Huron County, Ohio - The whole text, 1909 (part 15 of 29)

On the 5th of March, 1869, Asher M. Cole was married to Miss Louisa E. Channing, who was born in Somersetshire, England, November 21, 1846, and at the age of five years was brought to Huron county, Ohio, where her youthful days were spent upon a farm. They had one child, Miner A. Cole, born August 26, 188o. During the same vear they adopted a bright little boy of six years, named Orill Allen, a distant relative. Miner A. Cole, the son, was married May 1902, to Miss Elizabeth M. Fisher, whose birth occurred May 2, 1886. They have a charming little daughter, Verna Louise K. Cole. Orill A. Cole, the legally adopted son, married Miss Carrie Cassady, who was educated at Akron, Ohio. She is a daughter of Frank and Sarah Cassady, and has two children, Winfred Elizabeth

With the exception of the time which he spent as a soldier in the Civil war, Asher M. Cole remained upon the home farm with his parents until he reached his majority, at which time his father gave him a team and some farming tools, and he then began operating the old homestead. He was there busily employed in carrying on general agricultural pursuits until 1881, when he rented a farm, pay- ing five hundred dollars per year, for a term of five years, and also taking care of his father in his declining days, or until the father's demise. After the expiration of his lease Asher M. Cole became sole owner of the beautiful homestead property of one hundred and twenty-five acres, lying just outside the corporation limits of Norwalk. His son is now operating the farm and living at home with his parents.

Mr. Cole has always been interested in the cause of education and for several terms has acceptably served as a member of the school board. He has been a successful farmer and a most useful and well known representative of Huron county's broad minded citizens. Both he and his wife are members of the Universalist church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. His life has at all times been an upright one and he is justly accounted among the most honored and respected citizens of Norwalk township.

Harry H. And Willard E. Marsh

Harry H. and Willard E. Marsh are successfully engaged in the conduct of a dry goods establishment in Norwalk under the firm style of The Marsh Company. Their paternal grandparents were Abram Reynolds and Sarah L. Marsh, the former born at Rahway, New Jersey, on the 8th of July, 1800, while the latter's birth occurred in Orange, New Jersey, March 8, 1802. After coming to this state Abram R. Marsh made his home for many years on a farm in Ridgefield township, Huron county, and was more than ninety years of age when called to his final rest. For a long period he acted as an elder in the Presbyterian church, the teachings of which he exemplified in his daily life, his upright and honorable career winning him the regard and admiration of all with whom he was associated.

The maternal grandfather of H. H. and W. E. Marsh was Jonas Hinkley, who was born in Elizabethtown, Essex county, New York, September 21, 1816, and accompanied his parents on their removal to Huron, Ohio, in 1841. He and his brother, Philander Hinkley, were awarded the contract for the construction of the first railroad through Huron and he was also engaged in mercantile pursuits there for several years. The year of 1859 witnessed his arrived in Norwalk and during the period of his residence here he devoted his time and energies to perfecting a number of practical and useful inventions which had long occupied his attention and which he eventually succeeded in patenting. He was a man of considerable inventive genius and one of the most expert mechanics in the country and was the originator of a sewing machine which was afterward manufactured in Norwalk by the firm of Hinkley & Wildman. He realized quite a fortune through his invention of the first knitting machine for the knitiiag of hosiery - a machine that was manufactured at Biddeford, Maine. Many other useful, valuable and original devices were the outcome of his mechanical skill and ingenuity, including a carpet sweeper. He was a great reader of books and papers bearing upon mechanics and sciences and his wonderful mind was wholly absorbed in study and investigation along these lines. Though quiet and retiring in disposition, he was very entertaining in manner and speech and his genial, kindly nature made him popular with a large circle of friends. His demise occurred when he had reached the ripe old age of seventy-five years.

Charles E. Marsh, the father of the gentlemen whose names initiate this review, was born in Coshocton, Ohio, on the 28th of August, 1840, and was one of a large family of children. In 1860 he made his way to Norwalk, securing a clerkship in the dry goods house of Beardsley & Brother, with whom he continued until 1862, when he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of the One Hundred and First Ohio Infantry. His health failing, however, he was eventually honorably discharged on account of physical disability. Returning to Norwalk, he again entered the employ of Beardsley & Brother and subsequently worked in a clerical capacity for Watson & Lovrien and Wooster & Patrick. In 1872, feeling that his training and experience in mercantile lines justified him in starting out in business life on his own account, he established a dry goods store in association with Mrs. S. B. Pease. In 1880 the style of the firm was changed to Marsh & Jackson and in 1887 became known as Marsh & Bloxham, thus continuing until the death of the partners, Mr. Marsh passing away on the 21st of June, 1906, while A. T. Bloxham died in the following November. Mr. Marsh was probably one of the best salesmen and judges of dry goods in the country. He established his mercantile enterprise on borrowed capital but as the years went by won a most gratifying measure of prosperity as the result of his well directed and untiring energy, guided by sound judgment and keen discrimination. Brooking no obstacles that honest effort could overcome, he steadily worked his way upward until he gained a place among the leading merchants of the county. His personal characteristics, too, were such as commanded the admiration and respect of all with whom he came in contact and in Norwalk, where he made his home for almost a half century, he was well known and highly esteemed as one of its most honored residents.

On the 7th of February, 1866, Charles E. Marsh was united in marriage to Miss Ellen A. Hinkley, a daughter of Jonas Hinkley, who was of Scotch descent. The birth of Mrs. Marsh occurred in 1844, and by her marriage she became the mother of four children, all of whom obtained their preliminary education in Norwalk. Harry H. is the eldest son of the family. Charles R., who attended business college at Poughkeepsie, New York, and also a military school at Roslyn, Long Island, is now a manufacturer of wire specialties in Cleveland. As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life he chose Miss Alice Widlar.: Willard E. is the next in order of birth. Lewis C., the youngest son of Charles E. and Ellen A. (Hinkley) Marsh, was called to his final rest in 1898.

Harry H. Marsh completed his education in a private school at Buffalo and is now at the head of the extensive dry goods enterprise established by his father, the business being at present conducted under the name of The Marsh Company. The house enjoys an extensive and profitable patronage, owing to its straightforward and reliable business policy. In 1891 was celebrated the marriage of H. H. Marsh and Miss Clara C. Poor, a daughter of Richard D. Poor, of old New England stock. By this union there are two children, Richard C. and Irene C.

When a lad of sixteen years Willard E. Marsh took up the study of photography and for thirteen years remained a successful representative of that art. Since the death of his father, however, he has been associated with his brother in the conduct and management of the Marsh dry goods establishment and, like his brother, is recognized throughout the community as a most substantial, enterprising and progressive business man and citizen. On the 26th of October, 1906, he wedded Miss Bessie M. Watts, a daughter of Joseph Watts, of Oakharbor, Ohio. They have a little daughter, Asenath R., born June 24, 1908.

Amos K. Eastman

Amos K. Eastman, who is well known in agricultural circles, owning and cultivating eighty-eight acres of good land in Peru township, is numbered among the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred March 9, 1884, in the house in which he now resides. He is a son of Elbridge G. E. Eastman, who was born in Bronson township, Huron county, April 17, 1838. He has always remained a resident of Ohio and is now living in Richland county. He is a son of Seba A. Eastman, who came from Vermont and settled in Crawford county, Ohio. About 1835 he removed to Greenfield township, Huron county, and was identified with farming interests in this locality until his death, which occurred in Peru township in 1850. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Jane Kendall and came from New York to Ohio with her parents, Amos and Mary J. (Richy) Kendall, the family settling in Peru township about 1848. Mrs. Eastman is still living at the age of sixty-three years, her birth having occurred june 9, 1846. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Elbridge Eastman were born four children, namely : Effie G., who married J. W. Billiard, of Seneca county, Ohio; Grace, who married Henry Sulser, of Marion county, Ohio, and had four children, Cleo, Kasia, Garry, and Bernice, who has passed away. Garry E., residing with his parents, who married Ida Boose, whom he has the following children: Wayne, Gladys, Alice and Bernice and Amos K., of this review. i

Amos K. Eastman has always resided upon the farm which is now his home, his father having purchased the property from Laurence Ott. Since the son came into possession of the place he has made a number of substantial improvements and his farm is regarded as one of the desirable properties af the county. He is diligent, persistent and practical in all that he undertakes and has been quite successful in cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. Throughout his entire life he has engaged in farming and his broad practical experience and undaunted energy make him a leading agriculturist of the community.

Amos K. Eastman was united in marriage to Elnora M. Smith, a daughter of Ambrose and Libby (Shild) Smith, of Peru township, the wedding being celebrated on the 4th of June, 1008. They now have a little daughter, Elizabeth Jane Lola, born on the 6th of July, 1909. Mr. Eastman is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, belonging to the tent at Norwalk. Both he and his wite have a wide circle of warm friends in the community and are popular among those who know them.

Thomas J. Brown

Thomas J. Brown, a prosperous farmer and stock man of Clarksfield township, was born March 16, 1848, in Sherman township, Huron county, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Greer) Brown, the former of whom was born in Geneva, Seneca county, New York, but came as a small child with his parents to Ohio. Thomas H. Brown, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was of Irish birth and came to this country at the age of seventeen. He was the eldest of a family of twenty-three children, his father having been twice married, and having by his first wife six, and by his second seventeen children, all of whom lived to young manhood and young womanhood. On coming to this country, the family settled first in Baltimore, Maryland, which they forsook after a few years for Seneca, New York. Later John and Thomas H. Brown came to Ohio, locating in Ashland county, near Jeromesville, where the latter lived until he was nearly eighty years of age. He engaged in farming and stock raising and feeding, and became a large landowner, many of his tracts being situated in other townships. During the war of 1812, he served as a soldier, and at one time made the journey from Cleveland to Old Portland, now Sandusky, in a row boat. He died at McComb, from the results of an accidental injury, at the advanced age of ninety-nine years. He had been a man of means, interested and prominent in all public affairs.

115 son, William, the father of Thomas ]. Brown, was born in Seneca county, New Vork, and came to Huron county, Ohio, prior to his marriage. Here he engaged in general farming and stock raising and became an influential man in his community. For a number of years, he was treasurer of Norwich township, his home at the time, and he also served as township trustee and as a member of the school board for a long period. He and his family belonged to the United Brethren church, the Union chapel congregation or class of which denomination Mr. ard Mrs. Brown has helped to establish. In fact when Mrs. Brown died, April ro, 1908, the last of the original charter members had passed away. Mr. Brown had died eight years previously, at about the age of seventy-seven, six years younger than his wife when she responded to the call of death. Both husband and wife are buried in Norwich cemetery. In the affairs of Union chapel, Mr. Brown ever took an active part and was cne of its trustees from its organization. until his death. He was an upright man, whose influence was strongly felt in the community in which he lived. He was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He had a family of five sons: Thomas J., James E., Franklin H., William L., and

Thomas J. Brown spent his boyhood and young manhood on his father's farm, receiving his education in the district schools of the county and in Milan Academy and the schools at Clyde and Geneva, Ohio. His own schooling completed, he engaged in teaching during the winter months in the schools of Seneca and Huron counties. During the summer, he worked on the farm. At the age of twenty-three, he engaged in mercantile business at Havana, Norwich township, to which he devoted his time for about two and a half years, after which he returned to farming in Norwich township, which was his home until March ro, 1904, when he removed to Clarksfield township. During these years, he has pursued a general line of agriculture and has also engaged in the breeding of short horn cattle. In the latter work, he has attained quite a reputation beyond the township borders, for his animals are shipped to distant markets, where they are recognized as being of fine, pure breed, and many stockmen have bred cattle from his stock. He also raises silver Wyandotte poultry, of a high order. His farm, one hundred acres in extent, is under a fine state of cultivation and gives rich returns for the labor expended upon it.

On the 23d of October, 1873, Mr. Brown was married to Mrs. Jennie Knoles, the widow of Smith Knoles and the daughter of Dennis Downing, of Penn Yan, New York, but who at the time of her marriage was living in Seneca county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had no children of their own but have taken three children of other families into their home, and have given them all the educational opportunities and advantages that they would give to their own offspring.

In politics, Mr. Brown has been rather independent. For twenty years he voted the prohibition ticket, but of late years has voted for whatever men and measures appealed to his idea of right. He has always shown a great interest in public matters, and never fails to exercise his right of franchise, but he has never sought an office at the disposition of the people. He keeps well posted on all matters of general concern and is well able to defend his position, taken after he has convinced himself of its justness, against all opposition. In religious matters, he gives his allegiance to the Congregational church, in which he holds the position of deacon. In the Sunday school, he is a teacher and assistant superintendent, for he has ever shown a deep concern for the progress of the work of the church and the school.

Louie Schick

Schick, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Ridgefield township, Huron county, was born in Germany on the 19th of May, 1870, and is a son of Peter and Wilhelmina Schick. The parents, who were also natives of the fatherland, came to the United States in 1883 and settled in Milan, Ohio, where they resided for about six months. On the rst of March of the following year, they removed to Ridgefield township, Huron county, where the father purchased thirty-eight acres of land, which is still in his possession. He and his wife be- came the parents of four children, namely: William; Jacob; Wilhelmina, the wife of Henry Klein; and Louie, of this review. Both parents still survive while the father who devoted his life to farming pursuits now lives retired, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil.

Louie Schick spent the years of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, acquiring his education in the district schools, while the periods of vacation were devoted to the work ot the fields. After laying aside his text-books, however, he became identified with railroading, being employed upon the work train for four years, and he also spent some time in the boiler shop. Later he severed his connection with the railroad business and resumed agricultural pursuits, renting a farm of fifty-two acres, which he continues to operate and upon which he makes his home. He owns thirteen acres of land which, in connection with his father's farm, he also cultivates. He is up-to-date and progressive in his methods, carrying on his business along strictly modern lines, while his various interests, carefully managed and directed, are bringing to him gratifying returns.

Mr. Schick has been twice married. In 1899, he wedded Miss Bertha Bower, a daughter of William Bower, of this county, who was a native of Germany. Unto this union was born one daughter, Louisa. The wife and mother was called away to her final rest in 1905, while two years later, in 1907, Mr. Schick married Miss Louisa Bower, a sister of his former wife. He is a member of the German Lutheran church and is public-spirited in his citizenship, lending his aid to all measures and movements which have for their object the substantial and permanent development and upbuilding of the community. Honorable and upright in all of his dealings, he has won the respect and confidence of those with whom he is associated, and he is held in high regard by a large circle of warm friends.

O. C. Litzkey, as superintendent of the Bellevue water works, is well known here and the record which he has made in all official business relations, has won him the unqualified respect and confidence of his fellow townsmen. He is numbered among Ohio's native sons for his birth occurred in Fremont on the 16th of July, 1864, his parents being John and Minnie (Nash) Litzkey, both of whom were natives of Germany, who, coming to America, spent their last days in this country, the father dying at the age of sixty-five years, while the mother passed away at the age of sixty-seven. They were the parents of ten children: Tillie, deceased ; Lizzie, the wife of Dan McGrady ; Lena, John and Mary, all of whom have passed away ; and four who died in infancy.

The other member of the family is O. C. Litzkey, whose name introduces this record. He was reared in the place of his nativity and, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, was afforded the opportunities for the acquirement of an education in the public schools. In the periods of vacation, he worked upon the farm and after putting aside his text-books, he gave his time and energies to farm work and also was employed at the Ohio Cultivator Plant at Fremont, where he filled the responsible position of foreman of the shipping depart- ment. After the removal of the plant to Bellevue, he came to this city and retained his position in connection with that corporation a quarter of a century. No higher testimonial of his faithfulness, capability and of the confidence reposed in him could be given than the fact that he was associated with the business in the responsible position of foreman for twenty-five years. He resigned on his appointment as superintendent of the water works, January 6, 1909, and he is now serving in that capacity.

At Fremont on the 29th of June, 1886, Mr. Litzkey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hilt, a daughter of Peter Hilt, of that place. They became the parents of two children, but lost the first born, Anna, at the age of two years. The surviving daughter, Lula, is at home. The parents are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Litzkey is widely and prominently known in fraternal circles. He is now acting as treasurer of the Forester lodge, is treasurer and one of the trustees of the Eagle lodge and is a member of the German Beneficial Union and the German Aid Society. These latter indicate the broad humanitarian spirit which actuates him in all his relations with his fellowmen. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and for ten years, he served as a member of the city council, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many measures for the public good. He has ever advocated retrenchment in public expenditure yet never to the extent of blocking progress or excluding needed. public improvements. In his present office, he is giving an administration that is chararcterized by system so that there is no loss of time, labor or material. His course is receiving uniform commendation and he well deserves classification with the public officials of whom Bellevue has had reason to be proud.

Caleb F. Jackson

Without invidious distinction, Caleb F. Jackson may be termed the foremost business man of Norwalk from the fact that his interests are most varied as well as extensive. Starting out in life on a humble financial plane, he has steadily worked his way upward and his careful management, coupled with unfaltering industry and keen discernment, have brought him to the position which he now occupies. Honored and respected by all there is no resident of Norwalk who fills a more enviable place in the commercial and financial circles of the city. He was born June 25, 1854, upon the old Jackson farm a mile and a half south of Norwalk, upon the old state road. His parents were Charles and Alberta (Fitch) Jackson and he is a great-grandson of Colonel Giles Jackson of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, who won fame as a colonel of infantry in the Revolutionary war and as chief of staff to Major General Gates he penned the article of surrender at Yorktown and Saratoga. The original articles of convention for the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, October 16, 1877, signed by J. Burgoyne and Horatio Gates, are now in possession of C. F. Jackson at Norwalk, having been inherited by the "second son" for three generations. Numerous other historical Revolutionary papers of great value are preserved to be handed down to the second son, Thayer Elden Jackson. Charles Jackson, the father of our sub- sect, was a prominent farmer of Norwalk township, who spent six years of his carly manhood in the employ of Shepherd Patrick as a salesman in his general store at Norwalk. Subsequently, he bought the Jackson farm homestead, which remained in the family for sixty years and his capable management of his busiuess interests, placed him with the substantial agriculturists of Huron county.

Caleb F. Jackson attended the country school in Norwalk, district No. 3, until he prepared to enter high school in 1868. He was graduated therefrom in 1871 on the completion of a complete scientific and classical course of study. He had expected to study medicine, but the death of both parents left him the care of two sisters and a younger brother, a financial burden which made further study in school or college impossible. At the age of seventeen years, he began work in the dry-goods, grocery and drug store of Wooster & Patrick as "boy of all work," entering their employ on the 13 of November, 1871. Within three months, he was made a salesman and promotions followed rapidly. In 1873, he was head salesman in the drygoods department on a salary of a thousand dollars per year, which at that date was the largest salary paid any salesman in Norwalk - and he was not yet twenty years of age. In January, 1874, at the age of nineteea and a half years, he formed a copartnership with L. C. Prescott and purchased a drug and grocery store at Flint, Michigan. The firm oí Prescott & Jackson possessed but twelve hundred dollars, but they had energy, determination and perseverance. They assumed a debt of five thousand dollars and after two years, with all the indebtedness discharged, C. F. Jackson sold his interests to his partner and returned to Norwalk to enter the employ of C. E. Marsh & Company, as salesman and manager of the interests of Mrs. S. P. Pease in the firm. His next advanced step was made in 1881, when he joined C. E. Marsh in organizing the firm of Marsh & Jackson for the purpose of opening a dry-goods and carpet store at No. 11 West Main street. Great financial success followed this venture for five years and in 1886 Mr. Jackson sold his interests to his partner and went to Minneapolis, Minnesota. In that growing city, he established the "Jackson Black Goods Store" which became known throughout the northwest as specializing in every known article of dry goods, black or white. Mr. Jackson was sole owner of the Minneapolis business and in seven years, had sufficient capital to warrant the stocking of a department store, which he could foresee at that early date, was the coming mercantile establishment of this country.

In the winter of 1892-3 Mr. Jackson, in partnership with H. H. Hoyt of Norwalk, purchased from the First Methodist Episcopal church of this city, their church property at the corner of Main street and Benedict avenue. In May, 1893, the old church was demolished to make room for the beautiful five-story brick and brown stone building known as The Glass Block. The building when complete, was leased to the Hoyt & Jackson Company, a corporation of which C. F. Jackson was the president, for a department store and was opened to the public November 29, 1893. This marked the beginning of a new era in mercantile affairs in Norwalk. In that day the department store was untried, except in the large-cities and in Norwalk it was looked upon as a venturesome undertaking, which would probably result in failure. Mr. Jackson's perceptions of the business future, were much keener than the old-school merchants and instead of failure, the business was a great success and for sixteen years has paid its stock- holders splendid dividends every year. In October, 1895, Mr. Jackson purchased his partner's interest in the Glass Block real estate and became sole owner of this valuable property. He also secured Mr. Hoyt's interest in the mercantile company and immediately changed the corporate name to The C. F. Jackson Company, which is so well known in the business world today.

Even after acquiring this valuable property, Mr. Jackson's ambition was not satisfied, for in 1902, he secured the first Glass Block Annex by a lease of a three-story brick block adjoining on the west, thereby increasing the floor space and obtaining better facilities to handle the vast growing trade. The business has been conducted on a cash basis with a fixed price and to these rules and the straightforward principles which have governed his commercial affairs, the success of Mr. Jackson is due. In 1904, in order to utilize surplus earnings, Mr. Jackson bought for the company a business block at Findlay, Ohio, for one hundred and thirty thousand dollars and established at that point a second Glass Block department store larger and more beautiful than the original store at Norwalk. His eldest son, Edward E. Jackson, was made vice-president of the company and general manager at Findlay. The success of the store at that place has been beyond the expectations of even its projector. In December, 1908, a second annex was added at Norwalk, comprising three floors with a frontage of sixty feet on Benedict avenue, giving the Norwalk store a total of ninety thousand square feet of sales room or nearly two and a half acres - a monument to the business foresight and executive ability of its founder. In addition to the general management of these great mercantile establishments, Mr. Jackson is interested in numerous manufacturing and business enterprises to which he devotes a tion of his time. He is president of the Norwalk Vault Company, vice-president of the Auto Buggy Company, treasurer of the Miller Anchor Company, a director of the Local Telephone Company, of the Interstate Ice Company and the Tinker Concrete Company, while in numerous other concerns, he is a stockholder, giving him diversified interests probably not exceeded by those of any other business man in Norwalk. For two years he has been the president of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, a strong organization of business men, looking after the welfare and prosperity of Norwalk's business interests.

On the 11th of November, 1874, Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Mary L. Stevens, of Norwalk and unto them have been born four children: Edward Everett, who was born January 2, 1876, and was married at Findlay, Ohio, September 1, 1905, to Miss Glenna Weil; Thayer Elden, born June 19. 1884; Kenneth Seymour, born July 9, 1886; and Hortense Ione, born March 16, 1801.

Mr. Jackson is not only well known because of the extent and importance of his business affairs, but also by reason of his co-operation in many interests and measures which relate to the individual or public welfare. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, to the Knights of Pythias lodge, the Royal Arcanum, the Knights of the Maccabees and the National Union. He is a member of the Ohio Sons of the American Revolution and was for many years a member of the Shakespeare Club, Norwalk's leading literary and social club. He is likewise a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church and for many years has served on its board of trustees. He has never become actively connected with politics or aspired to public office. He is rather retiring in disposition, but most public-spirited and in a quiet and unostentatious way, has devoted much time and money to the public good. He finds his pleasure in his elegant home and his close, enduring friends and he deserves in the largest degree the respect and confidence as well as the Success, which have been accorded him.

Milo F. Johnson

Milo F. Johnson, a progressive and prosperous farmer of Norwalk township, was born in Peru township, July 21, 1859. His birth occurred on the old homestead farm taken up by his grandfather, Marcus Johnson, in the early part of the eighteenth century, which property is yet owned by one of his daughters, Mrs. Della M. Linder. He is a son of Luther B. Johnson, who was born on the Ist of November, 1822, in Elba, Genesee county, New York. He came west to Ohio with his parents, when eighteen months of age, settling on the old homestead farm in 1824. This continued to be his place of residence until 1888, when he retired from active life and came to Norwalk, where he passed away in April, 1905, at a ripe old age. The wife preceded him to the great beyond in May, 1895. He belonged to the Universalist church and was a stanch republican in politics. A successful and substantial farmer, he devoted his entire efforts to that line of activity, and, though quiet and unassuming in manner, was well known and honored for his strict integrity and his loyalty to the general good, doing all in his power to further the growth and upbuilding of the community in which he lived. His family consisted of three children, namely: Milo F., of this review ; Della M., who passed away in August, 1909; and Mrs. Alma E. Call, of Williams county, Ohio.

Reared on the old homestead farm, Milo F. Johnson pursued his education in the district schools of Peru township and spent the years of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. Upon attaining his majority, he decided to adopt as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, with the exception of three years, when connected with the Ohio Metal Company. He has a finely improved place, equipped with gcod barns and outbuildings and all latest devices and equipments for facilitating the work of the farm. He is progressive and up-to-date in his methods and has attained a creditable degree of prosperity in his agricultural pursuits.

On the 24th of October, 1888, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Sadie E. Nicholson, and they have become the parents of one daughter, Helen B., born Februarv 24, 1897. Mrs. Johnson is the daughter of William Nicholson, of Mansfield, Ohio, and is one of a family of six children. The father was born in England and came to Mansfield when twenty-three years of age. He had been a grocer in his native land and continued to engage in that line in this country. He passed away in 1887. His wife, who was also born in England, was brought by her parents to America when six weeks old. father, Charles Hutchinson, on his arrival in the United States, came direct to Huron county

Mr. Johnson's church affiliations are with the Presbyterians, and he has given stalwart support to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as township trustee for seven years and 15 still the incumbent in that office. Mr. Johnson has not only been industrious, but has evidenced in his transactions those qualities which make friends, and, being upright in all of his dealings and interested in the moral as well as the financial welfare of the community, he enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him.

Leander L. Doud

Leander L. Doud, secretary of the A. B. Chase Company and thus connected with the manufacturing interests of Norwalk, is well known by reason of his activities in behalf of the best interests of the community, his influence always being on the side of right, justice, progress and improvement.

He is a descendent of Henry Doud, who came from Surrey county, England, in 1639, with a colony under the Rev. Henry Whitfield and settled in Guilford, Connecticut. His ancestry also traces back to the Tallmans, prominently identified with the history of Connecticut, Governor Tallman being one of the early governors of that state.

Mr. Doud was born in Huron county, Ohio, May 20, 1838, a son of Samuel end Philura (Niles) Doud, who were natives of New York and Vermont respectively. The paternal grandfather, Solomon Doud, was born in Connecticut and in 1823, after living some time in the Empire state, came to Huron county, settling in Greenwich township, where he made the first clearing and built him a house at the center of the township. The journey westward was made by way of the lakes to Sandusky, and thence with ox-teams through the woods to their destination. Samuel Doud was at that time a lad of ten years and through the period of his boyhood and youth he assisted as best he could in the arduous task of developing the new country, frequently clearing land on his own account. He boasted of the fact that he bought his farm of one hundred and six acres in the southeast corner of Greenwich township with his ax. Here, having cleared off a few acres of the timber and building a log cabin, he married Miss Philura Niles, a young school teacher from Vermont. A few years later he built one of the first colonial homes in that section of the county and here reared his family, Leander L. Doud, the subject of this sketch, being the eldest of six children. In 1868 the father removed to New London, Huron county, adjoining the corporation on the south. He was one of the influential and enterprising men of the community where he lived, took a prominent place in the business circles, acting for some time as director and vice-president of the New London National Bank, while in other connections his labors constituted an important element in the business activity of the district. He was a highly respected man, whose integrity was one of the salient points in his career. He was a leading and valued mem-

ot, and local preacher in the Methodist church. The last year of his life was devoted to the building of the present brick Methodist Episcopal church in New London, which he lived to see completed and paid for, taking up the last note a few days before his death, which occurred December 20, 1880.

Leander L. Doud acquired his early education in the country schools of this state, taught five seasons, and received his later education in the Norwalk Seminary, Savannah Academy, Baldwin University at Berea, Ohio, and the Ohio Weslevan University at Delaware, Ohio. At the latter college it was his good fortune to come under the direct influence of the late Bishop McCabe as a fellow student, and of Bishop Thompson, then president of the institution. In his early twenties, Mr. Doud was engaged with his father in extensive stock-raising and wool-growing business, selling their products in the eastern markets of Boston and New York.

On September 10, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Bloom Eberly, a teacher in the public schools of Wood county, Ohio, and established his home on a farm in Greenwich township. Of their four children, two - Philura Semeramis and Ida Winifred - died in early childhood. A daughter, Louie Naomi, and a son, Harry Lea, are living, the latter an attorney of Cincinnati, Ohio.

In 1866 Mr. Doud removed to New London, Ohio, where together with Albert White, he built the town hall block and engaged in merchandising for eight years, acting also as postmaster for several years. It was here that he formed the acquaintance of Captain A. B. Chase, who later became the founder and president of the company that bears his name. In 1875 he removed to Norwalk, Ohio, and joined with A. B. Chase and others in organizing the A. B. Chase Company for the manufacture of musical instruments. Being a charter member, Mr. Doud became its first secretary and treasurer and has continued as secretary and general manager to the present time. He has seen the business grow and prosper until it is one of the most important in Huron county, second to none of its kind in the state, with the highest reputation for organs, pianos and playerpianos that is world wide. His keen discrimination, his capable management and his undaunted enterprise have been salient features in its success. He has been watchful of all the details pointing to the growth and perfection of the business and has ever maintained a high standard in the character of the output, in the personnel of the house and in the nature of the service rendered to the public. In 1880 Mr. Doud built the Doud block, now the Maccabee Temple, at Norwalk, Ohio, and in 1882 erected his brick residence West Main street.

Mr. Doud is an active Methodist and an enthusiastic Sunday-school worker. At the age of fifteen, soon after uniting with the church, he was elected secretary of the local Sunday school, and has held official relations with the church and Sunday school ever since. He was Sunday-school superintendent for over twentyfive years, frequently in the early days, superintending his home school in the morning and one in the country in the afternoon. He was for many years secretary or president of the Huron County Sunday School Association, president of the Huron county branch of the American Bible Society, and has for many years conducted a large adult Bible class in the Norwalk Methodist Sunday school.

Mr. Doud has acted as trustee of Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio, and of the Lakeside Association. He is a steward and trustee of the Norwalk Methodist Episcopal church, and was secretary of the building committee when their new stone edifice was erected.

In 1904 he was a delegate to the World's Fourth International Sunday school convention, which met at Jerusalem, and while abroad visited many points of ancient and modern historic interest. Being a keen observer, he profited by the knowledge which he gained concerning the social and religious work of the old world. Mr. Doud was a delegate also to the International Sunday School convention at Toronto, Canada, in 1907. He has been an extensive traveler, his business relations having taken him into nearly every state in the Union, and his vacation trips including Canada, Cuba, Mexico and countries of Europe, Asia and Africa. He is a well read man, a good writer on the subjects which he discusses and an original and strong thinker, and a man of high moral character. Realizing that the purposes of life are manifold and that the interests of the individual should touch many lines, he has not confined his attention to business affairs alone, but has been an interested and liberal supporter of education, of temperance, of church work, and in fact all movements for the general good.

George A. Nicolls

George A. Nicolls, residing on his well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Bronson township, has been successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. His birth occurred in Cayuga county, New York, on the 30th of October, 1829, his parents being John and Sarah (Peck) Nicolls, the latter a native of Massachussetts. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Nicolls, who served all thrcugh the Revolutionary war of 1776, and the maternal grandfather, Abijah Peck, served in the war of 1812 with the rank of major. John Nicolls, the father of George A. Nicolls, likewise did duty as a soldier in the war of 1812, serving throughout the entire ccnflict. In the year 1837, he brought his wife and children to Huron county, Ohio, the family home being established in Bronson township. This part of the state was still largely wild and undeveloped and he found it necessary to clear the land of the timber before it could be utilized for farming purposes. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, namely : Seymour, who died in infancy ; William ; Kay; Levina; Samantha; John; Abijah and George A.

George A. Nicolls, who was but a little lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this county, early became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist through the assistance which he rendered his father in the opening up and development of the latter's farm. Throughout his entire business career, he has devoted his time and energies to the work of general farming, in which he has won a substantial measure of success, being most practical and progressive in his methods. He is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Bronson town- ship, where he resides and is well entitled to be classed with the substantial and representative citizens of the community. He is one of the stockholders in the Sandusky, Norwalk and Mansfield Railroad.

On the roth of March, 1870, Mr. Nicolls was united in marriage to Miss Clarissa Burnap, a daughter of Job and Olive Burnap. Sarah and Mary, the two daughters born of this union, are now deceased.

Mr. Nicolls is a firm believer in the principles of the republican party and always casts his ballot in support of its men and measures. He has now been a resident of this county for seventy-two years and is therefore thorough!y familiar with its annuals from a pioneer period down to the present time, having not only been an interested witness but also an active participant in the work of upbuilding and improvement. He has now reached the eightieth milestone on the journey of life and can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear, for his life has been characterized by honor and integrity in all relations.

Lannes Lamar Antrim

A history of Greenwich township would hardly be complete without mention of Lannes Lamar Antrim, one of the mcst prominent and highly respected citizens of the community. He was born in West Middleburg, Logan county, Ohio, January 1841, a son of Joshua and Mary (Grubb) Antrim. His grandfather, Thomas Antrim, who came from Culpeper county, Virginia, was a Quaker and was the first minister of any denomination to arrive in Logan county, while his son, Daniel Antrim, was the first white child born in that county.

Joshua Antrim, the father of our subject, was identified with the tailoring business and was also a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church for some time, while later he became an adherent of the Swedenborgian faith. He was a man of great literary ability and a historian of broad information. He was also greatly interested at all times in the pioneer organizations of Logan and Champaign counties and at the solicitation of the Logan County Pioneer Society, in 1874, he prepared and published a history of that county. His death occurred in November, 1874. He had wedded Miss Mary Grubb and unto them were born twelve children, namely: Avarilla, the wife of Eli Cowgill; Lannes Lamar, of this review ; Hester, the wife of William Stoop, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Elizabeth, the wife of Moses Euans ; Matilda, deceased ; Joseph, also deceased; Sarah, who wedded William Glasgow, of Muncie, Indiana ; Ida and Anna, who have passed away ; Thomas, residing in Columbus ; Mary, deceased; and one who died in infancy. Joseph Antrim was a prominent minister of the Episcopal church and preached the funeral sermon over the remains of General Gordon, the well known and eloquent lecturer. He passed away several years ago in New Orleans.

In a home of culture and refinement, Lannes Lamar Antrim passed the days of his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the public schools of West Middleburg, and at the age of sixteen years took up the blacksmith's trade, in which line of work he has continuously engaged to the present time. He remained in his native town until 1896, when he came to Greenwich and has since made his home this city. Here he has devoted his time and energies to the conduct of his business affairs, in which he has met with most gratifying success.

On the 18th of January, 1862, Mr. Antrim was united in marriage to Miss Anna Prall, a daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Hutchins) Prall, natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio about the year 1844. Her father was a prominent horse dealer and bought horses for the government during the period of the Mexican war, being considered an expert in this line of business. He passed away many years ago in Logan county. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Antrim was blessed with six children, as follows: Catherine, the wife of Scott Norvall, of Arizona; Jessie, engaged in teaching in the public schools of Cleveland; Homer, deceased ; Lcuise, also teaching in the Cleveland public schools; Carl, of Greenwich; and Crystal, the wife of Fred Hines, the cashier of the Farmers Bank of Greenwich.

The family were for years members of the Methodist Protestant church, while Mr. Antrim acted as superintendent of the Sunday school most of the time for twenty-five years and was always active in the work of the church and Sunday school. Since ccming to Greenwich, however, the family have attended the Methodist Episcopal church, there being no Methodist Protestant organization in this city. Mr. Antrim now gives his allegiance to the republican party, although for some years he was affiliated with the prohibition party, being deeply interested in and active in the support of the cause of temperance. He isa splendid type of the American citizen who at all times stands for that which is highest and best in the world, supporting many measures of reform and improvement that uplift humanity and work for the common weal.

Washington Irving Adams

Washington Irving Adams is one of the active and progressive agriculturists of Huron county, making his home on his farm of one hundred acres in Fairfield township. He is a native of that township, his birth having there occurred on the 7th of November, 1842. His parents were Sherwood and Delecta (Foote) Adams, the former a son of David and Betsy (Lyon) Adams and the latter a daughter of Ebenezer and Lydia (Gage) Foote. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood Adams were born two children, Linden and Washington Irving.

The last named has been engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and has resided on his present farm of one hundred acres for the past twenty-five years. As the result of his unremitting industry and capable management he has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings and has long been numbered among the substantial and enterprising citizens of the community,

In 1864 Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Miss Lovisa Carbine, a daughter of Horace and Clarissa Carbine, by whom he has one child, Lena, who was born in 1870. She was educated in a college at Hillsdale, Michigan, and afterward taught in a high school of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, but is now in Logansport, Indiana.

In his political views Mr. Adams is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, with which his wife is also identified. Having spent his entire life in this locality, he is well known and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his career is worthy of respect and confidence.

Mrs. Anna J. McPherson, who is of Scotch-Irish descent, owns one hundred and twenty-three acres of land in Greenfield township, where she has lived for more than sixty years, being born in this township, January 17, 1824. Her parents, John and Martha (Easter) Arthur, were of Irish birth but came to this county in the days of the pioneers. They settled in Greenfield township, cleared their own farm and became substantial citizens of the land of their adoption. A more extended mention of them and of their descendants is given in the sketch o: Robert Arthur, a farmer of Greenfield township.

Mrs. McPherscn has spent all her life in this township. Her education was acquired in the public schools of Steuben and the practical experience that fitted her to be the wife of a farmer was obtained at home with her parents. In her young womanhood she was married August 12, 1841, to James McPherson, the son of William and Mary McPherson, natives of Ireland but numbered among the early settlers of township. James McPherscn was also of Irish birth and was the first of his family to come to this country. He was a young man and came alone, but, after finding that the chances of making his way in the world were so much better here than in Ireland sent for his parents. He had learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed on coming to Ohio, and it is said that he helped to build some of the first houses in Norwalk. After obtaining employment in several other places, he went to Steuben, where he assisted in building the Congregational church. Shortly after that he abandoned his trade for the pursuit of farming, for in 1846, he had purchased a good-sized tract of land, that on which his widow lives today. It was at the time virgin soil, well covered with timber, and the work of clearing the forest was no small undertaking. The greater part of this he did himself as well as building his fine house. Many improvements have since been made, and were, in fact, instituted before Mr. McPherson's life was closed on the 22d of June, 1858, at the age of forty-four years and four months to the day. A hard-working man, his integrity of deed and purpose was recognized by his fellows, who as whigs elected him to fill the office of treasurer of the township. His religious affiliation was with the Congregational church.

Of the marriage that was solemnized in the Arthur home on the 12th of August, 1841, there were born three children: William Hamilton, living in Bronson township, was twice married, the first time to Miss Lucy A. Wheeler, who left three children, Arthur, William H. and Scott, and the second time to Miss Margaret Much, and they have two sons, Clyde and Glenn. George A., the second son, is a resident of Greenfield township. He married Miss Emma Willoughby, by whom he has had two children: Robert, deceased; and Jennie, who is the wife of Fred

Flyn and has a daughter Helen. They live in Ashland county, Ohio. John F., the youngest son, lives at home and manages his mother's farm. He attended the public school at Steuben, from which he went to the National Normal College at Lebanon, Ohio, where he took a teacher's course. For a few years after completing his education he devoted himself to instructing others in the rudiments of the English language and other school subjects and then engaged in farming. He has been successful in agriculture and has won for himself a respected position among the citizens of Greenfield township, whom he has served to their satisfaction as justice of the peace and as town clerk and in other capacities, having he!d the first mentioned office through a pericd of twenty-three years, and the second for twentyone years. He is a demccrat in pclitics and a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he has held several offices. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and has held almost all the offices of the tent.

During the more than half-century that Mrs. McPherson has lived upon her farm she has witnessed and participated in the many changes that have transformed the country from a sparsely inhabited tract of undeveloped field and forest, into one of the best improved portions of the state. The progress is gratifying and especially is the knowledge that her farm has kept up with the march of time and is as improved and well cultivated a tract as is included in the township of Greenfield.

Mrs. Annie M. Stentz

Analyzation of character is perhaps the most difficult task that ever confronts the historian, so complex are the interests that enter in and so diversified are the forces which have influence upon the individual It would seem almost impossible to point out the salient factors in the life of Mrs. Annie M. Stentz, for hers is a well rounded life in which notable business ability, broad humanitarianism, kindly spirit and liberal culture are well balanced forces. She is probably without exception the most prominent and best known woman in Huron county and has had the notable distinction of being the only woman national bank president in the United States.

A native of Ashland county, Ohio, her birth occurred in Mifflin township, March 31, 1846, her parents being Benjamin and Annie (Albert) Newcomer, both of whom were natives of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She has been a resident of Monroeville, Huron county, since 1863, and on the 4th of October, 1872, she gave her hand in marriage to Orren W. Head, a native of Paris, Oneida county, New York, born in May, 1808. His parents were Jonathan and Hepzibah (Livermore) Head, natives of Rhode Island and New Hampshire, respectively. Orren W. Head was reared to farm life and was educated in the subscription schools of the neighborhood. In 1836 he wedded Julia Crane of Marshall, Oneida county, New York, and unto them were born three sons and two daughters, but the latter are now deceased. In 1842 Mr. Head and his family became residents of Ridgefield township, Huron county, where he purchased four hundred and twenty acres of land, the greater part of which was formerly the Sours farm.

As the years passed he kept his land well improved and cultivated, bringing the fields under a high state of development so that rich crops were annually harvested. In 1857 he erected what is now known as the Davis block in Monroeville, where he conducted a banking business for a number of years, the enterprise being first conducted as the Perkins & Head Exchange Bank. Following the death of the senior partner it became known as the O. W. Head Exchange Bank and was so maintained until 1863, when Mr. Head sold out to S. V. Harkness. He always conducted a private banking business and through his careful and wise management accumulated a goodly fortune, while the integrity of his business methods won him the high regard of all. One of the founders of the Monroeville National Bank, he served as its president from the time of its inception until his death, which occurred October 2, 1882. Mr. Head was honored for his loyalty to his friends, for his public-spirited devotion to the general good and his support of all projects for the intellectual and moral uplift of the community. He assisted more men in their hour of need to secure homes than any other one citizen in the county, and the spirit of friendless thus manifested won for him an almost limitless circle of friends.

It was upon the death of Mr. Head that his widow, now Mrs. Stentz, gave evidence of her superior business qualifications. Assuming the management of the estate she soon brought order out of chaos in a manner that at once stamped her as one of the most capable of modern business women. She received a goodly inheritance from her husband and, possessing a fondness for business management, controlled her affairs with rare skill and discrimination. One of her favorite investments was the stock of the First National Bank of Monroeville, and in the course of time she and Henry P. Stentz became the largest stockholders. Their marriage, which occurred April 15, 1901, brought about a transfusion of interests which gave them control of the corporation.

Henry P. Stentz, up to the time of his death the president of the First National Bank, was prominent in the array of leading financiers and capitalists of Monroeville and Ohio. He was always a builder and not a wrecker of fortunes, his work being along constructive lines and of a character that contributed to general success as well as to individual prosperity. There was no name more honored or respected throughout Huron county than that of Henry P. Stentz, who was richly endowed with all those qualities which constituted good citizenship and honorable manhood. He was born in Middletown, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1838, and was descended from German ancestry, from whom he inherited his characteristic energy, good judgment and other business qualities that made him the successful financier he proved himself to be. His parents were Peter and Catherine (Keller) Stentz, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Huron county, Ohio, 1840. After a brief period they established their home in Plymouth, Richmond county, but much of the residue of their days was passed at Galion, Crawford county, to which place they removed in 1853.

Henry P. Stentz acquired his education in the Union schools of Plymouth and crossed the threshold of business life as an employe of A. Atwood, a merchant and banker of that place. He gave unfaltering loyalty to his employer and manifested unremitting diligence in the discharge of the duties that devolved upon him. His remuneration at the outset was only eight dollars per month, but he gradually worked his way upward, winning the confidence and good will of his employer by his diligence, enterprise and trustworthiness. He remained with Mr. Atwood until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he launched out upon an independent business venture, speculating in several articles of merchandise, including cotton, hemp, sugar and molasses. This caused him to travel largely in the south and while he did not meet with very substantial success in the undertaking, owing doubtless to the condition of the markets in those feverish times, he vet gained broad experience that proved an excellent stock in trade for future business development.

Following the close of the war Mr. Stentz retired from the field of speculation and in 1866 accepted a cashiership in the Exchange Bank of Monroeville as successor to S. V. Harkness. In 1879 this bank was organized as the First National Bank of Monroeville, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, Mr. Stentz continuing as cashier until 1889, when he was promoted to the presidency. He also organized the First National Bank of Galion, Ohio, one of the first institutions of the kind established under the new regime and he was subsequently one of the promoters and organizers of the National Bank of Plymouth. He manifested the keenest discernment in the solution of intricate financial problems and in connection with his banking interests he developed a safe and conservative business policy which made his among the strongest financial enterprises of this part of the state. Realizing that realty is one of the safest of all investments, he made judicious purchases of property, particularly fine farming land in the vicinity of Monroeville, and ultimately became the owner of one thousand and five acres.

Mr. Stentz never selfishly hoarded his wealth but was a generous contributor to many institutions and movements which were based upon humanitarian principles. Although he did not hold membership with any religious denomination, he attended and generously supported the Presbyterian church at Monroeville. His record furnishes a notable example of what may be accomplished by a conservative, enterprising business man. Assuming the responsibilities of a bank cashiership when twenty-eight years of age, through his close application to every duty and his thorough understanding of the business in principle and detail he widely promoted its growth and extended its business connections. Following methods which neither sought nor required disguise, he furnished an example of honorable endeavor that is indeed well worthy of emulation. Mr. Stentz not only succeeded in elevating the Monroeville Exchange Bank to the highest point of excellence attained by any institution of the kind in Huron county, but in order that its interests might be extended he succeeded in having it reorganized as a national bank and under his capable control it was made to rank with the soundest and best managed banks of northern Ohio.

The Monroeville Weekly Spectator, during the wild financial panic that occurred in the summer of 1893, said: "During a commercial crisis like that through which we are now passing, when doubt and distrust are apparent on every hand, there is sweet consolation in the thought that the solvency of our own home bank is unquestioned. While hundreds of similar institutions throughout the length and breadth of the land are forced into suspension or failure, because of the existing lack of confidence, the First National Bank of Monroeville stands and will stand a monument of integrity, judgment and fidelity to the efficient management it has ever enjoyed and which today is identical with that under which it began its career over twenty-seven years ago. The present crisis finds it in better condition than ever before to cope with panical problems and it will speedily and satisfactorily solve all that are presented provided they legitimately come within the sphere of its action. Stentz has been the moving spirit, the power behind the throne, the manager from the organization to the present time, and to his efforts are chiefly attributable the long continued prosperity and substantial growth that have characterized the bank's career and the enviable reputation, standing and confidence which it now enjoys."

The death of Mr. Stentz occurred in Monroeville, June 9, 1903, after an illness of six weeks. He had been called one of nature's noblemen and was a man honored by young and old, rich and poor. One of the local papers said of him: "Mr. Stentz never aspired to official honors, but when 1001 Governor Nash honored him with the appointment of trustee of the State Hospital at Toledo he accepted. an officer he was painstaking, prompt and accurate in duty, accommodating to those for whom he transacted business, and urbane to all with whom he had to deal. His business judgment was sought and relied upon. He was always cautious in advancing an opinion, all the consequences of which he could not forecast with reasonable certainty. There were traits of character in H. P. Stentz that should be mentioned not only to his individual credit but to the honor of mankind. He was always courteous and full of genial qualities which attracted others to him, and which will make his loss sorely felt." Without making professions of exalted goodness, he was just to his enemies, charitable to his associates and full of sympathy and devotion to his friends. His funeral was one of the largest ever held in Monroeville, many coming from distant points to pay the last tribute of honor and respect to one whom they had long known and honored, while the entire town regretted his loss as a personal bereavement, so closely was he associated with the life and interests of the community.

Following the death of her husband Mrs. Stentz took up the burden of, the business affairs. The control of the bank stock passed to her and she was immediately made president of the institution. This was a rare distinction, as she was the only lady president of a national bank in the United States. Her advent was heralded by all financial and daily papers over the country. She insisted on conducting the business in a thorough, businesslike manner and soon found favor with patrons and stockholders of the bank alike. The first National under her control became recognized as a safe, sound and prosperous concern. Not contented with her interests in that direction, Mrs. Stentz soon turned her attention to traction interests and now owns and controls the Sandusky, Norwalk & Mansfield electric line between Norwalk and Shelby, Ohio. This is one of her best investments and she is the vice president and a director of the company. She also has many other important business interests which engage her wise sagacity and untiring enterprise. She is the vice president of the Hull-Stentz Realty Company, of Toledo, and numerous other concerns and corporations. She is entirely fearless in all of her business operations, entering

Notwithstanding all this Mrs. Stentz is essentially feminine and domestic in her taste, spending a great deal of her time in her beautiful country home on the Monroeville road between Norwalk and Monroeville. Her charities are many and she contributes to churches and benevolent organizations most generously, yet she never gives with ostentation or display. She has undoubtedly given as much for such causes as any other person in the county. One of her gifts, for which she will never cease to be remembered, was that of a handsome monument erected in honor of the soldiers and sailors of Ridgefield. In Rev. Charles S. Aves started a movement for raising a fund for the purpose, his plans being to take up a collection each Memorial day until a sufficient amount was secured, but in two years only eighty-seven dollars had been received. Mrs. Annie M. Stentz afterward announced her determination to erect the monument to perpetuate the memory of the brave boys blue. The contract was awarded, the work was executed and on the 29th of September, 1004, she unveiled the monument and presented it as a gift to the city. It was made a gala day in the history of Monroeville. On that occasion there was witnessed the largest procession ever known in the town and with appropriate music and addresses the occasion was made one never to be forgotten by any who were present. Mrs. Stentz is ever ready to extend a helping hand to the poor and needy and yet she does not believe in that indiscriminate giving which fosters vagrancy or idleness. Her charities are broad and practical, and her influence on the business life of the community has been essentially along constructive lines. Recognized as the equal in ability of the men who are most prominent in the commercial and financial circles of Huron county, she is at the same time lacking in none of those social graces which make her a most charming hostess and valued companion in social functions.

Francis J. Elmlinger

Francis J. Elmlinger, now deceased, was for many years numbered among the prominent and successful agriculturists of Sherman township, there owning a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres at the time of his demise. He was born in Baden, Germany, his parents being Conrad and Mary Elmlinger, by whom he was brought to the United States when a little lad of seven years. They first took up their abode in Huron county, Ohio, but subsequently removed to Paulding county, this state, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

On attaining man's estate Francis J. Elmlinger was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Weidinger, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Weidinger, who was a little maiden of eight years when she accompanied her parents on their emigration to the new world. The children born of this union are as follows: Joseph J., who resides on the home farm with his mother and sisters: John F., who wedded Miss Monica Brobst and makes his home in Sherman township; Peter C., living at Norwalk, Ohio, who married Miss Catherine Schell; Mary C., who is at

Francis J. Elmlinger devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and was widely recognized as a most substantial, enterprising and progressive citizen of Sherman township. His political allegiance was unfalteringly given to the democratic party and he capably served in the position of road supervisor for several years. He was a Catholic in religious belief and acted as a councilman in St. Sebastian's church. Honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, charitable in thought, kindly in action, true to every trust confided to his care, his life was the highest type of Christian manhood.

Since the death of their father Joseph J. and John F. Elmlinger have operated the old homestead farm in partnership, conducting their interests under the name of Elmlinger Brothers. The place comprises one hundred and seventy-two acres of rich and arable land in Sherman township and in its cultivation the brothers are meeting with well merited and gratifying success, being men of energy, enterprise and good business ability. Joseph J. Elmlinger is a stockholder in the Sherman Oil & Gas Company, which is drilling for oil in Sherman township at the present time. The officers of the company are as follows: J. B. Bischoff, president; Daniel Heyman, vice president; J. P. Heyman, treasurer; and Joseph J. Elmlinger, secretary. Henry Scheid, L. P. Heyman and A. F. Heyman are the directors of the concern. Joseph ]. Elmlinger exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy and has acted as road supervisor, while at the present time he is serving as clerk of Sherman township. He is a faithful communicant of the Catholic church and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Columbus at Monroeville.

John F. Elmlinger lives just across the road from the old homestead farm but is making preparations to erect a new residence on the ground adjoining the home of his mother, brother and sisters. The members of the family are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community and are numbered among the representative, respected and leading residents of Sherman township.

Elzie G. Palmer

A well improved farm of eighty-five acres, situated in Fairfield township, is the home of Elzie G. Palmer, who has followed agriculture as a life work. His birth occurred in New Haven township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 20th of June, 1867, his parents being Milton and Isadore (Burlingham) Palmer, who were also natives of this county, the father having been born in New Haven township in 1842, while the mother's birth occurred in Norwich township. The Palmer family is of English extraction. The paternal grandparents of Elzie C. Palmer were Meigs and Betsy (Curtis) Palmer, while his maternal grandparents were Earl and Rosetta (Carpenter) Burlingham.

Elzie G. Palmer obtained his education in the district schools and was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, assisting his father irom the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. As stated above, he has given his attention to the work of general farming throughout his entire business career, and for the past four years he has resided on his farm of eighty-five acres in Fairfield township. He annually harvests rich crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields, cultivating the land according to the modern methods of farming.

On the 23d of July, 1800, Palmer was joined in wedlock to Miss Emma Russell, a daughter of John and Mary (Lewis) Russell, of Ripley township, this county. Their union has been blessed with seven children, namely: Florence; Ross ; Elva; Carl; Esther and Isadore, twins; and Clarence. Mr. Palmer gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party, being convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government. His entire life has been passed in this county and his fellow townsmen know him as a straightforward, reliable and progressive citizen, who well merits the esteem that is uniformly accorded him.

Frank J. Gies

Not all who take up the work of the farm meet with success. There are certain indispensable elements, including industry, perseverance and good judgment, to tell the individual when is the best time of planting and what are the best methods of caring for the crops. Gies seems to possess all the essential elements of success in agricultural lines, for he is now one of the substantial and prosperous farmer of Peru township. A glance at his place at once indicates to the passerby that his methods are practical and progressive. His farm, comprising one hundred and thirty acres, presents a most attractive appearance, for the land is under a high state of cultivation and gives promise of golden harvests in the autumn.

He was born in Bronson township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 25th of October, 1872, his parents being Michael and Blondina (Remley) Gies. The paternal grandfather, who was a native of Germany, made the voyage to this country about 1822 and became one of the early settlers of Bronson township, this county. The log house which he here erected was the birthplace of his son Michael, who remained a resident of Huron county throughout his entire life, The latter was an agriculturist by occupation, in which line of activity he won success by reason of his untiring industry and capable management. He was a valued and prominent member of the Catholic church, to which he contributed liberally of his time and means and in the faith of which he passed away 1905. His wife, whose birth occurred in Germany in 1840, accompanied her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Remley, on their emigration to the United States in 1848, the family home being established in Bronson township, this county. She still survives and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the entire community. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, namely: August, who is now a resident of Crawford county, Ohio; Ferdinand, living in Bronson township; Amelia, who is the wife of Emil Schnurr and makes her home in Bronson township ; Lawrence, at home ; Frank J., of this review ; William, likewise a resident of Bronson township ; and Leo, who is at home.

Frank J. Gies attended the district and German schools in the acquirement of an education and continued a resident of Bronson township until 1801. He worked for Mr. Remley for about three years, on the expiration of which period he went to Norwalk and was there in the employ of John Gardner for about nine years. Subsequently he purchased his present farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Peru township from Ed Lawrence and has here since carried on his agricultural interests with excellent results. He has remodeled the house and barn, also erected a number of outbuildings and altogether has a well improved and model farming property.

On the 15th of February, 1900, Mr. Gies was united in marriage to Miss Rose Reichert, a native of Germany and a daughter of Conrad and Helen Reichert. When a maiden of sixteen years she crossed the Atlantic to the United States in company with some friends but her parents never left the fatherland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gies have been born three children: Oscar, whose birth occurred February 20, 1903 ; Walter, whose natal day was September 6, I905 ; and Leander, who was born on the 6th of April, 1909.

Mr. Gies is a faithful communicant of the Catholic church. In I908, in company with his wife, he made a trip to Europe and visited Germany, Switzerland and Italy, spending about nine weeks abroad. Having lived in Huron county throughout his entire life, he is well known within its borders and the many excellent traits of his character have brought to him the warm friendship of those with whom he has been associated.

Rev. P. J. Quinn

Rev. P. J. Quinn, who since the 4th of October, 1903, has been in charge of the parish of St. Mary's church in Norwalk, was born in Niles, Ohio, on the 16th of February, 1874. His father, Charles Quinn, was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and came to the United States in the late '60s, at which time he settled in Ohio, remaining a resident here until his death on the 14th of December, 1907. His widow, who bore the name of Bridget Gallagher, is also a native of Ireland and is still living, being now a resident of Niles, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Quinn became the parents of fourteen children, six sons eight daughters.

In the schools of his native town P. J. Quinn acquired his early education and afterward had the benefit of instruction at Notre Dame University for three and a half years. He also spent a year and a half at St. Charles College in Maryland and pursued a theological course at St. Mary's Seminary in Cleveland. He was then ordained to the priesthood on the oth of June, 1900, in Cleveland and his first two years of pastoral work were spent as assistant at St. Agnes' church in that city. Later, he was given charge of the Catholic church in Van Wert, Ohio, where he remained for one year and three months as guardian over the spiritual interests of St. Mary's church and on the 4th of October, 1903, he came to Norwalk to take charge of St. Mary's church at this place. He has been located here for about six years and is doing excellent work for the cause of Catholicism. The interests of the church are well organized and he has the hearty co- operation of its members. He is very zealous in the work and is, moreover, a man of scholarly attainments, capable of holding the interest of his auditors when he addresses them upon religious themes. Father Quinn has three sisters who are members of religious bodies, Sadie and Ellen being connected with the Sisters of the Humility of Mary in the diocese of Cleveland, while Catherine is associated with the Sisters of St. Joseph in Erie, Pennsylvania.

William H. Pierce

William H. Pierce, a well known and successful merchant of Wakeman, was born at that place on the 19th of August, 1840, a son of Lemuel B. and Eunice (Burr) Pierce. In 1815, Lemuel B. Pierce accompanied his parents Mr. and Mrs. Amile P. Pierce, on their removal from Connecticut to Huron county, Ohio. They made the journey by wagon, bringing all their earthly possessions with them. The log cabin which they erected was the third one built in Wakeman township and as this part of the state was still covered with timber, they had to clear the land before it could be utilized for farming purposes. As the years passed, Lemuel B. Pierce won success in his agricultural interests, owing to his untiring and well directed labor, and eventually became an extensive landowner. He also built and operated one of the first sawmills in Wakeman and was highly esteemed throughout the community as one of its worthy pioneer settlers whose efforts proved an important factor in the work of early development. He was a man of powerful physique and when in his prime could stand with his feet in a half bushel measure and shoulder five bushels of wheat, weighing three hundred pounds. Public-spirited and progressive, his aid and co-operation could always be counted upon to further any movement or measure instituted to promote the general welfare and at the polls, he gave his support to the candidates whom he believed would best conserve the public weal, but never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. His demise occurred in September, 1875, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1866, their remains being interred in the Wakeman cemetery. Their family numbered five children, namely: Amelia, who died when about seven years of age; Elbert B., who is now deceased; William H., of this review; Julia J., the widow of Theodore V. Bunce; and Frank L., who has also passed away.

William H. Pierce was reared under the parental roof and early in life aided his father in the arduous labor incident to the development of a frontier farm. He obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of Wakeman and afterward attended Oberlin University for several terms. During the winter of 1860-61, he taught school in Wakeman township and in September, 1861, enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company H, Forty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1862, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and transferred to Company B of the same regiment, commanding the company for two years. The regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland and saw much arduous service, participating in many hotly contested engagements. In the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, Mr. Pierce was under fire for one hundred days, but in spite of this and many other hazardous experiences, he escaped injury and imprisonment and had been in the service for more than three years before suffering from even a day's illness. He was mustered out on the 31st of January, 1865, about six months after the expiration of his three years' term of enlistment, and returned home with a military record of which he had every reason to be proud. Soon afterward, he became identified with the mercantile interests of Wakeman as a member of the firm of Harris, Pierce & Baldwin, handling a general line of merchandise and farm implements. In 1880, he sold his interest to his partners and purchased a farm in Richland county, being there engaged in agricultural pursuits for about six years. Returning to Wakeman on the expiration of that period, he once more became connected with mercantile pursuits and had been continuously ccnnected with that line of activity to the present time, conducting his enterprise under the firm name of W. H. Pierce & Sons. In addition to carrying a fine line of groceries, boots and shoes and school supplies, they make a specialty of handling and shipping eggs and are generally conceded to be the most extensive dealers in eggs in the entire county. Mr. Pierce is a man of resourceful business ability, whose capably directed labors and keen discernment constitute the basis of the splendid success which has attended his effort. The neat and tasteful arrangement of his store, combined with the reasonable prices and earnest desire to please his patrons have secured for him a farge and very gratifying trade.

On the 18th of April, 1864, while at home on a recruiting mission, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Docia A. Waugh, a daughter of Lansing and Docia (Minor) Waugh, of Wakeman township. Unto them were born five children, the record of whom is as follows: Clarence H., who is associated with his father in business, was married on the 9th of February, 1886, to Miss Eva Brandt, a daughter of W. Shannon and Elizabeth (Cassell) Brandt, of Richland county. They now have four daughters: Flora A., Bessie B., Mabel B. and Docia E. Arthur M. Pierce, who is associated in business with his father and brother, celebrated his marriage on the 25th of December, 189o, the lady of his choice being Miss Flora Marshall, a daughter of William H. and Rebecca (Will) Marshall, of Richland county. By this union there are three children: Lester, Florence and William, Gilbert Pierce, son of William H. Pierce, passed away when but two years of age. Ada M. was called to her final rest at the age of twenty-five years, and Anna died in infancy. In 1609, Mr. Pierce was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 14th of January of that year, her demise being the occasion of deep and sincere regret to all who knew her.

Though his business interests make extensive demands upon his time and energies, Mr. Pierce still finds opportunity for active co-operation in matters pertaining to the public welfare and is an influential factor in the local ranks of the republican party. He is a member of the republican county committee and almost every year attends the county, district and state conventions as a delegate. He polled Wakeman township for twelve consecutive years, his service in this connection being remarkable for its accuracy. He was recognized as the most expert poller of voters in Huron county, for in most instances it was found that his polls were absolutely correct and in perfect accord with the results shown on election day. For a number of years prior to 1880, which year witnessed his removal to Richland county, he served as postmaster at Wakeman and after re- turning to this town, he was again appointed postmaster in 1890, capably discharging the duties of the office for four years. He has also acted as constable of Wakeman township and was likewise township trustee and township clerk for a number of years. From the time that he returned from the army until within the past few years, his fellow townsmen kept him almost continuously in public office - a fact which speaks in unmistakable terms of his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. His sons, emulating the splendid record of their father in private and public life, have become widely recognized as substantial and progressive citizens and take a helpful interest in matters of public concern. Clarence H. Pierce now serving as treasurer of Wakeman township. A valued representative of the Masonic fraternity here, William H. Pierce belongs to Gibson Lodge, No. 301, E. & A. M., in which he has filled most of the offices. He is also a member of Wilson Todd Post, No. 559, G. A. R., in which he has filled all of the offices and for the past twelve years, has been quarter-master of the post. He has frequently been a delegate to the state encampments, often attends the national encampments and for the past forty years, has been a regular attendant at the annual reunions of the Forty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He and his family are prominent members of the Congregaticnal church and are active workers in both church and Sunday school. Mr. Pierce having frequently served as an officer on the different church boards. Such in brief is the life history of one of Huron county's most widely known and highly respected citizens. In whatever relation of life we find him - in the government service, in political circles, in business or in social relations - he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.

One of the influential business men of Greenwich township, Huron county, is William A. Knapp, a farmer, stockman and banker. He was born in Maranac, Connecticut, January 10, 1841, and is the son of William A. and Harriet (Marshall) Knapp, both of whom were natives of Westchester county, New York. They grew up and were married there. The second year after their union they removed to Connecticut, where Mr. Knapp assumed the management of the farm of Judge I. Roosevelt, the grandfather of ex-President Theodore Roosevelt, who though a resident of New York had large farming interests in the adjoining state. In 1846 Mr. Knapp decided to bring his family to Ohio, and made the trip by the circuitious route of the Erie canal to Buffalo and by lake vessel from Buffalo to Huron, Ohio, which they reached October 3, 1846. The family located in Fitchville township, where Mr. Knapp purchased fifty acres of good land from his father Sylvanus Knapp, who had secured the land in 1836 as a part of the Firelands reservation, but had never become a resident of Ohio. The entire fifty acres were heavily covered with timber, and the winter of 1846- 47 was spent in clearing two acres and in building a frame house for his family, which was one of the first frame buildings erected in that township. In the spring of 1847 the two acres he had cleared Mr. Knapp planted in corn, employing a method of doing this that was crude in the extreme. With his ax he would first make a hole in the ground, drop in the grains of corn, and then with his foot brush back the dirt to cover the hole. The work of clearing went on rapidly, and as he saw opportunity Mr. Knapp bought large tracts of land until he owned twe hundred and forty acres. He pursued general farming and also engaged in stock buying and shipping, finding à market for his stock in Buffalo. In 1881 he sold his farm and removed to Greenwich, where he became active in the organization of the Greenwich Banking Company, the first bank in the village. He was elected its first president and held the position until his death, July 17, 1888. He was a man of means, who took a deep interest in public matters, although he never participated in politics with a view to self-advancement. Originally he was a whig, but of later years espoused the republican cause and was always to be seen at the polls at election time.. He had for a number of vears been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and when he died was mourned as a man of sterling traits of character. His wife, who possessed many virtues and was beloved by all who knew her, survived him a little over a year, her death occurring on the of September, 1889, and she was buried by his side in the cemetery at Fitchville.

William A. Knapp, the subject of this sketch, was reared under the parental roof and received his education in the district schools of the county, but because of the need of his services on the farm did not continue the period of his training beyond his sixteenth year. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for four months with the Army of the Potomac. At the end of his term of enlistment he entered the government telegraph service under Dennis Doren, superintendent of construction with the Army of the Potomac. During the two years he was engaged in this work he was rapidly promoted and was given the position of foreman for meritorious service. In the fall of 1867, when the telegraph lines south of the Mason and Dixon's line were returned to the control of the original owners, Mr. Knapp left the employ of the government, entering that of the Western Union Telegraph Company. He remained with this corporation for one year, in that time assisting in the building of the cable connection between Pirate's Cove, on the northern line of Nova Scotia, to the northern line of New Brunswick. Returning home at the expiration of a year, he engaged with his father in farming and stock shipping, a partnership that continued until the older man removed to Greenwich village, after which Mr. Knapp continued the business alone. In 1895 he removed to Greenwich, where in addition to his farming and stock business he has identified himself with the village life and work. He was made president of the Farmers' Banking Company and is a stockholder in the First National Bank of New London and in the Capital Trust Company of Columbus. In r9oo he served as land appraiser for Fitchville township and has in other ways evinced his interest in public matters. In politics he is a republican and is frequently a representative of his party in county, district and state conventions.

On the 27th of March, 1879, Mr. Knapp was married to Miss Philena Kirkpatrick, a daughter of William end Charlotte (Coden), the former a farmer of

Fitchville township. To Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have been born two sons, Jay D., who was formerly assistant cashier of the Greenwich Banking Company, but on account of ill health has removed to California; and Harley B., who is assistant cashier of the Farmers Banking Company, of which his father is president. Mrs. Knapp died July 31, 1892, mourned by those who knew her and had been the recipients of her many acts of thoughtfulness and kindness.