Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 32: Miscellaneous, 1912 (part 2 of 28)

The Birk family is of German extraction and the grandfather, John G. Birk, Sr., was born in Wurtemberg, in the village of Kricheim, where the -old family residence still stands. He was one of the patriots of 1848 who, on account of his courage in advocating freedom of speech and action, was threatened with persecution and in order to avoid it, in 1849, followed other members of his family to America, deeding his estate in his native land to a daughter, but later it was confiscated by the government. Mr. Birk and wife found a safe and pleasant home in Liberty township, Crawford county, he following agricultural pursuits until his death in 1876. He became an American citizen and identified himself with the Democratic party, but never severed his connection with the German Lutheran church. In his own neighborhood he had married a Miss Schmidt, who died in 1862. They had the following children : Louis, who died at Fort Plain, N. Y., in 1865; J. Christian, who died unmarried in the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, O., at the age of sixty-two years, having served in the Civil war from 1861 until 1865; John G. ; Salome, who married William Carle, a farmer in Holmes township ; Wilhelmina, who married Jacob Bower, and lived and died in Liberty township; and Rosanna, who married Jacob Donnenwirth, and lived and died at Bucyrus.

John G. Birk, Jr., was born in Germany, July 22, 1823, and came to the United States in 1847, locating first at Albany, N. Y., but in 1849 reached Bucyrus and here established himself in the harness making business and continued in this line until the close of his life, his death occurring October 10, 1888. He was active in the Democratic party and served four years as county treasurer of Crawford county. On April 24, 1851, he married Joanna Kuhn, who was born also in Germany, June 6, 1831. Her parents came to America in 1832 and during the long voyage she learned to walk, although, it may well be supposed that the ship's floor was unsteady for little feet. Her people remained in New York until 1837 and then came to Bucyrus, where she died October 9, 1893. Both she and husband were members of the Lutheran church. The following children were born to them : Christian F. ; Louis C, born in 1854, who is in the harness business at Bucyrus, and who married Caroline Kircus; Elizabeth, born in 1857, who is the wife of Frank P. Donnenwirth of Bucyrus and has two children both of whom died in infancy; Emanuel, born in 1866, who is proprietor of the harness store which his father founded in 1849, and who married Theresa Vollworth; and George M., who is associated with his larother. Christian F. Birk, in the drug business at Bucyrus.

Christian F. Birk attended school at Bucyrus and then learned the harnessmaking trade with his father and for eighteen years worked in the shop. In 1892, associated with his brother, George M. Birk, a licensed pharmacist, he became part proprietor of the present drug business, this being the third oldest drug store in the city. Mr. Birk has not only been a successful business man but he has been a useful, reliable and active citizen. In 1877 he was elected a member of the city council for a period of four years; in 1884 was elected city marshal, serving until 1890, when he was elected sheriff of Crawford county and served in that capacity for four years and nine months. In 1898 he was elected mayor of Bucyrus and served as such for two terms. In many ways his fellow citizens, at times, endeavored to show their appreciation of his public-spirited and faithful efforts and on one occasion presented him with a handsome ring, properly engraved. On numerous occasions he has been sent as a delegate to Democratic conventions where matters of vital party interest have been under consideration.

Mr. Birk was united in marriage with Miss Bertha S. Volk, who was born at Bucyrus, March 3, 1851, and died August 10, 1898. They had three children born to them : John W., who is a graduate of the School of Pharmacy, at Columbus, O., and of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Chicago, of which he is a member of the faculty, who served as first lieutenant in Co. A, in what was known as McKinley's Own, in the Spanish-American war, and who married Margaret Curtis and has one daughter, Helen; Caroline Elizabeth, who is the wife of Glenn W. Kerr, who is private secretary to the president of the Good Roads Machinery company, at Kennett Square, Pa., and has two children - Virginia and Caroline; and Edna T., who is the wife of O. VV". Kennedy. Mr. Birk is a member of the German Lutheran church. He is identified with the Elks and the Knights of Pythias.

C. H. AHLEFELD, general farmer and a mason by trade, resides on his valuable property located eight and one-half miles northwest of Bucyrus, where he has 60 acres. He was born in Wyandot county, O., Jan. 7, 1868, and is a son of John C. and Susanna (Paulin) Ahlefeld.

John C. Ahlefeld was of German extraction but he was born at Mansfield, O., and in childhood accompanied his parents to Wyandot county, where he followed farming until his death, when aged 46 years. He married Susanna Paulin who still lives on the old home place in W^yandot county. They had four children : C. H. ; Melinda, who married Christopher Shengler; William; and Bessie, who married William Grove.

C. H. Ahlefeld attended school in Wyandot county and worked on the home farm until 1 89 1, when he came to Holmes township and located on his present place. Here he has made many excellent improvements, including the building of a substantial barn. By trade Mr. Ahlefeld is a mason and his sons mainly carry on the farm industries.

Mr. Ahlefeld married Miss Amanda Schiefer, a daughter of C. G. Schiefer, and they have five children, namely : Christopher, Zearl, Hattie, Fred and Harland. The family attend the Evangelical church. Mr. Ahlefeld is a Democrat in politics. He takes much interest in educational matters and is serving as school director and has also been township constable.

ORRA H. LINN, the owner of 160 acres of land in Dallas township, operates also 200 acres which belong to his father, 80 acres belonging to Gertrude Linn Hilty and 80 acres belonging to Helen A. Linn. He was born in this township Jan. 10, 1886, a son of Henry and Alice (Martin) Linn, who are now living retired at Bucyrus. Their children were named as follows: Grace, who is now deceased; Gertrude, the wife of Elmer Hilty; Helen, who lives with her parents ; and Orra H., the subject of this article and the youngest child.

Orra H. Linn attended the common schools and after completing his education took up farming and has since made this his occupation, having been very successful. His land is devoted to general farming and he has to have the services of two men the year around.

JACOB L. DAY, who now lives in comfortable retirement at Gallon, Ohio, is a citizen well known throughout both Crawford and Richland counties, and is a member of one of the old pioneer families of the latter. He was born in Sandusky township, Richland county, Ohio, February i, 1838, and is a son of Ezra and Nancy (Wolf) Day.

Ezra Day was born October 19, 181 1, in \\"ashington county, Morris township. Pa., and died at Tecumseh, Mich., June 2, 1896. His wife Nancy was born in Richland county, Ohio, June 20, 1812, and died in Sandiisky township, Richland county, Ohio, March 28, 1840.

Amos Day, grandfather of Ezra Day, was born in the Highlands of Scotland, and is of Scotch birth. He was born Sept. 15, 1754. His wife was of Irish descent. They emigrated to America and settled in Maryland and from there to Richland county, O., where he died Feb. 4, 1830, and was buried in the family burying ground on the place of his son Lewis Day. He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and lost one of his legs in the service. His wife bore the name of Jane, and was born Sept. 2, 1759, and died Sept. 9, 1833, and was buried beside her husband.

Lewis Day, son of Amos, and grandfather of Jacob L. Day, was born in Washington county, Pa., April 26, 1785, and died July 5, 1863, in Sandusky township, Richland county, Ohio. In his native county he married Mary Hull, who was born there Sept. 4, 1790, and died November 14, 1862. In early days the Days were Scotch Covenanters, and the later generations have been, almost without exception, Presbyterians. The family has been largely an agricultural one.

Jacob L. Day is the only living child of his parents. He was reared on the home farm and remained with his father until he became of age, and then accepted a position as clerk in a store in Ontario village, and while engaged there enlisted for service in the Civil war, in answer to the second call of President Lincoln for troops. On Sept. 9, 1861, he became a private in Co. G, 15th O. Vol. Inf., in the Fourth Army corps, and was honorably discharged Sept. 19, 1864, after dangers innumerable and many escapes with his life. At Resaca, Ga., his cap, that had been presented him by a young lady sympathizer, at Nashville, Tenn., was shot from his head by a murderous minie ball; at Pickett's Mills, he was thrown several feet in the air by a shell ; before Atlanta he received a flesh wound in the pit of the stomach, and sun stroke, this so disabled him as to require attention in a hospital for some time. On March 9, 1862, he was sent from his regiment to Nashville for special service, where he served as clerk and manager of the U. S. Hospital bakery and assistant and chief steward of hospitals. Later he was acting orderly sergeant in charge of commissary and details at Camp Louden, Tenn., and chief clerk and second officer in command at Camp Remington, Knoxville, Tenn. In all Mr. Day took part in 13 battles and 36 skirmishes, and more than once just escaped being captured by the enemy. He with the teamster alone, with the country filled with rebels and guerilla bands, took the 15th O. V. I. hospital wagon through from Bowling Green, Ky., to Nashville, Tenn., 84 miles, without arms, rations or guards, and enroute three days did not see an officer or soldier of Uncle Sam. This was March 2-3-4, 1862. On arriving at Camp, south of Nashville, they received three rousing cheers as they had been given up as captured.

Among his treasured army relics are testimonials from his superior officers of service satisfactorily rendered and recommendations for promotion and commission.

In Richland county, Ohio, March 8, 1865, Mr. Day was married to Miss Mary Jane Mc- Connell, who was born in Franklin county. Pa.. Feb. 27, 1838, a daughter of John and Jane (Barr) McConnell. The father of Mrs. Day was born in Pennsylvania, of Irish parents, later participated in the War of 1812, married in Pennsylvania and in 1839 moved to Ohio. Later in life they came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Day in Blooming Grove, where the father died when aged eighty-seven years, and the mother in her seventy-third year. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Day, the following children were born: Homer B., who is widely known in the theatrical business as manager and playwright; M. Ollie, who is the wife of James Hugo, an engineer with the Big Four railroad, with home- at Galion; Nettie Ora, who married John E. Rayl, a resident of Galion; Harry J., born Apr. 26, 1881, who maintains his home at Galion, a commercial traveler, and has one son Robert W., born Aug. 20, 1903, and Mattie, Cora and Nettie, all three of whom are deceased.

After his return from the army and period of rest, Mr. Day embarked in the mercantile business at Blooming Grove, Morrow county, Ohio, and in 1876 transferred it to Galion, Ohio, and continued in business until 1898. Then, on account of ill health, he retired, and in the fall of the same year moved to Tecumseh, Mich., where he lived one year, and then moved back to Galion, and engaged for a short time in the news business, previous to his retirement on a little farm west of the city. He is now a resident of Galion, and member of Dick Morris Post, No. 130, G. A. R., and Chaplain of the Post, year 1912.

JAMES J. MARTIN, M. D., physician and surgeon at Bucyrus, O., to which city he came in 1898, following his graduation from medical college, is in the enjoyment of a satisfactory practice and is recognized professionally and otherwise as a worthy citizen. Dr. Martin was born in Marion county, O., March 20, 1866, and is the only child of James H. and Catherine (Mack) Martin.

James J. Martin spent his boyhood on his father's farm and attended the public schools and afterward, for some fifteen years, was a teacher in Marion county. In the meanwhile he devoted much time to medical study and research, his natural inclinations being in this direction, and later entered the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1898. Dr. Martin has always kept in close touch with the advances made by his profession and belongs to the leading medical organizations of the country including the American Medical Association, the Ohio state and the county bodies, the Northwestern Ohio Eclectic Medical Association and the National Medical Association.

Dr. Martin married Miss Dora Ruth, a daughter of John G. Ruth, of Marion county, 0., and they have one son, RoUa U. Dr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is identified fraternally with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen and the Home Guards of America. He maintains his office at 114 S. Walnut Street, and his residence is at No. 116 S. Walnut Street, Bucyrus.

S. J. KIBLER, one of the representative citizens of New Washington, O., who is known all over Crawford county through his many important business enterprises, was born at New Washington, March 9, 185 1, and is a son of Mathias and Frederika (Pfahler) Kibler.

Mathias Kibler was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and when two years of age came to the United States and was one of the early school teachers on the frontier of the Western Reserve. He became a prominent man at New Washington, C, both in public life and in business. For many years he operated a tannery and was otherwise engaged. He was a Democrat in politics, served on the school board and for many years was a justice of the peace and was the first mayor of New Washington. He lived a long, busy and honorable life and died in September, 1876. He married Frederika Pfahler, who was also born in Germany and died at New Washington, O., in October, 1902. Of their eight children, three are deceased, the five survivors all living at New Washington.

S. J. Kibler obtained his education in the New Washington schools. He began his business career by assisting his father in the tannery and in this way became interested in the hide and leather business, which has particularly claimed his attention for many years and which is one of the important business enterprises of many parts of Ohio. He is a member of the firm which operates under the style of The S. J. Kibler & Brother Company, which was incorporated in 1901 under the name of S. J. Kibler & Brother. Later the brother retired and S. J. Kibler then admitted his sons, A. G., M. M. and A. S. Kibler, to partnership, when the present firm name was adopted. The firm deals in hides, tallow and sheep, skins and wool and furs, wholesale, and maintains its offices at New Washington, but it owns 90 per cent of the Lake Erie Hide & Leather Company, of Sandusky, O. A vast volume of business is done by this firm, its annual sales ending in May, 1912, amounting to over two million dollars. Mr. Kibler's additional business connections include equally important enterprises. He is president of the New Washington Lumber & Manufacturing Company, which was established 'in 1903. His beautiful home, one of the handsomest resideifces in the city, stands on the corner of Main and Center Streets, New Washington.

Mr. Kibler was married at New Washington, to Miss Elizabeth Herr, who was born in Seneca county, O., a daughter of George Herr, and the following children have been bom to them : A. G., who, after attending the local schools and taking a commercial course at Toledo, O., went into business and is now vice president of the local firm above mentioned and president of the Lake Erie Hide & Leather Company, and is married to Mildred Donnenwirth and lives at New Washington having three children - Alfred Leo, Beatrice Elizabeth and Emma Winnifred; Clara T., who is the wife of A. F. Cronenberger, manager of the Lake Erie Hide & Leather Company, and a resident of' Sandusky, O., and has three sons - Marshall Kibler, Harold Frederick and Cecil Paul; M. M., secretary and director in the firm of S. J. Kibler & Brother Company, who married Elsie Michaelfelder, and has three children - Harold Weldon, deceased, Marian Geraldine and Donald Orville; A. S., who is connected also with the above named company, and looks after its interests at Toledo, O. ; Ida P., who is a stenographer for her father; and Florence Edith, who is a member of the class of 1913 in a musical college in Ohio. Mr. Kibler and family are members of the Lutheran church. In his political views he is a Democrat and has always been somewhat active in public affairs, believing in business men assuming the responsibilities of citizenship and public office when tendered them. For 15 years he has been a member of the school board and also of the city council and for four years was treasurer of Cranberry township. He is a man of ripe business experience and in managing his many interests, has displayed exceptional foresight and good judgment.

Col. Cyrus W. Fisher

JOHN SHEALY, a well-known farmer and citizen of Liberty township, Crawford county, O., resides on the old Shealy homestead, of which he owns a part, has 60 acres of well improved land, situated eight and onehalf miles northeast of Bucyrus, O. His parents. Christian Shealy and wife, were born in Germany and were brought to Ohio in childhood. Christian Shealy was a farmer during his active years but had practically retired when his death occurred in his seventieth year. His widow survives and is now aged 82 years.

The following children were born to Christian Shealy and wife : Michael, who married Lidy Luidhardt and- lives in Cranberry township ; Henry, a resident of Bucyrus, who married Esther Nagle; John; Lena, who is the wife of Jacob S. Kafer, living near Sulphur Springs; Mary, who is the wife of John Feichtner, living near Sulphur Springs; Catherine, who married George Luidhardt and lives in Liberty township; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Henry Green, of Liberty township; Matilda, who is the wife of H. J. Rowe, and lives at Sandusky City, O. ; and Anna, who died at the age of 23 years.

John Shealy obtained his education in the township schools and is an intelligent, well informed man and practical farmer. He married Miss Matilda Hildebrand and while he had two brothers and six sisters, his wife had six brothers and two sisters and each have one sister deceased, who died after reaching womanhood. Mrs. Shealy's sister, Mary A., died when aged 25 years. Her one other sister, Sophia, is the wife of T. T. Tupps and they live in Liberty township. Her brothers are as follows: Solomon, who lives at New Castle, Pa., and who married Sue McFarland; George, who lives at New Washington, O., and who married Rika Michelf elder ; Jacob, a farmer in Bucyrus township, who married Maria Utz; Christian, living at Brandywine, O., who married a Miss Mary Heiby; and John, a resident of Liberty township, who married Ida Shell.

Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shealy, namely: Christian W., who resides at home, and who married Laura Myers and has one daughter, Gwendoline E. ; Ella M., who married O. L. Green, of New Washington, O., and has two children - Russell and Virgil ; Albert, who resides at New Washington, O., and who married Matilda Feichtner, whose one child died in infancy; Hattie, who is the wife of Clarence Miller, and resides at home ; Emanuel, who is deceased ; and Emma M., Edna May and Mildred Marie, all three living with their parents. Mr. Shealy and faniily are members of the Lutheran church. He is a Democrat in politics and exerts considerable influence in this section, being considered a man of excellent judgment and of sterling character. He has served as township trustee and as school director.

SAMUEL RORICK, a retired farmer, who, for twenty years has occupied his comfortable residence at No. 523 South Sandusky Street, Bucyrus, O., was born in Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., April 28,1839, and is a son of Augustus Rorick and his wife, Elizabeth (Ream) Rorick.

Augustus Rorick was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1800, where he grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Ream. In 1832, after the birth of their third child, Augustus Rorick and wife took passage on a sailing vessel for America and after a voyage of ninety days, were safely landed at Baltimore, Md. Their objective point was Crawford county, O., and they made the overland journey as rapidly as they were able and finally reached this section, which, at that time was almost a wilderness. Augustus Rorick secured eighty acres of Government land and later added to this tract and continued to live here until the time of his death, in September, 1873, when he was aged 75 years, his wife having died in the previous year. They attended the German Reformed church. They had four children, as follows: Henry, who was 83 years of age at time of death, was a retired farmer, married Katie Bremen and they left descendants; August, who died in Marion county, O., at the age of 69 years, married Rosanna Goldsmith, also now deceased, and they left children; William, who died in Whetstone township, Crawford county, at the age of 55 years, was married twice but left no children ; Samuel, who was born after the family came to Ohio, is the only survivor.

successful farmer and stock raiser and owned 250 acres of valuable land. Politically he is a Democrat and for a long period served more or less continuously in township offices, his fellow citizens regarding him as a man of unusual good judgment and knowing him to be of sterling integrity. In 1862 he was married in Whetstone township to Miss Mary Jane Heinlen, who was born there May 26, 1846, a daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Deebler) Heinlen. In the thirties the Heinlen family came from Pennsylvania to Crawford county, driving their ox-teams the whole distance. They were true pioneers and at first lived in a log cabin that had only an earth floor ; quilts served ed to cover the ^^'indow spaces, as they had no glass. Not only did Indians visit them but also wolves came out of the near-by forest and often endangered their lives. Later in life Jacob Heinlen and wife retired to Bucyrus, being then able to live in comfort, and there his sudden death occurred in December,- 1889. He was a Democrat in politics and both he and wife belonged to the Reformed church. Mrs. Heinlen, who on June 24, 1912, became 90 years of age, remains active in body and enjoys a social visit with her many friends in Bucyrus. Mrs. Rorick was an only daughter and the only member of her family now alive except the aged mother. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rorick, as follows : Mary E., born in 1862, died in 1904, the wife of J. D. Snyder; William M., born in 1864, died in 1888, unmarried; Charles A., born in 1866, who follows the trade of paper hanger at New Chester, Crawford county, married Carrie Kern and they have children; Elma D., born in 1869, is the wife of H. J. Stump, of Whetstone township and they have two children; George L., born in 187 1, died in 1887; Sarah A., born in 1873, is the wife of D. M. Roberts, of Lorain, O., and they have two children; Henry J., born in 1875, lives at home and is unmarried; Anna C., born in 1879, is the wife of J. C. Bauman, lives at Mansfield, O., and has two children; Samuel 0., born in 1879, died in 1888; Rosa Alice, born in 1887, died at the age of eleven months ; Urban Paul, the remaining child, was born May 25, 1889. The latter is a well educated young man and has become a skilled machinist. He continues to live with his

HARRY J. MARTIN, an enterprising agriculturist of Dallas township and the owner of 40 acres of land, was born December 10, 1875, ori this farm. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Martin, were early settlers in this township and industrious farming people. The father was a Democrat and with his family attended the Methodist church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Henry Martin are now deceased and buried in Bucyrus. They were the parents of a number of children, namely: George; Alice, the wife of Henry Linn; Mary Jane, the wife of Jacob Linn; Anna, the wife of Horace Munsen; Ella, deceased, who was the wife of Ira E. Quaintance; Ida, the wife of William Booze; Viola, the wife of John Bone; Charles, the subject of this sketch; and Blanche, the wife of Ed. Harvey.

Harry J. Martin in his boyhood attended the common schools of his r locality and since then has devoted his attention to general farming and stock raising, though he does not make a specialty of the latter, merely raising enough stock for his own needs. His farm is a part of the old Martin homestead and was purchased by Mr. Martin from the other heirs. He has made a success of his agricultural operations and does some farming on land besides that which he owns.

]\Ir. Martin was united in marriage on Feb. 22, 1905, with Miss Mary J. Turney, a daughter of Eugene and Catherine (Brown) Turney. Mr. Turney is a well known farmer of Wyandot county. The brothers and sisters of ^Nlrs. Martin were named : Harry, who is deceased; Claude; and Florence, the wife of William Cochran. To Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Martin have been born the following children : IMildred, Blanche, Eugene and Elizabeth.

In his political views Mr. Martin is a Democrat but votes according to his judgment. He has been road supervisor for two years and is now serving his second term as school director. Religiously, the Martin family is affiliated with the Methodist church.

Michael Stoltz, the paternal grandfather, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 9, 1809, and was eight years old when his parents emigrated to the United States, locating in Lycoming county, Pa. He grew to manhood there and married Mary Kober in 1833. A part of their family of children were born before they started westward and finally located in Whetstone township, Crawford county, of which section they became worthy and substantial residents. Michael Stoltz died in this township in his eighty-eighth year, his entire family of nine children passing away with the death of the last son, which occurred October 19, 1911.

George Stoltz, father of Albert G., was born in Lycoming county. Pa., in 1835, and died on his farm in Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., September 10, 1888. He spent a long and busy life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was never active in politics but voted with the Democratic party and always lent his influence in support of law, temperance and religion. On January 18, 1867, he was married to Susan Stump, who was born March 25, 1839, in Whetstone township, Crawford county, where she continued to live until a few years since. She then came to Bucyrus, where she has since made her home. She was reared a Methodist but later united with the German Reformed church and attended it with her husband. She has a wide social circle and is active in neighborhood benevolence. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stoltz : Laura, who died at the age of nine years; Samuel, who died when three years old; Emma, who is the wife of S. D. Beal, at Bucyrus; a daughter that died unnamed; and Albert G.

Albert G. Stoltz was graduated from the Bucyrus High School in the class of 1897, after which he took a commercial course in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio. He then entered a business house as a bookkeeper, afterward becoming teller in a bank, but resigned that position in order to go to New York, there becoming bookkeeper in an office connected with the Government Navy Yard. On February i, 1903, he accepted a position as assistant teller in the sub-treasury, where he remained until January i, 1904, at which time he came back to Bucyrus. At this time Mr. Stoltz accepted the position of assistant cashier in the Second National Bank and so continued until 1907, when he was elected cashier. For the duties of this position, as will be seen above, he has had an excellent training and among the great assets of this bank his name, as an important official, carries considerable weight.

Mr. Stoltz was married at Bucyrus to Miss Laura Hurr, who was born in Whetstone township, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Sherer) Hurr. They were natives of Pennsylvania and in youth accompanied their parents to Crawford county, later married and lived on a farm in Whetstone township until somewhat advanced in years, when they retired to Bucyrus, where the father of Mrs. Stoltz died in 1904 and the mother in 1907. They were Methodists in religious faith. Of their children Mrs. Stoltz was the youngest born. Of the five members of the Hurr family yet living, all are married and all but one are residents of Bucyrus. Mr. and Mrs. Stoltz have two children : Albert George, who was born November 18, 1906; and Dorothy Virginia, born February 21, 1908. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Stoltz being one of the church officials. In politics he is a Republican. He is identified fraternally with the Masons, the Elks and the Knights of Pythias.

WILLIAM CAMERON BEER was born in Bucyrus, O., on June i6th, 1874. He was the second son of Capt. William Nevin Beer and his wife Mary, whose maiden name was Mary Denman Swingly. His father was the sixth son of Rev. Thomas Beer and Margaret Cameron, the former being of Irish and the latter of Scotch parentage. His mother was the daughter of Dr. Frederick Swingly and Mary Denman; she was born and reared in Bucyrus, O., where she still resides.

The ancestors of Mr. Beer were among the early settlers of this country, and they endured the trials and privations that fell to the lot of the hardy pioneers who developed the American commonwealth. William Beer, the first of the family to emigrate to this country, left his home in Derry county, Ireland, in 1764 and took up his abode in Pennsylvania. His son Thomas, who accompanied him, served throughout the War for Independence.

The Denmans, Mr. Beer's maternal ancestors, were among the very early settlers in New England ; authentic records on file in the Connecticut State Library show them to have been residents of that colony as far back as 1650.

In the early Indian wars, in the War for Independence, in the War of 181 2 and in the Civil War, the ancestors of Air. Beer rendered valuable service to the colonies and to the United States. William N. Beer, as captain in the loist O. V. I., and four brothers, followed the fortunes of the flag in the great Civil War. Mr. Beer's grandfather. Dr. Frederick Swingly, and his uncle, Frederick Swingly, were soldiers in the army of the North - the former a surgeon with the rank of captain, and the latter a hospital steward. When the war with Spain was declared, Mr. Beer and his brother, Frederick T., followed the traditions of the family by enlisting and serving with Company A, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the war. They saw active military service in the Santiago campaign in July, 1898.

William Cameron Beer began his education in the public schools of Bucyrus. In 1896 he graduated from Nelson's Business College at Springfield, Ohio. For a short time thereafter he was engaged in newspaper work. On the breaking out of the war with Spain, as above narrated, he became a member of Company A, Eighth O. V. L, and served during hostilities. Upon his muster-out he went to Belle Plaine, la., where he entered the service of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Co. as a stenographer. June 30, 1900, he married Jessie Blanche Hutchison at Lake City, la.

In June, 1901, Mr. Beer entered the law department of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1903. He was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio in December, 1903, and in April of the following year he began the practice of his profession in Bucyrus, Ohio, as a partner of the late Judge Thomas Beer. Upon the death of Judge Beer in 19 10 he formed a partnership for the practice of his profession with J. W. Wright, under the firm name of Beer & Wright; this firm was dissolved in January, 1912. Mr. Beer was elected city solicitor of Bucyrus in November, 1905, and held the office for two years. He is a member of Bucyrus Lodge No. 156, B. P. O. Elks; Camp Thoman No. 33 United Spanish War Veterans, and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. In politics he is a Republican, being the chairman of the Republican Executive Committee of Crawford county, Ohio.

C. E. HILDEBRAND, druggist, who is the leader in his line at New Washington, O., is sole proprietor and successor of J. F. Hildebrand & Bro., which firm succeeded J. F. Tobin. Mr. Hildebrand was born at New Washington, June 29, 1875, and is a son of George and Frederica ( Michel f elder) Hildebrand.

George Hildebrand was born at Brokensword, O., and after an agricultural life, lives retired at New Washington. He is a strong supporter of the Democratic party and a faithful member of the Lutheran church. In this city he was married to Frederica Michelfelder, a daughter of John and Frederica (Utz) Michelfelder, and they had two sons - J. F., who is deceased, and C. E.

C. E. Hildebrand attended school at New Washington and then entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, O., where he completed his course in pharmacy. In 1896 he purchased his interest in the present store, from his brother, and the firm was known as J. F. Hildebrand & Bro., until 1899, on the death of the senior partner, C. E. Hildebrand becoming the sole owner. He carries everything usually fotmd in a modern drug store, including a complete line of drugs, w^all paper, paints, china, books, novelties and fancy and toilet articles, perfumes and choice confectionery, occupying a double room 44x76 ft. in dimensions.

Mr. Hildebrand married Miss Henrietta Heinmiller, a daughter of John and Margaret Heinmiller of New W^ashington, and they have three children; John, Harold and Evelyn. Air. Hildebrand and family are members of the Lutheran church. Politically he is a Democrat and at times has served in the town council and on the school board. He is a member of the Ohio State Drug Association. Mr. Hildebrand occupiees well appointed flats above his drug store on Mansfield Street.

BENJAMIN MECK, who has been established in the practice of law at Bucyrus, O., since 1907, and is a member of the able law finn of Meek & Stalter, of this city, is also a prominent Democratic politician and a man of good report along every line. He was born March i, i860, in Lykens township Crawford county, O., a son of John Frederick Meek.

The ancestors of Mr. Meek came to America from Germany and the paternal grandfather brought the family to Ohio and settled in Lykens township, Crawford county. He and his wife were among the early members of the German Evangelical church in that section. In 1831, when the family came to America, the father of Benjamin Meek was about fifteen years of age. He became a farmer in Lykens township and lived there during all his active life, then retired to Chatfield, where he died in 1899. He married and his widow still survives, being now eighty-one years old. In her girlhood days she united with the Methodist church but later attended the German Evangelical with her husband. All of their eleven children grew to maturity except one, and all live in Ohio and are married except two.

Benjamin Meek was the fifth born in the above family. His boyhood was spent on the home farm and he attended the country schools but later enjoyed other advantages, in 1883 graduating from the Ohio Normal university. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1889, and located at Upper Sandusky, where he resided for twenty years. He was recognized as one of the ablest members of the Wyandot county bar and for six years was prosecuting attorney. It was during his term that Wyandot county erected its present handsome court house, which was built under the careful scrutiny of Prosecuting Attorney Meek, with the happy result that was appreciated by the taxpayers, of moderate taxation and reasonable cost of erection. There was no opportunity for false representations when every item went through the office of the prosecuting attorney as well as the auditor's and treasurer's.

His first election was in 1896 and his second in 1899, following the close of which he declined a third nomination. Since then he has attended closely to an ever increasing practice, both in Wyandot county and since coming to Bucyrus, and is known as a learned, accurate, high-minded lawyer.

Mr. Meek was married in Wyandot county, to Miss Mary McLaughlin, who was born and reared there, and they have five children, as follows : Henry Lehr, who is engaged in the practice of medicine at Petersburg, Mich., is a graduate of the Detroit Medical college, in the class of 1909; he married Clara Lynch, of Sycamore, O. Abraham K., who is engaged in the practice of law at Denver, Colo., is a graduate of the Chicago university; he married Maria Chenowith. Chester Allen, who is a graduate of the Bucyrus High school, is a student in the class of 1914 in the law department of the Ohio Northern university at Ada, O. Nina Augusta is the wife of Dorsey Wirth, who is a merchant at Bucyrus. Calvin Benjamin attends the public schools. Mrs. Meek is a member of the German Reformed church. Mr. Meek is identified with Walpole lodge, F. & A. M., at Upper Sandusky.

RUFUS V. SEARS, a foremost member of the Bucyrus bar and a representative citizen along every line of intelligent effort, belongs to one of the old settled families of Crawford county, O. He was born on the Sears homestead, within a few miles of Bucyrus, and was principally educated in this city. He is of Revolutionary stock in both branches of his ancestry. His parents were Benjamin and Melissa (Minich) Sears, names well known in the early settlement of Maryland and Ohio.

After being creditably graduated from the Bucyrus High school, he entered upon the study of the law and in 1886 was admitted to the bar. He opened an office at Bucyrus and practiced alone until 1893, when he entered into partnership with the late Hon. S. R. Harris, his father-in-law. This law firm, collectively and individually, was a strong one in Crawford county for many years. Since the death of Judge Harris, Mr. Sears has continued without a partner. He is additionally interested in numerous successful enterprises of city and section, and is officially connected with several, and is one of the directing board of the First National bank of Bucyrus. In his political views Mr. Sears is a Republican and is loyal to party and friends but has seldom consented to accept political preferment for himself. He has always identified himself vitally with the best interests of the city, and belongs to that class of useful and constructive citizens that maintain order and encourage progress, thereby establishing the good name of their section abroad.

Mr. Sears was married in 1888 to Miss Sallie J. Harris, and their family consists of three sons : Paul Bigelow, Demas Lindley and John Dudley.

ALBERT L. BRIGGS, a general farmer and highly respected citizen of Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., operates a farm of eighty acres and is considered one of the successful agriculturists of this section. Mr. Briggs was born in Pennsylvania, February 12, i860, and is a son of Alexander and Sarah (Shearer) Briggs.

Alexander Briggs was born also in Pennsylvania, a son of Jonathan Briggs, who was probably of English ancestry. Alexander Briggs carried on farming in Pennsylvania and is now deceased. He was somewhat active in the Democratic party in his locality and was a man who was well thought of by his neighbors. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Sarah Shearer, a daughter of Michael Shearer, and they had the following children: Albert L.; Harry; W^ade; Charles; ^^lary, wife of Samuel Louden; Edna, wife of Thomas Guinn; Catherine, wife of Frank Brown ; Matilda, now deceased, who was the wife of a Mr. Young; and Bertha, wife of \Mlliam Bell. The mother of this family survives and lives in Iowa. She is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Albert L. Briggs attended the public schools in Huntingdon county. Pa., and assisted his father on the home place until he was twenty years of age. He then came to Crawford county, O., where he soon found employment in the agricultural districts, and thus it happened that he was engaged by George Brehman as a farm assistant and worked for two years on the present place prior to his marriage with his employer's daughter. This marriage was celebrated January 17, 1888, the lady being Miss Matilda Brehman, a daughter of George and Hettie (Reiter) Brehman. and a granddaughter of John Brehman and John Reiter. It was Grandfather Brehman who entered the present farm from the Government and the deed, which Mr. and Mrs. Briggs preserve, bears the signature of Andrew Jackson as President of the United States. The Briggs farm belongs to Mrs. Briggs, it having descended to her when her parents died, and she is also one of the heirs interested in another eighty acres. George Brehman and wife were well known and much esteemed people and were faithful members of the Lutheran church. They had the following children: Martha,, wife of William Vail; Emmeline wife of Marion Smith; George; Matilda, wife of Albert L. Briggs; Malinda; Amanda; and Elias, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs have three children. May, Carl and Kenneth, all of whom have been given excellent school advantages. ]Mr. Briggs has served as school director and also as road supervisor, and is known to be a sensible, honest, practical man. The family attends the Lutheran church.

CHARLES R. RO\\'E, of The Rowe Bros. Co., proprietors of the leading mercantile establishment at Bucyrus, O., has been a partner in the above mentioned business since 1897, having had previous mercantile experience. He was born in ^ledina coimty, O., and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Grant) Rowe.

Dr. Thomas Rowe, the grandfather of the Rowe Brothers of Bucyrus, was bom in New Hampshire and came to the Western Reserve with his family in 1840, locating in Medina county. He had much pioneering experience, as the country at that date was but sparsely settled and his practice called him long distances from home and his visits were necessarily made in primitive style, carrying his saddle bags of medicine and instruments on horseback. Of his children, his son Thomas was a small boy when the family came to Medina county, which section continued to be his home through life. He acquired a large amount of valuable farm land. His death occurred in 1897, when he was aged sixty-four years. He married Elizabeth Grant, who was born in Connecticut, from which state she came to Medina county as a school teacher and subsequently was married to Thomas Rowe. She still survives and resides in Medina county and has many pleasant recollections of earlier times there. She is a member of the Congregational church. To Thomas and Elizabeth Rowe five children were born, four sons and one daughter, the last, Emma, being the wife of G. W. Thompson, of^Lexington, Idaho, and the mother of four sons and one daughter. The sons, Charles R., Thomas G., George S. and H. G., are all business men, the two older brothers being associated together at Bucyrus, while George S. is with the Putnam Publishing Company, at New York City, and H. G. is owner and proprietor of the Medina County Gazette and a prominent resident of the city of Medina.

Charles R. Rowe was reared and educated at Medina and after his school days were over entered a mercantile establishment as a clerk. Five years later he came to Bucyrus, entered into business here and in 1897 became a partner in the Rowe Bros. Co., as above mentioned. The business was started under the firm name of Lauck & Rowe, the junior partner being Thomas G. Rowe, who, in 1897 purchased the entire interest and in the same year took his brother, Charles R., as a partner. The business was conducted at No. 130 South Sandusky avenue but accommodations soon proved too limited and additional space was secured and the present frontage of their establishment, which includes Nos. 130-132 South Sandusky avenue, is 160 feet. In 1907 the firm became a close corporation and in 1911 a branch store was established at Cleveland. The business at Bucyrus is conducted under the corporation style of The Rowe Bros. Co., while the firm name at Cleveland is Rowe Bros. They give employment to a large force and cater to the best trade, carrying a complete stock of fine merchandise, carpets and ladies' wearing apparel. They are enterprising and reputable business men and enjoy a large degree of well merited prosperity. Both members of the firm are identified with the Masonic fraternity.

ARTHUR J. BEALL, whose excellent farm of 112 acres is favorably situated half a mile west of Bucyrus, Ohio, in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, was born in the southern part of this county, March 7, 1883, and is one of the modern, progressive and successful young agriculturists of this section. His parents were John W. and Annetta (Wentz) Beall.

John W. Beall was a lifelong resident of Crawford county and was a well-known farmer and stock-raiser. His death occurred in his 37th year. He married Annetta Wentz, a daughter of John Wentz and they became the parents of four children, as follows: Arthur J.; Mabel E., who is the wife of Alfred C. George, who owns and successfully operates 148 acres of land in Dallas township, Crawford county; they have one daughter, Elizabeth Annetta . Walter R., who owns a splendid farm of 100 acres in Dallas township, Crawford county; and Edgar B., who is assistant cashier in the Commercial Savings bank at Galion, Ohio.

A. J. Beall obtained a public school education, afterward spending one year at the Ohio Northern university. He then taught school for five years in Holmes and Bucyrus townships and then came to his present home which he purchased in 191 o. He carries on general farming and stock-raising in a scientific way, having a complete equipment of the most improved farm machinery and keeping in touch with the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station and modern methods, and is one of the model farmers of the county.

On March 2^, 19 10, Mr. Beall was married to Miss Rebecca A. Conkle, only daughter of Peter and Mary E. (Foulke) Conkle, the former of whom is a partner and manager of the Colter & Co. lumber mills of Bucyrus, Ohio. Mrs. Beall was born October 7, 1886, and received her education in the public schools of Bucyrus, being graduated in the class of 1907. She later studied in elocution and is a very accomplished reader. Mrs. Beall has one broth- er. Dr. G. C. Conkle, who is a physician at Boyne Falls, Alich. Mr. and Mrs. Beall attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Bucyrus. In politics he is a Republican.

JULIUS J. BLISS, Avhose long and able association with the public schools of Crawford county and the city of Bucyrus, made his name a prominent one among the educators of his native state, is recognized as one of the constructive and valuable citizens of this city. He was born May i6, 1854, in Bainbridge township, Geauga county, O., and is a son of Olney R. and Wahala J. (McFarland) Bliss.

The Bliss family traces its ancestry to England, Thomas Bliss, of Devonshire being recortied as a member of the Plymouth Colony in 1635. In the War of the Revolution the unusual spectacle was presented of three generations participating together in that struggle, Ephraim Bliss, his son Ephraim, and his grandson, Benjamin Bliss, the last named being but a boy in years. Col. Otis B. Bliss, son of the above Benjamin Bliss, was born at North Adams, Berkshire county, Mass., and in 1833 moved from there to Geauga county, O., establishing the family home in Bainbridge township, where many of his descendants may yet be found among the people of substantial character. In 1831 he had married Julia Elma Maria Potter, who was born at Gloucester, R. I., a daughter of Olney Potter, and a granddaughter of James Potter, and a great-granddaughter of Samuel Potter, both grandfather and great-grandfather being soldiers in the Revolutionary war and descendants of Roger Williams.

Olney R. Bliss, father of Julius J. Bliss and son of Otis B. Bliss, was born in Geauga county O. ; in the first year the family settled there. He was reared in Bainbridge township and married the daughter of a neighbor, ]\Iahala y. McFarland, whose father, John Weslev McFarland, had moved from Berkshire, ^fass., in 1816, to that township. In 1883 the parents of Mr. Bliss removed to Brook\ille, Kans., where they survived into old age.

Julius J. Bliss attended the public schools in Geauga county and then entered Hiram college, and during the period passed there he came under the influence of Prof. James A. Garfield, who later became president of the United States. From Hiram college Mr. Bliss went to Oberlin college, where he was graduated in 1881, receiving his B. A. degree, and five years later his degree of M. A., was conferred. At the age of sixteen Mr. Bliss went into educational work and by this means sent himself through college. The exceptional success which he achieved in the succeeding years gave abundant proof of his qualifications as a teacher. In January, 1883, he became one of the instructors at the Bucyrus High school, where he continued for two and one-half years, and then accepted the superintendency of the public schools of Crestline. For ten years Mr. Bliss remained in that city, where his professional and executive ability were thoroughly tested and recognized. In 1895 he came to Bucyrus, accepting the superintendency of the public schools of this city, and continued in charge until 1907. During this long period many changes were brought about in almost every department of the school system, r^Ir. Bliss giving his entire attention to the advancement and upbuilding of the city's educational institutions. Largely increased attendance, a higher curriculum, and a more pronounced enthusiasm for more advanced opportunities, were some of the results of his long superintendency. In 1907 Mr. Bliss turned his attention to banking and is at present identified with the Bucyrus City bank. He has ever been an interested citizen, is secretary of the Bucyrus City Library board and a leader in all movements looking toward the educational and moral advancement of the community. He was the leading factor in securing the establishment of the Y. M. C. A., in this city, and has always taken a deep interest in its work.

Mr. Bliss was married in 1886, at Bucyrus, to Miss Ella [May Fuhrman, a daughter of Thomas and Adeline (Kirby) Fuhrman, and they have two children: INIarion George and Mary Mahala. The family are all members of the Presbyterian church. He has been affiliated with many educational bodies, but the only fraternal organization with which he is connected is the order of Knights of Pythias. The hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Bliss is at No. 512 E. Rensselaer street, Bucyrus.

enjoys the comforts of a beautiful home at No. 412 South Sandusky street. He was born August 14, 1844, in Chatfield township, Crawford county, O., and is a son of WilHam Witter.

William Witter was born in North Carolina and for some years after reaching manhood was overseer on plantations where many slaves were owned. He was married in Rockingham county, N. C, to C. Barbara Fitz, who was born in Germany and came to America when young. Mr. and Mrs. Witter remained in North Caroline until after the birth of four children and then decided to come north, making a choice of Crawford county, O. With wagon and one horse and bringing along all their household effects, the family started for the new home. It took quite a long time in those days to cover such a distance, as the roads were poor and many of the streams were unbridged, but they had expected to encounter hardships as pioneers and kept perseveringly on. They reached Chatfield township, Crawford county, in 1836, and their first purchase of land was forty-five acres, none of which had yet been cleared or improved. Later Mr. Witter bought additional land and about this time the father of Mrs. Witter, Christian Fritz, joined the other pioneers and together they acquired still more land and cleared and improved it. Mr. Fritz died on that place in his eighty-fifth year. William Witter died there in 1891, aged ninety-one years, having survived his wife since February, 1883. He was a Whig in early life and later became a Republican. His wife belonged to the German Lutheran church but he was identified with the Campbellite church. The following children were born to them : William, who was accidentally killed by a runaway team of horses when aged eighteen years; Thomas, who died at Vicksburg, Miss., while serving in the Federal army during the Civil war; John, who is a farmer in Western Ohio; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Christian Baldosser; Caroline, deceased, who was twice married ; Alexander, who died in 1895 ; Charles, who died at the age of fourteen years ; and Henry, now of Bucyrus.

one year after his marriage. He then moved five miles south of Bucyrus, remaining in that locality one year, after which he bought 80 acres in Holmes township, where he resided three years. At the end of that time he sold his place and bought in Bucyrus township a farm of 85 acres and shortly afterwards 24 acres more, and lived there until 1905, when he returned to Bucyrus. He has never been greatly interested in politics and for some years has maintained an independent attitude. He is a member of the German Lutheran church.

Mr. Witter was married in Seneca county, to Fredericka Louise Bauer, who was born in Saxony, Germany, November 7, 1844, and died at her home in Bucyrus, May 5, 1910. She was six years old when her parents, Frederick and Henriette O. Bauer, brought her to the United States. For some years they lived in Massachusetts and then came to Crawford county and Mr. Bauer purchased a large farm in Lykens township, on which his wife died at the age of seventy-six years. Afterward he came to Bucyrus and here his death occurred in his eighty-sixth year. To Mr. and Mrs. Witter the following children were born : Frederick, who is a resident of Bucyrus, married Nora Ruch and they have three children - Henry, Ruth and May; William, who is a prominent physician at Detroit, Mich., was graduated from the Bucyrus High school in the class of 1892, the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in the class of 1898, was married at West Branch, Mich., to Caroline B. Cline, and they have two children - Caroline I. and Lelia M. ; Charles A., who died at the age of nine years ; Louis, who is in the transportation business at Bucyrus, married Emanda Pfleider, and they have three children - J. Edwin, Henry H. and Caroline Anna ; Thomas, who died in infancy ; Mary Ann Isabel, who is her father's competent housekeeper; James, who resides on a farm in Sandusky township, has four children - James, Ardis, William and Robert ; Alberta, who died when aged ten years ; Elsie, who died at the age of eight years ; and Roy, who lived but five years. The surviving members of Mr. Witter's family are all well established in life and all are respected members of society.

COL. CYRUS W. FISHER, who has been a man of influence and more or less prominence in different sections of the country for very many years, and who is now one of the most distinguished citizens of Bucyrus, O., was born Sept. 22, 1835, at Waynesville, Warren county, O. After several family changes of residence in his boyhood, Cyrus W. Fisher was sent in 1846, by his father. Dr. Fisher, from the pioneer home in Rock county. Wis., to attend school at his birthplace in Ohio. In 1849 Dr. Fisher with the rest of his family also returned to Ohio and the son joined his father at Lebanon in Warren county, and continued his studies while living at home until about 1 85 1. In the above mentioned year he accompanied a corps of railroad engineers and assisted in making surveys through Ohio, being thus occupied until 1854, in which year he entered the employ of the Ohio & Indiana Railroad Company, remaining with that corporation for two years. His next railroad connection was with the Bee Line road, with which he was identified until 1857, being a passenger conductor on the line between Crestline and Indianapolis. He then accepted a position in the office of the superintendent of that road, at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and remained there until President Lincoln's first call for troops in 1861.

He then entered the service of the Federal Government as first lieutenant of Co. F, 23rd O. V. I. His brother officers were men of high character and ability and several of them later achieved national distinction. His colonel was W. S. Rosecrans, his lieutenant colonel, Stanley Matthews, and his major, Rutherford B. Hayes. In July, 1861, the regiment was sent to western Virginia, and in the succeeding November Lieut. Fisher became major of the S4th Ohio Infantry, which regiment, in February, 1862 became a part of the army division that first came under the command of General Sherman, who was then a brigadier. In November, 1862 Major Fisher was again promoted, becoming lieutenant-colonel of the 54th regiment, and as such he was a participant in all the operations of the 15th Army Corps, his valor, coolness and military ability serving well his command on many a battle-field. His faithful service to his cause and country ended only with the

Immediately after the termination of his military career. Col. Fisher removed to Oskaloosa, Iowa, with the idea of entering upon the practice of law, having been admitted to the Ohio bar in 1864. He first, however, went into journalism, purchasing the Oskaloosa Herald, which he conducted until 1868, when he disposed of it and opened a law office. His prospects were encouraging, but by this lime he had found the climate not favorable to his health, and when it became a matter of necessity for him to find a less trying one, his thoughts again turned to railroading, in which field he felt at home. Accordingly he shortly afterward accepted the position of superintendent and general freight and ticket agent in the more congenial climate of Colorado, being the first incumbent of that office for the Denver Pacific line in that state.

Col. Fisher's identification with the Denver Pacific, the Kansas Pacific, and the Colorado Central railroads continued until the summer of 1878, when he was made superintendent of the Mountain Division of the Union Pacific Railroad. He held this latter position until 1879, when he resigned in order to become general superintendent of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad, of which he was also a director and second vice president. In September, 1882, he became general manager of the New Orleans & Denver Railroad Company, of which in 1883 he was elected general manager and president. In 1884-5 he was general manager and lessee of this road, but resigned in March, 1886, in order to accept the position of general manager of the Rock Island Railroad lines west of the Missouri river.

From 1886 to 1888 his time was completely taken up in the construction and putting into operation of thirteen hundred miles of trackage. Family affliction in the death of his wife, which took place in this year, induced his resignation, his need of rest and recreation being apparent to all his friends. These he found in a trip to Europe, where, during a stay of six months, he visited many points of interest. The year 1889 found him once more in his native state and subsequently he became a settled citizen of Buc)^us, where he made investments and purchased a comfortable and attractive residence at No. 125 Renssalaer street. After locating in this city he became connected with the Frey-Sheckler Clay Working Company, later known as the American Clay Machinery Company. At the present writing he is president of the Bucyrus Public Library, also of the Bucyrus Hospital Association, and of the Fairbanks Steam Shovel Company, of Marion, Ohio. He has been very active in Grand Army circles and has served for several years as commander of the post at Bucyrus.

For many years Col. Fisher has been a leading factor in Republican politics, and was a hearty and effective worker for the late President William McKinley, who was an old army comrade and a personal friend. In 1896 Col. Fisher visited Denver, Colo, in a political capacity, just at the time that the Denver, Cripple Creek & Southwestern Railroad was being organized, and the presidency of this company being tendered him, he accepted it and held the office for two years. Other interests, however, soon claimed his attention and he retired permanently from participation in railroad affairs.

Col. Fisher was first married at Bellefontaine, O., in 1859, to Miss Sallie M. Dunham. She died Sept. 25, i860, being survived for a few weeks by an infant son. The Colonel's .second marriage was contracted in 1864 with Miss Martha I. Hetich, who was born in Crawford county, O. Her death took place in 1888, at Hot Springs, Ark. In 1891 Col. Fisher married Mrs. Mary D. Beer, a lady well known in Bucyrus. To his second marriage ten children were bom, two of whom survive - Cyrus H. and Sallie. Col. Fisher is a thirty-second degree Mason, having been identified with the fraternity for the past 54 years. He manifests a thorough interest in all that concerns the welfare of Bucyrus, which he has shown by action whenever a good example was needed or when called upon to aid in a worthy cause. Every practical movement for the moral and material betterment of the community has had his cordial support. The extent of his private charities will never be fully known, for, like every true gentleman, he dislikes ostentation, satisfied with the approval of his own conscience in whatever he may do for his fellow man.

JOHN H. LIGHT, who has made a success his chosen line of business - agriculture - resides on his well improved farm of seventyone acres, located five miles northeast of Bucyrus, was born in Liberty township, Crawford county, O., in 1872, and has always lived here. He is a son of William and Sarah (Hay) Light.

William Light and wife were both born in Pennsylvania and they came to Ohio in 1857. Both died in Liberty township, aged respectively seventy-three and seventy-two years. They had seven children: Swingly, who resides in Liberty township, married Caroline Pfluderer; Scyanthia, who resides at Bucyrus, married G. W. Sprow ; William; who is a business man of Bucyrus, married Rebecca Charlton; Ida, residing in Liberty township, is the widow of H. J. Sprow, who died July 27, 191 1 ; Daniel died in 1895; Mary, the wife of G. B. Kelly - they live in Liberty township; and John H., the subject of this sketch.

John H. Light had public school advantages and grew to manhood well trained in farm work and has made farming his sole business. As his property has needed improving he has attended to this matter and recently has completed a very fine barn. He raises the usual crops of this section and enough stock for his own use.

Mr. Light was married to Miss Anna 'Bittekofer, who was born in 1881, a daughter of Jacob and Christiana (Auckerman) Bittekofer. Mrs. Light's brothers and sisters are Fred, Jesse, John, Harve, Earl, Albert, Mary, and Cora; one brother, Irvin, is deceased. Fred is a teacher in the Tiffin, O., High school; Jesse lives in Lykens township; John lives at New Washington, and the others remain at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Light have five children, namely: Ruth I., Mabel M., Fairy M., Walter B. and Ethel O. Mr. Light and family belong to the Reformed church. In politics he is a Republican.

OTHO W. KENNEDY, who is serving in his third term as city solicitor of Bucyrus, O., is a well known member of the Crawford county bar and belongs to one of the old families of the county. He was born May 25, 1878, one of a family of twelve children born

Otho W. Kennedy began his education in the pubHc schools and later continued it at the Ohio Normal university, at Ada, O., during this latter period also teaching school. He then entered the Western Reserve college at Cleveland, O., which he attended for a time, being afterward graduated from the Ohio Normal university at Ada. He was admitted to the bar in December, 1902. and began practice in Marion county, O. Believing that Bucyrus offered a wider field for professional effort, in 1903 he came to this city, where he has had no reason to feel that his judgment was in any way deficient in making a choice of home. He has thoroughly identified himself with the activities and interests which go to build up a city and is widely and favorably known both in his profession and otherwise. He was first elected to the office of city solicitor in 1907 and was reelected in 1909 and 191 1. He is a Democrat in his political views and heartily supports his party's candidates. During 1906 and 1907 he was a member of the board of deputy state _ supervisors of elections.

Mr. Kennedy married Miss Edna T. Birk, a daughter of C. F. Birk. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are members of the Lutheran church. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks and the Eagles.

DANIEL J. STRICKER, a government railway mail clerk, for the past eleven years has been detailed on the service between Pittsburg, Pa., and Chicago, 111., a route of great importance, the handling and safety of the mail between these points being a matter of extreme responsibility. He has been a resident of the United States since he was five years old, but was born at Vienna, Austria, April 13, 1869. His parents were Anton and Cecelia (Waller) Strieker.

The early history of the family has not been preserved to a great extent but a coat of arms is in the possession of its present representative which shows connection with the nobility in 1 162. Anton Strieker was born also in Austria and served in the army in 1848, receiving wounds. He later carried on the business of manufacturing meerschaum pipes at

Vienna. In 1874 he came with his family to the United States and shortly afterward settled at Bucyrus, where his death occurred February 25, 191 1, within four months of his being ninety-two years of age. In Austria he married Cecelia Waller, who was born in Bohemia and died March 2, 191 1, in her seventyeighth year. In Austria they were Catholics but in Ohio affiliated themselves with the German Lutheran church. They had five children, one son having died in infancy in Vienna. The other four were : August, who is a telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at Dunkirk, O., married Elizabeth Wakefield; Daniel J.; Charles, who is a machinist at Bucyrus, married Anna Scheib; and John, who was accidentally killed on the T. & O. Railroad, of which he was an employe.

Daniel J. Strieker obtained his education at Bucyrus and after a number of years as telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania railroad company, specially prepared himself for his present work. October 14, 1896, he was married to Miss Katheryn L. Uhl, who was born at Gallon, O., where she was reared and educated and for several years previous to the marriage was an acceptable teacher. She is a daughter of John F. and Anna Barbara (Tracht) Uhl, both of German parentage. Mr. Uhl was a cabinetmaker and interior finisher by trade, which he followed at Gallon until his death in 1875. His widow survived him until 1894. They were German Lutherans in their religious belief.

Mr. and Mrs. Strieker have one son, Harold Eugene, who was born April 16, 1905. He is a child of great promise and possesses artistic talents that may make him famous in after life. When but four years old he could use a pencil artistically and by the next birthday could produce landscapes and correctly draw engines in motion. Mr. and Mrs. Strieker are members of the English Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a Knight of Pythias. The family residence, a fine one recently completed by Mr. Strieker, is located at Xo. 420 Middletown street, Bucyrus.

able farm of eighty acres, which Hes one mile east of Brokensword, O. Mr. Lust belongs to one of the representative families of this section. He was born on the old Lust homestead, August 28, 1872, and is a son of David Lust.

Abraham J. Lust obtained a district school education and then chose farming as his life business, following it first in Lykens township but retaining his residence always in Holmes township. His well cultivated and comfortably improved farm is numbered with the good properties of this part of the county.

Mr. Lust was married in 1894, to Miss Emma Haas, who is a daughter of Henry Hass, a blacksmith in business at Brokensword, and they have one daughter, Edith, who resides with her parents. Mr. Lust and family attend Emanuel church at Brokensword. He belongs to a Democratic family, he and his brothers having followed the example of their father in public matters.

REV. CHARLES BRASCHLER, pastor of the Holy Trinity Catholic church, at Bucyrus, O., came to this charge in May, 1899, and for fourteen years has zealously devoted himself to the spiritual upbuilding of this congregation and has also been in no wise neglectful in regard to the material advancement of his parish. Rev. Father Braschler was born in Switzerland, October 29, 1842, a son of Jacob Braschler. His parents were also natives of Switzerland, most worthy people, who gave their eleven children every advantage within their power.

Father Braschler attended the parochial schools in boyhood and after deciding to become a priest, he entered a Catholic college in Switzerland, where he was graduated. After coming to the United States he still further prosecuted his theological studies and at Cleveland, O., on July 17, 1870, was ordained by Right Reverend Bishop Mullin, of the Erie diocese. During the first three years of service in the church. Father Braschler ministered to eight missions distributed in three counties, after which he was stationed at Upper Sandusky, where he remained in charge for sixteen years. His next parish was in Putnam county, O., where he continued for ten years and then was called to Bacyrus to become pastor of Holy Trinity. His congregation includes 150 families and his influence has been markedly beneficial. The church school attached to Holy Trinity has 120 pupils and is in charge of the Sisters of St. Dominic and Father Braschler erected the present commodious school building in 1910. He is well known to all circles at Bucyrus and is held in the highest regard by his own people and respected by those of every denomination.

ANCHEL EDELSTEIN, a well known business man of Bucyrus, O., who has been engaged in stock buying and dealing in Crawford county for the past thirty years, is a prominent man in this industry, in connection with which he is widely known in other sections. He was born in Germany, May 3, 1850, and is a son of Joseph Edelstein, who was born in Germany in 1800 and died in 1876. He was a butcher by trade and he dealt extensively for the times, in horses and cattle.

Anchel Edelstein was practically reared in his present business and early learned the values of stock and the alertness necessary to make a success along this line. He was but fourteen years of age when he completed his first purchase, buying a cow that he immediately sold at an advance and this has been a business policy of soundness that he has followed ever since. In July, 1880, Mr. Edelstein came to Bucyrus and soon afterward became interested in the stock business here and operated in a small way from 1882 until 1888. At that time he became connected with M. Goldsmith, one of the largest exporters of cattle at that time in New York city and continued a purchasing agent for Mr. Goldsmith until the latter's death in 1891. Later he accepted a similar position with another large importing house and for eight years bought cattle for them, terminating that connection when his firm was dissolved on account of the death of the senior member. In 1903 Mr. Edelstein became purchasing agent for E. J. Joyce & Co., of Pittsburg, Pa., and remained with this house until the death of E. J. Joyce of Pittsburg, Pa., in March, 19 12, when the firm was dissolved and Mr. Edelstein at once became associated with S. B. Hedges & Co., of Pittsburg, with whom he is at present. His experiences have been wide and varied. He has purchased cattle in a number of counties in Ohio, in \^'est A'irginia and other cattle growing sections and his expert knowledge and thorough experience make him very valuable along this line. Besides being engaged in the live stock business ]\Ir. Edelstein is also a well known wool buyer in Crawford county. 'Sir. Edelstein was married in 1878 at Unterredenberg, Germany, to ^liss Reka Sitzman, who was born at that place, September 2^. 1854, a daughter of ^Nleyer and Leah (Strauss) Sitzman. They were members of the Hebrew congregation, in their nati\e land. In 1800 ;Mr. Edelstein came to Ohio and two years later was joined by his wife. They are active in the Manon Jewish congragation at Clarion, O. Five sons and two daughters have been born to them, as follows: Hattie; Clara, who is the wife of Lester ^Nlitchel, a business man of Cincinnati ; Joseph, who is a business man of Toledo; Carl, who is associated with his father ; Xathan and Victor, both of whom are High school students; and Myron, who attends the public schools. Politically ;Mr. Edelstein is a Republican. He belongs to the National Union and is identified also with the Elks.

FREDERICK E. SHIFLEY, who cultivates with much success his valuable farm of eighty acres, which lies in \\'hetstone township, Crawford county, O., not far from Bucyrus, is a well known resident of this section and was born in this county, ^ilarch 25, 1867. His parents were Daniel and Louisa (^Motz) Shifley.

Daniel Shifley was born in Xew York, while his wife was a native of France. He engaged in farming for a number of years in Holmes township, Crawford county, and was somewhat active in Democratic politics. Both he and wife are now deceased, their burial being in the Oakwood cemeter}'. They had the following children : Daniel, Samuel, John, Benjamin. Addie, Frederick E., Henry, Amelia. Effie. Charles and Andrew. Of the above all survive except John. Addie and Amelia. Addie was the wife of Frank Bare, and Amelia the wife of Ark Kimble. Effie is the wife of Charles ^Melchor.

He then bought a general store business at Xew Winchester, which he conducted for eighteen years. Mr. Shifley then decided to return to an agricultural life and after disposing of his store, bought from the county court what was known as the old Joseph Albright place. He found the property needed improving and the land enriching, and was not long in making these improvements including the building of a new house and barn. The property known as Block Farm, is now one of the best improved farms in the county. Mr. Shifley makes a specialty of pure bred Poland China hogs. In his activities he is greatly assisted by his son, Russell Valentine, who promises to be as good a farmer as his father. In December, 1891, 'Sir. Shifley was married to Aliss ]^Iary Ellen Keiter, who is a daughter of Josiah and Sarah Ann (Darger) Keiter. The father of Mrs. Shifley was a well known blacksmith and a highh- respected man. The mother ser^ives and resides with Mr. and Mrs. Shifley. the latter being the only survivors of three children. ]Mr. and ^Mrs. Shifley have eight children, namely : Claudius Alvah, who is a creditable member of the class of 1912, in the Bucyrus High school ; Ida Alethea ; Russell A'^alentine: and r\Iildred Cleo, Ruia .\rvella. Hazel Floy, Carl Milford and Harold Eugene. 'Sir. Shifley and family are members of the German Reformed church. 'Sir. Shifley is an active citizen in all that pertains to public matters in his township but has neither time nor inclination for public office. He gives political support to the Democratic party.

:\IARTIX SIDXER, a respected and well known citizen of Bucyrus. O., residing at Xo. 463 South A\'^alnut street, for some years has been retired from active pursuits but remains fully alive to all that concerns his country, city and social circle. He was born September 12, 1 83 1, in Clear Creek township, Fairfield county, O., and is a son of X'icholas and Sarah (^^'inters) Sidner.

Martin Sidner. the grandfather, came to America from Germany and was a young man when he settled near Fredericksburg, \^a. He served under General A\'ashington, in the Revolutionary war, and afterward moved with his family to Bourbon county, Ky.. where he died at the age of eight years. He owned large antations and many slaves and at the time death left the sum of $20,000 to be divided nong his children, all sharing except his son icholas, who had displeased him through s marriage. To this son one slave and one Drse was willed and it is not recorded that le son protested at this unjust discrimination, it, that, on the other hand, he gave the slave ,s liberty and with the horse made his way I another section of the country. Nicholas Sidner was born in 1774, near redericksburg, Va., and at the usual age of arriage was united to Mary Cline, who, for )me reason, was objectionable to his father, here is nothing to show that she was not an imirable wife and she bore her husband ght children, all of whom survived to rear imilies of their own but are now deceased, iter being practically disinherited by his ither, Nicholas Sidner, accompanied by his ife, came to Ohio, in 1798, where he settled n a tract of land as a squatter. Before he )st this first tract, by pre-emption, he had imroved the same, but afterward secured forty :res and in 1809 secured a deed for 160 acres 1 Clear Creek township, Fairfield county, his valuable piece of parchment is in the pos- ;ssion of his son Martin Sidner, bearing the gnature of Thomas Jefferson, president of le United States, and James Madison, secre- ,ry of state. On this farm Nicholas Sidner ;acefully passed the remainder of his life, his ;ath occurring in 1845. His second marriage as to Sarah Winters, who was born near ^agerstown, Md., in 1799. She survived her .tsband and died in Clear Creek township, hen aged seventy-five years. To the second arriage five children were born and four of ese still survive : Mrs. Elizabeth Coldren, a idow, who lives in Pickaway county, O., and ho is now aged eighty-six years; Mrs. Eliza ond, who is the wife of Thomas Bond, of hiarleston, Coles county, 111. ; Mrs. Sarah Jane oner and Martin, twins, the former of whom 'es at Farmer City, 111. When the last imed children were born the father was fiftyne years of age.

Martin Sidner remained at home with his .rents and through interest and practical exrience became a successful farmer. His ucational opportunities were somewhat eager but he has always been intelligently interested in people and events and has kept well informed not only along his own line of work but regarding the other activities and industries that go to make a contented and prosperous community. His home has been maintained at Bucyrus since 1861 and until he retired he was engaged as a farmer and trucker. His first presidential vote was cast for General Winfield Scott and his second one for General John C. Fremont and since then he has given his political support to candidates of the Republican party.

In Pickaway county, O., Mr. Sidner was married to Miss Lydia Raymond, who was born there in 1830, and died at Bucyrus, in 1886. They had three children: Chauncy, Charles and Delia. Chauncy Sidner, who was accidentally killed by the premature explosion of a cannon during the honorary saluting of high French officials when on a visit to the United States, had been in the U. S. regular army for a number of years. He had served with honor for five years in Texas as a cavalryman, and one year as an artilleryman at Fort Columbus, N. Y. and at the time of death, when aged twenty-eight years, was holding the position of commissary sergeant. The second son, Charles, died at the age of sixteen years, while engaged with a business house at Chicago, 111. The daughter is the wife of Charles Goodman. Mr. Sidner and daughter are members of the Lutheran church.

WILLIAM L. PETERMAN represents the fourth generation of one of the old pioneer families of Liberty township, Crawford county, O. His great grandfather, John Peterman, coming to Liberty township in the beginning of the 19th century from New York county, Pennsylvania, his grandfather, Michael, entered the present homestead from the government. William L. resides in one of the two fine residences which stand on the valuable farm of 215 acres, belonging to his father, which is situated six miles northeast of Bucyrus, O. He was born on this farm on Feb. 22, 1873, and is a son of Michael A. and Amelia (Stremmel) Peterman.

Michael A. Peterman was born on the same farm on the 23rd of September, 1837, and was married to Amelia Stremmel, who was bom in Maryland, Mar. 11, 1849. Three children were born to them : William L. ; Cora, who is the wife of Sidney McCurdy, who lives in Whetstone township and has three children - Harry, Jessie and Ethel; and Amanda, who is the wife of John A. Blackford, and lives in Sandusky township and has one son, Ralph. Michael A. Peterman is a veteran of the Civil war. He served in Co. C, 49th O. Vol. Inf., under the command of General Gibson until he was honorably discharged, and during his period of service participated in numerous battles but escaped without injury.

W illiam L. Peterman was afforded excellent educational advantages and after graduating creditably from the Bucyrus High school entered the Spencerian Business college, at Cleveland and after graduation was coimected with Cleveland business houses for seven years as a stenographer. He then returned to his father's farm, which has been tmder his management ever since, general fanning and stock raising being the industries carried on.

On Nov. 17, i8g8, Mr. Peterman married Miss Ida May Patterson and they have three children, Ruth V., Helen C. and Millie A. Mrs. Peterman has two brothers and one sister: James L. ; Wilbur, who is a resident of Bucyrus, married Pearl Xickler and they have three children - Eveline, Marguerite and Hazel; and Elizabeth, who married Charles D. Nickler, and has three children, Olive, George and Florence. Mr. Peterman is a Democrat in politics and has frequently been tendered public offices which he is well qualified to fiU but has accepted none outside of membership on the school board, of which he was president.

JAAIES McCRACKEX, deceased, for many years was a prominent and useful man in Crawford coimty, O. He was bom in \\'ayhe county, O., July 16, 1800, and died in Crawford county, December 2, 1875. He was the only son of James McCracken, who came from Ireland to Wayne county, among the early settlers.

The late James ]\IcCracken came to Bucyrus about 1830 and established himself as a manufacturer of spring wheels, being a wheelwright by trade. He became a leading citizen as was evidenced by his appointment, in 1840, as postmaster, under the administration of

President William Henry Harrison. At that time he was a strong Whig and until the close of his life continued to be deeply interested in public matters, becoming identified with the Republican party about the time of the Civil war. In the meanwhile he asquired land, first a tract two miles south of Bucyrus and three years later bought eighty acres three miles west of the growing city. This land he cleared and developed into a valuable farm. The closing years of his life were spent on this farm and were peaceful and happy ones. He was public spirited to a large degree and donated the land on which the ^IcCracken school building stands on the Nevada road. He was reared in the Presbyterian church and never failed to give it liberal support and to live according to its teachings, and helped organize the first Presbyterian church here.

On December 4, 1832, Mr. McCracken was married in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, O., to ]\Iiss Ruth Marquis, who was bom May 26, 1813, in Belmont county, O., but was reared in Crawford coimty. She survived to the age of seventy-five years. The following children were bom to them: Portia; \\ illiam Vance, deceased, who was survived by his widow and one son, the latter being now deceased; James Kelly, who was in the insurance business at Fort \\^ayne, Ind., and has one son and two daughters; .\lexander McB., deceased, who was married but left no children; Augusta ^L, who is the city librarian, at Bucyrus; Harvey Marquis, who is in business at Louisville, Ky., and has one son, James T.; Charles W. ; Harriet, who is matron of a Girls' school, at Honolulu; and Rachel and Elizabeth, who died in childhood.

^Nliss Portia ^^IcCracken was reared and educated in Crawford coimty. For many years she was a successful teacher, beginning at the age of twenty years, and her pupils may be found among the leading residents of Bucyrus and other parts of the county. Of the majority of these she preserves affectionate recollections and counts them among her warmest friends. Miss ^McCracken has kept alive her interest in all that goes on in the world and it is difficult to believe, when conversing with her, that she has seen and lived through so much of the developing period of this city.

J. L. HEINLE, whose well improved farm of eighty acres is reputed to be one of the best properties in Holmes township, resides two miles west of Brokensword, O. and is well known all over Crawford county, in which he has spent his life. He was born in Bucyrus township, January 23, 1879, and his father G. W. Heinle, still carries on his farm industries there. The Heinle family is one of the oldest and most substantial in this county.

J. L. Heinle obtained his education in the schools of Bucyrus township. He comes of an agricultural family and naturally became a farmer when the time came for him to make choice of a career. He received excellent training on the old home farm and continued there until April i, 1909, when he sold his sixty acre farm in Bucyrus township and came to his present farm in Holmes township. His operations are carried on along practical lines, with due regard for improved methods, and the interest he takes in his property is shown by its fine condition, together with that of the valuable stock produced on his farm.

Mr. Heinle was married March 20, 1909, to Miss Rufena Miller, a daughter of Lewis Miller, whose farm lies one mile west of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Heinle. In politics Mr. Heinle is a Democrat. He served as school director in Bucyrus township, being elected to that office when only twenty-one years of age.

CLARK T. LUDWIG, a retired capitalist residing at Bucyrus, O., belongs to an old French Huguenot family that found refuge in the American colonies prior to the War of the Revolution. Record is preserved of two brothers, Captain John and Michael Ludwig, the former of whom saw military service in the French army before he came to America and later became an officer under General Washington. His home was at Germantown, Pennsylvania.

Michael Ludwig, the direct ancestor of Clark T. Ludwig, married in Pennsylvania and died there, being survived by children, among whom was one son, Samuel Ludwig. After the death of Michael Ludwig, his widow married a Mr. Yokum, whose sons became prominent iron men and also leaders in political life.

Samuel Ludwig was born in the vicinity of Germantown, Pa., in 1786 and probably remained there until 183 1, when he came to Crawford county, O., making the trip on horseback and carrying in his saddle-bags the sum of $10,000, for the purchase of land. He acquired 3,000 acres, in different sections. In 1832, having been joined by his family in the meanwhile, he ordered the building of a brick house, on a site near the present limits of Bucyrus, in Whetstone township. The bricks for the same were burned by Daniel Albright and so stanchly was the house constructed that it still is utilized as a dwelling, although undoubtedly it is the oldest brick house in Crawford county. Here Samuel Ludwig passed the remainder of his life until extreme old age, when he went to the home of a daughter, in an adjoining township, where his death occurred in 1876, when he was within one month of ninety years. He married Elizabeth Redky, who was born in Pennsylvania and died on the family homestead east of Bucyrus. For some years her father served as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. She was reared a Quaker but later in life united with the Reform church body. They had eleven children born to them, the last survivor having been the late Mrs. James L. Monnett, who died at Bucyrus, December 29, 191 1.

Samuel Ludwig (2), son of Samuel Ludwig, and father of Clark T. Ludwig, was born near Reading, in Berks county, Pa., May 21, 1813, and died September 14, 1893, at the home of his son, Clark T. Ludwig, with whom he had resided for twenty-one years. He was nineteen years of age when he accompanied the other members of his father's family to Ohio and subsequently settled on one of the latter's numerous farms, between Fremont and Tiffin, O. Here he had 480 acres of land. He was prudent and industrious and accumulated what was considered an ample fortune at that day. Eight years later he bought a farm in Sandusky county, but afterward returned to Crawford county and later bought his father-inlaw's farm of 180 acres, near Leesville, in Jefferson township. On that property he made many improvements, a notable one being the erection of a commodious barn, the material used being the finest black walnut obtainable at the time. Subsequently he and wife came to Bucyrus, her death taking place in 1877, in the brick house above alluded to. She was born in Virginia, in 1810 and prior to her marriage was a teacher and was considered a fine singer. She was a very active and interested member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Five children were born to Samuel Ludwig and wife, as follows : a babe that died ; Mary Jane, who died in 1856; Clark T. ; Eliza, deceased, who was the wife of John P. Monnett; and William Dorsey, who died in Texas, in 1878. He married Belle Caldwell, who survives and resides on South Sandusky street, Bucyrus.