Seneca Township (part 12 of 60)

Rev. Dr. Diedrich Willers was born February 6, 1798, atWalle, a village adjoining the seaport city of Bremen, Germany. He was educated in the public schools of his native village and the city of Bremen. His parents dying in his childhood, he was brought up by an uncle. When Napoleon Bonaparte, in his career of ambition and oppression of the smaller States of Europe, took forcible possession of the city of Bremen, Mr. Willers, then a youth of sixteen years of age, entered the army of Hanover, in September, 1814, and served in the German division of the allied army, for a period of five ye^rs. He was an active participant in the memorable battle of Waterloo, in Belgium, June i6th, 17th and iSth, 1815, with the allied forces under command of the Duke of Wellington, which decided the fate of Bonaparte and had an important bearing upon the destinies of the monarchial powers of Europe:. After this sanguinary battle, through which he passed unharmed, he remained with the allied army of occupation in France for more than three years - receiving a silver medal in recognition of his services. In 0.ctober, 1819, soon after his honorable discharge from the army, he started for the United States, landing at Baltimore, Maryland, with indeed a very small capital, except indomitable energy and force of character. For a time he was engaged in teaching school in York county, Pennsylvania. Already in his early youth, he formed the resolution to enter the gospel ministry, and engaged in study preparatory thereto, which he resumed upon arriving in the United States, under private theological tutors. In April, 1821, he received a call to serve congregation's in Seneca and adjoining counties in the State of, New York, which he accepted and entered upon without delay, and in October, 1821, he was ordained to the ministry of the Reformed church of the United States^then known as German Reformed,

His pastoral charge was an extended one, a missionary field indeed, including, at different times, six preaching points in Seneca county, two in Tompkins, two in Cayuga and one each in Wayne, Livingston and Niagara counties. He served the congregation near his home, Christ church at Bearytown, for a consecutive period of sixty years and eight months, to January i, 1882, when his resignation, rendered necessary by the infirmities of age, took effect. He preached his first sermon in the old log church at Bearytown, April 22, 182 1. In 1824 the venerable structure was superseded by a substantial stone church, remodeled in 1883, and still in use. During the early part of his ministry, his preaching was exclusively in the German language, and after a time in German or English, as the congregations required ; and during the first half of his pasiuial service, a large part of the travel incident to so extended a field of labor was performed on horseback. During his long and active continuous term of ministerial sei-vice, believed to be almost unparalelled in the annals of the American pulpit, he performed a very large amount of pastoral work, and preached, in addition to his regular Sunday discourses, many funeral and special sermons, and performed a large amount of ministerial labor in adminis- tering the rites of" baptism and confirmation, and in the solemnization of marriages. In the classis and synod of the church with which he stood in connection, he was a leading and influential member, and was frequently called upon to preside over their deliberations. In recognition of his learning, his zeal And labors in the minis^try, he received, a number of years before his decease* the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Franklin-Marshall college, at Lancaster, Pa., the oldest college of the German Reformed church in this country. Among the special sermons and addresses delivered by Dr. Willers, mention may be made of a discourse delivered at the semi-centennial of American Independence in 1826, and in 1876 he took part in the centennial thereof. He delivered also addresses upon the national anniversary, July 4th, 1833, 1851, and 1865. In 1830, when Joseph Smith was engaged in prepai-- ing the Book of Mormon, or Mormon l^ible, for publication, and in organizing MormoniSm in West Fayetle, Dr. Willers preached a discourse attacking the doctrines and fallacies of the Mormon leaders, based upon Galatians, first chapter, eighth verse. In 1879, at the Sullivan centennial celebration at Waterloo, Dr. Willers responded to the sentiment "The Clergy," and in July, 1880, he attended and delivered an address at Lyons, N. Y., upon the semicentennial of a German church founded there by him. Dr. Willers was a warm friend of our Common School system, and soon after he became a naturalized citizen, he was chosen one of the inspectors of common schools of the town of Varick, where he resided, and afterwards for a number of years he held the position of Superintendent of Schools of his town. In 1861 and 1862, during a trying period in the history of tliis country, he was elected supervisor of Varick, serving also as chairman of the board, with great satisfaction to his constituents. Dr. Willers was married June 24, 1823, to Miss Frances Schirck of New Holland, Lancaster county, Pa., of Palatinate German ancestry, who died November 24, 1879. ^^ '' f^'mily of eight children born to them, six grew up to mature years, and one son, bearing his father's name, and two daughters, Mrs. Margaret A. Bachman and Mrs. Caroline L. Reed, still survive their parents. The health of Dr. Willers, generally good, was impaired: by a severe attack of pneumonia in the winter of 1882. In the early part of May, 1883, he was affected with bronchial disease, complicated with the infirmities of old age, and his death followed on, Whit Sunday, Maj^ 13th, 1883,. in the eighty-sixth year of his age. At the time of his decease he was the oldest minister of the Reformed church of the United States. His mortal remains found shelter in the family burial plot in the Burgh cemetery of Fayette, a large concourse being in attendance at the impressive funeral services and at the burial.

AMONG the leaders in religious work in Seneca county, not now ministering to the churches, it is proper that we mention Rev. Samuel Hart Gridley, who, for nearly fifty years, was pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, and whose ability and devotion to the cauoie of Christ and humanity made him a power for go^d in the county. Dr. Gridley was born December

Rev. Samuel H. Gridley

28, 1802, in Oneida county, the son of a farmer. In the intervals of farm work he prepared for college, and at the age of twenty entered the sophomore class in Hamilton. Ill health compelled him to forego the honors of graduation, but he continued his studies in private, and, four years later, entered Auburn Theological .seminary. At the age of twenty -seven he was licensed by the Oneida Congregational Association, and commenced preaching. In 1830, he was called to the pastorate of the Congregational Church in PeiTy, Wyoming county. He remained here three years, and then was settled as pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. This pastoral relation continued until April I, 1873, when failing health compelled him to relinquish its active duties; but he remained, beloved and honored, a pastor indeed to his people, until his death, October i, 18S5.

Hamilton College conferred upon him the degrees M. A. and D. D., and in the presbyteries and synods, he was known and respected as a man not only devout but learned. In all that concerned the true advancement of the people among whom he labored, he was ever inti-rested and active. His public spirit was only equalled by his piety and devotion, and his name will long be honored not only by the Presbyterians of this county, but by all who love their fellow-men. and rejoice in the upbuilding of mankind.

Rev. Nelson A. Depew

ALTHOUGH his labors have not been largely in this county, yet, as the oldest living clergyman within its borders, and as one of the pioneei^ preachers of the Lake Country, and of the historic "Seneca Circuit,' it is certainly appropriate that Rev. N. A. DePew be mentioned in this volume. To him we are, indeed, indebted for many of the earlier facts with which we have supplemented the sketches given of some of the local churches. He is one of the few remaining representatives of the early Methodist itinerant. Abounding in labors, fervent in spirit, exhorting, persuading, if possible convincing, in season, out of season, on all occasions they labored for the Master. Their wives also toiled and suffered with them, and when, as in the family of Mr. DePew, they are spared to behold the fruits of their labors, they

Rev. Nelson A. DePew was born in Kent, Connecticut, in 1813, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1827. He entered the ministry in 1841, having previously held an Exhorler's license for two years.. His record, therefore, as a public speaker is longer than that of most of his compeers, he having been fi ty-seven years a licensed and ordained clergyman, and sixty-nine years a member of the church of God. For many years he engaged in teaching, even afier he entered the ministry. After serving several churches in his native State, he, in 1847, went to Penn Yan, N. Y. , and taught one term of school in Branchport, on tine west branch of lake Keuka. A deep sense of responsibility of the sacred office, had ever oppressed him and to escape the responsibility, if possible, had led him to leave his native State. But he was engaged to pieach the first Sunday after he arrived in Penn Yan, and, during the winter tbllowing, lie labored in destitute places. When the Conference } ear came round, he \ ielded to the solicitation of the church and consented lo go again into lh_ work of the ministry. Hence, in 1848, he accepted a charge in Steuben couiitv, N.Y., and for the following forty-four years coiiseculively, took his place vvith his brethren on the circuits. Five of tliese }ears \\ere spent in Pennsylvania, and thirly-nine in the State of New York. Of these thirty-nine jears, seven were passed between the lakes, Seneca and Cayuga, eight years on the west side of Seneca lake, and three nn Keiika. He can truly .say, in the evening of his life, "the lines have fallen to me in pleasant places, yt a, I have had a goodly heritage." In 1892, as the evening shadows of life v\ere folding around him, he asked for a superannuated relation, and for the last three and one half years, has resided south of Canoga at a home he very ap|iropriately has named "Lake View Rest." From 'his veranda many miles of ihe beautiful lake lie before it, which in summer is like a mirror in its reflection. Five years of Mr. DePevv's pastorates were in Seneca county, three vvith the Canoga, Varick and Fa\ ette churclies and two at Townsendville. His aged wife, two years his senior, still survives, but "in feebleness extreme." Her record is a noble one. For forty-seven years she has presided in a parsonage when a Methodist preacher's house was as a hotel to all Methodist travelers. In those earlv limes it was .-eldom that the board was not crowded with strangers as guests. She tells uf providing dinner for seventeen in one day. Truly, -'Many daughters have done virtuously but thou excellesl them all."

THE influence which Dr. Willers and Dr. Gridley exerted upon the Protestant population of the county, in the earHer years of its history, or Rev. DePew, not only in this county, but in the broader field to which the Methodist itinerancy called him, found its counterpart in the results of the labors of a Catholic priest and writer, who for twenty years labored in the parishes of Seneca Falls and Waterloo, and whose broad views and abounding charity made him indeed Catholic in the literal sense of the word. Rev. Louis A. Lambert was born in Pennsylvania, February 11, 1835. His father was an Irish Catholic immigrant, a brother of Bishop Lambert of New Foundland. His mother, Lydia Jones, was a Quakeress, her ancestors coming to this country with William Penn. She became a devout Catholic. At the age of 19, Father Lambert commenced his classical studies at St. Vincent's college and finished ecclesiastical preparations in the archdiocesan seminary at Carondelet, Mo. In 1859, ^^ ^'^^ ordained a priest in the diocese of Alton, 111., and was assigned to parishes which required much mission work in the southern part of the State. July i, 1861,, he was commissioned chaplain of the i8th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. He remained two y^ars, being present at the bloody battle of Shiloh. He was then appointed pastor at Cairo, 111., and remained until 1868, when he went as teacher to the Paulist Novitiate in New York city. In 1869, he was placed in temporary charge of Seneca Falls parish, and a few months later was sent to Waterloo, where he remained nineteen years. During this pastorate his worth became known, not only to his church but to the people of Seneca county regardless of creed or denomination. His influence was entirely for good. He was foremost in every enterprise that promised secular, moral or religious benefit to the community. His clear intellect, warm heart and broad philanthropy brought him into touch with all classes, and endeared him to all. Under his care the parish flourished and built a large stone church, one of the finest in the diocese. Father Lambert is a writer of no mean reputation. He founded the Catholic Times at Waterloo, a paper which, growing larger in circulation and influence, was removed to Rochester and thence to Buffalo, being now the Catholic Union and Times, for which he has always been a prominent writer. Hfs "Notes on IngersoU" have given him fame as a controversialist. They are trenchant, logical, and abounding with keen satire. IngersoU has never attempted to answer them. In 1889 Father Lambert was sent by Bishop McQuaid to the parish of ScottSville, where his work continues and his literary activity remains. He is now an associate editor of the Freeman's Journal.

WHAT Rev. Diedrich Willers was to the church work of the central part of the county, and Rev. Dr. Gridley to that of the northern part, in the earlier years of the century, Lewis Halsey, D. D., has been to the southern towns in the later years - an influence, an inspiration, an embodied energy for good. Lewis Halsey was born at Trumansburg,

Rev. Lewis Halsey

January 19, 1843. His ancestry was good, tracing back to the early pioneer of Seneca, Hon. Silas Halsey, who was Judge, Assemblyman, State Senator, and Member of Congress. Lewis graduated at Trumansburg Academy in 1864, and about that time was made adjutant of the 50th Regiment, N. Y. S. N. G., Colonel Barto, commanding. The National Guard was not called out, and he entered Hobart College that same year, graduating with honors in 1868. He taught Latin and Natural Sciences at Oxford Academy for a year, then entered Rochester Theological Seminary, graduating in 1872. He was o)-dained pastor at Ogden, Monroe county for two years, and then accepted a call from the Baptist Church at Farmer. Here he remained until 1891, and in this pastorate he developed the gifts which have made him one of the foremost ministers of his denomination in the State. Dignified and able in the pulpit, devoted and earnest in the prayer-meeting, comforting and consoling by the bedside of the sick or the dying, the light of the social circle, and an active, energizing influence in the schools and all public movements for the good of the community, he fulfilled all the requirements ol his sacred calling. His literary ability was also developed during these years. He was the author of some poems, and a ready writer for the press, while addresses at anniversaries and even books came from his teeming brain. His Alma Mater made him a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Divinity, and Dr. Halsey was made the first trustee of Hobart College outside of the Episcopal Church. His pastoral record at Farmer, is two hundred and thirty-eight additions to the church, over two hundred marriages, and three hundred funerals. In 1891, he accepted a call to the Baptist Church at Castile, New York. He had just commenced work in his new field, when a call to larger work and greater usefulness came from the West Church of Oswego, the largest and most influential in the Oswego Baptist Association. He and his work have here prospered together, until now he has the care of nearly flve hundred communicants. His interest in matters, literary and patriotic, have grown with his growth, and Dr. Halsey is a member pi the society of the Sons of the Revolution, ol the Reform Club of New York City, and the Fortnightly Club of Chicago.

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The Delaware Insurance Co

PHOENIX OF BROOKLYN. aUEEN OF AMEBIGA. COMMERCIAL UNION, LONDON MERCHANTS OF NEWARK. NIAGARA, UNITED STATES, BROADWAY AND GREENWICH OF NEW YORK. INS. CO. OF NORTH AMERICA. BRITISH AMERICA ASSURANCE CO. THE DELAWARE INSURANCE CO.

Works Romulus

Manufactured and kept in stock. Also a first class Feed Mill. Nothing pays the farmer better than to drain his land and have his grain ground. All work guaranteed.

Ad Vmr Tising Dmpar Tmmnt

His beautiful summer resort and excursion ground has been thoroughlyoverhauled at the expense of a great fortune, and is now the equal of any in the State. It is situated on the west bank of Cayuga Lake about 2 miles east of the village of Seneca Falls. The grounds are well adapted for excursions of every description, having all kinds of amusement features, and ample accommodations for any sized excursion.

Among the many attractions are the Grand Pavilion Promenade, the Bath Houses, immense fleet of boats. Fishing Paraphernalia, Base Ball Grounds, Bicycle and Horse Racing Tracks, Balloon Ascensions, Steam Meny-Go-Round, Opera House, where bright, clean, crisp Vaudeville Shows will be changing attractions ; a Restaurant where first class meals or lunches can be had at moderate rates, also an Orchestra in daily attendance afternoon and evening. No intoxicating drinks are sold on the grounds, and the best of order is maintained.

This famous resort is reached by the New York Central, Lehigh Valley, Fall Brook, Middlesex Valley Railroads, the Seneca and Cayuga. Lake Steamers, all in connection with the Geneva, Waterloo, Seneca Falls and Cayuga Lake Electric Railroad.

Source changes here: from A Centennial Biographical History of Seneca County, Ohio, by Lewis Publishing Company, published 1902; 278,506 words in this source stream.

Seneca Township

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Preface

HUT of the depths of his mature wisdom Carlyle wrote, ** History is the essence of innumerable biographies. '* Believing this to be the fact, there is no necessity of advancing any further

Seneca County, Ohio, has sustained within its confines men who have been prominent in public affairs and great industrial enterprises for almost a century. The annals teem with the records of strong and noble manhood, and, as Sumner has said, **the true grandeur of nations is in those qualities which constitute the greatness of the individual.** The final causes which shape the fortunes of individuals and the destinies of States are often the same. They are usually remote and obscure, and their influence scarcely perceived until manifestly declared by results. That nation is the greatest which produces the greatest and most manly men and faithful women; and the intrinsic safety of a community depends not so much upon methods as upon that normal development from the deep resources of which proceeds all that is precious and permanent in life. But such a result may not consciously be contemplated by the actors in the great social drama. Pursuing each his personal good by exalted means, they work out as a logical result.

certain in the outcome. The study of a successful life, therefore, serves both as a source of information and as a stimulus and encouragement to those who have the capacity. As an important lesson in this connection we may appropriately quote Longfellow, who said : **We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while we judge others by what they have already done. " A faithful personal history is an illustration of the truth of this observation.

In this biographical history the editorial staff, as well as the publishers, have fully realized the magnitude of the task. In the collection of the material there has been a constant aim to discriminate carefully in regard to the selection of subjects. Those who have been prominent factors in the public, social and industrial development of the county have been given due recognition as far as it has been possible to secure the requisite data. Names worthy, of perpetuation here, it is true, have in several instances been omitted, either on account* of the apathy of those concerned or the inability of the compilers to secure the information necessary for a symmetrical sketch; but even more pains have been taken to secure accuracy than were promised in the prospectus. Works of this nature, therefore, are more reliable and complete than are the ** standard*' histories of a country.

Hon. Warren P. Noble

For almost sixty years Hon. Warren P. Noble has been a practitioner at the bar of Tiffin. An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have honored the state to which they belong, would be incomplete were there failure to make prominent reference to the one whose name initiates this paragraph. He holds distinctive precedence as an eminent lawyer and statesman, a man of high scientific attainments and as one who occupied a unique and trying position during one of the most exciting ej>ochs in the history of our country, in which position he bore himself with such signal dignity and honor as to gain to him the respect of all. He has been and is distinctively a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. A strong mentality, an invincible courage, a most determined individuality, have so entered into his makeup as to render him a natural leader of men and a director of opinion. Although he has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, he is still an active factor in the business life of Tiffin, although it is his desire to rest from the more active duties of his profession.

Warren P. Noble was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1820, and is of English extraction on his father's side, with a strain of Irish blood from his maternal grandfather. His father, William No- ble, was a native of Connecticut, which state had been the residence of his ancestors for several generations. He removed to Pennsylvania when a young man, settling near Berwick, then in Luzerne county, but now in Columbia county. There he married Miss Rebecca Lytle, of that place. Her mother barely escaped being one of the victims of the Wyoming massacre, in 1778, by fleeing to a blockhouse. In the war of 181 2 William Noble entered the army and rendered valiant service to his country. Unto him and his wife were born ten children; and during the infancy of our subject the parents came with their family to Ohio, locating first in Wayne county and afterward in Medina county, whence they came to Seneca county in 1836, settling in Jackson township. The father was a millwright by trade and was engaged in building mills in Pennsylvania and Ohio for many years. He owned a small farm in the latter state and thereon his family lived. He reached a venerable age and died at his home near Fostoria in 1864, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife passed away in 1872, at the age of seventy-one.

Warren P. Noble spent his childhood days in his parents' home, .attending the pubic schools until eighteen years of age; but the facilities for acquiring an education in those days were not of the superior order that we find them to-day. He was desirous of mental improvement, however, and became a student in the Wadsworth Academy, in Medina county, then under the control of Professor John McGregor, one of the ablest educators of the time in Ohio. On several occasions Mr. Noble walked to and from that school, where he remained as a student for two years, supporting himself by teaching school through the winter months. Among the most pleasurable recollections of his early life is the school which he taught in Fostoria in the winter of 1 840-1. Several of the boys then under his instruction have since become distinguished men, including the Hon. Charles Foster, congressman, governor and secretary of the United States treasury. The late Judge John Lawrence, of Tennessee, was also a pupil of his at that time, as was Colonel William E. Haines, distinguished both on the field of battle and in the field of public life, serving several terms in congress. Judge John F. Caples, of Portland, Oregon, was another of that number.

While engaged in teaching Mr. Noble began the study of law, and in February, 1842, he came to Tiffin, which was then a small town. Here he read law in the office of Rawson & Pennington, General William H. Gibson being a fellow student in the same office. This man's brilliancy in later years lent lustre to the Tiffin bar, and though unfortunate as state treasurer he made an enviable reputation as colonel of a renowned fighting regiment. On the 4th of July, 1843, Mr. Noble was admitted to the bar, and has since been engaged in practice in Tiffin, throughout the years enjoying a large and distinctively representative clientage. As a lawyer he is sound, logical, clear-minded and thoroughly trained. With the limitations which are imposed by the constitution on federal powers, with the long line of decisions from Marshall down, by which it has been expounded, he is familiar, though he is at home in all departments of the law, from the minutiae in practice -to the greater topics wherein is involved the consideration of the ethics and philosophy of jurisprudence and the higher concerns of public policy. He has always prepared his cases with the greatest precision and care, has studied every point of law bearing upon his cause and has marshaled his evidence and his arguments with masterly skill.

In 1846 - as soon as his age rendered him eligible - he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature, and at the close of his twoyears' term w^as re-elected. In 185 1 he was chosen by popular ballot prosecuting attorney of the county, but resigned after serving for three years. In i860 he was elected to congress on the Democratic ticket, and so capably represented his district, so loyally upheld fhe Union cause and the soldiers that he was re-elected by a majority of twelve hundred, notwithstanding the fact that gerrymander work had been done, adding to his district Republican counties and taking therefrom those of recognized Democratic strength. His course in congress awakened admiration and respect, and during the entire war period he was an influential member of that body. He was what w^as known as a "war Democrat,'' and faithfully supported the administration in the conduct of the war, voting for all men and means called for from time to time; and by his speeches and contributions he helped raise every company and regiment enlisted from his district, while he was at all times ready to help by every means in his power all soldiers who in any way needed assistance. This disposition, which made him popular with the soldiers and their friends, greatly aided his second election over an apparent majority of three thousand in favor of the opposite political power. He carefully and thoughtfully studied every question which came up for consideration during his congressional career, and gave his influence and support in the direction which he believed would work the greatest good for the greatest number and advance the weal of the nation. Among his contemporaries in the house at the time were James G. Blaine, Roscoe Conkling, George H. Pendleton, William Windom, James A. Garfield and Thaddeus Stevens, all of whom had marked influence in shaping the policy of the nation during the most trying period in its history.

Mr. Noble retunied from congress with a reputation heightened by able and patriotic service, and resumed the practice of law in Tiffin. Scon after he became a member of the bar he entered into partnership with his brother, the late Judge Harrison Noble, who had studied with him. This business relation was maintained unchanged for a quarter of a century, at the end of which time Nelson B. Lutes, one of their students, was admitted to the firm under the style of Noble Brothers & Lutes. After two years the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent and for several years Mr. Noble was alone in practice. About 1876 he formed a partnership with Perry M. Adams, a promising and able young attorney, who had been a student in his office, and who remained a memlxr of the firm of Noble & Adams until his death, in 1891, while he was serving as president pro tem. of the Ohio senate. Mr. Noble then formed a partnership with his son, Warren F., and Guilford B. Keppel, under the firm name of Noble, Keppel & Noble, a relationship that is still continued, although the senior member does not seek further practice, and only acts as counsellor to accommodate some old client who desires his services. Many of the decisions of the appellate courts bear the impress of his patient investigation and his logical argument. His careful and systematic method of preparing cases has been a strong element in his success. In this respect he resembles the late Allen G. Thurman, employing none of the arts and tricks of oratory, his speeches, however, being eloquent in the clearness of statement, the broad common sense of reasoning, the force of logic, earnestness and power. He alw^ays commands the strict attention of courts and juries and of his fellow practitioners, and has never been known to fail in that strict courtesy and regard for professional ethics w^hich should ever characterize the members of the bar. His professional career is an inspiration and a noble example to the younger men who follow him.

Mr. Noble has served in many important positions of business, trust and confidence outside the strict path of his profession. He was one of the directors of the Tiffin, Toledo & Eastern Pennsylvania Railroad Company from its organization until it was completed and turned over to the Pennsylvania system. He was a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio State University for about ten years, and the year after it was organized he was elected its president, being again chosen to that position, although the majority of the board members were Republicans. For many years he was president of the board of education of Tiffin, and the cause of education found in him a warm friend, as evidenced by his untiring efforts in behalf of the schools. He was the first president of the Commercial Bank of Tiffin and is now its vice-president. The first woman ever admitted to the Ohio bar - Mrs. Nettie C. Lutes - was a student in his office.

In 1847 Mr. Noble was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Singer, the eldest daughter of Frederick Singer. She died March 9, 1853, leaving two daughters and one son: Belle, now the wife of William L. Bates, of Dayton, Ohio; Mary Ellen, the widow of Silas W. Groff, of Tiffin; and Warren F., w^ho is a graduate of the Ohio State University of the class of 1879, and who is now in partnership with his father. On the 27th of September, 1873, Mr. Noble was married to Miss Alice M. Campbell, a daughter of the late Alexander Campbell, merchant and manufacturer, of Tiffin, and they have two daughters, Harriet and Alice, at home. The Noble residence is one of the finest in Tiffin and is celebrated for its gracious and charming hospitality.

Fellows and the Masonic fraternity, and in the latter is a Knight Templar of De Molay Commandery, of Tiffin, and is a thirty-second degree Mason in the Toledo Consistory, S. P. R. S. He has ever been a liberal contributor, in accordance with his means, to the various movements and measures calculated to advance the city's welfare along every line, has given liberally to the churches and to benevolent enterprises, and so wisely and well has he used his means that the most envious could not grudge him success. Entirely through his practice and his real-estate investments he has won his fortune, depending upon his own efforts for everything that he has gained in life. He has always been strictly temperate, using neither tobacco nor liquor in any form. Nature is kind to those who abuse not her laws, and Mr. Noble is a remarkably well-preserved man, for, although he is now an octogenarian, in spirit and in interests he seems yet in his prime. His life has ever been one of the greatest activity and has won him the respect and confidence of his fellow men in a remarkable degree. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, his history reflects credit upon Ohio's bar.

William K. Bemenderfer

At this point we are permitted to touch upon the life history of one who, if for no other reason, merits recognition in the connection by reason of his having been a lifelong resident of Seneca county and a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of this section of the state. But superadded to this circumstance are others w^hich render the appearance of his biography within these pages all the more consistent, for he has here attained a position of prominence in connection with the industrial activities of the county and is honored as one of the upright, genial and whole-souled citizens of his native county, having a fine farm home in Venice township and the same being a center of the most cordial hospitality, - a favorite rendezvous of a large circle of friends.

Centennial Biographical History

William K. Bemenderfer was born on the old homestead farm, in Venice township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 2d of April, 185 1, being the son of Samuel and Christina (Funk) Bemenderfer, who became the parents of seven children, namely: Henry, who is a resident of Bloom township; Edmund, who resides in Attica; Isaac, who likewise resides in Attica; Susan, the wife of Conrad Smeltz, of Venice township; Jacob, who is a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Isabelle, the wife of George Hoke, of Tiffin; and George, who died at the age of eighteen years.

Samuel Bemenderfer was born in West Manganese, Frederick county, Maryland, on the 27th of March, 1813, and he died in Attica, Ohio, on the 7th of July, 1884. When he was an infant of two months his parents removed to Virginia, where they maintained their home until 1830, when they came to Ohio and located in Canton, Stark county, where they passed the residue of their lives. Here their son Samuel was residing at the time when he attained his legal majority, and in preparing for the active duties of life he learned the carpenter trade. -In 1837 his marriage was solemnized in Stark county, this state, and he thereafter continued to work at his trade until 1842, when he came to Seneca county and located on a quarter section of land in Venice township, the same having been entered from the government by his fatherin-law, Henry Funk, of Stark county, who here took up a claim of that area for each of his children. The land was heavily timbered at the time when Mr. Bemenderfer came to his prospective farm, and here he erected a log cabin and then instituted the arduous work of reclaiming the land for cultivation. As prosperity attended his efforts he purchased additional land in this section, until his estate comprised about three hundred acres. He was a man of the utmost rectitude of character, was of vigorous mentality and excellent business judgment, and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. Politically he gave an uncompromising allegiance to the Democratic party, and for the long period of thirteen years he was incumbent of the office of assessor of Venice township, while he was trustee of the township for several terms, wielding marked influence in the community and being one of the representa- tive men of the county. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church. His wife, Christina (Funk) Bemenderfer, was born in Stark county, Ohio, in the year 1815, and died at Attica, Ohio, on the 3d of November, 1898, at the venerable age of eighty-three years, loved and venerated for her gentle and noble attributes of character. In her early life she was a member of the Lutheran church, but in later years became identified with the Methodist Protestant denomination.

William K. Bemenderfer was reared on the old homestead and received his educational training in the common schools of the locality He continued to assist in the work of the old farm until his marriage, in 1873, after which he assumed the management of the place, his parents removing to Attica within the following year. He continued to devote his attention to the cultivation and management of the parental farm until 1893, when he removed to his present farm, which he had purchased ten years previously, the same being located on section 7, Venice township, and now comprising one hundred and forty acres of as fine farm land as can be found in this favored section of the state. Here he has erected a commodious and substantial residence of modern architectural design and equipments, while all other buildings and improvements on the place are of the best order, making this one of the most valuable farm homes in the coimty. Mr. Bemenderfer is one of the most progressive farmers and stock-growers of this locality, and in addition to his general agriculture he has dev^oted sf)ecial attention to the raising of thoroughbred Shropshire sheep in which line he has been eminently successful. In politics he renders an unswerving support to the principles and policies of the Democratic party, but he has never figured as an aspirant for official preferment. Fraternally he is identified with Attica Lodge, No. 317, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and with Honey Creek Grange, No. 1346, Patrons of Husbandr}\ He is essentially public spirited in his attitude and is one of the distinctively popular citizens of his native county.

Public Library Centennial Biographical History, 17

this county, the daughter of Jacob and Polly M. (Murray) Hoke, both of whom were 'bom in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Bemenderfer have one daughter, Effie May.

William L. Reid

If one desires to gain a vivid realization of the rapid advanceinent made in the development and. substantial upbuilding of this section of Ohio within the last few decades, he may listen to the stories and reminiscences of men who are still living here, and not overburdened with years, and whose memories form an indissoluble chain linking the early pioneer ef>och with these days of prosperity and proud accomplishment as the glorious twentieth century swings into the cycle of the ages. The subject of this review, one of the prominent and influential farmers of Seneca county, and one whose reputation is unsullied by suspicion of injustice or wrong, is a native son of the county, a representative of one of its pioneer families, and has here passed his entire life. It is well that records concerning such sterling citizens and pioneers be perpetuated on printed pages of this nature, and of the career of Mr. Reid we now offer a resume.

William L. Reid was bom in Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 14th of January, 1838, the son of John T. and Eliza B. (Watson) Reid, who became the parents of four children, of whom three survive, - William L. ; Margaret, who is the wife of Joseph Marquis, of Bloom township; and Benjamin F. Reid, of California. John T. Reid was Ix>rn in Maryland, January i, 1807, and there he was reared and educated. His father, Archibald Reid, was a native of England, and married Catherine Talbert, of the old Maryland family of that name. In 1829, when a yoimg man, John T. Reid came from his native state to Seneca county, in company with his uncle, John Valentine, and in 1831 he entered claim to a quarter section of heavily timbered government land in Bloom township, the place being now known as the old Shaffner farm. Here he built a small log cabin and proceeded to reclaim his land and place the same under cultivation. This he accomplished, and in 1856 he disposed of the property and purchased two hundred and forty acres of the farm now owned by his son. Here he developed a fine property, making good improvements as the years passed and here continuing to make his home until within a few years prior to his death, when he turned the farm over to our subject and thereafter lived in practical and well-desened retirement in the village of Bloomville until his death, on March 12, 1888, ar the age of eighty-one years. He was one of the influential men of the community, and served for several years as township trustee. In early life he was a Democrat in politics, later became a Republican, while finally he gave his allegiance to the Prohibition party, whose cause he continued to support and advocate until the close of his life. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, of which his wife also was a member. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, and died in 1897, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, revered by all who knew her. In an early day she came to Seneca county from Pennsylvania with her mother, who had married Hugh McClellan, and she passed the remainder of her life here, dying at the age of ninety-two years.

William L. Reid grew up on the pioneer farm, and his educational advantages were such as were afforded by a somewhat desultory attendance in the primitive log school-house in the vicinity of his home, since, when he was still a boy, he began to aid in the work of reclaiming and cultivating the old homestead. He was married in i860 and with his bride continued to reside on the old home farm, operating the same on shares for several years. In the early '70s his father removed to Bloomville, and somewhat later our subject purchased the farm to which he has since added until he now has two hundred and se\'enty-seven acres of as fertile and productive land as is to be found in this section of the state, his operations being naturally upon a somewhat extensive scale, while the fine improvements and general air of thrift indicate the care Ix'^towed by a discriminating and progressive owner. Mr. Reid has ever had the friendship and high regard of the people of the community where his life has been passed, and his eligibility for office of public trust and responsibility has been distinctively manifested, since he served fourteen years as trustee of Bloom township, doing much to conserve the best interests of the township and county. He gives a loyal and unswerving support to the Republican party and the principles for which it stands exponent, and fraternally is a member of Bloomville Lodge, No. 191, F. & A. M.

On the 25th of April, i860, Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Martha Hershberger, who was born in Eden township, October 4, 1 84 1, the daughter of Jonas and Martha (Mauck) Hershberger, early settlers of the county, whither they came from Frederick county, Maryland. Mrs. Reid passed away on the 25th of February, 1890, leaving two daughters, - EJIen, who is the wife of M. O. Bliss, of Bloomville, and who has one child living, Edson ; and Eliza, who remains at the paternal home, and who was educated in Heidelberg University; she has taken considerable interest in art work, and has made quite a success as a chicken fancier and breeder. On the 19th of April, 1891, Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Anna Sankey, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Almira (Lysle) Sankey, and of this union four children have been born, - Walter Merlin, Edwin Mc- Kinley, Mabel Amethyst and Alice Lysle.

Peter J. Foos

Among the earnest young men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle have gained the admiration of his contemporaries, Mr. Foos is numbered, and in his independent business career he has shown a tenacity of purpose, an indomitable energy and that self-reliant courage whose natural concomitant is definite success. He has been the artificer of his own fortunes, and though he has met with serious reverses his courage has never flagged and he has shown himself to be one thoroughly appreciative of the dignity of honest toil and endeavor.

He has done much to further the industrial prosperity of the thriving little village of St. Stephen, is one of the representative citizens of the community and is no^v the owner of a finely improved farm property in Bloom township.

Mr. Foos is a native of the state of Ohio, having been born on the parental homestead, in Sandusky county, on the 8th of March, 1868, the son of Anthony and Magdalene (Weiland) Fees, of whose seven children six survive, namely: Mar\', the wife of Joseph Michaels, of Bloom township: William, a resident of Millersville, Sandusky county; Caroline, the wife of Frank Frederick, a merchant at St. Stephen: Peter J., the subject of this review: George, a resident of Rochester, New York, where he is identified with the bakery business : and Anthony, a carpenter at Fowler. Indiana. The father of our subject was born in the province of Alsace, France (now a German province), and when he was seven years of age he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America. His father, Casper Foos, was a carpenter by trade, but after coming to this countrj- he engaged in farming in the state of Xew York, locating about three miles distant from the city of Rochester, and there his son Anthony was reared to maturity. After his marriage the latter removed to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he acquired a farm of about eighty acres. He there continued to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1882, when he disposed of his property and came to Bloom township, Seneca county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres. Here his death rxrcurred in October, 1885, at the age of fifty-six years. The mother of our subject died when he was seven years old. and his father subsequently consummated a second mlarriage, being united to Mrs. Lena (Speelander) Rusch, three children being born of this union, - Gebhart, Andrew and Marcus. Mrs. Foos survives her husband and now maintains her home in Decatur, Indiana.

Peter J. Foos was reared on the homestead fann in Sandusky county, receiving his educational discipline in the public schools, and he was but seventeen years of age at the time of his father s death, and after this he and his two younger brothers were in charge of the home farm in Seneca county until he had attained the age of twenty years.

He then, in 1888, left the home roof and secured employment in the sawmill at St. Stephen, being thus engaged for two years, at the expiration of which, in 1890, he purchased the mill, making the first payment of two hundred and seventy-two dollars at the time of the transfer, this being money which he had received from his work in connection with the homestead farm and representing all that he ever secured from the estate, so that it may be seen that he is essentially a type of the selfmade man. In 1892 the mill was destroyed by fire, practically wiping out his entire accumulation, since no insurance was carried on the property and the original purchase price had not yet been paid in full. The outlook was one which would have discouraged a less self-reliant and determined nature, but Mr. Foos faced the exigencies of the case and made the best possible eflfort to retrieve his fortunes. He rebuilt the mill and for a time utilized the old machinery, but it had been so badly injured by the fire that it was soon found necessary to install an entirely new equipment. Appreciating his efforts and his sterling character, and realizing the value of the enterprise to the town, the citizens of this section came forward and rendered Mr. Foos material aid in the rehabilitation of his mill - a support which he holds in grateful memory. From that time forward success crowned his efforts and his finely equipped mill handled a large and important business under his capable administration and management. He is a man of marked business ability, and made the enterprise one of the leading industrial undertakings in this section of the county. He is certainly deserving of high credit for the results which he secured, and no man more thoroughly merits or commands the resp>ect and confidence of the people of the community.

In November, 1901, Mr. Foos disposed of the mill and purchased the Paul Zutavem farm, of one hundred and sixty acres, in Bloom towMiship, and the same has been placed in charge of his brother-in-law, Joseph Michaels, but he contemplates taking up his abode on the attractive farm in the near future, being still a resident of St. Stephen at the time of this writing. To his progressive methods and public spirit is due in a large measure the advancement and material prosperity of this village, and he has taken a loyal interest in all that has concerned the general well-being of the community. In politics he gives his support to the Democratic party so far as national issues are involved, but in local affairs is independent in his attitude, supporting men and measures as his judgment dictates.

On the loth of November, 1892, Mr. Foos was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Dick, who was born in Thompson township, this county, the daughter of Joseph Dick, an influential citizen of that township, where he is engaged in the agricultural implement and undertaking business at the village of Franks. Mr. and Mrs. Foos are members of St. Stephen's Catholic church. They are the parents of five children, namely: Corena, Walter, Raymond, Edna and Leo.

Marcus Zirger

Another of the native sons of the Buckeye state who has here passed his entire life and by his energy, integrity and progressive methods attained a high degree of success, is Mr. Zirger, whose fine homestead farm lies contiguous to the city of Tiffin, eleven acres of the tract being within the corporate limits. He is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the state, since his father located in Ohio more than half a century ago, and that he has attained his prosperity by worthy means is evident from the unqualified esteem in which he is held in the community where the greater portion of his life has been passed.

Marcus Zirger was born on a farm in Crawford county, Ohio, on the 22d of April, 1840, being one of the nine children born to Louis and Regina (Danaanider) Zirger. Of the children, seven are living at the present time, namely: Sophia, Catherine, Anna, Kertilda, Frances, Victoria and Marcus. Louis Zirger was born in the province of Alsace, France, where he was reared and educated and where his marriage was solemnized, his wife having been born in the same province. In

Centennial Biographical History, 23

1836 they emigrated to America, locating in Crawford county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, to whose improvement and cuhivation he gave his attention during a quarter of a century. In 1861 he came to Seneca county and located in Tiffin, where he passed the residue of his life retired from active business, passing away in his eighty-fifth year. He was a devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, as was also his wife, who died at the age of eighty-seven years.

Marcus Zirger remained on the old homestead until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, his educational advantages having been such as w^ere afforded by the public schools of his native county. At the age noted he secured employment in a sawmill, continuing to be thus occupied for a period of four years. In 1867, about tw"o years subsequent to his marriage, he purchased the old homestead in Crawford county, where he remained two years, at the expiration of which he disposed of the property and came to Seneca county, locating on his present fine farm of one hundred and eighty-four acres, in Clinton township, the intrinsic value of the same being greatly increased by reason of its being situated in juxtaposition to the thriving city of Tiffin. Here he has engaged in diversified farming, and for the past six years has conducted a very successful dairy business, using the most scrupulous care in every detail of the enterprise and catering to a representative and appreciative patronage in the city of Tiffin. He has a fine herd of milch cows, and as a dairy farm his place is not excelled in this section of the state. He has made the most substantial improvements on the place, having a commodious and attractive residence and other good buildings, and is known as one of the- substantial and influential men of the county, his success being the result of consecutive and welldirected endeavor, while he has ever commanded the fullest measure of respect and confidence in the communities where he has lived. Mr. Zirger is certainly worthy of that proud American title, a self-made man, since after his marriage his cash capital was represented in the sum of fifteen dollars, w^hich was largely expended in connection wMth a reception to his friends on that occasion, and his energy, sagacity and good business judgment have been the factors which have brought about the transformation in his financial status and placed him among the representative citizens of the county. Tliough essentially publicspirited in his attitude, he has maintained an independent position in politics, supporting men and measures rather than being guided along close jxirtisan lines. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, his sui>port being given to St. Joseph's church, in whose maintenance he materially assists.

On the 28th of November, 1865, ^i'*- Zirger was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Bihn, who was born in Medina county, Ohio, the daughter of Andrew Bihn, a sterling pioneer of that section. To Mr. and Mrs. Zirger twelve children have been born, and of these only one is deceased, Clara Bertha, who died at the age of seven years. Tlie others are all at the parental home except the two married daughters, and their names, in order of birth, are as follows : Louis, Frances, Anna (the wife of Cornelius Steinmetz, a successful farmer of Venice township). Otto, Lucy, Ida (wife of Leo Wernament, a farmer of Clinton township), Cordillia, Clara, Albert, Edward and Maximilian.

John H. Ridgely

Among those who have conferred honor and distinction on the bench and bar of the sovereign state of Ohio - a state whose jurists and legists have commanded the admiration and respect of men from the early pioneer epoch to the present time, - stcod Judge Ridgely, the subject of this memoir. He was a man of whose character it may well be said that he **kept himself unspotted from the world,'' for his flawless integrity of purpose, in all the relations of life, was the natural outgrowth of a distinct individuality whose ideals were ever of the loftiest order, insincerity or equivocation being impossible to him, though he was invariably tolerant in his attitude to those of his fellow^ men who were of weaker texture. Judge Ridgely was an able and thoroughly conscientious lawyer, a judge whose rulings were wise and impartial, based on the stem code of justice to which he tenaciously held, and yet tempered with mercy prompted by a deep knowledge of the well-springs of human thoug'ht and action. That a man of so high intellectuality and such intrinsic strength and purity of character should command unqualified confidence and esteem, was a natural sequel, and Seneca county was dignified by the life and services of the man to whom this slight tribute is rendered.

John H'. Ridgely was bom in Allegany county, Maryland, on the 1 6th of August, 1847, being the son of William and Catherine (Hoye) Ridgely, who were likewise natives of that state. In fact, it may consistently be said that the eastern part of Maryland figured as the cradle of the Ridgely family in America, five brothers of the name having come thither from England in the seventeenth century and having become prominent in the colonial history. Indeed, historical data assure us that representatives of the name, in the first and in succeeding generations, became distinguished in both the civil and military service of the nation. William Ridgely, the father of the Judge, was a prominent merchant of Grantsville, Maryland, and was also the owner and operator of a fine farm in that locality, conducting oi>erations in this line somewhat as a diversion from his commercial business, which was of important scope. John H. Ridgely was but one year of age at t!ie time of his father s death, and in the town of Grantsville his early educational discipline was secured, since he there attended the public schools until he 'had attained the age of fifteen years, when, in 1862, he came to TiflSn, Seneca county, Ohio, for the purpose of completing his classical education in Heidelberg College. He was duly matriculated in this institution, where he continued his stuides until June, 1863,, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war, as a member of Company I, Eigthy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which entered into active service under General Burnside, in command of the Army of the Potomac. From Kentucky the regiment was sent to Tennessee, and it thereafter remained in the vicinity of Knoxville until March, 1864, when the command was mustered out. The subject of this memoir then returned to Tiffin and resumed his intermpted studies in Heidelberg

College; but, in the following February, his patriotic ardor prompted him to again enter the military service of the Union. He accordingly enlisted in the One Hundred' and Ninety-seventh Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served in the vicinity of the national capital and in his native state until victory had crowned the Union arms, being mustered out in August, 1865. He then resumed his work in Heidelberg, where he was graduated in June, 1867, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

Shortly after his graduation he proceeded to Cumberland, Maryland, where he began the reading of law in the office and under the direction of George A. Pierce, one of the leading members of the bar of the state of Maryland. Judge Ridgely was a close and avidious student of the science of jurisprudence, as is evident from the fact that he was duly admitted to the bar of his native state in 1869. In January of the following year he came again to Tiffin, where he established himself in the general practice of his chosen profession, proving himself thoroughly equipped for the same, both by natural talent and predilection and by scrupulous study and preparation; so that he held high prestige at the bar of this section of the state when he was elevated to the bench of the court of common pleas of Seneca county, in 1887. He brought to his judicial office the dignity of a sterling manhood, a wisdom mature and practical and an intrinsic appreciation of justice which could not be swerved by any matter of expediency or by any extraneous pressure or influence. His knowledge of the law was so wide and so exact that he was ever able to base his decisions on the equity involved and the facts presented, his conservatism and self-control being such that he could never be led aside from the main issues. In his decisions he had no friends, no enemies; his integrity was never questioned. Through the reputation which he made on the bench he gained still wider confidence and recognition, and at the expiration of his term of office, in 1893, he found awaiting him in his private practice a large and representative clientage, while no member of the bar of the state held in his own district a higher degree of public confidence and esteem than did Judge Ridgely in Seneca county. His political allegi- ance was given to the -Republican party, and fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order, having passed the chivalric degrees in DeMolay Commandery of Knig'hts Templar in Tiffin, while he was also a prominent member of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, G. A. R., of the same city, having served as commander of the same for one term. He was a member of the directorate of the Tiffin National Bank and of the board of trustees of Heidelberg College. His religious faith was that of the Reformed church and was an essential influence in his strong and generous nature. Judge Ridgely was summoned into eternal rest on the 24th of January, 1899, and the community mourned the loss of one of its most honored citizens aiid most noble and trustworthy men. He was an honor to his profession and to true citizenship, and such men never fail to gain the appreciative estimate of those among whom their life work is wrought.

On the 1 6th of August, 1870, was solemnized the marriage of Judge Ridgely to Miss Ella E. Bacher, who survives him. She was born in Tiffin, where she still maintains her home, and was a classmate of her husband in. Heidelberg College, of which she likewise is a graduate. Mrs. Ridgely is the daughter of Jacob T. and Eliza (Rinker) Bacher, both of whom were bom in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where they were reared and where their marriage was solemnized. They removed thence to Tiffin in 1847, ^^d here Mr. Bacher was engaged in the merchant-tailoring business until his advanced age compelled him to retire from active pursuits. He is now living in Tiffin, having attained the venerable age of seventy-six years. His cherished and devoted wife passed away in 1882, aged fifty-five years. Both were of German lineage and representatives of prominent old families of the Keystone state. Mr. Bacher is one of the honored and devoted members of the First Reformed church of Tiffin, in which his wife also was an active worker, and the same is signally true of their daughter, Mrs. Ridgely, who has passed her entire life in Tiffin and who has been prominent in the social and religious life of the community, being a woman of gracious refinement and one who has gained a wide circle of appreciative and cherished friends.

John Rospert

There is no element which has entered our composite national fabric that has been of more practical strength, value and utility than that furnished by the sturdy, persevering and honorable sons of Germany, and in the progress of our Union this element has played an important part. Intensely practical, and ever having a clear comprehension of the ethics of life, the German contingent has wielded a powerful influence, and this service cannot be held in light estimation by those who appreciate true civilization and true advancement.

Among the most prominent German- American citizens of this section of Ohio isi John Rospert, who was bom in the town of Berus, in a Rhenish province of Prussia, October 21, 1841, a son of George and Catherine (Haas) Rospert. The father was also a native of that locality, where he w^as born on the ist of April, 181 5, and there he learned the trade of weaver which he followed in his native country until 1850. In that year he emigrated to America, embarking at Havre de Grace and landing at New Orleans after a voyage of forty-two days, on the 28th of November. From that city he made the river voyage to Cincinnati, but during the trip his wife and one daughter died, and the third (lay after their arrival in Cincinnati a son died. Two' weeks later another son was calle<l to the home beyond, thus leaving the father and our subject the sole survivors of the family. In the spring of 185 1 they came to Seneca coimty, arriving in Thompson township on the 19th of March of that year, and there the father found employment at farm labor, while the son was left wnth a friend of the family, John Glassner, where he remained for about two years. From there he was sent to St. Mary's Institute, at Dayton, Ohio, where he continued his studies for the following two years. In the meantime his father had been a second time married, a Mrs. Fisher, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Heitz, becoming his wife. They became the patents of five children, but of this family one only is now living, Catherine, the wife of Jacob Kuhn, Jr., of Miriam, Michigan. After leaving the Dayton institute our subject returned to his father's home, the latter having purchased a small farm in Thompson township, but three years later he sold that place and bought the land on which his son John now resides, in Reed' township, and there he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring on the 6th of November, 1887, caused by injuries received in the burning of his house on that date.

John Rospert, whose name introduces this review, grew to years of maturity in the Buckeye state, and at the age of sixteen he entered the teacher's profession, that occupation claiming his attention during the winter months, while during the summer season he followed the tilling of the soil. Cortinuing as an instructor in the parochial scho(Ms from 1863 until 1871, he then abandoned that occupation and returned to the old home farm, which subsequently came into his possession, together with about one hundred and seventy acres of adjoining land. He has erected substantial and modern buildings on his land, has placed his fields under an excellent state of cultivation, and his is now one of the most valuable and best-improved homesteads in this locality.

The marriage of Mr. Rospert was celebrated on the 2d of May, 1865, Miss Catherine Wagner l)ecoming his wife. Their union was blessed with eight children, namely: Mary L., the wife of Roger Palmer, of Belle\'ue, Ohio; Pius A., wfio became a sailor and was drowned May 8, 1891, in Saginaw Bay, Michigan, at the age of twentythree: Oranna M., at home; Cornelius, who carries on the work of the home farm; Addie, the wife of Peter A. Burens, of Bellevue, Ohio; Mary J., the wife of Theodore Thiry, of Toledo; Leo A., an employe of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company ; and Colleta T., at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 14th of December, 1886, and on the 31st of September, 1890, Mr. Rospert was united in marriage to Miss Anna V. Hann, a native of Thompson township, Seneca county, and five children came to brighten and bless their home, - Anthony T., Ruperta M., Anna C, Frederick G. and Rose M. The mother of these children also has passed away, her death occurring on the 17th of December, 1899.

ever since continued to fill, and he has also served at various times as a justice of the peace, has been, a member of the school board for many years, and at the present time is filling the position of to^-nship treasurer. He is a meml)er of St. Mary's Assumption Catholic church at Reed, of which he has long served as secretary and trustee.

In 1 90 1 Mr. Rospert and three friends made a tour of Europe, where they spent the summer and visited the principal points of interest, Rotterdam and other Holland cities, then to Cologne, Coblentz and Treves, Strasburg, and into Switzerland, thence through St. Gotthardt tunnel to Milan, Italy, Genoa, along the Mlediterranean to Pisa and the Eternal City, where they visited the Vatican, including audience of the pope as he took his walk. They saw the sights of the city, including the catacombs. Thence they went to Venice and Padua, returning over the Alps, through the Tyrol to Innspruck, Austria, and back through the Rhinish provinces and through Alsace and Lorraine to Paris; thence they went to Rheims and Boulogne, where they boarded steamers for home, which was reached after an absence of three months.

Henry Mansfield

One of the leading citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Henry Mansfield, who has been promiiwntly identified with both commercial and political life in his native state for a long period.

The birth of Henry Mansfield occurred in Bellevue, Ohio, September 6, 1850, and he is a son of Christian and Frances (Bauman) Mansfield, the former of whom wag bom in Bavaria, Germany, on January 9, 1808. By trade Christian MJansfield was a tanner, and he carried on the tanning business in Bellevue, Ohio, until 1852, when he located in Seneca county. He engaged in the same industry in Republic, and continued the enterprise until 1872, retiring at that time from active life, and he died there, at the age of eighty-three years. He was a self-made man, a leading and consistent member of the Lutheran church, and was prominently identified with the Democratic party. His wife, whose maiden name was Frances Bauman, was born in Switzerland, whence she came to America when she was a child of ten years. To this marriage six children were bom, Henry Mansfield of this biography being the eldest. The others were as follows : Louise ; Frances ; Christian ; Mandie, who died in her nineteenth year ; and one child which died in infancy. Mrs. Mansfield still resides in Republic, and although she has reached the age of eighty-one years, time has touched her lightly and she is the center of family life.

As early as the age of sixteen years Henry Mansfield became interested in business, his first experience being as a clerk in a store, in Republic. In 1872 he embarked in the mercantile business on his own account. For six years he conducted a very satisfactory business, but he then suffered a loss by fire, and his two-thirds insurance but partially enabled him to reorganize his enterprise. Later he again entered into business, in association with his brother. Christian, and the firm now stands as H. Mansfield & Brother, our subject still retaining his interest, although since 1894 his residence has been in Tiffin. For a long period Mr. Mansfield was the leading merchant in Republic and was also an extensive operator in grain.

In the fall of 1893 Mr. Mansfield was made the choice of the Democracy for county treasurer, and in November of the same year was elected to that responsible position. In 1895 ^^ ^^^ re-elected. He has been actively engaged in public life for years, was treasurer of Republic and of Scipio township for some years and was also a member of the local board of education and prominent in all progressive enterprises. In all his official acts as treasurer, in the administration and management of the office, he has given the best of satisfaction to the taxpayers of the county.

On January 12, 1876, Mr. Mansfield was married to Miss Isabella Kimmel, who was a daughter of Henry and Eva Kimmel, and who was bom in Sandusky, Ohio, on June 19, 1857. Th^ family residence is located at No. 245 East Perry street. Tiffin, where are enjoyed the comforts of a handsome and well appointed home, and where a generous hos- . pitality is offered to a large circle of friends.

Fraternally Mr. Mansfield is connected with Hildreth Lodge, No. 165, F. & A. M., of Repmblic; Republic Lodge, No. 40, L O. O. F. ; and Tiffin Lodge, No. 94, B. P. O. E., taking an active interest in all of these organizations and being highly valued therein.

Mr. Mansfield from his young manhood has been recognized as honest, energetic and enterprising, and the record of his life shows that he has been active in the promotion of those measures which have been for the advancement and uplifting of his locality. Although an active partisan, he is a man of such kind impulses and genial personality that he is justly popular with all casses. His attitude has been that of a public-spirited citizen who has conscientiously labored for the honor and progress of the nation, the commercial development of his state and section and the welfare of his family and friends.

Jeremiah Rex

There is no man in Seneca county that has longer occupied political positions or borne himself with more signal honor and uprightness than Squire Jeremiah Rex. Almost continuously for a half century did popular ballot continue him in office, and he ever bore an unblemished reputation by reason of his capability and unquestioned honesty in the administration of the duties devolving upon him. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, October 9, 1836, and is of Swiss lineage, his first American ancestors having come from Switzerland to America at a very early period in the colonization of this country. They located in Pennsylvania, and for several generations that state was the home of the family. William Rex, the grandfather of our subject, was born and reared in Pennsylvania and eventually came to Ohio, spending his last days in Stark county. He was a farmer by occupation. William Rex, Jr., the father of Jeremiah, was bom in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and during his early boyhood his parents removed to a farm near Pittsburg, where he was reared. When a young man of about twenty years he came to Ohio, settling at Osnaboirg, Stark county, where he followed the blacksmith's trade until 1844, when he came to Seneca county and purchased eighty acres of timber land in Seneca township. This he cleared and improved, and ten years later he bought a farm of one hundred acres four miles south of Tiffin, in Seneca township, whereon he erected a saw mill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber until his death, which occurred in 1872, when he was seventy years of age. He was a self made man and met with a fair degree of success in his undertakings. His political support was given to the Democracy and he held a number of township offices. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church, in which he held membership. He married Susan Sloss, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1797, and at an early age came to Ohio, where she married and spent her remaining days, her death occurring in 1882, when she was eighty-five years of age. She also was a member of the Lutheran church dnd took an active part in its \\x)rk. By her marriage she became the mother of six children, four sons and two daughters: Mary, who died in 1850; John, a wealthy farmer of Wells coimty, Indiana; Susan, who married David Stoner, and died in Henry county, Ohio, in 1876, when about forty-five years of age; William, who died in this county, when about fifty-five years of age ; Jeremiah, of this revicAV; and Simon, who is engaged in teaming in Tiffin.

Jeremiah Rex was about eight years of age when he came to Seneca county. As no railroads had been built through this part of the state the journe\^ was made by wagon. His lx>yhood days were passed upon the home farm and he attended the public schools, while through two sunim.er terms he was student in Heidelberg College. When sixteen years of age he began teaching, and for about seven years he continued to follow that profession. He then engaged in the sawmill and lumber business, three miles south of Tiffin, the manufacture and sale of lumber occupying his attention for seventeen years, at the expiration of which time was elected, in 1876, to the office of clerk of the court, by a majority of two hundred and forty. He then sold his mill and removed to Tiffin. In 1878 he was re-elected by the marvelously increased majority of fourteen hundred. On his retirement from that office he engaged in the shoe trade, and thus continued for two years, but the new venture did not prove profitable. Most of the time since he has been continued in office. For fifteen years he held the office of justice of the peace, and his fair and impartial rulings won goMen opinions from all sorts of people. For eight years he was trustee, for seven years city clerk and for four years mayor, while altogether he served about fifty years in the city council and on the school board. He has held office for a longer period than any other man in Tiffin. Many who enter the political field will, after but a brief service, leave office wealthy men; this is not so in the case of Mr. Rex. His office yielded to him but the salary allowed by law, but he gained something better than wealth, - an untarnished reputation, over which there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and he may rejoice in the possession oi that "good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches."

On the 26th of October, 1865, Mr. Rex was united in marriage to Miss Laura J. A. Barrick, a daughter of William Barrick. She was bom in Frederick county, Maryland, and when three years old was brought to Seneca county by her parents and has since resided here. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, of whom two died in childhood, the others being Oliver C, who resides in Tiffin; Irvin C, who is acceptably filling the position of county clerk; Claude C, w"ho is engaged in manufacturing cigars in Tiffin; Ralph J., a printer; and Grace L., at home.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Rex are consistent and faithful members of the First Reformed church. He is a man fearless in defense of his own convictions - a man over whom threats or bribes could have no influence, but who will ever continue steadfast in the course he has marked out, because he believes it to be the right one. While he has usually been a stanch adherent of the Democracy, he did not hesitate to cast his vote with the opposition party when slavery was the paramount issue. He opposed the repeal of the Missouri compromise and indicated this by his ballot, and when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he endorsed the movement and voted for Lincoln. When the question was settled he returned to the ranks of the Democracy, for his views are usually in accord with its principles. Socially he is identified with the Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks. In every relation of life in which he has been placed his has been an upright manhood, and there is no man in Tiffin more widely or favorably known than Jeremiah Rex, whose eflforts have been of the greatest possible benefit to the city.

Solomon Wolfe

One of the fine farm properties of Hopewell township, Seneca county, is that owned by Mr. Wolfe, who has here maintained his home for two score years and who is known as one of the progressive and successful business men of this section of the state, and as a citizen whose life has been dominated by high principles and a determination to achieve a success worthy of the name, so that he has not been denied the fullest measure of confidence and esteem. Such are the men who are particularly worthy of consideration in a publication of this nature, for though they have not stood in the "great white light" of publicity, they have been of the world's workers and have played well their assigned part in the making of history.

Mr. Wolfe claims the old Keystone state of the Union as the place of his nativity, since he was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, on the 8th) of February, 1838, one of the fourteen children of Michael and Margaret (Engleman) Wolfe, both of whom were likewise born in Union county, of sterling German ancestry, the respective families having been established in America in the colonial epoch. Of their children six are living at the present time, our subject being the eldest of these, while the others are all residents of Sandusky county, Ohio, - ^Josiah ; Andrew J. ; Ellen J., the wife of A. D. Hook; Catherine A., the wife of William H. Baker, of Fremont; and Margaret S., the wife of James .Hensel. The father was bom about the year 1808 and was reared' on the paternal farm in Union county, Pennsylvania. His marriage occurred in his native county and there four of his children were born. In 1843 he came with his family to Sandusky county, Ohio, purchasing a farm of one hundred and seventy-seven acres, three miles west of Fremont, and there developing a fine property, continuing to reside on his farm until his death, which occurred in 1881. He was a man of influence in his community, was a Democrat in his political adherency and in religion held to the faith of the Lutheran church.

Solomon Wolfe remained' on the old homestead in Sandusky county until he had attained the age of eighteen years, his educational advantages having been such as were afforded in the common schools of the place and period. At the age noted he secured a clerkship in a general store in Fremont, and followed this vocation for four years, after which he devoted a year to faitning on rented land. In 1862 he married, and soon afterw^ard came to Seneca county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of his present farm, three miles northwest of Tiffin, where he has consecutively maintained his home during the long intervening years. To his original purchase he added sul:)8equently an adjoining tract of eighty-six acres and he also has a farm of sixty acres in Pulaski county, Indiana. He has made the best of improvements on his homestead, haying a goc d residence and other farm buildings, and has brought the place under most effective cultiA^ation and prcxluctivity. In addition to his agricultural enterprise Mr. Wolfe is also one of the extensive raisers of cattle, sheep and hogs in this section of the state, and for several years he conducted a large business in the buying and shipping of live st(x:k, but has now withdrawn from this branch of enterprise. His progressive spirit and executive ability have been still further manifested, for, since the year 1888, he has operated tAvo threshing outfits and a com shredder, securing a representative support throughout the county and giving the most careful service with his fine equipments. He has ever shown a deep interest in all that tends to conserve the progress and general prosi>erity of the community, though he has never been an aspirant for public office, and his franchise is used in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party. He is one of the influential members of the Bethel Methodist Protestant church, of which

On the 1 6th of January, 1862, Mr. Wolfe was united in marriage to Miss Mfeihala A. Bowlus, who was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Catherine Bowlus, pioneers of that section. Our subject and his wife became the parents of five children, namely : George W., who was killed by a threshing engine at the age of twentysix years ; Josiah, who assists in the management of the homestead farm ; Rosa, the wife of George E. Shroth, a prominent attorney of Tiffin; Catherine M., who now resides in the city of Chicago; and Howard E., who remains at the parental home.

William Gray

The Hfe of the subject of this review has b^en such as to bear aloft the high standard which had been maintained by his father, who was one of the pioneers of Seneca county and whose life was signally noble, upright and useful, - one over which falls no shadow of wrong in thought, word or deed. Such was the type of men who laid the foundations and aided in the development of this favored section of the Buckeye state, and to their memories will ever be paid a tribute of reverence and gratitude by those who have profited by their well directed endeavors and appreciated the lessons of their lives.

William Gray, who is one of the successful farmers and stockgrouers of Reed township, Seneca county, Ohio, is a native of this township, where he was bom on the ist of May, 1844, the son. of Harry and Sally (Reed) Gray. They became the parents of two children, one of whom died in infancy. Harry Gray was a native of New York state, having been born in Steuben county, in the year 18 18, and there reared and educated. As a yoimg man he came to Seneca county, Ohio, and here for a short time he was employed on a farm, but he soon effected the purchase of a tract of one hundred and thirty-two acres, in Reed town- ship, located on the turnpike road and at a point one mile north of the village of Attica. Shortly after acquiring this property he was married and he settled on his farm, his original residence having been one of the log cabins so common to the section at that epoch in its history. He here became eventually engaged in the raising of live stock on an extensive scale, and his excellent management and progressive methods brought to him a high degree of prosperity. He became the owner of a fine estate of six hundred and sixty- four acres in this township and was one of the most highly respected citizens of the county, influential in business and giving his support to all measures for the advancement of the best interests of the community. He gave an unfaltering allegiance to the Republican party from the time of its organization, but never aspired to the honors or emoluments of public office. He w^s summoned into his eternal rest in the year 1894, in his seventy-sixth year. He was twice married, the mother of our subject having, died in 1858, at the age of thirty-two years. For his second wife Harry Gray married Miss Martha J. Hull, who bore him two children, one of whom survives, - Frank, - who is a farmer of this township. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Seth Reed, the first settler in Reed township, which was named in his honor. He removed here from Steuben county. New York, and was one of the representative pioneer settlers of the county. William Gray, the subject of this sketch, was thirteen years of age at the time of his mother's death, and thereafter he and his father boarded in the homes of various families in this vicinity until he had attained the age of twenty, when his father was again married, and our subject continued at the paternal home for about three years. He then gave inception to his successful career as a stock buyer and shipper, and in this line he has ever since continued, his operations having been of wide scope and importance and having been of great incidental benefit in the promotion of the stock interests of this section of the state. In 1872 he purchased and removed to his present fine farm, which comprises seventy-nine acres and here he has ever since continued to make his home, having a good residence and having made other excellent improvements on the place, while he has also become the owner of other farm land, in Seneca and Huron counties, having about five hundred and twenty acres in all. He has been consecutively engaged in the stock business for thirty-five years and has been very successful, being known as a careful and able business man and one wKose integrity of purpose is beyond question. He is a stanch Republican in his political proclivities, and he served one term as treasurer of his township. He is at this time president of the Attica Fair Association, of which he was vicepresident for many years, taking a lively interest in its affairs.

On Christmas day, 1870, Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe A. Post, who was bom in Huron county, Ohio, the daughter of Christopher Post, a native of New York and one of the influential farmers of Huron county, Ohio, where he located many years ago. Mr. Gray has one daughter, Cora, who is the wife of Guy Hedden, of Huron county. Mrs. Gray died August 8, 1883, aged thirty- four years.

Henry A. Saliers

This well known and highly esteemed citizen of Reed township is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Seneca coimty. He w^s bom in Orleans county, Vermont, on the 15th of January, 1844, a son of Adolphus and Mary (Tisdale) Saliers. The father was born near Quebec, in Lower Canada, September 19, 18 19, a son of Gabriel Saliers, who was a Frenchman and for seven years served as a soldier under Napoleon. He was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Waterloo, and was sent to Canada as a prisoner. He loved Napoleon as a father, and in speaking of him in after years the tears would start to his eyes. He was married in Canada, and there lived until about seventy-five years of age, when he removed to Michigan, there spending his remaining years, his death occurring at the home of one of his sons.