Madison Township (part 14 of 20)

B. B. Smith completed the common and High School course at Fremont and then entered the University of Michigan and was graduated there in chemistry and pharmacy, in the class of 1899. Previous to this he had been in the employ of the late R, P. Buckland, who, at that time owned the store Mr. Smith now conducts. Upon his return from college he had a year of experience at Elyria and one at Norwalk and then bought the present business from Mr. Buckland, and has brought it to a high state of efficiency, making it thoroughly reliable in every particular, and conducting it along modern lines.

Mr. Smith was married August 10, 1904, to Alice Norton, who is a daughter of Charles A. Norton. Mr. Smith is identified with the Masons, the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.

J. W. BONAWIT, one of Scott Township's representative men and public officials, resides on his well improved farm of forty-six acres, which is situated in Section 19, Scott Township, Sandusky County, Ohio. Mr. Bonawit was born in this township, October 14, 1842, and is a son of Jacob and Hannah ( Chestnutwood) Bonawit.

Jacob Bonawit was born in Dauphin County, - Pennsylvania, April 30, 1796. He came to Stark County, Ohio, in early manhood and there married Hannah, a daughter of Abraham Chestnutwood. She was born March 6, 1806. They had a family of eleven children. Three

County and in 1837 moved into Wood County, Ohio, and from there to Sandusky County, in 1842. He settled on a tract of eighty acres, which is now owned by his son, J. J. Bonawit, and later he bought forty additional acres and - the old sheepskin deeds of the original owners came into his possession. The greater part of this land was cleared by Jacob Bonawit. He made no attempts to put up fine buildings, a log cabin and barn contenting him. At the time of his death he was a man of substance, owning 120 acres in Scott Township. He was a Democrat in politics and served one term as township trustee and during a large part of his life was a member of the School Board. In his early days he was fond of hunting and was so excellent a marksman that he could excel the Indian youths with whom he competed. His death occurred July 18, 1886, his wife having died August 29, 1884. They were

And Representative, Citizens

J. W. Bonawit went to school during boyhood and then settled down to farming. His father had worked both as a farmer and bricklayer and stone-mason and the sons gained from him a good working knowledge of both trades. After marriage, J. W. Bonawit engaged in farming, first on rented land in Scott

Wood County, but in a few years returned to Scott Township and settled on his present farm. Here he put up all the substantial farm buildings now standing, but has not destroyed the old farm-house that has weathered the storms of sixty years. It is in strong contrast with the present residence. Mr. Bonawit has his land all well drained and he has six oil wells on the place.

Mr. Bonawit married Miss Eva Blessing, a daughter of George and Margaret Blessing, and they have five children, namely: Anna May, Franklin, Mary, Minnie and Charles. In politics, Mr. Bonawit is a stanch Democrat and has served as a member of the School Board, as constable and as supervisor.

N. B. MASON, one of Clyde's representative citizens, for many years a justice of the peace and also concerned in agricultural and mercantile enterprises, is an honored veteran of the great Civil War, having given four years of his young manhood to the service of his country. Mr Mason was born April 9, 1839, at Canandaigua, New York, and is a son of Rey. John B. and Laura (Shaw) Mason.

The father of Mr. Mason was born in Massachusetts and died in advanced age, in Wisconsin, in July, 1888. He served as a soldier in the Mexican War, afterwards became a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, but later in life was similarly associated with the Baptist Church. He married Laura Shaw, who was born in New York and died at Clyde, Ohio, in 1885. In 1856 they visited Sandusky County, Ohio, where they remained only two years, going from here to Wisconsin. Their family consisted of six sons, three of whom served in the Federal Army, and two daugh-

Civil War. The family bore the following names: Van Rensselaer, Joseph, Eliza, N. B., John Colby, Mary, Brooks H., and Fred E. N. B. Mason attended school until he was fourteen years of age, and then, in spite of his youth, was given the contract to carry mail and passengers between Ontario and Rochester, New York. He must have been a youth of more than usual physical development and stability of character to have been entrusted with the mail coach, which frequently required four or more horses to transport passengers, mail and express, over a road not any too well constructed. He accompanied his parents to Sandusky County and remained after they and other members of the family had removed to Wisconsin. On October 12, 1861, Mr. Mason enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company A, 72nd O. Vol. Inf., with which he remained connected until his honorable discharge on July 21, 1865. He had a long and hard service, experiencing almost every vicissitude to which a soldier is exposed. He was captured twice by the Confederates, escaping once, and he visited every southern state with the exception of Texas. The 72nd Regiment of Ohio Infantry made a notable record. It lost heavily in many battles, especially at Shiloh, Vicksburg and Brice's Cross Roads; seventy-eight of its members succumbed to the inhumanities practiced at Andersonville, six were ruthlessly shot while prisoners of war, and nine perished in the explosion on the Sultana, on April 27, 1865. In every battle and every march, Mr. Mason was with his regiment until he was captured on June 11, 1864, after which he suffered every indignity and hardship that have made the names of those southern prison pens, Andersonville and Florence, remembered with horror after the graés has grown green over the graves of many of their victims, these many years. Mr. Mason was confined in Andersonville from June to September, when he was taken to Florence and was kept there until March 1, 1865, when he was paroled. Ile then returned to Clyde and after a necessary period of recuperation, he became engaged in various business enterprises which he continued for a number of years. He has been a very active citizen in all that per-

Mr. Mason was married February 22, 1859, to Miss Elizabeth L. Carleton, whose father was Rey. Thomas J. Carleton, a well known minister, and they have had the following children: Nellie, who married R. G. Tyler and has two children - Carl and Vira; Elizabeth, who is now deceased; Nathan H., who married Alice White; George A., who married Annie White; Maud A., who married O. C. Perrin, but died in September, 1904; and May.

Mr. Mason served as sheriff one term, 1902- 03, being elected on the Republican ticket. In 1878 he organized a militia company, of which he was the first captain. He is very prominently identified with the Grand Army of the Republic and was first commander of McPherson Post, which was organized August 15, 1877. He is also a member of the Union Veteran Union. With his comrades Mr. Mason often lives over again those years of strife, their recital of personal experiences recalling vividly to mind the scenes of those strenuous days of 1861-65 - the contending armies, the roar of cannon, the rattle of musketry, the pall of smoke, the shouts of victory and the groans of the dying. Also, as experienced by some, the sickness, starvation and misery endured in the war prisons of the South. Only the old veterans can understand these things in their _ full significance; the vounger generation pass them too lightly by; notwithstanding, despite an appearance of ingratitude sometimes indicated by state legislation. the veterans are still honored by all who understand the principies for which they fought and the priceless legacy they secured to their country in a restored and solidified union, Mr. Mason has fraternal connection with the order of Odd Fellows and for many years was very active both in the lodge and in the encampment.

JAMES L. PARKS. a venerable citizen and justice of the peace of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, owns and resides upon a farm of 100 acres. He comes of a family which has long been prominently identified with the affairs of Riley Township and of the county. He was born on a farm-in that township, December 13, 1836, and is a son of James and Mary (Boyer) Parks, and a grandson of James Parks, Sr., who is said to have come to this country from the North of Ireland and located in Pennsylvania.

James Parks, father of the subject of this record, was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, November 14, 1799, and was educated and grew to manhood in his native State. His education, like that of Abraham Lincoln, was limited to six months in a common school; his manual training, however, was of wider scope. As a woodworker and tiller of the soil he proved himself equally proficient. Hunting and fishing were the diversions of that early day, and that he was an expert marksman he proved in after years. Desirous of preparing himself more thoroughly for life's duties, he apprenticed himself to a wool-carder, soon becoming an adept in his chosen profession, and while thus engaged he also acquired a fair knowledge of the German language which was a boon to him in later years. He was married September 17, 1824, to Miss Mary Boyer, his faithful companion through a long and eventful life. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1832, locating first in Seneca County, and to Riley Township in the spring of 1833. His team, wagon and what he was able to carry, together with a family of eight persons and 50 cents in cash, were all he had with which to begin life in the wilds of Ohio. The struggle for subsistence was a severe one, but heroic efforts. combined with skill and good management, soon overcame the greater difficulties and the dawn of prosperity began to glimmer. He was not long in gaining the confidence of the people, not only of his own township but of the county as well, which was attested by his election to various public offices. First he served as township clerk and superintendent of schools, closely followed by the office of justice of the peace. which he filled at variows times for nearly a quarter of a century. So ably were these offices looked after and cared for by the incumbent, in 1847 his name was placed upon the county ticket as a candidate for sheriff. He was rerdily elected, and inspired by the confidence the people reposed in him. filled that position as zealously as the former ones. At one time during his incumbency there was a jail delivery, and one of the fugitives, a colored man, who was shackled, could travel but slowly. The sheriff hearing of his whereabouts mounted his horse and started in pursuit. When he saw the sheriff, he attempted to escape by taking to the woods; when the words "Halt or I'll shoot" reached his ears, he stopped and started to return. On the way he said: "Massa, would you shot me if I hadn't stepped ?"' whereupon the sheriff replied, 'I certainly would if I had had anything to have shot you with." In relating the incident he said he had nothing but his riding whip. The prisoner replied, "If I know dat, you nebber catch me." Mr. Parks was not a soldier in the Civil War. as he had passed the age limit, but times at home were as strenuous to him as though he had been at the front. He was accused of _ disloyalty to the flag and was threatened with mob violence because he could not be coerced into disloyalty to his political party. If the confidence of the people of Sandusky County was shaken by these accusations, it was soon restored. In the autumn of 1866 he was chosen to represent Sandusky County in the legislature. After filling this office for two terms. he retired from active life to his home near Riley Center, where, with his aged companion, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, he spent his declining years. He departed this life October 4, 1872, at the age of seventytwo years, ten months and twenty days. Of the children born to James and Mary (Boyer) Parks, five survive, namely: Hannah M., who resides at Toledo, Ohio, and is the widow of James W. Hone; James L.; Oliver H., of Fremont, Ohio; William G., of Riley Township; and Marv E.. wife of George Doell, of Sandusky Township.

James L. Parks was reared in his native township. Although his educational advantages were limited to the public schools, he acquired a good education through reading and being brought in contact with those who had had better schooling than he. He is a broad and liberal minded man, who for many years has had an influence in the affairs of moment in his township. From his early days, his business transactions have been characterized by a high order of intelligence and good management, and he made steady advancement. He served as clerk of Riley Township two years, and has been justice of the peace six years, his commission running until January 1, 1912. He has been zealous and conscientious in the discharge of the duties of office, and well merits the esteem and confidence of the public which is accorded him.

Mr. Parks was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Mooney, who was born in Carroll County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Jacob Mooney. Five children were born of this union, of whom two are living: Nettie L. and Ray V. Those deceased were: Herbert B., James L. and Mervin C. On January 9, 1905, the subject of this record was bereft of his wife by death. She had been to him a faithful companion and a true helpmate.

PETER P. BULLINGER, one of Scott Township's seli-made men, successful farmers and respected citizens, owns forty acres of valuable land, one-half of which lies in Section 29 and the other half, on which he resides, in Section 28, his home being on the south side of the road. His parents were Francis P. and Mary F (Bumgardner) Bullinger. Both parents are now deceased, the father dying in 1884, and the mother in January, 1890, and both were buried in the Catholic Cemetery at \Millersville.

Peter P. Bullinger did not have many educational advantages in his youth, but all the schooling he obtained was secured at Kansas, in Seneca County. He remained at home helping his father until he was twenty-two years of age, when he married and then engaged in teaming, at Kansas, for several months. He then bought his first twenty acres in Scott Township. This land was timbered and swompy, so mich so that he had to cut down trees before he could build his cabin, which still stands as a landmark, and subsequently expend much time and labor in draining it. He still has five acres of land that has never been under the plough. All the substantial buildings now standing, Mr. Bullinger put up. He has been a hard and persevering worker and now has his land in fine condition, producing excellent crops and giving pasturage to his stock. There are five producing oil wells on his place, bringing in a comfortable income.

On August 18, 1874, Mr. Bullinger was married to Miss Mary Lehman, a daughter of Leudegar and Barbara (Staub) Lehman, and they have had the following children: Anna M., who is now deceased; Margaret E., who married Claude Ulsh, has two children - Thelma and Mary Pauline; Clara, who was formerly a successful teacher, but now is at home; Rosa, who married Vern Hull, has two children - Vendetta and Paul Vernon; Tena, who married Willis Fowler, has one son. Claude J.; and Ida A., who is a popular teacher in Scott Township and is teaching her second year. Miss Clara Bullinger passed the Boxwell examination in 1897, and Miss Ida A. in 1906. The latter is an accomplished musician, excelling as a pianist. Mr. Bullinger and family are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Millersville. In politics, he is a Democrat. He is one of the representative men of his neighborhood and has served six years as school director and two years as road supervisor. He is a stockholder in the Rising Sun Bank.

DR LA OUINIO" RAWSON. * Ia the chapter on the medical profession something of Dr. Rawson's professional career has been given to which the reader is referred, but Dr. Rawson's life was not confined to the medicai profession, though he was prominent in that, but was devoted to public affairs to an extent which makes his life a part of the history of Sandusky County. As to his medical practice, it is, however, proper further to state that the year 1834 was an epoch in the medical history of this county. The cholera scourge prevailed, and many of the frightened people of Lower Sandusky locked their doors and refused to leave their houses or to admit visitors. The village population at that time amounted to about three hundred, a large per cent. of whom were afflicted with the fatal disease, and the mortality was large. Four men, - it is a delight to record their names and preserve the memory of their disinterested charity - Dr.

Rawson, Mr. Brown, Mr. Birchard, and Judge Hulburd, went from house to house of the afflicted, performing the tender offices of physician and nurse, and, when sad necessity required, attended the rites of burial. This was the first visitation of the cholera on the Sandusky. It subsequently appeared several times, but never with such fatal results.

As the country developed, Dr. Rawson's practice grew more extensive and remunerative. His practice was laborious, but a physique capable of almost any endurance was his best inheritance. The rugged labor of his early life was a fit preparation for the toils of his professional career. In his case vigor of body was happily equalled by vigor of mind. Toa close and extensive knowledge of medical science he brought the aid of practical judgment.

Many were the regrets, in 1855, when he announced his intention to withdraw from professional life. His patients cherished toward him more than professional affection. He had been to them a prompt friend in every hour of physical distress and anxiety. Aside from his skill and sincere honesty in the treatment of diseases, Dr. Rawson had one characteristic as a practitioner worthy of imitation by members of his profession. He never failed to meet an engagement. Every summons to a bed of sickness was promptly answered by his cheerful presence, regardless of financial condition, or prospect of remuneration.. He thus endeared himself to the people whom he served.

He was successively appointed to the office of county clerk from 1836 to 1851, inclusive. His laborious professional business made it necessary that the charge of' the office should be confided to a deputy.

We have now briefly traced the career of Dr. Rawson as a practitioner of medicine during a period of nearly thirty years. But his career of usefulness by no means ended with his retirement from professional life. He had accumulated considerable property, and had for years been alive to every enterprise which promised to become a public benefit. In previous chapters of this volume are detailed the history of three of the most important public improvements in the history of the county, the plank-road from Tiffin to Fremont and Fostoria, the Cleveland, Toledo & Norwalk Railroad, and the Fremont & Indiana Railroad. In the plank-road enterprise Dr. Rawson worked actively and vigorously, and when money was wanted his hand went deep into his treasury.

To detail Dr. Rawson's connection with the other two enterprises would be to repeat what has already been said by one familiar with all the cireumstances. Dr. Rawson and others, when the Cleveland, Toledo & Norwalk Railroad was first inaugurated, obligated themselves to indemnify the county commissioners, who, without ample personal guarantee, refused to issue the bonds, as authorized by vote of the 'people of the county. When stock books were opened, Dr Rawson was among the heaviest subscribers. For the history of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, with which the name of Dr. Rawson is so closely associated, we again refer to a preceding chapter. To the united energy of the incorporators - L. Q. Rawson, Sardis Birchard, James Justice, Charles W. Foster, and John R. Pease - the country benefited by this road is indebted. The leading spirit and advocate from the beginning was Dr. Rawson, who, at the first organization of the company in 1853, was elected president and director, and served in that capacity until 1875. For about twenty years he had the general management of all the interests of the road. His connection with the county agricultural society is duly mentioned under the proper head.

Dr. Rawson married, July 8, 1829, Sophia Beaugrand, daughter of John B. Beaugrand, who was born in Bordeaux, France, in 1768. He was married in St. Anne's Church, Detroit, in 1802, to Margaret Chabert, daughter of Colonel Chabert de Joucaire, of the French army. Mr. Beaugrand was a merchant at Maumee from 1802 till 1812. He then went back to Detroit, where he remained till 1823, then came to Lower Sandusky.

Mrs. Rawson was born October 20, 1810. The family of Dr. and Mrs. Rawson consisted of seven children, four of whom survived childhood - Dr. Milton E., Joseph L., Eugene 7, and fstelle.S.

County 745

CHARLES E. MAY, deceased, for a period covering thirty-four years was a prominent citizen of Townsend Township, having interests of various kinds and so conducting his life and affairs as to leave behind him a fair and even record. Mr. May was born in Livingston County, New York, in 1840, and was a son of Hiram May, of old Empire State ancestry.

Charles E. May was reared in an agricultural district and remained at home until the second year of the Civil War, when he entered the Federal service as a musician in Company A, 58th N. Y. Inf. After his honorable discharge from the army, he engaged in farming, coming to Sandusky County, in 1865. He worked as a farmer and also in the oil fields until 1870, when he settled permanently in Townsend Township. He owned a farm of fifty acres and he managed his wife's property, which included forty acres in Townsend Township and eighty acres in Green Creek Township, which she inherited from the estate of her father, Franklin Richards. In addition to his farming and stockraising interests, Mr. May, for over thirty years conducted a sawmill and a sorghum and cider-mill on his farm. These mills were burned in 1902. Mr. May took an active interest in the affairs of his township and served as township trustee for six years previous to his death, which took place on May 13, 1904. He was a man of great kindness of heart, was charitable and neighborly, and in every way was held in high esteem by those who knew him best.

Mr. May was married March 1, 1870, to Miss Frances Richards, a daughter of the late Franklin Richards of Townsend Township, and they had three children: James H., Ralph E. and Blanche E. James H. May was born May 26, 1872. He married Carrie Lincolnback, of Sandusky, and they resided in Townsend Township. During the Spanish-American War he served as corporal in Company I, 6th O. Vol. Inf. Ralph E. May was born August 18, 1877. He married Alma Jones, of Riley Township, Sandusky County, and they live in Townsend Township. Blanche E. May was born April 20, 1889. She resides with her mother on the homestead in Townsend

CHARLES L. HEINEMAN, a prominent and substantial citizen of Madison Township, who carries on general farming on his 120 acres of valuable land, situated in Sections 25, 26, 11 and 12, was born May 5, 1867, in Madison Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Kennel) Heineman.

The father of Mr. Heineman was born in Germany and came to America in early manhood, working for a time in New York as a plasterer, and was married there to Mary Kennel. They came to Sandusky County, Ohio, where Jacob Heineman bought fifty-six acres of land in Madison Township. He engaged in farming and also worked as a plasterer, and died on that place January 29, 1893. He was survived by his widow until May 3, 1905, and they both were buried in the Gibsonburg Cemetery. They were hard-working, thrifty, honest people and good Christians, worthy members of the Evangelical Church.

Charles L. Heineman attended the country schools through boyhood and then remained at home and helped his father until his own marriage, when he made arrangements by years. He then purchased forty acres of his present holdings, then a second forty acres and still later forty acres more. He has done considerable improving, putting in 10,000 tile for drainage and erecting new farm buildings or renovating those already standing. He has two fine orchards, one of which he set out himself and has an abundance of fruit, the old belle-flower and the wine-sap varieties doing well. Mr. Heineman owns also a house and lot on East Madison Street, Gibsonburg. He has always been interested in the good government of his community and has served as road supervisor of the township. Like his father, he is a Democrat.

On September i1, 1889, Mr. Heineman was married to Miss Mary I. Taylor, a daughter of J. B. and Cynthia (Campbell) Taylor, and they have six children, namely: Elsie, who married Emory Snyder, son of Noah Snyder, has two sons - Claude and Clyde; Cynthia, who is now deceased; and Roy E., Herbert, Verta Irene and Howard T., all residing at home. Mr. Heineman and family attend the Disciples Church. He is a member of the K. O. T. M., Tent No. 115, at Gibsonburg.

STEPHEN WOLF, who has been in the real estate business in Fremont since 1868, and has taken a very active and useful part in the development of the city, was born in Gueinelingen, Baden, Germany, November 22, 1851, a son of Gervas Wolf. When he was eleven years old, his mother having died, his father determined to come to the United States, and accordingly embarked, the subject of this sketch accompanying him. The vessel was burned at sea, but the crew and passengers were rescued by another vessel. This had the misfortune to be wrecked on the Cape Verde Islands, and Stephen Wolf and his father, after clinging all night to a rock at the imminent danger of being at any moment washed off and drowned, were picked up the next night by a British man-of-war and carried to Liverpool. From there they took ship for the United States, landing in New York City. In the New World metropolis Stephen Wolf found employment for some time in driving a bakery wagon. Subsequently, however, he went to Philadelphia, and from there a little later to Cincinnati, Cleveland, Sandusky and Fremont, Ohio, successively, arriving in this city in 1868. He soon became connected with the real estate business, in which he has since continued with such success, having been thus engaged longer than any other man in Sandusky County. He has erected more houses here than any other three men and Wolf Avenue was named in his honor. He resides in a very beautiful home on West State Street.

Mr. Wolf has two sons - Jerome Garfield and Scott Stephen. The former acts as/ius father's foreman in his building operations, having control of from twenty-five to thirty men. He married Cecelia Ronsky and they have three children - Stephen, Angela and Mildred. The other son, Scott S., is now a leading insurance man of Fremont. He married Adelaide M. Busold of this city and they have two sons - Carl Stephen George and Clarence Gervas. The subject of this sketch belongs to Croghan Lodge, No. 77, I. O. O. F., of which he has been an active member since April 19, 1873. He is widely respected for his qualities as a man and citizen and for the work he has done in the development of the city of Fremont. Mr. Wolf was an intimate friend of the late Ex-President R. B. Hayes and handled much of his real estate.

JOHN FOOS, residing on his valuable farm of 185 acres, situated in Section 1, Scott Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, was born September 30, 1833, in one of the provinces of France. He came to America in boyhood, landing in the port of New York on July 4, 1842.

Mr. Foos soon found work near Rochester, New York, and what few school advantages he had, he found at Rochester. When he was twenty-one years old he came to Ohio and worked for a time as a distiller in Butler and in Montgomery Counties, also south of Millersvillé in Sandusky County, subsequently returning to Montgomery County, where he lived six more years. After his marriage he bought a small farm near Hessville, from which La' came to his present place, buying sixty acres at that time. Just then the Civil War broke out and Mr. Foos became a member of the 32nd O. Vol. Inf., and while in the service marched over hundreds of miles of historic territory through many states and was finally taken sick and sent to Fort Shiloh, where he was later discharged. When he returned home he lived on a farm near Hessville for ten years, then bought eighty acres in Washington Township, on which he lived for five years, and later bought 145 acres, which he still owns and to this he still later added forty adjoining acres on the east side. He had no buildings to erect but has done a large amount of draining. The larger part of the land is under excellent cultivation, there being about twelve acres devoted to pasturage and timber.

On April 16, 1858, Mr. Foos was married to Miss Eva Buchman, a daughter of John Buchman, and to them were born the following children: Mary, George, John, Jr., Fran-

CITIZENS 747 ces, Caroline, Catherine, Theresa, Susanna, Albert and Edward. Of this family three are deceased: Mary, Catherine and Theresa. Mr. Foos and family are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Millersville. In politics he is a Democrat and served one year as township supervisor, making an excellent officer. Mr. Foos has practically retired from farm work. He is one of Scott Township's best known citizens.

DANIEL M. POTTER, is the active head of the D. M. Potter Drain Tile and Brick Company, a large and flourishing concern of Ballville Township. He is the owner of eighty acres of land on which he lives, and is one of the foremost men of the township, taking an active interest in all that pertains to its development and welfare. He was born in the viciuity of his present home, April 19, 1860, and 1s a sou of Henry Jarvis and Zeruiah Ann (Dawley) Potter, and a grandson of Merritt D. and Maria Potter.

Henry J. Potter was born in Oswego County, New York, October 27, 1836, and was there reared on a farm until he was eighteen years old. In the spring of 1854 the family started west for Steuben County, Indiana, and got as far as the home of Daniel Dawley in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, when Mrs. Potter was taken sick. Mr. Dawley offered them the use of an unoccupied house on his place, in which they lived until fall before resuming their journey. Upon arriving in Steuben County, Indiana, Mr. Potter purchased a farm, on which he was assisted in the work by his son, Henry, who in the winter months engaged in teaching school. In 1857, Mrs. Potter died, and soon after Henry Potter returned to Sandusky County, Ohio. There he worked on the farm for Daniel Dawley, whose daughter, Zeruiah Ann Dawley, he married on Septernber 15, 1857. He soon after bought eight acres of timberland in Green Creek Township, on which he built a log cabin, which later was destroyed by fire. Mr. Potter picked up some lumps of clay which had been burned to a bright red color, and this was the first indication that the soil was excellent for brick and tile making. He had in his employ as farm hand, Daniel McNutt. In addition to farming he engaged in teaching at the old Powers schoolhouse, located about two miles west of his home. In 1863, he became a member of Company K, a volunteer military company organized for the defense of Ohio. Mr. Potter enlisted for three years' service as a member of the 72nd Ohio Vol. Inf., with which he served in numerous battles and skirmishes until he was taken prisoner, June 11, 1864. His experience was a terrible one. He was taken to Andersonville Prison, June 17, 1864, and was stripped of all clothing and valuables, being given for wear a pair of pants, a blouse and a cap. The record of the indignities of that prison life, the hardships and privations endured, forms one of the blackest pages in _ the history of the Rebellion. It rained steadily for two weeks after he was taken there, and with the others of the 32.000 Northern soldiers he received scarcely enough to eat to keep him alive, and the food given was served raw After a month of confinement, Mr. Potter became ill with the scurvy, but received no medical treatment except such as his comrades could give. He was mercifully relieved of his sufferings by death on August 23, 1864, and 108 other Union soldiers were laid to rest on the same day. When news of his death reached his was held at the Dawley schoolhouse, November I, 1864, Rev. James Long, who had united him and his wife seven years before, officiating. Potter Post, G. A. R., at Green Springs, was so named as a tribute to his memory. He was a devout member of the United Brethren Church, and was one of the trustees of Mt. Lebanon Church.

Daniel M. Potter has always lived in Sandusky County, and received his educational training in the district school located on the southeast corner of his farm, and in the schools at Green Springs, Fremont and Clyde. He was but four years of age at his father's death and it early became necessary for him to look after the management of affairs for his mother. He continued to do so until his marriage in 1881, when he started out for himself, locating on the farm on which he now lives. He continued farming for a couple of years, and then began the manuiacture of drain tile and brick on a small scale. He first did all the work himself, but as the demand for his products grew, his working force was increased proportionately until he now employs an average of eight men. His entire output is purchased by the farmers in the vicinity, and he does an annual business approximating $6,000. He has served as a member of the school board of Ballville Township for thirteen years, and is at the present time president of that body Politically, he is a Republican. . ;

On December 25, 1881, Mr. Potter was united in marriage with Miss Etta A. Huss, a daughter of Chaplin R. and Ellen ( Morrison) Huss of Green Creek Township, and they became parents of the following children: Mabel Ellen, who was born August 30, 1884; Henry, J., who was born May 30, 1886; James C., who was born August 31, 1891; Merritt P., who was born August 21, 1901; and Myron T., who was born June 4, 1903. Mabel Ellen Potter was united in marriage with Henry Sibbrel, of Green Springs, and they have a daughter, Mary Etta, who was born August 7, 1906. Henry J. Potter, who lives on a part of the home farm and assists his father, was united in marriage with Miss Maud Hawk.

Fraternally, the subject of this record is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Green Springs, in which he has filled all the chairs; and of the Masonic Lodge at Green Springs.

HARMON V. BECKER, who is prominently identified with the leading interests of Clyde, Ohio, is president of the Elmore Manufacturing Company, a concern which has more than 200 men on its pay roll and is engaged in the manufacture of the well known Elmore Automobile. Mr. Becker was born in Schoharie County, New York, September 24, 1826, and is a son of David H. and Hannah (Loucks) Becker, and a grandson of Harmon Becker. His paternal great-grandfather was the first of the family to arrive in the United States, coming from Germany and locating in New York State.

Harmon V. Becker

agricultural pursuits. He and his wife both - died on the home farm in Wayne County at the age of eighty-four years. They were parents of the following children: Harmon V.; Mary, deceased wife of Thomas C. Heffner; Jerry, deceased, who served in the Union Army during the Civil War; Ann, wife of L. C. Wells; David D., who also served in the Union Army during the Civil War; Eliza, wife of John Palmer; and Murray, deceased.

Harmon V. Becker was reared on the home farm until he was seventeen years old, dividing his time in working on the farm and attending school during the winter. At that age he left home to learn the trade of a cooper, which he followed for six years. He then resumed farming operations, first on the home farm and later on a farm of fifty acres which he purchased. He continued on that place some four years after his marriage and then sold out. He purchased a hotel and livery at Red Creek, in Wayne County, New York, which he conducted for five years, and then for two years continued in the sarne business at Wolcott, in Wayne County. Meanwhile he was also for a time engaged in operating a stave and heading factory, and at different times served as deputy sheriff, constable and tax collector. About the year 1869 he moved his stave factory west to Elmore, Ohio, where he continued the business until 1893, also operating a sawmill during a part of the time. In 1892, he began the manufacture of bicycles and in a short time was employing from forty to fifty men, the Elmore Bicycle beconiing weil known and having a large sale. He was in the meantime elected township clerk of Harris Township, Ottawa County, and had the distinction of being the first Republican ever elected to that office. He also served nine years on the School Board and was treasurer of the township. In 1894, he moved his factory to Clyde, Ohio, and continued the manufacture of bicycles for two years, employing some sixty men. He then began the manufacture of the Elmore Automobile under the firm name of the Elmore Manufacturing Company, the plant being located on Amanda Street. between the L. S. & M. S. and the Wheeling railroads. There has been a steady increase in business from the starting of the factory, and from time to time it has become necessary to enlarge the plant to meet the demands of trade. Two hundred men are now employed and the company will manufacture approximately 1,000 machines during the year of 1909, the estimate being based upon the output during the first half of the year and the continued demand for the Elmore. Mr. Becker helped to organize and has since been president of the Clyde Telephone Company, and is stockholder and president of the Elmore Oil Company, of which he was one of the original promoters.

On December 3, 1856, Harmon V. Becker was married to Miss Lavina J. Johnson, a daughter of Ansel and Sarah (Hallet) Johnson of New York State, and they became parents of the following children: Della, Mary, James H., Burton A. and two who died in infancy. Della Becker was first married to Thomas FE. Baynes, deceased, and they had four children: Helen, who married Scott Crockett of Clyde and has two children, Thomas and James; Jessie, who is the wife of Harry Whittlesey and lives in Detroit; Bertha, who is the wife of Clarence Whittaker of Clyde and has two children, Robert and Gordon; and Harmon, who married Bea Rule and lives in Clyde. Mrs. Baynes formed a second union with Frank Austin of Green Springs. Mary Becker, second daughter born to our subject and his wife, was married to Dr. S. T. Drombold of Elmore, and they have two children: Dora, who married W. Dolph of Genoa, Ohio, and has two children, Laura and Mary; and John, who married Florence Witte and lives in Cleveland, Ohio. James H. Becker, formerly manager of the Elmore Manufacturing Company, was married to Metta Angell and lives at Clyde. Burton A. Becker is present manager of the Elmore Manufacturing Company. He married Bertha Damshroeder and has two children, Mildred and Howard.

Fraternally, the subject of this record became affiliated with the Masons while a resident of New York State, and is now a member of that order at Clyde. He resides in a comfortable home on West Buckeye Street in Clyde.

BASIL MEEK was born at New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, April 20, 1829. He came of Anglo-Saxon ancestry, his paternal great-grandfather having come from England to Virginia, whence later he moved to North Carolina, finally settling in Maryland. His maternal great-grandfather, James Stevenson, a native of Pennsylvania, but moving to North Carolina and finally settling in Tennessee, served as a soldier during the War of the Revolution and held a commission as captain in that war. His paternal grandfather, John Meek, moved from his native state of Maryland to Pennsylvania when the father of the subject of this sketch, whose name was also John, was a small boy, but after a few years' residence there, in 1788, emigrated with his family and all his effects to Kentucky, settling at New Castle, Henry County, in that state, where he died in 1803. He had been owner of slaves in that state, but in his will he manumitted the last one he owned.

John Meek, father of Basil, a farmer, was born in 1774, near Ellicott's Mills, now Ellcott City in the state of Maryland - going with his father first to Pennsylvania and thence to Kentucky, where he grew to manhood, and at New Castle, Kentucky, July_1, 1792. married his first wife, Miss Margaret Ervin, who bore him nine children - six sons and three daughters, their names and dates of birth being as follows: William, May 29, 1793; Joseph, March 3, 1795: Sarah, x 0707 3_ Marty, , 1800; Jeptha, November 3, 1803; Jesse, May 27, 1806; Elizabeth, August 9, 1808; John (date lost), and Lorenzo Dow, May 29, 1812. These all married and reared families. Of them Sarah, married at Richmond, Indiana, John Smith, son of one of the founders of that city; and Joseph married Gulielma, a sister of John Smith. Mary became the wife of Rev. Daniel Fraley, a pioneer Methodist preacher of Indiana. Elizabeth was the wife of Rev. John Davis, a local Methodist minister who died at Wabash, Indiana: she died at Stratford, Ontario, Canada, in 1893, aged eighty-six years. These have all died, after surviving to good old ages, respectively.

at Clear Creek on a farm now embraced within the limits of the city of Richmond. Here his first wife died while Lorenzo D. was a small boy. He continued to live there some years and then moved to New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, where in 1827 he married Miss Salina Stevenson, daughter of John Stevenson. She was only twenty, while he was fifty-three years old at the time. There were six children born to them of this marriage, four sons and two daughters, of whom are now living the subject of this sketch and Capt. James S. Meek, who was born August 17, 1834, now living in Indianapolis, Indiana; Laurinda Clement, born June 2, 1831, now the widow of Stephen Clement, Newton, Iowa, and Cynthia Clement, wife of Jesse Clement, of Scandia, Kansas. One of the sons died in infancy; the other son, Thomas J., born January 15, 1843, died in early manhood. The mother of these died at the home of her son, Capt. James S. Meek, at Spencer, Indiana, in May, 1883, aged seventyfive years.

In the year 1832 John Meek returned from Henry to Wayne County, and there resided until 1841, when he moved with his family to Morgan Township, Owen County, Indiana, then a very new and unimproved section of the state. with but very limited school or other privileges. Here he died in 1849, and was buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, in Morgan Township. Basil was only twelve vears old when his father settled in Owen County, and having no opportunity of attending any of the higher educational institutions, his school education was limited to that of the common schools of that comparatively new country. He, however, improved every opportunity that was aftforded for self improvement, in the use of which he acquired a fairly liberal education. In later life he graduated from the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, and has ever since continued his association with the Chautauqua Movement and is president of a local circle.

While residing at Cataract Village. Owen County. Indiana, December 23, 1849, he married Miss Cynthia A. Brown, daughter of Abner Brown, of Morgan Township. The result of this union was four children, namely: Minerva Bullitt, Mary E., Lenora Belle, and Flora B. Of these Minerva B. died at Clyde, Ohio, November 22, 1869, in the eighteenth year of her age. Flora B. died in infancy, Mary E. is the wife of Byron R. Dudrow, attorney at law, of Fremont, and Lenora, Belle, who married L. C. Grover. She died December 4, 1907. The mother of these died in Spencer, Owen County, Indiana, in August, 1861. On September 30, 1862, he married Miss Martha E. Anderson, daughter of Alvin and Hariet (Baldwin) Anderson, of Bellevue, Ohio. dren, Clara Meek Edgerton, wife of Dr. H. G. Edgerton, dentist, Fremont, Ohio, and Robert Basil Meek, M. D., who is practicing his profession in Fremont, His grand-children are Robert Basil Grover, Mary B., Rachel, Dorothy and Henry Meek Edgerton. Mary B. is the wife of Victor Zahm, of Fremont, Ohio.

In 1853, at the age of twenty-four, he was elected clerk of the Circuit Court of Owen County, Indiana, and moved from Cataract to Spencer, the county seat. He was re-elected without opposition in 1857, serving two terms of four years each. During these eight years he devoted such time as could be spared from his official duties in studying law, and in 1861 was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership at Spencer with Hon. Samuel H. Buskirk, of Bloomington, Indiana, who subsequently was a judge of the Indiana Supreme Court. In 1864 he removed from his native state to Sandusky County, Ohio, making, at first, his residence on a farm which is now within the village of Clyde. In 1871 he became a member of the Sandusky County bar and practiced until February 10, 1879, when he entered upon his duties as clerk of courts, to which office he had been elected at the previous fall election, by a large plurality, running largely ahead of his ticket. He removed with his family to Fremont in the fall of 1879, where he now resides. At the close of his term he was reelected by a majority of 1,100 votes, and served six years in all.

On retiring from this office he resumed the practice of his profession until he was appointed by President Cleveland postmaster at Fremont. He took charge of this office September 1, 1886, and served until March 1, 1891, a period of four years and six months. In this office he took much interest and devoted his entire energies in rendering an efficient and what was a satisfactory service to the public. It was during his term and through his efforts that the free delivery system was extended to this office and put into very successful operation under his management and that of his son Robert B., who was his first assistant postmaster. .Three of the five letter-carriers appointed by him have been retained till this writing, 1909. ; .

On April 1, 1891, he became associated with his son-in-law, Byron R. Dudrow, in the practice of law, in which he has since been engaged. In 1905 Mr, Dudrow, owing to severe and protracted illness, retired, since which Mr. Meek has been alone in the practice.

As a member of the board of education he was influential in the reorganization of the high schools in 1895, in creating the principalship, adopting new courses of study and supporting other measures tending to advance the interests of the school and establishing therein methods of instruction both modern and practical. He was also active in making free kindergartens, now in successful operation, a part of the public school system of the city. He takes much interest in the public schools of the city, and delights in aiding all movements for the promotion of the cause of education among the people. He was a member of the school board for nine years, most of which time he was its president.

Politically he has all his life been a Democrat, loyally supporting the measures and candidates of his party, and cheerfully working for the promotion of its principles, serving several occasions as chairman of the county executive committee, with acceptability to his party. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church from 1857 till 1901, when he connected himself with the First Presbyterian Church, of Fremont. Ohio. and is one of

JOSEPH OTTNEY, JR., a trustee of Madison Township and proprietor of a restaurant and manufacturer of all kinds of soft drinks, at Gibsonburg, Sandusky County, Ohio, was born in this town on June 12, 1867, and is a son of Henry and Rosa (Hess) Ottney.

The mother of Mr. Ottney died in September, 1884, and the father in November, 1886, and they rest side by side in the Millersville Cemetery. They had five children, two of whom, Lewis and Joseph, survive. Henry Ottney and wife were members of the Catholic Church. In politics he was a Democrat.

Joseph Ottney attended school at Gibsonburg and then entered the employ of the Zorn- Horning Company, manufacturers of staves, and he remained there for eight years, during which period he married. Following his marriage he continued in the stave-mill and then became carpenter foreman for Peter Wolcott, with whom he was connected for ten years. Mr. Ottney then secured a farm of forty acres in Isabella County, Michigan, and this he operated for four years, when he sold out and bought a farm of 112 acres in Madison Township, Sandusky County. On that farm Mr. Ottney remained for six years and then disposed of it to advantage and came to Gibsonburg. Here he founded his present business, one that he has successfully carried on, at present doing a large amount of manufacturing and owning his restaurant and a lunch counter and dealing also in tobacco and cigars.

On December 24, 1886, Mr. Ottney was married to Miss Amanda Urch, a daughter of Charles and Caroline Urch, and they have had seven children, namely: Otto, who was killed by a Lake Shore electric car at Toledo, September 14, 1907, at the age of twenty years; Garth, who works with his father at Gibsonburg; Ollis, who is engaged in teaming for his father; Flossie, who with Guy and Leta, attends school; and Alton, who is yet small. Mr. Ottney is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is master of the local lodge.

J. F. HUTCHINSON, a retired farmer residing in Section 5, Scott Township, is one of the substantial men of this locality and one of the leading citizens. He owns 144 acres of well improved land, situated in Sections 5 and 6, on which he has lived for the past thirtythree years. He was born in Medina County, Ohio, April 23, 1836, and is a son of John W. and Mary (Fritz) Hutchinson.

Mr. Hutchinson is descended on both sides from men who achieved distinction in military affairs. His great-grandfather, William Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts under King George III, served under the latter in the war with the American Colonies, while in the Continental Army was enlisted his maternal great-grandfather, Martin Fritz. His grandfather, John Hutchinson, and Jacob Fritz served in the American army during the War of 1812. John W. Hutchinson, his father, desired to enlist in the war against Mexico, but was prevented by reason of his age, and in the Civil War Jacob F. Hutchinson added to the military achievements of the family.

grants from the King. His sister Elizabeth became the wife of President Andrew Jackson and presided as mistress of the White House in Washington. John Hutchinson moved from Virginia to Wayne County, Ohio, where his son John W. was born January 26, 1814. The latter moved to Medina County, Ohio, thence to Sandusky County, where he died in April, 1894. He was buried near Bradner. His wife had died in June, 1889, and her burial was at the same place. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were five in number, namely: J. F., Mary C., Elizabeth, John and Jane.

J. F. Hutchinson attended school in Medina County and lived there until January 26, 1854, and then accompanied his parents to Sandusky County, locating in Section 6, Scott Township. He helped his father clear the pioneer farm and did a large amount of ditching in those days.

» the Confederates and spent about eleven . months in the terrible prisons at Andersonville, + Savannah and other places, but was finally ex- liam C., who lives on the home farm; Mina, who married Asa Olmstead, and has two sons - - - Francis and Fred Lina, who married F. F. Smith and has two surviving children - Inez and Clarence; and Ralph B., who married Etta Hatfield and has one son, Dwight Keller. Mr.

_ changed and honorably discharged, April 28, - 1865. Mr. Hutchinson can tell some true and _ thrilling tales of that period. At the time his incarceration began he weighed 206 pounds and when released but 119 pounds. 'He re- _ turned to Sandusky County and in 1866 was "married, but continued to live on the homestead _ for a time and then moved on a rented farm in _ Scott Township, on which he resided until he - came to his present farm in 1876, having bought sixty-four acres of it, located in Section 5, in 1875. There were twenty acres left to clear. He has put down about 5,000 tile, has two sets of good farm buildings, and has _ thirteen oil wells on his land. His tract of eighty acres located in Section 6, Scott Town- _ ship, was first entered by Millard Fillmore, af- _ terward President of the United States, who then was unmarried but lived on the place for two years.

For many years Mr. Hutchinson worked hard, but for some time has been retired, having sons who have relieved him from responsibility. He is much given to travel and while _ viewing the points of interest in some forty- _ four of the United States has met with some _ interesting experiences. Upon one occasion while in Chicago he encountered an Italian, who had in his possession a violin with which he was willing to part for any sum he could get, as he needed the money. Mr. Hutchinson, who has an ear for music and knows a good - instrument when he hears it, readily paid him $15.00 for it. It is an old Italian violin of exceptional tone and he has refused $300 which was offered for it.

On November 8, 1866, Mr. Hutchinson was married to Miss Emmeline Keller, a daughter of John A. and Rowenna (Plantz) Keller, and they have had eight children, namely: Al- - bert S., who married 'Anna Bailey and has four - children - Herbert R., Luella, Jacob and John B.; Herbert, who died in 1876; Amos and Mary, both of whom are now deceased; Wil-

Hutchinson and family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican and has served for three years as a member of the school board. For many years he has been an Odd Fellow and has passed all the chairs of the Bradner Lodge, and he is also identified with Hamilton Post No. go, G. A. R. at Bradner.

L. F. AVERS, a representative citizen of Gibsonburg, who is serving both as township clerk and as clerk of the school board, is a general farmer and is caretaker of the Gibsonburg Cemetery. He was born October 3, 1864, at Woodville, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Clara (Wichman) Avers.

The parents of Mr. Avers were born in Hanover, Germany, and the father was brought te America when six years old and was reared near Elmore, in Ottawa County, Ohio. The maternal grandparents, Fred and Mary Wichman, came to America when Mrs. Avers was sixteen years old and settled along Sugar Creek in Woodville Township, Sandusky County, Henry Avers and wife were people of Christian life, members of the Lutheran Church. The former died August 18, 1902, and the latter March 11, 1908, and they were interred in the Gibsonburg Cemetery.

L. F. Avers was mainly educated at Elliston, in Ottawa County. In 1879 he accompanied his parents to the southeastern part of Arkansas and during a residence of six years there, helped his father farm and raise cattle. In the fall of 1884 the family moved on a farm of forty acres, in Madison Township, near Gibsonburg and shortly afterward, L. F. Avers entered the employ of the Tiffin Hedge Company of Tiffin, Ohio, with which he remained for five years. In 1892 he came with his parents to Gibsonburg and worked for two years gathering cream for the Zorn-Hornung Company, then went into the planing mill at Gibsonburg for a time and after that was employed as a painter by B. F. Reineck. After he was married he built a house at Gibsonburg, in which he lived until 1906, when he moved to his.present home. He has had charge of the cemetery here for a period of four years. He has been an active man in local politics, a stanch Democrat, and for ten years has been township clerk. He served also for two years in the Gibsonburg council.

On June 6, 1893, Mr. Avers was married to Miss Lena Sollman, a daughter of Louis and Carolina Sollman, and they have two children: Alice and Helen, both of whom attend school. Mr. and Mrs. Avers are members of the Lutheran Church.

Louis Sollman was born near Elmore, Ohio, and followed farming in Ottawa County until some years after his marriage. He then moved to Sandusky County, locating three miles north 'of Woodville, and about the year 1881 moved to Madison Township, where he lived until he retired. The last years of his life were spent at Gibsonburg, where he died July 11, 1906. Mrs. Sollman now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Avers. ;

MICHAEL OBERST, a practical farmer and public spirited citizen of Sandusky Township, owns 123 acres of cultivated land, located in Section 21, which he devotes to general agriculture. He was born December 8, 1848, in Sandusky Township, this county, and is a son of Michael and Anna (Mohler) Oberst.

The father of Mr. Oberst was born in Baden, Germany, and before he came to America in the forties served as a soldier according to the military laws of his country. This military training served him well when he participated in the Mexican War under General Scott, and again in 1861, when he willingly took un arms for the third time, evincing soldierly courage and resolution at a time when those qualities were in hourly demand. He married after coming to Ohio and then went into the army and after his return from Mexico he became a pioneer settler in Sandusky Township, taking up land in Section 20, which was then a wild and uncleared tract. He and his estimable wife endured many hardships with fortitude, but survived them all, and Mrs. Oberst is still living and residing on the~-old homestead. Although now in her eighty-second year she is in possession of all her faculties and is a remarkably well preserved and intelligent lady, an example to the younger generation of the advantages of the plain and simple life. Her husband, the elder Michael Oberst, died in 1898. Two of their children are living: Michael, whose name appears at the head of this sketch; and Mary, who is the wife of Marvin Hix, of Steuben County, Indiana.

Michael Oberst (the present bearer of the name) has always made his home in Sandusky Township, with the exception of two years which he spent at Hillsdale, Michigan; his industrial life has been taken up chiefly with agricultural pursuits. He takes an active and useful part, however, in public affairs, having served the township as road supervisor and as school director. In politics he is a Republican,

Mr. Oberst married Miss Sarah Lobdell, a daughter of the late Philetus and Margaret (Duncan) Lobdell, of Sandusky County, and they have eight children born to them, namely: - Olive E., wife of Charles Zeigler, of Riley Township; Charles W., residing in Sandusky Township; Lucy W., wife of -C. Wolfe, of Sandusky, Ohio; Frank P., of% Greshard County, Michigan; Anna L., wife of © A. L. Cocanour, of Toledo, Ohio; Earl M., now deceased, who was educated in the Fremont High School and at Angola College, Angola, Indiana; Claire R., of Sandusky Township, and Wilbur L. Earl M., above mentioned, was a young man of great promise, but met a tragic death, being killed on the railway at Waterloo, Indiana. Struck by an engine while at the station, he died from the effects of his injuries on June 16, 1go9, his untimely decease causing great sorrow to all the members of the family and to his numerous friends throughout this locality.

JOHN LYON, a representative citizen of Townsend Township, residing on his farm of forty acres, on which he carries on a general line of agriculture, was born June 15, 1848) in Cambridgeshire, England, and is a son of William and Mary Ann (Alcock) Lyon.

_ The parents of Mr. Lyon came to America in 1858. For two years thereafter William Lyon engaged in farming three miles from Tonawanda, Erie County, New York, later came to Erie County, Ohio, and subsequently to Sandusky County, where he settled on the farm which is now owned by Elisha Haff. In 1866 he bought forty acres in Townsend Township, from James Temple, to which he added eighty acres on the west, which he purchased at a good price, and he continued to live on and develop his 160 acres during the remainder of his active life. His life was prolonged far beyond the average, his death occurring in June, 1906, when he was ninety-five years old. In England he married Mary Ann Alcock, who died in 1901, aged eighty-seven years. They had a family of nine children born to them, six sons and three daughters, namely: William, residing at North Baltimore; Ann, wife of Nelson Winters, residing at Clyde; John, living in Townsend Township; Christopher, living in Riley Township; Samuel, residing in Townsend Township; Fanny, wife of Fred Mapes, of Ballville Township; Robert, living near Sandusky; George, residing at Sherwood, Defiance County, Ohio; and Alma, wife of Charles Green Cleveland, of Rosedale, Ohio.

John Lyon was ten years old when he accompanied his parents to America. He has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and resides on the forty-acre tract which was his father's first purchase of land in Townsend Township. Mr. Lyon is a Democrat in politics. He is a director of the Sandusky County Fair Association. His parents were members of the United Brethren Church at Vickery, and in this faith he was reared. Mr. Lyon has never married.

PETER SPIELDENNER, a respected citizen and retired farmer of Scott Township, residing on his valuable property in Section 15, where he owns eighty acres of excellent farming and oil producing land, was born in France, June 27, 1850.

The parents of Mr. Spieldenner were Andrew and Margaret (Silers) Spieldenner and they came to America when their son Peter was one and one-half years old. They settled first near Fremont, in Sandusky County, and came from there to Scott Township, where the father died in 1869 and was buried at Ludwick Cemetery. The mother survived for many years, her death occurring December 14, 1892. They were devoted members of St. Mary's Church at Helena.

Peter Spieldenner always lived at home. He went to school all through boyhood and gained a fair education. Before his marriage he worked for his father and afterward continued to live on the homestead, of which he cleared twenty-five acres and has eighteen acres in timber. He erected all the substantial buildings. now on the place, drilled a water well and has done a large amount of under-draining. There are twelve oil wells on his land and seven of these are producing. For many years he worked laboriously, but now lives retired and enjoys the comforts his industry has brought around him.

On January 16, 1872, Mr. Spieldenner was married to Mary Hoffman, who was born April 30, 1842, a daughter of George and Catherine (Young) Hoffman, and they have had six children, namely: William, who is.

Catherine, who married Harry Cook; Louise, who married William Hughes; Peter, who lives at home; and Alice, who is now deceased. Mr. Spieldenner and family are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Millersville. Like his father, he is a Democrat, and has filled important township offices, serving as a member of the School Board for several years, as township: treasurer and for ten years was roadmaster.

JOHN T. GARVER, of Garver, Garver & Garver, a prominent law firm of Fremont, has been a leading member of the Fremont bar for more than thirty years and has also served Sandusky County in the office of prosecuting attorney. He was born July 26, 1848, at Congress, Wayne County, Ohio, his people being among the representative ones of that section.

Mr. Garver attended school in Congress and an academy at Smithville, and later taught school for several years. In March, 1867, he entered upon the study of law, and remained in the office of Hon. H. G. Blake, at Medina, Ohio, until September, 1869, laying a firm foundation for his subsequent studies in the Ohio State and the Union Law College, at Cleveland. He was admitted to the bar March 17, 1870, and was graduated from that college on the 29th of the following June. Later he was admitted to practice also in the United States, District and Circuit Courts. He settled immediately at West Salem, from which place he came to Fremont, in May, 1871, and with this city he has been identified ever 'since. The firm of Garver, Garver & Garver is composed of two brothers - John T. and Bert S. - and Percival D., a son of John T. They have convenient offices located over the Fremont Tea Store.

While the firm has won a prominent position, its members individually have secured equal prominence. From the outset of his career, John T. Garver commanded attention by the earnest and intelligent methods he employed and both the bar and the public recognized his ability very early. In 1873 he was put forward by his party as a candidate for the office of solicitor of Fremont, was elected and served through two terms, and in 1877 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, in which arduous office he also served two terms. When the Circuit Court was organized he was nominated as one of the Democratic candidates trict being largely Republican, he, with others, was defeated. He has been a man of noted public spirit and has continuously forwarded all movements looking to the permanent welfare of the city and county. He has been particularly interested in educational affairs and has served on the county School Board.

-In February, 1878, Mr. Garver was married to Miss Sarah E. Guilbert, who was a native of Medina County, Ohio. In his political affliation he has always been a Democrat.

JACOB H. ZWEILY, a well known citizen and successful agriculturist of Sandusky Township, who has resided on his excellent farm of eighty-two acres, situated in Section 22, since 1885, was born in Sandusky Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, November 8, 1862, and is a son of Benedict and Ann (Bauman) Zweily.

The parents of Mr. Zweily were born in Switzerland. The father, Benedict Zweily, accompanied by his brother, John Zweily, emigrated to America and came to Fremont a short time before the first Roman Catholic Church edifice was built. The brothers secured work here, Benedict being a stone mason by trade. The brother, John, was accidentally killed while at work on this structure. Benedict continued to labor as a mason for a number of years, after which he secured land in Sandusky Township and cleared up a farm from the forest. He survived until 1892. Of his children, the following are living: Mary, who is the wife of Joel Waitman, of Sandusky Township; Louise, who is the wife of Charles Kiser, of Sandusky Township; Jacob H.; Charles W., who resides at Clyde, Illinois; and George, who lives in Sandusky Township.

Jacob H. Zweily attended the country school near his father's farm when he was a boy and, with his brothers, had duties to perform on the home place, the same that usually fall to the lot of the sons of farmers, and thus from youth he has been accustomed to an agricultural life. About the time of his marriage he settled on his present farm, and to the cultivating of the same and the improving of his property he has devoted the larger part of his time ever since.

On October 8, 1885, Mr. Zweily was married to Miss, Sarah R. Crowell, a daughter of the late George Crowell, of Sandusky Township, and six children have been born to this union: Earl R., Reuben L., Frank E., Clara E., Claude W. and Hattie E. Mr. Zweily is and he supports the public schools and lends his influence to aid all measures which promise to bring about better conditions, realizing In politics he is a Democrat.

GEORGE NUHFER, whose well developed farm of 110 acres lies just east of the village of Woodville, Sandusky County, Ohio, was born at Woodville, June 29, 1864, and is a son of Anthony C. (Whipking) Nuhfer.

his parents in 1840. His father was a Methodist preacher. Anthony C. Nuhfer worked as a shoemaker at Woodville until 1872, when he retired to the farm now owned by his son and also occupied by his widow, and there he died in March, 1908. The family was small, consisting of a son and daughter, the latter being Helen, who married George Walter.

George Nuhfer went to school in Woodville and then accompanied his father to the present farm which he has operated ever since. The excellent farm buildings were erected by Anthony C. Nuhfer, but the present owner has found plenty of improving to do, making the place of more and more value each year. He makes no particular specialty of any feature, but carries on a general agricultural line.

Mr. Nuhfer was married (first) to Julia Gerkin and they had one child, Ella, who died young. He was married (second) to Emma Medford, a native of Sandusky County, and they have three children: Clarence, William and Dorothy. Mr. Nuhfer and wife are members of the German M. E. Church. In politics he is a Republican.

ELI KLINE, one of Scott Township's most substantial retired farmers, whose large estate of 248 acres is situated in Sections 28, 32 and 33, was born in Jackson Township, Seneca County, Ohio, April 18, 1850. His parents were Paul and Lydia (Rinebold) Kline. Both are now deceased, the mother dying when her son was small, and the father in 1898. Their burial was in the Lutheran Cemetery, in Jackson Towsnhip.

Eli Kline obtained his education in the Jackson Township schools and was his father's helper on the home farm until his own marriage, in 1872, when he came to his present farm, settling here on October 10, 1872. He cleared about seventy acres and erected all the farm buildings now standing. He has done a large amount of other improving, including considerable under-draining. This is all valuable land and is profitable for crop producing, pasturage, and also for oil development, there being about twenty oil wells on the place. Mr. Kline has been one of the township's most progressive farmers, a systematic one and has car- ried on his successful operations with the help of first class farm machinery. He has other investments and is a stockholder in the Sun Hardware Company of Rising Sun. About twenty-five years ago he and his father took an active part in securing the construction of Mud Creek 1n Scott Township. He was one of the first, as trustee, to secure the making of turnpike roads in this township, and has taken an active interest in the improvement of roads ever since that time.

On October 10, 1872, Mr. Kline was married to Miss Martha Seagraves, a daughter of Frank and Sarah (Knous) Seagraves, and they have two children, namely: Sarah Lydia, who married Charles Essex; and Francis Paul, who married Ida Hollenbaugh, a daughter of Elias Hollenbaugh. They have four children: Lalu, Wilber, Martha and Melvin.

In politics Mr. Kline is a Republican. He is one of the influential men of this section and was largely instrumental in securing the rural free delivery service from Rising Sun. He has served as a member of the township School Board and several terms as trustee. With his family he belongs to the United Brethren Church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is identified with the lodge at Rising Sun.

HENRY E. BLACK, who has conducted 2 coal and elevator business at Whitmore Station, Sandusky County, for some years and until recently was a general merchant at that place, was born in 1866, in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Beebe) Black.

John Black came to Sandusky County in 1864, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and bought what is known as the Paul Tew farm, in Townsend Township, where he resided until 1889, when he removed to the town of Clyde, where he now resides. He married Rebecca Beebe, a daughter of James Beebe, who was one of the pioneers of the township. They had a family of four daughters and two sons, namely: Bertha, who died in 1884, aged fourteen years; John, who died in 1907, at the age of twenty-eight years; Henry E., born in 1866; Maude, born in 1874; Ada, born

Henry E. Black went from the public schools to the Normal University at Ada and later took a commercial course in a business college at Fostoria. For about four years he engaged in teaching and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and for fourteen years successfully followed farming. In 1905 he entered into a general store business at Whitmore Station and also started his coal and elevator business there. The former interests he disposed of on July 1, 1909, at which time he removed his place of residence to Vickery Village, where he had erected his present comfortable residence.

Mr. Black was married in 1891, to Miss Elizabeth Storey, a daughter of George Storey, of Townsend Township. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Vickery. Mr. Black is a Republican in his political views and he has served as a member of the Board of Education. tive citizen of Townsend Township.

The father of Mr. Otermat was born in Switzerland and the mother in Baden, Germany. Anton Otermat had lived in Baden, Germany, prior to coming to America with his mother, in 1847. He settled in Sandusky County, Ohio, north of and near what is now the village of Kingsway, formerly known as Crane's Harbor. It was then a wild, uncleared region and Anton Otermat was one of the early pioneers there. He never moved to any other section, living there continuously until his death, in 1881. His widow survived until 1893.

John Otermat remained with his parents as long as they lived, being a dutiful son in every respect. He obtained his education in the public schools. His business in life has always been of an agricultural nature. When twenty- two years old he assumed the ownership of the home place, which consisted of seventyfour and one-half acres, with the understand. ing that he care for his parents the remainder of their lives. This property he subsequently sold and purchased his present farm of 154 acres, on which he has spent much time and money in improving.

Mr. Otermat married Miss Elizabeth Longanbach, daughter of Martin Longanbach, who formerly was a county commissioner. To this marriage were born nine children, namely: George H., of Rice Township; Charles M., of Rice Township; Edward F., of Sandusky City; Oscar O., who is at home; Amelia A., wife of Henry Balsizer, of Washington Township; Ida S., at home; Laura S., wife of Reuben Nickel, of Rice Township; and Lucy M., at home; and Samuel G., who is deceased. Mr. Otermat and family are members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rice Township. Formerly he was church secretary and when the present church edifice was put up, he was a member of the building committee.

ALBERT S. MYERS, one of Scott Township's leading citizens, who, for twelve years has been a justice of the peace and a notary public, resides on his farm of fifty acres, which is situated in Section 29, Scott Township, Sandusky County. He was born in the Canton of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, March 1, 1847, and is a son of Christian and Magdalena (Schweitzer) Myers.

Christian Myers brought his family to America from Switzerland. Thev took passage on the Ferdinando Francisco, sailing from Havre, and after a voyage of forty-eight days, landed at the port of New York on April 2, 1855. From New York City they made their way to Ohio and for one year Mr. Myers worked as a laborer, at Canton, and then secured work in the ore mines situated twelve miles south of that city. From there, in 1859, three years later, he came to Sandusky County and the first night was spent on the place of Michael Putman, Sr. On the following day he moved to the farm in Scott Township on which he resided until his death, which occurred February 21, 1909. His wife had died August 18, 1895, and both were buried at Trinity Cemetery. They were worthy people in every way and were faithiul members of the Lutheran Church.

Albert S. Myers was eleven years old when his parents came to Scott Township and he lived at home until his first marriage, after which he settled on his present farm, which was formerly known as Lease Fields. About twenty acres of his land he cleared himself and has all well drained and put up all the farm buildings now standing. He has six oil wells on his property. With his agricultural activities and the duties pertaining to public office, Mr. Myers is a busy man. He is a stanch Democrat and has frequently been elected to township offices and served one year as constable, two terms as trustee and for a dozen years has been a justice of the peace.

Mr. Myers was married (first) to Hannah A. Newkorn, who was born in Switzerland and died in Scott Township, October 21, 1891, and her burial was in Trinity Cemetery. She leit five children, namely: Henry W., Albert F., Wilhelm H., George S., and Edward A. Henry W. married Alta Hollenbaugh and they live at West Mansfield. Albert F. married Mertie Kline and they live at Rising Sun. Wilhelm H. lives at home and is in the oil business. George S. is preparing for the law and is a student at the Western Reserve University. Edward A. lives at McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Mr. Myers was married (second) September 19, 1893, to Mrs. Barbara A. Schock, who was born in Switzerland and was five years old when her parents emigrated to America in 1849. They were John J. and Elizabeth Baumann and they settled in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio.

Mr. Myers has been a member of the Lutheran Church at Bradner since 1872. He isa man of broad views and enlightened understanding and has not only seen a large portion of the interesting parts of the world, but has taken advantage of the different expositions to see the treasures collected from them all. He has visited the Great World's Fair at Chicago, the wonderful Paris Exposition and the equally interesting St. Louts Exposition. In 1900 he went back to Europe and enjoyed a visit of three months in his native place.

LEWIS BALSIZER is a well known citizen of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, residing on a farm of fifty acres in Section 19. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, May 15, 1852, and is a son of John and Emma (Mahr) Balsizer, both of whom were born in Germany.

John Balsizer emigrated to America in 1848 and was followed shortly by his wife. They were for a time located in Seneca County, Ohio, and in 1857 moved to Riley Township, Sandusky County, where they lived until their respective deaths. They were well known among the early settlers and enjoyed high standing in the community. They were devout members of the Lutheran Church, and he was a Democrat in politics.

Lewis Balsizer was about five years old when he was brought by his parents to Riley Township, where he was reared to maturity and attended the public schools. He later attended the Normal School at Fostoria, Ohio, after which he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, at which he has been very successful. He has a well improved farm of fifty acres, on which he has resided since 1903. On December 18, 1878, Mr. Balsizer was married to Miss Laura Gessner, who was born in Riley Township and was a daughter of Dr. Lewis Gessner, late of Riley Township and formerly a well known physician of Fremont. The following children were born to them: Elmer Z., of Riley Township; Ethel M., wife of Edwin J. Martin; Lewis E., of Fremont; Elizabeth, wife of John Martin, of McKenzie County, North Dakota; and Lester G., of Fremont. Mrs. Balsizer died on March 10, 18go.

Elmer Z. Balsizer, son of the subject of this record, was born near Huntsville, Alabama, July 9, 1879, and was reared in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where he now lives and is the owner of a farm of eighty-nine acres. He received a superior educational training in the public schools and in the Normal School at Ada. Ohio, and for six terms engaged in teaching school in Sandusky County. He was married December 27, 1906, to Miss Emma M. Weichel, a daughter of William Weichel, of Riley Township. He is a man of good business ability and ranks among the most progressive and successful young men of the township.

On October 31, 1894, Lewis Balsizer formed a second marital union with Alice M. Rine, -who was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Isaac H. Rine of that county. 'One son, Harold R., was born to bless their union. Mr. Balsizer is a Democrat in politics, and served three years as clerk of Riley Township and at the present time is a member of the School Board. Religiously, he and his family _are affiliated with Grace Lutheran Church at Fremont.

BYRON A. FOUCHE, a member of the Fremont bar, who has been engaged in law "practice in this city since 1888, is an active and representative citizen and is serving as a mem- -ber of the city council from the First Ward. 'Mr. Fouche was born September 8, 1858, in Wayne County, Ohio. His parents were Josiah and Susannah (Stutzman) Fouche.

accompanied the Marquis de Lafayette when he came to the assistance of the colonies in the dark days of the American Revolution. After the war was over, Grandfather Fouche settled in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and there his son Josiah was born in 1830.

Josiah Fouche was a man of intellectual attainments and during the larger part of his life was engaged in teaching school. From the age of twenty-three years he lived in Wayne 'County, Ohio, but as an educator he was known through many adjacent counties. He married Susannah Stutzman, who was born in Wayne County, and they became the parents of nine children.

Byron A. Fouche completed his education in the University of Wooster, at Wooster, Ohio, graduating in the class Of 1ee%.. ho his credit it may be added that he provided for this course by previously teaching school. He then began to read law under Judge John

McSweeney, and was admitted to the bar in 1886, two years later locating permanently at Fremont. He has made his profession his main interest, in this being unlike many others who consider their knowledge of law and their bar membership as but a stepping-stone to political preferment. Nevertheless, Mr. Fouche recognizes his duties as a good citizen and in that light has occasionally accepted public responsibilities, having served seven years as one of the Deputy State Supervisors of Elections for Sandusky County and later a member of the Fremont Council, representing the First Ward. He has been connected with much important litigation in this section, and on many occasions has rendered the greatest possible service to his client, and has proved his capacity both as a counselor and as a defender. Mr. Fouche maintains his office at No. 103% South Front Street.

Mr. Fouche was married December 31, 1887, to Miss Jane Parmeter, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Isadora, who was born September 8, 1896. The family home is at No. 422 South Front Street.

THOMAS P. DEWEY, who has been engaged in the successful practice of law at Clyde, Sandusky County, Ohio, for more than a quarter of a century past, and who is also closely connected with the financial interests of the place, was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1852, son of George and Harriet (Ensign) Dewey. His father, who was born in 1818, is descended from an old Massachusetts family of Scotch origin. Mr. Dewey's mother was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1822, and died in 1881, at the age of fifty-nine years. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are still living, namely: Carlie, who married Henry Bruning, of Toledo, Ohio; Charles, a resident of Fremont, Ohio; Thomas P., whose name appears at the head of this sketch; George, who is engaged in mercantile business at Shelby, Michigan; and Hattie and Mattie, twins.

He afterwards attended a good select school at Kelloggsville, Ohio, and subsequently devoted considerable time to private study. Thus equipped he began his special preparations for the arduous profession to which he has since devoted himself, with the firm of Tinker & Alvord, of Painesville, Lake County, Ohio, this being in 1876. In the following year he came to Clyde, where he continued his law studies under the mentorship of Judge John M. Lemmon. On the 22d of April, 1879, he was admitted to the bar, and began practice at Tiffin, in the following autumn. About a year later, however, he returned to Clyde and for three years subsequently was engaged in the active practice of his profession here without a partner. In 1883 he became a member of the law firm of Finch & Dewey, which for many years had an extensive and lucrative practice here. It was dissolved in the fall of 1906, since which time Mr. Dewey has practiced alone. He is vice president and a director of The Peoples' Banking Company, his wide acquaintance and general knowledge of business conditions throughout this section making his services valuable in this capacity. In his political principles Mr. Dewey is a strong Republican and has been quite active in advancing the interests of his party, of which he is one of the local leaders.

Mr. Dewey was married September 9, 1879, to Miss Jennie Stilwell, and they have been the parents of three children-- Hattie, Benjamin, and Lucy.

Mr. Dewey is the owner of two fine farms about a mile west of Clyde, which he purchased a number of years ago, chiefly for purposes of recreation. He has since brought them into a high state of cultivation. On one of them he was fortunate enough to strike a mineral fountain spring having a stream of nearly five inches in diameter, the water possessing great healing and medicinal properties. It is highly valued by the people of this vicinitv, who resort to it in large numbers to drink of and secure supplies of this valued water.

cessful farmer and a well known citizen. He was born in this township December 1, 1863, and was the third child born to Henry and Mary Garvin.

Henry Garvin came from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1855, and took up a tract of land in Townsend Township, which he cleared of the timber and improved, experiencing the hardships endured by all of the pioneers. After a number of years in this-township he removed to Riley Township, where he purchased the homestead farm now owned by his son, Jolin H. Garvin. He served in the 100-day service in the Civil War, was trustee of the township and in every way was a useful citizen. He died September 19, 1900. Mr. Garvin was married to Mary, a daughter of Stephen Garvin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they had the following issue: Henry, deceased; Annie, wife of Henry Dalton; Mary, deceased; James H.; Stephen J., of Clyde; Austin E., of Clyde; Flizabeth, wife cf James E. Reardon, of Fremont; John T., who died in infancy; and John H., who resides with his mother on the old homestead in Riley Township.

James H. Garvin was educated in the district schools and engaged in teaching for a few terms after he grew to manhood. He began life as a farmer and has met with much success at his chosen occupation. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served his township as school director and clerk.

On September 4, 1889, Mr. Garvin was united in marriage with Miss Anna Dalton, daughter of Matthew Dalton, of Townsend Township, and they have four children: Margaret Winnifred, born December 6, 1890; Matthew D., born December 13, 1892; Lawrence J., born September 25, 1896; and Leonard H_., born December 4, 1900. Religiously, they are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Garvin is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and also is affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees.

JOHN RIMELSPACH, who, for seven consecutive years served as a trustee of Sandusky Township, during this long period being president of the board a large part of the time, is a representative citizen and a_ successful

770 HISTORY OF farmer and stock raiser. His valuable farm of 150 acres, which is situated in the eastern part of Sandusky Township, he has owned since 1900. He was born in Ballville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, February 28, 1855, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Gabel) Rimelspach.

George Rimelspach and wife were both born in Germany, the former in Baden and the latter in Alsace. They came to America in 1836 and settled as pioneers in Ballville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where George Rimelspach cleared up a farm from the forest. A few years prior to his death, in 1896, he retired to Fremont. He was respected and esteemed by the other pioneers and did his part in bringing about many of the improved conditions in Ballville Township. He changed the family name a trifle, as a matter of convenience, omitting a final syllable. the old spelling being Rimelspacher. Of his family of children, the following survive: Jacob, residing in Ballville Township; Andrew, residing in the same township; Helena, widow of Henry Ochs, of Fremont; Catherine, wife of Anthony Swint, of Sandusky Township: Mary, widow of Andrew Ochs, residing at Buffalo, New York; William,

John Rimelspach was reared and educated in Ballville Township and there engaged in agricultural pursuits until he came to Sandusky Township, nine years ago. On August Io. 1880, he was married to Miss Theresa Cuffman, born in Ballville Township, a daughter of George Cuffman. Of the nine children born to this marriage seven survive, namely: Seraphine A., Josephine. Cyril. Wilbert J.. Albert. Leo and Hilda. Mr. Rimelspach and family are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at Fremont.

J. WHITTEMORE, M. D., physician and surgeon, for many years a resident of Clyde, Ohio, occupies a prominent position among the medical men of Sandusky County. He was born January 15, 1828, in Massachusetts, and is a son of Amos and Clara (Hamilton) Whittemore.

Sandusey Cour Ty

Dr. Whittemore is of \Velsh-Irish descent and of Revolutionary stock. At a very early day, the paternal great-grandfather came from Wales to New England, locating at Spencer, Massachusetts. The maternal grandfather was John Hamilton and he came trom Ireland, and after serving as an officer in the Patriot Army until the surrender of General Burgoyne, settled at Chester, Massachusetts. The parents of Dr. Whittemore passed their lives in Massachusetts, where the father was a farmer and railroad man. He lived until seventy-six years of age. The mother died at the age of fiftyseven years. They had two sons, F. J. and Louis W.