Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 32: Miscellaneous, 1912 (part 20 of 28)

Mr. Lowe was married at Galion, O., to Miss Emma E. Cave, who was born at Crestline, O., a lady of culture and education, who had been a teacher for several years prior to her marriage. 'She is a daughter of Francis and Margaret Ca\'e, former residents of Crestline and later of Galion. The father of Mrs. Lowe served in a Pennsylvania regiment in the Civil War. His death occurred at Galion in January, 191 1, where his widow resides, being now in her 80th year. She has been a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church, having been reared in the faith. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have one daughter, Edna E., who was educated at Roanoke, Va., and at Washington, Pa., and is a college graduate. Politically Mr. Lowe is zealous in his support of the principles of the Republican party but has never been willing to consider any political office for himself. In his fraternal, connec; tions, Mr. Lowe has long been identified with the Masons and Knights of P)d;hias at Gallon; having been senior warden in the former organization and a charter member since the founding of the latter order here, in 1884.

R. E. SAWYER. Among the old and substantial families of Auburn township, Crawford county, O., may be counted that of Sawyer, a worthy member of which is R. E. Sawyer, who resides on his well improved farm of 105 acres, which is situated in section 21, and who -is known throughout the county additionally as an insurance agent, representing . a number .of . mutual insurance companies. He was born on a farm that adjoins his own on the west, June 4, i860, and is a. son of Albanus and Anna Maria (Winn) Sawyer.

Albanus Sawyer was born in Auburn township, where he spent his long and useful life, his death occurring Feb. 7, 1903, when aged 79 years, four months and twenty-one days. His parents were Erastus and Sally Sawyer, the former of whom was born in Schuyler county, N. Y., Oct. 10, 1800, and died July 12, 1870. His wife was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., April 27, 1802, and died Aug. 22, 1873, and their burial was in the Auburn Cemetery.- At one time Albanus Sawyer was a very large landowner, having 100 acres in Henry county and a very large body in Crawford county, and a great deal of this land is still held by- his heirs. He was a man of sterling character and was held in the highest regard by his fellow citizens. In earlier days he was a Whig but later became a Republican and at different times served in township offices with credit to himself and with advantage to the community. He was interested in the public schools and donated the land which is known as Maple Grove Special School land. He was one of the leading members and liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal thurch -in Auburn township. He married Anna Maria Winn, who was born in Cranberry township, Crawford county, a daughter of John and Rebecca Winn, natives of Pennsylvania. She died July 7, 1890, when aged 70- years, 7 months and 18 days. The following children were born to them : . Cornelia, who married William Bender; R. W., who lives at Richmond, Ind. ; Asa, who died Dec. 5," 1884, aged 27 years, 11 months and 15 days; R. E. ; Clara, who died Jan. 4, 1885, aged 20 years, 8 months and 12 days; Anna, who married I. W. Loudon, of Liberty Center, O. ; Lottie E., who is the wife of James Morrow; Erastus, who died when two years old; and John F., who resides on the home farm.

R. E. Sawyer attended the local schools through boyhood and then spent two years in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, O., and after his return to Auburn township taught the winter school for" nine successive terms in the home district and taught also in the Tiro High School, 13 terms in all. During all this time he had resided on his present farm, on which he has made the improvements including about five miles of tiling. With the exception of 12 acres, which he devotes to pasturage, his farm is all under fine cultivation. He is a stockholder in the Shelby Telephone Company. To his insurance business he devotes usually the first three days of the week and writes risks for the Crawford County Mutual Fire and Lightning Company, and the Ohio Mutual Wind, Storm and Tornado Insurance Company, his territory covering four townships in Richland county, two in Crawford and four in Huron county.

Mr. Sawyer was married to Miss Eunice L. Trago, who was born in Auburn township, a daughter of S. W. and Amelia Trago, and four children have been born to them, namely : Huron E., who resides with his family at Dayton ; Porter, who operates the home farm, and married Carrie Mae Bender, of Sandusky township; Kenneth E., who formerly was a teacher in Crawford county and is now in the employ of the First National Bank at Portland, Ore. ; and'Milo B., who is a student in the Tiro High School. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer belong to the Lutheran church at Tiro. In politics he is a Democrat, of the progressive type. For many years Mr. Sawyer has been prominent in the work of the Crawford County Grange and has been county deputy for twelve years and served as first chancellor of Tiro Lodge No. 593, Knights of Pythias. He has filled numerous responsible positions, for six; years . being a member and director of the Crawford County Mutual Insurance Co., and for ten years was president of the Northeastern Ohio Farm Institute Association. For several years he served as a member of the township board of education and was clerk of that body.

WILLIS PRENTICE KIMBLE, a wellknown resident of. Gallon, O., is the oldest division, engineer in term of service on the Erie Railroad. He was born at Paris, Edgar county, HI., April 6, 1858, a son of George W. and Sarah J. Kimble., schools in Paris, and in 1879 graduated from the College of Engineering, University of Illinois. In August of that year he entered the engineering department of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad at Las Vegas, New Mexico, and continued in various positions with that railroad until January, 1881, when he became connected with the Mexican Central Railroad, remaining with that line until August, 1884, during this time being principally employed as locating and division engineer in charge of construction. It was while he was with the Mexican Central that * they ran the first line of railroad from the United States acrpss the line into Mexico. From August, 1884, to Jan. i, 1886, Mr. Kimble was engaged in municipal and county engineering at Paris, 111., but on the latter date he reentered the service of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad on the Kansas City to Chicago extension, filling the position of locating engineer and division engineer in charge of construction. He afterwards was division roadmaster, Kansas City east, and later general roadmaster from Chicago to Kansas City and St. Joseph, Mo. In March, 1894, he entered the service of the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railroad (now the Erie) as division roadmaster and in 1897 he was made division engineer of the Cincinnati Division of the Erie and has continued in that capacity until the present time.

G. M. KLEIN, who carries on general farming in section i, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., where he owns 107 acres of valuable and well improved land, is one of the representative citizens of this part of the county. He was born on this farm, Jan. 23, 1849, and is a son of Conrad and Margaret (High) Klein.

Conrad Klein and wife were both born in Wittenberg, Germany. They came to America and were married in Cranberry township, Crawford county, on the day preceding Mr. Klein's 30th birthday. They then settled on the farm above mentioned, all of which Conrad cleared, and here he engaged in farming for many years and then, with his wife retired to New Washington. There he died some four years later, at the age of 'j't^, she surviving to the age of 74 years. They were members of the Lutheran church and their burial was in the Lutheran cemetery. They were parents of four daughters and two sons, namely: Elizabeth, who is the wife of John Lederer, residing near Toledo; Matilda, deceased, who was the wife Of Benjamin Guiss; Mary, who is the wife of John Utz; Caroline, who is the wife of Jacob Michelf elder; Adam, who died at the age of five years; and G. M., who was the second in order of birth.

G. M. Klein attended the district school when his father could spare him and remained at home as the only son to grow to maturity. This property has undergone much improvement and in 1900 Mr. Klein erected his comfortable residence, his other buildings being equally substantial.

Mr. Klein was married (first) to Miss Mary Herr, a daughter of George Herr. Mr. Klein was married (second) to Miss Mary Vollmer, a daughter of Jacob Vollmer. Mrs. Klein died Sept. 18, 1905, when aged 44 years, 5 months and 23 days. She was a member of the Lutheran church and her burial was at New Washington. No children were born to his first marriage, but Mr. Klein has five children of his second union: Theodore, who married Jennie John, and lives at Mansfield, O. ; and Lydia, Emma, Alfred and Paul. The family belongs to the Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Klein is a stanch Democrat and on the Democratic ticket he has frequently been elected to important offices. For some years he served as school director, four successive years was road supervisor and two terms was township trustee.

ANDREW HETICH GIBSON, who owns and manages his own farm of 80 acres and also attends to his wife's farm of 356 acres, both situated in Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., is one of the representative citizens of this section and a member of one of its old and substantial families. He was born in Whetstone township. May 27, 1846, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Kerr) Gibson.

For many years John Gibson was a farmer in Crawford county and died on his farm in Whetstone township. He married Mary Ann Kerr, who was also born in FrankHn county, a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Campbell) Kerr, old Pennsylvania families of Scotch extraction. To John Gibson and wife the following children were born: Margaret Ann, who married John Campbell; Hannah E., who was married (first) to A. R. Walker, and (second) to Peter Helfrick; Andrew Hetich; George B. ; J. M., who is a physician engaged in medical practice in West Virginia; Mary Belle, who is deceased; and John Edwin, Charles E., Delia J. and Leaffe L.

Andrew H. Gibson attended the district schools in Whetstone township and the Bucyrus High School for one term, afterward assisting his father on the home place and lived on the homestead until he was about 30 years of age. During this time he had served in the Civil War in Co. E, 136th O. Vol. Inf., and was out for 100 days. Farming and moderate stock raising have ever since engaged his attention and along this line he is considered one of the successful men of Whetstone township, his judgment in agricultural matters being generally accepted as the result of mature experience.

On April 18, 1877, Mr. Gibson was married to Miss Letta J. Campbell, who is a daughter of Edward and Amanda (Tupps) Campbell, and a granddaughter of John and Mary (Jones) Campbell. The parents of Mrs. Gibson were among the leading people of Whetstone township and it was from her father that Mrs. Gibson inherited her large estate, being the youngest daughter. Other members of her family were: Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of Franklin Keifer; Samuel K., who is deceased; and John B. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibson the following children were born : Iva May, who is the wife of J. A. Lowmiller and has three children - Roland A., Florence Helen and Earl Gibson; Mervin J., who married Austie Sife, and has one daughter, Edith Carrie; Amanda Vianna, who is deceased; and Claud M., who resides at home. Mr. Gibson and family attend the Presbyterian church at Bucvrus. He is a Republican as was his father, and has served as a member of the township school board and as road supervisor.

LEROY McMICHAEL,* one of Whetstone township's well known and highly respected men, was born Sept. 19, 1874, on the farm on which he lives and of which he is half owner, 230 acres situated five miles east of Bucyrus, Crawford county, O. He is a son of John A. and Mary A. (Trimble) Mc- Michael.

John A. McMichael and wife were both born in Crawford county, O., he in Liberty township and she on the present farm, the old Trimble homestead, which has been in the family since it was entered from the Government. John A. McMichael was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in Co. E, loist O. Vol. Inf., afterward engaging in farming until his death, in April, 1901. He was quite prominent in local politics and was widely known. His widow survives and resides on East Mansfield Street, Bucyrus. They had the following children : Mary Jane, deceased, who was the wife of Frank E. Miller; Eugene T. ; John Lawrence ; Emma, deceased, who was the wife of Leonard F. Quaintance; Ernest Wayland ; Leroy ; Bessie, who lives with her mother; and Garfield and Oren A.

Leroy McMichael had school advantages in Whetstone township until he was about 20 years of age, attending mainly during the winters and assisting his father in the summers. He continues his agricultural activities during the growing season and in the winter time is mainly interested in contract work on turnpike roads and in street paving. He is a man of much energy and business enterprise and counts largely as a useful and dependable citizen. He is a Republican in politics but in local elections reserves the right to vote independently.

On May 19, 1898, Mr. McMichael was married to Miss Daisy L. Beck, a daughter of William and Sarah (Kelley) Beck, the former of whom, in life, was a farmer in Jefferson township, Crawford county, and the latter of whom lives at Leona, Mich. Mrs. McMichael has brothers and sisters as follows : Shannon, who is deceased ; Verna, who is the wife of Mack Gledhill; Clark; Harold; Carrie, who is the wife of Orlo Charlton ; and Elizabeth, who is the wife of Harry Middlebrook. Mr. and Mrs. McMichael have three sons : Ralph Emmett, who was born March 17, 1900; Harold

C. F. FIKE,* one of the leading business men of New Washington, conducting a plumbing, heating and lighting establishment and dealing in plumbing supplies, was born in Seneca county, O., Jan. 31, 1879, and is a son of David and Mary Fike, who now reside at New Washington.

After his school days were over, C. F. Fike made himself generally useful up to 1900, when he came to New Washington and learned his trade with S. J. Kible and remained with that firm for ten years, when he started into the plumbing business for himself with Thomas Klein as partner, under the firm name of Fike & Klein, which cpntinued from June until January in the following year. Mr. Fike then operated under the firm name of C. F. Fike & Company in a general contracting business with one helper, in the Bordner Block until Nov. i, 191 1, when he secured his present large quarters which are well situated and equipped for the volume of business that he commands. Mr. Fike has been a member of the town council since January, 1912, a good, reliable, dependable business man, but is identified with no particular political party.

Mr. Fike married Miss Lydia Schwab, a daughter of Christian and Sarah Schwab, residents of Sulphur Springs, and they have six children: Elsworth, Helen, Odeal, Charles, Alice, and Ruth, the fourth in order of birth, who died in infancy. Mr. Fike and family are members of the Lutheran church. The family residence is on East Main Street.

JOHN B. SHUMAKER, a retired farmer residing in Gabon, was born in Polk township Crawford county, O., Jan. 11, 1841. His parents were John and Lydia (Beltz) Shumaker, and he is a grandson of Jonas Shumaker, who at an early day came to this section from Pennsylvania, making the journey overland by team and accompanied by his family.. This region was at that time entirely uncultivated and the Wyandot Indians were still residing here. For their meat supply the family depended largely, if not entirely, upon the wild game which fell before the pioneer's rifle. Jonas Shumaker died when 85 years old, living long enough to see many changes and improvements in the county. His first wife had died in early life, and he was twice married subsequently.

John Shumaker, father of our subject, came to Ohio with his parents in the early thirties of the last century, and here, when arrived at years of maturity he married Lydia Beltz, beginning domestic life in Polk township. He was not, however, destined to long enjoy the fruits of his labors, as he died at the early age of 23 years, when his only son, John B., the subject of this sketch, was four months old.

John B. Shumaker was reared on a farm in Polk township. In addition to acquiring a competent knowledge of agriculture, he became a carpenter, but abandoned this latter trade after following it for a few years. He purchased his first land - a tract of 46 acres - in Polk township, where he resided for some years, or until the spring of 191 1, when he retired from active labor and took up ' his residence in Gallon. He owns land also in W^hetstone township and has been successful in his business and agricultural operations. A Democrat in politics, he has held several local offices.

He was first married in Defiance county, to Catherine Dickerhoof, who was born in Defiance, O., June II, 1840. She died in Gallon in 1903. She was a member of the German Lutheran church. Of this marriage there were four children born, namely: Belle, wife of Allen Morrow, a farmer in Crawford county; Clara, wife of Michael Bair, a farmer of Bucyrus township; Mary, wife of Frank Tracht, also a Crawford county farmer; and Andy, who died unmarried when 26 years of age.

July 21, 1904, Mr. Shumaker married for his second wife, Jemima Kieffer, nee Beltz, who was born in Polk township^ this county, and was here reared and educated. By a previous marriage to Charles Kieffer, now deceased, she had a daughter, Cora, who married and had a daughter, who is now Mrs. Bessie Filsinger. They all reside in Toledo and the Filsingers have a son, Levern. Mr. and Mrs. Shumaker attend the Lutheran church. They have many friends in Gallon and elsewhere throughout the county and are

F. L.- KEMP, a leading citizen of Auburn township, Crawford county, O., formerly a justice of the peace for a period covered by ten -years, resides on his valuable farm of io8 acres, which is situated in section 3, Auburn township. He was born in Venice township, Seneca county, O., May 3, 1859, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth E. (Moor) Kemp.

Thomas Kemp was reared in Seneca county and married there, the Moor family being among the earliest settlers. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kemp and two sons saw service in the Civil War. F. L. Kemp was the sixth born in the family and is the only one living in Crawford county.

F. L. Kemp attended the district schools in Seneca county and afterward the Normal School at Ada, O., turning his' attention then to teaching school, a profession he followed more or less continuously for 25 years, in Huron and Crawford counties. In 1885 he came to. settle permanently in the latter county and was married to Miss Clara West, who was born on the present home farm in Auburn township^ a daughter of H. A. and Ellen West. H. A. West was born also on this farm, a. son of, John .and Elizabeth (McFarland) West, the former of. whom was born in England and the latter in 'Scotland. Grandfather West secured this, land and his deed, dated Aug. 6, 1834, vvas signed by Andrew Jackson, President of the United States. He died here but.- his widow survived until 1884 and died in Richland county, O. Mrs. Kemp was the .third born of her parents' five children and is the only one living in Crawford county at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp have one son, Harry, who was born in Plymouth township, Richland county, Oct. 13, 1888. He has been . thoroughly educated and after graduating from the Tiffin High School', took a course in civil engineering at the Tri-State College and then, located at 'Winchester, Ind., where he follows his profession as civil engineer.

Since locating on this farm, Mr. Kemp has engaged in general agriculture and has done a large amount, of improving. He has been a lifelong Republican and has frequently been called to public office by his fellow citizens. He has served as a member of the school board of Auburn township and in every way has demonstrated his interest in his community which is a part of good citizenship.

Vera De Vail, when nine. years old, was. taken into the home of F. L. Kemp and was reared as carefully as his own child. She was educated in this township and is still regarded as one of the Kemp family. She was born Feb. II, 1895. She was a daughter of Joseph and Jennie De Vail.

CURTIS J. BAKER, a prominent contractor and builder at Gabon, O., is one of the successful self-made men of this city and one who commands the respect of the business world and enjoys the esteem of. his fellow citizens in general. He was born in Morrow county, O., in May, 1866, and lost his parents when 13 years of age.

An orphan has fewer early opportunities than are afforded those in happier circumstances and while Curtis J. Baker had some educational opportunities at Blooming Grove, the necessity of earning his own living when only a boy in years, greatly curtailed his school attendance. On being questioned as to the main element that contributed to his success, he replied that when he had work to do he did it well, from boyhood to manhood. The terse reply explains the situation. For eight years he worked to learn the building trade, under M. B. Henderson, at Mt. Gilead, and after coming to Gabon, in 1890, worked as a journeyman for eight years more and then went into the building and contracting busi-r ness for himself. His good work inay be pointed out in many parts of the city,' a "recent handsome structure being the' Enquirer building. He has erected many of the handsome private residences, built the Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal church near Gabon and at Crestline erected the Newman' block and the parochial school and parish house. He erected his own handsome modern residence which stands at No. 336 South Market Street.

Mr. Baker was married at Bellville, in Richland county, to Miss Ada A. Grogg, who was born and educated in Morrow county', and died at Gabon, March 12. 191 1, when aged 35; years. She is survived by three sons : Fleet

L., Jay and Charles C. Mr. Baker was married second to Miss Myrtle Faine, who was born and reared in Crawford county. She is a member of the Baptist church, but Mr. Baker belongs to the United Brethren body. He is a Democrat in politics.

MICHAEL UHL, who is manager of the Uhl Hatchery, at New Washington, 0., and widely known as a poultry raiser and fancier, was born in Cranberry township, Crawford county, July 30, 1871, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Nedolast) Uhl. Jacob Uhl came to New Washington in boyhood and his four sons all live in this place.

Poultry raising has been a successful industry on the Uhl farm since Michael Uhl was a boy. He is now associated with his brothers, George and Lawrence, in the poultry business which has assumed large proportions. In 1900 the firm of Uhl Brothers started the Uhl Hatchery in a small way, with one incubator, while their present plant covers five acres and has a 120,000 egg capacity in their three buildings. On an average from 30,000 to 35,000 chickens are hatched a week, all pure bred, of 18 different breeds and for these they get fancy prices, sometimes $25 per hundred. Chick shipments are made by express, in specially prepared boxes, and they begin about Feb. ist of each year to cover their territory which includes the New England states and as far south as Tennessee and Kentucky and as far west as Nebraska, their shipments closing about the first of September. This enterprise has been successful from the start and the business is constantly growing. Michael Uhl lives at the hatchery and employment is afforded eight girls and seven men.

Mr. Uhl married Miss Mamie Strausbaugh, a daughter of James and Eva Strausbaugh, former residents of Tiffin, O., but now of New Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Uhl have one son, Robert. They are members of the Roman Catholic church.

CHARLES EDLER, a retired farmer now living quietly at Galion, O.. where he has very comfortable surroundings and many warm friends, was born near Heidelberg, Baden. Germanv, June 24, 1830. a son of Martin and Margaret (Shrake) Edler.

For many generations the ancestors of Mr. Edler, lived and died in the province of Sinsbein, Germany. There Martin Edler followed mechanical pursuits during his active life, living to the great age of 95 years. His wife died when aged 53 years. Of their family of nine sons and three daughters, but two survive : Charles and a daughter, the latter a resident of Germany.

Charles Edler was the second born of his parents' children and attended school in his own province and when 18 years of age, fulfilled the law of the land by entering the German army. When released from this patriotic service, being then 21 years of age, he took passage on a steamer to Havre, and from there on a sailing vessel for America and 27 days later ^^'as landed at the port of New York. He came on to Crawford county, this being in 1852. Charles Edler secured farm work at which he continued for four years and then rented land for himself, subsequently purchasing a tract in Whetstone township. During the Civil War he sold his Crawford county land and bought 120 acres, situated in Tully township, Marion county, on which he lived for ten years and then returned to Crawford county and bought 120 acres in Jefferson township. This land he greatly improved and still owns, continuing his residence on it until March, 1904, when he retired to Galion. Although Mr. Edler has always been an interested citizen and law abiding in every particular, he has never desired public office, his political activity being covered by his vote, cast with the Republican party. He is one of the leading members of the Lutheran church at Galion.

On July 31, 1856, four years after reaching Crawford county, Mr. Edler was married to Miss Martha Beach, who was bom within four miles of Galion, May 8, 1836, and has spent her life in this part of the county. Her parents, George and Mary (Zimmerneaker) Beach, were natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany and came to the United States before marriage, both locating in Richland county, O., where they were subsequently married. The father was a carpenter by trade and assisted in the erection of many of the first frame houses in Richland county. He also was a coffin maker and on many occasions he would carry the completed coffin on his back to the house of bereavement. The Beach family experienced and overcame all the ordinary hardships of pioneer life. The father died in October, 1862, his birth having taken place in February, 1812. When Mrs. Beach died in 1840, two children survived her: Mrs. Edler and a son, John, who resides in Marion county. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Edler, three of whom died in infancy and one daughter, Irena, at the age of 17 years. The survivors are as follows : Amelia, who is the wife of William Ricker, residing at Bucyrus; Mary, who is the wife of Samuel Ickhorn, a farmer living in this county, and has two sons; Katie, who is the widow of Levi Smith, who lives at Gallon and has one son ; Amqnda, who is the wife of Henry Ise, and lives at Newcastle, Pa. ; Edward, a resident of Gallon, who has one son; George, who is a musician, and with his two sons are leaders of a band at Gallon; Maggie, who is the wife of William Dickerhoof, and lives at Bucyrus, having three children; and Karl, who resides with his family, at Gallon. Mr. Edler has witnessed many changes take place since he first came to Crawford county and his recollections of early days are very interesting.

JOSEPH PIFHER, whose fine farm of 135 acres is situated in section 6, Auburn township, Crawford county, O., is one of the well known citizens of this section and is a veteran of the great Civil War. He was born in Thompson township, Seneca county, O., Aug. 7, 1842, and is a son of Mathias and Otella (Zenk) Pi f her.

The father of Mr. Pifher sold his farm of 20 acres in Seneca county and then bought 62 acres in Cranberry township, Crawford county, which, at that time was all swamp and woodland. With the help of his son the father cleared and improved the place and lived there until his death, at the age of 86 years and three months. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church at North Auburn. The mother of Mr. Pifher died in her 80th year and she also was a faithful member of the Catholic church.

the carpenter trade, mastering every detail so that all kinds of carpenter work came easy to him. He assisted to build the largest hotel at New Washington, O., and continued to follow his trade for 21 years. During the Civil War he served almost one year as a member of Co. F, 64th O. Vol. Inf. Mr. Pifher was ten years old when his parents moved to Cranberry township and he lived there until marriage, since when he has resided on his present place in Auburn township, and has made many improvements here.

Mr. Pifher was married Feb. 22, 1870, to Miss Elizabeth Dewitt, who was born on the present farm, a daughter of Alfred and Sarah (Frey) Dewitt. The father of Mrs. Pifher was of German extraction, while the mother was born in Pennsylvania. She was a child V, hen her parents moved to Ohio and spent the remainder of her life here. To Mr. and Mrs. Pifher three children were born, namely : Charles, who married Frances Forquer and has had three children, two of whom survive - Clarence and Grover - and who resides on the home farm and assists his father; Rose, who is the wife of Charles Mann; and Mary, who is the wife of Peter Alt, who lives in Auburn township. Mr. Pifher and family are members of St. Mary's Catholic church. He is a good citzen and in every public matter acts for the general welfare, but he casts an independent vote.

GEORGE J. DIETRICH, deceased, was born at Shippensburg, Pa., in 1837, a son of Philip and Margaret Dietrich, who were natives of Pennsylvania but of German ancestry. They were good people and belonged to the German Lutheran church.

George J. Dietrich was an only son but there were two daughters, both of whom married dukes. Mr. Dietrich grew to manhood in his native section and about the close of the Civil War, embarked in the hardware business and continued until 1874, when he disposed of it and came to Gallon. O. Here he established the hardware store with which he was cout nected for so many vears and in this city became a well known citizen and successful business man. acquiring valuable propertv in real estate and securing the confidence of his fellow citizens. His death occurred March 7,

1904. Although thoroughly in sympathy with all public movements that meant progress and reform and never failing to give support to the Republican party, -he never consented to accept any public office for himself. In his fraternal connections he was a Mason and an Odd Fellow.-

Mr. Dietrich was married at Shippensburg, Pa., to Miss Josephine Boher, who was born, reared and educated there, and is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Pague) Boher. The parents of Mrs. Dietrich were of German extraction but were born- in- Pennsylvania.-'" ^he father was a coOper by trade* and for many years conducted a large cooperage plant at Shippensburg, where whisky and flour and oil barrels were manufactured. He died in 1895, when aged 78 years, his widow surviving until 1904, when then being aged 81 years. They attended the German Reformed church. Mr. Boher was a Democrat. Of their 13 children there are four sons and three daughters living, Mrs. Dietrich being the only one, however, who resides in Ohio, her residence being situated at No. 231 Boston Street, Gabon.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich, two of whom, Harry and Clarence, died in early childhood. Mary, the eldest daughter, is the wife of Harry W. Brown, a commercial traveler, and they reside at Logan, O., and have one son, Clarence Mert, who is a registered pharmacist, a graduate of the Ohio Southern University at Columbus. Myrtle, who is the widow of Frank Dehn, lives with her mother. Josephine is the wife of William O'Neil, a hardware merchant of Columbus, O. Mrs. Dietrich is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church as was Mr. Dietrich.

JAMES WILLIAM MILLER,* a well known member of the Bucyrus bar and for six years secretary of the Bucyrus Loan and Building Association, an important enterprise of this section, was born at Bucyrus, Aug. 5, 1878, and has always maintained his home in his native city.

The grandparents of Mr. Miller were Joseph and Sarah (Henry) Miller, and while they were of Scotch extraction they were born in Londonderry, Ireland. They married and lived there until 1844, when, with their three children, they -crossed -the Atlantic Ocean to Canada and established themselves in Stratford, Ontario; and both died on their farm there, the grandmother in 1895 ^"^ the grandfather in 1905, he being then in his 92nd year. They were members of the Presbyterian church. They had six sons and three daughters born to them, some of whom still reside in Canada, while others are residents of- the United States.

John Robert Miller, the eldest son, was born ip Ireland, Nov. 13, 1839, and was about eight years old when his parents came to Canada, where he grew to manhood and assisted his father in farming and dealing in horses. As his father's representative he came to Ohio for .the purpose of buying horses to send-to Canada, and on one of his numerous visits he met Miss Mary E. McKinstry, who was then a teacher at Bucyrus. She was born Jan. 28, 1849, in Marion county, O., and still survives, residing at No. 856 South Sandusky Street, Bucyrus, which city has been her home for 50 years. She is a daughter of James and Rebecca (Garberson) McKinstry, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, June 18, 181 r, and in 1831 came to Knox county, O. He was of Scotch ancestry while his wife was of German extraction. In 1861 they moved to Bucyrus, where Mr. McKinstry died in 1902, the death of his wife haVing occurred ih 1869. They were members of the Presbyterian church. Three of their' children are yet living, namely : Amanda, who is the wife of T. F. Shotwell, who is an attorney at Detroit, Mich. ; Mathew, who is in the real estate business in Colorado, and who married Kaitherine Mealer and has one daughter, Myrtle Amanda ; and Mrs. Miller. On May 5, 1874, John R. Miller was married to Mary E. McKinstry and then came to Bucyrus to live, establishing hiinself in the lumber, carpenter and building business. His death was caused by an accident, on Aug, 21, 1884, he being injured on his father-in-law's farm by some Jersey cattle. His children all survive. Gertrude, who was born June 7, 1878, is the widow of Frank W. Cory and resides at Cleveland, O. James William is the second born. Sarah, who" was born in December, 1880, married" G.''M. Meridith, of Indiana, and he is now a bookkeeper with the American Clay Machinery

Company, at Bucyrus. John Robert, Jr., who was born May 23, 1884, is a civil engineer on the West Division of the Ohio Central Railroad, with headquarters at Columbus.

After completing the High School course at Bucyrus, James William Miller entered the law department of the Ohio State University at Columbus, where he was graduated in 1901 and was admitted to the Ohio bar. He has been interested in the Bucyrus Loan and Building Association since its organization in Feb. 1887. Its present officers are: W. F. Earth, president; Frank L. Hopley, vice president; George C. Gormley, treasurer; and James .William Miller, secretary: The business is capitalized at $200,000, and the company operates mainly in Crawford county.

Mr. Miller was married at Bucyrus to Miss Edith Tapling, who was born June 23, 1880, at Lindsay, England, and was two years old when she was brought to Bucyrus by her parents, Francis E. and Elizabeth (Rose) Tapling. They reside at Bucyrus, the father being a carpenter by trade. Mrs. Miller graduated from the Bucyrus High School in 1898 and was a successful and popular teacher previous to her marriage. They have one daughter, Elizabeth Mary, who wa:s born June ir, 1910. They are active members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Miller belongs to the Masonic Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council, at Bucyrus, and for six years was secretary of the Blue Lodge, and also is past chancellor of Demas Lodge, No. 108, Knights of Pythias.

D. M. PEPPARD, one of the retired engineers of the Pennsylvania system, residing at Crestline, O., may be numbered with the old railway men of the State as his connection with railroading began in 1853, about the time the Pennsylvania Hne was completed to this place, then known as the Ohio & Pennsylvania. He was born near Crestline, Dec. 25, 1834, and has always lived in or near this city, a son of Francis and Mary A. (Morrison) Peppard.

Francis Peppard was born in- Pennsylvania and in 1831 came to near Mansfield, O., where he married Mary A. Morrison, who was of Irish extraction, her people being pioneers in Richland county. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Peppard lived mainly at Crestline, where his death occurred when almost 78 years of age, she having passed away at the early age of 36 years. They were of the Methodist faith, worthy people in every relation of life. Their family consisted of two sons and three daughters, all of whom survive, are married and have families.

D. M. Peppard was the eldest born of his parents' children and soon after his school days in 1853 went to work in the yards of the old Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad; and in 1854 was made a fireman and in 1859 was promoted to the position of engineer, first on freight trains and after more experience, a passenger engineer. From 1873 until 1882 he had charge of the round house at Crestline and in the latter year .was promoted to be a master mechanic, a position he filled until 1891, having had charge of Division B of the Eastern lines and control of the lines from Toledo to Crestline. In 1892 he took an engine again and continued until 1897, when he became an engine shifter, which place of responsibility he held until his age retirement, Sept. i, 1902. In Feb. 1893, Mr. Peppard met with a serious accident in a collision between Perrysville and Leonardsville, resulting in injuries that confined him to his home for seven months, and this, with one other, were the only disastrous ones in his long career and neither were because- of any lack of care or caution on his part for he was known to have a thorough knowledge of every signal used in the service and to be unusually observant of every detail of his work.

At Crestline Mr. Peppard was married to Miss Maria A. Huffman, who was born in Knox county, O. and was four years old when her parents, Nathan and Electa (Parrott) Huffman, came to Crestline. Mr. Huffman was born in Ohio and his wife in New Jersey. After marriage he engaged in work at the blacksmith trade and engaged in farming. He was born in 18 1 3 and died at Crestline in 1870, while his widow survived until 1900. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Sixteen children were born to them, Mrs. Peppard being the second in order of birth, and ten of these grew to mature years, and eight married and have families of their own.

Peppard, as follows: Mary, who is the wife of George Welshons, a farmer in Crawford county and has two children; Kate, who married E. West, who is connected with the Tube Works at Shelby, 0., and has three children; Frank, who died at the age of 26 years, survived by a widow and one child; William E., a merchant at Marysville, O., who married Lillian Gardner and has six children; Grant, who resides with his wife and seven children at Shelby, 0.; Edwin, who owns a claim on which he resides, in Mexico; Harry, who died as the result of an accident when 39 years of age ; and Samuel, who is a house decorator and still'lives with his parents. Mr. Peppard and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican but has never accepted public office. He is a mei-nber of the F. & A. M., at Crestline; and is a charter member of Division No. 306, formerly No. 8, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and in 1866 was a delegate to a convention of this body.

RENO R. SEERY, general farmer and one of the representative citizens of Lykens township, Crawford county, O., who is operating 156 acres of land for his father, which is the old homestead on which he was born June 2, 1872, and is a son of Jacob and Lavinia (Coon) Seery.

Jacob Seery was born in Ross county, O., and during his active life carried on farming. He has always been a Republican in his political views and a prominent man of his section. He married Lavinia Coon, who was born in Canada, and four children were born to them : Alvaro, who is deceased ; D. B. ; L. M. D., who is now deceased; and Reno R.

Reno R. Seery attended the public schools in boyhood and before he took upon himself his present responsibilities, traveled all through the West, visiting points of interest and having a very enjoyable pleasure trip. He is a progressive, well informed agriculturist, successfully cultivating the land and raising some excellent stock. Sugar making is also one of the farm industries, a fine grove of sugar maples being on the fann.

Mr. Seery was married Sept. 18, 1894, to Miss Caroline Heinlen, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Auck) Heinlen, who were substantial and respected people of Holmes township and parents of three children; Emanuel, Clara and Caroline. To Mr. and Mrs. Seery a son was born, Orlo Dale, who died when six months old. They are members of the United Brethren church. Politically he is a Republican and has served several terms on the school board. He is a member of the Grange at Brokensword and of the K. O. T. M. at the same place.

EDWIN G. BEAL, cashier of the First National Bank of Bucyrus and an official who has had much to do with the prosperity of this institution was born near Bucyrus on his father's farm Sept. i, 1876. He is a son of Benjamin and Lydia (Rexroth) Beal both of whom were members of prominent pioneer families of this community.

Edwin G. Beal was graduated from the Bucyrus High School in 1893. In the same year he became assistant to his father in the office of the Crawford county Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Company of which company his father was then secretary. Upon the death of his father in March, 1898, he was appointed secretary of this company which position he filled acceptably until the end of the company's fiscal year. In 1896 he began his training in practical banking in the Second National Bank of Bucyrus being made assistant cashier of that institution in January, 1898. In September, 1898, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, O., where he was graduated from the classical course in 1901 with his A. B. degree. From this institution he received the A. M. degree in 1904. After his graduation from the Ohio Wesleyan University he entered the senior class of the Law School at Ohio State University in September, 1901, from which institution he was graduated in 1902 with the degree of LL. B. In June, 1902, Mr. Beal was admitted to the bar of Ohio. After completing his education he accepted a position with the First National Bank of Bucyrus and continued until January, 1903, when he was elected assistant cashier of the bank. In November, 1904, Mr. Beal was appointed cashier of the same institution and has continued in this important position ever since, being now also a member of the Board of Directors of the bank.

Rachel Monnett, who was born at Bucyrus, was graduated from the Bucyrus High School and later from the Cincinnati School of Oratory. Mrs. Beal is favorably known as an elocutionist, having frequently appeared in public and on many occasions has given entertainments for charitable purposes. She is a daughter of Abram C. and Jane (Walwork) Monnett, a granddaughter of Col. William Monnett and a great-granddaughter of Isaac Monnett, who came to Crawford county in 1828. Since its establishment in Ohio the Monnett family has been prominent in the affairs of the communities in which they have lived.

Mr. and Mrs. Beal are interested members of the Methodist Episcopal church and both are active and appreciated workers in the Sunday School, Mr. Beal at present being its Superintendent. Mr. Beal is a member of the Phi Kappa Psi college fraternity. Mrs. Beal is a member of Hannah Crawford Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

E. C. ASSENHEIMER, merchant tailor, one of the prosperous and representative business men of Crestline, O., who established his present store in 1906, has been connected with tailoring interests here, however, since 1895. He was born at Bucyrus, O., in 1872, and is a son of Christian and Bertha (Marggraf) Assenheimer.

Christian Assenheimer was born in the city of New York, Aug. 12, 1834, his parents being Germans. As a young man he came to Bucyrus and has ever since lived in Crawford county, being now in his 78th year. He married Bertha Marggraf, who was born in Germany in 1838, but has spent the greater part of her .life in Crawford county. They are faithful members of the German Lutheran church. Eight children were born to them, seven of these still surviving.

E. C. Assenheimer was reared on a farm and attended the public schools prior to learning his trade, at Crestline, after which he worked at his trade and for three years was in partnership in the merchant tailoring business with Jacob Sutz. In igo6, Mr. Assenheimer embarked in business for himself and has a commodious store well situated, the dimensions of which are 80x16 feet, on Railroad

Avenue. He carries a large stock of both foreign and domestic goods and has every facility for doing a first class business in his line. He has a wide city acquaintance and his patronage comes from the most fastidious class. Like his father, Mr. Assenheimer has always been a stanch Democrat. Mr. Assenheimer is unmarried.

JAMES B. GORMLY, president of the First National Bank, of Bucyrus, O., and for years identified with numerous very important business enterprises of this section, has been connected with this financial institution since its organization, and has been at its head for a period of 53 years. He was born at Bucyrus, Nov. 23, 1836, and is a son of John A. and Louisa (Bowman) Gormly.

John A. Gormly was born at Pittsburg, Pa., July 19, 1804, a son of John and Elizabeth (Gill) Gormly, the ancestry being Irish on the paternal side and Scotch on the maternal. John A. Gill, the maternal grandfather, served in the War of the Revolution. In 1830 John A. Gormly removed from Pittsburg to Brownsville, Pa., where he embarked and continued in a mercantile business until 1836, when he moved to Bucyrus and conducted a store on Sandusky Avenue. He was a man of excellent business perception and his foresight was shown in his acquisition of much property, both in the growing town and in "the adjacent region, and in addition to his subsequent holdings in city realty, he had 1,000 acres of land which became valuable for farming purposes. He established one of the earliest financial institutions here, founding the Peoples' Deposit Bank, in 1859, in association with his son, James B. Gormly, and continued the same until he found the time ripe for still broader business dealings, and in 1864 organized the First National Bank of Bucyrus. His business acumen and sterling honesty contributed to the success of this institution as they had to his other undertakings, and he continued at the head of this bank until the time of his death, which occurred May 8, 1878. He was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church and served in public capacities at important conventions of this religious body, both in Ohio and in other parts of the country. In 1833 ^^ married Louisa Bowman, who died Alay 6, 1872. They had three children: James B., George C. and Mary L., the last named becoming the wife of Rev. James .G. D. Findley.

James B. Gormly was educated at Bucyrus .and continued at school until he was 17 years -of age,, when his uncle, James P. Bowman, offered him a clerkship in his mercantile store, and he remained there for one year. Later he entered Bartlett's Commercial College, at .Cincinnati, >vhere he wa.s graduated in 1856, -and then became bookkeeper and teller of the .Exchange Bank at Bucyrus, ^yhere he gained .his first banking experience. ..He continued ;thete .until. 1859, when he became asspciated -with his father in . financial affairs, which, .under careful and. conservative rnanagement, developed into enterprises of vast importance. .Mr. Gormly's name and activities .haye been .of great value to many_other business con- .cerns. He served for spme .years officially with the Gas and Electric Light Company of .Bucyrus and later .as president of the Bucyrus Water Company; in 1893 was made and served as assignee of the estate of the late Governor .Foster, of Ohio;. from 1871 until 1875 was .secretary and treasurer of the Ohio Central Railroad Company ; and was one of the organizers of what is now known as the American -Clay \\'prking Machinery Company, of which he also served as treasurer. In local affairs, where the public welfare is a matter of concern, Air. Gormly has never failed to perform a good citizen's duty, and has served on many charitable boards and has liberally contributed to benevolent movements.

In iSqg 'Sir. Gormly was married to Miss E. A'^irginia Swingly, a daughter of Dr. Frederick and Alary (Denman) Swingly, and two daughters and one son have been born to them : Ella K., who became the wife of F. S. Monnett, of Columbus, O., a prominent public man, once attorney-general of the state; Susan E., who became the wife of W. H. Pickering, a representati^'e business man of Bucyrus; and James B., who is now deceased. Mr. Gormly and family attend the Presbyterian church and they are people of social importance, not only at Bucyrus, but also at the state capital and in other cities.

business enterprise of Crestline, O., one that is well financed and ably officered, was born at Mansfield, O., in the spring of 1872, where he was educated.

Mr. Sowash has been in his present line of business since he was 19 years of age and after learning his trade was foreman for some years for the Humphrey Company of Mansfield and afterward, for seven years, was with the Barnes Manufacturing Company of the same city, coming from there to Crestline in 1903, when the Crestline Pump W'orks business was started. This company has officers as follows : Judge Daniel Babst, president and a director; Jacob Babst, treasurer and a director; John H. Warden, secreta:ry; and James Sowash, general manager. In addition Mr. Sowash has been chief designer of all the pumps, which include 250 varieties, manufactured by this company. Additional directors of the company are: J. W. Ross, who is also vice president; Jacob Flowers, Abraham Seib, R. M. Taylor, and John H. Warden, all men of capital and high business standing. They manufacture and handle as jobbers all water supply goods and utensils and in addition to manufacturing hand, power and spray pumps, they cast sinks, traps, brackets, etc. The plant is extensive, 135 pumps alone bfeing turned out per day, and employment is afforded 65 skilled men. In advancing the interests of his house, Air. Sowash displays those - enterprising qualities which mark the successful American business man all over the eWorld.

Air. Sowash was married at Mansfield, O., to Aliss Alice Burns, who was born and reared there and their one son, Russell, now 16 years of age, is a student in the Crestline High School: Air. and Airs. Sowash are piembers of the Presbyterian chtu-ch. Politically Air. Sowash is a Republican and fraternally belongs to the order of Knights of Pythias, the Blue Lodge at Crestline and Council and Chapter at Alansfield.

ALBE MCE, vice president of the Home Savings & Loan Company, at Gallon, C, of which city he is a leading business man, was born at French Creek, Lorain county, C Alay 22, 1840, and is a son of Husted and Hannah Aloe and a descendant of an old French family that came to the L'nited States very early, set-

Husted Moe was born in Genesee county, N. Y., and was young in years when the family settled in what was then the wilderness of Lorain county, O. He engaged in farming and later conducted a stage route hotel at French Creek. His death occurred in 1850, when aged about 45 years. He married Hannah Moe, who was born also in New York and was a daughter of Isaac Moe, who engaged in farming near French Creek. Both he and wife lived into extreme old age. Mrs. Husted Moe survived her husband for many years, being aged almost 89 years at the time of her death. She was a devoted member of the Baptist church. Of her five children four lived to maturity and all married and had children.

Albe Moe was reared and attended school at French Oreek. He and his older brother, Perry Moe, who still survives and resides at Cleveland, entered the Union Army in May, 1 861, the latter enlisting while Albe became a teamster and after one year in the transporting department, became team foreman in the commissary department and later was made assistant superintendent of the horse corrals at Washington, D. C. Mr. Moe has a record of sending out more than 25,000 horses during the time this important assisting office to the efficiency of the Government was in his charge. After the war was over he was tendered a position in the quartermaster's department but by that time he was tired of war and its trappings and a home in the North, amid peaceful surroundings appealed to him a:nd finally he located at Gallon and for some years afterward was in the restaurant business here. Afterward he began to deal in real estate and carry insurance risks and subsequently entered politics and served in the city council in 1888-9. In 1890 he was appointed city appraiser and in 1892 was elected mayor; in 1894 was elected county commissioner and served six years in that ofiSce. In 1900 he was made, a member of the city board of Review, a position he has continued to fill, being remarkably well qualified for the same. He was one of the organizers of the Home Loan & Savings Company, with a capital of $2,000,000, of which he is a director and for the past 11 years has been vice president. Mr. Moe has been exceedingly

At Gallon, O., Mr. Moe was married to Miss Sarah C. Blosier, who has always lived in Crawford county and is a daughter of David and Leah (Rex) Blosier, who came from Pennsylvania and settled in Vernon township, Crawford county. One son, Ralph, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Moe, but he died early. Mr. Moe is a Democrat in politics.

JACOB F. ROSS, one of the leading citizens of Lykens township, Crawford county, O., where his valuable farm of 119 acres is situated, was born in this township, Sept. 4, 1 87 1, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Schimpf) Ross.

Peter Ross and wife were both born in Germany and he yet survives and resides on his farm in Lykens township. She passed away in 191 1. They had the following children born to them: Philip, who is deceased; Jacob F. ; Charles; Matilda, who is the wife of Chirstian Brown; Adam; Christian; Henry; and Martha, who is the wife of Jacob Kalb.

Jacob F. Ross attended the district schools when he was a boy and ever since then has given a large part of his time to general farming, prior to his marriage working by the month but since then has operated his own land. He is a practical, industrious man, not given to experimenting but rather keeping to methods which he has proved to be sensible and safe, and is recognized as one of the successful agriculturists of this section.

In 1884, Mr. Ross was married to Miss Anna Shafer, a daughter of Valentine and Elizabeth (Schaaf) Shafer, formerly farming people in Chatfield township but now living retired in Chatfield village. The parents of Mrs. Ross had the following children: Catherine; William Leonard; Mary, who was married (first) to Benjamin Zucker, and (second) to Daniel Koch; Anna, who became Mrs. Ross; Sophia, who is the wife of Albert Hartchue; Henry; Arlena, who is the wife of Harrison Kibler; and Frank, George and Harvey.

REV. A. H. SCHRIENER, pastor of St. Joseph's Roman CathoHc Church at Galion, O., has been an active and earnest worker in his present field for a number of years and has been permitted to witness both spiritual and material growth in his congregation as a compensating result. Father Schriener was scarcely i8 years of age when he entered St. Mary's Seminary, at Cleveland, O., completing his classical course at St. John's College, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Father Schriener was appointed assistant priest at St. Peter's, Cleveland, later was pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church at Port Clinton, Ottawa county, O., where he remained two years and then had charge of the Catholic church at Bowling Green, O., for four and one-half years, coming from there to Galion in January, 1899. St. Joseph's German Roman Catholic Church organization is one of the oldest in the city, having been founded in 1854 and ever since has been administered to by a regular priest. At present Father Schriener has a congregation of 500 souls and the flourishing parochial school has 85 pupils. He is deeply beloved by his own people and commands the respect of the citizens of Galion, irrespective of religious faith, who recognize his spiritual influence and his zeal in the cause of Christianity.

WILLIAM W. BUCK,* chief clerk of a division of the railway mail service, is a well trained and experienced man in his line and in January, 1905, was appointed chief clerk of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Division on the Pennsylvania road, his jurisdiction covering a wide territory, with office at Crestline, O. He was born at Philadelphia, Pa., in February, 1855, where he was reared and was graduated from the High School.

In his native city Mr. Buck was appointed a postal clerk, and has been in the Government service for 23 years, serving with efficiency in every department into which he was promoted, his first run being between

Pittsburg and Chicago. The work of thci Crestline office, as above stated, covers a wide territory, there being 260 postal clerks under its direction. When he was appointed to his present position he succeeded W. L. Poe, who became assistant superintendent with headquarters at Cincinnati. Mr. Buck has been very loyal to both employers and comrades and is justly held in high esteem. He is prominent in Masonry, belonging to Blue Lodge, No. 2^2, at Crestline, and to , Chapter No. 88 of this city, being treasurer of both branches; belongs to the Commandery at Mansfield and the Shrine at Dayton.

In the city of Philadelphia, Mr. Buck was married to Miss Sara K. Hayes, who was born at Camden, N. J., and at that time was a successful teacher in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Buck have one daughter, Leah M., who graduated in music from the Wesleyan University, at Delaware, O., in the class of 19 1 2. Mr. Buck and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Republican in his political affiliation.

GEORGE J. STRAUCH, one of the representative men in the hardware line at Crestline, O., a member of the firm of Strauch Bros., the oldest hardware dealers in this city, with commodious quarters on the corner of Main and Seltzer Streets, was born in Richland county, O., Aug. 19, 1862, a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Lippert) Strauch.

Christian Strauch, the grandfather, was born in 1802 in Germany, and in 1848 came to America with his family and settled in what is now Crawford, then Richland county, O., where he and wife died, about 1888, having been farmers ever since coming to Ohio.

Conrad Strauch was born in Bavaria, Germany, and was 14 years of age when his parents came to the United States and had followed agricultural pursuits ever since. In politics he is a Democrat and was reared in the German Reformed faith. He married Elizabeth Lippert, who was born and reared in Ohio, of German parentage. They died of cholera, in Auglaize county, O., when she was two years old. Mrs. Strauch still survives, the mother of ten children, eight of whom survive and seven of these have married.

George J. Strauch was two years old when his parents came to Crawford county, where he was reared and educated and later followed the carpenter trade for 15 years, when he went into the hardware business with his brother, Michael Strauch. The latter is a graduate of a business college at Ada, O., and is bookkeeper for the present fimi and serving in his second term as city clerk. In 1892 George J. and Michael Strauch embarked in their present business, succeeding a Mr. Frye, which business was founded by Mr. Frengel in 1862. They have commodious quarters, their main store having dimensions of 160x22 feet and additionally have two warehouses for storage and exhibition of buggies and farm wagons. They carry a full line of heavy and shelf hardware, tin roofing and do gas and sanitary plumbing, carrying all supplies.

George J. Strauch was married in Crawford county to Miss Sarah E. Schwarer, who was born in Vernon township, in 1864, a daughter of Jacob Schwarer, and the following children have been born to them : Estella, who is the wife of Charles Pry and lives at Crestline, having one son, Harold ; Erie E., who was educated in the Crestline schools and Wooster University, and who is a teacher in the public schools ; Frank B., who is a clerk for his father; Clarence J., a student at Wooster University, who is agent for the Cleveland Press, at Crestline; and Ruth, Eleanor M., Alvin and Jacob, all at home. Michael Strauch is unmarried. Both brothers belong to the Knights of Pythias and the latter also to the Elks. They are Democrats politically and for some years George J. has been a township trustee and a member of the school board. In their various business relations and in public ofifice, both men command the respect and have the confidence of their fellow citizens.

REV. G. M. SCHMITZ, first resident pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, at North Auburn, Crawford county, O., was born at Luftelberg, Germany, Sept. 13, 1880, a son of Joseph and Margaret (Welter) Schmitz. The parents of Father Schmitz were born in Germany and the father died there when his son was nine years old. The

St. Mary's Catholic Church, like other congregations, was developed from a mission and attained its present standing and importance through the zealous Christian efforts of its priests and the generosity of its faithful members. It was in the spring of 1879 that the Catholics living in the neighborhood of Waynesburg, O., called a meeting to endeavor to make some plans whereby services could be held on Sunday and a Sunday-school started nearer than New Washington, to reach which place was often a tax on both sick and well. The decision was to erect a suitable building, hence arose a frame structure on a corner of the old Faeth farm and from 1880- 81 Rev. Amadeus Dambach was pastor of what was the beginning of St. Mary's Church. He was called away in the summer of 1881 and the church was then made a mission of the New Washington Church and from 1881 to 1888, Rev. Laurence Heiland administered to the two congregations. The summer of 1888 brought Rev. George Vogt, who, while serving as priest inaugurated many improvements and it was during his term as pastor that the church was frescoed and the stained glass windows replaced the old plain glass panes, Father Vogt donating one window and Father Horstman another. In 1899 Rev. Vogt left for a larger field and Rev. John Kunnert took charge of the church at New Washington and the mission of St. Mary's and during his administration a basement was dug and the building equipped with a furnace, the roofs of both church and priest's house were slated and the church tower, which had formerly been too high for safety, was somewhat lowered.

On July 5, 1906, the members of St. Mary's heard the welcome news that they were to have a resident priest, a favor they had long besought of the Bishop, and Rev. G. M. Schmitz was sent and as been in charge ever since. He met with a hearty reception from the majority of his parish, although there were a few who doubted, at that time, the financial ability of the congregation to give adequate support, but long since then all these fears have been dispelled and the parish is in an exceedingly prosperous condition. He has not only looked carefully after the spiritual welfare of his people but has been a wise executive and the improvements that have been brought about under his direction and encouragement, have added greatly to the value of the property. Under his fostering care various church organizations have become a part of St. Mary's life. The Christian Mother Society was canonically established with the sanction of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Horstman and a membership of 37 enrolled. In May, 1907, the young ladies and young men of the parish were enrolled into the Sodality of B. M. V. under the name of St. Agnes Sodality and St. Aloysius Sodality, respectively. At different times eloquent members of the Catholic clergy have visited the parish and have carried away good reports.

Father Schmitz has about 60 families in his parish and also supplies St. Anthony's Church, which he organized three years since. In connection with St. Mary's there is a successful parochial school. The church owns two and one-half acres of land, which is conveniently located and on which stands the church, the priest's house and the cemetery. Father Schmitz is one of the younger members of the Catholic clergy in this section and is a man of scholarly attainments. He was educated in Europe and completed his theological studies at Washington, D. C, and was ordained at Baltimore, Md., Dec. 17, 1904, by Cardinal Gibbons. Prior to coming to St. Mary's' he was in charge at Cleveland, O.

BURT E. PLACE, general manager for the firm of E. M. Freese & Co., Brick, Tile and Fire Proofing machinery manufacturers at Gallon, O., has been identified with this concern for 23 consecutive years. He was born Sept. 7, 1870, at Grand Rapids, Mich., and is a son of Rev. Horace Place. The family is of old New England stock and Rev. Horace Place was born in Vermont. From there, in early manhood he came to Ohio, where he worked at the trade of cabinetmaking and later became a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal body, in which work he continued for 30 years, his death occurring at Cleveland, O. He was married while in

Burt E. Place was educated at Bellevue, O., and attended school also at other points where his father was located. When he first entered the business house with which he has ever since been identified, it was in a minor position and through ability, intelligence and fidelity he has steadily advanced and not only is indispensable to the firm of E. M. Freese & Co., but is also interested in other business enterprises which indicate his reliability as a citizen and business man. He is vice president of the First National Bank of Gallon and a member of its board of directors.

Mr. Place was married at Plymouth, O., to Miss Mabel Swope, and they have three children: Lawrence, Margaret and Horace. The eldest son is employed in the First National Bank in this city. Mr. Place and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. He is identified with a number of the leading fraternal organizations and belongs to committees appointed to promote commercial progress, and, with other leading men accepts the responsibility of citizenship along the line of charity and benevolence.

BENJAMIN HEFFELFINGER, deceased, was one of the early business men and prominent and useful citizens of Crestline, O. He was born in Washington township, Richland county, O., Dec. 26, 1833, and died at his home in Crestline, Dec. 30, 1908. He was a son of Jacob and Esther (Lime) Heffelfinger.

Jacob Heffelfinger and wife were of German ancestry and Pennsylvania parentage. Soon after marriage, about 1820 they came to Ohio and settled on wild land in Washington township, Richland county, securing 40 acres, and to the clearing, cultivating and improving of this property, Jacob Heffelfinger devoted his after life. He was an honest, upright, industrious man, qualities which belong to his descendants. She lived to the age of 72 years and he until about 78 years old, both dying in the faith of the German Lutheran church. Of their eight children all survived to be about 70 years of age, with the exception of one who died in his i6th year. The one survivor, Jacob, Jr., a millwright

Benjamin Heffelfinger remained on the home farm until 21 years of age and then learned the trade of shingle maker. In April, 1 86 1, he embarked in the grocery business on East Main Street, Crestline, where he continued for 30 years, during this period erecting his own business house and investing in other property, including five acres of valuable realty and owning a handsome residence situated at No. 716 West Bucyrus Street, where he spent the closing years of his life, in comfortable retirement. He was identified with many of the progressive movements that contributed to the city's advancement, was one of the early members of the city council and for years served as treasurer of the school board. In his political views he was a Democrat.

Mr. Heffelfinger was 27 years old when he was married, in Washington township, Richland county, to Miss Mary E. Kerr, who was born at Rensselaer, Jasper county, Ind., April II, 1843, 3. daughter of John and Susan (Piper) Kerr, natives of Richland county, of Scotch-Irish extraction. They were married in Ohio and in the thirties moved to Jasper county, Ind., where they both died early, the father of Mrs. Heffelfinger when aged but 36 years and his wife, when but 35. They left one daughter and two sons, Thomas and John, both of whom married and died when aged about 66 years.

A family of eight children was born to Mr. and Mts. Heffelfinger, namely: Melvin C, who resides with wife and children at Bucyrus; Martha J., who died at the age of 40 years, who was the wife of Henry Foltz and was survived by four children; Elihu E., who is a resident of Crestline and a conductor on the Pennsylvania Railway; Charles A., who is an engineer on the same road lives at Crestline and has a family of wife, son and three daughters; Thomas D., who died at the age of eight months; Lavina B., who is the wife of John Cook, of Pensacola, Fla. ; and Dora and Rosa, twins, who died near together, when aged 19 months. Mrs. Heffelfinger and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

HORACE J. SMITH, a leading citizen of Lykens township, Crawford county, O., who owns 160 acres of well situated land, which he devotes to general agriculture, was born in Holmes township, Crawford county, July 3, 1869, and is a son of John F. and Malinda (Shupp) Smith.

John F. Smith and wife were born in Crawford county, members of old families of this section, and spent their lives here into advanced years. Mr. Smith still resides in Holmes township but his wife died in 1887. They had the following children born to them : Lulu, who is the wife of W. E. Pf etcher; Laura, who is the wife of Wesley Lust; Horace J. ; Edith and Sylvanus, both of whom are deceased; Leary, who is the wife of George Lecrone; Lottie, who is the wife of Edward Pfeifer; Celesta, who is the wife of Harry Chester; and Lena, who is deceased.

Horace J. Smith attended the public schools and remained at home giving his father assistance on the farm until he was 22 years of age, after which, for 14 years, he rented land from his father. In 1908 he purchased his present farm from his father and here successfully engages in farming and raising some excellent stock, not much more, however, that he needs for himself. His surroundings show thrift and good management, an interest in public affairs, schools and good roads and the presence of reading matter, go far to prove the opening statement, that Mr. Smith is a leading citizen in his community. He is a member of the Grange at Brokensword, is serving as school director, and for three continuous terms was a trustee of the township.

In 1 89 1, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Ida C. Fralick, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Hass) Fralick, one of the old families of the county. Mrs. Smith died Feb. 29, 1912. The other members of her parents' family were: Emma, wife of William Lahman; Benjamin; Elizabeth, wife of J. Shawk; and Edward and Harrison. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith four children were born, namely: Alfred, Lula, Mabel and Alton. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Brokensword.

DAVID H. CASSEL, a retired merchant of Crestline, O., occupying a beautiful residence which is situated at No. 211 Pearl Street, has made this place his continuous home for the past 17 years and has been active in both business and political circles. He was born on his father's pioneer farm, in Sandusky township, Crawford couity, O., Aug. 6, 1844, and is a son of John and a grandson of Frederick Cassel.

Frederick Cassel was of German parentage but was bom in the United States, not far from Pittsburg, Pa. He grew to manhood there and married Sarah A. Steel, and late in the thirties the family came to Richland county, 0., settling in Springfield township and both Frederick Cassel and wife died there, in advanced years. They were members of the Lutheran church.

John Cassel, son of Frederick and father uf David H. Cassel, was the eldest born of his parents' large family, his birth taking place in Pennsylvania, in 1821 and he was in early manhood when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. He learned the carpenter trade under John Stough, completing his apprenticeship before he was 21 years old. The Stough family came to Richland county at the same time as the Cassel family and they became acquainted while crossing the mountains and settled on adjacent farms in Springfield township. The families prospered together and both were well thought of in Springfield township, where the Stoughs also lived to be old people. John Cassel married Sarah Stough and continued to work at his trade in Richland county until 1843 when he bought a farm in Sandusky township, all of which was uncleared but se\'en acres and on which the only improvement was a log cabin. Here the Cassel family increased and thrived and the parents lived into honored old age, passing away with the neighborly esteem that their kind and useful activities during life had won for them. Ele\-en children were born to them and all but one grew to maturity, nine of these married and four sons and two daughters are vet living.

David H. Cassel was the fourth child and carlv became inured to hard work, his father needing his almost constant assistance. As opportunity afforded, he went to the^ district

-school, but had but meagre advantages. When he secured work from neighboring farmers, his wages were 25 cents a day and they were well earned. In May, 1862, he left the farm and came to Crestline and became an apprentice to the tinner's trade, with G. W^ Pierce, receiving for his first year's work the sum of ?35> $50 for the second year, and $75 for the third year, this including his board. For five years afterward he worked as a journeyman and in 1871 embarked in business on his own account and at that time established a hardware store, which he continued until 1908, when he retired after a long and prosperous business career. A strong Democrat all his life, he has been active in party movements in the county and city and has served as a member of the city council.

Mr. Cassel was married (first) at Upper Sandusky, O., to Miss Maggie Cramer, who was born in Seneca county, O. Her death occurred in 1869, from the effects of a fire which attacked the home. She was the mother of two children, one of whom died in infancy, the other being the wife of H. C. Cotner, of Crestline, and they have one son, Robert, who is a promising student in the public schools. Mr. Cassel was married (second) in Richland county, to Miss Maggie ^McGuire, who was a teacher. They have two children: Daisy AL, who is a graduate of the Crestline High School; and Dotty D., who is the wife of E. E. Meister, ^^-ho is connected with a large mercantile firm at Columbus. Mrs. Cassel and daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

GEORGE SXYDER, a retired business man of Gallon, O., and one of the city's most respected citizens, was born at Washington, Pa., Feb. 7, 1835, and is a son of John M. and Anna (Heist) Snyder.

John M. Synder was born at W'inkle, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and his father had sen-ed under the great Napoleon for six years. In early manhood John 'SI. Snyder decided to emigrate to America and after completing his trade of custom boot and shoe maker, he joined his brother-in-law, George Bower, who had established himself in Washington, Pa., in the blacksmith business. It was while living at Washington that John M.

And Represe'Ntative Citizens

Snyder was married to Anna Heist, who was from his own German province, and they remained at Washington until their son, George Snyder, was one year old, when a family removal was determined on, to what was then the far West. Mr. Snyder and Mr. Bower provided the heavy wagons and strong teams that hauled the household goods over the hills and mountains between Washington and Gallon, O. They were disappointed in the appearance of the latter place, at that time only a few scattered dwellings making up the hamlet, and as an encouraging business point they found it totally deficient. In considering whether to choose Columbus or Mansfield for a perinanent home, they tossed up a penny and as Mansfield was indicated they started on foot to have a view of the place before moving their families. Apparently they were satisfied with the appearance of that village for they concluded to make it their home and shortly afterward found employment and in the course of time were well established in their trades. George Bower lived to be 92 years old, grew wealthy and locally important. Both Mr. Snyder and Mr. Bower were musical and both were fine singers and their musical gifts served to introduce them to the hospitable people and for a long time no entertainment at Mansfield or in the vicinity was considered complete without their attendance and songs.

After some years John M. Snyder and wife moved on a farm in Congress township. Morrow county, O., and there they passed the rest of their lives. The land was unimproved when Mr. Snyder purchased it but perseverance and industry soon changed the wild land into cultivated fields. They were devoted members of the Reformed church and while living at Mansfield, through Mr. Snyder's efforts a church was built. He lived to the age of 76 years and three months but his wife passed away at the age of 64 years. They were people who were well beloved, their sympathy and kindness to every one arousing affection and respect. They had four sons and four daughters born to them and four sons and one daughter still survive.

was made to Morrow county. Under his father, who was a man of great skill in the trade, he had learned to manufacture custom boots and shoes, his father having made the first pair of stitched boots ever used at Mansfield. For some years George Snyder worked at the trade and then was married, after which he became a farm,er, continuing until Sept. i, 1865, when he came to Gallon and embarked in the grocery business near the Public Square, on West Main Street, and carried it on until his sons had grown old enough to succeed him and they still conduct it. Mr. Snyder was one of the organizers of the old Hayes National Bank and was its first president and later its vice president.

In Morrow county, O., Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Harriet Mitchell, who was born near Iberia, O., Jan. 12, 1840. More than 52 years have passed with their joys and sorrows but the tie has never been severed and on April 12, 1910 these good people celebrated their 50th anniversary, an occasion long to be remembered with pleasure by all who were permitted to attend. The following children have been born to them; Frank J., who conducts the grocery business which was established by his father, and who married Nina Wineland and has two daughters, Naomi and Maud; Alonzo M., who graduated from Kenyon College and took first honors in the class to which he belonged in the Cincinnati Law College, and who is engaged in practice at Cleveland, and is married, having one son, Gaylord; Charles A., who is superintendent of the iron works of Piatt & Crady, at Hartford, Conn., and has two sons, Russell G., who lives with his grandparents, and George Barry, who lives with his father.

Mr. Snyder and his brother were both soldiers in the Civil War, Mr. Snyder serving for 100 days. He has always been a patriotic and useful citizen and in local affairs has been continuously active, serving as a member of the city council and as a member of the school board for two terms, and when made the candidate of the Republican party for county treasurer, ran far ahead of his ticket. He is a member of the board of Review for the county. Both he and wife attend the Presbyterian church. He is a Mason of high de-

JOSEPH E. SUTTER, who is in the meat and grocery trade at Crestline, O., located on the corner of Bucyrus and Seltzer Streets, a member of the firm of Sutter Bros., is one of the enterprising young business men of this city. Both he and brother. Otto Sutter, who is his partner, are natives of Vernon township, Crawford county, and there he was born June 29, 1885. The parents are Joseph F. and Theresa (Becker) Sutter.

Joseph F. Sutter was born at Crestline, O., in 1856 and has been a farmer all his life. His people came from Switzerland and died in old age in Crawford county. Joseph F. Sutter was married in Shelby county, O., to Theresa Becker, who was born in Bohemia, Germany, in 1858, and was five years old when her parents came to Ohio and spent the rest of their lives in Shelby county. Nine children were born to Jacob F. Sutter and wife, Joseph E. being the fourth in order of birth, all surviving with one exception: Albert, Susanna, Joseph E., Dorothy, Otto, Herman, Olivia and Henrietta, and Alfonso, who died at the age of 18 months.

The firm of Sutter Bros, has been operating at Crestline since 1910, the partners purchasing their present store and market from W. D. Cover. Through a careful study of the demands of their patrons, through honest and courteous dealings and the handling of superior stock only, this firm has been successful from the beginning and occupies a recognized position in commercial circles here.

At Crestline, O., Mr. Sutter was married to Miss Agnes Link, who was bom at Gallon, April 13, 1886 and was educated at Dayton and Crestline. Her father, John Link was born in Montgomery county, O., and for many years has been in the meat business at Crestline. He married Anna M. Rock, who was born in Germany and came alone to the United States, when 19 years of age. Both families are members of the German Roman Catholic Church.

plumbing establishment being located at No. 218 East Main Street, was born at Williamsburg, New York, in December, 1855, and is a son of John A. and Anna M. (Miller) Zimmerman.

The parents of Mr. Zimmerman were born in Baden, Germany, and both came to America in 1850, and were married in the State of New York. After they came from there to Gallon, O., the father followed his trade of cabinetmaker with the Big Four Railroad and for other firms. He was a careful, reliable and skilled workman. Both he and wife lived to be 81 years of age, and they both were members of the Lutheran church. Of their four children, three survive and \ll live at Gallon.

John H. Zimmerman was one year old when his parents came to Gallon and here he was reared and attended school. He served his apprenticeship to his trade of tinner and plumber and for several years worked as a journeyman but otherwise has always resided in this city. In i8gi he established himself as a plumber and tinner and three years later, admitted F. H. Eise as a partner and at the same time added a hardware department, and for II years a prosperous business was carried on under the firm style of Zimmerman & Eise, since when Mr. Zimmerman has been sole proprietor and former conditions continue.

Mr. Zimmerman is a well known Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Council at Gallon and the Chapter and Commandery at Mansfield. He is identified also with the Knights of Pythias and the Elks and is a member of the Country Club. Politically he is a Democrat. He has never married.

JACOB R. BISHOP, an enterprising and successful farmer and stock raiser, owns a large body of valuable land, resides in section 15, Cranberry township, his property bordering the southeast side of the corporation limits of New Washington, O. He was born in Peru township, Huron county, O., Feb. 11, i860, and is a son of Arsaineus and Theresa Bishop, natives of Huron county and both now deceased.

ford county, of the Springer heirs, paying fifty dollars an acre for the same. It was good land but was not improved to please Mr. Bishop who immediately began his own improvements, including a system of drainage, in 1903 erecting a new barn, with other structures, and the entire remodeling of the house which had been erected in 1858. Mr. Bishop, in 1905, bought "jy acres, from his father-in-law, George Miller, a well improved body of land adjoining his other farm on the west. All of it had been cleared by Mr. Miller with the exception of eight acres of maple grove and every year a large quantity of maple sugar is made on the place. Mr. Bishop raises grain, especially wheat, having at the present date of writing 17 acres of as fine wheat as can be found in Cranberry township, and has a large acreage in hay. He also raises cattle, horses and hogs, disposing of $800 worth of the latter every year. A large number of fowls are produced here yearly also, Mrs. Bishop taking just pride in her Barred Plymouth Rocks and White Orphingtons, thorough-bred stock. She sells eggs to the Uhl Hatchery Company, of New Washington, O., and has made this an important feature of the farm industries.

Mr. Bishop was married Jan. 27, 1891, to Miss Mary Miller, who was born in Cranberry township, north of New Washington, O., a daughter of George and Margaret (Heydinger) Miller. George Miller was bom in Germany, Feb. 2, 1835, and came to Crawford county and settled one-half mile north of New Washington, where he lived for four years and then bought a farm south of that place and there built a brick house for hotel purposes in 1871, naming it the Washington House, which he conducted for 20 years, then retired and now lives at Chicago, III. His wife, Margaret Heydinger, was born in France, a daughter of John Adam Heydinger, who probably came to New Washington in 1835. She was one of three children : John, Margaret and Mary, the brother marrying Mary Gulong, and the sister, Frank Wechter. Mrs. Miller died July 7, 1905, and her burial was in the Catholic cemetery at New Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller the following children were born : Mary, who married Jacob R. Bishop; John R., who is manager of the Miller Department Store at New Washington; Catherine, who is the wife of Matthew Burger, residing east of New Washington; Ignatius, who lives in Cranberry township; Rosa, who lives at Chicago, 111.; Adam, who is interested at New Washington in the Miller Merchandise Company, and who married Amelia Burger; Cecelia, who is married and lives in the city of Chicago; and Tillie, who is the wife of George Schmidt, of New Washington.

Mr. and Mrs. Bishop have two children : Verona and Otto, the latter of whom is a student in the New Washington High School. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop is talented in music and devotes a part of her leisure time to teaching music. She graduated from the New Washington High School when only 16 years of age and afterward attended college for one year at Tiffin, O. She then taught school for two years and at present is bookkeeper for the Uhl Hatchery Company. Mr. Bishop and family are members of St. Bernard's Catholic church at New Washington. Mr. Bishop votes with the Democratic party but is not unduly active in politics and has never accepted any public oflfice except that of road supervisor, in which he served two terms.

JOHN F. MORKEL, who justly claims the distinction of being the oldest grocer, in point of service, doing business at Crestline, O., established himself here in 1887 and has continued uninterruptedly ever since. He was born in Crawford county, one mile west of Crestline, Dec. 7, 1853, and is a son of Christian and a grandson of Peter Morkel.

About 1829 or 1830, grandfather Morkel and family came from Germany to the United States and located in Franklin county, Pa., and from there, in 1832, started for Crawford county, O. The means of transportation was a wagon, drawn by a blind horse, and naturally but slow progress was made over the mountains and through uncleared lands, dense timber tracts and unbridged streams, and it took many weeks for the pioneers to reach their proposed home. They settled on virgin land, in what was called the wind fall, and there a log cabin was erected and life was begun anew. Many Indians were visitors to this section, attracted by the abundance of wild game and the pioneers soon learned wood craft from them and in the early days partly sustained life by hunting, trapping and fishing. A valuable farm w as developed through jjersevering labor and Peter Morkel and wife l!\"ed long enough to enjoy peace and comfort in their last days.