Sandusky County, Ohio - Chapter 25: Miscellanea, 1909 (part 8 of 18)

Mr. Dudrow was city solicitor of Fremont for a period of six years or three times, the duties of which he discharged with ability and to the satisfaction of the public. He has pursued the practice of his profession with zeal and success. He has been engaged in important cases, prominent among Pahich was the detense of Mrs. Lizzie Aldridge, who was charged with the murder of her husband, John Aldridge, the trial occurring at Hastings, Nebraska, in May, 1889. She was acquitted. Of Mr. Dudrow's efforts in the case the Hastings ( Neb.) Republican said: "Mr. Dudrow, of Fremont, Ohio, was an earnest and pleasing talker. Every word and action had power and weight that exerted an influence upon the jurors." The Adams County (Neb.) Democrat, also speaking of his able argument at the trial, said: "Of Mr. Dudrow, of Fremont, Ohio, it may be said that during the trial he won the good opinion and admiration of our people by his manly, eloquent and logical arguments to the jury and by the able manner in which he con- ducted the part of the case assigned to him." Politically, Mr. Dudrow is a Democrat. In his church relations he is a member of the [irst M. E. Church, of Fremont.

Besides a handsome residence on Birchard Avenue, in Fremont, he owns a fine farm of over 300 acres in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, situated within its northern boundary on the south shore of Sandusky Bay.

LEANDER BLOKER, who has been in business at Lindsey, Ohio, for a period of twenty-seven years, operates a planing mill and deals extensively in lumber and is also vice president of the 'German Banking Company of this place. Mr. Bloker was born in Ballvile Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, March 11, 1849, and is a son of John and Eliza (Shisler) Bloker.

The father of Mr. Bloker was born at Buffalo, New York, and died in Ballville Township, Sandusky County, February 15, 1859. He was a farmer and a cooper and came from Buffalo with his wife, in 1847. He married Eliza Shisler, who was born in Pennsylvania, and they had two. sons: Leander and Frank. The latter was born in 1856, married Lucy Fought, and died in 1892. In 1865 the widowed mother of Mr. Bloker was married (second) to Daniel Waggoner and they had one daughter, Ella, who married Samuel Knecht and lives at Chicago, Illinois, where he is an attorney for a bank. Mrs. Waggoner died at Lindsey, in 1881.

Leander Bloker obtained his education in the public schools, after which, from 1866 until 1882, he worked at the carpenter trade, and then turned his attention to his present business, in the latter year entering into partnership with Mr. Wilson, under the firm name of Bloker & Wilson. This continued until 1893. when Mr. Bloker bought Mr. Wilson's interest and continued alone until June 15, 1907, when his plant was destroyed by fire. He has rebuilt and resumed operation under still better conditions and is one of the town's most energetic and enterprising business men. He handles a full line of all kinds of lumber and deals in window frames, sash, etc. He is a stockholder in the German Banking Company and vice president of the same.

On January 1, 1874, Mr. Bloker was married to Miss Hattie Box, a daughter of Nicholas and Rachel (Berry) Box. Mr. Box was married (first) to Mary Waggoner, and Mrs. Box was married (first) to Benjamin Foster. Mrs. Bloker has two full brothers, William and Frank, and one half-brother, Nicholas, and one _ full-sister, Ella, and one half-sister, Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Bloker have three children, namely: Calvin, who was born April 4, 1875, married Clara Ulch, and they have two children - Lyda and Lucille, and they live at Lindsey; Carl F., who was born January 21, 1879, married Blanche Boyer and they live in Missouri and have two children - Margaret and Genevieve; and Raymond, who was born November 19, 1893, and is a bright student in the Lindsey public schools. Mr. Bloker and family belong to the Evangelical Church. In politics he is a Republican and has frequently been elected to responsible offices in the town and has served most acceptably as a member of the council and both as school and town treasurer.

THELISMER O. WIGHTMAN, owner of Riverside Park or Wightman's Grove, an attractive summer resort, situated in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, also owns a well improved farm of forty acres. He was born in Ottawa County, near Lakeside, Ohio, December 23, 1847, and is a son of Alphonso W. and Mary (Capman) Wightman, the former of whom was born in Massachusetts and tle latter in Ohio.

Thelismer O. Wightman attended school in Ottawa County until he was about fifteen vears of age, when he accompanied his parents to Riley Township, Sandusky County, and later to York Township, Sandusky County, where he lived for a number of years. In 1873 he returned to Riley Township and in 1890 he settled on the farm on which he now lives. The valuable property known as Riverside Park has been developed and improved by Mr. Wightman and made into one of the pleasantest summer resorts in this section. He has a number of comfortable cottages to rent for the season and has provided all kinds of entertaining amusements for residents or picknickers. Boating and fishing are popular features.

Mr. Wightman married Miss Hattie Turner, who was born at Fremont, Ohio, and they have had five children, namely: Daisy M., who is the wife of Frank Nickle, of Rice Township; Addie M., who is the wife of Herman Betow, of Riley Township; and Harold E., Margery M. and Verna O., all at home. M:. Wightman end family belong to the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Republican. He is an enterprising business man, one who is largely self-made, and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who have dealings or association with him.

GEORGE FRANK KENAN, who manages his mother's farm of 120 acres, which is situated in Jackson Township, was born on this place, July 10, 1864, and is a son of George W. and Elizabeth (Posey) Kenan.

Both the Kenans and the Poseys are old Ohio families, and on the maternal side. the great-grandfather was Major Micajah Posey, an officer in the Revolutionary War. He married Elizabeth Preston, who was of English birth. On the paternal side the great-grandfather was James Kenan, who was born in Ireland and died in 1858, in Jackson Township, Sandusky County. His wife was bern in 1780 and they had eleven children.

Silas Kenan, grandfather of George Frank, was born February 3, 1807, near Wheeling, West Virginia, and in 1815 settled in Perry County, Ohio, where he lived until 1835. when he moved to Jackson Township, Sandusky County. where he died in 1875. He marrica Barbara Overmyer, born February 20, 1802. a daughter of Jacob and Mary Overmyer, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The children of

Silas and Barbara Kenan were the following: Hugh, who died in infancy; George W., fatlier of George Frank; Thomas J., born in 1829, married Jemima Housman, who died in 1864, and he was killed in a runaway accident at Fremont;. December 31, 1864; Peter married Sarah A. Hodgson and they had one child, William M., who married Sylvia A. Powell; Minerva, born in 1830, married William Jackson of Fremont and they had two children, Thomas and Charles; Mahala, born in 1832, married Thomas J. Eldridge of Indiana, a soldier in the Civil War; Francis, who married Eliza Straus and has four children - Ellen, Minerva, William O. and Birchard; Mary Ann, who married Charles Robinson, of Michigan, has children named - Francis, Milo, Charles, Clifford, Howard and Minnie; Oscar, who is a farmer near Galesburg, Illinois, married Margaret Ickes and they have five children; and Caroline, born July 10, 1847, married Daniel Condon and died July 25, 1871.

George W. Kenan of the above family, was born in Perry County, Ohio, July 31, 1824, and died in Jackson Township, January 31, 1904. He started to work on a farm by the month when he was only ten years old and through economy, industry, and the exercise of good judgment became one of the wealthy men of his community. His first purchase of land in Jackson Township, was a tract of 180 acres. He then bought 122 acres in Scott Township which he leased to the Standard Oil Company. He was a Democrat in his political views and was a member of the Baptist Church for many years. On October 13. 1851, he married Miss Elizabeth Posey, who was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, August 20, 1832, a daughter of Isaac and Sabra (Preston) Posey. Her father was born near Philadelphia, in 1804, and her mother in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in 1810. The children of the Posey family were: Sarah, Elizabeth, Sabra, Luther, Rachel. Hannah, Harriet, Belle, Susanna, Martha, Mary, John, David, Esther and William. The father died in 1858 and the mother, September 20, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Posey came to Black Swamp, Ohio, when Mrs. Kenan was two years old.

The children born to George W. and Elizabeth Kenan were the following: Barbara, who died in infancy; Orrin, who married Angeline King, has two children, Frank and Lulu; Charles, who married Mary Cookson, has an adopted daughter, Fleeta; Lodema, who married Michael Mowery, has three children - Charles, Lewis and Webb; Marshall, who married Carrie Smith, and they have one child, Arthur; Lorena, who married Elijah Voorhees, of Seneca County; and Frank. The youngest son has always remained on the homestead and takes care of his mother's interests. He is a successful farmer and respected citizen of Jackson Township. He married Miss Clara Havens and they have two children, Erma E. and Ada. Like his late father, he is identified with the Democratic party.

DANIEL KARBLER, a representative citizen whose principal business is that of a contracting stone mason, is also engaged in farming on a tract of twenty-six acres in Riley Township, on which he lives. He was born in that township, February 15, 1867, and is a son of Adam and Christina (Diehr) Karbler, both natives of Germany.

Adam Karbler was quite young when brought by his parents to the United States, and lived in the State of Maryland for a time before coming west to Sanduskv Countv, Ohio. He settled on a farm in Riley Township and became one of the substantial men of that community. For a brief period prior to his death, he lived in Fremont, where his widow is now living at the age of 73 vears. He was a Democrat in politics, whilst, religiously, he was a member of the Lutheran Church at Fremont.

Daniel Karbler was reared on the home farm in Riley Township, and received a common school education. He then turned his attention to farming, which he has followed during a greater part of his career, but in recent years he has met with considerable success as a contractor in stone masonry. He is a man of ability in his line and enjoys high standing in the community. Politically, he is a Democrat.

County, and a daughter of John Seward of Fremont. Their children are Ruth, Ruby and Herbert D. Religiously, the family attends the Lutheran Church at Fremont. In fraternal affiliation, he is a member of the Maccabees.

JOHN SNYDER, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sandusky County, his home being in Washington Township, is numbered among the native sons of that county, where he was born May 25, 1846. His parents were James and_ Elizabeth (Fought) Snyder.

His father was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, December 15, 1800. He was in his early life one of the hardy and exemplary young men who sought early a home in the wilds of the western country, which was then principally inhabited by wild animals, savage beasts and venomous reptiles. His father was a millwright; also the owner of a large gristmill, and his vigorous and reliable son, James, was the miller. This was his principal occupation until he arrived at the age of 23 years. Having never attended school, except about two months, in all his life, he had at that time a very limited knowledge of books, and nearly everything else, save what his father as a millwright had taught him. The thrilling stories of western hunters and adventurers, which he had frequently heard, had inspired within him a desire to emigrate westward, and to obtain for himself satisfactory knowledge as to the truth of these statements. The necessary arrangements were soon made and in the spring of 1825 he bade adieu to the home of lus childhood with all its endearments, and came, in company w ith his brother-in-law, Andrew Miller, in a two-horse wagon to the central part of Ohio, where he spent about two years in different parts of the state, working at times for a shilling a day. He then concluded to return home and visit his father's family and friends. With but a few dollars jingling in his pockets, and with no friend to accompany him save his rifle, he set out on foot for his father's home in Virginia. There was a long and dreary road stretched out before him: but his determination, supported by his physic strength, was more than equal to the task. He accomplished his journey in safety, subsisting principally upon what game he killed along the way. He remained at home a few months, and again set out on foot, and came to Perry County, Ohio, where he soon after married Elizabeth, a daughter of Michael Fought, with whom he lived peaceably and happily from that time until his death, which occurred July 20, 1876. He came to this county in 1830, and in Washington Township entered eighty acres of government land, upon which he built what he called a snug little log cabin. He was now surrounded on all sides by large forests extending for many miles in every direction. The tall and stately trees prevented even the sun from shining down upon the little log cabin which he had built. The hungry wolves and other wild animals would come at night and howl and bark around his door, as though they craved him for their prey.

It was not long, however, until he had cleared away a spot of ground upon which to raise some corn, which was the only grain that he could raise for a number of years. Thus he obtained for himself and family a scant living, for a few vears subsisting chiefly upon corn bread and wild game. His neighbors were few and far away, and, being as poor as he, could therefore give him but little or no assistance. He would frequently carry a bushel of corn to mill all the way to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), eight miles through the mud and water, and return the same day, and then take mush and milk for his supper. He was firm and determined in evervthing he undertook. Patience. perseverance and hard labor procured for him and his companion a comfortable and pleasant home which has been their enjovment for a number of years. His companion died September the 17th, 1881, aged 72 vears, 6 months and 16 days, a grand and heroic woman, no work being too laborious for her to do for the comfort of the family. There were eleven children in the family: Eliza Ann, wife of Philip Kluts, a Jackson Township farmer: she was the eldest of the family of children, was born in Perry County, Ohio, February 7, 1830, and died in Sandusky County, May 12, 1890, aged 60 vears, 3 months and 5 days; she was a faithful member of the United Brethren Church; her hope was very bright, and she requested her friends to meet her in heaven. Sarah, wife of Joel Dershem, a farmer, was born January 5, 1832, died January 25, 1895; she was a faithful member of the Methodist Church, and her prayers were turned to praise before her spirit took its flight. John Snyder, the oldest of the boys, a highly respected citizen was born September the 8th, 1833, and died May 7, 1903; in religious belief he belonged to the Reformed Church. William Snyder was born March 9, 1836, and died February 14, 1837, aged I1 months and 15 days. James Snyder, a farmer, was born March 17, 1838, and died January 26, 1863, aged 24 years, 10 months and g days. Levi Snyder, a farmer in Sandusky County, was born March 12, 1840, is in church belief a Methodist. Samuel Snyder is living in Fremont a respected citizen, was born January 9, 1842. Noah Snyder, by occupation a restaurant man, lived in Fremont. He was born March 7, 1844, died July 4, 1905. John Snyder, the seventh son, is the subject proper of these lines, and will be more fully referred to presently. He was born May 25, 1846. Elizabeth, became the wife of Jackson King, a Sandusky County farmer, and afterwards she was the wife of Samuel Lay, was born June 1, 1848. Emma, the youngest, is the wife of James Seagraves, a farmer living in Michigan; she was born January 4, 1853. The children are worthy representatives of that class which constitutes .\merica's best citizens, and they owe it all to the training they received under the parental roof.

John Snyder, after finishing the work of the rural school, attended college at Oberlin, Ohio, and Adrian, Michigan, for some time and became a successful teacher, after which he was successfully engaged in agriculture. On October 2, 1873, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mahala Cookson. a daughter of William Cookson, one of the leading farmers of Sandusky County. She was also a successful teacher, and they have one child, Mabelle, born September 25. 1884; she is at present engaged in teaching school and music.

HENRY F. SETZLER, treasurer of Sandusky Township and one of its enterprising business men, conducts a grocery store at Storey Prairie, in the outskirts of Fremont, Ohio. He was born at Fremont, September 5, 1865, and is a son of Philip and Clara (Gottron) Setzler. :

He was educated in St. Joseph's Parochial School at Fremont and later enjoyed the broadening influences of travel. For some years he was engaged in the express business, which necessitated travel through the West, in connection with the Union Pacific Railroad, and later he went to Europe. In 1892 he established his present business at Storey Prairie and has become one of the leading men of Sandusky Township. In politics he is a Democrat, and on the ticket of that party he was elected township treasurer and is serving in his second term. He has also served as assessor and is land appraiser.

In 1892 Mr. Setzler was married to Marie Blaess, who was born in Schwetzingen Baden, Germany, and they have two children: Anna M., and- Frantz. , Mr. Setzler and wife are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Fremont, and he is an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

ALVIN ANDERSON, 1800-1893. Mr. Alvin Anderson was born July 28, 1800, in the State of New York. His parents were of Scotch descent and had in them all the elements of this sturdy people; strength of mind, endurance, courage and religious zeal.

He was married in 1820, to Miss Harriet Baldwin, of Newark, New Jersey, and in the spring of 1839, Mr. Anderson moved with his family from Honeoye, Ontario County, New York, to Bellevue, Ohio.

He settled on a farm and one-half miles east of Bellevue, where by his great industry and intregity he became one of the leading farmers of Huron County.

the ones at Lima, New York, and Berea and Delaware, Ohio. He educated his children, giving them the advantages of the best schools and colleges, and was always interested in the education of others. Mr. Anderson was zealous in his own church - a loyal Methodist - but not only charitable to other denominations, but also liberal jn his gifts to them. His father's house was a home for preachers, and so was his own home and many times the gospel was the names on that class book are as follows: James Anderson, wife and daughter; Alvin Anderson, his wife Harriet, and daughter Adaline, who became the well known and beloved Mrs. J. B. Higbee.

This class was organized in 1839, and their preaching place was in the stone schoolhouse which stood on the site of the West Main Street school building. They afterwards fitted up a room in an old block on Main Street which stood near the present site of the post-office. Here they worshipped until 1845, when the society built the brick church on Center Street, now owned by the German Lutheran Society. Mr. Anderson gave from memory the names of the preachers from the first up to 1852 to the historian of Sandusky County, which were as follows: Wilson, 'Camp, Pierce, Hill, Cooper, Fast, Start, Worden, Spafford, Fant, Pounds, Breakfield, Thompson, Morrow, Cables.

Mr. Anderson was a leader in all church work, and had much to do in building up Methodism in this community. He was a steward in the church fifty years and the records show that he was present at every quarterly conference but one. He labored zealously and ardently for the cause of Christ, and was very active in the construction of the commodious church which stands on Main Street, and in which Mr. Anderson's funeral services were conducted.

In 1870 Mr. and Mrs. Anderson celebrated their golden wedding. After living together sixty-two years, Mrs. Anderson died in 1882. After her death Mr. Anderson lived alternately with his daughters, Mrs. J. B. Higbee, of Belle- vue, Ohio, and Mrs. Basil Meek, of Fremont, Ohio. He died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Basil Meek, 1126 Birchard Avenue, Fremont, Ohio, Sunday, March 5, 1893, aged g2 years, 7 months and 5 days. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at the Methodist Church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. M. J. Keyes, who was assisted by Rev. Persons, of Galion; Rev. Albritton, of Fremont, and Rev. Gallimore, of Norwalk, the latter delivering the funeral sermon. The remains were laid to rest in Bellevue cemetery.

Thus closed the earthly life of a useful and good man. His pilgrimage was a long one, beginning with the century. What revolutions and changes in the nation, in politics, in art, in science, in learning, in civilization, and society! Twenty such lives would reach back to the death of Christ. He lived under the administration of every president except Washington up to the time of President Cleveland's second inauguration.

Mr. Anderson could prattle the English language when Ohio became a state. He was 12 years old when Congress declared war against Great Britain; was a young man 16 years when Bishop Asbury died; was born eleven years before the immortal Bishop Simpson, who, twenty-five years ago, dedicated the Methodist Church of Bellevue. He lived to see the church grow from a class of eight to a membership of over three hundred, and friends and patrons more than four hundred more. In 1844 Bellevue circuit had seventeen appointments and Bellevue paid $40 per acre for her share. He lived to see it become one of our leading stations, raising in money annually, more than $2,500 for all purposes.

Who would despise the day of small things, and who can measure tne influence of a good man who for over seventy years was in active service for-God, humanity and country? What wise counsels, what ardent prayers, what testimonials, what gifts of money, what visitations to the sick! Nearly three generations came and went, but were all influenced by his life. Surely we can say, "How blest the righteous when he dies." "God ordereth the steps of a good man." And may his mantle fall upon the young and middle aged men that hundreds may be as useful in their day and generation as was he in his. What a living monument of Christ's gospel, and what a burning and shining path and evening sunset, as contrasted to the dark and misty way of selfishness, lust and sin which ends in shame, and goes down in night! In the days of the renaissance they transported pillars from the old to the new cathedrals. Surely he was a pillar in the church and hath entered into the fulfillment of John the Revelator: "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the <emple of my God."

PETER MILLER, who is engaged in -agriculture on a tract of 240 acres, of which 224 acres are located in Jackson Township, and sixteen acres in Scott Township, is a native of Medina County, Ohio, having been born there April 24, 1840, son of Peter and Katherine (Albright) Miller.

Peter and Katherine Miller, parents of the subject of this sketch, were both natives of Germany, and Peter Miller. came to the United States at the age of twenty-one years, locating in Medina County, Ohio, where he resided for many years, engaged in farming. Later in life he moved to Sandusky County and settled on the farm now owned by his son Peter in Jackson Township. He married Mrs. Katherine Albright, a widow, and to them were born the following children: Mary, Peter, Christina and Augustus, the last mentioned being now deceased. Mrs. Miller was the mother of three children also by her first marriage, namely, Coonrod, Katherine Rechter, and John Rechter, all of whom are now deceased. Peter Miller, Sr., died on the present farm of his son, the subject of this sketch, having attained the advanced age of eighty-seven years; his wife passed away at the age of seventy-four.

Peter Miller, of the present generation, passed his boyhood days on his father's farm in Medina County, Ohio, and attending district school as he found opportunity. In 1864 he accompanied his father to San- dusky County and operated his present farm on shares with his father, who had purchased it, for a period of six years. He then purchased the property and has since made most of the improvements thereon, having erected all the buildings now standing, including two houses and a barn. A portion of his farm lies in Millersville, which village was named after his father.

Mr. Miller was married, February 6, 1866, at Tiffin, Ohio, to Lucy Bihn, a daughter of Andrew and Anna Mary (Link) Bihn, of Seneca County, Ohio. Of 'this union have been born nine children, as follows: Augustus, Catherine, Hubert, Mary, Joseph, Lucy, Anna, George and Leo, the last mentioned of whom is deceased. Augustus, a resident of Tiffin, Ohio, married Emma Grine, and has seven children - Marie, Peter, Albert, Stella, Loretta, Urban, Arthur, and Catherine Helena (deceased). Catherine married Anthony Foos, of Jackson Township, and has nine

_children - Lucy, Agnes, Rosie, Catherine, Alfred, Clement, Leo, Lewis, and one that died when a week old. Hubert, who is a resident of Jackson Township, married Josephine Walby, and their children are: Edmond, Walter, Vincent (deceased), Celeste, Alfred and Herman. :

Mrs. Miller has one sister, Katherine, who is the widow of Marcus Zirger and the mother of twelve children, namely: Louis, Frances, Anna, Otto, Ida, Lucy, Tillie, Lea, Clara (deceased), Albert, Edward and Millie.

Mr. Miller and his sons without the assistance of any company or professional oil operators, have drilled eight oil wells on the farm, all of which have, proved good producers. He and his family are members of St. Mary's ,Catholic Church of Millersville.

TAYLOR FULLER, president of the People's Bank at Clyde, Ohio, of which he was one of the founders, owns a large stock farm in York Township, Sandusky County, and is an honored veteran of the Civil War. Mr: Fuller was born March 29, 1840, in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of

William Fuller was born January 23, 1799, at Hawley, Massachusetts, and was a son of Jason and Philinda (Taylor) Fuller. He was fifteen years old when his parents moved to Livingston County, New York, and he remained at home until his mother died, two years later, when he started out, as the pioneer of the family, into the wilds of Huron County, Ohio, where his father had secured an option on land, in Milan Yownship, and there awaited the coming of his father, sister and brother two weeks later. William Fuller continued to reside in Milan Township until 1824, his father having died on the pioneer farm in 1819, one which he had never completed purchasing. For this reason, William Fuller made preparations to move to Sandusky County, and bought forty acres in Green Creek Township, on which he settled in the spring of 1824. In 1834 he bought wild land in Townsend Township on which the remainder of his life was passed. Through prudence and hard work he acquired a large amount of land and was able to rear his family in comfort and assist his sons to establish themselves in life.

William Fuller was married (first) in 1810, to Mehetable Botstord, who died in August, 1826. In 1831, in Livingston County, New York, he was married (second) to Cynthia Havens, who died in 1835. and in the same year he was married (third) to Marcia M. George, who died in 1836. Mr. Fuller's last marriage was to Emma M. Levisee, who survived him. She was born March 24, 1818, and was a daughter of Aaron and Anna (Lyon) Levisee, and a granddaughter oi James Levisee, who was born in Connecticut. Thomas Lyon, maternal great-grandfather of Taylor Fuller, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, being a captain, and participated in the battle at Bennington, Vermont. To the last marriage ot William Fuller three children were born, Taylor, James and Albert.

the Civil War was precipitated he had just reached his majority and the patriot blood of his old New England forefathers made him feel that disunion was impossible and aroused the enthusiasm that carried him into the army in August, 1862. The tooth Ohio Vol. Inf. Regiment was organized at Toledo and there he became a member of Company K, and he continued in the service, a true and faithful soldier until he was mustered out at Greensboro, North Carolina, June 20, 1865. During this time he had seen service in Virginia and Tennessee prior to the Atlanta campaign, in which his regiment was engaged contintusly, and upon its triumphant return to Tennessee, fought at Columbia, Franklin and Nashville. After the defeat of General Hood, at the latter place, the regiment, of which Mr. Fuller was then an officer, was sent to Wilmington, North Carolina, and after the capture of that city moved to Goldsboro and soon was mustered out at Greensboro. Although ever at his post of duty, and that was often one of great danger, Mr. Fuller escaped all serious injury and was able to return home and resume the avocations of peace. Two years later he married, in the meanwhile having purchased a farm in Townsend Township, and after some years he disposed of that property and settled on his present one in York Township. He has carried on general farming in York Township ever since and it is largely through his enterprise that the grade of stock raised in this section is so high. For a number of years his farm has been noted for its first class live stock. Mr. Fuller was married December 3, 1867, to Miss Lina E. Stone. She was born April 15, 1843, in Seneca County, Ohio. They have one son, Dermont E., who fills the position of cashier of the People's Bank at Clyde. In politics Mr. Fuller is identified with the Republican party and never fails to perform every duty of a good citizen, but he aspires to no political ' office. He is a member of Eaton Post, G. A. R.

HENRY BAKER, who carries on general farming in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, owns sixty-two acres of excellent land. the home farm, situated on the east side of the Green Spring nd Maumee Turn- pike roads. Mr. Baker was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, seven miles east of Circleville, June 14, 1834, and is a son of John B. and Mary (Gephart) Baker.

John B. Baker was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, but the Baker family came originally from Germany. Three brothers, Abraham, George and Jacob, all German farmers, came to Maryland at an early day and from there the grandfather of Henry Baker subsequently moved with his family to Ohio, settling in Pickaway County. Although John B. Baker was a little boy at the time, he remembered the long journey made in wagons. He grew to manhood in Pickaway County and there was married to Mary Gephart. In 1841 they moved to Sandusky County and settled in Jackson Township, seven miles west of Fremont, this being his second pioneering trip made in great covered wagons. Again the home was to be developed from the great woods. It requires a large amount of effort to build any kind of a house and as Mr. Baker had no tools to work with except a broad-axe, it was quite a feat to construct from the green logs the little oneroom cabin. A floor of hewn logs made the interior dry and a clapboard roof kept out the storm. Then began the daily toil to clear .the land and when it was well under way he sold it. John B. Baker acquired three farms, each containing eighty acres, which he bought for $7 an acre.- He then moved to Green Creek Township and settled on the present George Hawk farm and there his remaining years were spent and his death came when he had reached his seventy-seventh vear. His widow lived some years longer, being over eighty years old when she died. They had a family of eleven children: Leonard, Eli, William, Catherine, Henry, Mary, John, Jacob, Abraham, Rebecca, and an infant.

Henry Baker was seven years old when his parents came to Sandusky County. He helped his father clear the Jackson Township land and just as soon as old and strong enough, began to perform tarm labor. He obtained his education in an old log schoolhouse near by, where the pupils sat on rough hewn logs, supported by pegs driven through for legs. He remained at home until his marriage and for several years following it and then purchased his present farm from his father. The old log house in which he was reared he replaced by a substantial frame one, but he can remember awakening many winter mornings, in the old place, finding snow on his bed which had sifted through the logs. Mr. Baker has always been a farmer and is numbered with the good managers of his section.

On December 9, 1860, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Elizabeth Hawk, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Tillotson) Hawk. She was born and reared in Green Creek Township. To this marriage seven children were born, all of whom survive, and through whom Mr. and Mrs. Baker have become grandparents of a large and intelligent family: Ella married August Young and lives in Green Creek Township with their seven children, Hazel, Henry, Bessie, Jay, Esther, Herbert and Ernest; Ralph, who married Lavina McKelvey, lives in Sandusky Township, and they have two children, Frank and Jennie; George, who resides at Toledo, Ohio, married Matilda Rice, and they have five children, Hazel, Robert, Walter, Margaret and Ivan; Burton, who lives in Norwalk, Ohio, married Anna Goughtsletter, and they have one child, Mabel; Ada, who married Bert Ferguson, residing in Ballville Township, has three children, Grace, Rollin and Mary; Arthur, now a resident of Idaho, who served in the Philippine Islands; and Chester, who married Margaret Ferguson, resides at home and manages the farm for his father. Mr. Baker and family are members and supporters of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat and at various times he has served in the local offices, such as school director and supervisor. Mr. Baker stands as one of the representative men of Green Creek Township.

PROF. ALOYSIUS-MENKHAUS, professor of music, and organist of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, of Fremont, Ohio, has been organist continually of this church since September, 1876. He was born in Osnabruck in the Kingdom of Hanover, but which is now a Province of Germany, June 21, 1856, son of Gerhard and Caroline (.\verbeck) Menkhaus. Gerhard Menkhaus was a teacher in the schools

When the subject of this sketch was two years old his mother died, and he was reared by a step-mother, whose maiden name was Anna Jansen. She died in 1873. Thus young Aloysius attended school in Osnabruck, and while yet a small boy showed marked evidence of musical talent, which he was encouraged to develop. He made the piano and organ his chief studies, also studying the violin to some extent. In particular he studied harmony and the theory of music. His first teacher was Joseph Feldmann, of whom he took lessons for several years. He then studied under Prof. Weilerswist for several years and afterwards under Dr. Bernard Klein, a very distinguished teacher and composer, who was himself a pupil of the great composer, Johannes Neppomuck Hummel, and organist and director of music at the cathedral at Osnabruck. Professor Menkhaus often played at the cathedral as substitute of Dr. Klein.

During the time that Professor Menkhaus was studying under Dr. Klein he was also taking a literary and teacher's course which included general school and music teaching at the college, connected with the cathedral at Osnabruck. He studied with Dr. Klein until he was eighteen years old; then he taught music, physics, geography and German grammar. He also studied Latin from the age of twelve to sixteen. He had private pupils and also taught in classes. He was thus engaged in Schapen, a college town in Hanover, where he remained until May, 1876, when he came to America. In Germany teachers are required to give but six weeks' military service, except in the event of war, and about this time Professor Menkhaus was drawn to serve in the army. He had just received an invitation from an aunt, Mrs. Sophia Menkhaus, of Delphos, Ohio, to come to America, and as his parents had died and all his relatives were in America - four of his uncles being in Cincinnati - he decided to come to America.

After arriving here, he remained in Delphos until September, 1876, at which time he secured his present position as organist at St. Joseph's Church, in Fremont, Ohio. He is also choir director of St. Joseph's Church

Professor Menkhaus was married November 7, 1878, to Mary Ann Hochenedel, daughter of Anthony and Anna Mary (Weber) Hochenedel. 'the Hochenedels are among the most prominent families of the county, Mrs. Menkhaus' parents were natives of the Province of Alsace-Lorraine. She herself was born and reared in Sandusky County, Ohio.

Professor Menkhaus and wife are the parents of six children, Joseph, Eda Louise, Rosa Mary, Otto Paul, Leona Marie and Marie Clara Columbia. Eda Louise, the eldest daughter, is the wife of W. S. Finley. She is a talented musician, having studied since a child under her father, and until her marriage, August 21, 1909, she was a prominent member and clerk of the Matinee Musical Club of Fremont.

Professor Menkhaus resides and has his studio at No. 1125 Buckland Avenue. He and his family are all members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, of Fremont.

HUGH HAVENS, a leading citizen of Jackson Township, residing on his finely improved farm of 200 acres, a part of which was the old homestead, was born one mile north of his present home, in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, October 8, 1835, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (Imes) Havens.

The parents of Mr. Havens came to Jackson Township in 1831, accompanied from Franklin County by the Imes and the King families, who were all kindred. They all took up government land, Henry Havens securing 160 acres; Hugh Imes, 240 acres, and Samuel King, who was an uncle of Henry Havens, 160 acres.

Henry Havens was born in New Jersey in 1809; he was brought to Franklin County in childhood and died in Jackson Township in 1853. He married Sarah Imes, who died in her thirty-seventh year. They had the following children: W. J. and Hugh; Mahala, now deceased, married G. W. Shawl; Birchard; Orra, who married (third) M. Rinebolt; Mary J., now deceased, who married Charles eat and a babe that died unnamed.

cation in the old log schoolhouse and learned to be a good farmer on his father's land. On May 2, 1864, he enlisted for a term of 100 days of service in the Civil War, becoming a member of Company H, 169th Regiment, and during this period was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen. He was honorably discharged at Cleveland on September 4, 1864. He was a member of the Moore Post, G. A. R., at Fremont, which has since been disbanded. By the terms of his father's will he received 120 acres of land and he subsequently purchased the remaining land he owns from Mr. Naugle and Mr. Whitmore. He follows general agriculture and his highly cultivated land gives rich returns. He has a fine residence and substantial and attractive farm buildings.

On April 15, 1856, in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Mr. Havens was married to Miss Anna C. Daub, who is a daughter of Henry and Catherine Daub, and they have the following children: John, Sophronia J., Emma, Birchard, Ida E., Sarah M. and Hugh. John died when aged twenty years. Sophronia J. married C. E. Mitchell and they live in Jackson Township and have had nine children, Verna, William, Carl, Effie, Clyde, James, Fern, Ada and Emma (deceased). Emma E. married W. A. Overmyer, a popular schoo! teacher in this township, and they have four children, Ella, Ora, Oliver and Lewis. Birchard S. was married (first) to Mary J. Inks, who left seven children, Bernice, Harry, Elma, Merrill, Webb, Claud and Mamie. His second marriage was to a sister of his first wife, the Widow Cookson, who at that time had four children, Pearl, James, Fern and Margaret. Ida E. married Chester Hite, and at her death left one child, Pearl. Sarah M. was the second wife of Chester Hite, and they have two children, Edna and Ella. Hugh was married (first) to Marcella Hufford, who died when their infant son, Ora, was but six days old. The child was reared by his grandparents until the death of the grandmother, when he was returned to his father, who, in the meanwhile, had married Mrs. Wagner. The latter had one daughter. Bertha.

public matters in the township and he has served as township trustee and for eight years as township clerk. He also served as assessor for three years.

CHRISTOPHER STREETER, deceased, came to Sandusky County one of the pioneers of 1837, and for many years was a prosperous farmer in York Township, in 1882 retiring to Clyde, where his death occurred September 22, 1906. Mr. Streeter was born April 9, 1815, at Heath, Franklin County, Massachusetts, and his parents were David and Sylvia (Roach) Streeter.

The Streeter family is one that was established in New England in colonial days, and the immediate ancestors of Mr. Streeter lived and died in Massachusetts. Farming was the occupation to which Christopher devoted himself until he reached manhood, but his marriage and the birth of a son, brought the desire to establish a home for his family and provide generously for its future. Conditions in Franklin County at that time were not favorable enough to cause him to invest in lands in his native place, hence, with wife and little one, he started for what was then the far West. In conveyances that to modern eyes seem primitive, but were then deemed safe and adequate, the little family journeyed to York Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where Mr. Streeter secured wild land and started immediately upon its clearing and improvement. To his first purchase he added and again added as he continued to prosper, until he acquired 300 acres of most excellent land. For many years he toiled here, tilling the soil and raising stock, and yearly adding to his improvements. As he prospered himself he aided in the prosperity of the neighborhood, contributing of his time and means to the founding of schools and churches, to the building of highways and to the making and carrying out of laws for local government. When, in the long course of years, Mr. Streeter began to feel that younger shoulders should assume the responsibilities he had so long carried, he divided his land among his sons, establishing each on a farm of 100 acres. In 1882 he removed to

Mr. Streeter was married (first) December 3, 1835, to Miss Louisa Canedy, who died December 26, 1851. There were four sons born to that marriage, namely: Edward, born 1839; and Alonzo and Lorenzo, twins, born June 25, 1837; Albert, born September 20, June 25, 1842. Lorenzo died September 30, 1851, but the three other sons still survive. Mr. Streeter is survived by a number of grandchildren, each son having married at maturity. Lydia, Lucy, Charles, Ira and Levi, are Edward's children; Mina, George, Alice and Mabel, are Aibert's children; and Wallace, Rowland, Elmer, Clarence, Nora and Lena, are Alonzo's children. Mr. Streeter was married( second) February 2, 1853, to Miss Henrietta Clark, who is a daughter of the late Henry Clark.

For many years Mr. Streeter was a consistent member of the Adventist Church. In his early political life he was a Whig, but identified himself with the Republican party on its organization. His first presidential vote was cast for Gen. William Henry Harrison. Mr. Streeter spent the evening of life in the midst of the quiet surroundings befitting it, the center of an affectionate family and esteemed by many friends.

CHARLES F. WILL, whose fine farm of 100 acres lies in Jackson Township, on the line road about four miles east of Fremont, is a leading citizen and representative farmer of this part of Sandusky County. He was born March 5, 1858, in Washington Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Shuck) Will.

The parents of Mr. Will were born in Germany, grew to maturity there and married. In 1851 they emigrated to America and during the first year lived at Monroeville, Ohio, but in the spring of 1852 they settled in Washington Township. Sandusky County, where George Will bought eighty acres of farm land. In 1862 he sold that farm and moved to Seneca County, where he bought another farm on which his wife died. After that domestic affliction. he returned to Sandusky County and took up his residence with his son in Riley Township, where he remained until he died, aged seventyhve years. He had survived his wife a long time, she being but forty-five at the time of her demise. Of the family of eleven children, the following survived infancy: Jacob, deceased; Peter, who lives at Buffalo, New York; Henry, who died when a soldier in the Civil War; Philip, who lives in Montana; Christina, who married Henry Ingler, lives in Sandusky Township; Minnie, who married Peter Hettrick, lives in Rice Township; William, who lives at Toledo, Ohio; and Charles F.

Charles F. Will remained at home until the death of his mother, when he accompanied his bereaved father to the home of his eldest brother in Riley Township. His schooling was mainly obtained in Seneca County and _ his training for work was done under his brother's direction. In 1891 he purchased his present farm, to which he moved in 1895. Its former owner was Joseph Cookson. It required a large amount of improving and all! the present substantial buildings standing were erected by Mr. Will. He carries on general agriculture and raises both grain and stock.

On January 5, 1886, Mr. Will was married to Miss Amelia Longanbach, a daughter of Martin and Rosina Longanbach, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Will have two daughters: Estella, born November 30, 1886; and Esther, born November 3, 1896. They are very attractive young ladies, residing at home. Mr. Will and family are members of the Lutheran Church at Fremont. He has always taken an interest in public matters in his township, assuming the duties of good citizenship when called upon, and has very acceptably served on the School Board and as road superintendent.

CLARK Rv CLEVELAND,.owner of,-128 acres of fine farm land in Green Creek Township. Sandusky County, Ohio, was born April 1, 1836, in an old log house on his father's farm in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Jeanette (Rathbun) Cleveland.

ing) Cleveland, to Sandusky County, Ohio, the family locating in the timberlands of Green Creek Township, where the parents subsequently died. James was reared in this township and assisted with the clearing of the land on which his father located. At an early age he started out in lite for himself, following agricultural pursuits, at which he met with uninterrupted success, having at the time of his death 400 acres of fine farming land. He married Jeanette Rathbun, a native of Green Creek Township, and they reared a family of ten children: James, deceased; Eliza, the deceased wife of Jack Harris; Clark Rathbun, subject of this record; George, a resident of Clyde, Ohio; Lucinda, married H. Taylor, both deceased; Chaplin, resides on part of the old homestead farm in Green Creek Township; Sarah, 1s the wife sof) Charles Sackrider, of Green Creek Township; Mary, widow of George Crosby, of Green Creek Township, married Ellen Stark; John, deceased; and Charles, deceased.

Clark R. Cleveland was quite young when his parents moved from the old log house into the new building which his father erected after having earned the money for same by grading one mile of the turn pike road. Here our subject was reared. Both he and his brother James greatly assisted the father with the work, they being the oldest of the sons. A great deal of their wheat was taken to Venice, where they received fifty cents per bushel for same. Mr. Cleveland remained at home until the time of his marriage in 1861, after which he operated one of his father's farms until he purchased his present Jand, which is in three tracts and was bought from time to time. Mr. Cleveland started in life entirely upon his own resources, and his success is due to much hard work combined with good business management.

Mr. Cleveland was married in 1861 to Sarah Herl, who died leaving the following children: Clara, married Oliver Hawk, of Clyde, Ohio; Mary, is the wife of John Shipman, of New Washington; James, married Laura Hawk, and resides in Seneca County, Ohio; Addie, ts the wife of George Neikirk, of Clyde, Ohio; Clarence, who is a resident of Ballville Town- ship, married Tine Huss; Irvin, a resident of Clyde, married Mirna Livengood, a daughter of our subject's second wife; Herbert, married Hattie Hufford, and assists his father on the farm. Mr. Cleveland's second marriage occurred in 1896 with Alma (Andrews) Livengood, widow of Harvey Livengood, and a daughter of Garry Andrews, a pioneer of Sandusky County, Ohio. She was the mother of two children by her first marriage, namely: Mirna, who married Irvin Cleveland, son of our subject; and Ada, who is the wife of Samuel Purcell. In politics Mr. Cleveland is a Democrat and has served two terms as township trustee.

COL. WILLIAM E. HAYNES was born at Hoosick Falls, New York, on the 19th day of October, 1829. He moved with his parents to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont) in 1840. Early in life he learned the printing business on the "Sandusky Clarion," now the "Sandusky Register," and later was engaged on the "Cleveland Plain-Dealer" and other papers. During the years of 1848 and 1849 he was engaged on Lake Superior as clerk of a steamer. Returning to Fremont in 1850 he engaged in mercantile pursuits, becoming a member of the firm of John P. Haynes & Son.

Colonel Haynes was married to Maria H. Harmon, of Fremont, Ohio, February 8, 1855, and has three children, all residents of this citv: Julia M. Haynes, William P. Haynes, cashier of the Fremont Savings Bank, and Geo. W. Haynes, an attorney and at present assistant cashier of the Fremont Savings Bank.

At the breaking out of the Civil War he was among the first to respond to the call to arms, enlisting on April 16, 1861, in the 8th Regiment O. Inf., being commissioned a captain. He served with that regiment in Western Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley and the Army of the Potomac until November, 1862, when he Was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the roth Ohio Cavalry and served with honor an' distinction in the Army of the Cumberland until 1864.

At the close of the war he returned to Fremont and in 1866 was appointed by President Andrew Johnson collector of internal revenue for the Ninth District of Ohio, which position he held until March 4, 1867.

In the year 1866 he again entered mercantile life, becoming a member of the firm of Haynes & Engler, extensive dealers for many years in grain and farm produce. In 1873 Colonel Haynes retired from the firm of Haynes & Engler to become the cashier of the Bank of Fremont. He was associated with the late F. S. White in the Bank of Fremont and later in the firm of White & Haynes until 1888, when he became vice-president and manager ot the Fremont Savings Bank.

Colonel Haynes has always taken an active interest in the political affairs of the state and in the success of the Democratic party, of which he has been a life long member. He served many years as a member of the council of the city of Fremont and was president of the Fremont Water Works Board during its construction.

He was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1880, that nominated General Hancock for President, and also to the Chicago convention in 1884, and represented Ohio on the committee that notified Cleveland and Hendricks of their nomination by that convention.

In 1884 he was appointed by Governor Hoadly a member of the first board of trustees for the Toledo Asylum for the Insane and served during the construction of that institution from 1884 to 1888.

He was appointed by Governor William Mc- Kinley as a member of the board of trustees of the State Institution for Feeble-Minded Youth ; was re-appointed by Governors Nash, Bushnell and Herrick and is now serving as a trustee for that institution.

He was nominated without solicitation as the Democratic candidate for representative for the Ninth District of Ohio, composed of Lucas, Erie, Ottawa and Sandusky Counties to the Fifty-First Congress, receiving a majority of 1,148 votes in the district over Hon. Jacob Romeis, Republican nominee. He was unanimously re-nominated and elected to the

During the Fifty-First Congress he was a member of the committee on banking and currency and in the Fifty-Second Congress was i member of the committee on rivers and harbors as well as chairman of the committee on the alcoholic liquor traffic. As a member of the committee on rivers and harbors, Colonel Haynes was instrumental in securing large appropriations for the benefit of the rivers and harbors of this district.

His congressional district having been changed he declined a re-nomination to the Fifty-Third Congress and returned to Fremont to devote his time to his banking and other interests.

In 1894 he was again honored by his party Ly being nominated for representative for the Thirteenth District of Ohio, composed of Erie, Sandusky, Seneca, Crawford. Wvandot and Marion Counties, to the Fifty-Fourth Congress, but on account of business engagements and other causes declined to accept the nomination.

Colonel Haynes was selected by the late Sardis Birchard as a member of the board of trustees of Birchard Library and has been president of the board for many years.

Colonel Haynes has served as president for many years of the Fremont Savings Bank, one of the oldest and strongest banking institutions of the city and to which he gives his personal attention.

He has always been a large contributor to all the public enterprises of the city and county. both of time and money and no citizen has done more to aid in the building up and caring for the material interests of Fremont and Sandusky County than Colonel Haynes.

LOUIS F. NICKEL, a representative citizen and substantial farmer of Rice Township, whose whole life has been usefully spent here, . was born April 12, 1850, in Rice Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Fred- erick and Margaret (Glasser) Nickel, both natives of Germany. Julius Glasser, the maternal grandfather of Louis F. Nickel, was born in Germany and came to Sandusky County and settled in Rice Township about 1830, long before the Indians had left this section.

In 1840 Frederick Nickel came also and he purchased land on which his father-in-law had first settled. Frederick Nickel became one of the reliable and responsible men of his section and lived long and usefully in the neighborhood in which he first settled, his death occuring in February, 1903. His religious faith was Lutheran and he was a consistent supporter of the church. In politics he was a Democrat all his life. There are five survivors of his family of children, namely: Minnie, who is the wife of John Longanbach, of Clyde, Ohio; Louis F.; Julius C., who lives in Rice Township; William P., whose home is at Fremont; and Amelia, who is the wife of John Kline, of Rice Township.

Louis F. Nickel has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, residing on the old family farm, situated in Section 1, Rice Township, until his marriage, and then purchased his present home farm, which consisted of about sixty acres. After the death of his parents he purchased the old homestead of seventy-two acres from the other heirs, making in all 132 acres.

Mr. Nickel is a man of good judgment in business affairs, which quality has been recognized by his fellow citizens, and accordingly he has been frequently elected to important township offices and has served in these with the utmost efficiency. For twelve years he was a trustee of the township, during which period a large amount of public work was done and many matters of the greatest importance to this section came before the board. He has always taken an interest in the Sandusky County Agricultural Society, serving on its board of directors and for five years was the president of this body.

On May 8, 1878, Mr. Nickel was married to Miss Caroline Smith, a daughter of Frederick Smith, one of Sandusky Township's well known citizens, and to this union have been born six children: ElizabethH., wife of Charles Lamalie, of Rice Township; Frank E. and Reu- ben, both of Rice Township; Edna, wife of Andrew Fraver, of Seneca County, Ohio; Warren W., of Sandusky County; and Ruth, now deceased. In politics Mr. Nickel is a Democrat. With his family he belongs to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rice Township.

WILLIAM G. ESTILL, a leading business man of Clyde, Ohio, conducting one of the city's important mercantile enterprises, was born April 30, 1864, on his father's farm near Dover, New Jersey. His parents were A. L. and Mary Estill, both of whom died in New Jersey.

William G. Estill was one of a family of four children and was eight years old when he was left an orphan. He then came to Ohio and made his home with his grandfather, in Delaware County. He was given school advantages and graduated with the class of 1882, from the Delaware High School. For about one year he worked in a tea and coffee store at Delaware and then spent a year in a book store at Westerville, going then to Columbus, where another year was passed and in the fall of 1885 he reached Clyde. He secured employment as a clerk with Wilder Brothers, a firm then conducting a grocery business at Mr. Estill's present stand, on Main Street, and after four years of faithful and honest effort, he was admitted to partnership, the firm name being changed to Wilder Brothers & Estill. The new firm soon showed a progressive spirit, establishing a kraut factory, which was conducted in addition to the grocery business for some time, when Mr. Estill sold out his interest in the new venture to Wilder Brothers. Mr. Estill then, in association with William Wilder, son of A. J. Wilder, continued the grocery business and for five years the firm style was The Wilder, Estill Company. On February 1, 1900, Mr. Estill bought all outside interests and has been sole proprietor ever since. He carries a complete stock of groceries, staple and fancy, china, lamps, etc., and has a trade that covers a large territory. He has additional interests and is a director in the American Sign Company at Clyde.

On December 30, 1887, Mr. Estill was married to Miss Jennie \Wickwire, a daughter of Seba and Mary (Gale) Wickwire, who were early pioneers of York Township. To this marriage four children have been born, namely: Seba H., Mary, Alice and Clara. The son is his father's able assistant in the store.

Mr. Estill has never permitted his own business interests to cause him to forget or neglect his duties as a good citizen. He has been particularly active as a member of the Board of Education, to which he was elected in 1902. To his earnest efforts, in association with Judge S. S. Richards, may be attributed the success attending the building of the handsome public library at Clyde, a structure in which every resident takes pride. In politics Mr. Estill is a Republican, and fraternally he is an Odd Iellow.

VALENTINE GEPHART,. who has devoted the greater part of a long and busy life to agricultural pursuits, is one of Jackson Township's most respected citizens and he resides on his valuable farm of sixty-three acres, it being a part of the old Gephart homestead. He was born January 23. 1838, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Baker) Gephart.

The great-grandfather bore the name of Valentine Gephart and he came to Pennsylvania from Germany, settling in Berks County, where his son, Johannas Gephart, was born November 15, 1776. The latter came in early manhood to Ohio, settling first in Montgomery County and later moving to Fairfield County. On March 31, 1839, he settled on the farm which has ever since been the Gephart homestead, in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, his son Peter purchasing it from George Phillips. who had entered it from the Government on May 2, 1826. The present owner has the old deed which bears the signature of John Quincy -\dams,. who was then President of the United States. The original purchase was of eighty acres and to that Peter .\. Gephart added twenty more,

The parents of Mr. Gephart brought him to the present farm when he was a babe of fourteen months and with the exception of a few years this has been his home ever since. In his boyhood he attended the district school near his home, but when very young began to give his father a helping hand on the farm. His only absence was during three years when he lived in Washington Township and three more years during which he engaged in farming in Sandusky Township. Mr. Gephart has long been identified with all that concerns the best public interests of his township, and at different times has served acceptably as constable and as road supervisor.

On August 22, 1869, Mr. Gephart was married to Miss Mary E. Hufford, who died January 7, 1907. She was-a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Hufford, of Sandusky County. The two daughters of this marriage now have families of their own. The elder, Elta A., is the wife of Edward Shawl, a prosperous farmer of Jackson Township, and they have four children, Ethel M., Lucey E., Willis V. and Fern C. The vounger, Ida R., married Orven Hiett, who was born December 19, 1865. They have one daughter, Laura L. Mr. and Mrs. Hiett reside on the homestead.

WILETAM SPRIGGS, tndertakér~ and dealer in furniture, at Clyde, Ohio, has been a resident of Sandusky County all his life and was born on the old Barney Kline farm, one and one-hali miles west of Bellevue, Ohio, November 18, 1861, and is a son of John W. and Catherine (Feese) Spriggs.

John W. Spriggs was born in England and after he had some knowledge of books, learned the mason's trade, and as he was large and strong for his age of sixteen vears, was given some particular work to de. His methods did not please his emplover, who was of the nobility, and this led to a serious misunderstanding and caused the vouth to determine to seek his fortune in America. He had no money for his passage and he took desperate chances when he managed to stow himself away in a com-

650 His lOmy partment of a sailing vessel which was leaving port for the United States. The poor lad endured many hardships before he finally landed, but in a short time afterward managed to make his way to Lorain County, Ohio. There he secured employment with a horse dealer, at North Ridgeville, with whom he remained for several years. He learned a great deal from this employer and became an excellent judge of horseflesh. He also had some experience as a sailor on the lakes. Finally he came to Sandusky County and helped to clear the land on which Bellevue now stands, and it was while working there that he entered the employ of Barney Kline, who was one of the early pioneers and one of the few men of capital in this section at that time. Mr. Spriggs was made foreman for Mr. Kline and remained with him for many years. When the Lake Shore Railroad was being constructed he was foreman of the gravel pit at Bellevue, and while in that capacity he made a record fo#- loading cars that is still remembered. About thit-time he bought a farm in York Township and cor?ducted it until he retired to Clyde in r902, wheré,he yet lives. He married Catherine Feese, who died in 1895. They had four children, namely, William; Edward, who died April 21, 1908; Suen wite of Adam Jordan; and Ellen, wife of s4a¢ Matz. bo William Spriggs spent his boyhood on We,"' Kline's farm, his father being manager at tha. time, and attended the district schools and mad: © himself generally useful. In 1885 he bought a forty-acre tract in York Township, Sandusky County, a wild, uncleared piece of land. He worked until he had cleared it up and ditched it until it was well drained and continued to and came to. Clyde. He engaged first in a meat and later in the implement business and then went out on the road as traveling salesman and spent eight years as a commercial traveler. Having become an expert salesman in the implement line, he was engaged by the Johnston Harvester Company. of Batavia, New York..as 4 special salesman, at advanced salary, and continued with that firm for three years. after which he was in the employ of the Akron Cultivator Company, of Akron, Ohio, for five years, meeting with continual recognition of his gifts as a salesman.. In 1907 Mr. Spriggs purchased his present business and then retired from the road. This store was established in 1873, by W. C. Terry, who conducted it for thirty-two years. In 1905 he sold out to M. E. Mowery, and two years later Mr. Spriggs became sole proprietor. Mr. Spriggs has added largely to the general stock, carrying a full line of furniture, carpets and house furnishings, and is prepared to furnish either a cottage or a mansion from one end to the other. Not being a licensed embalmer, he has engaged a competent and qualified man for this work and his undertaking establishment is equipped with everything in that line to ensure funeral directing being conducted with economy and propriety.

On October 10, 1884, Mr. Spriggs was married to Miss Isabella Bauer, a daughter of William Bauer, a well known citizen of Bellevue, and they have two daughters, Eulilia and Delcie. The former is Mrs. Sahs, and she, with her son William, who is named for his grandfather, assist Mr. Spriggs in his business. The second daughter is the wife of Lloyd Beard, and they have one son, Savoy.

In politics Mr. Spriggs is a Republican in National affairs, but occasionally in local matters casts his vote for his own personal choice. He retains his membership in the United Trayelers' Association at Fremont, and he is also identified with the Royal Arcanum and Knights of Pythias at Clyde. Mr. Spriggs has a handsome residence on State Street, while his place of business is on the east side of Main Street.

FRANK BRUBAKER, general farmer, who resides on the old homestead farm in Jacktson Township, which was secured by his grandcfather from the Government in 1833, was born ain the house in which he has always lived, in ieandusky County, Ohio, March 20, 1870. ats parents were John and Delilah (Garn) Bru er -7»Jan Brubaker, the grandfather, was born ~ 2, 1790, and died December 24, 1848. ae tied Esther Miller, who was born No- mar." 6, 1793, and died March 23, 1870.

George Overmyer; she was the mother of ten children. John Brubaker secured eighty acres of land situated on the Greenburg Turnpike, about six miles from Fremont. The old certificate which is in the possession of the family fully describes the situation of this land and was issued with the signature of Andrew Jackson, then President of the United States, April 15, 1833.

John Brubaker (2), father of Frank, was born in Perry County, Ohio, in 1827, and accompanied his parents to Sandusky County, which remained his home and where he died February 6, 1896. On March 8, 1855, he married Delilah Garn, who was born September 29, 1836, in Jackson Township, a daughter of John Garn. She still survives and has a wide acquaintance. She still retains a farm of twenty acres, which is managed by her son Frank, together with his own 131 acres, which was a part of the old homestead. Seven children were born to John and Delilah Brubaker, namely: Leroy, born January 10, 1856, married Emma Beckman, resides in Jackson Township, of which he is township clerk, and has one son, Elmer. Nora, born May 1, 1857, married John Posey, of Jackson Township, and they have had nine children: Orval, Elvin, Vira, Elzina, John and Lester, living, and Allie, Bertha and Charles, deceased. Esther, born November 7, 1858, married Martin Hufford, they live in Sandusky County, and have two children, Herman and Verna Elta, born January 30, 1865, married William Klein, they live in Michigan, and have the following children: Ralph, Pearl, Blanche, Harry, Arthur, Mabel, Dorothy, Liola and Harlow. Cora, born December 1, 1866, married James Hearn, they.

live in Michigan, and have had the following children: Grace, Lottie, Ethel, May, Gladys. and Lloyd and James (deceased). Inez, born May 3, 1868, married Frank Gephart, of Jackson Township, and they have one child, Fannie R. Frank, the remaining child, is the subject of this sketch.

Frank Brubaker was educated in the public schools. His life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he is one of the progressive and successful young farmers of this section. On January 31, 1899, he married Miss Emma

Smaltz, a daughter of John and Margaret (Mandrell) Smaltz. Both parents of Mrs. Brubaker were born in Germany, the father on September 5, 1832, and the mother on March 2, 1835. They still survive and are among the highly esteemed residents of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Smaltz had the following children: Mary, married John Tebbe, lives at Gibsonburg, Ohio, and they have six children; Kate, married Christian Snyder and they live in Sandusky County and have three children; Lewis, married Rosie Smith and they live in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and have six children; Lizzie, married Charles Beckman and they live in Sandusky County and have two children; Henry resides at home; Emma married Frank Brubaker; and several died young.

S. BURTON RATHBUN, an _ honored veteran of the Civil War and a member of Rawson Post, No. 32, Grand Army of the Republic, at Fremont, for many years has been engaged in peaceful agricultural pursuits on his well improved farm of forty acres, situated in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County. He was born February 26, 1842, on his father's farm in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and was the second child born 'to his parents, Saxton S. and Barbara (Huss) Rathbun.

The great-grandfather, Jonathan Rathbun, came to America from England and settled in Vermont, moved from there to New York and later to Sandusky County, Ohio. He secured Government land west of Clyde, on which he resided until his death.

Chaplin Rathbun, grandfather of S. Burton Rathbun, was born while his parents lived in Vermont. While living in New York he married, and in 1826 he moved with his family to Sandusky County, making the trip by way of the lake, and located in Green Creek Township, where he entered the forty-acre farm which is now the property of his son. He was a man of considerable enterprise and after erecting his log buildings in the woods and starting to clear up his land then also rented an old sawmill, which was formerly owned by the Indians. Some of the lumber manufactured in this old mill is yet in use, having been utilized in the construction of a barn which still stands on the old farm. He married Lucinda Sutliff, a native of Pennsylvania and of German extraction. They had eight children, all now deceased: Saxton S. Bruce, Jonathan, Jeanetta, Catherine, Sarah, Lucinda and Eliza. Saxton S. Rathbun, father of S. Burton, was born in 1813, in the state of New York and was thirteen years old when his parents came to Sandusky County. He played with Indian boys at this time, finding them campanionable, and at one time was employed to hoe corn for old Chief Hickory, a very friendly Indian. Until his marriage he continued to live at home, after which he moved to a farm of eighty acres, situated north of the homestead, which he entered from the Government. This land he cleared and improved and resided on for forty-one years. Then he purchased the old home place and moved to it, where his wife died when aged seventy-seven years. She was a native of Pennsylvania, a daughter of Noah Huss. To this marriage of Saxton S. Rathbun and Barbara Huss, were born thirteen children, namely: Clark, Edwin, Norton G., James, S. Burton, Thaddeus, Chaplin L., Lucinda, Norman, Brace, Orvilla, Jacob and John. Three of the sons served as soldiers in the Civil War. The father of the above family died at the age of eighty-one years. S. Burton Rathbun grew to manhood on his father's farm and obtained a district school education, attending whenever the work on the farm permitted his absence from it. When civil war was declared he was one of the first in his neighborhood to respond to 'the call for soldiers. He enlisted November 15, 1861, in Company F, 72d O. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Leroy Moore, and he remained in the same company and regiment until he received his honorable discharge, September 11, 1865. Although Mr. Rathbun had the great good fortune to escape serious injury, it was not because he had not taken part in the fighting on many a noted battle-field, and the bullet holes in his uniform testified how closely his mortal career frequently was in danger of being ended. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Memphis, Siege of Vicksburg, two battles at Jackson, Nashville, the pursuit of Hood, Vicks- burg, Brandon, Russell House' and Spanish Fort. The whole period of service was one of more or less hardship but at all times Mr. Rathbun displayed the cheerful courage that won for the private soldier of that memorable war, the gratitude and admiration of the North. When his term of military service was completed, he returned to his father's farm and continued to work on it until April, 1870, when he purchased the farm on which he has resided ever since. He carries on a general farming line, many years of practical experience ensuring him success in his undertakings.

On February 25, 1869, Mr. Rathbun was married to.Miss Margaret Brunthaver,a daughter of Adam and Mary (Smith) Brunthaver. Mrs. Rathbun's father was born in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at an early day, finding Indians still living in Green Creek Township at that time. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun have had two children: Leonard and infancy. The former resides with his father and assists in the management of the farm. He married Nellie Slatter and they have one son, Robert. In politics Mr. Rathbun and son

JAMES W. WILSON, M. D., deceased, formerly president of the First National Bank of Fremont, and president of the Fremont Savings Bank Company, was not only one of the leading financiers and capitalists of Sandusky County, but was recognized for almost twenty years as an eminent phvsician, serving as president of the Sandusky County Medical Society and having membership in the Ohio State Medical Society. Dr. Wilson was born at New Berlin, Union County, Pennsylvania, February 1, 1816, and died July 21, 1904. His parents. were Samuel and Sarah (Mauck} Wilson, and his grandfather was James Wilson, who moved from Connecticut to Pennsylvania, in 1791.

studies were directed with this object in view. In March, 1837, he was graduated from old Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, and in the following fall he entered upon his initial practice, in Center County, Pennsylvania, but, when his friend and brother practitioner, Dr. Thomas Stillwell, started for Ohio, in June, 1839, Dr. Wilson accompanied him, and in July of that year established himself in the growing town of Lower Sandusky. The story of the pioneer physician has often been told and probably not one half of its real hardships have ever been disclosed, but the young man entered heartily and bravely upon the strenuous life, and soon became one of the best known, best beloved and busiest men in Sandusky County. His successful medical career, however, was necessarily closed by his own failing health, brought on by exposure and devotion to the hard demands of his profession, and in 1858 he reluctantly gave up practice. In August, 1862, Dr. Wilson was appointed by Governor Todd surgeon for Sandusky County, to examine applicants for exemption from draft.

His retirement from medical practice gave Dr. Wilson more time to devote to his growing business interests. In 1857 he had become a partner in the private banking firm of Birchard, Miller & Company, and in September, 1863, when the bank was merged into the First National Bank of Fremont, he became first vice-president, and later, upon the death of Sardis Birchard, president of this old, sound, conservative financial institution. In 1882 he was one of the organizers of the Fremont Savings Bank Company, and for years was a director and president of that corporation. Few men, through so long a period, filled positions of such great responsibility more satisfactorily than did Dr. Wilson, and his former co-workers readily concede that much of the uninterrupted prosperity which has marked those business enterprises in which he was « controlling factor, was due to his foresight and judgment.

On May 25, 1841, Dr. Wilson was married to Miss Nancy E. Justice, who was a daughter of Judge James Justice. of an old family of Sandusky County. Dr. and Mrs. Wilson had four children, namely: Sarah W., who is the widow of Dr. J. B. Rice; Mary C., who is the widow of Charles F. Rice, who was one of Fremont's leading business men, residing at No. 324 High Street; Charles G., a prominent attorney at Toledo, Ohio, who married Miss Cornelia L. Amsden; and James W., now deceased, who was associated with his father in the First National Bank of Fremont.

Dr. Wilson was a broad-minded man, with judgment and tolerance meeting every crisis that came to him throughout a very long life. He was a particularly useful citizen and was deeply interested in many worthy organizations which are too often neglected by men of his standing and ability. He was president of the Sandusky County Pioneer and Historical Society, and after the death of the lamented Hon. Rutherford B. Hayes, he succeeded that distinguished statesman as president of the Birchard Library Association. In 1858 he was elected treasurer of the Sandusky Countv Bible Society, and in 1868 its president, an office he continued to hold as long as he lived. He was a humanitarian and a sincere Christian both by example and profession, being a consistent member of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, and for a half century its senior warden.

JAMES FRED KROUSS, who owns eighty acres of excellent land in Ballville Township, Sandusky County, his comfortable home being situated about four and one-half miles southwest of Fremont, was born in Germany, June 7, 1854, and is a son of Fred and Christina (Bear) Krouss.

The parents of Mr. Krouss came to America in 1856 and settled in Huron County, Ohio, where they lived until 1879, when they moved to Sandusky County. They were farming people and were worthy members of the Lutheran Church. The father died in 1889, at the age of sixty-seven years, and the mother in 1894, at the age of seventy-four vears. They had two sons and two daughters: James Fred and George; Christina, who married P. Bach, and Lizzie, who married William Zeller.

has spent all his subsequent life in Ohio. He carries on general farming and is numbered with the substantial and reliable men of Ballville Township.

On January 23, 1890, Mr. Krouss was married at Norwalk, Ohio, to Miss Barbara Linder, a daughter of Lawrence and Catherine Linder. Her father died March 22, 1896, aged eightytwo years, six months and twenty-seven days. Her mother's death occurred December 20, 1885, when she was aged fifty-six years, six months and one day. Mrs. Krouss was born May 1, 1858, and died October 22, 1892. She was a most estimable woman, a devoted wife and mother, a good neighbor and consistent church member. Seven children survive her, namely : Herman, Clara, Estella, Elmer, Harry, Virginia and Alivia. Mr. Krouss is a member of the German Lutheran Church of Fremont.

GEORGE HAWK, general farmer and well known resident of Green Creek Township, living on a small part of the old Baker farm, about three miles east of Fremont, on the north side of the Maumee Turnpike and the electric railroad, owns sixty acres of excellent farming land. Mr. Hawk is an honored survivor of the great Civil War, to which he gave three years of his early manhood. He was born 'in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, January 31, 1841, and is a son of David and Eleanor-(Huss) Hawk.

David Hawk was probably a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Sandusky County and settled among the early pioneers in Green Creek Township, on what is now the Sommers farm. The remainder of his life was spent in this township, where he died in 1852, aged fifty years. His widow survived him for some years. They had fourteen children, namely: David, John, Mary, Lewis, Charles, Noah, George, Elizabeth, James, Eliza, Cyrus, Clementine and Clarissa, twins, and Alice.

George Hawk grew to manhood on his father's farm and had seen few real hardships before he went into the army, but after that brave sacrifice, they came thick and fast. He enlisted in the first year of the war, entering Company F, 72d O. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Leroy Moore, and for three long years was in that same regiment. With the brave 72d he participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth and Vicksburg and shared all the other hard fortunes of war with his comrades until, in 1864, at Brice's Cross Roads, he was taken prisoner by the Confederates. He soon found out that his destination was the greatly feared prison pen at Andersonville, to which he was taken by way of Mobile, Alabama. After being there for two months he managed to escape, but only to be recaptured and was then sent to Florence, South Carolina, where conditions were not much better. From that prison Mr. Hawk also got away within three days, evidently having much more ingenuity than many of his comrades, but the country was an unknown one to him after he escaped and within nine days he was recaptured, although in that time he had managed to cover ninety miles in the direction of the Union lines. Mr. Hawk, with 140 other captured prisoners, was then put into a jail from which they could not escape, where they were kept for two months and then sent to Florence for two months more, when they were finally paroled. The Government recognizes Mr. Hawk's claim on its generosity and he receives a pension of $24.00 per month. His military record is one of which he has every reason to be proud.

After the close of his army service, Mr. Hawk returned home and as soon as able, resumed farming which he has continued ever since. On February 26, 1870, he married Miss Rebecca Baker, a daughter of John B. Baker, and they have had seven children born to them, as follows: Neva; Ethel, who is the wife of Leroy Deamer; Chauncy, who is married and has a family of his own; and Charles, William, John and Nettie. In politics, Mr. Hawk is a Democrat. He has served as school director in his township at different times. 5

GEORGE W. SMITH, who has devoted the larger part of his life to agricultural pursuits and is numbered with the successful farmers and representative citizens of Green Creek Township, Sandusky County, where his fine farm of seventy-seven acres is located, was born in Pleasant Township, Seneca County, Ohio, September 4, 1856. His parents were

They settled in the deep woods of Seneca County about 1833 and entered a farm in Pleasant Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their remains lie in the old Salem churchyard, in Ballville Township, Sandusky County. They had the following children: Martin, Andrew J. and Albert, all deceased ;Stephen Marion, residing in Michigan; Susan, Fannie and Ellen, all deceased, and Jonas and Ann, both of whom were children of a prior marriage. Jonas Smith was a prominent man in the county serving both as county commissioner and sheriff, previous to the Civil War. Andrew Jackson Smith married Ann Cummons, who was born in Mercer County, and they had the following children born to them: Ellen, who is now deceased, was the wife of John Stephen; Stephen, who lives in Indiana; George William; Miles, who lives in Michigan; Susan, who lives at Jackson, Michigan; Fannie, who married a Mr. Stephens, lives at Flint, Michigan; Rachel, who is the wife of James Webber, of Michigan; Jessie, who is now deceased, was the wife of John King; Leaffy, who is the wife of Amos Turner; and Blanche E., who is the wife of William Hildebridle, of Lansing, Michigan.

Andrew J. Smith engaged in farming for about four years following his marriage, in Seneca County, and then moved to Clinton County, Michigan, and there he died in 1891, when aged sixty-three years. His widow survived until 1908, her death occurring at the age of seventy-six years.

George W. Smith was three years old when the family moved to Michigan and when seven, he returned to Ohio and went to live with his uncle, Jonas Smith, who resided in Ballville Township. He was made a member of his uncle's family and received kind treatment and was afforded educational advantages. For fifteen years before he bought his present farm, in 1893, he had operated his uncle's farm. He was married in April, 1877, to Miss Martha Sachs, a daughter of Henry and Barbara (Favor) Sachs, old settlers in Ballville Town- ship, to which section they came from Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one child, Ollie, who is the wife of Herman Kowalk, residing in Sandusky Township. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of Trinity Evangelical Church, at Fremont, where he has taught the Old Ladies' Bible Class for twenty-two years. In politics he is a Democrat.

EDWIN REED, residing on and operating the old Reed homestead farm, situated six and one-half miles west of Fremont, in Washington Township, was born August 22, i851, at Hessville, Sandusky County, Ohio. His parents were John and Barbara (Orandorf) Reed. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Reed came to Washington Township from Perry County, Ohio, and the grandfather, Joseph Reed, built the house in which his grandson lives, in 1843.

John Reed, father of Edwin, was born in Perry County and accompanied his parents to Sandusky County, and his death occurred on this farm April 25, 1890. His son Edwin succeeded in the property, in which his widow still has her dower right. She still survives, being now in her seventy-ninth year, and resides at Hessville.

Edwin Reed took advantage of all the educational opportunities that were presented in his youth in the section in which he lived, but they were not abundant. His summers up to the age of nineteen years were given to farm work and three months of school in the winter was about all he could claim. He then learned the carpenter trade and did work in that line until he was called to take charge of the farm, when his father died. He has done considerable improving and has a very comfortable home and good farm.

On August 25, 1881, Mr. Reed was married (first) to Miss Emma Jane Van Ness, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Grundy) Van Ness. At death she left one son, John Franklin Reagna. Mr. Reed was married (second) May 31, 1903, to Miss Martha Young, a daughter of Godfrey and Mary (Sprang) Young, and they have one daughter, Edwina Mildred Frances. Mr. Reed and family are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat in politics and for six years he served acceptably

GEORGE M. BENFER, proprietor of the Union Elevator at Clyde, Ohio, is one of the most progressive and successful business men of this village, where he has been a resident since 1868. He was born in New Berlin, Union County, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1858, and is a son of Samuel and Harriet (Bowersock) Benfer. '

Samuel Benfer was a native of Union County, Pennsylvania, and there followed the business of carpenter and contractor. In his younger days, he was for a time located at Bellevue, Ohio, but again returned to his native county, where he died in the prime of life. He was married to Harriet Bowersock and they became parents of four children: Charles, deceased; Belle, who died at the age of 13 years; Emma, wife of Eli Miller, of Clyde, Ohio; and George Michael, whose name heads this record.

George Michael Benfer was but 14 months old at his father's death, and at the time when he should have been in school, it was necessary for him to work and aid in support of the family. Huis mother formed a second marital union with Reuben Bennihoff, and George continued to reside with her until her death. He farmed on her small place in Pennsylvania, and was 13 years old when he accompanied her to Ohio. He was unusually large and sturdy for his years, and hired out for a boy of 18 years. He worked about on farms for a number of years and about the year 1871 began clerking in the grocery store of L. D. Starks at Clyde. He continued with him for nine years, and was then successively employed by Wales & Reed, one year, Henry Crippen, one year, Colonel Chapman, one year, and Bruce Lyons, three years. At the end of that time he entered the produce business for himself, and for a few years dealt extensively in apples. He was next in the employ of Higbee, Miller & Company for one year, operating the Vickery elevator, in which he took the first wheat bought at that plant. He moved from Clyde to Portland, Indiana, where he had charge of an elevator for a short time, and then returned to Clyde and went into the grain business for himself. He had no building at first, shoveling the grain direct from the wagon into the cars. He later purchased his present plant, which is located on Railroad Street, on the Big Four Railroad, from Judge Lemmon, and has since conducted what is known as the Union Elevator. He deals in grain, seeds and wool and has built up a large and well established business. He is a selfmade man in every sense that term implies, having worked his way without means from a lowly position to one of high standing among the business men of the community. Politically, he is a Republican and during the past nine years has served as a member of the village council.

Mr. Benfer was united in marriage with Mrs. Mamie (McKinley) Kintz, widow of Peter Kintz, and they have a daughter, Bessie, who is the widow of Charles Dennis. They have a comfortable home on Maple Street in Clyde. Fraternally, Mr. Benfer is a member of the Royal Arcanum; the order of Odd Fellows; Earl Encampment, Il. O. O. F.; and the auxiliary order of Rebekahs.

CHARLES R. RICHARDS, who does a large business in York Township in the line of tile and brick manufacturing, owns an excellent farm of forty-five acres and is numbered with the representative men of this section. Mr. Richards was born in York Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, December 13, 1868, and is a son of William L. and Sarah F. (Rife) Richards.

William L. Richards was born and reared in York Township, where he resided through life, dying in April, 1896, at the age of sixtyseven years. He married Sarah F. Rife, who survives him and resides at Clyde, Ohio. Her father was Michael Rife, of York Township. To this marriage seven children were born, one of whom died in infancy, the others being, Charles R., residing on the homestead: William H., residing in York Township; Emily, wife of George L. Bemis: Carrie, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Bertha, wife of James Lewis; and Mary, wife of Charles Weeks. The late William L. Richards served 100 days in the Federal Army during the

HISTORY OF Civil War. He was an honest, progressive citizen and for five terms served his township efhciently as a trustee. He was a farmer and for many years also a brick and tile manufacturer.