Huron County, Ohio - The whole text, 1909 (part 14 of 29)

Benjamin Bourdette Wood

The record of Benjamin Bourdette Wood is such as to make his history of general interest, for he today occupies a prominent position in professional and business circles in Norwalk. Moreover he is a representative of two of the oldest and most prominent families of this part of the state, families whose activity has been a most potent element in the work of general progress and improvement here. His own lines of life have been cast in harmony therewith and his record reflects credit upon the history of the community. One of Huron county's native sons, Mr. Wood was born at Hunt's Corners in Lyme township, October 19, 1870. His father is also a native of the same locality but his grandfather, Joseph Wood, was born in England and became the founder of the family in the United States, where he arrived in 1833. Making his way westward to Huron, he drove from that place to Lyme township, settling on the farm, which continued to be his place of residence for many years. James B. Wood also followed farming in Lyme township for a long period and in 1874 removed to Bellevue, where he engaged in the furniture business and also in the grain trade. He is now vicepresident of the First National Bank, of Bellevue, and occupies a prominent and honored position in commercial and financial circles. He has attained a most gratifying measure of success and the methods which he has always pursued have won him the honor and respect of his associates. He has been quite active in public affairs, and his influence has been no unimportant factor in promoting progress and improvement. His wife, Mrs. Julia L. Wood, was a daughter of Bourdette Wood, the youngest member of a family of five sons and four daughters. He became one of the most distinguished and influential men in his section of Huron county, Bellevue owing much of its growth and progress to him. He was a man of liberal thought, of progressive and patriotic purposes and of undaunted enterprise. As the years passed by and he prospered in his undertakings he became a large land owner and was also the president of the old Bellevue Bank. James B. Wood likewise holds extensive land interests, together with considerable realty in Bellevue. In addition to his other business interests he is a director in the Gilchrist Transportation Company, owning one of the largest independent fleets in the world. He still makes his home in Bellevue, but in 1901, was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 8th of June of that year at the age of fifty-four. She was very active in society and in the Episcopal church and her influence was ever given on the side of the right, the true and the beautiful. The family numbered but two children, the daughter being Mrs. Martha

The only son, Benjamin Bourdette Wood, pursued a public school education to the time that he was graduated from the Bellevue high school, while later he entered Kenyon College and subsequently matriculated in the law department of Michigan University at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated in June, 1892. He began practice in Norwalk in September of the same year and for a short time was in the office of Judge Wildman. Later he undertook the task of building up an independent practice and his success is indicated by his high standing in his profession, the general public and the legal fraternity both acknowledging his ability and the efficiency of the work which he does in the courts. He was city attorney of Norwalk for two terms and he has always been active in public affairs, prominent as a leader in the lccal ranks of the republican party. Aside from his professional interests, he is a director of and a member of the finance committee of the Huron County Banking Company and is one of the receivers of the Laning Printing Company.

In September, 1898, Mr. Wood was married to Miss Harriet Belle Rood, a daughter of R. K. Rood, a man of note in Huron county, who at one time served as county clerk. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Louise Hadley, was a representative of an old Huron county family and her father was prominent in manufacturing circles. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have become parents of two children: James, born July 13. 1899; and Bourdette, born July 27, 1902.

Mr. Wood is an exemplary representative of the Masonic order and has taken the degrees of the York Rite up to the including that of tlie commandery. He is a member of the Episcopal church and is now a member of its building committee and its secretary. He is also a vestryman of St. Paul's church and his interest in the church work is manifest in many tangible Ways.

Charles W. Parsons

Charles W. Parsons, who is actively and successfully identified with general farming and stock raising interests in Wakeman township, was born in Townsend township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 26th of November, 1853, his parents being Charles C. and Elmina M. (Arnett) Parsons. The father's birth occurred in Florence township, in what is now Erie county, March 17, 1820, while the mother was born in Warren, Warren county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of May, 1831.

Peter Parsons, the great-great-grandfather of Charles W. Parsons, was a seafaring man, trading between the colonies and Great Britain. About the year 1760, he brought his family, consisting of seven sons and two daughters, to Fairfield, Fairfield county, Connecticut. Five of his sons lost their lives in the Revolutionary war. He was intensely patriotic and at a critical period in the war, after hearing of the death of three of his sens on the same day, he took the weights of his old English family clock and, with the assistance of a son, molded them into bullets, which he contributed as ammunition to the Colonial army. Subsequently

Joseph Parsons, a son of Peter Parsons and the great-grandfather of our subject, served as a soldier throughout the entire period of the Revolutionary war. He and his wife reared a family of two sons and three daughters, of whom the eldest was Aaron Parsons, the grandfather of Charles W. Parsons. Joseph Parsons and his son Aaron left Connecticut in 1811 for the Oliio Firelands, or the Connecticut Reserve. Aaron Parsons only went as far as New York, but his father continued the journey to Ohio and took up the land for himself and his son. The latter remained in the Empire state for five years and while there was married to Miss Betsy Case. In the year 1816, he made his way to Ohio, settling at Florence in Florence township, which was then in Huron county, but is now in Erie county. At that time this section of the state was entirely covered with timber, which had to be cut down and cleared away before the land could be utilized for farming purposes. In 1826, Aaron Parsons established his home in Wakeman and engaged in general agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood. The remains of the original log house which he built for his family are still standing near the home of his grandson, Charles W. Parsons. Unto Aaron and Betsy (Case) Parsons were born seven children, the record of whom is as follows: two who died in infancy; Electa A., whose birth occurred in New York, prior to the removal of her parents to this state; Julia; Charles C.; Joseph W.; and Mary J. Of these, Charles C. Parsons, the father of our subject, is the only one who still survives. He has now attained the venerable age of eighty-nine years and is in possession of all his faculties.

Unto Charles C. and Elmina M. (Arnett) Parsons, were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being Charles W., George A., Frank J., Andrew E. and Elmina Mae. are still living with the exception of Frank J., who was accidentally drowned while bathing at Valparaiso, Indiana, on the 25th of July, 1886. He was at that time a young man of twenty-five years and a law student at Valparaiso.

Charles W. Parsons, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the district schools of his native township and spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm. He was married at the age of twenty years and brought his young bride to the home in which he had been born. In the year 1881, they took up their abode in Wakeman township, where they have since resided. Throughout his active business career, Mr. Parsons has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and at times has also been quite extensively engaged in teaming. In association with his son, James C., he owns one hundred and eighty-three acres of fine farming land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He has displayed sound judgment in all he has undertaken and his energy has been one of the potent features in his success.

On the 27th of October, 1873, Mr. Parsons was united in marriage to Miss Deborah J. Brewer, a daughter of James and Lydia (Bracey) Brewer, the former a farmer of Townsend township. Their union has been blessed with five children, as follows: Nora, now the wife of Homer Ohmo, of Washington, D. C.; Elmina, who is the wife of William Felton; James C., who is engaged in agricultural pur- suits on a farm adjoinirg that of his father; and two who died in infancy. He is a young man of excellent business ability and sound judgment and his progressive, alert and enterprising spirit will andoubtedly carry him forward toward the goal of prosperity. the 21st cf December, 1907, he wedded Miss Rosalia Schoettle, a daughter of Alexander and Ursula Schoettle, of Townsend township.

Charles W. Parsons gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican perty, being a stalwart advocate of its principles. He has capably served his fellow townsmen in the position of road supervisot. For almost a century the name of Parscns has now figured prominently and honrably in the annals of this county in connection with its agricultural interests and Mr. Parsons of this review has ever fully maintained the enviable reputation which the members cf the family have borne. He is widely reccgnized as an influential and respected citizen of the county in which his entire life has been spent, while his many sterling traits of character have won him the warm friendship and regard of those with whom he has come in contact.

Delos O. Woodward

Delos O. Wcodward, a member of the firm of Mead & Woodward, of Norwalk, was born on the of January, 1852, a son of Orris P. and Clarissa D. (Fenn) Woodward. The father, whose birth occurred in Lyons, New York, in 1822, was a tailor by trade and during his early business career, followed merchant tailoring. Subsequently he purchased a farm in Huron county, Ohio, in the cultivation and improvement of which he was successfully engaged for a period of eighteen years, at the end of which time he sold the property and took up his &bcde in Norwalk. Here he erected a handsome new residence and continued a worthy and respected citizen of Norwalk until called to his final rest in 1873. On his arrival in this city, he became identified with mercantile pursuits, conducting a grocery establishment in association with his two sons, I. J. and Delos O. Woodward, under the firm style of O. P. Woodward & Sons. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Clarissa D. Fenn and was born in Clyde, Ohio, in 1828, passed away in the year 1866. Unto this worthy couple, were born ten children, six of whom still survive, namely : Dewey A.; Mrs. Lucinda L. Mead ; Delos O., of this review ; Mrs. Laura C. Fuller; Mrs. Ada J. Blair; and Mrs. Azell S. Suydam.

Delos O. Woodward supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the common schools, by a course of study in the Norwalk high school As before stated, he became associated with his father and brother, I. J. Woodward, in the conduct of a grocery business and subsequent to the death of the father the brothers carried on the enterprise for about fifteen years longer, when it was sold out on account of the failing health of 1. J. Woodward, who is now deceased, his demise having occurred in 1906. After severing his connection with the grocery trade, Mr. Woodward of this review formed a partnership with J. L. Mead, under the firm style of Mead & Woodward, and they have since carried on an extensive and successful business as buyers and shippers of grain, wool, hay, ec, and also as dealers in coal, wood and seeds of all kinds. Mr. Woodward is also interested in real estate on quite an extensive scale and has long been numbered among the prosperous, progressive and most highly respected citizens of the community. He well merits the somewhat hackneyed, but altogether expressive title of a self-made man, for his success has come as the result of untiring energy, good business ability and honorable, straightforward dealing.

On the 21st of August, 1878, Mr. Woodward was joined in wedlock to Miss Harriet S. Mead, who was born on the 23d of May, 1849, her parents being Joel E. and Betsy Ann (Lewis) Mead. By this union, there are two children, as follows: Charles Lewis, who was educated in the schools of Norwalk and in the Cleveland Business College; and Katherine W., who first attended school in Norwalk and then pursued a course of study in Lake Erie College at Painesville.

Politically Mr. Woodward is a stalwart republican and on that ticket was elected to the cffice of township treasurer, serving for two terms. The cause of education has ever found in him a stanch champion and he was a member of the school board for three years, but resigned because of his defective hearing. He is one of the elders in the Presbyterian church and fraternally is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Maccabees. His friends; and they are many, speak of him in terms of warm praise and good will and his life record shows that he is well entitled to mention among the distinctively representative

Harry W. Snyder

The agricultural interests of Huron county find a worthy representative in Harry W. Snyder, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred acres in Bronson township, where he engages in general farming and stock-raising. He was born on the 11th of September, 1865, on the farm which is now his home, and is a son oi William Henry and Hannah (Hinkley) Snyder. The former, who is a son of John and Harr:ett (Watrcus) Snyder, was born in 1835, while the latter, a daughter of Benjamin and Maria (Paine) Hinkley, was born in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Snyder are the parents of four children, Harry, Benjamin, Ida and Luta.

No event of especial importance occurred to vary the routine of daily life for Harry W. Snyder in his boyhood and youth, which were spent on the old Hinkley homestead, where his entire life has been spent. He acquired his education in the district schools, which he attended during the winter months, while the summer seasons were devoted to assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields. That his early training along agricultura] lines was thorough and practical, is indicated in the atmosphere of progress and prosperity which surrounds his place today. He now owns the old homestead which was originally the property of his grandfather, Benjamin Hinkley, and which constitutes one hundred acres located Bronson township. He has directed his efforts toward its further improvement and cultivation and the place, which is now in an excellent condition, is one of the valuable and desirable farms of the township. He is progressive and up-to-date in his methods, having equipped the place with all of the modern conveniences and devices for the purpose of facilitating farm labor. He possesses good business ability, which is manifest in his management of his general farming and stock-raising interests, which are proving remunerative as the years go by.

In the year 1888 Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Sadie F. Snyder, who was born in 1869, and is a daughter of William T. and Sarah Perry, the for- a son of William H. Snyder, and the latter a daughter of Horace Perry, who traces his ancestry back to Commodore Perry, of Lake Erie fame. Mrs. Harry W. Snyder is the eldest of a family of eight children, born unto her parents, the others being Clarence, Charles, Mary, Anna, Nettie, Laura and Florence. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Snyder have been born two children, Florence and Dorothea.

In politics, Mr. Snyder casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party for a close study of the principles and platform of that organization has led him to the belief that thereby the best interests of the community will be best conserved. He was elected township trustee, which office he filled for about seven years, during which period he discharged his duties with promptness, faithfulness and loyalty. Public-spirited in his citizenship, his influence can at all times be depended upon to further all matters having for their object the substantial and permanent upbuilding of the community. In Huron county where his entire life has been passed, Mr. Snyder has won a large circle of friends, who entertain for him high regard and esteem, and he is numbered among the prominent and valued citizens of Bronson township.

John F. Dellinger

In reviewing the lives of men it is interesting to note how many of them continue in the same line of business from boyhood on through mature years, developing their capacities and abilities and gradually accumulating a competency that insures freedom from care during declining years. John E. Dellinger of Richmond township, Huron county, is an excellent example of this class of man, and he has become one of the substantial farmers of his locality, now owning one hundred and ten and one-half acres of rich farming land, all of which is in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Dellinger was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, August 27, 1864, being a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Sennett) Dellinger. His paternal grandparents were John and Betsy Dellinger, while his maternal grandparents were Oliver and Elizabeth Sennett, all born in the Keystone state.

Henry Dellinger was a cooper by trade and found employment in Pennsylvania and afterwards in Crawford county, Ohio, to which locality he removed and in which he lived a year before coming to Richmond township, Huron county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying January 12, 1807. His remains are interred in Union Bethel cemetery in Richmond township. His widow survives. The following named children graced their union: Susan, who married William Rapp and lives in Bellevue, Huron county; William, who lives in Seneca county ; Catherine, who married Edwin Hofford and lives in Philadelphia ;

John F. Dellinger alternated attendance upon the district school with assisting his father, in both Pennsylvania and Ohio, and when but sixteen he left school and engaged in farming, working by the month until his marriage. After that event he rented a farm for three years, when he bought sixty-four acres and owned it for eleven years. Selling this farm, he purchased, 1902, his present property from the heirs of his father-in-law's estate, and it has been the family home ever since.

On February 29, 1888, Mr. Dellinger married Mary Sage, a daughter of John W. and Catherine (Miller) Sage, natives of Oswego county, New York, and Columbiana county, Ohio, respectively. The parents of Mrs. Sage were from Pennsylvania, but emigrated to Columbiana county, Ohio, a short time prior to her birth. Mrs. Dellinger was one in a family of four children, as follows: Julia, who married A. W. Harmon; Sanford; Charles; and Mary, who is the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. Dellinger have had a family as follows: Earl, who was born in February, 1891, and died in 1898; Cloyce, who was born in July, 1894; Edna, who was born in September, 1897; and Ilo, who was born in August, 1900.

Mr. Dellinger's efforts in behalf of the republican party have been appreciated as is shown by his election to the offices of road superintendent, school director and twice as assessor. The religious affiliations of the family are with the United Brethren church, and they have many friends in it as thev also have throughout the neighborhood where they are so well and favorably known.

Ernest W. Bechstein

Ernest W. Bechstein is a retired agriculturist of Huron county, now residing on his fine farm of sixty-six acres in Lyme township. He was born in Wittenberg, Germany, on the 20th of March, 1843, his parents being Louis and Katherine (Strecker) Bechsiein, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. Their family numbered seven children, namely: Katherine and Julia, who are deceased ; Anna; Ricka, who has also passed away ; Louis; Ernest W., of this review ; Wiiliam, who is likewise deceased.

When a young man of twenty-two years, Ernest W. Bechstein determined to establish his home in the new world and after reaching the United States, he settled near Monroeville, Ohio, working by the month as a farm band for five years. Subsequently, he was engaged in the operation of a rented faim near Russell's Corners for about a year and in 1871, owing to his close economy and careful expenditure, had accumulated capital sufficient with which to purchase a farm of his own. He bought a tract of one hundred and eighteen acres in Lyme township, on which he erected a dwelling and for thirty years, was successfully engaged in the cultivation of the farm, making many substantial improvements thereon. On New Year's day of 1900, he took up his abode on his present farm of sixty-six acres in Lyme township, which he had purchased in 1893, and gave liis time and energies to development and improvement. He also owned another tract of thirty-three acres in.the same township, which he sold, and in 1905 disposed of the oid homestead farm of one hundred and eighteen acres to his son. He has put aside the active work of the fields and lives retired, his daughter Ida acting as his housekeeper, for his wife was called to her final rest in 1900. He now rents his farm but still makes his home thereon, in a fine brick residence, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil.

On the oth of February, 1869, Mr. Bechstein was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Donner, whose birth occurred in Germany in 1845, her parents being Frederick and Savina Donner, of that country. Six children were born of this union. William C., living in Crawford county, Ohio, married Miss Minnie Marquardt, by whom he has two children, Elmer and Ora. Charles 1s a resident of California. Ernest, who wedded Miss Minnie Hess, passed away at the age of thirty-eight years. The two children of this marriage, Clarence and Gladys, live on the old homestead farm of their grandfather. Lucy, who became the wife of Louis Hess, has a daughter Frieda. She resides in Sherman township, this county. Ida is at home with her father. August died at the age of eight months.

Politically Mr. Bechstein js a stalwart democrat and any movement or measure instituted to advance the general welfare receives his active aid and cooperation. He served as road supervisor for fifteen years and the fine public highways of Lyme township are the visible evidence of his fidelity and capability in that office. He not only ably directed the labors of the men under his charge but took an active part in the work himself. The cause of education has ever found in him a stanch champion and he acted as a member of the school board for a number of years. He is likewise a prominent and valued member of the Lutheran church at Bellevue, which he was largely instrumental in organizing. He solicited funds for the erection of the edifice and headed the list of subscribers with a donation of four hundred dollars, later adding two hundred dollars to his subscription. Until recently he acted as a trustee of the church but about a year ago met with an accident which prevents him from attending the services. He had a bad fall, dislocating both kneecaps and has since been unable to walk without the aid of crutches. In this country he has found opportunity to give full scope to his ambition and energy and thouch born across the water he is thoroughly American in thought and feeling and is patriotic and sincere in his love for the stars and stripes. For more than four decades he has been numbered among the honored, respected and publicspirited citizens of Huron county and a host of friends are not on'y willing but eager to testify to his sterling worth. |

Clarence L. French

Clarence L. French is a representative business man of Norwalk who possesses much of the initiative spirit that enables him to form original plans, while his determination permits him to carry them forward to successful completion. He also readily recognizes and utilizes an opportunity znd thus step by step he has progressed until the place that he now occupies in the business wor'd is a prominent and substantial one. He was born in Iowa, August 18, 1860. His father, Birdseye C. French, was born in Wakeman township, Huron county, Ohio, February 7, 1833. He has devoted his entire life to farming and is still living on his farm of fifty acres. He was one of the pioneer settlers of this county and assisted in building the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad from Norwalk to Wakeman. He spent about twenty years of his early life in Iowa, returning in 1871, feeling satisfied that Ohio was good enough for him. His wife died in May, 1903, at the age of sixty-six years. The family consisted of three sons and one daughter, but the daughter died at the age of twenty-three years.

In the district schools of Lorain county, Ohio, Clarence L. French pursued his education, for his parents returned from Iowa to Ohio in his boyhood days. He started in business life at the age of eighteen years in the employ of Noyes Brothers, running a retail wagon through the country for two years. He then took up the same business on his own account and continued in that field of labor for about two years, after which he engaged in the wholesale paper and notion business in Norwalk, continuing in that line of commercial activity until 1886, when he sold out. His next step was to form a partnership with James H. Sprague, under the firm style of Sprague & French, for the manufacture of novelties, in which they continued for two years and then converted it into the umbrella business. On the 15th of October, 1896, after being active in the successful management of the concern for some time, he sold out to James H. Sprague and his associates. At that date in connection with a partner, he engaged in the lumber business in Mississippi for two years and on selling out returned to Norwalk, where he began business alone in the exporting of black walnut logs to Hamburg, Germany. On the expiration of three years devoted to that business, he organized an incorporated company under the name of the French Lumber Company, capitalized for thirty thousand dollars with a volume of business amounting to fifty thousand dollars annually. Their operating field was principally in West Virginia, although in any state where it could be obtained they bought black walnut for exportation.

In August, 1907, Mr. French became manager of the Norwalk Vault Company, of Norwalk, which had been incorporated about a year before, but was doing but little business. French then took full charge of the business in constructing the national steel re-inforced water proof cement vault and nauonal cement mould for the manufacturers in other localities. Through their methods they now handle a water-proofing powder cement which positively excludes all dampness or moisture coming in contact with the body, and the vault when prepared for burial is properly sealed with this waterproof cement and the body will remain intact for ages. Their business extends practically over the whole of the United States. 'They also have a concern in Missouri which looks after their western business. When Mr. French took hold of this business as its general manager, it was in its infancy and since he assumed the management, he has brought the volume of business up to about seventy-five thousand dollars annually. These moulds are sold outright and the company receives a royalty for the product. Although the enterprise is a comparatively new one, it is rapidly on the increase and under the management of Mr. French, it is destined to be one of the most prosperous business concerns in Norwalk. It is capitalized for dollars worth of moulds at the present time and all the time the patronage is growing. Mr. French is a stockholder in the business and in being put to the front to produce results, has proven himself master of the situation.

In September, 1885, Mr. French was united in marriage to Miss Ella Cunningham, who was born in East Norwalk in February, 1865. They became the parents of two children: Ada M., who was born October 20, 1886, and is now the wife of Thomas Diamon, by whom she has one child, Sherman Diamon; and Warren S.

In his fraternal relations, Mr. French is an Odd Fellow and his political support is given to the republican party, while his religious faith is that cf the Methodist church. He has been pre-eminently a man of affairs, active and alert in business, and commencing at the bottom, has continuously worked his way upward, his record being one of honor and success.

Nist Hansen

Nis T. Hansen, a successful and enterprising agriculturist of Lyme township, where he owns an excellent farm of fifty-one and a half acres, was born in Denraark on the 15th of September, 1848. His parents, Carson 5. and Mary (1hompson) Hansen, passed away at the ages fifty-five and seventy-seven years respec- üvely. Their family numbered seven children, namely: Carson; Anna, who is deceased ; Nis T., of this review ; Christina and John, who have likewise been called to their final rest; Sophia; and John.

In the year 1882, when thirty-four years of age, Nis T. Hansen determined to seek his fortune in the new world and, crossing the Atlantic to the United States, located at Port Clinton, Ohio, where he worked as a farm hand for three years. Subsequently he took up his abode in Sandusky county, Ohio, where he was engaged in the work of the fields for a similar period and then rented a tract of land in Seneca county, Ohio, continuing its cultivation for fifteen years. At the end of that time, by dint of close economy and careful expenditure, he had accumulated capital sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm of his own and in 1904 he bought his present place of fifty-one and a half acres in Lyme township, Huron county, from G. G. Patten. His efforts as an agriculturist have been attended with a Er commendable and well deserved measure of prosperity, for the methods which he follows are practical and at the same time i ing with i e p in keeping with ideas of

In 1872 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hansen and Miss Christina Jensen and by this union there have been born eight children. Charles, living in Lyme township, wedded Miss Clesta Weiker, by whom he has four children: Carl, Gordon, Edgar and Lewis. Margaret, who became the wife of Michael Kistler, resides near Clyde, Ohio. They have five children: Allen, Bessie, Lawrence Ralph. John, of Seneca county, Ohio, married Miss Jennie succi and nas three children: Walter, Nora and Margaret. Mary, who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Zimmerman, has one child, Helen. They make their home at

Cleveland, Ohio. Peter, Anna, Adeline and Jennie are the four youngest children of Mr. and Mrs. Hansen. The different members of the family all belong to the Lutheran church and are highly esteemed throughout the community in which they reside. The hope that led Mr. Hansen to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than. realized. He found the opportunities he sought, - which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man, - and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward.

Mrs. Julia Josephine Russell

Mrs. Taha Josephine Russell, the widow of William Charles Russell, now owns a valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and twelve acres in Fairfield township. Her birth occurred in Ripley township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 8th of October, 1853, her parents being George and Sarah Hayten Hyde Blackmore. The father was born in England on the 11th of November, 1807, while the mother's birth occurred in that country on the 11th of August, 1821. Their marriage was celebrated in Derby county, England, on the 20 of September, 1841, and on the 4th of June, 1849, they set sail for the United States, arriving in New York on the 20th of July. They at once made their way to this state and took up their abode in Sandusky but after a short time came to Fairfield township, Huron county, and subsequently established their home in Ripley township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Unto this worthy couple were born the following children: Faniza Ellen, Julia Josephine, Lucy A., Annie, Sarah, Priscilla, Thomas Hyde, Isaac, William George and Walter.

On the 6th of January, 1886, Julia Josephine Blackmore gave her hand in marriaze to William Charles Russell, who was born in Ripley township, Huron county, on the 8th April, 1858, and was a son of John A. and Mary (Lewis) Russell, the former a native of New York and the latter also born in the east. In early life they accompanied their respective parents on the journey to this county. Mr. and Mrs. John A. Russell reared a family of nine children, namely: George Wilbur, Homer J., Adeline, Rebecca Jane, William Charles, Stephen D., Emma, Fred and Martha. Unto William Charles and Julia Josephine (Blackmore) Russell were horn two children: George A., whose birth occurred May 20, 1894; and Mary Blackmore, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 12th of February, 1897.

Mrs. Russell has made her home on the farm where she now resides since 1899, the place comprising one hundred and twelve acres of rich and productive land. Her husband, who was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, was called to his final rest on the of July, 1907, his death being the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He was a devoted and consistent member of the Disciple church at North Fairfield, while fraternally he was identified with the Maccabees. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he capably served his fellow townsmen in the positions of school director and road supervisor. He was well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which his entire life was spent, being num- bered among its enterprising and progressive agriculturists as well as public-spirited citizens. His widow has likewise been a resident of this county from het birth to the present time and, being a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind, has gained an extensive circle of friends within its borders. She is an exemplary and faithful member of the Disciple church of North Fairfield.

Eugene Peck Silliman

Eugene Peck Silliman, owning and operating a well improved farm of one hundred and sixteen acres on the outskirts of North Fairfield, was born on the place where he now resides, his natal day being April 16, 1849. His parents, George and Lydia (Peck) Silliman, were natives of Connecticut and New York respectively, the former born about 1815 and the latter on the 27th of January, 1817. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Joseph and Lucinda (Banks) Silliman, the former a native of Connecticut. Isaac and Amy (Carlisle) Peck, the maternal grandparents of Eugene P. Silliman, were born in the years 1777 and 1790, respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in 1808 and they reared the following children: William, Lucy, Isaac, Lydia, Matthew, Eli, Cornelius, Lyman, James, Henry and Lucinda. Isaac Peck, the maternal grandfather, passed away in 1841, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1877.

As above stated, Eugene P. Silliman is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixteen acres on the outskirts of North Fairfield, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devotes his time and energies. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, so that he annually gathers and markets good harvests. Energetic, industrious and enterprising, he has won a gratifying measure of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests and has long been numbered among the substantial farmers and representative citizens of his native county.

On the 2d of January, 1878, Mr. Silliman was united in marriage to Miss Roxana Bates, whose birth occurred in Montgomery county, New York, on the 18th of January, 1853, her parents being James and Amanda (Bellinger) Bates. The father, who was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1816, passed away in 188:. The mother was born on the 23d of December, 1820. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Silliman were Jacob and Polly (Smith) Bates, born in the years 1777 and 1783 respectively. The former died in 1859 and was survived by his wife for but three years, her demise occurring in 1862. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Silliman were John and Elizabeth Bellinger. Her great-grandfather, Frederick Bellinger, served as a lieutenant colonel in the Revolutionary war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Silliman have been born three children. Maud E., the eldest, whose birth occurred April 22, 1879, is now the wife of Frank P. Whitney, superintendent of schools at Collinwood. They have two children, Charles and Elizabeth. Floyd Silliman, who was born on the 12th of February, 1881, is now a bookkeeper in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Fay, born on the 31st of October, 1890, is in Portland, Oregon.

Politically, Mr. Silliman is a stalwart advocate of the republican party and for six years has acted as trustee of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, in which he is serving as deacon. Fraternally, he is identified with the National Insurance Union. He has spent his entire life in this county and is therefore widely and favorably known, commanding the high regard of all with whom he has been associated.

James B. Seeley

James E. Seeley, now living retired in Wakeman, Ohio, is one of the prominent and influential citizens of this city, who throughout the period of his residence here has been connected not only with the business interests but also with the public affairs of the community. He was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on the 1st of September, 1865, a son of Edward and Martha (McLain) Seeley. The parents were natives of New Jersey and came to Ohio in 1865, settling in Townsend township, Huron county, where the father engaged in the occupation of farming. In their family, were seven children: Jennie, the wife of William Riggs, of Norwalk; Margaret, the wife of Martin Riggs, of Townsend; Anna, who married Charles Boone, of Glenville, Ohio; Job W., of Milan; Marshall L., of Wakeman; Carrie, the wife of Sidney Stoutenberg, of Norwalk; and James E., of this review. This number still remains unbroken by the hand of death, although the father passed away February 22, 1901, and the mother's death occurred on the 4th of July, 1904. The father had devoted his entire life to farming and was of a retiring disposition. He nevertheless took a deep and helpful interest in public affairs and occupied a high place in the community in which he lived.

James E. Seeley, whose name introduces this review, was reared upon his father's farm and attended the schools of Townsend township in the acquirement of his education. He remained at home, assisting in the work of the fields, until twenty-two years of age when, attracted toward railroad life, he entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company anc was thus engaged for two years. At the expiration of that period, he returned to the farm and assisted his father for a similar pericd. the 13th of May, 1800, he was united in marriage to Miss Louise Amsdel, a daughter of James and Ann (Doty) Amsdel, of Townsend township. Her father died when she was an infant and her mother later married George Fox, a farmer of that township.

Mr. and Mrs. Seeley began their domestic life Wakeman, where the former became identified with the meat business, continuing in this line until 1901, when he purchased a farm and operated the same for two years. He then returned to Wakeman and was again engaged in the meat business in connection with his brother Marshall I,, which partnership was maintained for a period of two years, after which he spent a similar period in agricultural pursuits. Again taking up his residence in this city, he turned his attention to the bakery and confectionery business, in which connection he remained until March, 1909, at which time he sold his interests and has since been living retired. His busi- ness career had been a very active one, his efforts along various lines being accompanied by most gratifying results, so that now he is able to enjoy in well earned rest a handsome competence that affords him all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

Although his success alone would entitle him to prominence as one of the representative citizens of this city, he is perhaps equally well known in public and political circles of the community. He has served as constable of Wakeman township for two terms, was assessor for a similar period and acted as township trustee for seven years. Mr. Steeley is stalwart in his advocacy of the democracy, and the fact that his township is strongly republican, indicates something of his genuine worth and personal popularity. In 1008 the democratic party, during the county convention, nominated him for county infirmary director, and although Huron county is also stronglv republican, he was elected over his opponent by three hundred and forty votes, assuming the duties of office in Jan- 1009. He has always been deeply and actively interested in public affairs, his efforts being potent factors in the development and improvement of the community. He is a stanch advocate of good roads and in fact has engaged in contract work along this line, having constructed fully seven out of the eight miles of macadam road in Wakeman township, and it is his intention to continue in this direction.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Seeley has been blessed with two daughters, Edna M. and Ethel N., both bright and attractive young ladies, who are well known in the social circles of this community. The family residence is one of the most attractive homes in Wakeman, and its atmosphere of refinement and culture, is enjoyed by a host of friends of the family to whom its hospitality is cordially extended at all times. Although they do not hold membership in any church organization, they nevertheless attend the Congregational services and are liberal in their support of that church. Mr. Seeley also affiliates with the Maccabees. He is enthusiastic over outdoor sports and is a great admirer of a good horse, having owned at different times some very fine animals, while he also deals, to some extent, in horses. He finds recreation and relaxation in occasional hunting and fishing trips and takes much pleasure in motoring with his family during the evenings. His interests have been wide and varied, showing a well rounded character, and the value of his service in community affairs is widely acknowlcdged, while the consensus of public opinion accords him a prominent place in Wakeman.

Arthur Eli Rowley

Arthur Eli Rowley, now serving as probate judge of Huron county, has been a prominent representative of the legal profession here during the past seventeen years. He was born in North Fairfield, Ohio, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Stevens) Rowley. His paternal great-grandfather, Eli Smith Rowley, enlisted for service in the Revolutionary war when but a boy, valiantly aiding the colonists in their struggle ior independence. He was captured by the British but escaped and returned to his ranks. His remains lie buried in the cemetery at Jefferson,

New York, where, in an address delivered on the 4th of July, 1876, the Hon. Peter Dyckman said: "Among the noble patriots who have left a record of deeds of daring and patriotism, we may upon this centennial anniversary day inscribe upon the banner of liberty the name of Eli Smith Rowley."

Edward Rowley, the grandfather of Arthur E. Rowley, was born October 23, 1788, and passed away in the year 1878. He was an expert cabinetmaker and manufactured the finest grades of furniture, while later in life he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was an ardent worker in the Presbyterian church and a musician of marked talent. At his death he left a family of five sons and three daughters. Frederick, the eldest son, became a prominent and influential citizen of Schoharie, New York. Eli, another son, was the first man in the village of Jefferson to enlist in the Civil war, giving loyal service, and he died from injuries and sickness incurred on duty.

Charles Rowley, the voungest son of Edward Rowley, was born in Jefferson, New York, on the 11th of January, 1838. After pursuing a course of study in the Franklin Literary Institute of New York he taught school for a time, and in 1860 took up his abode in Lexington, Michigan, where he became secretary of an extensive lumber and milling concern. In 1866 he came to North Fairfield, Huron county, Ohio, here residing until called to his final rest on the 28th of November, 1891. He was activelv and successfully engaged in the conduct of mercantile enterprises at North Fairfield and eventually became connected with agricultural, banking and other interests. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to various positions of public trust. In 1863 he wedded Miss Elizabeth Stevens, of Ripley township, who now lives at the old Fairfield home, which she hospitably maintains, there spending her declining years beloved by all who know her. She devctes much time and attention to church, charitable and social duties. Her father, Timothy Stevens, who was numbered among the worthy pioneers and prominent business men of Huron county, made his home at North Fairfield until the time of his death in 1883. His wife was of Scotch descent and a member of the Rose and Grant families. Unto Charles and Elizabeth (Stevens) Rowley were born five children, as follows: Edward F., a banker of Toledo, Ohio; Arthur Eli, of this review ; Charles Scott, a lawyer residing in Toledo; Alcott, who 1s engaged in the insurance business in that city; and Anna, who passed away shortly after the death of her father.

In his youthful days Arthur Eli Rowley attended the village school and when not busy with his text-bcoks worked in his father's store or on the farm. He was graduated from the high school in 1884 and the following year pursued a course of study at Oberlin preparatory to entering the University of Michigan, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1889. The next year he began the study of law at the Chicago Colleze of Law and, after completing the prescribed course, was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1892. Immediately afterward he entered upon the practice of his chosen profession as a partner of the Hon. Gideon T. Stewart, of Norwalk, where, with the exception of a brief period spent in Toledo, he has since resided. His practice has been general, though he has been actively engaged in court work and has enjoyed the clientage of several banks and other large institutions. In 1898, in association with Judges Willis

Vickery and Charles S. Bentley, he organized the Cleveland Law School, one of the largest and best known institutions of its kind in Ohio, and has since been a member of its faculty and board of trustees. He was likewise one of the organizers of the Citizens Banking Company of Norwalk and is a member of its board of directors.

In 1895 Judge Rowley was joined in wedlock to Miss Etta Reed, of North Fairfield, the accomplished daughter of Hon. D. H. Reed. Their union has been blessed with three children: Charles Reed, Caroline Annette and Mary Frances.

Politically Judge Rowley is a stalwart advocate of the democracy and an active worker in the ranks of the party, having served as a member of the state executive committee. In 1899 he was elected mayor of Norwalk by a majority of over two hundred, though the city has a normal republican majority of more than three hundred votes. That his administration won public approval was indicated in an unmistakable manner in when he was re-elected to the mayoralty by a handsome majority. In 1908 he led the fight of his party in Huron county and, thought not a single democrat had held a county office for fifty-four years, their efforts resulted in the election of sixteen out of seventeen democratic officials, Mr. Rowley leading by a majority of sixteen hundred and thirty for the office of probate judge, which position he now holds. He is a Mason, also belongs to the Beta Theta Pi college fraternity, and attends divine services at the Presbyterian church. He is an able, faithful and conscientious member of the bench and bar, and in his private life is endeared to all who know him by the simple nobility of his character.

Historical Index

YI Spem nee DE 3 HistorycotetbesPirelands o. 5 History of Huron County .............. 6 Roster of County Officials ............. 12 The First Settlers of the Townships..... 13 Interesting. Historical Data ............ 14 Huron Soldiers costs 16 dherRirelands a... 20 Norwalk - Origin of the Name ........ 46 One Century of Norwalk .............. 51 Norwalk seGentennial e. 58 The Churches of Norwalk ............. 73 Publie Buildings of Norwalk ........... 78 Notwalk ot Today. aa 83 The Indians of the Firelands .......... 84 Settlement of Huron County ........... 85 Indian? Traits: and 'Customs osscar. dtg 86 Pioneeri Gatherimos? CCE DX. a E 88 Progress and Changes of the Times..... 92 y. 94 Pioneer Preachers of the Firelands...... 95 Pioneers ete ees naan tla a 97 Hunting in the Early Settlements....... 102 Pioneer Boyhood on the Firelands....... 102 Clothing- Of ther Pioneers... 108 ao crests c oe ee 111 AMUSEMENTS ee tete te eds 113 or cere sacs te CREE EO 115 Postal a opo NS 115 Death Among the 116 Conclusion eer ce y S DR 117 Johnny Appleseed 22222222222. 117 How Jay Cooke Financed the Civil .123 The Firelands Historical Society ....... 134 Remember the Pioneers ............... 136 The Past and the Present cae on e ers cesi 138

Execution of Two Indians at Norwalk. ..144 Honor the Pioneer Men and Women..... 145 Hunting in Pioneer Times ............. 146 Fhentand e Ta Lo odit Memoria Day Musings .....,.......... 158 War Events and Incidents ............. 154 A Romance of Real Life ............... 155 Pioneer Men and Women of Ohio ....... 161 Pioneer Times te quur. y 163 Ug PIERS c YO E d RA. RM 106 PO O UR 167 OO 168 Chicago- 173 M E eas y ee ae 183 ee 184 a UC QE 194 List of Townships in Huron County..... 195 Bronson? AE ETE E 195 ClarksfeldW DownshiD aen A 197 WOT 214 a oep 218 Greenneld ee Pe rer 223 Greenwich 226 Hartland Fownship 232 tTowhs hip CIS EE 234 Norwalk Township cpns areke bent oan eas 236 New Eondon Township 238 NewiHaven 243 Norwich yS 249 Berne Township e 256 Richmond Township yS 259 Ripley aT 262 op 264 Sherman 268 Eownsend 270 Wakeman 2222222... 274

Ion Scaebrbgihathaway Gallup

On reviewing the life record of any individual it is interesting to note something of the ancestry from which he sprang and their characteristics, and thus to find the root of his own well developed traits. A contemporary historian has given the following: "John Gallup born 1590, the ancestor of most of our families of that name, came to America from the parish of Mosterne, county Dorset, England, in 1630. Just before leaving the old for New England, with solemn fasting and prayer, one hundred and forty persons at the new hospital at Plymouth, organized a Congregational church and chose Rev. John Warham and Rev. John Maverick to be their pastor and teacher, and sailed from Plymouth, England, March 20, 1630, in the Mary and John, a ship of four hundred tons, which arrived at Nantasket (now Hull), Massachusetts, May "They were a very godly and religious people and many of them persons of note and figures, being dignified with the title of Mr., which few in those days were. Some of the principal men were Mr. Rosseter, Mr. Ludlow, Mr. Glover, Mr. Wolcott, Mr. Gallup and others."

"Hi wife was Christobel (full name now unknown), and children were John (2), born in England, Joan, Samuel and Nathan. He became the owner and gave his name to Gallup's island off Boston harbor, by grant from Governor Winthrop, whose wife was a sister of Gallup's wife. A skillful mariner, he became memorable as commander of the first naval action off Block island, fought in North American waters, to avenge the murder of his friend Captain John Oldham by Indians in the famous Pequot war of 1637. His son John (2) participated in the naval engagement off Block island and in King Philip's war as a captain, led a company of soldiers into the 'fearful swamp fight' at Narragansett, December 19, 1675 (within the limits of the present town of South Kingston, Rhode Island), where he was killed. His wife was Hannah Lake and children: Hannah, John, Esther, Benadum (3), William, Samuel, Christobel, Elizabeth, Mary and Margaret.

"Ta the colonial records at Hartford may be found the following: 'February 9, 1652-3, John Gallup in consideration and with respect unto the services his

" 'February 6, 1653-4, John Gallup, hath given him a further addition to his land at Mistick, 150 acres, which he accepts of and acknowledgeth himself satisfyde for what lands he formerly laide claim unto upon the genera] neck as a gift of his father's, which as he saith was given to his father by General Stoughton, after the Pequott war.'

"Benadum of the third generation, born in 1655, married Esther Prentice, and their children were Hannah, Esther, Mercy, Benadum (4), Joseph, Margaret and Lucy.

"Lieutenant Benadum (4), born 1693, married Eunice Cobb. Their children were Benadum, Esther, Eunice, Lois, William (5), Henry, Nathan, Ebenezer, Thomas P., Hannah and Sarah.

"William of the fifth generation was living at Kingston, Pennsylvania, with seven children, in 1778, at the time of 'the Wyoming massacre, His son Hallet, twenty-two years old, escaped death by floating down the Susquehanna river patrolled by hostile Indians, his body under water and face between two rails grasped in his hands. Twin daughters, five years of age, were carried off by the Indians as pretty prizes, but soon recovered by ransom. He was born July 4, 1723, married Judith Reed, their children were Lydia, Hallet, Mary, William (6), Hannah, Sarah and Lucy.

"William of the sixth, born at Groton, Connecticut, married Freelove Hathaway, a Philadelphia Quakeress, and had William, Hallet (7), James Devine, and Caleb Hathaway.

"Hallet of the seventh generation was an artillery gunner in Captain Thomas' company of Pennsylvania volunteers and served under General William Henry Harrison in the war of 1812. He was born 1796, married Clarissa Benedict, daughter of Platt and Salley DeForest Benedict, first settlers of Norwalk. Their children were Catherine, Mariah, Lydia, Carroll, Sarah, Eliza, Caleb Hathaway (8), and Elizabeth F."

Caleb Hathaway Gallup is a representative of the eighth generation of Gallups in America and was born in Norwalk, Ohio, May ro, 1834. He was reared to hard work on a farm and his first school experience was in the Norwalk Union schools, which he attended during the winters of 1850, 1851 and 1852. In 1853, he filled a position in the office of the Huron county clerk and then, resuming his interrupted education, matriculated at Denison University, Granville, Ohio, in 1854, entering for the scientific course, In the fall of that year, he was transferred to the same class and course at Madison University, now Colgate, at Hamilton, New York, where he promoted the founding of Mu chapter of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. On the completion of his course, he was graduated in 1856 with the degree of Bachelor of Science and followed this by preparations for the bar as a student in the office of Worcester & Pennewell in Norwalk, Ohio. he remained until the fall of 1857, when he entered the law school of the Cincinnati College and was graduated therefrom with the Bachelor of Law degree on the 15th of April, 1858.

Mr. Gallup was admitted to practice before the bar of Michigan, July r9, 1859, and in 1860 was elected prosecuting attorney of Huron county, Michigan, which office he held by re-election for ten consecutive years. During that same period, in 1866-7, he represented his district in the state legislature and left the impress of his individuality and clear insight into public affairs upon the legislative enactments of that section. Among other laws and resolutions enacted on his initiation, was a law for the relief of a stranded colony of educated Germans, an offshoot or protege of the "Economites" of Harmony, Pennsylvania, giving the head of each family a forty-acre homestead of state lands. He also introduced a law appropriating ten sections of state land for the navigable improvement of the outlet of the River Du Fill in Huron county, Michigan, and a joint resolution calling for the construction by the general government of a harbor of refuge on Lake Huron at or near Point Au Barques.

Mr. Gallup's labors and efforts throughout his entire life have largely been of service to the general public. In 1868 he procured by personal solicitation of resident citizens along the route the donation and erection of seventy miles of telegraph poles, from Lexington to Port Austin, Michigan, and through his influence, with Anson C. Stager, of the Western Union Telegraph Company, the completion of the first telegraph line of the west coast of Lake Huron - a work that has been of immeasurable benefit to the citizens of that locality.

In the meantime, Mr. Gallup had done military service as deputy United States marshal, from 1863 to 1865 inclusive, in which connection, he was active in enforcing the draft during the war. He was himself drafted, but was ordered back to the service of the marshal. Again he was identified with military affairs, when in 1877 he became a member of the Ohio National Guard and so continued for five years, or until 1882.

Mr. Gallup has been married twice. He first wedded Kate V. Vredenburgh, a representative of an old New York Dutch family, the wedding being celebrated June 20, 1860. They had one son, Richard Carroll, who was nineteen months old at the time of the mother's death, on the 25th of May, 1863. On the 3d of November, 1869, Mr. Gallup wedded Helen Alphena Glover, a niece of the Hon. Joel Parker, "war governor" of New Jersey. The death of his second wife, April 8, 1872, leaving him with a daughter, Mabel Parker, eighteen months old, and a son, Herbert Alpheus, four days old, caused his return to his old home in Norwalk, Ohio.

Since again taking up his abode in Norwalk, Mr. Gallup has been prominently and actively interested in business affairs and in other interests relating to the welfare and progress of the community. From 1873 until 1883, he was connected with the promotion and construction of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, and for three years, beginning in 1877, served on its board of directors. In 1888, he was associated with other substantial business men in founding the financially successful Home Savings & Loan Company of Norwalk, at which time he was chosen president and one of the directors, his official connection therewith continuing to the present. He has also extended his efforts to other fields of activity, becoming one of the directors and a member of the executive committee of the Toledo, Fremont & Norwalk Electric Railway at the time of its construction in 1899. He thus served until its sale in 1901 to the Lake Shore Electric Company.

Few men have taken so active a part in the work of general progress and improvement as Mr. Gallup. All matters of general concern elicit his interest and whenever his judgment sanctions, he gives to a measure his hearty support and co-operation. In 1877, he became a life member of the Whittlesey Academy of Arts and Sciences, and since 1878, has served as a member of its board of trustees, acting as chairman of the board throughout the entire time and as treasurer of the institution, since 1901. In 1879, he wrote a history of Norwalk for W. W. Williams' "History of Huron and Erie Counties," and because of his deep research into the annals of the county, no man is more competent to write upon historical subjects in this locality, than he. Gallup has also been a life member of the Firelands Historical Society since 1876 and a member of its board of trustees, librarian, curator of its museum and editor of its publications, since 1888. In 1889, he became a member of the board of trustees of the Huron county Children's Home Association and has been its treasurer since 1902. He is likewise a member of the Young Men's Library and Reading Room Association, of Norwalk, controlling the Free Public Library, and has been a member of its board of trustees and chairman of its executive committee, since 1903. He is a member of the Norwalk Board of Commerce and of the National Geographical Society, and is a life member of the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society, of which he was elected a member of its board of trustees and executive committee on the 2d of March, 1909. Hon. E. O. Randall, secretary and editor of that society, in comment on his selection as a trustee said: "Mr. Gallup is known throughout the country for his historical scholarship and for the active and extensive work he has done in connection with the Firelands Historical Society, of which he has been an influential and official member for a number of years. He has always been an enthusiastic student of Ohio and western history and has written much that is interesting and accurate concerning the early settlement of the Buckeye state."

Charles P. Wickham

Charles P. Wickham, who by the consensus of public opinion is regarded as a high type of American manhood and citizenship, has for many years been engaged in the practice of law in Norwalk and throughouf the entire period has been numbered among the representative members of the Huron county bar. His birth occurred in this city, September 15, 1836. He is the oldest of the thirteen children of Judge Frederick and Lucy (Preston) Wickham, both of whom were descended from Puritan ancestry. In the paternal line was Governor Winthrop, an early colonial governor of Massachusetts. The first representative of the Wickham family in the middle west was Walliam. Wickham, a native of Rhode Island, who with an instinctive love of the Sea, settled on the shores of Lake Ontario at Sodus Point. His four sons, John, Thomas, Frederick and Samuel Wickham, were there reared and when they had attained their majority, all except Thomas removed to Huron, situated on one of Lake Erie's natural harbors. Samuel Wickham sailed on the lakes, being thus engaged up to the time of his death. John Wickham engaged in lake commerce and was also the owner of one of the largest fish packing establishments on the lake. Frederick Wickham removed to Norwalk and later became proprietor of the Norwalk Reflector, a paper which had been established as the Huron Reflector by Samuel Preston, whose daughter Lucy he had married. In the roomy, old-fashioned house in the center of the town, the upper floor of which was used as a printing office, were born the six sons and seven daughters of this marriage.

This number included Charles P. Wickham who, after acquiring his early education in the public schools, attended the Norwalk Academy. He longed for a college education, but the expense attending, the support of a large family, prevented the father from enabling the son to carry out his wishes in this direction. He prepared for a professional career by attending the Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated in April, 1858. He then entered upon the active practice of his profession in his native state and, with the exception of the period spent at the front during the Civil war, has been a continuous representative of the Huron county bar to the present time. He is widely recognized as one of the most important, best known and highly respected lawyers in this part of the state, confining his attention to the active practice of his profession. He is the president and director of the A. B. Chase Company, of Norwalk, manufacturers of pianos.

In August, 1860, Mr. Wickham was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Wildman, a daughter of Frederick A. and Mariette (Patch) Wildman, natives of Danbury, Connecticut. By this union there are six living children, four sons and two daughters, namely: Charles P., Jr., who is a general life insurance agent at Norwalk ; Grace W., the wife of C. C. Curran, a well known artist of New York city ; Louis W., an attorney at law and late prosecuting attorney of Huron county , Winthrop H., a mining engineer and merchandise broker, now residing in Denver, Colorado ; Romeyn D., a practicing attorney, who is now in partnership with his father; and Mary G., at home.

In September, 1861, Mr. Wickham bade adieu to his young wife and with patriotic ardor, offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for four years. He rose from private through the ranks of first lieutenant, captain and major to that of lieutenant colonel, receiving in addition thereto a brevet commission direct from the president, "for gallant and meritorious services in Georgia and the Carolinas." He participated in a number of important engagements, including the second battle of Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek and all of the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, including the siege and surrender of the latter place, followed by the march to the sea, which exposed the weakness of the southern Confederacy. He inspired the soldiers under him with much of his own valor and bravery and made a most creditable record throughout his long military experience. He is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Loyal Legion.

At the close of the war Colonel Wickham returned to Norwalk and entered upon the private practice of his profession. In 1866, he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county and two years later was re-elected, so that his incumbency continued until 1871. In 1880, he was elected judge of the common pleas court of the fourth judicial district, was re-elected in 1885, and sat upon the bench until 1886, when he resigned to become a candidate for congress from the four- teenth district. He was elected in that year and re-elected in 1888, proving an active working member in the national halls of legislation. It is a notable fact that to each office to which he has been called, he has also been re-elected - proof positive of his ability and fidelity in the discharge of his duties. His entire official service has been in the direct path of his profession and the record is an untarnished one. Since his retirement from office, he has continuously and successfully practiced in Norwalk and has ever maintained a foremost place in the ranks of her leading attorneys. He is a man of broad scholarly attainments, an able speaker at the bar, in congress and on public occasions on which he has been called to address the people at large. He stands as a splendid representative of American manhood and citizenship, a high type of the Christian gentleman who is actuated in all that he does by lofty purposes and principles.

Hamilton A. Lowther

Hamilton A. Lowther, a farmer of Greenfield township and the owner of ninety acres of land on which he lives, was born in this township about half a mile from his present place of residence in a southerly direction. February 4, 1861, was the day of his birth and Jackson and Susan (Tower) Lowther were his parents. His paternal great-grandfather was a resident of New York city and was a prize fighter by profession. He achieved quite a reputation in his day for physical strength and prowess, and his name was frequently that of the victor in boxing contests. He was also a man of considerable wealth, which he one time put to the service of a friend, only to find that his trust was misplaced, for the latter jumped his bond and Mr. Lowther had to forfeit the sum of money he had guaranteed. His son Edward came to this part of Ohio from New York at an early day. He secured a grant of land from the government and immediately set about clearing it and making it ready for habitation. For lack of a better home he lived for many years in a log cabin which he had himself erected. His son, Jackson Lowther, the father of our subject, was born here and has passed all his life in this county. His wife was also of Ohio nativity, Sandusky having been her birthplace. Her cares as a faithful wife and mother were brought to an end in 1904, and a husband and three children have since mourned her loss. The latter are Hamilton A.; Hermie, the wife of Elvin McCord, of Sherwood, Ohio; and Nora, the wife of Henry White of this county. Mr. Lowther still follows farming despite his seventy years and is a member of the Universalist church. |

This township has always been the home of Hamilton A. Lowther, and to the schools here does he owe the education he was able to acquire in the intervals between the busy seasons on the farm, for he was reared at home and early was given his tasks to perform about the house and in the fields. He follows diversified farming, which has brought him more than a mere living. Of late years the hard work has been lightened by the assistance of his sons, who are promisin young men and display an aptitude for farming. s | On the r7th of December, 1889, was performed the ceremony that made Hamilton A. Lowther and Miss Nellie Fewson man and wife. Mrs. Lowther is a daughter of Michael and Sarah (Daly) Fewson, well known citizens of Greenfield township. Three children have been born of this union: James, Harry and Jay, all of whom live at home. A hard worker, a careful manager and thrifty farmer, Mr. Lowther is one of those that raise the standard of Greenfield township as a great farming community.

Mrs. Amanda J. Skilton, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Ridgefield township, making her home on her farm of sixty-five acres, was born at Galion, Crawford county, Ohio, her parents being John S. and Catharine (Neff) Davis. The family is an old one in this country, several representatives of the name having participated in the Revolutionary war. The place on which Mrs. Skilton lives is a portion of the original farm belonging to her great-grandfather, John Sowers, who owned seven hundred acres of land. The grandfather, John Sowers, was an early settler of Huron county, coming here in 1814. John S. Davis, the father of Mrs. Skilton, was born in Maryland in 1808 and passed away in the year 1888. His wife, whose birth occurred in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1822, was called to her final rest in 1890. Their family numbered four children, namely: John S. Jr., who is now deceased ; Amanda J., of this review; Kittie Belle, who has also passed away; and Mary E., who gave her hand in marriage to Thomas Latham and now resides in Monroeville, Ohio.

In 1865, at Galion, Ohio, Amanda J. Davis was united in marriage to Alva S. Skilton, a son of Elijah and Elizabeth (Wilson) Skilton, of Ravenna, Ohio. At the time of the Civil war Alva S. Skilton enlisted for service in the Union army, returning home at the end of his three months' term. A short time afterward he reenlisted and was soon made captain of Company I, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He underwent all of the hardships, privations and dangers incident to the life of a soldier, participated in a number of hotly contested engagements and was also a prisoner for a time. At the battle of Pittsburg Landing he received a wound and was sent home to recuperate, again joining the army when his health had been restored. He was captured at Atlanta and was on his way to be exchanged as a prisoner of war when the news of Lincoln's assassination was received. When hostilities had ceased and the supremacy of the Union had been established he returned to Galion and in 1866 came to Monroeville, Ohio, where he became engaged in the grain business and conducted an elevator. For a number of years he was also an engineer on the Big Four Railroad and was widely recognized as a most substantial, progressive and respected citizen of his community. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church, in which he served as junior warden. He attained the Knight Templar degree in Masonry and organized the C. A. B. post at Monroeville, of which he was the first commander. His death occurred July 27, 1887.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Skilton were born four children. John D, living in Cheshire, Connecticut, wedded Miss Ida Beistle, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had three children: Henry A.; Jane D., who is deceased; and John D. He is a graduate of the public schools of Monroeville, the Kenyon College and also of Divinity School at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and for a number of years was assistant rector to Dr. Bates of St. Paul's church at Cleveland. Later he was assistant rector at the American church at Nice, France, but is now headmaster of the schools of Cheshire, Connecticut. Elizabeth, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Skilton, attended Oberlin College and now makes her home with her mother. Mary Grace, who obtained her education in the schools of Gambier, gave her hand in marriage to Clarence L. Powley and resides at Monroeville. Catharine, the youngest member of the family, who likewise acquired her education at Gambier, lives with her mother.

The different members of the family belong to the Episcopal church, in the work of which they are deeply and helpfully interested. Mrs. Skilton and two of her daughters live in a commodious and attractive brick residence on her farm of sixty-five acres in Ridgefield township and the place is lacking in none of the equipments and accessories of a model farming property of the twentieth century. She has an extensive circle of friends throughout the community where she has now long resided, her many good traits of heart and mind having endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact.

A well improved and highly developed farm of one hundred and forty acres, situated in Sherman township, is the home of C. A. Scheid. His birth occurred in February, 1867, and he has remained a resident of Sherman township throughout his entire life. His parents, Jacob and Barbara (Beilstein) Scheid, who were natives of Germany, became early settlers of Huron county, Ohio. Their family numbered ten children, namely: William and Elizabeth, both of whom are now deceased ; Emma; C. A., of this review ; Henry ; Minnie; George; John; Fred: and Albert.

C. A. Scheid attended the district schools until twelve years of age and then became identified with general agricultural pursuits, in which he has been successfuily engaged to the present time. In 1906 he bought his present farm of one hundred and forty acres from his father and has since been busily engaged in its operation, the well tilled fields annually yielding golden harvests of grain, Everything alout tbe place indicates that he is in touch with the mcdern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines,

On the 21st of October, 1897, Mr. Scheid was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Boehler, a daughter of William and Mary Boehler, residents of Monroeville, Ohio. She was the eldest ina family of eight children, her brothers and sisters being as follows: Anna, who has passed away; August; Minnie, who is likewise deceased ; Amanda; Edith; Karl, and Elmer. Mr. and Mrs. Scheid now have four children: Mabel, who was born in 1897 ; Ada, whose birth occurred in 1899 ; Marion, born in 1904 end Olive, in 1505.

Mr. Scheid gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party and has served as road supervisor, in which position he proved a most capable and faithful incumbent. He.and his family are all members of the Lutheran church. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of his community. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Huron county and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development.

Ed. L. Young

Ed. L. Young, editor of The Bee Hive national organ of the Knights of the Maccabees of the World, was born in New Haven, Huron county, Ohio, January I9, 1864, his parents being Morgan and Amelia (House) Young. 'The father was born March 9, 1819, and the mother's birth occurred April 20, 1823. The father, Morgan Young, for a time attended the old Norwalk Academy, in which school his future wife was at the same time a student. They were married on the 29th of. November, 1846, and established their home at North Monroeville, Ohio, where Mr. Young engaged in general farming ; they moved to New Haven, Huron county, some years after. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, namely: Lucy, who was born October 5, 1847; Louisa, October 22, 1848; Mehetta, December r5, 1852; Julius N., November 7, 1854; Albert, March 1857; Clara, who was born June 5, 1861, and died September 6, 1863; and Ed. L. and Edna, twins, whose birth occurred January 19, 1864. The death of the husband and father occurred September 24, 1884 in Ripley township; the mother is still living.

In the common schools, Ed. L. Young mastered the early branches of English learning and subsequently engaged in teaching. He has always been of a studious nature and his reading and research have covered a wide range. Leaving the teacher's profession, he entered the field of journalism in Norwalk and was with The Chronicle for eight years, four of these as editor. He became state manager for the Knights of the Maccabees of the World in 1892, and in 1901, became the national editor of the order, retaining position as manager for Ohio also. When he assumed the office of manager the order numbered four thousand in Ohio and thirteen thousand in the United States. Now there is a membership of thirty-seven thousand in Ohio, with three hundred thousand in the country, representing three hundred amd fifty million dollars in insurance, protection of members in five thousand tents. Young's advocacy of the order through the columns of the paper has done not a little to further its interests and he is widely and favorably known among the representatives of the fraternity in this country.

On the 2oth of March, 1884, Mr. Young was married to Miss Carrie M. Hloufstetter, a native of Ripley township, Huron county, and a daughter of Jacob M. and Rowena (Carpenter) Houfstetter; who were pioneer residents of this county. Her grandfather, Rev. Orson Carpenter, was one of the early Baptist preachers of this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Young have become parents of two children: Ethel M., who was born March 10, 1885, and died April 2, 1891; and Arthur F., who was born July 31, 1889, and is now a law student in Western Reserve University.

Mr. Young is identified with several other organizations in addition to the Maccabees, being now affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. He is a man of good business ability, who is now bending his energies to administrative direction and executive control as manager of the paper which has the support of and is the expression of the best interests of the Knights of the Maccabees.

Dr. D. W. Rumbaugh, president of the Huron County Medical Association, who has successfully practiced in Huron county since 1878, opening his office in Chicago Junction in 1891, was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, August 24, 1846. His father, Isaac Rumbaugh, was a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, born December 23, 1815, and in 1819, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Chester township, Wayne county, Ohio. The mother of the Doctor was Mrs. Mary Rumbaugh, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and arrived in Green township, Wayne county, Ohio, in 1835. On the 8th of March, 1838, she gave her hand in marriage to Isaac Rumbaugh and they have become the parents of five children. The father lived and died in Wayne county, passing away 1888. He had long survived his wife who died in 1851. Tracing back the ancestral history of the family, we learn that the first Rumbaughs in America, were located here in 1764, in which year three brothers sailed from Germany and settled in Connecticut. Of these Henry and Solomon Rumbaugh served as loyal soldiers of the American army in the Revolutionary war, while the other brother, David Rumbaugh, went to Canada and was never heard from again. In 1797, Henry Rumbaugh settled in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and was the father of twenty-five children, all of whom married and reared families.

Dr. Rumbaugh, a decendant of that family, was educated in the public schools, continuing his studies until he was graduated from the Smithville (Ohio) high school. Eventually, he pursued a course in the university at Canton, Missouri, and then, taking up the study of medicine, attended lectures and studied at Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. He was graduated from the medical department of the University of Wooster at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1873, and commenced practice in Polk, Ashland county, where he remained for five years. On the expiration of that period, he opened an office at Greenwich, Huron county, where he remained from 1878 until 1891. In that year, he came to Chicago Junction and has in the intervening years, sustained an enviable reputation as one of the leading practitioners of the county. His patronage is continually increasing, for he has given proof of his ability to successfully cope with the intricate problems that continually confront the physician. In the diagnosis of his cases, he is very careful and his professional brethren entertain high respect for his judgment. Moreover, he closely conforms to a high standard of professional ethics. In addition to his private practice, he is acting as surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company and he belongs to the Association of Baltimore & Ohio Railway Surgeons, to the International Association of Railway Surgeons, to the American Medical. Association, to the Ohio State Medical Association and to the Huron County Medical Society, being president of the last named.

On the 23d of March, 1871, Dr. Rumbaugh was married to Miss Sarah A. Jones, who died in 1883 and in 1888, He was again married, his second union being with Jennie Graham, a native of Greenfield township, Huron county, and a daughter of Alexander Graham, one of the earliest settlers of this part of the state. There were three children of the first marriage: Hattie O., now the wife of Thomas McMahon ; Samuel C.; and Bertha M., now Mrs. Keith Van Horn, of Chicago, Ohio.

Dr. Rumbaugh has always been an active democrat and has ever taken a helpful interest in party work, doing everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party. While living at Polk, he served as a member of the board of education and also of the town council. He rendered similar service at Greenwich and at Chicago Junction and has likewise served as a member of the board of public affairs in this place. His work has at all times been of a beneficial nature, being actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good. Fraternally Dr. Rumbaugh is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a Mason of high rank, belonging to Golden Rule Lodge, No. 562, F. & A. M.; Golden Rule Chapter, No. 167, R. A. M.; Norwalk Commandery, No. 18, K. T.; and Lake Erie Consistory and is also a director in the Chicago, Ohio Temple Company. He is in thorough sympathy with the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness and in practice, he utilizes the opportunities to bring its principles into active play.

Asher M. Cole

Asher M. Cole is the sole owner of the beautiful homestead property of one hundred and twenty-five acres just outside of the city limits of Norwalk whereon the Cole family has lived for many years. He is one of the best known citizens of Huron county, respected and honored wherever known and most of all where best known. tracing the ancestry of the family we find that the first authentic record is of one John Cole, who was born in England in 1670. His son and namesake, born in the same country in 1705, came to America in colonial days and spent the latter portion of his life in Connecticut. He was twice married, his first wife being a sister of Benjamin Franklin, while his second wife, bore the maiden name of Mary Brown. John Cole was the father of six children, two sons and four daughters, the eldest of whom was John, while the second was named Thomas. The lat- ter was born in Windham county, Connecticut, August 25, 1735, and on the 7th of December, 1757, he married Miss Miriam Kinne, by whom he had the following children: Silas, Amos, Spencer, Levi, Thomas, Jeremiah, Samuel, Mary, Eunice and Marion. The descendants of this family are very numerous and are scattered throughout many portions of the United States.

Levi Cole, the fourth son of Thomas and Miriam (Kinne) Cole, was born November 30, 1766, in Windham county, Connecticut, was married November 25, 1700, and died in Norwalk, Ohio, February 11, 1820. His wife, Hannah Kinne, was born in Windham county, Connecticut, July 24, 1770, and died at Norwalk, Ohio, February 27, 1840. They had seven sons and two daughters, namely: Jeremiah, born March 7, 1795, came to Ohio in 1815 and died July 30, 1818; Asher, born April 23, 1797, came to Ohio in 1816 and died November 4, 1830; James, who was born April 25, 1799, and came to Ohio in 1816, was married January 15, 1824, to Miss Philena Johnson, who was born October 4, 1802, and they had four sons and one daughter: Albert, born October 2, 1824 ; Bryan, who was born March 7, 1828, and died May 10, 1863; Starry H., who was born March 6, 1831, and died October 30, 1876, after having served for ninety days as a soldier of Company B, One Hundred Sixty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with the rank of second lieutenant ; George W., who was born February 22, 1835 and died January 6, 1893, after having served for three years in the Third Ohio Cavalry ; and Maria, who was born August 13, 1841, and died January 1892. The father of these children died December 26, 1881, and the mother passed away on the 3oth of April of the same year. Levi Cole, Jr., son of Levi Cole, Sr., was born March 23, 1801, came to Ohio in 1816, and died in Richfield township, Huron county. Miner, born July 26, 1803, came to Ohio in 1816 and died in Norwalk. Manley K., born February II, 1807, came to Ohio in 1816. Lyman, born March ro, 1810, arrived in this state 1816 and died October 1853. The daughters were Hannah, who was born March 1792, and died August 24, 1795; and Ardelia, who was born December 4, 1811, and died May 8, 1812.

In 1813 Levi Cole, Sr., was living in Herkimer county, New York, where he met with financial reverses after his marriage and in that year, in company with Major David Underhill and Timothy Baker, he came to Ohio to look at lands owned by Mr. Underhill in Richfield township, Huron county. The land and prospect suited him and he arranged for the purchase of a tract adjoining the farm of Sidney Brown, after which he returned home. In 1815 he again came to Ohio accompanied by his son Jeremy, by Horace Morse, Dr. Joseph Pierce and David Underhill. He at once erected a house on his land, began clearing away the timber and otherwise prepared for bringing his family the next year. In the fall, leaving hís son Jeremy to look after the place and continue the improvements, he returned home. During this visit, on the 16th of July, 1815, Levi Cole, with Major Underhill and Dr. Joseph Pierce, brushed out a trail, or road, from Abijah Comstock's place to the Sand Ridge, now Norwalk. At night they returned to Mr. Comstock's home and the next day started out and completed their work through the Underhill place on the 17th. This was the first highway labor done on Main street. They followed the old Indian trail, which came out on the Ridge road somewhere between Main and Chatham streets. In January, 1816, Mr. Cole and Major Underhill started with their families and such goods and supplies as they might re- quire in their new homes, with six teams and sleighs, three to each family. The party contained twenty people. After spending six weeks on the road, including a five days rest at Avery, the old county seat, they reached Major Underhill's place on the 22d of February, 1816. The Huron river was then so high that Mr. Cole could not cross with his family and teams to his own house, so he took them to the home of Dr. Pierce and soon afterward purchased the place and remained there as long as he lived. 1818 Mr. Cole took a prominent part in the movement which culminated in the removal of the county seat to Norwalk. On February 9, 1820, Mr. Cole was engaged in hauling a large saw log and one of his legs, owing to an accident in unloading, was caught between the logs and so terribly crushed that he died two days afterward.

Levi and Hannah Cole had several children, of whom the following is a brief record: Colonel Asher Cole, the second son, was married January 6, 1828, to Narcissa Lawrence and they had a son, Asher, who was born November 12, 1828, and on October 19, 1859, married Miss Sarah J. Purdy. He died May 29, 1885, leaving a widow and seven children.

Miner Cole, the fifth son, was born July 26, 1803, in Herkimer county, New York, where he received his school training. In 1816 he came to Huron county, Ohio, with his father, making his home on a farm of one hundred acres in Norwalk township. In addition to his elementary education he attended Norwalk Academy for one term and further improved his mind by home study and close observation of men and events. On July 1840, he married Miss Mary A. Allen, of Ripley township, born November 7, 1819, a daughter of Hiram Allen, of near Utica, New York. After his marriage Miner Cole continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred August 20, 1885. He was a republican in politics and served his township faithfully as a trustee.

Asher M. Cole, the only son of Miner Cole, was born November 19, 1843, on the farm in Norwalk township which he now owns and occupies. He attended the public schools of the neighborhood and at the same time was trained to the work of the farm under his father's direction. He was twenty years of age when in response to the country's call for troops he offered his services to the government and was mustered in on the 15th of May, 1864, as a member of Co-zpany B, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was first engaged on garrison duty at Arlington Heights, where he remained until September of the same year when his term of enlistment expired and he was honorably discharged. Prior to joining the United States Volunteer army he served for some time with the Home Guards.