Wyandot County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (3 of 5 so headed), 1884 (part 1 of 5)

JOHN AGERTER, of the firm of Agerter, Stevenson & Co., proprietors of the Stephenson Engine Works, was born in Switzerland November 29, 1826. He emigrated to America with his widowed mother, three brothers and one sister in 1851, reaching Upper Sandusky July 1 of that year. His father died in his native countiy in 1846, aged about fifty-four years; the mother's death occui'red in Upper Sandusky in 1860, aged fifty- six years. But two of the family remain - John and Jacob. The former, on locating in Upper Sandusky, began work on a brick-yard, subsequently pui'suing the carpenter's trade twelve years, taking contracts for buildings of all descriptions. In March, 1865, Mr. Agerter was appointed by the Commissioners of this county to fill the unexpired term of County Surveyor Peter B. Beidler, and was afterward elected to the same office three successive terms. In 1876, he was elected County Auditor, serving one term, and October 1, 1881, the firm of Agerter, Stevenson & Co. was established. They do an extensive business, their enterprise being the leading institution of the city. Mr. Agerter was married in January, 1859, to JDorotha E. Hottie, and seven children have resulted from this union, namely: William

Tell, born October 16, 1859; Alice J., July 24, 1881; Paul H., April 25, 1864; Rachel C, April 9, 1867; John D., October 4, 1871; Arra R., November 23, 1874; Zora H., September 22. 1877. Mrs. Agerter is a native of Hardy County, Va., where she was born July 8, 1880. Mr. Agerter served as Mayor of Upper Sandusky two years, as Township Trustee five years, and was elected City Councilman in 1883. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1856, and, with his wife, is a member oE the German Lutheran Church, to whose support he is a liberal contributor. He was one of the principal agents in the erection of the German Reform Chiu'ch, and is a highly respected and substantial citizen.

ARCHIBALD ALLEN, commonly called " Uncle Archie," and a rai-e representative of the colored race, was born in Frederick County, Va., April 1, 1808, son of Simon and Lucy Allen, whose deaths occurred in 1833 and 1818 respectively. After the death of his mother, Mr. Allen resided till his twentieth year with Samuel Richardson, who gave him the advantage of obtaining an education. In 1828, he embarked in life for himself, engaging in various kinds of labor at different places, removing to Wyandot County May 5, 1834. He acquired the trade of barber with Joseph Bennett, of Columbus, where he remained three winters, establishing a shop in Upper Sandusky in 1845, where he pursiied his trade until 1866. He then opened a feed store, and has since engaged in that business. He has bought and sold town property to a considerable extent, and his wealth is now estimated at $15,000. He has been a resident of the county for half a century, is a Republican in politics, and has never married.

CHRISTIAN ALTHOUSE was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, August 20, 1821. He is a son of Christian and Magdaline (Gerber) Althouse, natives of the same locality, his father being a carpenter by trade. His parents emigrated to this country in 1834, and settled in Holmes County, where they resided till 1847, when they removed to this county, where his father died in 1875, his mother still surviving in her eighty-fourth year. Their children were Magdalene, Christian, John, Barbara, Elizabeth, Peter, Samuel, Mary A. and Sophia. The deceased are John and Barbara. Our subject. Christian, lived with his parents till twenty-two years old. He was educated in the schools of Switzerland, attending English schools one month only. He learned the wagon trade, and was engaged in the same five years in Stark County. In 1852, he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, now owning 104 acres, valued at $80 per acre. In 1869, he erected a good barn, costing $700, and in 1873 a fine brick residence, costing $2,000. In connection with his farming, Mr. Althouse kept a number of cows, and did a good business in the dairy line for several years. He was married, March 24, 1851, to Anna Gehring, who was born in Switzerland July 8, 1829, and daughter of William and Catharine (Brandt) Gehring, whose children were Barbara, Catharine, Mary, Christian, Anna, William and Elizabeth. Christian and William are deceased. The father died in 1836; the mother in 1861. They came to this county in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Althouse have eleven children, namely: Elizabeth, December 13, 1851; Samuel W., Februarv 21, 1853; Harriet, May 21, 1855; John F., July 21, 1857; Caroline C, June 13, 1861; Carl D., July 16, 1863; Mary A., September 29, 1865; William R.. September 15, 1868; George A., August 9, 1870; Emily C, November 20, 1871; Alvin O., February 10, 1875. Elizabeth died October 17, 1852, and George A. November 3, 1870. In politics, Mr. Althouse is a Democrat, himself and wife being members of the German Reform Church.

HENRY ALTSTAETTER, of the firm of Veith & Altstaetter, was born in Germany July 9, 1843. He is the son of Frederick and Susannah Altstaetter, with whom he emigrated to America in 1851. They settled in Allen County, Ohio, purchasing 160 acres of land on which they resided till 1863. They subsequently removed to Delphos, Ohio, where he died September 3, 1883, aged eighty-one years. His wife still survives in her seventy-fifth year, a resident of the above city. They were the parents of eleven children, seven now living - Lewis, William, Christina, Emma, Henry, Mary and Augusta. Henryt Altstaetter, our subject, was a farmer boy in Allen County, and at the age of eighteen enlisted in the United States service. March 23, 1862, in Company K, Fourteenth Missouri Western Sharpshooters. He participated in the siege of Corinth, the battles of luka and Corinth; marched from Corinth to Pulaski, thence to Chattanooga, joining in the Atlanta campaign, and with Sherman in his march to the sea. He veteranized at Pulaski, Tenn., never losing a day's duty; participated in all battles the regiment was in, and was discharged at Springfield, HI., April 26, 1865. He was married. September 21, 1865, to Hedwig Jettinger, of Delphos. They have seven children - Antonia H., born September 22, 1867; Louisa F., June 18, 1869; Lena M., August 29, 1871; Emma C, September 21, 1873; Frederick W., December 11, 1875; Hedwig P., April 24, 1879; Ida H. W., August 29, 1881. Mrs. Altstaetter was born December 12, 1844. After marriage, our subject engaged in the brewing business at Delphos, subsequently spending some time on the farm, and removing to Upper Sandusky in 1877. He then engaged in the brewing business until 1883, when he formed a partnership with Charles F. Veith, in the grocery and queensware trade. In connection with this establishment he operates a spoke mill, at times employing from four to five assistants. Mr. Altstaetter is the owner of 172 acres of land in Marseilles Township, a residence on Fourth street, and a half interest in his stock of goods. He is a member of the G. A. R. , and has served one term as City Councilman.

JACOB P. ARTER was born in Richland County, Ohio, March 7,1853. His parents were Henry and Delilah (Hattel) Arter, the former born in Maryland January 22, 1799, died May 30, 1879; the latter born in Shenandoah County, Va. , January 14, 1818. They were married in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1847, their three children being David M., born September 28, 1847; Harriet J., May 29, 1849, and Jacob P., our subject. They came to this county in 1853, and purchased eighty acres of land on which Jacob P. grew to manhood. He was educated in the common schools, and has always engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns 220 acres, well improved, and valued at $75 per acre. His annual farm product is $1,200 to $1,500. Mr. Arter was married, November 27, 1876, to Belinda Morris, daughter of Benjamin and Eleanor (Walton) Morris, born in Eden Township January 26, 1855. They have one child - OrtanM., born December 2, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Arter are members of the United Brethren Chui'ch; he is a strong advocate of Republican principles, an energetic young farmer, and a well respected citizen.

DAVID AYRES, first son of Dr. Isaac and Eliza (Coulter) Ayres, was born in Beavertown, Penn. , June 11, 1809. In 1822, he came with his parents to Richland County, Ohio, where they remained till 1847. They then removed to Upper Sandusky, where they resided during the remainder of their lives. The father died in December, 1848; the mother in 1858. They were the parents of nine children, of whom but five are living - David and Jonathan, and three daughters. The former settled in Upper San- dusky in 1845, and engaged in the mercantile trade, pursuing this occupation a number of years. Prior to his settlement in Upper Sandusky, Mr. Ayres engaged in the mercantile business in Londonville, Richland County, when but twenty years of age, and afterward at Perrysville, Richland County, for a period of two years. He then disposed of his establishment, and after a short period of time spent in agricultural pursuits, for the benefit of his health, again entered the field of traffic at Kalida, Ohio. In 1839, he removed to Putnam County, and formed a partnership with C. H. Rice, father of Gen. Rice, handling a stock of general merchandise at Kalida, then the county seat of Putnam County. He remained here two years, traveled several months, and located in Upper Sandusky in 1845, as above stated. He continued in business in Upper Sandusky till 1853, when he retired with a large amount of property. He was married in 1835 to Abagail Rice, and four children were born to them. The death of Mrs. Ayres occurred in 1840 or 1841, and our subject was again married, in 1851, to Miss Octave Sutherland, one child being born to them. The death of this second wife and child occurred in 1852, and Mr. Ayres was a third time married, in 1861, to Nancy Jackson. They have no children. Mr. Ayres has been identified with many of the leading improvements of the town. He is a man of high sense of honor, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-Democrats.

J. L. BARICK, farmer, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 3, 1836. He is a son of Solomon and Susan (Lechleiter) Barick, the former a native of Fairfield County, born December 25, 1811; the latter born in Hampshire County, Va. , May 5, 1816. They were the parents of four children - John L., George W., David and May A. David was born April 10, 1840, died April 25, 1842; Marr A., born April 8, 1842, died June 8, 1842; George W., born October 3, 1843, died July 3, 1862. John L., the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents in the counties of Fairfield and Pickaway, locating in Wyandot in 1849. His parents removed to this county in 1851, and with them he remained till 1858, receiving the benefits of the common schools. He was married, September 16, 1858, to Maria Keller, daughter of Martin and Hannah (Buskirk) Keller, a native of Tuscarawas County, Obio, born November 1, 1839. They have six children - Mahlon A., born October 13, 1859; Susan H., May 15, 1862; Bertha M., March 1, 1865; Mary B., February 19, 1870; Emily M., May 2, 1873; John R. , February 8, 1881. After marriage, Mr. Barick settled on his present farm, and has since devoted his attention to agriculture and stockraising, making a specialty of Poland-China hogs. He enlisted in the army, Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, February 14, 1865, and was sent into the Shenandoah Valley on detached service at Rood's Hill, Col. Butterfield's headquarters, till the close of the war, receiving his discharge at Columbus September 7, 1865, Mr. Barick served as Township Trustee four years, and was member of the Township Board of Education a number of years. In politics, he is a Democrat, and alive to every public interest.

MRS. MARY BEAM, widow of William Beam, is a native of Columbus, Ohio, born December 8, 1839. She is a daughter of William and Mary (Seip) Hofif, natives of Germany, who emigrated about 1838, settling first m Columbus, and, two years later, near Carey, being one of its first inhabitants. He died at his home northeast of Carey, in May, 1877, aged seventyfour years; his widow still resides on the homestead in her sixty-eighth year, Mrs. Beam came to this county when but one year of age, and had but meager opportunities for an education. She was married, November 4, 1858, to William Beam, a native of Knox County, Ohio, born February 19, 1823, and son of Isaac and Martha (Merritt) Beam, of German and Irish parentage. lie was a prominent citizen of this county, being elected Commissioner in 1868. He purchased the farm on which Mrs. Beam now resides in 1865, and at his death was the owner of 285 acres, which has since been properly divided among his surviving children. He died September 10, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Beam had five children: William H., born August 25, 1859; Mary E., April 28, 1861; Anna B., May 16, 1863; Ida F., June 3, 1868; and Edward, May 22, 1870.

SEVERIN BECHLER, brewer, is a native of Bezirk, Baden, Germany, and son of Mathias and Katie (Schueble) Bechler, the former still residing in his native country in which the latter's death occurred in 1866. Severin Bechler emigrated to the United States when twenty-nine years of age, landiog in New York City October 10, 1868; he soon after located in Dayton, Ohio, where he engaged six years as foreman of a brewery. In 1874, he removed to Delphos, remaining two years in the same occupation, and in 1876 to Upper Sandusky, where he is still extensively engaged in the bi-ewing business. Mr. Bechler was married in Germany, November 28, 1866, to Theodora Massbrugger, and five children have been born to them - three living: Emma K., born at Dayton, February 18, 1869; Louis F. , August 28, 1874; and Matilda L, born at Delphos, September 26, 1876. The deceased are Emily, born in Germany, November 26, 1867, died March 19, 1868; and Frank L., born at Dayton, March 6, 1871, died in same city September, 1873. Mr. Bechler is a substantial and industrious citizen and has acquired considerable property as a result of his labt^rs.

BROOKS BEERY, son of George and Catharine (Cradlebaugh) Beery, was born in Fairfield County. Ohio, February 19, 1820. " His father, George Beery, was born in Rockingham County, Va. , in the year 1783, and emigrated to the almost unbroken wilderness of your county in the year 1800. He was the youngest of six brothers of his father's family, in the order here given: John, Isaac, Abraham, Jacob, Henry and George. There were two half brothers, Christopher and Joseph, all of whom were among the first and early settlers of Fairfield County. He came down the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers in a flat-boat, and up the Hock-hocking to the falls, thence through the woods on foot to Lancaster, and remained over winter, clearing land for others by the acre. He returned to Virginia the next spring, and finally returned to Fairfield County, in the fall of the year 1801, and settled on the Raccoon Creek, near Bremen, clearing land and working for others, thus enabling him to enter eighty acres, which he did in the fall of the year, 1807. In 1809, he married and settled on this small tract of land, continuing to live thereon, and in the neighborhood of Bremen, until in the spring of 1832, when he moved to Little Raccoon, five miles east of Lancaster, where he died in the year 1856.^ John Beery, his oldest brother, came to the county in the year 1805, and the other brothers soon after, all settling upon and near the streams mentioned in Rush Creek and Berne Townships. They were a hardy, stout and industrious set of men, and did their full share of clearing and improving that part of the county. They are all dead, leaving families scattered all over the country. Their education being very limited, and their habits sober and industrious, were content with the occupation of farming, except my father, who was always fur in advance of his neighbors in schools and public improvements. He took an active part in the construction of the canal from Carroll to Lancaster.

Also, in building the Zanesville & Marysville, and Haaner & Lancaster Turnpikes; was one of the Commissioners of the county, I think, in the ^»ar 1828, and assisted in locating and building the County Infirmary. In

,,-'^_34:, he laid out the town of Bremen, and, in the next year, in partnership with Mr. Hedges, commenced the business of selling goods, an occupation yet followed by several of his children, who received their first lessons under his supervision. In the war of 1812. he was pressed into the service with his team, and while Maj. Croghan was defending Fort Stevenson, at Lower Sandusky, with team and provisions he was camped at Fort Ball, now Tiffin, and within hearing of the guns of the fort. He was a personal friend and a great admirer of the Hon. T. Ewing, claiming that he had no superior as a lawyer and a statesman in the Union. Sach was his admiration of this truly great man, that he called his tenth and youngest son Thomas Ewing. As a citizen he was public spirited; as a neighbor, kind and benevolent; as a father, strict in his requirements, yet tenderly devoted to his children. His wife was a Cradlebaugh, a daughter of a Revolutionary soldier.^ a German Reform minister, and a man of considerable influence in his day. He emigrated to Western Pennsylvania soon after the war closed, and in 1810 or 1811, to Fairfield County, when he soon afterward died. She was born in Washington County, Penn., in the year 1789, emigrated to Fairfield County in 1806 or 1807, and died in 1870. She was a woman of more than ordinary force of character, positive in her opinions, and free to express them; industrious and economical, loving right and hating wrong; prompt and practical in every duty, exercising a marked and controlling influence over her husband and family. A mother of the old type in every sense of the word. They had twelve children, nine of whom still survive: four are living here, one near Urbana, Ohio, and the balance in and near the family village of Bremen."* Brooks Beery, the subject proper of this sketch, was employed on the farm with his parents till twenty-seven years of age, obtaining only a common school education. He subsequently engaged three years in mercantile pursuits at Bremen, Ohio, and was attended by fair success. In 1850, he came to Upper Sandusky and established a dry goods store in a frame building on the site now occupied by the Beery

^ Block, where for thirty years he cooducted an extensive and successful business, retiring in 1880. He is the principal owner of the Upper Sandusky Gas Works; owns a half interest in the Beery Block and also in the elevator located by the C. H. V. & T. R. R. For many years Mr. Beery has been regarded as one of the prime factors of the commercial and business interests of Upper Sandusky and is well known as one of its most enterprising and substantial citizens. He is a gentleman of broad and liberal views on all subjects, and is endowed with a large and valuable business experience. Mr. Beery was married September 4, 1856, to Miss Jeannette Sherman, their only child being Frank, who was born October 20, 1857. Mrs. Beeiy was born in New York, August, 1828, and is the daughter of Horace and Luceppa (Harris) Sherman.

HON. GEORGE W. BEERY. Conspicuous among the eminent and notable citizens who have resided and still grace this place with their presence, is Hon. George W. Beery, who is now President of one of the principal banks of Upper Sandusky. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio July 1, 1822. At the age of ten years he removed with his parents to a point six miles east of Lancaster, in the same county, remaining thei'e about five years. In the meantime his father had laid out the town of Bremen and embarked in the dry goods business. Young Beery entered his father's store, and made himself useful and valuable as a clerk until the year 1841, when he availed himself of the advantages of a two years' schooling at the Greenfield Academy. In 1843, he commencHd reading law, in the oflSce, and under the instructions of Hon. John M. Creed, a prominent lawyer of Lancaster, and after two and a half years' study, he was admitted to the bar, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring of 1845. He immediately formed a partnership with Charles Borland and opened a law office at Lancaster. In 1847, he removed to Upper Sandusky and at once took a leading position at the bar in this and adjoining counties, and was noted for his ability as an able an eflfective speaker. He continued the practice of law here until 1862, when he was appointed United States Assessor of Internal Revenue by President Lincoln, for the district in which he was located, and served with great credit to himself and the appointing power until the fall of 1865, when a change of administration, after the assassination of Lincoln, was not sufficient to palliate or alter his political opinions, and refusing to indorse Johnson's administration he gracefully gave way to a successor. After his official career, it was a matter of regret that he did not return to the law; and, although successful beyond the measure of most men in other pursuits, the law was undoubtedly his field of labor, and in it he would have contributed to the honor and usefulness of the profession, and gained an enviable state reputation. He was clear and logical, persuasive and earnest, and favored with all those rare and pleasing accomplishments, which are so efi'ective and fascinating in a public speaker. Few men had these qualities to a higher degree, and his retirement from a profession which brought them in use was certainly a matter of regret. In 1850, when the prospect of a railway agitated our people, and its fate, apparently, hung upon the action of the county in voting an appropriation of $50,000, and this made efi'ective only by a vote of the people and a majority in its favor, Mr. Beery was the champion of the cause, and his able, forcible and convincing speeches in behalf of the measure at public meetings all along the line of the proposed road, from Salem, Ohio, to Fort Wayne, Ind., are still matters of pleasurable reference, embalmed in the gratitude of those who still live and in that early day had the interest of Upper Sandusky and the county at heart. The fine thoroughfare, which a change of name has made the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, is a result of the movement, in which Mr. Beery took so conspicuous a part and rendered such valuable services. The opposition to this project was led by Hon. John Carey, a man of natural force and power, who saw in the road through Upper Sandusky a contingent detriment to the new town he had laid out in the northwestern part of the county, which still bears his name. The principal objection to the then new road was the enormous taxes it would inflict, and so high ran the opposition, and so earnest the interest in its behalf , that political parties dissolved and found their level in local bearings. The high standing of the Hon. John Carey, the fact that he was one of the first settlers of the territory now known as Wyandot County, and these qualities fortified with a disposition not to brook opposition, which heretofore had given him the name of " Old Invincible," was so impressive upon the minds of the people that they looked with foreboding upon any project that did not meet his pleasure, and when his protest took the prominence of a public discussion against an enterprise, without which but little could be expected of our then new town, there was a good deal of despondency, as no one seemed willing to tilt a lance with the old hero of the Tvmochtee. Mr. Carev was earnest and agressive and threw all his old-time vigor and dash into the opposition. For a time he seemed to have everything his own way, and his challenge for debate upon the stump went unheeded, until Mr. Beery (then but a short time in the county), finding that none of the older citizens would measure arms with Carey, took up the gauntlet in defense of the new railroad. Five appointments were made for joint discussions, only two of which Carey attended. He found in the young attorney a resistance he could not encompass, and from that hour the star of Carey and his opposition to the road commenced to wane. So thoroughly did Mr. Beery, in his able and effective manner, demolish the appeals and presentments of the old hero, that he soon retired from the stump, leaving Mr. Beery the field in trimnph. This caused an encouraging turn in favor of the proposed road; it instituted hope and energy, and our people were lavish in their praise of the young attorney who had wrought this favorable and unexpected change. The effective canvass in Wyandot County made by Mr. Beery attracted wide attention, and as above mentioned, he was pressed into service to publicly present the interests of the road along its line from Salem, Ohio, to Ft. Wayne, Ind. In giving a biographical sketch of this useful and prominent man, it would not be complete without adding that to him, more than to any other, is due the credit of establishing through our covmty the magnificent thoroughfare that has brought growth and prosperity to the town of Upper Sandusky. Without his able assistance at the time, the road would never have stretched its way from sea to Lake over the line then proposed, and to our subject is truly due the merit of being the champion of our first railway. Mr. Beery also took a prominent part in securing the Columbus & Toledo Railroad, its rights of way and franchises. He represented before the Boards of Trade of Columbus and Toledo the interests of the proposed air-line route against John C. Lee, who favored its construction through Marysville, Kenton, Bowling Green, etc. He labored earnestly, making speeches all along the line. In all the public enterprises that were intended to benefit or enrich the community or county Mr. Beery has taken an active part, and no man has done as much to advance the interests of Upper Sandusky and Wyandot County as he. He is an earnest advocate of protection and in every respect he has labored to maintain home industries. In the spring of 1867, Mr. Beery organized the W^yandot County Bank, and has served as its President ever since. Aside from this position he has dealt largely in real estate, more, perhaps, than any other citizen in the county, and has reaped the reward of good judgment and fair dealing; and it may be said of him in this connection that his sales and purchases were always upon a basis of fairness, in which all the parties were equally benefited. It was in the rise of real estate, or the enhancement of values in other respects, that Mr. Beery made this pursuit a profitable business. He owns a valuable farm of 220 acres in Crane and Richland Townships, and for the last six years has been engaged in rearing Durham cattle, which he regularly exhibits at the annual fairs. He, with Judge Renick organized the County Agricultural Society, which has since become a permanent and prosperous institution. In 1881, he became a partner in the Stevenson Machine Works and still retains an interest in that industry. He owns a fine residence on Eighth street and five acres of land adjoining. Mr. Beery was married in October, 1845, to Miss Ann J. McDonald, daughter of W^ alter McDonald, for many years a leading manfacturer of Lancaster, Ohio. Mrs. Beery was born in Lancaster, Ohio in September, 1822. Mr. and Mrs. Beery have reared four children, three daughters and one son, viz. :

Julia C, wife of Capt. E. A.Gordon; Ida, wife of W. G. Holdridge; Emma, wife of H. R. Henderson, and George W., Jr., Assistant Cashier of tbe Wyandot County Bank. In political sentiment, Mr. Beery was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he united himself with it and took an active part in all the campaigns till 1880, being its principal and favorite advocate upon the stump. His pleasing and effective style of oratory attracted considerable attention, and his efforts in this direction were not contiiied to his own county. While forcible and argumentative, he inclined to the humorous, adorning and clinching his well-rounded periods with irresistible comparisons. While Mr. Beery was an active and zealous partisan, he was never bitter or uncouth, and his feelings for a friend never investigated political identity, and many of bis warmest friends and personal admirers were in the opposite party. He was always a man of strong convictions, and his political opinions of years ago no doubt took their zeal from the fact that he was ardently opposed to slavery; and since this great question of public policy has been settled, he has given to party movements but little of his cai-e or attention. Mr. Beery is yet endowed with the blessings of health, a vigorous constitution, and is rarely absent from his place of business. He is a gentleman peculiar somewhat in his ways, and those not thoroughly acquainted are inclined to esteem him distant and unapproachable, elements which have no place whatever in his nature. He has a heart full of sympathy for every appeal that comes from the right direction, a welcome for everything meritorious, and no one takes greater delight in I'eflecting sunshine over a neighborly communion, in which he brings in play a rare and pleasing conversational power for which this eminent citizen is so noted and admired.

FRANK BEERY, of the iirm of S. F. Beery & Co., dry goods merchants, was born in Upper Sandusky October 20, 1857. He is the only sou of Brooks and Jeannette (Sherman) Beery, and has always resided in his native city, obtaining a good education in its ptiblic schools. He finished his studies at the Wesleyan University of Delaware in 1878, and succeeded his father in the dry goods business, which the former established in 1850. The firm of S. F. Beery & Co. was established inl879,and is composed of enterprising young men with large business capacity and experience. Their spacious room in the Beery Block enables them to display their large stock, valued at $20,000, and comprising a full line of dry goods, carpets, and everything to be found in a city establishment of this kind. The genial manners and fair dealing of the respective members of this firm have won for it an extensive patronage. Mr. Beery is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias of Upper Sandusky, and was initiated in November, 1883.

ISAAC H. BEERY, deceased, was born in Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio, February 19, 1820. He is a son of George and Catharine (Cradlebaugh) Beery, and resided in the village of his nativity till twelve years of age, when he moved with his parents to a farm in Bern Township, where the family of eight sons and two daughters were reared. He was there employed in agricultural pursuits till his twenty-third year, when he entered into a partnership with his brother-in-law, John Ashbaugh, in the mercantile trade in Bremen in 1843. Here he obtained his first commercial lessons which he utilized to such good advantage in after years, and here he continued his mercantile pursuits till 1850, his brother, Brooks Beery, having been admitted to the firm in 1847. In 1850, the two brothers came to the then new town of Upper Sandusky, and in September of that year erected a frame business room on the site now occupied by the Beery Block, and opened a general store under the firm name of I. H. & B. Beery. The establishment was well founded and managed, and at once grew into a popularity that it has ever since sustained. It soon became one of the most thoroughly-stocked dry goods houses in the county, and for thirty years it stood the test of time with undiminished prosperity. Afterward the frame building gave place to the substantial brick structure which now occupies its site, and besides this, the grain elevator, the handsome residences and many other buildings erected by them in their resident town, mark the steps of their prosperity and the spirit of their enterprise. The partnership of Mr. Beery and his brother continued its existence until 1880, from which time to the date of his death, March 21, 1884, he was not actively engaged. In 1876, he became a stockholder in the Wyandot County Bank, to which his chief business interests at the time of his demise were attached. He was a thorough, energetic business man of the strictest integrity, and has ever been one of the foremost of the citizens of his communty in building up its varied interests, amid all his trials and efforts " wearing the white flower of a blameless life." Mr. Beery was married, September, 1852, to Miss Leefe Fowler, daughter of Dr. Stephen Fowler, and four children were born to them - S. Fowler, Leefe, I. Foster and Minnie. All of these are living, but Fowler, whose death occurred October 15, 1883.

THOMAS E BEERY, the youngest of a family of twelve children and the tenth son of Cireorge and Catharine (Cradlebaugh) Beery, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 6, 1835. In his youth, he enjoyed such school advantages as were offered by the country district schools. Attending school during the winter, and working upon the farm sj^ring, summer and fall, but subsequently spent some time in the Lancaster High School and Otterbein Univei'sity, abandoning his school life at the age of twenty. In 1855, he entered the mercantile trade in partnership with his brother Simon, at Bremen, a town laid out and named by his father. They carried a stock of general merchandise, and did a good business, continuing their operations till 1857, when our subject retired from the firm and removed to Upper Sandusky, when he entered into a partnership with his brother, Anthony Beery, in the dry goods trade, in which business he was engaged two years. Mr. Beery then disposed of his interest to his brother, Isaac Beery, and established himself in a hardware store, with G. T. McDonald, under the firm name of Beery & McDonald, continuing this business four yeai's, withdrawing from the firm in 1863. He next engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements, in company with F. F. Fowler, E. R. Wood and A. W. Brinkerhoff, the firm being known as F. F. Fowler & Co. In 1865, this enterprise was abandoned, and the sale of the Brinkerhoff cornhusker was engaged in for the next three years with admirable results, after which Mr. Beery assisted in the incorporation of the Wyandot County Bank, and became one of its stock-holders, retaining his interest in this enterprise till 1869. He then engaged in the dry goods trade, in partnership with J. A. Maxwell, purchasing the store room of S. H. Hunt, and the stock of Hunt & Watson. To this they added the grain business, purchasing the warehouse of Straw & Myers in 1870, and continuing their operations till 1872-73, when the firm was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Beery conducting the grain trade till about 1875. In 1876, in company with Samuel Walters and Jacob Agerter, he was awarded the contract for macadamizing the streets of Upper Sandusky, and in the spring of 1877 he again embarked in the dry goods business as sole proprietor of his establishment, but subsequently admitting S. H. White, who was afterward succeeded by

John W. Geiger. In 1882, Mr. Beery assisted in organizing the Straw - board Company, but disposed of his interest in that enterprise in 1883, and became a member of the Upper Sandusky Gaslight Company, with which he is at this date connected. He has been one of the most useful of Upper Sandusky's citizens, having been identified with most of its enterprises, and exerted a strong influence toward the promotion of its general interests. He is a man of excellent character, and is one of the first citizens of his community, from whatever standpoint he may be considered. Mr. Beery was one of the prime movers in the establishment of the Universalist Church at Upper Sandusky, and is one of its most prominent members, having always contributed liberally to its support. He is also associated with the Knights of Honor, at present holding the chair of Past Director. He was married, October 23, 1855, to Emma E. Witt, who died in April, 1858. His marriage to Harriet A. Osbora occurred in 1859, and by this union three children were born, all now deceased. Two of these died in early infancy; Edwin L., born December 14, 1861, died at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., April 2, 1882. This son was a young man of most brilliant promise. He graduated in Upper Sandusky High School in 1879 and subsequently took a two years' course at Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio. At the time of his decease he was pursuing his studies at the Eastman Business College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He was a young man of good judgment and more than ordinary intellectual ability, and these qualities combined with an innate culture and spotless character placed his prospects for a useful and eminent future in a most promising light. But alas for the hopes of youth that fall like the leaves in the autumn blast; in the midst of their sanguine beauty the shadow touched him and he was not.

PETER B. BEIDLEPt, attorney at law, Upper Sandusky, was born in Berks County, Penn., December 23, 1818. He is the son of Henry and Mary (Beihl) Beidler, early settlers of Eastern Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. They were the parents of nine children, five now living - Peter B,, Anna E., Harriet, Charles and Lemuel. The deceased are Henry W., John, Franklin and James. From the date of their marriage in 1817, the parents resided near Reading, Penn. The mother died in 1857, aged about sixty years; the father died February 22, 1869, aged seventy-one years. Peter B. Beidler, the subject of this sketch, was educated principally in the common schools of Berks County, and at the age of twenty one engaged in teaching and surveying, continuing in this profession about two years. In 1842, he removed to this county (formerly Crawford), and was elected County Surveyor of Crawford County in 1843. He resigned this office and removed to this county in 1845, and was elected to the same office the same year. He was re-elected in the fall of 1848, his term of office expiring in 1851; he was engaged in the mercantile trade from 1851 to 1857, when he was again elected to the office of Surveyor, serving until March 4, 1859, when he resigned and was elected County Auditor, serving two terms. In April, 1864, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of Surveyor, and in the fall of the same year was elected Probate Judge, serving in this capacity nine consecutive years, his third term expiring in 1874. Mr. Beidler served as Mayor of Upper Sandusky during the years 1850-51, and was again elected to that office in the spring of 1875. In 1874, he was admitted to practice law and has devoted liis attention to various vocations since 1877. He was married, January 8, 1846, to Martha J. McCtitchen, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Watt) MoCutchen. Joseph McCutchen came to this county in November, 1827, and was the founder of

McCutchensville, being well known as one of the early pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Beidler are the parents of three children, two living - Frank M., born March 2, 1847, and Mary E. , born June 22, 1848. The deceased is Joseph H., born July 4, 1850; he died April 29, 1856. Mrs. Beidler was born October 14, 1824, in Pickaway County, Ohio. She came with her parents to this county in 1827, and has since resided here.

JOHN BENNER was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 19, 1827. He learned the cabinet trade in his native country, and emigrated to America in 1845, locating at Sandusky City till 1877, during which time he engaged at his trade and in agricultural pursuits. He purchased his present farm in 1877, and has since resided in this county, doing a good business in agriculture and stock-raising. He was married at Sandusky City November 16, 1851, to Mary M. Courhart, daughter of John P. and Mary (Fry) Courhart, natives of France, where Mrs. Benner was born June 2, 1828. Her parents emigrated to America in 1832 or 1833, settling in Pennsylvania. In 1834, they removed to Seneca County, where the father died in 1844; the mother died in Sandusky City in 1850. They had twelve children who removed from Pennsylvania with their parents by wagons. Mr. and Mrs. Benner had eleven children, eight still living, viz.: Cathai*- ine, born May 13. 1855; Charles J., May 14, 1857; Elizabeth, June 22, 1860; Louis A., June 23, 1863; Rosa V., October 31, 1864; Carolina, December 14, 1865; Mary A., August 18, 1867, and Frank P., March 29, 1869. The deceased are Caroline, Frank and Louis. Mr. Benner contributed about $800 to the late war; he served as Intirmary Director of Erie County two years; as Township Trustee six years, and as a member of the School Board nine years. Himself and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, he being a Democrat in political faith. Margaret Benner, our subject's mother, emigrated to the United States in 1854, and resided with her son till her death, which occurred at Sandusky City November -12, 1877, in her seventv-eighth year.

FREDERICK 'BERG, of the firm of Von Stein & Berg, druggists and book- sellers, Upper Sandusky, was born in Mansfield, Richland County, February 11, 1851. He is the son of Conrad and Rachel (Von Stein) Berg, natives of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1850, settling in Mansfield, Ohio, where they resided till 1869, at which time they removed to Salem Township, this county, purchasing seventy acres of land, upon which they now reside. Frederick Berg, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Mansfield, and removed with his parents to this county, remaining with them upon the farm until 1873, when he engaged as clerk with his uncle, George P. Von Stein, of Cincinnati. He remained in Cincinnati until 1877, when he came to Upper Sandusky, and entered into a partnership with John H. Von Stein, in the drug business, which they have since successfully conducted. They keep a full stock of drugs, paints, oils, wall paper, stationery, fancy articles, etc., etc., carrying a stock $5,000 to $6,000 the year round. Mr. Berg was married September 18, 1877, to Elizabeth Ash, daughter of John Ash, Sr., formerly a prominent resident, and farmer of Mifflin Township. By this marriage, four children have been born, three living - Clara M.,born June 10, 1878; Charley, born, December 12, 1879, and died June 24, 1880; Carl J., born July 10, 1881; and Arthiar, born January 14, 1883. Mr. Berg is an energetic young business man. He is a member of the Ohio Pharmaceutical Association; member of the Royal Arcanum; Vice President of the Mutual Aid Society; Treasurer of the Acme Lodge, P. O. S. of A., and a Democrat in politics. Himself and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.

HON. CURTIS BERRY, Jr., for a number of years a prominent lawyer at the Wyandot County Bar, was born in Crawford Township, this county, April 19, 1831. He is a son of Curtis and Sally (Cavitt) Berry, of whom extended mention is made in the history of Crawford Township. Mr. Berry was reared on the homestead until of age, and enjoyed only the advantages of the common schools. After attaining his majority, he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, one term, after which, in the fall of 1852, he took a position in the office of the Treasurer of Seneca County. The following winter he taught school in Senaca County, returning to Wyandot County in the spring, and the next fall he was elected Clerk of the courts to till the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of G. C. Worth. He was re elected in 1857, and again elected in 1860, serving in all seven years and four months. During the interim, between his first and second election to the above office, 1854-57, he was Chief Clerk in the office of the General Ticket Agent of the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railway, at Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne. While serving as Clerk of the courts he read law under the instructions of Hon. Robert McKelly, and was admitted to the bar at Upper Sandusky, in 1858. He practiced his profession alone, until in 1865, when he formed a partnership with his brother, Hon. John Berry. The law firm of Berry & Berry soon took a prominent place at the bar of this, and surrounding counties, and were both recognized as able and worthy lawyers. In 1866, Mr. Berry, the subject of this notice, was elected to represent this district in the State Senate, and at the expiration of that term was again chosen to the same position. He rendered efficient service as a legislator, introducing at the session of 1869, and Securing the passage amid gi'eat opposition of the Homestead Law, and also other measures of no less importance. He served as Vice President of the County Agricultural Society three years, and as Secretary five years. He was instrumental in organizing the County Pioneer Society, and was prominently connected with it during its existence. Mr. Berry has borne his part in all public improvements and enterprises of the county. In securing the Columbus & Toledo Railway, he took an active part, making the first speech in its favor at Marion, Ohio, and with Hon. George W. Beery at different points along the line of the road. He was married, May 1, 1860, to Miss Emma, daughter of Col. M. H. Kirby, by whom he had six children, of these five are living, viz. : Florence, Frederick, Anna, Louise and Fannv. Robert died at the age of two vears. Mrs. Borrv departed this life Julv 31, 1883.

HON. JOHN BERRY was born in this county April 26, 1833. He received a good education in the district schools, subsequently attending the Wesleyan University at Delaware. In 1855, he came to Upper Sandusky and began the study of law with Hon. Robert McKelly, afterward attending the Cincinnati Law School at which he graduated with honor in 1857. Being admitted to the bar in April of that year, he at once began the practice of his profession, which he continued with marked success till his death. In politics, Mr. Berry took very little interest; he was elected Mayor of Upper Sandusky in 1864; served as Prosecviting Attorney, and in 1872 was elected to Congi'ess, being ranked among its most worthy and respected members. Mr. Berry was max'ried. May 7, 1862, to Matilda L. Pierson, daughter of Christopher Y. and Delilah (Grofi") Pierson, and two childi-en were born to them, a son and daughter, the former dying in infancy; the latter is still living. Mr. Berry was a man of great promise and his death was deeply regretted by a host of friends.

ADOLPHUS BILLHARDT, M. D., is a native of Saxony, Germany, and was born January 30, 1833. He graduated at Leipsic, and emigrated to America in 1858. He came directly to this county, and located in Upper Sandusky, where he immediately began the practice of medicine, teaching school at intervals, and continued in this pursuit till June, 1861. He then enlisted as a private in Company F, Thirty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after a short service as Hospital Steward was commissioned First Assistant Surgeon, soon after acting as Surgeon of the regiment. On July 22, 1864, he was captured at Atlanta, and sent lirst to Macon, Ga. , and then to Charleston, S. C. , where he remained a prisoner three months. He was released in the following October, but being unable to join his regiment, he tendered his resignation in the following year, and returned home to resume the practice of his profession. In 1866, Mr. Billhardt opened a drug store, and since that date has devoted his attention chiefly to that business. In 1880, he erected his handsome building on the corner of Sandusky avenue and Johnson street, at a cost of $30,000, and since its completion has been located therein. This structure is the finest in Upper Sandusky, to the appearance and business interests of which it is a most valuable addition. Mr. Billhardt has been largely identified with the business afi'airs of the city in which he resides, and is one of its most prominent citizens. He is one of the leading spirits of the German citizenship, and is recognized as one of its most honorable, energetic and enterprising factors. He holds the position of agent of the Adams Express Company, Director of the Wyandot Dirigent Saengerbund, and Weather Observer for the Fifth Congressional District. He served as Clerk of the Board of Education for six consecutive years; is Post Surgeon of the G. A. R., and a prominent member of the F. & A. M. , being a member of the Blue Lodge and Secretary of the Chapter. Mr. Billhardt was married, August 30, 1860, to Rosalie Fistler, of Bufialo, and a native of Prussia, born April 27, 1843. Their children are Adolphus, born June 25, 1861; Emma, April 10, 1863; Edwin, July 3, 1865; Oscar, June 26, 1867; and Ida, February 17, 1874.

JOHN S. BOWERS, born April 4, 1825, is a son of Henry and Martha (Pool) Bowers, and a native of Richland County, Ohio. His parents were natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively, and early settlers of Richland County, having moved to that locality before their marriage, and when there were but three or four buildings in what is now the flourishing city of Mansfield. His father was a hatter by trade, but subsequently turned his attention to farming. He closed his earthly career January 1, 1874, his wife having preceded him about twelve years. John S. Bowers grew to manhood in his native county. He obtained a fair education in the district schools, and later engaged in farming on his father's land, and rented tracts till his twenty-fifth year. In 1849, he came to this county, and purchased fifty acres of his present farm in the spring of 1850. It was then covered with a dense growth of timber, which by long years of toil Mr. Bowers has succeeded in clearing away, now having one of the most pleasant, healthful and desirable locations in the township. He has added to his original purchase till he now owns 140 acres valued at $80 to $85 per acre. Mr. Bowers has always been quite successful in his farming pursuits; has dealt more or less in stock, and usually keeps good grades. He was married, April 25, 1850, to Mary Mower, who was born near Chambersburg, Penn., January 4, 1828, being a daughter of George and Mary (Crider) Mower, natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. Her father dying first; her mother survived till January, 18S3, in her ninetysecond year, having retained her faculties to a remarkable degree. Mr, and Mrs. Bowers have eight children - Majs wife of Myron Case, of Eden Township; Lorena, wife of Elzie Carter, of Upper Sandvisky; Londes M., a teacher, now pursuing his studies at the Normal School at Ada; Newton M., an extensive farmer in Dakota; Mattie, a teacher; Franz Sigel, Virgil and Floy, at home. Mrs. Bowers has established quite a profitable business in rearing tine blooded poultry, keeping some extra qualities of bronze turkeys, light Brahma, Plymouth Rock and Leghorn chickens. She has already shipped large quantities of eggs to various parts of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Mr. Bowers is a strong adherent to Republican principles.

ISAAC N. BOWMAN, M. D. The subject of this sketch, a son of Thomas M. Bowman, was born in this county April 11, 1S55. He grew to manhood on a farm, where he was more or less engaged till 1877. He was educated in the common schools, and as early as his sixteenth year commenced teaching, which prof ession he followed at intervals until his twentythird year. In the fall of 1876, he entered Oberlin College, where he prosecuted his literary studies, teaching occasionally till 1878. In the autumn of the following year, 1879, Dr. Bowman began the study of medicine with Dr. R. N. McConnell, of Upper Sandusky, a prominent physician of the State, and during the winter of 1880-81 he attended lectures at the Starling Medical College of Columbus, graduating in 1882, with the second honors of the class. He at once formed a partnership with his preceptor. Dr. McConnell, and entered upon the practice of his profession, which he has since followed with signal siiccess. Dr. Bowman is a genial gentleman of excellent character, and possesses the esteem of all those with whom he is associated.

CLINTON BOWSHER, the popular livery man. Upper Sandusky, was born in the above city March 4, 1847. He is the son of Robert and Ann (Clayton) Bowsher. natives of Ohio and of English parentage. They were married in Wyandot County, and reared a family of eleven children, all living at the present time. The mother died in 1877, aged fifty-five years. Clinton Bowsher was reared in Upper Sandusky, and has never resided out of this county. In the spring of 1866, at the age of eighteen, he started a hack line between Upper Sandusky and Tiffin, pursuing this occupation nine years. In 1876, he purchased a livery stock of D. S. Miller, of Columbus Grove, and removed the same to his present location, where he has since engaged in a general livery business. He has increased his stock, usually from twelve to fifteen horses and vehicles, and has the leading stable of the city. He was married, October 31, 1872, to Melissa Morgan, daughter of Joseph Morgan, of Upper Sandusky. They have one child - Bessie, born March 11, 1876. Mr. Bowsher is a' member of the I. O. O. F., and a Republican in politics. He has a comfortable residence on Fifth street, and is also the owner of the livery building and grounds which it occupies.

JESSE BOWSHER (deceased), was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in August, 1812. He is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Harpster) Bowsher, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been a soldier in the war of 1812. He came to this county when fifteen years of age, and settled in what is now Marseilles Township. He was married, January 5, 1833, to Elizabeth Clayton, and six children have been born to them, three now living - Russel B., Nelson and Mary, now the wife of Joseph Hutter, who was boi-n November 7, 1824. The deceased are Minerva, Silas and Miles. The latter was a member of Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment O. N. Gr,, having enlisted May 2, 1864. He was taken prisoner the following August and sent to Richmond, where he was paroled October 9, his death occurring October 14, at Annapolis, Md. His remains were brought home and interred in the Mission Cemetery. Mrs. Bowsher, the wife of our subject, was born in Fairiield County May 10, 1814. She came to this county at the age of nineteen, and was an active worker at the old mission farm at the time of tbe erection of the old stone Mission Church. Her death occurred January 29, 1849. Mr. Bowsher departed this life February 12, 1857.

AVILLIAM E. BOWSHER, proprietor of grocery and provision store, North Sandusky avenue, was born near Bowsherville January 1, 1839, son of Henry and Margaret (Dickens) Bowsher. They removed to this county, (then Crawford), from Pickaway County in 1823, engaging in agricultural pursuits, and becoming the parents of fifteen children, six now living - Elizabeth, Mary E., Susannah, Elmeda, Sarah and William E. The father was one of the pioneers of the county, settling here while the Indians were more numerous than the whites. He was one of tbe victinjs of the terrible "milk sickness" epidemic of 1847, dying the 7th of August of that year. He was born in Pickaway County in 1803. His wife survived him three weeks, her death occurring September 3, 1847. They were married in 1825. William E. Bowsher, the subject of this sketch, after the death of his parents, spent some time in Allen County, but being disabled by disease, he returned to Upper Sandusky and attended the public schools, engaging in teaching at the age of eighteen. After several removals he located permanently at Upper Sandusky, and in 1864 was elected Township Clerk, serving three consecutive years. In partnership with his brother Anthony he opened a grocery store on the Bowsher Corner, and to that he has since devoted his attention, his brother having died in 1871. In the same year of his brother's death, Mr. Bowsher was elected Township Treasurer, and reelected in 1872, and also elected Corporation Treasurer, serving in the former office three years, and in the latter two years. In 1874, he was elected Township Clerk, and in that capacity he is still serving. He is the owner of a two-story brick store room, which he has well filled with a stockof groceries and provisions. Mr. Bowsher has never married. In politics, he is a Democrat.

EWALD BRAUNS, deceased, was born in Werther, Westphalia, Prussia, May 25, 1832. He emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in New York, but after several subsequent removals located in 1854 in Upper Sandusky, where he resided till his death, at the age of forty-nine. His marriage to Miss Mary Ruff occurred December 25, 1856, and ten children crowned this union - five sons and five daughters. Mr. Brauns learned the trade of goldsmith in his native country, and on locating in this county opened a jeweler's shop in Upper Sandusky, continuing in this business during his entire life. Mr. Brauns was a man of generous impulses and possessed of social qualities of the highest order, being the life of any circle he chose to enter. He was a natural musician, and the citizens of Upper Sandusky are largely indebted to him for the tine instrumental bands which have been the pride of their city so many years. He was a member of the Wyandot Saengerbund, and an estimable citizen in every respect. He was City Councilman from the First Ward two terms, and was without a known enemy at the time of his death.

.^J EDWARD A. BRAUNS, of the firm of Brauns Brothers, jewelers, in Upper Sandusky, was born September 24, 1857, son of Ewald and Mary (Ruff) Brauns. He was educated in the Upper Sandusky Schools, and after finishing his education was engaged for some time in the dry goods stores of S. M. "Worth and Henry Herman, beginning the watch-making trade in 1S74. He remained at this work with his father six years, taking full charge of the store in 1880. By strict attention to business, he has largely increased the trade and thoroughly established his reputation as a business man. In May, 1883, a partnership was formed by admitting a second brother, Paul F. Brauns, into the firm, and the business is now conducted under the firm name of Brauns Brothers. They carry a full stock of clocks, watches, plated ware and general jewelry, and are doing an honorable and flourishing business. Edward A., our subject, was married in Upper Sandusky, December 25, 1878, to Maria Ford, daughter of William Ford, of New York., and two children have been born to them - Zoe M. , born November 10, 1879, and William C, born December 13. 1881. Paul F. Brauns, the junior member of the firm, was the founder of Brauns' Orchestra, and is still its leader. In 1883, this company organized a brass band, consisting of eight members, entitled the ''Little Six," and this band, under the leadership of T. B. Boyer, is becoming very popular. In 1883, at the Musical Tournaments of Findlay and Crestline,they were awarded the prizes over all their competitors.

A. W. BRINKERHOFF was born near Gettysburg, Penn., xMarch 4, 1821. He is a son of Hezekiah Brinkerhoff, who was the son of Henry, who was the son of James, who was the son of Yoris (George in English) Brinkerhoff, from whom sprang all the Brinkerhoffs in Western New York, Adams CoiTuty, Penn., and Ohio, and who moved from Bergen County, N. J., to Adams (then York) County, Penn., in 1771. His - A. W. Brinkerhoff' s - father was born in 1791. His mother, Jane Kerr, was born near Gettysburg, Penn., in 1796. They were married in Adams County, Penn., in January, 1816, and resided there till 1826, when they moved to Baltimore, Md., where he kept " tavern " two years, after which time he returned to the place of his birth. In 1834, he moved to Seneca T^ounty, Ohio, arriving at Upper Sandusky May 31, having been nineteen days on the road, traveling by wagon. At Upper Sandusky, they spent the night at the old " Walker Tavern," kept by an Indian. On the day following, they went to McCutchenville, reaching their objective point at noon. Mr. Brinkerhoff purchased of Isaac Beery, of Fairfield County, Ohio, eighty acres in Section 22, Seneca Township, Seneca County, in the Sandusky Bend, where he began, August 5, to clear a site for a dwelling. He erected a log bouse there, tvvo stories, 18x30, in which the family moved November l^l. He paid for this forest farm $2.50 per acre, and the following year bought thirty-five acres, paying $350. Five years after the first purchase, he bought sixty-two and one-half acres, for which he paid $960, this latter containing some cleared land. In 1844, he declined an offer of $37 per acre for the whole tract. He resided on this farm till his death, October 1, 1847, after an illness of six days, his eldest daughter, Mary A., wife of Elias Eyler, having died four or five days previous. Mrs. Brinkerhoff died very suddenly at the old homestead February 3, 1867. Their children were Mary A., born in 1817, died September 25, 1847; James H., born March 7, 1819; Alex W., March 4, 1821; Eleanor H., born in 1823, married Samuel Grelle, and died in 1881; Sarah J., born in 1825, married J. B. Wilson, and now resides in Toledo; Catharine E., born in 1828, died in May, 1849; Nelson B., born in 1830, died in March, 1849; Nancy M., born in 1832, married George M. Bi'own, and resides in Toledo; all the foregoing children having been born in Adams County, Penn., except Sarah J., who was born in Bal- timore, Md. John H. was born in 1S35 in Ohio, and now resides in Waupun, Wis. He has been a member of the Legislature of that State, and is Postmaster of the city in which he resides, a position he has held twentythree years. George F., born in 1887, is now a resident of Bucyrus, Ohio. Dr. Brinkerhoflf was reared on the homestead, and was engaged in clearing land till twenty-one years of age. He attended the subscription schools of Pennsylvania, learning to "read, write and cipher to the rule of three." At the age of thirteen, he removed with his parents to Ohio, settled in the woods, and there remained till twenty-one without a superior as an axman. Then, with health impaired, he engaged with Holmes Durboraw, of Mc- Cutchenville, to learn the cabinet trade. Eighteen months later, his health failed entirely, and one year was spent in recuperating. He then engaged as clerk for James M. Chamberliu, a merchant at McCatchenville; spent part of the following winter visiting in Darke County, Ohio; spent the summer of 1845 as clerk for Mr. Chamberlin, and eugasred in the fall of 1845 as teacher in a district school near McCutchenville. He was examined by J. D. Sears as to qualifications; was asked five questions, answered but two; obtained a six months' certificate, granted on general principles; taught four months' school, and succeeded admirably. During the term he boarded at home, and took instructions from his father, who was a good mathematician. He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University April 14, 1846, but was compelled to abandon his studies sixty days after, on account of ill-health. On the 3d of the following November, he began a four months' term of school at Sycamore, at $17 per month, the usual wages being but $15. He closed this term with credit, and secured the school for a second term, receiving his second certificate without re-examination, because of his creditable examination in securing the first. At the close of the Sycamore School, he entered the employ of Alex Campbell, in McCutchenville, as clerk, and remained two years, at $12 per month, preferring this work to teaching. In May, 1848, he married Martha E. Hall, of Painesvillo, Ohio, with whom he became acquainted while teaching at Sycamore. In the following August, he had three successive attacks of bilious fever, and on recovering again engaged in his school work at Sycamore, during which time he and J. B. Wilson, a brother in-law, purchased a stock of goods of Dr. L. L. Pease, of Sycamore, and continued there in the mercantile business until 1856, when he removed to Upper Sandusky, and engaged in selling his patented inventions. In 1863, he engaged with F. F. Fowler & Co., consisting of F. F. Fowler, T. E. Beery and E. R. Wood as members, as a joint partner, he and Mr. Beery retiring from the firm after two years of very unsatisfactory results. They then began the manufacture and sale of Dr. Brinkerhoff' s patent corn-husker, and this proved a decided success. During his connection with F. F. Fowler & Co., his wife and second son died. About one year after the dissolution of the old firm, the firm of Brinkerhoff & Beery was sued by Fowler & Wicks, successors to Fowler & Co., asking for a judgment of $30,000, as damages for fraudulent statements alleged to have been made at dissolution of partnership. At the urgent solicitation of Fowler & Wicks, Brinkerhoff & Beery consented to submit the case to Judge George E. Seney for trial, upon petition filed in court, and after three weeks' investigation, said Judge decided in favor of the latter firm, the former having to pay the costs. Fowler & Wicks made an assignment one year after dissolution of old firm, and Brinkerhoff & Beery were held on paper of Fowler & Co. for $7-, 000, which they were enabled to pay out of receipts of the patent husker, accepting thereafter from Fowler & Wicks seventy per cent of the amount in full for their claim against Fowler & Wicks. About the time of trial. November, 1867, Dr. Brinkerhoflf and his family were poisoned by the use of butter, the Doctor being prostrated for nearly three years, with little hope of recovery. The great expense incident to this illness reduced him almost to penury, and during this time the firm of Brinkerhoff & Beery was mutually dissolved. After partial recovery, in 1870 he and his son, under the firm name of Brinkerhoff & Son, engaged in the sewing machine and organ business, adding queensware and cutlery in 1872. At that time they controlled the sale of several leading organs and sewing machines in the counties of Wyandot, Crawford, Seneca and Marion, and did an extensive and profitable business, their annual sales amounting to $70,000. But from overwork, returning illness, the panic of 1873, and the shrinkage of value of goods, the firm was compelled to suspend business, owing a debt of $16,000. Bankrupt in health and fortune, he determined to make one more effort to retrieve the losses sustained by sickness and business disasters. With poor health and crushed in finances, he again went to work on the road in efforts to cure piles. In this he succeeded beyond expectation, through the invention of instruments and remedies which enabled him to explore and examine the rectum and reach these maladies. After a practice of more than six years, the performance of more than 80,000 operations by himself, and the adoption of the system by many physicians in nearly all the States of the Union, he is again " upon his feet." weighing 275 pounds, his financial standing being no less satisfactory. His individual pi'actice pays him $30 to $150 per day, cash receipts, this being but a part of his extensive business, now prosecuted in company with his sons. He is the patentee of five articles, surgical instruments and remedies for rectal treatment, and from these he receives a handsome income. The net receipts of their joint business from April 1, 1888, to January 1, 1884, aggregated $22,000. This is not the result of college education, as Mr. Brinkerhoff has never even attended a common school, and has received only sixty days' instruction since he was twelve years of age. Inventive genius, application, pluck and general business ability are the elements of character that have tided him over the turbulent sea of business life. Dr. Brinkerhoff was married the second time at Gettysburg, Penn., December 21, 1865, to Miss Margaret Lott, daughter of Henry and Magdalene { Houghtelin) Lott, of Adams County, Penn. Her father died there August 3, 1883, aged eighty-nine years. Her mother died October 4, 1879, aged seventynine. Mrs. Brinkei'hoff was born in Adams County, Penn., December 11, 1828. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, formerly of the United Presbyterian. Dr. Brinkerhoff is Congregational in sentiment, but in the absence of that denomination in his resident town he united vpith the Presbyterian society. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party; has held no office, always declining to be a candidate when asked. He is highly esteemed as a citizen in his resident town, Upper Sandusky, where he resides in an elegant residence on Eighth street. In another part of this work we present to our readers an excellent engraving of this distinguished citizen. He is now sixty-three years old, buoyant in spirits; has seen and felt much of the rough of life; has never yielded despairingly to misfortunes; looked ahead and pressed on, and says he would like to see 1900, but, like others, must quit when the Master calls. In connection with Philip Perdue, in 1856, he took out the first patent issued to a citizen of this county. Since then he has taken out over thii'ty more. Some, he says, good, others worthless. He believes in living to do, and not to weary or stop from failure - the rock on which so many stick.

MILFORD H. BRINKERHOFF, of the firm of A. W. Brinkerhoff & Son, was born in Tymochtee Township, this county, February 22, 1849; he is the son of A. W. and Martha E. Brinkerhoff, and was reared at Sycamore till seven years of age, when he removed with his parents to Upper Sandusky, obtained a high school education, aud at the age of eighteen embarked in his present business, the sale of pianos, organs and sewing machines. The firm does an extensive business, having sold over 5,000 sewing machines, making a specialty of the " New Home." He was married, October 24, 1876, to Mary Kiskadden, daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Williams) Kiskadden, early settlers of the county, now residents of Gilman, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Brinkerhoff are the parents of three children - Harry A., born October 23, 1 877 ; Grace M. , born December 9, 1879 ; and Frank, born November 26, 1881. Mr. Brinkerhoff is a member of the Legion of Honor, Knights of Honor and Royal Arcanum. Politically, he is a Republican.

WILLIAM BROWN was born in this county December 22, 1842. He is a son of Abram and Frances (Coon) Brown, who came to this county in an early day, pui'chased land, and reared a family of eleven children, eight living -Henry, John, W^illiam, Jacob, Elizabeth, Sarah, Hester A. and Catharine. The mother died in August, 1870; the father in January, 1880. W^illiam, the subject of this sketch, was engaged at home till his twenty-first year. He became a member of the Ohio National Guard, and enlisted February 8, 1864, in Company K, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and entered the regular service. He participated in the battles of Resaca, Kenosaw Mountain, Big Shanty, Peach Tree Creek, Fort McAllister, Jonesboro, and all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, also with Sherman on his march to the sea, receiving his dischage at the close of the war at Little Rock, Ark. On returning home, Mr. Brown worked at the carpenter's trade two years, and then farmed; rented land until 1878, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres to which he has since added sixty acres more, the whole valued at $75 per acre. He was married, March 3, 1870, to Harriet Paulin, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 22, 1850; her parents, John and Sarah (Candle) Paulin, came to this county in 1854, and still reside here. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have four children - Alvin E., born July 24, 1871; Bertha L., February 22, 1873; Alice, March 25, 1876; and Sarah M., June 4. 1880. In politics, Mr. Brown is a Republican; he is a member of the K. of H, G. A. R., and is well respected as a citizen in his community.

SOL B. BUCKLES, proprietor of Central Hotel, Upper Sandusky, was born in Wells County, Ind. , November 19, 1858. He is the son of John H. and Harriet S. (Vorhes) Buckles, natives of Greene and Hamilton County, Ohio, respectively. They were the parents of six children, namely: Rhnda, Elizabeth, Francis, Jennie, Sol B. , William T. and Charles; the latter is deceased. John H. Buckles, the father of our subject removed from Indiana to Upper Sandusky in 1880, and assumed control of the Central Hotel. In 1883, he was succeeded by his son, Sol B. , and returned to Marion, Ind., taking charge of the Grand View Hotel of that place where he is still engaged. Mrs. Buckles is deceased, her death occurring at Fort Wayne, Ind., May 10, 1875. Sol B., our subject, was partially educated at Bluffton, Ind., where he resided till about thirteen years of age, when he removed with his pai-ents to Fort Wayne, completing his education in a commercial college of that city at the age of eighteen. In 3880, he removed to Upper Sandusky, and assisted his father in the management of the Central House, assuming full control in October, 1883. He has re- paired and refitted the establishment, and made it one of the most pleasant stopping places in the city. Mr. Buckles was married at Upper Sandusky, April 18, 1883, to Miss Emma J. Snodgrass, daughter of William and Elizabeth Snodgrass, both now deceased. He is increasing his patronage, both transient and regular, and has a fair prospect for success in the business for which he is so thoroughly qualified. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Wyandot Lodge, No. 174, a Republican, and, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN BUSER, farmer, was born in Canton Basel, Switzerland, July 30, 1827, to Jacob and Barbara (Baser) Buser,who emigrated to America in 18-15, landing in New York June 1. They soon after settled in Little Sandusky, where they purchased 200 acres at the Government land sales, and where they resided until their decease. The mother died November 2-t, 1869; the father December 9, 1874. The former was born February, 1801, and the latter April 0, 1800. They were the parents of four children, three living - John, Barbara and Elizabeth. The former obtained a fair education in his native country, where he also learned the trade of silk weaving; but since his advent in this country he has devoted his entire attention to agriculture He was married, October 20, 1855, to Christina S Lief, a native of Baden, Germany, born September 13, 1833. They have three children living, viz.: Elizabeth, born November 11, 1856; Mary, September 6, 1858; Emma C. , January 3, 1872. The deceased was Catharine, born December 27, 1859, died November 12, 1862. Mr. Buser has resided on his present farm since 1845. He has 136 acres, well improved, and in his dooryard stands a log cabin built by one Armstrong, an Indian chief. Mr. Buser served one year as School Director, and in politics is a Democrat.

DENNIS W. BYRON, M. D., is a native of Huntingdon County, Penn., and was born September 19, 1825. His father, John Byron, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America about the year 1807. His mother, Mary (Kerr) Byron was born in Pennsylvania where she grew to womanhood, her marriage to Mr. Byron occurring in Adams County, of that State about 1817. They became the parents of twelve children, all of whom attained their majority, and nine still living. Dr. Byron removed with his parents to Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1833, and three years later to Seneca County, where he was employed on a farm till he began his professional studies. He was educated in the public schools of Bucyrus and the district schools of Seneca County, abandoning his literary studies at the age of fifteen. He began the study of medicine with Dr. Fulton, of Bucyrus, where he remained eighteen months, entering the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati in 1852, and graduating from that institution in 1855. He immediately began the practice of his profession at Vandalia, III., where he remained about two and one-half years, when he returned to Ohio and located about six miles north of Bucyrus. Two years later, May, 1857. he located in Upper Sandusky where he has since been established and where he has built up an extensive practice, being one of the leading physicians of the city. By a close attention to business he has obtained a fine property consisting of a handsome residence located on one of the most pleasant parts of Upper Sandusky. Since 1857, his entire attention has been devoted to his profession, his long and successful experience entitling him to a place in the front rank among his fellow-devotees at the shrine of J3sculapius. He is a citizen of excellent character and a zealous advocate of Republican principles. He holds the position of Examining Physician of the Knights of Honor, of which organization he has been five years a member, and with which he has been officially connected four years. Dr. Byron was married at Melmore, Seneca County, February 21, 1852, to Mary A. Fitzsimmons, daughter of William and Anna (Holman) Fitzsimmons, and the children born to them are Galen F. , William K. , George D. and M. Myrtle - also two infants deceased.

WILLIAM K. BYRON, M. D., was born in Vandalia, 111., January 19, 1855, son of Dennis W. and Mary A. (Fitzsimmons) Byron. He was educated in the Union Schools of Upper Sandusky, leaving ofif his studies at the age of thirteen to learn the printer's trade with Pietro Cuneo. He coutinvied in this occupation seven years, working in various States, and began the reading of medicine with his father in 1875. He studied two years with his father and one year with his uncle, Dr. J. F. Fitzsimmons, of Bucyrus, and entered the Wooster University at Cleveland in 1876. He graduated February 28, 1879, and immediately began the practice of his profession in partnership with his father, meeting with remarkable success. He was married, September 4, 1879, to Kate M. Prinney, daughter of the late Horace L. and Sarah (Saltsman) Prinney, a prominent resident of Erie, Penn. , who, althovigh a Democrat, served as Justice of the Peace in a Republican township thirty consecutive years. Dr. and Mrs. Byron have one child - Stanley R. born June 3, 1881. Mrs. Byron was born May 1, 1855. The Doctor is the Examining Physician of the P. 0. S. of A., and votes in the interest of Republicanism.

ROBERT CAREY, attorney at law, Upper Sandusky, was born in Ontario, Canada, February 17, 1845, son of Hugh and Margaret (Hamilton) Carey, both natives of Belfast, Ireland, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Mr. Carey is one of a family of eight children, seven of whom are still living - Mary, Archibald, John, Robert, Margaret, James and Hugh. His parents emigrated fi'om Ii-eland to Prince Edward County, Canada, about 1832. and have since resided in that locality, the father now in his seventyninth, the mother in her seventy-fourth year. Robert Carey was educated at the Toronto Provincial Normal School, where he obtained a life certificate to teach in any school in the Province of Canada. He made teaching his profession while in Canada, begioning that work when about sevent^een years of age, and continued in the same till 1873, when he removed to Upper Sandusky. He was employed as Superintendent of the Marseilles Schools one year, and the two following years had charge of the Union Schools of Upper Sandusky. Giving up his profession as teacher, he read law with D. W. Brooks, a prominent attorney of Detroit, Mich., and subsequently attended the Law Department of Ann Arbor University one year. From November, 1879, to May, 1880, he studied under the instructions of Judge Mott, when he was admitted to practice in all the courts. Since that time, Mr. Carey has devoted himself exclusively to his profession. He is at present one of the Boai-d of Examiners of the city schools of Upper Sandusky, and a strong advocate of Republican principles; is the owner of 160 acres of laud in Marseilles Township, and forty acres in Goshen Township, Hardin County, dealing somewhat in live stock, making a specialty of fine sheep and short-horn cattle. January 22, 1876, Mr. Carey was married to Emily A. Terry, daughter of Ethan and Barbara (Heckathorn) Terry, early settlers of this county, Mr. Terry being one of the three first Commia sioners. Mr. and Mrs. Carey are the parents of three children - Robert H., John T. and Edward.

ton, natives of Ohio and New York, and of English parentage. The latter came to this county in 1818, and the former in 1830. They were the parents of eight children, five living - Jeremiah W., John V., Julia A., Amanda J. and Darius D. The subject of this sketch attended the village schools of Little Sandusky till the age of seventeen, when he commenced teaching. He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in 1869, attending that institvition one year, when he left Delaware to. attend Oberlin College, where he continued to study for the next live years, graduating from that college in the class of 1876. Mr. Clayton continued to teach school each winter during his college course, thus obtaining money to pursue his studies, teaching in all thirteen terms of district school, and superintending the Uuion Schools of Upper Sandusky one year. He served two terms as a member of the County Board of School Examiners, and as a member of the Union School Board of Examiners of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, from 1878 till his resignation in 1888. He was married, at Oberlin, Ohio, August 27, 1877, to Ella J. Eastman, daughter of Alvin and Henrietta L. (Eastman) Eastman, residents of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Two children have been born to them - Gertrude L., born September 2, 1878, and Cora M. , born July 29, 1880; Ella, their mother, was born near Oskaloosa, Iowa, November 18, 1853, and graduated from the classical course of Oberlin College, in the class of 1877. Mr. Clayton began the study of law under the instruction of D. D. Hare, of Upper Sandusky, in 1877, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio, November 17, 1878. In the same year he entered upon the practice of his profession, which he continued till he assumed the duties of the office of Probate Judge February 12, 1883. He has discharged his duties in his official capacity with justice and ability, and has the esteem which his impartial action so richly merits. He favors the Democratic policy of Government, and is, with Mrs. Clayton, a member of the Presbyterian Church.

JAMES T. CLOSE, the youngest member of the Wyandot County bar, was born in Alexandria City, Va. , October 27, 1856. His father, Col. James T. Close, migrated from New York State to the Old Dominion in 1850, and there married Anna E. Sherman, daughter of Elisha Sherman, formerly of Bridgeport, Conn. In 1861, Col. Close, a prominent resident of Alexandria City, a place of 12,000 inhabitants, with but thirty-two fellow-citizens voted viva voce against the ordinance of secession at polls guarded by Confederate soldiers; was a State Senator of the restored Government at Wheeling, which saved Western Virginia from the Confederacy; organized, equipped and commanded the only Union regiment in East Virginia, the Sixteenth Virginia Volunteers, and was United States Marshal for the Eastern District of that State. His devotion to the Union cause made him a marked man, and the rebel Government at Richmond offered $10,000 for his capture, dead or alive. He died in 1869, while a member of the Virginia Legislature. Mr. Close's boyhood was passed in Alexandria, , amid stirring war scenes indelibly imprinted upon his mind, and there^'eceived the rudiments of an academical education at private schools, which was finished at Gonzaga College (S. J.), Washington, D. C. , and the Whitestown Seminary Oneida County, N. Y. He began the study of law in 1874 with Judge Michael Thompson, a leading lawyer of the District of Columbia; attended lectures at the National Law University, concluding a three years' course in the office of David L. Smoot, of Alexandria, since Prosecuting Attorney of San Francisco, Cal. In 1877, admitted to the bar in Virginia and the District of Columbia, he began the practice of law in the latter place. In 1878, he came to this county and opened a law office in Nevada, where he remained one year, and then formed a partnership with his old preceptor, Judge Thompson, in St. Louis, Mo. In 1880, he visited the South and studied the workings of the courts in Louisiana and Mississippi, and strongly contemplated locating in the city of Natchez, but stronger predilections for his adopted State and its grand institutions drew him back to this county. In September, 1880, he married an estimable young lady of Nevada, and during the winter of 1880-81 he was employed in the War Department at Washington, making an excellent record in the delicate work of digesting claims against the Government, and continued at the same time his law studies in the office of Col. Robert G. Ingersoll. Returning to Nevada upon a furlough, love for his profession caused him to resign his position in the War Department, and, in September, 1882, he formed a legal partnership with Senator M. H. Kirby at Upper Sandusky, and in 1883, upon the petition of his brother attorneys, he was appointed official stenographer of the county for a term of three years, with his office in the court house. Mr. Close is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Je£fersonian Democrat in politics, liberal-minded, a fine convei'sationalist, slight in stature, and in speech and accent suggestive of his Scotch-Irish blood. His pi'actice steadily increasing, possessing an accurate knowledge of the law, energetic and devoted to his clients, his future promises to be a useful and successful one.

WILLIAM CONSTIEN was born in Lasfelda, Kingdom Hanover, Germany, October 19, 1838. He is a son of Adam and Frederika ''Rimrott) Constien, who were a,lso natives of Germany, and parents of six children, namely, Doretta, Charles, Henry, Julius, Theodore and William. The father died in 1844, but the mother is still living. William, the subject of this sketch, landed in New York, June 8, 1863, bringing with him his newmade wife, Amelia, to whom he was married in Germany April 5, 1863. They spent six weeks in New York, after which time they went to Lancaster, Penn., where Mr. Constien was engaged in the harness trade till March, 1871, when they removed to Upper Sandusky. After six years' work at his trade in the latter place, Mr. Constien purchased his present farm of twentytwo acres, where he has since been engaged chiefly in gardening. He cultivates all kind of table vegetables, small fruits, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc., supplying hotels and city markets and doing an extensive business. His product the present year will perhaps reach $800 in value, being constantly on the increase. Mrs. Constien's parents were Christian and Adelinde (Wurm) Benecke. They were natives and residents of Germany, and had seven children, namely, Adolph, Amelia, Albert, Otto, Bernhart, Eliza and Maria. The mother died in 1856, the father still living in his seventieth year. Mr. and Mrs. Constien have had nine children, namely: Theodore, born July 27, 1864; Otto, August 13, 1865; Emma, August 5, 1867; William, September 10, 1869; Albert, November 16, 1871; Adolph, March 1, 1874; Bernhart, December 22, 1877; Alvin. September 19, 1880; Oscar, May 14, 1882. Otto died September 24, 1870. Mr. Constien is an Independent in politics. He was a member of the Good Fellows, Seven Wise Men, Red Men, and K. of P., and is now, with Mrs. C, a member of the Lutheran Church.

MARTIN COURTAD was born in Alsace, France, Jane 16, 1819. His parents were John P. Courtad and Mary A. Frey, who emigrated to America in 1832. Martin Coui'tad resided with his parents in Seneca County, Ohio, till he became of age, and then went to Galena, 111., where he graduated in a high school. Finishing his education, he followed carpenter work for a time. In 1848, he came to Sandusky City, Ohio, and April 12, 1849, he was married to Eve Simonis, daughter of John and Mai-y Simonis, of Seneca County, Ohio. Mrs. Courtad was born April 1, 1832. After working for several years in Sandusky City, he and family went to the Lake Superior copper mines, where he followed his trade eighteen months. He then came to Seneca County, Ohio, bought a small farm, where he lived till 18(31, when he sold out and came to Crane Township, and bought a farm of eighty acres valued at |80 per aci'e. Mr. and Mrs. Courtad are the parents of fourteen children, one deceased. They are as follows: Charles, born March 16, 1850; John Henry, April 28, 1852; Joseph L., born April 5, 1854; Magdalena, born May 11, 1856; Geoi-ge, born January 24, 1858; Anthony, born May 7, i860; W. Frank, born December 19, 1861; Martin, born December 29, 1864;' James, born January 20, 1866; Mary, born January 11, 1868; Margaret, born March 4, 187(3; Michael, born September 29, 1871; Elizabeth K., born November 1, 1875; Albert, born January 6, 1878. Martin died July 26, 1881. Mr. Courtad has a fine farm, and is highly esteemed as a citizen. He and his family are strict adherents of the Catholic faith.

PETER COURTAD was born near Strasbourg, Alsace, France, October 20, 1811. He is a son of John Peter and Mary A. (Frey) Courtad, who emigrated to America in 1832, being sixty-three days on the ocean, and the ship landed at Baltimore. They located in Seneca County, Ohio. They removed to Iowa in 1841, where they resided until 1844, at which date they returned to Seneca County, Ohio, where the father died in 1848, aged sixtythree years; the mother died in Sandusky City about 1853, aged sixty- eight years. Peter Courtad removed to this county from Seneca in 1864, and settled on his present farm. He owns ninety-six acres near Upper Sandusky, valued at $85 per acre - earned by hard labor. He was married in Seneca County, Ohio, January 20, 1840, to Catharine Simonis, four children resulting from this marriage, one deceased; they are Mary' A., born January 23, 1842; Margaret, February 23, 1845; Lawrence, December 23, 1847, and Peter D., October 17, 1849; the latter deceased since September 15, 1873. The death of Mrs. Courtad occurred December 8, 1852, and Mr. Courtad was again married in Seneca County May, 1853, to Clementine Zircher, daughter of Ignatz and Mary M. (Lehman) Zircher, and nine children were born to this union, seven living - John, born January 4, 1855; Joseph A., March 14, 1857; Francis A., August 7, 1862; Elizabeth M., February 13, 1864 - all born in Seneca County; August J., March 9, 1866; Martin J., March 14, 1868; Magdalene, February 6, 1872 - born in Wyandot. John (an infant) and Louis are deceased. Mrs. Courtad was born in France December 30, 1829, and emigrated to America in 1838 with her parents, who settled in Shelby County, where the father died in 1868, the mother in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Courtad are members of the Roman Catholic Church, he being a Democrat politically.