his brother.

Here they continued their farming work, and as Lorenzo Nye was married, Jonathan boarded with him until his own marriage, which occurred on the 2 1 st of April, 1861, to Miss Lovina Immel, a native of Cranberry township. She was born on the farm adjoining" that which belongs to her husband and was a daughter of Philip Immel, one of the early pioneers of the township, who emigrated to- Ohio from Pennsylvania, his native state. His parents were of

Pennsylvania Dutch lineage. After his marriage Mr. Immel started with his bride for Ohio, making the journey by wagon, and on his arrival in Crawford county he entered eighty acres of land in Cranberry township, the deed being signed by Andrew Jackson, then president of the United States. He at once built a log house, and blankets were hung at the openings to serve as doors. In true pioneer style he began the development and cultivation of his land and throughout his active business career carried on farming with good success, maintaining his residence upon the old homestead until his death, which occurred in 1885.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Nye they began their domestic life in an old log cabin on his farm. The building was in a dilapidated condition and the wind whistled through the structure and the rain and snow was blown through the apertures. In severe weather it was almost impossible to keep the room at a temperature to save them from freezing. During the five years in which they were paying for their farm they endured many hardships, but at length the indebtedness was discharged and their financial resources were increased so that they were able to erect a more commodious residence, and in 1866 the present home was built. Their marriage was blessed with six children, of whom three are now living: William Sherman, a resident farmer of Auburn township; Albert Sheridan, of this review; and Eli Liberty, at home. In his political affiliations Mr. Nye is a Republican, and in ante-bellum days was a strong Abolitionist. His religious views are in harmony with the Methodist doctrine, although he is not a member of the church, and throughout his whole life he has so lived as to win the confidence and regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Albert Sheridan Nye became familiar with farm work upon the old homestead. His elementary education was acquired in the common schools and was supplemented by study in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. Jn the fall of 1888 he left that institution and returned home, working through the following summer in the fields. He also became extensively engaged in the breeding of fine poultry and now carries on business along that line. In the fall of 1889 lie began teaching, and at intervals has thus been connected with educational work through five school terms.

On the 17th of May, 1893, Mr. Nye was united in marriage to ?% T i > s Anna Springer, a native of Ottawa count}' and a daughter of M. M. Springer. The young couple located upon their present farm, which comprises fifty acres, a mile and a half east of New Washington, and which Mr. Nye had purchased the year previous. Here he has since engaged in agricultural pursuits and in the raising of fine poultry, and both branches of his business prove a profitable source of income. When he was only eight years of age he was the owner of a number of thoroughbred fowls, and in his early youth he developed a fondness for the business which he now carries on and in which he has met with excellent success. His poultry has been displayed at various fairs and poultry shows among those sent by leading breeders of fancy poultry throughout the country, and he has won many premiums. In his farmingwork he is energetic, and the well-tilled fields indicate his careful supervision and bring to him a handsome financial return.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nye has been blessed with three children: Charles A., Ettie L. and Hobart J. Mrs. Nye is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and to its support Mr. Nye is a liberal contributor. In fact, he gives his aid to all measures calculated to prove of public benefit. He is a member of Hyperion Lodge, No. 651, K. P., which he joined on its organization, and politically he is identified with the Republican party, being an unswerving advocate of its principles. In 1900 he was appointed census enumerator of his township, and for the past three years has been president of the school board, and has also served as a member of the election board for many years. At different times he has been the nominee on his ticket for the office of township trustee, justice of the peace and assessor. In his political service he has discharged his duties with marked prominence and fidelity, and in all life's relations he has won the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated. He is known as a reliable, progressive and wideawake business man, being accounted one of the leading representatives among the younger men now engaged in agricultural pursuits in his native county.

Louis C. Marti X.

The career of the gentleman whose name is mentioned above is one the active years of which have been devoted to the welfare of mankind and the influence of which is good and far-reaching. The Rev. Louis C. Martin, pastor of the German Reformed church of Galion, Ohio, was born in Lanesville, Indiana, in 1863. His parents were natives of Germany and his father is a minister of the gospel and of the church which his son has so well represented.

Mr. Martin's childhood was spent at Terre Haute, Indiana, and there he attended the public school and prepared to enter the theological seminary of his church at Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Afer a complete course at the institution just referred to, he was, in 1883, graduated from Heidelberg- college at Tiffin,

Ohio, with the honors of his class. Immediately after his graduation Mr. Martin entered upon the mission work of his church at Boone City, Iowa, where he achieved a phenomenal success. From Boone City he went to Chilton, Wisconsin, and, after two years' successful work there, he was given charge of the large congregation at Huntington, Indiana. From Huntington he removed to Waukegan, Illinois, where he had charge of a congregation of his church.

Following his arduous work at the stations mentioned, he was afflicted with nervous prostration and for a year rested at Galion, Ohio. During this time he had charge of a mission in Dayton, Ohio, where in eleven weeks he had laid the foundation and plans ready for a chapel. After that he became pastor of the church of his denomination at Ironton, Ohio, where he originated and established the Protestant Deaconess hospital. His successful management of that institution brought him many congratulatory communicationsfrom those in charge of other charitable homes and led to the reorganization of some institutions along lines which he had made successful and popular. When he severed his relations with the church and the Deaconess Hospital at Ironton he returned to Galion, where he was called by family considerations and where he has since lived. He is at this time pastor of the Windfall congregation of the Peace Reformed church, just over the line in Morrow county.

Mr. Martin married, September 20, 1887, Miss Sarah Zimmerman, a daughter of John S. Zimmerman, one of the prominent citizens of Galion, and they have three children, named Carl. Amelia and Miriam.

Jacob Uhl

Jacob Uhl, an honored veteran of the Civil war, now engaged in farming in Cranberry township, where he owns and operates a farm of one hundred acres, was born in Offenbauch, Bavaria, Germany. January 25, 1833. His father, Benedict Uhl, was a native of the same country, born in 1797, and there he learned the wheelwright's trade. In early manhood he married Miss Anna Mary Mesmer, also a native of Bavaria, and they became the parents of six children, three daughters, deceased, and three sons, who are yet living: Benedict, who makes his home in Toledo, Ohio; Jacob; and Daniel, who makes his home in Cranberry township. With his family the father came to the United States in the spring of 1836, embarking on an Italian sailing vessel at Havre, France. They landed in Xew York City after a voyage of forty-four days and by way of the Great Lakes came to Ohio. After spending a few days. in Huron, this state, they continued on their way to Plymouth, where the mother and children remained while the father sought a location. He finally purchased forty acres of land in Cranberry township, one mile north of Xew Washington, a Mr. Elias Resell purchasing the other forty acres of the eightyacre tract. For a short time the two families lived in the log house erected by a former settler.

A few months later Benedict Uhl purchased two lots in Xew Washington and built a hewed-log house, which served as a residence and shop, and there he worked for two years at his trade, but the pioneer settlers had little money to pay for labor and therefore he left the town and returned to his farm, upon which he built a log cabin, which the family occupied until about 1850, when he erected a commodious frame house. After his return to the farm he began clearing and developing his land, and for twenty years, in connection with agricultural pursuits, he also followed his trade. He added a tract of fifty acres to his land and successfully carried on business along the two lines until his death, which occurred in 1863. He was a consistent member of the Catholic church, and in his political faith was a Democrat.

The wild scenes of pioneer life surrounded Jacob Uhl in his youth. He saw the dense forests, the cabin homes and shared in the arduous task of subjugating the wild land in order to make it cultivable. His education was obtained after the primitive manner of the times in a frontier district, and after attaining his majority he began to earn his own livelihood by working as a farm hand in the neighborhood. A great change in his mode of life occurred, however, when in August, 1861, he responded to the call for troops and entered. the military service of his adopted country, becoming a member of Company C, Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry. The regiment was assigned to the Army of Cumberland and he participated in all of the engagements with his command until the 27th of May, 1864, when he was shot through the neck in the battle near Dallas, Georgia. After being wounded he lay for a few days in the field hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, and was then sent to Cleveland, where he remained until the following January. Although he had not entirely recovered, he then rejoined his regiment at the camp near Huntsville, Alabama, and in January, 1866, he was discharged at Columbus, Ohio, returning home with a creditable record for loyalty and bravery.

In the following fall Mr. Uhl was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Nederlost, a native of Bohemia and a daughter of John Xederlost. who came to the United States about 1855, locating in Cranberry township, Crawford county. Mr. and Mrs. Uhl began their domestic life upon eighty acres of his present farm, which he had purchased while at home recovering from the wounds sustained in battle. Some years afterward he bought twenty acres adjoining on the south, making his farm a valuable tract of one hundred acres, now well improved and supplied with all modern accessories and conveniences. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Uhl has been blessed with six children, namely: Anna E., the wife of John R. Miller, a merchant of Xew Washington; George J., a farmer of Cranberry township; Michael B., who is engaged in the poultry business and the manufacture of chicken brooders in Cranberry township; Joseph, who is attending St. Mary's College in Dayton, Ohio ; Lawrence, who is operating his father's farm; and Mary, who is at home with her parents.

In his political views Air. Uhl is a Republican and believes most firmly in the principles of the party. He is a zealous and devout member of the Catholic church and served for several years as a member of the church council. He has never sought political office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with creditable and gratifying success.

John Baumgartxer

One of the most prominent business men of Chatfield township is John Baumgartner, and, furthermore, he owes his success entirely to his own efforts. Starting nut in business life empty-handed, he has steadily worked his way upward and his business connections are now extensive and important. He belongs, too, to that class of representative American citizens who, while promoting their own success, also contribute to the general prosperitv, for the industries with which he is associated are a means of livelihood to many men of the community, furnishing employment to a large force.