Huron County, Ohio - The whole text, 1909 (part 24 of 29)

Calvin A. Heyman, his son, received his early education in the district schools, after which he attended the Ohio Normal College at Ada. Upon finishing his schooling, he entered upon a period of teaching of perhaps seven years, but he has followed farming the greater part of his life, having been reared under the guidance of a sucoessful farmer and in a farming community, and when he thought of making a home for himself, it was this vocation that he chose. In 1895 he bought his present place from Jacob Hass and immediately set about improving it and increasing its productiveness. Among the other buildings which he has erected is a fine, large barn.

On the 18th of November, 1897, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Heyman and Miss Flora Heyman, a daughter of John Paul and Jeanette (Scheid) Heyman, who were among the early settlers of Lyme township. She is the sister of L. P. Heyman, of whom mention is made in another part of this volume. child, a daughter, Ethel, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heyman.

Mr. Heyman and his family are members of the Reformed church of Hunts Corners, in which he has been superintendent of the Sunday school for about eleven years. He is a young man of industry and ability, whose efforts have so far been crowned with well deserved success and for whom the future seems to hold much in store.

Among the notable citizens of Clarksfield township, who have not only achieved distinction in the particular work which they mapped out for themselves but have entered other fields and have devoted themselves to promoting the interests of the community in which they live, is Dr. Frank E. Weeks, a physician. He was born in a log cabin in Henrietta township, Lorain county,

Ohio, and is the son of Henry H. and Cora T.. (Van Camp) Weeks. He is of remotely Dutch descent, for one of his ancestors, Jacobus Kipp, was born in Holland in 1632, and on the 8th of March, 1654, married Miss Maria de la Montaine, the old Dutch fort in New Netherlands that is now New York. His wife was born near the Maderia islands, January 26, 1637, while her parents were on their way to the new country. Sarah Kipp, daughter of Benjamin and Dorothy (Davenport) Kipp, the latter a grandson of Jacobus Kipp, was married to James Weeks in Newcastle, Westchester county, New York, in 1766. The son of this union, Benjamin Kipp Weeks, was born March 22, 1773, and married Sarah Thorn, the daughter of Thomas, Jr., and Hannah (Sutton) Thorn. Thomas T. Weeks, a son of Benjamin, came with his family to Ohio in 1837 and settled in Florence township, Erie county, where he engaged in farming. The first piece of land he purchased was heavily covered with timber, and later he bought another tract on which the work of clearing had already been begun and which boasted a double log house. In this the family lived for eight years, while their frame house was building. He had followed the life of a farmer, and his son Henry H. took up the same line of work in Florence township, Erie county. In 1883, Henry H. Weeks removed to Kipton, Lorain county, where he has since resided, living in retirement upon his farm. One son only was born to him and his wife, Dr. Frank E. Weeks.

In the district schools of the county Frank E. Weeks received the fundamentals of a broad education. On leaving these he spent three terms in study at Oberlin University, after which he taught for three winters, working on the farm during the summer months. In 1880 he took up the study of medicine, entering the medical department of the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, from which he was graduated with the class of 1883. Dr. Edwin E. Beeman, who was at that time practicing in Wakeman, was his preceptor. After receiving his physician's license, Dr. Weeks began the practice of his profession in Kipton, Lorain county. In 1885 he removed to Vermilion, Erie county, and the next year came to Clarksfield, where he has remained ever since and enjoys a large and remunerative practice. able physician, Dr. Weeks is also an exemplary citizen, whose public spirit is an inspiration to many. In politics he is a republican and has ever been active in the affairs of the party, having been for years the Clarksfield member of the republican county committee, and almost invariably the township delegate to the county, district and state conventions. During one term he served the county as coroner, was township clerk for eighteen years and clerk of the school board for twenty years, and is at present a member of the latter body. His literary and historical interests are also extensive, biography and genealogies receiving much of his attention. The Firelands Historical Society appointed him biographer for Huron county, a position he holds to the present. In 1908 he compiled The Pioneer History of Clarksfield, a very complete work, comprising both historical and biographical data, and is now engaged on similar work, which he hopes to publish soon. Perhaps, however, the measure of his public spirit can be estimated in no better way than by the fact that it was through his efforts that the Clarksfield Telephone Company was organized and incorporated, a concern which has now one hundred and fifty subscribers with long

On the 5th of June, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Weeks to Miss Cynthia A. Judson, the daughter of Albert W. and Mary Ann (Fish) Judson, of Berlin Heights, Erie county, where for a number of years Mr. Judson was civil engineer and surveyor. He died April 22, 1904, but his wife, who survives, lives in Sandusky, Ohio. Dr. and Mrs. Weeks are the parents of three children: Charles J., who is married and is a resident of Oberlin, Ohio; Lucy M., a teacher in the Clarksfield schools, who entered Oberlin College in the fall of 1909; and Paul T., also a student at Oberlin.

In all that he has undertaken Dr. Weeks has achieved success and a fair fame, and the results of his labors have been far-reaching. a physician he enjoys an extensive practice and the confidence of those to whose wants he administers. In the councils of the republican party his opinion is ever regarded highly. In Clarksfield the interest he has evinced in public matters, especially in educational affairs, has met with unswerving good will and loyalty. His literary efforts, too, have been successful, for he is a graceful and fluent writer, endowed with the power of expressing what he has to say in an interesting and attractive manner. Before the meetings of the Huron County Medical Society he often reads papers on important subjects, for he stands high in this organization, and his opinions on matters in dispute is eagerly sought. In short he is a man who has improved upon the many opportunities afforded him, has used them for his own advancement and the welfare of his fellows.

C. A. Paul needs introduction to the readers of this volume for he is a leading and representative business man the story of whose lite is that of orderly progression under the steady hand of one who is a consistent master of himself and who possesses a well balanced organism. Capable of mature judgment of his own capacities and of the people and circumstances that make up his life's contacts and experiences he is eminently a man of business sense and easily avoids the mistakes and disasters that come to those who are liable to erratic movements resulting in unwarranted risk and failure. He has been identified with manufacturing interests, but for a long period his investments have been represented by banking and agricultural interests and he is now vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company of Norwalk.

A native of Erie county, Ohio, C. A. Paul was born December 12, 1860, and represents a pioneer family of that county. His grandfather, Loren Paul, settled in Erie county at a very early day, having driven westward to Ohio frorn the state of New York with a yoke of oxen. In the midst of the wild forest he established his home, securing a large tract of land which he converted into rich and productive fields as the years passed by. His son, James L. Paul, was also a native of Erie county and having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Eliza A. Delamater, a native of New York. He also devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits, being still identified with farming interests. His wife passed away on the 11th of April, 1008.

C. A. Paul acquired his early education in the district schools and afterward attended the Normal high school and also the Ohio State University. He was a youth of thirteen years when in 1874 his father removed with the family from Erie to Huron county and established his home upon a farm in Bronson township, where he is still living. He is numbered among the extensive and successful farmers and stock-raisers, making a specialty of the raising of fine cattle. His son, C. A. Paul, is an only child. His youthful days were passed under the parental roof but, not desiring to follow agricultural pursuits as a life work he turned his attention to manufacturing interests, with which he was connected for two years after leaving school. He then took up the banking business in which he has since continued and is now vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company. He also owns two farms in Huron county and from this property derives a substantial annual income.

In 1893 Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Clara Cannon, a native of Cleveland and a daughter of Captain Thomas Wilson, an extensive ship owner. Mr. Paul is identified with the Congregational church. He is preeminently a man of affairs with large and varied interests and wields a wide influence. business man and financier he ranks prominent among the men of force in the community because of his ready recognition and utilization of opportunities. He has made no backward steps in his life, his course being characterized by continuous progress toward the goal of prosperity. His business affairs, although extensive, have not hurt his active participation in movements relative to the public good and throughout the community he is known as a public-spirited citizen whose interest in the general welfare has been manifest in many tangible ways.

Joseph H. Post

Joseph H. Post, whose name is known throughout Ohio and other states in the Union in connection with thoroughbred Delaine merino sheep, now owns a farm of eighty-three acres in New London township, in the operation of which he is meeting with most gratifying success. He is numbered among the native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Hartland township on the 18th of January, 1859.

Reared to agricultural pursuits, he attended the public schools of his native township in the acquirement of his education, and during the periods of vacation he assisted in the work of the home farm. He continued to devote his time to his text-books until eighteen years of age, when his father's feeble health made it necessary for him to take charge of his business affairs. The father passed away when Mr. Post was twenty-one years of age, and he continued to reside upon the homestead, directing his efforts to its management, until 1903, when the property was divided. He then purchased eighty-three acres of fine farm land in New London township, upon which he has since made his home. he has engaged in general agricultural pursuits, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation, while for many years he was identified with sheep-raising interests, making a specialty of thoroughbred Delaine merino sheep. He was eminently suc- cessful in this branch of his business, gaining the reputation of having one of the best breeding flocks of sheep in Ohio. On account of ill health, however, he was obliged to give up his stock interests, since which time he has confined himself to general farming. The Post sheep, however, are still well known and a very popular breed throughout Ohio and adjoining states, while their reputation has even extended as far west as the state of Washington, where they are handled by the Baldwin Sheep & Ranch Company. Mr. Post has enjoyed a substantial income from the fact that both branches of his business - the raising of grain and the breeding of sheep - have proved profitable, while his indefatigable industry, his intelligently directed labors, his close application and his good business ability have been salient characteristics in his success.

It was in 1885 that Mr. Post was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E. Miller, a native of Hartland township, born on the Ist of November, 1868, and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Miller, residents of Hartland township. Mr. Post gives loyal support to the republican party and is now serving as township trustee, while he has also been township appraiser, at all times performing the duties of these offices in a prompt, efficient and highly satisfactory manner. Hay- ing spent his entire life in Huron county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends within its borders, and the fact that he is most liked and respected where best known is an indication that the principles which actuate him in his relations with his fellowmen are in harmony with those which govern honorable and upright manhood.

The Coutant family of Greenwich township is known as one of the early pioneers of the county. Several of its members still reside here at advanced age, and all are respected for their integrity and uprightness. Four of the original family of eleven children born to Jasper and Phobe (Burdsell) Coutant are still living: Gideon, Joseph H. and Benjamin, of Greenwich township, respectively aged ninety, eighty-eight and eighty-five years and Burdsell, aged eighty, residing in Wood county, Ohio. The parents of these children lived in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, the father dying there at a comparatively early age. The grandfather Burdsell and family moved to Ohio in 1833, together with other relatives. After the death of Mr. Coutant, the widow, in 1856, followed her sons and relatives and passed the remainder of her life in the Buckeye state, dying in 1896, at the extreme old age of one hundred years and one hundred days.

Joseph H. Coutant, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in what is now Monroe county, Pennsylvania, September 19, 1820. years after the emigration of the Burdsells, Gideon and Joseph H. Coutant decided to come to what was then referred to as the "Great West." 'They made the journey in the usual manner of the times - overland by horses and wagon. Upon arriving they settled in the forest and carved out of nature's bounty a log-cabin home. Four years passed before Joseph was ready to take upon himself the responsibilities of married life, but on October 18, 1847, he brought to his cabin home a wife, formerly Miss Mary Jane Hoyt. She was a member of a pioneer family also, who had emigrated to Ohio from New York, being originally from Connecticut. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Coutant: Ella Gertrude, Edward H. and Charles, the last dying in infancy. Ella and Edward are unmarried and reside with their father on the old home farm, the mother having died in November, 1883.

After marriage, Joseph H. Coutant settled on his present farm and has continued his residence thereon to the present time. prosperity came he invested in land and has for many years been known as one of the largest real-estate holders the county ; his present holdings comprising three hundred acres of highly improved land.

Mr. Coutant has been a model citizen, taking up such duties as came to him and performing them in an intelligent and efficient manner. He served many years on the school board of his township, as township trustee, and in other public matters his voice has always been raised in support of that which would elevate the moral tone of the community. A whig in his early manhood, voting first for "Tip- pecanoe and Tyler too," he took part in the evolution of affairs which produced the republican party. His vote is now cast in that party's favor and he is proud to claim a charter membership therein. His religious life has been passed in the Society of Friends, having had a birthright membership. He has been active in the work of the church and still loves "the precincts of the sanctuary." Although of advanced age, Mr. Coutant is vigorous and active and is passing his closing years in the cheerful habits of industry formed in his youth, surrounded by friends who esteem him for his unquestionable worth.

Andrew Missler

Andrew Missler, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Sherman township, is one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of this section of the county, who has, moreover, been an extensive landowner in the past, but has given away considerable property to his sons. He still owns a farm of one hundred and eightyfive acres upon which he resides and which he continues to operate. A native of Germany, he was born June 27, 1848, a son of Andrew and Frances Missler. The parents, who were reared and married in the fatherland, brought their family to the United States in 1854, settling first in Adams county, Ohio, where they remained for one year. A removal was then made to Huron county, and here their remaining days were passed, the father passing away March 19, 1871, while the mother's demise occurred six weeks later. In their family were the following children: Anna, deceased; Joseph; Margaret, Elizabeth and Caroline, who have all passed away ; Catherine; Anthony, a soldier of the Civil war who is now deceased ; Peter, who is also dead; and Andrew, of this review.

In the district schools of Huron county Andrew Missler acquired his education, and remained a studewt up to his fifteenth year, when, setting aside his textbooks, he shouldered his ax and went into the woods to assist in clearing the land. At that time much of the district was covered with native timber and the trees had to be removed ere the work of improvement could be begun. From an early age he assisted in the work of developing a new farm, and he has since continued to make agriculture his life work. Upon attaining manhood he embarked in business on his own account and purchased ninety acres from his father, for which he paid four thousand dollars. He later acquired fifty-three and a half acres from Worthington Imps, which cost thirty-five hundred dollars, another tract of fifty-five and a half acres from Anthony Gerhardstein, for which he paid twenty-five hundred dollars, and he paid thirty-five hundred dollars for eightyone acres purchased from Frank Ruffing. The farm upon which he now resides includes one hundred and twenty-three acres bought from Joseph Ruffing for nine thousand dollars. He became known as one of the extensive land owners of Sherman township, but he has since given three different farms to his sons and contemplates giving another one next year. This continuous and steady accumulation of property is but the visible evidence of the prosperity that came to him as the years went by, for he is a practical, progressive and successful farmer, who possesses also the ability of keen judgment and good business management,

On the 13th of September, 1870, Mr. Missler was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Meyers, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Meyers, farming people of Seneca county, Ohio. She is one of a family of six children, the other members of the family being Benjamin, Marv, John, Jacob and Catherine. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Missler has been blessed with nine children, as follows: J. Andrew; Catherine; Mary; Joseph; John; Jacob, deceased; Fred; Otto; and Clara, who died December 14, 1907.

The family attend the Catholic church and Mr. Missler gives his support to the democracy where national issues are concerned. However he reserves the right to vote independently in local matters, casting his ballot for the men and measures which in his judgment will best conserve the public good. He has served as road supervisor and is always interested in all matters pertaining to the upbuilding and growth of the community. He has attained success in his chosen field of labor, but his prosperity has come to him as the direct result of industry, energy, perseverance and well directed efforts. He stands high in the honor and esteem

George W. Baker

George W. Baker, one of the younger farmers of Greenfield township, who with his brother August manages the one hundred and sixty-five acres of land owned by their mother, was born in Peru township, Huron county, August 27, 1874. His parents, George P. and Elizabeth (Miller) Baker, were both of German birth, but spent the greater part of their lives in this country. The father was twenty-eight when he started life in the United States. He came direct to Ohio and settled in Sandusky, where he found employment during the winter months in the boiler shops, and during the summer on the lakes. About 1870 he came to Huron county, locating in Peru township, where he first worked for Philip Erf for a number of years, and then bought one hundred acres of land, on which he lived and farmed until I902, when he sold it and removed to Greenfield township. The Peru township farm was largely covered with tim- ber when he first settled there, an entirely different piece of property from that which his successor found, for Mr. Baker had not only brought the fields to a high state of cultivation, but had also erected some fine buildings. In 1902 he bought from Mrs. Shields the farm that is known as the old Simmons place. On it he made his home until his death, and on it his widow and sons still live. It, also, has profited by the Bakers' residence, for the buildings have been remodeled, and a more scientific and up-to-date system of agriculture has been carried on that has increased its productiveness and enabled it to produce a better quality of crops. Baker was released from the cares of this world September r9, 1907, but his wife still survives at the age of fifty-six. She was eighteen when she came to this country with her brother, William Miller, and in the years of her married life became the mother of six children: George, of this review is the eldest. August was born January 17, 1876. Lena died at one year of age. John died at the age of six months. Albert married Lena Lovell, an adopted daughter of Mrs. Martha Lovell of this township, and they have three children: Jeannette, Elizabeth and Raymond, and live in Greenfield township. Bertha, the youngest of the family, married Peter Zieher and lives at Sandusky, Ohio. They have son, Bernhart George.

George W. Baker has always lived in this county, receiving his training to meet the problems of life at home and in the district schools. For a few terms he was a pupil in the German school of Peru township, so that his education is better than that which falls to the lot of many boys reared on a farm and compelled to get their lesson at odd moments when work did not claim their time and in the few months during which the school held session. He has been successful in the farming he has conducted on his land, but has not specialized in any particular branch.

On the 26th of October, 1901, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Merrill Perry, a daughter of Fred and Mary (Gates) Perry, of Penn township, who were among the early settlers of that locality, and have many stories to tell of the changes that have taken place since they first took up their residence there. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have an adopted daughter, Loretia Meyers, a little girl of six years of age. August Baker, who assists his brother in the conduct of the farm, was married in 1904 to Miss Anna Christ, of Erie county. They have a son George, a stalwart little child in whom many hopes are placed. The Baker family are members of the Lutheran church of Pontiac, which George P. Baker helped to build and in which he always held office. The sons are still active in its affairs and in the general tenor of their lives give evidence of its teachings.

John Drury

John Drury, a farmer of Lyme township, Huron county, owning seventy-five acres of land near Bellevue, upon which he lives, was born on this farm, March 7, 1847. The Drury family originally came from England in 1632, settling in one of the New England states. Our subject's great-grandfather bore the name of Jonathan Drury, while his grandfather was John Drury, who was born in Massachusetts and became the father of ten children, two sons and eight daughters. Our subject's father, Jonathan Maynard Drury, was born in Worthington, Massachusetts, February 24, 1809. In the course of time he married Miss Abigail Maynard Knowlton, a daughter of Benjamin Knowlton, of New Fane, Vermont, where Miss Abigail was born June 20, 1812. 1837, the year subsequent to his marriage, Jonathan Drury came to Huron county, Ohio, on a prospecting tour. The following season he moved his family to Lyme township, this county, settling upon a small rented farm. For several years he worked for the diffierent farmers until, in 1842, he was able to buy a tract of sixty-four acres of land, to which he added until he had a tract of one hundred and ten acres, upon a part of which his son lives at the present day. A log cabin was his first habitation and served him until 1857, when he put up a fine brick residence, only one of the many extensive improvements he made on the place. Jonathan Drury was a life-long memter of the Lyme Congregational church, of which he was a deacon for over fifty years, and when death called him, August 13, 1897, the community felt they had lost an esteemed member. By his first marriage there were three children born: Ellen M., who died at the age of seventeen; Caroline T., who was but six at the time of her death; and John, the subject of this sketch. After the death of his first wife which occurred May 8, 1847, Mr. Drury married Mrs. Clarissa Barnard Wrisley, by whom he had one son Miron Maynard, who was born on the home farm, June 10, 1853. He married Miss. Ida Osborn and is a prominent business man of Chicago, Illinois, making his home in Evanston. Four children have been born to him: Walter M., Louise, Burton E. and Allen B. By her former marriage Mrs. Clarissa Drury had two sons: George A., now deceased, and Allen B., both prominent soap manufacturers of Chicago, where they started in business in 1861.

John Drury has lived all the years of his life on the old home farm, which he inherited from his father. His education was acquired at the public and high schools of Bellevue. Upon completing his own schcoling he taught for two winters in York township, Sandusky county, while during the summer seasons he followed the life of a farmer, as he had from the days of his childhood. In the quiet pursuit of his vocation his days have been passed. He fell heir to his father's property, as he had followed in his footsteps and not only in the matter of business but also as regards functions bestowed by the good will of his fellows, for his father's death he was made deacon of the church. Of its Sunday school he has been superintendent for fifteen years and for a period of over thirty years has been clerk of the congregation.

Mr. Drury was twice married, the first time to Miss Ida Mary Cowle, a daughter of John and Anna (Ford) Cowle, of Bellevue, whom he married February 8, 1871. There was one daughter, Edith Ellen, born to this union, but she died in infancy, being born May 27, 1873, and dying the 16th of August following. Mrs. Drury, who was born September 12, 1846, died February 4, 1887, and on the 8th of May, 1889, Mr. Drury married Mrs. Josephine (Wright) Nims, a daughter of John and Betsy (Ford) Wright. John Wright was the founder of the Wright Banking Company, of Bellevue, and its president until his death, and at one time he owned three thousand acres of land this section of the state. Mrs.

Josephine (Wright) Drury was born April 16, 1848, in Groton township, Erie county, Ohio, and by her former marriage had one child, Walter Worthington Nims, who lives at Strongs Ridge, Lyme township. He married Miss Mamie L. Newton and has one child, born January 1909.

His long residence and connection with affairs in this county has made Mr. Drury well known in this locality. Looking back over his past life, which has been filled with earnest endeavor, no gréater praise can be given than by saying he is a worthy son of an esteemed father.

Robert Arthur

Robert Arthur, who has the distinction of being the largest landowner of Huron county, Ohio, resides upon a farm of thirteen hundred acres in Greenfield township, to the cultivation of which he is directing his entire energies. He was born in this township on the 4th of March, 1829, in an old log house situated about three-quarters of a mile from his present home, and is a son of John and Martha (Easter) Arthur. The father was born near Londonderry, Ireland, in 1797, and in 1822 he brought his wife and one child to the United States, purchasing a small farm in Greenfield township, Huron county. Upon the land stood a log house in which they began their housekeeping, while Mr. Arthur at once commenced clearing the land for the purpose of cultivation. Soon he had improved the entire tract and was so prosperous in his undertaking that as the years went by he was able to add to his original holdings and at the time of his death he was the owner of an excellent farm of three hundred acres. He was a member of the Congregational church of Steuben and assisted in building that church, in which he was an office-holder up to the time of his death.. He was a man of fine principles who was respected and esteemed throughout the community in which he resided. He passed away in 189o, while his wife, who was also born in Ireland, was eightyfour years of age at the time of her death. In their family were six children, namely: Margaret, who was born in Ireland and is the deceased wife of Alexander Lewis, who has also passed away ; Anna J., who married James McPherson and resides at Steuben, Ohio, being the oldest resident of that town, a sketch of whom is found elsewhere in this volume; Mary, who married Thomas Irving, both of whom are now deceased; William, who passed away at the age of seventy years ; Robert, of this review ; and Kathryn, also deceased. All were born in this township with the exception of the eldest, whose birth occurred before the parents left Ireland.

Amid the wholesome scenes and environments of agricultural life Robert Arthur was reared to manhood, and during the intervening years he attended the district schools in the acquirement of a good education that fitted him for the responsible and practical duties of life. Under the direction of his father he also learned valuable lessons concerning the best methods of cultivating the fields, and in the broader school of experience received thorough and comprehensive training. He has devoted his entire life to general farming, in which he has been eminently successful, and by indefatigable energy, untiring diligence and intelli- gently applied labor he has been able to add, from time to time, to his property holdings until today he is the most extensive landowner in Huron county, having in his possession about thirteen hundred acres of fine farming land.

On the 27th of February, 1867, Mr. Arthur was united in marriage to Miss Julia Cook, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wyet Cook, residents of Peru township. In that township she was born in 1843 and on the 20th of April, 1901, was called to her final rest, her death being the cause of deep regret to a large number of warm friends. Beside her husband she left to mourn her loss five children, namely: Mattie, who still resides at home; Clarence, who married Inez Hill, by whom he has two children, Margaret and Francis, and who resides upon and operates the home farm; J. V., who married Irene Otes and with his wife and three children, Aubrey, John M. and Annetta, resides near Steuben, Ohio; Laura, the wife of James Trimmer of Fairfield township, by whom she has six children, Helen, Arthur, Marian, Julia, Jeanette and Charles, the family residence being at North Fairfield, Ohio; and Fred, residing at Steuben, who married Alice Barre and has two children, Robert and Malcolm.

Mr. Arthur's religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Congregational church of Steuben, in which he has been a trustee for a great number of years. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served in several township offices on that ticket, being trustee of the township for four terms and a school director for a long period. He has already passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, having reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey, while his entire career has been passed within the,borders of Huron county, where his fellow citizens know him as a straightforward and reliable man and an enterprising farmer, who well deserves the esteem and high regard that is uniformly accorded him.

William Gamble

William Gamble, who is now living retired in a comfortable home in Steuben, Huron county, was for many years closely identified with the agricultural interests of Greenfield township, where he owned farming property. Mr. Gamble was born in Lincolnshire, England, October I5, I842, and was but six months old when brought by his parents, Thomas and Mary (Rick) Gamble, to the United States. The father was born December 21, 1806, and at an early day came to the new world, establishing his home in New York, where he remained about fifteen months. He then continued his journey westward, and with his family settled in Monroeville, Huron county, where for a time he was in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. Believing, however, that farm life would prove more congenial, he began in a small way by purchasing ten acres of land in Fairfield township. He then took up his abode on this place and made it his home until his wife died, when he disposed of his farming interests and removed to Illinois, making his home with a daughter during the succeeding eight years. He once more returned to Huron county and entered the employ of Barnett Roe in a mill. Later he in partnership with his son purchased sixty-six acres of land in

Greenfield township and for thirty-one years was actively identified with agricultural pursuits, his death occurring April 8, 1895, when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-eight years, and his remains lie buried in the cemetery at Steuben. As above stated, his wife bore the maiden name of Mary Rick, and they became the parents of two sons and a daughter: William, of this review; Joseph, who left home about forty-five years ago, since which time he has not been heard from; and Mary Ann, who makes her home in Minnesota. The wife and mother lived but a few years after coming to the United States, her death occurring in 1849, her remains being interred at Olena, in Bronson township, Huron county.

William Gamble accompanied his parents on their various removals after coming to this country but he was mainly reared in Huron county, where he also acquired his education, which, however, was somewhat limited, owing to the primitive condition of the newly settled district. After reaching mature years he and his father purchased sixty-six acres of land in Greenfield township, which they cultivated for thirty-one years. Eventually Mr. Gamble added a tract of sixty-six acres to the original purchase and made all the improvements upon the place. He erected a house and barn but the latter was destroyed by fire but was soon replaced by another. Throughout a long period he was closely identified with farming interests but in 1903 he disposed of his farm property to Mrs. Samuel Wagner and purchased a nice home in Steuben, where he has since made his home. He has here four a half acres of ground, which is kept in good condition and today he is numbered among the worthy retired citizens of this village.

Mr. Gamble was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennett, a daughter of Allen and Harriett (Youngs) Bennett, the ceremony being performed on the 9th of February, 1864. Mrs. Gamble was born in New Haven township, Huron county, her paternal grandfather, James Youngs, having been a pioneer settler of that district. Her father was born in the Empire state in 1823 and departed this life in 1859, when but thirty-six years of age. The mother was born in Auburn township, Richland county, Ohio, in 1827, and was married in Greenfield township to Mr. Youngs. Her death occurred in 1857, when she was but thirty years old. 'Their family numbered two sons and two daughters, namely : Elizabeth, now Mrs. Gamble; James, a resident of Illinois; Charles, of Indiana; and Mary, who died at the age of nine years. Mrs. Gamble was but nine years of age at the time of her parents' death, and she was then taken into the home of her grandfather, James Youngs, by whom she was carefully reared and educated. She made her home with her grandfather until the time of her marriage. She has become the mother of five children, as follows: Lillian, the wife of Charles Earl, of Fairfield township, by whom she has one child, Fannie; Helen, who is the wife of Fred Sparks, of Peru township, and the mother of three children, Maud, Walter and Stamford ; William Thomas, who wedded Ella Brant, of Chicago, Ohio, by whom he has had three children, Lawrence, Dale and Wilma, but the latter is now deceased; Jay, who wedded Ethel Brant, their home being in Norwalk, Oho; and Mary; who died at the age of eleven months.

Mr. Gamble is independent in his political views and affiliations and for the past ten years has served as township trustee. He has also held other public offices, having been elected on both the republican and democratic tickets. He has now passed the sixty-seventh milestone on life's journey and the greater part of this period has been passed in Huron county, so that few men have more intimate knowledge of its history or of events which have left their impress upon its annals. He has spent a busy, active and useful life and he and his estimable wife are now enjoying in retirement the accumulations of profitable, successful and honorable careers.

Clarence E. Stotts

One of the native sons of KipIey township, successful in his agricultural pursuits and prominent in local business circles is Clarence E. Stotts, who lives upon the old homestead and enjoys the home which for so many years was the residence of his father. He was born November 3, 1863, and is a son of Abram and Mariette (Boughton) Stotts. The father, born December 5, 1822, in Belmont countv, Ohio, was the son of John and Eva (Winter) Stotts, the latter a native of Virginia, and was the eldest of nine children: Abram, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Martin K., Catherine, George, Daniel and Elizabeth. He was the first born and he was the last to die. The eighty-six years of his life, his death occurring July 21, 1909, were crowded with activities of the highest order and of profit to others. A man whose advantages in his youth had been limited, the success of his life in farming and in the business world was due entirely to his own efforts. The Huron County Insurance Company was organized in his house, that in which Clarence E. Stotts lives today, and he was elected its first president. He was also a director of the First National Bank at Greenwich for a period of two years. The people of Ripley township frequently called upon him to fill the various offices which were at their disposal and twice, in 1875 and in 1878, he was elected on the republican ticket to fill the post of commissioner for Huron county. In the Baptist church at North Fairfield he was also prominent, and he administered the duties of trustee and deacon with wisdom and decorum. In short he was a man who made a place for himself in the fore ranks despite the fact that he was handicapped in the struggle for life by limited early training. His wife, who before her marriage was Miss Mariette Boughton, was born in Allegany county, New York, June 12, 1831, and was the daughter of John and Susan (Benedict) Boughton, who came to Ohio in 1835 and took up the work of the early pioneers. She was one of ten children, the others being Solon, Orlando, Cordier, Lucius, Elon, Theodore, Oscar, Sanford and Silicia. Mr. and Mrs. Abram Stotts were the parents of four children. Flora A. married John W. Hopkins, and they have one son, Fred A. Eunice Adell married T. A. Hilton, and they have two children, Flora E. and Alfred W. Clarence E., the third of the family, is the subject of this sketch. Elmer A. married Miss Mildred Kaylor and they have one daughter, Blanche. Mrs. Stotts preceded her husband to the grave by some nine years, her death having occurred May 31, 19or.

Clarence E. Stotts has followed farming as his vocation through nearly all of his life and is accounted a successful agriculturist. He has found wide play for the exercise of his large business ability as well, for he has been one of the direc- tors of the First National Bank at Greenwich ever since its organization and has assisted in maintaining that institution upon its sound financial basis. In politics he has ever espoused the cause of the republican party, though he has never been active in its ranks nor a seeker of official recognition. He has, nevertheless, served the people of this township very efficiently as a justice of the peace and for seven years as a member of the school board and was ever found to administer his duties in accordance with what he believed to be right.

On the 19th of September, 1889, Mr. Stotts was married to Miss Mabel Loveland, who was born June 4, 1870, in New Haven township, this county, and is the only daughter of Rockwell and Roxana (Knight) Loveland. The father, who was born in New Haven township, June 9, 1838, was the son of John Loveland, who was one of the pioneers of Huron county, having come here in 1822, when he was twenty-four years of age, settling in New Haven township. His wife was Miss Calista Curtiss before her marriage. Rockwell Loveland, besides participating in the work of the pioneers, which was not completed when he became old enough to assist, fought valiantly for three vears for the preservation of the Union during the Civil war. He was in the navy on the Mississippi flagship Black Hawk and was in the Red River expedition, serving under General Farragut. Mrs. Stotts' mother, who was Miss Roxana Knight before her marriage, was the daughter of William and Jane (Johnson) Knight, the former a native of Boston, Massachusetts, the latter of Connecticut. To Mr. and Mrs. Stotts three children have been born: Harold, born August 18, 1891; Alta B., born April 19, 1894; and Hazel Mae, born October 25, 1908. The children are all at home, and in the Baptist faith, which the father and mother have professed, they have been reared. A man who has been fortunate in his own affairs and has been found trustworthy in his relations to others, Mr. Stotts enjoys the respect of all who know him and the strong friendship of his Masonic brothers in

Sanford H. King

Sanford H. King is a retired farmer who, having passed the seventy-second milestone on life's journey, is now living retired in the enjoyment of rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He is living in North Fairfield and has spent almost his entire life in Huron county. He is a native of New York, his birth having occurred in the Empire state on the 13th of May, 1837. His parents were Elias and Catherine (Mott) King, whose family numbered but three chiidren, the others being Barzilla and Mary. It was in the year 1838 that the parents left the east and came with their family to Ohio, establishing their home in Huron county.

Sanford H. King was only about a year old at the time and, therefore, for even.more than the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten he has lived in this part of the state, witnessing its growth and development as the years have gone by. He has lived to see notable changes for the native forests have been cut away, the land cultivated and now the pioneer district is a region of val- uable farms in the midst of which found flourishing towns and cities with their industrial and commercial interests. In his youthful days Mr. King assisted in the labors of the home farm and experience taught him the value of industry and perseverance. His educational training was received in the public schools which he attended through the winter seasons. he attained his majority he resolved to follow as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared and took up the task of farming on his own account. Year by year he carefully and diligently cultivated the crops best adapted to the soil and climate and as time passed won success in his labors. He is still the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Fairfield township, from which he derives a substantial income, although he is now living retired, leaving the work of the farm to others.

On the Ist of March, 1860, Mr. King was united marriage to Miss Julia Mc- Kelvey, who was born in Ohio May 4, 1835, and is a daughter of Robert and Mary (Prosser) McKelvey. They have a large family of children: Julia, Catherine, Betsy, Almira, Harriet, Lyman, Perry, George, Angeline, Roena, Mack and Lily.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. King was blessed with four children; Eugene, born in 1860; Jennie, born in 1865; Fred, born in 1869; and Ernest, who was born in 1876 and was killed by the cars in December, 1897. Fred married Della Barre and they have one child, Lloyd. The parents are members of the Baptist church, to the support of which they make liberal contribution. Mr. King is a republican in politics and is thoroughly conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day. He has served as a trustee but has not been active as a political worker or an office seeker. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and in his life he exemplifies the benevolent spirit of the craft which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. His long residence in the county has made him well known here and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and progressive present. Upon his memory are impressed many scenes and events of the early day which marked the progress of the community and indicated what was the condition that existed through the days of his boyhood in this part of the state.

One of the persons, who despite her many years, still retains a deep interest in the affairs of Greenfield township, is Mrs. Martha A. Lovell, who owns two hundred and seventeen acres of land, on which she lives, part of it being the farm on which her husband was born. Her birth occurred in Paris, now Plymouth, Ohio, on the 31st of March, 1831, her parents being Matthew and Nancy (Adams) McKelvey. The former came to Huron county with his father and an older brother and settled in Greenfield township on the farm where Robert Arthur now lives. The land was then heavily timbered, which three men had to clear before they could put up the log house which was their home while they lived there. After some years, they removed to Plymouth, where the elder McKelvey died, closing a career that had experienced many hardships and privations, for he had been a soldier of the Revolutionary war and had lost one of his limbs in battle.

Matthew McKelvey was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January 30, 1794, and was but little more than twenty years of age when on the 27th of March, 1818, he was united in wedlock to Miss Nancy Adams. She was two and a half years his junior and was born in Marlboro, Vermont. Mr. McKelvey passed the greater part of his life in this county and was one of the pioneer drygood merchants of Plymouth. Later he removed to Harding county, Ohio, where his wife and three of his daughters died, and then returned to Plymouth. There he passed away on the 18th of March, 1853, ten years and three months after his helpmate had gone to her final resting-place. Mr. and Mrs. McKelvey were the parents of ten children: Elizabeth, who was born February 12, 1819, and died 1834; Marion and Mary, twins, born January 9, 1821, the former dying June 25, 1823, the latter July 23, 1842; Sarah, who was born May 5, 1823, and died July 23, 1841; Nancy, who was born November 8, 1824, and died July 1841 ; George, who was born June 28, 1826, and died September 18, 1827; Jane, who was born June 9, and died July 21, 1841; Martha M., now Mrs. Lovell; Matho, born February 25, 1832, now a resident of Tiffin, Ohio; and John, born February 8, 1835, who lives at Sandusky, Ohio, and is a member of the Firelands Historical Society.

Mrs. Lovell attended the public schools of Plymouth until she was 17 and for one year continued her studies at Fairfield. She then entered upon the career of a teacher, which she followed until she was married, on the 3oth of December, 1854, to Ethan C. Lovell a son of David and Mary (Chilcoot) Lovell His father came here in the early days of the county and took up fifty acres of land which is included in the farm Mrs. Lovell now owns. At the time of his arrival the land was covered with heavy timber which he had to clear away before be could build the little log house, which was the first home of his family. Later he was able to build a fine brick residence, for he prospered in his affairs. Ethan C. Lovell was born June 17, 1819, grew up at home on the farm, and in turn, became a prominent farmer and stock raiser. He was noted for his honesty and carefulness, and it is recorded of him that he kept a regular set of books, in which were entered the transactions of each day. In 1858, he built the lárge frame house in which his widow still lives and which he was permitted to enjoy for forty years. A hard worker and thrifty, he made a secure position for himself in the hearts of the people of the township, who mourned his loss deeply when death called him on the 27th of April, 1898.

Not blessed with any children of her own, Mrs. Lovell has given the privileges of a home and maternal care to two girls, one of whom remained with her from the time she was six years of age until she married George Mannard, when she went to live in Virginia. Lena Clark, the other girl, was twelve years of age when she came to live with Mrs. Lovell, with whom she made her home until she married Albert Baker, of this township.

Mrs. Lovell is a very well preserved woman, who is old only in years and not in spirit, looks or actions. Her life has always been one of activity and when her husband was living she would cook all the meals for the farm hands. She also tells with a touch of pardonable pride that she did some of the painting on the frame house which she now lives. From her mother, who was the first teacher in Peru township, she inherits her love of books and reading, and in the years that have passed since she presided over a roomful of pupils, she has not forgotten her interest in education or in the affairs of the world generally.

Philander J. Riddle

Philander J. Riddle, one of the representative farmers of Richmond township and a man who has made his influence felt in both political and church circles, is the owner of one hundred and ten acres of fertile farm land in this township. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, January 1, 1854, his parents being John and Amanda (Thornton) Riddle. The father was engaged all his life in agricultural pursuits and at the same time during earlier years he taught school, for eighteen years in the district schools and two years in the graded school at Bellville, Ohio, gaining an enviable reputation as a local educator. During the summer, when released from his school duties, he carried on farming, thus combining the two occupations very profitably. In 1865 the family came to Huron county, and this continued to be the home of the parents for the remainder of their lives, the father passing away in 1890, and his widow in 1893. They were the parents of the following children: Lydia, who married John Miller, of Chicago Junction; Archibald, who is deceased; Sybal, who married W. F. Miller; Philander J., who is mentioned below ; John Jr. ; Lunetta, who married George Hatch; and William, the youngest.

Philander J. Riddle spent his boyhood as do so many sons of farmers, except that he had the advantage of belonging to a family where educational matters were considered of great importance, and he therefore secured an excellent school training, first in the district schools of Knox county until he was twelve years old, and after that in Huron county, thus continuing until he attained his majority, and at the same time he assisted his father on the farm in the summer. The first land owned by Mr. Riddle was located in Richland county and consisted of a hundredacre farm he and his brother John bought and operated in partnership for five years. Following this venture, Mr. Riddle rented his present farm from his father-in-law and when the latter died he bought it. The Richland county farm was traded for Chicago, Ohio, property. During the time he has been the owner of his Richmond township farm, Mr. Riddle has devoted himself to improving it, and has brought it into a state that makes good crops almost a certainty, so that he can depend upon an excellent income from his investment of money, time and labor.

On September 1, 1881, Mr. Riddle married Elmyra Snyder, a daughter of Hiram and Amelia Snyder, who came from the eastern part of Ohio to Huron county, being early settlers of this locality. They were the parents of the following children: Simon; who married William Cheseman ; Jennie; Douglas; Elmyra, who became Mrs. Riddle; Ira; and Amanda, who married John Bager. Mr. and Mrs. Riddle have had but one child of their own, Walter, but they have adopted Ray White from an orphan asylum and propose to give him the same ado = Un < = N vantages enjoyed by their son. "This one act sheds a light upon the truly Christian characters of these two and demonstrates that they believe in living out in their lives the teachings of their church. Walter Riddle married Cora Harmon, and their children are: May, Vernice, Harold, Lois and Dalton.

Both Mr. Riddle and his wife are consistent members of the United Brethren church and are highly esteemed by their fellow members. When the present church was built he served on the building committee, while he is now church treasurer and a member of the board of parsonage trustees. For a number of years Mr. Riddle has been prominent in the republican party in this locality and is now serving as township treasurer with that same fidelity to obligations placed upon him that has resulted in his material advancement, and his winning and retaining the friendship of his neighbors and church associates.

Emmons W. Ross

Emmons W. Ross is descended from men who braved the terrors, dangers and hardships of the unknown forests and hewed out not only a home for themselves but cleared land and prepared fields from which those generations that came after them would reap the gain. He is a farmer in the vicinity of Boughtonville, Ripley township, and owns the one hundred and forty-twe acres on which helives. He was born in Auburn, Auburn township, Crawford county, Ohio, September 13, 1861, and is the son of Royal K. and Mary (Aumend) Ross. The father, who was the son of Abel and Amelia (Emmons) Ross, was born in 1832 in New York, while the mother, who was a daughter of Adam Aumend, was born in Crawford county in 1840, for her parents were among the pioneers there. Through their marriage Royal R. Ross and his wife became the parents of five children: Fred, William, one who died in infancy, Howard and Emmons.

Emmons W. Ross has always been a farmer since his childhood's days, for as soon as he was able he did his share in the work that was carried on at home, and as he became older participated in the heavier labor of the fields. He experienced the same difficulty in obtaining an education that confronts the farmer's boys even today, but which were as nothing in comparison with the hardships of the preceding generations, just as his life with its comforts affords a striking contrast to that of his uncle Resolved White, who it is said built the first frame house in Norwalk, as he was the first settler who was an adept in the carpenter's trade. But whatever the conditions under which he labored, they bred in him the desire and the determination to win success. This has come to him with the passage of the years and is due to his own exertions alone.

On the 31st of March, 1893, Mr. Ross was united in marriage to Miss Daisy C. Daugherty, a daughter of D. W. and Alzina (Snyder) Daugherty. She was born in 1877 in Hardin county end was the elder of the two daughters born to her parents, Julia being the other. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have eight children: Victor, born February 5, 1894; Russell R., July 6, 1896 ; Virgil, November 15, 1897; Ruth, May 12, 1899; Amy, January 30, 1901; Cecil, April 5, 1903; Milo, August 3, 1906; and Glenn, May 5, 1908.

The family attend the Episcopal church at Plymouth, Ohio, and are conscientious in their practice of its teachings. When called to exercise his franchise, Mr. Ross casts his ballot for the candidate and measures of the republican party, but aside from always being present at the polls at election, which he believes to be the duty of every citizen, he takes little active part in public affairs. He isa man highly regarded, nevertheless, for the strong qualities that mark his character.

Among the many men who have witnessed the vast changes that have transpired since the opening of the early decades of the last century is J. C. Boardman, a farmer of Boughtonville, Ripley township. More than a witness, in fact, for he felled trees where are now teeming fields and built rough roads of logs where now stretch miles of macadam or gravel. The blood of men and women who had been pioneers flowed in his veins and the quickening impulse of the new life was in the very air he breathed from birth, for his father, Benaja Boardman, was said to have been the first white child born between Seneca and Cayuga lake. His birth occurred in 1794, and as he grew to manhood the desire possessed him to become a minister of the gospel and bring the word of light to those hardy people beyond the mountains. He was ordained in the Methodist church and came west to Ohio almost immediately, where by word and deed he urged the men and women not to forget the needs of the soul and organized the congregation that they might worship in common. The field of his labors lay in this part of the state, but the influence oi his life and the message he brought were not confined by any boundaries. His wife, Miss Loura Ann Hurd in her maidenhood, was a sympathetic and encouraging helpmeet. She was born in 1799 in Connecticut and like her husband came from a family that had its genesis in England. She urged him to come to this Ohio wilderness in 1827, although she well knew that it meant the rearing of her children amid hardship and poverty. There were seven born to inherit this courage from mother and father: Caleb, Joshua, Samuel, Mary, Martha, William and Benaja.

J. C. Boardman was born in Richland county, this state, March 5, 1828. In the difficult life in which the parents struggled it was early necessary that he do his share of hard, strength-requiring work, such as is not known today, for he tells with pardonable pride that at the age of fourteen he cleared an acre of timber that he might buy a pair of boots. He continued to fell trees for years, that the land might be converted into fruitful fields, Large numbers of the hewn logs were used in the construction of the historic plank roads, called corduroy roads in those days, and Mr. Boardman, still a young man, drove the ox-teams that dragged the massive tree trunks across the swamps to the place they were to be laid. With the advance in the times he has progressed; a substantial income and comforts have replaced hardships and privations; and in the growing community of Ripley township he filled a larger and larger place, a man highly respected and honored for his courage and the strength of his character. He now owns two hundred acres in Ripley township, is a stockholder in the Farmers' Bank at Green-

More than half a century ago Mr. Boardman was united in marriage to Miss Helen Ames. She was born in ithaca, New York, in 1831, and was a daughter of Benjamin and Lydia (Ellis) Ames, who were of English extraction and came to Ohio in comparatively early days. On the 15th of September, 1903, the couple celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding and for five more years they were permitted to traverse life's highway together, until, on the 3oth of June, 1908, Mrs. Boardman was released from the cares of this world. She was a noble wife and a good mother to the four children born of her. These are Eva, Carrie, Benjamin and Frank.

To the Methodist faith in which he was reared, Mr. Boardman has always given his adherence and in the little church of his township has taken a vital interest, having served the congregation as steward, trustee and class leader. In politics he has always given his support to the republican party, but he inclines more and more to some of the principles advocated by the prohibitionists. One of the oldest men of Ripley township, he is also one of its finest citizens, his life constantly being an example of industry, frugality and the guidance of sound principles.

Jonathan Trumbull Mead

Jonathan Trumbull Mead, well known as a representative of agricultural life in Huron county, was born in Fitchville township, April 25, 1835. His birth occurred on the farm where he now resides, his father, Peter Mead, having taken up this tract of one hundred and sixty-three acres as a claim from the government in 1814. Peter Mead removed from Greenwich, Connecticut, to Fairfield, New York, in 1812. His father, Peter Mead, Sr., had been a soldier of the Revolutionary war, serving for seven years in defense of colonial interests and holding the rank of sergeant. When the country again became engaged in war with England his son, Peter Mead, Jr., responded to the call to arms, taking part in the war of 1812. He was afterward a pensioner of the government, receiving eight dollars per month in recognition of the aid which he had rendered on the field of battle.

Coming to Ohio at an early day Peter Mead, Jr., was one of the pioneers of Huron county and the first to establish a home in Fitchville township, taking up his abode here when much of the land was still in possession of the government. A greater part of it was covered with the native growth of timber and it required much arduous labor to transform it into productive fields. Peter Mead, however, secured his claim and took up the difficult work of preparing the land for the plow. In due course of time he made his place a productive tract, its fields yielding generous harvests. For several terms he filled the office of justice of the peace and J. T. Mead now has in his possession the law book which his father used and which was printed in 1841. He also has a dress-coat which was worn by his grandfather over eighty years ago. Peter Mead kept the first real-estate records of Huron county and was closely connected with many other labors and events which marked the train of progress. As the work of improvement was carried on in his section of the state Peter Mead, Jr., took an active part in the transformation which was being wrought. On one occasion he gave to Amos Reynolds fifty acres of land and while assisting him in the woods, chopping down trees, both of them being barefooted at the time, Mr. Mead noticed some scars upon his companion's feet and asked how he came by them. Mr. Reynolds replied that when he was a boy fishing he, day, fell into the water and cut his feet on some oyster shells and that he would have been drowned had it not been for the help of another boy who rescued him. Further questioning and response led to the conclusion that it was Peter Mead, who had performed the rescue, although each had lost knowledge of the other's whereabouts during the years which had elapsed after the incident had occurred.

Reared upon the frontier, Jonathan Trumbull Mead was educated in one of the old time log schoolhouses in which the district schools of that day convened. He always remained upon the home farm, for his father died the son was but nineteen years of age and he afterward lived with his widowed mother who survived for many yeats, passing away July 3, 1884. In his farm work Mr. Mead was progressive and in the course of years erected new buildings upon the place and added many modern improvements which make the farm one of comfort and convenience. He is also auctioneer, well known in connection with that work which he has followed continuously since 1855. He has conducted sales in a great many states in the Union, handling both merchandise and farm property and he still follows the same business. As the years have passed he has prospered in his undertakings, and has had extended landed possessions. Although he has recently sold one hundred acres he is still the owner of three hundred and eighty acres of choice Ohio land.

On the 26th of June. 1860, Mr. Mead was united in marriage to Miss Pamelia Jane Daniels, who was born in Ruggles township, Ashland county, Ohio, August 20, 1839. Her father was William Daniels, who settled in Ashland county in pioneer times and died in 1870 at the age of sixty-two years. The mother passed away in 1906 when eighty-seven years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Mead have become the parents of four children: Rowena Jane, born July 7, 1861, and Charles Newberry, born June 19, 1873, who are still living, while Arilie Amorit and Kitty Belle have passed away.

Mr. Mead is entitled to wear the Grand Army button from the fact that he enlisted in September, 1864, in the Twelfth Ohio Independent Battery under Captain Frank Jackson. He was a representative in the third generation in the family which has done splendid military service, his grandfather having been a soldier of the Revolution, his father of the war of 1812, while his son Charles enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war with Troop A, of the First Ohio Cavalry. He supplemented his early education by study in Oberlin College.

Mr. and Mrs. Mead have spent the last six winters in Florida, thus avoiding the rigors of the northern climate. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party. Mrs. Mead attends the Congregational church, with which she has long held membership. Mr. Mead is among the oldest of the native sons of Huron county, having for seventy-four years resided within its borders so that his memory compasses the period of almost its entire growth, forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He has seen the forests cuts down and the fields cultivated until the district has been made to bloom and blossom as the rose and in the work of general improvement he has been deeply interested, bearing his full share as a public-spirited citizen.

Charles A. Cooley is a substantial and representative agriculturist of Wakeman township, Huron ccunty, and comes from a family well known and prominent in the early history of this state. He was born in Brownhelm, Lorain county, on the 26th of February, 1866, a son of Charles E. and Anna A. (Bacon) Cooley, both natives of Lorain county. George Bacon, the maternal grandfather of our subject, in company with two brothers, came with his family to Ohio from Massachuseits in 1818, the family being the second to locate in Brownhelm. The district was still covered with virgin forest and the three brothers had to clear a space large enough to build their cabins. They entered large tracts of land and concentrated their efforts upon the improvement and cultivation of the same. George Bacon became very prosperous in his agricultural undertaking and was also recognized as a prominent figure in public affairs. He was a civil engineer and in this capacity assisted in a large degree in the early work of laying out and developing the community. He served as ccunty commissioner for a number of years and was also called to other offices, being recognized as a capable and worthy citizen. Moses B. Cooley, the paternal grandfather, brought his family to Ohio from Connecticut soon after the arrival of the Bacons and likewise cast in his lct with the early settlers in this section of the country, aiding in the work of reclaiming the wild district for purposes of civilization. He, too, met with marked success in his farming pursuits and became a great worker in church circles of the community. Both grandfathers lived to a ripe old age and were well known and influential men in their different spheres.

Charles E. Cooley, the son of Moses B. Cooley, followed the occupation to which he was reared and became a prosperous farmer and one of the most extensive landowners in Brownhelm. He was also active in public affairs and served for several years as the superintendent of the Lorain county infirmary. He married Miss Anna A. Bacon and in their family were two children, George E. and Charles A. The father's death occurred in Roodhouse, Illinois, August 28, 1898, while his first wife passed away in March, 1866. In 1872 he married Miss Addie Appleby, by whom he had one daughter, Addie, now the wife of Robert Crehore. His second wife died at Bay City, Michigan, December 20, 1907.

Spending tke years of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm, Charles A. Cooley acquired his preliminary education in the schools of Brownhelm and later supplemented this training by a commercial course at Oberlin College. He remained at home; assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields until twentyone years of age, when he went to South Dakota and engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account. He was thus connected for eighteen months and then returned to Oberlin, Ohio, where he was identified with hotel interests in connec- tion with his uncle, D. W. Lock, for a similar period. At the expiration of that time he went to Janesville, Wisconsin, and was there engaged in the dairy business for one year.

Returning to Ohio in 1891, Mr. Cooley was united in marriage on the 16th of March of that year to Miss Jennie E. Morse, a daughter of George and Eliza (Ball) Mcrse, the former a prominent farmer of West Brownhelm and an ex- tensive landowner, who was also interested in all movements for the public good. He passed away August 24, 1886, his wife still making her home in West Brownhelm. Mr. and Mrs. Cooley began their domestic life on a farm in Wakeman township, Huron county, but the latter was permitted to enjoy her home for only two years, her death occurring the 19th of March, 1893. On the 4th of September, 1895, Mr. Cooley was again married, his second union being with Miss Ollie M. Whitney, a daughter of Theodore and Elizabeth (Parker) Whitney, of Elba, Nebraska, the father a former agriculturist of Huron county. Since his marriage Mr. Cooley has resided in Wakeman township and has devoted his time and attention to general farming and sheep raising, being a large wool and mutton dealer. He has concentrated all his energies upon his agricultural pursuits and has met with eminent success therein, being classed among the substantial farmers of his district. As he has prospered he has acquired considerable valuable property, his holdings now ranking him among the extensive landowners in his township.

The home of Mr: and Mrs. Cooley has been blessed with four children: Lock C., George W., Anna E. and Leota M. The parents are members of the Congregational church and are interested to a great extent in the church and Sunday school work, Mrs. Cooley acting as superintendent of the primary department of the Sunday school. She is a woman of domestic tastes, greatly devoted to her home and family, and she is highly esteemed by all who know her for her many sterling traits of character. Coolev gives loyal support to the republican party and is most active in its interests, but he has never sought nor desired public office as a reward for party fealty. He and his wife occupy an enviable place in the social circles of the community, while their residence is a favorite resort with a host of warm friends. It is well supplied with the best standard and current literature and their home is at all times dominated by a spirit of culture and refinement.

Captain William S. Foster

Among the many sons of Huron county, Ohio, who responded readily to their country's call for men to fight in her defense is notably Captain William S. Foster, who is a resident of Steuben, Greenfield township, and now lives in retirement upon a small tract of land which he owns, engaging in farming to a limited extent as a recreation rather than a means of livelihood, for the days of business are passed for him. Besides the property here Mr. Foster has some landholdings in Canada. One of Ohio's native sons, he was born in Norwalk on the 6th of November, 1838, his parents being John H. and Nancy N. (Boardman) Foster. The former was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1812, and in 1830 came with his parents, Stephen and Mary Foster, to Ohio. The family settled in Norwalk, where the old people died, the son identifying himself with the life and interests here. He first taught school for a number of years and then was employed as clerk in the auditor's office. On going into business for himself he opened a wholesale and retail grocery, which was successfully conducted, and some years later he built the warehouse at Norwalk, which he gave into the charge of his son William S. Foster. But he did more than this for the city. After his arrival there he had acquired considerable property which he opened up for residential purposes, building several nice houses for others. One of the streets of this section has since been named Foster avenue after him. As the choice of the whig voters of the city he served as mayor before the war, although it was not the first office he had held at the request of the citizens. A good and noble man he was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church and died in that faith in 1878. His wife was born in New York state and was about fifteen years of age when her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Boardman, came to Norwalk, which was their home until their death. She likewise died there, in 1880, at the age of sixty-one, having reared a family of four children, namely: Frank, deceased; William S.; John W., deceased; and Louisa, who married Ralph King, of Toledo, Ohio. William S. Foster attended the public schools of Norwalk and then continued his education in a ccllege in the Catskill mountains from which he was graduated in 1853, having taken a general course. His school days over, he returned to Norwalk, where he had charge of the warehouse his father had built until the outbreak of the Civil war. Mr. Foster enjoys the distinction of having been the first man to enlist from Huron county. When the call for troops was sent through the country he was in Cleveland, but on hearing that Captain Sawyer was in Norwalk trying to muster a cornpany, he took the first train for home and there found no one of the Norwalk Light Swords, to which he belonged and which Captain Sawyer was trying to get to enlist, had had the initiative to be the first to enroll. They needed a leader, but within an hour after Captain Foster had put down his name there were one hundred and thirty voung men ready and willing to fight for the Union. They were mustered in as Company D, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Norwalk, Ohio, April 5, 1861, and proceeded to Cincinnati, where they joined the regiment and where their term of service was lengthened to three years. They then went to Camp Dennison later to West Virginia, where their active participation in the war began. Captain Foster took part in the battles of Winchester and Stone River, being wounded in the neck in the latter. this account he was sent to the hospital at Nashville but after six weeks was transferred to the hospital at Cincinnati and while there was recommended for promotion, On leaving the hospital he was given the rank of captain and was commissioned quartermaster of all the western territory, with headquarters at Fort Laramie. At the close of the war he still remained in the service in the western states for three years, helping to fight the Indians and rendering the country safe for travelers, and as he was the first from Huron county to enlist, so he was the last to leave, when on the 6th of September, 1868, he was mustered out of the service, having been in seven years and four months. When his country no longer needed his aid he came back to Norwaik and after a short time engaged in building trestles for railroads. This business took him over the greater part of the United States and

Canada, being in Charleston, South Carolina, at the time of the earthquake there. In fact he was a guest at one of the city hotels that was completely destroyed, and remained in the city for some time afterward to assist in repairing the destruction. In all he worked about thirty years at trestle building but is now living retired on his little farm, raising chickens and succulent green things.

Captain Foster has never married. He finds abundant society and companionship, however, with his fellow members of the Grand Army post at Akron, Ohio. There the reminiscences of the days of fighting are retold and the past is contrasted with the peacefulness of the present.

Charles Cg Owen

Charles C. Owen, a progressive agriculturist of Greenfield township, is the owner and proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and forty-five acres. It was this farm the 4th of February, 1858, that he was born and here he has followed agricultural pursuits for almost half a century, the neat appearance of his property and excellent condition of everything about the place being indicative of the prosperity which he has achieved. His parents were Lafayette S. and Mary J. (Clark) Owen, the former having been born in Herkimer county, New York, the son of John Owen, who came to this county about 1836 and settled in Ripley township, where he bought the farm on which he spent the remainder of his life, passing away when he was about seventy years of age.

Lafayette S. Owen was a lad of eleven years when he came with his parents to Huron county and throughout his boyhood he pursued his studies in an old log school house, where he mastered the elementary branches of learning therein taught, during the winter months when his assistance was not needed in the fields. After reaching man's estate he was enabled to purchase the present farm of our subject from the heirs of his mother-in-law. After a life of usefulness, honesty of purpose and unfaltering industry, he here passed away in 1904. He had married Mary J. Clark, who was born April 7, 1828, and died May 30, 1602. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clark, who came from Ireland, settling in this district about the year 1820, when the entire region was covered with timber and underbrush. He bought land to a considerable extent in this locality, which he cleared and cultivated. Like most of the early settlers he built for his home a small log house and lived in this county for about thirty years, his death having occurred about 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette S. Owen became the parents of four children: Alice J., who married William Ruggles, of Peru township; Charles C., of this review ; Carrie E., who makes her home with her brother on the home farm: and Fannie E., who married Charles Snyder, of Peru township. | |

Charles C. Owen attended the district schools during the winter months, and in the summer, assisting his father with the farm labor, learned through the school of experience valuable lessons in agriculture that served him well when, upon the death of his father, he was given full charge of the farm.

His sister, Carrie E., who yet remains at home, is his able assistant, managing the affairs of the household, while he carries on general farming. Devoting his entire time and attention to the further development of the fields, he takes no active part in politics and does not belong to any fraternal organizations. He is a man of social, genial nature, who readily wins friends, and in his business affairs his straightforward and reliabie methods have him classification with the representative agriculturists of the community.

Joseph H. Gleascn is one of the successful farmers of Ripley township, but he is also one of that valiznt number of Ohio's sons who forscok their homes and their comtorts :or the sufferings of the battlefield when their country needed the support cf their arms. He owns one hundred and sixteen acres of land in the vicinity cf the village of Boughtonville, the farm on which he was born March 15, 1843. The Gleascn family is of Scotch-Irish descent and the name Joseph has been borne by one of the sons for many generations, a great-zreat-grandíather of Joseph H. Gleason having been known by that coznomen and having transmitted it to his son Joseph, who in turn bestowed it upon his son who became the father of Caleb Gleason, the father of the subject of this sketch. coming to this country the Gleason family settled in New York state, and there in Cayuga county was Caleb Gleason born. Shortly after his marriage, however, he removed to Ohio and settled on the farm which became the birthplace and has since been the home of his son Joseph H. Gleason. The woman who became his wife and the mother of his children was in her maidenhood Miss Melinda Hackett, a native of though her parents, Joseph and Sarah (Cross) Hackett, belonged to the state of New York. They were of Irish descent. Seven children were born to Caleb Gleason and his wife: Worthington, Loeta, Emily, Sarah, Charlotte, Martha and Joseph.

Joseph H. Cleason was reared at home on the farm and received what educaticn he could from the district schools. He was not of age when the Civil war was inaugurated, but the fact of his minority did not deter him from enlisting among the first of those ready to incur the hazards of the deadly struggle. On the gth of October, 1861, he was mustered into Company C, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after more than four years of service was honorably discharged December 28, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. In recognition of his bravery he was made a non-commissioned officer, serving as corporal and sergeant, for in the many engagements in which he participated several acts distinguished him from the rank and file of those about him. He fought at Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, in the Atlanta campaign, at Franklin and at Nashville, and then, after the close of the war, was sent to Texas, where he re-' mained until brought to Columbus to be discharged. In one of the skirmishes at Buzzards Roost he was severely wounded and carries the bullet today. When his country no longer required his services Mr. Gleason returned to his Ohio home and took up the life of the farmer to which he had been reared. The years have smiled upon his efforts, his toil has been richly remunerated, and his farm is one of the best cultivated as well as cne of the most fertile of Ripley township.

On the conclusion of his career as a soldier, in 1865, Mr. Gleason was married to Miss Emeline Croxton, who was born March 23, 1843, and is a daughter of William and Susan (Gibson) Croxton, in whose family were eight children: Angeline, Emeline, Louisa, Antoinette, Samuel, Caroline, Florence and Milton. Of Mr. and Mrs. Gleason's union there have been born four children: Sherwood, Prank, Wilbur and Meda.

Politically Mr. Gleason's sympathies are with the republican party which supported the nation in her hours of trial. He is not active in its ranks, however, nor a seeker for public prefermert, though he has served the township as trustee and as assessor for a number of terms. In the meetings of the Grand Army post of Ripley he revives the memories of those days when a canteen or blanket shared made men closer than brothers.

Waleace W Ketchum

Wallace W. Ketchum, who owns and operates a fine farm of three hundred acres, is recognized as one of the prominent and progressive agriculturists of New London township and in his efforts is meeting with most gratifying success. A native of New London township, Ohio, he was born October 6, 1849, and is a son of Ambrose S. and Katharine (Gates) Ketchum, both natives of Schenectady county, New York, the former's birth occurring on the 14th of March, 1817, while the latter was born on the 20th of September, 1820.

The father came to New London in 1839 and the first few years he spent in the employ of John Miller, receiving twelve dollars per month in return for his services. Upon his arrival in Ohio he had but twenty-five cents and a jack knife in his possessior, but with characteristic energy and determination he set about earning a livelihood, with the ultimate ambition of sometime owning a farm of his own. He continued in the employ of Mr. Miller for two years and during that time, by industry and careful economy, he had accumulated sufficient means with which to purchase fifty acres adjoining the corporation limits of the village of Rochester, in Lorain county. Within a year, however, he traded that property for fifty acres located in New London township on the Butler road, and there he continued to reside during the remainder of his life. His entire time was devoted to the work of the farm and he became signally successful along that line, during his lifetime accumulating a property consisting of one thousand acres of rich Ohio land, almost all of which lay in one body. This property was divided among his four children at the time of his death, which occurred August 3, 1896. "Together with general farming he had engaged in raising large quantities of stock and this branch of his business was a source of gratifying additional profit. He was a man of fine judgment and keen mind, and possessed certain qualities which, had he enjoyed proper educational advantages, would have made him an excellent jurist. His advice and counsel were frequently sought by his fellowmen and be- cause of the reputation which he had gained for his wisdom and veracity, his word was always taken as authority, its correctness never being doubted.

In 1842 he had wedded Miss Katharine Gates, with whom he happily traveled life's journey until his death. He was a stalwart supporter of the republican party and passed away in the faith of the Free Will church. The mother was a woman of excellent characteristics, of a motherly, domestic nature, whose every thought was for her family while she was untiring in her efforts to make the home attractive for those she loved. She survived her husband for more than a decade, passing away in December, 1008. In their family were four children, namely: Emma H., who was born in 1845; Wallace W., of this review; Alonzo S., born on the 14th of March, 1852; and Earl M., born in the year 1863. Prior to the father's death the three sons all remained upon the homestead, assisting in the operation of the farm and conducting the work in unison, up to the time of the father's demise, when the property was divided.

Wallace W. Ketchum, whose name introduces this review, together with the other members of his family, enjoyed the advantages of good common school educaticn, and as stated the early period of his life was passed under the parental roof. He was united in marriage on the 26th day of December, 1871, to Miss Helen M. Thomas, and they began their domestic life upon the farm which is now his place of residence. His farm consists of three hundred acres of fine farming property, to the further development and cultivation of which he has since directed his time and attention. He has put about two thousand five hundred dollars worth of improvements upon the farm since it came into his possession, has equipped it with ail of the modern conveniences and accessories, and it stands today a model farm in all of its appointments. He has devoted his time and attention to general farming, and in the conduct of his business affairs has used upto-date and progressive methods, and he ranks among the substantial, enterprising and successful agriculturists of New London township.

With the passing of the years the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ketchum has been blessed with three children. The eldest son, Clarence W. Ketchum, was born on the 6th of September, 1872, and on the 2d of Tune, 1903, he met his death in a collision on a street car line a few miles east of Norwalk, Huron county. Lee H. Ketchum, the second in order of birth, was born June 15, 1874, and is now residing upon the home farm with his parents. He was married, on Christmas day, 1895, to Miss May McAfee, and unto this union have been born four children, namely: Wilber W., born August 23, 1898; Lester H., October 25, 1899; Morris G., December 18, 1902; and Lawrence G., June 9, 1908. The voungest son, Verne V. Ketchum, who was born on the 17th of May, 1879, was married on the 25th of December, 1906, to Miss Ethel Weston. Well known and highly respected throughout the community, he is a young man of unusual ability along financial lines. He is now the cashier of the Farmers & Citizens Banking Company at Monroeville, Ohio, which position he has held for the past four years. It was through his ability and enterprise that the Monroeville Organ Company was saved from ruin and placed upon a firm, paying basis, while other enterprises have been organized and carried to a successful point through his good judgment and industry. He is a worthy son of an honored father, and one of whom any parents might well be proud.

In his political allegiance Mr. Ketchum is a stalwart republican, giving loyal support to the party at the polls, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, desiring, as he does, to devote his entire time and energies to the conduct of his private business affairs. He holds membership with the Free Will Baptist church, and his life is at all times in harmony with its professions. Throughout his entire career he has been guided by the most honorable principles and his self-reliance and unfaltering industry, combined with his integrity, constitute the salient features in his success.