Sandusky County, Ohio - Chapter 25: Miscellanea, 1909 (part 2 of 18)

William Cath, son of Peter and grandfather of Dr. Smith, was born in New Jersey, where he continued to live until 1839, when he came to Ohio. He located in Perry County, where he remained until 1847, when he moved into Sandusky County and secured his farm in Ballville Township, where he lived to be an old man.

John C, Smith, son of William and father of Dr. Smith, was born in Warren County, New Jersey, July 9, 1828, and was nineteen years old when he accompanied his father to Sandusky County. In the course of years he came into possession of the home farm in Ballville Township. In 1850 he married Elnora Bowland, and they had the following children: Susan, who married Judge Kelley; Frank P., who married Laura Spade; Amanda, and George B.

George B. Smith was educated in the Fremont schools. He entered upon the study of dentistry with Dr. Cregar, at Fremont, and later took a regular course in the science at the Philadelphia Dental College, where .he was graduated in 1887, when he entered into practice at Fremont. Dr. Smith's office at No. 112% Front street is well equipped with all the modern appliances which, have, in the past few years, assisted very materially in lessening the former torture 'of the dental chair. Dental science has made as many strides forward as has medical science, and they have, more or less, traveled hand in hand, for there are no skilled and reliable dental surgeons of the present day, who are not, to a large degree, also physicians. Dr. Smith has kept thoroughly abreast of the times, being a member of the

On May 1, 1893, Dr. Smith was married to Miss Iva M. Fitch, a native of Indiana, a daughter of the late Dr. John Fitch, who served in the Civil War, where he received a bullet from a Confederate musket, which pierced the lung and which injury subsequently caused his death. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have two sons: Robert F., and J. Towner. They have a pleasant home at No. 1200 Garrison Street, Fremont. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and interested in the Epworth League. In politics he is a Republican, is fraternally connected with the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Woodmen of the World.

SARDIS BIRCHARD was born at Wilmington, Windham County, Vermont, Janu- Both his parents died while he was yet achild. Both of his grandfathers were Revolutionary soldiers. His grandfather, Elias Birchard, died of disease contracted near the close of the war. _ His grandfather, Captain Daniel, served as an officer under Washington during the war and survived many years.

The Birchards were among the first settlers of Norwich, Connecticut. Sardis was the youngest of five children. He was placed in charge of his sister Sophia, who married Rutherford Hayes, became one of the family, and lived with them at Dummerston, Vermont, until 1817, when he accompanied them in their emigration to Ohio.

In Vermont young Birchard acquired the: rudiments of an English education, by irregular attendance at such schools as were in existence at that day in the country districts of Vermont. He became, for a boy of his age, an expert hunter and horseman, and gained some knowledge of business in the store of his brother-inlaw, Mr. Hayes.

In Ohio he worked with his brother-in-law in building, farming and driving and taking care of stock, and employing all his spare hours in hunting. He was able with his rifle to supply his and other families with turkeys and venison.

Sardis Birchard

In 1822 his brother-in-law, Mr. Hayes, died, leaving a widow and two young children and a large, unsettled business. Mr. Birchard, who was then only twenty-one years old, at once assumed the duties of head of the family, and applied himself diligently to the management of the unsettled affairs of his brother-in-law's estate, and to the care of the household.

sidered a handsome start for a young man, with a jovial and friendly disposition, fond of wild sports and wild company, with no one to look to as entitled to control or advise him, his future might well have been regarded with apprehension. He was then a slender, delicate, handsome youth, with engaging and popular manners, and a favorite among the young people of the new country. Warmly attached to his sister and her children, he devoted himself to them and their interests, and was the mainstay of the family.

While yet a boy he was hired to help drive hogs to supply the first settlers of Fort Ball, now Tiffin, in 1817. The men in charge were hard drinkers, and soon after leaving Delaware the whole management depended upon Mr. Birchard. It was in the bitterly cold weather of early winter. The streams were bridgeless, and the roads all but impassable, but with praiseworthy energy and zeal he pushed forward to the Tyamochtee, where he delivered the drove to a party of Fort Ball settlers. This was Mr. Birchard's first visit to the Sandusky. He saw Lower Sandusky for the first time in September, 1824. His companion was Benjamin Powers, afterwards for many years a successful merchant. and banker at Delaware. They traveled in a onehorse spring wagon. At Fort Ball they met Erastus Rowe, At Fremont they stopped at Leason's tavern, a log house which stood where Shomo's block now stands. The village population at that time numbered about two hundred. While stopping here they made the acquaintance of George Olmstead and Judge Howland. Mr. Birchard and his traveling companion went to Portland (now Sandusky City) the following day, and on their return Mr. Birchard bought a drove of fat hogs, which, as soon as the weather was cold enough, he drove to Baltimore. Mr. Birchard has narrated two incidents of the trip: At Wheeling it was necessary to swim the hogs across, and they came near losing them all by the swift current of the river. By great exertions, and at considerable risk, they got all but half a dozen They were overtaken by a tall, fine looking gentleman on horseback, who had also a carriage drawn by four horses, and two attendants on saddle-horses. The gentleman helped Mr. Birchard get his hogs out of the way, chatted with him about the state of the market, and advised him as to the best way to dispose of his drove when he got them to Baltimore. He learned that the gentleman was General Jackson, on his way to Washington after the Presidential election of 1824, in which he received 'the highest vote, but was not finally the successful candidate.

In the summer of 1825, while mowing in the hay-field he was seriously injured in health by over-exertion. He never entirely recovered, but remained in poor health during the remainder of his life. In the winter of 1825-26 he had an attack pronounced consumption, and it was supposed he would not live till spring. He, however, thought hopefully of his condition, and spoke of a horseback trip to Vermont. One 'day he heard two men at work in the room below him, discussing his case. One of them said: "It is strange how Birchard is deceived; he thinks he will make a long journey soon; but the only journey he will make is when he leaves his house, feet foremost, for the graveyard." But the cheerful disposition of Mr. Birchard, assisted by the elasticity of his constitution, carried him through. In May he made a horseback trip to Vermont, where he remained till the approach of cold weather, and then traveled south to Georgia where he remained till the spring of 1827. Having recovered his health he went to New York for the purpose of laying in his first stock of dry goods. He was without money, and had no acquaintances. Passing about the streets he fell into conversation with a young merchant named William P. Dixon, a stranger to him, connected with the firm of Amos Palmer & Company, to whom he developed his plans and explained his condition. Dixon told him he would sell him all:the goods he wanted in his line and would recommend him to others. His stock was made up and shipped to Cleveland, he accompanying the goods. . Mr. Birchard's plan was to sell to laborers on the Ohio Canal, then being built from Cleveland southward. He follewed the ca-

"nal into the Tuscarawas Valley, but became dissatisfied and sold part of his goods to another trader, and with the remainder opened a store at.Fort Ball (now Tiffin), Here he remained, trading successfully till December, when he decided to remove to Lower Sandusky. He purchased the stock of Richard Sears, who had made his fortune trading with the Indians. .

"Merchants, at that time; paid very. little cash fee 'produce, and consequently received very little cash for goods, except from the Indians. For clothing, broadcloth, 'Kentucky jeans, and linsey cloth was generally in use. The Indians bought fine blue cloth, Mackinaw blankets, beads, 'powder and lead. .A great deal of corn was 'received: in payment for goods. ' This was traded to the distilleries for whiskey, and the whiskey was shipped to Buffalo and sold.

"Mr, Birchard received the Indian trade to a bee extent by refusing to sell them whiskey. At the end of about four years he had' accutaulated about ten thousand dollars, which at that time was considered a large amount of money. He was making arrangements to retire,' but in 1831 was induced into a larger business than ever. In partnership with Esbon Husted and Rodolphus: Dickinson, under. the firm name ef R. Dickinson & Company, the largest, store, in Ohio west of Cleveland and north of 'Columbus was opened. The yearly sales amounted to $50,000.

~ Senecas, Ottawas, Wyandots and a few Delawares, traded in Lower Sandusky at this time,'and the store was often ful] of customers from the reservations. Mr. Birchard found thé, Indians in his business transactions generally.very honest. , They would not steal as much as the same number of whites with the same opportunities. He often had his storetoom full of Indians sleeping at night, with no watch or guard.

Mr. Grant was one of the most promising business men in the place. He was tall, slender, of fine address, and full of life and ambition. He died young, aged only thirty-two years.

Mr. Birchard's connection with banking is mentioned under the proper head. He made large investments in wild land which, as the county improved, rapidly multiplied his wealth.

Mr. Birchard was one of the rare'men who, with increasing, wealth, became more generous and public spirited. His good works are conspicuous. He advanced by means of his wealth. and influence every public enterprise, and so many were his munificent gifts that he fully deserves the title often given him - 'the city's benefactor." His business operations stimulated commerce between this point and Buffalo. He worked unceasingly to secure the necessary legislation for the macadamizing of the Western Reserve and Maumee road. The Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland railroad enterprise received his strongest efforts. In politics Mr. Birchard was a Whig, and after the formation of the Republican party became supporter of its principles. During the wart he used his influence to encourage enlistments, and when money was wanted he was never appealed to in vain. He was the first Ohio purchaser of Government bonds, in 1862.

Mr. Birchard's private charities were large, and his public gifts are a monument to his memory. He had a deep sympathy for the poor, and could not bear to know suffering without offering relief. During the last years of his life, when poor health required confinement, at home, he left with' his friend, Mr. Mitler, cashier of the bank, standing instructions to contribute liberally to worthy charities. His tenderness and solicitude for the unfortunate is illustrated by a letter to Mr. Miller written on a cold, stormy day in early winter, which

It was the earnest wish of Mr. Birchard that the library should be located on the site of the Fort, and that the city should own that ground for a park. 'Hence when the owner, viz. Lewis Leppelman, of four lots embracing the fort ground property for $18,000 and Mrs. Glaghorn and Dr. W. V. B. Ames, each a lot on the south which connect the ground from Croghan to Garrison Streets, consented to sell for $9,000, Mr. Birchard authorized the trustees of the library to divert $6,000 of the library fund to the purchase. This not being sufficient, with the funds appropriated by the city, Gen. Hayes, to complete its purchase of the whole block, guaranteed $3,000 more out of the library fund and the whole was purchased and deeded to the city- with condition that the library building should be erected therein.

In addition to the above gifts made in his life time, he gave by his will : $5,000 to Oberlin College, $5,000 to Home Misssions, $1,000 to the Fremont Ladies' Relief Society, and $1,000 to the Conger Fund.

Mr. Birchard was especially devoted to the fine arts, and during his eventful life made a fine collection of oil paintngs, several of which were placed in and form part of the attractions of Birchard Library.

Mr. Birchard was characteristically hospitable, warm-hearted and friendly. He was/one of the marked characters in the history of the county. His life was fortunately spared to ripe old age. He died at 12 o'clock M. January 21, 1874, aged seventy-three years and six days.

ISRAEL A. HETRICK, one of Washington Township's most substantial a..d_ best known citizens, owns six acres of valuable land in the township proper and considerable real estate at Lindsey, together with an interest in 1600 acres of land and a copper mine in

The parents of Mr. Hetrick came when young to Sandusky County, from Pennsylvania. The mother died in Fremont in 1906 and the father continues to reside there. They had the following children: Catherine, who is the wife of H. C. Smith, lives at Gibsonburg, Ohio; B. F., who was married (first) ) to Elizabeth Reed, and (second) to Mary Markley, resides at Ottawa, Ohio; Israel A.; Henrietta, who married Frank Strawman, lives in Washington Township; Mary L., who married Morris Overmyer, lives in Ballville Township; Lydia, who married James Kessler, lives at Fremont; Charles H., who married Clara Overmyer, lives at Toledo; Alfred D., who married Celesta Overmyer, lives in Washington Township; Emma, who married Frank Overmyer, lives at Fremont; Alice, who married William Boyer, lives at Fremont; Harry; Rosella, who married McDonald C: Cameron, lives at Fremont; and Haidee, who married Warren Bellinger, lives at Fremont.

Israel A. Hetrick obtained a good public school education and then went to teaching in Rice Township, where he continued for three years and then taught four years in Harris Township, near Elmore in Ottawa County, where he also followed ,farming in addition to teaching. Later he gave up educational work but continues to cultivate his small farm. He has other interests of more or less importance.

In 1879, at Elmore, Mr. Hetrick was married to Miss Catherine Overmyer, who is the oldest daughter of Solomon and Mary (Overmyer) Overmyer, whose other children are the following: Jacob, A. W., Sarah E., Philip A. and George N.

Mr. and Mrs. Hetrick have three children. namely: Mary E., who married Fred Ames, resides at Elmore; Dora M., who lives with her parents; and Fred D., who assists his father. Mr. Hetrick and family are members of the Evangelical Church at Lindsey. In politics he is a Democrat. He has served to the satisfaction of all concerned, two consecutive terms as a justice of the peace.

MARK THRAVES is a well-to-do farmer residing six miles southeast of Fremont, in Ballville Township, where he owns a splendid farm of 130 acres. He was born in England, December 7, 1832, and is a son of William and Marrietta (Graves) Thraves.

William Thraves was born in England, in 1799, and there followed the trade of a butcher. He remained in that country until 1844, then moved to the United States with his wife and children, the voyage consuming thirty-five days. He settled on a quarter section of land in Washington Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, improved the place and resided there for a score of years. He then sold out and purchased seventy acres of land in Ballville Township, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their days. He died in 1889, and Mrs. Thraves, who was born in England in 1799, died in 1893. They were parents of the following children: George and Anna_ both deceased, who were twins; Robert, deceased; Mark; Faith, deceased; William who was killed in Panama in 1856; Thomas; and Levi, Faith Thraves was the wife of Henry Bauman, deceased. Anna Thraves was the wife of John Crowell, who also is deceased.

Mark Thraves attended the common schools in England until he was twelve years old, at which time he was brought to the United States by his parents. He helped farm the home place until 1851, when he went west to California and engaged in gold' mining. He returned to Sandusky County in 1856, but the same year again went to California, where he remained until 1860. Returning again to Sandusky County, he in 1861 purchased of James Drowns the farm of 130 acres in Ballville Township, on which he has since lived. He has made all the improvements on the places and has successfully followed general farming.

On April 3, 1862, Mr. Thraves was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Huffard, who was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, April 17, 1834, and is a daughter of Cornelius and Mary (Zook) Hufford. Her father was born in Kentucky, May 30, 1806, and died in Sandusky County, Ohio, March 20, 1884. Mrs. Hufford was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and died in Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1882.

They were parents of the following children: Sarah A., wife of the subject of this record; Simon, who was born January 13, 1837, lives in Michigan; Elizabeth, who was born February 17, 1842, married Norton S. Rathbun of Green Creek Township; Katherine, who was born July 12, 1845, married James Emerson of Fremont; and Martha, who was born December 14, 1846, married Elliott Fernburg, and lives in Michigan.

Mr. and Mrs. Thraves became parents of Delphan C., who was born February 28, 1863; William, who was born May 15, 1865; and Mattie, who was born October 29, 1869, and died July 7, 1903. Delphan C. Thraves, who lives at Fremont, was unitel in marriage with Miss Alice Cook. William Thraves, who resides on the home farm in Ballville Township, was married to Ida Huber and they have a daughter, named Winnifred. These sons are owners of 120 acres of land in Ballville Township. Fraternally, the subject of this sketch is a member of Lodge No. 318, I. O. O. F., at Green Springs, and has filled all the chairs. He served four years as treasurer of Ballville Township, and was twice land appraiser, in 1890 and again in 1900. He is a progressive and public-spirited citizen and stands high in the community.

MAJOR ISADORE H. BURGOON, of Ohio, is one of Sandusky County's prominent citizens. From boyhood he has been more or less identified with railroad interests and has occupied positions of grave responsibility in the service. Major Burgoon was born in Sandusky Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, January 25, 1839, and is a son of Peter and Margaret (Flegle) Burgoon, whose portraits appear in this volume, and a grandson of Francis Burgoon. MHis paternal greatgrandfather was Jacob Burgoon (of a Catholic family), who emigrated to America from the Province of Loraine, France, settling near Tawneytown, Maryland.

Peter Burgoon Mrs. Margaret I. Burgoon

land in Sandusky County, each of eighty acres. His neighbors, the Coes and the Englers, together with other Burgoons - twenty families in all - left Westminster, Maryland, and journeyed to Ohio by way of the old National Turnpike Road. The grandfather, Francis, died in Perry County, Ohio. He had a family of four sons and four daughters, among whom was Peter, the father of the subject of this sketch.

and was a daughter of John Flegle, son of Vallen Flegle. They were neighbors from their birth, having been born and reared on adjoining farms, situated: on Meadowbranch and Bearbranch Creeks, tributaries of the Monocacy River, in Frederick (now Carrol) County. They were married in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, October 18, 1821. In 1824 they emigrated from Maryland to Ohio, coming by way of the old Baltimore National Road, by team. They settled first in Perry and then in Licking County, Ohio, and moved to the Black Swamp in October, 1829, locating in Sandusky Township, Sandusky County, where they lived and reared a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters. All of these, except one daughter, grew to maturity under the shelter of the little log cabin home, the dimensions of which did not exceed 18x24 feet.

Peter and Margaret Burgoon both died at the old Burgoon homestead in Sandusky Township - the former on March 17, 1879, and the latter on June 8, 1871 - and are buried west of Fremont in the Four-Mile House Cemetery.

Isadore H. Burgoon assisted his father on the home farm and went to school in the neighborhood until he was about eighteen years of age; he then began to teach school during the' winter seasons. of 1859 he attended school at Oberlin College in the preparatory department. In the fall of 1860, however, he chose the career which he wished to follow, coming then to

Fremont and beginning railroad life as an office boy for the Fremont & Indiana - now the Lake Erie & Western - Railroad. Though he held at first but an humble position, he performed its duties cheerfully and well, 'thus earning the promotion which rapidly came.to him. Step by step he rose, serving successively as station agent, conductor, freight agent, trainmaster and superintendent. He was then made receiver for the road, an office which he filled for three years, during which time he attended the sale of the road. After the latter was reorganized he became the general superintendent. Mr. Burgoon continued with the Fremont & Indiana line for eighteen years, leaving on September' 10, 1879, to take charge of the Toledo, Delphos & Burlington, now the Toledo, St. Louis & Western Railroad, and had charge of it for three years, and during that time and under his management and direction the road was built and organized; he also built 300 miles of telegraph line along this road. He then began the construction of the }Cleveland, Delphos & St. Louis Railroad - now the Northern Ohio Railroad - and during the three years that he had charge of that work, he built fifty-seven miles of track and the same length of telegraph.

To go back a little, we should say that in 1864, Mr. Burgoon left the railroad to take upon himsel army service, enlisting as a private in the 169th Ohio Vol. Inf., during his service being promoted to the rank of sergeant-major. He spent the summer of 1864 at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia, where his regiment was stationed. He was mustered out with his regiment at Camp Cleveland, Ohio, on the 4th day of September, 1864, on expiration of terms of service. This duty done he resumed his railroad connection, even before he had taken the time to visit his beloved mother. He has been continuously engaged in railroad work ever since, in various capacities. Upon leaving the Northern Ohio he became general agent for the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railroad, having under his

After one year with that road he was offered the receivership of the Bellaire, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railroad, and he was with that road for two years, when he persuaded the judge to release him from the receivership duties so that he could take charge, as general manager and treasurer of the Terre Haute & Peoria Railroad, with which he remained for three years, or until it was sold to the Vandalia limes. He remained one more year as superintendent under the Vandalia management, when he returned to Fremont and became general superintendent, under a receiver, for the Findlay, Ft. Wayne & Western Railroad. Four months later he was relieved, as the road was sold.

About this time he received a call to the West, and at Salt Lake City he took charge as general superintendent, general freight and general passenger agent, under the management of a receiver "of the Utah Central Railroad. He remained there for two years and then resigned and. returned to Ohio in order to take charge of the Ohio Southern Railroad, under a receiver, and remained at Springfield, Ohio, for one year, after which he went to Missouri. There he built thirty-two miles of railroad, a part of

'which was the beginning, and.is now included in, the St. Louis & Memphis Railroad. Two years later he returned to Ohio and since then has been mainly connected with the Toledo & Ann Arbor electric line, now under construction, and is serving with Willis Baldwin, of Monroe, Michigan, as one of the receivers. It is thus seen that Major Burgoon has been often called upon to accept responsible railroad offices at a critical time in the road's affairs - a fact which evidences the wide-spread confidence in his practical knowledge and executive ability. He owns a fine farm of 175 acres in Sandusky County, which he takes pleasure in visiting for recreation.

a daughter of Joseph and Dorinda (Ayers) Chapman, and they had two children, the one survivor being Charles P., who is an attorney at Bowling Green, Ohio. The first born died in infancy.

Grand Army of the Republic, and is a past commander of Eugene Rawson Post, No. 32, Department of Ohio, G. A. R. He is president of the 169th Regimental Association, which office he has long filled. He is treasurer of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Association of Sandusky County, and has given much attention to these patriotic organizations. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and prominent in the fraternity all over the state. He was a Taft presidential elector from the 13th District of Ohio in 1908.

For many years Major Burgoon served as secretary of the Sandusky County Pioneer and Historical Society, succeeding the late Rutherford B. Hayes in that office, when the latter became President of the United States; still later Major Burgoon was elected president of this organization, a position he both values and adorns.. In his religious views he is both liberal and broad-minded, to which condition of mind his wide experience with his fellow beings of all classes has brought him. He is and for several years has been the president of

The Major has taken an unassuming part in public matters, but not'as a politician, having never sought office. He has for some years been the patriotic 'instructor for Rawson Post, G. A. R., and frequently goes into the public schools and gives lectures to the children along patriotic lines - a work that will bear precious, fruit doubtless in years to come, should our country within the next generation reach another crisis in-its national life. Major Burgoon takes an active interest in public improvements and gives his best thought and service in alt matters pertaining to the public welfare.

PETER UNSINGER, president of the Unsinger Razor Blade Company, manufacturers of the Globe Safety Razor, with plant on Bidwell Avenue, Fremont, is a representative business man of this city. He was born near Heidelburg, in the town of Waldorf, Germany, May 8, 1855, and is a son of John Jacob Unsinger, who still survives and resides in Germany, having reached the advanced age of eighty-nine years.

when he was eighteen years old, in 1873,, and between then and 1877, when he settled first at Fremont, he worked as a machinist over a large part of the United States. For three years after reaching this city he was employed in the old Harvester works and for seven succeeding years was a traveling salesman for the house of D. June & Co., during three years of this time having his headquarters at Waco, Texas. He returned then to Fremont and established a small machine shop and conducted it for several years and then sold out and went to Washington State. There he took up land and for three years followed farming but there were few advantages in that section then for his family, and this caused him to again return to Fremont, where in 1905, he entered into his present business of manufacturig. In October, 1908, excellent quarters were secured and the enterprise is one of the most flourishing in its line in the city. Employment is afforded to from thirtyfive to forty skilled workmen. The officers af the company are: and general manager; Philip Unsinger, a son, vice president; and M. F. Engler, secretary.

Mr. Unsinger was married at Fremont, in 1880, to Miss Emma Engler, a daughter of August Engler, and they have three children: Harold, who isa student in Heidelberg University at Tiffin, Ohio; Philip, who is associated with his father in business, married Ethel Hunt and has two children - Winnie and Richard; and Fannie. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Ft. Stephenson Lodge, at Fremont.

CHRISTOPHER C. LAYMAN, an prominent lawyer located at Woodville, Ohio, is a veteran of the Civil War and bears the enviable honor of having served longer in that war than any other man from this section of the country. He also is engaged in the real estate and insurance business and is one of the foremost business men of the community. He was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, May 2, 1845, and is a son of John and Magdalena (Jacobs) Layman.

John Layman, in 1847, moved with his family to the United States and located near Luckey, in Webster Township, Wood County, Ohio. He was a carpenter by trade but finally gave his entire attention to farming. He became the owner of a good farm on which he lived until his death at the age of seventy years. He and his wife became parents of five children, of whom three are now living.

C. C. Layman was but two years of age when his parents moved to Wood County, and there he received a public school education in Webster Township, at Bowling Green and at Perrysburg. He then completed a course in the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan. After his graduation he went to Lansing, Michigan, where he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court, and then proceeded to Columbus, Ohio, where he was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1882. He practiced two years in Wood County, after which, in 1884, he took up his residence in Woodville, where he has since maintained an office and been in active practice. In 1884 he secured the incorporation of the village and in 1886 organized the Woodville School District. He is an active Repub- interest in public affairs. He has built up a Jarge real estate and insurance business, and represents the following substantial insurance companies: The North America, Royal, Aetna, Springfield, New York Underwriters, Queen of America, and Phoenix of Hartford.

Mr. Layman enlisted for service in the Union Army August 18, 1861, and was honorably discharged July 16, 1865. He served as sergeant of Company B, 20th Ohio Vol. Inf., Second Brigade, Third Division, 17th

Army Corps, Army and Department of Tennessee, commanded successively by Generals Grant, Sherman, James B. McPherson and O. O. Howard. He participated with his regiment in forty-five engagements, among which were a number of the most important battles of the war. This list of battles was inscribed on the National Colors of the regiment, and deposited at the State Capitol, Columbus, Ohio, July 19, 1865, by orders from Headquarters pf the Army and Department of the Tennessee. Mr. Layman highly prizes two mementoes of the war which he possesses, one a medal for bravery awarded him by the State of Ohio, the other a piece of the tree under which General Pemberton and his 45,000 men surrendered to General Grant on July 4, 1863, at Vicksburg.

July 5, 1901, the subject of this record was united in marriage with Miss Emma A. Robbins of Sidney, Ohio. They attend the United Brethern Church at Woodville. He is affiliated with the Order of Odd Fellows.

JOHN C. OVERMYER, who, in Novemper, 1908, was elected county treasurer of Sandusky County, on the Democratic ticket, with a majority of 1300 votes, was born November 20, 1871, in Washington Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Barnhart B. and Mary Malinda (Walborn) Overmyer.

He began teaching school before he was seventeen years old, and continued for thirteen consecutive years. During this time he was more of a student than any of his pupils and entirely through his own efforts prepared for and subsequently completed the civil engineering coutse at. the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, in 1893. He was also a student at Oberlin College and took a course in bookkeeping at the Bryant & Stratton Business College, of Buffalo, New York. From 1898 to 1903 he was secretary of the Sandusky County Fair Association and for four seasons was bookkeeper and assistant cashier for the Continental Sugar Company. Mr. Overmyer effort. For some years he has devoted himself very closely to his profession and prior to 1902, when he established his own office at Fremont, he served a season with the county surveyor of Wood County and for two seasons was in the employ

Mrs. Overmyer also taught school, having been a student at the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, for some time. They have two children: Calvin J., born February 13, 1897, and Edith E., born April 8, 1899. Mr. Overmyer and family belong to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Overmyer entered upon the duties of his office September 6, 1909, with the esteem and good will of the people at large, irrespective of party, and in his administration they feel there will be no barriers to justice, as far as he is concerned, no time for speculation nor possible admission of private for public interests.

MICHAEL J. DAUB, who has long been one of Jackson Township's representative citizens, owns and manages his valuable farm of 240 acres and also devotes considerable time in the spring of each year to, buying wood. Mr. Daub was born March 21, 1833, in York County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Fearst) Daub.

a he parents of Mr. Daub came to America from Germany in 1833 and settled in York County, Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1835, and then moved to Lancaster County, in the same' state. After six years they returned to York County but removed from there in 1853 to Ohio. The father bought a farm of ninety-seven and. one half acres in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, not far from Burgoon, and there' both he and wife passed the rest of their lives, the father passing away at the age of eighty years and the mother at the age of about sixty-five years. Henry

Daub was married twice, first to a Miss Shiesler, who left two children, Jacob and Maria. The second. wife of Henry Daub was the mother of Michael J., of Jackson Township, and of two daughters, Catherine and Elizabeth. Catherine is now deceased. She was the wife of Hugh Havens of Jackson Township. Elizabeth married Josiah Fry and they live at Free--

Michael J. Daub spent a, boyhood and youth full of hard wark. His parents could not afford to give him many advantages and all the schooling he received was at odd times while living in York County. He was a good son and remained at home doing his part in taking care of the family and did not have property of his own until after he was married. He continued to live until 1882, when he sold the place and bought his present one of the heirs of William Boon, taking possession in the spring of 1883. Mr. Daub has made many excellent improvements here and his fine brick residence is one of the most comfortable homes in Jackson Township. In addition to placing his land under fine' cultivation, Mr. Daub engaged for a number of years in dealing in stock, his buying and selling bringing him in a large income annually. In recent years, however, he gives 'livestock no attention, his only business interest, as mentioned above, beyond looking after his farm, being the buying of wool, in which he is an expert. Mr. Daub has been a resident of Jackson Township for over a half century and has seen many retnarkable changes. He has done his full share in advancing the value and interest of his section and is held by his fellow citizens. At various times he has served as township trustee but has never cared enough for public office to make much effort to secure it.

On May 7,.1857, in The Deal hotel at Fremont, Mr. Daub and Mary C. Siler were married by Rev. William Jones, and they have been spared to travel life's path together and to celebrate their Golden Wedding and to have their ,children and grandchildren attend it. They have a son and a daughter: Philip H. and Cora M. Philip H. married Laura Love- bery and they resided at-Helena.. They had two children, Hildrid, who died aged ten years, and Wade G. Cora M. married Robert C. Bowlus and they reside in Pike County, Ohio, and have one son, Harold. Mr. and. Mrs. Daub are leading members of the United Brethren Church at Helena.

Mrs. Daub is of Sandusky County .pioneer stock. She is a daughter of, Philip and Anna (Disler) Siler. Her father came from Martinsburg, Berkley County, West Virginia, to Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1832. Her mother » was a daughter of Jacob Disler and she came with her father's family to Stark County, Ohio, in 1824, and from there they moved to San-

Disler were married in Sandusky County, January 29, 1835. They entered a farm one mile north of Burgoon and lived there until 1882. Mrs. Daub has lived all her life in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, Ohio.

W. L. BUTMAN, who for fifty years has been continuously connected with the Western Union Telegraph Company, is still one of the most trusted employes of that great corporation which he has served with signal fidelity for a half century. He was born at Paris, now - Plymouth, Ohio, August 6, 1837, and is a son of Benjamin and Mollie (Cook) Butman.

Mr. Butman.was left an orphan when seven years of age, his mother dying when he was only four years old. His father operated the Butman foundry at' Milan, Ohio, for some years, this being the first foundry successfully operated in Northern Ohio. His health failed, however, and his death took place when his son, W. L.,, was seven years of age. With this son and daughter, Benjamin Butman was taking a trip on the lake and died oe dropsy, when nearing Detroit.

W. L. Butman was reared by an aunt and continued to live at Milan after his father's death, attending school for a short time but very early beginning. to provide for his own necessities. He there entered the local telegraph office as a messenger boy and learned the art and became so proficient that when fifteen years Of age he was called to Fremont to take charge of the Speed Telegraph Company of that city, an enterprise later bought out by the Western Union. He had charge of the Western Union Telegraph Company's offices at Fremont from its organization until 1907, since which time he has filled a still higher position, being a special operator, on a regular and satisfactory salary. Few men in the service have had a more thorough experience and through all. the various industrial troubles he has ever been reliable and dependable, devoted .to the interests of the company.

'On December 8, 1861, Mr. Butman was married at Fremont, to Miss Josephine Du Combe Mead, affectionately called Minnie by her family. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of William and Rose (Du Combe) Mead and a granddaughter of Vincent Du Combe, a native of France. The Du Combe family fled from France during the Reign of Terror. The father of Mrs. Butman was born at Norwich, Connecticut, of English ancestry. He served in the Mexican War and lost his life there. Mrs. Mead moved from Philadelphia to Steubenville, Ohio, joining a sister there, and later they came to Fremont. Subsequently, Mrs.Mead married Judge John L. Green, a descendant of Benjamin Franklin. Mrs. Green died some years since at Fremont. To Mr. and Mrs. Butman seven children were born, all of whom almost reached maturity, but the only survivor is V. D. Butman. The othets bore the following names: Grant Douglas, John Wallace, Marshall, Wilbur, Thomas Stillwell and Cecile. Mr. and Mrs. Butman enjoy the comforts of their fine residence which stands on Birchard Avenue, Fremont.

ROBERT H. RICE, M. D., who was one of Fremont's eminent men of medical science, was a physician by inherited tendencies, thorough training and years of practical experience. He added distinction to a name already widely known through the skill of his father and older brother, and sustained it through a long period of practice. He was born December 20, 1837, in what was then Lower Sandusky but is now \Fremont, and was a son of Dr. Robert S. and Eliza Ann (Caldwell) Rice.

Dr. Robert S. Rice was born in Ohio County, Virginia, May 28, 1805, was ten years old when his parents brought the family to Ohio, and died at Fremont August 5, 1875. In 1827 he came to Lower Sandusky, where he made his living by working 'as a potter, utilizing all his spare moments in reading such medical literature as he could secure.' This was scanty and he had no means to even attend lectures, but the spirit of the physician was in him - the natural gift of healing - and he gradually began to practice, meeting with surprising success. As he gained experience and accumulated resources, his knowledge grew and the time came when no other physician commanded the respect and confidence of the public, throughout all Sandusky County, as did Dr. Robert S. Rice. His natural attitude of helpfulness led him to take a deep interest in philanthropic movements and long before the general public became aroused as to the inhumanity practiced on children, long before magazine pages were filled with their pictured woes Dr. Rice had raised his voice and uttered protests on their behalf. He was likewise mindful of other wrongs and with tongue and pen endeavored to bring them to the notice of the public in order to effect a cure. He was active in many fields Of usefulness, was prominent in military affairs in Sandusky County, was a justice of the peace and served one term as mayor of his city. In 1824 he married Miss Eliza Ann Caldwell, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1807, and died at Fremont in 1873. They had nine children, the late Dr. Robert H. Rice being the sixth in order of birth.

Robert H. Rice spent his boyhood and early youth in his native place, attending school and making himself useful for a time as a clerk in a local store. His.father then sent him to Oberlin College, where he continued his studies for two years and then came home in order to enter upon the study of medicine with his father and his brother, the late Dr. John B. Rice. Subsequently, in March, 1863, he was graduated from the medical department of the University of

Michigan, immediately entering into practice in association with his father. He shortly was.received into full confidence of the community and even before he became associated with the late Dr. John B. Rice, the eminent surgeon, his practice was an absorbing one. In order to more thoroughly quality himself, Dr. Rice spent 1872-3 in Europe and during a large part of this time he visited the famous medical schools and clinics of Paris and Berlin.

perfected himself in the languages of these countries and thus gained special benefits, Through his medical learning and his scientific investigations, he quickly advanced to the very front rank in his profession in his native State and continued for many years an able and honorable representative of it at Fremont.

The late Dr. Rice was a man of versatile talents. He took an interest in agricultural development and experiment, and proved himself an excellent business man. For years he was interested with his brother in the Trommer Extract of Malt Works at Fremont. He was identified with and an official of numerous medical organizations, and for some thirty years was prominent in Masonry. He was a well rounded man, capable in everything he undertook, one whose memory is tenderly preserved by his family and recalled with admiration by his fellow citizens. .

On June 14, 1865, Dr. Rice was married to Miss Cynthia J. Fry, who is a daughter of Henry and Abigail (Rideout) Fry. To Dr. and Mrs. Rice were born three children: Henry C., Anna and Ada. Anna is the wife of J. W. Pero, president of the Colonial Savings Bank and Trust Company. Mrs. Rice resides in her handsome residence which is situated at No. 408 Arch Street, Fremont.

ELLIOTT ROE, one of Washington Township's well known men and substantial citizens, resides on his valuable farm of seventy acres, which is favorably situated two and onehalf miles west of Lindsey, Ohio, has been engaged in farming all his-mature life and enjoys' a comfortable income also, from. ten' producing oil wells. He was born at Elmore, Ottawa County, Ohio, March 27, 1856, and is a son of Jedediah S. and Mary (Wallace) Roe.

Jedediah S. Roe was born in Orange County, New York, and was eight years old when he accompanied his parents, John S, and Margaret Roe, to Huron County, Ohio. After locating in Ohio, John S. Roe went back'to New York to adjust some business matters and while there he died from cholera. Later, Jedediah S. Roe came to Sandusky County and spent the rest of his life here, his death occuring November 30, 1901, when aged eightythree years. On November 24, 1853, he mar- and Sarah Wallace, and she died March: 23, 1905, at the age of eighty-one years. They were most worthy people and were esteemed and respected by the community in which they lived so long. They had five children, namely: Martin, born February 19, 1841; a daughter, born August 13, 1854, died September, 1854, unnamed; Elliott; Letitia, born January 25, 1858, married Maxwell Ferris, resides in Alabama, and they have one daughter, Nellie; Oscar, born August 12, 1863; and Ellsworth, born October 22, 1865.

Mr. Roe is a man who does his own thinking and hence has never identified himself with any political party, casting his vote independently and making choice according to his own judgment. He is a good citizen and can always be depended upon to do his full duty when public affairs and township needs are brought to his attention. Mr. Roe has no domestic circle, having never married, but he is a man of frank and pleasant manner and, has many friends.

JOHN F. MAUNTLER, a member of the firm of Mauntler Brothers, general: merchants of Woodville, Ohio,'is one of the foremost business men of this vicinity and has large: and various business interests. He was born near that village in 1860, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Myers) Mauntler. | of the early farmers of Woodville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio. He was a progressive and substantial citizen, and at his death, which occurred at the advanced age of eighty-one years, was possessed of 280 acres of land, his home being about one mile from the village. He was married to Mary Myers, who was born near Hanover, Germany, and they had four children: Mary, wife of Henry Stein of Wood County, Ohio; 'John F.; George H.; and Fred L.

John F. Mauntler was reared on the farm and received a good public school education at Woodville. After leaving school he operated the farm for about eighteen years, at the end of which time he located in the villagé and with his two brothers established the general store, which is located in the Keil Block on North Main Street. They carry a full line of dry goods, clothing and groceries and are well patronized by the people of the community. The Mauntler Brothers have been engaged as oil producers since 1893, when the Woodville field was first opened, being still in operation. In 1go1, they piped gas into Elmore, Ohio, and under the name of Mauntler Brothers and Company, furnish the village with gas. John F. Mauntler is a director of the Woodville Savings Bank Company. About the year 1906 Mauntler Brothers purchased the old Oak Harbor Natural Gas Company and still carry on the business, new wells being placed in operation all along the line. He served one year as township assessor and also was on the village council. He is treasurer of the German Farmers' Mutual Protective Association, which has its headquarters in Woodville and operates in Wood, Ottawa, Lucas and Sandusky Counties.

Mr. Mauntler was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Taulker, a daughter of Henry Taulker, a retired farmer residing at Gibsonburg, and they have one son, Edward, who is in charge of the Mauntler Brothers store at Woodville. Politically, the subject of this record is a Democrat. He and his family attended the German Lutheran Church.

ing business almost continuously since he left his school books and is one of the leading financiers of Northern Ohio. He was born November 2, 1860, at Fremont, Ohio, and is one of a family of three children born to his parents who were John and Catherine L. (Christian) Pero.

Until he was seventeen years of age, Mr. Pero attended the Fremont schools, where he was an apt pupil, particularly in mathematics. In 1878 he went into the First National Bank of Fremont, as a clerk and climbed step by step until he became paying teller and continued with that institution for nine years. On July 1, 1887, Mr. Pero removed to Findlay, Ohio, where he entered the First National Bank of that city, with which he remained identified until July, 1888, at which time he returned to Fremont. On July 25, 1888, he entered upon the duties of cashier of the Croghan Bank, of this city and continued as such until he sought a season of rest, retiring in August, 1901. For three years Mr. Pero kept out of the banking business but the pause was only temporary and on June 30, 1904, he accepted the vice presidency of the Colonial Savings Bank and Trust Company, of Fremont, which position he held until he was elected president of the institution on February I, 1906. Mr. Pero's success in business is a tribute to his faithfulness, industry and integrity.

Mr. Pero married Miss Anna Rice, a daughter of the late Dr. Robert H. Rice. In his political views he is a Republican. He has long been identified with the Masonic fraternity.

BIRCHARD HAVENS, who has been a resident of Ballville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, since April 3, 1905, and owns his comfortable home here, owns also a farm of 152 acres, which is situated in Jackson Township on the Bettysville and Lindsey road three miles north of the former place. He was born August 16, 1846, in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (Imes) Havens, old settlers of the county.

County at the age of forty-four years. The mother lived to be one year older. She was a native of Columbus, Ohio. They had six children, namely: W. J., who is deceased; Hugh; Mahala, deceased, who was the wife of George W. Shawl; Birchard; Orrie, who married Abraham Rhinehart; and Mary J., deceased, who was the wife of Charles Carr.

Birchard Havens lived in Jackson Township until 1905, obtaining his education in the schools near his home and engaging in a farmer's pursuits. He acquired a farm of eighty acres, situated two miles north of his present one, but after making extensive improvements, sold it to his eldest brother. In the spring of 1867 he bought the farm in Jackson Township that he still owns, of his father-inlaw, Lewis Overmyer.

Mr. Havens was married January 17, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth Catherine Overmyer, a daughter of Lewis and Mary Ellen (Stauffer ) Overmyer, old settlers, who took up Government land in: Jackson Township. The father of Mrs. Havens lived to be seventy-five years of age and her mother to be fifty. They had five children, as follows: Hugh, who married Dinah Kelley and lives at Fostoria, has children - Samuel, Freeland J., Elizabeth, Lewis, Rhoda and Anson; Susan, who married John Kelley, lives at Fremont and they have two children - Willis and Rufus; Mary E., who married Henry Sherfler, has five children - Frank, Albert, Henry, Francis and Mary E.; Benjamin, who married Harriet E. Burkhart, has two children - Charles and Cora, and Elizabeth Catherine, Mrs. Havens.

Mr. and Mrs. Havens have had five children, namely: Clara, who married George Kenan, November 11, 1887, has two children - Armina and Edna R.; Hattie, who married William W. Smith, November 12, 1896, lives at Toledo, Ohio; Myrtie, who died aged six months; Della, who married Rev Eugene Williams, lives at Lucas, Ohio, and they had one son, Havens Eugene, who died August 8, 1909, and an-infant, who is deceased. These families are all well and favorably known through Jackson and Ballville Townships. Their ancestors were among the pioneers and their descendants, reaping the advantages of several years, succeeding their father, Charles W-. Tschumy, who was the founder of it. The firm is made up of two brothers, Charles W. and Edward J., who have operated under the present style since the'death of their father, in 1897. as C. W. Tschumy, Sr., was born in Baden, Germany, and came to America whén about sixteen years of age, settling first at New Orleans, but left that city when it was visited by a yellow fever epidemic. He came as far north as Fremont and as he had learned the cabinetmakirig trade, he started in a small way, his first work being handmade coffins. He was careful, honest and industrious and continued to make progress in his business until he became the leading undertaker and furniture dealer in Fremont. He 'married Elizabeth Weiker, a daughter of Jacob Weiker, a farmer of Sandusky County, and they had six children born to them, namely: Mary; Charles W.; Julia, who is the wife of Horace Cooper, of Kokomo, Indiana; Edward J.; George, who died when aged twenty-one years, and Carrie.

Charles W. Tschumy was born at Fremont, Ohio, February 2, 1860, and was educated in the Fremont schools, completing the High School course. As soon as his school days were over, he and his younger brather went iito business with the father and they have continued ever since. Both are practical undertakers and their equipments for funeral directing are the best in the city. ey have two funeral cars and every other necessity required in the business. Their furniture business is the most extensive, in:that line, in Fremont. They occupy almost all of a three-story building and four stories of an annex and.also have the third floor over the Jackson- Dry Goods Company. In business circles this firm stands deservedly high, and individually the

Charles W. Tschumy married Miss Amelia Miller and they have six children, namely: Carl, Edith, Horace, Herbert, Robert and William. His fraternal affiliations are with the Odd Fellows, the Red Men and the Mystic Circle.

WILLIAM HAAR, who is operating a farm of eighty-three acres which belongs to his father and is situated in Washington Township, three miles west of Lindsey, was born in Washington Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, April 5, 1882, and is a son of Charles and Mary Ann (Maerose) Haar.

Charles Haar was born in Germany, July 6, 1831, and was nineteen years old when he accompanied his mother, two brothers and one sister to America. He remained for two and one-half years with the family in New York City and then came to Washington Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where he rented land for eight years and then bought the farm in Washington Township on which he still lives, with his wife and one son, Philip. His father, also Charles Haar, died in Germany in his youth, and his mother, Mrs. Angeline Haar, died in Washington Township. He married Mary Ann Maerose, a daughter of Frederick and Louisa (Hurrelbrink) Maerose, who came from Germany and were married and died in Wood County, Ohio. The,children of Charles and Mary Ann Haar are the following: John, who married (first) Louisa Beeker, and (second) Elizabeth Berkman, lives in Washington Township; Charles, who married Clara Strauch, lives in this township; Fred, who married Aurelia Auxter, lives in this township; George, who married Annie Hotmer, lives in Ottawa County, Ohio; Annie, who married John Beeker, of Washington Township, and William and Philip, the latter of whom still lives at home.

William Haar attended the township schools during boyhood and early youth and then assisted his father until his own marriage, when he rented his present farm from his father and has been very successful in operating it. He is very industrious and enterpris-

In 1908 Mr. Haar was married to Miss Elizabeth Bach, a daughter of Philip and Christina (Krause) Bach, well known farming people of Washington Township. Mrs. Haar has two sisters, Christina and Emma, and one brother, August. Mr. and Mrs. Haar are members of the German Lutheran Church. They are favorably known in the pleasant social life of their community. In politics, Mr. Haar is a Democrat.

AUGUSTUS E. RICE, deceased, late president of the Croghan Bank and a distinguished citizen of Fremont, Ohio, was one of the most prominent financiers of the state of Ohio. He was president of the Ohio Bankers' Association, was active in the reforms brought about by that body, and from all indications had not reached the zenith of his power and usefulness when laid low by the hand of death. His rise from the lowly position of errand boy to the exalted position he held at the time of his demise, is a record of continuous and ambitious striving, close application to business, whether it was his own or that ef others, conscientious: service to his employers and zealous devotion to their interest, and the ability to grasp an opportunity when it was presented. His career stands in bold relief as an example well worthy of emulation.

Mr. Rice was born at Elmore, Ohio, November 26, 1847, and was a:son of James F, and Catherine (Luckey) Rice. He was but a boy when his father died and it became necessary for him to provide for his own support at a very early age. While attending school, he worked mornings and evenings, and at the age of fifteen years began working as an errand boy. On March 22, 1865, he came to Fremont and accepted a position as errand boy. in the First National Bank, which was located in a onestory building standing on the present site of the Colonial Bank Building. He there rose from errand boy to assistant cashier and in 1882 left that institution to become first cashier of the Fremont Savings Bank. In 1888 he organized the Croghan bank and served as its president from its inceptiqn until his death, which occurred March -15, 1909. Late in life he realized one of his greatest ambitions in the erection of the new Croghan Bank building; this beautiful building, said.to be the handsomest and

Mr. Rice had a most comprehensive grasp of the banking business and its multitudinous details, and notwithstanding the great demands of his interests on his time, he wrote a number of works on banking and business which were published and had wide circulation. Among them may be mentioned, "Small Talks on Business," "Practical Bank Advertising," and "Direful Effects of a Postal Savings Bank." The 'last publication appeared shortly before his death and a copy was sent to each United States Senator and Congressman. He was for a number of years a member of the executive committee of the Ohio Bankers' Association, and at the annual meeting held at Alexandria Bay, New York, in July, 1908, was honored by election to the presidency of that body.

On April 23, 1867, Augustus E. Rice was united in marriage with Miss Phebe A. Dean, who also was born at Elmore, Ohio, and who died at Fremont, April 9, 1904. They are survived by a daughter, Miss Nettie G. Rice,, who resides at the old home place in Fremont. 'Mr. Rice was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church. In fraternal affiliation, he was a member of Brainard Lodge, F. & A. M.; and Fremont Chapter, No. 64, R. A.M. He wasa Republican in national politics, but was inclined to be independent in local affairs. His death was one which the people felt keenly ; he had a wide personal acquaintance throughout this section of the State, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens to a remarkable degree. '

ELIAS BABIONE comes of one of the oldest families of Ballville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is located on a tract of two and one-half acres, about one and a half miles south of Fremont. He was born in that township, April 11, 1843,_and is a son of John G,

John G. Babione, upon coming to the United States in 1793, first located in Virginia, after a short time moved to Fairfield County. Ohio, where they did not, however, remain long, but made their way to Sandusky County, where they entered Government land in Ballville Township.. These hardy pioneers lived - in the times when encounters with the Indians were not infrequent, and amid the hardships of the most primitive conditions. John G. Babione died here at the age of eighty-three years, and his wife at the age of seventy-eight. They were parents of the following children: Samuel, deceased; Daniel; John; Katherine, deceased; William; Rebecca, deceased; Mary - Ann, deceased; Sarah E. deceased, and Elias.

Elias Babione was reared and educated in Ballville Township, and has always followed agricultural pursuits, and at one time owned considerable farm land. On August 13, 1862, he enlisted at Fremont for three years service in the Civil War, as a member of Company A, 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and saw much hard fighting. He participated in thirtyeight battles, among which may be mentioned Knoxville, Nashville, Stone River, Resaca, Decatur, Alabama; and Louden, Tennessee. He was with Sherman in the march to the sea and was in the siege of Atlanta. He had his leg broken by a gun shot and was for some time incapacitated for duty. He was mustered out at Cleveland, Ohio, in July, 1865. .

On March 28, 1867, Mr. Babione was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Ott, a daughter of Fidella and Isabel (Wiley) Ott, and they became parents of the following children: Mary B.; William, who died at the age of four years; Hattie, who married Frank Bauman, of Ballville Township and has two children, Wayne and Gertrude; Lester of Fremont, who ried Rosie Moore and lives in Ballville Township; Ray, who married Elizabeth Sater and lives at home; Clarence, who lives in Rice Township; and one who died in infancy. Mary B. Babione, the eldest daughter, was first married toa Mr. Walker, who met death by drowning, and they had one son, Carl. She was subsequently married to Douglas Fought and they reside in Washington Township, Sandusky County. Clarence Babione was married (first) to Fay Smith, and after her death was married to Miss Edna Bloom.

Mr. Babione is a Republican in politics, and for six years served with marked ability as township trustee. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to the Post at Fremont.

EMMET C. SAYLES, prosecuting attorney of Sandusky County, and formerly city solicitor of Fremont, has been a resident of this city since he was twenty-three years of age and he has made its interests his own. He was born May 3, 1867, at Chicago, Illinois, but was reared at Lowell, Michigan. His schooling was obtained in the country schools near Lowell and finished in the high school at Lowell. ;

In large measure Mr. Sayles is a self made man, for, from the age of twelve years he provided his own opportunities for advancement and earned the means in mill, factory and on the farm, to pursue his higher studies, those which later contributed largely to his success in life's battle. After reaching Fremont, he began the study of law in the office of Kinney & O'Farrel, and subsequently passed with more than ordinary credit, the state legal examination in both civil and criminal law and was admitted to the bar in December 1901. For four years and eight months Mr. Sayles served the city as its solicitor, at a particularly trying period on account of differing interpretation of numerous new laws, particularly applying to city improvements. He points with commendable pride to the fact that during his long period of service, there was but one small verdict secured against the city. In 1908 the Democratic party brought him forward as its candidate for prosecuting attorney and he was elected by a majority of 992 votes over his opponent, Edward Voorhees. In the administration of this office there is one fact certain, that Mr. Sayles will do his full duty without fear or favor. 'The office is one of great responsibility, entailing much labor and requiring the possession of both experience arid profound legal knowledge, qualities Mr. Sayles has proven he possesses.

Mr. Sayles was married to Miss Catherine M. Gordon, a daughter of John Gordon, of Toledo, Ohio. They reside at No. 812 West State Street, Fremont. Mrs. Sayles is a member of the Catholic Church, but Mr. Sayles was reared in the Baptist faith.

Mr. Sayles has taken much interest in military affairs and has been a captain in the National Guards. He is identified with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Sons of Veterans, the Maccabees, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Elks and the Eagles.

CHRISTIAN SCHNEIDER, whose comfortable home is in the village of Hessville, Sandusky County, Ohio, owns his property here and also a valuable farm of eighty acres, which is situated in Washington Township. He was born in Germany, October 9, 1834, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Sehr) Schneider and a grandson of Christian Schneider, all of whom died in Germany.

Neither one of his parents nor any of the children except two ever crossed the Atlantic Ocean to America, and of these two Christian is the only survivor, the other brother, William, having died at Forest Hill, California, in 1908. In 1852 Christian Schneider landed at the port of New York and from there he made his way to Fremont, Ohio, where he began to work as a blacksmth for George Griner and later, at Woodville, he worked for Barnum and Whitmore, then for Captain Newfur and later for Ged Wolfe, at Hessville. After this he went to toolmaking at Rocky Ridge, for the Northern Division Railroad, going from there to Monroeville and later worked for one year at Rochester, Indiana. After returning to Ohio, he worked at Perrysburg, in Wood County, one year, then bought a shop of George Thrafe, at Hessville, and conducted it for two and one-

In 1855, at Hessville, Mr. Schneider was married to Miss Sophia Strock, a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Shriner) Strock. The Strock family came to Ohio from Germany in 1848 and lived in Washington Township, Sandusky County, the remainder of their lives. The children born to Christian Schneider and wife were the following: Charles H., who married Stevana Burkett, lives in Washington Township; Louisa, who married Leonard Schwartz, lives in Washington Township; Louis, who married Adella Whitney, lives in Washington Township; Elizabeth, who was married (first) to Christian Moll, and after his death to Jacob Reed, lives in' Sandusky County; Christian H., who married Catherine Schmaitz, lives on the old homestead in Washington Township; Sophia, who married (first) George Mowery and after his death, Benjamin Graham, lives at Bradner, Ohio; Philip, who married Alta Bowmer, lives at Hessville, and Ida and William, both of whom are deceased. Mr, and Mrs. Schneider are old and valued members of the Lutheran Church. He takes no very active interest in politics, but he casts his vote in favor of the principles and candidates of the Democratic party. Mr. Schneider has witnessed many wonderful changes since he first came to Sandusky County, changes in farming, in methods of work at his trade and changes in modes of living. Some of these changes he considers of no material advantage, lent his influence to help bring them about. June 24, 1909, a family reunion was held at the home of Philip Schneider, son of our subject. A count was had and it was found that Christian and Sophia Schneider, their children and grand children, together with their respective wives and husbands, numbered fifty-eight persons.

concerns of the city, is located in fine quarters in the Dryfoos & Bach Block, on South Front Street. It was established'in 1850, by I. and M. Dryfoos, natives of Germany and older brothers of Simon Dryfoos, who is now the The first firm name was I. and M. Dryfoos, clothiers,. later becoming Dryfoos Brothers and still ° later, Dryfoos Brothers & Bach, which continued until 1892, when the present firm style was

Simon Dryfoos was: born November 24, 1844, in'Germany, and is a son of Henry Dryfoos. In 1866 he came to America and located at Fremont, and he has made this city his home for more than forty-three years. In 1873 he became a member. of the firm of Dryfoos Brothers & Bach. He was married about this time to Rachel Lehman and they have four children: Henry, Sidney, Minette and Alfred. Mr. Dryfoos owns a beautiful residence on Birchard Avenue.

Louis Bach, of the firm, was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 11, 1848, and is a son of Jacob and Fannie (Swatzenberg) Bach. When he was six years old his parents came to Amer-. ica and for: several years the family lived at Tiffin, Ohio, and then moved to Milwaukes, Wisconsin, where Jacob Bach entered intg business and his son began to go to school. La er the family moved to Nashville, Tennessee and from there to Chattanooga, where Jacob Bach died. Lewis had been in partnership with hie father in business) and he remained at Chattanooga until 1873, when he.came to Fre mont, where he entered into his present business relations with Dryfoos Brothers.

In 1882, Mr. Bach was married to Barbara Kahn, and they have three children: Fred Jessie and Walter. Mr. Bach qwns a hand some home on South Arch Street, Fremont.

'In the old days of the clothing" business, it was the general habit to put a price om an article and after a certain seemingly necessary amount of dickering, sell the article for less price than asked at first. The members of the firm have brought about a different method in Fremont, one more dignified and honorable, having but one price and thereby treating <all customers alike. Their reputation for relta- bility and honesty is known all through the county. They carry the largest stock and the best class of merchandisé in this section, own their own sales room and the one adjoining it ' on the south. This is a firm that Fremont can take pride in.

Ohio, and 'buyer of grain, poultry, butter and eggs, hides and all farm produce and also proprietor of the elevator and electric light plant at this point, is one of Sandusky County's leading business men. Mr. Rutschow was born at Toledo, Ohio, October 21, 1854, and is a son of William and Mina Rutschow.

- The parents of Mr. Rutschow were born in Germany but they have been residents of America during the larger portion of their lives. Their comfortable home is in the city of Toledo. The father is now seventy-six years old and the mother one year older. They had two children, Fred and Josephine, the latter of whom died when aged eleven years.

Fred Rutschow | obtained his education in the public schools of Toledo and the State College situated there. He then started 'to work, being employed first as an errand boy by a local business man, after which he made his way to Boston, Massachusetts, where he worked as a clerk in a dry goods store for two years and then came back to Toledo and entered the employ of a Toledo merchant for a short time. In the meanwhile he had married and as his responsibilities increased, he concluded that the only, way in which he could add to his capital and clear off the debts he had incurred, was to make a bold strike and embark in business for himself. He had only $25) in cash when he came to Helena, but he had credit, and after renting a small room he stocked it with desirable general merchandise and launched out as a merchant on his own responsibility. His business ability was suffciently proved within four years, when J. J. Garn entered into partnership with him and they built the present commodious store building. This partnership continued for several years and when Mr. Garn retired, Mr. Ruts- crisis, but few of these have disturbed Mr. Rutschow, for with the exception of several small fires, which caused but little loss, he has prospered from the first. His indefatigable industry and unceasing energy have resulted in the large advance made in his own fortunes -and have contributed in no small degree to the prosperity of Helena. He carries a stock of goods valued at $12,000, including groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, crockery, shelf hardware and clothing, tinware, tobacco and salt; owns his own electric light plant for his own use, it being one of the two in the place, the other, which furnishes light for the town being owned by Mrs. Monroe Garn; owns the grain elevator which has a capacity of 12,000 bushels; owns a cold storage plant; owns eleven acres of very vale ble farm land in Washington Township; a stockholder in the Helena Banking Chai. pany, and since 1876 has also been interested in oil production. The Garn-Rutschow Oil Company leased land all over the country, the first well found in this section being one struck in 1890, in Washington Township, which produced 125 barrels a day. Mr. Rutschow undoubtedly possesses great business faculty and his foresight and judgment are frequently consulted by those not so well equipped by nature. He has been a very useful citizen of Sandusky County and a dominating force in the business life of Helena.

In 1876 Mr. Rutschow was married at Toledo, Ohio, to Miss Carrie Schumaker, who is a daughter of John Schumaker. They have had three children: William, born in 1881, married Hattie Bremer and conducts a wholesale commission house at Toledo; J. F. S., who died aged four years, and Fred, born in 1889, who is his father's able assistant. Mrs. Rutschow has been of great assistance to her husband. In earlier years her frugal and careful administration of domestic affairs gave him help and encouragement and she still gives assistance by looking after details in the store. The family belong to the German Lutheran Church.

LOUIS SCHNEIDER, who has been a member of the School Board of Washington Township for the past ten years and in every way is a representative citizen, lives on his excellent farm of sixty-seven acres and also has a two-third interest in a tract of forty acres in the same township. Mr. Schneider was born January 12, 1863, in Washington Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Christian and Sophia (Strock) Schneider.

The venerable father of Mr. Schneider was born in Germany, October 9, 1834, and in 1852 he came by himself to America and settled in Sandusky County, where he has lived ever since. He married Sophia Strock and they had the following children: Charles C., residing in Washington Township, married Stevana Burkett; Louisa, married Lenard Schwartz; Elizabeth, married (first) Christian Moll and (second) Jacob Reed, of Sandusky County; Louis; Christian, who married Catherine Schmaltz, lives on the old homestead in Washington Township; Sophia, married (first) George Mowery and (second) Benjamin Graham and they live at Bradner, Ohio; Philip Alta Bowmer and resides at Hessville; Edith and William are both deceased.. ;

Louis Schneider was fourteen years old when he left school and began to be of great assistance to his father on the farm and remained at home until his own marriage, in 1883. After this event he settled on a farm of forty acres which his wife had inherited from her father and lived there for twenty and barns. After purchasing his present property, from Mrs. Julia A. Whitney, Mr. Schneider took possession of it and has been engaged here in general farmting ever since. He raises good stock but has none that is registered.

chroder) Whitney. Mrs. Schneider has one sister, Mary M., who is the wife of Hayden Arnold, of Fremont. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider have three sons: Clarence, who was born July 9, 1885, married May Smith af Washington Township, and they have one daughter

Mr. Schneider is a Democrat in National politics, but in local matters he casts an independent vote. With his family he belongs to the Grace Reformed Church. His postoffice is at Gibsonburg, not far distant from his farm and his mail comes on rural route No. 3.

MEADE G. THRAVES, attorney at law, with office in the Bristol Block, on Front Street, Fremont, has been engaged in the practice of his profession in this city for twenty years and occupies a leading position on the Sandusky County bar. He was born February 15, 1863, on a farm in Ballville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Mary (Crowell) Thraves, the former of whom followed the blacksmith businegs for many years in Fremont, Hessville and in California. ,

'has been an active and interested citizen and both in and outside his profession, has been given tokens of the general esteem in which. he is held. From 1900 until 1905 he served as secretary and treasurer of the board of directors and as librarian of the law library, which is located in the Sandusky County Court House. He is.a leading Democrat and from

ANSON H. MILLER, deceased, late president of the First National Bank of Fremont, Ohio, was connected with the banking interests of this city for more than a half century. He was a member of the first board of directors of the First National, when the institution was founded) in 1863, subsequently served as cashier, later became vice president and finally president, occupying the last named office at the time of his death, which occurred March 30, 1905. Mr. Miller was born May 2, 1824, at Hillsdale, New Hampshire, and was the second son of John and Hannah (Bassett) Miller.

In the year following his birth the parents of Mr. Miller moved to Norwalk, Ohio, and in 1839 they settled in New London Township, in Huron County. Anson H. was educated in the Norwalk Seminary and at Milan Academy, after which he eagerly turned his attention to business. In 1847 he became an employe of a lumber firm at New Orleans, and after about one year's experience, he returned to New London Township, where he engaged in farming until.1852. He had no taste, however, for agricultural pursuits and after taking a commercial course in a business college at Cleveland, became bookkeeper for Dr. William F, Kittridge, who was then treasurer of the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad. In 1854 he became cashier for the firm of Birchard & Otis, bankers, at Fremont, and became a resident of this city on August 2, 1854, and remained identified with its many interests throughout the remainder of his life. Changes soon came about in the firm, Judge Otis retiring in January, 1856, and at that time Mr. Miller became a partner, the firm style becoming Birchard, Miller & Company. In the following year when the late Dr. James W. Wilson became a member of the firm, its resources were increased, but no change was made in the firm name, which continued until 1863. It was a purely private banking enterprise and did a large volume of business.

War, the capitalists of Fremont did not hesitate in increasing their responsibilties, and in this year the private firm was merged into the First National Bank of Fremont, with the following first officers: Sardis Birchard, president; James W. Wilson, vice president; and Anson H. Miller, cashier. The bank started out with a paid up capital of $100,000, and an authorized capital of $200,000. This bank was the fifth National through all these succeeding years it has held its supremacy, owing, in large measure its unquestioned solvency and its successful business career to the high personal character of its officers, and their careful, conservative methods. The fine quarters of the bank, the solid, substantial building on the corner of Front and Croghan Streets, its exterior appearance being typical of the solidity of the bank itself, offer quite a contrast to the small one-story building where Mr. Miller first served as one of its officials. Mr. Miller was married in March, 1854, to Miss Nancy J. Otis, who is a daughter of Joseph and Nancy B. Otis, a family of age and prominence at Berlin, Ohio. They had three daughters: Mary O., Fannie B. and Julia E.

DAVID STIGER, a veteran of the Civil War and a well known citizen of - Ballville Township, resides on his valuable little farm of fourteen acres, which has been his home for twenty-three years. He was born at Havens Station, Sandusky County, Ohio, July 2, 1844, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Foust) Stiger. |

The parents of Mr. Stiger during his boyhood and youth, resided in both Sandusky and Seneca Counties. The father was born April 14, 1810, and died April 20, 1887. The mother was born in 1813, and died in 1866. In 1833 they moved from Circleville, Pickaway County to Sandusky County, They had the following children: Caroline, Isaac, Lucinda, Amos, Wilson, David, Elizabeth, Catherine, Joseph, Matilda and Charles.

David Stiger resided in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, until he was fourteen years of age and obtained 'his education there. He then went te Seneca County for two years, and from there to Ballville Township for three years and then back to Jackson Township and resided near Bettsville until he first enlisted for service in the Civil War. This was in the fall of 1861, when he entered Company F, 72d Ohio Volunteer Infantry. While in camp he was attacked with measles and became so ill that he was sent home. During his second enlistment, which included a service of fifteen months in the 64th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he participated in the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin, Nashville and Columbia, Tennessee, and in that of Decatur, Alabama, and others of less importance. Mr. Stiger was struck once in the breast by a spent ball and still bears the scar and on two occasions was prostrated by a sunstroke. He was honorably discharged September 25, 1865, at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, but was confined to a hospital for three months at Jefferson Station, Missouri, and did not reach home until the middle of December. He is a member of the Grand Army Post at Fremont, and of Company K, of Old Fort.

Mr. Stiger purchased his present farm in 1883 from Daniel V. Flumerfelt and carries on general farming. In 1868 he was married to Miss Anna M. Beck, a daughter of Gerhart and Sarah Beck, and they have had seven children, namely: Charles, who resides at Old Fort, who married Mary Everhart, has three children - Ralph, Lester and Harry; William who lives near Old Fort, married Nora Smith and they have two children - George and Bernice; Marion, who resides at home; Lulu, who married John Kleim, of Old Fort, has three

OSCAR B. PATTERSON, residing on his well. improved farm of sixty-two and one-half acres, situated eight miles west of Fremont, is one of Washington Township's representative citizens and prosperous farmers. He was born February 5, 1850, on what is known as the old Patterson reservation, one mile north of Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Julius and Margaret (Larey) Patterson.

Julius Patterson was born May 23, 1808, at Syracuse; New York, and was brought by. his parents to Ohio, in 1815. They settled near the mouth of the Huron River, where they lived for two years, and then moved to the peninsula in Ottawa County, but in 1818 they' returned to Sandusky County and located at Lower Sandusky, now Fremont. They took up their residence in one of the block houses that then stood on the site of Fort Stephenson. Julius Patterson grew to manhood there and became identified with the growth and development of the county. He was one of the ptomoters of the Maumee turnpike road. but lost heavily in that enterprise. On June 17, 1836 he married Margaret Larey and both are now deceased. They had ten children, the seven sutvivors being: Robert, John, Rawson, Oscar, Charles J., Sarah and Julia. One son, Sardis, was a soldier in the Civil War, a mem-: ber of the 72d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and it was his unfortunate fate to be captured by a relentless enemy, and to be imprisoned and.

Oscar B. Patterson attended the public schools more or less regularly until he was eighteen years of age, after which he assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-two, and then went to Michigan, where he spent one year in farming and two years in threshing. After he came back 'to Sandusky County he remained at home until his father died, when he went into railroading, in which he continued for: twenty-two years: In 1895 he retired from the road and bought his present farm from Samuel Skinner, and he has been concerned in its development and improvement ever sifice.

Mr, Patterson married Miss Frona Moss, a daughter of James and Lucy (Long) Moss, of Clay County, Indiana. Mrs. Patterson was an only child. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have four children, namely: Golden, born April 11, 1890, at Worthington, Indiana; Orville, born. January 1, 1895, at Fremont, Ohio; Lucy, born

458 HISTORY OF June 2, 1899, and Robert, born February 4, 1902. Mr. Patterson and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican and he has served for four years on the School Board.

H. C. PLAGMAN, who occupies a place among Fremont's leading business men, is secretary of the Sandusky County Building & Loan Company and a member of its board of directors and he is likewise largely interested in the oil industry both in Sandusky and Wood Counties. Mr. Plagman is a native of Ohio, born in Eric County, November 21, 1857, and is a son of Henry and Dorothy (Henning) Plagman.

old his parents moved to Sandusky County, Ohio, settling on a farm in Riley Township, and there he was reared. His education was obtained in the country schools and the Ohio Northern University at Ada, and later he taught school for several winters and worked on the farm in the summers and for several years, from about seventeen to twenty-two years of age, taught school during a large portion of the time, continuing however, to keep his home on the farm. He then came to Fremont and for about three years engaged in clerking for the Herman-Wilson Dry Goods Company, after which he went into business for himself, embarking in. the grocery and crockery line. He continued this business until 1898 when he disposed of his mercantile interests and for the next year was a salesman for the S. F. Evans Grocery Company, of Findlay, at Fremont. When the Sandusky County Building & Loan Company was organized, in 1899, Mr. Plagman' became its secretary and has retained this office ever since. This business concern is one of large importance in the county and its officers are all business men of capital and experience. Mr. Plagman has been an active and useful citizen. For twelve years he has been a member of the Fremont Board of Education, a part of the time being its clerk and a larger part being president of the body.

of Daniel Karshner, and they have two children: Lester W. and Fern Mildred. The son > is in the mail service. He married Miss Myrtle King and they have two children. Mr. Plagman and family are members of the First Presbyterian Church. He is identified with the Odd Fellows.

JOHN FRONIZER, who for many years engaged in carpentering in Fremont, Ohio, now owns and resides upon a farm of eighty acres in Ballville Township. He was born in this township, September 10, 1855, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Young) Fronizer.

Henry Fronizer was born in Hessen, Germany, in 1824, and lived there until he reached the age of twenty-one years when he came to the United States. He first located at Buffalo, New York, where he lived three years, and then came west to Sandusky County, Ohio, settling in Ballville Township, where he died November 18, 1907. He was united in marriage with Mary Young, who was born in Hessen, Germany, in 1823, and died in Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1879. They were parents of the following children: Fred; John; Simon; Matilda, deceased ; 'Magdalena, wife of Frank Pryer; Susan, deceased ; Katherine (Fought), and Joseph.

John Fronizer attended the public schools of his native county and at an early age learned the trade of a carpenter, which he has followed during most of his business career. He followed his trade in Fremont until 1898, since which time he has been a resident of Ballville Township. In 1907, he purchased his present farm of Alfonso Courser and is engaged in general farming.

August 10, 1878, Mr. Fronizer was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia Pryer, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Ash) Pryer of Sandusky County, and they have had three children: Frank, Nettie (deceased) and Larkin. Frank Fronizer was united in marriage with Miss Lola Slatter, a daughter of Christian Slatter, and they had one child who died in infancy. Mr. Fronizer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He does not take an active part in political affairs, but served one term as township constable.

resides on and, in association with his brother, Clyde H. Bowlus, operates the large farm belonging to his father. He was born August 18, 1885, and is a son of Orville W. and Ida Ann (Keefer) Bowlus.

Orville W. Bowlus was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, carried on farming in Washington Township for many years and now lives retired at Fremont. He married (first) Ida Ann Keefer, who was born in Pennsylvania, and she is survived by the following: children: Ray William, born in 1885; Clyde H., born July 20, 1888; Ralph Elmer, born November 2, 1890, who is a student in the Metropolitan Business College at Toledo; Grace, born November 4, 1892, attends the Fremont High School and Rollo, born January 1, 1894. Mr. Bowlus was married (second) to Hattie Boyer.

Ray W. Bowlus attended the public schools in Sandusky County, also those of Kansas, and completed his school attendance by taking a business course in a commercial college at when he returned home he assisted his father and later served two years as assistant station agent for the Lake Shore Electric Railroad, Company, at Monroeville, Ohio. This position he gave up when his father decided to retire and, in partnership with his next younger brother, he entered the management of the home farm. He has proved himself a capable agriculturist and takes a large amount of interest in the development of his property, making every part of the land produce to its fullest extent.

In 1907 Mr. Bowlus was married to Miss Elda Walker, the eldest daughter of James Perry and Anabel (Kieser) Walker, of Gibsonburg, Ohio. Mrs. Bowlus has two sisters and three brothers: Lydia, Florence, Milo, Russel and Leigh. Mr. and Mrs. Bowlus have a son, Ray William, Jr., named for his father and born 'September 19, 1908. Mrs. Bowlus is a member of the Christian Church at Gibsonburg. He is a Republican in politics.

up an extensive business: . He: was. Huron County, Ohio, near Bellevee, 20, 1861, and is a,son of William and Cath: erine (Heyman) Lieber, both natives of Get many.

schools and one year in high school. - He then worked at farming several years before learning the trade of a blacksmith and. carriage maker. From the time he was twenty-one. he spent ten years in traveling about in the United States, working at his trade at various 'places: He was at Van Wert, Ohio, several months, | then went to Michigan, and later'to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From there he went to Atlanta; Georgia, thence to New Orleans during: the exposition in the winter of 1884-1885. 'He | crossed the Gulf of Mexico to Tampa, Florida, and worked at his trade at Jacksonville. After two years in the squth, he visited at his old home a short time, and from there went to. Chicago, Illinois. Returning to Ohio, he spent one season working in the J. P. Moore Car: riage Works at Fremont, and the following spring, 1888, went to Tacoma, Washington. He was in the west five years, working: at his trade about the mines. 'He returned to Bellevue, Ohio, in 1893, and, his father having died in the meantime, took up the lattet's real estate and insurance business at that place. He | became active in Democratic politics and' in 1898 was elected mayor of Bellevue. He was re-elected to that office, and while serving his second term was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of treasurer of Sandusky. County, and moved to Fremont in August, I9OI, to assume the duties of said office, where he has lived ever since. He served two terms as treasurer and his efficiency in office gained him many friends in both parties and won the commendation of the general public.

460 HISTORY dusky County, and they have three children: George Martin, Gertrude and Irene. They reside in a fine new home on Birchard Avenue which he recently built. Religiously, they are members of the Grace' Lutheran Church.