Wyandot County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (2 of 5 so headed), 1884

Biographical sketches

It is a pleasing task to write of those connected with the early history of Wyandot, and certainly no one occupies a more prominent place in the recollection of our people than William T. Giles, our first Democratic editor.

The subject of this sketch was born in New Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio, July 18, 1823. He attended the schools of that then quaint old town until he was about fifteen years old, when he went into the printing office of the Ohio Patriot to learn the business. The Patriot was then owned by Hetzell & Gregg, and young Giles remained with them until the office was sold to William Duane Morgan, brother of Gen. Morgan, and the last Democratic Auditor of State, prior to the election of Mr. Kissewitter last October. He continued in the office with Mr. Morgan until 1843, when he went, to Bucyrus, holding a position on the Crawford County Democrat, then published and edited by T. J. Orr. Printing offices in Bucyrus those days were not the bonanzas they are now, and Giles could not get enough money from handsome Tom Orr to pay his board, which was $1.25 per week. Mr. Orr would rather sit on a store box all day than dun a subscriber, and consequently Tom's bank book was always a few loads of wood behind. Tom was an able writer, but could do nothing with more ease than any other man in America. The Craivford County Democrat was started some time early in 1845, but in Orr's hands it was a failure, the paper collapsed, and he urged Giles, his only employe, to buy the material and remove it to Upper Sandusky and commence the publication of a Democratic paper. Giles insisted that he neither had money nor experience as a writer, and did not feel like embarking in the enterprise. Orr, however, insisted, giving Giles to understand that unless some arrangement could be made, he could not pay him for labor due, and that he might be compelled to count imaginary railway ties on his way back to New Lisbon. After a good deal of persuasion, Giles, in company with a personal friend, the late lamented William M. Scroggs, visited Upper Sandusky, which at that time was a vex'y small place. The Democrats, Capt. S. M. Worth, R. McKelly, Col. A. McElvain, Col. Joseph McCutchen, Peter B. Beidler, C. R. Mott, George Harper, and in fact, all the Democrats urged the establishment of a Democratic paper, while the Whigs put in their words of discouragement, saying it could not live in so new a county; but Giles thought it was a case of necessity; he was like the fellow after the ground hog - he must have meat - and there was mighty little prospect of getting any out of Tom Orr; so he said, "Sink or swim, survive or perish, here goes." He returned to Bucyrus, informed Orr of his decision, in case they could agree upon terms. Orr wanted to know what proposition Giles had to make. Giles said, "If you sell me the material on eight months' time, taking a note for the amount over what is due me, and agree to take the material back in case payment is not made when due, and will then agree to pay me my wages, deducting ten per cent for use of materials, it is a go - otherwise not." Orr agreed to the proposition. Col. Scott, a very fine lawyer, drew up the contract and note, which were properly signed.

Giles then returned to Upper Sandusky to seek shelter for his press and material, but could not secure a place, without buying a building - a small chair shop - that stood in the middle of Fourth street, in the vicinity of the present African Church. Now came the question, " How can I buy?" Giles related the condition of things to some Democratic friends, and the result was, the money was raised, the house bought and held for payment. The next move was to get the material from Bucyrus to Upper Sandusky. Giles borrowed Col. McKelly's horse, took an early morning start, rode over to Bucyrus, employed Frederick Fireing, loaded his wagon, and returned to Upper Sandusky the same day, without eating a bite until arriving at McElvain' s old log hotel, located where the brewery now stands.

The publication of the Democratic Pioneer was begun under these embarrassing circumstances, and all the difficulties did not stop here. Giles had to buy a lot to put his building on, as there was some law or restriction compelling the removal of all houses from the streets. At the time of the removal of the building bj Mr. Russel, Giles stood at the case, set up the notice of the removal, and headed it "Progressive Democracy," as can be seen by reference to the old files of the Pioneer, which have only been fully preserved in the county by Hon. J. D. Sears.

Mr. Orr was in the same condition - he could not pay - and in a longf letter urged Giles to go on and pay when and as he could. Giles took his advice and worked away. One evening, as Giles was passing Col. Mc Cutchen's store, he heard his name mentioned, and naturally felt inclined to hear what was being said, and to see who were in the store. He quietly approached the door, and in the dim candle light, saw Cols. Chaflfee, Mc- Cutchen and others, and heard them lamenting the condition of the young editor. They were "really sorry that the country was so thinly settled and the town so small, that the Pio«eer could not survive; that Giles was industrious, energetic, etc., but the fates were against him." After hearing their remarks, Giles said, "By the Eternal, if I burst it will not be my fault." He went home but did not sleep much that night. In the morning, he rose and resolved to board himself, and did for about sixteen months, on an average cost of 48 cents per week, earning and saving sufficient to pay all his debts. After free from d^bt, he boarded at Zimmerman's Blue Ball Hotel till 1849.

During his struggle for existence, Giles was urged to " take the post office as it would help him to stem the tide." He refused for a long while, but finally consented. A petition was put in circulation, and Col. McElvain, who was then Postmaster, and had urged Giles to take the office, refused to sign the petition, remarking that " Giles could not get the office without he had other signers." This raised the Irish in Giles, and he " made a vow that he would have the office with just those names and none other, or not have it at all." He then wrote to the Hon. Henry St. John, who was then the Member of Congress from this district, giving a statement of facts, and sent forward the petition. Col. McElvain called upon Giles and wanted him to call a meeting, and let the meeting decide between them. Giles said: "No, I have done everything I am going to do in this matter, and you may^ call all the meetings you want." No meeting was called, but Giles became Postmaster, but only held the office long enough to see that it would not pay him. when he resigned, and had John A. Morrison appointed before any one knew of his resignation, excepting Mr. Morrison and a few friends.

During the time Giles held the office, some malicious party sent a report to Washington that the mail matter wns turned upon the counter and every one who came in was Postmaster. This was false, as Giles never had a counter in his office, and would not let people in while changing the mail. A secret agent came along one cool morning, jumped from the coach (for this was the time of old stage coaches), and was going to rush into the office, when he was informed by Giles " that he couldn't come in," but that he could go into the printing-office.

The agent did as ordei*ed, and when the mail was overhauled, reported to Giles his mission, and said, " I am glad to find the report about your office false. I will report you all right when I return." Giles said, " So far as the report goes, it is all false, but when you get back to Washington, you can tell them if they do not like the way this office is managed, they can take it and go to the devil with it." What report was made is not known, but Mr. Giles kept the office till he resigned.

Upper Sandusky, and tells of the time several parties procured a license for an old couple, on conditions that they would mount some boxes in fi'ont of a store, and get married. Col. Kirby was then Justice of the Peace, and tied the knot.

The Democratic Pioneer, in the face of all trials and tribulations, prospered in the hands of W. T. Giles up and until the spring of 1849, when he sold a part of the office to Josiah Smith, and gave the other half to Elijah Giles, his brother. Mr. Smith paid but a small amount down, and W. T. Giles gave the notes to Elijah, who bought Smith's interest, paying him with his own notes. When Giles started for California with Cul. Lyle, one of God's own noblemen, Col. A. McElvain, his sons William and Purdy, Messrs. Jones and Walker, he left the Pioneer well supplied with ink, paper, etc At the time of the departure. Col. Lyle and Giles were in poor health, and it was not supposed that either would live to get to St. Joseph, Mo. Their friends tried to persiaade them to give up the trip, but it was a useless effort. We well remember the morning they took teams and started for Carey, no railway running to Upper Sandusky at that time. At Carey they took the cars for Cincinnati, and a steamer thence to St. Louis, where a change of steamers had to be made for St. Joseph. Col. McElvain and his son, Purdy, took horses and money and went overland to St. Joseph to buy up cattle, with which to cross the plains. They bought seven yokes, or two teams. Giles, having some ready money, got more than his share in this purchase, but never got it out of the teams, for all the cattle died. On the way up the Missouri River, Mr. Walker, father-in-law of Henry Miller, took the cholera and died at St. Joseph, destitute, excepting what he received from Giles. Buck Kirby, a colored man, whom all the old settlers well remember, concluded to go to California with this party. Mr. Giles provided him with boots aad some clothing for the trip, and paid his bills at St. Joseph for some weeks till the teams arrived, and just before starting out of this city Giles was seized with cholera, and had to be taken from his horse and placed in a wagon. His recovery was very doubtful, but having lots of determination, had his party hitch up the cattle and drive on, saying, ''If I die, I will die as far out as I can get." The result was Giles got well, and soon Col. McElvain was taken with the same disease, and all thought would die, but he also recovered.

In crossing the plains at that time it was necessary to go in large bodies, and a train of about thirty or forty teams formed a company and elected Col. McElvain Captain. The front team had to take the rear the following day. One day Buck Kirby, as he was called, was driving one of the teams, the last team in the train. Buck crawled into the wagon and went to sleep. One of the oxen became unyoked and strayed off, and the train traveled two or more miles before the discovery was made, and when Capt. McElvain heard of the lost ox, it is unnecessary to tell those who knew him, that he swore a blue streak. He threatened to shoot Buck if he should ever do such a trick again. The ox was found grazing, drove up, put in place, and the train moved on. Giles had been out hunting, and when he returned to the train he found Buck greatly alarmed, wanting to leave and go into a train, mostly from Marion, Ohio. Giles tried to persuade him out of the notion, but Buck insisted on going for fear that McElvain might shoot him in the absence of Giles. It was agreed that Buck might take the boots and clothes bought for him and go, which he did, and it was reported got through to California and died. No member of the party ever saw Buck after he went into the Marion train.

A sad event took place at Fort Laramie to the party from Upper Sandusky. They arrived there and concluded to rest the teams and sun their clothes. Here they found Maj. Sanderson, of the regular army, in command. Major was an "Ohio man," and acquainted with Capt. McElvain, who had boarded with him in Columbus, so he invited McElvain and his friends to dinner. Col. Aaron Lyle and Giles were great friends - always together at home, and never broke friendshijD on the plains. They slept together in a wagon. While lying at the fort they sunned their clothes, and that evening Colonel said he was very hungry, and Giles said, " Buck, Col. Lyle is hungry; get up a good supper." Colonel ate heartily, but he coughed severely. At night Giles had to go out on guard duty till 1 o'clock, and did so, riding about two or three miles. When he returned to camp he was surprised to find Col. Lyle sitting up in the wagon. Colonel said, " Giles, will you bring me a canteen of water?" The reply was, '-Yes." Giles went to the Laramie River, brought the water; Colonel drank and lay down; Giles got into the wagon - put down the curtains, when Colonel remarked, "Please put it up, it seems so close." In the morning when Giles was called, he found the Colonel lying by his side dead! The shock given Giles can better be imagined than expressed. In fact, although the death was daily expected, yet all were surprised. He passed away easily, for his arms were resting across his breast as if he passed from earth without a struggle. After making a coffin, and burying Col. Lyle in the burying-ground belonging to the fort, the party left for California. They took in Salt Lake; heard Brigham Young preach three sermons. Here Giles, McElvain and one or two others boarded for several days Avith a prophet who had two wives. One of the wives wanted to go with the train to California, but it was not a safe thing at that time to meddle with the wives of Mormons. While at this city, Giles traded horses and bought one, and in company with seven other men, packed through to California, leaving the teams with McElvain and son and a Mr. Jones, whom they were taking through. Jones was a merchant in Upper Sandusky at an early day. What became of him after arriving in California, the writer does not know. Giles, on horse, and with his pack animal, arrived in California several weeks before McElvain and son, for it will be remembered William McElvain died at Independence, Mo., before going on the plains. Giles and his comrades who packed through bought a rocker, and made several hundred dollars each in the mines, in that many weeks. They sold their claim for a mule, for which Giles paid $85. This claim panned out about $100,000. Giles bought a few more animals at Sacramento City, packed them with provisions, and went up the Sacramento Valley to Lawson's ranch, where he found McElvain and son, nearly destitute. After some days' rest, Giles got some cattle, and the party hitched to a wagon and worked their way to Yuba City, where they opened a tradingpost, and soon another at Shasta City. Shortly after Giles returned from Shasta City he was taken sick; and just at a time it was not certain whether he would live or die, McElvain took the money on hand and left for Ohio. Giles recovered, went to work, put up a large amount of hay, several thousand dollars' worth, and most of this was set on fire and burned. Then he had two teams and about $300 in money left. What was to be done he did not know, but it would not do to sit down and waste what little he had, so he loaned a mule to a friend who had also been a sufferer by fire, and the two went to the mountains to seek fortunes, but found nothing to suit them, and after spending some weeks in the mountains, returned to Yuba

City, and Giles went over to Marysville, and here he found his friend, Hon. J, W. McCorkle, the Member of Congress from that district, and also an "Ohio man." Mac said to Giles, "Where have you been? 1 sent over to your town for you, but got no informatiou of your whereabouts. Col. Kust was here - wants a partner to start a Democratic paper, and I referred him to you." Giles said, "Send Rust word I am here; come to Marysville, and I will meet him." Mac did as requested, and in a few days Rust came to Marysville, and arrangements were made to start the paper. Giles borrowed some money on his teams, and with Rust went to San Francisco, where they found a Mr. Gee, got him interested in the paper, and in a few weeks their presses and types were packed and shipped to Marysville, where on November 3, 1851, the California Express came out, published by Gee, Giles & Co., and edited by Col. Richard Rust. It was not long till Gee became discontented, and sold his third of the office to W. T. Giles, and the paper ran in the firm name of William T.Giles & Co. until about the 15th of July, 1852, when, through Col. Rust, Giles consented to take in other partners, and sold a portion of his interest, retaining onefourth. Soon Giles found his mistake, hired John L. Mitchell to run his interest and went to San Francisco, bought presses and types, and went to Downieville, Sierra County, Cal., where on the 10th day of June, 1852, he put out the first issue of the Mountain Echo. He sold this paper after publishing it for some time, went back to Marysville, and ran his own interest for a short time in the California Express, and in the spring of 1853, sold the entire interest in the establishment and returned to Ohio.

After looking about and visiting for some time, Giles settled down, and resumed publication of the Wyandot County Pioneer. Soon after taking hold of the paper he went to Cincinnati, bought new types, press, etc., enlarged the paper, and made it one of the neatest as well as one of the best country papers in the state. Mr. Giles felt disappointed after he started this paper, for the promises made to him w^re not fulfilled as he thought, and he sold ovit, and in company with Irey Quaiiitance, went to Iowa, bought land and lots, returned here and wintered over 1854, and in the spring of 1855 he bought some teams, took. Elijah Giles and family, Henry Giles and another young man to Newtown, Jasper County, Iowa. In the fall of 1855 Irey Quaintance and W. T. Giles returned to Upper Sandusky and wintered. In the spring both married, Mr. Giles taking Miss Mary E. Scroggs, and Mr. Quaintance Livonia Trager. In the spring of 1856, the four returned together to Newton, Iowa, but W. T. Giles could not remain long out of the editorial harness. He sold-out in Iowa; went to Freeport, 111., bought the Bulletin and published it for many years. He sold the Bulletin to his brother-in-law, J. R Scroggs, in 1864, and in that spring went by team to Virginia City, Montana Territory. Here he broke a leg, and spent two years and some money, and returned to Illinois; sold out there and removed his family to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he owned and published the Bugle, and a German paper for a time. During the time Giles was in Council Bluffs, J. R. Scroggs died at Freeport, 111., and this left the Bulletin without an editor, and Giles returned and resumed charge of the paper. In a short time after this, he started the Lee County Democrat at Dixon, 111. , but soon sold that paper, and continued in the Bulletin for a long time, and sold it. Since then he started the Illinois Monitor, in Freeport, and published it over three years. He edited the Dakota Herald, at Yankton, Dakota Territory, for several months, and is now publishing the Freeport Democrat.

During Giles' early days in Upper Sandusky, we remember one incident that occurred to him and our friend J. G. Roberts. It was when Giles was keeping bachelor's hall. A show came along, and Giles being the only editor in this section, got a family ticket, so Roberts and Giles agreed to go, and each take two ladies. This was done; Giles sending all the family in tirst, and then passing the ticket, followed. The doorkeeper surprised, muttered out, "That fellow has a h - 1 of a family to keep bachelor's hall."*

Robert D. Dumm, the senior member of the tirm of Dumm & Brunner, editors and propri^orrf of The Wyandot Union, was born in the city of Pittsburgih, Penn. , July 3, 1835, being the fourth son of Andrew and Mary (Shall) Dumm. His father served in the American Army during the war of 1812-15, and his paternal grandfather, who was a native of Baden, Germany, served as a soldier during the Revolutionary struggle. His grandparents upon his mother's side were of English origin. In 1842, with his parents, became to this part of Ohio, and settled at McCutchenville. Three years later he became a resident of the town of Upper Sandusky, and at the age of ten years entered the Pioneer printing-office as an apprentice under William T. Giles. He served with Mr. Giles four years, receiving during that time six months' schooling as per contract. During the year 1849, in connection with J. Zimmerman, he published the Pioneer, with Elijah Giles as editor. In 1852, he pu.blished the paper alone, Elijah Giles still remaining as editor, and continued to be employed in that capacity until 1853, when he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University as a student. In 1854, however, he was induced to leave school and start a new Democratic newspaper at Upper Sandusky, termed the Vindicator, of which he was editor and publisher. This pvoceding was deemed necessary on the part of the Democratic leaders of the county, by reason of the fact that the old Pioneer had degenerated into a Know-Nothing organ. Mr. Dumm continued to publish the Vindicator about eisfhteen months, when he sold out to N. V\'. Dennison, and be^an the study of law with Hon. Chester R. Mott. In the winter of 1856-57, he attended the Cincinnati Law School, where he graduated with honor and was admitted to the bar. Soon after he located at Freeport, 111., where he remained nearly one year. He then returned to Upper Sandusky, married, and in February, 1858, purchased the then recently established Union, a journal wliich he conducted in a very successful manner for a period of eleven years. Having sold out the Union to E. Zimmerman, he removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., in November, 1 868, and during the succeeding five years edited and published the Fort Wayne Sentinel, - a daily and weekly newspaper - with unwearied and, we may add, marked ability. In August, 1873, he again returned to Upper Sandusky, purchased a one-half interest in his old paper, the Union (yet still retaining his share in the Sentinel), and with, L. A. Brunner as his partner, published the Union for a little more than one year, when Charles L. Zahm, by purchase, became the owner of the Union office. Subsequently Mr. Dumm disposed of his disastrous investment at Fort Wayne, and in the fall of 1875 was elected by a very flattering majority to the office of Clerk of Wyandot County. In 1878, he was re-elected to the same position, and thus served for a continuous period of six years. On the 27th of November, 1879, the Union again passed into the hands of its present proprietors - Messrs. Dumm & Brunner. On the 1st of September, 1882, this firm purchased one-half of the Marion Mirror office, and during the political

We have thus briefly outlined the active business career of a gentleman who has been closely identified with the interests of Wyandot County since its establishment. One who, although a strict party man, and a zealous worker for the success of the Democratic party, has ever bean consistent, and has so demeaned himself as to challenge the admiration of even the most bitter of his political opponents. His untiring efforts for the promotion of the material interests, and the general prosperity of his town and county, have also secured for him the gratitude and respect of Wyandot County residents in general, and to-day none stand higher in their estimate of character and true worth than Robert D. Dumm. As already shown, he has grown up, and has been educated in the printing office, and, probably, has done more to bring Wyandot County journalism up to its present proud position than all others combined. As an editoi'ial writer he has acquired a reputation truly enviable, and which, indeed, is not confined by State limits. Ever careful, vigorous, versatile, brilliant and facetious, his readers are never disappointed in the perusal of an article prepared by him.

He was married on the 29th day of Decembei*, 1857, to Miss Sarah J., only daughter of Dr. R. A. Henderson, of Upper Sandusky. The results of this union are two sons, both of whom are young gentlemen of notable qualifications - William (jr., the present efficient Deputy County Clerk, and Frank E., who is now employed in the Union office.

Hon. Louis A. Brunner is of German ancestry, and was born in Frederick City, Frederick Co., Md. He fully availed himself of the advantages of an elementary and classical education, and after a thorough course of theological study was licensed, in the summer of 1846, to preach at Columbus, Ohio. Su-bsequently, he entered upon the duties of the ministry, and served several Presbyterian congregations. In the spring of 1852, he was elected by the Presbytery of Marion, Ohio, Commissioner to the General Assembly, and attended the sittings of that body in Philadelphia, Penn., in May following. In I860, his nervous centers gave way, prostrating him to such an extent as to force him to relinquish his chosen profession. However, having from a young boy dabbled in printer's ink, and being compelled to labor for a livelihood, he purchased a printing office, and took charge of the editorial department, and, while not engaged in the duties of the tripod, worked at the case sticking type. He has performed editorial work -on the Odd i^'eZ/ow, published at Boonsboro, Washington Co., Md. ; the Pioneer and the Union of Upper Sandusky, and the Ft. Wayne Daily Sentinel, an interest of which he owned in 1868 and 1869. He has resided in Wyandot County since 1849, excepting four years passed in Maryland, from 1856 to 1861. He has served on the Board of School Examiners of Wyandot County, as a member of the Village Council, and was elected a member of the Sixty-first, Sixty-second, Sixty-fifth and Sixty-sixth General Assemblies of the State of Ohio, occupying, during the session of 1883-84, the honored position of Speaker pro tem. In the Sixty-fourth General Assembly, he served as Clerk of the House, and his large experiences as a law-maker, and his peculiar fitness for clerical duties - the result of early training - made him one of the best clerks the Assembly ever had, and it was so acknowledged by the members of both parties. Hence, as a mark of recognition, embodying the admiration of members, he was presented at the close of the session with a costly gold watch and chain, which he still carries with pardonable pride. Mr. Brunner's first year in the General

Assembly was marked with ability«and true statesmanship, and although it is seldom the lot of a new member to take pi-ominence at the beginning, his experience was an exception, for before the close of the session he was the recognized leader of his side of the House, and this position he has ably and gracefully maintained during every term of his legislative career. His superior qualifications as a presiding officer attracted attention from all parts of the State, and in the Sixty-sixth General Assembly he was the almost unanimous choice of his party for Speaker, yet his usefulness upon the floor, and his own inclinations for activity amid conflict, induced him to decline the honor, and to accept at the demands of his party the position of Speaker pro tem. He is perhaps the finest parliamentarian in the State, and we cannot better expi-ess this opinion than to give an extract from a letter written by a newspaper correspondent during the session of 1883-84: "The VV^yandot Sachem, Brunner, as speaker pro tem., has demonstrated himself to be a superior presiding ofiicer, fit to have held the gavel of the Long Parliament of Cromwell's days, and whose legislative career has given his solid little Gibraltar (Wyandot County) a cameo-like prominence in the State's councils."

In 1879, Mr. Brunner, in connection with Robert D. Dumm, purchased the Wyandot Union of D. J. Stalter, and by their united labors again made the old Union one of the best county newspapers in the State. It now enjoys a large circulation, and an enviable, widespread reputation. As an editor, Mr. Brunner has few superiors. He is logical, clear and very effective, and has gained many admirers from his humorous touches of local incidents; but his great force and efficiency is as a campaigner, filling his wellrounded and emphatic periods in that direct and forcible manner, which leaves no room for effective reply. While a ready, spicy and able writer, he is equally as ready and effective as a speaker, which his prominence in the House, on all the important questions of state policy, has fully made clear. His polish as a gentleman, and his great tact in winning and retaining the admiration and esteem of his fellow-citizens is due to some extent to his genial nature, thorough education and wide range of information gained through the avenues of an extensive and careful study of books and men. In September, 1882, he, with his old partner, Mr. Dumm, bought a half interest in the Mirror, at Marion, Ohio, and although it proved to be a profitable investment, and their connection with the Democracy of Marion County highly acceptable and pleasant, after eighteen months they sold their interest to their partner. Col. J. H. Vaughan. A part of this time Mr. Brunner was editor of the papei', and in the memorable campaign of 1883 gained a host of admirers for his efficient editorial work.

Since the close of the legislative session of 1883-84, he has assumed a controlling interest and editorial charge of the ^Qnecn. Advertiser, one of the oldest and best newspapers published in Ohio, and he has fully made up his mind to make that city his future home. He still holds his connection with the Wyandot Union with Mr. Dumm, but undoubtedly in the near future will sever that relation and give his whole attention to the Advertiser, which will advance under his influence and enterprise, and rapidly become the leading county paper of the State.

He was married in 1850 to Miss Jane Sherman, of Delaware, Ohio, who was a native of Watertown, N. Y. Their three children are Mary, now the wife of John W. Geiger, of Tiffin, Ohio; Addie, now Mrs. B. W. Holman, of Washington, D. C. , and Grace.

Republican, is a native of Pian de Cuni (a small village in Italy, wbicb is situated about twenty-five miles southeast of Genoa, and five miles east of Chiavari), where he was born September 29, 1837. His early life was passed amid scenes common to the peasant class of his native coiintry, and which are vividly portrayed by himself in his highly interesting lecture entitled, "Recollections of Italy." On the 6th of March, 1849, accompanied by his father, he bade adieu to his mother, sisters and brother, and en route to America set out on foot for the seaport town of Genoa. About the lOth of March, the ship upon which the father and son had secured passage sailed, and on the lOth of May, 1849. it safely landed its passengers at the city of New York.

'' When I arrived in New York," says Mr. Cuneo, "I could not understand a solitary word of the English language, had no trade, and could not read nar write ray own name in any langiiage. I was, therefore, compelled to labor for very low wages, and I soon abandoned the hope of amassing a fortune. In about two years, in consequence of sickness, my father was compelled to return to Italy, and left me alone, with the expectation that I would also return in about two years more." After various discouraging trials and vicissitudes, young Cuneo obtained employment in the fall of 1852* with Josiah Starn, a farmer, who lived three miles from Camden, N. J. At that time he purchased a spelling book aod endeavored to master the English alphabet, but after a few evenings he became utterly discouraged and gave the book away. However, during the following winter he effected an arrangement with John Hinchman, who lived one mile east of Gloster, N. J., to woi'k f<;r his board and attend the district school. About the 1st of December, 1853, he started to school aud took his first lesson in learning the alphabet. "I tried hard to learn," says he, "and the teacher and pupils took particular pains to assist me. By the 1st of March, when I again commenced to work, I had progressed so far as to be able to read and wi'ite a little."

The year 1854 found him in Chester County, Penn., where, after a long search for work, he met William Martin, who lived between Coatesville and Parkesburg, and who gave him employment through the winter of 1854-55, and an opportunity to attend the Rockdale School. The next winter he became an inmate of William Hamill's house, situated two miles south of Parkesburg, where he also worked for his board and attended the public school. In September, 1856, he arrived at Canton, Ohio, almost penniless, and after a vain attempt to find work among the farmers in that vicinity, by mere chance, C. Aultman, of the firm of Aultman & Co., hired him to work as a laborer at 77 cents per day, board not included. Subsequently he arranged to pass the winter with Christian Neisz, who resided near Canton, and there worked for his board and attended school. The following spring he returned to the shops of Messrs. Aultman & Co., where he remained the major portion of the time for nine years, being promoted from time to time until his wages rose to $2.50 per day. He continued to study and work, frequently fourteen hours out of the twenty-four, and so improved that in the winter of 1858-59 he was able to teach school where he had formerly attended as a pupil.

In 1865, he purchased a half interest in the Medina (Ohio) Gazette, but at the expiration of nine months sold out. He then removed to his present home - Upper Sandusky - where he purchased the Pioneer. He afterward

*In the spring of 1852, he began to work with .John Cordray, near Milford, Del., at the rate of S3 per month and coulinued with the latter six months.

changed its name to the Republican, and is still its proprietor and editor. Appointed and re-appointed by his firm, personal friend, Gen. U. S. Grant,* he served as Postmaster at Upper Sandusky, from May 10, 1869, to^ July 1, 1877. As may be inferred, Mr. Cuneo is a stanch Republican, a Stalwart among Stalwarts, and a warm friend and admirer of Grant, Conkling, and their friends.

He was married, December 2-4, 1861, to Miss Myra V. Miller, of Canton, Ohio, who, born in Sandyville, Ohio, in March, 1842, died at Upper Sandusky December 27, 1883. Of ten children born to them, four of whom were twins, five are still living - Laura T., Sherman A., Edward Noyes, Eva and Roscoe Conkling.

Henry Albert Tracht, the founder and present editor and proprietor of the Weekly Chief, was born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, August 26, 1862. His parents, Philip and Lucinda (Keil) Tracht, though of German descent, were both born in Crawford County, of this State. His education was acquired in the public schools of his native town, and at an early period in life too, for when only fourteen years of age he was compelled to give up his studies, by reason of an annoying and painful affection of his eyes. Some months later he established a small job printing-office, which proved to be a successful business venture, and fro u that modest beginning has grown up by degrees the present very creditable and successfully managed sheet, known throughout a wide region as the Chief. Mr. Tracht is still unmarried, and apparently has a bright future before him.

Frank T. Tripp, eldest son of Franklin and Elizabeth (Bowsher) Tripp, was born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Septe nber 26, 1850. He obtained a common school education, and at the age of thirteen years began learning the printing business in the M'yandot Pioneer office, with Col. W. T. Wilson, who shortly after sold the paper to Pietro Cuneo. He remained with Mr. Cuneo six years, assisting him in the post office forthetermof two years. He was married, October 26, 1871, to Miss Irene M. Stevenson, youngest daughter of James N. and Susanna Stevenson, now deceased. By this union four children were born, viz., Harry J., May 20, 1872; Susan Edith, April 12, 1874; Anna Grace, November 28, 1880, and Sarah Maria, August 2, 1882. The first-born, Harry, died April 30, 1879, and Anna Grace, August 26, 1881.

During the winter of 1872-73, he purchase! a one-third interest in the Wyandot Democratic Union, and was associated with L. A. Brunner and D. F. Druckemiller. He disposed of his interest three months later, and removing to Carey, Wyandot Co., Ohio, established the Carey Weekly Times. He conducted the business there for nearly four years, and then sold the same to Hon. L. A. Brunnor. When he became a resident of Carey he was elected Corporation Clerk, and served in that capacity until his removal back to Upper Sandusky in the fall of 1876. He was then emploved by Charles L. Zahm, who was then publishing the Union, as foreman and local editor.

Since that time, Mr. Tripp has been connected with the press of Upper Sandusky, more or less, as local editor. Since November 27, 1879, he has been with the Union, foreman of its job rooms and assistant editor. He is a brilliant young journalist, and has a bright future before him. As a local writer of inindents and happenings he has few superiors. His style is fine and effective, losing none of the little details around which throngs the in-

*Some two years ago, Gen. Grant sent a large photograph of himself to Mr. Cuneo, which is probably one of the best pictures of the great General in existence.

terest of a recital. He is always ready, and gifted with a literary turn of mind which frequently sparkles in his graceful and well-rounded periods. He is a young man, yet his care and faithfulness in his profession has all the marks of experience and native thought. He rarely takes to the humorous, but when he does his writings are sure to contain a dash of the irresistible. His social qualities, though never pretentious nor obtrusive, are none the less of a high order, and few in our midst have more or warmer friends. Mr. Tripp has been a correspoadent for the Cincinnati and Eastern papers for several years, and his articles have attracted wide attention.

Carey Publications

The Carey Blade, Carey's first newspaper, was established by Franklin Dame, a young man only fifteen years of age, in December, 1872. It was a small four-column folio. After getting out four numbers, its publication was suspended, but young Dame conducted a job printing-office for several months thereafter.

The Carey Weekly Times was established by Frank T. Tripp, Jr., of Upper Sandusky, now foreman of the Wyandot Democratic Union office, on the 8th of May, 1873. He continued its publication until August. 1876, when it passed under the control of Louis A. Brunner, of Upper Sandusky. In 1878, Mr. Brunner transferred his interests to Samuel M. Gillingham, who conducted the paper until January 1, 1880, when it was purchased by its present editors and publishers, George H. Tallman & Co., consisting of George H. Tallman and A. H. Balsley, editor of the Jeffersonian, of Findlay, Ohio. This paper, known since it passed under the control of Gillingham as the Wyandot County Times, is a seven-column folio, has a circulation of 700 copies, and is neutral in political matters.

George H. Tallman, the present editor of the Wyandot County Times, was born at Canal Winchester, Ohio, May 2, 1851. His parents. Hinton and Amanda (Thompson) Tallman, were natives of the State of Virginia, and his maternal grandfather was born in Scotland. When he was ten years of age, the parents of George H. removed to Delaware, Ohio, where he remained ten years, meantime passing two years as a student of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. In the spring of 1871, he proceeded to Fremont, Ohio, where he was engaged until 1873, as a salesman in a boot and shoe store. In July of that year he became a resident of Port Clinton, Ohio, where he remained until April, 1875, when he located at Findlay, Ohio, and soon after entered the office of A. H. Balsley, editor of the Findlay Jeffersonian, for the purpose of learning the printer's trade. There he remained until January 1, 1880, when he entered into a partnership with his former employer, Mr. Balsley, and with him purchased the Wyandot County Times, which paper he has since conducted in a very successful manner.

His wife, Molly, a daughter of A. H. Balsley, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn. , October 10, 1853, and came to Ohio with her parents when two years of age. They have one daughter, named Neta. Mr. Tallman is a member of the organization known as the Knights of Honor.

The Nevada Enterprise

Harter (T. H. ) & Wilcox then conducted the paper until November 1, 1882, when Mr. Wilcox purchased Harters interest and remained sole editor and proprietor until November 1, 1883, when the present firm of Wilcox & Holmes was formed, by Frank Holmes purchasing a one-half interest. This paper is neutral in politics, has a circulation of eight hundred copies, and its annual gross receipts are from $2,500 to $3,000.

Joseph M. Wilcox, editor of the Nevada Enterprise, was born in Mifflin County, Penn. , January 1, 1855. His parents were Christian and Sarah (Miller), Huflfnagle, but his father dying when our subject was a mere child and his mother soon after marrying H. S. Wilcox, the latter name was adopted and has since been retained. His father was born in Pennsylvania and died in that State January 18, 1861. His mother was a daughter of Thomas and Susan (Dorman) Miller, and was born in Union County, Penn., in 1823. Being left a widow in 1861, she moved to Ohio the same year and located at Bellevue, where she was married to H. S. Wilcox in 1863, and where she resided about two and one-half years. She then moved with her husband to Tiffin, and one year later to Millmore; two years after this, they located at Benton, Crawford County, and five years later at the present point of residence, Nevada. Our subject spent the first nineteen years of his life attending school, acquiring a good education. In 1874, he entered the Normal School at Ada, Ohio, and passed a thorough course in the art of book-keepiag, after which he spent one year in the wholesale millinery establishment of A. & E. Thompson, beginning January 1, 1875. May 1, 1876, he entered the office of the Nevada Enterprise to learn the trade of printing, and January 1, 1879, he purchased a half interest in the office, whei-e he has since been engaged. He is well versed in the " mysteries " of his calling, aud publishes a spicy and newsy country paper. Mr. Wilcox was married, January 1, 1879, to Miss Celia Gillan, who was born in Petersburg, this county, December 23, 1856. Her parents are William K. and Eliza (Betzer) Gillan, and both reside in Nevada. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have one child, Harry, born October 8, 1879. Mr. Wilcox is a member of the F. & A. M., and favors Republicanism in things political. His work is performed with ability and in all respects he is highly esteemed in his community.

Frank Holmes, a son of Dr. Samuel W. and Sarah E. (Ensminger) Holmes, was born in the town of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, August 4, 1862. Until seventeen years of age he attended the public schools of his native town. He then worked one year in the Union office, and subsequently was engaged for six months in the office of the Marion Indejjendent. On the 29th of May, 1880, he assisted in getting out the first number of the Sycamore Star, under the firm name of S. W. Holmes & Son. He continued to be interested as editor and proprietor of the Star until May 29, 1883, when it was sold to the News Publishing Company. On the 1st of November, 1883, he purchased a one-half interest in the Nevada Enterprise, of which he still continues as part owner. He was mai'ried, December 25, 1883, to Ella, daughter of John and Ellen (McGlen) Turner, of Sycamore, Ohio. She was born in the city of Harrisburg, Penn., August 16, 1866.

The Sycamore Neavs

This weekly journal was founded as the Sycamore Star May 29, 1880, by S. W. Holmes & Son. It started as a five-column quarto, and was managed by its founders until May 29, 1883, when the News Publishing Company, consisting of William Corfman (who had been local editor from

October 1, 1882), C. C. Clark, R. J. Plummer and J. E. Goodrich (with C. C. Clark as raanager, and Corfman and Plummer as editors) became its owners. On the Ist of July, 1883, Corfman and I. E. Beery purchased the paper and managed it together until January 1, 1884, when Mr. Corfman retired, leaving Mr. Beery in sole control. On the 31st day of January, 1884, the latter changed the size of the paper to an eight-column folio. The present title was adopted on the 29th day of May, 1883. The Neivs is an independent family newspaper, and has a wide circulation.