Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 32: Miscellaneous, 1912 (part 21 of 28)

Christian Morkel, son of Peter and father of John F. Morkel. was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, July i8, 1823, the eldest of seven children, and died in Richland county, O., in Febraury, 1906, when aged 83 years. He learned the trade of wagonmaker and was able to construct an entire wagon from the cutting down of the tree to its completion as a useful vehicle, and in addition owned and operated a saw mill and engaged in farming. He spent his closing years in Richland county, near Crestline, a man widely known and very highly respected. In Crawford county he married Mary Ann Purkey, who was bom in Lancaster county. Pa., Dec. 10, 1835, and was brought to Crawford county by her parents in the forties, they settling also in the wind fall, where her father followed farming. She died April 30, 1898, in Richland county. She was reared in the German Reformed faith but after marriage united with her husband's church, the German Lutheran. Thirteen children were bom to this marriage, twelve of whom reached maturity, ten of whom married and all these survive.

John F. Morkel was the eldest bom of his l^arents' children and was reared and educated in his native county about two miles east of Crestline. After some years on the farm he learned the blacksmith trade at Mansfield and for two years followed the same in Delaware county and then came to Crawford county on a farm for seven years, and then came to Crestline and embarked in the grocery business, for the first eleven years being located on Main Street and since then has occupied his commodious store, with dimensions of 22x67 f^ct, on the corner of Crestline and Bucyrus Streets. He carries a full line of staple goods and all fancy goods for which there is a demand, and does a safe and satisfactory business being able to meet all competition without recourse to any questionable methods. He is one of the reliable and representative business men of the city.

county, July 8, 1853, and was there reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Morkel have three children: Edith Dora, who is the wife of Lewis Smith, a Pennsylvania Railroad engineer residing at Crestline, and has one son, Neil; Clarence Lee, who lives at Galion, and who married Daisy Snyder, who died when their daughter Ruth was eight days old; and Estelle May, who is the wife of Howard Ackerman, of Mansfield, and has one son, Franklin Kenneth. Mr. Morkel and family attend the Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Morkel is a Democrat and he has been active and useful as a citizen, serving for nine years as a member of the school board and serving also on the water works board. He is prominent in Ohio Masonry, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Crestline and the Council at Mansfield and serving officially at different times.

RICHARD HOLCKER, senior member of the firm of Richard and Herman Holcker, successful hardware merchants and representative business men of Crestline, O., was born in Germany, Oct. 26, 1866, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Huebsch) Holcker. His brother, Herman Holcker, the younger member of the firm, was born in 1868, also in Bavaria, and there the brothers grew to manhood and both learned trades, the older becoming a machinist and the younger a carriagesmith.

The parents, George Holcker and wife, were born and reared in the same Rhine province and married there and for many years Mr. Holcker followed the machinist trade. In 1901 he and wife came to America and joined their children at Crestline, O., where the father of Richard and Herman Holcker died in Februarv, 1912, when aged 75 years, having lived retired after reaching this city. His widow, now in her 73rd year, resides with her children at Crestline. They had ten children and all came to the United States and all but one, to Crawford county, O. and all married but two.

The hardware business now conducted by the firm of Holcker Brothers, is one of the old established ones of Crestline, having been founded about 60 years ago, on the comer of Seltzer and Main Streets. The present firm, in

Thomas S. Kennedy

1892, succeeded Jacob Sosenheimer, and a large business has been built up here, an immense stock of goods being carried, including all kinds of hardware, tin roofing and farm implements. Business honesty is the watchword of this firm and it has proved good policy.

Both members of the above firm have marmarried and each household has children. Richard Holcker was married at Crestline to Miss Catherine (Gehrisch), who was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1874, and was 18 years of age when she came to Crestline. She is a member of the German Lutheran church. One child has been born to Richard Holcker and wife, Frederick, who is two years old.

Herman Holcker was married at Crestline to Miss Ida Eckstein who was born, reared and educated here. They have one son and one daughter: Albert G., born March 31, 1896, who is a student in the Crestline High School ; and Martha, who was born June 19, 1900. Mr. Holcker and wife are members of the German Reformed church. In politics both brothers are nominally Democrats, but with independent tendencies. Both brothers are identified with the order of Macabees and both are stockholders in many of the successful local industries of the city, while Richard is also a director of the First National Bank.-

HORACE ANGENE, one of the representative citizens and large tax payers of Crawford county, O., was born in Lykens township, June 2, 1861, and is a son of Jacob and Louisa (Barrett) Angene. The father is now deceased. He was a native of Germany and after coming to Ohio engaged in farming. The mother, who is now in her 73rd year, resides in Lykens township. They had two sons : Horace and Albert.

Horace Angene obtained an excellent public school education and then attended the Normal School at Lebanon, O., for one term, and before settling down to agricultural pursuits, taught five terms of school. Although he was entirely successful as an educator, he had determined on an agricultural life and ever since has devoted his attention to general farming and stock raising. He owns 370 acres of fine land situated in Crawford county and a body of 1840 acres, situated in Texas.

In 1883, -Mr. Angene was married to Miss Sarah Kalb, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Kalb, substantial farming people in Chatfield township. Mrs. Angene has two brothers: Daniel and Emanuel. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Angene: Orestus, who married Mabel Meek ; and Sylvanus, Anita and Amy. Mr. Angene and family attend the Pietist church at Chatfield. In politics a lifelong Democrat, Mr. Angene has frequently been elected to public offices, in which men of high personal standing and education are required, and he has served on the school board and also as a justice of the peace.

THOMAS S. KENNEDY, who is one of Crawford county's leading citizens and substantial and representative men, resides on one of his farms in Dallas township, containing 280 acres, and owns a second one, comprising 80 acres. Additionally he has 175 acres in Marion county, and 139 acres in Trumbull county, and is one of the stockholders in the Farmers and Citizens Bank of Bucyrus. Mr. Kennedy was born in Tully township, Marion county, O., Oct. 23, 1848, and is a son of William and Margaret (Shank) Kennedy.

The parents of Mr. Kennedy were born in Pennsylvania and both died in Marion county, O. They came to Ohio when young and were reared and educated here and later married and settled down to an agricultural life in Marion county. The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and they were respected and esteemed in the section which was their home for many years. They were parents of a large family. After the mother of Mr. Kennedy died the father married Mary A. Lance and they had one daughter born to them, Samira, who is the wife of Ellsworth J. Jones. Thomas S. Kennedy was the third born of his father's first family, the others being: Nancy, who died aged three years: Lydia Jane, who is the widow of Samuel Baker; Martha, deceased, who was the wife of George Watts ; James William : Emma, who is the wife of Madison Roberts, Anzila, who is the wife of George Watts: and Margaret Ellen, who is the wife of John Hill. The paternal grandparents of the above children were Thomas and Nancy Kenedv, and the maternal were Jacob and Lydia Shank.

Thomas S. Kennedy attended the district schools in boyhood and improved his opportunities so that afterward he taught a term of school in Marion county. He found, however, that his natural inclinations led more in the direction of an agricultural life and there- . fore became a farmer, in which line of activity he has continued and has been exceedingly successful. In 1882 he bought the farm on which he lives, from J. George Heinlen, and this land as all the other that he owns has been improved and brought to a high productive, state.

In 1874 Mr. Kennedy was married to Miss Esther F. Monnette, a daughter of Thomas and Esther Ann (Gulp) Monnette. The parents of Mrs. Kennedy were early settlers and for many years prominent people of Marion county. Mrs. Kennedy has but one sister: Vansanelia, who is the wife of G. W. Sipe. To Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy the following children have been born : Mervin, assistant cashier of The Farmers & Citizens Bank, at Bucyrus, who married Juna Ethel Newland, and has had three children - Evelyn Lucile, Frances Bernice and an infant, deceased; William, a farmer in Marion county, O., who married Mary Mertie Heinlen, and the following children were born to them - Flossie Marie, an infant, deceased; Clarence Eugene, Harold Stephen, Melvin Oben, Mabel Mertie and an unnamed infant; Otho W., city solicitor of Bucyrus, O., who married Edna Burke ; Orarige D., a farmer in Marion county, who married Blanche Fink, and has the following children - Milford, Almeda, Vancenella Catherine; Myron G., who is in the drug business at Niks, Trumbull county, 0., who married Daisy Knowles, and has the following children - James Thomas, Marion Elizabeth and Richard Knowles; Amy Elva, who married Samuel Stump, a farmer in Whetstone township; James Corbin, a farmer in Trumbull county, who married Eleanora Culler, of Indiana, and has three children - Myron Samuel, George William and Pauline Esther; Olive Edna, who is a member of the class of 19 13, at college, at Ada, O. ; Ralph C, who is a student at Fort Wayne, Ind. ; Myrtle Flossie, who is a student at Ada; Almet E., who lives at home; and Jay Monnette, who died at the age of two years. This is one of the representative families of Crawford county, not only in numbers but in intelligence and business capacity. Mr. Kennedy and his sons are Democrats in their political allegiance and are deeply interested in public affairs at the present time of writing (1912). Mr. Kennedy has served on the township school board, of which he has been clerk and has been land appraiser for one term and also trustee. Both he and wife were reared in the Methodist faith and in this church their children also have received their religious instruction.

AUGUST MARQUART, one of the well known citizens of Crawford county, O., owning 238 acres of valuable land in section 12, Cranberry. township, has been a member of the school board for four years and during three of these has been its president. He was born in Cranberry township, one mile north of the old homestead of Michael Marquart, July 31, 1856.

August Marquart obtained his education in the public schools of Cranberry township and has devoted many years to agricultural pursuits. The farm located three-fourth miles from New Washington, on which he lives, contains seventy-eight acres. He also owns 80 acres which he purchased from A. G. Lederer, this being previously the Anderson farm and he has also bought the Rapp farm of 80 acres. His home farm was formerly owned by Daniel Uhl. All this land Mr. Marquart has improved as he has thought desirable and has lived on the 78-acre farm since Oct. i, 1880. He carries on a general farming line and also raises hogs, sheep and Durham cattle, all good stock, and his methods are those which experience has taught him to be most satisfactory.

Mr. Marquart married Miss Mary Jane Tilton, who was born in Cranberry township, a daughter of Arthur Tilton, and they have seven children, namely: Ida, Minnie, Elmer, Ora, Emma, Arthur and Lilly. All have been given educational and other advantages. The family belongs to the Lutheran church. Mr. Marquart is not bound by politics to any particular party, preferring to use his own judgment as to the worthiness of candidates when he casts his vote.

HON. FRANK MILLER, whose prominence and usefulness both in public life and in business affairs justifies the assertion that he is one of the leading men of Crawford county, O., served with distinction for five years in the Ohio State Legislature, and from 1896 until 1900, was mayor of the city of Crestline, during which period municipal growth and progress was notable. Mr. Miller was born at Cresthne, March 11, 1863, and is a son of C. H. Miller, long a prominent citizen here.

Frank Miller attended the Crestline schools and the State University at Columbus, O., and in 1887 was admitted to the Ohio bar and practiced law until 1892. While he has been very active in politics he has been no less so in the business world. He is a director of the First National Bank of Crestline and also of the Burch Plow Works, and is vice president and treasurer of Schil Bros. Co., manufacturers of stoves and steel ranges. The above business was incorporated in 1900, with a capital of $150,000, and the present officials are: W. H. Weaver, president; Frank Miller, vice president and treasurer ; and W. D. Cover, secretary and manager. The board of directors is made up of the following capitalists : W. H. Weaver, C. F. Frank, J. M. Martin, J. A. Mc- Callum, C. A. Simeonton and John Schil. Mr. Miller owns and operates the stockyards at Crestline and has the contract for the managing and cleaning of the stock cars on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Mr. Miller was reared a Democrat and has always been a loyal party man and for years has served as a delegate to all important conventions and been prominent in county organizations.

In 1889 Mr. Miller was married in Logan county, O., to Miss Short, who was born, reared and educated there. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, at Crestline, and with the Elks, at Bucyrus.

BENJAMIN L. SITES, pharmacist, who conducts a well equipped drug store at No. 138 South Market Street, Gallon, O., has had a wide experience in his profession and in unusually well qualified for the important position the pharmacist fills in a community. He was born at Dakota, Stephenson county, 111., but was mainly educated in Ohio and after spending some years at Wooster and Heidelberg Universities, entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada and was graduated from the School of Pharmacy in the class of 1896. He then became a clerk in the drug store of C. E. Ashbrook, at Ada, where he remained for five years, as prescription clerk for this house.

In 1 90 1, an opportunity presented for a position in his professional capacity, under the Bureau of Medicine & Surgery, U. S. Navy. After passing a very satisfactory examination, he was attached to the recruiting party as assistant to the medical examiner, and later was sent to New York where he was given his first assignment, aboard the U. S. Training Ship "Aliance." This vessel made a number of lengthy foreign cruises, not being hampered by the usual fleet routine.

When military occupation was made of the Panama Canal Zone, he was one of the two pharmacists, out of 40, selected for duty there in the establishment of marine hospitals. In this capacity, he was professionally associated with the most skilful medical men in the service and enjoyed experiences which were exceptionally valuable in following work. At the time his enlistment expired, he was serving with Dr. J. D. Gatewood, formerly head of the Bureau at Washington, and then attached to the U. S. S. "Yankee."

Dr. Sites then came to Galion and in 1905 succeeded one of the oldest druggists of this city - L. K. Reisinger - and has continued in business here ever since. He is an enterprising citizen, an active member of the Commercial Club, having served as one of its presidents and at present is chairman of the industrial committee. He is a member of the State and National Pharmaceutical Associations, is treasurer of the Crawford County Pharmacists Association and belongs to numerous fraternal bodies including the Elks and Knights of Pythias.

WILLIAM DITTY, who is serving in his second term as township clerk of Lykens township, Crawford county, O., is well known all over the county, for 15 years having been a prominent and popular school teacher. He was born in Lykens township, Feb. 17, 1874, and is a. son of Levi William and Catherine (Haas) Ditty.

Levi William Ditty, whose death occurred Aug. 8, 1901, was well known all through LyKcns township, where he followed fanning. His widow survives and resides with her son William, who was the second born in the family ot children, the others being: Susan, now deceased, who was the wife of Arthur Jay Stevenson; Conrad M., who is deceased; and Mattie M., who resides with her mother and brother.

William Ditty completed the common school course in Lykens township, after which he took a commercial course at Ada, O. Teaching has been his main interest for many years and as an educator he is held in high esteem in Crawford county. During the summer season he cultivates his two acres of fertile land, attached to his comfortable residence, and does gardening and trucking. He is identified with the Democratic party and was elected on that ticket to the office of township clerk and gives intelligent attention to his official duties. He belongs to Lodge No. 859, Independent Order of Foresters, at Brokensword, and with his mother and sister, attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Ditty is unmarried.

THO^L\S H. B. CLUTTER, M. D., who stands at the head of the medical profession at Crestline, O. and is the oldest physician and surgeon here, has been a resident since boyhood, but was born in Washington county. Pa., and is a son of John P. and Margaret (Andrews) Clutter.

The Clutter family can be clearly traced as far back as 1623, in Holland, from which country his forefathers came and settled at New Amsterdam, X. Y. From Morristown, N. J., his great-grandfather, John Clutter, enlisted for senice in the Revolutionary War, in which he was a soldier for seven years and was with General Washington during the memorable winter at Valley Forge, his son, John Clutter, being also an enlisted soldier from the same place. After the trouble with Great Britain was settled the great-grandfather located in a wild section of \\'ashington county. Pa., one of the first settlers there, his estate lying within 12 miles of the present county seat. The Clutter familv experienced the most of the dangers and hardships of pioneer life, being driven to block houses for shelter from

Indians - these houses being the first thing they were compelled to build. They also suffered loss of stock from wild animals and had to surround their cabin at night with blazing fires to drive off hungry and voracious wolves. They lived through all these trials, increased in numbers and prospered in their business enterprises, accumulating much land and many herds of cattle.

John Clutter, son of John, and grandfather of Dr. Clutter, became famous locally as an Indiana fighter. He was a robust man even up to 80 years and possessed as much knowledge of woodcraft as the most wily savage and when one of the latter had committed some depredation, John Clutter pursued him for weeks until he had brought the Indian to justice. He married Phebe Headley, who also survived into old age.

John P. Clutter (3), son and grandson of John Clutter and father of Dr. Thomas H. B. Clutter, was bom in Washington county. Pa., Jjan. I, 1806, and lived and died on his grandfather's farm, when aged 80 years. He was one of the younger members of a family of 12 children, all of whom have now passed away. He married Margaret Andrews, who was born near the old block-house in \A'^ashington county, in 1816, and died Oct. 10, 1885, a daughter of James and Anna (Van \'oorhees) Andrews, who came from Xew Jersey to Washington county, Pa. John Clutter, grandfather of our subject, was a carpenter and wagonmaker and was skillful with tools. He was a busy and useful man in the neighborhood at the time when the hand was the only machine. The Andrews were all members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, while the Clutters were Baptists. Thomas H. B. Clutter is one of children born to his parents, namely: Jasper, who left a widow at death: Thomas H. B. ; Samuel, who lives with wife and two children, at Akron, O. : John P.. Jr., who lives with his family in Charleroi, Pa. ; Robert Morris, who is a resident of \A'aynesburg and has one son and one daughter ; and two deceased.

Thomas H. B. Clutter came to Crestline in 1 86 1, was reared here and served an apprenticeship in a durg store, after which he studied medicine for a time with Drs. A. & A. E. Jenner, with whom he prepared for Starling Medical College, where he was graduated in 1865.

Later he returned to Crestline and with the exception of a period of practice at Leesville, Crawford county, has been at Crestline. In February, 1889 he purchased the practice of Dr. C. W. Jenner, of this place and has been actively engaged here ever since.

Dr. Clutter was married (first) in 1867, in Pennsylvania, to Miss Joanna Day, who was born there in 1842, and died in the Columbus Hospital, Nov. 15, 1886. Dr. Clutter was married (second), to Miss Ida L. Mapes, who was born and reared at Bucyrus, O., a daughter of Richard Mapes. Dr. and Mrs. Clutter attend the Presbyterian church. He is prominent in Masonry, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Crestline; the Commandery at Mansfield, the Consistory at Cincinnati and the other branches at Dayton. He is a charter member of the Dayton Consistory, S. P. R. S., No. 32, and a charter member of the Home for Masons at Springfield, being one of the first contributors of one hundred dollars to this worthy object. Professionally he is widely known, financially he is independent and personally is a man of sterling character.

HENRY HAGEMAN, who is one of the most progressive agriculturists of Crawford county, O., resides on his finely improved farm in Cranberry township, where he has 100 acres situated in section 24, and an additional 100 acres adjoining the home farm on the north, was born here March 13, 1848, and is a son of Charles and Catherine (Fredline) Hageman.

Charles Hageman was born in Somerset county, Pa., and was twelve years old when he accompanied his parents, Barnett and Susan Hageman, to Wayne county, O. Barnett Hageman served as a private in the Revolutionary War and died in Crawford county and his burial was in Goodwill Cemetery. Charles Hageman grew to manhood in Wayne county and then married Catherine Fredline. He was a house carpenter and a skilled workman and after marriage he built a residence in Wayne county which his son Henry visited in later years and was surprised to see how skillfully and substantially it had been constructed, all its finishing having been done by hand. After the birth of three children - Sarah, Mary and Catherine - Charles Hageman and wife moved to Crawford county, in 1842 reaching the present farm of Henry Hageman, in Cranberry township. It must have been a stern sense of duty that made Mr. and Mrs. Hageman willing to give up their comfortable home in Wayne county and settle here, where but three acres of the 100 had been cleared and the only house was a log cabin. In the course of time, however, Mr. Plageman erected the frame residence which is yet standing and cleared 70 acres of the land and here the rest of the children were born, namely: William, Martha, George, Henry, David and John. The survivors are William, John and Henry, the last named being the only one living in Crawford county. The father died on this farm when aged 81 years, one month and 21 days, and the mother when aged 76 years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Henry Hageman had the school opportunities then offered in Cranberry township, these being somewhat meager in his boyhood, and afterward followed farming and the carpenter trade, acquiring a farm of 40 acres situated northwest of the homestead. When his mother died he came with his family to the home farm, which he purchased, and here the aged father had kind care until the close of his life. Mr. Hageman cleared off the remaining 30 acres of the land and made the repairs to the buildings which he deemed necessary and has added many improvements. He is a self made man, never having received any portion of his father's estate which he did not pay for. He is a member of the Grange and in his agricultural methods follows modern teachings and with great success. His residence is situated on the East and West road, four and one-half miles south and east of New Washington, O. In politics he is a Democrat.

Mr. Hageman married Miss Martha A. Garberich, who was born in Crawford county, west of Galion, a daughter of Isaac and Susan Garberich, and they have six children : Gertrude Pearl, who married Orval Stern and lives at Helena, O. ; William, who married a Laura Cole, and lives at Shelby, O. ; Maude, who is the wife of George Foster; Howard, who married Cora Derfler; Eva, who was a teacher for five years, and is in a nurse's training school ; and Anna, who has been a success-

GEORGE JACOB BAUER,* whose fine, well stocked farm of 47 acres is situated in Vernon township, Crawford county, O., has been a lifelong resident of this township and was born near his present place, July 12, 1858, a son of John J. and Julia (Harrience) Bauer.

John J. Bauer was born in Germany, Nov. 19, 1828, and came to the United States with his parents in 1836. They were John Philip and Catherine (Frick) Bauer, who settled as pioneers in Vernon township, where they cleared and improved land and occupied it into old age. This same farm was owned by their son, John J., for a period of 45 years and on that place his death occurred May 6, 191 1. He was a well known and highly esteemed man, well read and possessed of the sound judgment that led others to consult him on matters important to themselves and the community. Politically he was a Democrat and a worthy member of the German Reformed church. By trade a carpenter, he assisted in the erection of the first Reformed church building in Vernon township.

At Sandusky, O., John J. Bauer was married to Julia Harrience, who died in 1856, in the prime of life, in Vernon township, the mother of the following children : Emma, who married William Beach, of Vernon township, and has eight children ; George Jacob, our subject; and Phebe, who is the wife of Charles Pauffenbach, a carpenter in Toledo, G., and has six children. Mr. Bauer was married (second) in Crawford county, to Julia Unckrich, who was born at Massillon, O., and died in Vernon township in February, 1904, when aged 63 years, the mother of eight children, all of whom married but one : Mary, deceased ; John F. ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Frederick, unmarried; Amelia; Theodore; and Alice, a widow.

George Jacob Bauer attended the district schools in boyhood and youth and has followed general farming and moderate stock . raising ever since, with satisfactory results. The farm on which he lives is well improved, Mr. Bauer being progressive in his ideas, and he has one of the fine orchards of the township. He also has an interest in his father's farm of 240 acres and in a farm of 200 acres, which is owned by five people.

Mr. Bauer was married in Jefferson township, Crawford county, to Miss Mary Nigraiench, who was born in this county, Dec. 25, 1867, a daughter of Christian and Margaret (Steffhom) Nigraiench. He was a soldier in the German army but found condi- . tions so hard that he deserted and managed to hide himself for three days in the sails of a vessel, in which he escaped to America, and on the same vessel Margaret Steffhom came to the United States. After reaching Crawford county, O., they were married and afterward spent a long and happy life on their farm in Jefferson township. In 1861, when civil war was declared, he again became a military man and displayed all the qualities of a good soldier during his four years of service in his adopted country. Both he and wife were members of the German Lutheran church at Crestline.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bauer the following children have been born: Julia, who is the wife of Samuel Beach, a groceryman, at Crestline; and Hattie, Mada, John P. and Boston N. F., all living at home. In politics Mr. Bauer is a Democrat and has served in local offices and while trustee of Vernon township had much to do in the matter of ditching and building the excellent turnpike roads for which Vernon township is justly noted. For three successive years, Mr. Bauer, his father and his uncle, Peter Bauer, were drawn to serve as jurors, in the State Supreme Court, at Cleveland, the whole family having high standing in Crawford county. Mr. Bauer and family are members of the Reformed church.

P. C. THOMAS. Among the substantial and representative business men of long standing at Galion, O., is P. C. Thomas, who has been in the hardware line here for the last 30 years, his store being one of the largest and best stocked in this section of the state. He was born at West Becket, Berkshire county, Mass., and is a son of George Milton and Almeda (Baird) Thomas, and a grandson of George Milton Thomas, Sr.

aged 56 years. He was a carpenter by trade and also managed a small farm. In early days he was a Whig and later a Republican. He married Almeda Baird, who was a member also of an old Massachusetts family. After her husband died, Mrs. Thomas moved to Lorain county, O., where her death occurred in 1876, when aged 68 years. She had two children, a son and a daughter. The daughter died in infancy and the son accompanied his mother to Ohio.

P. C. Thomas was eight years old when his father died and the larger part of his school period was passed at Wellington, O. As soon as he was old enough he worked for neighboring farmers and then learned the carriage blacksmith trade, in which he engaged until 1 88 1, when he came to Gallon, immediately becoming connected with the store of which he is proprietor. For 19 years he was on the road for its owners, O. R. Cox & Company, they doing a jobbing business. Since 1901 Mr. Thomas has been sole proprietor. His quarters are commodious, the dimensions of his store being 24x196 feet, and the stock he carries includes shelf hardware of every description together with all lines of general hardware known to the trade. He has many of the qualities credited to his old Welsh ancestors, among these being a fine sense of business integrity which has been no small factor in his success.

At Wellington, O., Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Mary Daughterty, who was born in Medina county, O., a daughter of William and Adelaide (Mariam) Daughterty, the former of whom died at the home of Mrs. Thomas, at the age of 78 years. The mother of Mrs. Thomas survives. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have the following children: Frank, born at Wellington, O., who is a salesman for his father and who married Fay Coleman and has two daughters - Ethel and Helen ; George Milton, named after both his grandfather and great-grandfather, who is bookkeeper for his father, and who married Nellie Bland of Gallon and has one daughter, Ruth Lilian; Addie, born at Gallon, who is the wife of Stewart Booth, of Greenwich, O. ; and Ralph R., who lives at home. Mr. Thomas and his two older sons are all members of the Blue

Lodge in Masonry, of which Mr. Thomas is past master and treasurer, and he belongs also to the Chapter at Gallon, and Council at Bucyrus, in all of which he has- been an official. With his sons Mr. Thomas is also a Republican, all being strong party men. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the First M. E. church.

HARVEY G. ZELLNER, owner and proprietor of the Lykens Township Tile Factory, together with 17 acres of adjacent land, was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, O., Feb. 22, 1879, and is a son of Edward and Emma (Ohl) Zellner.

The father, Edward Zellner, was born in Pennsylvania, has followed an agricultural life and now lives retired at Brokensword, O. His wife is deceased, her burial having been in Baseline Cemetery. They had the following children born to them: William, Charles A., Henry, Laura, Harvey G., Anna and Walter. Laura is deceased and Anna is the wife of William Park.

Harvey G. Zellner had no other educational advantages than those offered by the public schools. In early manhood he began farm work, by the month, which he continued for about ten years and then purchased his present plant from Harvey Candel. The enterprise is an important one in this section, employment being given to from five to ten hands, the product being building blocks and tile from three to fifteen inches. The business is prosperous.

On Feb. 22, 191 1, Mr. Zellner was married to Miss Clara Laipply, a daughter of Emory Laipply, a general farmer in Crawford county, Mrs. Zellner has the following brother and sisters : Amanda, who is the wife of George Green; Emma, who is the wife of John Smith; and Laura, Grace and Jonas. Mr. and Mrs. Zellner are members of the Reformed church. In politics he is a Democrat and at present is serving acceptably in the office of road commissioner.

PETER ECKSTEIN, deceased, for many years was a leading business man at Crestline, O., and was the founder of the grocery store now conducted by his sons and successors, Henry E. and George P. Eckstein, at Nos. from 106-112, West Main Street. He was born in Kleinbieberau, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, April 8, 1848, and was but two months old when his parents, George and Mary Catherine Eckstein, brought him to the United States, following his baptism in his father's church, in the village where he was born.

George Eckstein settled first with wife and child in Richland county, O., and afterward moved into Crawford county, securing land in Vernon township, on which he and wife spent the rest of their lives. They were quiet. Godfearing people, devout members of the Re-, formed church.

When Peter Eckstein had reached his i6th year, he left the home farm and went to Sandusky, O., where he learned the carpenter trade and afterward followed the same for a number of years at Crestline. In 1875 he embarked in the grocery business, conducting the same for the first year with Benjamin Spell for a partner, but after that until he retired in igo6, was sole proprietor. He was a man of business integrity and a most worthy and useful citizen and his memory is held in universal esteem. Although he never sought public office his judgment and business qualifications were so approved by his fellow citizens that they desired the benefit of these in civic matters and elected him a member of the city council. In his political views he was a Democrat. His death occurred in his home at Crestline, May 10, 1910, a member of the German Reformed church.

In 1872 Peter Eckstein was married at Crestline, to Miss Catherine B. Huber, who was born near Leesville, Crawford county, Nov. 15, 1849, and is yet a resident of this city. Her parents, Peter and Christiana (Knapp) Huber, came to the United States from Germany and afterward lived on their farm in Crawford county and died there in old age. Seven children were born to Peter Eckstein and wife: John, who died in infancy; C. William, who is in the grocery business at Gallon and has a family; Ida, who married Herman Holcker, who is in the hardware line at Crestline, and has two children - Albert and Martha ; Julia, who resides with her mother; Henry E. ; George P., who, with his older brother, is a member of the firm of Eckstein Bros., and who married Lulu Hetrick, of Shelby, O. ; and Fred O., the youngest, who is a student in the Ohio State College.

Henry E. Eckstein, the older member of the firm of Eckstein Bros., was born at Crestline, 9, 1 88 1 and obtained his education in the schools of this city. He practically was reared in his father's store and learned the grocery trade at first hand, as may also be said of his brother and partner, George P. When the father retired, July i, 1906, after his long and honorable business career, it was with feelings of satisfaction that he turned his interests, over to sons so capable and well qualified to succeed him. A very large volume of trade is handled here, there being customers who dealt with the father and continue their patronage to the sons, the enterprise of the younger men having opened up new avenues that have contributed to business expansion.

Henry E. Eckstein was married May 5, 1909, to Miss Blanche Topping, who was born at Gallon, O., in 1884 and was educated in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Eckstein have one son, Robert E., who was born June 14, 1910. As a family the Eckstein's are members of the German Reformed church. Both members of the firm of Eckstein Bros, are Democrats in their political sentiments, while fraternally they belong to the order of Elks, at Gallon. They are not only able business men but public spirited and progressive, proud of the extent and high standing of their business interests and ever ready to assist 'in fostering that local spirit that arouses emulation and results in more general prosperity. Crestline, as every other city, values such citizens.

WILLIAM J. STUCKEY, a representative business man of Lykens township, Crawford county, O., owner and proprietor of the elevator at Plankton, where he deals in feed and grain and all kinds of farming implements, was born in this township, Jan. 20, 1870, and is a son of Carl and Louisa ( Keller) Stuckey, both now deceased.

Carl Stuckey was of German extraction and his business was farming and for many years he lived in Lykens township, where occurred his death and burial. He was twice married and to his first union were born : Henry, and Mary who is the wife of John Ohls. To his second marriage the following children were born: Lena, who is the wife of Frank Dennis; Charles; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Lewis "^^oung; Hattie, who is the wife of Charles

William J. Stuckey attended the public schools and then spent five terms in the Ohio Normal University at Ada and after this taught school for five years in Crawford and Seneca counties. For ten more years he followed farming but in 1908 bought his elevator and has been engaged in business at Plankton ever since. He shows an active and intelligent interest in public matters, aiding all movements that promise to be beneficial to the village and is valued as a citizen.

In 1893 ^^- Stuckey was married to Miss Mattie Mesnard, who was born in Seneca county, a daughter of William and Eliza (Mc- Claughlin) Mesnard. To the parents of Mrs. Stuckey the following children were born: Emma, wife of Charles Stuckey; Edward; Delia, deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Stuckey; Cora, wife of Donald Swalley; Mattie, wife of William J. Stuckey; and Lloyd and Duff.

Mr. and Mrs. Stuckey have two children: Verle, who is associated with his father; and Velma. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Stuckey is a Democrat and is serving in the office of clerk of Texas township. He is identified with the Odd Fellows at Melmore, Seneca county.

MRS. MINNIE C. BECHSTEIN, who is a member of one of the old families of Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., where she was born, reared and educated, resides two and one-half miles northeast af New Washington, her valuable farm of 116 acres being situated in section 2 of this township. She is a daughter of Michael and Caroline Marquart, both of whom died in Cranberry township, and the widow of William C. Bechstein.

Mrs. Bechstein grew to young womanhood in her parents' home and in girlhood attended school at what is called the Klein school-house, in Cranberry township and also attended German school at New Washington, O. On May 22, 1891, she was married to William C. Bechstein, who was born in Germany, a son of Ernest and Louisa Bechstein. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bechstein lived on J. Wright's farm near Bellevue, O., afterward moving to the Yingling farm north of Monroeville, and from there came to the present farm, which Mr. Bechstein bought from Henry Rapp, in 1899. The land had been partly cleared but the only attempts at improvement were two log stables. Mr. Bechstein was a very industrious man and an excellent farmer and soon had many improvements under way, his death, at the comparatively early age of 44 years interrupting many of the plans he had in view. He was a highly respected citizen of Cranberry township, a good neighbor and kind husband and father.' A son and daughter survive him, Elmer and Ora, both of whom live with their mother. Since Mr. Bechstein's death, on Feb. 20, 1910, Mrs. Bechstein has erected the present comfortable farm residence and the farm industries are carried on under her capable management. She is a member of the Lutheran church as was her husband.

GEORGE WOOD NICKELS, postmaster at Gabon, O., to which place his parents came in i8s4, was born in this city July 10, 1869, and is the sixth son of George Wood and Margaretta R. (Webber) Nickels. The elder George Wood Nickels was born in Marion county, O., in 1820, and was a soldier in the Mexican War in 1846. In 1854 he was married at Mansfield, O., to Margaretta R. Webber, a native of Cumberland county. Pa., and they came then to Gabon, where he followed his trade of carpenter and car builder and for a number of years was one of the most highly valued mechanics in the (now) Big Four Bee Line Railway employ. He died at Gabon, O., in 1873. Politically he was a Republican and fraternally a Mason. His widow, who was born in 1834, still survives. Three of their children are living: George W., subject of tlys sketch ; Webber, who is a sheet metal worker, resides at Gabon with his mother; and Guy, who is an upholsterer and carriage trimmer, resides also at Gabon.

At the age of 18 years George Wood Nickels, Jr., left school to learn the trades of boilermaker and machinist with the Erie Railway Comoany and was so employed until he was appointed assistant postmaster under Postmaster J- W CuDO, who filled the office for seven years. Mr. Nickels has always been an active Republican and on July i, 1905, was appointed postmaster by President Roosevelt after a special election to determine the people's choice and was reappointed by President Taft. He has devoted all his energies to advancing and improving the efficiency of his office, paying particular attention to expediting the mails in order to give satisfaction to the citizens and also carefully regulating the rural mail service. This is an office of the second class and a large volume of business passes through it, some 12,000 residents being served. He has a competent force and the office is conducted carefully and economically.

In 1896, Mr. Nickels was married to Miss Laura Case, a daughter of Philip Franklin and Dora (Monnett) Case, the latter a native of Gallon. The former died here in 1884. The mother of Mrs. Nickels lives at No. 222 Gill Avenue, Galion. Mr. Nickels is a charter member of Star Council of Junior American Mechanics, chartered in 1890, and for many years has been identified with the Masonic bodies, being past master of Galion Lodge 414, F. & A. M., is active as an officer in Galion Chapter 142, and belongs to the Commandery No. 21, K. T., at Mansfield. In large measure Mr. Nickels is a self made man and is entitled to the respect and esteem in which he is universally held.

FRANK B. KEHRER, proprietor of the largest and most complete jewelry store at Bucyrus, C, a business house that was founded by his father some 40 years ago, was born in Ohio, in 1862, and is a son of George J. and Leah (Haller) Kehrer.

George J. Kehrer was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1839, and died at his home in Bucyrus, in 1 89 1. He was born possessing many talents and, probably, with training would have become a musical genius, and all his li^ was naturally proficient in mechanical arts. In 1850 he came to America but after a few years returned to Germany but came back to the United States before the Civil War and in the latter part of this struggle served as a pri- A^ate in an infantry regiment under command of Captain Diller of Bucyrus. About 1872 he went into the repair business, on Sandusky A\'enue, Bucyrus, beginning in a small way as a tinker and mender of clocks, watches and jewelry. In his spare moments he constructed a wonderful clock that worked automatically and that not only recorded the passing of the hours but had many devices that made it a remarkable piece of workmanship. This clock still is exhibited in the store which his sons conduct and probably is unique as a sample of inventive skill along this line. He was what, in these days, is called a wizard, when he undertook the manipulating of clocks and watches. All his skill in this direction was a gift as he had never been instructed in mechanics of any kind, his education, which was liberal, having been directed more in the line of a profession. In politics he was a Democrat and in religion was a member of the German Lutheran church. Fraternally he was identified with the leading German organizations of the city.

George J. Kehrer was married in Columbiana county, O., to Leah Haller, who was of German ancestry but was born in Ohio. She still survives and is now in her 70th year. They had the following children: Frank B., Laura, Charles, George J., Frederick, Emma and Harry, the last named dying in 1890, at the age of five years. The eldest daughter as well as the youngest reside with their mother. Charles, who is a member of the jewelry firm of Kehrer Bros., married Desta Sprow. George J. was bom at Bucyrus in 1876 and since his graduation from the Bradley Polytechnic School of Peoria, 111., has been in the jewelry business at BUC3TUS. In 1898 he enlisted for sen'ice in the Spanish- American \'\''ar and with the 8th O. Inf., went to Cuba, from which island he returned with the command in 1899. He became second lieutenant of Co. A, O. N. G., resigning in 1901. He is a member of the firm of Kehrer Bros. Frederick, who is a graduate of the Ohio Medical University of Columbus, is a well known practitioner of this city, a specialist in diseases of the eye, nose and throat. He married Cady Coxgrove, and they have one son, Harry.

Frank B. Kehrer began to work in his father's shop as soon as his school days were over and thus acquired a thorough knowledge of the trade. In 1887 he succeeded to the business and immediately began its expansion and within five years found his quarters inadequate and after several removals, in 1897, with Mr. Blicke, purchased what is now the Kehrer Block, on Oct. 5, 1905, becoming sole owner. This is a handsome and valuable property situated at Nos. 112-114 North Sandusky Avenue, with dimensions of 48x72 feet. He carries a very large stock including jewels, gold and silver and silverware, clocks and watches and choice objects of art and his trade relations make it possible for him to procure for his customers any jewel or desired object of value or fine workmanship that he may not have among his own treasures. Mr. Kehrer is looked upon as a dependable man in his line, to which he has devoted his attention continuously for 38 years. In 19 12 he admitted his brothers, George J. and Charles, to the firm.

MiTi. Kehrer has never married, residing with his mother and sisters. He is identified with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. Politically he- is a Democrat but has never accepted any tender of public office.

CHARLES H. MILLER, whose long, efficient and honorable service made him one of the best known railroad men for many years connected with the Pennsylvania system, has been a resident of Crestline, O., since i860, and now lives retired, his home being located on the corner of Seltzer and Main Streets, Crestline. He was born in the city of New York, June 9, 1829, and is a son of John F. and Barbara (Giunder) Miller.

John F. Miller was born at Hamburg, Germany, Oct. 5, 1805, and died at Carrolton, O., July 2, 1897. When 12 years old he came to the United States on a cattle ship. For a number of years he lived in the city of New York and became a custom tailor, later in life moving to Carroll county, O. In New York City he married Barbara Giunder, who was born on the Atlantic Ocean when her parents, Jacob Giunder and wife, were coming from Switzerland to America. The mother died after the birth of her child and her burial was at seat. The father continued the journey with his motherless children, to Philadelphia, from there coming to Carrol county, O. In Switzerland he had been a linen manufacturer. His death occurred there when he was almost 100 years old. Mrs. Miller was reared by her brother and sister, mainly in New York State.

Her death occurred in Carroll county, O., when aged 84 years. She was a member of the Lutheran church. Four sons and three daughters were bom to John F. and Barbara Miller. One son, Benjamin, died at the age of 75 years. Thomas J. left a son at death. John F. died without issue. All the sons and daughters reached maturity and the two survivors are: Charles H. and Mary, the latter of whom never married and who still occupies the old homestead in Carroll county.

Charles H. Miller grew to manhood in Carroll county and secured his education there. In 1 85 1 he entered railroad life, becoming connected with the C. & P. Railroad, and worked on a construction train until 1853, when he went to Pittsburgh, where he engaged in merchandising- for four years. He then returned to railroading and was conductor on a Pennsylvania line road until i860, when he came to Crestline. Here he was placed in charge of the company's business with the title of dispatcher, but at that time his duties included a much wider territory than at present. In February, 1868, he was assigned to the position of livestock agent at Chicago, 111., but still retained his home at Crestline. The company appreciated his services and gave him full credit for what had been accomplished. When he left the railroad service an elaborate dinner was tendered him by his fellow livestock agents of the Union Stockyards, at Chicago, on Dec. 29, 1900. He stood high in the regard of both employers and comrades and was given the privilege of naming his successor, his son-inlaw, Ernest A. Oliver being subsequently named to succeed him. He has a thorough knowledge of railroad history running back 'sixty-one years. Politically Mr. Miller is, like his father before him, a Democrat. He is a third degree Mason.

Mr. Miller was married at Carrolton, O., to* Miss Caroline Jackson, who was born there May 26, 1833, and died at her home in Crestline, Jan. 8, 1908. Although quiet and domestic in her tastes she was widely known for her sympathy and charity were given wherever needed and the circle of those who sincerely mourn her is large. She was the beloved mother of the following children: Ada, who married A. J. Wire, and died twelve years later; Carrie, who is the wife of Ernest A.

Oliver; Frank, who formerly was a member of the Ohio State Legislature, and is now engaged in the livestock business at Crestline; and Fannie, who is her father's housekeeper and devoted attendant.

CAREY A. MICHENER, postmaster ai Lykens, O., and, in partnership with his brother, Alva J. Michener, owner and .proprietor of a general store here, was born in Venice township, Seneca county, O., in 1881, and is a son of William and Laura (Richie) Michener. The parents and their two sons all live in Crawford county, Alva J. being also a school teacher in addition to being associated with his brother in the store enterprise.

Carey A. Michener attended the^ local schools and afterward enjoyed three terms of Normal School training at Ada, O., and then went into educational work, for ten years afterward being a teacher in Lykens to\\nship. After retiring from the educational field he turned his attention to merchandising and embarked in his present business on Dec. I, 1909, when he bought the same from M. L. Aurand, in association with his brother. The firm enjoys a large volume of patronage, their honest methods and pleasant personality contributing largely to this prosperity. For the past three years Mr. ikichener has served also as postmaster and as a public ofificial has given entire satisfaction.

On Sept. I, 1909, Mr. Michener was married to Miss Hattie Hartzell, who was born at Bloomville, O., a daughter of Alvin and Savannah (Miller) Hartzell. The father of Mrs. Michener was a boiler maker by trade. His death occurred in 1908 and his burial was in Bloom township, Seneca county. Mrs. Michener has sisters and brothers as follows: Agnes, wife of Albert Owen; Elizabeth, wife of Reed Marquis ; and Cora, William and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Michener attend the Evangelical church. In politics he is a Republican and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Pythias at Lykens, O.

GEORGE W. MILLER, president of the Farmers and Citizens Bank and Savings Company, at Bucyrus. O., and also president of the Home Mutual Fire Insurance Company, has long been a leading citizen of Bucyrus and of

John D. MiUer was born in 181 3, in Cumberland county. Pa., a son of George and Catherine (Kex) Miller, who moved in 1837 to Richland county, O. Farming was the occupation of father and sons. John D. Miller continued to reside in Richland county until 1852, when he moved into Crawford county, securing a farm north of Oceola, to the culti- \ation and improvement of which he devoted the rest of his active years, surviving until 1896, passing away at the age of eighty-three. His first marriage took place in 1840, to Mary Deal, who died in 1852, having been the mother of five children. In 1855 Mr. Miller married Mrs. Mary (Kahl) Barga,-a daughter of Henry and Susan (Rank) Kahl, a widow vv'ith two children. To this marriage was born one son, George W. Miller, now of Bucyrus.

After securing a fair common school education, George W. Miller attended the Northwestern Normal School at Fostoria and then engaged in teaching school, continuing in educational ^^-ork for a part of each year, for a protracted period. During the last three years of his career as an instructor, he had charge of the Oceola, O., schools. He has always been greatly interested in the educational advancement of his county and in order to further it has frequently consented to serve on educational bodies. For a number of years his business interests have been important, and as the head of the Farmers and Citizens Bank and Savings Company, he has become relied on as a financier. The security felt by the public in this institution is largely due to his careful )and conservative attitude. He has been officially connected with local fire insurance organizations since 1898 and is now president of one of the prosperous and substantial companies of Crawford county. In politics Mr. Miller was reared a Democrat by a father w-ho took a deep interest in the success of Democratic principles. He has frequently been elected to important township offices and served two terms as treasurer of Crawford county, and in the fall of 191 1 was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and made chairman of the Agricultural Committee.

George W. Miller And Repkksextative Citizens

A, Sigler, a daughter of George E. and Harriet (Horrock) Sigler, who were highly respected residents of Todd township. Mr. and Mrs. Miller lost their only child. They are interested in the quiet social life of the city, are hospitably inclined and have a wide circle of attached friends.

JACOB BOLLERER, who is engaged in the bakery business, at No. 740 East Church Street, Gallon, O., is a thoroughly experienced, practical baker, having been in the business for more than 30 years, learning his trade at Wiesloch, in Baden, Germany, where he was born Feb. 10, 1863. He is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Metz) Bollerer.

The parents of Mr. Bollerer were lifelong residents of Baden and the father was in business there during the entire space of his active life. His death occurred in 1888, in his 74th year, he having survived his wife since 1877. They were members of the German Lutheran church and in that faith they reared their three sons and three daughters, all of whom survive, only two of them, however, living in the United States : Jacob and George, the latter being with the Erie Railway Company, in the Gallon shops.

After completing his apprenticeship to the baking trade, in his native land, Jacob Bollerer, entered the German Army in which he served faithfully for three years as the laws of his country demand. Believing that the United States offered better business opportunities to young men than Germany or other countries of Europe, in 1888 he left Germany and landed at the harbor of New York and from there came on to Gabon. With the exception of seven years he has been continuously in the baking business. He carries on a wholesale and retail business, arranging for an output of 700 to 800 loaves of bread daily, the excellence of which has carried his name over a wide territory and has caused frequent enlargement of his original plant. He has firstclass ovens and all the equipment which go to make up a modern bakery according to sanitary regulations. In 1903 he purchased two acres of land on which site stand his buildings and he thus has space for still further expansion.

birthplace of her husband, Nov. 29, 1865, a daughter of Lonkin and Marie (Steinbrenner) Schnautz, who came from Baden, Germany, to America in 1883 and located at Gallon, O., where the father died at the age of 73 years. He was a blacksmith by trade and both he and wife were faithful members of the German Catholic church. They had a family of three sons and four daughters, all of whom married. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bollerer, as follows : Catherine, who lives at home; Frederick, who assists his father in the business; Albert, who also assists in the same business; and Emily, Edna, Mary, Johanna, Loretta and Esther. Mr. Bollerer and family are members of the Roman Catholic church. Politically he is a Democrat, while fraternally he is identified with the Owls and the Moose. As a business man Mr. Bollerer stands very high in the city and equally so as a citizen.

DAVID BATCHELDER, president of the Citizens National Bank, at Gallon, O., has honorably and ably filled this position for the past 17 years. He was born in Richland county, O., March 22, 1839, where he was reared and had school advantages.

Mr. Batchelder was 23 years old when the Civil War opened and he was one of the patriotic young men who answered the first call of President Lincoln for soldiers, enlisting as a private and being continuously promoted until he was commissioned captain on Nov. 18, 1864, being mustered out on Nov. 23, 1864. He has a fine record and participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Grand Couteau, Sabine Cross Roads, Cane River, and Forts Gaines and Morgan. After the war was over he engaged in the shoe business at Johnsville, O., until 1870, when he came to Gallon, where he embarked in the fire insurance business, in which he continued until he became identified with the Citizens National Bank of 'Gallon. For eight years he traveled as adjuster for the Pacific Fire Insurance Company and then admitted the late A. M. Mathena to a partnership, the latter's son continuing the old business.

with $41,000 as surplus. For some time prior to being elected president of this old institution, Mr. Batchelder was vice president. The report of its condition at the close of business on Feb. 20, 1912, shows that the affairs of the bank are in a very prosperous condition. The officers are all capitalists, the cashier being A. F. Lowe, and the board of directors : D. Batchelder, J. J. Schafer and H. Gottdiener.

Mr. Batchelder married Miss Anna E. Ross, who was born in Wyoming county. Pa., and they have two children : Alice Adelia, who is . a graduate of a college at Painesville, O., and is the wife of C. S. Northrup, formerly city solicitor of Toledo, O., where they reside, they having two children - Katherine M. and John D. ; and Henry J., who is in business at Gallon. Mr. and Mrs. Batchelder are members of the Baptist church. He is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Gallon. He is a Democrat in National politics but in local matters exercises his own judgment. Mr. Batchelder is numbered with the public spirited citizens and belongs to the Commercial Club.

WILLIAM H. McWHERTER, who is connected with the blacksmith department of the Erie Railway shops at Gallon, O., was born in Marion county, O., Sept. 5, 1846, a son of Peter and Mary (Swisher) McWherter.

Peter McWherter was born in Marion county, 0., where his Scotch parents had settled as pioneers. He grew up on the old home farm and was 28 years of age when he married Mary Swisher, a native of Cumberland county, Pa., who was brought to what is now Crawford county in 1823. After the death of her first husband she married Henry Bilsing and survived until 1905, dying at the age of 81 years, the death of Mr. Bilsing occurring in 1909, when aged 83 years. In 1867 they had moved to Gallon. To Peter McWherter and wife three children were born, two daughters and one son. One daughter, Ellen, was the wife of John Seanor and at death left seven children. The other, Samilda, resides at Gallon.

William H. McWherter was married (first) to Miss Alice Nefif, who was born at Gallon, a daughter of Henry and Isabel (Buckingham) Nefif, who came to Galion in 1841, after their marriage in Pennsylvania. Mr. Neff was a member of the Lutheran church which he attended until his death, in 1884, when aged 71 years. Mrs. Neff was 69 years old when she died in 1882, a member of the United Brethren church. Mrs. McWherter was born in 1854 and died in 1896, the mother of one daughter. May, who was born in 1878. She married Charles King and died in the State of Washington after a residence of 16 months, leaving no issue. Mr. McWherter was married (second) in 1908, at Baltimore, Md., to Miss Florence A. Reagle, who was born at Manchester, Md., in 1872, a daughter of Henry Reagle. The latter was born at Manchester, in February, 1819, and worked there as a carpenter until 1909, when he came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. McWherter, where he died June 3, 191 1. Mr. and Mrs. McWherter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican and for 23 years he was active in the order of Odd Fellows.

PETER H. KEIFER, whose fine farm of 76 acres lies in Lykens township, Crawford county, O., is one of the representative citizens of this section, a veteran of the Civil War and a man who, through industry and prudence, has been successful in his various undertakings. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 12, 1843, ^"d is a son of Jacob and Anna (Bool) Keifer.

Jacob Keifer and wife were natives of Germany and the former died in that country when his son, Peter H., was eight years old. By trade he was a millwright. In 1853 the mother came to America with her children and subsequently located in Ohio.

Peter H. Keifer was ten years old when he accompanied his mother to the United States. He was one of the following children born to his parents: Emma, deceased, who was the wife of Charles Stuckey; Mary and Jacob, both of whom are deceased; Adam; Louise, who is the widow of John Wax; Peter H. ; and Margaret.

While attending school, Peter H. Keifer provided for himself by working for his board and lived on a farm until January, 1864, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Co. H, 55th O. Vol. Inf. in which he served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged in June, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., having participated in the great march to the sea under General Sherman. He then learned the carpenter trade, which he followed about 25 years. Mr. Keifer then bought 40 acres of land in Lykens township and began farming for himself and later added 40 more acres, but subsequently sold four acres to the railroad company, which reduced his farm to 76 acres, all of which, with the exception of three acres, is tillable. He carries on a general farming line and raises sufficient good stock for home use.

On June 28, 1870, Mr. Keifer was married to Miss Sarah Feighner, who was born in Stark county, O., but was reared in Crawford county, a daughter of John and Margaret (Gratz) Feighner, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Feighner the following children were born: Sarah; Ellen, deceased, who was the wife of Lewis Angene ; James ; L. C. and Ellen.

Mr. and Mrs. Keifer have two sons Richard and Charles. The former who is superintendent of the Upper Sandusky schools, married Ida Sanford and they have had the following children - Herbert, Homer, Walter, Paul and Helen, deceased, Charles, the younger son, is ticket agent with the Big Four Railroad, and he married Nettie Rhodes and has one son, Herold. Mr. Keifer and family attend the Baptist church. Politically he has always been a Republican and for 18 consecutive years served as a justice of the peace and has held other responsible offices, for two years being assessor, three years township clerk and one year constable. He belongs to Robert's Post, G. A. R., to the Odd Fellows at Lykens and to the Masons at Bloomville, O.

HOMER COX, one of the trusted and val ued employes of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, a corporation that is noted for the care with which it selects its men and also for the just treatment it accords them, has been in the service since August, 1890, when he began as a fireman, being steadily advanced until he now is engineer on the longest run in the whole system. He has spent the greater part of his life at Crestline, and was born in Crawford county, April 23, 1862, a son of William and Elizabeth (Bleeks) Cox.

county, O., both being of Pennsylvania parentage. They were reared in Ohio and married in Crawford county and spent the rest of their lives on their farm in Crawford township, where his death occurred in December, 1900, at the age of 70 years. His widow survived him four years, being then aged about 75 years. They were parents of five children: Maria, who died after marriage, leaving no issue; Mary, who married Madison Flohr, lives at Newton Falls, O. and has two daughters - Maybell and Hazel ; Adelaide, who is survived by her husband, Henry Orewiler; Homer, our subject; and Everett, who resides in the far West.

Homer Cox attended school in Liberty township and then entered railroad life with which he has been identified continuously ever since. After serving for eight years as a fireman for the present company, he \yas promoted to be an engineer and has continued his connection with the freight department, and his appointment, two years ago, to the Pitcairn run, was an evidence of confidence and appreciation. He has never had a serious accident and has never been injured and his record speaks for itself of his carefulness, caution and railroad efficiency. He is an active and valued member of the B. L. of E., belonging to Division No. 306, and for four years has been chief of this division and has been a delegate to the last two Biennial Conventions. He is also a member of the General Committee of the Adjustment of the entire northwest system of the Pennsylvania, and this indicates that he is a broad minded and well informed man.

Mr. Cox was married in Richland county, O., to Miss Carrie Brown, who was born in Crawford county in 1864 but was reared and educated in Richland county, a daughter of G. C. and Caroline (Richardson) Brown. The father of Mrs. Cox is a retired merchant living at Shelby, O., but her mother died in 1908, at the age of 67 years. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have two children: Harry A. and Ethel May. Harry A., who will celebrate his 27th birthday in February, 19 13, is chief engineer of the heating and electric lighting company of Middletown, N. Y., married Myrtle Shumaker of Crawford county, and they have one daughter, Mary E., who was born Aug. 9, 191 1. Ethel- May, who was born at Richmond, Va., gradu- ated with her brother from the CrestHne High School in the class of 1908. She is the wife of VVilber Jones, who is an engineer with the Pennsylvania Railway, on the Conway Division. Mr. Cox erected the first residence in the block in which he lives, his home being at No. 623 West Bucyrus Street.

A. A. ARNOLD, superintendent of the Gallon Metallic Grave Vault Company, of Gallon, O., and one of its organizers, incorporators and directors, was born at Mt. Vernon, O., Aug. 7, 1862, and is a son of George William and Elizabeth (Austin) Arnold.

Both parents of Mr. Arnold were born in England, the father in the great city of London, and the mother in beautiful County Kent. They were married in the city of London and when they started for the United States in 1856, they had one daughter, Ellen, the eldest of their children. She is the wife of John Dice, a locomotive engineer, and they reside at Gallon and have two children. Four more children were born, the two survivors being: Mamie, who is the wife of Frank Brown, a barber, and lives at Muncie, Ind., having two daughters; and A. A., of Gallon. The Arnold family resided at first in Cleveland, O., and from there moved to Mt. Vernon, and in 1864 to Gallon, where the father died in 1876 and the mother in 1894. They were members of the Episcopal church.

A. A. Arnold attended school at Gabon until he was 14 years of age and then entered upon an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade, afterward entering the Erie Railroad shops and two years later was promoted to be foreman of a department, afterward general foreman and still later received his deeree of master mechanics. In 1904 Mr. Arnold became interested in his present enterprise and the Gabon Metallic Grave Vault Company was organized as a corporation, its business being the manufacturing of steel grave vaults and was the first to construct an open end grave ^-ault. These vaults are made of the best steel and in sizes ranging from a child's body to what is called the Mammoth, the last named weighing as much as 500 pounds. Fifty people are given employment at the plant and in the business, and sales are pushed all over the country, Mr. Arnold finding his time fully occupied in looking after the same.

At Gallon, O., Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Ella Johnson, who was born in Ontario, Canada, in i8b8, came to Gallon in her 19th year and died here Aug. 30, 1910. She was a devout member of the Episcopal church, to which Mr. Arnold and their one son also belong. The latter, Roy J., is a graduate of the Gallon High School. Mr. Arnold was married (second) to Mrs. Emma Louise (Biehl) Fox, who has been a lifelong resident of Gallon. By her first marriage she had one son, William Fox, who is a student in the Gallon High School. In politics Mr. Arnold is moderately active and votes with the Republican party. He beldngs to the Masonic Blue Lodge and Chapter.

CHARLES ODER, who, in association with his wife, owns a fine farm of 160 acres, which lies in Texas township, Crawford county, O., was born in Seneca County, O., a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Chamberlain) Oder.

One of the early settlers in Seneca county was Edward Oder, who was born in Logan county, O. After marriage in Seneca county he followed farming there and as a respected and reliable man, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and one of the leading Democrats in his neighborhood. His family consisted of the following children : Nancy, who is the wife of D. M. Eastman; and Charles, the subject of this article. The mother of these children died in March, 1865, and later he married Elizabeth Pfau and they had two children: Jennie, who is the widow of Elmer Rhodes, and Frederick.

Charles Oder has devoted himself entirely to his farm pursuits since his school days and for the past 17 years has lived on this farm, which he purchased from his father-in-law, H. Shakers. He cultivates the grains which experience has proved do best in this section and sufficient stock is raised for his own use. He is an industrious, sensible man, well informed as to public matters and interested in all things that are important to this particular

In 1884 Mr. Oder was married to Miss Laura hhalters, a daughter of H. and Mary (Clark) Shalters. Mrs. Oder has one brother, Frank. To Mr. and Mrs. Oder three children were born, namely : Glenn, who married Florence Sponseller, and has two children - Kenneth and Evelyn; Mary, who is the wife of Albert Gregg; and Clark, who married Hazel Lee, and has one son, Lee Albert. Mr. and Mrs. Oder attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

PORTER F. RHOADS, whose connection rtith the great Pennsylvania Railroad system dates back to May 17, 1872, has a clear record for fidelity and efficiency during all these years and the confidence and esteem that he feels for his company is mutually felt by its officers. He was born at Haney Creek Junction, Seneca county, O., Nov. 19, 1853, and in 1859 was brought to Crestline, by his parents, William and Julia A. (Shade) Rhoads.

William Rhoads was born in Pennsylvania and his wife in Columbiana county, O. They were married in Seneca county and afterward he followed his trade of carpenter at Haney Creek until 1859, when, as noted above, he came to Crawford county and continued to work at his trade here almost to the time of his death, in 1900. He as a stanch Republican and with his wife belonged to the English Lutheran church. His widow, born in 1829, survived him for eight years. They had five children, as follows : Eliza, who is the wife of Frank Reeves of Columbus, O., and has six children; Porter F., subject of this article; Frank, who has been with the Pennsylvania Railroad at Crestline since 1879, and who is married and has a family; Ella, deceased, who was the wife of John Sears of Mansfield; and Sherman, who is a resident of Mansfield and a commercial traveler.

Porter F. Rhoads attended the public schools of Crestline and since then has been continuously connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1872 his name went first on the books of this road, in 1873 he was made a yard brakeman and in 1875 began as brakeman of Division B, Crestline to Alliance. On

May 17, 1 881, he was made conductor on Division B, and eight years afterward was given a crew and a run from Crestline to Conway, Pa. In June, 1910, appreciation and confidence was shown him by his appointment to what is considered the best run on the road, that being to Pitcairn, Pa., consisting of 208 miles. Railroad life, at best, is one of hazard and to avoid accident year after year, under all conditions, including weather, indicates a caution and measure of judgment that marks the highest type of railroad man.

Mr. Rhoads was married (first) to Miss Lucretia Dodane, who was born and reared in Crawford county and died at her home at Crestline, in 1901, at the age of 42 years, survived by no issue. Mr. Rhoads was married (second) to Mrs. Carrie (Perman) Carlin, who was born in 1856, in Morrow county, O., where her parents, Michael and Margaret (Fisher) Perman, had settled when theycame from Germany. The Permans secured Government land and the father developed it into a valuable farm. Mrs. Rhoads was reared by her parents in the German Reformed church. She was married (first) to Edward Carlin and the following children were born to them: Margaret, who is the wife of Albert Menes of Crestline and has one daughter. Norma; Bertha, who is the wife of George Gresmer, of Crestline, and has one son, Roy; Nora, who is the wife of Barley Neff, residing in Canton, and has five children - Ray, Harold, Maria, Ralph and Donald; Abaline, who is the wife of Richard Freeman, of Crestline; Charles, who lives at home; Lena, who is the wife of Clyde Kirby, and has one son, Kenneth; Agnes, who is the wife of Robert Nelson, of Pittsburg, Pa. ; and Louis, who died at the age of 21 years. Mr. Rhoads and wife have no children. He belongs to the English Lutheran church. Since 1882 he has been a member of the Railway Conductors' organization and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias.

ALLEN A. CRAWFORD, a member of the board of county commissioners of Crawford couity, O., was born near Mt. Gilead, Morrow county, O., May 20, 1856, six months after the death of his father. His parents were Allen and Ann (McAtee) Crawford and

Alexander Crawford, the grandfather, who was one of the pioneers of this family in Ohio, was born in Ireland. His parents came to America and settled in Licking county, O., and moved from there to Morrow county, at a very early day, Alexander crossing the Atlantic Ocean some years afterward and joining the other- members of the family. He followed an agricultural life and lived to the age of 75 years. His wife, Mary Eckles, probably was born in West Virginia, and they' had a family of four sons and three daughters. The only survivor of that family is the youngest born, Joseph, now in his 87th year, residing at Cameron, Mo.

Allen Crawford, the eldest son of Alexander Crawford, was born in 1818, either in Licking or Morrow county, being reared in the latter and at the age of 23 years was married at Mt. Gilead, O., to Ann McAtee, who was bom in 1817, in Loudoun county, Va., a daughter of Colley and Delia (Ashford) Mc- Atee. They moved from Virginia to Morrow county in 1829. Allen Crawford died in Boone, Boone coimty, la., Oct. 4, 1855, leaving four sons : Theodore, who is engaged in farming in Holt county. Neb., and who married Sarah Berry, and has five sons and one daughter ; James, who owns a fine farm on the state line between South Dakota and Nebraska, who married Nancy Johnson and has two sons and two daughters; William, who is located near his brother, in South Dakota, and who married Mary Sparks; and Allen A., the subject of this sketch.

Allen A. Crawford was reared by an uncle, Floyd McAtee, and obtained a good, common school education. A natural inclination directed his early business efforts to agricultural pursuits, including the raising of stock, particularly horses, and in the course of years he became widely known over the state as a successful breeder of fine livestock. He gave much attention to the improvement of horse stock in his section and for a long period was considered an authority along this line, and has been officially connected with agricultural associations and those bodies that encouraged the development of speed in horseflesh, and in this connection has owned many valuable animals. Mr. Crawford is an ardent Democrat and his party in Morrow county first elected him a county commissioner, where he overcame a large Republican majority, and in November, 19 10, he was elected a county commissioner of Crawford county.

Mr. Crawford was married first in 1877, to Miss Jennie James, who died in 1883. In 1888 he married Miss Cora Thomas, who was born and reared near Mt. Gilead, O. They enjoy a beautiful home at Gallon, O., and they are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in that city . Mr. Crawford is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows and the U. T. C.

JACOB HOLCKER, carriage manufacturer, vice president and secretary of the Holcker Bros. Buggy Co., at Crestline, O., is one of the solid, substantial and representative citizens and a member of a family that has contributed largely in the last quarter of a century to the prosperity of this section, along industrial lines. He was bom in Bavaria, Germany, April 26, 1846, and is a son of Philip and Charlotte (Dietz) Holcker.

The parents of Mr. Holcker lived and died in their native neighborhood, the father passing away on his estate, at the age of 78 years and the mother when aged 68 years. He was a man of industry during his active years and understood and followed both blacksmithing and carriage and wagon making.

Jacob Holcker grew up in his native place and secured a fair German education and then learned the trade of carriage smith. He early cherished a desire to come to the United States but remained in his own land until after he had complied with the law in regard to army service, then secured his passport and in 1868 set sail for America and was safely landed in the harbor of New York. From there he came to Bucyrus, O., there to join his brother, Louis Holcker, who had preceded him by two years, and the brothers went into business together at North Robinson, in Crawford county. In 1870 their brother, Charles Holcker, joined them and since then has been closely connected with their joint manufacturing interests.

brothers above mentioned, Louis, Jacob and Charles, established themselves as a firm at Crestline, coming from North Robinson. Here they first put up a frame shop on Seltzer street, in the heart of the town, and in the course of a comparatively short period had to enlarge their facilities, a brick addition being first added to the plant and this being supplemented with still further additions until now a half block is covered with substantial buildings, the plant extending 300 feet back from Seltzer street to the Big Four Railway. The product of this plant is sold all over the country, their traveling men covering the main business sections of the United States. Constant employment is afforded 35 skilled workmen for no buggy or carriage ever leaves this factory unless a careful inspection proves that it is first class in material and perfect in mechanical construction. The firm has built up a name for honest workmanship that is a valued asset. In 1888, Louis Holcker withdrew and went to Kansas City, Mo., where he embarked in a similar business and prospered, continuing until recent years, when he retired. The business at Crestline was continued by Jacob and Charles Holcker and had a steady growth and in 1902 was incorporated with a paid up capital of $50,000, and was officered as follows: Charles Holcker, president and treasurer; and Jacob Holcker, vice president and secretary. The board of directors include the above officers and additionally, William Monteith, C. F. Frank and Joe Schill, all of Crestline. At the present date of writing (191 2) Jacob Holcker has practically retired but retains his official position, his name having great weight in the commercial world. Like his brothers, Mr. Holcker is a member of the German Reformed church. They all are of the same political faith and Charles Holcker has been quite prominent in Democratic circles and has served as a member of the city council and for some years on the board of Public Affairs.

Jacob Holcker was married at Crestline, O., to Miss Magdalena Plocher, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Nov. 19, 1855, and came to the United States and to Crestline, in 1872. She died at her home here, Jan. 31, 1900- In every relation of life she was an admirable woman and is tenderly remembered by family and a wide circle of friends. She was a devoted member of the German Reformed church. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Holcker: a babe that died early; Charlotta Maria, who completed her education in the Crestline High School, and who married Charles E. Brown, who is an engineer with the Pennsylvania Railway and has two children - Olive Magdalena and David Holcker; and Louise C, who is the wife of Dr. D. W. Peppard, a successful physician at Mansfield, O. Dr. and Mrs. Peppard have three children : Gretchen Louise, Ruth Bettina and Heloise. After graduating from the Crestline High School, Mrs. Peppard taught German in the public schools for some years. The family is socially prominent.

HENRY W. HUNSICKER, a well-known farmer of Lykens township, who is at present serving his township as treasurer, operates a 160-acre farm owned by his mother. He was born in Lykens township, Aug. 12, 1884, being a son of William and Catherine (Lust) Hunsicker.

Jacob Hunsicker, father of William and grandfather of Henry W., was born in Germany. After emigrating to America he located first in New York state where he met and married Miss Matilda Knerieman, also a native of Germany. From New York they removed to Stark county, O., and it was there on April 15, 1842, that William Hunsicker was born. In 185 1 the family again moved, this time coming to Crawford county and locating in Chatfield township.

William Hunsicker grew up on the farm and all his subsequent life was spent in tilling the soil together with threshing. He was married on Nov. 24, 1874, to Miss Catherine Lust, who was born Dec. 30, 1850, and was a daughter of Conrad and Magdalena Lust. In April of the year following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. William Hunsicker moved to a farm of 160 acres in Lykens township, on which he erected good buildings and made many improvements. To him and his wife were born the following children: Peter Franklin, Madalena Elizabeth, John Wesley, Charles Simon, Henry W. and Laura Ellen.

William Hunsicker is now deceased but his wife still lives on the i6o-acre farm in Lykens township, owning also a tract of 80 acres in this township. She is, as was her husband, a member of the German Methodist church.

Henry W. Hunsicker, the direct subject of this sketch, after completing a common school education, spent one year at the Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, and one term in the Ohio State University at Columbus. He then went to work on his mother's farm and has since operated it for her. He has also become well known in his locality as an auctioneer.

Henry W. Hunsicker is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Lykens and of the Grange at Brokensword. He attends the Reformed church and in politics is a Democrat, as was also his father.

E. W. HADLEY, one of the best known citizens of Crestline, O., with which place he has been identified since its founding, is yet one of its active business men, for a number of years since retiring from railroading, having been engaged in the grocery business. He was born in Richland county, O., Jan. 16, 1833, a son of Savannah and Martha (Riddle) Hadley.

Smith Hadley, the grandfather, was born and grew to manhood in New York and there married Mary Van Norman, probably of Holland birth. They were very early settlers in Richland county, O., where they lived into old age.

Savannah Hadley, father of E. W. Hadley, \\as also bom in New York and was a young man when his parents came to Richland county, where he followed farming until late in life, when he moved to Noble county, Ind. ; where he died at the age of 83 years. In Richland county he married Martha Riddle, of Scotch-Irish descent, whose parents, James and Margaret (Marshall) Riddle, were pioneer settlers, the former being born in Ireland in the latter in Scotland. Twelve children were born to Savannah Hadley and wife, five of whom are yet living, E. W. being the fourth born of the family.

then being but a flag station surrounded by heavy timber. For some years he worked at getting out heavy timber and in a saw mill for the Big Four Railroad, then in course of construction, and afterward became a brakeman on the road and in three months was given a place as conductor and for 26 years he worked as a conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad. After retiring he purchased his present store and has continued in the grocery business ever since. In politics Mr. Hadley is a Republican and has been an active factor in his party in the county, for about 12 years a delegate to the county conventions and at jiresent is serving as a member of the county central committee and as a member of the board of elections.

Mr. Hadley was married in Richland county to Miss Eliza P. Garver, who was born in Ashland county, O., and died at Crestline, April 22, 1901, aged 62 years. She was an admirable woman in every relation of life and the mother of five children : Augusta A., who is her father's housekeeper; Horace G, who v.as accidentally killed in a railroad accident at Lucas, O., when aged 24 years; Martha E., who resides at Crestline; Frank E., who was a railroad man for a time and died at St. Louis, Mo., when aged 46 years ; and Minnie May, who taught school for some years and at present assists in her father's store.

BENJAMIN F. LAUCK, a representative business man of Bucyrus, O., dealing largely in wool, was born May 27, 1839, in Crawford county, O., hot far from this city, and is a son of George and Mary (Deardofl) Lauck, and a grandson of Peter Lauck.

Peter Lauck was born in Holland, married there and together he and wife came to America about the time of the Revolutionary War, locating in Lancaster county, Pa., where he became a successful farmer. His wife died there at the age of 78 years and afterward, Peter Lauck came to Ohio and died at the home of his son, near Bucyrus. His family consisted of two sons and two daughters: George; Lydia, who married a Mr. Diller, of York County, Pa., where their son lived and died; Mary, who married a Mr. Fries; and John, who was a farmer and miller in Perry county. Pa.