Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 32: Miscellaneous, 1912 (part 25 of 28)

Mr. Walther married Miss Otilla Renkert, who was born at Bucyrus, Sept. 21, 1864, a daughter of Christian and Helen (Wolrath) Renkert. They were born in Germany, came to America when young and were married in this city. For many years Mr. Renkert was in the shoe business here. Mr. and Mrs. ^^^alther have two children: Harry George F., who was born Feb. 18, 1883 and \\-as graduated from the Bucyrus High School in the class of 1903. Since leaving school he has assisted his father in the hardware business. He is also active as a citizen and has served two terms as a member of the city council. He married Miss Nellie Bachman, of Galion, O. The second child of Mr. and Mrs. \\'^alther, Cora E., was born at Bucyrus, November 30, 1887, and was graduated from the Bucyrus High School in the class of 1906. She is her father's capable bookkeeper. She is well known in social circles and is also an earnest church worker and belongs to the Y. \\^ Missionary Society and the Young People's Society of the German Lutheran church, to which her parents and brother also belongs. Mr. Walther and son are Democrats in politics and both have been useful to the city as members of its board "of aldermen. Mr. Walther belongs to the Elks and the Knights ot Pythias, at Bucyrus.

JOHN B. DECKER, who has lived in comfortable retirement in the city of Bucyrus, O., for a number of years, for a long period was a successful agriculturist and still owns an excellent farm of 120 acres which is situated in Liberty township, Crawford county, O. Mr. Decker was bom in Sandusky township, Crawford county, Sept. 17, 1852, and is a son of Aaron and Nancy (Bishop) Decker.

county in 1830, the Deckers lived in New Jersey and many of the name still may be found there. Aaron Decker was bom in New Jersey, a son of James Decker, who established the pioneer home in Liberty township, Crawford county and died soon afterward. His widow survived until 1856 and perhaps it was through her thrift and industry that the farm continued the property of the family. As evidence of her frugal housekeeping, her descendants preserve several implements that she used in weaving cloth from flax and wool. She was the mother of seven sons and six daughters and one of the latter survives in the person of Mrs. Emma Trimble, widow of \Mlliam Trimble. She has long since passed her four-score and ten years and owns and lives on the old homestead in Liberty township.

Aaron Decker, father of John B. Decker, \\as bom at Paterson, N. J., but was reared in Crawford county where he helped his mother on the farm for a time and then learned the carpenter trade, after which he located in ^^'^hetstone township. He was a skilled workman and accumulated capital which he invested in land and thus acquired 430 acres which he put under a fine state of cultivation, devoting his personal attention to it after middle life. His death occurred on his large farm, July 17, 1887. In politics he was a stanch Republican and gave active support to the candidates of that party. He married Nancy Bishop, who was born in Ashland county, O., in 1826, and died July 29, 191 1, being then within six weeks of her 86th birthday. Both Aaron Decker and wife were members of the English Lutheran church. They were unpretentious, virtuous and worthy people who faced every situation that life presented to them, with an abiding faith that all was for the best. Four children were born to them, namely: Melvina, who is the widow of E. L. Swonger, and who now resides in Arkansas and has eleven children; Elizabeth, who is the wife of David Eickelberger, residing on a farm in Sandusky township, and has three sons and three daughters; James, a farmer living and owning a part of the old estate of his father in Whetstone township, who married Alice Briggs and has one daughter; and John B., of Bucyrus.

John B. Decker obtained his schooling in Whetstone township and afterward engaged in farming on the home place and later on a farm given him by his father. That property he subsequently sold and bought 120 acres in Liberty township, on which he resided until 1 89 1, when he moved to Bucyrus, where he served some years as superintendent of streets but is now entirely retired from both business and ofifice. In politics he is a Republican.

Mr. Decker was married in Holmes township, Crawford county, to Miss Mary Steifel, who was born in Huron county, O., April i, 1853, and was seven years old when she accompanied her parents to Crawford county. They were Dr. John and Catherine (Brubach) Steifel, natives of Fryeburg, Baden, Germany, where they were reared and well educated and subsequently married. Fully 63 years ago. Dr. Steifel, wife and one child Louis Philip, left Germany on a sailing vessel and after a voyage of three months, reached the United States in safety. He had been educated as a physician but after reaching America he endeavored for a few years to become a successful farmer. In this profession he was scarcely successful for it requires training and knowledge just as surely as do other professions. Dr. Steifel then moved to Crawford county and for some time engaged in the practice of medicine in Holmes township, after which he came to Bucyrus and here became a well known practitioner of medicine. He died March 17, 1903, being then 78 years of age, having survived his wife since March, 1901. She was within one month of being 76 years old. They were active and liberal members of the German Lutheran church and were examples of the sure reward in love, respect and esteem, that is given to those who live worthy and estimable lives, marked with usefulness and unselfishness. They had nine children and six of these live in Ohio.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Decker, as follows : George E., a railroad man, who lives at Enid, Okla., and who married Emma Heinlen; Clara A., a graduate of the Bucyrus High School in the class of 1897, who married H. C. Field, of this city, and has two sons - James Edward, born June 20, 1904, and Robert Eugene, born Feb. 18, 1910; W.

Ernest, who manages and operates his father's farm in Liberty township, who married Florence F. Heft; and Lewis Leroy, who resides at home and is in the employ of the Bell Telephone Company. Mr. Decker and family are all connected with the Lutheran church.

JAMES FREER,* who is an engineer with the great Erie Railway system, an experienced man in this exceedingly responsible position, and well known in railroad circles all through this section, was born at Dundee, Scotland, in March, 1856, a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Hunt) Freer.

Robert Freer and wife were born in Scotland and in 1870 the family came to America and settled at Kent, in Portage county, O., where Mr. Freer became connected with the Erie Railway and continued with that corporation for many years. Later in life he retired to a small farm near Kent and there his death occurred in 1902, when he was aged eighty years, having survived his wife, who died in her fifty-fourth year. They were good people, faithful members of the Wesleyan Methodist church. They were parents of a large family but only three survive, namely: James; Isabel, who is the wife of Charles Brown, who is a resideftt of Kent, O., and they have one daughter, Maybell; and Anna, who is the wife of James Bradley, residing at New Castle, Pa., and has one son, Paul, and a daughter, Bessie.

James Freer was fourteen years of age when the family came to the United States and shortly afterward he entered the employ of the Erie Railway Company with which he has remained ever since. In 1892 he came to Galion where he has since resided and is a valued citizen here. Mr. Freer has been an engineer with the above company since 1885 and it is a tribute to his carefulness and resourcefulness that he has avoided accidents, never having had a serious one and seldom having been brought face to face with a dangerous situation from which his quick judgment and ready action have not sufficed to extricate him and safeguard the lives and property committed to his charge.

At Akron, .Ohio, Air. Freer was married to Miss Minnie Coffey, who was bom at Greensville, Pa., a daughter of Patrick and Ellen (Conners) Coffey. The parents of Mrs. Freer were bom in Ireland and came when young to the United States and settled at Greenville, Pa. INIr. Coffey was a shoemaker and followed his trade at Greenville and Akron until 1902, when he came to spend his declining years with his daughter, Airs. Freer. He died at Galion, in February, 1910, when aged seventy years. The mother of Mrs. Freer survives and is a beloved member of the latter s household. There were seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Coffey, Mrs. Freer being the only survivor. Two sons died from accident : " Frank, from inhaling gas, and Edward, who was killed while performing his duties as brakeman on the Erie Railroad, at Girard, O. Both left widows and children who live at Akron, O.

Mr. and Airs. Freer have three daughters: Xellie J., Isabel B. and Jean. Xellie J. Freer, born Jan. 3, 1893, graduated from the Galion High School in the class of 1910 and then entered Aleadville College, at Aleadville, Pa., as a member of the class of 1914. Isabel B. Freer was bom March 22, 1894, and was graduated from the Galion High School in the class of 191 1. She now occupies a position in the office of Air. Gimther, who is superintendent of the public schools. Jean Freer was born Xov. 29, 1897 and is a student in the Galion High School. The family belongs to the Presbyterian church. Air. Freer belongs to Rockton Lodge X"o. 316, F. & A. AI. at Kent, O. and to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, while Airs. Freer is a member of the latter's auxiliary order and of the Eastern Star.

WILLIAAI HENRY^ GEISSAIAX, who in the fall of 191 1, entered the service of the U. S. Govemment as a mail carrier, working from Chatfield, C, is a w-ell known and substantial citizen of Crawford county, O. He was bom in Chatfield township, Crawford county, 0., June 14. i860, and is a son of S. \\'. and a grandson of Christian \\'illiam Geissman.

Christian ^^'illiam Geissman was bora in Saxonv. Germanv, attended the old time German sehools and learned the blacksmith's trade. He was married there and with his wife Sophia and his two sons, S. W. and Charles, emigrated to America in 1852 and subsequently - in 1854 - settled in the southern part of Chatfield township, Crawford county, O. There he bought sixty acres of land on which the family lived for some years, when he sold and moved to another place situated one and a half miles south of the village of Chatfield. He and wife spent their closing years of life with a son, S. W. Geissman, where the latter died at the age of 75 years, he surviving to be 82 years of age. They attended the Lutheran church and her burial was in the old Lutheran cemetery.

S. W. Geissman was eighteen years of age when the family came to America. He assisted in his father's blacksmith shop and then learned the cooper's trade, at Bucyrus, O., and later engaged in farming, now being retired but still owning a 60-acre farm. He is a Democrat in politics and formerly served as a member of the board of township trustees. He married Caroline Baldosser, who was bom at Pittsburg, Pa., a daughter of Christian Baldosser, and the following children were bom to them, all in Chatfield township: W. H. ; Matilda, who died at the age of twelve years ; Charles F., who married Sophia LenstoU, and has five children - Leo, Reuben, Alilo, Daniel and Frederick; Lewis, who died when two years old; Gustave, who died when aged twenty-eight years ; Emma, Annie, who is the wife of William Hoffsis, and has four children ; Clara, who is the wife of Christian Leutholt, and has eight children; Edward, who married Edna Bacon, and has five children - Alarcella, ^^'^illiam, Milton, Ethel and Robert; Alinnie, who is the wife of Clarence C. Alargraft, and has four children; .Albert, who makes his home in Portland, Ore. ; Callie, who lives at home; and an infant daughter, deceased. The mother of the above children died in 1900, aged fifty-nine years.

\\illiam H. Geissman obtained his education in the public schools and chose farming as his business. He was married to Mary A. SeimenstoU in 1881. After marriage he resided for one year in Holmes township and for nine years in Chatfield township, moving then to his farm of 114 acres, south of New

Washington, where he resided until the fall of 19 lo. He then rented his farm in Cranberry township and retired to Chatfield, one year later accepting his present position. He owns also twenty acres in Auburn township. His first wife died in 1904, at the age of forty-one years, the mother of the following children: John E., Bertha Louisa, Lizzie Matilda, Washington Irving, Lillie Alvina, May Ruth, and two now deceased. He was married secondly to Mrs. Rose Klink, widow of Daniel Klink. Mr. Geissman has always been a Democrat in politics. He is a member and, liberal supporter of the Pietisten church, located two and a half miles south of Chatfield.

LOUIS H. SUTTER,* who is engaged in the plumbing business at Crestline, O., with quarters at No. 141 Seltzer street, is an expert workman along a line that is one of the most useful and necessary factors in all modern building. Mr. Sutter was born near Crestline, in Jefferson township, Crawford county, O., in March, 1879, and is a son of Henry and Matilda (Bigland) Sutter.

Henry Sutter was born and reared near Sutter Hill, in Richland county, O., where several families of the name settled when the country was yet wild, sometime in the thirties. The older members died there while some of the younger ones established homes - in other sections, Grandfather Henry Sutter coming to Crawford county and locating in what was then Vernon township, and there spent the rest of his life, he and wife dying when aged people. Henry Sutter married Matilda Bigland and they survive and reside on Mr. Sutter's fine farm situated in Jackson township. They are members of the Settlement Roman Catholic Church, of the same faith as their parents. Of their eleven children all survive except one, who had been born a twin. Of the ten survivors all have reached maturity, Louis H. being the eldest, and three have married and have families of their own.

Louis H. Sutter secured his education in the public schools near his father's farm and afterward learned his trade at Crestline and at Mansfield, for a number of years afterward working as a journeyman. Since 1909 he has been in business for himself and has a well equipped shop and does plumbing and installs heating and lighting apparatus under contract for the best builders in this city. He is known to be an honest, experienced and capable workman.

Mr. Sutter was married at Bucyrus, O., to Miss Anna Fisher, who was born at Kirby, O., but later accompanied her parents to Bucyrus, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Sutter have one daughter, Dorothy Marie, who was born July 15, 191 1. Mr. and Mrs. Sutter are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at Crestline. In his political views, Mr. Sutter is a Democrat.

WILLIAM R. CUNNINGHAM,* superintendent and master mechanic for the American Clay Machinery Company of Bucyrus, O., is one of the clearheaded, rapid-thinking men demanded by modern industries in their responsible offices, and his years of experience have amply qualified him for his present work. He was born at Lafayette, Ind., in January, 1854.

Although not so many years have passed since Mr. Cunningham was a small boy selling papers on the railroad train between Lafayette and Fort Wayne, Ind., carrying water and wood and running errands for passengers and train men, it seems far back in the light of improvements along every line of industry and the strides made by Mr. Cunningham along his path of self imposed toil until the present time when he finds himself the right hand man in one of the largest industries in the state of Ohio. He was only ten years old when he began to work in a woolen-mill and later was employed in a box factory and also in a printing office and he probably faced every problem that comes to a boy dependent upon himself at a tender age. While he had thus tried different lines of work as circumstances guided him, he had a natural aptness for mechanics, together with an ambition to improve himself and it was fortunate that about the time of making a choice of life work that he met a man who sympathized with him and was able to give him judicious advice. This was John Black, who was a master mechanic, a native of Lima, O. Following the advice of this friend, Mr. Cunningham bought such books as he could afford and studied the tech- nical points of mechanics while he learned practical details in the Union Machine \\'orks, at Lafayette, where he became an apprentice in 1869 and remained connected more or less with these works until 1886. In the meanwhile, from 1875 until 1878 he was superintendent of the foundry of John Barret, of Lafayette and also was at the head of the city fire department and also had worked in a foundry both at Lima and Dayton, O. For fourteen years before coming to Bucyrus and accepting his present position, he had been with the Wallace Manufacturing Company of Frankford, Ind.

Mr. Cunningham became superintendent of the American Clay Machinery Company in May, 1900, and here, as in every other position he had filled, he has rendered satisfactory service. He enjoys not only the confidence of his employers but also the respect and esteem of the workmen he has in charge, his manner with the latter not being that of a hard taskmaster but of a firm manager who thoroughly understands all industrial conditions and demands only what is just both to the firm and the employes. This has resulted in quiet and contentment with no interruption of business.

Mr. Curmingham was married at Lafayette, Ind., to ^liss Priscilla E. Moore, who died in 1903, survived by three children: Arthur F., who resides in California where he is manager of a brick plant, married a lady there and has two children; M. Elizabeth, who resides with her father ; and Auburn S., who is at the head of one of the departments of the American Clay Machinery Company and married a daughter of John H. ]\Ieyers, of Bucyrus. Miss Cunningham is a member of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. Cunningham is a Republican. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, Elk and ]Mason, having been admitted to the Scottish rites in the Masonic order at Indianapolis.

ISAAC \y. SMITH, a retired farmer residing in Galion, O., was born in Broomfield township, Perry county, Pa., Oct. i, 1834. His parents were Christian and Nancy (Kirkpatrick) Smith, both natives of Pennsylvania, and he is a grandson of John Jacob Smith, who was born in Germany, July 25, 1767. The given names of the latter's wife was Mar\-

E., but her family name has not been ascertained. She was born May 14, 1765 and in her native Germany was married to John Jacob Smith. Sometime before the beginning of the nineteenth century they came to the United States settling in Perry county. Pa. on a farm, where they resided until they both died, each at an advanced age. They belonged to the German Reformed church. They had eight children - Catherine E., Jacob, Christian, George, Mary E., Daniel, Henry and Joseph - ^all of whom grew up, were married and had families, and all are now deceased.

Christian Smith, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Perry county. Pa., April 29, 1 801. He grew up in his native county and there married Nancy Kirkpatrick, who was born in that locality Oct. i, 1806, and who died Oct. 27, i860. He died in Jefferson township, Crawford county, O., Dec. 29, 1 87 1, when in his 71st year. They were substantial people, and were consistent Christians, belonging to the Presbyterian church. He was a Whig and later a Republican in politics. Christian and Nancy Smith were the parents of nine children, whose record in brief is as follows: .Anna married W'illiam Osbom and had five children. Catherine, now deceased, married George Hiltner and had children. Isaac W. is the direct usbject of this sketch. Richard B. married Jane Brokaw and both are now deceased; they left children. Ellen J. married Harney Brokaw and died, leaving issue; her husband is also deceased. Wilmina married \\'illiam McKain and both are now deceased; they left children. Amelia Jane, a twin sister of Wilmina, became the wife of James B. ^Murray and both died, leaving no issue. Hiram F. is a well to do business man, residing in North Robinson, this county. He married Harriet Slatterbeck and they have a family. Edwin G., the ninth member of the family, is a business man in North Robinson. He married Alice IMajor and they have children.

Isaac \\'. Smith grew up on the farm, but from 1862 to 1874 was associated with his brother Richard B. in a mercantile business at Leesville, this county. In the year last mentioned he purchased 100 acres of fine land in Jefferson township, which he still owns, and on which he resided until 1888, in which year he went into business at North Robinson, where he remained thus engaged for 15 years, meeting with fine success. He then retired and took up his residence at No. 229 Erie street, Galion. In 1873 he was commissioned by Gov. Edward F. Noyes, as a justice of the peace, but held office only one term.

Mr. Smith was married in Galion, O., June 29, 1862, to Susanna Sechrist, who was born in Franklin county, Pa., March 27, 1844, a daughter of George and Mary A. (Jackson) Sechrist. Her parents, natives of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio and located in Wayne county on a farm when she was only six months old. Mr. Sechrist, who was bom in Franklin county. Pa., Sept. 19, 1808, met his death suddenly in 1848, being killed by a runaway team. After his death his widow married for her second husband. Dr. Jacob Schaffer, of which union there was a son, Alonzo E., born, who is now deceased. Dr. Schafifer dying, his widow married for her third husband Peter Snyder, by whom she had no children. She died in North Robinson, O. (Crawford county) Nov. 8, 1902 at the age of 85 years, having been born in Washington county, Md., Aug. 23, 181 7. She was a member of the United Brethren church.

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac W. Smith have been the parents of twelve children, as follows : ( i ) Mary M., born in Crawford county, O., married Truman Morrow and lives on a farm near Leesville. She has three children - Roy, Clifton and Hazel. (2) William S., resides on the homestead. He married Alice Rhinehard and they have two children - Glenn and Wayne. (3) Alverta A. married James Morton, a merchant of North Robinson, and has two children - Orpha and Lelia. (4) Luna P. died at the age of fifteen months. (5) Delia L. is the wife of William Kibler, a Crawford county farmer; her children are Ralph, Harold and Louis. (6) Edith G. married Harry Knell, a farmer in Whetstone township; has fotir children - Lorin, Edwin, Myron and Mildred. (7) Alice M. is the wife of Dr. J. B. Kring of Calidonia ; no issue. (8) Pearl married Luther Ness; they reside in Galion and have a daughter, Alice I. (9) R. Kelley is a merchant in North Robinson; married Daisy Shank and has two children - Linden Arthur and Donna. (10) Leslie M.

married Tacy Gladdle, and they live on a farm in Jefferson township ; no issue. (11) Harrison G. is a merchant at North Robinson ; married Retta Ehrickson and they have a son, Norwood. (12) Bessie N. is the wife of Robert Bogan, assistant cashier of the Citizens National Bank of Galion, in which place they live. The mature members of the Smith family are all connected with the United Brethren church, in which Mr. Isaac W. Smith is an official. He is a Republican politically and is a sterling citizen, widely known and respected.

EPHRAIM H. BAKER,* who is one of the best known residents of Auburn township, Crawford county, O., a retired farmer owning 96 acres situated in section 5, was bom in this township, three quarters of a mile south of his present farm, Jan. 22, 1839, a son of Enoch and Sarah (Hutchinson) Baker.

Enoch Baker was of Scotch-Irish ancestry and Virginia parentage and in early manhood came to Crawford from Licking county, O. Here he married Sarah Hutchinson, a native of Virginia, and they had eight children, the three survivors being: Mrs. Phebe Grafmiller, who lives in Auburn township; John, who is a resident of Shelby, O. ; and Ephraim H. Enoch Baker entered eighty acres of land in Auburn township, on which he lived for many years. He then sold and moved first to Richland and later to Knox county, where his death occurred when he was aged ninety years, his burial being in Auburn township, by the side of his wife, who died in 1850. They were members of the Methodist Protestant church.

Ephraim H. Baker attended the district school in boyhood and remained at home with his father until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted for service in the Union Army, entering Co. C, loist O. Vol. Inf., in which he served faithfully for three years and received an honorable discharge. He returned then to Crawford county and resumed farming in Auburn township and shortly afterward was married to Miss Averta Osburn, a native of Van Wert county, O., and since then has lived on his present farm. He continued to actively superintend the work until 1906, since which time he has been retired. His land is well drained by a ditch which was started by his father, who finished it in one season.

with the help of one hired man, a pretty big undertaking when it is remembered that this ditch is 12 feet wide, 6 feet deep and a mile in length and now is a part of Honey Creek. This farm lies one and one-half miles north and five miles east of New Washington and thus both country and town life can be enjoyed by Mr. Baker and family.

To Mr. Baker's first marriage the following children were born : Margaret, who is the wife of Wentz Becker, of Auburn township ; Annie, who is the wife of William Robinson, of Cranberry township; Mary, who lives at home; Elda, who is the wife of Andrew Wenslick, of Plymouth, O. ; and an infant son, deceased. Mr. Baker's second marriage was to Miss Elvira Hills and they have had three children: Irene, who is the wife of William Fourquer, of Richland county, O. ; Carney, who died at the age of eighteen months ; and Ross E., who lives in British Columbia. Mr. Baker casts his vote with the Republican party.

JOHN GOLDEN BARNEY,* now a prominent and honored retired citizen of Crestline, O., for many years was active both in business and in public matters in this section of the state. He was born in the village of Clyde, near Galen, N. Y., Oct. 6, 1833, a grandson of a Revolutionary patriot and of Irish- Welsh ancestry.

William Barney, grandfather of John G. Barney of Crestline, was bom in New Hampshire. He served as a private soldier in the beginning of the Revolutionary struggle, took part in the battle of Concord and continued until the termination of the war, receiving wounds at the battle of Cowpens. After peace was declared he lived in New Jersey, later in New York and in his 82nd year died at Galen, N. Y., April 20, 1839. He was one of the early members of the religious denomination known as the Free Will Baptists. William Barney married Ruth Golden, who was a granddaughter of Governor Slade, of New Hampshire, and died at Galen, N. Y., in 1836, at the age of 65 years. They had the following children: Jacob, Nathan, Benjamin, Moses, John and Deborah, all of whom, with the exception of John, who served in the War of 1812 and died from sickness then contracted, married and reared families of their own.

Moses Barney, son of William and father of John G. Barney, was bom Feb. i, 1795, in Cattaraugus county, N. Y. During the War of 1812 he belonged to the reserved military force but saw little of active service, being only once called out, and then returned to the activities of his farm, situated near Galen, N. Y. His accidental death occurred ten days before that of his aged father, when he was 44 years old. In politics he was a Whig and for many years he was a deacon in his church. At Galen, N. Y., he married Matilda Powers, who was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., and died at Cooperstown, when aged 78 years. They had the following sons and daughters born to them: Clarissa, who died in 1904, who was the wife of John Hines also deceased, and is survived by one son; Eliza, who died in 1907, who married Nelson Rase and is survived by one son and four daughters ; William, who died at the age of 18 years; Benjamin, who died in infancy; Lavina, who was the wife of Burton Banhan, also deceased, and left two sons; and John G., subject of this article.

John Golden Barney lost his father when he was five and one-half years old. He obtained a district school education and then applied himself to farm work until 1858, when he came to Ohio. For a number of years afterward he was associated with V. L. Marshall in the fruit juice trade, with headquarters at Mansfield, Mr. Barney maintaining his residence tmtil 1868, at Butler and Bellville, at that time coming to Crestline. For some years afterward he was engaged here as a merchant and then turned his attention to fire insurance and real estate and continued active in these fields until 1908, in which year he retired from business. Prior to coming to Crestline, however, Mr. Barney had been a very prominent citizen of Bellville, an ardent Republican, a delegate to all important conventions, a justice of the peace for three terms and mayor of that city for one term.

In August, 1862, Mr. Barney enlisted for service in the Civil War, and as he had already established a record as a marksman, he was assigned a branch of the Sharpshooters under command of Capt. Pierce, in the ii6th N. Y. Vol. Inf. Shortly afterward he was detailed as a recruiting officer. On Feb. 14, 1864, he reenlisted, entering Co. A, 187th O. Vol. Inf., under Capt. W. W. Copley, and two days later was sent to the front, having been made orderly sergeant. At Dalton, Ga., he was promoted to be sergeant-major and two months later was commissioned second lieutenant of Co. I, and afterward was made first lieutenant of Co. D, and continued with that rank until the close of the war, when he was appointed commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, succeeding General Wilder. Mr. Barney continued in that difficult position until January 29, 1866, having had 29 counties under his jurisdiction. Mr. Barney was an enthusiastic supporter of Abraham Lincoln in i860 and stumped the state, making his maiden political speech at Bellville. Since coming to Crestline he has continued his activity in public affairs and served as postmaster under the administration of President Harrison and until recent years has been active in party councils.

Mr. Barney was married in Schoharie county, N. Y., to Miss Elizabeth Clemens, who was born there March 29, 1830, of an old Presbyterian family. Mrs. Barney died at her home in Crestline, Aug. 22, 1887. She was a highly educated, cultured and refined lady, was a graduate of the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y., in the class of 1850, and possessed a life certificate as a teacher. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barney : William, who died in infancy; and Emma F., who is the wife of Dr. W. P. Bennett, a well known physician and surgeon at Crestline. They have one son, John B., who after graduating from the Crestline High School, went into business in New York City, where he married and has one daughter. Since 1865 Mr. Barney has been a member of the Presbyterian church.

DAVID MACKEY, who was for many years up to the time of his death, Dec. 11, 1906, one of the most prominent citizens of Galion, O., was born in Franklin county, Pa., April 3, 1835, a son of William and Katharine (Leonard) Mackey. William Mackey, the father of our subject, was of Scotch parentage; his wife, the latter's mother, was of English ancestry. They were married in Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Katharine Mackey died there when her son David was about three years old. A few years later William

Mackey, with his small family, removed to Zanesville, Ohio, where for some time he was engaged in business as a builder and contractor. He later returned to his old home in Pennsylvania and was there married to his second wife, Rose Ann Gingerly, whose father was a prosperous miller. Accompanied by her, William Mackey then returned to Zanesville and continued in business there as a contractor and builder until his two sons by his first wife - James and David - were grown to manhood. Then, not long before the Civil War, they came to Galion and established a prosperous business here as contractors and builders, being kept pretty busy most of the time. William, the father, died here at the age of 84 years, a well known and much respected citizen. His second wife had passed away some years before when not so old. They were both members of the English Lutheran church, were prominent in the work of the church and supporters of many worthy enterprises. In politics he was a Democrat.

The two sons, James and David, after the death of their father, which occurred in August, 1887, continued the business and were thus associated together until the death of James in 1890, after which it was continued by David alone. The latter, in addition to his other activities, also became president of the Galion Lumber Company, a flourishing concern, and held this position at the time of his death. He had then for years been one of the most prominent citizens of Galion and was as highly esteemed as he was widely known. He built and owned the Mackey block on South Market street, the City National Bank building, the Commercial and Savings Bank building, besides other business blocks and many fine residences. He was also largely influential in bringing various important industrial enterprises to the city or in causing them to locate here, and was a large property owner. An active Republican in politics, he served conscientiously and ably on the city council. He was also a director of the old Galion National Bank. To sum up, it may be said that he was the type of man that is a help and inspiration to any community in which he may reside and in his death the city of Galion suffered a loss not easily made good.

Miss Sarah Traul, who was bom in New Philadelphia, Ohio about 1837 and who, at the age of three years came with her parents to Gallon, O., where she has since resided, having witnessed the growth of the city to its present size and prosperity. Her parents were Conrad and Rachel (Knisely) Traul, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Her mother was a daughter of Abraham Knisely, who came at an early day to Ohio and purchased a farm on what is now the site of the thriving city of New Philadelphia, which he originally laid out. There he and his wiie lived for many years and many of their descendants are now scattered throughout Tuscarawas county and the vicinity.

Conrad Traul, Mrs. Mackey's father, on coming to Gallon established the first tannery here and conducted it until his death at the age of 47 years. His widow subsequently married George Money Smith and died in 1888, when 89 years of age. She left no issue. They were members of the English Lutheran church. Mrs. Mackey was one of eleven children - four sons and three daughters yet living, all of whom are married and have issue. She, herself is the mother of two daughters, Martha and Sarah. Martha is the widow of Homer Reisinger, D.D.S.. who was a son of Dr. Reisinger, a well known Galion physician. Homer Reisinger died in early manhood, leaving two children - Elton, who is now a salesman in the employ of the Cleveland Lumber Co., and Bertha, who is married and lives in Galion. Sarah, Mrs. Mackey's other daughter, like her sister, graduated from the city high school and completed her literary education in the North Ohio University at Delaware, O. She is the wife of Harry A. Pounder, who was born in England, and who is now manager of the Galion Lumber Co. They have two sons, Reuben and Donald, the former of whom is a graduate of the Galion High School, class of 1908. Mrs. Mackey and her family are all members of the Presbyterian church.

HARRY A. POUNDER, manager of the Galion Lumber Company, is a well known and enterprising citizen of Galion, O. He was bom in Staffordshire, England in 1862, being the scion of a good family, with a long line of worthy ancestors. He was educated in the public schools of Hull in his native country and was later graduated from the Technical department of the Government schools in that city as a marine engineer. Afterwards he worked under his father, Edward Pounder, who was manager of the Earl Shipbuilding and Engineers Company, of Hull. Subsequent to this he entered the employ of the Portugese Government as an expert marine engineer, was made a subject of that country and was sent to Africa, where he was engaged for some time in the exercise of his profession. He then returned to England and in 1883 came to the United States, locating in Buffalo, N. Y., where as an expert engineer, he was employed by the Atlantic & Western (now the Erie) Railway Co., and remained with them four and a half years. He then took charge of the engineer's department of the Cleveland (O.) Forge & City Iron Co. In 1890 he became vice president of the Galion Lumber Co., in 1890 he became vice-president of the Galion Lumber Co., in which position he has shown marked business ability. He has been especially active in locating enterprises to help build up the city. He was one of the chief promoters and organizers of the Commercial Club (the leading and most active business men's association of the city) and has since served as a director and in other official capacities, being chairman of one of the active committees. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order and of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Pounder married Miss Sarah Mackey, daughter of David and Sarah (Traul) Mackey, of Galion, O., and they have two sons, Reuben and Donald, the former of whom is, as elsewhere stated, a graduate of the Galion high school.

SAMUEL \V XUXGESSER,* a leading citizen of Jefferson township, Crawford county, O., a prominent Democrat who is at present serving in the office of township assessor, owns property at Crestline but carries on farming on a 40-acre tract which belongs to his mother. He was bom in Polk township, Crawford county, June 16, 1861, and is a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Morkel) Nungesser.

bors. They were five years old when their parents came to America on the same boat, settled near each other in Pennsylvania for five years and then came together to Crawford county, and here Christian Nungesser and Elizabeth Morkel were married. He learned the shoemaking trade but later engaged in farming in Polk township, where he died in September, 1902. His widow still lives on the old homestead and in September, 1912, will see her 84th birthday. She is widely known and is much beloved by family and friends. The following children were born to Christian Nungesser and wife : Mary Ann, who is the wife of Samuel Beach; Lucinda, who was the wife of William Freeze ; Sarah, deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Waterbeck; Samuel W. ; and Albert, Christian, John, Emma and Henry. The parents of this family reared their children according to the German Lutheran faith.

Samuel W. Nungesser attended the public schools with his brothers and sisters and has devoted himself mainly to agricultural pursuits. He gives considerable attention to market gardening and poultry raising, favoring the Black Orpington strain, and finds a ready market both at Crestline and Bucyrus. As an active member of the Democratic party, Mr. Nungesser has become well and favorably known all over the county, has served in all the minor township ofifices and at present is township assessor, in which bfifice he served continuously for five years, on a former occasion. Mr. Nungesser is a member of the Crawford County Democratic Central Committee.

In 1885 Mr. Nungesser was married to Miss Jennie Schaad, who was born in Crawford county, O., a daughter of John and Margaret (Uhl) Schaad. The father of Mr. Nungesser was an undertaker and cabinetmaker at Leesville, O., where his death occurred. The mother, now in her 86th year, lives at Delaware, O. They had the following children : Benjamin, Brice, John, George, Lewis and Edward; Catherine, wife of Albert Graham; Savilla, wife of John Buchanon; Elizabeth, wife of William Radford; Rosa, wife of Lewis Hurr; Jennie; and Emma, wife of William Price. Mr. and Mrs. Nungesser have four children, namely: Ralph; Bessie, who married Frank Bogan, and has one son, Ralph ; Hazel, who is the wife of Delbert Plotner; and Edna. Mr. Nungesser and family attend the English Lutheran church at North Robinson. For six years, in addition to his other public duties, Mr. Nungesser served as one of the board of directors of the Crawford County Infirmary and during all that time was secretary of the board, with the exception of a few months. He belongs to the M. W. A., at Gallon, the Eagles, also at Gallon, and the Elks at Bucyrus.

EPHRAIM B. MONNETT, for many years one of the active business men of Bucyrus, O., traces his ancestry back to French emigrants who landed in the American colonies prior to the Revolutionary War. He was born March 21, 1837, in an old log cabin, in Scott township, Marion county, O., the family having been established in this state by his grandfather, who was a pioneer preacher of the Methodist faith.

Rev. Jeremiah Crabb Monnett was born in Maryland. His religious activities covered sections in many states, including Virginia, Maryland and Ohio, and in very early days he traveled to points then regarded as frontier posts. From Pickaway county, O., he came to Crawford county and here continued his ministerial work into old age. He married Aley E. Slagle, who was born in Ireland and was brought to this country in youth. She was reared a Roman Catholic but later joined the religious body with which her husband was always connected. She was a woman of force of character and her descendants show many of her admirable characteristics.

Abraham Monnett, son of Rev. Jeremiah and father of Ephraim B. Monnett, was born in Maryland, Oct. 12, 181 1, and was one of a family of 14 children. After coming to manhood he traded a wagon and horse and $40 for a tract of 160 acres of land, subsequently purchased 80 acres more, and kept adding to his land until at his death he was the owner of 4400 acres in Marion and Crawford counties. He first moved into a primitive log cabin, which stood on his place, but later built a larger and more comfortable house and otherwise improved his property, on which he lived until he retired from active life, moving then to Bucyrus. Here he died in 1887, respected and esteemed by all who knew him and leaving behind him the record of a blameless life. In his early years he was a Whig and later affiliated with the Republican party. He refused public office but his advice was frequently asked and his judgment relied on in matters concerning the public welfare. He was a constant and liberal contributor to the Methodist church. Abraham Monnett married Catherine Braucher, who was born near Circleville in 181 5 and died in 1875. Twelve children were born to this happy union, all of whom survive except three - Oliver, John and Mrs. Mary Hall. The others are married and have children.

Ephraim B. Monnett is the eldest of his parents' family. He had admirable home surroundings which tended to the development of character. His first employment as a boy was to pen up his father's sheep to protect them from the wolves, the woods at that time being filled with wild game and Indians. While his educational opportunities were somewhat limited, on account of lack of early school privileges, his life has associated him with developing events and wide awake people and he is a man of well rounded knowledge. In early manhood he assisted his father in the latter's business of shipping cattle and be became one of the largest shippers of livestock in the county. He has been prominently identified also with financial institutions for many years and through his business foresight and excellent judgment, has been one of the main organizers of at least two successful banking concerns in Crawford county and one in Marion county. He was one of the founders and for many years was vice president of the Caledonia Bank, helped to organize the Bucyrus City Bank, of which he was president for seven years, and also is identified with the Second National Bank of Bucyrus, of which he has been a director for 22 years. He has always been credited with being a shrewd business man, but his integrity has never been questioned and he takes pride in the fact that notwithstanding his large volume of business dealing, he has never had a law suit brought against him, nor did he ever consent to bring one against any debtor. Politically a Republican, he held many of the local offices while

Mr. Monnett was married first in 1859, at Bucyrus, to Miss Ellen C. Barton, who was born at Pittsburg, Pa., July 6, 1840, and died Jan. 13, 1888. She was a daughter of William and Esther (Booklacker) Barton. She was survived by five children, namely: Richard O. and Clarence D., who died young; Ephriam Guy, who died when aged twentytwo years; William A. who died March 7, 1910, and is survived by his widow and one daughter, Edna G., who are residents of Monnett Station; and Annetta G., who is a resident of Cardington, O. Mr. Monnett's second marriage was to Miss Cornelia Yost, who was bom Oct. 8, 1852, a daughter of Jeremiah N. and Elizabeth (Woodside) Yost, natives of Dauphin county. Pa., who came early to Bucyrus. The father was a saddler and was a highly respected citizen. His death occurred March 4, 1908, he having lived to the rather unusual age of ninety years. He was a Methodist in religious faith, while his wife was a Lutheran. The latter died in January, 1892, aged about sixty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Monnett have one daughter, Nellie Lorie, who was born Dec. 19, 1892. She is a bright, engaging young lady and a favorite in her class in the High School, where she will be graduated in 1913. With her parents she belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which her father has ben a trustee since 1882. The family home is a hospitable one and its members enjoy much of the quiet, social life of the city.

PETER DRUMM,* one of Crestline's capitalists and representative citizens, was born in Summit county, O., in 1850 but has been a resident of this city since boyhood. He came of German and French ancestry, for over 200 years his forefathers living on the same estates in Alsace-Loraine, where his parents, Peter and Magdalena (Babst) Drumm were born and married.

In the early forties the parents of Mr. Drumm came on a sailing vessel to the United States and settled in Summit county, O., where the father first followed his trade of cabinetmaker, and later was connected with the car building department of the Pennsylvania Railway Company, and in this relation came to Crestline, where he lived some 40 years, his death occurring Dec. 2, 1905, when he had passed his 90th birthday, having survived his wife since Dec. 11, 1887, she being then aged 67 years. They were members of the German Reformed church. Of their four children, three grew to mature years and two survive : Peter and Lena, who reside together, neither having married.

Peter Drumm, Jr., was young when his parents came to Crestline, where he attended school and later learned the art of photography and for many years conducted a studio in this city but retiring from business to a large degree fully 20 years ago. His time is fully occupied in looking after his large property interests, he being one of the heavy tax payers of the city. In politics a stanch Democrat, he has been active in party matters and has been loyal in his support of party measures and candidates.

J. O. HARER, whose valuable farm of 154 acres is situated in section 25, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., was born in Holmes township, Crawford county, July 14, 1878, a son of Caleb and Mary Harer, whom he accompanied, when six years old, to Lykens township where they still live.

J. O. Harer remained at home and gave his father assistance until he was twenty-three years of age, in the meanwhile doing contract work on the turnpikes in the township, after which he was in the livery business at New Washington for five years. He then sold his stables and went more largely in the horse business, buying and selling, in which he is yet interested. In 1909 he bought his present farm, on which he has resided since his marriage, all of which is well tiled, and all but one acre, still in woodland, is under cultivation.

Mr Harer married Miss Bertha Geissman, a daughter of Henry and Mary Geissman, of Cranberry township,* and they have two children, Lulu May and Herbert. In politics Mr. Harer is a Democrat but has too many business interests to make him a seeker for ofifice. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to

JOHN ROBERTS,* deceased. Among the old and substantial families of English extraction who have assisted in the developing of many of the interests of Ohio, may be mentioned that of Roberts, and the pioneer of this family in Crawford county was John Roberts, a man of broad mind, enterprising spirit and financial independence. He was born in Lycoming county. Pa., April 7, 1805, and died near Bucyrus, O., in 1884. His father, George W. Roberts, was of English birth and was in early manhood when he came to Lycoming county. Pa., in 1800. He was a fine specimen of physical manhood, a fact to be noted as his descendants inherited, with many of his worthy qualities, his noble stature and abounding health. After the death of his wife, in Lycoming county, he started out to see something of what was then the great West and on this trip visited in Ohio but subsequently located in Iowa, where he went into the banking business with a son-in-law, and died at Brighton, in that state, when more than 80 years of age.

John Roberts was one of a family of seven children and all but two of these spent their lives in Pennsylvania. He remained in Lycoming county until late in the twenties, when he decided to come to Ohio. He had married Lavina Walton, who was born in Lycoming county, Dec. 30, 1799, and died near Bucyrus when aged about 72 years. When the decision was made to break up the old home ties in Pennsylvania, Mr. Roberts found in his young wife a ready helper and she cheerfully assisted him in all his undertakings although at that time she had the responsibility of an infant. Mr. Roberts in the course of time became one of the wealthy men of Crawford county, the owner of 1500 acres of land and one of the shrewdest and most successful stock buyers and dealers in the country. In those days there was much to contend with in his business but he was endowed with perfect health and indomitable courage and was never known to be defeated in any of his many undertakings. He identified himself with everything of public interest although he refused public ofifice and being a man of such excellent judgment was a leading factor along almost every line of development during his active years. Finally he consented to accept a life of ease but it was only when old age had reached him, and he died in his comfortable home, his residence being located just north of Bucyrus, in 1884. In early days a Whig, he later became a Republican. He and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, their conversion having been accomplished at the same time when they were in attendance at a camp meeting on the banks of the Susquehanna river.

To John Roberts and wife four sons and one daughter were born. The daughter, Mary Jane is the widow of James Cobb and is a resident of Bucyrus, being now in her 78th year. The eldest son, Fleming, was the babe brought to Ohio by his parents. He died early leaving a widow and one son in Marion county, O. Another son, George W^ashington, who was born in 1835, is a wealthy retired stock dealer and large landowner in Marion county. Edwin, the youngest son, was born in 1840 and died in Harrison county in 1908, survived by a family.

Wesley Roberts, father of Thomas E. and Charles W. Roberts, of Bucyrus, was the second son in the above family and was born in 1829, in Crawford county, O., and he was reared in Whetstone township. In a remarkable degree he inherited his father's appearance and characteristics. He loved hard work and in endurance could excel any of his associates from boyhood. At one time he owned 2800 acres of land in Crawford county, while his fields and pastures showed herds of fine cattle and horses, droves of fattening hogs and flocks of sheep. He was, like his father, a careful and judicious business man and in a business in which there is large opportunity to fail, he met only with prosperity. For years he was designated as the leading breder, feeder and buyer of stock in this section of the state. His perfect health continued into advanced life and the slight digestive trouble that caused his death was at first looked upon as of little consequence, so unaccustomed had he been to illness. Like all strong men he had settled opinions of right and wrong and he had the courage to live up to his convictions. In politics he was a beliver in the superiority of the principles of the Republican party and when he worked for a candidate he did that task as he did every other, with all his strength, but was never willing to accept political preferment for himself. He was a Methodist in religion.

Wesley Roberts was married first to a Miss iVEonnett, a member of a very prominent old family of the county. She died in Whetstone township, survived by two sons: Isaac, who is a prominent stockman in Nebraska; and Madison, who is a farmer in Scott township, Marion county, O. His second marriage took place in Morrow county, O., to Miss Elizabeth Xewson, who was born there in 1832. She died at the home of a daughter, in Bucyrus, Feb. 7, 1889, and her memory is tenderly preserved by the following surviving children: Frank H., Joseph, Charles, Marcellus M. and Ida. Belle died at the age of seven years. Frank H. and Willis G. are both prominent in the livestock industry at Bucyrus. Marcellus M. is part owner of a fine farm in Dallas township. Ida is the wife of Harry Keil, \\ho is a large landowner and stock dealer in Illinois.

JOSEPH \X. ROBERTS was the eldest born son to his father's second marriage, and was born in Dallas township, Crawford county about i860. He inherited the tastes and business acumen of his father and grandfather, along with their "physical build, and has devoted his attention since reaching manliood to agricultural activities and handling of stock. During the larger part of his life he has resided within the borders of Crawford county. In 191 1 he established a residence at Bucyrus, where he is in partnership with his brothers in a livery business and standing stables. Politically he is a Republican but is active only as a voter. He is a man of large means, is charitable and public spirited and has many personal as weU as business friends. In Marion county he married Flora B. Miller, who died there without issue in 1901, at the age of 35 years. Mr. Roberts was married (second) at Bucyrus to Miss Pansy G. Neish, a daughter of the late Byron Xeish.

ford county. He scarcely required the hardy discipHne that prevails on a large farm, to develop his muscles and ensure his health, for he, like his brothers, father and grandfather and even farther back, possessed these gifts from kind Nature. At one time it pleased the five sons of the family to test their added weight, each claiming some 200 pounds, and the aggregate was iioo pounds. With sound constitution, clear mind and steady habits, Mr. Roberts, like other members of this rather remarkable family, has been very successful in his business undertakings, which have been along the line of the family industry almost exclusively. In 1901 he came to Bucyrus, from his farm in Caledonia township where he had sold and bought stock for six years previously, having moved from his former farm in Marion county. For some years he has associated his business interests with those of his brothers.

Mr. Roberts was married near New Winchester, Crawford county, to Miss Malinda Loyer, born in Marion county, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Heinline) Loyer, of German stock. The father of Mrs. Roberts died at the age of 40 years but the mother lived to be 70 years old. They were German Reformed church people. Four children have been born to Charles W. Roberts and wife: Earl W., who was accidentally killed in Montana, at the age of 24 years ; George W., who owns and successfully operates a sheep ranch in Montana; and Helen and Franklin Harry, who resides with their parents. -

CHARLES E. SWITZER,* one of Gallon's leading business men, senior member of the wholesale and retail firm of Switzer & White, dealers in grain, hay and seed and operators of elevators at both North Robinson and Monnett, O., was born in Miami county, O., Dec. 3, 1869, and is a son of Jacob and Mary C. (Kunkle) Switzer.

The parents of Mr. Switzer were born and married in Pennsylvania and for many years after coming to Ohio were farming people in Newton township, Miami county. In 1910 they left the farm and now live in comfortable retirement at Covington, 6., where they are attendants and supporters of the Brethren church. Their family consists of five children.

After attaining his majority and completing an educational course at Ada, O., Charles E. Switzer went to Columbus and began work in the clerical department of the grain and hay iirm of J. B. McAllister & Company, and remained with that house for twelve years, coming from there in 1900, to Galion, to go into business with Mr. White. The present company was established in 1906 by Charles E. Switzer and George M. White and is one of the important business enterprises of Crawford county. In their elevators they carry more than 30,000 bushels of grain and in all other commodities are large dealers, their market being anywhere in the state. Their methods are those of a progressive firm and their prosperity is assured.

Mr. Switzer was married at Columbus, O., to Miss Margaret J. Evans, who was born in Wales and was nine years old when her parents brought her to America. They settled at Columbus, O., where her mother died, and after working at his trade - that of stonemason - until some twelve years since, her father went to Montana. There he married again and still resides. Mrs. Switzer was one of a family of six children. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer have three children: Edith M., born May 10, 1905; Herbert C, born June 20, 1907; and Malcolm Evans, born Feb. 25, 191 1. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Switzer is a good citizen but is not particularly active in politics. He votes with the Republican party.

ALEM MOORHEAD,* who is one of the well known citizens of Crestline, now living retired, for a number of years was in the real estate business here and owns valuable city property. He was born on a farm in Jackson township, then in Richland now in Crawford county, July 7, 1847, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Barber) Moorhead.

Robert Moorhead and wife were born at Milton, - Pa., and when they came to Ohio they settled in Jackson township, when all that section was a wilderness. Mr. Moorhead was forced to cut down trees in order to make a space on which to build his log cabin. He persevered, cleared land and improved it, and he and wife spent their subsequent lives here, the mother passing away shortly after the birth of their son Alem, when aged 50 years, but the father lived into advanced age, dying when nearing his 94th birthday. They were members of the Presbyterian church and a brother of Mrs. Moorhead, Rev. Daniel Barber, was a prominent divine of that body. Of their family of 12 children, nine reached maturity and eight married. The survivors are : Alem and Mrs. Clarissa Courtright, who is a childless widow and a resident of Mansfield, O.

When 18 years of age, Alem Moorhead heard the call for soldiers issued by the President of the United States, to assist in putting down rebellion, and he was one of the first to enlist, in April, 1861, in Co. I, ist O. Vol. Inf., under Capt. McLaughlin and Col. Cook. This regiment was rushed to the front and took part in the first battle of Bull Run, which Mr. Moorhead survived and served out his enlistment. Soon after his honorable discharge he came to Crestline, which city has been his chosen home ever since. In politics Mr. Moorehead is a stanch Democrat.

In early manhood Mr. Moorhead was married to Miss Margaret Miller, who died at the age of 54 years, leaving four children : Charles A., who is with the Pennsylvania Railway Company; Flora I., now deceased, who was the wife of William Bagley, and who is survived by x)ne daughter, Genevieve ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Everett Sutton, residing at Bloomington, 111., and has two daughters, Effie and Beatrice, and an infant son; and Howard, who was accidentally killed by a railroad train on a grade crossing, when aged 2"] years, and is survived by a widow and one daughter, Margaret. Mrs. Moorhead was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was an active worker in the Woman's Relief Corps, Mr. Moorhead being identified with Snyder Post, No. 97, G. A. R. He belongs also to the Knights of Pythias.

JOHN HARRISON TRAGO, who is a retired farmer and well known citizen of Crawford county, O., resides on his excellent farm of 120 acres, situated in section 17, Auburn township, was bom in this township, on an adjoining farm, May 31, 1840, and is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Waters) Trago.

township, Chester county, Pa., May 8, 1796, and died in Ohio, Jan. 3, 1876. After coming to Ohio he lived for five years in Columbiana county and then located on 160 acres, which tract at that time was in Richland county, but is now included in Auburn township, Crawford county, later buying the 120 acres on which his son resides, paying eleven dollars an acre for the same. Still later he purchased eighty more acres and for that tract paid $35 per acre. All this land was heavily timbered at the time of purchase and each fal-m was cleared and improved by Daniel Trago. On December 20, 1826, he was married to Sarah Waters, who was born in Chester county, Pa., Jan. i, 1806, and died May 22, 1 87 1. Ten children were born to them, the family record being as follows: Samuel Waters Trago, who was born in Honeybrook township, Chester county. Pa., Nov. 3, 1827; Ann Elizabeth Trago, who was born Sept. 21, 1829, died Feb. 21, 1841 ; Elmira Trago, who was born Feb. 12, 1831, was married to John Griffith, Dec. 28, 1852, and died July 12, 1878; Agnes Trago, who was born in Smith township, Columbiana county, O., in Nov. 1833, died Jan. 27, 1854; Francis Marion Trago, who was born in Smith township, Columbiana county, O., Dec. 17, 1835, enlisted for service in the Civil War as a member of the 64th O. Vol. Inf., and was killed at Peach Tree Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., July 20, 1864; Vincent T. Trago, who was bom in Smith township, Columbiana county, O., Feb. 28, 1838, enlisted in Co. I, 15th O. Vol. Inf. and served four years in the Civil War, living to return, his death occurring April 14, 1880 (was married first to Laura Carlisle on Dec. 25, 1866, and secondly to Mary E. Dull, May 5, 1870); John Harrison Trago; Alice Ann Trago, who was born July 14, 1843, died in 1852; Mary Trago, who was born April 22, 1846, married William N. Keller, April 17, 1870, and lives at Monroeville, Ind. ; and Morris Winfield Trago, who was born Jan. 24, 1848, died in March, 1849.

John Harrison Trago remained on the home farm with his father and has always been interested in farming and stock raising. For some time he has been retired from active labor and now rents out his farm on shares, finding this plan satisfactory. From early manhood he has given his political support to the Republican party, but has never been particularly active in politics - just an interested citizen who has exerted his influence to make this a law-abiding community.

Mr. Trago was married, first, Oct. 21, 1866, to Miss Nancy Mount, who was born in Richland county, a daughter of James Mount, of Irish ancestry. She died Feb. 9, 1892, and her burial was in Oakland Cemetery, near Tiro, O. She was the mother of four children; Fannie, who was born Sept. i, 1867, was a successful teacher at New Washington, for seventeen years; James Justus, who was born May 23, 1873, is a civil engineer residing at Mt. Vernon, 111. ; Andrew Edmund, who was born Aug. 18, 1876, died May 10, 1892; and John Henry. The last named was born July 9, 1879 and was accidentally killed while at work in a saw-mill, on June i, 1900. The mother of the above named children was a faithful member of the Lutheran church.

On Oct. II, 1902, Mr. Trago was married secondly to Mrs. Mary (Baker) Reed, at Bloomdale, Wood county, O. Mrs. Mary (Baker) Trago was born at Fredericksburg, near Wooster, in Wayne county, O.

COL. WILSON. C. LEMERT was bom in what is now Texas township, on March 4, 1837. His grandfather, Joshua Lemert, was an officer in the War of 1812, and with his family had settled in Coshocton county just before that war. Lewis Lemert, son of Joshua, was bom in Loudon county, Va., Aug. 4, 1802. He came with his parents to Coshocton, where, on Jan. 2, 1823 he married Jane Perdew. In 1826, he came with his bride to what is now Texas township, then a dense forest. Here he raised a large family of children; was one of the prominent men in that section; assisted in building the first church in 1834, and was one of its first trustees, and remained a member until his death, which occurred on the 80th anniversary of his birth, Aug. 4, 1882. His son, Wilson C. Lemert, assisted his father on the farm, attending school in the little log school house; later he taught school, attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, graduating in the class of 'f,8. While here he was one of the ten charter members of the Sigma Chi fraternity; more than half a century passed, and ripe in years, on June 11, 191 2, he was one of the three charter members still living when the handsome new structure of the society was dedicated. Leaving college he read law, graduated from the Cincinnati Law School, was admitted to the Bar, practiced for a year in Bucyrus, and then removed to Greensburg, Ind. He had only commenced to practice there when the war broke out, and he promptly relinquished what was already a lucrative practice and responded to the President's first call for troops. His patriotic enthusiasm secured the enlistment of two companies, and of one, Co. G, Seventh Indiana, he was elected lieutenant, declining the captaincy. But promotion speedily followed, and he was given his captain's commission for bravery on the field at Winchester. He visited home, and being a brilliant speaker and a soldier from the front, addressed meetings, stirring up enthusiasm for the Union cause. At one of these meetings at Mansfield he spoke from the same platform with Ohio's great war Governor, David Tod, who finding he was an Ohioan, promptly commissioned him as Major, and later as Colonel of the Eighty-sixth Ohio. In 1863 his regiment was sent to Zanesville to stop the course of the Morgan Raiders. Here they became mounted infantry, horses being secured from every available source, and the wild chase began without rest, day or night, after the daring Confederate leader, the exciting race never ending until the final surrender of Morgan at Salineville, in Columbiana county. The raid ended, he returned to the front, and was engaged in the campaigns in eastern Tennessee, and was placed in charge of the strategic point of Cumberland Gap, as commander of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, an organization of 7,000 men, with 30 pieces of artillery and when Gen. Grant visited the post, the taciturn warrior commended the commander for his skillful handling of the important post.

After the war he turned his attention to industrial channels, organizing and managing railroads and manufactories, and in the 22 years that followed he raised over four million dollars to place in successful operation the many companies with which he was con- nected. His first venture was the Bellefontaine Cotton Company, to re-establish the cotton industry in the south, and in spite of the floods and the devastated condition of the country made the venture a success. VV^hen the T. & O. C. was built, he was the general manager in its construction, and when troublous times came, in the spring of 1880, he went along the line, and almost unaided, enthused the despondent, made 40 speeches at as many different points, and raised $100,000 which tided the road over its difficulties, and it was built, and later he secured the shops of the road for his home town of Bucyrus. In 1881 he built a road 51 miles long from Corning to the Ohio river; in 1882 he built the St. Louis & Emporia railroad; in 1883 he began the construction of a railroad from Findlay to Columbus, and was also connected financially with the building of the Nickle Plate, which afterward was sold to the Vanderbilts. During the building of the T. & O. C. he purchased the land and laid out and started the towns of Coming and RendviUe in Perry county. In 1878 he organized the Moxahala Iron and Coal Companies, opened mines and built furnaces, and was president and general manager of both. He became interested in natural gas, and under his management the Northwestern Natural Gas Company was organized, which supplied all northwestern Ohio with this fuel, and later he had general supervision of the Brice-Thomas interests in the gas fields of Ohio and Indiana. In 1887 he became the owner of the gas and electric light plants at Bucyrus, consolidating the two companies into one. When the T. & O. C. was building a company was organized to build cars in the old Buckeye Reaper and Mower Works. The company failed, and Mr. Lemert purchased and reorganized it, and it later became the Bucyrus Steam Shovel and Dredge Works. He organized and managed the Buckeye Wood Works. In 1889 he bought the brick machinery plant, which resulted in the organization of the Frey-Sheckler Company, he arranged for its consolidation with the Penfield & Son brick machinery plant at Willoughby, and the American Clay Company was the result. In his half century of industrial development he has been interested in many other companies.

Jones, only daughter of Dr. A. M. and Elizabeth Jones, Mrs. Jones being a daughter of Samuel Norton, the founder of Bucyrus. By this union there were two children, Katie E. Lemert, and Mrs. Blanche L. Wise.

For the past ten years Col. Lemert has retired from the active management of any of the many industries he founded. He is at present vice president of the First National Bank. He has a cottage in Florida where he spends his winters, and the summers he passes in Bucyrus which is indebted to him for more of its progress than any other of its citizens. He has made several trips to Europe and the continent, into Africa and Asia, leisurely visiting the out-of-the-way-places, and last year made a tour around the world.

Notwithstanding a life of strenuous commercial activity. Col. Lemert for more than half a century has taken time to devote considerable attention to politics in every campaign. For years he was the head of the Republican party in this county, later took charge of the first campaign which sent Charles Foster to Congress from this district, and in 1879 managed the campaign which gave that gentleman the nomination for Governor, after the most brilliant fight that ever occurred in Ohio politics, Mr. Foster winning the nomination by only 6j4 votes. In his later years, while his more active party work has ceased, his loyalty to the principles of his party have become more intense. He has never been an aspirant for political office. On March 19, 1867, he was appointed postmaster at Bucyrus, only serving until a postmaster could be selected, and on July 19, 1867, he retired in favor of the man recommended by him. In 1884 he was delegate from this district to the National Convention at Chicago, casting his vote for James G. Blaine for the Presidential nomination. He has been delegate times innumerable to state and district conventions. State Central Committeeman, declined the office of Adjutant-General of the state under Gov. Foster, and now that 191 2 has arrived, after 50 years of political contests, in which he has fought a straight fight, respecting his legitimate adversaries and being respected by them, neither asking nor receiving quarter, he is still championing the cause of true and regular Republicanism.

GEORGE M. HOOVER,* who is identified with one of the great industries of Bucyrus, O., being connected with the ordering department of the American Clay Machinery Company, was born in Delaware county, O., in the city of Galena, in 1858, and is a son of Isaac M. and Sylvia (Pond) Hoover.

Isaac M. Hoover was born in Pennsylvania and his wife in Maryland, and their families moved to Granville, O., where they met and were married in 1836. When a young man he learned the marble and stone cutting trade but later he became a cooper and found the cooperage business a profitable one while living at Chillicothe and Galena. This was before the day of machine-made barrels and Mr. Hoover was able to secure his raw material from the forest and perform every operation that turned it out a completed barrel or hogshead. He was a very deft worker in wood and made a specialty of manufacturing measures of various capacity, all of his work bearing the stamp of the honest craftsman. His death occurred from an attack of heart failure, at Columbus, in 1885, when he was aged 74 years. His widow survived him for three years, her death occurring at the Home of a daughter, Mrs. J. J. Mazurie, at Urichsville, O. Formerly they were identified with the Baptist church but later became Presbyterians. Three of their sons served as soldiers in the Civil War.

George M. Hoover enjoyed excellent educational advantages, attending school at Galena; later at Scio College he pursued higher branches and subsequently was graduated from the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. For some years he was interested in the hotel and restaurant business and afterward engaged in raising high grade stock at Bradford Junction, in Miami county, and in partnership with Abner Jennings, at Urbana, O. Mr. Hoover then conducted the Sea Side Hotel at Delmar, Calif., for twelve years and then returned eastward, purchasing a stock farm near Terre Haute, Ind., which he managed for five years. In 1893 he became agent for the Pennsylvania Short Line Railroad, a position he filled for eight years. This road was built by the firm of Frost, Stearns & Hoover (the junior partner being Mr. Hoover's brother), as contractors, and when the road was entirely completed, Gilbert C. Hoover served as treasurer of the operating company until his retirement from business in 1900, his death following later. He was one of the substantial and representative men of the city. In July 1 90 1, George M. Hoover came to the American Clay Machinery Company and since then has been the efficient head of the ordering department.

Mr. Hoover was married to Miss Rachel A. Grass, who was born and educated at Covington, O., and they have two sons : Harry G., who is office manager of the Gulbranson Piano Player Company, of Chicago, 111., and married Celia Auck, of Bucyrus; and Herbert R. B. Mr. Hoover and family belong to the Presbyterian church. In politics, with his sons, he is a Republican.

FRANK R. GREEN,* who is manager and part owner of an exceedingly valuable property, consisting of 500 acres of finely improved land, situated in Washington township. Morrow county, O., not far from Gallon, is a member of one of the prominent families of this section. He was born at Galion, O., the second in a family of four sons, his parents being James Henry and Leonora Hathaway (McClain) Green, and his grandparents, Aaron and Nancy (Berry) Green and Dr. Marcus H. and Lucy (Reed) McClain.

Frank R. Green, with his brothers, Howard A., Dahl and James H. Green, were educated in the schools of Galion. The eldest brother, Howard A., is a contracting decorator at Galion. He married Grace Blosier and they have two children, Grace Leonora and Frank. His next younger brother, Dahl Green, is secretary and directing manager of the Galion Shoe Company, of Galion, O., doing business on Main street, has been in the shoe business for the past sixteen years. He married Bessie Gates, of Fort Wayne, Ind., and they have two children, C. Gates and Helen Louise. James H. Green, the youngest brother, is a director of The Galion Shoe Company, of which he was one of the organizers. He married Addie Crowley and they reside at Galion. The father of the above family for many years was president of the Citizens National Bank of Galion, which he organized. His death occurred Aug. 7, 1894.

After his school days were over, Frank R. Green assisted his father in the bank for some years and then went to Cleveland, where he accepted a position as chief clerk in one of the leading hotels and continued there for twelve years. Failing health caused his physician to order an outdoor life and this led to his assuming the management of the highly improved farm of 500 acres, which is jointly owned by himself and brothers, it having been a family possession for a great many years. Under Mr. Green's intelligent and judicious management this property has been a source of large revenue, and in devoting himself to its development and improvement, Mr. Green has regained his normal health. He considers Gallon his home and is identified here with many pleasant social organizations and is interested in the public movements which are bringing Galion prominently forward as a most desirable city in which to carry on business or in which to make a permanent home. He is active in Masonry and, with his brother, Dahl Green, belongs also to the Knights of Pythias. All four brothers are stanch Republicans.

CHARLES F. ETSINGER,* who conducts a large and well arranged meat market at Crestline, O., where he has been in the business for the past 12 years, was born in this city, Feb. 16, i860, and is a son of John and Eba (Smith) Etsinger.

The parents of Mr. Etsinger were bom, reared and married in Germany and three of their children - ^Jacob, Adam and John - were born prior to 1858, when the family came to the United States and located at Crestline. Both died here, the father when aged 73 years and the mother at the age of 69 years. The father became a strong supporter of the Democratic party and he and his wife were members of the German Reformed church. One son, Charles F., was born after the family came to America and he and John are the only survivors, the latter being connected with the Big Four Railroad at Indianapolis, Ind. Both Adam and Jacob married in Ohio and at death left families.

became a fireman for the Pennsylvania Railway and continued for three years, when he entered the meat market of Fred Fidler, where he learned his trade and then went into business for himself after working as a butcher for 14 years. He is thus a fine judge of meat and a practical man in every detail of the business. He does a large business at his present location. No. 207 East street, which property he owns.

Mr. Etsinger was rnarried at Galion, O., to Miss Katie Cook, who was born in Crawford county in 1869, a daughter of William Cook. The father of Mrs. Etsinger was born in Germany and in young manhood came to Crawford county and purchased land in Jackson township on which he resided for many years and then rnoved to Richland county, where both he and wife died. They were members of the German Lutheran church. To Mr. and Mrs. Cook three children were born: Adam, who is a resident of Canton, O. ; Mrs. Etsinger; and Maude, who is the wife of William Krichbaum, of Crestline. Mr. and Mrs. Etsinger have one daughter. Bertha, who was born April 19, 1893, and resides with her parents. The family belongs to the German Lutheran church. Like his father, Mr. Etsinger has been identified with the Democratic party and formerly served as a member of the city council. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen.

WILLIS H. BRAUSE, a prominent citizen of Crawford county, O., and one of the substantial men of Lykens township, of which he is a trustee and is serving in his second term, was born in this township, March 13, 1 86 1, and is a son of Rudolph and Catherine (Klink) Brause.

Rudolph Brause was born in Saxony, Germany, and was brought to the United States when six years of age. In 1830 he came to Crawford county, O., and spent the remainder of his life in Lykens township, becoming a prosperous farmer. He frequently related how, in his youth, he would accompany his mother when she walked from two miles south of Lykens village to Bucyrus, carrying her butter and eggs, and receiving three cents a pound for her butter and four cents a dozen for eggs. Game was still plentiful and there were many wild turkeys. He learned many wood-craft expedients and possessed a certain bone secured from a raccoon and fashioned into a whistle, with which he attracted the early flying turkeys and frequently he would shoot several turkeys before breakfast. He was known far and wide as a successful hunter.

Rudolph Brause married Catherine Klink, whose parents came from Wertemberg, Germany, to the United States when she was six years old, and in 1828 they came to Liberty township, Crawford county. A few words suffice to tell that one of the early settlers entered land, but in almost every case, at that time, the entering was accomplished through considerable hardship. Mr. Brause has heard his Grandfather Klink tell of some of his experiences. When ready to enter land he found there was no Government station at Bucyrus and that entailed a long trip to Tiffin and as he had no means of conveyance, he walked the whole distance from Ridgton to that city. He had carefully carried his purchase money, $96, with him but when he reached the land office he was confronted with the statement that he had four dollars too little, the sum of $100 being needed for the purchase of eighty acres, the smallest tract on sale. Fortunately he was carrying two watches and by pawning these he secured the required capital and received his deed for eighty acres of land. This left him, however, with no means with which to purchase food for the long journey back home, but, feeling that the sooner he reached there the better, he set out over the uncleared country, following Indian trails, as there were no roads, until, finally, worn out, he rested on a log and gave way to tears. In some mysterious way, after again resuming his homeward journey, he was led into a path where some former traveler had lost a twentyfive cent piece. This was a fortune to Mr. Klink and at the first log cabin he came to he spent it, one-half for potatoes and the other half for pancakes.

To Rudolph Brause and wife the following children were born : Caroline, who died when aged twenty-one years; George A.; John; Fidelia, who is deceased, was the wife of Jacob Zeigler; Willis H. ; and Emma, who died when aged four years. The parents were members of the Lutheran church.

Willis H. Brause attended the district schools during a part of each year until he was twenty years old and was his father's main helper three years longer. He then rented land for eight years, after which he bought 160 acres, which he subsequently sold. In 1895 he bought his present farm of 470 acres. He carries on general farming and deals extensively in Shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses and Delaine sheep, having some 500 head of sheep annually. He owns three registered Percherons - ^Hindu, Lyman and Idoic - their total value being estimated at $4,000. Additionally he has a farm of forty acres situated in Seneca county.

In December, 1884, Mr. Brause was married to Miss Mary Susannah Zeigler, who was born in Seneca county, a daughter of Henry and Louisa (Keller) Zeigler, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Zeigler had a family of eight children, namely : Jacob, Henry, John, Mary S., George, Christian, Adam and Emma. To Mr. and Mrs. Brause seven children have been born, as follows : Earl George, Lloyd, William, Virgil, Emma, Ida and Raymond. Mr. Brause and family attend the Reformed church. In politics Mr. Brause is a Democrat. He has many business interests but is a conscientious citizen and tries to do his part in public position when called upon. In him Lykens township has a reliable and honest official and he has brought business methods to the board of trustees which have been of value in the considerations of that public body.

WILLIAM A. LEONHART,* one of the leading citizens of Chatfield township, Crawford county, O., president of the board of Education and owner of 100 acres of valuable land situated in section 10, situated two and one-half miles west and one-half mile north of New Washington, was born in this township, Oct. II, 1866, on a farm adjoining his present one. He is a son of John and a grandson of George and Margaret (Zabst) Leonhart.

George Leonhart and wife were both born in Germany and soon after marriage came to the United States and for the first four years lived in Stark county, O., and then moved into Chatfield township, Crawford county, where he purchased a tract of wild land which he cleared and improved. Six children were born to George and Margaret Leonhart : John ; Elizabeth, wife of Adam Reichart, of Chatfield township; George, residing in Kansas; Catherine, wife of Conrad Hamer, both deceased ; Adam, of Bucyrus, O. ; and Gustave A., of Chatfield township. George Leonhart resided on his Chatfield township farm until his death, at the age of 76 years and was survived by his wife who lived to be 86 years old. Their burial was in the Lutheran cemetery at New Washington.

John Leonhart grew up on the home farm and taught school for some time before marriage and afterward settled on 40 acres of land in Chatfield township, which he rented from his father, subsequently acquiring the home farm and adding to his possessions until at the time of death, when aged ^2 years, he owned 380 acres, all in one body, situated in Chatfield township. He was a leading man in the Lutheran church and prominent also in public matters in the township, serving several terms as township trustee and in other capacities. All his land remains in the family and all of it has been cleared by the Leonharts. He married Elizabeth Ackerman, a daughter of David and Catherine Ackerman, and the following children were born to them : Catherine, who married Lewis Carrick and moved to Kansas and has five children - Lloyd, Walter, Ross, Mabel and Goldie; Jefferson; G. W., who married Anna E. Gaugluff and has two children - E. L. and Maud A. ; F. E., who married Emma Marquart, and has two children - Minnie and Clarence ; W. A. ; Matilda, who is the wife of C. W. Foster, of Mansfield, and has four children - ^Ethel, Ray, Helen and Harry; Caroline, who married George Marquart of Cranberry township; G. A., who married Minnie Shade and has two children - Charles and Anna; and Emma, who is the wife of W. A. Gaughufif, of Chatfield township. The mother of this family died at the age of 73 years and her burial was in the Lutheran cemetery at New Washington.

William A. Leonhart attended the public schools in Chatfield township and three years in the New Washington schools, and afterward taught school for seven terms in Chatfield township. He decided then to turn his entire attention to agricultural pursuits and began for himself on his present farm, where, as time has passed he has made numerous improvements which include the erection of substantial buildings of modern construction. He carries on general farming and has all his land under cultivation with the exception of eighteen acres of woodland.

Mr. Leonhart married Miss Catherine Schafifer, who is a daughter of Valentine Schaffer, a farmer in Chatfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Leonhart have two children: Maryin W. and Alma E. In politics Mr. Leonhart has always been a stanch Democrat but the only public office he has ever accepted has been membership on the school board of which body he is the very efficient president. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran church at New Washington, O.