Crawford County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 7 of 22)

Mr. Schwemley, whose name forms the caption of this review, was only eight years of age at the time of his mother's death, after which he made his home with his nncle, Jacob Sheetz, during the greater part of the time until 1879, when he went to Kansas with his father. In December, 1881, he returned to New Washington. Previous to this time his educational privileges had been those afforded by the common schools, but on again coming to Ohio he entered the Xew Washington high school and was a member of its first graduating class in June, 1883, at which time he had the honor of delivering the salutatory address. On putting aside his text-books he entered upon his business career as an employe in the store of J. Sheetz & Brother, and continued to serve as salesman until 1894, with the exception of a period of one year, from February, 1888, until February, 1889, when he was in the employ of L. C. Hall & Company, dry goods merchants of Bucyrus. In January, 1894, he secured a position in the store of J. M. Guiss, a hardware merchant of New Washington, with whom he remained until March 10, 1898, when he engaged in the dry goods, notions and grocery business for himself. Since that time he has secured a liberal and constantly growing patronage and is now accounted one of the enterprising, wide-awake and progressive merchants of his native city.

On the 30th of December, 1891, Mr. Schwemley was united in marriage to Miss Mathilda R. Biber, a native of Cranberry township, Crawford county, and a daughter of Jacob and Christina (Utz) Biber, both of whom were natives of Germany. Her father came to the United States with his parents during his childhood, the family settling in Cranberry township at a very early period of its development. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schwemley was blessed with four children: Louisa M., who was born November 2$, 1892; Paul H., born August 31, 1894; Mary C, burn February 10, 1897; and George WT., born May 10, 1900.

Mr. Schwemley is recognized as one of the active workers in the Democratic ranks and for the past three years has been a member of the school board, while for several terms he has held the office of corporation treasurer.

name is on the membership roll of the Lutheran church and in its work he is actively and deeply interested. For several years he has served as a teacher in the Sunday-school and did all in his power to promote Christian education among the children of the community. He and his family occupy a comfortable residence at the northwest corner of Scharf and Rossman streets and the household is celebrated for its gracious hospitality. Mr. Schwemlev is now accounted one of the substantial business men of his native place and is a highly esteemed resident. His close application in business, unfalteringpurpose and sound judgment have enabled him to progress steadily on the path to prosperity.

John H. Sheetz

Rising above the head of the masses are many men of sterling worth and value, who by sheer perseverance and pluck have conquered fortune and by their own unaided efforts have risen from the ranks of the commonplace to positions of eminence in the business world, and at the same time have 0 >mmanded the trust and respect of those with whom they have been in any way thrown in contact. Among the earnest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle excite the admiration of his contemporaries Air. Sheetz is. prominent. He is now recognized as one of the leading merchants of his portion of Crawford county and is not only in control of one of the extensive commercial enterprises of Xew Washington but is also successfully engaged in the banking business, and is regarded as one of the best financiers in this part of the state.

Mr. Sheetz was born in the city which is still his home, his natal day being August 29, 1852. His parents were John A. and Margaret (Donnenwirth) Sheetz. He remained with his parents during the period of his boyhood and youth and acquired his preliminary education in the New Washington district schools, supplementing his early study by a course in Oberlin College and in Mount Union College. During the last two years of his school life he spent the summer months on his father's farm. Agricultural pursuits were congenial to him and he rather desired to carry on farming, but in 1872. at the earnest solicitation of his father, he became a clerk in the hitter's store and served in that capacity until 1874, when he purchased his father's interest in the business and became a partner of his brother Jacob. This connection has since been maintained. Our subject soon manifested superior ability in the line of commerce and as a merchant took front rank among the leading representatives of trade interests in his native town. The store which the brothers own is large and well stocked and they enjoy a very liberal patr age. In 1876 the banking firm of the John A. Sheetz Company was organized and our subject became cashier and financial manager. The success of the institution is largely due to his efforts, which have resulted in making this one of the leading financial concerns in this portion of the county.

On the 2d of October, 1889, occurred the marriage of Mr. Sheetz and Miss Theresa AY. Michaelis. a native of Bucyrus and a daughter of the Rev. August Michaelis, a minister of the Lutheran church. Her father was born in Prussia and came to America about 1840, when a young man. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons, - John A. and Walter F. Air. Sheetz votes with the Democracy and is a recognized leader in its ranks. He has served for six or seven years as a member of the school board and for six or eight years has been treasurer of the board. His religious belief connects him with the Lutheran church, and for three years he was a member of the church council, while for a similar period he served as deacon and was secretary of the building committee when the present substantial and commodious house of worship was erected. Mr. Sheetz is a man of distinctive ability, and his character is one which is above a shadow of reproach. He has been faithful in the offices to which he has been called, loyal to the duties of public and private life and is widely known and respected by all who have been at all familiar with his honorable and useful career.

Charles J. Scroggs

Charles Jacob Scroggs, the senior member of the law firm of Scroggs & Monnett, is the only child of the late Hon. Jacob Scroggs, attorney at law, and his wife, Julia A. Walwork. 7 he Scroggs family in America was founded by three brothers, Alexander, Allan and John, who came from Edinburg to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, about 1740, and who, according to family tradition, were either nephews or grandnephews of Chief Justice Scroggs of the King's Bench under Charles II. Allan Scroggs died in Cumberland count}- in 177.6, leaving a numerous family, of whom the second son, John, made his way to Baltimore, where, in 1786, he was married to Frances Hook. Their third son. also named John, was born in Baltimore June 9. 1794, and continued to live there until 18 19, taking part in the war of 181 2 and being present at the bombardment of Fort McHenry and at North Point. Fie then removed to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and one vear later to Columbiana county, Ohio, where in 1821 he was married to Miss Ann Shawke, daughter of Jacob and Dorothea (Kester) Shawke. Her father was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, November 15, 1759, and was of Bavarian ancestry, beino- able to trace his familv back to the fourteenth century. He was a soldier of the Revolution, serving during portions of seven years in a number of Pennsylvania companies, and dying at Lisbon, Ohio, in 1832.

John Scroggs was a hatter by trade and followed this business at Lisbon and Canton, Ohio, and afterward at Bucyrus, moving to this place in 1839 and settling on the site of the present residence of the subject of this sketch, his house at that time being the last one but one on Walnut street and the last one on Rensselaer street. Here he resided until his death, in 1861, having lived, not an eventful life, but one which won for him the highest respect of all who knew him. After his death his widow made her home with her only living- daughter, Mrs. W. T. Giles, until her death in 1882, at the ripe age of eighty-six years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Scroggs were lifelong and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the present beautiful edifice in Bucyrus contains memorial windows in their honor.

They were the parents of seven children: Joseph R., who died in Freeport, Illinois, unmarried, in 1867, a newspaper man by profession, and a prominent Mason and Odd Fellow ; AYilliam M., for two terms county auditor, married Miss Margaret Byron in 1849, an<^ cuec^ a^ Bucyrus in 1874, leaving surviving him his widow and two children, all since deceased; Jacob; Mary, wife of W. T. Giles, one of the veteran newspaper men of the west, who died at Freeport, Illinois, in 1898, his wife having passed to the spirit world in 1889, leaving two children, - W. S., a railway mail clerk, and Mira L.. a teacher in the Chicago schools; Mira, wife of C. W. Butterfield, died at Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1859; Amanda, who died young; and John B., a prominent lawyer of Kansas City, Kansas, where he died in 1899, leaving surviving him a widow and three step-children.

Jacob Scroggs was born in Canton, Ohio, August 11, 1827, and died at Bucyrus, Ohio. March 23. 1897. During his boyhood he acquired such education as the frontier schools could furnish, and also learned his father's trade, but that not proving congenial employment he taught school for five terms, worked on the local newspapers and in clerical positions in the courthouse, clerked in Toledo for a year and traveled for one year for Winthrop- Smith & Company, the predecessors of the American Book Company. He then studied law, under the direction of Judge Hall and D. W. Swigart, was graduated at the Cincinnati Law School in 1854. and the following year opened an office in Bucyrus, where for forty years he occupied an honored position at the Crawford county bar. Never sanctioning the "sharp practice"' which too many consider a necessarv concomitant of the practice of law, others had more success than he in making a jury believe ''the worse were the better cause;" but in profound knowledge of the law, fine reasoning powers and in that integrity of character which enabled and compelled him on occasion to fearlessly tell a client he was in the wrong, he stood easily in the front rank. From the memorial to him adopted by the Ohio State Bar Association, we extract the following :

"Upon his fair fame the breath of suspicion never dared to rest. His word was a bond that was never forfeited and his rugged manhood commanded confidence and won respect from all. With few early advantages, he made himself, by industry and energy, a peer of the ablest lawyers of the state, a man of liberal education, broad views and affluent circumstances. He was held in universal esteem by men of all parties throughout the city, the county and the state."

Always an active Republican and Crawford county being heavily Democratic, circumstances prevented his ever holding important public office. He was mayor of Bucyrus for four years and for twelve years a member of the board of education, being for ten years the president of that body, and for nine years his name being upon both tickets. He was a presidential elector in 1864 and again in 1880, was the Republican candidate for circuit judge in 1 88-| . and two years later was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for supreme judge.

He was married to Julia A. Walwork on September 22, 1859. She was born in Philadelphia August 4, 1833, and died at Bucyrus, Ohio, July 23, 1901. She was a daughter of Thomas Walwork, a native of England, and Alary Stephens, of Glens Falls, New York, her mother's family tracing back to the early Puritan settlers. She commenced to teach school at the age of fourteen, her first experience being gained near Syracuse, Xew York, and had a life certificate empowering her to teach in any school in Xew York state. In 1855 she went to Georgia as a teacher, but her anti-slavery views led to her return north in 1857. sne coming to Bucyrus to take charge of the high school, a position she filled with marked success and continued to hold until three years after her marriage. The rest of her life was devoted to her home, family and friends. For many years before her death she was an invalid and virtually confined to the limits of her own home, vet her personality was such that so long as she lived she remained one of the most prominent factors in the intellectual and social life of the city.

They had but one child. Charles Jacob Scroggs, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, July 14. 1863, was educated by his mother and in our public schools, at which he graduated in 1877, the youngest highschool graduate on record. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware one year, and then took a four-years course at Michigan University, Ann Arbor, graduating at that institution in 1884 with the degree of A. M., being one of seven in a class of ninety to receive the master's degree instead of the customary A. B. Two years later he was graduated at the Cincinnati Law School with the degree of LL. B., and since then has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession at Bucyrus, being associated with his father until the latter's death, and since then with his present partner. He has inherited many of his father's characteristics, and as a safe, accurate advisor, particularly in matters of commercial and corporation law, he is excelled by none in the county. He has also been actively identified with the business life of the community. He was one of the organizers of the Bucyrus Loan & Building Association, of which he has been attorney and director since its inception, and helped organize, and is one of the board of directors of, the Home Mutual Fire Association.

Outside of business he finds employment for his time in his books, secret orders and the game of whist. Lie has one of the finest private libraries in Bucyrus and has it thoroughly at his command, is a member of all c«f the local Masonic bodies and of Ohio Consistory, thirty-second degree, at Cincinnati; is a past chancellor. Demas Lodge, Xo. 108, K. of P., and under Grand Chancellor Young was his deputy for the sixteenth Pythian district, composed of Crawford, Seneca and Wyandot counties; was a charter member of Bucyrus Lodge, Xo. 156, B. P. O. E.. and is a life member of the grand lodge of j:hat order. He also takes an active interest in the Sons of the American Revolution, and has been one of the board of managers of its Ohio society and was a delegate to its last national congress. He is recognized as one of the leading whist-players of the state, and is a frequent contributor to the literature of the ''silent .°"ame." He has never married.

Wallace L. Moxxett

Wallace Lafayette Monnett, the junior member of the law firm of Scroggs & Monnett, was born at Bucyrus. Ohio. September 18. 1871, his parents being Abram Cahill and Jennie E. (Walwork) Monnett. The ancestry of the Monnett family can be traced back to Abraham Monnett, who came to Ohio from Virginia in 1800, taking up his abode in Chillicothe.

He had eight children, - Isaac, Thomas, Margaret, Jeremiah, John, William, Osborne and Elizabeth. Isaac married Elizabeth Pittinger, and in 1813 removed to Pickaway county, moving again in 1828 to- Crawford county, where he entered fourteen hundred and forty acres of land south of Bucyrus and engaged in stock-raising on an extensive scale.

His son, William, was born in Ross county, Ohio, April 22, 1808. When about eighteen he taught school a few terms, and at twenty accompanied his parents to Crawford county, where he became prominently identified with stock-raising interests. About the time of his removal to this county he joined the Methodist church, and when thirty-two years of age received a license as a local preacher. The same day he wTas appointed colonel of the First Regiment, Third Brigade, Eleventh Division, Ohio militia, and filled this position acceptably for seven years. In 1851 he moved to Bucyrus and opened a general store in partnership with Patterson Marshall, but in 1854 returned to stock-raising, purchasing four hundred acres of land near Bucyrus. part of which is now in the city limits, and eleven hundred acres of land in Cranberry township. This land he continued to occupy until his death, March 21, 1885. He was prominent in county affairs and in church work, and lent his influence to all measures calculated to prove of good along material, intellectual and moral lines. He was married, in January 11, 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Cahill, a sister of the late Hon. R. W. Cahill, of Vernon township, and a daughter of Abram and Nancy (Wallace) Cahill. She was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1810, and died at Bucyrus, Ohio, May 3, 1891. Her father resided in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and at one time was connected with the state militia. Colonel Monnett and wife were the parents of five children: Mary J., wife of Hon. S. R. Harris; Rachel, wife of W. H. Kinnear, of Bucyrus township: Sarah L., wife of L. L. Walker, of Whetstone township; Isaac W., formerly of Walla Walla, Washington; and Abram C. Of these. Mrs. Walker is the only one now living.

Abram Cahill Monnett, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Bucyrus township March 31, 1839, and died in Bucyrus April 17, 1879. Pie was educated in the county schools and at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. From 1861 to 1864 he was a member of Company E, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he was orderly sergeant, and participated in all the engagements of the Army of Virginia. He was married, December 11, 1867, to Miss Jennie E. Walwork, a daugh- ter of Thomas and Mary (Stephens) Walwork, who was born at Saratoga, New York, June 6, 1840. She was educated in the Albany State Normal School of Albany, Xew York, at which she graduated in i860, and the following year became a teacher in the Bucyrus schools, a position she satisfactorily filled for five years. They were the parents of five children: Frank \Y.. Wallace L., Elizabeth, Julia and Rachel. Frank W. was educated in the Bucyrus schools and at the Cincinnati Law School, and was admitted to practice in 1893. He located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he remained until the breaking out of the Spanish war, since which time he has been in the army, being now in charge of a company of native scouts in the Philippines. Elizabeth was educated at the New England Conservatory of Music and is the wife of Rev. James M. Cass, a Methodist minister now located at Jay, Essex county. New York. Julia and Rachel are graduates of the elocution department of the Cincinnati College of Music and reside in Bucyrus with their widowed mother. They are teachers of elocution, of ability, and have an enviable reputation as public readers, an occupation to which they give a large part of their time.

Wallace Lafayette Monnett was born in Bucyrus September 18, 1871. After graduating in the Bucyrus schools and at Eastman Business College, of Poughkeepsie. New York, he studied law in the office of Scroggs & Scroggs and afterward at Cincinnati Law School, at which he graduated in 1896. Hon. Jacob Scroggs having meanwhile retired from practice, he returned to his old office and on April 1. 1897, was admitted to partnership, the firm since then having beejn Scroggs & Monnett. He is now serving his second term as referee in bankruptcy, discharging his duties in a manner that has won him the commendation of the profession and the public, and has acquired a high reputation in his general practice. In politics he is an aggressive Republican, having been chairman of the county executive committee. He belongs to but one of the large secret orders, Demas Lodge, No. 108, K. of P., of which he is past chancellor and has been county deputy grand chancellor. April 6, 1897, ne was married to Mary Zouck, a daughter of Jacob and Martha ( Millinder) Zouck, of Baltimore, Maryland, where the family is widely known in official and social circles. Mrs. Monnett was born near Baltimore December 26, 1876, and was educated at Maryland College, formerly Lutherville Seminary, and at the Cincinnati College of Music, at which she graduated in 1896. They are the parents of two children, - Martha Elizabeth and Margaret Louise.

William S. Taylor

William Stacy Taylor, a popular passenger conductor on the Big Four Railroad residing at Galion, Ohio, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, on the ioth of February, 1845, and is a representative of one of the early families of that state. His grandfather, Joseph Gore, was a native of the same county, as was Mahlon K. Taylor, the father of our subject, whose birth occurred about the year 1810. In 1830 the latter was married to Miss Amanda M. Gore and in the year 1849 removed to Logan county, Ohio, locating on a farm two miles northwest of Bellefontaine, where he continued to reside, engaging in the business of farming until his death, which occurred October 18, 1868. The children of this marriage were as follows : Sarah J., the widow of Henry Casebolt, of Bellefontaine: Ruth H., wife of John Grimes, a retired farmer of Bellefontaine; Thomas O., who for a number of years has been an employe of the Standard Oil Company, located at various points and is now a resident of Columbus, Ohio; Annabelle, wife of R. B. Keller, cashier of the People's National Bank, of Bellefontaine; Frank G., a resident of Sioux City, Iowa, and is now in the employ of the street railway company of that place; Alice, who is living in Springfield, Ohio; Elizabeth, who died at the old home farm near Bellefontaine, in 1864, when three years of age; and William S., whose name introduces this review.

William Stacy Taylor, whose name forms the caption of this sketch, was a little lad of three summers when the parents came with their family from Loudoun county, Virginia, to Ohio, locating in Logan count}-, near Bellefontaine. There from early youth until manhood Mr. Taylor continued to reside on the farm contributing such labor and assistance as his age and strength would enable him to perform. On the 27th of October, 1868, at the age of nearly twenty-four years, he chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Rachel Melinda Clabaugh, a daughter of Nicholas Clabaugh, of Champaign county, Ohio, who died in 185 1. This union was blessed with the following children : Cornelia Amanda, born October 4, 1869; Agnes Belle, born September 10, 1870; Grace Edna, born May 10,

1873. The eldest daughter is the wife of Joseph Belser, of Bellefontaine, and Agnes Belle is the wife of William H. Heffner. of Galion, while Iva married the Rev. O. D. Baltzly, pastor of St. Luke's church of Mansfield, Ohio.

William S. Taylor is a veteran of the war of the Rebellion. He responded to the call of his country, promptly enlisting in Company L. Second

Ohio Heavy Artillery, with which he served throughout the war. His connection with the Big Four Railroad Company was begun in May, 1874, when he was made brakeman. He successively passed through different positions of importance and trust and was, in 1888, promoted to the position of passenger conductor, which he has held continuously through thirteen years. Judged by his advancement during the term of his connection with the Big- Four Company, merit and efficiency seem not to have been lacking in the discharge of the duties assigned to him. At this writing he is still a passenger conductor on the Big Four road and resides in a handsome residence on North Columbus street in Galion. He owns this property, together with other realty in the city, and there he is living, surrounded by the comforts and pleasures of life amid an affectionate family of noble children and grandchildren to whom he is fondly attached. He is happy in the evening of life knowing that he has provided well for his loved ones. In October, 1873, he took up his abode in Galion, where he has lived ever since. In religious faith the family are Lutherans and in the church for many years past Mr. Taylor has held various offices at different times, ever giving his aid to church work with a willingness and cheerfulness commensurate with his means, and he was respected and highly esteemed by all who knew him.

Ebenezer B. Finley

Ohio has always been distinguished for the high rank of her bench and bar. Perhaps none of the newer states can justly boast of abler jurists or attorneys. Many of them have been men of national fame, and among those whose lives have been passed on a quieter plane there is scarcely a town or city in the state that can boast of one or more lawyers capable of crossing swords in forensic combat with many of the distinguished legal lights of the United States. While the growth and development of the state in the last half century has been most marvelous, viewed from any standpoint, yet of no one class of her citizenship has she greater reason for just pride than her judges and attorneys. In Judge Finley we find united many of the rare qualities which go to make up the successful lawyer and jurist. He possesses perhaps few of those brilliant, dazzling meteoric qualities which have sometimes flashed along the legal horizon, riveting the gaze and blinding the vision for the moment, then disappearing, leaving little or no trace behind, but rather has those solid and more substantial qualities which shine with a constant luster, shedding light in the dark places with steadiness and continuity. Mr. Finley possesses oratorical ability of high order and has in a manner secured that rare ability of saying in a convincing way the right thing at the right time. This has won him fame not only as a lawyer but as a lecturer, for he is widely known throughout the country by reason of his prominence as a speaker on historical and literary topics.

A resident of Bucyrus, Mr. Finley has long been a recognized leader at the bar and in Democratic circles in Crawford county, and has won distinction in the legislative halls of the nation. He was born in Orville, Wayne county. Ohio, July 31, 1833. and is still an active member of the legal profession. He was educated in the public schools, and, determining to make the practice of law his life work, after careful study and preparation was admitted to the bar in 1862. He then took up his abode in Bucyrus, where he has since made his home. He had scarcely entered upon his professional career, however, before he offered his services to his country, assisted to raise a company as the Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and became first lieutenant of Company K, of said regiment, with which he served until wounded in the service and was honorably discharged. After being mustered out of the service he resumed the private practice of law and rose to a position of eminence in the profession. Along with those qualities, indispensable to the lawyer - a keen, rapid, logical mind, plus the business sense, and a ready capacity for hard work - our subject brought to the starting point o<f his legal career gifts - eloquence of language and a strong personality. An excellent presence, an earnest, dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability accurately to apply its principles are factors in Mr. Finley's effectiveness as an advocate.

Mr. Finley is no less widely known in connection with political affairs. He has long' been one of the foremost men of his party in Crawford county, and in 1876 was elected to the forty-fifth congress from the fourteenth district, consisting of the counties of Crawford. Wyandot, Richland, Ashland and Holmes. He served so acceptably that in 1878 he was re-elected to the fortyeighth congress from the eighth district, comprising Crawford, Hardin, Marion, Morrow, Seneca and Wyandot counties. He made an excellent record in the national congress and acquitted himself brilliantly in debate. To every question that came up for consideration he gave earnest thought and attention, laboring untiringly for the measures which he believed would prove of general good. In 1884 he was made adjutant general of Ohio by Governor George Hadlev and brought militia to a high state of organization. In 1897 he was elected circuit judge of the third circuit and displayed great ability in his judicial capacity. In 1896 he was elected as one of the delegates at large from Ohio to the national Demi icratic convention at Chicag< >, and took a prominent part as a leader in the convention, as chairman of one of the important committees. His mind is analytical, logical and inductive. With a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles of law he combines a familiarity with statutory law and a sober, clear judgment,, which makes him not only a formidable adversary in legal combat but has given him the distinction while on the bench of having few of his decisions revised or reversed.

He attended all of the Democratic national conventions from 1876 until 1896. He has long been prominent in the councils of his party in Ohio, and his opinions carry weight with Democratic leaders. For some years he was on the platform as a lecturer on historical and literary topics and was very successful in that line. His study and reading have been broad and comprehensive, and he is a man of scholarly attainments and strong mentality, qualities which render him an entertaining and convincing speaker, while his oratorical ability of high order was always sure to please.

Adam G. Lederer

Various business interests have claimed the attention of Mr. Lederer, and enterprise and energy have secured his advancement along the path of prosperity. He is now a well known auctioneer and is also proprietor of a livery barn at Xew Washington. He was born in Cranberry township, December 19, 1852, a son of Jacob and Magdalene (Donnenwirth) Lederer, both of whom were natives of German}-, the father born in Wurtemberg and the mother in Alsace, and came to America with their respective parents when about five years of age. The father of our subject was reared in Stark county, Ohio, and in his early manhood worked in a livery stable in Wooster, Ohio, for two or three years. He then came to Crawford county and entered from the government eighty acres of land a mile south and a mile west of Xew Washington. Not long afterward he was married, and upon the farm he made his home until his death. In subsequent years he added thirty-seven acres to his place, which then comprised one hundred and seventeen acres, and his labors and energy transformed it into a valuable and attractive farming property. As an auctioneer he won wide fame and cried all of the sales in this portion of the country in his day. He was a man of social nature, genial disposition and unflagging energy, and those qualities made him popular, gaining for him man}- friends. Of the Lutheran church he was a most ardent and influential member and was largely instrumental in securing the erection of the house of worship in Xew Washington. He voted with the Democracy. His death occurred August 19, 1857, when he was only thirtynine years and eleven months old. His wife was born in 1822, and after the death of her husband she cared for her family, residing upon the old homestead until the earlv '80s. when she removed to Xew Washington, where she has since made her home with her daughter. Although she is now in her eightieth vear she retains possession of her faculties unimpaired and is a most highly esteemed old lady. Her father was George Donnenwirth, who belonged to one of the well known families of Crawford county. Mr. and Mrs. Lederer became the parents of five children, of whom the following are living: John F., who makes his home in Dundee, Michigan; Jacob, who is living on the old homestead in Cranberry township ; Adam G. ; and Odella, wife of Andrew. Cronenberger, of Xew Washington.

Adam Lederer was reared on the home farm and his early education was acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by study in the Lexington Seminary and in the Fostoria high school. He met the expenses of his education by his own labor, and the resolute will which enabled him to secure this ntellectual advancement indicated the elemental strength of his character, which has been developed as the years have passed, making him a self-reliant and energetic man. When eighteen years of age he began work as a farm hand, and the money thus earned paid his tuition in the Lexington Seminary. When twenty years of age he began teaching, and after following that profession for a year he continued his studies in the high school of Fostoria. For fifteen terms he followed the teacher's profession, and during twelve terms of the time was connected with the schools of XTew Washington. In the summer season he and his brother Jacob engaged in farming" in partnership, and in 1878 they began breeding fine short-horn cattle, in which they gained a wide reputation by reason of their success and the splendid stock which they handled. In 1882 they established a livery business in New Washington, and with the exception of two periods of two and a half and three years Mr. Lederer, of this review, has since been connected with the enterprise. In 1895 he and his brother terminated their partnership. Three years previous our subject had purchased the grocery store of J. Bear and conducted the same for eighteen months. In connection with his livery business he is also well known as an auctioneer of Crawford county. He

On the 8th of February, 1877, Mr. Lederer married Miss Ella A. Hartupee, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas Logan and Phebe O. (Patterson) Hartupee, her father born in Richland county. They now have two children and have lost three. The living are : Ora D., who possesses much talent in both vocal and instrumental music; and Estella. Mr. Lederer is independent in politics, supporting the men and measures that he thinks are best adapted to secure good government. He served for four years on the school board, for two years in the city council and was the first man to carry a petition for the building of pikes. In this matter he incurred the ill will of many men opposed to the pike system, but to-day they are among his best friends, for time has demonstrated the great value of good roads. Socially he is connected with Hyperion Lodge, No. 651, K. P. His worth is widely acknowledged, and wherever he is known he has gained many warm friends, who esteem him for his trustworthiness and social qualities.

Frederick Wisman

Among the prosperous farmers of Bucyrus township is Frederick Wisman, who owns and operates a large, well cultivated and finelv situated farm, consisting of one hundred and fort}- acres of fertile Crawford county land.

The birth of Mr. Wisman was in this same township, on November 2, 1833. His parents were Frederick and Elizabeth (Heinlen) Wisman, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, from which country they came when they were children. After their marriage in Pennsylvania, in 1828, they came and located in Crawford county, where the remainder of their lives were spent, the mother dying in 1843, the father surviving until 1867. By trade Mr. Wisman was a wagonmaker, but after locating in Ohio he pursued farming. His life was an honest and industrious one, and both he and his wife lived and died enjoying the respect of all who knew them.

Frederick Wisman was one of nine children -born to his parents, and he was reared on the farm, thus becoming' well prepared for the active duties of an agriculturist. His education was in the schools of his neighborhood. In 1 86 1 he married Malissa Aumiller, and then left the parental roof to set up his own home. For a time the young couple lived on a farm located just west of his birthplace, but later removed to Holmes township. In 1864 Mr. VVisman moved to the farm he now occupies, which consisted of eighty acres and belonged to his father. After the death of the latter Mr. Wisman purchased this farm and has added to it until he now owns one hundred and forty acres, and in addition to this, he, in association with his son Charles E., owns a tract comprising ninety acres. In 1874 Mr. VVisman built his fine, brick residence and has made many improvements of a substantial character which not only add to the attractive appearance of the place but materially to its value also. One feature of Mr. Wisman's business is the raising of great numbers of sheep.

The three children of Mr. Wisman are all comfortably settled in life, in Crawford county, Alfred E., being a successful farmer in Holmes township; Emma Alice, the wife of Joseph Starner, lives in Todd township; and Charles E. is a farmer with his father. Mr. Wisman is identified with the Democratic party, and is generally regarded as one of the leading citizens of Bucyrus township.

James O. Holland

Among the prominent agriculturists of Bucyrus township, James O. Holland takes a leading position, both as a successful farmer and as a veteran of the Civil war. His birth was in Mahoning county, Ohio, on December 20, 1841. His parents, Nehemiah and Lucinda (Bentley) Holland, were married on August 13, 1836, and resided for several years in Mahoning county, later removing to Hancock county, Ohio, where the father died July 3, 1847, at the age of forty-eight years. The children born to him and wife were: William C, who resides in Marshall county, Indiana; John A., who resides in the same count)-; Chauncy F., who is deceased; James O., who is the subject of this biography; Richard M., who has passed away; and Austin, who is a resident of Crawford county. The widow of Mr. Holland married, on December 31, 1849, James Reid, by whom she had three children: Nancy L. ; Alfred C. ; and Esther M., deceased. The mother outlived her second husband, surviving until 1802, when she passed away at the age of seventytwo years.

lames O. Holland was between six and seven years of a.ge when his father died, and remained with his mother only until he had reached his tenth year. Then he began the struggle of life for himself, beginning by working at odd jobs for those who would employ him, principally farmers of his neighborhood. His educational advantages were thus limited. At the age of sixteen, with commendable forethought, he decided to learn a trade, -selecting that of carpenter, and remained employed at it for three years.

The Civil war, breaking out just at this time, found in Air. Holland a patriotic young soldier. On August 22, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in twenty-two battles and skirmishes, including Stone River, Chickamauga, Jonesboro, Atlanta, and those of Sherman's "march to the sea." Mr. Holland did not escape all the dangers of war, as at Nolansville, North Carolina, he was taken prisoner, but after fourteen days was paroled and sent back to the Union lines. After a faithful service he was mustered out at Columbus, June 20, 1865.

Air. Holland married the year following his return from the army, the ceremony taking place on October 10, 1866, to Miss Ellen Starner, and he and wife removed to Nevada, Ohio, where he followed his trade for several years, but later engaged in farming in Bucyrus township. In 1882 he removed to his present fine farm, on section 22, in this township.

In politics Mr. Holland is a stanch Republican, and is a man interested deeply in the success of his country in all public affairs. George W. Holland, his only son, born October 4, 1870, assists in the conduct of the farm.

George W. Starner

The late George W. Starner was a good citizen and a prosperous farmer -of Crawford county, and was born November 12, 1812, and was a native of Monroe county, Pennsylvania. His lamented death occurred April 6, 1887. "He was a son of George M. and Katie M. ( Van Vleet) Starner. His youth Avas spent upon the farm and received limited schooling, as the facilities were wanting in those early days. The school-house was a log structure and the instruction correspondingly crude.

On July 12, 1835, Mr. Starner was united in marriage to Susan Stiff, of Monroe county at that time, but her birth took place in Sussex county, New Jersev, July 20, 1810, she having removed to Monroe county when fourteen years of age. To this marriage these children were born : Elizabeth, who -married Jacob Yeagley ; Ellen, who married James O. Holland ; Harriet, who married John Dobbins; and William.

Air. Starner removed to Ohio in the month of September, 1832, coming in a two-horse wagon, making the trip in four weeks, and settling in Perry -county. For six vears the family resided there on a farm. In 1843 the family removed to Crawford county and located in Bucyrus township. Air. Starner soon became well known through the township as a very reliable man and good citizen. He voted with the Republican party and passed away regretted by a large circle of friends. His widow died July 3, 1901, being almost ninety-one years of age. The last thirteen years of her life, were spent in the home of her daughter, Mrs. James O. Holland.

John W. Cupp

In the history of the men and forces that have contributed to the growth and success of the Republican party in Ohio reference must be made to Mr. Cupp, and the journal company of which he is secretary and general manager. The paper has ever been an advocate of Republican principles, its columns championing the measures of the party setting forth strong arguments in favor of its planks and policy, and laboring for its progress and rejoicing in its victories. But not alone along this line has Mr. Cupp been connected with the public interest of Galion and Crawford county. At the present time he is postmaster of the city, having been appointed to the position by President McKinley in 1898. In the office he has given entire satisfaction to its patrons, his administration of its affairs being business-like, prompt and reliable.

A native of Sandusky county, Ohio, Mr. Cupp was born November 20, 1864, a son of Philip and Eliza Heter Cupp. His paternal grandfather came from Alsace-Lorraine, at that time a province of France but later of Germany. He landed at Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife, but in a short timethe young couple went into the then wilderness of Ohio, settling in what is now Thompson township, Seneca county. There they made a home and raised a large family, and there Philip Cupp, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born and reared. In early manhood, shortly after marriage, he removed to Bellevue and from that time until his death, April 17, 190.1, in the sixty-fourth year of his age, he was identified with the business interests of that town. He was married to Eliza Heter, daughter of John and Salome Freese Heter, and five children were born to them: Mrs. Addie Higbee, Emma, deceased, Charles V., John W. and Otis P.

John Heter, the maternal grandfather of the subject of our sketch, was the fifth of this name of whom any record is had, the first coming from Bavaria, Germany, and landing at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1735. John, fifth, was born in Berks county, that state, in 1794, and was a soldier of the war of 181 2. under Captain Warr Middlesworth and General Smythe,, of Virginia, serving at Black Rock on the Niagara river. He came to Ohio in 1825, settling first in Wayne county, but two years later removing to Seneca county, where he acquired eighteen eighty-acre tracts of land, some of the original deeds signed by John Ouincy Adams still being held in the family.

John Wesley Cupp acquired his education in the public schools at Bellevne, Ohio, supplementing his knowledge gained there by the learning which he acquired in a newspaper office. He became connected with the "art preservative of arts" at the age of seventeen years and mastered the business in every department, working on the Bellevue News. After learning the trade in that office he became editor of the paper, which he conducted successfully for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he engaged in the job printing business, but later returned to Bellevue and became a partner in the Gazette, being one of the owners of that journal until 1892, when he removed to Gabon. Here he organized a stock company and purchased the Sun-Review of the assignee and changed it from a weekly to a semi-weekly journal in 1894. In 1896 his company also became the owner of the Leader. The Sun-Review Printing Company was organized, with Mr. Cupp as secretary and manager. The company does a general printing, publishing and binding business, and under the new control both papers have increased rapidly in circulation. The enterprise is a successful one, and the trade enjoyed in their line is large and profitable. The office is well equipped with the latest improved machinery, and the paper, while advocating the interests of the Republican party, is also devoted to the publication of local, general and miscellaneous news and treats in a fair and unprejudiced manner the questions of the day. It supports local enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit and stanchly upholds the banner of Republicanism.

Mr. Cupp has ever been an advocate of the grand old party, and his labors in its behalf have been effective and enduring. He has served on the county executive committee, being- a member thereof from 1892 until 1898, when he resigned, having been appointed to the position of postmaster of Gabon. This honor was conferred upon him by President McKinley, and it is needless to say that the trusts reposed in him have never been betrayed ever in the slightest degree. He carefully looks after the business of the office, which is performed in a prompt manner, and its patrons have expressed the highest satisfaction with his administration.

Wood, of Bellevue, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth McElhenny Wood, widow of Henry Wood. Her father was a stock-raiser and dealer, and served his country in the Union army, retiring" at the end of the war with the rank of lieutenant. His father was Bourdette Wood, one of the largest land-owners in northern Ohio. The marriage of our subject and wife has been blessed with one son, Robert Otis, born July 25, 1895. ^ir- Cupp is identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, with the Masonic Order and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is charitable and tolerant, though positive in his convictions and aggressive in defending them, and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

Samuel J. Kibler

Prominent among the business men of New Washington who for eight years has been closely identified with the history of the city as a representative of one of its most important business interests is Samuel Jefferson Kibler. who is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his executive ability and excellent management have brought to the concern with which he is connected a large degree of success. The safe, conservative policy which he inaugurated commends itself to the judgment of all, and he secured to the company a patronage which makes the volume of trade transacted over its counters of great importance and magnitude. The firm of Kibler Brothers has enjoyed a reputation for reliability that is known in all sections of the country in which their dealings are extended.

Samuel J. Kibler of this review was born in New Washington, on the 9th of March, 185 1, and is a son of Matthias and Frederica (Pfahler) Kibler. As the name indicates, the family is of German origin. The father of our subject was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, June 11, 1822, and was the youngest of the eight children born unto John and Maria Kibler. In 1829, when a child of only seven vears, he came with his parents to the United States, locating in Trumbull county, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood, working on the farm and on the canal. As he found opportunity he attended school, and being of a studious nature he acquired a good common-school education, so that at the age of sevent/en he was qualified to teach in the neighboring schools. In 1841, in company with his brother, Christian Kibler, he came to Cranberry township, Crawford county, the brother purchasing a tannery on the farm now owned by Abraham McNutt and after some months spent in the employ of his brother, our subject pur- chased an interest in the business. In the winter of 1844-5, shortly after the death of Christian Kibler, the tannery was burned to the ground and in the spring of the latter year Matthias Kibler removed to- New Washington, where he purchased of Robert Robinson a small tannery which had been established in 1834. This Mr. Kibler rebuilt, increasing its facilities and enlarging its capacity as the demand warranted. He also improved upon the quality of his goods until the output of his tannery was not only equal in kind to any other but often commanded the highest market price. Mr. Kibler was one of the leading and influential men in the upbuilding' of the village of Xew Washington and in securing for the town a sober and intelligent class of citizens. His interest in educational affairs led him to take an active part in the work of improving the school facilities of the town and it was greatly due to his influence that the citizens were aroused from their lethargy in educational matters and erected commodious and comfortable log schoolhouses in the town and in neighboring school districts. He served in many of the town offices and co-operated heartily in the movement to secure the division of the township into school districts - eight in number. He was largely instrumental in the work of inducing- the citizens to furnish their children with ample school privileges and was a contributor of time, effort and money toward the promotion of any movement calculated to prove for the general good. At the time he located in New Washington he purchased a tract of land adjoining the town and in subsequent years he laid out an addition to the original village, one of the principal streets of the city now bearing his name. He was justice of the peace for some twenty-five years, and was the first mayor of New Washington and was acting in that capacity at the time of his demise, Sept. 23, 1876. His political support was given the Democracy and in religious faith he was a Lutheran and did much for the progress of the church. His death proved a serious loss to the town, owing to his splendid business ability and his aggressive labors in behalf of every measure for the general welfare. His wife died September 28, 1900. They were the parents of eight children : Maria, deceased. Samuel J., Franklin P., deceased, James M., Lovina, John W., Caroline, deceased, and Louisa M.

The majority of men who accomplish most in life are self-made men, - the men who are taught the value of industry and perseverance in youth and who exemplify those lessons in the work of life as the years progress. Mr. Kibler of this sketch pursued his education in the common schools of New Washington and in his boyhood days he worked in the tan yard with his father. In 1873 he purchased an interest in the business and soon after assumed the entire management of the enterprise, owing to his father's ill health. In 1876 his father died and Air. Kibler continued to manage the business with his mother as a partner until some time in 1881, when she sold her interest to her son John Wesley, and the business has since been continued under the firm name of Kibler Brothers. Soon after his entrance into the firm our subject began dealing in hides on a small scale, but constantly his efforts in this line increased in magnitude and early in the '90s the brothers gave up their tanning business in order to devote their entire time and attention to their rapidly growing trade as dealers in hides. About 1895 they purchased the C. C. Keech Company's hide business in Sandusky City. This was at one time one of the largest fur houses in the northwest, and they now conduct it as a branch house of their business in Xew Washington. Their trade has rapidly increased both in volume and importance until they are now among the largest dealers in raw hides and tallow in the entire country. They purchase almost all of the hides in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan and almost the entire amount sent to Cleveland. It requires splendid executive ability and skill as a manager to control such extensive interests, but the partners are well qualified and ably direct the important concern with which they are associated.

In April, 1875, Samuel J. Kibler was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Herr, a native of Crawford county and a daughter of George Herr, who for many years was a prominent farmer of Seneca county, but died in Xew Washington in January, 1892, having removed to the town in the previous December. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kibler have been born seven children, of whom six are now living: Alfred G., who married Miss Mildred Donnenwirth and is engaged in traveling for his father; Clara O., at home; Milton M., who is attending the Tri-State Business College, of Toledo; Aaron Sylvester, who is a graduate of the Xew Washington high school; Ida P., who is attending the high school; and Florence E., who is also a student.

In his political affiliations Air. Kibler is a Democrat and, like his father, he is a firm believer in the cause of education, for which he has done active work while acting on the school board for fifteen consecutive years. For ten or more years he was president of the board and was untiring in his efforts to advance the best educational interests of the town. He was serving on the board at the time the present school building was erected, a structure that stands as a monument to the intelligence and enterprising efforts of the board and citizens. For three or four terms after his father's death Mr. Kibler served as township treasurer, becoming his father's successor. He lias also been a member of the town council. He belongs to the Lutheran church and was a member of the building- committee that erected the present handsome church edifice, one of the finest in the country to be found in a village of this size. He has served for many years as trustee and deacon in the church and withholds his co-operation from no measure intended for the general good. Wherever he is found he is a social, affable, genial gentleman whose friends are legion and all honor and esteem him for his many virtues and genuine worth. His record is one of which he may justly be proud. Success is not measured by the heights which one may occupy, but by the distance between the starting point and the altitude he has reached ; therefore Air. Kibler has gained a most brilliant success, - a just reward of meritorious, honorable effort, which commands the respect and admiration of all.

George W. Heinle

Prominent among the successful farmer residents of Bucyrus township, who is known and esteemed as one of the industrious and upright citizens, is George W. Heinle, whose birth was in this township, on what is now known as the Ben Sinn farm, on February 18, 1845. His parents were John G. and Maria (Leitzy) Heinle, both of whom were born in Wurtembery, Germany, but were married in America, having come to this country on the same vessel. The father was accompanied by his brother, Mathias Heinle, and the mother came with her parents, who settled about one mile north of Bucyrus, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Both of the parents of our subject were about eighteen years old, and the friendship formed on board the ship continued for three years, by which time Air. Heinle had become established, and then they were married, settling first in Bucyrus township, but soon after purchased land in Holmes township, where they ever after lived. The mother died in 1897, aged seventy-five years, and the father survived until 1899. when he was eighty-one. Their eight children were: Eliza, Francis, George W., Catherine, Mary Ann, John M., Philip and Joseph, all of whom survive. Although Mr. Heinle had but one dollar when he landed in America, he accumulated a fair estate, by the exercise of industry and economy, and was well known as one o<f the pioneers who did his full share toward the development of the resources of Crawford county. Air. Heinle was present at the land sale, when the Indians disposed of a vast tract

of land in the northwestern portion of the county. He could relate many very interesting tales of the Indians, who were still numerous when he settled in the county. Both he and wife were consistent and worthy members of the German Lutheran church and were universally respected by all who knew them, and reared a family which has reflected credit, not only upon them, but also on the community. All were reared on the farm, were given a commonschool education and taught in the household those principles of honesty and industry which have been useful in their lives until the present day.

George W. Heinle remained at home until he was twenty-six years old, marrying at that age, and then settled down as a farmer, passing the first five years in Holmes township, and then moving to Bucyrus township, where he has since remained. His business in life has always been that of a farmer and stock-raiser and his industrious efforts have been amply rewarded. He now owns a fine, well-improved farm of one hundred and forty-three acres and is able to enjoy all of the comforts of life.

The marriage of Mr. Heinle was to Matilda Zimmerman, a daughter of Martin Zimmerman, a pioneer of Crawford county, coming here from his native place, Wurtemberg, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Heinle have three children : Susan, Amos and James. Susan married William Traxler, a farmer of Bucyrus township, and Amos married Blanch Mason, and is also a farmer in this township, both of them residing near enough to their parents to be able to enjoy their companionship.

Mr. and Mrs. Heinle are consistent members of the German Lutheran -church and are among the most respected residents of the county. In politics Mr. Heinle has always supported the men and measures of the Democratic party, but has never been an office-seeker. All his life he has been frugal and industrious and has honestly earned the comfort which now is his.

Rev. George Mather

Rev. George Mather is one who has had signal influences in Galion. where, as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, he has labored among the people f< r many years. There often seems a barrier between the representatives of the ministry and the men in business life, but this is not so in the case of Mr. Mather. He is in close touch with the people, has their confidence and regard in an unusual degree and enjoys the warm friendship of many of the residents of this city in all walks of life. He is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Derbyshire, on the 17th of

February, 1832. His grandfather lived to be ninety-six years of age and was never ill. For seventy-six years he was a member of one church. His son, the father of our subject, was a well known resident of his locality in England, where he had charge of railways and mines. In his native land our subject was educated as a civil engineer, after which he was employed in Cambridgeshire and North Wales on the Cambridge & Newmarket and the Chester & Flolyhead Railroads. After coming to the United States he spent two years as civil engineer in southern Ohio, in the employ of what is now the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. His education was completed in the Ohio YVesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, with the class of 1858, and for the four succeeding vears he was professor of natural science and mathematics in the female department of that institution. On the expiration of that period he began regular ministerial work, but previous to this time had engaged in the preaching of the gospel, entering the ministry at the age of twenty-six years, as a member of the Central Ohio Conference. Fie has served as presiding elder of the Cleveland district for one term and of the Wooster district for one term, and in his church work he has met with excellent results, witnessing a wonderful growth in Methodism in this state and taking a very active part in promoting the labors of his denomination. In 1881 he came to Bucyrus, as pastor of the Methodist church of this city, remaining there through the full term of three years. In 1886 he was appointed to the church in Galion, where he also remained for three years, and in 1899 he took up his permanent abode in Galion, for his health does not now permit him to engage in active ministerial work. His influence and efforts have been far-reaching and beneficial. He took up his work with zeal and energy, and in the pulpit his words of wisdom and strength, supplemented by eloquence born of the theme and of the occasion, left their impress upon the minds of his hearers, and in a way this has produced much rich fruit.

In 1875 Rev. Mather was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Neal, a native of Knox county. Ohio, born near Fredericktown, and a daughter of the Rev. Thomas Neal, who was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and died many years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mather have been born two children, - Arthur, who is now a lawyer in Seattle, Washington, and Mary, who is successfully engaged in teaching" in the schools of Galion.

Mr. Mather yet actively performs his work as a local member of the church, and is a public spirited citizen who is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the progress and welfare of his community. He does not belong to that class of ministers who, somewhat narrow-minded, feel that they have naught to do with the practical and active interests concerning political life and the duties of citizenship. With a full realization that this life is a preparation for the one to come he believes in performing- each duty dav by day and joining forces with the work of progress and improvement in all lines. He was elected mayor of Galion April i, 1901. His high character and honorable purpose win him the good will and confidence of all with whom he is associated, and wherever known his influence is felt on the side of all that is right, true and beneficial.

William Arbuckle

William Arbuckle, a successful farmer, who for many years has carried on agricultural pursuits in Crawford county, makes his home on sections 15 and 16, Bucyrus township. He was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of September, 1832, a son of John and Isabella (Innis) Arbuckle, who were also natives of the same county. The father was of Irish lineage and the mother was of both Irish and Scotch descent. William Arbuckle, the paternal grandfather, was likewise a native of the Keystone state and there followed the occupation of farming. In the state of their nativity the parents of our subject were married and then took up their abode on a farm, where were born unto them three children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being William and James. The last named died in Marion county, Ohio, in 1874. The mother passed away in Pennsylvania, in 1 85 1, at the age of forty years, and in 1853 William Arbuckle came to Ohio, settling in Marion county. The following year he and his father removed to Macon county, Illinois, the father remaining in that state until 1862, when he became a citizen of Bucyrus, which was his place of abode for four vears. On the expiration of that period he returned to Pennsylvania, where his death occurred about 1893, when he was eighty-six years of age. He was a second time married, Mary Dobbs becoming his wife.

In the common schools, William Arbuckle of this review, pursued his education and in his early youth he worked on the home farm. Later he was emploved by others, but his father received his wages until he had attained his majority. For six years he was employed as a salesman in one store in Pennsylvania. As before stated he came to Ohio in 1853 and for one year engaged in clerking in Marion county, after which he went to Illinois. For seven years he resided in Macon county, that state, and was there engaged in the stock business, but in 1861 he returned to Marion county, where he again spent a \»ear handling stock. In the spring of 1861 he went to New York with a shipment of stock and was in that city when Fort Sumter was tired upon.

In the spring of 1862, Mr. Arbuckle was united in marriage to Miss Susan Kerr, a daughter of James and Nancy (Towers) Kerr, of Crawford county, Ohio, and then took up his abode upon his present farm in Bucyrus township, where he has now lived for almost forty years. At first the farm comprised one hundred and thirty-five acres, given his wife by her father, and to this he has since added sixty acres; and his wife has a valuable farm of one Hundred and twenty acres in Whetstone township, Crawford county. He makes a specialty of sheep-raising and has large flocks of fine sheep. His farm is well improved with modern accessories, indicating his careful supervision and progressive spirit, and the place is characterized by neatness and thrift.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Arbuckle has been blessed with six children: James Franklin, who is living in Cleveland; Elmer, who died when four years of age; Clara, the wife of William Price, of Bucyrus; William I., who was a railroad brakeman and was killed on the road November 28, 1900, leaving a little daughter, Ethel, her mother, who bore the maiden name of Cora Sauer, being also deceased : Grace, the wife of Oscar S. Ouaintance, of Whetstone township; and John K., at home. The parents are members of the Christian church, and in his political views Mr. Arbuckle is a Democrat, but he never seeks or desires office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with creditable and gratifying success. He started out in life on attaining his majority, having no capital to aid him in the commencement of his business career, but by close application, industry, economy and perseverance he has gradually increased his possessions until he is now numbered among the men of affluence in the community.

Louis K. Reisinger

This well-known and popular proprietor of a drug store in Gabon is also a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the city. He was born here, in 1852, and is a son of Dr. John S. Reisinger, one of the first practicing physicians of this locality. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Reisinger, was a resident of Hanover. Pennsylvania, and married Susanna

Schultz. Among their children was Dr. Reisinger, who was born on the 6th of October, 1811, in Hanover, Pennsylvania. He furthered his education in the Willoughby Medical College, in which he was graduated in 1845, and then continued the practice of medicine, to which he devoted his energies throughout his active business career. In 1832 he came to Galion, being one of the first physicians in the city. For thirty-four years he was a member of the medical fraternity here and throughout a long period was a leader in the line of his chosen calling. His patronage was extensive and of an important character. He was also recognized as a leader of public thought and action. He was twice chosen to represent his district in the state legislature, serving from 1859 until 1862, and he left the impress of his individuality upon the laws that were enacted during that period. He carefully considered each question which came up for discussion and his support was given or withheld from a measure after due reflection. He was one of the founders of the German Reformed church of Galion, took an active part in its work, was known as one of its leaders and long served as one of its trustees. He held membership in the State Medical Society, which he joined in 1819, becoming one of its first representatives. He married Miss Sarah Ditzler, a daughter of Jacob Ditzler, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, the marriage being celebrated on the 13th of December, 1832. They became the parents of the following named children: Samuel D. Reisinger was a student in the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati, in 1866, and was there taken ill with cholera. His father. Dr. Reisinger, went to that city in order to attend him and both the son and father died of the disease. The son was a member of the One Hundred and Ninety-first Regiment of the Ohio Volunteers in the Civil war, from 1863 to [865, serving as hospital steward. George Z., the third of the family, spent his entire life in Galion, where for a quarter of a century he was engaged in the hardware business. He died in this city in 1900, at the age of fifty-three years. James P. died in July, 1900, at the age of fifty-one years, being at that time a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, where he was a prominent member of the stock exchange. Homer V. engaged in the practice of dentistry in Galion and died in 1886, at the age of thirty-three years. Sarah E. is the wife of James Leibert, of Pasadena, California; Louis K., of this review; and John, who died at the age of twelve years.

In taking up the personal history of Louis K. Reisinger we .present to our readers the record of one who is widely and favorably known in the county. He pursued his education in the schools of Galion and then entered a drusr store, where he became familiar with the business. His connection with this line of trade dates from 1873. He opened a store of his own in 1873 and has since conducted the enterprise with success, it proving very profitable to' him. He carries a large and well selected line of drugs and other commodities kept in a first-class establishment of that kind and his trade is constantly and steadily increasing, his business methods commending him to the confidence and patronage of the public.

Air. Reisinger was united in marriage to Miss White, of Fremont, Ohio,, daughter of William B. and S. A. White. Her father served for four years in the Civil war. Their marriage has been blessed with three daughters and n son, namely : Estella. who graduated in the high school of Galion and is now the wife of E. R. Lovett, of Delaware, Ohio; Alice, who was also graduated in the high school; Rollin Ditzler, who completed the high school course and is now associated with his father in business; and Ethel, who is one of the graduates of the Galion high school. The family attend the Presbyterian church, in which Air. Reisinger holds membership. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and socially he is a prominent Mason, belonging to the blue lodge and t< 1 the So ittish rite, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and for fifteen consecutive years he has been a member of the school board, having acted as its secretary since 1900. He is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of his city and his labors have been of benefit to the public along many lines.

Reubex Stahley

Reuben Stanley is now living in Crestline. He was for many years an active factor in public affairs and his official career is without blemish, for he discharged his duties in a manner at once prompt, capable and trustworthy. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, January 25, 1852. and is descended from Revolutionary stock. His paternal great-grandfather, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, was proprietor of a hotel, which he was conducting at the time the Revolutionary war was inaugurated. The spirit of independence burned strong within him, and when the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of British tyranny he joined the Pennsylvania troops and served throughout the conflict. He was with Washington in the memorable winter at Valley Forge, where the army suffered untold hardships, but at the same time manifested the spirit of resolution, which was the potent factor in winning independence for the country. When victory had crowned the army Mr. Stahley returned to his Pennsylvania home, and in connection with general farming he conducted a hotel, remaining in Pennsylvania until his demise. His son, the grandfather of our suhject, was born in Lancaster county, that state, and was a clock-maker by trade. He removed to Stark count}-. Ohio, at an early period in the development of that section of the state and was there engaged in the manufacture of clocks, building up a good trade. His death occurred when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-three years.

Jacob Stahley, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster count}', Pennsylvania, in 1815, and in early life learned the tailor's trade, which he followed through many years. In 1840 he became a resident of Stark county, Ohio, where he conducted a tannery until his removal to Crawford county, making the journey on one of the first trains that ran over the Pennsylvania road. In Crestline he opened its first clothing and tailoring shop and received a liberal patronage from the best class of citizens, his large and constantly increasing business gaining for him a good income. He was also a leader in public thought and action and his opinions carried weight among his friends and neighbors, who, recognizing his ability, called him to public office. For two terms he served as mayor of the city, and his administration was practical, business-like and progressive. He exercised his 1 official prerogatives in support of all measures for the general good and introduced many needed reforms and improvements. He was a member of the board of education and was one of the promoters of the movement which led to the erection of the west school building. He continued to make his home in Crestline until his death, which occurred in 1873. In early manhood he married Rebecca Moser, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in Berks county, near Reading, whose father was a near relative of Governor Heister, of the Keystone state. Mrs. Stahley's mother, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Ludwig, was also born in Pennsylvania, but spent her last days in Crawford county.

In taking up the personal history of Reuben Stahley we present to our readers the life history of one who is widely and favorably known and whose upright character has commended him to the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated. In his boyhood he came to Crawford ci mnty and has since been a resident of Crestline. In the public schools here he acquired his primary education, but completed it by a course in the Ohio University, at Delaware, after which he returned to his home and took up the practical duties of a business career. For fifteen years he was employed by the American Express company at this place and was a trusted representative of that corporation. For four years he was postmaster of the city and for six years he filled the office of county auditor, discharging his duties in a manner that enabled him to retire from the office as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all. For twelve years he was a member of the school board and for some time served as its president, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend, who had strict regard for the best interests of the schools, and is at present serving as one of its directors. He was also a member of the county board of school examiners for nine years, and his political support has ever been given to the Democracy, his labors in its behalf being efficient and valuable.

Jacob Lust

The farming interests of a country are apt to have great influence in determining the position that country occupies in the world. In a like degree such is the case with a county, and Crawford county, Ohio, is most fortunate an having its agricultural affairs so well looked after. Among those of this county who have become well and, favorably known as excellent farmers able to bring from the soil an abundant harvest, is Jacob Lust, one of the progressive and successful citizens of Holmes township. The birth of Jacob Lust was in Lykens township, in this county, on March 17, 1855, a son of David and Catherine (Yeiter) Lust, and he was one of a family of ten children, all of whom still survive. These are: Jacob; Elizabeth, the wife of William Heiber, of Liberty township ; Simon, of Liberty township ; Mary, the wife of Philip Cook, of Whetstone township ; Noah, of Whetstone township; Sarah, the wife of William Hayden, of Mount Gilead, Ohio; Lydia, the wife of Isaac Stump, of Lykens township; Wesley, of Holmes township; Abe, of Holmes township; and Amos, of Lykens township.

David Lust, the father of our subject, was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1829, his parents dying when he was still an infant. He was taken by his uncle, Conrad Lust, and was reared through his boyhood by him, earning his own way by working for his relatives. In 1832 the family came to Crawford county, settling in Chatfield township, and here David grew up to manhood and later married a most estimable lady. A tract of Indiana land had been left him, from his parents, and this he exchanged for one hundred and sixty acres, which comprises his farm in Lykens township. Flere he set- tied and has long been one of the successful farmers of the locality. At one time he owned rive hundred and six acres, but has recently disposed of one hundred and four acres. His political sympathies make him a Democrat. For a great many years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist church, in which he held office for a lengthened period.

Jacob Lust grew up in his comfortable and happy home and obtained his education in the public schools. In 1880 he was married to Miss Amanda Brown, a native of this township, who was born on the farm where the family now resides. After marriage Mr. Lust began domestic life on one of his father's farms, of one hundred and sixty acres, in Liberty township, and operated it for three years on shares; but in 1884, in partnership with his father, he purchased eighty acres in Bucyrus township and Jacob removed to that farm, residing upon that place until about 1893, when he purchased of his brother-in-law, George W. Brown, one hundred and fourteen acres of his present home farm, which was a portion of the old Brown estate. In the spring of 1900 our subject bought an additional thirty-five acres, making his present farm one hundred and forty-nine acres. This is an estate of which any agriculturist might be proud, well improved and cultivated.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lust numbered six, four of whom survive. Of those deceased, one died in infancy and Effie May died at the age of fifteen years. The others are: Lavern J. D., Leroy L., Leara E. and Gordon R.

The political belief of Mr. Lust retains him in the Democratic party and he has considerable influence through the township. He takes an active interest in educational matters, and for the past four years has acted as school director. In his immediate vicinity, where he is best known, he is most highly esteemed, and ranks as one of the representative men of Holmes township.

John English

John English has for thirty-eight years been a resident of Galion and is one of its most esteemed and worthy citizens. His father, Samuel English, was a native of Lancaster count}', Pennsylvania, born in the year 18 13, and on leaving the Keystone state took up his abode at Blooming Grove, Richland county, Ohio, about the year 1836. Here, in 1838, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hall, who was a native of Richland count}-. Their union was blessed with the following children: William Henry, who was born in 1839 and was killed in a sawmill near Spencerville, in Van Wert county, Ohio, in July, 1870; John, of this review: Mary Ann, who was born in 1842 and is the wife of Robert Park, their home being new in the southern part of Crawford county ; Margaret Ann, wife of Freeman L. Corey, of Osceola county, Michigan ; Calista Jane, wife of Edward Panghorn, a resident of Leavittsburg, Ohio; Harry L., of Gabon ; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Boltz, a resident of Wood county, Ohio; Minerva, wife of Adelbert Farnsworth, who is living in Gabon; David Allen, of Fayetteville, Missouri; and Nelson Barnett, who is residing with his family at Akron, Ohio. Samuel English, at the age of forty-eight, enlisted in the Fuedeber Regiment, of Chicago, and in two months was discharged, and, returning to Gabon, he re-enlisted, in April. 1862, in Company K, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, when he was honorably discharged. He and three sons all came home safe, excepting our subject, who was seriously wounded.

John English was born in Johnsville, Morrow county, Ohio, on the 9th of April, 1840, and throughout his entire life has resided in the Buckeye state. He remained in Blooming Grove until he was ten years of age, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to what was known as the Adam Christman farm, four miles west of Gabon. There he aided in the work of held and meadow, performing his share in the labors of the old homestead, and in response to the call of President Lincoln for troops for the defense of the Union, on the 1st of March, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company D, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Antietam, on the 17th of September of that year, he was seriously wounded in the leg and the following month the member was amputated. In consequence of this serious loss which he had sustained, he was unable to do active service and was honorably discharged on the 3d of March, 1863, and returned to his home. For ten years after the war he was in the employ of the Erie and Big Four Railroad Companies and for twelve years following his retirement from railway service he acted as notary public in Crawford count)'. At the present time he is engaged in the confectionery business in Gabon, where he has a large and well-selected stock, his store being neat and attractive in appearance. He is enjoying a liberal patronage and his business is constantly increasing.

Mr. English has been twice married. In Gabon, on the 18th of November, 1870, he married Miss Maria Noblet and unto them were born five children, but only one is now living, Anna May Burgener, now a resident of Gabon. After the death of his first wife Mr. English wedded Miss Mary C.

'West, a daughter of Montreville West, who resided at Marsailles, Wyandot county, Ohio, where he died in the year 1857. For thirty-eight years he has been a continuous resident of Galion and is a citizen of sterling worth, who commands and enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellow men by reason of his fidelity to duty, and he is in the highest and best sense of the term a gentleman, courteous in manner and in his own home is considerate and hospitable. He made for his country a great sacrifice and therefore is entitled to the everlasting gratitude of the nation for the part which he performed in preserving the Union.

Reuben O. Morgan

Reuben O. Morgan is one of the native sons of Galion, his birth having occurred in this city on the 2d of September, 1873. His father, George Morgan, was born in Webster, Darke county, Ohio, and is now a resident of Bellefontaine, Ohio, being employed as a passenger engineer by the Big Four Railroad Company. In the city schools of Galion the subject of this review pursued his education until sixteen years of age, when he entered the service of the Big Four Railroad Company. After a year he was promoted to the position of telegraph operator and acted in that capacity until 1896,. when he resigned the office in order to engage in the coal business in Galion. He dealt in that commodity until 1898, when he was appointed superintendent of the Galion Gas Light Company, in which capacity he is still serving. Every business change which he has made has been a promotion, with increasing responsibility and increasing income. These attest the merit of the man and his advancement is a deserved tribute to his injierent worth. As the manager of the Galion Gas Light Company he has shown himself to be a man of superior executive force, keen discrimination and sound judgment, and the enterprise is meeting with prosperity under his care.

In 1895 Mr. [Morgan was joined in wedlock to Miss Grace Bryan, a native of Galion, and they now have a pleasant home in the city, which is celebrated for its charming and gracious hospitality.

In the subject of this review we have one who has attained distinction in the line of his profession. He has been an earnest and discriminating student, and he holds a position of due relative precedence among the medical practitioners of this section of Ohio. He is now successfully practicing in Gahon, where he has a large and distinctively representative patronage. &

The Doctor is a native of this city, his birth having here occurred in 1869, Ins parents being A. H. and Catherine (Bohl) Hartman. For forty years the father has been engaged in business as a druggist of this city and is one of the most prominent representatives of commercial interests here. He is a native of Germany, whence, in early life, he came to America. His wife was born in Polk township, Crawford county, a daughter of Henry Bohl, one of the honored pioneers of that township, now deceased. He. too. was a native of the fatherland, and on coming to the new world cast in his lot with the early settlers of this portion of Ohio. The Doctor pursued his preliminary education in the common schools, and supplemented his studies there by a course in the Capital University, at Columbus. Determining to make the practice of medicine his life work, he began study in Columbus, and was graduated at the Columbus Medical College with the class of 1890. He afterward pursued a post-graduate course in the polyclinic of New York, completing his studies there in 1893. He then began practice in Jacksonville, Ohio, where he remained until 1896, when he returned to Gabon. He has been very successful in following his chosen calling, his success resulting from his skill and ability, his comprehensive knowledge of the principles of medical science and his correct methods in applying remedies to relieve the suffering of his fellow men. As the years have passed his patronage lias steadily increased in volume and importance, and he has kept in touch with the advanced thought and progress of the day.

Dr. Hartman has always been quite prominent in public affairs. While residing in Jacksonville he was a candidate of the Democracy in 1895 for the office of representative in the state legislature. He was also elected mayor of Jacksonville, and was filling that position at the time of his removal to Galion, resigning in order to take up his abode in the latter city. He is now serving his second term as health officer of Galion, and since 1898 he has been city physician. His political support has ever been given to the Democracy and he takes an active interest in its work, laboring untiringly and effectively for the adoption of its principles and the election of its candidates.

Dr. Hartman was united in marriage to Miss Effie L. Woodworth, of Athens county, Ohio, a daughter of C. Woodworth, a merchant, who is now deceased. Their marriage has been blessed with two interesting little daughters, - Mary and Alma. The Doctor is connected with the German Lutheran

He and his wife enjoy the high regard of many friends in Galion, and the circle is constantly increasing as their acquaintance is widened. He is a gentleman of strong mentality, marked individuality and sterling worth, and his prominence in his chosen profession is a merited tribute to his indefatigahle labor and ability.

Stephex R. Harris

Hon. Stephen R. Harris, who was born on his father's farm seven miles west of Massillon, Ohio. May 22, 1824, sprang from patriotic stock. His grandfather was John Harris and his paternal grandmother Mary Hamilton. The former was a soldier in the army of Washington and distinguished himself at the battle of Monmouth, where his brother-in-law, John Hamilton, was killed beside him.

The subject of this biography worked on the farm and attended district school until fourteen years of age, when he started out for himself. He was employed as a clerk in a store at Canal Fulton, Stark county, about four years, attended a select school at Dalton, taught by John W, Rankin, afterward a distinguished lawyer and a partner at Keokuk, Iowa, of the late Justice Miller, of the United States supreme court. In 1842 he was a student in the preparatory department of Washington College, Pennsylvania, which institution recently conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts. In 1843 an(l !^44 ne studied in Norwalk Seminary, under the late Edward Thomson, bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church. For the next two years he was a student in the classical department of the Western Reserve College, at Hudson. In the winter of 1846-7 he taught school at Canal Fulton.

Having by this time acquired a liberal education through his own unaided and persistent efforts, he entered upon the study of law in the office of his uncle, John Harris, a pioneer lawyer of ability, at Canton. After reading under instruction for two years he was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1849, and on the 14th day of June of that year opened an office for practice at Bucyrus. From that time to the present, more than half a century, he has continued to practice at the same place. He became the law partner of the late Judge Josiah Scott in 1850. and the partnership was continuous until the death of the latter in 1879, except for the period of Judge Scott's service on the state supreme bench. Mr. Harris served as deputy United States marshal and member of the county military committee during the war. He was elected, in 1894, to represent his district, which has been strongly Democratic, in the fifty-fourth congress of the United States, and was the candidate of his party for re-election in 1896, but the free-silver sentiment and fusion of the Populists were sufficiently strong to defeat the ticket. Mr. Harris has been a Republican ever since the organization of the party, and prior to that was a Whig.

He has, however, given his chief thought to the duties of his profession, and has for years stood in the fore front of practitioners in Crawford county. His reading is deep and broad ; he is successful in the trial of cases, and remarkably successful in the argument of cases before the supreme court. It has become proverbial in the bar where he is well known that if Mr. Harris has the slightest ground for appeal or error to the higher courts his adversary may as well give up at once, because he nearly always wins in the appellate court. He holds the esteem of his brethren at the bar and the confidence of the courts. His methods are such as to commend themselves to the best and most respected members of the profession. He also stands well in the highest political circles, and his personal popularity rests upon merit.

He has been very successful as a financier, and as a result is a man of large possessions. He is quite an extensive landed proprietor in the state of Ohio and Iowa. As an amateur sportsman he is a frequent contributor to the Turf, Field and Farm, and Forest and Stream. Now, over seventyfive years of age. he is an excellent shot on the wing, either in the open or from the trap.