Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 32: Miscellaneous, 1912 (part 18 of 28)

Mr. and Mrs. Kieffer have been the parents of seven children, as follows: Franklin, a Crawford county farmer, is married and has three children - Hazel, a school teacher, Gladys and Mercil. William H. lives at Battle Creek, Mich. David W., who is conducting his mother's' farm of 152 acres, is married but has no children. Lewis M. is a photographer in Toledo, O. He is married and has five children - Don, Mabel, Russell, Harland and Mary C. Clara E. is the wife of Edward Lowmiller, a farmer residing near Bucyrus ; has no children. Mrs. Kieffer is a devoted member of the English Lutheran church. She is a lady well known in Galion and the vicinity and is as highly esteemed. She has brought up a worthy family, who are creditable members of the communities in which they respectively reside and has the right to feel that she has well and faithfully performed her task in life.

:with Peter Boehm, has been established in this .city for some 30 years and stands high in commercial circles and as a private citizen. He was. born Oct. 16, 1845, in one of the Rhine provinces, in Prussia, and is a son of Theodore and Margaret (Schmidt) Poister, and a .grandson of Christian Poister.

Christian Poister was born in Prussia and .was a quiet, peaceful, hard-working man when he was conscripted and went as a soldier from his country when it made the compact with Napoleon and marched to Moscow. He survived the horrors of that unfortunate campaign and returned for a few years to his cabinetmaking business in his old home, but, in 1856, with his wife came to the United States and joined the sons who had come to Gabon, O., two years previously. Both died at Gabon in old age; worthy and respected people and devout attendants of the Peace Lutheran church.

Theodore Poister was born in Prussia in 1822 and learned his father's trade and then served three years in the regular service in the Prussian army. In his own neighborhood he married Margaret Schmidt, who was born in 1828, and in 1854, with their three children, Henry, Sophia and Catherine, they set sail for America in search of more favorable living conditions. The vessel, the Rio de Janeiro, landed them safely in the harbor of New York, after a voyage of seven weeks. They yet had quite a long distance to travel for transportation facilities were not then so numerous and a round about way had to be taken in order to reach Gallon, O., their objective point. They sailed up the Hudson River to Albany, then crossed the state to Buffalo on the Erie Canal, then to Cleveland by lake and then over the Big Four Railroad, which had but lately been constructed, to Galion. Theodore Poister secured work in the railway shops and later bought a farm which he operated for 11^ years and then retired to Galion, where his death occurred in 1894, having survived his wife some years. Her father, Philip Schmidt, had served with the German army, under the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo. Theodore Poister and wife were fnembers of the German Reformed church. Of their family of children three sons and two daughters are yet living.

Henry Poister learned the. trade of cabinetmaker and was employed in the shops of the Big Four Railroad for 15 years and assisted in building and finishing the first sleeping coaches put out by that company. Afterward he went into business for himself, purchasing the interests of Campbell & Bryant, who had started the business in 1876. The present firm, Poister & Boehm, has been in existence for 30 years. Its location has always been on East Main Street and in 1889, Mr. Poister erected the present commodious building, dimensions being 44x80 feet, at Nos. 243-45, East Main, where a fine stock of furniture is carried, and in which are located the funeral directing parlors.

In 1870, in this city, Mr. Poister was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Beck, who was born in Ashland county, O., in 1849 and died in 1 90 1. Two daughters were born to them: Clara F. and Laura N., both of whom are graduates of the Galion High School. Mr. Poister is a Democrat in politics and has served as a member of the city council and in other offices. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason.

HUGH O. DOBBINS,* deceased, for many years was a well known citizen of Bucyrus township, Crawford county, O., where he owned and conducted the old Dobbins homestead farm. He was born in Wayne county, O., Feb. II, 1830, and died on the above farm. His parents were John and Annie (McCul- lough) Dobbins.

John Dobbins was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied his parents when young to Mahoning county, O. He was married in Harrison county to Annie McCullough, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, and six children were born to them. From Harrison they moved to Wayne county, where John Dobbins secured 72 acres of land, on which he lived until 1834, although, two years previously, he had entered 160 acres in section 4, Bucyrus township, Crawford county. To this land the family came in 1834. A dense forest surrounded this pioneer home and the family endured many of the hardships incident to life in a new section to which civilization had scarcely penetrated. In 1858 John Dobbins and his wife retired to Bucyrus and there he died in 1859, his widow, of more robust constitution, surviving until 1880. They left descendants who have perpetuated the family and have maintained its reputation for the solid virtues that marked their lives.

Hugh O. Dobbins, the eldest son of John and Annie Dobbins, had but indifferent educational opportunities in his youth but he had much practical teaching as to the management of a farm and the carrying on if its various activities, and this acquired knowledge he put to good use and brought the old homestead farm to a fine state of cultivation. He was a man of quiet tastes, was honorable in his business transactions and was kind and neighborly in his community. While thoroughly identified with the Democratic party, he never was willing to accept political office.

Hugh O. Dobbins was married in 1859 to Miss Rachel Cleland, who was born in Crawford county in 1836, a daughter of William Cleland, who was an early settler' in Vernon township. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins. One of the surviving sons, Hugh M., is a substantial farmer and stock raiser and is a valued member of the board of county commissioners of Crawford county.

GEORGE DOXNEXWIRTH, president of the Bucyrus City Bank, of Bucyrus, O., has been identified with the business interests of this place for over a half century and occupies an enviable position in the esteem of his fellow citizens that he has won through his personal characteristics. He is a man of broad and abundant sympathies, keeping ever in memory the struggles of his own youth, and has so built up his own fortunes that the path he has traveled lies plain for another to follow, through the exercise of the same industry, frugality and integrity. The life of such a man is always interesting.

George Donnenwirth was born Jan. 28, 1835, at Columbus, O. His parents were George and Sophia (Anthony) Donnenwirth, and his grandparents were George and Magdalene (Ruth) Donnenwirth. It was in 1827 that the grandparents left France and came to America, making their first stop at Buffalo, X. Y., and from there moving to Stark county, O. The grandfather was seeking farm land and

Of their five children, one son, George, was born at Strasburg, France, (now in Germany) in 18 10, and in 1827 accompanied his parents to the United States. Prior to 1833 he worked as a blacksmith at several points and also assisted in the construction of the Ohio Canal.' In 1838 he came to New Washington, Crawford county, where he opened his blacksmith shop and also invested in property, and ere long was recognized as an enterprising and worthy citizen, 1846 being elected a representative to the state legislature. Subsequently, in 1855, when elected county treasurer, he moved to Bucyrus, where the remainder of his life was spent and there he was twice elected mayor.

Until he was 14 years of age, George Donnenwirth, Jr., attended school, but his father was a very practical man and in accordance with his decision the son began to learn a self-supporting trade and spent four years at his father's forge. He then went to Sandusky and worked in a grocery store for almost two years and afterward became a clerk at Burlington, la., from there returning to Ohio and locating in Bucyrus. Deciding to make this city the seat of his business efforts he shortly afterward entered into partnership with Henry Anthony in the establishing of a brewery. This partnership continued for but a brief time, however, Mr, Dormenwirth's father then buying the Anthony interest and becoming the senior partner. The business was conducted under the style of George Donnenwirth & Son until 1875, when the senior partner retired. At this time the junior member of the firm became the senior; he admitted his halfbrother, Frank P. Donnenwirth, and the business was continued until 1889.

In the meanwhile, George Dormenwirth had become a banker in a small way, and in 1881 was one of the organizers and vice president of what was known as the Monnett Bank of Bucvrus. January i, 1892, the investment was increased and the style of the concern was changed from the ^lonnett Bank to the Bucyrus Cit\' Bank. Mr. Donnenwirth was elected president of the institution Jan. 2, 1888 which position, as above indicated, he still holds. He has been a member of its directing board from its organization. Aside from the importance of his business interests, Mr. Donnenwirth has been in other ways a foremost citizen. For years he has served as a city councilman; he was a member of the school board 25 years and treasurer of the same for 20 years ;and at all times has been ready to heartily cooperate with other citizens in promoting the general welfare. In politics a Democrat, his influence in party councils has been valuable on many important occasions. He is a Mason and an Elk.

C. C. COYLE, secretary and treasurer of The Gabon Lumber Company, and a member of the board of education, of Gabon, O., is one of the reliable and representative business men of this city. He was born in 1863, in Jefferson county, O., but was brought to Gabon when a child of two years and largely the business life of Mr. Coyle has been associated with Gabon interests. He is a son of Dr. C. L. and Julia (Rinehart) Coyle.

Dr. C. L. Coyle was a native of Ohio and died at Gabon in 1892, when aged 65 years. After completing his medical education at Philadelphia, he returned to Ohio and in 1865 opened his practice at Gabon where he became a physician of high standing. He married a daughter of Rev. John Rinehart, a minister of the Lutheran faith who was also a farmer in Jefferson county. Mrs. Coyle survives and resides with her son, C. C. Coyle. He has two sisters : Estella, who is a highly educated lady and is city librarian, at Gabon; and Cordelia, who is the wife of Ross W. Funck, who is an attorney at Wooster, O., and has one son and three daughters.

C. C. Coyle attended school in Gabon. He was with the Citizens National Bank and later was a bookkeeper in a wholesale house in Cleveland and subsequently was southern agent for five years for the Stirling Water-tube boilers, with headquarters in Cincinnati, and after returning to Gabon he entered into the lumber business. When The Gabon Lumber Company was merged from a firm into a corporation in 1902, Mr. Coyle was made secretary and treasurer and became one of the five directors. The business is an extensive one, is well financiered and ably managed, the manufacturing output being all kinds of builders' supplies and store and bank furniture, employment being "given twenty workmen, trade being largely local. The company deals also in masons' supplies and coal.

Mr. Coyle was married at Toledo, O., to Miss Lulu Winter, who was born at Bucyrus, O., and they have two children: Elizabeth Eleanor, who was born July 8, 1905 ; and Charles Winter, who was born August 8, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Coyle are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican and fraternally belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He is president of the Commercial Club.

ADAM DONNENWIRTH, a highly respected citizen of Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., a retired farmer residing two miles south and east of New Washington, O., where he owns 70 acres of well improved land, was born at Columbus, O., Jan. 28, 1835, and is a son of George and Sophia Donnenwirth.

Adam Donnenwirth attended school at Columbus and also in Cranberry township after his father moved here with his family, and then decided to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits and ever since has been engaged in farming and stock raising, retiring from the active management of his industries after many years of success. After marriage he settled one-half mile east of New Washington and remained on that farm for ten years, when he came to his present one and operated it until 1907, when he practically retired. He not only followed farming methods that enriched his land and made it more productive but he took a deep interest in improving his surroundings and after erecting a handsome residence, turned his attention to bis other farm buildings and a substantial bank barn soon replaced the earlier one.

Mr. Donnenwirth married Miss Elizabeth Shaffer, a daughter of George Shaffer, and a member of one of the old county families. Mrs. Donnenwirth died in April, iqii ,and her burial was at New Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Donnenwirth 11 children were born, as follows: Jefferson, who lives in California: Charles, who died at Bucyrus ; John, who died in 1908; Annie, who is the wife of Jacob Biber and resides in Cranberry township ; Ed- ward, who lives in Holmes township; Martin, who lives near Crestline; Robert, who carries on the home farm; and the others' died in infancy. Air. Donnenwirth and family attend the Lutheran church.

EAIERY RUPERT, who resides on the old Rupert homestead situated in Lykens township, Crawford county, a valuable tract of eighty acres, was born here Dec. 12, 1866, and is a son of Solomon and Lydia (Haas) Rupert.

Solomon Rupert was born in Stark county, O., and after coming to Crawford county, O., followed farming in Lykens township. He married Lydia Hass, who was born in Crawford county, and here their three children were born, namely : Aaron ; Ellen, wife of A. J. Seele; and Emery. Air. Rupert and wife were members of the Pietist church in Chatfield township. Their burial was at Brokensword.

Emery Rupert attended the public schools in Lykens township and then during one term was a student at Ada, O., after which he returned and gave his father assistance on the farm until the latter's death. A few years later he purchased the homestead and has continued here. He carries on general farming. He is enterprising and progressive in his methods and succeeds in making every acre of his land profitable.

On March 19, 191 1, Air. Rupert was married to Airs. Alice (Angene) Hawkins, widow to \\^alter Hawkins, and daughter of Adam and Alary (Gerhart) Angene. To her first marriage, Airs. Rupert had five daughters born, namely: Irene, Ruth, Irma, Elizabeth and Helen. Air. Rupert and family attend church at Brokensword. In politics he is a Democrat and he has served two terms as township assessor. He belongs to the Patrons of Husbandrv at Broken s^^-ord and to the Knights of Pj-thias at Likens.

TOHX LUST, a retired farmer and highly respected citizen of Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., where he owns 104 acres of verv valuable land which is situated in section i ; and lies two miles southeast of Xew \\'ashington, O., was born in Chatfield township, Crawford county, June 5, 1845. His parents were Conrad and Alagdalena rAIyer) Lust.

Conrad Lust was born in Germany but came to -the United States when about five years old, his. parents settling first in Pennsylvania and later coming to Ohio, where Conrad attended school in Alarion county. He married Alagdalena Myer, who was born in Pennsylvania, but was reared in Columbiana county, O. After marriage. Air. and Airs. Lust settled in Chatfield township, and continued to live there throughout hfe, the death of Conrad Lust occurring in his 64th year, while his widow survived to the age of seventy-three. They were members of the Pietist church. Of their nine children, eight reside in Crawford county, Daniel and Solomon, together with John Beal, a son-in-law, residing on the old homestead of 333 acres.

John Lust has been engaged in farming all his mature life, first on the home place and later for himself. For seven years he remained in Chatfield township, but in 1875 moved to the present farm in Cranberry township, from which he moved to Liberty township in 1886 and remained for five and onehalf years and then returned to his Cranberry township property.

Air. Lust married Aliss Susanna Pfleiderer, a daughter of Jacob Pfleiderer of Liberty township and two children were born to them: an infant son, deceased; and \\'^illiam, who lived to the age of eight months. Air. and Airs. Lust are members of the Pietist church. While Air. Lust has never been active in politics, he has always been interested in the substantial progress made by his community and has lent his influence in the direction of temperance, education and religion.

A. W. AIOXROE, one of Gabon's able and representative business men, secretary of the Home Savings & Loan Company, at Galion, O., a capitalized concern of $2,000,000, and for many years additionally interested in enterprises of large importance, was bom in Ohio, and in 1877 was graduated from the Galion High School.

His business career began early and for a long period he was cashier of the First National Bank of Galion, severing his relations in 1905 in order to devote more attention to his many other interests. He is secretary and treasurer of the Galion Metallic \''ault Company, which is capitalized at S 100,000, and has been manufacturing, steel burial vaults since 1905, a successful business being done all over the country, seven traveling men being on the road and employment being afforded 50 persons. Mr. Monroe is concerned officially ,or otherwise, with numerous other manufacturing concerns but probably is best known in his- connection with the Home Savings & Loan Company of Gallon. The organization of this company took place in 1891, with a capital of $300,000, \\hich was first increased to $600,000, and in 1903 was again increased to $1,000,000 and since then has again doubled its capital. It was organized as a State institution under State laws and under its original officers has made remarkable progress and in all that has been done, Mr. Monroe has been the- moving spirit. He came to Gallon in 1870, from Norwalk, where he was born in 1859, in company with his parents, Orin and Julia (Pettis) Monroe, and has occupied a representative position here for many years, not only in the business world but as an interested and responsible citizen.

In 1880, Mr. Monroe was married at Gallon, O., to Miss Mary E. Armacost, who was born in Darke county, O., attended the Gallon public schools and pursued her musical and artistic studies in the Wesleyan University at Delaware, O., and Baldwin University near Cleveland and for some time prior to her marriage was a teacher of music, possessing great natural ability in this direction. Her early life was partly spent in Indiana. Her parents were William M. and Hannah Britton (Young) Robbins Armacost. Her father was born near Baltimore, Md. For a number of years he was a merchant tailor in the city of Washington and many notable names were on his books as patrons. He was twice married, his second wife beino- the mother of Mrs. Monroe. He was born in 1800 and died in Darke county, O., in i86t;. The mother of Mrs. Monroe was born in 18 19, at Lancaster, Pa., and died in 1900, at Gallon, O. She was married first to Isaac Robbins and the two children born to that union survive. To her second marriage two children were born : Mrs. Monroe and James Murray, the latter residing with his family at Barberton, O.

graduated from the Galion High School and then entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, O., where he was graduated in the class of 1904, and four years later was graduated from the medical department of Columbia University, New York, with his degree. Subsequently he took a post graduate course of two years in St. Luke's Hospital, New York City. He is at present engaged in professional work, having a large practice in the metropolis. The second son, E. Paul Monroe, was graduated from the Galion High School in the class of 1903 and from the Ohio Wesleyan University in the class of 1907, both he and brother taking high honors as students. He is, at present, occupying a clerical positionwith the Galion Metallic Vault Company and with the Home Savings & Loan Company of Galion. He married Miss Georgetta Pavey, of Leesburg, O. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe are members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Galion, with which he has been connected as Sunday-school superintendent for 21 years, while Mrs. Monroe has been church organist for 18 years. They have many social duties to perform, beins^ leaders in many circles, and Mrs. Monroe has been a trustee of the Public Library since its incorporation in 1901, a very active and efficient member of this body.

JACOB UHL, who is one of the highly respected citizens of New Washington, O., residing in his comfortable home, which is situated on East Mansfield Street, has been retired from agricultural activities since 1907, but still retains valuable properties in Cranberry township, Crawford county. He was born at Offenbach, Bavaria, Germany, Jan. 25, 1833, and was brought to Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., when three and one-half years old, by his parents, Benedict and Anna Mary (Mesmer) Uhl. Jacob Uhl's paternal grandfather was John Uhl and the maternal grandfather was Benedict Mesnier; the former died in 1801, never having come to the United States.

Benedict Uhl and a fellow countryman purchased 80 acres of land in partnership and when an equal division was made, Mr. Uhl took that portion which is the present site of New Washington and he lived in one of the seven cabins in the place, his home being one mile north of town. There is always some particular reason to account for the naming of a village and in the case of New Washington it perpetuates the name of George W'ashmgton Meyer, who laid out the plan and secured the services of a surveyor to divide the land into lots and then gave his name to the settlement. It might, with good reason, have been named for the Uhl family as this one has been identified with its development from the beginning. Benedict Uhl was a \\'heelwright by trade and in many a household in this neighborhood may be found spinning wheels of his constructing, this domestic industry being one of importance in almost every family in his day. He resided north of New Washington for two years and then moved on his farm of 40 acres, which he cleared and here built a round log house which was later replaced by a large frame one, and to his original purchase subsequently added fifty acres of the Daniel Murphy farm. His death occurred on the first farm, in August, 1863, and was survived by his wife for a few years, their burials being at New Washington. They had the following children born to them: Appleonia, Catherine, Benedict, Jacob, Daniel and Mary Ann, the last named dying at the age of 18 years. The parents were members of the Roman Catholic church.

Jacob Uhl with his brothers and sisters were reared near New ^^'^ashington and there attended the early schools. He spent a busy boyhood and youth, working at the carpenter trade and on the home and neighboring farms and worked also as a farm hand in Huron county before the outbreak of the Civil \\'ar, when he enlisted for army service and served through the Rebellion as a member of Co. C, 49th O. Vol. Inf. His first enlistment was in 1 861, he reenlisting in 1863 to serve through the war. His commanding officer was Captain Keller of Sulphur Springs. He was seriously wounded at Atlanta, Ga., June 27, 1864, by a shot through the neck, which kept him in the hospital until the following February, when he reioined his regiment and received his honorable discharge in January, 1866, at Columbus.

daughter of John and Elizabeth Nedolast, who settled in Cranberry township in 1854. They became well known people there. To Mr. and Mrs. Uhl the following children were bom Elizabeth, who is the wife of J. R. Miller George Jacob, who married Mary Shell Michael B. ; Joseph, who is a teacher at Day ton, 0.; Lawrence, who married Mary Raymond ; and Mary, who is the wife of Cornelius Miller, of Toledo, O.

After marriage, Mr. Uhl settled on his farm of 80 acres one mile north east of New Washington and to his first farm added twenty adjoining acres and later ninety acres, situated near Waynesburg, and still later the eightyacre farm now owned by his son, George Uhl. As noted above Mr. Uhl has lived retired from business care for the last five years. He has never been a very active politician but served one term as supervisor of Cranberry township, elected on the Republican ticket. Mr. Uhl and family belong to the Roman Catholic church.

WTLLIA:M H. SONGER, a thoroughly representative citizen of Crawford county, a man of large means and public prominence in his community, resides on his finely improved farm of 160 acres, which is situated in Sandusky township, ten and one-half miles northeast of Bucyrus. His other 269 acres in this county lie in Whetstone and Liberty townships. He was born in 1873, Sandusky township and is a son of Jacob and Lydia ( Schreck ) Songer.

Jacob Songer was born in Pennsylvania and he had eight brothers and sisters, namely: Daniel J., John, Jonathan, Rose, Elizabeth, Sophia, Sarah and !Mary, the surviving ones being: Daniel J., Rose, Elizabeth and Sarah.

^\'ilIiam H. Songer was reared on his father's farm in Sandusky township and attended the public schools. He married ^liss Marie E. Reiff, who was one of the following family born to her parents : Charles A. F., living in Holmes township, who married !ilinnie Snavely and has four children - Lulu, Floy, Arthur and Clan; Marie E., wife of our subject; Paul O., deceased; John C, who lives in Holmes township and who married Estie Frost and has two children - Chester and Russell; Hannah M., the wife of W. O. Taylor, who lives in Andrews, Ind.. and has three chil- dreii - Earl, Ralph and Mary; Henry J., who married M. Miller and lives in Bucyrus ; Rosa, widow of Lawrence Messnard, who lives in Andrews, Ind., and has one son, Donald; and Lewis W., who married Hazel Schotield, and lives in Andrews, Ind., and has a daughter, Edith.

Mr. and Mrs. Songer have two children: Lloyd and Delvvyn, both of whom live at home. In politics Mr. Songer is a stanch Democrat and is an influential man in many directions in the county. He is one of the trustees of Sandusky township and is also treasurer of the township school board. His farm home is considered the finest rural residence in Sandusky township, being beautifully situated and fitted with modern comforts and conveniences.

CAPT. WILLIAM R. DAVIS, a veteran of the Civil war, who was formerly engaged in agricultural pursuits but is now living retired in Galion, is a native of Crawford county, born in Sandusky township, April 7, 1835. He is a son of John and Mary (Hamilton) Davis, the former of whom was born in Maryland in 1797, and the latter in Pennsylvania in 1802, she being a relation of Alexander Hamilton. They were early settlers in Columbiana county, Ohio, where they lived until after the birth of their ninth child. In 1829 or 1830 they settled in Crawford county, locating in Sandusky township on partly improved land, where they built up a substantial home. His land consisted of 240 acres, which he brought to a high state of cultivation. During their early residence here they had many hard experiences, being obliged to haul their grain to the Lakes to market it, and drive their live stock to Philadelphia. John Davis died in Sandusky township, this county, in 1883 at the age of 88 years, his wife having previously passed away, in 1878. They were Methodists in religion and he was a Whig and later a Republican in politics. They were the parents of 13 children - seven sons and six daughters - all of whom married and had children, except one daughter. All, however, are now deceased, except the subject of this sketch.

as conductor, residing at Galion. In 1885, he removed to Marshall county, Ind., where he was engaged in farming trom that time until 19 10. He then returned to Galion and took possession of his present residence at 314 Orange street, where he now lives retired.

On Aug. 15, 1862 he enlisted from Galion in Company E, loist Regt., O. V. I., under Capt. William C. Parsons and Col. Leander Stem, and was made corporal of his company. The regiment formed a part of the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Rosecrans, afterward under Gen. George H. Thomas, and after the battle of Chickamauga, on the reorganization of the army it was assigned to the First Division, First Brigade and Fourth Corps. With it Mr. Davis did gallant service until his discharge on June 12, 1865, remaining a member of the regiment from muster in to muster out, was never on the sick list a day, and was never wounded or captured, being the only member of the regiment living today who can say as much. He took part in the battles of Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862; Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862, Jan. ist and 2nd, 1863, where the colonel and lieutenant-colonel were both killed; afterwards was in several minor engagements; then in the great and bloody battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 19-20, 1863 ; and afterwards in the battles at Rock Face Ridge, Ball Knob, Resaca and Atlanta, Love joy Station, Franklin and Nashville, besides many skirmishes. He was made commissary sergeant, in November, 1862; first lieutenant, Sept, 29, 1864, with the rank of captain, and held this rank at the time of his discharge. At the battle of Franklin he captured a dozen Confederates with the men under his command. He had many marvelous escapes, some so narrow that at times he almost thinks he must have had a charmed life to have avoided death, injury or capture. As may be supposed, Capt. Davis can tell many interesting stories of the war - stories the interest of which is enhanced by the fact that they describe a part of his own personal experience and are therefore of unimpugned veracity.

Capt. Davis was married in Galion, O., Oct. 14, 1856, to Miss Leah M. McCrady, who was born in Polk towttshio, near Galion, this county, June 8, 1838, and who was brought up in this locality. Her parents were Isaac and Margaret (Parsons) AlcCrady, of Lancaster county. Pa., who were there married and who resided there until 1837, when, after the birth of three children, they came to Crawford county, Ohio, where the remainder of their lives were spent. Mr. McCrady died at the Old Olentanga Tavern, near Gallon, in 1841 when in the prime of life. His wife survived him many years, being married 25 years after his death to Jesse Perkypile, with whom she -lived for 18. years.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been the parents of eight children - Frank D., Charles, Henry, Belle, Louisa Lee, James J., Augusta, and Jean, of whom the following is a partial record. Frank died in early manhood. Charles died at the age of three years. Henry died in early manhood. Belle is the widow of Andrew Mould and lives in Omaha, Xeb. She has three children^Mabel, Addison and Harriet, of whom the last mentioned married a Mr. Jaschka. Louisa Lee is a widow ; has no children. James J. resides in Columbus, O., is married and has a son, Robert. Augusta is the wife of ^^'illiam 'M. AlcXeil, and lives in Marion, O. She has a daughter, IMarian. Jean is the wife of Dr. ^Morton W. Bland of Bellevue, O.. and has a daughter, Florence. Capt. Davis is a charter member of Dick Morris Post, no, 130, G. A. R., which he served as first adjutant and later as senior vice commander. He is a Republican in politics and attends the Presbyterian church.

JOHX I. \\'EXTZ,* one of the enterprising and educated men and progressive agriculturists of Holmes township, Crawford county, O., resides on his fine farm of 138 acres, which lies one and one-half miles west of Bucatus, this being the old ^'\'^entz homestead. He was born here, X'ov. 27, 1878, and is a son of John W'entz, formerly a well known man of this township.

John I. ^^^entz completed the common school course in Holmes townshio and then spent one year as a student at the Ohio State University at Columbus and after^vard took an agricult-' ural and eneineering course at the Ohio X'ormal Universitv at Ada. ^Ir. ^^^entz was thus well equipped for farming, just as he would have been had his intentions been for law or medicine, and in the success that has attended his farm activities, there is proof that his time was well employed. He assisted his father until his own marriage, when he purchased the homestead and has carried on farming and stock raising here ever since. With the exception of erecting the farm residence, Mr. Wentz has made all the other substantial improvements on the place and has a well kept, up-to-date farm.

Mr. Wentz was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Florence Miller, a daughter of Frank and Effie Miller, the latter of whom survives. Frank Miller was born in Richland county, O., came in early manhood to Crawford county and engaged in farming, his death occurring at the age of 42 years. Mr. and Mrs. ^liller had eight children born to them, namely: Irvin, who lives in South Dakota; ^Irs. Wentz ; Carl, who is a resident of Bucyrus and Harry, of Chicago ; Ina who lives with her mother; Mrs. Samuel Lenthold; Frank and Eleanor, both of whom live at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wentz have three children; Richard George, Florence Eleanor and James. Mr. ^\'^entz and family attend the Presb}'terian church at Bucyrus. In his views on public questions he maintains an independent attitude and the only political office he has ever accepted was that of justice of the peace, in 1906, and served one term. His interest in agricultural interests is hearty and he is a valued member of the local Grange.

CHARLES E. STIXE, cashier of the Babst Banking Company, at Crestline,- O., was born here, July 3. 1868, and is a son of Adam and Hannah (\^'entz) Stine.

Adam Stine was bom in Bucks county, Pa., and came to Shelby, O., and was reared in Richland county from youth. In Richland county he married Hannah Wentz, who was born in Pern,- county. Pa., and then came to Crestline, about the time the railroad now known as the Big Four line was being built. He was a carpenter by trade and assisted in the construction of the bridges and station buildings then being constructed by the railroad company. Later he went to Delaware. O., and helped to build the old coUeee buildings there, and in I8^_t returned to Crestline and started a planing mill here, which he operated until he retired in 1892, about the time of death which occurred in 1892, his wife surviving until 1901. They were charter members of the English Lutheran church. Of their seven children, five were sons and two daughters and all survive.

Charles E. Stine attended the public schools at Crestline until the age of 16 years and then entered the Babst Banking House as an employe and has continued to be identified with this firm and is held in such very high regard by Mr. Babst, that he fills the office of cashier without any bonds. He is well known in financial circles throughout the country and has proven himself an accurate and astute business man.

Mr. Stine was married to Miss Grace A. Reed, who was born and educated here. They have one daughter, Dorothy, who was born Aug. 9, 1903. Mr. Stine is a responsive citizen but ia not particularly active in politics.

C. P. FRANK, for many years connected with the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Company as foreman of the copper shops, at Crestline, now retired from railroad life but still active in business affairs, is president of the Crestline Building and Loan Association, one of the city's important commercial enterprises. Mr. Frank was born in Butler county. Pa., Jan. 21, 1839, and is a son of John G. and Mary (Schneider) Frank.

John G. Frank was born and reared in Germany and came to the United States in 1835, locating at Saxonburg, in Butler county, Pa., where he engaged in farming and also conducted a tannery. He died there in 1870, in his seventieth year and was a member of the German Lutheran church during the greater part of his life. He married the widow of Carl Hahn and a daughter of Christian Schneider. She also was a native of Germany and was the mother of ten children, five born to her first and five to her second union.

C. P. Frank was the eldest son and second child of his parents and in boyhood attended the district schools for about three months during the year, in the meanwhile making himself useful to his father. When 17 years old he went to Pittsburg and there entered a foundry to learn the trade of coppersmith and served an apprenticeship of four years, after which he entered the employ of Prior, Harbeck & Co., a Cleveland firm. He continued work at his trade there for nine months and then came first to Galion, where he was engaged with the old Bee line railroad company for four years, and from there, in 1863, came to Crestline and this city has continued his home ever since. For 45 years Mr. Frank was foreman of the coppersmith department in the shops of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company, now the Pennsylvania Lines west of Pittsburg, a fact which speaks for itself in proving his capacity in his trade. He had a long and successful business career with this corporation and reliance was placed on his skill and experience while personal esteem was felt for him by his employers. Since retiring from railroad work, Mr. Frank has continued his active interest in the operations of the Crestline Building and Loan Association, has displayed excellent judgment, a thorough knowledge of realty values and an energy that might be envied by a much younger man.

On Feb. 4, 1862, Mr. Frank was married to Miss Elen A. Keen who was three years old when she was brought to America by her parents, who settled among other German pioneers in Crawford county and became well known and respected people of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Frank have four children living, namely: John E., who is assistant to the chief clerk in the general freight office of the Pere Marquette Railroad at Toledo, O. ; Mary M., the widow of I. W. Tarkworthy, who lives in Cleveland, O. ; Willard A., machinist, living at Galion, O. ; and Frederick G., who succeeded his father as foreman in the Pennsylvania Lines shops at Crestline. Two children died, Nelly C. and Alice J., aged two and six years respectively. Mr. Prank and family are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically he is a Republican and fraternally is identified with the Masons and Odd Fellows.

JOSEPH GILBERT SMITH, a retired farmer and well known citizen, residing in Galion, O., was born in Jefferson township, Crawford county, O., Dec. ik,, 1839, a son of Joseph and Mary (Kirkpatrick) Smith. His paternal grandfather, John Jacob Smith, was a native of Germany, who married in his native land and came to America, settUng in Perry county, Pa., about 1798, he and his wife dying in that state at an advanted age. They were farmers by occupation, Mrs. Smith being a Presbyterian in rehgion.

The parents of our subject were both born in Perry county. Pa. Joseph Smith (the father) was brought up to farming and married his first wife, Mary Kirkpatrick, in Perry county. After the birth of their first two children - Leonard and Mary E. - they removed, in 1837, to Ohio, making the journey with teams, and stopping here and there by the wayside. \yhen they reached Crawford county, Joseph Smith selected and entered 150 acres of solid timber land, in Jefferson township, and, being a practical carpenter, he cut out timber and built himself quite a comfortable home. There were no roads in the locality at that time, so for some years the family liver a real pioneer existence in the wilderness. His first wife Mary, who had accompanied him to this section, did not long survive, dying on the day that her last child, the subject of this sketch, was born, Dec. 17, 1839. She was only 23 years old. Joseph later married in this county a cousin of hers, Nancy Kirkpatrick, who was born in Pennsylvania, and she died on the homestead at the age of 58, leaving two children, Alvin and Matilda, the former of whom now resides on the homestead, is married and has a family. Matilda married William Michaels, who is now deceased, and died herself when over 69 years old, leaving two children. Joseph Smith, after the death of his second wife, contracted a third marriage, this time to Sarah Welsh, nee Kirkpatrick, who was a sister of his second wife. She died without issue, and her husband Joseph, died April 26, 1870.

Joseph Gilbert Smith grew up on his father's farm and was trained to agricultural pursuits. He conducted a farm for his father until 1870, when he came to Gallon, where he remained five vears. He then purchased a farm near No. Robinson, in Whetstone township, this county, which was his home until October, 191 1. He then sold 64 of the 84 acres he owned there and took up his residence again in Gallon, purchasing his fine home at No. 225 No. Union street, where he is enjoying a well earned respite from hard labor.

He was married in Jefferson township, this county, Nov. 8, 1863, to Miss Amanda Van Voorhis, who was born at Olentazie, this county, April 20, 1843, a daughter of William R. and Almeda (Johnson) Van Voorhis. Her paternal grandparents were Samuel N. and Sarah (Meyers) Van Voorhis, who came to this section in the second decade of the 19th century, locating at the early settlement known as Olentazie, south of Bucyrus, and on the plains. Samuel N. Van Voorhis assisted in laying out the city of Bucyrus, the site of which lay partly on his early farm. He helped to organize the first Christian (or Campbellite) church in this county, and was a member of that faith at the time of his death, which took place when he had attained an advanced age. His wife died several years before him.

William R. Van Voorhis was born near Schuylkill, N. Y., May 25, 1802, the early Dutch ancestors of the family having settled on the Hudson and Mohawk rivers several generations before. After coming to Ohio with his parents he grew up on the homestead in Bucyrus township, where he remained until after his marriage. He then purchased a new timber farm in Whetstone township, where he lived for several years. He then went to Michigan and while living there, not far from St. Joseph, he lost hiswife, who was in maidenhood Miss Hannah Jones. She left him with five children. He returned with them to Crawford county, O., where later he married his second wife, Almeda Johnson. Here they spent the rest of their lives, Mr. Van Voorhis dying Aug. 4, 1893, and his wife at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Smith, on July 7, 1910. She was over 92 years old, having been born March 19, 1818. They were lifelong members of the Christian church and he was a strong Democrat in politics. They had a family of twelve children, of whom five are still living and one is yet unmarried.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been the parents of eleven children, as follows : ( i ) Lora A., born Aug. 11, 1864, is the wife of Henry S. Evert, of Galion and has three children - Beatrice, Stewart and Arthur. (2) Alice E., born Oct, 2, 1867, is the wife of Newton Evert, a farmer of Whetstone townshin and has two children - Marion A. and Paul G. (3) Bertha, who has been a public school teacher in Galion for some years and who re- sides at home. (4) Jessie E., born 1872, July 12, who is the wife of Charles A. Throckmorton and lives in Columbus, O. Her children are Warren S. and Maxwell H. (5) Eva E., born Nov. 5, 1875, who is the wife of Michael Eusey and lives in Galion. She has three children - Cora, Fred and Gordon. (6) Charles B., a farmer in Chatfield township, who is unmarried. (7) Lettie E., a school teacher, unmarried, who resides at home. (8) Helen M., who married Orvin Braden, resides in Wooster, O., and has a son Donald. (9) Ethel T., who died at the age of eleven years. (10) Edna L., unmarried, who is a stenographer and resides in Cleveland, O. (11) Josephine, bom in September, 1878, who is the wife of Dorsey Littler and resides in Galion, has no children. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the English Lutheran church. They are well known and have a wide circle of friends. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics.

PEARL J. HILLS, whose well cultivated farm of 100 acres is situated in section 21, Auburn township, Crawford county, O., is a native of Auburn township, born June 24, 1878, and is a son of Julius and Alvira Hills, both of whom are now deceased.

Pearl J. Hills was reared in Auburn township and attended the public schools and began his farm training on his paternal grandfather's estate, where he grew up. For four years after his marriage he rented land, after which he purchased his present valuable place. He is an up-to-date, progressive agriculturist and has drained and tiled his land at an expense of hundreds of dollars and has it all under tillage except 14 acres woodland and pasture. He devotes some attention to raising fine Jersey cattle, feeds from eight to twelve horses a year and never sells hay, finding it more profitable to feed the crop and in this way return to the soil what is taken out of it. Mr. Hills is one of the well informed farmers who own and value a silo and he is confident that it saves him three hundred dollars worth of feed a year. He has taken pride in the appearance of his property and all the buildings have been remodeled and all surroundings are attractive. Mr. Hills is also agent for the Overland Automobile for Auburn, Vernon and Cranberry townships and has disposed of a number of these fine cars.

Mr. Hills married Miss Mary E. Melick, who was born in Richland county, O., and they have four children : Harry, Florence, Otis and Ross. In politics Mr. Hills is a Democrat and is a member of the Board of Education at the present time and served previously in the same office for two terms. He belongs to the local Grange and also to the Knights of Pythias and to the Odd Fellows, at Tiro. With his family he attends the Baptist church.

FRANK E. LAMB, a representative and substantial citizen of Bucyrus,. O., property owner and civic official, was born in Ingham county, Mich., March 11, 1850, and is a son of George S. and Laura (Silsby) Lamb.

George S. Lamb was a well known man in several sections of the country. He was born in Ohio and for a number of years engaged in farming, after which he became an Indian trader and subsequently located in Murray county, Minn., his being the eighth 'family to settle there. It was a wild region at that time and Mr. Lamb's business often left him unprotected and on one of his trips he was killed by the Indians, this occurring in what is known as the Little Crow massacre. He married Laura Silsby, who was born in New York, a daughter of Felix Silsby, and three children were born to them : Frank E. ; Emma, deceased, who was the wife of Sanford Peck; and a child that died when five years old.

Frank E. Lamb had but meager educational opportunities, growing up on a farm that was 65 miles distant from any town. He was only a boy of 14 years when he succeeded in enlisting for service in the Civil War and was out for nine months and fifteen days as a member of Co. C, 195th O. Vol. Inf., from Williams county, O. He then returned to Williams county and was but 18 years old when he was married, on Nov. 19, 1868, to Miss Mary Ogle. She was born in Williams county, where her grandfather, Robert Ogle, was the fifth settler in its early days. Her parents were Thomas and Jerusha (Clark) Ogle, the former of whom was a native of Columbiana county, O., a civil engineer and a farmer. The mother of Mrs. Lamb was born in Pennsvlvania. They had three children : Robert, Eliza, deceased, who was the wife of Henry Champion; and Mary.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lamb the following children were born: Cora, the widow of Neal Sullivan, who has four children - Eunice, Frank, Clyde and Russell; Edgar F., who married Mary Quinn, and has ten children - Herbert, Cora, Howard, Elsie, Maurice, Edgar, Hilda, Vivian, Ralph and Glen; Laura, who married Milo R. Haynes, and has two children - Donald and Naomi; Nellie, who is the wife of Clarence N. Haynes, and has one daughter, Lila; and Mary, who is a popular and successful teacher at Bucyrus.

For many years Mr. Lamb has been prominent in political life at Bucyrus and at present is serving in his second term as a member of the city council. He is also in his fourth year as probation officer and formerly officiated as constable and for a long time as a justice of the peace. He has property investments at Bucyrus that include two handsome and valuable residences. He is a member of Keller Post No. 128, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is the present quartermaster, having been interested in this post ever since it was organized. His family attends the United Brethren church. He is identified politcally with the Democratic party. On August 3, 19 1 2, Mr. Lamb was appointed justice of the peace in Bucyrus township.

GEORGE R. FOSTER, whose well cultivated farm of 79 acres lies in sections 14 and 23, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., two and one-fourth miles southeast of Xew \\'^ashington, was born in Richland county, O., Jan. 25, 1877, a son of Reuben H. and Sarah E. Foster, who still reside in Richland county.

After his school days were over, George R. Foster lived for five years in Richland county, following farming. In March, 1907, he settled on his present farm, which he bought from his father-in-law and the Cox heirs. He has greatly improved his property, erecting the substantial buildings, fencing and draining, and raises hay, grain, cattle and hogs. He follows modern methods and believes in the best kind of farm machinery. Mr. Foster is a stockholder in the Toledo Life Insurance Company, of Toledo, O.

Hageman. Mrs. Foster is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which Mr. Foster attends and liberally supports. He is identified with the Knights of rythias and belongs also to Cranberry Grange. He is not very active in politics Out has always been identified with the Democratic party and never fails in the duties of a good citizen.

T. E. HILBORN,* who is serving in his second term as trustee of 1 od township, Crawford county, O., residing on the old Hilborn homestead, situated two miles south of Oceola, O., was born here in 1874 and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Rhinehart) Hilborn.

Samuel Hilborn was born in Ashland county, O., and came to the present home farm when a young man, cleared it, developed its agricultural possibilities and erected the substantial buildings. His death occurred here when he was aged 68 years. He married ^lary Rhinehart, who is now in her 70th year and resides at Nevada, O. Ten children were born to them, namely: Mrs. Krickbaum, of ^^'yandot county; Charles and Joseph, both of Bucyrus; Clara, deceased; ;Mrs. Stella Gregg, of Nevada; Z^Irs. Floe Gingery; T. E. ; Mrs. Hilborn, of Iowa; Royal, of Nevada; and Mabel, living at home.

T. E. Hilborn has been engaged in farming ever since his school days and operates the home place of 120 acres for his mother. He is known as a capable and successful farmer and as a good business man. He married Mabel Todd, of Tiro, O., whose mother resides at Akron. In politics Air. Hilborn is a strong Democrat and as township trustee is a valuable township official. He is identified with the Junior Order of American Mechanics and with the Knights of Pythias. \\'ith his wife he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at Nevada, O.

WILLIAM J. GEER, one of the oldest practicing lawyers at Gallon, O., may easily be numbered with the leading members of the bar and at the same time is more or less prominent in other lines of business. He was born at Clermont county, O., Oct. 8, 1858, and is a son of Rev. John J. and Sarah (Smith) Geer.

William J. Gemr

grandfather were native born, the family having been established there prior to the Revolutionary War. Grandfather Geer became convinced of the injustice of slavery and after liberating his negroes came to Ohio and in the late 30's settled near Sidney, in Shelby county, where he died in 1870. He and wife were Wesleyan Methodists. Their son, John J. Geer, grew up mainly in Shelby county and when he united with a religious body it was with the Protestant Methodists, in which he became a preacher and was pastor of the old George Street Church, Cincinnati, when the Civil War broke out. In May, 1861, he enlisted as chaplain in the 48th O. Vol. Inf. At the battle of Shiloh he was captured by the Confederates and with his unfortunate comrades was afterward incarcerated in Andersonville Prison. In some way he managed to escape but was pursued by the blood hounds kept by Capt. Werz for tha!t purpose and was recaptured and again made to suffer within that terrible stockade. When he was finally exchanged there was little hope entertained by his friends that he would recover his health, but his constitution at that time was strong and in 1863 he determined to again face the dangers and hardships that so many of his fellow men were bravely enduring. Although he had enlisted as chaplain it was his own wish that he be given an active place in the command and the company elected him captain and later became adjutant general on the staff of General Buckland. He enlisted a second time as a member of the 183rd O. Vol. Inf. and at the close of the war was made chaplain and superintendent of the Geer Hospital at Wilmington, N. C, and was honorably discharged in 1865. He was the author of a stirring story of those memorable days, relating his personal experiences, the title of it being "Beyond the Lines" or "Yankee Prisoner Loose in Dixie." These hardships had shattered his health to such an extent that he never recovered and two years after the close of the war, on Aug. 25, 1867, this brave and good man passed away, a true martyr in the cause of his country.

John J. Geer married Sarah Smith, who was Jan. 25, 1836 and died on the old farm o'n which she was born in Clermont county, O., July 7, 1880. She was a woman of suc'h rare qualities that she impressed her personality on all who knew her and in loving, reverent remembrance her son, William J. Geer, bears testimony that all he is and has been of good is due to her. She came of worthy ancestry. Her parents were David and Sarah (Conklin) Smith, who came from New Jersey to Ohio in 1798, and settled at what is now known as Walnut Hill. The Smiths of Smithville and the Conklins and Cranes of Crane's Mills, N. J. were kindered through intermarriage and their ancestors were Revolutionary soldiers. David Smith was an early pork packer, a pioneer in that great industry and formerly it was his custom to take his meats down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers on rafts. Late in life he retired to a farm in Clermont county, O., where he died. His wife subsequently remarried but her last days were spent with a daughter at Gallon. To John J. Geer and wife four children were born, the two survivors being: William J. of Galion, and Charles E., of Cincinnati, O.

William J. Geer was an ambitious boy and is largely a self made man. While still on the farm and facing many early problems relating to his future advancement, he determined in some way to secure an education in the law. His opportunities were meager indeed, but he secured some law books and absorbed the foundation principles before he ever left the farm. He then earned the money which insured him a course in the Normal School at Lebanon, O., and afterward, for seven years he taught school, in the meanwhile devoting all possible time to his law studies. On May 27, 1886, he was admitted to the bar and immediately opened his law office at Galion and has occupied the same quarters in the Citizens Bank Building since June of that year. For many years Mr. Geer has stood at the head of the bar here and many honors have been tendered him by his associates during this long period. They recognize his personal as well as professional qualities and know that no lawyer in the State is readier with his legal knowledge nor better qualified for professional advancernent. At one time he was the nominee for Common Pleas judge for three counties and for four years he served as city solicitor. Politically he is a Republican and for six years he was mayor of Galion, his long administration

Mr. Geer w as married at Plymouth, O., to Miss Edith Katherine Drenan, who was born in Richland county and- educated at Delaware University. She is a daughter .of- W. W. and Hannah (Brinkerhoff) Drennan and a niece of the late General Roeliff Brinkerhoff, formerly of Mansfield, O., well known for his philanthropies. Mr. and Mrs. Geer have two sons : William Drenan and David Smith. Mrs. Geer was reared in the Presbyterian church but Mr. Geer retains his Methodist membership. He is identified fraternally with the leading organizations, is a Knight Templar Mason, has been exalted ruler of the Elks at Gallon since its organization, and is one of the oldest members of the Knights of Pythias in this city, having united with this body in 1887. He belongs to the Commercial Club and is secretary of the Gallon Building & Loan Association. He has numerous other business interests and belongs to various charitable and benevolent bodies.

FRANK J. KREIM, who resides on his well improved and carefully tilled farm of 100 acres, which lies in section 23, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., one mile south and one mile west of New Washington, is one of the enterprising agriculturists of this section of the county. He was born in Huron county, O., March 31, 1861, and is a son of Joseph and Barbara (Holley) Kreim.

Joseph Kreim was born in Germany and there learned the trade of nailsmith. He married in Germany and when he came to America he was accompanied by his wife and their three children: Catherine, Philip and Madeline. After reaching the United States he worked as a general laborer for a time and then bought 40 acres of the present home farm, on which his family lived during the nine months he served as a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil war. After his safe return he resumed farming and continued until he retired, some 15 years before his death, when aged 75 years. His widow survived into her 84th year, for some ten years before her death having made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Shell, in Cranberry township. They were devout members of the

Roman Catholic church at New Washington. After reaching America they had six other children born to them: Joseph, Frank J., Amelia and Annie, and two that died in infancy.

Frank J. Kreim remained on the home farm after his school days, his father adding 40 more acres and as fnuch of it was swampy there was a great deal of work to be done before it was ready for cultivation and the services of the sons were needed. Later Frank J. bought the homestead and alSo an additional 20 acres that adjoins it and has put the greater number of the improvements here, including buildings, fences, laying drains and putting down tiling. All the land is now under cultivation except eight acres still in valuable timber. A general farming line is carried on and Mr. Kreim has every reason to be satisfied with the prosperity he enjoys.

Mr. Kreim married Miss Elizabeth Niedermeier, a daughter of Peter and Barbara Niedermeier, of Cranberry township, and they have eight children, namely: Clemens L., Edward M., Petronilla, Alphonse A., Reinald J., Rozena A., Marie C. and Walter A. Mr. Kreim and family are meinbers of the Catholic church and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He has always given his political support to the candidates of the Democratic party.

JOHN S. ZIMMERMAN, who is somewhat retired from business activity although he keeps interested in many former avenues of activity, gives considerable attention to superintending his well improved farm of 118 acres, which is situated in Whetstone township, Crawford county. He was born in that township, Dec. 28, 1840, and is a son of Rev. Daniel and Charlotte (Schneider) Zimmerman.

Daniel Zimmerman and wife were born in one of the Rhine provinces, Prussia, and were married before starting for the United States in 1834. They took passage in one of the old-time sailing ships that offered no luxuries but took 60 days to make its slow way across the mighty Atlantic and safely landed its passengers at Baltimore, Md. Their objective point being Crawford county, 0., they made the land journey by means of ox-teams per- haps, as the roads were difficult to travel over at that time, but they finally reached Whetstone township with the babe that had been born on the ocean. It did not long survive.

Daniel Zimmerman was the only member of his family to come to America but there was quite a party made up of members of his wife's people, the Schneiders, who had been of consequence in Germany and who became' good citizens of Ohio. At the head of the family was John Schneider, the father of Mrs. Zimmerman, and he was accompanied by his wife, four sons and four daughters. Two of these sons, John and Peter J., both became widely known as preachers in the German Methodist church in Ohio. The father of Mrs. Zimmerman was a man of such fine character that in 1852 his son, Rev. Peter J. Schneider, published a memorial book of 325 pages setting forth his life as an encouragement and inspiration to others. The Zimmermans and Schneiders finally settled on a tract of 160 acres which is now in Polk township, for which they paid the sum of $350.

Shortly afterward, however, Daniel Zimmerman purchased a separate farm, in Whetstone township, all of which was wild land, and this he cleared and on this property he and his wife lived for many years, moving to Galion late in life, where she died in 1882, in her 70th year and he in 1884, when aged 72 years. During the entire period of his life in Ohio he was a minister in the Reformed church and continued to preach up to within a year of his death. He was a man of high character and consistent in every relation of life. He was the father of ten children, four of whom survive, namely: Elizabeth, who is the widow of Daniel Stump, of Whetstone township, and has two children; John S., whose name heads this sketch; William, who resides with his family on West Main street, Galion, and has one son; Anna, who resides with her brother, John S., at Galion.

John S. Zimmerman grew up in Whetstone township and attended the district schools, afterward assisting his father. For twelve years prior to 1877 he engaged in farming and then moved to Galion, where, in partnership with a brother-in-law, Wendell Helfricb. he went into the shoe business and continued for seven years. Failing health then caused him to retire and prudence has made him give considerable attention to interests that require his being in the open air. On his farm he has made many improvements and it is one of the fine properties lying adjacent tp the Winchester road.

Mr. Zimmerman was married in Whetstone township, to Miss Eliza J. Kester, who was born there May 13, 1844, a daughter of Jacob and Salome (Wise) Kester. They were born in Pennsylvania and came to Crawford county in the late thirties and spent the rest of their lives in Whetstone township, the mother of Mrs. Zimmerman dying at the age of 62 years and the father when aged 82 years. They were good. Christian people, members of the Reformed church. Of their eight children two died young, six grew to maturity and two survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman three children were born, namely: Mary E., who died in infancy; Sarah C, who is the wife of Louis Martin and has three children, Carl, Aurelia and Mary; and Clara E., who is the wife of Rev. Benjamin Stern, a minister in the Reformed church, in Philadelphia, Pa., and has one son, Adiel, who is a student of architecture. Mr. Zimmerman and family are all members of the Reformed church.

MRS. PHEBE GRAFMILLER, one of the well known and highly esteemed residents of Auburn township, Crawford county, O., who, for 38 years has lived on her present farm of 100 acres, situated in section 5, was born in this township, and is a daughter of Enoch and Sarah (Hutchinson) Baker, the former of whom died in Knox county, O., and the latter in Auburn township, Crawford county.

Mrs. Grafmiller was reared to womanhood in Auburn township and attended the public schools. She was married on Nov. 5, 1878, to August Grafmiller, who was born at Canton, Wayne county, O., a son of Andrew Grafmiller, who was born in Baden, Germany. In Stark county, O., Andrew Grafmiller was married to Salome Weisard, who was also a native of Germany. They settled on a farm in Auburn township, Wayne county, and they had six children: Andrew, August, Christian, Jacob, Adolphus and Caroline. Andrew Grafmiller died at the age of 76 years and his burial was in Auburn township. His wife

To August Grafmiller and wife the following children were born: Frederick, who carries on the industries of the home farm; Otis, who is a rural mail carrier ; Etta Matilda, who is the wife of George Coffee, of Creston, Wayne county. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Grafmiller lived for one year on the Baker homestead and then came to the present farm, where Mrs. Grafmiller has lived ever since. Mr. Grafmiller was an industrious and judicious farmer and was very successful in his business, carried on general farming and made many substantial improvements on his land. He died in November, 1907, at the age of 66 years, and his burial was at Plymouth, O. He was a well known and much respected man and was a member of the Church of God. He was interested in supporting the laws and in assisting in making his neighborhood one of moral influence but was never active in politics, although, as a citizen he cast his vote, a Republican in his preferences. Mrs. Grafmiller and family belong also to the Church of God.

CHRISTOPHER ALBRECHT, a representative business man of Gallon, O., who established himself in the grocery business at No. 123 Parsons street, Galion, some 15 years since and has continued at the same location, was born Nov. 18, 1856, in Neckarbischofsheim in Baden, Germany, a son of Johann and Margaret (Kessler) Albrecht.

Johann Albrecht spent his entire life in his native village in Baden, a cabinetmaker by trade and a Lutheran in religious faith. He died in February, 191 1, when aged 92 years. His father, Henry Albrecht, was with Napoleon's Prussian Army and assisted in the storming of Moscow. He was one of the comparatively few soldiers of that unhappy and disastrous campagn that lived to return. He survived into old age, being in his 90th year at time of death. Johann Albrecht married Margaret Kessler, who was born in Hessen, Germany, and died in Baden, in October, 1904, being then aged 87 years and the mother of 14 children. Eight of this family grew to maturity, all of these married and six are yet living.

Christopher Albrecht was reared in a home of considerable comfort and was given good educational opportunities. When he decided to come to the United States in 1881 he was 25 years of age, reaching Ohio and joining his brother, John Albrecht, who had come ten years previously. This brother carried on a baking business for some years afterward, at Louisville, Ky., where he died and is survived by his widow and seven children. Christopher Albrecht came to Galion in 1883 and for several years was connected with a business house here in a clerical capacity and for two years was with the Erie Railway Company, afterward establishing his present grocery business and has carried it on with very satisfactory results. He has a large trade and necessarily carries a well assorted stock both in staple and fancy goods in his line.

Mr. Albrecht was married at Galion, Crawford county, O., in 1884, to Miss Marie Elizabeth Kehrwecker, who was born at Cardington, May 24, 1864, a daughter of Christian and Sophia (Benz) Kehrwecker. They were born, respectively, in Schuetzingen in Wertemberg and Neckarbischofsheim, Baden, Germany, and both came to the United States when young people and were married in Morrow county, where they spent their subsequent lives and died so near together that their burial was in one grave, on Jan. 7, 191 2. They were members of the German Lutheran church. In politics the father was a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Albrecht have one son. Henry Ludwig, who was born Feb. 16, 1889. After graduating at the Galion High School, he became a railroad man and now fills the important position of chief timekeeper for the Erie Railroad Company, at Marion, O. He was married, however, at Galion, to Miss Minnie Boehm, who is a daughter of Peter Boehm, one of this city's highly respected citizens and one of the head men in the German Lutheran Peace church. Mr. Albrecht and son are both identified with the Democratic party. The family belongs to the German Lutheran church, where the son Harry is still superintendent of the Sunday school. He has from his boyhood up taken an especial interest in his church affairs, filling the place as organist and choir leader at different times.

A. A. LOUDON, whose valuable farm of J 20 acres lies in section 14, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., was born near Wayneburg, O., and is a son of James and Sarah Loudon, both of whom died in Auburn township, Crawford county.

A. A. Loudon was about 15 years of age when his parents moved to Auburn township and he completed his school attendance there. Since his marriage he has resided on his present farm and here carries on a general agricultural line, working according to modern methods, as Mr. Loudon is a thoroughly informed farmer and a very progressive man.

On Jan. 18, 1885, Mr. Loudon was married to Miss Cora M. Cox, who was born on this farm and was educated in the local schools, and also the High school at New Washington. She is a daughter of Luther and Lucinda Cox, old residents of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Loudon have four children : Ray E., now at Toledo, O. ; Vera ; Ivan W., and Willard C. Both Mr. and Mrs. Loudon have been prominent in the Grange movement in this section and are charter members of the Cranberry Township Grange, assisting in its organization in the winter of 1895. At that time the membership was about 28 but the interest has spread and at present the lodge is in a prosperous condition, with a membership of fifty. Mr. Loudon is grange lecturer and Mrs. Loudon is an ex-official. Mr. and Mrs. Loudon have given their hospitable residence as a meeting place for the order for the past three years. Nominally Mr. Loudon is a Republican.

PROF. SIMEON R. WACHS, one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Crawford county, O., who now lives in comfortable retirement on his farm in Jackson township, not far from Crestline, O., for many years was a valued and successful educator and for five years ser^^ed with the greatest efficiency as superintendent of the Crestline schools. He was born on his present farm, April 26, 1840, a son of Peter and Lydia (Bell) Wachs.'

Peter Wachs, the first of the name known in America, was a native of Switzerland and crossed the Atlantic Ocean and settled in Pennsylvania prior to the Revolutionary war, spending his subsequent life as a farmer in Perry county. Of his family of sons, Philip, the grandfather of Simeon R. Wachs, was a farmer in Perry county, and died there when aged 60 years. His widow subsequently married a Mr. Bruner, all natives of Pennsylvania.. Philip Wachs left four sons and four daughters, the eldest child, Peter, being the father of Prof. Wachs of Crawford county.

Peter Wachs (2) was born in Perry county, Pa., Dec. 2, 1807, ^"d grew up on his father's farm. In those days work in the woods, lumbering and logging, was usually a part of a young man's industrial training, in Perry county, and Peter Wachs was somewhat noted for his strength and skill in wielding his axe, thinking nothing of cutting down a tree and making it into stove wood or preparing it for the fireplace, for 25 cents a cord. He also skillfully made use of the flail and through thus threshing out rye, for three cents a bushel, secured enough money to enable him to accompany Rev. Mr. Smith to Ohio, in 1832. Here he subsequently purchased 80 acres of wild land, situated in Jackson township, from the man who had entered the same from the Government, and here he continued to live until his death, July 31, 1884. He was well preserved in mind and body notwithstanding a very laborious life, with the exception of being quite deaf and it was through this misfortune that his death was caused by a railroad train, not far from his home. He was widely known among the pioneers and had helped to build the first log house that was ever erected in the city of Gallon. His own land was mainly cleared by himself, with the aid of his trusty axe. In politics he was a Democrat and all his life held connection with the United Brethren church, with which his people were associated in Pennsylvania.

Peter Wachs was married near Galion. O., to Lydia Bell, who was born in 181 3, in York county. Pa., a daughter of John and Sarah (Ritchie) Bell. She was one of a large family, and as she was a twin, she was taken by an aunt to be reared, who brought her to Ohio when young, all the other members of the family remaining in Pennsylvania. She died in Jackson township after the celebration of her Golden Wedding anniversary with her husband, A lifelong member of the United

Brethren church, she was noted for her natural gifts as a vocaHst and could remember lOO hymns and sing them in church or for the pleasure of family and friends. She was the mother of eight children, six of whom grew . to maturity and four of these survive : Philip, a farmer in ^lichigan, who has lost his wife but has a married daughter and three grandchildren ; Daniel C, living retired at Grand Haven, ^lich.. who for years was a justice of the peace and city recorder, and has a married daughter and two grandsons; Sarah E., who now owns and occupies a part of the old homestead, who has been twice married and twice widowed. She has no children.

Simeon R. W'achs is the third child of his parents' family of those who survived infancy. In his boyhood and youth this was yet a newcountry, to a large extent, and Jackson township still was included in Richland county. He early showed a quickened intellect and was given educational opportunities, attending the local schools and afterward the Gallon High School, and in 1872 was graduated from the Xational Xormal School at Lebanon, O. He began to teach school in Vernon township, Crawford county, and his activities as a teacher covered about 51 years, mainly in Crawford county and, with one exception, he is the oldest teacher in years of service here. In 1876 he went to ^Missouri and spent one year teaching in Johnson county, later uas principal of the schools of Upper Sandusky; for one year, in the seventies was superintendent of the schools of Crestline and continued acti\-e in the educational field until 1908. He has served on the board of school examiners and in 1864 was one of the organizers of the Crawford County Teachers' Institute, and its first secretary, and ever since has been more or less a leader in local educational bodies.

In 1868 Mr. \\'achs was married (first) in Crawford county, to ^^liss Ruth A. Reinehart, who was born Oct. 8, 1843, and died at Crestline, Sept. 6, 1878. Their one child. Tycho C, died at the age of eight months. Mr. \\''achs was married (second) at Crestline, to Miss Ida J. Newell, who was bom at- Elyria. O., March 13, 1857, where she was reared. She was of English and Irish ancestry, a daughter of Edmund and (Gafifney) Xewell. Her father was born in Ohio and her mother in Ireland and they were married at Lorain, O., and after some years at Elyria they moved to Oberlin, \\here the father died in 1909, when aged 82 years. The mother still lives there and is now in her 77th year.

To ^Ir. and Mrs. Wachs the following children were born: Victor H., Ferriden N., El Rito, Ruth, Milo, and Paul. The eldest son prepared for an active and useful life. After graduating from the Crestline High School he spent five years at Oberlin College and three years at the University of Boston, ^lass., and in 1905 was ordained a minister in the Alethodist Episcopal church and volunteered to go as a missionary to the Orient and is stationed in Korea. He married Sylvia Allen, who was also educated at Oberlin College and they have a daughter. El Rito, and a son. Miller Allen, who was bom in Korea, Alay 13, 19 1 2. The second son, Ferriden X., adopted a trade as his life work and is a skilled machinist residing' at Crestline, but he also is a great student of the Scriptures and is deeply interested in his brother's missionary work. He married Byrda Richey and they have three living children : ^Mildred and Wilbur and Dale, twins. El Rito, the eldest daughter, who is a High School graduate, is the wife of Daniel Pry, a farmer in \'ernon township, and they have an infant daughter, Florence Ruth, Milo and Paul, all reside at home, Ruth and Paul being High School graduates and Milo, still a High School student. Mr. and [Mrs. ^^'^achs have always been hearty church workers and supporters of all moral movements in which opportunity has been aflforded them to exert influence. He has long been a class leader and other official in the church at Crestline. In his political sentiments he is nominally a Democrat but considers favorably the claims of the Prohibition party.

E. J. BREHMAX,* a well known agriculturist of Liberty township, Crawford county, who lives on his farm of 50 acres located two miles south of Sulphur Springs, was bom in W^hetstone township, this county. April 28, 1875. His father, Stephen Brehman, owns a farm of no acres adjoining that of our subject.

farm. After completing his education in the district schools he went to work on a farm two miles west of where he lives at present. He also worked two years for Mr. Jerry Hopple and then bought his present farm, on which he has successfully carried on general farming and stock raising since. He has built a new house and barn and other buildings.

Mr. Brehman was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Grogg, a native of Liberty township. To them have been born two children, Mary and Belva May, the former of whom is deceased.

ALBERT HAWORTH, who has served continuously as postmaster of Crestline, O., since April, i8g8, has been a resident of this city since boyhood, but his birth took place in Manchester, England, March 22. 1848, a son of Benjamin and Martha A. Haworth.

When Benjamin Haworth brought his family to the United States in 1848, he settled at Providence, R. I., subsequently moving from there to Cleveland, O. In 186 1, when the call was issued for volunteers for army service for three months, Mr. Haworth went to Massachusetts and there enlisted as a private soldier in the First Mass. Vol. Inf., later reenlisting and at the close of the Civil War, a veteran through three enlistments, started for home, in 1865. While crossing the State of Tennessee, he, with others, met death from the muskets of bushwackers, not far from the city of Chattanooga. He had been a brave and cheerful soldier throughout the long struggle and on several occasions had been wounded, and it was a sad ending to the career of one who had so continuously done his dutv to his adopted country. On account of the disorder of the times, his assailants, border ruffians as they were, were never brought to jtistice. The widow of Benjamin Haworth survived until June, 1892, dying at Cleveland, when aged about y^ years, having been a faithful member of the Catholic church all her life, while Mr. Haworth was a member of the Episcopal church. They were parents of eleven children, seven of whom grew to maturity and six of whom survive. One son, Joseph Haworth, who died unmarried, was a well known actor and for many years was connected with the Boston (Mass.) Museum. The four daughters all live in the city of Cleveland, the eldest, Kate, being unmarried. Martha is the wife of George Schneider; Nora is the wife of John E. O'Conner; and Emma, the wife of M. Kelly.

Albert Haworth came to Crestline when Cleveland capitalists opened the Continental Hotel, and he became its manager in 1886, conducting it until 1891. Prior to becoming manager he had been chief clerk for many years and was interested in other activities, in the meanwhile completing his eudcation in the night schools and for some years being the chief support of the family. Later Mr. Haworth purchased and operated the Central Hotel for some time, closing out his hotel interests one year before he became postmaster. He has always been active in the Republican ranks and for 20 years has been a member of the county organizations. For 41 years he has been identified with the Knights of Pythias here and belongs also to the Elks, at Bucyrus.

Mr. Haworth was married at Youngstown, O., to Miss Magdaline McCutcheon, who was born at Montreal, Canada, being of Scotch ancestry, and they have two children; William Joseph and Effie A. William Joseph Haworth, who is in the marble and mosaic business at Cleveland and a representative business man of that city, is a graduate of the Crestline High School and also of Kenyon College, of the class of 1896. He married and has two children, Martha and Marion. He is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to the Commandery at Cleveland. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Haworth, is the wife of Carl Martin Babst, a son of Judge Daniel Babst, a prominent jurist of Crawford county. Mr Babst is a graduate of Oberlin and Kenyon Colleges and is a member of the Crestline bar. Mr. Haworth is paymaster for the railway mail clerks on the Pennsylvania Railroad between Pittsburgh and Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Haworth are members of the Presbyterian church and he is serving on its board of trustees. He has been a citizen of activity and public spirit, and is a marked example of self made man.

WILLIAM SIEFERT, one of the substantial and well known citizens of Crawford county, 0., resides on his valuable farm of 224 acres, situated in section 11, Cranberry township, on the north side of Angling road, one and one- fourth miles northwest of New Washington. On this farm he was born, Oct. 26, 1863, and is a son of Michael and Christine (Hoffses) Siefert.

Michael Siefert was born in Stark county, O., Oct. 8, 1830, and died at New Washington, O., June 17, 1904. He was a son of John and Salome (Lantz) Siefert, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were married in Stark county, O., and had four sons and two daughters: Michael, George, John, Jacob, Anna and Catherine. From Stark county they came to Crawford county, when Michael Siefert was four years old, and here John Siefert secured land from the Government, located in Cranberry township, which was then the home of many Indians. At that time New Washington was little but a hamlet. When Michael Siefert entered into business it was first as a farmer in Cranberry township, where he lived until 1882, moving then into New \\^ashington, where he had an elevator and conducted a large grain business and also baled hay. He was an excellent business man and an honorable and upright citizen. In his political preference he was a Republican.

In January, 1856, Michael Siefert was married to Christine Hoffses, who was born in Germany, Aug. 12, 1834, attended school there and was 19 years of age when she accompanied her mother to America. Her parents were George Jacob and Catherine Hoffses. The father died in Germany and it was in 1853 that the mother and daughter crossed the Atlantic Ocean and began life in a new country. The mother had also a son, Matthew, who is deceased. From Shelby, O., Mrs. Hoffses and daughter walked . to New \\'ashington and within two days the latter secured a situation at Plymouth, O., in which she remained until her marriage with 'Mr. Siefert, when she was reluctantly parted with by those who had become her attached friends as well as her employers. The mother survived to be 8r years old, dyin^ at New \\'ashington and her burial was in the Lutheran Cemeterv, she having been a devout member of the Lutheran church for years.

To Michael Siefert and wife the following children were born: Jacob, a resident of Gallon, O., who married Mary Rhoades and has three children - Dora, Malinda and Josephine; John, who died when aged four and one-half years; Michael, who died when aged three years; Caroline, who is the wife of John Knodle, of New Washington, and has eight children - Emma, Ella, William, Ralph, Nora, George, Paul and Frederick; George, who resides at New Washington, and married Sarah Sutter and has had four children - Orlando, Sylvester, Alva, deceased, and Christian; William, the subject of this sketch; Anna, who is the wife of Frederick Michaelfelder, of New Washington, and has three children - Carl, Lydia and Walter; John (2), who married Ada Sheets, and has four children - Christine, Ernest, Carl and Esther; Michael, who died when one year old; Adam, who died when aged two years; Clara, who is the wife of George Sheets, of New Washington, and has four children - Mary, Margaret, Jacob and Martin; Emma, who is the wife of A. F. Donnenwirth, of Tiro, O., and has four children - Oliver, Helen, Walter and Ruth; and Frederick, who married W^ilhelmine Mohrhoff and resides at New \Vashington, and has three children - David, Mildred and Paul.

^^^illiam Siefert attended school in Cranberry township and later at New \\'^ashington, in the meanwhile performing the usual duties that fall to youths on the farm and in this way securing the training that prepares them for the very serious business of later years when they assume the management of large estates of their own. For nine years Mr. Siefert worked as a farm hand and then settled for himself on the homestead, of which he is the owner, in the third generation. His grandfather secured the original 80 acres from the Government, in 1826, and this 80 is included in Mr. Siefert's present farm of 224 acres. He has done a great deal of improving here and built the first brick house in the northwestern part of this township, a modern residence with city comforts and conveniences, including a hot and cold water system and electric lighting. ]\Ir. Siefert carries on general farming and makes something of a specialtv of producing hay.

(Schafer) Mohrhoff, who was born in Chatfield township, Crawford county, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Schafer and widow of William Mohrhoff. The latter was survived by two children: David, who married Louetta Sutter; and Wilhelmine, who is the wife of Frederick Siefert. Mr. and Mrs. Siefert have two sons : Freeman and Arnold, both of whom reside at home. Mr. Siefert and family are members of the Lutheran church. He casts his political vote with the Democratic party.

THOMAS BENTON BURGERT, who has been a continuous resident of Gabon, O., since about 1856, and for many years a prosperous business man here, now lives in comfortable retirement but has not lost interest in all that contributes to the progress and development of this city. He was bom in 1838, at Paris, in Stark county, O. and comes from German stock and old and responsible settlers of Pennsylvania.

John Burgert, grandfather of Thomas B., was born in Pennsylvania and in early manhood married there and early in the twenties came as a pioneer to Stark county, O., where he and wife both died in their seventies. He was a weaver by trade, an excellent one in those days, but by the time his sons had reached manhood other occupations paid them better and David, his eldest son, who subsequently became the father of Thomas Benton, became a wood worker and established the Burger Fanning mills. He was yet youthful wnen the family came to Stark county, where he lived until i860, when he moved to Crestline, and worked for the Pennsylvania railway company, and there his life was lost through an accident when he was aged 55 years. He was an active and enterprising man, highly respected by his business associates and useful as a citizen. He was married in Jefferson county, O., to Margaret Shultz, who died at Tiro, O., in her 76th year. Thev were members of the Christian church. Eight sons and one daughter were born to them, all of whom reached maturity and married, and four sons and the daughter still survive, Thomas Benton being the eldest born.

tinner at Canton, O., where he learned the trade. In 1856 he came to Gallon and worked at his trade until i8bo, when he went to Crestline with his father's family, but five years later returned to Gallon and then established himself in business here, as tinner and hardware dealer, subsequently admitting L. W. Banister as a partner. They continued this business association for 17 years, but in 1906 sold out to the Diamond Hardware Company, both partners then retiring. Mr. Banister removed to Springfield, O., where his death occurred in 1909. For many years the firm had led the trade in their line and both partners enjoyed the confidence of all dealers and their fellow citizens as honorable business men.

Mr. Burgert was married at Gallon to Miss Mary A. Riblet, who was born in 1840, in Richland county, O., and three children were born to them, namely: Harley J., Lulu and Olie. Harley J. Burgert is in the hardware business at Cleveland, O. He married Maude Flagel and they have two children, Mary L. and Ruth. Lulu is the wife of Henry Hause, a conductor on the Erie Railway. Olie, who died in 1907, was the wife of Charles Hall, and is survived by two children, Howard B. and Mildred.