Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 32: Miscellaneous, 1912 (part 15 of 28)

Hon. James Robinson, grandfather of J. Bert Robinson, was born in Pennsylvania but spent the greater part of his active life in Crawford county, where he became a man of large estate and considerable political prominence, for years being a public official and a member of the state legislature. He was the founder of the thriving village of North Robinson. His death occured at Gallon, when he was 75 years of age. His son, J. Chalmer Robinson, was born in Crawford county and has been a successful farmer for many years, in 1885 moving to North Bloomfield township. Morrow county, where he now resides. His family consists of four sons : James H., a practicing physician at Selma, Calif., who married there and has one daughter; J. Bert, our subject; Richard W., a civil and mechanical engineer with the American Bridge company, at Chicago, who has one son; and Karl, a professional ball-player with the Western League, who has his home at Omaha, Nebr., and has one daughter.

J. Bert Robinson attended school at Gallon and later was a student in the Tri-State Normal school, at Angola, Ind., and at Ada, O., and for a time taught school and very successfully. He then turned his attention to rail- reading and for ten years was fireman and later engineer on the Erie railway, leaving the road to embark in his present business and in partnership with Mr. Walford has been proprietor and half owner of the Central Delivery Company here, succeeding the Central Delivery Company, a corporation. This company is well equipped, having nine wagons and nine drays, for the accommodation of the merchants. They have so systemized the work by dividing the city into five routes, their schedule being for five daily deliveries of merchandise, that both the public and the merchants are admirably served.

Mr. Robinson was married in Morrow county, O., to Miss Ella Walford, who was born, reared and educated there, and is a sister of K. J. Walford, Mr. Robinson's partner. Mr. Walford is in the transfer and dray business, at Ashland, O. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have three sons : B. Austin, a manly lad of eleven years ; J. Harold, aged nine years ; and Clarence W., who is five years old. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are members of the Christian church. He is a Democrat in his political views but his tastes lie more in the direction of business than politics.

O. J. KELLER, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Sulphur Springs, Crawford county, C, is one of the substantial citizens of Liberty township and is an honorable veteran of the great Civil War. He was born in Northampton county. Pa., in 1843, and is a son of Joseph and Lavina Keller. There were 1 1 children in the family, namely: O. J.; Jeremiah, who lives in Pennsylvania; Josiah, who is deceased; Reuben, who died at Lindsay, O., and who was a Reformed Lutheran minister; Mary Katherine, who is deceased; John H. and Matilda, both of whom died young, and four who died in infancy.

O. J. Keller remained at home through his school period and afterward until the age of 18 years, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, becoming a member of Co. C, 49th O. Vol. Inf., under his cousin, Captain Keller, and Colonel Gibson, and served from Aug. 15, 1 86 1, until his honorable discharge in Texas, in November, 1865. He has a bright war record which proves that he was ever at his post of duty and participated in the hardships and dangers of his comrades on every occasion. He took part in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Nashville, Missionary Ridge and the entire Atlanta campaign. At the battle of Stone River he was captured by the Confederates but was paroled six months afterward and later rejoined his regiment.

After his military service was over, Mr. Keller returned to Crawford county and embarked in the mercantile business at Sulphur Springs in which he has been engaged ever since! He has invested in village property and farm land in the vicinity and has additional business interests. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and is held in high regard by his brother veterans. Mr. Keller is a life member of the Reformed church.

WESLEY BEAL, a substantial citizen of' Crawford county, O., proprietor of a productive farm near Bucyrus, is president of the Crawford County Mutual Fire Insurance Company and is active in all public spirited movements in his section. He belongs to a very highly regarded old family of this part of Ohio, one that has many representatives. He was born in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, March 10, 1865, and is a son of Benjamin and a grandson of John George, and a great-grandson of John George Beal.

Benjamin Beal was born in Lycoming county. Pa., in 1840, and in 1843 accompanied the family to Crawford county, where he was reared and attended school to such good purpose that he was a satisfactory teacher in early manhood, afterward becoming a farmer and when he moved to Bucyrus, in 1889, in order to give his children better educational opportunities, he was the owner of two valuable farms. Here he shortly afterward became secretary of the Crawford County Mutual Fire Insurance company, an office he retained until the close of his life, in 1898. He was a Republican in politics and was interested in the election of suitable men to office but he never countenanced irregular methods in that connection nor in any other. He was known as an honest and upright man. He was one of the organizers of Bucyrus Grange, No. 705, and was master and secretary for some years, and was identified also with the Masons and the order of the Eastern Star. In early life he wa-s a member of the German Methodist church but at the time of death and some years before, he was united with the EngHsh Methodist Episcopal church and was an official. He was also secretary of the Crawford County Agricultural Society for many years.

Benjamin Beal was married first in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, to Mary Stoltz, who was born in Whetstone township, her people having come to this county from Pennsylvania three generations ago. She died in iS68, and in 1870 Mr. Beal was married to Lydia A. Rexroth, who died in 1889, the mother of eight children, the following of whom survive : Benjamin, Jr., who lives in Bucyrus township and has three childreh; Mary A., a graduate of the Delaware University, who is the wife of Rev. Thomas Housel, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church at DelaA\are and has two children; Edward G., a graduate of the law department in the Delaware University, who is cashier of the First National Bank at Bucyrus, and who married Rachel Monnett; William D., who has but recently returned from a missionary labor of seven years in India, being a Methodist minister and. who married a daughter of Bishop Robinson, a missionary of the Methodist church in India; and Bertha E., who is a graduate of the Delaware University and later a teacher in the Bucyrus High School. To the first marriage of Mr. Beal three children were born: Albertj Wesley and Emma. The eldest son died in 1908. He was a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware and then spent four years in the Boston Theological Seminary and subsequently served the Methodist Episcopal church as a minister for eight years in Massachusetts and then was transferred to Ohio and continued in his religious, work until his death. He married Mary McCully, who survives and resides with her father at Crestline, 'and has one daughter, Beatrice. Emma, the only daughter, is the wife of Charles E. Ensminger and they live on the old Beal homestead. Their children are Gertrude, Arthur and Edgar.

Wesley Beal, after completing his education, turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1903 he purchased one of the Beal farms and since then has carried on farming and stock raising. For a number of years he has been a director of the Crawford- County Mutual Fire Insurance company and since igiohas been its president. He is one of the influential Republicans of the county and is a man of high standing in business and politics, as well as personally.

In 1888 Mr. Beal was married in Bucyrus township to Miss Eva Beall, born in 1868, a daughter of James P. and Mary A. (Keckler) Beall, natives of Harrison County, O. They came to Crawford county some 50 years ago and settled in Bucyrus township, where he became a man of consequence. He died in 1904 and was survived by his widow until 191 1. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of their nine children, two died in infancy, seven grew to maturity and five are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Beal the following children have been born: Ruth M., Dorsey A., E. Naomi and James B. The family as a unit, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.

PHILIP CRAMER, who is one of Crawford county's (substantial 'citizens '{and well known and highly respected men, resides on one of his seven farms, his home being located in section 6, Auburn township. He was bom on this farm. May 17, 1846, a son of Mathias and Margaret (Smith) Cramer.

The parents of Mr. Cramer were born, reared and married in Germany. When they came to the United States they chose Auburn township, Crawford county, O., as their home and here Mathias Cramer secured 60 acres of swamp and timber land. To the clearing and subsequent cultivating of this land he devoted the rest of his life and through his industry made it into a farm which provided well for himself and family. He died here at the age of 56 years and his burial, as also that of his wife, was in the Catholic cemetery at New Washington. Both were devoted members of the Catholic church. In Germany three children had been born to them: Christina, and two babes that died in infancy, and two more were born after coming to America : Mrs. Catherine Felter, who lives in Huron county, O. ; and Philip, our subject.

Philip Cramer was only nine years old when his father died and afterward, for four years, he lived with his uncle, Peter Yocum, at New Washington, and then worked on farms for eleven years, following which he bought an old saw mill in Cranberry township. He then invested in a horse-power threshing machine, which he operated for three years and then bought a steam thresher and operated that through the county for five years. Mr. Cramer continued to be enterprising, watching for business opportunities and then taking them. For 14 years he engaged in grain buying at North Auburn and for ten years has been a buyer of stock and a raiser of high grade stock and cattle. For several years after the death of his parents, the home farm was rented out but Mr. Cramer always wanted to make it his permanent home and when the chance came, be bought the interests of the other heirs and has resided here ever since. He is one of the heavy tax payers of the county, his seven farms aggregating 1,017 acres, situated in both Cranberry and Auburn townships.

Mr. Cramer married Miss Anna Hetzer, a daughter of Anthony Hetzer, and they have the following children: Andrew, Henry, Edward, Emma, John, Nora, Jacob, Frank, and Fred, and Philip, who is deceased. Mr. Cramer and family belong to St. Mary's Catholic church. He has been almost a lifelong Democrat but has not been a seeker for office, his many business interests sufficiently occupying his attention. He has built seven large barns, one on each farm, two fine residences, and has also built the elevator and two good store rooms at North Auburn, besides other necessary farm buildings. AH the farms were without buildings and fences when he bought them.

G. W. GRAUER, farmer and stock raiser, is one of the leading agriculturists and substantial men of Holmes township, Crawford county, O. He resides just north of Bucyrus, on the old family homestead of 72 acres and owns an adjacent farm, all told 103 acres of valuable farming land. He was born on this place in 1866 and is a son of J. George and Mary (Armburster) Grauer.

J. George Grauer and his wife were both born in Germany and she came to America in 1847 and he in the fifties. Mr. Grauer acquired the farm that has ever since been in the family and erected the buildings and cleared it, spending the rest of his life on the place, an honest, respected, hard-working man. He died here in 1882, when aged 56 years. His widow still survives and although in her 80th year, is active in both mind and body. They had the following children : Rickey, who is the wife of John A. Knipp and lives in Henry county; Christian, who lives in Colorado; Mary, who is the wife of Henry Geiger; G. W. ; and an infant, deceased.

After his period of school attendance was over, G. W. Grauer took upon himself the responsibilities which he has carried ever since, the management, care and development of his property. The improvements he has made here are sensible and substantial and evidences of thrift are seen in every direction.

Mr. Grauer married Miss Emma Nagel, who is a daughter of John A. Nagel, who is a resident of Bellevue, O., and they have five children, namely: Filmore, Carl, Lawrence, George and Thelma. Mr. Grauer and family attend the German Lutheran church at Bucyrus. In politics he is a Democrat.

GEORGE F. LAYER, a leading citizen of Liberty township, Crawford county, O., and a representative of one of the oldest families, resides on his farm of 220 acres, which is situated eight and one-half miles northeast of Bucyrus and two miles northwest of Sulphur Springs, O. He was born in Michigan and is a son of John A. Layer.

John A. Layer was born in Wittenberg, Germany, and was four years old when his parents brought him to America. They located in Liberty township, Crawford county, O., and there he was reared and remained on the home place until he married, when he moved to Michigan and lived there until after the birth of his son, George F., when he returned to Liberty township. He had the following children : Elizabeth, Louisa, George F., Frank E., and one who died in infancy.

George F. Layer was yet a child when his parents returned to Liberty township and he remained on the home farm until he was 26 years of age, when he married and bought 70 acres of the homestead. After the death of his mother he returned to the old home, bought the remainder of the land and his-'father died here. Mr. Layer has one of the best improved farms in this part of Crawford county and manages his land according to modern ideas. His handsome residence is equipped with city conveniences, having a complete water system and an acetylene plant for lighting, and. other buildings of substantial construction.

In 1 89 1 Mr. Layer was united in marriage with Miss Emma Ulmer, a daughter of Gottlieb Ulmer, a native of Germany, and they have three children : Florence, Harvey and Frederick. Mr. Layer and family are members of St. Paul's Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Layer is a Democrat but he has never accepted any public office other than membership on the school board.

CHARLES HENKEL,* who, for a quarter of a century, has been an engineer with the Erie Railway company, with home at Gallon, O., was born March 4, 1853, at Brooklyn, N. Y., and is a son of Conrad and Elizabeth Henkel.

The parents of Mr. Henkel were born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and came from there in 1850 to the United States and located at Brooklyn, N. Y., where the father died in July, 1853, aged about 40 years. In ,1866 the mother and children came to Gallon, O., and here she survived until in her 78th year. Both parents were members of the German Lutheran church. Of their children there are four survivors, namely: Conrad; John, who is in the butchering business at Troy, O., who is a widower with four children; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Tobias Mockel; and Charles, who was but four months old when his father died.

Charles Henkel is a self made man, having to contend with many difficulties in boyhood and youth, incident to the early death of his father and the establishing of the family in a strange city and country. After his school days were over he applied for and secured work with the Erie Railway company and his faithfulness and industry were rewarded by promotion from time to time, and in 1887 he became freight engineer on the Fourth Division running between Gallon and Dayton, O. Mr. Henkel has met with few accidents, being judicious and careful and never taking chances, and enjoys the full confidence of his employers and the respect and esteem of his comrades. He is popular with the latter and is a member

Mr. HenKel was married at Gallon, to Miss Amanda Huffman, who was born in Morrow county, O., in i8t)i, a daughter of Michael and Susanna (Bortner) Huffman. The parents of Mrs. Henkel were born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in early married life, where the father preempted 160 acres of land, in Morrow county. That was the family homestead and there the father died when aged 81 years and the mother in her 79th year. They were kind, good people and were faithful members of the English Lutheran church.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Henkel : Carrie, born in 1882, who married Jesse Reinhart, a farmer near Gallon ; Elmer, who follows the trade of carriage trimmer at Gallon, and who married Gertrude Eichman; and Allen, who is a sailor in the U. S. Navy and is now located at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Henkel are members of the English Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat. Some years since Mr. Henkel built his handsome residence at No. 563 Boston street. Gallon.

EMANUEL JOHNSON, a leading citizen of Holmes township, Crawford county, O., serving in the office of township treasurer, is owner and proprietor of Fairview farm, a valuable tract of 60 acres which lies four miles northwest of Bucyrus, O. He was born in Fulton county,. Pa., in 1851, and is a son of David and Susanna (Masters) Johnson.

The parents of Mr. Johnson were both born in Pennsylvania, the father in Fulton county and the mother in Franklin county and both died in Fulton county when aged about 80 years. They had a family of 12 children, as follows: Martin, who is deceased; John F., who still lives in Pennsylvania; Mary and Luther, both of whom are deceased ; Emanuel ; Daniel M., who lives south of Bucyrus ; Jennie, who is deceased; Ruhammah; Gilbert, who lives at Joliet, 111. ; Joseph, who is a resident of North Ohio; Albert L., who lives at Williamsport, Md. ; and Edward, who is a resident of Shelby, O.

Emanuel Johnson attended the public schools in youth, afterward taught school for two years and assisted on the home farm. In 1882 he came to Holmes township, Crawford county and has resided here ever since, in 1900 purchasing his present farm on which he carries on progressive farming and raises fine stock. The improvements have been placed here since he took charge and these include the comfortable residence.

Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Hetty D. Hiteshew, who was born in Maryland, and three children were born to them: Millard, who died at the age of five years ; Beulah, who is the wife of D. E. Downing of Holmes township, and has one son, Paul ; and Russell Sage, who assists on the home farm. Politically Mr. Johnson has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has been a useful and representative citizen, always interested in public matters and particularly concerned in the advancement of the public schools. He has served as a school > director and at present is township treasurer. Mr. Johnson and family belong to the Evangelical church in Holmes township.

CHARLES M. SHEEHE, conductor on the Cincinnati East, the Third Division, Erie railway, has been identified with this important transportation line since 1890 and is numbered with its most valued employes. He was born at Mingo, Champaign county, C, Feb. 19, 1870, and is a son of Michael and Catherine (McGraw) Sheehe.

The parents of Air. Sheehe were born in Ireland but were married in New York city, he having come to America when aged about 20 years and she when 16 years of age. A few years after marriage they moved to Mingo, O., where Mr. Sheehe was employed in railroad construction, being foreman of a gang of workmen, and there he died in 1879, when in his 57th year. His widow survived until April 29, 191 1, being then 74 years of age. They were members of the Roman Catholic church. Their family colisisted of seven sons and two daughters, three of the sons and one of the daughters being now deceased. Two of the sons are residents of Galion and railroad men : Charles M. and Henry, the latter being a brakeman with the Erie road.

As a brakeman with the road he still serves, Charles M. Sheehe entered the service in 1890 and continued in that position until 1898, when he was made conductor on a freight train with a competent crew under his orders, for seven years being with the Cincinnati West Division and since then with the Cincinnati East. He has a fine record as to carefulness and efficiency, never having had any serious accidents, and is also a respected citizen of Galion, now his home.

At Galion Mr. Sheehe was married to Miss Elizabeth Wildenthaler, who was born at Galion, Jan. II, 1874, where she was educated in St. Joseph's parochial school. Her parents were Andrew and Amanda (Murray) Wildenthaler. After Mr. Wildenthaler s death, the mother subsequently married a Mr. Slabauchand both are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheehe the following children have been born : Roy L., who is a brakeman on the Erie railroad ; Marie C. ; Charles J., who is call boy at Galion for the Erie; George H. and Floyd P., both of whom are in school ; Dorothy M., who died at the age of eight months; and Frank A., John E. and Jean E. Mr. Sheehe and family are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church. He is identified with the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and belongs also to the Eagles, Maccabees and Elks and has served officially in some of these organizations. In politics he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM J. WINANS,* a popular, trusted and esteemed conductor on the Erie railway, with home at Galion, C, was born in Douglas township, Effingham county. 111., Oct. 25, 1865. Almost from boyhood he has been connected with railway life and for a number of years has been very prominent in organized labor circles.

By the time Mr. Winans was 12 years old his schooldays were over and he was practically thrown on his own resources. He worked through the farming sections of Illinois until he was 17 years of age when he came to Ohio and until he was 23 was mainly engaged in farming and brick making, in Richland and Crawford counties. He then entered the service of the Erie railroad as a brakeman and by 1896 had reached such proficiency that he was entrusted with a freight train as conductor and as such has watched over the safe transportation of millions of dollars worth of commodities and has met with few accidents. He has always been connected with the Third Divi- sion, which is also known as the Cincinnati East. He early became a member of the organization kno\yn as the railroad trainmen and since 1890 has been continuously its state representative sent again and again, for six successive terms as a delegate to the state legislature to look after the interests of all railroad employes in Ohio and he has been faithful to the trust reposed in him. He has served on the city council at Gallon of which city he has been a resident since 1889. In his political affiliation he is a Democrat. In 19 10 Mr. Winans was appointed by Governor Harmon a member of a committee to draft a report pertaining to labor compensation and in the summing up, Mr. Winans disagreed with the other four members and sent in a minority report and when the bill which it affected was passed and became a law it was seen that Mr. Winan's report presented a perfect working plan.

At a recent meeting of the State Constitutional Convention the following testimonial was presented to Mr. Winans by the labor group of 15 members of the convention, under date of May 23, 1912 :

"We, the undersigned members of organized labor, delegates in Ohio's Fourth Constitutional Convention herewith heartily commend Mr. W. J. Winans for his efficient and untiring efforts in behalf of the cause of labor as presented to the convention. We recognize that labor has been successful in having adopted measures which will give the people the greatest opportunity for progress and advancement, and we submit this testimonial to you for having contributed so much to the passage of labor measure. The labor group in the convention congratulated the. Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen in having a representative who has faithfully and intelligently represented them at the convention. This makes a new era in the advancement for the benefit of mankind." This document bore the signatures of the fifteen labor delegates. On the day following the receipt of the above, Mr. Winans was still further honored by the receipt of a beautiful fob and gold watch charm, suitably engraved, which gift was especially gratifying at this time as indicative of the sincerity of its donors.

latt, who was born and reared in one of the towns of the province of Ontario. She was born Sept. 17, 1869, and died at Gallon, O., May 9, 1909, the beloved and tender mother of three children, namely: Hazel E., who was born Feb. 28, 1895, who is a student in the Gallon High School; Lawrence J., who was born Dec. 8, 1897, who is also a high school student; and Bernice J., who died when aged ten months and nine days. Mr. Winans is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belonged, and the children are interested in Sunday-school work.

CARL E. COBB, a general farmer and well known resident of Liberty township, Crawford county, O., was born in 1881 in Liberty township and is a member of one of the old Pioneer families of Crawford county, residing on the farm of 200 acres which his grandfather entered from the Government. He is one of three heirs to this property. His parents were Charles C. and Hannah (Heckart) Cobb.

Charles C. Cobb was born in Ohio and was a farmer during his entire mature life. He inherited the present farm from his father and kept it intact and passed it on to his children. It is a fine property yet undivided. He married Hannah Heckart, who was born in Pennsylvania and they had three children : Ora E., who married Philip Russman and has four children - Russell, Pearl, Cyril and Donald - and resides in Whetstone township; Otis, who resides on the homestead with his mother ; and Carl E., our subject.

Carl E. Cobb attended the public schools and since then has devoted his time and attention to farm pursuits. He owns one-third of the undivided estate. The heirs have made numerous improvements on this property and have recently completed the erection of a substantial barn and are carrying out their agricultural operations along modern and progressive lines.

On Jan. i, 1905, Mr. Cobb was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth C. Sandhammer, a member of an old family of this section, one of three children, the others being: Maggie, who married James Maudsley and has had five children - Maud, William, Georgia, Joseph and an infant, deceased; and Ada, who married Harvey Eaton, residing at Bucy- rus, and has two children - ^Joseph and Melvin. Mr. and Mrs. Cobb have two interesting little sons: Wallace G. and Merril W. Mr. Cobb votes with the Republican party and takes a good citizen's interest in affairs pertaining to his own neighborhood.

LEWIS MILLER, who enjoys the distinction of being the oldest teacher now living in Crawford county, where his educational work was carried on for a number of years, resides on his excellent farm of i6o acres, situated two miles northeast of Lemert, O. He was born in 1836, in Seneca county, C, and is a son of Jacob and Phebe (Permington) Miller.

Jacob Miller was born in Fairfield county, 0., and in young manhood went to Seneca county and latter came to Crawford county. He followed farming in both counties and at one time owned almost 1,000 acres of land. His death occurred in his 82d year. He married Phebe Pennington and of their eight children there are two survivors : Lewis and Levi, the latter being a resident of Benton, O.

Lewis Miller attended school in boyhood in both Seneca and Crawford counties and afterward taught school for some years and there are many yet living who recall him as their able and helpful teacher. For four years he served as school examiner, has been a school director and has always taken much interest in the public schools. After coming to his present farm he made many improvements and erected all necessary buildings and repaired the others. He still keeps up his interest in his farming and stock raising industries and has the assistance of his son.

Mr. Miller married Miss Crilley A. Housburg, who was born in Crawford county, one mile west of the Miller farm, a daughter of Leonard Housburg, and they have had seven children, namely : Jesse, who married Daisy Dewell, and has one son, Wesley ; Mary Effie, who married A. Horton, and has four children - Oscar, Donald, William and Nellie; Ira J., who assists in the management of the home farm; Ruphena, who is the wife of J. Heinle; Arietta and Lawrence, both of whom live at home ; and a babe that died. In politics Mr. Miller is a stanch Democrat and has served in public office at times and formerly

ALLEN W. OCKER,* who is connected with the E. M. Freese Works, at Gallon, in the capacity of blacksmith, a skilled man along this line and one of large experience, was born in Richland county, O., Nov. 16, 1859, a son of Josiah and Mary A. (Winters) Ocker.

Josiah Ocker and wife were born in Maryland and after marriage moved from Carroll county in that state to Troy township, Richland county, O., where the mother of Allen W. Ocker died when he was 12 days old. The father contracted a second marriage and one son, also was born to that union. The father died at the home of his son, Allen W., in 191 1, when aged almost 78 years.

Allen W. Ocker remained in Richland county and obtained his education in Troy township, in 1876 coming to Gallon, where he learned the blacksmith trade, later going to Bucyrus where he entered the employ of the Bucyrus Steam Shovel and Dredge Company and remained with that concern for 12 years. On Jan. 12, 1894, he came to Gallon and accepted a position with the firm of E. M. Freese & Co. Mr. Ocker is a skilled workman along the line of machine blacksmithing and tool making.

Mr. Ocker was married in Crawford county in 1888, to Miss Carrie Berger, who is a sister of Mrs. E. M. Freese. Mrs. Ocker was born in Switzerland and came to the United States with her parents when ten years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Ocker three children have been born, namely: Earl J., who graduated from the Gallon High School in the class of 1909, who is a pattern maker; Olive B. and Howard L. Mr. Ocker and family are members of the First Reformed church. In politics he is a Democrat and fraternally he is identified with Gallon Lodge No. 15, Odd Fellows.

MRS. LIZZIE HIEBER, who resides on her well cultivated farm of 140 acres, situated in Liberty township, Crawford county, O., belongs to one of the old and substantial families of this section, the Scheibers, and is the widow of the late John G. Hieber, for many

John G. Hieber was born in Crawford county, O., April 8, 1867, and died on the present farm, May 19, 1903. He was a son of Christian and Christiana (Wagner) Hieber and was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the district schools. He was a man of industry and excellent business judgment and was very successful in his agricultural operations and wise in his investments. At the time of death he was able to leave a valuable farm and other property to his widow and three children. In his death the community lost a worthy citizen and his family a kind, loving and careful protector, and the Lutheran church a consistent member.

On Dec. 31, 1891, John G. Hieber was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Schieber, who is a daughter of Jacob and Eva (Mauer) Schieber, and a granddaughter of Gottlieb and Magdalena Schieber. To Mr. and Mrs. Hieber the following children were born: Roy Ellis, who was educated in the Bucyrus High School and in an agricultural college, operates the home farm; Milo W., who is a student in the Bucyrus High School; Grace Elizabeth, who resides at home; and Mary E., who died at the age of 13 months. Mrs. Hieber and family are members of the Lutheran church.

ANDREW W. DENZER, who is a member of one of the old and substantial families of Tod township, Crawford county, O., lives on his well improved farm of 100 acres lying one and one-half miles northeast of Oceola, O., was born in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, three and one-half miles from the city of Bucyrus, on July 8, 1853. His parents were Jacob and Matilda (McNeal) Denzer.

Jacob Denzer was born in Germany and was 13 years old when his parents brought Him to the United States. For several years he lived at Tiffin, O., and then came to near Bucyrus and for several more years worked for farmers in that neighborhood. After his marriage he secured some land through his own labor and to the original purchase kept on adding, through his industry and prudence, imtil he owned 500 acres and at the time of his death was one of the largest land owners in this section of the county. He lived to the age of 81 years and was widely known and much respected. His death occurred on the farm on which his son, Andrew W. was reared. He married Matilda McNeal, who was born in Pennsylvania, probably of Scotch parents, and was a child when she came to Ohio. Of the 13 children born to Jacob Denzer and his wife, ten are yet living.

Andrew W. Denzer went to the district schools in his boyhood and afterward gave his father assistance on the home farm in Bucyrus township In 1882 he purchased the farm on which he has lived ever since. It is well cared for and finely improved and Mr. Denzer put up all the substantial buildings except the residence, which he remodeled and made entirely comfortable. The property is very valuable and Mr. Denzer is a thoroughgoing and successful farmer.

Mr. Denzer married Miss Mary Jane ShroU, who was born in Bucyrus township and is a daughter of Samuel Shroll, who was one of the early settlers here. Mr. and Mrs. Denzer have had seven children, as follows : Violet, who is the wife of William Flocken, and has two children - Corinne and Donald; Waldon, who is engaged in farming one mile west of his father, and who married Hazel Young and has one son, Sherman A. ; Willis, who is his father's capable assistant; Delia and Huldah ; Ethel, who died at the age of eight years ; and an infant, deceased. Mr. Denzer has always voted the Democratic ticket. On several occasions he has served in local offices with efficiency and has been school director and turnpike road commissioner.

LEWIS DAY PICKERING,* proprietor of one of the important and well established business houses of Bucyrus, O., dealing in a full line of agricultural implements and carriages and wagons, at No. 321 North Sandusky Avenue, is a native of Bucyrus, born here 36 years ago, and has been more or less directly connected with city interests all his life. His parents were William W. and Martha J. (Phelps) Pickering.

O., was of direct English ancestry. They came to Bucyrus after the birth of their eldest child and spent the rest of their lives here, the mother dying when agfed 45 years and the father surviving her four years, passing away in 1882. They were members of the Lutheran church. The father owned farm land near Bucyrus but his main business was that of stock drover, in which he made many long trips over the mountains to eastern markets. There were ten children in the family, five sons and five daughters, and the following survive : Emma, who is the wife of John Dodge, of Haverhill, Mass., and has one son and two daughters ; Joseph M., who is a farmer residing in Michigan; Grove L., who is a farmer in Henry county, O. ; Edward C, who lives at New Comerstown, C, a machinist, who has wife and two daughters ; Lewis Day, our subject; Lula A., twin sister of Lewis Day, who married Charles Young and lives at Winchester, Mass. ; Mary, who is the wife of S. Larkins, and who resides at Alliance, 0., and has one daughter. The names of those deceased were : Charles C, who died in 1910, at Chicago, and is survived by a widow and four children; Caroline, who died young; and Gertrude, who is survived by her husband, J. C. Brinkman.

Lewis Day Pickering was left an orphan when eight years old and motherless when only four years of age. He grew up partly on the farm and partly in the city and was educated here in the public schools. Since 1897 he has been proprietor of his present business, one that was established many years earlier by W. N. Koons, who was succeeded by J. M. Pickering, a brother to the present owner. Mr. Pickering has a first class establishment and while his stock is very large and complete in every line, he carries only the best goods. He takes pride in his business reputation for reliability and his methods have made him a popular merchant with the class from whom his patronage comes. Politically he is a Republican but is active in politics only to the extent of good citizenship. He is a member of the United Commercial Travellers' Association. Mr. Pickering is unmarried.

JOHN WESLEY KRAUTER, one of the representative men of Liberty township, Crawford county, O., resides on his excellent farm of 80 acres, which he devotes to general agriculture. He was born in Liberty township, Dec. 14, 1 87 1, and is a son of John C. and Catherine (Gebhardt) Krauter.

John C. Krauter was born in Germany and his parents were John and Catherine Krauter. For some years he has been a successful farmer and stock raiser in Holmes township, where he still resides. He is a Republican in politics and is well known over Crawford county. Mr. Krauter is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Catherine Gebhardt, who was born in Ohio and died July 4, 1906, her burial being in beautiful Oak wood Cemetery at Bucyrus. To this marriage the following children were born: Susan, who is the wife of John K. Leimenstoll; Dora, who is the wife of Amos Lust; William E. ; Lydia; Alma, who is the wife of Herman Portman; Caroline; Harry and John Wesley.

John Wesley Krauter attended the public schools and afterward assisted his father until his 25th year when he rented .the homestead for a period of seven years and at the end of that time purchased his present farm. It is a fine property situated three- fourth miles east of the Columbus turnpike road and is still known as the old Gottlieb Krauter homestead. Mr. Krauter's activities include farming and stock raising and he is numbered with the prosperous agriculturists of this section.

Mr. Krauter was married to Miss Sarah Leimenstoll, who was born in Crawford county and is a daughter of the late Henry and Sophia Leimenstoll, former residents of Chatfield township, who lived and died there and were buried in the Lust Cemetery. They had the following children: Mary, who is deceased, was the wife of Henry Geissman; Christian; Sophia, who is the wife of Charles Geissman; John; Jacob; and Sarah, who is the wife of Mr. Krauter.

To Mr. and Mrs. Krauter three children have been born, namely: John Wesley Paul, Carl Edwin and Arthur Harvey, the last named dying in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Krauter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they take much interest in the work of the Sunday-school, Mr. Krauter serving as its superintendent for a number of years. In politics he is a Republican but he has never been willing to accept the responsibilities of office, with the exception of those of township trustee, in which position he is serving very acceptably to his fellow citizens.

GEORGE AURAND, one of the representative agriculturists of Tod township, Crawford county, O., who owns a fine farm of 165 acres, situated two miles north of Oceola, O., was born two miles southeast of Bucyrus, O., and has spent his life in his native state.

After his school period was over, George Aurand, in 1862, came to his present farm where he has remained until the present. He erected the comfortable residence here and made all the other improvements, having completed the clearing of the land. He operates all of his 165 acres with the exception of 25 acres, which he rents.

Mr. Aurand married Miss Amanda Mutchler and they have had seven children, namely : Georgia, deceased; Albert, who died young; Tillie, who is the wife of S. Heft and has two children - Russell and Laura ; Stella, who is the wife of Albert Gingery and has four children - Nora, Willis, Carl and Dorsey; Ira B., who died when aged 18 years; Herbert I., who assists his father on the farm and who married Rosa Laipply, and has three children - Ethel, Wallace and George; and Esther, who is the wife of Virgil Starlin, their two children dying in infancy. Mr. Aurand is a Methodist in religious faith, Mrs. Aurand belonging to the U. B. church at Oceola. Mr. Aurand votes with the Republican party.

CHRISTIAN S. CRIM, deceased, for many years was a prominent business man of Galion and widely known in banking circles. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank, its . first president and was continued at the head of that institution for 37 years, its prosperity during this time having largely been due to his business sagacity and careful and conservative banking methods. He was born in Lancaster county. Pa., in 1820, and died at Galion in September, 1895. His parents were Jacob and Eliza (Smith) Crim, who lived and died in Pennsylvania, both being of German parentage.

to Lancaster, O., and engaged in merchandising there, later at Johnsville, in Morrow county, and in 185 1 reached Galion. Here, in 1854, with his brother, Levi S. Crim, he went into the dry goods business and remained a resident of Galion although his brother subsequently went to Bucyrus and later to Toledo. Christian S. Crim decided that Galion, even then, offered excellent business opportunities and he quietly kept seeking them and built up a large trade in dry goods. Later he built the first grain elevator here and became a factor in the grain trade and during the Civil War, in association with his brother, they handled thousands of bushels of grain and seed, including flax seed. They also dealt in wool and in horses for the Government. Mr. Crim was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Monroeville. During his many years of active business he gained an enviable reputation, for, while he was credited with great shrewdness, he was known to be of unquestioned integrity. His judgment on all questions was so invariably correct that it was frequently sought and followed. He believed in political parties and was a strong Republican but business always interested him to such an extent that no time was left for acceptance of political positions.

Mr. Crim was married at Galion, O., to Miss Martha Rosianna Casner, who was born in 1 84 1, in Juniata county. Pa., and was four years old when her parents, Thomas and Sarah (Steese) Casner, came to Galion. Later they moved to Missouri and Mr. Casner served in a Missouri regiment in the Federal Army until the close of the Civil War, several times being wounded and probably on this 'account his life did not extend much longer. His widow, the mother of Mrs. Crim, died in the same year, three sons and two daughters thus becoming orphans. Mrs. Crim and two brothers are the sole survivors. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crim: Olie, Ella, Charles and Henry. Mrs. Crim is an unusually capable business woman as well as one deeply interested in benevolent, philanthropic and educational movements. For eight years she was vice president of the First National Bank and since her husband's death has continued a member of the board of directors. She was the moving spirit in th6 organization of the Galion Public Library, which was incorporated March 26, 1901. This community has much reason to be grateful to Mrs. Grim in this connection. She was a member and chairman of the library board and largely through her efforts it was made possible to accept Mr. Carnegie's gift of $15,000 and in 1902 the beautiful and appropriate library building was completed. She was the organizer of the Current News Club, the first literary society in this city and has been its president. Her enthusiasm and helpfulness have been potent in the founding of other organization designed for a better social order and her charities have been generously bestowed but are never exploited.

CHARLES F. BONEBRAKE,* manufacturer of all kinds of cement supplies, doing an extensive business at Bucyrus, O., where he occupies the building at No. 210 Jones street, and who also takes contracts for stone work and sidewalk making and additionally has been in the plastering business for some ten years, is one of the busy and representative men of this city. He is a native of Bucyrus, born Nov. 24, 1880, and is a son of Samuel F. and Catherine (Schepp) Bonebrake.

Samuel F. Bonebrake was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied his parents to Crawford county during the Civil War. He followed the plasterer's trade all his active life and both he and wife still reside at Bucyrus. She was bom in Ohio, of German extraction. They had two children : Nellie, who died at the age of 20 years, and Charles F.

Charles F. Bonebrake obtained his education in the common schools and the High School at Bucyrus, after which he worked with his father for a number of years before beginning business for himself. He has been in the cement business for 15 years and brought to this city the first cement block machine ever used in this section. Mr. Bonebrake has been sole proprietor of his business for two years and has been at his present excellent location for four years, where he has a plant fully equipped with modern machinery for his line of work. He turns out both plain and decorated cement blocks and has a large dryhouse which ensures the proper amount of drying that is necessary in order to make his product perfect. His trade, as yet, is largely local but there is every reason to anticipate that it will not continue so, each year with its progressive developments opening up wider and wider fields for the use of cement, and Mr. Bonebrake possesses the enterprise to take advantage of every opportunity.

Mr. Bonebrake was married at Bucyrus, to Miss Ida Deppler, who was born in Ohio, Feb. 4, 1880, and was educated in her native state. Mr. and Mrs. Bonebrake have no children. They are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically he is a Democrat and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles and the National Union.

AARON NEFF, whose valuable farm of 113 acres lies in Liberty township, Crawford county, O., four miles northeast of Bucyrus, is a member of one of the old county families and was born in Holmes township, Feb. 21, 1873, a son of Joseph and Sophia (Yeiter) Neff.

Joseph Neff was born in Pennsylvania and came to Crawford county, O., when about 25 years old, ever afterward residing here and becoming a successful farmer and respected citizen. He was married in early manhood to Sophia Yeiter, who was born in Liberty township, Crawford county, and the following children were born to them: Emanuel, who resides in Sandusky township, and who married Sarah Krauter and has one daughter, Elsie; Lizzie, who is the wife of Joseph Durr and lives in Liberty township; Amos, a twin of our subject, who is a resident of Bucyrus, and who married Anna Sheiber; Jacob, a farmer in Liberty township, who married Ella, daughter of Jacob Sheiber; Mary, who is the wife of Abraham Sheiber and resides at Bucyrus; Tillie, who is deceased; Emma, who is the wife of Albert Sheiber and lives in Holmes township; Joseph, a farmer in Holmes township, who married Myrtle Sheiber; and Aaron, the subject of this article.

Aaron Neff obtained his education in the schools of Holmes township and with the exception of one year spent in the West, has always lived in Crawford county. On his well improved farm in Liberty township he car- ries on general farming and raises some excellent stock and in the management of his different industries finds enough work to make him a very busy man.

On Feb. ii, 1904, Mr. Neff was married to Miss Cora Orewiler, who is a daughter of Jacob and Jennie (Steen) Orewiler, and they have two children, son and daughter; Carol Irene and Forest A. Mrs. Neff has one brother, Harry N. Orewiler, who is a resident of Bucyrus. In politics Mr. Neff is a Republican. He is a wide awake, intelligent citizen and keeps thoroughly posted on public affairs and well informed concerning agricultural matters.

H. A. LEA, who is a leading and substantial citizen of Tod township, Crawford county, O., and a member of one of the oldest county families, resides on his well improved farm of 80 acres, and, with his son, Don Lea, owns and operates an additional 100 acres, the first farm being situated one mile west of Lemert, O., and the second farm north of the town. Mr. Lea was born on the old homestead in Tod township, in 1848, and is a son of Thomas and Polly (Miller) Lea and a grandson of Zacheus Lea.

Zacheus Lea was born in the Isle of Wight, England, and was 20 years old when he came to the United States and took up his residence near Jersey Shore, Pa., where he became a farmer and large land owner. He married a member of one of the neighboring German families and about 1832 they came to Crawford county, O., where he purchased a farm for each of his children. He lived to the age of 79 years.

Thomas Lea was born in Lycoming county, Pa., and came with his parents to Crawford county. He cleared and improved the farm in Tod township that his father gave him and continued to reside here until the close of his life, dying at the age of 62 years. He married Polly Miller, who was born in Union county, Pa., and was ten years old when her parents came to Crawford county and her death occurred on the homestead, in her 51st year. They had ten children, as follows : Mrs. Sarah A. Armstrong; Mrs. Amanda Pease Cook, who is deceased; Jane, who died in 1869; H. A., our subject; Isaac, a resident of Oceola, who is pastor of the United Brethren church; James, who died in 1910, who was a physician and for 27 years a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church ; Mrs. Martha Cook, who died in 1879; Adella, who died in 1887; Mrs. Carrie Coon, who is deceased; and Lucy, who died in infancy.

H. A. Lea attended school at Lemert and at Heidelberg College and prepared himself to teach school and for the greater part of 15 years was engaged in educational work, mainly in this section but also teaching for a few terms in three different states. From 1878 until 1903 he lived on his present place and then moved to Fostoria in order to give his children the best of educational advantages and remained in that city for seven years. Afterward he resided for two years at Sycamore and then returned to the home farm and in association with his son general farming and stock-raising is carried on by them on both farms.

Mr. Lea was married to Miss Josephine Eyestone, who is a daughter of George Eyestone, who was a pioneer in Wyandot county, O., and they have two children: Don and Clara, the former of whom is in business with his father as indicated above, and the latter, who is a graduate of the Fostoria High school, resides with her parents. Don Lea married Miss Cora Markley and they have children: Jessie, Josephine, Arlene, Dorothy and Hattie. In politics Mr. Lea prefers to be independent. Being an educated and well informed man, he feels that he can take a broad-minded view of policies, principles and platforms for himself and therefor casts his vote as his own judgment suggests. He has served on the school board and for ten, years did serve as township trustee.

GEORGE M. MARQUART, who carries on farming and stock raising in section i, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., where he owns 149 acres of fine land, situated one and three-fourth miles north of New Washington, O., was born and has always lived on this farm.

Mr. Marquart obtained a good, common school education and ever since has devoted himself closely to his farm and stock interests, succeeding his father, Michael Marquart, on the place. He has done a large amount of improving and has a set of substantial buildings and much of his land is tiled. All is cultivated with the exception of 22 acres which are still in timber. Mr. Marquart grows grain, cattle, sheep and hogs, raising and feeding many of the latter.

Mr. Marquart married Miss Caroline A. Leonhart, a daughter of John Leonhart, and they have six children, all of whom were born on this farm. The three older ones, Estella O., Edna M., and Lester G., are attending school and are making rapid progress, while the three younger ones, lona May, Ralph E. and Lloyd C, remain at home. Mr. Marquart and family are members of the Lutheran church and he assisted in the building of the present church edifice. He has always given his political support to the Democratic party, and has taken a good citizen's interest in all local matters.

JEROME BLAND,. M. D., a well known and highly respected resident of Bucyrus, O., who is now living retired from the active practice of his profession, was born on a farm in Muskingum county, O., July 22, 1840. He was the eldest of the family of ten children - three daughters and seven sons - of Ebenezer and Harriet (Lane) Bland. At an early day the Blands were prominent and representative people in the states of Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri, a conspicuous figure in the last named state being Congressman "Silver Dick" Bland.

John Bland, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native Virginian and of Virginian parentage. He came from his native state to Ohio as early as 1798, settling in Muskingum county, and the land which he obtained by patent from the general government is still in possession of his descendants, who are numerous in that county. The maiden name of his wife is not now recalled. They established a good homestead and both died at an advanced age.

Ebenezer Bland, the Doctor's father, was born in Muskingum county, O., in 181 1, and died on his substantial farm in Muskingum county in 1888. His wife, Mrs. Harriet Lane Bland, was a native of Maryland.

first 23 years of his life on the farm, where he learned most useful lessons of industry and perseverance, which have been characteristic of his entire career. At the age of 19 he began teaching in the country schools, and, in all, he taught nine winter terms. In 1862 he became a student in Denison College at Granville, O., where he remained until 1864, after which date he taught several terms of school. In 1864 he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Joseph McCaan, of Irville, O. Later he attended one term of lectures in Starling Medical College, of Columbus, O. He then began the practice of his profession at Hanover, this state, where he remained two years. He then reentered Starling Medical College, where he graduated in 1869.

Settling in Crawford county, he located at Benton, now Poplar, where he was engaged in a most active and lucrative practice for 14 years, being "on the go" almost day and night. No other physician of the county even had a larger, if as large a country practice as had Dr. Bland while he was located at Benton. From that place he came to Bucyrus in 1883, from which time until 1905, the year of his retirement, he was numbered among the most active and successful physicians and surgeons of the city. He gave up his practice only on account of extreme ill health, which unfitted him for the arduous labors of his profession, with its urgent calls at all hours of the day and night. As an item of family history, it may be mentioned that Dr. Bland had two brothers, Charles and John Bland, who studied medicine under him. Both entered medical college and died of consumption during the last year of their studies in college, and both at the age of 28, though their deaths occurred some eight years apart. A third brother of the Doctor's also died of consumption, though his other brothers and himself were large and robust men.

In politics Dr. Bland is a Democrat. He served five years as county coroner and was a member of the Pension Board of Examiners under the second administration of Grover Cleveland. He has important business interests, being proprietor of Knisely Springs stock farm, owning and breeding high-bred horses. On his farm are also valuable mineral springs.

the water from which is bottled for pubHc consumption by the Knisely Mineral Springs Bottling Works. The Doctor is a member of the County, State and National medical associations.

Dr. Bland stands high in the Masonic order. Besides holding membership not only in the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery, but also in the Mystic Shrine, Scottish Rite (Al Koran Temple), at Cleveland. He was a charter member and one of the organizers of the Elk lodge in Bucyrus and was voted a life member of that organization on Dec. 23, 1909.

Dr. Bland was married in 1867 to Miss Lucy Coon, who was born in Hanover, Licking county, O., Aug. 8, 1849, and who was there reared and educated. Her parents were Israel and Maria (Edwards) Coon, both natives of Ohio, the father being of Pennsylvania parentage and the mother of Welsh ancestry. Mr. Coon was for many years proprietor of a hotel in Hanover, O., in which place he and his wife were married, and where he died at the age of 59 years. His wife had preceded him to the grave a few years previously leaving two children, one of whom, Israel, Jr., died when 16 years of age. The other, Mrs. Bland, still survives. She is a member of the M. E. church and is active in its good work.

Dr. and Mrs. Bland have been the parents of four children - Harriet Belle, Ebenezer, Charles, who died in infancy, and Alice Barbara, whose further record is briefly as follows: Harriet Belle was born in Benton, O., June 21, 1870. She was educated in the Bucyrus High School and was married in this city in 189-^ to A. J. Yawger, who was born in Elmira, N. Y., of good parentage. May 26, 1866. He graduated from Cornell University with the degree of C. E. and later became a contractor on railroad and municipal engineering work in various parts of the United States, but his headquarters for some time have been at Indianapolis, Ind. He is a Mason. Mrs. Yawger is a member of the Methodist church. She is a lady of culture and refinement and of stroner filial affection and resides with her parents in Bucyrus. She has no children.

well educated young man. On the breaking out of the War with Spain, he joined Company A, Eighth Regiment O. V. I., as a private and accompanied his regiment to Cuba, where he died from cholera, JBly 11, 1898, when within a few days of being 24 years of age. He is buried in Arlington Cemetery, at Washington, D. C.

Alice Barbara Bland was born in Benton, O., Dec. 14, 1882. She graduated from Bucyrus High School and has since remained at home with her parents, to whom she is much attached. She is unmarried. She, like her married sister, is a member of the Methodist church.

HON. J. R. MILLER, mayor of New Washington, O., and president of the Miller Merchandise Company, of this city, is a representative citizen of Crawford county and practically all his life has been identified with many of her important interests. He was born at New Washington, Jan. 19, 1861.

Mr. Miller attended school at New Washington and afterward took a Spencerian Commercial course at Cleveland, O., and then went into the grocery business under the firm style of J. R, & G. Miller. In 1890 G. Miller retired and a general store was opened, Mr. Miller admitting A. P. Miller and the business was continued under the name of J. R. & A. P Miller until April 9, 1906. Mr. Miller then opened his present store, under the style of the Miller Merchandise Company, which is one of the largest and most complete department stores in this part of Ohio, the spacious building being three stories high, including basement and covering an acre of ground. It is one of the largest business enterprises at New Washington. J. R. Miller is president of the company; A. O. Miller is vice president; and Mrs. A. O. Miller is secretary. In addition to the officers there are three other directors: J. W. Kibler, Dr. C. E. Kimerline and Frank Derr. The first officers and directors were: J. R. Miller, president and manager; A. P. Miller, vice president; F. J. Miller, treasurer; C. A. Miller, secretary, and Jacob Uhl, J. W. Kibler and A. O. Miller, directors. The officers and directors are elected annually. J. R. Miller is additionally interested in the Toledo Life Insurance Company.

He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and was reared in the Roman CathoUc church. Mayor Miller was married to Miss Anna E. Uhl, who is a daughter of Jacob and Maggie Uhl, old residents of New Washington. In politics Mr. Miller has been a zealous Democrat all his mature life and has held many offices of responsibility and for the past three years has been mayor of New Washington and has given the city a business administration that has been very popular and decidely beneficial.

JACOB F. GUINTHER,* a representative farmer, who owns and operates 143 acres of land, 53 of which are located in Marion county and the balance in Crawford county, was born on the homestead farm on which he still lives, March 20, 1864. His parents were Jacob and Catherine (Shalenmiller) Guinther, the former of whom was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, and the latter in Lycoming county, Pa. Both are now deceased and are buried in Sherer cemetery.

Jacob Guinther was a farmer during the time he spent in this country. He was a Democrat in politics and attended the German Reformed church. He and his wife were the parents of the following children : Mary, the wife of George K. Ulmer; John George; Sophia, deceased; Catherine, wife of Samuel Rexroth ; Isaac C. ; Charlotte, wife of S. J. Stump; and Jacob F., the subject of this article, who was the youngest born.

Jacob F. Guinther received a common school education and then went to work on the farm where he has spent his entire life. His father died when he was 20 years of age. After the death of his parents, he bought the farm from the other heirs and here he carries on general farming.

On Dec. 5, 1889, Mr. Guinther married Jennie Nungesser, a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Helfrich) Nungesser. Her father was born in Germany where he learned the shoemaker's trade. Upon coming to the United States he located first in Cincinnati, but later moved to New Winchester, Crawford county, and purchased a farm of 131 acres in Whetstone township, which he still owns. He and his wife live retired at Galion. They belong to the German Lutheran church.

LINCOLN HOOVER, who is one of the substantial citizens and prosperous farmers of Vernon township, Crawford county, O., successfully carries on general farming and stock raising on his improved tract of 60 acres, which lies six miles northwest of Crestline, O. He was born in Crawford county in 1864, and is a son of Gideon and Nancy (Teeter) Hoover.

Both the Hoovers and Teeters came originally from Germany and many of the name can be found in different sections of the United States. Gideon Hoover was born in Maryland and his wife in Richland county, O., the Teeters having come to Ohio from Pennsylvania. To Gideon Hoover and wife ten children were bom : John, Moses, Lavina, Aaron, Amos, Alice, Lincoln, Frank, Henry and Lotta, and of the above, Moses, Aaron and Amos, are all deceased. John married Amanda Buck and they live in Vernon township and have five children: Wilson, Ladena, Silas B., Anna and Fern. Lavina married John Parr and they live in Sandusky township and have six children: Calvin, Nancy, Gideon, Amanda, Bertha and Lotta. Alice married Quinn Dewalt and they live in Crawford county and have four children: Stella, Clark, Nancy and Mary. Frank, who married Nellie Dewalt, lives in Sandusky township and has four children: Vance, Lorin, Mary and Amos. Henry lives in Richland county and has two children: Nancy and Frank. Nancy, the wife of Gideon Hoover died Jan. 4, 1900. They were both well known people, members of the LTnited Brethren church.

and then bought his first farm but sold it after operating it for a time and then purchased his present more desirable one. Here he has everything convenient and in good shape, his improvements including the erection of substantial buildings and keeping them in order, and investing in good stock and improved farm machinery. His time and attention are mainly devoted to his agricultural operations and he is numbered with the most successful men in this line in this section.

Mr. Hoover was married to Miss Minnie Bilsing, a daughter of Adam and Lavina (Swisher) Bilsing. The parents of Mrs. Bilsing had the following children: John H., who lives in Kansas; Barnett, who lives near Crestline, O. ; Albert, who lives in Vernon township; a son that died in infancy; Mollie and Anna, both of whom are deceased ; Eliza, who lives in Washington ; Flora, deceased, who married Prof. Frank Brining, a college professor in India; and Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have three children: Bessie, Adam and Ivan. Bessie is the wife of George Wert, and they reside in Crawford county. Mr. Hoover and family are members of the United Brethren church, of which he is a trustee and which he is serving as treasurer. Politically he is a Republican but has never cared for public office, serving, however, at one time, as township constable.

MRS. CATHERINE GANGLUFF, who for 45 years has resided on her valuable farm of 6i acres, which is situated in section ii. Cranberry township, Crawford couiity, O., one and one-fourth miles west of New Washington, O., is well known all through this section and is held in high regard. She was born in Seneca county, O., Nov. 17, 1847, ^^'^ is a daughter of Frederick and Barbara (Deisler) Flexer, and the widow of Henry Gangluff.

The parents of Mrs. Gangluff were born in Germany but they were married after coming to America. They settled in Seneca county, O., where the father engaged in farming and died there in his 60th year. The mother survived to be 74 years of age. They were good, virtuous, industrious and kind-hearted people and were respected by all who knew them. Of their family of five sons and three daughters there are but two survivors : Mrs. Gangluff and Mrs. Christine Blinn. The latter was born in Seneca county and when she reached womanhood married Charles Blinn and they reside in Lykens township, Crawford county. Mr. and Mrs. Blinn have had five children: Nora, who has lived with her aunt, Mrs. Gangluff, since she was eight years of age; Pearl, who is the wife of Frank Shiefer, residing in Cranberry township; and Bertha, Harvey and Alvin, all living at home.

In April, 1867, she was married to Henry Gangluff, who was born on the farm she now owns and occupies, a son of Philip and Annie (Reel) Gangluff, who came from Germany and settled here at an early day. Henry Gangluff grew up on his father's farm and became a good judge of stock and a very capable farmer and also engaged in threshing during the season, until he met with an accident that fractured his thigh and that more or less crippled him until the close of his life. After marriage the old log house on the home farm was utilized and is still standing, but afterward Mr. Gangluff erected the present comfortable farmhouse. Here his death occurred when he was aged 71 years, in September, 1908, and his burial was in the Lutheran cemetery at New Washington, he having beeii a member of the Lutheran church since youth. He was a Democrat in his political opinions and supported Democratic candidates, but he was never willing to accept any office for himself although he was a man gifted with many of the qualities which are needed in public officials. To Mr. and Mrs. Gangluff the following children were born : George, who lives near Attica, O., and married Rosa Schimpf; John, who assists his mother in managing the home farm; William, who lives in Chatfield township, and who married Emmeline Leonhart; Christine, who is the wife of William Shoup, and resides at New Washington; and Lewis and Charles, who remain on the home place with their mother. The family belongs to the Lutheran church.

Emil Seele was born in Germany, came to America when a boy of 16 years and died in Ohio in 1896, in his 73d year. For a number of years he followed shoemaking together with farming in Holmes township, Crawford county, and erected the present comfortable farm-house on this place. He was a highly respected man and reared a creditable family. He married Catherine Spade, who was born in Pennsylvania and the following children were born to them: Mrs. Malinda Gerstenberger, Edward, Airs. Matilda Ditty, Delma, Albert J., Airs. Celesta Smith, William C. and Charles W., all of whom survive.

William C. Seele was educated in the country schools and at Ada and Xew \\'ashington, O., and afterward taught school for 12 terms and during six summers engaged in the ice business at Cleveland. After retiring from the educational field he turned his attention to farming and stock raising, follow^ing these industries along modern lines and meeting with excellent results. He has been a leading factor in Democratic politics for many years in Holmes township and has served with the greatest efficiency in numerous important public positions, for four and one-half years being township clerk, for four years township treasurer, for 15 years a member of the school board and for nine years a member of the turnpike road commission.

Mr. Seele married Aliss Aletta Margraff, a daughter of Charles Margraff, who resides just east of Mr. and Mrs. Seele. Mr. Seele is a valued member of the Grange at Bucyrus and is identified fraternally with the Foresters and the knights of Alaccabee.

FRANK H. SPILLETTE, who is one of the representative business men of Xew Washington, O., the junior member of a company that owns and operates three elevators, was born in Auburn township, Crawford county. O.. Oct. i. 1875, and is a son of James and Lucinda CGlosser) Spillette, old residents of that township.

Later he went into the elevator business, handling coal, flour, feed, seed and building material in connection, starting first at North Auburn, later becoming interested on the X'^orthern Ohio Railroad and later at the present elevator where he has his office just across the track from the passenger depot of the Pennsyhania Railroad. He has other business interests, being a stockholder in the Toledo Life Insurance Company; in the Underwriters Security Company; in the Cranberry X'ursery Company at Xew Washington, and in the local telephone company. He is a wide awake business man and is well known all through the county, his business partner being Jacob Gottfried.

Air. Spillette was married to Miss Laura Hoak, a daughter of Samuel and Amanda Hoak, the latter of whom died in Auburn township. Mr. and Mrs. Spillette have one son, Gordon. In politics Air. Spillette is a Republican but somewhat independent in his views, but is no seeker for office.

GEORGE W. HARRIS, an honored citizen of Bucyrus, O., has been engaged in the produce business since 1875. For the past seven years he has been commander of Keller Post, X'o. 128, G. A. R., of this city, being a veteran of the great Civil War. He was bom X"ov. 25. 1847, at what is now AA'aterville, O., and is a son of AA'illiam Henry and Sarah E. (Hickox) Harris.

AA'illiam Henry Harris was born in 1812, at Hoosick Falls, X'. Y., a son of Asa Harris, who was born in 1780, in the north of Ireland. The latter was of Scotch-Irish ancestry and came to America in early manhood and settled in Xew Hampshire. He ^^ as one of the early Baptists of that section and was a man of good report. It was known that he had five sons and possibly there were daughters. \\"illiam Henry Harris grew to manhood in X'ew York State and learned the trade of wagonmaker at St. Johnsboro, Vt., from which place he moved to Ohio in 1833, and at Loudonville, in Ashland county, established the first wagonmaking shop in that section. He was married there to Sarah E. Hickox, who was bom at Cuyahoga Falls, O. in 1822, of an old pioneer family. They lived in that village until after the birth of their first daugh- ter, and then moved to Wauseon, Fulton county, O., and lived there until 1857. Mr. Harris then removed with his family to Mansfield, O., where he established himself at his trade and worked at the same until after the close of the Civil War. He then spent ten years at North Fairfield, O., after which the family moved to Kansas, settling at Chapman, and there Mr. Harris spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1898, at the age of 86 years. In principle he was opposed to human slavery and was a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln. He was a man of exemplary life and a firm believer in the Baptist faith. His widow survived until 1902, her death occurring at Topeka, Kan. They were parents of five sons and two daughters and the following survive : Emma", bom in Ashland county, O., who is the widow of William Johns and is a resident of Newark, N. ]., having a son and daughter; George W., subject of this record; William H., who is a coal merchant and owner of a wheat elevator at Russell, Kan., and who resides there with his family; Grace, who is the wife of Charles Schwarts, a prominent attorney of Bellingham, Wash., and has three children; Henry Franklin, a prominent citizen of Mansfield, O., who formerly resided at Bucyrus ; and Joseph Asa, who is in business at Newark, N. J., and has three children. One son, Charles, died at the age of five years.

George W. Harris was nine years old when he went to live with his grandparents and later accompanied them to Mansfield. Those \\'ere days of great public unrest and the gravity of the danger threatening the country was not only recognized by men of years and discretion, but also by the young, a great wave of patriotism sweeping over the country resulting in the enlistment of thousands to suppress rebellion. That so youthful a candidate for enlistment as was George W. Harris at that time, should have been accepted as a member of Co. I, 32nd O. Vol. Inf., may be explained by the fact that he had the health and manly bearing of a much older youth, but the fact remains that when he was enlisted on Aug. 8, 1861, he was aged just 13 years, 8 months and II days. His officers were Capt. J. Dyer and Col. Thomas H. Ford. This regiment was ordered to the front and on Oct. 4, 1861, Mr.

Harris participated in the battle of Greenbrier, Va., and was honorably discharged Dec. 10, 1 86 1. He returned to Ohio and attended school during the succeeding winter, but in the spring determined to reenter the army and on March 6, 1862, reenlisted, entering Co. B, 6ist O. Vol. Inf., his commanding officers being Capt. P. J. Duffy and Col. Stephen J. Mc- Groaty. This regiment was attached to the eastern army until after the battle of Gettysburg, when it was transferred to Sherman's western army, and took a prominent part in its military movements. On the first day of the fateful battle of Gettysburg, Mr. Harris, who had been made a corporal and color guard, was captured by the enemy and for five months afterward was a prisoner at Libby prison and Belle Isle. He was young, ingenious and resourceful and as he had nothing to occupy his mind during the terrible days and still more terrible nights than a hope of escape, he finally formed a plan that succeeded and through a mistake of his guards succeeded also in being paroled in December, 1863. In May, 1864, he rejoined his company at Chattanooga, Tenn., and continued throughout the whole campaign, which ended with Sherman's march to the sea. He saw much hard fighting and on more than one occasion proved himself a brave and ready man and at Kenesaw Mountain, by ruse, aided by darkness, captured single handed, three Confederate soldiers. When he was honorably discharged, March 31, 1865, he had served three years and five months and was then not yet 18 years of age. Although years of peaceful pursuits followed he never lost interest in military affairs and still retains something of the appearance of a military man. From the first he has been interested in the Grand Army movement and has been identified with Keller Post, No. 128, ever since its organization, has served in various capacities in this body and, as noted above, has frequently been honored by election to the position of post commander.

After his return from the army, Mr. Harris embarked in the produce business at Shiloh, O., in the employ of C. W. Wakefield, where he continued until 187s, when he came to Bucyrus and here established his own produce business, which he has conducted since. Politically he is a Republican but he has never been

Mr. Harris was married at Shiloh, 0., to Miss Isabel R. Crawford, who was born in Richland county, in 1853, a member of one of the old and honorable families of that section. Her grandfather, John Crawford, was 11 years old when he accompanied his parents from Ireland to Cumberland county, Pa., where he married a Miss Eckles and they came to Richland county, O. James Crawford, father of Mrs. Harris, was born in Pennsylvania in 181 7 and died in Richland county, from the effects of an accident, March 3, 1853. He was married first to Lydia Guthrie, who, at death, left two sons. His second marriage was to Eleanor J. Torbett, who was born in Pennsylvania, married in Huron county, O., and died at Shiloh, O., in 1900, aged 81 years. Of their five children Mrs. Harris is the only survivor. She is a lady well known in social life and is connected with numberless benevolent activities and is prominent in many uplifting organizations, religious, charitable and literary. She is an active member of the missionary societies of the Lutheran church, was one of the organizers and for a number of years president of the North Side Reading Club, is a charter member of the Woman's Relief Corps, No. 225, of which she was the first president, was one of the organizers of the Library Association, holding the office of president for four years prior to January, 1906, when the city took over the organization's interests as a part of the city library, and is also a member of the Bucyrus Hospital Association, a member of the board of lady managers of the Bucyrus City Hospital and a member of the juvenile and Correction Visiting Committee of the county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Harris four children were born, the three survivors being : Fred C, who is identified with the Standard Oil company, and lives at Gore, O. ; Judson Gaylor, who is manager of the American District Telegraph and Messenger company, and resides at Newark, N. J. ; and Warren Dean, who is engaged in the commission produce business at Toledo, and makes his home at Bucyrus and has a family. Guarda A., the third member of the family, who was born Oct. 30, 1878, died in

1889. Formerly Mr. Harris was very active in the leading fraternal organizations of the country, being past noble grand in the order of Odd Fellows and past chancellor commander in the Knights of Pythias. He still retains active membership in the Union Veteran Legion and the United Commercial Travelers, being chairman of the Executive Committee of the latter council.

CHARLES A. MANN,* who owns 22 acres of finely cultivated land, situated in the northeastern corner of Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., in section one, was bom at Tiffin, in Seneca county, O., Nov. 2, 1884, and is a son of August and Maggie (Hepp) Mann.

August Mann was born in Germany and came to America in early manhood, locating in Seneca county, O. He was a shoemaker by trade and for 14 years has been a shoe merchant, at Attica, O. He was married at New Riegel, O., to Maggie Hepp and ten children were born to them, two of whom reside in Cranberry township, Charles A. and a sister. Rose, who is the wife of Henry Alt, who operates the George Uhl farm. Mr. and Mrs. Mann are members of the Catholic church.

Charles A. Mann attended school in Seneca county and for six years afterward was engaged there in farm work and for four years more followed farming in Huron county. On Jan. 9, 1900, he came to Crawford county and settled on a 60-acre farm south of his present one, and one year later purchased the farm on which he lives, from John Forquer. Mr. Mann has taken a great deal of interest in his property, making many improvements and in 1910 erecting his comfortable residence and remodeling the other farm buildings.

Mr. Mann married Miss Rose Phiefer, who was born in southern Cranberry township, a daughter of Joseph Phiefer, and they have one son, Frederick Floran, who is a bright student in the public schools. Mr. ]Mann and family are members of St. Mary's Catholic church. Like his father he is a Democrat in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Mann are well known and highly respected in Cranberry township.

county, O., is one of the leading citizens of Dallas township, where he owns a finely improved farm of lOO acres. He was born Nov. i8, 185s, in Cass township, Richland county, O., and is a son of Jacob and Ann (Bushey) Dick, and a grandson of George Dick, who settled in Richland county in 1832.

The parents of Mr. Dick are long since deceased, the mother dying early, on the old farm in Richland county, and the father, when in middle life, in Hancock county. The father's death took place in February, 1870. Franklin P. Dick was only seven years old when he lost his mother and was 14 when he left home to take care of himself. He had secured a country school education and was a youth of ambition and of steady habits, and for the next 13 years found a happy home with his uncle, Levi Dick, who was a substantial farmer in Richland county. After his marriage, in 1882, he rented farm land in Dallas township for some ten years and then purchased his present farm, which was undoubtedly fine land but was much in need of improving. Practical in his ideas he soon made all needed improvements, thereby doubling the value of his property, and ever since has devoted himself to general farming and stock raising. He is one of the prominent Democrats of Crawford county and frequently has been tendered public office. He was first elected a member of the board of county commissioners in 1905, with a majority of 2,500 votes and was later reelected, and during his second term was made president of the board. In this position he had many duties, all of which were carefully attended to, Crawford county finding in him an energetic and honest official.

Mr. Dick was married in 1882 to Miss Lavina Noecker, a daughter of Benjamin and Lavina (Van Horn) Noecker, early settlers in Richland county. They have an interesting family and all are members of the United Brethren church.

MOSES PUGH, who carries on general farming and moderate stock raising on his valuable tract of 74 acres, situated in section I, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., was born in Lykens township, Crawford

Aaron Pugh was born in Virginia, 50 miles from Wheeling, where he grew to manhood and then came to Crawford county, O., and here purchased 40 acres of land in Lykens township, on which he erected a log cabin. When he had provided this home he returned to Virginia and was there married to Mary Jackson, and then returned to Lykens township and in the following year his father-inlaw, William Jackson, came also to this section. That farm continued to be the old homestead until 1863, when Aaron Pugh moved to Cranberry township and bought land in the northeastern part and at one time owned 500 acres here and in Huron county. Later he divided his land among his children and bought property at New Washington, to which he retired and died there when aged ']'j years. Notwithstanding his southern birth and parentage, he was deeply opposed to human slavery and early in the Civil War used his influence to exterminate such traitorous organizations as the Knights of the Golden Circle. He became a man of consequence in Lykens township and served as township trustee and he and wife were active members and liberal supporters of the Baptist church. She died at the age of 68 years. They had eight children, as follows : Elizabeth, who resides at New Washington, Crawford county, who is the widow of Wesley King; William, who died in Huron county, when aged 36 years ; Moses ; James, who lived but two years ; Anlason and Anson, twins, the latter of whom lives in Plymouth, O., and. the former in Putnam county, O. ; Alfred B., who lives at Chicago Junction, O. ; and John, who lives in Deshler, O.

Moses Puejh attended the district schools near his father's farm in Lykens township and then assisted at home until he was 17 years and six months of age. The Civil War \>'as then in progress and although so young he determined to enter the Federal Army and enlisted in Company H, c;c;th O. Vol. Inf., in which he served two years and three months. He then reenlisted and served until the close of the Rebellion and was hon- orably discharged. Although he was injured at Stephenson, Ala., in the right leg and afterward was twice slightly wounded, he accompanied his company and regiment into every engagement while in the service. The injury to his leg proved a serious matter and continued to trouble him for many years and finally Mr. Pugh had to submit to amputation on Feb. 20, 1893. This was a heavy price to pay for patriotism, but Mr. Pugh complains little of it but has much to say of his long march under Sherman to the sea. The hero element is yet found in the ranks of the veterans of every G. A. R. Post, and Mr. Pugh is a valued member of this organization.

After his discharge from the army, on Aug. 20, 1865, Mr. Pugh returned to Crawford county and on July 26, 1866, was married to Miss Martha Johnston, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Reed) Johnston. The father of Mrs. Pugh was born in Pennsylvania and the mother, a daughter of Daniel and Mary Reed, was born near Canton, O. They married in Crawford county where they lived ever afterward, the mother dying in Cranberry township at the age of 36 years, her burial being in the Sulphur Springs Cemetery. The father of Mrs. Pugh died in Lykens township, when aged 63 years. They were members of the Methodist Protestant church, very active and faithful in church work. All of their five children survive, namely: Martha; Nancy Jane, who is the wife of Samuel Miller, of Shelby, O. ; D. D., who also lives at Shelby, O. ; J. R., who is a school teacher and a justice of the peace and lives in Whetstone township, Crawford county; and Enoch, who lives at Findlay, O. For many years Mr. Johnston served faithfully in the office of school director and made it his business to visit the schools in pursuance of what he deemed one of his duties. He was a well read, intelligent man and was widely known.

To Mr. and Mrs. Pugh the following children were born : Gertrude, Effie, Mary Jane, Senate A., Harry Logan and William Burdette. Gertrude, who died Aug. 22, 1905 at that time was the widow of Hale Carpenter, who died Oct. 2, 1904. Their burial was in the Swamp burying ground at Mt. Pisgah church. They left three children: Elwood, Helen and Russell, who live with their maternal grandparents. Effie, the second daughter.

lives at home. Mary Jane married V. B. Alspach, of Cranberry township and they have two children: Martha Evelyn and Marjorie Ruth. Senate A. is a prominent citizen of Crawford county and is postmaster at New Washington. Harry Logan, who was graduated first from the New Washington High School, later completed a business course at Oberlin College. He married Dora Miller and they reside three miles from New Washington. William Burdette, the youngest son, lives at home. Mrs. Pugh was carefully educated and taught school in Cranberry township until the death of her mother and was married in the following year. She was born June 10, 1843 and is a woman of such amiable character that she is universally beloved.

Since marriage Mr. Pugh has resided in the northeastern part of Cranberry township, locating first on 80 acres which he improved and then sold to advantage, afterward buying a second tract of eighty acres and at present lives on his farm of 74 acres situated in section I, in the same township. This land is finely cultivated and well improved, and its management is largely carried on by his youngest son. Mr. Pugh has always given his political support to the Republican party and frequently, as one of the township's substantial and representative men, has been called upon to serve in public office and has been very useful as township supervisor and also as school director. He and family are members of the Baptist church, although Mrs. Pugh united with the Methodist Protestant church when she was 17 years old but at the time of marriage, in 1866, joined the Baptist church with her husband. She has always been very active in church work, belongs to the Ladies' Aid Society and for 38 years has been a member of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. She belongs also to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and additionally to the Woman's Relief Corps, in all these organizations showing womanly sympathy and tenderness coupled with the good judgment and practical views that have assisted her in rearing her family to respected and useful man and womanhood. In every relation of life she is an estimable woman.

retired farmer and a former superintendent of the Crawford County Infirmary, was bom at Baden, Germany, April 6, 1837, a son of John B. and Mary Ann (Link) Sheibley.