Huron County, Ohio - The whole text, 1909 (part 9 of 29)

George E. Barney

George E. Barney is busily engaged in the cultivation and improvement of his fine farm of seventy-three acres in New London township. He was born in that township on the 3d of June, 1856, his parents being Edson P. and Sarah (Sprague) Barney. The father's birth occurred on the 11th of December, 1828, and the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day in the year 1827. Edson P. Barney passed away in New London on the 12th of March, 1898, having long survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in 1865.

George E. Barney attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. He lost his mother when a little lad of nine years and then went to live with his aunt and grandfather. After the death of the latter he made his home with his father until the time of his marriage. He then purchased his present farm of seventy-three acres in New London township, and his aunt, who came to live with him, made her home thereon until her demise. He has erected modern and commodious buildings and has placed many substantial improvements on the property, so that it is now lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He is practical in his methods and as the result of his work in the fields he yearly harvests good crops, for which he finds a ready sale on the market.

On the 25th of December, 1878, Mr. Barney was united in marriage to Miss Carrie J. Fenn, whose birth occurred in Sullivan, Ohio, June 27, 1859. parents, Kimball T. and Philena (Sutton) Fenn, were born in the years 1827 and 1837 respectively and celebrated their marriage 1857. They made their way to California when their daughter, Carrie J., was but five years of age, and after a residence of four years in the Golden state the mother was stricken with smallpox and died very suddenly. A month later the father also died of the same disease, so that Mrs. Barney was left alone in the world when a little maiden of nine years. She was at that time boarding with a family by the name of Mosier, with whom her father had placed her at the time of the mother's death. Subsequent to the demise of her father, her maternal grandfather, Alanson Sutton, sent a Mr. Golden to the Mosiers for his little granddaughter but they refused to give her up. The necessary papers were at once served through the sheriff, who took the child to Mr. Golden with whom she remained for five weeks or until the Union Pacific Railroad was constructed to Ohio. She made the journey from California to this state alone, riding part of the time on the engine and part of the time in the coach. Many took a friendly interest in the little orphan and her trip was rendered very pleasant by their kindly assistance. At the end of a week she reached Toledo, where she was joined by her grandfather, Mr. Sutton, by whom she was reared until she had attained the age of fourteen years. She then entered the home of a second cousin, Mr. Berry, where she remained until the time of her marriage to George E. Barney. She is now the mother of five children, as follows: Ross E., who was born June 23, 1880; Mrs. Nina Jones, whose birth occurred October 22, 1883; May, born February 9, 1886; Mrs. Lena Robertson, whose natal day was October 31, 1887 ; and George Fenn, who was born on the 9th of May, 1897.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Barney has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party, being convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government. Having spent his entire life in this county, he is most widely and favorably known within its borders and that his career has ever been an upright and honorable one is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanchest friends.

Lewis J. Haas

Lewis J. Haas is one of the young and representative farmers of Sherman township, where he owns and operates sixty-eight acres of land, and as the name indicates he is of German descent. He was born on a farm in this township, March 5, 1875, a son of George and Minnie (Hankamemer) Haas. The former was born in Peru township, December 27, 1839, of the marriage of Jacob and Dora (Berringer) Haas, who were natives of Germany and on coming to the United States in 1834 settled on a tract of land of seventeen acres in Peru township, Huron county. This land was partly cleared but the grandfather further developed and improved it, built thereon a small frame house and in due time added to his holdings until he owned thirty-one acres. They reared a family of seven children, namely : Sophia, who became the wife of Fred Mitchell and both are now deceased; Lena, who was married twice, her first husband being Joseph Duffner and her second John Setchler, who is also deceased, her home being in Kansas; Mary, who became the wife of John Setchler and both have departed this life; Jacob, who resides Monroeville, Huron county; Elizabeth, the widow of Adam Glasier, her home being in Norwalk; Anna, the deceased wife of Jacob Schwam ; and George, the father of our subject.

The last named was reared on the farm in Peru township and pursued his education in the district schools near his father's home. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-six years and then started out in life on his own account, choosing as his occupation agriculture, which has continued to be his work to the present time. After reaching years of maturity he wedded Miss Minnie Hankamemer, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Hankamemer, of Sandusky, their marriage being celebrated on the 21st of July, 1864. The birth of Mrs. Haas, however, occurred in Germany, whence she came to America with her father in 1861, the family home being established near Monroeville. The mother, who was born in 1810, died in 1857, prior to the emigration of the family to the new world. Her father was born in 1809 and died in Huron county in 1894, when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Hankamemer had a family of seven children, Mrs. Haas being the third in order of birth. The other are: William, who departed this life in 1872; Jane, who died in 1889; Christ, who passed away in 1885; Carl, who lives at Plymouth, Ohio; Kathryn, who died in 1861 ; and Herman, who makes his home in California.

It was about two years after his marriage that George Haas purchased a farm of one hundred and ten acres in Sherman township and to its further development, improvement and cultivation he has since bent his energies. A democrat in politics, he has taken an active part in public affairs and for three terms served as township trustee and he has likewise served as school director. He is a member of the Lutheran church at Columbus Pike and has served on its official board. Unto him and his wife have been born seven children, three sons and four daughters, namely: George C., who wedded Miss Kathryn Scheid and makes his home in Sherman township, his family numbering three children, Mildred, Esther and Walter; Elizabeth, the wife of Lewis Leiber, of Lyme township, by whom she has three children, Olive, Ione and Harold; Emma, still under the parental roof; William, who is a teacher in the Central high school at Toledo, Ohio; Lewis J., of this review; Minnie, the widow of Ernest L. Beckstein, who departed this life December 2, 1908, her family numbering a son and daughter, Clarence and Gladys; and Amelia, who is still with her parents.

Lewis J. Haas was reared to the duties of the home farm, assisting his father in its operation during the spring and summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the district school at Weavers Corner. He remained under the parental roof until February, 1905, when he purchased of his father his farm, consisting of sixty-eight acres, lying in Sherman township. He has made improvements on this place and now has a good house and substantial barn and outbuildings. He gives his time to general farming and in his efforts is meeting with success.

Mr. Haas was married on the 8th of February, 1905, to Miss Louisa Beckstein, a daughter of Ernest Beckstein, of Lyme township, a sketch of whom appears in this work. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Haas has been blessed with an interesting little daughter, Freda.

Mr. Haas supports the men and measures of the democratic party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, in the work of which he takes an active part. For seven years he was a teacher in the Sunday school, while for three years he has been Sunday school superintendent. He works earnestly and persistently in carrying on his business affairs and if the present is any criterion, the future undoubtedly holds for him still greater successes.

Beer Role

Germany has sent to the United States many enterprising and progressive men who, by their industry and perseverance, have acquired a substantial measure of success. Among this number was Peter Roth, now deceased. He was born November 12, 1835, in Hamburg, Germany, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Roth. His early youth was spent in the fatherland, where he acquired his education in the common schools of that country. Rumors soon reached him concerning the business advantages offered by the new world, and thinking to find better opportunities for advancement here than in his native land, at the age of seventeen he bade adieu to home and friends, and, alone, sailed for the United States. He did not linger on the eastern coast but came direct to Ohio, locating at Sandusky where he was engaged as a farm hand by the month until he was twenty-eight years of age. He was not afraid of work and during the intervening years he labored earnestly and diligently, so that eventually, through well directed efforts and careful saving of his earnings, he had accumulated a sum of money sufficient to justify him in establishing for himself a home. Consequently, on the 27th of November, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Schoen, a daughter of Paul and Barbara Schoen who, in 1851, came from Germany to the United:States, locating in Sherman township, Huron county, Ohio, where the father was engaged in farming.

After their marriage Peter Roth and his wife took up their abode upon a farm in Sherman township which Mr. Roth had previously purchased. There he engaged in agricultural pursuits for thirteen years, during which period he met with most gratifying success in his undertaking. Subsequently he removed to Weavers Corners, Sherman township, and became identified with mercantile interests, his connection therewith continuing for twenty-nine years. He was progressive and up-to-date in his business methods, possessed keen discrimination, was actuated by the laudable desire, to succeed and the fairness and integrity of his business policy won for him a large and distinctly representative patronage which continuously expanded as he became better known throughout the community. In 1902 he retired from the active duties of business life and, selling his mercantile interests, he purchased a farm in Townsend township, to which he removed with his family and upon which he resided until his death.

As the years went by the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roth was blessed with thirteen children, namely: Henry; Peter; Mary, the wife of Paul Puffing, of Bel- levue; George; Joseph; Charles; Anna, who married Peter Weidenger; Anna and John, both deceased; John; Jacob; Elizabeth; and Josephine. Mr. Roth held membership in the Catholic church, to which his family also belong. In politics he was democratic, supporting that party at the polls and doing all in his power to extend its influence throughout the community. He was not, however, an office-seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention entirely to his business affairs. He had been singularly successful in both his agricultural and mercantile interests, and not once did he ever have occasion to regret his determination to seek his fortune in this new world where, although competition is strong, advancement is rapid and individual effort is unhampered by caste or class. His personal characteristics were such that, during his long residence in Huron county, he gained an extensive circle of friends who held him in high esteem and regard. He passed to his final rest April 16, 1903. His wife and family still reside upon the home farm and are prominent and highly respected throughout the community.

Charles F. Brown

Charles F. Brown, the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Peru township, was born in that township on the 15+ of January, 1867, his parents being Jacob and Mary (Adleman) Brown. The paternal grandparents, Jacob and Mary Brown, both natives of Germany, were among the earliest settlers of Peru township, this county, and here spent the remainder of their lives. At the time of their arrival this part of the state was practically covered with timber but they resolutely faced the hardships and privations of pioneer existence, built a little log cabin and cleared a tract of land for farming purposes. They were people of the highest respectability and their labors constituted an important element in the work of early development and upbuilding. Jacob Brown, the father of Charles F. Brown, spent his entire life in Peru township, where his birth occurred in the year 1837. He was an agriculturist by occupation and in 1871 purchased the farm on which our subject now resides from James Easton. He built a commodious residence, also barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and in fact equipped the place with all the accessories of a model farm. Subsequently he bought a tract of ninety-eight acres adjoining, on which his widow now resides, giving his time and energies to its cultivation and improvement until called to his final rest in 1904. He was widely recognized as a most successful farmer and public-spirited citizen, and for a number of years did effective service for the cause of education as a member of the school board. A Catholic in religious faith, he was a prominent member of that church and his upright and honorable life won him the respect and esteem of all with whom business or social relations brought him in contact. His widow, likewise a native of Peru township, still survives at the age of sixty-four years. They reared a family of nine children, as follows: Charles F., of this review; Alfred; Eva, who is the wife of John Grisner and resides at Norwalk, Ohio; Ida, also a resident of Norwalk, who 1$ the wife of Peter McEnroe; Arthur, Otto and Theodore, all of whom live with their mother and operate the old homestead farm; Eleanor, the wife of Peter Lynch, of Norwalk, Ohio; and Laura, who makes her home at Milan, Ohio, and is the wife of William Heddle.

In his youthful days Charies E. Brown attended the district and Catholic schools of Peru township, thus equipping himself by good mental training for the practical and responsible duties of life. Since putting aside his text-books he has been engaged in the work of general farming and in this line of activity has won a goodly measure of success as the result of his untiring labor and capable management. His property comprises one hundred and fifty acres of rich and productive land, and oa the place are found many substantial improvements that indicate the progress that has been made in agricultural lines.

On the 14th of February, 1909, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Anna Heddle, a daughter of Adam and Anna (Harn) Heddle, of Huron county. Like his father, Mr. Brown is a valued and consistent member of the Catholic church. Having always made his home in Peru township, he is widely and favorably known throughout the community and well deserves mention in this volume as a worthy representative of a family that has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of this county from pioneer times down to the present.

Calvin Carl Heyman

Calvin Carl Heyman, a farmer of Lyme township, Huron county, and the owner of ninety-five acres of land on which he lives with his sister, who is part owner of the estate, was born on this farm, July 4, 1886. He is the son of William F. and Verena (Ballmer) Heyman, both of whom were of European birth. The father was born in Germany, February 18, 1839, but was only nine years old when he came to this country with his parents. The family settled in Lyme township in 1848, at a time when primitive conditions still prevailed. "Their first habitation was a log cabin and it remained their home during the life of the older people. William F. Heyman, on attaining his manhood, bought land extensively and became possessed of three farms in this county, aggregating about three hundred and sixty-five acres. He was a prominent member of the Reformed church, having been at one time one of its elders, and having given, with his brother, the most of the money which made possible the erection of its edifice in 1863. In 1863 he married Miss Verena Ballmer, who was born in Switzerland, May 7, 1844, but came to this country with her parents when very young. She died January 1901, her husband surviving her something over four years, his death having occurred April 3, 1905, on the home farm. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heyman, all of whom are living, namely: Samuel; Julius; Oliver; Charlotte; Verena, who married William Longshied, of Lyme township; Walter; Arnold; William F., Jr.; Roscoe; Arthur; Paul: and Calvin Carl.

Calvin Carl Heyman has passed all the years of his life in this county. From the district school he received all that it could give in the way of formal preparation forlife. He early turned his attention to farming, in fact, he has known almost no other life, for as soon as he was able he was assigned his regular tasks in the economy of the home, which gradually increased in importance and responsibility until he was fully competent, when he reached man's estate to assume the management of his own farm. When he felt that the time had come for him to enter the battle of life for himself, his sister Charlotte united her money with his and the two bought the farm upon which they both live from their parents. To- gether they have shared the responsibility and the labor, though of course the heavier burden has fallen upon the man. During the period of their possession, however, the farm has been greatly improved and the soil coaxed to its greatest productiveness.

Mr. Heyman is a member of the Reformed church, in which all the rest of the Heyman family have also been confirmed, and he upholds the traditions established in it by his father. Heis a hard-working young man and a good manager, so that it is not surprising that he should be reckoned as one of the prosperous farmers among the younger generation in his locality. His life has meant a great deal of persistent labor, but even now he is beginning to see the generous returns this will bring him as the years pass on.

Mrs. Susanna Stimson

Mrs. Susanna Stimson, of Ridgefield township, is the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and one acres. It was in Ridgefield township that her birth occurred, her parents being Ziba and Asenath (Jefferson) Surles, who were natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively. She traces her ancestry back to Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Surles were early settlers of Monroeville, Huron county, Ohio, the father becoming a pioneer blacksmith of this community. They were married at Monroeville and continued worthy and respected residents here until called to their final rest, the father passing away in 1890, at the age of eighty-eight years, while the mother died in 1898, when eighty-two years of age. Unto this worthy couple were born ten children, namely: Cithera; Willard J.; Susanna, of this review; Sarah and Stella, who are deceased; James H.; one who died in infancy; and Lillie, Flora A., and Jessie, all of whom have passed away.

On the 4th of April, 1866, Miss Susanna Surles gave her hand in marriage to Garner Stimson, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, January 2, 1836. his parents being Joseph and Mary Ann Stimson. He was about fifteen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, the family home being established near Monroeville, Ohio. His mother died about six weeks after her arrival in this county. Garner Stimson was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children, his brothers and sisters being as follows: Jane, Elizabeth, Joseph B. and Charles, all of whom are now deceased; Frank; John; Ruth; and Arthur.

In the fall of 1866 Garner Stimson purchased the farm on which his widow now resides and as the years went by made many substantial improvements on the property, winning a gratifying and well deserved measure of success in his agricultural interests. the 4th of September, 1861, he enlisted for three years' service in the Union army as a member of Company B, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and re-enlisted February 10, 1864, while on the 2d of August, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee. He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant of Company I, December 2, 1864, and on the 2d of August, 1865, the day on which he was mustered out, received a commission as captain. That his military service was of a most arduous and hazardous character is indicated by the following list of battles in which he participated: Corinth, Mississippi; Gunther's Landing, Lexington, Kentucky; Hartsville and Gallatin, Tennessee; Stone River; Bradyville, Liberty, Snow Hill and Franklin, Tennessee; Elk River; Pulaski; Alpine, La Fayette and Chickamauga, Georgia; Farmington, Charleston, Cleveland and Loudon, Tennessee; Murphy, North Carolina; Moulton, Alabama; Big Shanty; McAfee's Crossroads; Tennessee Creek; Kenesaw Mountain; Atlanta and Lovejoys Station, Georgia; Good Hope Church; Gadsdin, Georgia; and Blue Mountain.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stimson were born seven children: Jessie L., is the wife of Fred P. Rosecrans, who was formerly a school teacher and is now the manager of a store on the Hawaiian Islands. They have two children, Garneffie and Rita O. Effie C., the wife of James B. McDonald, resides at Boulder, Colorado and has two children, Ronald J. and Thera G. William S. and Elver reside on the home farm with her mother. Susanna S. has passed away. Susie A. gave her hand in marriage to Allen C. Setchell and makes her home in Huron county. Ambrose H. wedded Miss May Bailey, of Norwalk, and lives on the old homestead farm. They have one child, Erma May.

Mr. Stimson was a consistent and valued member of the Baptist church, in which he served as a deacon and in the faith of which he passed away on the 2d of June, 1904. His demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive circle of friends during the fifty-three years of his residence in this county, his life being characterized at all times by high and honorable principles and worthy motives. For many years he maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post. Mrs. Stimson, who still survives her husband, has an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which her entire life has been spent, her many good traits of heart and mind having endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact.

Hon. H. N. Donaldson, who is now acting as chief executive of Bellevue, where he is also conducting a dental office, his professional ability gaining him rank as a representative of the dental fraternity in this county, was born on a farm in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the Ist of June, 1869. He comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry, the family having been founded America by his great-grandfather, Jacob Donaldson, who on crossing the Atlantic settled on a farm in Mount Pleasant township, Washington county, Pennsylvania. His son, Isaac Donaldson, was there born and the same neighborhood was the birthplace of Dr. Donaldson and his father. The latter was Robert Donaldson, whose natal day was June 5, 1831. He is still living in the county of his nativity and is one of the worthy and respected citizens of the community. In early manhood he married Rachel Walker, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1832 and died in 1871. They were the parents of six children: Frank, who died in 1900 at the age of forty-two years; Flora, the wife of J. M. Dinsmore, living in Washington county, Pennsylvania; Anna, who became the wife of Dr. Hugh Hanna, of Philadelphia, and died in 1903; Sarah, the wife of J. M. Thompson, a resident of Washington county, Pennsylvania; Charles, who is living on the old homestead in Washington county; and H. M.

Dr. Donaldson spent the period of his minority in his native county and attended the district schools there, after which he continued his education in an academy at Buffalo, Pennsylvania. He prepared for a professional career by a course of study in the Pennsylvania Dental College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1891. In that year he came to Bellevue, Ohio, and succeeded to the practice and patronage of Dr. Kirk. He has since followed his profession here and is a capable dentist whose broad understanding of the scientific principles that underlie his work, together with his mechanical skill and ingenuity, make him one of the foremost practitioners among the representatives of the dental fraternity in Bellevue. He is very careful in all his work and his patience and courtesy as well as his professional skill have made him a popular dentist of Bellevue.

Dr. Donaldson has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Minnie Wade, a daughter of Lewis and Mary Wade, of Urbana, Ohio. The wedding was celebrated June 22, 1892, and they were separated by the death of the wife on the 4th of November, 1905, Mrs. Donaldson being then about thirty-five years of age, her birth having occurred April 9, 1870. They were the parents of two children, Robert and Mildred. Donaldson was again married at Bellevue in 1907, his second union being with Miss Emma May Barb, a daughter of James C. and Hannah A. (McDonald) Barb. Her father was born in 1834, and died in 1901 while the mother, who was born in 1835, passed away in 1891. Mr. Barb was a Lutheran minister, devoting his entire life to the work of the church. In his family were six children: J. Ernest, who is now a minister; John M.; Elsie L.; Ida; Bertha, deceased; and Mrs. Donaldson, the latter a native of. Tennessee.

Dr. Donaldson has been prominent and influential in community affairs and his fellow citizens, recognizing his public spirit, his business ability and his devotion to the general good, have called him to public office. He was a member of the school board for about thirteen years when he resigned and was elected mayor of Bellevue on the democratic ticket in November, 1905. So acceptably did he serve during the first term that he was reelected in 1907 and has now entered upon the fourth year of his service as chief executive of the city, in which connection he is giving a business-like and progressive administration charac- terized by retrenchment of all useless expenditure but by wise investment in lines of municipal progress, reform and improvement. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge and chapter at Bellevue and also to the Elks lodge of this city. He is likewise a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Congregational church and his life is actuated by high and honorable principles, to which he is loyal in every relation of life. He sustains a high reputation as a capable representative of his profession, as the city's chief executive and as well in all those relations of life where warm friendships and strong personal attachments are formed.

Mrs. Joseph Sweet

Mrs. Joseph Sweet, the owner of eighty-four acres of land in Lyme township, Huron county, is the daughter of Samuel E. Nims and comes of a family that has been intimately connected with the history of this country from the time the thirteen colonies battled for their independence from the mother country. Asa Nims, Mrs. Sweet's great-grandíather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and when his son Samuel came to Ohio, he accompanied him and participated in the struggles of the few pioneers here. This Samuel Nims was born in Franklin, Massachusetts, in 1790, and with his wife Mahala, came to Huron county, Ohio, in 1826, but she did not long survive the hard life and its struggles, dying in her thirty-sixth year. She left two children to mourn her loss. The older, Betsy, married Rufus Russell, and with her husband has passed beyond earth's worries. The second child was Samuel E. Nims, the father of Mrs. Sweet, who is still living, though at a very advanced age. For his second wife, the grandfather, Samuel Nims, married Miss Fannie Peck, who was born in 1800, and came from Shelborn, Massachusetts, as did his first wife. She became the mother of two daughters, Augusta and Ardelia. The former was born 1837, and in the course of time married Samuel Bemiss. She died October 22, 1907. Ardelia was born two years after her sister and married Edward A. Barton. She has since passed away, but her husband is living in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Samuel E. Nims, the father of our subject, has always lived in this part of the state. He received his early education in the district schools here and later attended the high school at Bellevue. In after years he demonstrated that he was a man of many capabilities, who took an active and practical interest in public affairs and he was elected a member of the school board and was also made township assessor. both capacities he acquitted himself with distinction, leaving a fine record behind him. the 5th of October, 1859, he married Miss Julia Stebbins, a daughter of Alfred Stebbins, and through her was blessed with two daughters: Mattie E., who is the subject of this sketch; and Nettie C. The latter married E. W. Avery and now lives in Erie county. They have three children: Helen, Leland Ford, and Myron M.

Mattie E. Nims was born in this county, October 7, 1862. She received the best education the schools of this locality afforded and also attended Lake Erie

College at Paynesville, Ohio, and spent two years at Oberlin Conservatory. She passed her days on the farm, fulfilling the duties around the house that fell to her share, but otherwise living in comparative quiet. On the 16th of February, 1888, she married Joseph Sweet, of Shelborn, Massachusetts, who was born September 27, 1858, and during the forty odd years of his life pursued the vocation of a farmer, becoming a most successful man. He was a stanch member of the Congregational church and a thorough Christian in his manner of life, and when he died, December 28, 1903, he left a large number of friends to mourn his loss. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sweet were born two children: Gretchen M., who was born January 19, 1890; and John M., born December 189r.

Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Sweet has carried on the work and business of the farm and has not found the task beyond her powers. In fact she has grown up to her responsibilities and has demonstrated how a capable woman can conduct a man's work. Some of the courage of her soldier greatgrandfather and grandfather, the latter having fought in the war of 1812, would seem to flow in her veins, for she never falters before a difficulty and valiantly comes out ahead in all her struggles.

Dr. Ira L. Wyant is an example of the self-made man, who has never sought success by devious methods but in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit, has made continuous progress, proving his ability to cope with the intricate problems that continually confront the physician. One of Ohio's native sons, he was born in Sandusky county, on the roth of March, 1870, a son of Reuben K. and Sarah (Overmeyer) Wyant. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and in his boyhood days accompanied his parents to Sandusky county, Ohio. Both he and his wife died, however, during the early childhood of their son, Ira, and that he has attained to his present enviable position as one of the leading physicians of the county is an evidence of his industry, perseverance, determination and mental capacity. His early education was of a spasmodic character, being interrupted time and again by the necessity for him to provide for his own support. He spent two years as a pupil in the district schools, two years in Huron high school, and one year at the Ohio Normal at Ada. Becoming imbued with a desire to enter the medical profession, he eagerly availed himself of every opportunity that advanced him in that direction. During the summer months he sailed on the lakes in various capacities and during the winter seasons studied at the Homeopathic Medical College at Cleveland, thus continuing his course until he was graduated with the class of 1894. He then located for practice in Chesterland, Ohio, where he remained for twelve years, when, seeking a broader field of labor he came in 1906 to Norwalk, where he has since remained and in the intervening years has built up a good practice. By reading and research he keeps in touch with the most progressive ideas and methods of the profession and his close conformity to a high standard

Dr. Wyant was married in 1895 to Miss Mary Doane, a daughter of Silas and Eudolpha (DeWitt) Doane, who were old and respected Huron county citizens. The father came to this county when young, settling at Hartland. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Wyant has been born a daughter, Hilda, whose birth occurred January 20, 1898. The Doctor's interests center in his home and yet he is not unmindful of the social amenities of life, finding pleasant relations in fraternal organizations, being a Knight Templar Mason, a Knight of Pythias and a Forester. His fellow townsmen recognize him as a citizen, dependable under all conditions, while his patrons manifest well merited faith in his professional skill and ability.

Christopher, G.. Galley

Christopher G. Galley, a substantial and representative agriculturist of Huron county, has resided on his present farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Greenfield and Peru townships for more than a half century. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of this county, his birth having occurred in Peru township on the 6th of August, 1829. His parents were George B. and Lydia (Wilson) Galley, the former being a native of New York, while the latter was born in Peru township, this county. The mother passed away when her son, Christopher G., was about seven years of age and since then the latter has never seen his father, who went to South Carolina about that time. Mr. Galley of this review was reared by his maternal grandfather, Asa Wilson, who was one of the first settlers of Peru township, coming here with Henry Coy. He lived in a log house and had about six hundred acres of land, which he cleared with the assistance of his son and grandson, Christopher G. Galley. Both Mr. Wiison and Mr. Coy took a prominent and helpful part in the work of early development and upbuilding and when the former passed away in 1855, at the venerable age of ninety-two years, the county mourned the loss of one of its most respected and worthy pioneer settlers. Asa Wilson was a soldier in the war of 1812 and participated in the battle of Plattsburg.

Christopher G. Galley obtained his education in the district schools, and has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. With the exception of a period of two years spent at farm work in Seneca county, this state, he has always made his home in Huron county. The farm on which he now lives has been his place of residence since 1857, and is a valuable and productive tract of land comprising one hundred and twenty-five acres, lying partly in Greenfield township and partly in Peru township. He purchased the property from Asa Hanes and for the first seven years, lived in a log house, but in 1864 erected the commodious and substantial brick dwelling, which is yet seen on the place. The many other improvements with which the farm is equipped all stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise and everything about the place indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. At the present time, however, he has largely put aside the active work of the fields and spends the greater part of his time in the care of his bees, having a number of hives. He has met with a gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity in his undertakings and has long been numbered among the most successful and enterprising citizens of the community.

Mr. Galley has been married twice. In 1854, he wedded Miss Kathryn E. Griswold, a daughter of George W. and Rose Griswold, of Norwich township. She met with a sudden and tragic end, being killed in 1881 at Havana, Ohio, by a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad train. On the 20th of February, 1883, Mr. Galley was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth R. Ryerson, a native of Vernon, New Jersey, and a daughter of Nicholas and Serepta (Simonson) Ryerson, who were likewise born in Vernon, New Jersey. The father, whose birth occurred in 1813, was called to his final rest in 1861, while the mother was born in 1817 and passed away in 1897. In the year 1841, when their daughter, Mrs. Galley was a little maiden of six years, they took up their abode in Peru township, this county. Nicholas Ryerson acted as superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school for more than twenty-five years. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children, namely: Elizabeth R.; Christopher S., a resident of Portland, Michigan; Mary, the deceased wife of John Lattimore, of Norwalk, Ohio; John R., living in Norwalk, Ohio; Hannah, the deceased wife of John Hollaway ; Emeline, who is the wife of Frank Brown, of Huron county ; Nicholas, of Peru township; Walter and William, both of whom reside in Norwalk, Ohio; Serepta, who has passed away ; and Margaret, who is the wife of F. E. Hickson and makes her home near Toledo, Ohio.

Of late years Mr. Galley has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and has served in the position of school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He has now passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey and, having spent practically the entire time in Huron county, no man is more familiar with its history or with events which have left their impress upon its annals and no man of this section of the state is held in more uniform respect and regard than is he of whom we write.

Adelbert S. Vail, who is serving as assistant in the auditor's office at Norwalk, was born on the 24th of April, 1889. His father, David Vail, whose birth occurred in Newfield, Tompkins county, New York, on the Ist of October, 1811, was long numbered among the most honored and respected citizens of Huron county, with the upbuilding and development of which he was identified from early pioneer times. In 1833, when a young man of twenty-two years, he emigrated to Ohio, driving and walking all the way through almost a continuous wilderness. He located first at Elyria, which was a little settlement consisting of a meeting house and two or three small buildings. A few years prior to his death, in response to a letter received from the editor of a local paper requesting information regarding his pioneer experiences, Mr. Vail wrote, in part, as follows:

"T passed through Elyria the last of November of 1833 with my uncle, Joseph Linderman, on my way from the state of New York to Carlisle, Lorain county, about six miles south of Elyria, where his brother-in-law had lived for some time. That winter I went to work at Elyria, cutting cordwood for a cast-iron furnace, which was situated at or near the junction of the east and west branches of Black river. The iron company kept a store and paid the hands in what was called 'iron money,' a bill which was redeemable in goods from the store. * * * I do not known what the population of Elyria was at that time, but there was besides the iron works, three or four stores, a boarding house and a church, the bell of which rang at the time it rained stars. That winter I went to Oberlin (then called the Presbyterian Colony) to school, about two months, until the teacher became sick and the school closed. I went back to Elyria to work, staying until July, when I came to Huron county." While living at Elyria he helped to build the first road along the Black river into the village of Lorain. On coming to this county he settled at Olena and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, with which he was successfully identified throughout his active life. He likewise conducted a general mercantile store in Olean for several years and in all of his undertakings met with a commendable and well deserved measure of prosperity, being a man of excellent business ability and keen discrimination.

On the 7th of December, 1845, David Vail was married at Fairfield, Huron county, to Almira Adams, of Symphronius, Cayuga county, New York. She passed away on the sth of January, 1887, leaving five children: David W., Leonard A., John J., Alice and Charles W. On the roth of April, 1888, Mr. Vail was again married, his second union being with Miss Ellen Jeanette Sweet, who was born on the 29th of June, 1846, her parents being Charles R. and Elizabeth (Hodges) Sweet. father, whose birth occurred in Onondaga county, New York, August 18, 1814, came to Huron county in 1844 and, purchasing a farm, was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. He was called to his final rest on the 17th of September, 1870. On the 25th of January, 1842, he had wedded Miss Elizabeth Hodges, who was born June 24, 1823, and whose demise occurred on the 4th of September, 1866. Unto Mr. Vail and his second wife was born a son, Adelbert SF Of CNIS review.

When twenty-one years of age David Vail cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, who had again been nominated as the presidential candidate of the democracy. In 1884, during President Cleveland's first administration, he was appointed postmaster of Olena, but when Benjamin Harrison was elected chief executive he gave up the office and served as a notary public for many years. When Cleveland was reelected president the postmastership was again tendered Mr. Vail, but he declined, preferring to live a retired life, free from business and official cares. At the time of his death he was one of the oldest residents in the county, and also one of the oldest members of the Baptist church, which he joined in early life. He passed away at his home in Olena on the 28th of January, I907, at the venerable age of ninety-five years, three months and twentyeight days, and thus the county was called upon to mourn the loss of one of its most honored, esteemed and influential pioneer residents. In a review of his life, written by one of the local papers at the time of his demise, we find the following statement: "Mr. Vail was a good type of the old-fashioned York state stock, an honorable and sincere man who won respect by faithfulness, integrity and genial personal qualities and he doubtless never knew how considerable an impression his fine character made his many friends and acquaintances." His aid and influence could always be counted upon to further any movement or measure instituted to promote the general welfare, # he was a most public-spirited, loyal and progressive citizen.

Adelbert S. Vail, whose name initiates this review, is a graduate of the Olena schools and also completed a course in the business college at Norwalk, in 1905. He is now capably discharging the duties devolving upon him as deputy in the office of the auditor at Norwalk and, although but twenty years of age, has already gained favorable recognition as a young man of much promise and ability.

George H. Mains

George H. Mains brought forth the first edition of the Wakeman Independent Press on the roth of September, 1875, and since that date has not missed a weekly publication of the paper. He is well known as a representative of journalistic interests in this part of the state and through the columns of the Press has done much to further the welfare and promote the progress of the town in which he resides. He was born November 23, 1833, in Athens, Sometsc: county, Maine, his parents being John and Lura Ann (Boston) Mains, who emigrated to Ohio in 1836 and settled in Russia township, Lorain county. In the family were twelve children, of whom the two eldest died in infancy, George H. being the eldest of those who reached years of maturity. The others were: Elvira; John; Emeline; Acquilla and Priscilla, twins; Lura A who became a noted evangelist of the Free Will Baptist church; Lorenzo; Sumner B.; and Mary. The last named is the wife of Gilbert Treadwell, a blacksmith of Union City, Michigan, while Emeline was the wife of Darwin Peckham of Lincoln, Nebraska, who went to that city when it was first laid out and became a prominent contractor and builder there, erecting many of the public buildings He died there several years ago. John Mains, the father of this family, was a blacksmith and worked at his trade throughout his active life, following that pursuit in Lorain and Erie counties, Ohio, and afterward in Calhoun county, Michigan, to which place he removed in 1852, there spending his remaining days. His death occurred in Coldwater, Michigan, about twenty years ago.

George H. Mains was educated in the common schools of Erie county and as a young man learned the cabinetmaker's trade at Birmingham, Ohio. He accompanied the family on their removal to Michigan in 1852, but only remained in that state for three years, after which he returned to Erie county, Ohio, 1856. There he continued to work at the cabinetmaker's trade and became well known in the community not only by reason of his business affairs but also owing to the fact that he took quite an active part in the campaign for Fremont and Dayton. He became one of the early advocates of the republican party and voted twice for Lincoln and once for Grant but in 1872 he supported Horace Greely and since that time has been voting the prohibition ticket, taking an active interest in promoting the cause of temperance along political lines and in private life as well.

In 1863 Mr. Mains gave up his trade as a cabinetmaker and turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, with which he was connected for a number of years. He was also a traveling salesman for a Cleveland house for three years and later he became a stencil cutter, being thus engaged for several years in Ohio and Michigan. In 1870 he began the publication of the Literary Pearl, a monthly paper in which were produced the writings of his two sisters, Elvira, who was a teacher, and Lura Ann, a missionary worker. This was continued until 1875 when he was induced by the merchants of Wakeman to remove to this town and establish a paper as the town was then without one and the merchants wished an advertising medium. Accordingly in August, 1875, he came to Wakeman and established the office and on the roth of September, 1875, brought forth the first issue of the Wakeman Independent Press, which has since been produced weekly to the present time. The paper has wielded a wide influence for great good in the community, being the champion of every measure calculated to promote public progress, reform and improvement. It has always been utilized for the dissemination of general and local news and now has both a good circulation and advertising patronage.

Mr. Mains has been married twice. In 1858 he wedded Miss Jane B. Harrison, a daughter of Thomas Harrison, a farmer of Erie county. She lived for only two years after her marriage, her death occurring in 1860. In 1862 Mr. Mains wedded Miss Ann E. Cross, a daughter of Bartlett Cross. They had three children: Elmer E. and George B., both now deceased; and Anson Perry, who is associated with his father in the publication of the Press. Mr. Mains has a nice home and a fine little truck farm in addition to his newspaper. He is a man, active in local affairs and was the first one to carry the daily mail from Birmingham to Wakeman, making the round trip, a distance of sixteen miles, for sixty-two and a half cents. This was in 1858. While he has always been interested in public measures he has never been a candidate for office. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and has been interested and active in this work for a half century, serving almost constantly throughout this period as one of the church officials and as a Sunday-school worker, frequently acting as superintendent of the Sunday school. He stands for all that is progressive and beneficial in the community and his labors have been of far-reaching influence in promoting Wakeman's welfare.

George Avery

George Avery, a farmer of Lyme township, Huron county, is the owner of seventy-six acres of land, upon which he has made his home for more than a quarter of a century. He was born in this township, April I9, 1851, the son of Luther and Susanna (Ford) Avery. The father was born in New London county, Connecticut, but came as a young boy with his father, Dudley Avery, to Ohio and settled in Lyme township, near Hunte's Corners. Here he pursued farming all his life, and the task and labor of cultivating the soil in a comparatively early part of the history of the county was a much more difficult thing than it is today, and required the greater part of his time. He died February 22, 1895. A family of six children, however, soon grew up and were able to afford him considerable assistance. They were Henry A.; Mary, deceased; George; James O.; Edmond W.; and Addie R.

George Avery has spent all of his life in this township. He received his early training under the guidance of his parents at home and in the district schools, where he learned all that these institutions could impart to him. Farming has been his occupation throughout life, for as a boy he did his full share about the home from the time that he was old enough to be intrusted with the responsibilities of the household chores and was able to carry water to those working in the fields, until he too was able to do a man's work ploughing or making hay. By the time, therefore, that he had compassed the period of youth he was fully competent to assume the full management of a farm of his own and was skilled in the best methods of winning from the land its most bounteous returns.

On the 29th of October, 1878, Mr. Avery was united in marriage to Miss Nellie C. Eaton, a daughter of Delos and Calista (Stebbins) Eaton. This family, like the Averys, were among the early settlers of this part of the county, where they have spent the greater part of their long and useful lives. There have been two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Avery: Ethel L. and Ralph.

During the thirty years that he has lived upon his present farm, Mr. Avery has considerably improved it and the quality of the produce he wins from it, for he is a man who is ever on the alert to grasp such means as will contribute to his own convenience and increase the efficiency of his working power. He professes the creed of the Congregational church, and his daily life bears evidence that his profession is not merely a form. He is highly thought of among those who have had relations with him, for he is a man whose quiet life, filled with hard work, contributes its share to the good citizenship of the county.

Rev. John A. Schaffeld

Rev. John A. Schaffeld, pastor of St. Paul's church in Norwalk, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, a son of John Bernard Schaffeld, who was a native of Germany. In his boyhood days the father came with his parents to the new world, the family home being established in Baltimore. In 1867 a removal was made to Cleveland, where for twenty years Mr. Schaffeld made his home, passing away in 1886 at the age of forty-six years. In early manhood he had married Christina Teresa Koenig, a native of Rhenish Prussia, whose father was an officer in the French army. She is still living and is a well preserved woman for

Rev. John A. Schaffeld was reared in Cleveland, pursuing his early education in St. Peter's parochial school. His classical course was obtained at Canisius College in Duffalo, while his preparation for the priesthood was made in St. Mary's Seminary at Cleveland. Having determined to devote his life to the cause of the church he was ordained to the priesthood on the 17th of December, 1892, and then for eight and a half years was pastor of the church of St. Mary's in Fulton county, Ohio. On the expiration of that period he came to Norwalk, where he has since remained in charge of the parish of St. Paul's church. He is a genial and popular gentleman, high-minded, a liberal man interested in the cause of general education and most active and efficient in the work of the church, doing much for the spread of Catholicism in this locality.

Captain C. C. Cook, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Bellevue, where he is conducting a fire insurance agency and is also serving as justice of the peace, which position he has capably and acceptably filled for about sixteen years, was born in a little log cabin in this city January 1, 1838, and therefore has been a witness of the growth and development oi the city and county for more than three score years and ten. His parents were Nathan S. and Eliza ( Dixon) Cook, early residents of this part of the state. The father was born in Seneca county, New York, in 1809 and died in 1850 when returning from California. He was one of the first to go to the Pacific coast on the discovery of gold in that section of the country. He had come to Ohio in pioneer times and was closely, actively and helpfully associated with the work of earlv development and improvement. His wife, who was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, in 1816, died in Huron county in 1879. at the age of sixty-three years. They were the parents of six children: C. C.; Robert and Mary C., who are both deceased; James D. ; and Charles G. and Ellen, who have passed away.

Captain Cook of this review has always resided at Bellevue, save for the period of his service in the United States army, spending his youthful days in his mother's home - his father having died when the son was but twelve years of age - he pursued his education in the public schools of Bellevue and later in preparation for a professional career entered the Buffalo Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1867. He practiced medicine in Bellevue for one year. the meantime, however, he had rendered active aid to his country as a soldier of the Civil War. He watched with interest the progress of the events in the south, preceding the outbreak of hostilities, believed that no state had the right to withdraw from the Union and in April, 1861, at the first call for seventyfive thousand men, he enlisted at Bellevue and went to Camp Denison, where he joined the First Zouave Regiment. Becoming a private of Company D, he was soon advanced to the rank of sergeant and participated in a large number of battles and skirmishes, including the engagements at Fayetteville, Virginia, and the Toiand and Averil! raid to West Virginia. He also went on the Hunter raid to Lynchburg in 1864 and up the Shenandoah valley under Sheridan. He was in- jured at Princeton and because of this was detailed for duty as hospital steward of the regiment. He remained at the front until the close of hostilities and was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, in 1865, returning to his home with a most creditable military record. It was subsequent to this time that he studied medicine for a year in Bellevue, but in 1868 he again proffered his military aid to the country and entered the United States Regular Army, joining General Custer at Fort Harker, Kansas. He was in the regular service for about ten years, acted for a time as inspector on General Hancock's staff and visited all the forts from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Yuma and from British Columbia to the gulf. Promotion won him the rank of captain of cavalry and he worthily won his officer's stripes.

On retiring from the army, Captain Cook returned to Bellevue. He was married in 1879 to Miss Emma Murdock, a daughter of Hiram and Carolina Murdock of Orleans county, New York. Mrs. Cook, who was an estimable lady and enjoyed the friendship of many with whom she came in contact, departed this life in I903.

Captain Cook is well known in Masonic circles, holding membership in the lodge, chapter and council at Bellevue and in the Knight Templar Commandery of Norwalk, Ohio. He also affiliates with the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of the Maccabees and is a past commander of the Grand Army Post of Bellevue. In the work of these organizations, he takes an active interest and finds special delight in the camp fires of his post where are recalled the scenes and incidents of warfare in the south. He went through all the usual experiences of the regular soldier on the frontier of the west and as commanding officer of his company, he enjoyed to the fullest extent the confidence and respect of those who served under him. Since resuming his residence in Bellevue, he has engaged in the fire insurance business, in which connection he has secured a good clientage. During sixteen years service as justice of the peace, his decisions have ever been strictly fair and impartial and indicate that he is as loyal to the interests of his country in times of peace as when he followed the old flag on the battlefields of the south or protected the nation's standard upon the western plains.

Hiram R. Boardman

He whose name initiates this review needs no special introduction to the readers of this volume, for he is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the county and is, moreover, well known throughout the community as an aviarist of considerable note, being perhaps the best authority on bee culture in Huron county.

Hiram R. Boardman was born on the 2d of April, 1834, in old Swanzey, New Hampshire, near the home of Denman Thompson, and is a son of Hiram and Delia (Richardson) Boardman. The family was established in Huron county in June, 1835, the father, prior to that time, having made a trip to the middle west, traveling most of the distance on foot. Attracted by the splendid opportunities offered by this great and growing country, he returned east for his family and brought them by way of the Erie canal to Buffalo and thence to Huron by lake steamer, while the remainder of the journey was made by wagon. At the time of their arrival in Huron county the state of Ohio was still little more than a wilderness, its lands remaining largely unclaimed and its resources undeveloped. The early settlers had cleared tiny openings the forest where they had built their log cabins, while the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been begun. the years passed, however, Hiram Boardman, Sr., bore his full share in the work of transformation and improvement and became a prominent and influential member of the community. He was a blacksmith by trade and followed that occupation after coming to Huron county. taught school for three years subsequent to his arrival here and was also identified with the agricultural interests of this county. He became active in public affairs and was called upon to fill almost all of the local offices of the township, including that of township clerk, trustee and justice of the peace, while for many years he was postmaster of Townsend at a time when the mail was carried from Norwalk on horseback. It was while he was acting as trustee that the township house, a very creditable brick building which yet stands, was built. He was deeply interested in and a stanch champion of the cause of education, and every matter or measure which had for its object the substantial growth and upbuilding of the community found in him a ready sympathizer and cooperant. He was well known and prominent among the early settlers of Huron county, and occupied a high place in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen. His death occurred April 15, 1871, while his wife survived until the 18th of June, 1899. They were both buried in the Townsend cemetery. In their family were five children: Hiram R., Horace H., Marcia, Electa and Wyman, all of whom are yet living.

Accompanying his parents to Ohio when but one year of age, Hiram R. Boardman was therefore reared in Huron county and attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early education. He later studied for a time in the special school at Collins, after which he devoted some time to teaching in Wood county. Subsequently withdrawing from that profession, however, he became employed in his father's shingle mill on the home farm and later purchased the mill, which he operated on his own account for several years. in 1854, the year following the border troubles, he went to Kansas and took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he remained for one year. After his return to Ohio he spent a year in the Pennsylvania oil fields as a tool dresser and then became identified with agricultural interests, exchanging his property in Kansas for a farm in Townsend Center, upon which he has since resided. Here he engages in general farming and devotes the greater portion of his time and attention to his bee interests. Since a young man he has made a careful study of bees and their habits, specializing along improved and modern methods of handling them. He has been a large contributor to the foremost bee journals in the country and is perhaps the best authority and judge of bees in Huron county. He is a taxidermist of considerable ability and has a collection of birds and animals that has few equals among private collections and would make a valuable addition to any museum.

Mr. Boardman was united in marriage 1873 to Miss Eliza Lord, a daughter of Calif and Susan Lord of Bowling Green, Wood county. No children came to bless this union but Mr. and Mrs. Boardman adopted into their home a daughter, Ivon May, who is the life and light of the household. Politically Mr. Boardman has voted the democratic ticket since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but he has never desired nor sought public office. Although he has many times been selected by his fellow citizens as a candidate for various offices, he has, nevertheless, declined the nomination. For many years he was a member of the board of education and has been deeply interested in the cause of education, being a stanch champion thereof. Fraternally he is a member of Townsend Lodge, No. 322, E. & A. M., and has been very active in Masonic circles. He holds membership in the Townsend Grange, and is also affiliated with the Patrons of Husbandry, in the affairs of which he has been prominent and active. He is preeminently a public-spirited citizen, prominent and active in public affairs, and is held in the highest respect and esteem by his fellowmen. His various interests have been such as constitute a well-rounded character, appreciative of all that goes to make up life's contacts and relations, while the consensus of public opinion accords him a most enviable position among the honored and valued representatives of Huron county.

Balsor Lehman

Balsor Lehman owns a neat and well improved farm of one hundred and seventy-four acres, situated in Sherman township, where he is now practically living retired, leaving the more active work of the fields to his son. the name indicates, Mr. Lehman is of German birth, his natal day being January 6, 1827. His parents, Nicholas and Mary Lehman, emigrated to the United States in the year 1833 and made a location in Stark county, Ohio, where they spent about twelve years. They then sold out in that county and took up their abode in Seneca county, this state, purchasing property near St. Stephens, where they made their home until 1863, when they removed to Sherman township, Huron county, and purchased the farm, which is now owned by our subject.

Balsor Lehman was a little lad of but six years at the time of the emigration of the family to the new world. It was during the twelve years' residence of the family in Stark county that he acquired his education in the district schools. He accompanied his parents on their various removals up to the time of their arrival in Sherman township. He is now the owner of the old homestead property, which has been in possession of the family since 1863, or for a period of forty-six years. Since taking possession Mr. Lehman has made a number of substantial improvements and he now has a nice country residence, good barn and substantial outbuildings to shelter his grain and stock, and everything about the place is kept in a state of good repair, indicating the practical and progressive methods of the owner. He has here one hundred and seventy-four acres of land and for many years was actively engaged in the work of the farm but as he has now passed the seventy-second milestone on the journey of life, he is practically living retired, while his son John manages the place.

It was in Seneca county, this state, that Mr. Lehman chose a companion and helpmate in the person of Miss Elizabeth Bunn, their marriage being celebrated on the 17th of August, 1862. She is a daughter of Martin and Katharine Bunn, and by her marriage has become the mother of ten children. Lea, the eldest, was born in Seneca county. Martin, the next in order of birth, wedded Miss Anna Glassner of Fremont and they have had nine children, as follows: Charles, Amelia, Reuben, John, Romie, Loretta, Harold, Arthur, and one who died in infancy. Mary became the wife of Peter Grulich of Seneca county, Ohio, but is now deceased. She was the mother of five children, John, Clara, Fred, George, and Victor, deceased. the fourth member of the Lehman family, has departed this life. Victor is the wife of Frank Ruffing and resides at Cadiz, Ohio. They have had eight children but two died in infancy, the others being Alfa, Nora, Bert, Solomon, Harold and Ralph. Anna is the wife of Joe Falter, of Seneca county, their home being in East Norwalk. They have seven children, Frank, Gertrude, Clem, Louisa, Charles, Urbin and Lea. Louisa first wedded John West, of Tiffin, Ohio, and later became the wife of Sam Higgins, their home being in California. Elizabeth is the wife of John Garhardstein, a resident of Seneca county. They have had a family of eight children but two of the number died in infancy, the living members being Robert, Albert, Loretta, Tillie, Gertrude and Oscar. John lives at home and operates the farm. Rose is the wife of Leo Leable, of Tiffin, by whom she has five children, Zenobia, Justice, Harold, Leo and Rush.

Mr. Lehman is a democrat in politics and on that ticket was elected constable, in which office he served three years. He is a communicant of the Catholic church, holding membership in the church in Thompson township, Seneca county. In his earlier years he led a very busy and active life and accumulated a property that now enables him to live retired, enjoying a well earned rest. He leaves the active work of the farm to his son John, who is an enterprising and progressive young farmer. His fraternal relations are with the Eagles and the Red Men. The Lehman family is an old and prominent one in Sherman township and the hospitality of the best homes in this section is freely accorded them.

The life history of Dr. E. V. B. Buckingham constitutes an important chapter in the records of Huron county. He has never sought to figure prominently in political circles or public life and yet his ability in his profession and his worth as a man and a citizen entitle him to classification with the leading representatives of the community. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, August 11, 1839, and has therefore reached the seventieth milestone on life's journey. His parents were Ezekiel and Catharine A. (Williams) Buckingham, natives of Baltimore, Maryland, and of Pennsylvania, respectively. The father arrived in Richmond township, Huron county, in 1842, and engaged in farming, his place of residence being about a mile from Chicago Junction. There year after year he carefully tilled the soil and carried on his work until his death in 1882, when he was

Dr. Buckingham acquired his early education in the country schools and afterward received the benefit of instruction in Plymouth high school. Subsequently he engaged in teaching in Richmond and New Haven townships for eight terms and at the same time he devoted his leisure hours to the study of medicine. His educational privileges were not equal to those which boys of the present day enjoy, for there was no school in the township at the time of his arrival. His mother, however, was a lady of intelligence and instructed him in many things, so that he learned much under her direction. He improved his opportunities of attending school as the occasion offered and has always been a broad reader, keeping in touch with the current thought of the day, while at the same time in his profession he has made continuous progress by his reading and investigation. In 1864 he was graduated in medicine from the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, and in 1872 won the M. D. degree at Miami Medical College in Cincinnati. He began practice in Centerton, a village which has since given place to Chicago Junction, and in the intervening years he has remained at this location, enjoying alarge and substantial practice. He has ministered to various families for many years until the children have grown up and reared families of their own. Throughout all the intervening period he has kept in touch with the trend of modern professional thought through his comprehensive study and is regarded today as one of the best informed physicians of the county. He has been honored with the presidency of the County Medical Society and holds membership with the State and American Medical Associations and also the Northwestern Medical Association. He is likewise a member of the International Association of Railway Surgeons and for eighteen years he filled the position of surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

In 1886 Dr. Buckingham was united in marriage to Miss Effie W. Pitts, a native of Richland county, Ohio, and unto them have been born two sons, Mendenhall and Huron E. W. The doctor is an Odd Fellow in his fraternal relations and in religious faith is a Methodist. His life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles, manifest in citizenship as well as in professional relations. Not to know Dr. Buckingham in Chicago Junction and this part of the county is to argue one's self unknown. He is one of the most respected and reliable citizens, a man who has always stood four square to every wind that blows and who in every relation of life can be depended upon to conserve the interests of those things which are best and most worthy.

John G. Houle

John G. Houle, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Lyme township, is the owner of a finely improved farm of one hundred and eleven acres, most of which is in Erie county. His birth occurred in Lyme township on the 28th of January, 1856, his parents being William H. and Lucy (Gaydon) Houle, both of whom were natives of Devonshire, England, where they were married.

Almost immediately after the ceremony they sailed for the new world and on reaching the United States took up their abode in Lyme township, Huron county, the father here working as a farm hand for a number of years. Carefully saving his earnings, he was at length enabled to purchase a farm of his own and in 1876 bought the property which is now in possession of his sons, John G. and Fred, being successfully engaged in its cultivation and improvement until he passed away in 1892 at the age of sixty-four years. His wife, who survived him for several years, died on the 8th of February, 1899, when sixty-eight years of age. They were devoted and faithful members of the Lyme Congregational church and were well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and upright lives. Their children were seven in number, namely: William H.; John G., of this review ; Jennie and Lucy, who are deceased; Frank, who is a professor in the schools at Martins Ferry; Ida, who has likewise passed away; and Fred, who with his brother, J. G., cultivates the home farm.

John G. Houle obtained his education in the district schools and with the exception of one year, which he spent on the old Wright farm in Groton township, Erie county, has continuously been a resident of Lyme township from his birth to the present time. Since putting aside his text-books he has given his undivided attention to the work of the fields and, as before stated, is now the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and eleven acres, which was purchased by his father from George Dole. The place is under a high state of cultivation and gives every evidence of his careful supervision and practical methods.

On the 5th of December, 1890, Mr. Houle was united in marriage to Miss Kate Becker, a daughter of Barney and Caroline (Beeler) Becker, who were early settlers of Lyme township. By reason of their long residence in this county both Mr. and Mrs. Houle are widely and favorably known here and the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

John Norman

John Norman, a retired farmer of Lyme township, Huron county, and the owner of one hundred and ten acres of land on which he lives, was born in England, March 30, 1835, the son of John and Mary (Ellis) Norman. Both parents died in the country which had always been their home, but in their lifetime had given to the world ten children, of whom John Norman and a younger brother Zachariah and one sister, Sarah Ann, who were the sixth, seventh and ninth in the family, respectively, alone survive, Samuel, Lydia, Ellis, Charles, Diana, Jesse and an infant having passed away.

John Norman came to the United States in 1858 and settled in Lyme township, Huron county, Ohio. At first he worked around for different farmers here until he was able to rent a small tract of land to cultivate for his own interests. By hard and diligent work, he was soon able to save up enough money to buy a little farm. This he cultivated up to a higher grade of productiveness, sold, and until his good management and labor made it possible for him to purchase his present large farm in 1879. It was originally part of the old Sawyer farm, and is a valuable piece of land today, for Mr. Norman with knowing skill has improved it in every way possible. Some years ago, he gave up the active duties of life, rented his farm, and now lives in the enjoyment of a well deserved rest and comfort.

Mr. Norman was married twice. His first wife was Miss Sarah Ann Carpenter, by whom he had six children, but Charles and the youngest died infancy. Of the other four, William E., living in Lyme township, married Miss Dora Daniels and has five sons, Roy, John, Ben, Gus and William; Mary M. is the wife of Gus Hesstler, of Bellevue; John lives at home; and Samuel M. married Miss Lena Wright and lives at Norwalk. He is the father of two children, Percy and Lillian M. Mr. Norman was again married December 24, 1886, his second union being with Mrs. Jane (Norman) Francis, the widow of Richard Francis, and the daughter of Samuel and Deborah (Pickering) Norman. Both her parents were born in England, the father in 1812, the mother in 1815. They came to this country when their daughter Jane was eighteen years of age and were accounted old settlers in this locality. Mrs. Norman was third in a family of five, of whom she and the oldest son, Samuel, alone survive, Anna, John and Eliza having passed away. By her former husband, Mrs. Norman had seven children: George W., who lives at home; Eliza A., who married Frank Ekert, of Norwalk, and is the mother of one child, Carl; Albert, now deceased, who martied Miss Lottie Pence, and left three children, Mabel, Ralph and Leona; Cora, the wife of Fred Willard, of Cleveland, and the mother of three children, Ernest, Viola and Grace ; and three little ones who died in infancy.

Mr. Norman is a member of the Episcopal church, but his wife is a regular attendant at the services of St. Joseph's Catholic church of Monroeville. He is a man who has lived the active years of his life profitably and well and has made many friends who do not begrudge him the rest he has so well earned nor the comfort he is now permitted to enjoy.

L Jay Gieford

L. Jay Gifford, owning and operating a farm of one hundred and seventyfive acres in Fitchville township, is an agriculturist whose well directed energy and keen foresight are bringing to him a creditable measure of prosperity. His birth occurred Genesee county, New York, on the 5th of February, 1857, his parents being Fernando and Maria L. (Green) Gifford, both of whom were likewise natives of Genesee county. The father was born July 20, 1825, while the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day, December 6, 1827. In 1818, Zalmon Green, the maternal grandfather of our subject, walked from Cayuga county, New York, to Fitchville, Huron county, Ohio, a distance of four hundred miles. Fernando Gifford, the father of L. Jay Gifford, followed general agricultural pursuits throughout the greater part of his life, meeting with success in his undertakings. In 1863 he made his way from the Empire state to this county, here purchasing a tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres, a portion of which is now comprised within the boundaries of the farm belonging to his son, L. Jay Gifford. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was deeply interested in all matters pertaining to the general welfare. For several terms he capably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the position of township trustee. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian and his life was at all times in harmony with the teachings of that church. His demise occurred July 17, 1893, and was deeply mourned by an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances. His wife, whom he wedded May 10, 1852, was called to her final rest September 6, 1902.

L. Jay Gifford was a little lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on the journey to Huron county in 1863. Reared on the home farm, he early became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist and which have claimed his time and energies throughout his entire business career. Subsequent to the death of his father he took up his abode on the old family homestead, looking after his mother's interests until she, too, passed away. As time has passed and his financial resources have increased, owing to his untiring industry and judicious management, he has added to his landed holdings by additional purchase until his farm now embraces one hundred and seventy-five acres in Fitchville township. The soil is rich and productive and responds readily to cultivation, so that he annually gathers bounteous harvests which find a good sale on the market.

On the 13th of September, 1883, Mr. Gifford was joined in wedlock to Miss Marion B. Smith, a daughter of Thomas and Joanna Smith, of Fitchville. Their union has been blessed with one son, J. Floyd, who was born June 29, 1885, and is still under the parental roof.

Mr. Gifford is a stalwart republican in his political views but, though he is deeply interested in matters of public concern and has frequently been solicited to become a candidate for various positions, he has no desire for the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private affairs. He belongs to the Grange and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. he has lived for many years in this county, he was a wide acquaintance here and his friends know him as an enterprising farmer and a man of genuine worth.

Noble G. Hurst

Noble G. Hurst, whose carefully directed labors as an agriculturist and sheep raiser in former years brought him the competence that now enables him to live retired, was born in Henrietta, Lorain county, Ohio, on the 20th of September, 1856, his parents being John and Mary A. (Longway) Hurst. The paternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth (Drien) Hurst, were native« of Lincolnshire, England, and the grandfather served as a soldier in the English army for thirtytwo years, participating in the wars of his country during that period. He was stationed at Quebec and during his military service crossed the ocean four times. After being honorably discharged from the army he established his home in Quebec, where he spent the remainder of his life. John Hurst, the father of our subject, made the journey from Quebec to Ohio in company with his young bride, a settlement being made in Henrietta, Lorain county. His financial resources were very limited at the time of his arrival in this state but he possessed in large measure the sterling qualities of industry, honesty and frugality and as the years went by gained a handsome competence through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests. He was widely recognized as a most public-spirited, substantial and respected citizen and his death, which occurred on the 215% of October, 1892, was the occasion of deep ond widespread regret. His wife was called to her final rest on the 29th of May, 1907, and both lie buried in Wakeman cemetery. Unto this worthy couple were born two sons and two daughters: Elizabeth P., whose demise occurred in June, 1882; Noble G., of this review; Margaret H.; and Melvin J.

Noble G. Hurst spent his youth on the home farm of his father and obtained his education in the public schools of Wakeman. Subsequent to his marriage he carried on agricultural pursuits in Wakeman for three years and then farmed in Camden, Lorain county, for two years. At the end of that time he returned to Wakeman, where he remained for four years and then once more located in Camden, Lorain county, there continuing for twenty years. In May, 1906, he again came to Wakeman and has here since lived retired, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. He has a fine home and twelve acres of land in the suburbs of the village of Wakeman and has become quite an extensive landowner, possessing two farms on the county line between Wakeman and Camden, Lorain county. Both farms, comprising one hundred and fifty and one hundred and forty acres of land respectively, are well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Throughout his business career Mr. Hurst was engaged in general farming and sheep raising, in which lines of activity he was eminently successful, gaining recognition as one of the county's most substantial, progressive and representative citizens.

On the 29th of November, 1876, Mr. Hurst was united in marriage to Miss Ida A. Pierce, a daughter of Elbert B. and Hattie A. (Beecher) Pierce, who were prominent pioneer settlers of Wakeman. This union was blessed with one child, Mabel E., who is now the wife of Clayton E. Ford, a well known agriculturist of Clyde, Oakland county, Michigan. Mrs. Ida A. Hurst passed away when her little daughter was but five weeks old, and on the 22d of April, 1885, Mr. Hurst was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary M. Morgan. Her parents, David and Agnes (Scott) Morgan, of Camden, Lorain county, spent their entire married life, covering more than fifty years, on the same farm. They came to this district when it was a dense forest but with characteristic energy Mr. Morgan set to work to cut down the trees and gradually transformed the once wild tract into a productive farm and ideal home. Both he and his wife are now deceased and lie buried in the cemetery at Camden, Lorain county. Unto Mr. Hurst and his second wife were born the following children: Edna M., now the wife of Sumner E. Todd; Blaine N.; Meryl L.; and one who died in infancy. With a full realization of the value of good mental training as a preparation for the practical and responsible duties of life, Mr. Hurst has given his children the best educational advantages obtainable.

In his political views Mr. Hurst is a stalwart republican and an enthusiastic advocate of all measures and movements calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development. He is especially interested the efforts to keep the public highways free from weeds that may contaminate adjacent farms. A man of domestic tastes, he greatly enjoys the companionship of his wife and children and is a most loving and devoted husband and father. Both he and his wife possess in large measure the confidence and esteem of those with whom they have come in contact, and the hospitality of their pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

Noah Young

Noah Young is living retired in a beautiful residence in Collins, which has been his home since 1905, but he still retains possession of his farming property of one hundred and fifty acres, from which he derives a good annual rental. Mr. Young was born in Townsend township, November 24, 1840, a son of Mahlon and Orrilla (Young) Young. The father's people removed from the far east by teams to Ohio in 1812, making a location in Richland county, this state. At that time few families had settled in the county, much of the land in Richland county being still in possession of the Indians, while wild game was also abundant. The mother's people came to the Buckeye state from Vermont. Upon reaching the district on which Monroeville now stands, they sought a place to stay for the night at a cabin by the side of the old Indian trail, for as yet no roads had been laid out. The family from whom they sought shelter proved to be relatives of Mahlon Young, who, though of the same name, were not related to the parents of Orrilla Young. The family arrived about the year 1830, and being pleased with Huron county, the father here purchased a farm, and in the following spring made a trip to Indiana and purchased six hundred and forty acres there, but never removed to that state, Monroeville proving more attractive to him as a place of residence. The children of the two Young families grew up together in that pioneer district and in due time Mahlon Young and Orrilla Young were united in marriage. They established their home on a farm near Monroeville, where they lived two or three years, and in the spring of 1840, Mahlon Young purchased a farm in Townsend township, on which he took up his abode. He was a cooper by trade and in connection with his farming interests also followed his trade. His farm, consisting of one hundred acres, was to be paid for in barrels, a certain number to be made each year until the debt of the farm was liquidated. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon Young were born seven children, Sylvia, Noah, John, Martha, Mary, Mahlon and Orrilla. Of these all are living with the exception of John. He served in the Civil war as a member of Company F, Third Ohio Cavalry, enlisting for three years. During his service he was drowned at Macon, Georgia, while bathing. Both the parents are now deceased, the mother surviving the father's death about five years. Both lie buried in the cemetery at Collins.

Noah Young was reared on the home farm, assisting his father with the work of the fields during the period of his boyhood and youth. In the winter seasons he pursued his education in the district schools. When he had reached the age of eighteen years, ambitious to start out in life for himself, he left home and secured employment from William Manahan at farm labor, remaining with him two years. He agreed to pay his father one hundred dollars for his time until he attained his majority but the father released him at the end of that time by the payment of eighty dollars. While employed by Mr. Manahan, Mr. Young attended school for about ten weeks each winter, thus completing his studies. It was about this time that the father removed to Collins and Noah Young and his brother John rented the home farm, their sister Sylvia acting as their housekeeper. After about a year the brother joined the army and thus the entire management of the farm devolved upon Mr. Young of this review.

Mr. Young further established a home of his own by his marriage on the 24th of November, 1864, to Miss Emma Jarrett, a daughter of Elias and Sarah (Siphlet) Jarrett, a prominent pioneer family of Huron county. Following his marriage Mr. Young continued to operate the home farm until 1865, and then operated rented land for three years. In the meantime, however, he purchased a farm in Townsend township and eventually took up his abode thereon, where he remained five years. He then disposed of that tract and bought one hundred and fifty acres, a mile and a half from Collins, in Townsend township He was engaged in the cultivation and improvement of this farm throughout a long period and in the years that have come and gone not only made it a valuable property but also annually gathered good crops, thus greatly enhancing his financial condition. In 1905 he abandoned all business pursuits and removed to Collins, where he occupies a nice modern home but he still retains possession of his farm and derives a good rental therefrom. While on the farm Mr. Young also engaged in raising chickens on quite an extensive scale, being ably assisted in this enterprise by his wife.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Young were born four children: Sarah, the wife of Lewis Krepps, a resident of Townsend township; Rosa, the wife of Joseph Bate, of Fremont; George, who is married and resides in Fremont; and Arthur, who is also married and makes his home in Colorado. After a happy married life of forty-two years Mr. and Mrs. Young were separated by the death of the wife, which occurred October 19, 1906. Mrs. Young was a most estimable woman, active in every good work and beloved by all who knew her. She was a true friend, a faithful wife and devoted mother, and all who knew her are full of her praises and all mourn the loss of a good woman. Her remains were interred in the cemetery at Collins. Mr. Young was again married, April 15, 1908, his second union being with Mrs. Minnie Humphrey, the widow of Jefferson Humphrey, and a daughter of Henry and Eliza (Green) Alder, formerly of Cleveland but later residents of Elkhart, Indiana. Both parents are now deceased. By her former marriage Mrs. Young had two children: Ruth, now the wife of Robert A. Wise of Cleveland; and Katharine, the wife of A. B. Shellentrager, also of Cleveland. Mrs. Young is an estimable woman and presides with gracious hospitality over her home, which is noted for its culture and refinemnt.