Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 32: Miscellaneous, 1912 (part 24 of 28)

From boyhood Dr. Seibert had a leaning toward his present profession and even then had success in treating the mild ailments of the farm stock and as he grew older his practice extended. He had no financial assistance and only through his natural talents, his persistent efforts and close study was he able to finally enter the above college, an institution that stands first in the land in vetinary science. His reputation extends far beyond Crawford county and there have been many exhibitions of confidence shown him when owners of valuable animals have consulted him and relied on his judgment, which has seldom been at fault. He maintains a veterinary hospital and owns other valuable property, including a very handsome residence at No. 207 Thoman Street. He is identified with a number of medical bodies.

Dr. Seibert was married in Holmes county, O., to Miss Abbie Bitner, who was born near Lakeville, in January, 1869, and to her interest and sympathy in his aims, Dr. Seibert attributes a large degree of his success. The mother of Mrs. Seibert is a member of the family, her father, James Bitner, who was a soldier in the Civil War, having been accidentally killed afterward, in 1875 a tree falling on him. Dr. and Mrs. Seibert are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican and fraternally belongs to the Knights of Pythias, in which order he is vice chancellor of the Crestline lodge No. 266. As a citizen Dr. Seibert stands in line with the temperate, broad-minded, reliable men who make the back-bone of a community.

JAMES L. ANGELL, deceased, for many years was a respected resident of Galion, O., and an honored veteran officer of the Civil War, in which he won distinction. He was born at Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1832, and was

James L. Angell lived at Rochester and obtained his schooling there and his training in a machine shop. When 25 years old he went to Laporte, Ind., and worked there at his trade and some years afterward was a machinist in railway shops in Chicago, and after the Civil War, in 1877, he came to Gallon* and was employed in the shops of the Erie Railroad continuously afterward until his death, Nov. 23, 1899. When the Civil War opened he was at Laporte, Ind., and there he enlisted in the 29th Ind. Vol. Inf., was made adjutant of the same and served with the rank of colonel. He was a brave and efficient officer and saw hard fighting, at Shiloh and elsewhere, and, although a number of horses were shot from beneath him and his clothing was practically riddled with bullets, he never was wounded. He not only was a brave soldier in battle but was worthy in every relation of life, a good citizen and a kind husband and father.

Colonel Angell was married at Laporte, Ind., to Miss Lydia A. Robinson, who was born in Pennsylvania but was reared in Indiana. They had one son, Alexander L., who was born May 30, 1874, at Laporte, Ind., but was educated at Galion and after a commercial course in a business college here accepted a clerical position in a business house. He was married at Akron, O., to Miss Mary Eva Dyer, who was born at Cleveland and educated at Creston, O. Her parents were John A. and Emeline (Hastings) Dyer, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Angell have one son, James Ellsworth, who was Iborn Nov. 21, 1900. Mr. Angell is a Republican in politics as was his late father. Col. Angell and family attended the Presbyterian church. He was prominent in G. A. R. circles and was a valued and beloved member of Dick Morris Post No. 30, at Galion. Although undoubtedly deserving of a pension, he always refused to accept one and, although somewhat active in politics, declined public office for himself.

county, O., on 60 acres of excellent land which was owned by his wife. He was born in Plymouth township, Richland county, 0., Jan. 17, 1835, ^ son of Thomas and Mary (Miller) Caldwell.

Thomas Caldwell was born at Martinsburg, Va. and after he came to Crawford county, C, rented a farm in Auburn township, situated one-half mile north of the one above mentioned. There he died when aged 43 years. He married Mary Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania and died in Indiana, in her 79th year. There were eight children in the family, the survivors being: Hannah, Catherine, Hugh and William ; and those deceased being : George, Elizabeth, James and Susanna.

Hugh Caldwell remained with his mother on the farm until he was almost 23 years old, when he secured work at other points and for sime time split rails and cut wood, receiving 25 cents a hundred for rail splitting, 50 cents a hundred for cutting and splitting and 25 cents a cord for wood. After his marriage he settled on his wife's farm of 60 acres and practically did all the clearing himself, the larger part of the place being under cultivation although there is yet a valuable timber tract untouched. He made many improvements that tended to comfort and convenience and until 1900 directed all the farm industries himself, since when these responsibilities have been taken over by his son. During the Civil War Mr. Caldwell served as a member of Co. B, 60th O. Vol. Inf., from Feb. 23, 1864, until he was honorably discharged July 28, 1865, having been fortunate enough to escape all permanent injury although he was ever at the post of duty during this time and then returned to his farm duties and to those of a good citizen of his community.

Mr. Caldwell was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Bevier, who was born in Plymouth township, Richland county, O., and died at the age of 74 years, her burial being in New Haven township, Huron county, O. She was the mother of five children, namely: John, who resides on the home farm and manages its industries, and who is married and has a family; Franklin, who lives at Plymouth; William, who lives at Chicago Junction; and two babes that died in infancy. Mr. Caldwell has been a lifelong^ Republican. He attends the

WILLIAM B. MITCHELL,* deceased, for a number of years was connected with the Erie Railway shops at Galion in the capacity of master carpenter and was considered one of the most skillful men in his line of work in the service. He was born in Jefferson county, O., Sept. 18, 1838, and met death through an accident, while working on a railroad bridge, at Akron, O., Oct. 31, 1902.

William B. Mitchell attended school in Jefferson county in boyhood and afterward learned the carpenter trade and after his marriage moved to West Salem, in Wayne county, and still later to Galion. Here he entered the employ of the Erie Railway Company, with which he continued until his death, a period of 34 years. He became a master builder and was entrusted with many of the important structures that required skilled work in their building or repairing and it was while attending to a very important contract that he met his death. His loss was deeply deplored by the company, and his fellow citizens united in their grief with his family. Mr. Mitchell was twice married, first in Jefferson county, to Miss Isabel McLane, who died at West Salem when aged 28 years, survived by one daughter, Florence, who is the wife of Frank Beuberger, of Galion, and has three children.

Mr. Mitchell was married (second), at West Salem, O., to Miss Rebecca Handwork, who was born there, Oct. 31, 1862, a daughter of Abraham and Mary (Esselbum) Handwork. The father of Mrs. Mitchell was born in Lehigh county. Pa., and the mother in Germany. Both came young to West Salem, O., where they were subsequently married and the following children were born to them: Amaryllis, who died when nine years old; Rebecca, who became Mrs. Mitchell; Ella, who married Park Williams, a farmer near Salem; Jennie, who married C. F. Camp, of Homerville, O. ; William, who resides at West Salem, with wife an two sons; Edward, who lives on a farm near New London, 0., and has wife and four children; Alice, who is the wife of Harry Webber; and Frank, who lives in the Northwest.

To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell the following children were born: Mary Kate, who was graduated from the Galion High School in the class of 1900, and who for some years has been an acceptable teacher and has a wide circle of friends at Galion; Edna May, who is the wife of Arthur J. Shumaker, and resides on a farm in Polk township, Crawford county; Hugh William, who, after attending the public schools at Galion, spent one year in the Ohio Normal College, received an appointment as a member of the class of 1910, at West Point Military Academy, from the Thirteenth Congressional District; Fanniel Belle, who was graduated from the Galion High School in the class of 191 1, and now fills a position with the Galion Inquirer that permits her to live at home; and Ruth F., who is a student in the Galion High School. Mrs. Mitchell is a member of the Lutheran church, Hugh W., of the Babtist church, Kate, Fannie and Ruth, of the Presbyterian, while Edna belongs to the First Reformed church. Mr. Mitchell was a member of the National Building and Bridge Association. He was a man of sterling character, honorable and upright in his business life, charitable to those who were worthy of help, and considerate to his family and loyal to his friends.

JOHN WILLIAM ROSS, who is a retired business man of Crestline, O., for many years was among the foremost men in the lumber industry in this section and is well known throughout Crawford county, having been identified particularly with the business activities of Crestline. He was born in Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, May 25, 1847, a son of Peter and a grandson of Peter Ross.

The father of Mr. Ross was born also in Hessen Darmstadt, in 1803, one of a family of six children and one of the two to come to America, the other one being his brother, John Ross. The latter came also to Crawford county and after marriage lived in Lykens township, where he and wife died and his descendants still live there. Peter Ross, Jr. grew tip on his father's small farm in Germany and in early manhood was married to Margaret Simmermacher, who was born in an adjoining province, in 1807. In 1853, after the birth of their children: Catherine, Peter,

George, Margaret, Philip, Lizzie and John William, Mr. and Mrs. Ross made preparations to emigrate to America, led to this step, undoubtedly, by a desire to provide better opportunities for the future of their children, in an industrial way, than they could command in the crowded old country. The family embarked at Havre, on the sailing ship, William Tell, and after a safe and enjoyable voyage of 38 days, having fine weather, were landed safely in the harbor of New York, in June, 1853. From there, by way of boat, they reached Cleveland and proceded on to Sandusky City, O., and from there to Shelby, where a kinsman met them and transported them to Vernon township. From there they came to Lykens township and heire very soon Mr. Ross purchased 80 acres of wild land, a discouraging appearing property at that time but one, which, after developing, proved that Mr. Ross' judgment and foresight were not at fault. This fine land, now highly improved, belongs to his son and namesake, Peter Ross, the third in the family of that name. On this farm in Lykens township the parents lived until they died, he in 1856, probably of one of the malarial diseases that attacked the early settlers in almost every section and were responsible for many sudden deaths. His widow survived him for many years, her death occurring when within three months of her 84th birthday. They were members of the Evangelical church. One of their children, Lizzie, died in infancy, but six accompanied them to America and of these there are three still living.

John William Ross grew to manhood on the home farm and in the meanwhile went to school and in association with English-speaking children, soon learned the language. He was only 22 years old when he was acknowledged to be a competent saw mill operator, and in 1884 came to Crestline to go into the lumber business. Here he entered into partnership with William Eckstein, also a practical man in the business, and success attended them from the first. From their saw mill, planing mill and lumber yards came a large portion of the material that went into the material upbuilding of this city. The above partnership continued for seven years, when Mr. Ross became sole proprietor and carried on the large enterprise alone until 1905, when he leased his plant and retired to private life, but still retains ownership. In many ways Mr. Ross has been a useful citizen, investing his capital in different concerns which in their infancy needed a little help_and encouraging others by his enterprise, energy and public spirit, and today he stands as one of the city's representative men, enjoying to the fullest extent the esteem of business associates and competitors and a wide circle of personal friends.

Mr. Ross was married at Crestline, to Miss Mary Foltz, who was born here Sept. 12, 1856, a daughter of Bartholomew and Catherine (Helfrich) Foltz. In early life they accompanied their parents from Germany and were reared in Holmes township, Crawford county, where they attended school and after marriage at Bucyrus, moved to Crestline, where Mr. Foltz became connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Both he and wife died in this city when aged about 71 years. They were members of the German Lutheran church, to which Mr. and Mrs. Ross also belong and in which Mr. Ross has been a deacon for 15 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Ross was born one son, who died in infancy. Mr. Ross is a Democrat in his political views.

DERR BROS. & CO., proprietors of a large meat business at New Washington, O., are prominent business men of this city who have been in this line of trade for many years. The business was founded here in 1869, hence is one of the old and solid houses of the city, and throughout its whole existence, with slight changes in ownership, has deserved the large volume of patronage it has received.

In 1869 L. J. Kimmerline embarked in the meat business at New Washington and continued under his own name until 1885, when he sold out to J. W. Derr and brothers, the firm then being made up of J. W. and Frank Derr, who continued the business until 1901-, when F. A. Kimmerline was taken in as a partner and the firm style since then has been Derr Bros. & Co.

J. W. Derr and Frank Derr were born, reared and educated in Crawford county, sons of John and Barbara (Fissel) Derr. John Derr was born in Germany and after coming to America married Miss Barbara Fissel, a daughter of John Fissel, of English extraction. John Derr died at the age of 37 years, after which his widow, Mrs. Barbara Derr, married L. J. Kimmerline. Mr. Kimmerline was born in Germany and was brought to the United States and to Wayne county, O., by his father, John Kimmerline. Later he removed to Crawford county, where he still resides. Mr. Kimmerline has the following children : C. E., a physician at New Washington, who married Mary Scott; Frederick A., a member of the firm of Derr Bros & Co.. who married Lela Hawblits, resides at New Washington and has three children - (Charles W., Ruth L. and Alberta B.) ; and Maud F., Ida L., Jennie and Clara, all of whom reside with their mother, Miss Jennie being bookkeeper for the above named firm. To Mrs. Kimmerline's first marriage two sons were born, J. W. and Frank, both of whom, as previously indicated, are members of the firm of Derr Bros. & Co. J. W. Derr married Miss Emma Martin, and Frank Derr married Miss Etha Guiss. All are well known people of New Washington and are prominent in social as well as business life.

WILLIAM HENRY AUCK, a representative and reliable business man of Bucyrus, O., who is engaged in the real estate and general insurance business, belongs to one of the old and substantial families of Crawford county. He was born Sept. nth, 1871, in Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., and is the son of Michael and Caroline (Ehmann) AuCk, a grandson of Christopher and Rachel (Wagner) Auck, and a great-grandson of George and Rosina (Frank) Auck. The parents of Mr. Auck survive and reside at Bucyrus, O., where they are numbered with the city's most respected and esteemed citizens.

William Henry Auck obtained his education in the public schools of Whetstone township and at the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, O., entering that institution in the Fall of 1 89 1 and was graduated with the degree of B. S., in 1896, having also taught school during the winter seasons in the vicinity of Bucyrus. His father having been elected county treasurer in the spring of 1897, he became his deputy and served as such with en- tire efficiency for i8 months. In August, 1898, he accepted the position of assistant cashier of the Second National Bank of Bucyrus, O., and filled the same until January, 1904, when he resigned in order to become cashier of the American National Bank of Barberton, O., and continued in the banking business there for five years. When his resignation from the latter institution was accepted he returned to Bucyrus and in January, 1909, in association with his brother, Samuel E. Auck, embarked in his present business. The firm deals in farm property in Crawford and adjoining counties as well as city real estate, writes fidelity and surety bonds, and carries a general line of fire, life and casualty insurance with some of the oldest and best companies in the country. Both as a firm and individually the Aucks have a high rating.

Mr. Auck was married June 20, 1899, at Brookville, Pa., to Miss Terressa E. Syphrit, who was born Oct. 23, 1877, in Jefferson county. Pa., a daughter of Christopher and Mary M. (Plotner) Syphrit, the former of whom was born in Jefferson county. Pa., on Feb. 9, 1846, and the latter in the same county and state on March i, 1850. The grandfather, Joseph Syphrit, was born in the Dominion of Canada, Feb. 16, 1814, and in 1816 his father moved to Westmoreland county, Pa. Joseph Syphrit was there married in 1837 to Mary Campbell and in 1841 they moved to Jefferson county, where she died early in 1884. He then married Caroline Allison, in 1885, who survives him and resides at Reynoldsville, Pa. Thirteen children were born to his first union, one of whom was Christopher Syphrit. Joseph Syphrit died April 8, 1895, aged 81 years, i month, and 22 days. Mary M. (Plotner) Syphrit was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bowersox) Plotner. John Plotner was bom Sept. 20, 1803, in Center county, Pa. About 1828 he was married to Elizabeth Bowersox, who was born Dec. 15, 181 1, in the same county and state. Later they moved to Jefferson county, where they resided until their death. Grandfather Plotner died Oct. 23, 1869 and his wife, Elizabeth, died May 4. 1900.

In his early business life, Christopher Syphrit was a lumberman and later became a farmer. He was married in 1869 and three children were born to him and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Auck have one son, Dale Kenneth, who was born Jan. 3, 1902, and who is now a bright pupil in his classes in the public school. Mrs. Auck is a cultured and accomplished woman and was graduated in music from the Ohio Normal University at Ada, O., in the class of 1897. Both are members of the Presbyterian church,, of which he is a trustee, and while a resident of Barberton, O., an elder. Politically Mr. Auck is a Democrat and fraternally is identified with the Masons.

JOHN JACOB SCHAEFER, a retired merchant and highly respected citizen of Galion, O., owner of the Schaefer Block, No. 133 and i35>^ East Main Street, Gallon, was born Feb. 3, 1831, in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and is a son of Johanas and Elizabeth (Gosz) Schaefer.

The Schaefers were well known and highly thought of people in their native province, small farmers, church supporters and lawabiding citizens. The four sons of Johanas and Elizabeth Schaefer all grew to manhood and all inherited the leading family traits.

John Jacob Schaefer was the eldest born in his parents' family and during his school days he lived on the home farm and afterward learned the tailor's trade. In 1857 he decided to come to the United States and took passage on the steamer Indiana, which took two weeks to make the passage but safely landed the voyagers at the port of New York. He found work in that city among his fellow countrymen and after the completion of the railroad to Gallon, came here and found such encouragement in the line of business that he determined to make the growing city his permanent home. For some time he worked at his trade and then embarked in the grocery business in which line he continued for 25 years, at the end of which period he retired. Through enterprise and industry he prospered and with great public spirit he invested in land here which he improved, the Schaefer Block on East Main Street being one of the well built and attractive business blocks of the business district. He also owns a block on South Market Street. He is one of the directors of the Citizens National Bank of Gallon. Politically he has always been a Democrat and at one time he was a member of the city council. His judgment has often been consuhed in regard to civic affairs and he has long been considered a representative man.

Air. Schaefer was married at Galion to Airs. Elizabeth (Tracht) Heis, who was born and reared in Jefferson township, Crawford county, and was married there to George Heis. He is now deceased as are the three children of that union. Airs. Schaefer is a daughter of George and Eve Elizabeth (Dingledine) Tracht, natives of Prussian Germany, who crossed the Atlantic Ocean in one of the old slow-moving sailing vessels, long since swept off the waters, from which they were safely landed on the American shore. They came to Crawford county, O., where the father of Mrs. Schaefer secured wild land which he cleared and improved and there both he and his wife died in advanced age. They were members of the German Lutheran church. Of their nine children all reached maturity, eight of these married, and four are yet living all residing in Crawford county. Air. and Mrs. Schaefer have no children but Air. Schaefer was also previously married and three of his four children survive. Their mother, Elizabeth (Crider) Schaefer was born in Germany and died at Galion at the age of 45 years, leaving the following children: Charles, a business man of Galion, a member of the grocery firm of Crider & Schaefer, who is married and has three sons and one daughter; August, a machinist in business at Canton, O., who is married and has five children; Jacob, who died when aged 43 years, leaving one son and three daughters; and Frederick, a dry goods merchant at Galion, who married and has two daughters. Air. Schaefer and sons are all men of high personal standing. He and wife belong to the German Lutheran church.

JEROAIE AI. BROXKAR.* who is well known in the business life of Crestline, where he conducts a shoe repair shop and also, in partnership wMth John Russell, manufactures a special chair, which is particularly adapted for use in hotel lobbies and other public places, is a native of Crawford county. O., and was born near Crestline, July 20, 1856. He is a son of James and Lucina (Thorp) Bronkar.

The parents of Mr. Bronkar were born in Muskingum county, O., and were reared and married there, afterward moving to Crawford county, in 1850 locating on the line between Crawford and Richland counties. James Bronkar died in 1908, when aged 84 years and six months, having survived his wife since 1892, she being 66 years and eight months at the time of her death. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had four sons and five daughters born to them.

Jerome AI. Bronkar was educated in Crawford county and has been a continuous resident of the same with the exception of 20 years, during which time he was engaged in business at Huntington, Ind., and Elyria, O., in the contracting and building line in the former city and in the laundry business at the latter place, which industry he also carried on for four years at Crestline. He then established his present repair shop, installing a large Champion shoe-repairing machine, and does an extensive business aside from the manufacturing of the comfortable chair above alluded to, the sale of which is rapidly increasing.

CHARLES A. SIMOXTON, superintendent of the Schill Bros. Co., manufacturers of furnaces, stoves and ranges, doing a large business at Crestline, O., was born in Laurence county. Pa., in December, 1865, and since 1899 has been identified with his present company.

Mr. Simonton enjoyed exceptional advantages, attending Grove City College where he received a degree and in 1891 was graduated from the Oregon State Normal School at Alonmouth, with his B. S. degree. For 13 years he followed educational work and during five years of this period was principal of Greersburg Academy at Darlington, Pa. and for one year was principal at New Galilee, in Beaver county. Pa.

For five years after becoming connected with the Schill Bros. Co., at Crestline, Mr. Simonton was a salesman and then became assistant secretary and a director and since January, 191 1 has been superintendent of the

Mr. Simonton was married at Darlington, Pa., to Miss Elsie B. Wells, who was born at New Galilee, Pa., in 1866. She was educated at the State Normal School at Slippery Rock and for seven years before marriage was a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Simonton have two children : Sarah Dorothy, who was born Aug. 17, 1899, and Ruth Evelyn, who is seven years old. Mr. and Mrs. Simonton are members of the Presbyterian church. He is prominent in Masonry, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Crestline, of which he is past master and past high priest, and to the Council and Commandery at Mansfield, O. Mr. and Mrs. Simonton take part in the pleasant social life of the city. He is somewhat independent in politics, looking upon public questions from the stand point of an educated, broad minded man.

A. F. DONNENWIRTH, who is railroad agent for the Pennsylvania lines at Tiro, O., was born at New Washington, O., Dec. 9, 1872, and is a son of John and Malinda Donnenwirth.

A. F. Donnenwirth was reared and educated at New Washington and after his school days learned the art of telegraphing and for a time was in the offices of the Pennsylvania road there, was then transferred to Waldo and before coming to Tiro had a large amount of experience at Bucyrus and other points. At each place he has been interested in the raising of poultry and is a member of the Tiro Poultry Association and is treasurer of this body. Mr. Donnenwirth not only raises poultry as a diversion but makes it very profitable, handling mainly the White Orpingtons. His residence on Homer Street is one of the most modern and best fitted in the town, in which he has a hot and cold water system and an acetylene light plant.

In November, 1898, Mr. Donnenwirth married Miss Emma Sief art, a daughter of Michael and Christine Siefert, of New Washington, O., and they have four children : Oliver, Helen, Walter and Ruth. They are members of the German Lutheran church at New Washington. While a stanch Democrat, Mr. Donnenwirth is not in any sense a politician, his main interest in public matters being the carrying out of the will of the people and the furthering of movements that will be of permanent benefit to this section. He is a member of the Tiro Fire Department.

EGBERT MORTON FREESE, president of the First National Bank of Gallon, O., and one of the leading business men of this section of the State, is president of the firm of E. M. Frefese & Co., manufacturers of clay-working machinery. Mr. Freese is now in the prime of life. He was born in 1845 in Medina county, O., and belongs to one of the old pioneer families of this state.

Mr. Freese's paternal grandfather, B. W. Freese, was born at Lee, Mass., where he grew to manhood and married Sally Beaumont. In 18 1 8 they set out with their children to make the long overland trip to Ohio, in the hope of carving out a home in the wilderness, pausing in Medina county, and within a mile of Brunswick, O., acquired 1,000 acres of unbroken land. Their efforts to better their condition resulted in success, and they attained a good old age, being surrounded in their latter years with the comforts to which they were entitled by reason of their industry and perseverence. They were people of thrift and intelligence and, while looking after material things, as was necessary, gave careful attention also to the moral and educational rearing of their large family of children.

Harlow Freese, eldest child of B. W. and Sally Freese, and father of the subject of this sketch, was eight years old when he accompanied his parents from Massachusetts to Ohio, and spent the larger part of his subsequent life as a farmer on a portion of the land secured by his father. His death took place in 1890, when he was about eighty years of age. He had never identified himself with any political party, but gave unqualified support to law and order. He and his wife were both active in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was married in Medina county, in 1840, to Almira Morton, who was born at Pittsfield, Mass., in 1817, a daughter of Erastus and Prudence (Butler) Morton. From Pittsfield the Mortons came to Medina county in 1833, where Erastus Morton became a brick manu- facturer. He was also a lay preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. The Butlers were of Wethersfield, Conn, ancestry. All these families were among the early and substantial people of Medina county. Harlow Freese and wife were the parents of two children - M. L., born May 12, 1852, who died in 1882, and Egbert Morton, whose name appears at the head of this article. Mrs. Harlow Freese died in 1886, at the age of 68 years. Egbert Morton Freese attended the country schools in Medina county. As his inclinations lay in the direction of mechanics rather than farming, he was permitted to learn a trade and became a skilled workman. In 1881, with John D. Fate and George Wilson as partners, he started in the business of manufactturing clay-working machinery. In the following year the firm became Fate & Freese, which style was continued until January, 1890, at which time Mr. Freese became sole proprietor of the business. Since then he has built up what is one of the largest and most important business enterprises in Crawford county. It was established at Plymouth, C, removal being made to Gabon in 1891. The present plant, one of the largest of its kind in this section of the state, ships its products to every part of this country and also to many foreign countries, and affords remuneratiAC employment to a large number of people. The extraordinary growth of this enterprise and the importance to which it has attained is due to the business and mechanical ability of Mr. Freese, which has also been displayed in other directions. Although now interested in banking, he is still active in the management of the manufacturing business and spends a considerable part of each day at his office at the plant. He has been identified with the First National Bank since 1903 and during that period the capitalization of the bank has been increased from $50,000 toSioo,ooo. As a banker and manufacturer, Mr. Freese occupies a prominent place. He has done much to advance the business and commercial interests of the city and has been a leader in various movements for the common good. His business sagacity is widely recognized and his counsels are sought and his advice acted upon with respect to many of the important commercial enterprises of Galion and the vicinity.

Air. Freese was married at Galion, in 1882, to Miss Rosina Berger, who was born in Canton Bern, Switzerland, in November, 1853, and who accompanied her parents, Joseph and Barbara (Burgener) Berger, to America in 1869. They located on a farm near Galion, where both parents died when aged about 70 years. They reared their family of eleven children in the faith of the Reformed church, to which Mrs. Freese belongs. Mr. and Mrs. Freese have three children - Herbert H., Arthur J. and Horace E.

Herbert H. Freese, who was bom in 1884, attended school in Galion and then entered Case School of Applied Science, of Cleveland, O., and was graduated in the class of 1905. He is associated with his father in business. Arthur J., born in 1887, is a graduate of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, of the class of 1909, and is active in his father's plant. Horace E., who was born in 1888, was educated in the city schools and in Case School of Applied Science and is also associated with his father in business. - The three young men are fine types of educated and interesting young American business men.

HON. JAMES C. TOBIAS, a lawyer of eminence in Crawford county, formerly judge of the Common Pleas Court, was bom in Franklin county. Pa., Nov. 11, 1856, a son of \\'illiam B. and Catherine (MiUs) Tobias. The father was born near Carlisle, Cumberland county. Pa., Oct. i, 1815, and was a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Qouse) Tobias.

When James C. Tobias was a mere lad, residing on his parents' farm about four miles from the Maryland State line, General Lee's army marched through that country, destroying much of their property and helped themselves without scruple to the stock, taking all but six of the horses. James C. was an interested spectator of these stirring scenes, visiting both camps and conversing with the soldiers. The military operations around Chambersburg in 1863 created so much uproar and confusion together with destruction of property that a removal to Crawford county was decided on and James accordingly accompanied his parents, at the age of seven years, to this vicinity. His preliminary education was acquired in the common schools, and he subsequently attended

Cold Run Academy and in the spring of 1872 entered Oberlin College, where he studied until the following September. He then entered Mt. Union College, remaining there three years. He thus acquired a broad literary education to serve as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional knowledge. During the period of his college days he taught school during the winters and all his vacations he labored upon the farm, earning money to assist in paying his collegiate expenses.

He had by this time decided to adopt the law as his .vocation, and accordingly, in the fall of 1876, he became a student in the office of D. W. Swigert, a highly esteemed attorney of Bucyrus. On July 2, 1878, at the age of 21 years, he was admitted to the bar at Delaware, 0., and immediately afterward began the practice of his profession in Bucyrus, soon winning a fair share of public patronage. Important litigated interests were entrusted to him and he soon demonstrated his ability to successfully handle the intricate problems of jurisprudence. In 1881, F. S. Monnett, later exattorney general of Ohio, entered into partnership with him, under the firm name of Tobias & Monnett, their relationship being maintained until 1888, when Mr. Tobias was elected probate judge of Crawford county, a position he continually filled until 1894. In 1896 he was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the district comprising Crawford, Marion and Wyandot counties, and held that position until February, 1907, being re-elected in 1901, without opposition, for a second term. He made an able, fair and impartial judge, his decisions, being generally sustained by the higher courts. From 1885 to 1900 he was a member of the City Board of Education, ten years of which he was its president, and in that capacity rendered good service. He is a prominent member of the Democratic party and is active in its councils. He was a delegate to the National convention of 1884 that nominated Grover Cleveland for the presidency, has been frequently a delegate to the State convention and was secretary of the State Committee in 1883 and 1884. He was also chairman of the county committee for many years.

Monnett. They have had two children - Dean A., who was educated in the Bucyrus public schools and the Ohio State University at Columbus, and Helen M., a graduate of the Bucyrus High School and Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, O. Judge Tobias is fraternally connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Knights of P)rthias, being Past Chancellor in the latter organization. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is one of the trustees. It has been said of him that, "endowed by nature with high intellectual qualities, to which have been added the discipline and embellishments of culture, h^s is a most attractive personality. Well versed in the learning of his profession and with a deep knowledge of human nature and of the springs of human conduct, he is in the courts an advocate of great power and influence and on the bench a judge who ever commands the respect of the lawyers and of the public by reason of his dignity in office and extreme fairness in decision."

In December, 1 881, he assisted in the organ- . ization of the Monnett Banking Company, " subsequently the Bucyrus City Bank and served as a director in both institutions continuously. Only two of the original stockholders of the Monnett Banking Company continue to hold stock in the Bucyrus City Bank and he is one of that number. The Bucyrus City Bank is known as a state-wide, strong, financial institution and has grown from the smallest to the largest banking institution in Crawford county.

CHARLES E. KLOPP,* deceased, for many years was an important factor in the business life of Gallon, O., a successful merchant and a valued and useful citizen. He was born Feb. 15, 1829, in a Rhine province of Prussia- Germany, and was a son of Carl and Mary Anna (Berkenthal) Klopp.

Carl Klopp was born and died in Prussia and was thirty-six years old when his only child, Charles E., was born, and died six months later. He was a dealer in cutlery. After a few years of widowhood, Mrs. Klopp married Daniel Busch, and in i860 the family came to America, landing in the harbor of New York and from there made their way later to Galion, where they resided during the rest of their lives. Mr. Busch hved to the age of seventy-two years, while Mrs. Busch died in her sixty-eighth year. They were people of the highest respectability and were members of the Reformed church. <

Charles E. Klopp was a young man, still unmarried, when he accompanied his parents to Galion, where, shortly afterward he went into business in association with Daniel Greverath, who was a fellow countryman, in the dry goods business. Several years later this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Klopp continued alone for awhile and then admitted Jacob Weiler to a partnership and this connection continued for fifteen years, when Mr. Weiler retired. Mr. Klopp continued the business under the firm name of L. Klopp (his wife and silent partner), until his last illness, his death occurring May 19, 1901, Mrs. Klopp's interests since then having been under the management of her son, Ernest IF. Klopp. It is one of the old and stable business houses of the city.

In 1864, at Galion, Mr. Klopp was married to Miss Lisetta Martin, who was born at Nassau, Germany, Oct. 20, 1844, a daughter of Ludwig and Henrietta (Busch) Martin, natives of Germany and Prussia, respectively. They were married at Warsaw and there the father of Mrs. Klopp followed the stonemason's trade until 1856, when he decided to emigrate to America in search of better industrial conditions than the average man could then find in Germany. The family took passage on the sailing vessel, "John Langley," a three-masted ship, and after a voyage of thirtytwo days were safely landed in the port of New York and at once came on to Galion. Mr. Martin was a reliable man at his trade and soon found constant work and had much to do in the construction of many of the present substantial edifices of this city. He was bom in 1808 and died in 1874, his widow surviving him two years. They were worthy members of the German Reformed church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Klopp the following children were born: Hulda, who died at the age of seven years; Carl William, who died when four years old; Ernest P., a well educated young man, who capably manages his mother's store; Charles William, who is professor of music in the public school of Newark, O., is married and has one daughter, Virginia ; Hulda Bertha, who resides with her mother; Fred William, who is a machinist, lives at Galion, married here and has one son, Kenneth ; Alma H., who married Capt. R. G. Sayers, of the O. N. G. and a mail carrier at Galion, and they have two children, Howard Martin and Marian; and Herbert J., who died when aged eighteen months. Mrs. Klopp and family are members of the German Reformed church and she is active in church organizations.

JOHN M. McCLELLAN,* part proprietor of the Emmerson Hotel, at Crestline, O., is an experienced hotel man and both he and his partner, Walter F. Noggle, are widely known and are very popular hosts. He was born at St. Louis, Mo., March 19, 1864, a son of Frank and Jane (Haines) McClellan.

Frank McClellan, Sr., the grandfather was born in the Highlands of Scotland, where he married Mary Haines, a native of Ireland. They came to the United States and settled first in Maryland and then moved to New Brighton, Pa., where he became a man of financial independence and lived to the age of 94 years. His wife died in her 80th year. They were of the United Presbyterian faith. Of their children two survive: Frank Jr., and William, the latter being a retired resident of New Brighton, Pa.

Frank McClellan, Jr., was born in Maryland and was yet quite young when his father moved to Pennsylvania, where he secured his education and for some years he and his brother William were clay workers and brick makers. Later he became a farmer and now lives retired at Swissvale, Pa., and on Jan. 2, 19 1 2, celebrated his 92nd birthday. He married Jane Haines, who was of Irish ancestry but was born in Ohio and died in Pennsylvania, the mother of four sons and four daughters, all of whom survive except Frank, who was accidentally drowned in boyhood while on a barge on the Mississippi River.

John M. McClellan attended the old Seventh Ward school in St. Louis until he was 13 years of age, when he started to earn his own living, beginning in the cook house of his brother's steamboat, afterward securing a practical training in the candy making business. When he was young the name of Candy John was given him by his associates and this has clung to him and there are business houses which regard the sobriquet as his real name. As a candy maker he was in the employ of Charles Gunther of Chicago for years and also was with Edward McGinn of Philadelphia. Mr. McClellan has a natural faculty in the line of cooking and has served as chef in large restaurants. His health failing in his in-door industries he became a railroad man and for several years was on runs between Crestline and Pittsburg, after which he became connected with the Central Hotel at Crestline, where he remained for ii years. In 1910 he became associated with Mr. Noggle in the operation of the Emmerson House.

Mr. McClellan was married at Crestline to Miss Eva L. Burnison, a daughter of William and Lavina (Snyder) Burnison, both now deceased, for many years having been farming people in Jefferson township. Mr. McClellan belongs to the Elks, at Bucyrus and for 18 years has been a member of the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, at Crestline. There are few men in Crawford county better known than Candy John McClellan.

L. G. F. UHL, a member of the firm of Uhl Brothers, proprietors of the Uhl Hatchery, a very important and prosperous business enterprise of Crawford county, O., was born on the old homestead in Cranberry township, Nov. 14, 1859.

L. G. F. Uhl was reared in Cranberry township and went to the parochial school and Hiram College at New Washington and afterward followed farming in his native township, living on the corporation line of New Washington, until 1907, when he moved to his present home on West Mansfield Street. Here the firm erected their plant of three buildings with dimensions of 957x1,257 ft., all under one roof and maintain their offices here, L. G. F. Uhl being the general superintendent. The poultry and egg business of the Uhl Brothers firm has been developed from a modest beginning and has assumed very large proportions, their shipments covering a wide territory to the east, west, south and north. The seven brothers making up the firm are all recognized as men of business capacity and also of business integrity.

Mr. Uhl was married to Miss Mary Brown, a daughter of Martin and Catherine (Pohlman) Brown, of New Washington. They are members of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Uhl uses his political influence for the Bull Moose, irrespective of party. In addition to his firm interests, Mr. Uhl owns a farm of 1000 acres north and east of New Washington.

CARL C. MILLER,* who conducts a livery business at Crestline, O., having fine quarters with at 60- foot frontage on Thoman Street and an 150-foot extension and ell on West Bucyrus Street, was reared on a farm and has been associated with horses and in the stock business the greater part of his life. He was born in Richland county, O., Sept. 28, 1885, a son of Martin and Emma (Eichorn) Miller.

Christopher Miller, the grandfather, was bom in Baden, Germany, and was six years old when his parents, in 1837, emigrated to America and came to Richland county, O., where Mr. Miller still lives on the old homestead in Sandusky township, at the age of 81 years. Of his five children three are living.

Martin Miller, the eldest born of the family, his birth taking place in Richland county in 1855, continued to live on the homestead and went extensively into the breeding of fine horses, mainly Percherons and is still so occupied. He married Emma Eichorn, who was born in 1862 on a farm in Jackson township, Crawford county but was reared in Richland county, a daughter of Frederick and Christina Eichorn, who came also from Baden, Germany. They settled first in Crawford county but afterward moved to Sandusky township, Richland county. They were lifelong members of the German Reformed church. Two sons and five daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eichorn, three of the daughters yet surviving. To Martin Miller and wife seven children were born : Carl C, William, Albert, Christina, Laura, Howard and John, all of whom have been well educated.

On April i, 1909, Carl C. Miller purchased his present business and property at Crestline, from Edward Miller, and has prospered in his undertaking. He stables about 50 horses and keeps 20 conveyances of all kinds, his trappings and equipments being entirely up to date and in good taste.

At Crestline Mr. Miller was married to Miss Laura Newkirk, who was born in 1883, in Wayne county, O., where she was reared and educated but lost her parents when young. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one daughter, Ruth Lucile, who was born April 25, 1912. Mrs. Miller was reared in the Methodist church, but Mr. Miller belongs to the Reformed church. He is a Democrat in politics, as is his father, and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias at Crestline and the Elks at Gallon.

KELLY R. SMITH,* who is manager and buyer for the firm of Smith Bros. & Co., proprietors of a general store at North Robinson, O., was born two miles east of North Robinson, in Jefferson township, Crawford county, July 23, 1879, and is a son of I. W. and Susan (Secrist) Smith.

The Smith family has been identified with the mercantile interests of this place since 1888, when I. W. Smith came here as a pioneer merchant. He was born in Perry County, Pa., and practically has been engaged in Mercantile business all his life, during the Civil War being established at Leesville, Crawford county. The other members of the firm of Smith Bros. & Co., are H. G. Smith and J. E. Morton. Kelly R. Smith is a member of the follow family: Mary, wife of T. J. Morrow; William; Verta, wife of J. E. Morton; Delia, wife of William Kibler; Edith, wife of H. A. Knell; Alice, wife of Dr. J. B. Kring, a practicing physician of Caledonia, O. ; Pearl, wife of L. C. Ness; Kellv R. ; L. M. ; Bessie, wife of R. L. Bogan, cashier of the City National Bank of Gallon, O. ; and H. G., of the firm of Smith Bros. & Co.

After completing the common school course, Kelly R. Smith entered a business college at Mansfield, O., where he was graduated in 19 10. For some two years he was employed at Crestline, O., and then embarked in the grocery business at Gallon, where he continued for three years, selling out to go into the hardware line, in which he remained interested for eight years, in 191 1 coming to North Robinson. He is a shrewd and able business man and keeps his firm well to the front among the commercial houses in this section.

M. and Ella (Hostler) Shauck, residents of Norwalk, O. Mrs. Smith has three sisters: Grace, who is the wife of Fred F. Fletcher; and Bertha and Alma. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith two children have been born, an attractive little son and daughter, respectively bearing the names of Arthur Lyndon and Donna Eileen. Mr. and Mrs. Smith attend the United Brethren church. He is a Republican in politics but has never been willing to consider election to public office, his entire life having been one .of too much business responsibility to afford him leisure for political activity.

Rt. Rev. William Montgomery

RT. REV. WILLIAM MONTGOMERY BROWN, D. D., bishop in the Protestant Episcopal church, with jurisdiction until recently in the diocese of Arkansas, is a resident of Gallon, O., where he is now engaged chiefly in literary work. He was born near Orrville, Wayne county, O., Sept. 4, 1855, a son of Joseph M. and Lucinda E. (Carey) Brown. He comes of a long established American family, whose immigrant ancestor, William Brown, a native of Scotland, came to the American colonies in the early part of the eighteenth century. This early ancestor of our subject, six generations removed, settled in Pennsylvania, where he spent the rest of his life. His son George, also a direct ancestor of Bishop Brown, . served in the Colonial army, during the Revolutionary war, with the rank of lieutenant, and rendered valiant service to the cause he had espoused.

Skipping several generations, of which we have but meagre information, we come to Joseph Morrison Brown, the Bishop's father, who as a young man settled in Ohio, and who, after his marriage and while his childrden were still young, removed to lona, Michigan. He was opposed to the coercion of the Southern States, but was drafted into the Federal army and served as a soldier for one year, after which he returned home with a fatal illness, from which he died a little later. His wife, who was still young, returned to Ohio with her three small children, and, being in very poor circumstances, was obliged to find homes for them among friends. Accordingly, William M. was at the age of seven years bound out to a German family, residing near Smithville, with whom he remained for the next seven years of his life. But being unkindly treated, at the age of fourteen he was removed by the county authorities and placed with another family, where he recived better treatment. During most of this time and until he attained his mapority, he worked very hard and was at first deprived of and later took but little interest in educational opportunities. Not content to remain a mere drudge, however, he now determined to gain an education, and to this end went to Omaha, Neb., where he secured a place as a coachman, at the same time entering a school composed of children who did not average more than twelve years of age, and by whom he was doubtless regarded at first as a big dunce. In a short time, however, they had cause to change their opinion, for he made such rapid progress in his studies as to gain the admiration and sympathetic help of his teachers, who encouraged him to work hard and advanced him as rapidly as possible, in accordance with his progress. With this help in four years he had reached the high school, completed a course in business college and been granted a teacher's certificate. After teaching tor a term, in order to acquire means to pay off some indebtedness to the proprietors of the business college, he went to Cleveland, O., for the purpose of taking a course in the excellent high schools of that city. By this time his energy and remarkable progress had won him friends, who assisted him financially and enabled him to have the benefit of private tutors. He pursued his theological studies at Bexley Hall, a department of Kenyon College, at Gambier, O., which course he finished in 1883. In the same year he was ordained to the Deaconate of the Protestant Episcopal church and a year later was advanced to the Priesthood. Until 1 89 1 he served as circuit missionary, with head-quarters at Galion, O. He was then made the general missionary of his diocese, his headquarters being at Cleveland. He continued in active missionary work, and was appointed special lecturer at Bexley Hall. In 1898 he was consecrated to the episcopate, with jurisdiction as bishop coadjutor of Arkansas. A year later, on the death of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Henry Niles Pierce, he became bishop of the diocese. In this position he labored earnestly and conscientiously, and with visible results, until May, 1912, at which time on account of broken health, he resigned. He is especially interested in the cause of Church Union and is now doing literary work on its behalf. He is the author of works which have attracted attention among churchmen and others by the clear and scholarly presentation of the subjects treated, among which may be mentioned, "The Church for Americans," published in 1895, which had an extensive sale; "The Crucial Race Question," published in 1907, and "The Level Plan for Church Union," published in 1910. As a writer, Bishop Brown is earnest, clear and forceful; his subjects are well thought out and presented in a manner to interest and command the attention of the most careless reader. That his books have a high educational value and will have a permanent influence for good will be doubted by none who are familiar with their contents. He has many friends and admirers in Galion, some of whom date the beginning of their friendship to the time he first came among them as a young missionary nearly thirty years ago.

Bishop Brown was married in Cleveland, O., April 9, 1885 to Miss Ella Bradford, a native of Ohio and a cultured and refined lady, who, with her mother, has been much assistance to him in his life's work. They have a beautiful home in Galion, where on suitable occasions they extend a generous but unostentatious hospitality to their more intimate friends and acquaintances.

HENRY E. BORMUTH,* a member of the board of county commissioners of Crawford county, O., is a prominent and substantial citizen of this county who was born July II, 1865, in Sharon township, Richland county, O., and has spent his life in his native state. He is one of a family of three children born to his parents, George and Barbara (Arnold) Bormuth, the former of whom was identified for many years with the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Henry E. Bormuth obtained a good, common school education and since reaching manhood has been engaged in a general contracting business. In these modern days every intelligent man takes a more or less active interest in public affairs and Mr. Bormuth is no exception. He is a stanch Democrat and on the Democratic ticket has been elected to numerous important offices and has served on the school board and on the Water works commission at Bucyrus. He is widely known and has many friends and in 1908 when he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, it was by a majority of more than 1,500 votes.

ARTHUR C. NEWKIRK,* who is an employe of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Crestline, 0., of many years standing, since 1899 having been freight conductor with his own crew, was born in Wayne county, C, Nov. 28, 1865, and is a son of Faxton and Helen (Pocock) Newkirk.

The Newkirks and Pococks were pioneer settlers in Wayne County, and the parents of Mr. Newkirk were born and reared on neighboring farms. After marriage they settled on the Newkirk homestead and three children were born to them : Arthur C. ; Francis F., who was a railroad man and was accidentally killed while on duty, being survived by a widow and daughter; and Emily J., who married Dr. J. A. Dalton, of Pasadena, Calif. The father of Mr. Newkirk died at the age of thirty-five years and afterward the mother contracted a second marriage, becoming the wife of J. D. Cameron of Loudonville, O. To that marriage two children were born: Florence and Harry.

Arthur C. Newkirk attended the public schools in Wayne county and remained in that section until he entered railroad life, when he came to Crestline and on April 3, 1883 entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad as a brakeman and was on the run from Crestline to Alliance for some ten years. He then was made a flagman and later a freight conductor as mentioned above, and has continued with the company, with which his record is excellent, his care and good judgment having prevented accident and loss to the company on many an occasion.

Mr. Newkirk was married at Shreve, C, to Miss Lyda Bruce, who was bom, reared and educated in Holmes county. Mr. and Mrs. Newkirk have two sons : Bruce Faxton, who is a graduate of the Crestline High school of the class of 1912 ; and Rex, who is a member of the class of 1914, in the High school. The family belongs to the Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Newkirk is a Republican. He is identified with several railroad organizations, both at Alliance and Crestline, and belongs to the fraternal order of Maccabees.

JAMES DECKER, one of the prominent men and successful agriculturists of Whetstone township, who is serving with much efficiency in the office of road corrimissioner, was born in Sandusky township, Crawford county, dot. 29, 1850. His parents were Aaron and Nancy Y. (Bishop) Decker.

Aaron Decker was born at Patterson, N. J., a son of James and Jane (Luke) Decker. After coming to Ohio he engaged in carpentry in Crawford county for many years and finally became a very successful farmer. He married Nancy Y. Bishop, who was born in Ashland county, O., a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Young) Bishop, and the following children were born to them; Melvina, who is the wife of E. L. Swonger; Elizabeth J., who is the wife of D. B. Eichelberger; James and John B.

James Decker obtained his educational training in the public schools in Whetstone township, the grammar school at Bucyrus and at Oberlin College, where he remained through one term. With this preparation, Mr. Decker began to teach school and succeeded so well that he continued a teacher for five years, after which he returned to agricultural pursuits and gives careful and intelligent attention to his fine farm of 200 acres, which is well stocked and suitably improved. Mr. Decker is on the directing board of the Farmers and Citizens Bank and Savings Company, and is one of the stockholders. He has been more or less prominent in politics for a number of years, and on two occasions was his party's choice for representative. For eleven years he has been commissioner for Road District No. i ; for a long period has served on the school board; for twelve years has been a member of the Fair board and for many years was a director of the Crawford County Insurance Company. His many interests have served to widen his acquaintance fend in many sections he has cemented lasting friendships.

Albert R. and Sylvia Ann (Blowers) Briggs, and a granddaughter of John O. Blowers. The father of Mrs. Decker was a farmer in Liberty township. He was married three times, first to a Miss Smalley, and the two children of this union died young. His second marriage was to Sylvia Ann Blowers and they had two children : A. R. and Alice C. The third marriage was to Sarah Elizabeth Andrews and two children were born to them : Ida Jane, who is deceased; and F. M. Briggs. Mr. and Mrs. Decker have one daughter, Eva A., who married W. H. Albright. The latter was accidentally killed by a railroad train at North Robinson, Crawford county. The family belong to the English Lutheran church. Mr. Decker is a Republican in politics, as was his father.

WALTER L. NOGGLE,* proprietor of the Emmerson Hotel, a well kept hostelry at Crestline, O., and one of the oldest in the city, was born at Jeromesville, Ashland county, O., Oct. 14, 1866, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Ridgeley) Noggle.

John Noggle was born in Wayne county, of Pennsylvania parents and German ancestry, while his wife came from English people. They were married at Jeromesville and Mr. Noggle engaged first in farming but in 1865 took charge of the Wetherbee House in connection, retaining his farm largely for the breeding of race horses, in which industry he became widely known and at different times owned some noted racers, the names: Jim Crow, Baxter, Whistler and others being familiar to all interested in racing or trotting horses. In 1862 he went to Mansfield and for two years was in the wholesale tobacco and cigar trade and also for some years was an extensive dealer in provisions at Jeromesville. In 1872 he returned to the hotel business and operated the Noggle House, later the European and still later the Park Ilotel, now known as the Southern Hotel, which he conducted until he took charge of the Emmerson Hotel at Crestline in which he continued to be interested until within a few years of his death, in February, 1907, at the age of 69 years. At one time he was prominent in Democratic politics, both in Ashland and Richland counties. His wife died in 1905, an estimable woman and a faithful "member of the Christian church. Of their children, three sons survive : B. Frank, who is a farmer in Medina county, O. ; John W., who resides at Norwalk, O.; and Walter L., of Crestline.

Walter L. Noggle's early training prepared him for a successful career in the hotel business. The Emmerson Hotel building was erected 50 years ago and a hotel has been continuously operated. Under different proprietors many changes have been made and it is a very popular hostelry, especially for transients and for railroad people, who find here comfortable quarters and an excellent table at a very moderate price. In 1898 R. J. and Walter L. Noggle took charge and conducted the same until 1908, when Walter L. Noggle became sole proprietor and continued alone until 19 10, when he admitted J. M. McClellan to a partnership and this continues. This hotel has 32 well furnished sleeping rooms and all other hotel equipments and is kept open day and night.

At Bucyrus, O., Mr. Noggle was married to Miss Caroline Derfler, who was born in Holmes township, Crawford county, in 1867. Mr. Noggle is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Uniform Rank and belongs also to the Crestline lodge of the order of Eagles. He is a Democrat in politics but has never been willing to entertain any offer of public office.

LEWIS L. KNOBLE, V. S.,* who has been professionally established at Gallon, O., since 1890, and after an exceedingly successful period of practice is on the eve of retirement, was the pioneer in veterinary surgery in this city and became the leading practitioner in Crawford and Morrow counties. Dr. Knoble was born near Wooster, in Wayne county, O., March 27, 1856, a son of Anthony F. and a grandson of Anthony Knoble.

Both the father and grandfather of Dr. Knoble were born in Switzerland, in Canton Bern, the former in 1831. When the family came to the United States it was on a sailing vessel that required three months to cross the Atlantic Ocean and after landing in the harbor of New York, he came immediately to Mt. Eaton, in Wayne county, O. Land was cleared and improved and the family grew and prospered. Anthony Knoble and wife had four sons and three daughters, all of whom married. One son, Charles E., served all through the Civil War, was twice wounded in battle and is now an inmate of the Soldiers' Home at Sandusky, O. Another son, Alexander, lives in Loudenville, O. ; Ellen is the widow of Peter Graber and lives at Wooster, O.; Josephine lives at Apple Creek, Wayne county, O. ; and Lena died in young womanhood.

Anthony F. Knoble was two years old when his people settled in Wayne county and during his active life was a farmer and auctioneer. He had the gift of language and could speak French, German and English equally well .and could cry sales in all three tongues. In advanced age he retired to Canton, O., where he died January 12, 191 1. In Wayne county he married, November 2, 1851, Celestine Cueine, who was born in a French settlement in Switzerland, August 13, 1829, of French parentage. Her people came to the United States in 1842 and settled on land near Mt. Eaton and lived there until the close of their lives. They belonged to the Reformed church. After marriage Anthony F. Knoble and wife resided in Paint township, A^^ayne county until they retired to Canton, as mentioned, and there the mother of Dr. Knoble died February 26, 19 10. They were faithful members of the Reformed church. They had nine children: Edward, Cecelia, Lewis L., Albert A., Charles C, Lyda E., Edmund E., Lee and Alma A., all surviving except Eward who died at the age of nine years.

Lewis L. Knoble was reared in AA^ayne county and assisted his father in the industries pertaining to the home farm and in this way became interested along the line of veterinary science, seemingly having a natural talent in that direction. Almost from boyhood he practiced to some extent and after locating at Galion he continued a student and in 1892 was graduated from the Chicago Veterinary College. Dr. Knoble has often been called in a professional way long distances from home and his opinion has carried weight on many occasions, when public inspection was being carried forward, according to law. There are many who will learn with regret of his retirement from a field in which he had shown such marked ability. His immediate successor will be found in Dr. Joy C. Wickham, a native of Delaware county, who is a graduate of the Ohio State Medical College in the veterinary department, in the class of 1912.

Dr. Knoble was married at Mt. Eaton, O., Dec. 26, 1877, to Miss Felicia P. Pinkerton, who died at her home in Galion, Dec. 20, 1910. She belonged to the ^ell known family that has made the name of Pinkerton known all over the world. She was a daughter of James Y. and Lydia (Beam) Pinkerton, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. After their marriage in Pennsylvania they came to Wayne county and invested in land in Paint township, where they owned a whole section and were people of local importance there, living into old age.

To Dr. and Mrs. Knoble five children were born : Grace P., who is the wife of Homer Jacobs, who is in the tailoring business at Battle Creek, Mich. ; Carl R., who is a practicing physician at Sandusky, O., being a graduate of Starling Medical College, is married and has two children - Ross and Grace; George Warren, who died at the age of four years, and Clyde Leroy at the age of t\AO years, both being victims of diptheria; and Glenn G., who is a graduate of the Galion High School and is in the transfer business at Galion. The mother of the above children was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which body Dr. Knoble also belongs. He is fraternally identified with the Foresters at Galion, in which he has held high official position and belongs also to the Modern W^oodmen. Politically he is a Democrat and has served two terms in the city council and once was president of that civic body.

JOSEPH KING, one of the highly respected citizens of Galion, O., who lives in his handsome residence which stands on the corner of Columbus and Sherman Streets, Galion, has been retired from active business life since 1907 but for many years previously had been identified with the building trades. He was born near Lewistown, Mifflin county. Pa., July 12, 1845, and is a son of Joshua and a grandson of Jonathan King.

Joseph King

farm and died there in old age. Joshua King was reared in Berks county and he became a woolen manufacturer, making yarns, blankets and flannel. After removing to Mifflin county he married Catherine Miller, a daughter of John Miller, and they continued in Miffln county until i860, when, with their three children : David M., Michael H. and Joseph, they came to near Sidney, O., purchasing 160 acres of land in Shelby county, on which both died. Joshua King was born in 1808 and died in 1872 and was survived ten years by his widow, who was then aged 70 years. They were most worthy people in every relation of life, faithful members of the.Dunkard church and kind and sympathetic neighbors. Of their children, David M. died on the old farm near Sidney, on Sept. 20, 191 1, when aged almost 71 years and is survived by his family. Michael H. is a resident of Sidney, while Joseph belongs to Crawford county.

Joseph King was 15 years of age when the family moved to Shelby county and there he grew to manhood. For two years he worked at the carpenter trade when his enlistment for service in the Civil War interrupted, he in 1864 becoming a member of Co. K, 134th O. Vol. Inf., under Col. Armstrong and Capt. Rhinehart. Mr. King took part in the battles of Waltham and before Petersburg, during his four months' service, at the close of his enlistment being honorably discharged, with the rank of corporal. After completing his apprenticeship, after the war, he came to Galion and worked as a carpenter, subsequently as a contractor and in this relation took part in the erection of many of the handsome buildings of this city. In 1905 he erected a planing mill which he operated until 1907, when he retired. An honest business man and a reliable, substantial citizen is his reputation at Galion.

Mr. King was married first in the vicinity of Galion to Miss Catherine Shindler, who was born at Bucyrus, O., and died at her home in this city, at the age of 45 years. She was the devoted mother of the following children: Edward, a mechanic, who is a resident of Cleveland, where he married and has one daughter; John H., who lives on his farm in Richland county, O., and who is a contractor, and has a wife, three sons and two daughters ; Lewis F., a carpenter, who resides at Galion; Catherine, who lives at home ; and Clara, who now deceased, who was the wife of Clarence Kinsey and is survived by a granddaughter, who lives with her grandparents. Mr. King was married second, to Miss Catherine Swineforth, who was born and reared in RichlancT county, and they have two sons : Clarence W., who is a machinist in business at Galion; and Wilbur, who lives with his parents. Mr. King and sons are Republicans in their political leanings and all are men of dependable qualities. The family belongs to the First Reformed chruch at Galion. Mr. King is a member of Dick Morris Post, No. 130, G. A. R.

JOHN SCHILL, hardware merchant, at Crestline, O., senior member of the firm of John Schill & Sons, is one of the reliable, representative and substantial business men of this city. He was born in Sharon township, Richland county, O., Oct. 9, 1859, a son of George and Rose (Horning) Schill.

The parents of Mr. Schill were born in Baden, Germany and the father, George Schill, was three years old when his parents, Lauderline and Theresa (Hummel) Schill came to the United States and located in Sharon township, Richland county, O., being among the earliest settlers. George Schill grew to manhood on the home farm and became a farmer and lumber manufacturer. He came to Crestline in 1892 and here his death occurred July 14, 191 1, when aged 81 years. His widow survives, being now aged 72 years. Her parents, Joseph and Catherine (Melcher) Horning, were very early settlers in Liberty township, Crawford county, from which section they subsequently moved to Richland county and both died in old age in Sharon township. They were members of the German Catholic church. To ;George Schill and wife eight children were born, namely : John ; Catherine; Joseph, who was formerly a business partner of his eldest brother, and who met an accidental death on Nov. 9, 1909, while walking on a railroad track and is survived by his wife and son; Peter, who is a hardware merchant at Cleveland ; Jacob, who is a farmer near Alberta, Canada; Sarah, who is the wife of Joseph Metzger, a farmer in Sharon township; Lena, who is the wife of Edward Etts, of Mansfield; and Henry, who is connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad at Crestline.

John Schill was reared and attended school in Richland county. In 1876 he came to Crestline to learn the trade of tinner, and afterward, with his brother the late Joseph Schill, started a hardware store under the firm name of Schill Bros., a number of years afterward disposing of their interest to the firm of Brown & Trimble. In 1892 Mr. Schill and brother started a foundry to manufacture heating furnaces, after their own pattern and patent, and two years later added the manufacture of steel ranges. In 1899 the business was incorporated, the name becoming Schill Bros. Co., of which John A. Schill is a stockholder and director, \\'. H. Weaver being president. They work with a capital of $200,- 000. Since January, 191 1, Mr. SchiU has been additionally interested as a merchant, with quarters on the comer of Thoman and Bucyrus streets, a full line of hardware, stoves of all descriptions, and farm implements, being carried and the firm also are tinners and roofers.

At Xew Washington, O., Mr. Schill was married to Miss Louisa Mutt, who was bom in Aubiun township, Crawford county, cind their children range in age from twenty-one to four years: Charles E., Clement A., Helerie R., ^^"illiam Joseph, George A.. Maria I.. Leo F. and Paul E. They have been educated in the parochial school of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Chiu-ch and also in the public schools. 'Mr. Schill is a Democrat in politics and is identified with the fraternal orders of C. K. of O., and the W\ O. W.

AAROX [MAPLE, a general contractor and builder at Galion, O.. whose activities in this direction have covered a period of 18 years, was bom near Richmond, Jefferson county, Ohio, May 20, 1866.

The first Maples came from England to Princeton, X. J. Six brothers emigrated to Huntington, Pa., in the year 1761. ^^'illiam Maple and his brother Thomas came from Port Homer, Jefferson count}-. Ohio, they being t^vo of the six brothers above mentionel. coming here from Huntington. William Maple married Kessiah Larrison in the year 1791. ^^'hen the state was admitted to the Union in 1803 he bought a farm, pa)ring for it with Continental monev. He was a farmer and veterinary surgeon by occupation. To this union were bom four sons - William, George, Benjamin and Jacobs, and five daughters - Abbie, Polly, Sarah, Clara and Kessiah. William emigrated to Bourbon county, Kentucky. George emigrated to Coshocton county, Ohio. Benjamin married Mary Rick and was the father of 23 children and was captain on the northem lakes in the War of 1812, but still retained his residence in Jefferson county, Ohio. Jacob married Catherine Adams and lived in Jefferson county, Ohio. Polly married Robert ilaple and lived in Jefferson county, Ohio. Sarah married John McClain and also lived in Jefferson county, Ohio, of which marriage there were eleven children bom. This John ^IcClain was the grandfather of the mother of the subject of this sketch, consequently a maternal great grandfather. Clara married James McQelland. Kessiah married George Gulp. Abbie, who was the eldest daughter, married her cousin, Aaron Maple, son of Thomas, this .\aron being our subject's great grandfather in the direct paternal line. To them were bom tvvo sons - Thomas, who died in infancy, and Aaron (2nd), the latter being the grandfather of the present Aaron ^laple.

Aaron ]MapIe (2d), above mentioned, was bora May 19, 1798. In 1822 he married Catherine Bowers, who was of German descent and bom in Jefferson county. In 1826 he secured land from the Government, the deed being dated Oct. 6th and signed by President J. O. Adams. This document is now in the possession of his grandson, [Mr. Aaron [Maple of Galion. Aaron Maple (2d) died in 1873, having attained his 75th year. His wife Catherine lived to the advanced age of 86, dying in 1888. They were good people in every relation of life and worthy members of the English Lutheran church. To them were bom three sons and three daughters: Abbie died Jtme 6, 1850. Thomas [Maple married Elizabeth \\'right of Jefferson count\-, Ohio and moved to Alexandra, Kansas in 1878. ^\'illiam B. [Maple married Anna [Maple and moved to Pawnee, Kansas in 1881 ; to them were bom nine children. Sarah [Maple married William Heisler and moved to [Harrison count)'. Ohio; to them were bom two sons - John T. and Henrj- A. Anna [Maple married

George Maple and to them were born ten children. TiUie Maple moved to Columbiana county, Ohio and resided with her niece, Mrs. Thomas Randolph.

George B. Maple was born January 4, 1826. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, of which he came into subsequent possession and where he continued to live until his death, which took place in 1893, when he was 67 years old. He was married Sept. 10, 1857 to Jane McClain, by the Rev. L. Grier, a United Brethren minister. She was of Scotch- Irish ancestry, her people having been early settlers in Jefferson county. She died there in 1889, when aged 57 years. Both she and her husband were members of the Lutheran church. To them were born four sons and one daughter : Lewis H. Maple married Moody McClain of Harlem Springs, Carroll county; in 1888 they moved to Gallon, O., where he worked on the Erie Railroad for 22 years in the carpenter and interlocking department. In 191 1 he resigned, to take a position with his brother Aaron in the building line. To them were born five sons - John R., Lewis M., Dean P., Joseph D. and Roderick W. Etta Maple married George W. McClain and lives on the old homestead. William M. and Olive C. died in infancy.

Aaron Maple, the direct subject of this sketch, whose nativity has been already given, attended country school and worked on the farm for his father until he was 21 years old. He then learned the carpenter's trade, at which he was employed until 1891, when he went to Galion, O., and worked four years there for the Erie Railroad in the carpentering department. In 1895 he resigned this position and 'entered into his present occupation as contractor and builder. He is a competent and reliable contractor and for many years has done a large share of this work in Galion.

Mr. Maple was married at Galion, May 21, 1896, to Miss Bertha M. Aukerman, of Galion, who was born in this city and graduated from the Galion High school in the class of 1895. Her parents, James L. and Sarah C. (Cockrell) Aukerman, were natives of Wayne county, Ohio, where they lived before coming to Galion. Mr. Aukerman was identified with the Erie Railway from the time it was built until his dfeath in 1898, at the age of 53 years.

Mrs. Maple's mother resides in Cleveland, O., and is now in her 66th year. A brother of hers, Clayton E., succeeded his father with the Erie and resides at Galion, with wife and son, James McClure. Mrs. Maple has one sister, Winifred, now the widow of William Ritzhaupt, who left five children - Roy, Laura, Catherine, Mary and Hazel.

Mr. and Mrs. Maple have one daughter, Georgetta, who was born March 26, 1899. They are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Maple is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen and the Order of Ben Hur, and he belongs also to the Commecrial Club.

JAMES L. MORROW,* secretary of the Burch Plow Works Company, at Crestline, O., has been connected with this important business concern since 1907, and is recognized as one of the able young business men of this city. He was born in February, 1883, a son of Truman J. and Mary M. (Smith) Morrow.

The parents of Mr. Morrow were born in Crawford county, O. Among the early settlers near Leesville, came James and Aseneth Morrow, his grandparents, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They secured land there and James Morrow operated a stone quarry for some years, in after life moving to a farm near what is known as Porchers' Corners. There he and wife died in advanced age. Of their children, Truman J., father of James L. Morrow, was born Oct. 17, 1859 and now resides on his farm in Jefferson township, having always lived in Crawford county. He was married in Jefferson township to Mary M. Smith, a daughter of Isaac W. and Susan (Sechrist) Smith, and three children were born to them: James L., Oscar C. and Hazel E. ; Oscar C, who was born in 1889, operates a stone quarry on his farm near Leesville. He married Olivia Retting, daughter^ of Nicholas Retting, and they have one son, Burwell; Hazel E. is the wife of John K. McKean and they reside at Bucyrus. James L. Morrow and wife are members of the United Brethren church.

James L. Morrow was educated at Crestline and at the Northern Ohio University at Ada, O. He afterward became bookkeeper for the Leesville Stone Quarry Company dur- ing the summer seasons and taught school during the winters for five terms. In December, 1907 he became bookkeeper for the Burch Plow VVorks Company at Crestline, later assistant secretary and in December, 1908, was elected secretary, a position that he Ells with the greatest efficiency.

Mr. Morrow was married in 1905, in Jefferson township, Crawford county, to Miss Jessie S. Hart, a daughter of Salmon and Elizabeth (Helfrich) Hart. Mrs. Morrow was born in Jefferson township, March 30, 1885, and lost her father when quite young. Her mother subsequently became the wife of Henry Dopper and they still reside in Jefferson township. They are members of the German Lutheran church, while Mr. and Mrs. Morrow belong to the English Lutheran church. The latter have one daughter, Lucile E., vvho was born Dec. 7, 1906. Mr. Morrow is a Republican in his political affiliation.

ELMER J. FRY,* who lives on the old homestead farm of over 140 acres, which is situated in section 27, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., belongs to an old Crawford county family that was established in Cranberry township by the grandfather, John Fry, who secured this land during the administration of President Andrew Jackson. Elmer J. Fry was born here June 24, 1867, and is a son of John C. and Mary A. (Becker) Fry.

John C. Fry w^as born in Crawford county, one mile north of Sulphur Springs and did not settle on this farm until after he married, when he purchased it from his father. He was an educated man, having attended Oberlin College in youth, afterward engaging in farming. He continued to live in Cranberry township until he retired, when he moved to Tiffin, O., but subsequently returned to the farm to end his days among early surroundings. He married Mary A. Becker, who was born near Harrisburg, Pa. Her people later moved to Crawford county and her father lived one mile south of Sulphur Springs for a number of years and then moved to Michiigan. She died Jan. 4, 1898, her husband surviving until Feb. 3, 191 1. They had three sons and one daughter, namely: Eugene, who was born June 30, 1864, married Ida McKeehen, and they live in Cranberry township north of the home farm; Elmer; William, who was born July 24, 1872, married Catherine Bozenville and live at Toledo; and Minnie, who is the wife of Clarence Hathaway, and they live at Lansing, Mich. The father of the above family was a lifelong Republican, and he and his wife were faithful members of the Methodist Protestant church.

Elmer J. Fry not only remained at home through a happy boyhood but was able to attend school without leaving his father's land, the old log building utilized for school purposes then standing eighty rods south and west of the present residence.. His tastes proved to be agricultural and after his school days were over he decided to remain with his parents and cultivate the home estate and has continued here, purchasing the property when his parents died. He still has twentyfive acres in valuable woodland but all the rest of the land is under a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Fry married Miss Leeanna McCammon, who was born in Sandusky township, adaugrhter of R. B. and Sarah McCammon, former well known residents of Sandusky township. Mr. and Mrs. Fry have had three children, the youngest. Bertha, alone surviving. She is a bright little seven-year old school girl. Robert R. died when almost two years old and the second born, a son, died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Fry attend the Lutheran church, Mrs. Fry being a member. Mr. Fry has always been a citizen interested in public matters and enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens. He has been a school director and for six years served as a trustee of Cranberry township.

JOHN CHRISTOPHER BELTZ, one of the old and well known residents of Crawford county, lives on his farm of 84 acres, in Polk township, three miles west of Gallon.

His father, Christopher Beltz, was a son of Christopher and Wilhelmina (Barkins) Beltz, and was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on the morning of July 8, 1791. He was married to Elizabeth Wetzel, who was born near Sunbury, Pa., Aug. 8, 1789. By this union were the following children: Elizabeth, born June 23, 1814 in Center county,, Pa., died Aug. 31, 1903; Lydia, born April 4, r 8 16, died Feb.

Christopher Beltz came to Crawford county with his family in 1829, spending the first winter in Gallon, and in 1830 he purchased 160 acres of John Brown for $450, and on a part of this land the subject of this sketch still resides.

John C. Beltz came to this county with his parents when a boy of six years. He was born in Center county. Pa., April 19, 1823. He assisted his father on the farm and received his schooling in the old log school house which stood on his father's farm, attending school when the weather was too bad to work. He has lived on the farm ever since he came to the county, a period of .83 years. On April 19, 1845, his 22nd birthday, he married Miss Nancy Ree, who died Dec. 26, 1899 and was buried at Gallon. She was a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Pletcher) Reed, who had the following children : Jacob, Catherine, wife of Jacob Ramer; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Pletcher; Andrew; Nancy, the wife of our subject; and David.

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Beltz had the following children born to them: Sarah Jane, the wife of William Shearer; Elias, who died in 1864; Jemima Jane, who was married first to John Kiefer and secondly to John Shumaker; William M., Elizabeth, who married William Wiggs; Willard John, who died in 1864; and Alonzo Perry and Nancy Margaret, who live at home with their father. All these children were born in Polk township.

FRANK A. WALTHER,* one of the representative business men of Bucyrus, O., who has been engaged in the hardware line at No. 201 Sandusky street, for the past sixteen years, was born in this city, May 23, 1862, and is a son of Christopher and Margaret (Schuler) Walther.

Christopher Walther, was born in 1839, in Baden, Germany, and was ten years old when he accompanied his parents to America. His father, Christian Walther, settled in Liberty township, Crawford county, O., and there he and wife died in old age. They had three sons and two daughters, all surviving, Christopher being the first born. He grew to manhood in Liberty township, where he learned the carpenter's trade and afterward moved to Bucyrus, where he later became a well known contractor. He built many business blocks and other structures in this city, including the Union schoolhouse, but has been retired for some years. He still takes much interest in local matters, especially in the material development of Bucyrus, and occupied a comfortable residence on the corner of Poplar and Charles streets. In politics he is a Democrat and at times has served in civic offices very satisfactorily. At the time the city charter was granted he was a member of the city council and served two terms.

Christopher Walther was married at Bucyrus, to Miss Margaret Schuler, who was born in New York in 1833, being an only child. Her parents were born in Germany, married in New York and later were residents of Bucyrus. Mrs. Walther spent her entire life in this city, where she died in 1902. She was a member of the Lutheran church. To Christopher Walther and wife five children were born, namely : Metta, who is the widow of Paul Bovaiter and resides with her son at Fort Wayne, Ind. ; Frank A. ; Fred E., who died at Grand Rapids, Mich., in January, 191 1, and is survived by his widow; Lena, who is the wife of Charles Flockeri, of Bucyrus, and has one child; and Lizzie, who is the wife of Philip Marquart, residing at Crestline, O.

Frank A. Walther obtained his education in the public schools of his native city and then learned the carpenter's trade with his father, although he has devoted but little time to it. For some five years before he became interested in the hardware business, he operated a flax mill. The hardware store with which Mr. Walther has so long been identified was started in 1895, by the firm of Fisher & Howe, Mr. Walther later taking over the Howe interest and still later assuming the position of head of the concern, when the style became F. A.

\^'alther & Co. which continued until 1905, when he bought the other interests and since then has been sole proprietor. He carries a complete line of shelf and builders' hardware, stoves, furnaces and tinware, together with roofing of all kinds and all goods connected with the roofing business. As one of the substantial business men who has proved his reliability, Mr. Walther easily leads the hardware trade in this city.