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

The parents of Mr. Durnwald emigrated with their children to the United States about 1854, coming directly to Crawford county, O., where they cleared 18 acres of cranberry marsh land, southwest of the present city of New Washington. Like other pioneers they endured many hardships and carried on the early farming operations with ox teams and hand implements but developed a good farm and lived here into old age, their later years being made very comfortable. The mother died in her 80th year and the father when aged 86 and both were interred in the Catholic cemetery at New Washington, having been faithful members of the church there. They had eight children, all of whom were born in Germany, namely: Margaret, who died in Germany; Anna and Elizabeth, both of whom are deceased; Mary, who lives at Toledo, O. ; Magdalena, who is deceased ;. Martin, subject of this sketch; Peter, who lived in Chatfield township; and Joseph, who lives at Clyde, O.

After his school period was over, Martin Durnwald learned the principles of farming in his native land and after coming to America remained at home until he was 32 years of age, doing a large part of the clearing and cultivating of the home farm. Following his marriage he settled on 60 acres situated in section 23, range 17, Cranberry township, which he improved and to which he later added 80 adjoining acres, and continued the active management of this farm until 1903, in which year he sold his farm and moved to New Washington.

Martin Durnwald married Miss Mary WentzHck, who was born in Germany and died at New Washington, Feb. 19, 1905, her burial being in the Catholic cemetery here, she having been a devoted member of the Cktholic cluifcliall her life. She was a daugh- ter of Andrew and Elizabeth Wentzlick, and the mother of 14 children, all of whom were born in Cranberry township. Joseph resides with his family in Cranberry township; George, who is unmarried, lives at New Washington; and Thomas resides with his family in Cranberry township. Elizabeth married D. N. Weithman and they live at New Washington. Cecelia married John Hiler, who lives on a farm in section 3, Cranberry township, and they have had 12 children: Louisa, Alfred, Bertha, George, Charles, Rosa, Fred, Ida, Leona and three who died infants. Anna married Louis Rothchild, who was born at Gallon, O., Nov. 8, 1869, and was killed by a stroke of lightning, June 16, 19 1 2, while walking from his barn to his house, during an electric storm. His widow and four children survive him: Gertrude, aged 12 years; Emma, aged 11 years; Fred, aged nine years; and Lucile, aged four years. Magdalena is the wife of Albert Karl, of Cranberry township. Frederick resides with his family in Huron county, O. The other children died in infancy. Mr. Durnwald and family are all members of the Catholic church at New Washington. He has always been a strong Democrat in his political views and has conscientiously supported his party but has never accepted any township office although well qualified for the same.

G. K. ZEIGLER,* vice president and a member of the board of directors of the Second National Bank of Bucyrus, O., and a member of the firm of Zeigler & Company, proprietors of the Main Street Mills, is one of the older business men of this city, where he is still active in the milling industry with which he has been long associated. He was born in Montgomery county, Pa., Dec. 4, 1834, and is a son of Abraham and Rachel (Kroutz) Zeigler.

G. K. Zeigler had few educational opportunities in youth and the whole period of his school attendance was covered by a part of one winter session. When he was 19 years of age he left the farm and became an apprentice in a mill at Perkiomien, Pa., where he proved so apt in learning details and methods, that within a year he was made foreman, and in two years he made a grinding record, 42,000 bushels of grain having been passed by him through his hopper. In the summer of 185s he came to Bloomville, O., and was in the employ of Simon Keller, a well known miller there, for six months, when he went back to Pennsylvania. There he was induced to embark in the dry goods business but as he was entirely without experience in that line, he lost his entire investment. He took a practical view of the matter and knowing that he could succeed at mill work, he returned to Crawford county, O., and secured work in a mill at New Washington. Fifteen months later he came to Bucyrus, where he was employed by a Mr. McClain for more than two years, and for the next two years had charge of the Honey Creek mills, and then returned to Mr. Keller where he remained for three years. By this time Mr. Zeigler had established a reputation as a very competent miller and he was anxious to go into business for himself, this resulting in a partnership with Mr. Keller and they conducted a mill for five years, afterward purchasing and operating the Honey Creek mills. Mr. Zeigler's next move was to go into business with Mr. Keller at Napoleon, O., where they not only conducted mills but also built an elevator at a cost of $10,000. In April, 1876, Mr. Zeigler returned to Bucyrus and became proprietor of the Main Street Mills, where the capacity is 150 barrels of flour per day, and since 1877 these mills have been continuously operated by Zeigler & Company and the enterprise is one of large importance in this section.

Mr. Zeigler was married in 1857, to Miss Ann M. Keller, who was born in Seneca county, O., and three children were born to them. Mr. Zeigler has never been active in politics but is a Democrat in his political convictions, and his vote as an honest and wellmeaning, law-abiding citizen is always to be counted on. He can recall many changes in the methods of milling, his memory going back to the old water-wheel mill race mill, until the present when he can show interested visitors his own plant where the latest improved complicated mill machinery is more easily governed, working like clock-work under steam, power.

proprietor and manager of his establishment at No. 316 East Main street, occupies the important office of chief engineer of the GaHon Fire Department, with which organization he has been connected for 47 years. He was born Aug. 12, 1851, in Juniata county, Pa., and is a son of Martin and Lydia (HilUard) Sponhauer.

Martin Sponhauer, who is one of GaHon's most venerable and respected citizens, was born in Pennsylvania in 1822 and came to Galion in 1854, where he engaged in business as a druggist and continued until 1875, when he retired. Time has been gentle in its passage and in a very remarkable degree he preserves both physical and mental vigor. He was twice married, his first wife dying in 1853, leaving four children, namely: Ida, who is the wife of R. A. Williams, of Cleveland, 0., and has two children - Morris and Ida; Stephen, who is a retired hardware merchant at Fort Wayne, Ind., and has a family of two sons and two daughters; Henry C, subject of this sketch; and Martin, who died unmarried, at Chicago, 111., when aged 54 years. The second wife died in 1875, the mother of two children, Edward and Retta. The former was a railroad man and was accidentally killed at Hamilton, O., in his 26th year. The latter is the wife of John Smith and they reside at Cleveland, O.

Henry C. Sponhauer was three years old when his father brought the family to Galion and here he was reared and educated and learned the machinist trade with a local foundry and machine company. In 1882 he went into business for himself and for almost 30 years carried it on with success, .frequently during this time expanding, re-equipping his quarters and adding to his office and shop force until now a dozen skilled workmen are required. In addition to boiler and machine manufacturing, a general tinning business is carried on. Mr. Sponhauer continued at the head of affairs until April, 191 1. when he turned over his heaviest responsibilities to his son William, who is the present manager. It would seem strange to not find the name of Henry C. Sponhauer identified with the fire department of this citv, for very nearlv a half centurv has passed since he assumed duties as a volunteer in this protective body. Few of the old names or personalities remain but Mr. Sponhauer has continued his active interest and has had much to do with building up the present strong and efficient organization, for 36 years having been its engineer and chief engineer.

In 1847, 3.t Galion, Mr. Sponhauer was married to Miss Mary DeVore, who was born at Cardington, O., and was reared and educated in Morrow county and at Galion. The following children were born to this marriage : Florence, who is the wife of M. McDonald, of Rochester, N. Y., and has two children - Mary and Harland ; William, who learned the plumbing trade and for some years was connected with his father's business, of which he became manager in April, 191 1; Jennie, who is the wife of Frank Martine, of Galion, and has three children : Grace, who is the wife of Daniel Connors, foreman in a boiler shop at Elgin, 111., and has two children - Robert and Mary; Blanche, who is the wife of Rollin Reingert, a druggist at Barberton, O. ; and Verna, who resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Sponhauer are members of the Lutheran church. Politically he and his son are Democrats, while fraternally he is connected with both the Masons and the Odd Fellows, being a Shriner and a member of Al Koran Temple, at Cleveland and past grand in the latter organization.

WILLIAM H. SNYDER,* who is one of the reliable and representative business men of Crestline, for the past 15 years has conducted a department store at No. 134 Seltzer street, where he has a commodious building, his store room of 23x101 fet giving him adequate space for the display and sale of his large and well selected stock. He was born at Crestline, June 13, 1879, and is a son of Adam and Louise (Scott) Snyder.

Adam Snyder was born in Germany, July 17, 1830, and was eight years old when his parents, John A. and Mary (Helfrich) Snyder, brought him to the United States. They settled at Shippensburg, Pa. but later came on to Crestline, where the father died in 1878, when aged 78 years and her death followed at the age of 79 years. Thev left Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, May 14, 1837 and made a quick passage for those days, being but three weeks on the ocean. They were members of the EvangeHcal church. Of their four children Adam was probably the eldest. One died in childhood and one, Christopher, died at the age of 27 years. The other son, John, who is a veteran of the Civil War, lives with a daughter, at Chicago, 111. Adam Snyder learned the painter's trade and during the summers worked as a decorator, while he made chairs in the winter time, having a shop of his own. He now lives in comfortable retirement and both he and his wife are aged about 76 years. He married Louise Scott and seven children were born to them, namely : Mary J., who is the wife of J. N. Kyser, of Crestline, and has one son, Ernest R. ; Frank E., a painter by trade, who lives at Crestline, and who married Anna Libens and has the following children - Clarence, Albert, Margaret and Chester; Daniel, who died unmarried at the age of 36 years; Ella, who is the wife of Charles Hazlett, a railroad man at Newark, O., and has one daughter, Florence; Rosa, who is the wife of David L. Churchill ; Minnie R., who resides at home ; and William H.

William H. Snyder was reared and educated at Crestline. When 17 years of age he became a clerk in a local store and displayed talent also as a window decorator and then went into business on his own account. Mr. Snyder began in a small way on the same street where he has continued, nearly opposite to his present building, in 1900 moving into larger quarters and in 1903 taking possession of his present three-story building. He has built up a very satisfactory business, making something of a specialty of novelties but also carrying a full line of staple goods.

Mr. Snyder was married in this city to Miss OIlie B. Steward, who was born in 1880 at Cardington, O., where she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have three children: Louis E., Carl E. and Ruth L. They are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Snyder was reared in the Democratic party but in late years has assumed an independent attitude as to political principles. He has been a resident of Crestline since May, 1856 and has done his part in building up the city's present prosperity.

LEVI L. ROOKS, a well known business man of Crestline, O., a coal dealer and also engaged in the teaming industry, was born in Huron county, Ohio, in 1845, a son of Ezekiel and Sophia (Tubbs) Rooks.

Ezekiel Rooks, the father of our subject, was born near Painted Post, Steuben county, N. Y., perhaps as early as 1790, as it was at a time when Indians still lived in that section, and the youth made friends with them and became familiar with their ways and speech. In 18 14, with other adventurous men, he started on foot for Ohio and after his arrival purchased land in Huron county, about two miles from what is now the city of Plymouth, Ohio. For some years he lived in a log house or cabin, but later, after he had become more prosperous, he moved into a large two-story brick residence, which he erected in 1832, and the upper story of which he donated for a district schoolroom. This schoolroom was well lighted with eight windows and heated with a fireplace, and it is probable that Mr. Rooks furnished the wood for fuel, on the condition that the big boys should cut it, as was then the general custom in district schools. This was the first public school in the vicinity, the pupils coming from miles around. According to early custom, the teacher "boarded around," and was paid by subscription or by the united contributions of the parents of the pupils. The bricks of which this house was constructed were made from clay found on Mr. Rook's farm, and that the work was well done is proved by the fact that the house is still standing and in good condition.

On his farm Mr. Rooks planted an apple ' orchard that became known far and wide for its fruitage. In this one way, if not in many others also, he was a benefactor to Huron county, for from this orchard spread others and thus horticulture received early attention in that section. To the land he first purchased he added until he owned about 1000 acres. In every situation of life he displayed a resourceful character, and when he died in 1872, at the age of 85 years, Huron county lost a man of more than ordinary worth. It is sad to record that his life was terminated by a railroad accident. Politically he was a Democrat and always adhered firmly to the old time principles of his party. He never used in- toxicating liquor or tobacco, with the exception of some home-made bitters for medicinal use, to which the members of his family had access, and his example in this respect was followed by all his sons, including the subject of this sketch, in whose house no filthy spittoon may be seen.

In Richland county, Ohio, Ezekiel Rooks was married to Sophia Tubbs, who was born in New York and came to Ohio at an early day.. She died in Huron county when aged 49 years, a good and virtuous woman, whose memory is tenderly cherished by her son. The family of Ezekiel Rooks and wife numbered five sons and six daughters. One of the former, Alonzo, enlisted as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War and died in the service.

Levi L. Rooks remained at home in Huron county until he was 25 years of age, assisting his father on the farm. He was then engaged for two years in mercantile business at Plymouth, Ohio, and at the end of that time moved to Richland county, 111., where he followed farming for 15 years. He then returned to Ohio and settled on a farm in Richland county, this state, where he spent six years, coming to Crestline in 1891. Here he subsequently went into the coal business and since 1902 has been engaged also in teaming. He has always been a man of action, both in business and in promoting the best interests of the community. In politics he is somewhat independent, often casting his vote without regard to party lines, as he deems expedient.

Mr. Rooks was married at Plymouth, Ohio, to Miss Annie E. Frye, who was born, reared and educated in that place. She is a woman of amiable- character and is still capable of looking after her household affairs and enjoying social life. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rooks,, one son and two daughters, namely: Abraham E., Irilla Isadore, and Mary L. Abraham E. Rooks, who is now engaged in the grocery business at Crestline, for 17 years previously was a skilled machinist in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railway Company. He is married and has two children - Kenneth P. and Lethia G. He and his wife are members of the M. E. church at Crestline. Irilla, familiarly called "Rilly," is the wife of Albert H. Kinsey, who is engaged in the drug business in Crestline; they have two children - Herbert Samuel and Albert Rooks Kinsey. Mrs. Kinsey is a member of the Presbyterian church and her two sons attend the Sunday school. Mary L. Rooks married Edward D. Miller, who is a telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania Railway Company; they have a daughter. Bertha Isadora Miller, who attends the Presbyterian Sunday school and who is the best pianist of her age in the town. Mrs. Mary L. Miller is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Rooks is a member of the M. E. church, to which his wife also belongs.

ISAAC F. SWOPE, formerly a very active business man of Gallon, O., now living retired, is a representative of an old Swiss family of Canton Bern. His grandfather was David Samuel Swope, a blacksmith by trade, who lived into old age but was survived by his wife, who lived to the age of 116 years. They had eight children and all of them lived and died in Switzerland except one son, David, who was the father of Isaac F. Swope of Gallon.

David Swope was born in Switzerland in 1800 and by the time he was 14 years of age had so continually assisted his father at the forge that he knew all the practical details of blacksmithing. It is not known if his father gave consent, but, at any rate, the boy took passage in 1814 for America, crossing the Atlantic Ocean in one of the old-time sailing vessels but reaching New York in safety. He made his way to Black Fork, Richland county, O., where he was one of the early settlers. He must have been a youth of unusual parts and ready for adventure, for in this strange country his first friends were the Indians, who admired his skill in tipping their arrows and and as he was kind and friendly with them they treated him in the same manner. In fact they became very helpful to him, assisting him in clearing ofif his land and as long as he remained in that neighborhood these friendly relations were maintained. In the early 20's he came to the vicinity of what is now Plymouth but was at that time called Paris in Richland county, Crawford county not being organized until 1823. Here he acquired a farm and built a shop in the northeast corner of Crawford county. Here again he was surrounded by Friendly Indians, he using the same tactics as formerly and never had any cause to regret the fellowship he extended to his brethren of a darker color than his owii. Here he improved a farm and as his blacksmith shop was one of the earliest, he had much custom. In the course of time he erected a handsome brick residence and put up a large barn, with dimensions of 80x40 feet. He had started an orchard very soon after locating there and later as many as 90 bushels of apples were gathered from a Rhode Island Greening tree that he had set out. He was a very progressive and resourceful man and was the inventor of the first threshing machine in his day, a one-cylinder machine that threshed the grain that went out with the straw. This ingenious invention was the cause of his death, for while operating it very satisfactorily, his clothing was caught accidentally and his death was instantaneous, this happening in October, 1852. He had accomplished a great deal totally unaided and at the time of his death had a competency and had he lived no doubt would have improved his crude threshing machine until, in all probability, he might have made a vast fortune as have other experimenters along the same line. In politics he was a Whig and in religion he was a member of the German Reformed church, a most worthy man in every relation of life.

He was married first in Stark county, O., to a young woman who had been born in Connecticut and when she died she left six children, the three survivors being residents of Ohio. His second marriage took place in what is now Auburn township, Crawford county, to Margaret Blum, who was born in Frankfort, Germany, in 1827 and was brought to Stark county, O., when young. She survived her husband for many years, her death occurring in 1876, when aged 69 years. She was a member of the German Lutheran church. Two sons' are yet living: Isaac F. and Abraham, the latter being a resident of Shelby, O., where but one grandchild remains of his family.

Isaac F; Swope is the younger of the two brothers and he was born Jan. 30, 1846, in Auburn township, Crawford county, and was only a small boy when accident removed his father. His mother kept him at home until he was 14 years of age, when he learned the painter's trade, which he followed for a few years but this seemed to "bring ill health and he then learned the carpenter's trade and had a natural leaning toward architecture arid later became a contractor. In this line he became very successful and completed contracts all bver the northern part of the state, erecting buildings ift different cities and through the country. He purchased a small farm on which he finds much enjoyment in growing fruit.

Mr. Swope was married at Plymouth, O., to Miss Emily J. Solinger, who was born at Belleville, O., where she was educated and was graduated from the High School. They have one daughter, Mabel Estelle, who is the wife of Bert E. Place, and Mr. and Mrs. Place have three children: Lawrence Earl, Margaret E. and Horace Frederick. In politics Mr. Swope is a Democrat but he has never been a politician, just a fair-minded, lawabiding, good citizen.

FREDERICK E. UHLE,* of the firm of Crooks & Uhle, machinists, at Bucyrus, O., and manufacturers of the Crooks' go-cart runner, have a fine plant and do a large volume of business, and Mr. Uhle has been connected with it from the first. He was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, April 29, 1844, attended school in his native province and then learned the shoemaking trade. Every German youth gives military service to his country in some department, and in 1864, when the Prussian- German War was in progress, Mr. Uhle became identified with the army hospital service and continued until the close of that war. In 1871 in the war between France and Germany, he volunteered. He saw hard service, his duties frequently being continued both day and night, when he had charge of froin 60 to 70 disabled soldiers. Finally he received his honorable discharge and a vote of thanks for his valuable services.

In the spring of 1872, Mr. Uhle decided to see something of other countries of the world beside his own and took passage on the steamer Simpare bound for the harbor of New York. After a short time spent there he made his way to Attica, O., where at first he worked at his trade and through prudence accumulated enough capital to enable him to go into the grocery business, where he continued for many years, in the meanwhile becoming interested also in other enterprises and investing in property which he still owns. Prior to coming to Bucyrus he retired for a period from business care but later became interested in the invention of the go-cart runner, by his son-in-law, Earl G. Crooks, a practical and skilled machinist, and in 1908 the present partnership was formed, Mr. Uhle becoming then a resident of this city. The manufacture of this invention, which is a runner that can be adjusted to any kind of a gocart, has been developed into a large business. The machine shop operated in connection is mainly for repair work of every description and it is equipped with machinery of all kinds, the motive power being supplied by electricity. In the fall of 1871, Mr. Uhle was married in Germany, to Miss Wilhelmina Kramer, who was bom in May, 1849, of Nassau, Germany, parentage. All of their children were born at Attica, C, and are seven in number. William, the eldest, is a prominent citizen of Attica, formerly a hotel-keeper and now town clerk and president of the local Fair Association. He married Jane Courtright and they have an infant daughter, Wilhelmina. Anna, the eldest daughter, is the wife of Rev. George Smith, who is a Lutheran minister stationed in Indiana. They have four children. Carl is engaged successfully in the practice of dentistry at Springfield, O. He married Helen Eckerson and they have one son, Robert. Edwin conducts a large meat market at Attica. He married Minnie Bookman and they have two sons: Clyde and Frederick. Albert C. is manager of a large cement plant at Columbus, O. He married Louise Farion and they have three children: Frederick, Louise and Nicholas. Eugenia is the wife of Earl G. Crooks, Mr. Uhle's talented partner in business. They have two children: Dorothy and Eleanor. Freda, the youngest of the family, is the wife of Philip Seifert and they live at Bloomville, O. and have one daughter, Alberta. Mr. Uhle and family are members of" the Grerman Lutheran church. Politically he is a Democrat.

PROF. THOMAS N. JOHNSON,* for many years was a prominent educator in Ohio, a man of scholarly attainments and of high personal character. He was born in 1846, in Harrison county, O., and died in 1892, at Cleveland, O.

Thomas N. Johnson had district school advantages in his youth and displayed the mental gifts that led his father to encourage his ambition for a higher education and consequently he became a student in a Babtist college and later was graduated from Dennison University, at Granville, O. His subsequent life was devoted to educational work and after some years of teaching in Normal schools in Maryland, he became superintendent of the schools in Canal Dover, O., and from there was called to Cleveland, where he was an instructor in the public schools and also was a Normal school teadier. He was identified with the Masonic fraternity.

Professor Johnson married Miss Anna E. White, a daughter of the late Prof. Thomas Fuller White. The father of Mrs. Johnson was also a very prominent educator and for years was connected with the public school system of Pennsylvania, his death occurring at the age of 55 years, in Allegheny county. To Professor and Mrs. Johnson two sons were born, Alfred T. and Reginald G. Mrs. Johnson and sons are members of the Episcopal church. She is a leading member of the Current News Club, at Gallon, and at one time was its president.

MAJOR J. CHARLES BIGELOW, deceased, for many years a well known resident and prosperous business man of Gallon, O., and a veteran and honored officer of the great Civil War, was born April 10, 1841, in the State of New York, and was a son of John and Maria (Stout) Bigelow. Major Bigelow came of the old Bigelow family of Massachusetts which has contributed many distinguished citizens to the United States. His father died in advanced age at New London, O. In New York he was married to Maria Stout, who died at Canton, O. They were members of the Adventist church. Of their large family there are two yet livingj: Mrs. Elizabeth Wood, now of Alton, Pa.; and Frank, whose present place of residence is not known. Two of the sons, John and Silas, served in the Civil War from 1861 until 1865, in a New York regiment and both held the rank of lieutenant.

J. Charles Bigelow was 21 years old when, in 1 86 1, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, contracting for 90 days^ Later he raised a company at Syracuse, N. Y., which became a part of the 15th N. Y. Cav., and he was advanced to the rank of major, filling that office when he was honorably discharged and mustered out in 1865, at the close of the war. He was in many battles and saw much hard service, being ever at the post of duty and danger, but he escaped all serious injury and at the close of the Rebellion returned to his parents at New London, O. Later he settled in Richland county and from there came to Galion. For nine years he was in the Government mail transfer business here and conducted a livery and transportation business of his own. His death occurred at Hamilton, O., in July, 1908.

Major Bigelow was married at Cumberland, Md., to Miss Eugenia White, who was born, reared and educated in Maryland, and is a daughter of Prof. Thomas Fuller White, who was born near Boston, Mass., and died in Allegheny county. Pa., at the age of 55 years. He was a college graduate and for some years was professor of languages at Charlotte Hall, Cumberland, Md., after which he went to Allegheny county, where he practically organized the public school system. His widow survived to the age of 78 years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while he belonged to the Episcopal church. Ten daughters were born to them and the following survive: Mrs. Anna E. Johnson, widow of Prof. Thomas N. Johnson; Mrs. Bigelow; Mary E., who is the wife of Dr. F. L. Brown, of Galion; and Alice and Jessie, both of whom reside in Maryland, Miss Jessie White being a well known teacher. Mrs. Bigelow and Mrs. Johnson reside together at Galion. Mrs. Bigelow, like her sister, is a member of the Episcopal church. Major Bigelow was a Republican in politics. He was identified with the Masonic fraternity and with the G. A. R. Post at Hamilton, O.

life, was John G. Herbold, the well known funeral director, the character of whose work brought him prominence dnd easily accredited him with being an artist in his profession. Mr. Herbold was born in Galion, Ohio, his life-long home, on July 3, 1866, and passed away there on Aug. 16, 1910. He was the son of Philip and Frederica (Feldman) Herbold, natives of Germany, and for many years well known and highly respected citizens of Galion. As a boy he attended school in Galion, his education being furthered by study in Cleveland, Ohio. When a very young man he became associated in the cabinet and undertaking business with his father, the latter long being one of the substantial business men of the city. Purchasing his venerable father's interest in 1899, he embarked in business for himself, locating at 250 South Market street. In 1909 he erected a combined residence and business block at 218 South Market street. The building, a handsome three story brick structure, is one of the finest in the city. Its first floor is fitted for the undertaking and funeral business, and includes a reception room, private offices, a chapel accommodating one hundred and fifty people, a morgue and embalming room. Mr. Herbold's equipments for his business were always of the best and his enterprise was noteworthy. He was the , first embalmer in Galion, and owned the first funeral ambulance used in the city. Through his efforts the business to which he devoted his life was brought up to the present standard in which it is found in Gallon,

Mr. Herbold was married June 4, 1895, to Miss Esther Burgener, who was born near Galion, March 23, 1867. She was a real helpmate during her husband's lifetime, learning the business in order to assist him, and since his death, continuing it, being capable and efficient in every way.

Mr. Herbold was highly esteemed and held in tender regard by many, his kind and sympathetic manner gaining and retaining for him the friendship of those with whom his extensive business brought him in contact. Mr. Herbold was an Elk, a Pythian, an Odd Fellow, a Modem Woodman, a member of numerous Embalming Associations and also of the National Association of Funeral Directors. He was associated with the Presbyterian Church, as is also Mrs. Herbold.

JEFFERSON PFAHLER,* who owns lOO acres of fine farming land situated in Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., lives on the 6o-acre farm which lies in section 25, range 18, the other 40 acres being located in section 24, same range, the home place lying six miles southeast of New Washington. He was born in Cranberry township, April 30, 1864, and is a son of Mathias and Margaret (Gossman) Pf abler, and a grandson of John Pf abler.

Jefferson Pfahler attended school in District No. 5, Cranberry township, and afterward remained on the home farm with his mother, his father having died when he was not more than four years old. He continued to live at home until 1888, when he was married to Miss Mary Amanda Hilborn, a daughter of William Harrison Hilborn. In the spring of the following year he rented a farm of R. T. Geiger which he operated for a time and then located on his present farm which hcv worked for ten years for his father-in-law and bought the place two years after the latter's death. In a general way Mr. Pfahler found the buildings on the place satisfactory but since taking possession has added to them as he has deemed necessary and has carried on a general line of improvement. He has a valuable sugar maple grove on his land and makes this profitable. He is much interested in high grade cattle, hogs and horses and owns a valuable stallion, which, as a colt, broke all weight records at the county fair at Bucyrus. Since May, 1912, Mr. Pfahler has been practically retired from many of his former industries. On Oct. 7, 191 1, he met with a heavy bereavement, in the loss of his beloved' wife, who is survived by three children: Royal Emerson, Oran Harris and lona Irene. The eldest son showed musical talent and was given advantages at the Dana Musical School and also in Chicago and now is on the road for musical firms. Oran Harris, the second son, taught school for several terms and now is foreman in the Fort Wayne Electric Works at Madison, Wis. The daughter is the wife of Melvin Hartman, who rents and operates Mr. Pfahler's farms. Mr. Pfahler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has served as trustee of the Tabor and Goodwill churches. In politics he has always been a Democrat and with other responsibilities of citizenship, at one time accepted the office of rodd supervisor. He is one of the well known men and substantial citizens of Craw-ford county.

A. G. KIBLER,* who is vice president of The S. J. Kibler & Brother Company, wholesale dealers in hides, at New Washington, O., belongs to an old and representative family of this section and was born at New Washington, Aug. I, 1877, son of S. J. Kibler.

A. G. Kibler attended the New Washington schools in boyhood and afterward took a course in the Tri-State College and upon his return home became associated with his father in the present business. When the company was organized he became one of the officers and travels for the company. He is president of the associated concern, the Lake Erie Hide and Leather Company, of Sandusky, O. The business is one of volume and importance in Ohio and is largely in the hands of the Kiblers.

On Nov. 6, 1900, A. G. Kibler was married to Miss Mildred Donnenwirth, a daughter of John and Malinda (Hosier) Donnenwirth, the former of whom is a resident of Bucyrus, while the latter is deceased. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kibler: Alfred G., Jr., Beatrice Elizabeth and Eunice Winnifred. Mr. Kibler built the handsome family residence on Main street. The family attends the Lutheran church. Mr. Kibler has long been identified with the Democratic party although he has independent tendencies, nevertheless has served as a member of the Democratic Executive Committee of the county and for some six years has been president of the school board.

L. MELANCTHON SMITH, principal owner and managing director of the Bucyrus Publishing Company, was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, Sept. i, 1868, a son of Frederick and Lucy Ann (Shupp) Smith. The father, Frederick Smith, was a native of Saxony, Germany, who, on coming to America, first took up his abode in Columbus, Ohio, whence he came to Crawford county in 1840. He did contract work on the National pike and afterward purchased a quarter section of land in Lykens township, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He first married Christina Tipman, of Saxony, Germany, who died in 1846, leaving four children, namely: Louis F., formerly of Lykens township, who died several years ago, after having served as justice of the peace and notary public ; John F., a farmer of the same township; Adolph G., a contractor at Aurora, 111.; and Clara, the widow of Joseph Laipply, of Bucyrus.

After the death of his first wife, Frederick Smith married Lucy Ann Shupp, a daughter of Michael Shupp, a native of Pennsylvania and a pioneer of Crawford county. She was born June 3, 1830. The children born of this marriage were as follows : Cornelius, of Bucyrus ; Matilda, who is now deceased ; Catherine, wife of Jacob Meek, of Holmes township; Frederick, who is in the Walther hardware store; Henry, a farmer of Holmes township; Lucy Ann, now deceased ; Jefferson I. ; Emma J., wife of Abraham Scheifer, of Lykens township; L. Melancthon, subject of this sketch; and Sarepta, wife of C. H. Flickinger, of Holmes township.

The father of this family was a prominent and influential citizen of Crawford county and from 1862 until the time of his death served as justice of the peace. His rulings were fair and impartial and his wisdom and honesty were so generally recognized that his counsel in law matters was sought far and near. He was also township clerk for many years and during a great part of the time was a member of the school board and actively promoted the educational interests of his community. He was also a leading member of the Grange and in all things an active and progressive citizen. He died Dec. 3, 1877, at the age of 61 years; his wife passed away in 1891, when also 61 years of age.

L. Melancthon Smith spent his childhood days on the home farm in Lykens township and acquired the elements of knowledge in the district schools. He was only nine years old at the time of his father's death and at the age of 16 was obliged to begin the battle of life on his own account. He worked in the country store of his brother, where he acquired a taste for business and where he came into contact with human nature. He later attended the Bucyrus High School and the Mansfield Business College. After graduating from the latter, he was engaged in business, and in 1891 bought an interest in the New Washington Herald and was associated there with his brother, J. I. Smith, deputy county auditor. In 1898 he desired to come to the county seat and accordingly bought an interest in the Crawford County News and became its business manager, filling that f lace so successfully that the consolidation of his paper with the old party organ, the Forum, was a logical result. He made many improvements in the Daily Forum and in the semiweekly issue, which, since the consolidation has been called the News-Forum. One of his most notable improvements was the installing, in 19 1 2, of a Goss Comet perfecting press for the more rapid printing of his papers. The Forum under its old management was scrappy, peevish and arbitrary in party affairs. Mr. Smith changed this and declined to enter into party bitterness. He believed in the right of everyone to express honest opinions and did not call names editorially nor speak disrespectfully of those whose opinions did not coincide with his own. If there was an argument to make, he made it, and if only nasty talk would suffice, he neglected the opportunity to use it. He has given to his papers a great deal more popularity than they ever had before. In party councils he has had an important place. For four consecutive terms he was chairman of the Democratic County Executive Committee. In March, 1908, he was appointed a member of the Ohio State Board of Penitentiary Managers, by Governor A. L. Harris, where his ability was used to the advantage of that important state institution, As a citizen he is public spirited and enthusiastic for the prosperity of Bucyrus.

L. M. Smith was married in 1892, at New Washington, Ohio, to Miss Bessie Sexauer, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Zeigler) Sexauer. Mrs. Smith's paternal grandparents were Christian and Caroline (Schindler) Sexauer, both natives of Baden, Germany, who came to America in 1827, locating at Sulphur Springs, this county. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Sexauer married J. G. Kinniger, who opened a wagon shop at Sulphur Springs, being associated in this indus-