Huron County, Ohio - The whole text, 1909 (part 19 of 29)

Sebastian Schnurr

Sebastian Schnurr, who throughout his entire life has been numbered among the worthy and respected residents of Huron county, is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Ridgefield township, on which he has now made his home for fifty years. He is today one of the oldest native born citizens of the county. His birth occurred in Peru township, on the 4th of November, 1835, his parents being Plasey and Teckla (Barman) Schnurr, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany. In the year 1829 the father crossed the Atlantic to the United States, taking up his abode in Peru township, this county, where he worked for others for a time and then purchased a farm of thirty acres. He was identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and had attained the age of sixty-five years when he was called to his final rest, the community thus losing one of its most esteemed and well known early settlers. His wife was fifty-five years of age when she passed away. Unto this worthy couple were born twelve children, six of whom died in infancy. The others were as follows: Cornelius and Rosie, who are now deceased ; Sebastian, of this review; Philip; Katie; and Frances.

As stated above, Sebastian Schnurr has remained a resident of this county throughout his entire life and has always devoted his time and energies to the work of general farming. For the past half century he has made his home on his present farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Ridgefield township and as the years have gone by has won a gratifying measure of prosperity in the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. The place is well improved and in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.

On the 22d of June, 1863, Mr. Schnurr was joined in wedlock to Miss Emma Friend, a native of Germany, who in early life was brought to this country by her aunt. By this union there are five children, namely: Ida, who is at home; Emile, living in Peru township, who married Miss Amelia Gise and has two children, Josie and Paul; Flora, who makes her home in this county and married Jacob Russman, by whom she has ten children; Bertha, living in Ridgefield township, who gave her hand in marriage to John Bachman, by whom she has two children, Ciralus and Frances; and Otto, a resident of Ridgefield township, who wedded Miss Mary Dernwald and has two children, Emery and Ellis.

Mr. Schnurr is a communicant of the Catholic church and his life has been honorable and upright, so that in the evening of his days he receives the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded to one of advanced years. He has been an interested witness of the county's growth and development as it has emerged from pioneer conditions and taken on all the evidences of our modern civilization and well deserves mention in this volume as one of its most worthy and well known citizens.

Alfred Barnard

Alfred Barnard, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Lyme township, Huron county, is the owner of eighty-six acres of land, to the cultivation of which he is devoting his time and energies. He was born in Shelburn, Massachusetts, August 9, I824, a son of Anson and Lucinda (Nims) Barnard, also natives of that place. The father was born February 22, 1792, and the mother March 27, 1795, while they both passed away in April, 1859, the father's demise occurring on the IIth and the mother's on the 3oth of that month. Their marriage was celebrated December 2, 1819, and in their family were eight children, namely: Anson A., who was born October 14, 1820, and died April 1859; Frederick A., who was born September 8, 1822, and died in 1854 ; Alfred of this review ; Charles, who was born August 22, 1829, and died in 1908; Helen A., who was born September 1828, and passed away December 24, 1861; William, born October 12, 1830; Lucinda, who was born June 30, 1833, and died January 3, 1864; and Asa W., born October 21, 1836.

Alfred Barnard spent the early years of his life under the parental roof and acquired his education in the common schools. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he came to Huron county, this state, where he resided with his uncle, Samuel Nims, for about seven years. On March 1, 1855, he was married to Ruth A. Bemiss, who was born March 1827, and is a daughter of Elijah and Sophronia Bemiss, pioneer settlers of this district. After his marriage, he removed to the farm which is now his residence and which was given to him by his wife's father. When the land came into his possession, it was entirely covered with timber and brush, but with characteristic energy and industry, he set about its improvement, erecting a house, clearing the land and cultivating the soil until, in due course of time, the fields began to yield substantial harvests in return for his time and labor. Barnard is practical in his methods, studying the best ways of plowing, planting and harvesting, while today his place is a well improved property, containing all the equipment and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Barnard were six children: Helen, at home, who is a graduate of the Painsville College, and has been a district school teacher for many years; William E., who married Lillian Haynes, by whom he has two children, Rachel and Alfred, and who resides with his father, assisting in the operation of the home farm; Charles, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Mary, who passed away at the age of two years; Lyman, living at Toledo, Ohio, who married Bertha Kessler and has two children, Dorothy and Kenneth; and Clara, who married Frank Seymour, a resident of this township, by whom she has four children, George B., Ruth H., Ethelyn and Alberta Y. In 1892, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, leaving husband and children to mourn her loss. She was a lady of excellent traits of character and enjoyed the high regard of a large circle of friends.

Mr. Barnard's political affiliations are in accord with the principles of the republican party and for six years, he served as trustee of his township. He is a prominent member of the Lyme Congregational chvrch, in which he served for many years as deacon. Honorable and upright in all his dealings, the salient characteristics of his life have ever been such as command the respect, confidence and good will of his fellowmen.

Jonathan S. White

Jonathan S. White, one of the most prominent citizens of the progressive village of Greenwich and cashier of the First National Bank there, was born in Ripley township, Huron county, Ohio, February 24, 1844, and is a son of John C. and Nancy A. (Taylor) White. The latter was born in Pennsylvania, but the father's birthplace was Orange county, New York, though he was but fourteen years of age when brought by his parents to this state. The family settled in Richland county, near Mansfield, and engaged in farming, though the father for many years taught in the district schools during the winter. John C. White moved to Huron county in 1840 and bought a large tract of land which he set about clearing, a task that was not entirely completed when his son Jonathan became old enough to assist him. His wife, who shared with him the toils of those early days, bore him four children: Mary E., Jonathan S., Jennie and Margaret A., the last named being the only member of the family beside the subject of this sketch now surviving. She mairied Joseph H. Lombard and has now been a widow for some years, living in Jamestown, New York. Both Mr. and Mrs. John C. White have passed away, the former in August, 1883, the latter eleven years later in the month of April, and both are buried in Edwards Grove cemetery, Ripley township. Mr. White was always a farmer, sincerely interested in the public weal, though he was never a participant in the political life of the community. He was devoted to his family and in every way a most exemplary citizen.

Jonathan S. White was educated in the district schools, spending his youth on the farm and engaging in the general work there under his father's supervision. During the Civil war, he served as a private in Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and was chiefly engaged in post duty in and about Washington and on the Potomac river. When he was discharged at the close of the war, he taught school for a number of winter terms, and in the summer devoted his energies to farming. For about one and a half years, he clerked in a general store in New London, and then returned to farming in Ripley township. After his marriage, Mr. White, not only pursued a general line of agriculture, but also engaged in stock raising and feeding, in both of which he prospered.

In politics, he is a republican and has ever taken an active and creditable part in public matters. For one year, he served as township trustee and then was elected town clerk, in which capacity he rendered efficient and faithful service during a period of thirteen years. In 1886, he was nominated and elected auditor of Huron county and filled the position to the entire satisfaction of his constituents and with credit to himself for the space of six years. It was during this period, that Mr. White moved his family to Norwalk. When he retired from the office of auditor, carrying with him the best wishes of the community, he had served, he entered the First National Bank of Norwalk as cashier. From January, 1894, to October, 1902, he filled that position, leaving it to become cashier of the First National Bank of Greenwich, in December, 1903, where he has remained to the present. At that time, he took up his residence in Greenwich and has since identified himself with every movement that has had in view the advancement of the village and the increase of its prosperity.

On the 25th of February, 1869. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. White and Miss Marietta Barre, a daughter of John and Amy (Stout) Barre, of Ripley township. The Barres came to Ohio from Niagara county, New York, as a newly married couple, and here took up the life of farmers. Fifteen children were born to them, all but two being still alive: Cornelia E., deceased; David E.; Herman B., deceased; Eliza J.; Jonathan S.; Theodore W.; William H.; rietta E.; Ira E.; Lyman S.; James K.; Corbis M.; Dwight M.; Josephine E.; and Jessie E. The mother of these children died in May 1882. Mr. Barre was prospered in his private affairs. When death overtook him, in 1883, he was mourned as a public spirited citizen, whose life's record was one of integrity and of good works. To Mr. and Mrs. White there have been born three children: James E., deceased; Blanche M., at home; and John G., who married Myrtle Beveridge of Greenwich and is now cashier of the Wakeman Bank Company of Wakeman, Ohio. He is an alert, efficient and popular young business man, that gives promise of a successful career.

Mr. White is, and has been for many years, a stanch Mason, belonging to Greenwich Lodge, No. 543, and to the Chapter at Norwalk. In religious matters, he and his family give their support to the Congregational church, of which Mr. White is trustee, and in whose Sunday school he has been superintendent, and otherwise prominent in all that concerns the work of the church. Mrs. White and her daughter, Blanche M., are well known for the conspicuous part they play in the social and literary life of the village. In short, they are active coadjutors to Mr. White in maintaining his reputation as the best citizen, in point of efficient activity, toward bettering the conditions of the village. His influence is always thrown on the side of progress, for the improvement of the educational opportunities here, better streets and roads, and better government.

Albert Ll. Ginste

Albert L. Ginste owns a well improved and valuable farm of eighty acres in Wakeman township which annually pays tribute to his care and labor in bounteous harvests. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Wakeman township on the 26th of July, 1879. He wasa son of John and Wilhelinina (Burke) Ginste, who in early manhood and womanhood sailed from Germany to the United States with their respective parents and settled near Henrietta, Lorain county, Ohio. At the time of the Civil war John Ginste, the father of our subject, enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming a member of Company H, Forty-third Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for more than three years. After the close of the war he became an active member of Harrison Douglass Post, G. A. R., at Kipton, Lorain county, Ohio, acted as its commander for a number of years and always bore a helpful part in Grand Army matters, being deeply interested in the welfare of the "boys in blue."

"We pause, we falter at this portal of fate where the gates stand forever ajar. At this open grave of a comrade we tarry to review the grand record of a glorious life. The meteor has traversed the arc of trajection but the sheen of its glory illumines the sky with its splendor, and that sheen will fade only as the memory of man will fade. We are standing at the bier of John Ginste, a man who was of high moral worth and unfaltering integrity. He was the embodiment of all that was true and noble in man. In his death we recognize that a brilliant star has been erased from the earth's galaxy of noble manhood. When in the full rigor of manhood, at the call of duty he enlisted in Company H, Forty-third Regiment of Ohio Infantry at Oberlin, October I5, I861. On account of his superior qualities and proficiency he was early promoted through the various noncommissioned grades to that of first sergeant of his company. On October 28, 1863, he was commissioned by the governor as a second lieutenant. During 1861-62 and'63 he served in the army of the Mississippi and the army of the Tennessee, in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. In 1864 he served in the Sixteenth Army Corps until that organization ceased to exist. The command to which he belonged was transferred to the Seventeenth Army Corps. He rendered honorable service on Sherman's bloody trail down through Georgia, where the crash of infantry firing and the thunder of artillery never ceased neither day or night from the morning of the 4th day of May to the night of the sth day of September, 1864. He was with Sherman's retrograde march from Atlanta to Northern Alabama against the Confederate army of General Hood. He was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, December 22, 1864, having served two months and eight days beyond a three year enlistment. During his services he traversed the entire Confederacy from the west to east. His military service is a grand record of patriotic manhood ; he has to.his credit a grand array of brilliant stars which adorn the nation's baldrick of glory. He was engaged with his command at Cripple Creek ; Resaca; New Madrid ; second battle of Corinth; Rome; Island No. Oxford; Adairsville; Tiptonville ; Decatur, Alabama; Dallas; Fort Pillow ; Snake Creek Cap; Big Shanty ; first battle of Corinth; Nickajack; Kennesaw; Iuka; Decatur, Georgia; Atlanta; Ezra Church; Jonesboro; Lovejoy Station; and Savannah.

After leaving the army John Ginste turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, successfully carrying on farming in Wakeman township, Huron county, until 1882, when he took up his abode in Lorain county and there made his home until called to his final rest. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he never failed to cast his ballot in support of its men and measures on election day. For some years he served as a trustee of Camden township, Lorain county, capably discharging the duties devolving upon him in this connection. Interested and active in matters of public moment, his aid and cooperation could always be counted upon to further any movement instituted to promote the general welfare. He kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and was always able to support his position by intelligent argument. He was highly respected and honored throughout the community in which he made his home and his death, which occurred in Elyria, Lorain county, in the fall of 1906, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife had passed away in October, 1904.

They reared a family of seven children, namely: Ida, now the wife of Alfred Squires, of Eaton township, Lorain county ; John, a resident of Cleveland ; Catherine, who is deceased ; Albert L., of this review ; Mary, who has also passed away ; Charles, of Wakeman ; and Minnie, the wife of Meade Buckley, of Camden township. John Ginste had a full realization of the value of good mental training as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties and provided his children with all the educational advantages which his means would permit.

Albert L. Ginste obtained his education in the public schools of Lorain county and grew to manhood on his father's farm, in the work of which he assisted when his time was not occupied with his text-books. Subsequent to his marriage he took up his abode on his present farm of eighty acres in Wakeman township and has since devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His property is the visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift and industry, for he started out on his own account empty handed and has steadily worked his way upward until he is now the owner of a valuable and productive farm. The buildings on the place are all of a substantial and modern character. During the winter seasons Mr. Ginste engages in the feeding of sheep and in all of his undertakings is meeting with that measure of success which always rewards earnest, persistent and untiring labor.

On the 2d of December, 18c7, Mr. Ginste was united in marriage to Miss Cordelia Barnes, a daughter of Charles and Helen (Hall) Barnes. The Halls were a prominent picneer family of Wakeman township, contributing in substantial measure to its early development and upbuilding. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ginste has been born a daughter, Helen.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Ginste has given his political allegiance to the republican party and for three years has filled the office of assessor in Wakeman township. At the present time he is acting as a member of the township board of education, doing effective service for the cause of public instruction. All matters pertaining to the advancement of the community along material, intellectual and moral lines receive his hearty support and cooperation and he is widely recognized as a most progressive and public-spirited citizen. For about twelve years he has been a member of Wakeman Tent, No. 92, K. O. T. M., of which he has served as commander and also as lieutenant commander. Both he and his wife are prominent and valued members of the Congregational church, taking a deep and helpful interest in both church and Sundayschool work. He is a member of the board of trustees and his wife was organist in the church for a number of years. The young couple hold a high place in public esteem and their own hospitable and attractive home is a favorite resort with their many friends.

Charles S. Clark needs introduction to the readers of this volume for he has gained a world-wide reputation as the most extensive producer and propagator of seed corn rot cnly in this country but in foreign countries as well. He was born March 22, 1860, in a house which stood upon the site of his present residence, his parents being David S. and Esther (Boyd) Clark. The father, who followed farming throughout his active life, passed away on the 7th of February, 1885. In the femily were three sons and two daughters: Ella, Walter and Rollie B., all now deceased; Charles S.; and Hattie, the wife of Professor W. Andrews of Oberlin College. The father was a man of strong character, prominent in public affairs and given to good works, and he lived and died with the full confidence and respect of all who knew him. His widow still survives at the age of seventy-seven years and enjoys remarkable health.

Charles S. Clark spent his youth on the home farm and was educated in the public schools of Wekeman. At the age of eighteen years he began raising seed corn on one acre of ground, cultivating two varieties of select corn. Something of the growth and extent of his business is indicated in the fzct that on the

Charles S. Clark

Ist of May, 1909, he shipped ninety-four varieties of seed corn to one man Rockford, Illinois. His success has been phenomenal in this line of business and for the past twenty years he has been the largest grower of seed corn in the world, shipping to every corn-growing country on the face of the globe. During the winter of 1908-9 three shipments were sent to Paris and beginning in the month of October, 1909, his shipments averaged one thousand bushels per day during the entire season up to the middle of May. Among other very large contracts made for next winter's delivery he has one for a carload to be sent to San Francisco, California, and a full carload to Knowlton, Quebec, Canada., His business has developed from the small beginning of one acre, which was taken up as an experimental work, the excellence of his product being his best advertisement. He has been the originator and introducer of a great many of the different varieties of field corn and sweet corn now in use, including the finest varieties which are in cultivation today. There is a large amount of seed corn and many varieties raised by the farmers of Huron, Erie and Sandusky counties, from seed furnished by Mr. Clark and under contract with him for the purchase of their crop. He applies the same business rules to other sections which are well adapted for the development of seed corn. In addition to the enormous trade which he has built up in this connection he is also extensively engaged in the production of seed oats, of which he ships large quantities. These are also produced in many varieties and go into every oat-growing district. Mr. Clark has a fine farm of his own on which he produces a great deal of seed corn and oats, especially in an experimental way in the development of new varieties. His home is a commodious and attractive residence and altogether is a model farm in the nature of its improvements and the care which is bestowed upon it.

On the 12th of June, 1888, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Sarah T. Smith, of Milford, Connecticut, a daughter of E. Stiles and Maria Theresa (Platte) Smith, who had one son and two daughters: Frank W., Sarah T. and Susan Isabelle. The last named is now Mrs. Elbert N. Clark. The son married Miss Carrie W. Beard, of New Haven, Connecticut. The Smith family, to which Mrs. Clark belongs, never became residents of Ohio but were prominent in their locality, the ancestry extending back to twelve generations since the first of the name came to America from England. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have three children: Hazel Theresa, Hattie Marie, and Charles Harold Stiles.

They are refined and highly intelligent people and their home bears every evidence of these characteristics. They expect to give to their children every advantage in educational lines, intending to send all to college. Mrs. Clark is devoted to her home and gives to it her best efforts but also finds time for diversion and development in club work. The family are members of the Congregational church and active in church and Sunday-school work. Mr. Clark has done much valuable public service aside from what he has accomplished in a business way. He was a member and president of the board of education for six years, has been vice-president of the Wakeman Banking Company for ten years and is now a member of the township board of trustees. He is independent in politics, giving his support to the men and measures that his judgment endorses. As a young man he was much interested in baseball and won considerable note as a member of the famous Wakeman Club. He still retains a keen interest in the national game but finds his special diversion in a summer outing with his family enjoyed at their handsome summer cottage at Ruggles Beach on the shores of Lake Erie.

Fred Brown

Among the native sons of Sherman township, Huron county, who are engaged in agricultural pursuits and are ranked among the progressive and representative farmers of the community, is Fred Brown, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres in this township. He was born on the Ioth of November, 1855, and is a son of Fred and Margaret (Pirrung) Brown, both natives of Germany. They came to America about 1841 or 1842 and settled in Columbus, Ohio, where they remained for two years, after which they came to Sherman township, Huron county. While in Germany, the father was a wagonmaker by occupation and followed that trade during his residence in Columbus, but after his arrival in Sherman township, he devoted himself to farming. He purchased one hundred acres of land but later sold a part of it, owning at the time of his death eighty-eight acres. He and his wife were both buried in Sherman township. In their family were the following children: Jacob; Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Westrick, of Norwalk; Peter, who lives in Michigan; Margaret, the wife of Sebastian Purcell, residing in Peru township; John, who lives in Michigan; Frank, also of that state; Fred, of this review; Anna, the deceased wife of Henry Schendorf; and Anthony, who resides on and operates the old homestead in Sherman township. Of this family the three eldest were born in Germany.

Reared amid the scenes and environment of rural life, Fred Brown attended the district schools of his native township in the acquirement of an education. At the age of sixteen, he put aside his textbooks and engaged in farming for his father until twenty-seven years of age, when he started out for himself, renting a farm for four years. At the expiration of that period, he removed to Indiana, where he purchased a farm of ninety-five acres in Pulaski county and continued to make that his residence for thirteen years. He then sold his farm in Indiana and returned to Sherman township in 1900, buying his present place from George Diehr. He is now engaged in general farming and through his industry, well directed labors and careful management, is meeting with a creditable measure of success.

On the 14th of February, 1882, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Ottilia Geiger, a daughter of Rudolph and Ernestina (Ott) Geiger, both natives of Germany. They were farming people and both passed away in Sandusky, to which place they had removed just prior to their demise. In their family were the following children: Louisa, the deceased wife of John Smith; John; Adolph; Mrs. Fred Brown; Mary, the wife of John Weidinger; and Anna, who wedded Joseph Ringlein. Mr. and Mrs. Brown became the parents of five children, as follows: William A., born June r, 1883; Albin P., born May 24, 1888; Frank M., born

The family are members of the Catholic church at Bismarck, Sherman township, and are held in high esteem throughout the community. Mr. Brown gives substantial support to the democratic party and is serving at present as township trustee. He has also been constable, road supervisor and school director, and is a loyal citizen, supporting every measure calculated to benefit the community in its rapid and substantial development.

Alfred W. Peirce

For half a century Alfred W. Peirce has lived in Huron county and needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for his creditable life record has made him widely and favorably known. In all business affairs, he has been thoroughly reliable as well as progressive and in his relations to public interests he has been found a man of progressive spirit whose desire for the public welfare has been manifest in active work for its behalf. He was born April 29, 1833, in Charlotte, Vermont. a son of Chauncey and Mahala (Conger) Peirce.

The father was a native of Rhode Island and removed to Vermont, but never became a resident of Ohio. The son spent his youth on his father's farm and was educated in the district schools, the schoolhouse of the neighborhood being upon land in possession of the family. After he had mastered the elementary branches of learning, he spent one term in an academy to which he walked a distance of five miles each morning, returning in the same way each evening. He would also assist with the chores about the farm and though every moment was busily occupied and he had to walk so far to school, he never entered the schoolroom too late for the opening exercises. At seventeen years of age, he began teaching school, following that profession through the winter months while the summer seasons were devoted to the work of the fields, his father thus receiving the benefit of his services until after he had attained his majority. In 1856, when twentythree years of age, he left Vermont and made his way to Chicago. In the meantime, he, had picked up a knowledge of the carpenter's trade during his leisure hours. His education, too, was largely obtained by studying when the work of the farm was over for the day, and in this manner he became a man of broad education with wide knowledge concerning literature, mathematics and the sciences. On going to Chicago, in 1856, he found employment in the shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway Company. At that time there was not a foot of paving in Chicago, which was a city of comparatively small proportions. Mr. Peirce remained there from March until June, when he was called to his home in Vermont by the death of his father. He then continued in the Green Mountain state until the spring of 1857, when he made his way to Lake City, Minnesota. There he again worked at the carpenter's trade until the succeeding fall, when the country became involved in a financial panic rendering it very difficult to secure employment for building operations were practically

About that time Mr. Peirce came to Townsend, Huron county, Ohio, through the influence of some acquaintances he had made during his residence in Minnesota. He and his brother-in-law, M. M. Perkins, who came with him, purchased a hotel in Townsend and in addition to conducting the hostelry Mr. Peirce also worked in the agricultural implement factory owned by the firm of Hyde & Allen, the partners being W. S. Hyde and Pruden Allen. Mr. Peirce was employed in the shops until the spring of 1858, when the company suspended because of the stringency of the times. He then turned his attention to contracting and building and became a large operator along this line, erecting many of the schoolhouses of the county and many of the best dwellings. He was thus connected with building operations in addition to conducting his smal! farm until 1869, when he became associated with a company of railroad bridge contractors and was in Des Moines, Iowa, for a period.

On his return to Huron county, Ohio, he located in Townsend and accepted the superintendency of a sash and door factory. Three years later, he became engaged in the black walnut business in Indiana. When he again returned to Townsend, he built a residence for himself and this was about the last of his building operations. In 1875, he engaged with the Collins Pump Company as bookkeeper and thus represented them for two years, after which he became interested in the business of manufacturing pumps and also in the operation of a sawmill, in company with John C. Shaw. In this, he continued until 1890, when the mill and factory were destroyed by a cyclone, terminating his business interests of that character. He next purchased the Union Bending Works, at Collins, and has since operated this plant in connection with his son, Frank Peirce. He has ever been a man of resolute purpose, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken unless his path was barred by some obstacle or difficulty that could not be overcome by persistent and honorable effort. In 1884, he established a mercantile enterprise in Collins which he has since conducted in connection with other business affairs. He has ever been watchful of opportunities and his utilization of the advantages which have come to him have brought him to a prominent position in the business circles of the community.

Mr. Peirce has been married three times. On the 22d of August, 1854, he wedded Miss Lutheria M. Brown, a daughter of Smyrna and Almeda (Morse) Brown. Mrs. Peirce was of the same township in Vermont in which her husband's birth occurred. There were two children of this union: Lynda and Charles The daughter is now the wife of the Rev. William Fisher, Congregational minister of Kansas, while the son, Charles, is a successful farmer in Hartrhanftownship. The wife and mother died November 24, 1864, and on the 9th of December, 1869, Mr. Peirce wedded Miss Julia A. Dean, a daughter of Royal C. and Mary (Smith) Dean. The father was a traveling saleman for a Zanesville (Ohio) firm for many years and also the owner of a farm in Townsend township. By the second marriage there were born three children: Royal C., who was killed at Akron, while in the line of duty with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company ; Carl W., who after graduating from Oberlin College in 1900, went to Pittsburg and is now identified with the steel interests of that city; and Frank H., who was formerly an Oberiin student and is now associated in business with his father. The death of Mrs. Julia Peirce occurred March 9, 1894, and on the 24th of Octo- ber, 1805, Mr. Peirce was joined wedlock to Miss Lena E. Fitch, a daughter of Edgar and Letta (Ward) Fitch, of Townsend township, who came to this state from Michigan in 1891. Fitch is a farmer by occupation and has returned to Michigan. By the third marriage there is but one child, a daughter, Pauline.

Politically, Mr. Peirce is a republican having been identified with the party for years as one of its well informed representatives and active workers thoroughly qualified to defend his position by intelligent argument. He has served as justice of the peace for one term, was township trustee for several terms, and township clerk for several years. He was a member of the school board for many years and has always been a friend of education, advocating advanced ideas in connection with the work of public instruction. To his children, he gave superior college advantages and all made excellent records in their studies, especially in mathematicallines. Mr. Peirce is a member of the Masonic fraternity and for years was active in the affairs of the order. He has always been an advocate of temperance and of things which work for honorable manhood and progressive citizenship. His wife and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are active in church and Sunday school work, while Mr. Peirce gives liberally to the support thereof. He is in every way a splendid type of citizen and his cooperation can be counted upon to further any movement for the general good.

Frank W. Adelman

Frank W. Adelman, owning and operating a fine farm of one hundred acres of land, situated in Norwalk township, Huron county, Ohio, was born upon this farm on the 27th of February, 1861, a son of John J. and Margaret (Klunding) Adelman, both natives of Germany. In 1830, the father accompanied his parents, J. P. and Tracy Adelman, to the United States, and they located in Buffalo, New York, remaining in that city for a short time, after which a removal was made to Ohio, the family home being established in Ridgefield township, Huron county. There the grandfather of our subject purchased one hundred acres of land and in that township, John P. Adelman spent almost his entire life. He bought the farm upon which our subject now resides and placed many improvements thereon, devoting his energies entirely to agricultural pursuits. He became well known in the community in which he resides and served for some time as road supervisor. He passed away in 1870 in the faith of the Catholic church. He had married Margaret Klunding, who was born in Germany in 1831 and left the fatherland when thirteen years of age, accompanying her parents to the United States, where they settled in Sherman township, Huron county, Ohio. Her death occurred on the 17th of November, 1898. In the family of this worthy couple, were seven children, namely: Francis, deceased; Charles, who has also passed away; Rose, the wife of Anthony Harr, residing in Norwalk, Ohio; Frank W.. of this review; Clara M.. also residing in Norwalk; Joseph, deceased; and Benjamin, of Norwalk.

Reared amid the scenes and environments of rural life, Frank W. Adelman acquired his education in the district and German schools, while the periods of vacation were devoted to the work of the farm. Upon attaining his majority, he decided to make the occupation to which he had been reared his life work and he has since directed his energies and time to general agricultural pursuits. He has always resided upon the farm where he was born and has continued in the work of improvement and development until he has brought his fields under a fine state of cultivation, the excellent condition of the entire place today attesting the care and labor expended upon it. He possesses good business ability and his energy and close application to work have been the means of bringing to him the prosperity which he now enjoys.

On the oth of October, 1888, Mr. Adelman was united in marriage to Miss Mary Shaeffer, a daughter of George and Angeline (Dehe) Shaeffer. She was born in Peru township, this county, February 26, 1867, and on the of October, 1907, was called to her final rest, leaving besides her husband, six children to mourn her loss, namely: George, Loretta, Emma, Elmie, Herbert and Clarence, all residing at home.

Mr. Adelman holds membership with the Modern Woodman of Norwalk and is also a member of the Catholic church. His long residence in this locality has brought him a wide acquaintance, and he is held in high esteem by his many friends. The fact that he is best liked where best known is an indication of his personal worth. Successful in his agricultural pursuits, he is ranked among the representative members of the German-American element of this county.

Blasius Simon

Blasius Simon who has made his home continuously in Peru township since 1834, covering a period of three-fourths of a century, is the owner of a well improved and productive farm of fifty-eight acres in that township, on which he resides. His birth occurred in Baden, Germany, the 15th of March, 1833. his parents being Conrad and Mary Ann (Krieveler) Simon. 'The year 1834 witnessed their emigration to the new world, the family home being established in Peru township, Huron county, Ohio, where the father purchased a small tract of land and built a log cabin. After clearing the land he gave his attention to its cultivation and improvement and there carried on his agricultural interests throughout the remainder of his life, winning a goodly measure of prosperity in his undertakings. His wife also passed away on this farm, and thus the community lost two of its most respected and worthy pioneer settlers.' Their children were as follows: Seraphine, George and Mary, all of whom are deceased; Blasius, of their review ; Christian ; Anthony ; Andrew, who has also passed away ; and several who died in infancy.

Blasius Simon was but a year old when brought by his parents to the United States and, as before stated, has since continued to reside in Peru township. In early manhood he learned the carpenter's trade and for a number of years was actively and successfully identified with the building interests of the county, erecting a large number of houses and barns. 1862 he purchased his present farm of fifty-eight acres from George Sowers and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which field of activity he has likewise met with success. As the years have gone by he has brought the property under a high state of cultivation and has made many substantial improvements thereon, remodeling the residence, etc. In recent years, however, he has largely put aside the active work of the fields and his farm is now being operated by his son Edward.

On the 4th of June, 1861, Mr. Simon was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Hills, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann (Biddle) Hills, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Simon was a little maiden of seven years when she came with her parents to Norwalk township, this county. She was one of ten children, the record of whom is as follows: Helen, Frances, Mary and Jennie, all of whom have passed away; Kathryn; Tracy, who is likewise deceased; Fred; Joseph; and two who died in infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Simon have been born six children. Amelia, living in Ridgefield township, is the wife of Lawrence Smith and has three children: Edward, Anna and Otto. Albert, a resident of Norwalk, wedded Miss Rose Meyer, by whom he has four children: Walter, Henry, Mildred and Fred. Rose is still under the parental roof. George, who makes his home at Monroeville, married Miss Rosella Frey and had five children: Alfred; Reuben; Helen; Hilda, who is deceased; and Norman. Edward, who wedded Miss Emma Frey, lives at home and manages his father's farm. Andrew was called to his final rest at the age of eighteen years.

The different members of the family are all faithful communicants of the Catholic church. Mr. Simon has now passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey and that his career has been at all times above reproach and worthy of commendation is indicated by the high esteem and regard in which he is held by those among whom practically his entire life has been spent. His memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present and he has been an interested witness of the wonderful transformation that has been wrought as pioneer conditions have gradually given way before the onward march of civilization.

William. Henry Snyder

William Henry Snyder, now living retired in North Fairfield, is numbered among the honored veterans of the Civil war and is also classed with those men who in positions of public service have demonstrated their loyalty to the general good by the prompt, efficient and faithful performance of duty. His record is altogether a most creditable one and because of his wide acquaintance in Huron county, cannot fail to prove of interest to many of the readers of this volume.

Mr. Snyder was born in Greene county, New York, on the 11th of January, 1835, his parents being John and Harriet (Watrous) Snyder. His paternal grandparents were Peter A. and Hannah (Wells) Snyder, whose family numbered seven children, namely: John, Henry, Maria, Abram, Peter, James and Jane. Of this number, John Snyder, the father of our subject, was reared, educated and married in the east and unto him and his wife were born five sons and three daughters as follows: William Henry, Hiram, Henry, Maria, Lucy, Vincent, Sylvester and Caroline.

William Henry Snyder spent his youthful days under the parental roof. It was in 1854, that the family came to Ohio, settling at Snyder's Corners at which time William H. Snyder was a young man of nineteen years. He was prepared for life's practical and responsible duties by the educational privileges offered by the public schools and by the thorough business training which he received, under the direction of his father. In early manhood, he took up general farming as a life work and carefully tilled the soil for many years, but at length withdrew from that field of labor and later was busily engaged with official service and also with the duties of the secretaryship of the Huron County Insurance Company, which position he filled for a number of years. He is still the owner of sixty acres of land in Ashland county and that farm returns to him a gratifying annual income.

It was on the 5th of December, 1856, that Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Hinkley, a daughter of Benjamin and Maria (Paine) Hinkley, in whose family were the following named: Hannah, Joshua, Mary, Phoebe and William. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have become the parents of four children: Ida, Lucia, Harry and Benjamin.

Mr. Snyder is entitled to wear the Grand Army button from the fact that he served as a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting in August, 1862, as a member of Company D, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He remained with that command until honorably discharged in 1863, when he returned to the north. He has always been as loyal to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. His political allegience is given to the democracy and he has served as justice of the peace for a number of terms and as postmaster at North Fairfield for four years. His official service has been characterized by the prompt and capable discharge of his duties, his fidelity to any trust being recognized as one of his strong traits. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and both he and his wife are connected with the Eastern Star, exemplifying in their lives the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and the recognition of the brotherhood of mankind.

Charles A. Easter

One of the old farms of Greenfield township, Huron county, Ohio, is that on which Charles A. Easter lives. He was born on this place as was his father before him, and the house which is his home was built by his grandfather in 1834. The latter, Archibald Easter, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1777, and was the son of John Easter, a well-to-do farmer and cloth manufacturer of Berragh, near Londonderry, Ireland. Archibald Easter received a good education and as a young man, was sent to the United States to look after some real estate interests of his father. He could not return immediately upon the accomplishment of his business on account of the War of 1812, and so sought employment Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as a weaver, a trade he had learned in Ireland. After three years, he was made foreman, but in 181 5, he returned to Ireland. In 1817, however, he came a second time to the United States, landing at New York. He came west by canal and lake to Sandusky, Ohio, and then to the center of the state, locating on a farm near Columbus, which has since been incorporated within the limits of that city. He lived on that place for a few years and then moved to Lower Sandusky, now Fremont, where he bought a farm, having previously traversed on horseback nine states of the Union in search of a homestead. He was compelled to leave Fremont on account of the ague, and in 1819, came to this county, settling first on a farm in the center of Greenfield township, where Robert Arthur now lives, and in 1830, located on the farm now occupied by his grandson. On this land, he farmed until 1860, when he retired from active life. In 1824, he married Miss Rebecca Easter, who was born in 1801 in County Tryone, Ireland, and was the daughter of James Easter. They were united by Elder John Wheeler and became the parents of six children: two who died in infancy; Elias; Sarah, the wife of James McLane; Keziah, who married Samuel Arthur; and John, who was drowned in his youth. Archibald Easter died May 1, 1867, and his wife passed away June 6, 1883, both being buried in the Steuben cemetery. He had helped to organize the whigs of his township and later became a republican. He was a successful farmer and with his wife was a member of the Congregational church.

Elias Easter, his son and the father of Charles A. Easter, was born September 19, 1834, was reared on the farm and attended the public schools of Greenfield township. Shortly before his father's death, he assumed charge of the home place, on which he continued the successful farming. On the 7th of June, 1871, he was married to Miss Jennie E. McMorris, a daughter of John and Nancy Mc- Morris, of Greenfield township, who had come originally from Ireland. Mrs. Easter died November 5, 1876, after having borne two children: Nancy, who died in intancy ; and Charles A., the subject of this review. On June 14, 1888, Mr. Easter married a second time, his bride being Mrs. Marjory Aiken, the widow of James A. Aiken. She was born March 30, 1846, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of Richard Chilcott. Easter remained on the farm now belonging to our subject until 1892, when he removed to Norwalk, where he died May 5, 1907. He was a stanch republican and held the offices of justice of the peace, trustee, and others in his township. He was a member of the Greenfield Congregational church, in which he held office of some kind nearly all his life.

Charles A. Easter lived on the farm on which he was born until 1892. He received his early training for life in the district schools of the county and upon leaving them spent three terms at Oberlin College, and then attended the business colleges at Sandusky and Norwalk. In the latter town, he worked for five years as clerk and stenographer and then obtained employment in Canton, Massilon and Cleveland. In the fall of 1907, he returned to Huron county to assume the charge of the farm in Greenfield township. It embraces one hundred and eighty-three acres of fine land, which Mr. Easter has brought to a high degree of productiveness. He follows a general line of agriculture and has been more successful than the average.

On the 22d of September, 1901, Mr. Easter was married to Miss Florence E. Bowers, a daughter of Henry F. and Marana (Evans) Bowers, of Norwalk. Both parents were born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, and there were married, but have lived in Norwalk for thirty years. The father, a stone mason by trade, was a soldier of the Civil war and is a member of the local post of the G. A. R. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist church. In his family were nine children: Nellie, who married James A. Whitney, deceased; Fred W., of St. Louis, Missouri; Bertha E., the wife of George Snyder, of Toledo, Ohio; Raymond E., of that city ; Charles E., of Norwalk ; Grace L., the wife of C. H. Baker, of Toledo; Josephine, deceased, who married Ralph Husted; Florence E., now Mrs. Easter; and Eva I., the wife of Harry Thorley, of Norwalk, Ohio. Florence E. was born in Norwalk, and has borne her husband two children: Charles E., born March 5, 1904; and Elizabeth J., born May 8, 1907.

Though so recently a farmer on his own responsibility, Mr. Easter has made the two years tell in his bountiful harvests. The old farm, producing under one family for three generations, has attained a cultivation it never reached before and is a fine tract of land. Mr. Easter is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Norwalk, No, 64, and of the Congregational church, and is a citizen respected in the community, among his fraternal brothers and in his church.

Samuel W. Rowland

Samuel W. Rowland, a well known and respected resident of the village of Wakeman, was born in Clarksfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 12th of June, 1839, his parents being Ezra and Ann (Stiles) Rowland. He traces his ancestry back to Thomas and Daniel Rowland, who came to this country from Scotland in the latter part of the seventeenth century, settling Connecticut, Several of their descendants participated in the Revolutionary war. Ezra Rowland, the father of our subject, was a son of Aaron and Deborah (Dean) Rowland, who came from Putnam county, New York, to Huron county, this state, 1818. They left the Empire state on the 10th of October of that year, making the journey in a wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen and one horse, and on the 18th of November, arrived in Clarksfield township, this county. This district was a dense forest, but they found shelter in the log cabin of Captain Husted, earlier settler, in whose gristmill Mr. Rowland was employed for a time. The inmates of the little structure numbered twenty persons and as soon as possible, Mr. Rowland erected a cabin home of his own in the vicinity, assisting in the conduct of the gristmill and in the work of the farm. In 1822, he left the mill and took up his abode on a farm which he had previously purchased. In the family of Ezra and Ann (Stiles) Rowland were seven children, namely: Rebecca and Benjamin, who are deceased; Aaron G., an agriculturist of Clarksfield township ; Lucy and Jairus, who have also passed away; Samuel W., of this review; and Joseph, who 15 likewise deceased.

Samuel W. Rowland was reared on his father's farm and continued under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-one years. He obtained his preliminary education in the district schools of his native township and when twenty years of age, began teaching school At the end of a year, however, he entered Oberlin College and after leaving that institution once more became connected with educational interests as an instructor in the schools of Montgomery county, where he remained until the time of his enlistment for service in the Union army. It was in August, 1862, that he became a member of Company A, Ninety-third Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisting for a term of three years or during the war. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland and was with General Rosecrans at the battle of Stone River, where Mr. Rowland was wounded on the 29th of December, 1862, a shot passing through his right ankle and splintering the bone. The wound was so serious that he was compelled to remain in the hospital for sometime and was afterward sent home on a furlough, a year passing before he again joined his regiment. After returning to the army, he took part with General Sherman in all the hotly contested engagements of that campaign and on the 17th of December, 1864, was again wounded, at Nashville, in the battle between Generals Thomas and Hood, being shot in the upper right arm by a minie ball when within sixteen feet of the Confederate breastworks. This also shattered the bones of the arm and after leaving the hospital, he was sent to a Louisville institution to convalesce, but while there was honorably discharged from the army, the war having come to an end. He had proven a most brave and loyal soldier, never faltering in the performance of any task assigned him and returned home with a splendid military record. On again taking up the pursuits of civil life, Mr. Rowland was engaged in farming in Clarksfield township and during the winter months taught in the district schools. He also taught vocal music classes for a number of years during the winter season, being a musician of considerable skill and ability. In 1867, he removed to North Lawrence, Kansas, where he remained for a year and then spent three years in Medina, Ohio, being engaged in teaching during two years of that period. Subsequently, he went to Peabody, Kansas, where he taught for five years in the graded schools, which he had organized. His success as an educator was marked, for he had the ability to impart clearly and concisely to others the knowledge that he had acquired and was moreover an excellent disciplinarian. Returning to Huron county in 1875, he established the family home in Wakeman and has here since continued to reside. He purchased a farm ot one hundred and seventy-five acres, one hundred acres of which was timber land, which he immediately began clearing, cutting seven hundred thousand feet of lumber in two years. The proceeds from the sale of the lumber were sufficient to pay for the entire property. Industrious and energetic, he resolutely set to work to develop a good farm and as the years went by gradually transformed the place into one of the finest and most productive farms in the county. In November, 1895, he took up his abode in the village of Wakeman, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

On the 4th of July, 1863, Mr. Rowland was united in marriage to Miss Betsy E. Waugh, a daughter of Lansing and Docia (Minor) Waugh. The father was a Baptist minister of Wakeman township, where the family resided for a great many years, both Mr. and Mrs. Waugh passing away and being buried there. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rowland have been born seven children, as follows: Justin

E., a practicing physician of South Euclid, Ohio; Bertha D., who is the wife of Charles Russell of Wakeman township ; Dennis D., a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; Guy O., who is practicing medicine at East Palestine, Ohio; Park O., likewise living in Cleveland; Lansing E., of Denver, Colorado; and Lewis U., who is a musician of note and makes his home at Grand Forks, North Dakota. All of the children are prosperous and prominent residents of their respective communities.

Mr. Rowland has always given his support to the men and measures of the republican party with the exception of one year, when he voted for St. John, the presidential candidate of the prohibition party. He is a strong advocate of the cause of temperance and an ardent worker in its behalf, believing that the intemperate use of intoxicating liquors is the greatest curse with which our country has to contend. In the spring of 1896, he was elected justice of the peace and with the exception of one term has since served continuously in that office, being the incumbent at the present time. His decisions are strictly fair and impartial and he is widely recognized as a most able and just judge. He has been a member of the school board for two terms and all public improvements, such as the establishment of good schools, roads, etc., receive his hearty support and co-operation. He and his family are earnest and faithful members of the Congregational church, in which he has acted as a deacon for many years. For many years, he was also chorister in the church and, althcugh he has now reached the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, still sings in the choir and acts as assistant chorister. He is interested and active in church and Sunday school work and in fact in all religious societies organized to promote moral advancement. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Wilson Todd Post, No. 559, G. A. R., and has served as an officer of the post ever since becoming identified therewith, acting as chaplain at the present time. He has been a delegate to both state and national encampments and is a most enthusiastic and valued member of the organization. In spite of his hazardous and severe experiences as a soldier, Mr. Rowland is still in excellent health, which he attributes in large measure to the fact that he has never used tobacco or stimulants in any form and it is only in recent years that he has indulged even in tea. Although now past the seventieth milestone on life's journey, in spirit and interests, he seems yet in his prime, for he has always associated to a great extent with young people and thus has ever maintained the enthusiasm of his earlier years in all the varied activities and pleasures of life.

William T. Ashton

William T. Ashton, who is now living retired on his fine farm of one hundred and ninety-two acres in Peru township, was born in this township on the IOth of January, 1850. His parents, William and Sallie (Burch) Ashton, were natives of Lincolnshire, England, and New York state respectively, the father's birth having occurred on the 9th of March, 1819. The paternal grandparents of our subject were among the first settlers of Peru township, having made the journey to this part of the state by wagon in 1831. The grandfather erected a log house and resolutely set himself to the task of clearing a tract of one hundred and thirty acres of land which he had purchased, but died within a year of his arrival in this county. His family numbered seven children, all of whom are now deceased, namely: James, Thomas, William, John, Edward, Marv, and one who passed away in infancy.

William Ashton, the father of William T. Ashton, was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on théir removal to Peru township, Huron county, and there he continued to make his home until called to his final rest on the 17th of March, 1890. In 1866 he purchased the farm which is now in possession of his son, William T., erected a commodious residence and barns and also placed many other substantial improvements on the property. the years passed by he won a goodly measure of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests and became widely recognized as a substantial and representative citizen of the community. His wife, who had accompanied her parents on their removal from the Empire state to Huron county, passed away in 1872 when forty-eight years of age. Unto this worthy couple were born five children, as follows: Mary, who is now deceased; Anna, who is the wife of C. A. Howe and resides at Monroeville, Ohio; William T., of this review ; and Lewis J. and Eva, who are likewise deceased.

At the usua! age William T. Ashton began his education by becoming a student in the district schools of this county. His training at farm labor was not meager, for at an early age he began work in the fields and soon became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He was successfully and energetically identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career but has recently retired from the active work of the fields and now rents his farm. It is a well improved and valuable tract of land comprising one hundred and ninety-two acres and he still makes his home on the farm, having here a commodious and modern residence. His well directed and untiring industry in former years brought him the competence that now enables him to live practically retired, and throughout the community in which his entire life has been spent he is well known and highly esteemed as a most worthy and prosperous citizen.

On the 3d of February, 1872, Mr. Ashton was united in marriage to Miss Emma P. Knoll, whose birth occurred in Ridgefield township, Huron county, in 1856, her parents being Christian and Elizabeth Knoll, of Ridgefield township. The three children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Ashton are as follows: Clara, a graduate of the Zenaium Art School at Columbus, is now the wife of P. W. Clark, who conducts a business college at Louisville, Kentucky. Their union has been blessed with one son, William A. Alice, a graduate of the Monroeville high school, gave her hand in marriage to Professor Oscar Erf, who is professor of the dairy department at the Ohio State University. They reside at Columbus and have one son, Lowell. Myrtle, likewise a graduate of the Monroeville high school, lives at home with her father. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 7th of September, 1907, her loss being deeply mourned by an extensive circle of friends as well as her immediate family.

In his political views Mr. Ashton was formerly a democrat and on that ticket was elected to the office of township trustee, in which he served for a number of years. At the present time, however, he gives his allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party, believing its principles to be most conducive to good government. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church at A man of sterling character, he has always merited and received the confidence and respect of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

The life history of Isaac McKesson constitutes an important chapter in the annals of Huron county. He figured prominently in industrial and political circles for many years, but is now living retired from active business save for the interest which he feels in the world's progress. He represents a family whose name has long been interwoven with the early history of Ohio, the family arriving in this state in 1827, settlement being made in Venice in what is now Erie county. On the paternal side, Mr. McKesson comes of Scotch lineage, his grandfather, John McKesson, a Presbyterian minister, having come from Scotland to America in 1761 and locating in York county, Pennsylvania. He was a typical Scotch Presbyterian, who proved a power for good in the community in which he resided during the early days of the "new world" as America was then commonly designated. He wielded a wide influence by reason of his strict integrity and honorable manhood, while his life at all times measured up to a high moral standard.

His son, Isaac McKesson, Sr., the father of our subject, was also educated for the ministry but his natural taste for mechanics led him to abandon that calling before he had completed his theological course and he later learned the trade of a millwright and civil engineer. Attracted by the favorable location for mills in Venice, Erie county, Ohio, he removed to that place in 1827, where for a number of years he followed his trade of millwright and also did considerable surveying and civil engineering. Later he resided in Bellevue for some years and subsequently purchased a farm near Venice, where he engaged in farming up to the time his death, which occurred in 1854. He had been a prominent figure in the development of the locality in which he resided, aiding very materially in the improvement of milling property, and was recognized as one of the leading and valued citizens of his part of the county. Ere coming to Ohio, he had married Miss Elizabeth Caldwell, and in their family were the following children: Jane; James; John; Oliver; William, who passed away in infancy; William ; Elizabeth and Isaac, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of the last named.

Isaac McKesson, whose name introduces this review, was born in Pennsylvania on the 12th of January, 1821, and was therefore a little lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio. Spending the period of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, he is indebted to the district school system for the educational advantages which he enjoyed. Early in life, after giving careful thought concerning the work for which he was best adapted and which in his estimation would prove the most profitable, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, and under his direction and guidance learned the trade millwright and carpenter. This he followed for a few years, at the same time giving considerable time to the management of his father's farming property. He was married on the 28th of October, 1841, to Miss Zorada J. Hunt, a daughter of John and Nancy (Lord) Hunt, natives of New Hampshire, who came to Ohio about 1816, locating in Norwalk, where Mr. Hunt engaged in the cooperage business.

After his marriage, Mr. McKesson located at Enterprise, Erie county, Ohio, where he operated a sawmill for about a year, and then for two years he was engaged in carpentering and was also identifed with agricultural pursuits. Later, he rented a farm near Sandusky, which he cultivated for about two years, and at the same time worked at his trade as carpenter, erecting many houses throughout the community, most of which were constructed of hewn logs. Subsequently, he purchased a farm in York township, Sandusky county, and there he engaged in general farming for six years, when he bought a farm in Groton township, Erie county, upon which he resided until 1866, when he purchased property in Collins, Huron county, to which he removed in 1869 and which he has since continued to make his place of residence. After his arrival in Huron county, he became the proprietor of a sawmill and bending works, his plant being the first steam bending works to be established in that section of the county. He also engaged in the manufacture of force pumps, which were a new feaure at that time, and the fact that Mr. McKesson added to his pump the double action caused his product to be a vast improvement upon that which had hitherto been placed upon the market. The Growth of the business, therefore, was very rapid and soon reached extensive proportions, the enterprise becoming one of the leading and important industries of Huron county. In 1880, however, he sold his interests and practically retired from active life. A man of keen business acumen, during his connection with industrial interests, he so capably controlled his various enterprises that he became recognized as one of the prominent business men of Townsend township. He also possessed considerable real estate, for as the years went by and he prospered, he invested in land, becoming the owner of property interests in Collins and also in Townsend township. For some years, he also operated a sawmill and turning plant upon land which he owned in Michigan, not far from Jackson, but since retirement from business, he has unfortunately lost most of this property.

Not merely because of the success which he won in the business world is Mr. McKesson entitled to special mention in this volume, but also by reason of his deep and helpful interest in the public affairs of the community and the prominent position which he held in local political circles. He is a stalwart republican, and has been very active in the affairs of the party for many years, having been called to various positions of trust by his fellow citizens. He served as trustee of Groton township for eight years, was justice of the peace for three years, township treasurer for two years, served for two terms as county commissioner of Erie county and was offered the nomination for a third term by the unamimous vote of the convention, but declined the honor. He. was also elected trustee of Townsend township, serving for two terms, and in both Erie and Huron counties, he was a member of the school board for many years. He has been a prominent first republican county convention held in Erie county. He called the first republican caucus in Groton township, Erie county, and was a delegate to the convention that first nominated John Sherman for congress, held in Shelby, Ohio. He assisted in organizing the first county fair association in Erie county and was a member of the board of directors, while after his arrival in Huron county, he became a director of the Huron County Agricultural Society, which position he filled for some time. He was likewise active in the movement which resulted in the establishment of a children's home in Huron county and for twenty-two years served as a trustee of the home, eventually resigning his position on account of ill health. Mr. McKesson was also very active in the affairs of Erie county and those of Ohio, during the period of the Civil war. He was commissioned by Governor Tod, lieutenant colonel of the Second Regiment, Ohio National Guard, and was active in securing Erie county's quota of troops. He also made it his duty to see that the families of the soldiers were properly cared for and gave not only freely of his time, but also liberally of his means to provide whatever was necessary for their welfare, thereby manifesting to some extent the spirit of philanthropy that underlies his nature.

the years passed the home of Mr. and Mrs. McKesson was blessed with two children: Lester and Nancy E. The daughter is now Mrs. George Liles, of Collins. The son, when only eighteen years of age, at the first call for troops enlisted on the 8th of April, 1861 as a member of the Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for a term of three months. After his discharge, he immediately re-enlisted for three years, and throughout that period, he served with distinction, participating in more than seventy battles and skirmishes. He was thrice wounded, at Fredericksburg, later at Gettysburg and again at the battle of the Wilderness. The last wound was at first thought to be mortal but he recovered. He was promoted from a private to the rank of lieutenant and the records show that he was a brave and courageous officer, remaining at all times loyal to the old flag and the cause which it represented. After the close of the war, he returned home and entered business life, being now engaged in the real estate business in Toledo, Ohio. He is a man of high character, who stands well in his community and is a worthy son of an honored father.

Mr. McKesson was called upon, in the fall of 1878, to mourn the loss of his wife, and in March, 1880, he was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Harriet (Reese) Emmerson, the widow of Henry Emmerson. She, too, passed away on the Ist of July, 1886, and for his third wife, Mr. McKesson chose Mrs. Rebecca (Balliet) Van Buskirk, whom he married on the 1st of November, 1887. She is the widow of Samuel Van Buskirk and a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Montz) Balliet, of Richland county, who originally came from Pennsylvania and were prominent farming people,

Mr. McKesson and his family have held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church for many years, he having been a member of that denomination for more than seventy years. During his connection therewith, he has been very active in church work and has held every office in the church below the clergy. He has been especially active and helpful in the direction of Sunday school work, having organized and assisted in maintaining various Sabbath schools where none had previously existed. Mr. McKesson is a great humanitarian at heart and has ever been a stalwart supporter of those measures which serve to promote general progress along material, political, intellectual and moral lines, and also to uplift and maintain a high standard of citizenship. He is a splendid type of the highminded American gentleman and an excellent example of the power and force of honorable manhood, of earnest effort and of high principles. He has now reached the eighty-eighth mile stone on life's journey and he can look back upon the past without regret and upon the futüre without fear.

August Scheid

August Scheid, who has long been numbered among the most enterprising, energetic and successful agriculturists of Peru township, is the owner of a rich and arable tract of land of one hundred and forty-four acres. He is à native son of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Peru township on the 26th of October, 1858. His parents, John William and Catherine (Beilstein) Scheid, were both natives of Germany, the former born on the 9th of January, 1818, and the latter in 1826. In 1849 the father accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, the family home being established in Peru township, Huron county, Ohio, where both the grandfather and grandmother of our subject passed away. John William Scheid, the father of August Scheid, continued to make his home in Peru township until called to his final rest on the 30th of November, 1903, being successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He assisted in the organization and erection of the Lutheran church in Peru *ownship and served as one of its elders for a number of years. His wife, who had made the journey to the new world in company with her sisters and brothers, was called to her final rest 1885. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, namely : Elizabeth, who is the wife of Charles J. Heyman and resides in Lyme township; August, of this review ; Henrietta, who makes her home with her sister, Mrs. Hass, in Sherman township; William C., living in Peru township ; Catherine B., residing in Sherman township, who is the wife of George C. Hass; and L. H., of California.

In the district and German schools of his home neighborhood August Scheid obtained his education and when not busy with his text-books assisted in the work of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the line of activity which he later chose as a life occupation. He is now devoting his time and energies to the cultivation and improvement of a farm of one hundred and forty-four acres in Peru township, ninety-five acres of which he received from his father, while the remaining forty-nine acres were purchased by him from the Lewis Hoffman estate. As the years have gone by he has placed many substantial improvements on the property and annually reaps bountiful harvests which find a ready sale on the market. He likewise has charge of the Heyman Milling Company's interests at Pontiac, buying grain, etc.

On the 21st of February, 1882, Mr. Scheid was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Heyman, a native of Sherman township and a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Longscheid) Heyman, of Sherman township. Unto Mr. and Mrs.

Scheid have been born ten children, as follows: George W., who is a teacher in the Ohio Normal University at Ada ; Estella, who is the wife of Fred Linder, of Townsend township; and Walter, Dora, Arthur, Herbert, Edwin, Ralph, Alfred and Harvey, all of whom are still under the parental roof.

Politically Mr. Scheid is a democrat and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust. He has served as township trustee for seven years, was justice of the peace for three years and in 1890 acted as real-estate appraiser of Peru township. He has likewise been a member of the school board, the cause of public education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. The Lutheran church of Pontiac numbers him among its most active and helpful members and he has served in various official capacities therein, In the community where they have spent their entire lives both he and his wife are most widely and favorably known, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.

Louis Erf

Louis Erf, who is extensively and successfully engaged in farming and dairying, is the owner of the Hickory Dairy Farm, comprising a tract of two hundred and thirty acres of rich and productive land in Peru township. It was on this place that his birth occurred, his natal day being July 28, 1866. His parents, Philip and Dorothy (Heyman) Erf, were both natives of Germany, the former born in 1832. When a young man of twenty-one years Philip Erf came alone to the new world and, securing employment as a farm hand, was busily engaged in the work of the fields for several years. Believing that the United States afforded broader opportunities than could be obtained in his native land, he then sent for his parents, Jacob and Kathryn Erf, and his two brothers, Anthony and Jacob, all of whom took up their abode in Huron county, Ohio. When he had accumulated sufficient capital, Philip Erf, the father of our subject, bought a small tract of land in Peru township and as his financial resources increased added to his holdings by additional purchase until at the time of his death he owned more than five hundred acres. The prosperity which he enjoyed was the direct result of his untiring and well directed labor and he was recognized throughout the community as a most successful, enterprising and representative citizen. He served as school director and township trustee in Peru township and also held other positions of public trust, ever discharging his official duties in a prompt and capable manner. His demise, which occurred in January, 1894, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for his upright and honorable life had gained him the kindly regard and friendship of all with whom he was associated. His wife was but a little maiden of twelve years when she crossed the Atlantic to the United States in company with her parents, William and Johanetta Heyman. She still survives at the age of sixty-nine years and now makes her home with her son, Louis. Her other children are as follows: William, who is a resident of Lyme township; Lydia, the deceased wife of A. P.

Louis Erf obtained his education in the schools of Monroeville, Ohio, and after his father died took charge of the old homestead farm, which has since been in his possession and which has remained his place of residence from his birth to the present time. It is one of the finest farming properties in the entire county and the commodious and substantial residence thereon was erected by his father in 1867, but he has since made many improvements in the way of modern conveniences. His place is known as the Hickory Dairy Farm and in the conduct of both his agricultural and dairying interests he has met with a highly gratifying and commendable measure of success, being a man of sound business judgment and unfaltering energy. He was one of the promoters of the Star Creamery Company at Monroeville and is now a member of its board of directors as well as one of its stockholders. He is likewise the president of the Farmers & Citizens Bank of Monroeville, one of the promoters and stockholders of the Hess Hardware Company of that place and a director and stockholder in the Perfect Silo & Cement Company of Sunbury, Ohio. Possessing excellent executive ability and keen discrimination, his cooperation has been sought in the management and control of various other concerns and he has gained wide and favorable recognition as a leading and respected resident of his native county.

On the 10th of February, 1897, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Erf and Elizabeth Henninger, a daughter of Jacob and Kathryn (Spatz) Henninger, of Monroeville. By this union there are three children: Philip, Clifford and Dorothy.

In his political views Mr. Erf is a stalwart democrat and has served as school director in Ridgefield township, while at the present time he is treasurer of Peru township. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic lodge at Monroeville, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity by his own high moral worth. What he undertakes he accomplishes, for he possesses resolution, perseverance and reliability, and these qualities have caused him to be enrolled among the best citizens of this part of the state.

Edward Mushett

Edward Mushett, engaged in agricultural pursuits in Ridgefield township, Huron county, Ohio, was born upon the farm on which he now resides April 18, 1871, a son of Alexander and Jane (Harpster) Mushett. The former, who was born in New York in 1825, came to Ohio when a young man in company with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Mushett. The family home was established in Ridgefield township, where Alexander Mushett spent the rest of his life, devoting his time and attention to the occupation of farming. He was a democrat in politics and gave stanch support to that party. His wife was a native of Ridgefield township and a daughter of Philip Harpster and she passed away at an early age, leaving three chil- dren to mourn her loss, of which number Edward, of this review, was the youngest. Frank, the eldest, resides at Monroeville, Ohio, and Nellie, who married Fred Hohler, lives on a part of the farm operated by Edward Mushett. husband is at present mining in the gold fields of Alaska. After the death of his first wife Alexander Mushett wedded Jemima Simmons and both are now deceased, the former passing away January 12, 1907.

On the farm upon which he was born Edward Mushett was reared to manhood, acquiring his education in the district schools and assisting in the work of the fields. He has never followed any other occupation than that of farming nor has he had any desire to engage in any other line of business inasmuch as he has been most successful in his agricultural pursuits. He now owns a third interest in the home farm upon which he resides. It consists of one hundred and forty-four acres of land, which was originally cleared by his father, who also placed all of the improvements upon the place.

On the 24th of October, 1900, Mr. Mushett was united in marriage to Miss Anna Enderle, a daughter of Charles and Louisa (Kerris) Enderle, of Groton township, Erie county, Ohio, and unto them have been born three children, Leona, Clifford and Ellen, all at home.

Mr. Mushett belongs to the Lutheran church and he also holds membership in the National Protective Legion. He is highly esteemed throughout the community by reason of his genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character. He is public-spirited in citizenship and always lends his aid on the side of reform, progress and improvement, while he stands inflexibly for truth and justice on all occasions.

Ambrose Frayer

The man to whom above all others the village of Greenwich owes its progress and the excellence of its municipal improvements and also its financial prosperity, is Ambrose Frayer. This public-spirited citizen was born in Greene county, New York, in the Catskill mountains, July 7, 1820, and is a son of Isaac and Charity (Leming) Frayer, who came with their family to Huron county, Ohio, in 1832, and engaged in farming. "They had seven children: Ambrose, Loren, Philea Ann, Elliott, Earl, Amanda and Evaline, all of whom grew to maturity, though Ambrose and Evaline are the only ones who have survived to the present, The father died in 1889, at the age of eighty-three, outliving his wife by twenty years, she having died at the comparatively early age of forty. They were a highly respected couple, for they possessed many sterling traits of character.

Ambrose Frayer grew up at home and remained under the guidance of his parents until he was twenty-one years of age. He received his education at the little log country school and by reading at home in the chimney corner, with a hickory torch for a light. These were not large opportunities for winning a knowledge of books men, but even as a boy he was a great reader, and through his association in later years with persons of high education has become a man singularly well informed upon matters of general interest and competent to render discriminating and good judgment. When he attained his majority he left the parental roof and engaged in farm work for others by the month. He soon was able to buy a tract of wild land, which he cleared, and to this kept adding until he had a farm of two hundred acres. He was successful from the start, and this place was but the nucleus of the six hundred and forty acres which he afterward possessed, all excellent land. For a number of years, in addition to his farming he raised fine thoroughbred horses and was about the first to introduce full blood merino sheep into Huron county. In these lines, as in agriculture, lie prospered well, and he became known throughout the state and elsewhere as the breeder of roadsters of the finest quality. Upon both sheep and horses his judgment was often eagerly sought. Always alert to see the possibilities for improvement, he patented a fanning mill and a gate, the rights to manufacture which he sold in other states, thereby reaping a considerable amount. He established a factory for the making of the fanning mills at Plymouth, which was successfully conducted for a number of years. At the same time he engaged in general farming and the success of one seemed never to be gained at the expense of the other.

His interests in the welfare and advancement of Greenwich are just as numerous and have borne just as profitable returns. The size of the village and business conducted there demanded a local bank and Mr. Frayer was foremost in the organization of the Greenwich Banking Company - the first bank established there. It was incorporated under the banking laws of the «tate of Ohio, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars, Mr. Frayer being vice-president at the time of its organization, and at one time president. Later he severed his connection with that bank and assisted in the organization of the First National Bank of Greenwich, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, becoming vice-president, which position he has held to the present time, in this way having a guiding hand upon its affairs. It has been a very successful institution and has always been conducted along conservative lines. His other important commercial interest is that of the Greenwich Creamery Company.

As both township trustee and treasurer he served the people for a number of years, and for a long period was a member of the village council. While filling the latter office he proposed and carried to completion many municipal improvements of which the residents are now very proud, though in the beginning they opposed such progress. Itowes its splendid water system and electric lighting plant to his agitation and also the brick paved streets. In short he has always stood for advancement and better conditions.

Mr. Frayer has been married twice, his first wife being Miss Adeline Lee, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Smith) Lee, of Huron county. Of this union there were born five children : David O. ; Luella, deceased, the wife of Samuel Kelso of Mussell Fork, Missouri; Eugene; Mary, now Mrs. Arthur T. Burnell; and Lina, who married Dr. Harry Fulstow, of Norwalk. Of these Eugene is a lawyer in New York city, and Mr. and Mrs. Burnell are prominent educators. Mrs. Frayer died September 19, 1874, and Mr. Frayer married Mrs. Lucy A. Mickey, the widow of Thomas Mickey. She passed away March 26, 1901. Appreciating from his own lack of it the value of a fine education Mr. Frayer has given his children the best that could be obtained, and they have all made excellent use of the advantages thus put within their reach. They are well established in life, and all are progressing in their various vocations.

Mr. Frayer has always been a very active man and at the age of eightynine, he retains his interest in public affairs and looks after his business concerns as he has for many years past. He still owns a fine farm of four hundred acres, although Mr. Nelson Van Aken, who has been in his employ for twenty-six years, superintends it. In the fraternal organization to which he belongs he is also active. He was one of the charter members of the Greenwich Lodge, No. 543, F. & A. M., and has held all offices in the blue lodge. He is also a Royal Arch Mason and has been connected with the order for fifty-three years. In religious matters he gives his support to the Congregational church and has always been intimately identified with the affairs of that body. In short, to sum up the results of his many years, no man has wielded a broader influence for good and progress than has Mr. Frayer. If the good health of the past is vouchsafed him in the future - an idea of which may be gained from the fact that he has never found the need of glasses for even the finest print - there is every reason to look for the extension of this influence.