Sandusky Township (part 37 of 57)

Mr. Henry has always been a busy man but he has found time to encourage and work for commendable public enterprises and well deserves the name of a public spirited citizen. Politically he is a democrat. In 1912 he was elected city treasurer of Carey and as indicative of the general confidence he inspires his re-election followed in 1914.

John B. Mess. One of the most honored among the old-time residents of Henry County, Ohio, an authority as to pioneer events and dates in the southwest part of the county, and local historian of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish of New Bavaria, John B. Mess has also long been identified with the agricultural interests of the county. Nearly seventy years have passed since Mr. Mess first came to Henry Coimty, he then being still an infant and the country a wilderness. He lias lived to see the locality lirought from its most primitive conditions to prosperity and productiveness, and with his own hands has assisted to

John B. Mess was born in Luxemburg, German, February 18, 1846, and is a son of Michael and Susanna (Niederkorn) Mess, natives of the City of Echternach, Luxemburg, whose parents were all born at or near that place and there reared and man-ied. These families were noted for their longevity, Grandfather Mess being eighty-eight years old at the time of his death, and one of Mr. Mess' maternal ancestors reaching the remarkable age of one hundred and two years. All were members of the Roman Catholic Church, to which faith the family has belonged for generations. After their marriage, Michael and Susanna Mess resided in their native city, and there all their five children were born, namely : Margaret, who was married and is now deceased; Mary, who was eighty years of age November 25, 1916, now the wife of Jacob Klare, a farmer of Pleasant Township, Henry County, who was eighty-two years old in July, 1916 ; Henrj', who died November 7, 1855, in his eighteenth year ; Peter W., boi'n November 9, 1842, who is now a resident of Fremont, Ohio, and has a wife and six living children; and John B. By a former marriage Michael Mess had two children: John, who died in the West and left issue ; and Anna, who is the widow of Frederick Spangler, and the mother of Hon. D. D. Spangler, ex-representative in the Ohio Legislatui'C.

Michael iless and his family left their native land in 1847, taking passage at Antwerp on an old sailing vessel which was then more than iifty years old, and which carried 300 steerage passengers. This ci-azy old tub was buffeted back and forth in its .journey across the Atlantic, but finally, after fifty-one days, made port at New York and released its passengers, who had lived through seven weeks of misery. From New York the little party of Luxemburgers made their way up the Hudson River and the Erie Canal, then from Buffalo, New York, by the Great Lakes, to Sandusky, Ohio, and there took the old ]\Iadriver Railroad, which had rails of strap iron on sills, 4 by 4 inches, and cross ties. Eventually they an-ived at their destination, Berwick, Seneca County, an absolutely new part of the country. The father had in his pocket $1 in cash, but soon secured employment at 371/2 cents per day, while the mother added her mite to the family income by taking in washing at 25 cents per family. They remained in that communitv for ten months.

and in February, 1848, removed to Pleasant Township, Henry County, and entered forty acres of Government land in section 26. Here the father erected a log cabin, into which the family moved in JIarch of the same year, a welcome shelter from the cold of their former exposed condition. Here the fatlici- to be engaged in clearing and ciilliviitiiiL; his land, working industriously that he might provide a home and comforts for his family, but lie did not live long after coming to this community, passing away in 1855, when fiftysix years of age. Mrs. iless, who was born in 1803, survived until July 10, 1871.

Michael Mess assisted in the scoring of the logs of which the first Roman Catholic Church of the region was built. This was a structui'e 26 by 40 feet, 15 feet from floor to ceiling. Many years later his son, John B. iless, helped to raze this pioneer structure, in 1864, in order to build the structure which succeeded it, this being a frame house. The latter was succeeded by the present brick edifiL'c. .Inhu B. :\Iess was educated iu the public scliools, and was confirmed iu tlie Catholic faith at Defiance, Ohio. Since his boyhood he has been active in church work and a leader in his section of the county. Reared to agriculutral pursuits, he has made the tilling of the soil his chief occupation through life, and at the present time is the owner of seventy acres of good land in section 30, Marion Township. Here he has excellent buildings, which include his comfortable home, which he erected twenty-six years ago. Mr. Mess is something more than an agriculturist, however. In his community his neighbors rel.y upon him for the settlement of disputes, for advice and counsel iu their undertakings and for his wise judgment and sound, practical common sense in matters of public import. He has served his locality well in public office, having been a constable for one year, justice of the peace during the long jjeriod of tliirteeu years, and township clerk and assi'ssor over an extended era. While he Liviicr.illy supports the democratic party aii.l its lam liil.id's, he is apt to act independently if he feels the occasion warrants.

Mr. Mess was married in Pleasant Township, Henry County, Ohio, June 3, 1873, at the Roman Catholic Church, to Miss ]\Iary Sophia Duding, who was born in that township, December 3, 1853, a daughter of Charles and Margaret (Royal) Duding. Her father, a native of the Province of Hanover, Germany, came to the United States alone, in 1849, aiid iu 1850 or 1851 was married to Margaret Royal, who was born in Alsace Lorraine, France, and had come to the United States in 1845, her father, Ferdinand Royal, having been one of the earliest of Henry County's pioneers. Mr. Duding began life at New Bavaria as a merchant, but died in 1854, when still in middle life. His widow subsequently married Ludwig Meiehor, and they spent the remaining years of their lives here. Both were faithful members of the Roman Catholic Church and wor.shipped at the Sacred Heart Parish.

Mi's. Mess died March 30, 1910, having been the mother of eight children, as follows : Ignatius P., who is conducting operations on his father's farm, married Miss Anna M. Schwab ; John, born in 1876, who died single at the age of thirty-three years; Francis Xavier, residing on a farm in Marion Township, married ilatilda Swaiy; Andrew A., born in 1880. who died as a single man, Jauuai-y 29, 1911; Leo, who is a restaurateur of Cleveland, Ohio, single; William, deceased, a former postmaster of New Bavaria, who at the time of his death, April 11, 1915, was succeeded in that position l)y his widow, and also left one son, Jerome Clifford: Anthony P., who died June 26, 1911, at the age of twentythree years; and Frances C, who died Marcli 5, 1908, at the age of seventeen yeai-s.

All the members of the Mess family Ijelong to the Sacred Heart congregation of the Roman Catholic Church, in which the children have been confii-med, and Mr. Mess has been the contractor for the last two churches biiilt. For the past quarter of a century he has done carpentering and contracting as a side line to his farming, and has built numerous churches, schools and residences, not alone in Henry, but in adjacent counties.

David L. ' Newton, a resident of Bowling Green for a number of years, began when a boy his experience in the oil fields of Western Pennsylvania, where he was born, and has been an operator for upwards of thirty years. His activities have covered some of tiie best known fields in Ohio and also in Kentucky, and he is a member of a syndicate that has succeeded in uncovering some of the most notable deposits of oil within recent years.

Mr. Newton was bom in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1858. He is of Pennsylvania ancestry running back for sevi-ral generations. His parents were Este and

Elizabeth (Weikel) Newton. His father was born in New York State of New England stock, while his mother was a native of Pennsylvania of either German or Dutch ancestry. They were married in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and spent their active careers as farmers. They died near Meadville, the father in 1892, at the age of seventy-five, and the mother in 1895, at the age of eighty. They were honest, hard working, kindl.y people and richly deserved the esteem paid them during their lives and the kindly memory that follows them after death. The mother was an active member of the Slethodist Episcopal Church. Both parents had been previously man-ied. Of the father 's first marriage there were five children, some of whom are still living. The mother's first husband was William McGill, and he died in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Of that union there were three sons and six daughters, and one of the daughters is still living at the age of eighty. Two of the sons, John and William ilcGill, were soldiers in the Civil War in the Eiglity-third Pennsylvania Infantry. They fought in many battles, and William after three years veteranized and continued in the serA'ice until the end of the war. He was a first lieutenant and was mustered out with the rank of captain. John was wounded. Both had enlisted before they were of age, William at the age of sixteen, and after the war they were married, and both died young, William at the age of thirty-eight and John at thirtynine. Tlieir early deaths were largely due to the hardships incident to their military service.

David L. Newton was one of the three children of his parents. Johanna, who died in December, 1915, was the wife of J. S. Dillon, who died six years ago; David L., the second in age, and Asa A., a farmer in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, who has a family of two daughters.

David L. Newton grew up in Crawford County, attended the local schools, and at the age of fourteen he left his father's farm and entered the oil regions of Butler County. His first work there was as an oil pumper. By practical experience he became familiar with every phase of oil di-illing and oil operations, and when a little past thirty years of age he started out as an independent operator along Beaver Creek in Beaver Coimty. The first two drills he put down struck dry sand and he then went to Allegheny County and sunk some wells in the Imperial District, which brought him his first promising success. He eoniinued his operations with varying fortunes for a number of years iu Western Pennsylvania, and in March, 1904, removed to Wood County, Ohio. Here he became manager and one of the organizers of the Newi:on Oil and Gas Company, whose field of operations was Portage to\\^lship of Wood County. He remained' with that firm five years. Some of their best wells were drowned out by fresh water, and about that time Mr. Newton sevei-ed his connection with the company and became afiSliated with White, Newton & Moore in the operations in ilorgan County, Oliio. Morgan County has proved one of the richest finds in the oil industry of Ohio in recent years, and no firm has done more to develop the prospects there than White, Newton & Moore. That compauv drilled about 100 profitable wells. On July 24, 1913, they sold their interests in Morgan County and have since operated in Indiana and Kentucky. The Kentucky field is one of growing prominence in the American oil industiy. Their operations are in Estill County in the Irvine pool, where they now have eleven wells completed and producing, and are rapidly extending their leases and operations throughout that district.

Mr. Newton married for his first wife ]\Iaria Winger. She lived at Oil City, Pennsylvania. and died at the early age of twenty-four, lea\- ing one daughter, Blanche. This daughter was well educated and is now the wife of John Arnold, of Bowling Green. They have two children, Morgan and ^Margaret M. Mr. Newton married for his second wife at Gringo, Beaver Countv, Pennsvlvania, IMiss Jennie McGee. Her father. William T. :\IcGee. was known throua'hout tlie length and breadth of the oil district of Western Pennsylvania as a prominent driller and operator and had many prominent associates in the old-time days of the oil industry. ]Mr. and Mrs. Newton have two daughters and one son. Morgan, the son, now twenty-seven years of age, is general purchasing agent for the Garford jMotor Truck Company of Lima, Ohio. He is married but has no children. Anna was educated in the Bowling Green High School, is a trained nurse, and has offered her services in that capacity to the Allied armies. Agnes, the younger daughter, was educated at St. Mary's College in Monroe, Michigan, and is a cultured young woman, and is the wife of Eugene Kimball, who is employed in the clerical department of the Ford Plate Glass Company at Bassford, Ohio. They have a daughter, Mar.y Jane. Mrs. Newton and her children are all members of the Catholic Church. Politically jMr. Newton is a repiiblican, though his father was a very ardent democrat.

Cyrus D. Hare, advisoi-y and contributory editor to the History of Northwest Ohio from Wjandot County, has lived in that section of the state practically all his life, and has had unusual opportunities to know and to mingle with the people of Wyandot County and their chief interests and activities.

His birth occui-red near Carey in that County September 20, 1848. He is a son of Levi and Jane (Berry) Hare. The paternal ancestry is traced back to Switzerland, while through his mother Mr. Hare is descended from English and IrLsh forefathers.

He was educated in the common schools of Crawford Township and in a select school at Carey, for several years was a school teacher, for a similar time was a traveling salesman, and finally located at Upper Sandusky, where for many years he has had a sucee.ssful insurance business. From 1903 to 1909 he served a.s clerk of courts in Wyandot County. Politically he has always been a democrat. He is a charter member of Upper Sanduslrv Lodge, No. 83, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

I\Ir. Hare was mai'ried at Bryan, Ohio, November 6, 1878, to Mary M. McCutehan, daughter of Robert JlcCutchan. His first wife died August 17, 1891, and subsequently lie married her sister, Harriet E. McCutehan. ilr. Hare 's children, all by his first wife, are : Shirley E. Hare; Helen E., wife of Judge Charles F. Close ; Robert L. Hare ; Thaddeus D. Hare ; and Elise Hare.

Brice B. Herrifp is the preseut county recorder of Wood County. He was first elected to the office in 1914, and began his term in September, 1915. In 1916 the people of Wood County endorsed his administration of the office by re-electing him, and his second term begins in September, 1917.

Those familiar with the handling of the county recorder's records know and appreciate Mr. Herriff's ability as the creator of an efficient organization and system. His office has the care and keeping of records involving all the property of the county, and such records are invaluable. These records are consulted not only by real estate men and law.yers but by individual property owners, and Mr. Herriff has made it a point to make the records avail- able at a moment's notice to those occasional seekers of information, and even those unaccustomed to the routine of such an office have little difficulty in finding what they want.

Before entering upon his duties as county recorder Mr. Herriff was for seven years deputy county auditor under B. C. Harding. His business experience also included eight yeai-s as assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Bowling Green. Some of the prosperity of that bank dui-ing that time must be credited to the work and influence of Mr. Herriff, who was young and popular, had many friends and increased the patronage and the substantial resources of the institution. While he was in the bank the deposits increased from a figure at about $200,000 to well upwards of .$1,000,000.

Mr. Herriff has spent most of his life in W^ood County but was born in Sanduskj- County, May 21, 1877. He is of Pennsylvania ancestrj^ His parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Herriff, were both born in Ohio, were married in this state, and from Sandusky County they removed to Wood County when their son Brice was a small child. A. W. Herriff was a blacksmith, and passed away in 1916. The mother is still living at the age of sixty-nine and has her home at Prairie Depot in Wood County. She is an active member of the Christian Church. Mr. Herriff was the oldest of a family of three children. His brother Walter is manager of an oil company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is married and has one daughter. Their sister, Harriet, is living with her mother, unmarried.

Brice B. Herriff had only a common school education. Even when in school he had some experience at clerical work and before coming to Bowling Green he was agent for the Toledo and Ohio Central Railway at Prairie Depot, and in that capacity he acquired a general knowledge of bookkeeping and some skill as a telegrapher. He also worked a year for the Ohio Oil Company in their office, and for a time was connected with the Sun Oil Company at Prairie Depot.

Mr. Herriff pays a high tribute for his individual success to the fostering care and influence of former County Auditor Harding. Mr. Harding took a personal interest in the young man, encouraged him and trained him, and more than anyone else fitted him for the i;psponsible duties he now handles.

has been a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge in that city, and is also a member of the ]\Iodern Woodmen of America. He was married at Bowling Green to Miss Mary K. Branigau, who was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, but completed her education in the Bowling Green schools. Mrs. Herriff was reared a Catholic. They have one daughter, Mary V., born April 14, 1914.

John A. Mohr. When a man starts life without either money or the influence of friends and gains as substantial a position as John A. Mohr now holds at Lima, the explanation is that he possesses not only hard working ability but also character and integrity.

Mr. Molu- was born at Greenville, Ohio, April 26, 1869. His parents, John and Caroline (Krickenberger) ilohr, were both natives of Germam-. The paternal grandfather spent all his life in Germany, while the paternal grandmother came to the United States where she spent her last years. The maternal gi-andfather, Karl Krickenberger, was a pioneer in the farming district of Darke Coiiuty, Ohio, where he cleared up land from its wild state and made a farm. John Mohr was born Jul,y 2, 1837, and died January 16, 1900. His wife was born April 5, 1844, and is still living. He had come to America as a young man after serving three years in the German army, and located in Darke County, Ohio, where he married IMiss Krickenberger, who had come to this state at the age of eight years. John IMohr worked in a mill and gas factoi-y at Greenville, but subsequently was in the gi'ocery and feed business, which he continued until April 14, 1886. In that year he moved his family to Lima, where he was in a retail business. He and his family were members of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and in politics he -was a democrat. There were three children: Wilhelmina, who died in December, 1886 ; Charles J., now a member of the police force at Des Moines, Iowa ; and John A.

John A. Mohr gained most of his early education by his own efforts. He was schooled both in English and German schools and in spite of his early handicaps at one time he took an examination for a Government civil service position in which most of the candidates were college boys. He passed a better examination than nine-tenths of his competitors.

and bookkeeper. This experience was acquired at Greenville, Ohio, but on coming to Lima he found work in the ear shops and was also in the building material business. He worked a number of years as a car builder both at Lima and in Birmingham, Missouri. For a time he was associated with his father in business.

On June 1, 1904, Mr. Mohr engaged in the insurance and real estate business. He has built np one of the best agencies and brokerage establishments of its kind in Lima, and handles property all over the country. He is also a director and appraiser of the Central Building and Loan Association, and has held those positions since the organization of this prosperous concern. He is also a director and treasurer of the Allen County Agricultural Society and has been a member of its executive committee for ten years.

On June 1, 1892, Mr. Mohr established a home of his own by his marriage to Minnie G. Requarth of Greenville, Ohio. Four children were born to their marriage: John W.. who was born in May and died in July, 1894; Helen W., a talented young woman who is now teaching piano and organ ; Florence L., in the ofSee of her f atlier ; and Robert W. is studying analytical rating at the Ohio Inspecting Bureau at Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Mohr is an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and has been an official of the church for seventeen years. In Januai-y, 1916, he was elected president of the church board and was re-elected in January, 1917. Politically he is a democrat. He was elected councilman at large for the city in 1914, and in 1915 served as president of the council. His standing as a business man and as a citizen has made him an influential factor in local politics for a number of years. He is one of the men upon whom Lima counts for leadership and effective work in behalf of any large movement involving the general welfare of the city.

David Thomas Nitrauer is sole proprietor of the U. S. Flouring Mills of Upper Sandusln% a local industry that supplies a large trade with high class patent flour and other feed stuffs. Mr. Nitrauer has had a long and active career that shows on its face a determined struggle and ambition and an ability to cope with the varying circumstances of life with never an acknowledgment of defeat.

ilagdalena (Yingst) Nitrauer. His people were farmers as far back as he has any record. Mr. Nitrauer attended the public schools at Lebanon until he was sixteen, and then had to go to wox'k to support himself. He found employment at different things and in different places up to the age of twenty-one. This was a period of hard times in Pennsylvania and he decided to come West. All the fourteen dollars he possessed he invested in a railway ticket, a second class ticket that brought him as far as Upper Sandusky. This was in 1877. Here he hired out as a farm hand to George Cook for seventeen dollars a month / and board. A year later he entered the service of David Harpster, the wool king of Ohio, and served him as a farm hand for three years. In the meantime his parents had come out to Harpster, Ohio, and they bought a home here where they spent the rest of their days. The father passed away in December, 1911, and his mother in 1907.

In 1881 Mr. Nitrauer, though by no means securely established in financial circumstances, got married. Miss Ella Palmer becoming his bl-ide. She is a daughter of Jacob and Arabella (Whittaker) Palmer, of Harpster, Ohio. It is to the credit of Mr. and Mrs. Nitrauer that their children have all grown up to occupy honorable positions in life. Harry D., the oldest, lives at Lima, Ohio. He married Minnie Hauenstine, of Allen County, Ohio, and they have two children, Helen and Marian. Edward Y., the second child, married Cora Price, of Wyandot County. Elmer E. is assisting his father in the management of the flour mills. He married Opal Simpson, of Forest, Ohio, and they have one child. Grant E., who is now with the American troops in France having enlisted February 19, 1916, in the One Hundred and Third Truck Corps.

After his marriage i\Ir. Nitrauer rented eighty acres of land at Harpster and farmed there a year. He then moved to another eighty acre farm close to Harpster, but the year there was one of bad crops and he lost all his savings. He then went to work for Richard Carter on the latter 's farm south of Upper Sandusky and was again in the role of a laboring man for two years. He then moved into the village of Harpster and for three years was a section hand and for another three years section foreman for the Hocking Valley Railway Company. By this hard and consecutive work he managed to save $700. This he invested in another home at Harpster, traded that as part payment on eighty acres of land near the town, and four years later sold it for $2,100 more than it cost. Since then his career has been one of progi'essive industry and fruitfulness. He bought 127 acres at Harpster and farmed it six years. This he traded for a farm of sixty-five acres in Hardin County, which was his home for three years. The next trade brought him 120 acres at Forest, Ohio, and after occupying that for two years he traded for two dwelling houses and other considerations in 1912. In 1918 Mr. Nitrauer bought the Upper Sandusky Flouring Mill, a mill of eighty ban-els capacity, and has fovmd this a profitable and congenial business. The principal brand of his flour, which is distributed over a radius of twenty-five miles around Upper Sandusky, is Roller King.

Mr. Nitrauer is a republican in politics. He is a member of the Ohio State Millers Association, and he and his family worship in the First Methodist Episcopal Church.

Joseph Gillette enjoys the position of a successful merchant and influential citizen at Holgate, Henry County. His prosperous condition at the present is not so much a matter of interest as the long and hard road he traveled and the romantic experiences he had in earlier yeai-s.

He was born in Italy. His family name he never knew, and the name he now uses was that of Ids benefactor, with whom he lived in Ohio and later in Kansas. Young Gillette learned to finger and play the violin when a small child and at an early age he came to America accompanied by his father, who hired the boy to an Italian musician, forming a small troupe of musicians. They did not have a gi'eat reputation and were not welcomed on the boards of concert houses, but found means of livelihood by playing on street corners and wherever not forbidden, and they earned a precai'ious living by traveling about the country in the United States and in Canada. They endured all maimer of privations, hai-dships and insults. They slept -wherever they could find shelter and they ate only as their earnings permitted them to do. This little musician band finally reached Detroit. From there they made another stage of their wanderings to Cleveland. While on the streets of Cleveland, carrying his violin, young Gillette became separated from the other members of the party, and has never since, though he tried, learned anything of his father. He boarded a train at Cleveland but was put off at Sandusky, where he remained a few days. He then boarded a train for Toledo, but being asleep he became confused and instead of taking his train back to Cleveland he was placed on the wrong train, which took him to Defiance, where he was put off. He made a vain search for his father and attempted to get back to New- York City. It would be an interesting story to know all that he thought and felt, all his emotions and struggles, and all his experiences while drifting about the countiy. However, to make this long story shoi-t, his journey's end first came at Defiance, Ohio, where he found a place of welcome in the hearts of Mr. and ilrs. Peter Moone, proprietors of a hotel there. They kept him for some months, and while there he sought employment in the country, but not being of the physical mold of the farmer boy he found no favor in the eyes of the country people. He finally reached Whitehouse, Ohio, and there became acquainted with another hotel man, Mr. Adolph Gillette. Mr. and jMi-s. GiUette became very fond of the young musician, took him into their home, and he lived with them in Ohio from 1876 until 1879. The Gillette family then moved out to Kansas, and the adopted boy remained with them about a year. The Gillette home in Kansas was at Abilene. Seeking fresh experiences of his own, he then beat his way to Colorado, but after some months returned in the same way to Abilene. A year or so later Eben Gillette, a son of Adolph, brought j'oung Joseph to Ohio, and located at Holgate in Henry County. Joseph Gillette has lived at Holgate since 1883, and has been a factor in business life on his own account for the past twenty-three j^ears. He early conceived an ambition to have a home ancl a station in life of his own, and by hard work, in spite of the disadvantages of lack of education and opportunity and of family connections, he has succeeded in realizing these early aims and is now one of the well-to-do and highly respected citizens of Henrv County.

After "coming to Holgate in 1883 Mr. Gillette was clerk for Eben Gillette and by faithful performance of duty he not only earned regular wages and thriftily saved part of them, but gained the experience which enabled him to enter business for himself. On February 2, 1891, he embarked in business with a small stock of gi-oceries. He has built up a constantly expanding trade, and now has a general department store, located on Rail- road Street in the center of the village. His store has a 66 foot front and 80 foot depth, and is completely stocked with dry goods, notions, millinery and other lines. The millinery department is operated by his wife and his son has recently established a music department. Mr. Gillette recently built a tine home on Chicago Avenue. He is one of the directors and stockholders of the Holgate Commercial Bank. He has also served on the town council and is a republican in politics.

At Holgate in 1887 he mai-ried Miss Alice Sinkey. Mrs. Gillette was born near Florida village on the Maumee River in 1867 and grew up there and at Holgate, where she attended the public schools. Her father, John , Sinkey, was a West Virginian who enlisted in the Union army and gave four years of faithful and gallant service to the cause. He was several times wounded, but was never captured. After the war he brought his family to Heniy County, Ohio, and became a farmer. His wife died there about 1875, aged thirty-six, and he died in 1892, aged sixty-eight years.

Mr. and Mrs. Gillette have one son, Ray Clare, who was born July 21, 1888. ' He grew up at Holgate, graduated from high school in 1906, took a course in the Toledo Business College and inheriting musical talents from his father he graduated from the Columbia Conservatory of Music at Toledo. He has become well known in local musical circles, is a very successful teacher, and is a proficient violinist. For several years he has been a dealer in musical merchandise and has charge of the music department in his father's store. This son was married at Defiance, Ohio, to Miss Wilhelmina Groweg, whose grandfather is one of the best known citizens of Defiance, and for over fifty years has been in the feed and elevator business there. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Gillette have one child, Donald Joe Gillette, born May 8, 1917. Mrs. Gillette is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

G. L. Lewis has been a factor in Toledo's industrial affairs for many years, and is founder and head of The Lewis Electric Welding and Manufacturing Company and the Lewis Foundry Company, at 4080 Detroit Avenue in West Toledo. Mr. Lewis is a thoroughly capable mechanical engineer and possesses both the inventive genius and the

He started life with none of the advantages conferred by wealth or position. He was born in Monroe County, Michigan, June 25, 1865, and is the only surviving son of the late Sheppard Lewis, who was an early settler of Monroe County, Michigan, and died in 1908 at Magdalena, New Mexico. 6. L. Lewis spent his early life on a farm. His school opportunities were limited to the district in which he was reared. When only fourteen years of age he started out to make his own way in the world. For several years he worked on farms and on coming to Toledo he served an apprenticeship in a machine shop.

He afterwards spent several years in railroad contracting, and then became erecting mechanical engineer for The Marion Steam Shovel Works at Marion, Ohio. He was employed by this company in supervising the erection of miich of its maehinerj'. Afterward he had the responsibilities of looking after some of the company's contracts both in this country and abroad. He spent some time in Russia, and in the Central and South American states supervising the placing of machinery from the Marion Company.

Mr. Lewis resigned his responsibilities with the ]\Iarion Steam Shovel Works to engage in a business of his own. In October, 1909, was organized and incorporated The Lewis Electric Welding and Manufacturing Company, then located at 329 Cherry Street, later buying the present location, 4080 Detroit Avenue. The special output of this company is the manufacture of what is known as Popett Valves. These valves are used in automobile, marine, stationary, tractor gas and oil engines, and the demand for this type has produced an enormous sale all over America and even in foreign countries. Mr. Lewis also owns a large foundry for the manufacture of gray iron eastings. This concern has been in successful operation for over five years.

In the meantime Mr. Lewis has acquired many other financial interests and has done his part in promoting several business enterprises in Toledo. Politically he is a republican, and is a member of the Toledo Commerce Club and president of the West Toledo Commerce Club.

His present success is the result of the old proverbs taught him by his father - -"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again," together with "Where there's a will there's

Frank D. Halleck, M. D. In addition to the exceptional service he has rendered as a capable and skillful physician and surgeon at Bowling Green, Doctor Halleck is a man whose presence is valuable to the communitj' in various ways. He has broad interests, is willing to work for anything that promises benefit to the locality, and in every sense is a leading and public spirited citizen. As a professional man he has developed a splendid practice over a large territory around Bowling Green.

Doctor Halleck graduated from the medical department of the Ohio State University at Columbus with the class of 1898 and the degi-ee M. D. For two years he practiced at Portage, Ohio, but since 1900 has been located at Bowling Green. Doctor Halleck has found his time more and more engaged as a specialist in diseases of the ear, nose and throat. He is active in the various medical organizations, was secretary ten years and for several years president of the County Medical Society, and belongs to the Ohio State, the Tri-Sta+e, the Northwest Ohio Medical Societies and the American Medical Association.

Doctor Halleck is still a young man and in the natural course of events has many ^ears of usefulness still before him. He is about fortyfour and was born in "Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His people were Pennsylvanians for sevei-al generations and originally the Hallecks were of English extraction. From the time the family immigrated from England to this country in 1640' up to 1870 the lineage of the Hallecks is carefully traced in a published genealogy- compiled by Cyrus Yale. This work is found in many of the libraries of the country. The Hallecks as a rule were Baptists, and a number of ministers' names in that denomination occur in the published genealogy.

When Doctor Halleck was ten years of age his parents removed to Wood County. Ohio. He is a son of Merritt and Frances M. (Elsworth^ Halleck. His father was a manufacturer of coal oars in Wilkes-Barre. He died in Bowling Green in 1894, at the age of fift^^-flve. Doctor Halleck 's mother survived until 1915, and was nearly seventy-two when she passed away. Both were active members of the Baptist Church and his father was a democrat. Doctor Halleck 's brother Henry H. is a successful oil operator in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, district, is married, and his children are named Keneth

D., now a student in Dennison College at Granville, Ohio; H. Howard, Jr.; Ruth E.; Richard and Kathryn Frances. The doctor's sister Adeline is a teacher in the public schools at Bowling Green, still occupies the old home and has been in educational woi'k for manyyears. His brother Wilber I\I. is a machinist by trade and is connected with the Overland A^itomobile Company at Toledo, being unmarried.

Doctor Halleck grew up in Bowling Green, graduated from the high school in 1891, and prior to his taking up the study of medicine spent five years in the drug store of Dr. Joseph C. Lincoln, a well known retired physician of Bowling Green.

Doctor Halleck married Eva B. Doty. Mrs. Halleck was born in Findlay, Hancock - County, Ohio, and is a gi-aduate of Otterbein University, the old United Brethren Church institution. She is a daughter of Rev. Henry and Sarah (Bishop) Doty, both natives of Ohio. Her father was for twenty-five years a pastor of the United Brethren Church, and for about sixteen years lived in Bowling Green, about half the time as pastor of the local church and the rest as STiperintendent of his district. In 1904, while he was traveling in the J>Jorthwest, he was killed in a rear end railroad collision in Minnesota. His widow is still living and makes her home with Mrs. Halleck. She is still active and is devoted to the work of her church, as is her daughter, Mi-s. Halleck. Doctor Halleck still retains his original family faith as a Baptist. He is also affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and belongs to Lodge No. 818 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Doctor and Mrs. Halleck have one son, Dana Merritt, twelve years of age. Mrs. Halleck belongs to the prominent old American family of Dotys, whose advent to this country goes back to the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock in 1620. Her original American ancestor was Edward Doty. A genealogj^ of the Doty family, including the membership of the various generations from 1620 to 1897, has been compiled and published under the authorship of Ethan Allen Doty.

A. D. HosLEE is junior partner in the Model Laundry Company on South Main Street in Findlay. Mr. Hcsler has found the ko\Tiote to .success in hard and faithful labor and began his connection witli his present business as a deliverymau and in time obtained a partnership.

July 5, 1875, a son of Dauiel and Elizabeth (Kai-shner) Hosier, both parents being now deceased. He is of German stock, and his parents were farmers. His father served with credit in an Ohio regiment during the Civil war. Daniel and Elizabeth (Karshner) Hosier have the following children: Raleigh L., Edward E., Charles J., Otis W., Arlie D., Clarence R. and Florence.

A. D. Hosier began his education in the public schools of Circleville, Ohio, and at the age of fourteen began working on his father's farm and afterwards worked out as a farm hand for two years. During the winter of 1891-2 the family lived in Fiudlay, and then removed to a farm at Carey, Ohio. Two years later they returned to Findlay and A. D. Hosier secured a position in the Findlay Table Factory, spending six years in the shipping room. When the factory burned he had to seek employment elsewhere and in 1902 he was given a place as a delivei'yman by Samuel Baker in the Findlay Steam Laundry. He has been associated with Mr. Baker ever since that date and in 1913 they formed a partnership and established the present Model Laundi-y, which has a business extending over all Northwest Ohio, with agencies in all the principal towns and villages.

On December 24, 1901, Mr. Hosier nlarried Alta E. Stahl, daughter of L. W. and Ella (Mason) Stahl of a pioneer family of farmers in ^Marion Township of Hancock Coimty. Mr. and Mrs. Hosier's only child, Harold T.. died .Vpril 14, 1911. They are active members of the First United Brethren Church and Mr. Hosier is a republican and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Chamber of Commerce.

RoLLiN S. Thtjestin. The name of Thurstin has been closely and intimately identified with the history of Bowling Green from the time its site was a ridge and swamp covered with timber until the present day. One of the best known members of this family was the late Rollin S. Thurstin, who was born on the old Thurstin farm and in the same block where he spent most of his life,, on Febimary 22, 18.52.

His father, Alfred Thurstin, was the original pioneer of Bowling Green. Born in Chenango County, New York, April 20, 1806, he was a son of Eli and Margaret (Coons) Thurstin. Eli Thurstin was a native of New York City and married his wife at Livingston

Manor. In 1835 he came to Ohio, later bought a large tract of land in De Kalb County, Indiana, lived there some years, but finally returned to Ohio and spent his last years in the home of his son Eli at Bowling Green, .where he died at the age of sixty-seven. His widow lived to be nearly eighty.

Alfred Thurstin grew up in New York State, and in the year 1833 came to what is now the city of Bowling Green. That was an extremely early year in the settlement and development of Wood County. Here he bought a considerable tract of land, and a portion of it has since become the very heart and center of Bowling Green. He owned all the land lying east of Llain Street, from what is now Ridge Street on the north to Leahraan Street on the south, a distance of about eighty rods, and from Main Street east to Thurstin Avenue. This land is now practically covered with business buildings and residences. Arthur Thurstin built his first log cabin at what is now the northeast corner of Main and Wooster Streets, the two principal thoroughfares of the city. He cut away the woods and improved the land for farming purposes, and with the growth of the town he platted and subdivided much of his land for lots. He finally erected a large brick house at the corner of Main and Wooster, and this site was subsequently chosen for a large brick block occupied by the Lincoln Drug Store and now iised for the drug store and office building of Lincoln & Dirlam.

After getting his original log cabin completed in the woods Alfred Thurstin returned to New York State and married Emily 0. Pike. He brought his bride back to the new home in the wilderness and she lived in Bowling Green until her death in 1879. For his second wife Alfred Thurstin married Mrs. Martha Louise Van Tassel. She was a woman of splendid education and of excellent business ability. They lived for many years at their home on Prospect Street, and were pi'ominently known throughout the county.

Many of the pioneer things at Bowling Gi'een may be ascribed to the late Alfred Thurstin. He laid out the first lot, built the first house on the site of the present city, and gave the ground for the court house and all the churches that were erected on his land in the early days. He grew many crops of corn on land that is now used entirely for residence purposes. In polities he was a whig and cast his first vote for Goveranr DeWitt Clinton in New York State. In 1840 he attended

Rollin Stanley Thui'stin's birth occurred in Bowling Green when tlie village was still young and when some of his father's land was. still used for agriculture. He lived there usefully and honorably and passed away at his home, 133 North Prospect Street, January 22, 1909, lacking a month of fifty-seven years. As a boy he was filled with the ardor of patriotism, and his desire to do something for his country eoidd not be restrained, though he was little more than a child when the war broke out. In 1863 he left school and was enrolled as a drummer boy in the 130th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was at that time only eleven years of age and had the distinction of being the youngest regularly enlisted soldier from Ohio. He served with his regiment from 1863 until he was discharged at the close of the war.

Still a boy when he came home, he was seasoned in responsibility by the experience and at once became self-supporting as clerk in his brother Alvaro Thurstin's dry goods store. He thus laid the foundation of his business experience very young and was always an active and hard working business man. It was his intense devotion to business atifairs that undoubtedly shortened his life. Subsequently with his brother Earl he started a general store at the corner of Main and Wooster Streets, on the same site occupied by his father's original log cabin. Some years later he sold his interest in the store to his brother Earl, and then went on the road as traveling representative for Marshall Field & Company's wholesale house at Chicago. He was ever alert to discern business opportunities and requirements. He recognized one in the need of a lime kiln and established a small plant on East Wooster Street, this being widely known as the Thurstin kiln. He developed it into a considerable industry. The site of the plant was in what is now the heart of the city, and with the gi-adual encroachment of buildings he abandoned the location and moved along the same ridge south two and a half miles to Portage. He opened a plant tliere and about that time took an active part in organizing the Snowflake Lime Company, which was subseqiiently merged with other companies in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, under the corporate title of the Ohio and Western Lime Company. Mr. Thurstin was the active manager of this corporation, with office and headquarters at Toledo. He continued business until the very day before his death. He was not only a thoroughly practical business man but a great student, was big hearted and did everything in a large way, and was generous almost to a fault with his friends and family. Mi-. Thurstin was one of the fifteen charter members who organized Bowling Green Lodge No. 818 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he was always an active worker in that order, and his funeral was held under its auspices. He was also a member of Wiley Post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Bowling Green. In politics he was a republican, but was too busy to accept the honors of office. His wife was and is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church and he attended worship there with her. He was one of the active promoters of the Bowling Green Business Men's Club and never neglected an opportunity to improve the welfare and prosperity of his native city.

At Bowling Green Mr. Thurstin married ;\Iiss Ada M. Fairchild. She was born at Macomb, Ohio, December 19, 1858, and when ten years of age came to Bowling Green with her parents, Seth A. and Jane (Porter) Fairchild. Her father was born in Holmes County, Ohio, of New York State parents and of a family long prominent in the East. Her mother was born in Delaware, Ohio, of Scotch ancestry and of old Presbyterian stock. Her parents were married at Delaware, but soon afterwards moved to Macomb, where most of their children were bom. After his marriage Seth Fairchild was admitted to the bar at Findlay, and then in 1869, when the county seat of Wood County was brought from Perrysburg to Bowling Green, he established himself in that city and his home was next door to that of the 'Thurstin family. He was active and prominent in the legal profession iintil his death at the age of seventy-two, and at the time of his death was dean of the county bar. Mr. Fairchild was a democrat and while living at Macomb served as mayor and justice of the peace for a number of years. He had survived his wife about ten years. She was from early childhood a member of the Presbyterian Church and she reared her children, including Mrs. Thurstin, in the same faith.

Mrs. Thurstin, who is still living in Bowling Green, is the mother of two sons and two daughters. Dora C, a graduate of the Bowling Green High School, is the wife of Paul Zeller and they live in a part of the old homestead at Bowling Green. Their children are Thurstin Z. and IMary ^largaret. Robert A., the older son, graduated from the Bowling Green High School and from Kenyon College %?ith the class of 1910. He distinguished himself as a student at Kenyon and at graduation won the first prize of a hundred dollars offered for scholarship. He chose a career as a mining engineer, and pursued his studies in the Colorado School of Mines at Golden, and since graduation has joined the Government corps with the rank of first lieutenant as a mine rescue worker. His headquarters are now at Leavenworth. Throughout his preparatory course he distinguished himself as a .splendid student and was always at the head of his class. The second daughter, Ada B., is the wife of Lester Parks, and they live in Bowling Green and have two daughters, Dorothy and Catherine. The youngest child is Stanley M., who graduated from the Bowling Green High School in 1917 and is now yard clerk wdth the Pennsylvania Railwaj^ at Toledo.

Bphraim Richard Eastman is a lawyer by profession, has been a. member of the Putnam County bar for thirty years, and is undoubtedly one of the best known citizens in that section of the state, ilr. Eastman has always enjoyed a living practice as a lawyer, though his interests have identified him with many otiier affaii's. He has been much in politics, though usually for the benefit of his friends and the cause rather than to advance his personal ambitions. He is a prominent Mason and lias developed several business enterprises in his home county.

Mr. Eastman was born in Champaign County, Ohio, May 6, 1854, and in the paternal line is a member of one of the oldest American families. He is a son of Richard Kimball and Christian (Groves) Eastman, the former a native of Madison County, Ohio, and the latter of Union County, Pennsylvania.

His ancestry goes back to John Eastman, who lived in England during the early part of the seventeenth century. His three sons came to the American colonies in the year 1628. Of these "three sons the only 'one to marry was Roger, and he is the ancestor of ]iractically every Eastman in the United States. The line of descent goes through Roger Eastman (1) ; Joseph (2) ; Peter (3) ; Joseph (4) ; John (5) ; Apolus (6) ; Richard K. (7); and Ephraim Richard (8).

lived in iladisou County, Ohio, was educated in country .schools and in 1852 was mai'ried in Cliampaign County. His seven children were born in Champaign and Union counties, Ephraim R. being the oldest. In 1856 the family removed to Union County, Ohio.

Richard K. Eastman w-as a democrat until the outbreak of the Civil war. He was a thorough Union man and went into the war as a war democrat. His service record is a matter of just pride to all his descendants. He was in the great Vicksburg campaign, fought at Stone River, at Chickamauga, and in the battle of Lookout Mountain he became detached from his regiment but managed to escape without being made a prisonei". He was with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, and was with the gallant General McPherson when that noted leader fell dui'ing one of the battles around Atlanta. He also went on the march to the sea to Savannah, and then with Sherman's victorious troops marched up through the Carolinas to Richmond and on to Washington, and was mustered out after participating in the Grand Review. For about a year during the war he served as provost marshal. The State of Ohio granted him a medal of honor for his services, and that medal is still in the possession of his sou Ephraim R. at Ottawa.

At the close of the war Richard K. Eastman returned to Union County and applied liimself diligently to the duties of his farm until nftcr 1hr death of his first wife in 1878. He snlisr,|ii('iiily iii:in'ied again and removed to ^':lll Weft Ciiuiity Iiut spent some of his later years in the home of his son at Ottawa in Putnam County. He died in 1898 at the Soldiers Home in Sandusky. In religion- he was a Baptist. The I'.aptist^ \\ci-c not numerous in the commnnitii's wliciv he s|iriit most of his life and he \\;is th, irtur.' juit N|ii'ri;illy active in church woik. l!.' lnld scvnnl minor offices, such as school dii-cctoi- cnnsiiilile. and was always keenly inli-rcstcd in the welfare of his old comrades of the war.

Ephraim Richard Eastman sjient most of his early life in Union County. He was old enough to remember the occasion when his father went away from home to enter the war, and t'ae gravitj- of war times and of the sacrifices made by individual soldiers have given him the highest respect for those who ofi'er life and fortune to the nation's welfare. He made the best of his advantages in the public schools of Union County, and for a period of t\^'elve years he taught in Union and Put- nam counties. When not at work in the schooh'oom lie worked at the carpenter 's trade. Mr. Eastman studied law at Defiance, Ohio, with AV. il. Randall and Henry Hardy. He was admitted to the bar in 1885.

In the meantime he had come to Putnam County in 1872, but subsequently spent a year or so in Union County, then was again in Putnam County, for two years lived at Defiance, and after his admission to the bar returned to Putnam County and began the practice of law at Ottawa. He is now one of the older members of the Ottawa bar.

Mr. Eastman went out to Oklahoma when that territory was being opened up to settlement, and took part in the opening of the Southwestern Indian lands around Lawton in 1901. He lived there portions of two years and acquired a claim and improved a farm. He also practiced law at Lawton and was one of the pioneer lawyers in that bustling frontier town. In 1903 he returned to Putnam County. Mr. Eastman has taken the greatest of pride and interest in his town and community. A number of years ago he organized the Ottawa Home and Savings Association, which has had a prosperous existence for twenty-nine years. He is now secretary and attorney for this association. Several other business organizations have been promoted by him in Putnam County.

In 1883, before his admission to the bar, Mr. Eastman served as postmaster at Wistennan, Ohio. In Monroe Township of Putnam County he served as school director in 1881- 82, and supervised the erection of a school building in the township. He was a member of the Putnam Board of ' Elections during 1903-04. Politically Mr. Eastman classifies as a progressive republican. He attended twenty-six meetings during McKinley's campaign twenty years ago, spoke at many of them, and has had a share in campaign work from the time of James G. Blaine down to the present. Mr. Eastman was chairman of Putnam County and the Fifth Ohio District during 1912 for the progressive party.

He is now serving on the Grievance Committee of the State Bar Association of Ohio. He also recently finished a term on the committee of Judicial Administration and Legal Reform, and through the State Bar Association has assisted in framing several statutes, among them those relating to admission to the bar.

the various branches of Masonry and is pa«t regent of the Royal Arcanum. His Masonic membership is with Ottawa Lodge No. 325, Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has filled all the chairs; Ottawa Chapter No. 115, Royal Arch IMasous, in which he was several times king and at present seeretai-y; Putnam Council No. 69, Royal and Select Masters, of which he is past thxice illustrious master and now member of the Grand Council, Lodge of Perfection, VaUey of Toledo; Shawnee Commandery No. 14, Knights Templar, at Lima; Northerii Light Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Fort Industry Chapter Rose Croix ; and Toledo Consistory, S. P. R. S. He has been representative of Ottawa Lodge several times to the Grand Lodge of Ohio, has represented Ottawa Chapter in the Grand Chapter, and Putnam Council in the Grand Council. Mr. Eastman is a member of the -Methodist Episcopal Church.

He has had an ideal home life, and has reason to take the greatest of pride in his children. On October 18, 1884, he married Miss Elizabeth Ellen Parrett at her home in Monroe Township of Putnam County. ^Irs. Eastman is a daughter of John S. Parrett, who came from Virginia to Ohio. Mrs. Eastman was educated in the public schools of her home township, and is prominent in woman's movements generally, being a member of the Ladies' Centennial Book Club, in which she has filled all the offices, and has been president of the Woman's Federation of Clubs of Putnam County and president of the Woman's Suffrage Association of the county.

Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eastman, nine of whom are still living, named Lillian, Grille, ]\Iaud, Ivan, Ethel, Roy, Marie, Herbert and Harold.

Lillian was educated in the public schools of Dupont and Ottawa graduating from the Ottawa High School and was given the degree Bachelor of Literature by the Ohio Wesleyan University in the class of 1895. She also did post-graduate work at the Ohio Wesleyan University. She is now the wife of F. H. Wolf, Common Pleas Judge at Wauseon.

Grille, the second daughter, was graduated from the Ottawa High School and in 1899 from the Ohio Wesleyan UniYcrsity with the degree A. B. For seven years she was a teacher and part of the time principal of the Wauseon High School, and has taken post-graduate work in Columbia University.

Maud, who was educated in the grammar ajid high schools at Ottawa, spending one year in Ohio Wesleyan University and one year at the Ohio State University, was graduated from the Protestant Hospital of Columbus as a professional nurse in 1905. She has since become the wife of Dr. E. A. Murbach of Archbold, Fulton County, Ohio.

Ivan, the oldest son of i\lr. Eastman, is now a successful engineer at Lima, Ohio, and is a young man of many accomplishments and of wide opportunities for training. He is engineer with the Gramm-Bernstein Company at Lima. His early education was in the public schools of Ottawa, after which he attended the Ohio State University a year, spent one year in Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, and in 1909 gTaduated from the Ohio Northern University at Ada with the degrees M. E. and E. E. He is a crack rifle shot and member of the American Eifle Team in the Olympic Games at Bisley, England, in 1908. Ivan Eastman married Miss Gertrude Stauffer, daughter of I. F. Stauffer, of Kalida, Ohio.

The daughter Ethel was educated in the grammar and high schools at Ottawa, spent one year in the Ohio State University, one year in Oxford College at Oxford, Ohio, and also had finishing studies in Chautauqua, New York. She is now the wife of Clinton Hisson, an engineer living at Schenectady, New York.

Roy, the second son, is a successful attorney and is now member of the firm Smith, Baker, Effler & Allen of Toledo, Ohio. After doing the work of the public schools at Ottawa he was graduated from Berea College in Kentucky with the degree Bachelor of Literature and prepared for his profession one year at Yale Law School and one year in the Ohio State Law School. For five years he was in practice with his father in Ottawa, until he removed to Toledo. Roy Eastman married Angela, daughter of J. H. Yocke, of Napoleon, Ohio.

Marie, educated in the grammar and high schools of Ottawa and graduated from the high school at Archbold, Ohio, was a student of Ohio Wesleyan University two years and has since taught one year in the public schools at Hicksville, Ohio.

Herbert was educated at Ottawa, two years at Berea College in Kentucky, one year in Union University at Schenectady, New York, part of one year in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, and is now studying law with

Thomas Mikesell of Wauseon, advisory and contributing editor for Fulton County to this publication, has lived in Fulton County all his life, a period of seventy years, and represents the old and prominent families of that section. The following account of his family reveals much of pioneer liLstoiy and experience.

George Mikesell, the grandson of a German immigrant who settled in northern ilaryland about the year 1700, was born near Cumberland, Maryland, December 15, 1766, and was reared there to the age of about twenty years, when he removed to the vicinity of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A few years later he crossed the mountains to western Pennsylvania in Somei-set County. There he worked at his trade and farmed. In 1794 he married Maiy Bayes, who was born April 28, 1773, daughter of Stephen Bayes. They were the parents of seven sons and one daughter, one son dying in infancy.

In 1830 the whole family came to Ohio and located in Holmes County, where he remained until 1837. In September of that year, with a large party of relatives, he proceeded west to Fulton County, then Lucas County, in Clinton Township, where land had been entered for him the px-evious year. » There he spent the rest of his life. George Mikesell was a brick and stone mason and followed that trade till late in life. In tin- spriiio- of 1838 lie burned a kiln of brick, linm which he erected a large and substantial lirepiace and chimney in his log house. This was the first brick made in Clinton Township and perhaps the first in the comity. George ilikesell was always strict in his habits and honest and straightforward in his dealings with his fellowmeu. He died October 9, 1840, and .just one week later, October 16, 1840, his . wife followed him to the life beyond. Both had long been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

William Mikesell, son of George and Mary (Bayes) Mikesell was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1810, and was there reared to the age of twenty years. His educational advantages were very scanty. All told he attended school only about six months. He worked on the farm until about 1830, when the family removed to Holmes County, Ohio, where he rented land and farmed. In the spring of 1832 he went back to the old liome in Pennsylvania on a visit. On returning the great flood of 1832 in the Ohio River was in progress. Steamboats were running through the streets of Steubenville, Ohio. He crossed the river, which was four miles wide at that point, in a rowboat.

May 23, 1833, William MikeseU married Miss Margaret Bayes, who was bom in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, June 4, 1811. Thomas Bayes, her father, a son of Stephen Bayes and of English and Scotch descent, was born April 30, 1775, and died in Pulton County, Ohio, September 2, 1850. The more than seventy-five years of Ms life were busy years. In 1797 he married Miss Ann McMillen, who was born Mai'ch 31, 1776. They became the parents of six sons and three daughters. About 1820 he moved his family from Somerset County, Pennsylvania, to Holmes County, Ohio, where he bought a farm and lived until 1837. His wife having died in 1836 he sold the farm and in September, 1837, with a large company of relatives came to Clinton Township, Fulton County, then part of Lucas County, and here he spent the remainder of his life. He was a blacksmith by trade and for a number of years had a shop in this county. He was the first justice of the peace in Clinton Township, which was organized in 1838. Thomas Bayes was a man of more than ordinary ability and served the public in different capacities. He was an especial friend of the poor. He was an active Christian from young manhood and a devoted memberf of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in whose faith he passed to his final reward. He was always found doing good, ever counselling the adjusting of differences between his neighbors without recourse to law, and he was humanity's friend at all times, ever holding the respect and confidence of all who knew him.

In the summer of 1836 William MikeseU in company with his brotliei'-in-law Thomas Bayes, Jr., came to the wilderness of what is now Fulton County and selected fourteen eighty-acre tracts of land for them.selves and certain friends and made entry of them at the land office in Lima. They traveled part of the time afoot, having one horse, which they rode alternately. William ilikesell's crop of wlieat that summer furnished him the money to pay for his land and to buy the things necessary for the transferring of his family to the then "far west" in Fulton County and living there until crops could be secured. Early in April, ,1837, he came with his family to the new home, arriving there on the last day of the month. The trip with an ox team and wagon consumed about three weeks, much of the road being so muddy through the black swamp that they could make only one or two miles a day. Three nights in succession they had to remain at the same wayside inn. The new home was near the center of Section 14, Town 7 North and Range 6 East. The log cabin, 16x20 feet, was erected in a few days with the aid of earlier settlers, and that same spring William MikeseU cleared the timber and brash from two acres of ground and planted it to corn, from which he secured a fair yield. By fall he had cleai'ed five acres more, which he sowed to wheat and this gave a good yield the next harvest. He had brought sufficient flour and other supplies to last till crops could be raised. Deer, wild turkey, pigeons, etc., were plentiful, so there was no lack of meat in the house, for he was a skillful hunter. Wild honey was readily secured and a supply was always kept on hand, and this with the wild fruits of the vicinity made a variety and abundance of fare. The market town of this locality in those early days was Maumee City on the ]\raumee River twenty-six miles distant on a straight road, but much further on account of the drive over the higher ground to shun the mud. Grain had to be hauled to that to\ra to sell or to grind. Of course much grain was disposed of in barter, a bushel of wheat commanding so much service or a variable quantity of other commodities. William MikeseU, being a hunter, had many deer hams and skins to sell, as well as hides of mink and i-accoon. In 1840 he paid the entire purchase price of a horse, $40, by such sales. He continued clearing his land and raising crops and was prospered in his labors.

In politics he was a whig while that party existed, and on the organization of the republican party became a republican. He never held public office except one term as justice of the peace and two terms as township treasurer. Soon after their marriage both he and his wife were converted and lived the balance of their daj^s faithful and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their home in the wilds was the stopping place for tlie early day circuit riders, and was often the place of holding preaching services. They were among the first members of the class which developed into the society comprising tlie present Methodist Episcoi^al Church of Wauseon. Although it was the common custom in the early days to use whiskey freely at barn raisings and in the harvest seasons, William Mikesell never used it nor furnished it to others. For all that he never had any difficulty in securing all the help he required. He was an oiScial in his church until near the end of his life, which occurred July 13, 1883.

Margaret (Bayes) Mikesell, his first wife, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, June 4, 1811, and accompanied her parents on their removal to Holmes County, Ohio, in 1820. There on May 23, 1833, she was united in marriage to William Mikesell. She proved a worthy and faithful helpmeet, a kind and loving wife and mother, and was a gentle and faithful Christian. She knew the labors, trials and hardships of pioneer life, but liei-s was the faith that made her faithful in all things and her life was one of signal grace and purity. Her health began to fail about 1851 and after much patient suffering from cancer she passed to the better laud on December 4, 1855.

The following year William Mikesell married Mrs. Catherine (Pfouts) Bayes, widow of Meek Bayes. They became the parents of one son, David, who is now a resident of Cleveland, Ohio. His second wife died December 26, 1869. Of the three children born of the first marriage, the daughter, born in 1834, died in infancy. John, born July 12, 1837, grew to manhood on the home farm and in April, 1861, at the first call by President Lincoln for volunteers after the firing ou Fort Sumpter enlisted in the three months' service in the Fourteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in West Virginia until August, 1861, when he was discharged with the regiment. In the fall of 1861 he reenlisted for three years, this time in the Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry. He was promoted to the position of fife major of the regiment and served with this command until after the battle of Fort Donelson, when through exposure at the battle and in the storms of February^ 1862, he contracted pneumonia, which caused his death March 12, 1862.

William Mikesell continued to reside on the old homestead until his death. He was nearly six feet tall, broad shouldered and a well built man, weighing over 200 pounds and possessed of great strength. He was genial and kind, tolerant in his .iudgment. and ever tried to avoid trouble with his neighbors and all others with whom he came in contact in all the relations of life. He was a great

Mr. Thomas Mikesell, the only survivor of his mother's children, was born on the homestead far)n one mile north of the present City of Wauseon August 9, 1845. Tliis farm continued to be his home except for about two years altogether until 1902, when he sold the property and removed to Wauseon where he has since resided practically retired. He attended the district school until fourteen years old, when he found better advantages in the "high" school at Wauseon. This school was called high because it was' conducted in an upper room by teachers that were able to instruct and that thoroughly. There he attended several winter terms, assisting in the farm work during the summer months.

In June, 1863, he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a term of six months, receiving his honorable discharge on February 10, 1864. He took part in the Morgan chase through Ohio during the historic raid of July, 1863, and was only a few miles away when Morgan's men were captured. He was also in the expedition under Col. John P. de Courcey, marching from Nicholasville, Kentucky, to Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, and ending in the capture of the Gap September 9, 1863. During his term of service he was detailed and served as fifer of his company.

During the winter of 1866-67 Mr. Mikesell taught school in his home district and the winter following in Kosciusko County, Indiana. In October, 1868, he went to Jasper County, Iowa, where he taught school during the winter and in the spring of 1869 went to Sullivan County, Missouri, where he taught a summer term. On finishing this school he returned in September to the old home in Ohio. He worked on the farm, taught school the next two winters, and in 1872 he learned and worked at the photograph trade in Wauseon. He then returned to the farm.

November 23, 1873, he married Miss Martha Herriman, who was bom near Ottokee, Fulton County, Ohio, April 21, 1850, a daughter of John and Lettie (Wood) Herriman. Before she was six years old she lost her mother" by death, and was reared after that in the home of Thomas J. Case near Wauseon. Mr. and Mrs. Mikesell have no children.

tions. In October, 1882, on the organization of the Ohio Meteorological Bureau he was appointed one of the observers and has continued ever since to send reports to Columbus, Ohio, and Washington, D. G. In 1902 he was appointed a special observer of the corn and wheat region service, and has I'eported by telegraph each day from April 1st to September 30th, every summer. In 1875 Mr. Mikesell began the study of the birds in his vicinity and since 1883 has kept a record of their habits, and the dates of the arrival and departm-e of the migratory species, and the relative numbers of each species from year to year. In 1885 he was elected an associate member of the American Ornithologist Union. His observations have been continued since that time, more or less perfectly. In 1883, in connection with the weather observations, he began i^henological observations, to show the effect of weather on the growth of vegetation. The points covered are, on farm and garden crops, date of planting, above ground, blossoming, ripe, harvesting, etc. ; on fruit and forest trees, date of the buds starting in full leaf, in blossom, fruit ripe, change of foliage, and divested of leaves. Besides these there are the dates of blossoming of over 100 species of plants. In 1915, this thirty-year record of observation was published by the United States Weather Bueau as Supplement No. 2, compiled and edited by his friend. Professor J. Warren Smith, meteorologist.

In politics Mr. Mikesell is a republican. He has never held public office except two terms as village councilman. He is not connected with any secret order or club, having seen so many instances where these things take people away from their duties to their church and their God to serve the world and making the world their god. He has worked with the Anti-saloon League from its organization and since 1867 has been in favor of the absolute prohibition of all liquor traffic. In Febi-uary, 1887, both he and his wife became Christians aJid members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are still active and devoted in the service. He was an official since 1887, secretary of the official board from 1888 to 1916, and treasurer of the board of stewards from 1893 to 1916.

In 1887 Mr. Mikesell was elected secretary of the Fulton County Pioneer and Historical Association and served in that capacity until 1895. He has taken gi-eat interest in preserving the early historical data of the county. In 1889 he was chosen secretary of the Fulton County Agricultural Society, and held that office for sixteen consecutive years. He saw the County Fair gi-ow from a representation of about 1,450 entries in 1889 to over 3,300 in 1904, and the amoimt of premiums paid from less than $700 to more than $2,500.

In February, 1915, Mr. Mikesell had a request from Col. W. L. Cuiiy, Civil war historian of the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society, concerning the number of soldiex-s enlisted from Fulton County during the Civil war, together with how many were killed in battle, died of wounds, or of disease, dischai-ged for disability, etc. There being no public records available, he spent the better part of two months investigating every source of information that he could find. Although the result, of coui'se, could not be exact, it was the best he could do at this late day, and Colonel Curry complimented him very highly for the report.

In 1887 he prepared an article giving a condensed summary of his weather observations from 1870 to that date, which was published as a chapter in a" Histoiy of Heniy and Fulton Counties," published in 1888. In 1904 he was called to be editor of a "Historj' of Fulton County, Ohio," and besides his work as editor he prepared a chapter giving a summary of the thirty-five years of his weather record and a chapter giving a systematic list of the woody plants of Fulton County. This history was published in 1905. In 1915 he was called to be editor of the chapter on Fulton County in this present ' ' Histoi-j' of Northwestern Ohio. ' ' He had ju-st finished it when stricken with paralysis April 18, 1916. His latest work has been the compiling and drawing of a map of Clinton Township, Fulton County, showing the pioneer roads and trails and the location of the cabins of the settlers previous to 1850. This was done for the Daughters of the American Revolution Society of Wauseon.

Wlien he began making special observations it was for his own satisfaction and information, but as the work continued he came to think that some day they might prove valuable to others. He feels that if they help along to a better knowledge of ways of nature, the time and labor bestowed on the work will be well repaid. Professor Tallman, writing in the Weather Bureau Supplement mentioned above, has this to say : ' ' The observations published in this present Supplement are but a portion of the records that this one man has maintained during his busy life. They constitute one of the most complete and reliable local records of which we have knowledge, as to the development of plant life and the migration of birds and animals. Quietly, carefully, conscientiously, this man has merely kept his eyes oi^en to see, and systematically recorded the movements of nature about him year after year. He has done what thousands of other men might have done, bvit which no other one has done. The writer believes that science owes a great debt to such a man, that all honor is due him, and that the name of Thomas Milcesell should be set high among the faithful students of nature in this country." Mr. MikeseU. has been a crop correspondent since 1895 for the United States Department of Agriculture. In 1909 he became a member of the National Geographic Society.

J. Henry L. Hoops. When Mr. Hoops came to America thirty-five years ago he had practically no capital and nothing to commend him to the confidence of a new country except his ability to work hard, and it was by hard work that he made his first stake and after a number of years of working for others he bought land and assumed the role of an independent farmer in Henry County. He is now one of the well-to-do men of Richfield Township and owns some of the fine farming laud in that locality of Henry County.

His home place is in .section 33 of ^Richfield. He has 110 acres there, the land that was improved by his individual labors from the wilderness. It is drained and ditched and is capable of growing all the crops expected of a Northwest Ohio farm. The land is now all under cultivation except fourteen acres of native timber. His chief crops are corn, oats, and wheat. Mr. Hoops also owns another farm of eighty acres, also well improved, and with substantial buildings. On his home farm his barn is one of the best in the township. It is 40 by 80 feet, painted a slate color, with sheet metal roof, and has every facility and arrangement that gives perfect service. His home is a substantial eight room house. Mr. Hoops gets much of his revenue from the feeding of hogs and cattle, and he keeps six horses.

He was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, October 6, 1866, a son of Fred and Mary (Rohrs) Hoops. His parents spent all their lives in Hanover. His father was a carpenter and farmer and served a brief time as a. soldier in the War of 1866, when Bismarck compelled the Kingdom of Hanover to become a member of the German Empire. Mr. Hoops' mother died in Hanover in 1916, when past seventy years of age. The family were lifelong Lutherans.

J. Henry L. Hoops, the oldest son and child of his parents, was reared and educated in his native kingdom, and when only fifteen years of age he accompanied some friends to the United States. He made the voyage on the ship America and landed at New York City in May, 1882. From there he came west to Holgate, Ohio, and arrived with only $8 in cash. He soon found employment as a farm hand with a Mr. Holers of Defiance County, and remained steadily in his service for eight years. He then went to work for Henry Langeuhope of Napoleon Township, Henry County, and was in his employ also for eight years. In the meantime he had not only been working hard but had been thrifty and saving and had accumulated some capital to enable him to carry out his ambitious plans for a home of his own. He then bought his present farm and his progress from that day to the present has been a steadily upward one.

In Defiance County Mr. Hoops married Miss Lucy Harrus. She was born in Defiance County, of German parents, both of whom are now deceased. Her father was one of the pioneer settlers of Adams Township, Defiance County, sicurcd Government land and improvetl Imty iiere.s. jMrs. Hoops was born there ni October, 1867. She was a wise and faithful mother, provided well for her home and children and it was a great loss to her family when she died in a hospital at Toledo on April 13, 1913. She was the mother of eight children. One of her children died in infancy. Fi'cd. who m;is born July 2, 1892, was educatoil in tlic piililie schools and is now a practical assistiuit lo liis father on the home place. Caroline is the wife of William Rosebrook, a farmer in Bartlow Township, and they have a son Eugene. Luellen is the wife of Carl Arps, a farmer in Ontario, Canada, and they have a son Edmond. Anna, aged seventeen, is her father's housekeeper and a very capable young woman. The three younger children, all in school, are Martha, aged thirteen, Henry aged nine, and Otto aged seven. Mr. Hoops and family are active members of St. John's Lutheran Cliurch and he formerly served as an official of that church. He and his son are democratic voters.

"Wood County, has liad a career of varied in- ' terest and service in Northwestern Ohio. To his work as Common Pleas judge he brought a character of quiet strength, fortified by a varied experience of men and events, and his influence and service in that capacity have been directed by a kindly but keen presentment of human character and of the forces governing the relations of men and communities.

He was elected .judge in the fall of 1914, and his work has made him popular with the general public as well as the bar of Wood County. He succeeded on the bench a prominent old attorney, Judge Frank A. Baldwin.

Judge McClelland has been in active practice as a lawyer since 1892. He began practice at Bowling Green in 1894. He graduated from the normal schools of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Lebanon, Ohio, and was a teacher for several years before his admission to the bar. In 1896 he was appointed prosecuting attorney for Wood County to fill a vacancy, and when the fonner incumbent died in 1898 he himself was regularly nominated and elected and by reelection served the county most creditably until 1905. He then became a candidate for Congress in the old Ninth Congressional District. Judge McClelland as a young and vigorous attorney, with a large following in his county, put up a remarkable fight against the experienced campaigner and incumbent congressman, Isaac R. Sherwood of Toledo. It was an interesting campaign, and Judge McClelland was defeated by only forty-two votes. In 1908 he served as one of Ohio's presidential electors and in that capacity cast his ballot at Columbus in 1909 for William H. Taft. Judge McClelland has long been a leader in republican politics, has been a member of the executive committee a number of times, and has also served as chairman, secretary and treasurer of that committee.

On coming to Bowling Green Judge McClelland became afSliated in practice with A. B. Murphy, who was then serving as prosecuting attorney. Mr. Murphy while in office was taken ill with tuberculosis, and Mr. McClelland was appointed to fill out his term. Later he became associated in practice with George B. Lewis, a young lawyer, and this association continued until April, 1909. At that date Mr. Lewis removed to Toledo to become an insurance adjuster. The next partner of Judge McClelland was S. -W. Bowman, who is the present mayor of Bowling Green, elsewhere referred to. Thej' were in active practice under the name McClelland and Bowman until the night before Judge McClelland took up his duties on the bench.

Another important interest of Judge Mc- Clelland's career has been his active connection with fraternal work. He joined the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows at Jerry City in Wood County, and served as noble grand of the lodge. In 1900 he transferred his membership to Centennial Lodge No. 626 at Bowling Green, and has since been activelj^ identified with that body. He is past exalted ruler of Bowling Green Lodge No.818 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Judge McClelland is a deep student of Masonry. His local membership is in Wood County Lodge No. 112, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is past master. He also belongs to Crystal Chapter No. 159, Royal Arch Masons, at Bowling Green, to Fostoria Council, Royal and Select Masters, Toledo Commandery No. 7, Knights Templar, Zenobia Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and Toledo Consistory of the Thirty-Second Degi-ee Scottish Rite. Judge McClelland is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias at Bowling Green.

This honored lawyer, jurist and citizen was born in Crawford County, Ohio, October 22, 1863. His father, H. H. McClelland, rendered service to his country during the Civil war. He enlisted at the first call for troops in the three months regiment, Twenty-first Ohio, and later enlisted a second time but was in the service only a .short time. H. H. ]\IcClelland was mai-ried in 1862 to Ruth A. Winters. At the close of the Civil war they moved out to Northwest Missouri, spending five years in Ray County. On account of the illness of his wife Mr. McClelland returned to Ohio, locating in Seneca County, and in 1884 moved to Jerry City in Wood County. During and before this time Judge McClelland had been working as a teacher. His father died at Jerry City in 1910, at the age of seventy-three. His widowed mother is still living there and was seventy-seven years of age on February 22, 1917. The Presbyterian Church represented their religious faith, but in the absence of a church of that denomination they worshipped for many years as Methodists. H. H. McClelland was an active republican.

Judge McClelland married June 3, 1896, Charity Teller, daughter of James and Frances (Caswell) Teller. Her parents were early settlers in Wood County, Ohio, where her father went as a young man, acquired a tract of land and after his marriage took his bride to a log cabin home. His industry and thrift brought him in the course of time a large estate of 360 acres, one of the best improved and most valuable farms of Wood County. Mrs. McClelland 's father died in Wood County in 1912, and his widow is still occupying the old home at the age of seventy-six. The Tellers are of Quaker stock, but Mrs. McClelland 's mother is a member of the Disciples Church. Mrs. McClelland belongs to the Presbyterian denomination.

J. J. Suttee, M. D. The achievements of the able and talented physician and surgeon have proved abundant in the career of Dr. J. J. Sutter at Biufftou, and at the same time has come the substantial honors of good citizenship. Doctor Sutter has made a name for himself both in his profession and as a factor in the life and growth of his home community.

He is a native of Ohio, born in Putnam County, September 8, 1873, son of John and Elizabeth (Welty) Sutter. He is of Swiss ancestry. His mother was born in Switzerland and while his father was a native of Wayne County, Ohio, his grandfather, Christian Sutter was a native of Switzerland, coming to Wayne County in the early days. The maternal grandfather was John Welty, a native of Switzerland where he spent all his life. The parents were married in Putnam County. John Sutter was a sturdy and thrifty farmer. He went through many of the hardships of the pioneer. He secured raw land, built a log house, and he and his wife during the first year of their married life had only one pound of sugar, and other supplies were limited in quantity. He cleared his land and in time provided substantially for his growing family. He and his wife were members of the Mennonite Church and in politics he was a democrat. There were nine children, seven sons and two daughters, and seven are still living : Daniel, a blacksmith at Pandora, Ohio; Abraham, a merchant at Pandora ; Samuel, proprietor of a hotel at Astoria, Oregon ; Henry, a retired real estate man at Pandora ; Dr. J. J. ; Joseph, who is clerk in a hardware store at Mound Ridge, Kansas ; and Lydia, who lives at Aransas Pass, Texas, widow of Gustav Eberle.

Doctor Sutter partly by his own resources and energies and partly by assistance rendered him from home wisely improved his early advantages and utilized every opportunity to gain a liberal education. He attended the district schools of Pandora, also a local college, was a student in the Tri-State Normal School at Angola, Indiana, and in 1898 graduated M. D. from the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati. After one year in practice at Middletown, he removed to Bluffton in 1899, and has been steadily in practice in that community for the past eighteen years. While his work has been as a general practitioner, his services have come more and more in demand as a surgeon, and he is manager of the Bluffton Sanatorium. He has also taken special studies in eye, ear, nose and throat. On coming to Bluffton he bought out the practice of Doctor Bradshaw, and has had nearly all the professional work he could attend to almost from the start. He served as secretary of the Ohio Eclectic State Medical Association, and later as president of that association, and has been secretary and president of the Northwestern Ohio Eclectic Medical Association. He is a member of the Northwest Ohio, the Ohio State and the National Eclectic associations and the Allen County and Ohio State Medical societies.

In 1S99 Doctor Sutter married Miss Susie Ludibill, daughter of Abraham Ludibill, a Putnam County farmer. Six children were born to their marriage and the four still living are Anna Elvira, Cari'ie Elizabeth, Helen Ruth and Edith Virginia. All the family are members of the Mennonite Church.

Doctor Sutter is a democrat and has made himself a vigilant factor in local polities. He served as president of the board of public affairs seven years, and for two terms was elected mayor of Bluffton, an office he still fills and his vigorous administration is keenly felt and appreciated in that community. At his first election he was given the largest vote ever paid to a local nominee for that office. Doctor Sutter volunteered his services for the Officers Medical Reserve Corps in the summer of 1917.

The Dorcas Carey Pvtblic Library at Carey is one of the most complete libraries for a city of its size in Northwest Ohio. It is housed in an attractive building, has a collection of fifty-seven hundred volumes of standard reference works and literature, and under the management of the librarian, Miss Margie Sutphen, the library is an efficient instrument in the culture and enlightenment of the community.