Seneca Township (part 13 of 60)

North Troy, Vermont, and apprenticed himself to the carpenter and cabinet-making business, spending most of his time at the latter. In 1815 when our subject was but one year old, he came to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Reed township, just across the road from where his son Henry now resides, and for seven years he there made his home, working at his trade. On the expiration of that period, however, he returned to his old home in Vermont, and there remained until March, 1 86 1, when he came again to the Buckeye state. In the following year he purchased a residence and ten acres of land at Reedtown, but continued to work at his trade throughout the remainder of his active business career. On the i6th of August, 1S62, the father and son both enlisted for ser\-ice in the Civil war, entering Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in the following summer they were put on detached duty as cari>enters to assist in the erection of the United States general hospital buildings at Clar^'sville, Marj'land. the fatlier having charge of the building oi>erations, with seventeen men under his direction. In August, 1863, while working at the top uf one uf the buildings, our subject suffered a sunstroke, and from that time on he has never worked at the trade. In the following winter he v.as employed in carrying the mail from Clarysville to Cumberland, and when the weather Ixxame warmer he was given employment in the office at Garysville, under Major J. B. Lewis, surgeon in charge, thus continuing until his discharge, on the 12th of May, 1865. His father had received an honorable discharge from the service a few months previously, but was detained there as a paid employe, as superintendenr of construction, receiving seventy dollars a month, until his son's discharge, when they l»th returned home.

The father was called to his final rest in 1883, his death occurring quite suddenly from heart failure while employed in the moving of a building. In early life he was a member of the Congregational church, but later united with the Meth(Klist Protestant, in which he was an active and consistent member until his life's labors were ended in death. His political support was first given to the Whigs, but after the formation of the Republican party he joined its ranks and was among its most loyal supporters. His social relations connected him with the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he held pleasant relations with his old army comrades of the "blue." The mother of our subject was born in Canada, just across the Vermont line, and her people were from the latter state. Her death occurred in December, 1881. Unto this worthy couple were bom four children, three of whom still survive, namely: Alice, the wife of Isaac Rosegrant, of Ithaca, Michigan; Lauraette, the w^ife of A. J. Harrison, a prominent farmer of Reed township, Seneca county ; and Henry A., whose name introduces this review.

The latter spent the early years of his life in his parents' home and in the common schools of the neighborhood he received the educational advantages which he enjoyed in youth. At the age of seventeen years he began working with his father at the carpenter's trade, and also followed that occupation for two or three years during the winter months after the close of the Civil war, but he finally abandoned the trade and in 1 87 1 engaged in the sawmill business, erecting his present mill at Reedtown, which he has followed uninterruptedly until recent years. He is now living retired at his pleasant home in Reedtown, where he owns thirty-one acres of well improved and valuable land.

The marriage of Mr. Saliers was celebrated on the 22d of February^ 1866, when Miss Amanda Cole became his wife. She is a native daughter of Reed township. Her parents, Harrison and Ann Eliza (Phillips) Cole, claimed the state of New York as the place of their nativity- They were married there, and in 1834 came to Seneca county, Ohio, locating a mile and a quarter west of Reedstown. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Saliers has been blessed with four children, namely : Fred A., a resident of Tiffin, Ohio; Cora B., the wife of Charles Williams, of Deshler; Nettie M., the wife of Charles Williams, of Reedtown ; and Earl A., a teacher in the district schools and still a member of his parents' household, being still in his minority, and he is a student at Heidelberg.

Mr. Saliers gives his political support to the Republican party,, and on its ticket he has been elected to many positions of honor and trust. For one term, of three years, he served as a justice of the peace; was the efficient township assessor for one term, having accomplished his task six days quicker than any other assessor has been able to do it, either before or since ; was the postmaster of Reedtown for twelve years ; during the past thirty years has served much of the time as a member of the school board ; and is now serving his fourth year as a notary public. He is one of the leading and active members of the Baptist church, in which he has long held the office of deacon, and in his social relations he is a member of Rice and Craiglow Post, No. 112, G. A. R.

The Myers Brothers

In a publication which purports to touch upon the history of the men and forces whose contribution to the development and material prosperity of Seneca county has been of distinctive scope and importance, it is but consistent that more than passing attention be accorded to the Myers Brothers, publishers of the Seneca Advertiser and the Tiffin Daily Advertiser. They have been of marked service to their city, county and state through various avenues of usefulness, and the papers with whose publication they have been long and intimately identified have wielded a wide and beneficent influence in the local field, w^hile the enterprise involved is one which can not be considered as other than a potent factor in connection with the industrial activities of this favored section of the Buckeye commonwealth. We are thus gratified in being able to here enter individual sketches of the careers of these honored citizens and representative business men of the city of Tiffin.

John M. Myers, who has the editorial direction of the weekly and daily editions of the Advertiser, is a native of Maryland, having been born in the town of Clearspring, Washington county, on the 13th of September, 1838, the son of Michael and Anna E. (Wagner) Myers, the ancestors of both having been of stanch German stock, and the original American representatives having located in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in the colonial epoch of our national history. In the year 1856 Michael Myers, in company with his wife and their four sons and two daughters, came from Maryland to Seneca county, Ohio, and here the parents passed the remainder of their lives, the father having been a contractor and builder by vocation. He was a man of sterling character and became one of the highly esteemed citizens of this county, making his home in Tiffin, where he died in the year 1891, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife passed away in 1876, aged sixty-four years. John M. Myers had received his early educational discipline in the public schools of Maryland, and there also he had' initiated his identification with the **art preservative of all arts," by serving an apprenticeship at the printer's trade. In February, i860, he became a compositor in the office of the Seneca Advertiser, and three years later, in January, 1863, we find him installed as editor and publisher of this pioneer new^spaper of Tiffin. In 1867 he became associated with his brother, E. Shelby, in the purchasing of a half interest in the enterprise, and in 1878 the third brother, E. Bruce Myers, became a partner also. The brothers continued' to be thus associated in the conducting of the business until April, 1884, when they disposed of a two-thirds interest to L. A. Brunner and J. W. Geiger. During their connection with the Advertiser the Miyers brothers had developed the undertaking in all of its departments, and had one of the best equipped newspaper offices in the state, while their energy and well directed efforts have insured a large and profitable business. In 1888, after the death of Mr. Brunner, the Myers brothers repurchased the plant and business of the Advertiser, the daily edition of which had been established two years previously. About 1890 they erected their present building, the entire plant being simultaneously enlarged and otherwise improved, while at the present time the equipment throughout is of the most modern and metropolitan type, including the latest designs in power presses and involving the operation of the linotype typesetting machine, of which one has been installed. The demands of the business are such, however, that at the time of this writing (May, 1902) the brothers have in course of erection an addition to their building, and through this the floor space and accommodations will be doubled. Tlie building as thus remodeled will l:e forty by ninety feet in lateral dimensions, and two stories and a basement in height. The plant includes a well equipped bindery for pamphlet work, and the job department has the best of facilities for turning out all classes of work in the highest form of the printer's art and on short notice. New presses have been installed and the investment in the plant now reaches an aggregate of many thousand dollars. All machinery is operated by electric motors, each machine having its own individual motor. In connection with the publication of the papers a corps of twenty-two capable workmen is retained.

The brothers of whom we write have been associated in various other enterprises which have conserved the normal advancement and material prosperity of the city and county, and John Ml has always been considered the head of the firm, whose policies have been regulated with marked discrimination and ability, the brothers being duly conservative and counseling together on all matters of importance. A fair view of public questions, clearly presented, will do more to fonn the general opinion of any community than any other one agency, and the Myers brothers have been potent factors in shaping pubic opinion, both in the matter of politics and in all pertaining to the well-being of the community, of whose interests they have made the papers able exponents. Their influence has been exerted in support of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, but they- have neither sought nor desired official preferment for themselves. In 1879 they became associated with four other citizens of Tiffin in the purchase of the Ohio Stove Works, this partnership obtaining until January, 1882, while in 1893 the wo^ks of the concern were removed from Tiffin to a point in Illinois. In January, 1882, the original partnership was abrogated by the organization of a stock company, which was duly incorporated, and of the same Mr. Myers has been secretary and treasurer from the time of organization. He is associated with his brothers in the operation of an extensive cattle ranch in New Mexico.

Centennial Biographical History, 45

ciated with his brothers in their business enterprises, being also a stockholder in and a member of the directorate of the Citizens' National Bank, in Tiffin. In 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. H'aas, daughter of John R. Haas, one of the founders of the Tiffin Agricultural Works.

E. Bruce Myers, who is business manager of the Seneca Advertiser and the Daily Advertiser, is likewise a native of Qearspring, Mlaryland. where he was born on the ist of February, 1851. He has practically passed his entire life in Seneca county, having been a lad of five years at the time when the family removed to this section from Maryland. In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Cunningham, daughter of George* W. Cunningham, a well-known miller and grain dealer of Tiffin. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have two daughters, - Bessie and Marie.

Leon B. Myers, who is foreman of the news office of the Advertiser, both weekly and daily, was born in Maryland, in 1855, and w^as thus an infant in arms at the time his parents made the long trip from his native state to become pioneers of Seneca county, where he was reared and educated. In 1880 he was married to Miss Rebecca Mc- Donald, daughter of Major McDonald, of Bucyrus, this state, and they have two daughters.

In conclusion it certainly will not be malapropos to enter a brief resume of the history of the newspaper business which the Myers brothers have developed to an enterprise of so great importance. On the 4th of August, 1832, the Seneca Patriot was founded by J. H. Brown, the primitive hand press utilized having been one which was brought across the mountains about the year 1800, by James Colerick, and in 1816 it was in use at Mbunt Vernon, Ohio. The hebdomadal Patriot became defunct, and in 1834 Alonzo Rawson published in Tiffin the Independent Chronicle and the Seneca Advertiser. On the 6th of May, 1842, John G. Breslin appeared as publisher of the Seneca Advertiser, having purchased the office of the VanBurenite, which had developed from the earlier paper. In 1854 this well-known and honored citizen was elected to the office of state treasurer, and in the following year

W. W. Armstrong assumed' editorial charge of the Advertiser, of which he became sole proprietor in 1857. He, too, was called to distinguished public office, having served as secretary of state in 1862-3. John M. Myers and Lewis Beilharz leased the office at this time and the former became sole lessee in 1864, since which time the history of the enterprise has already been a matter of record in this article. It may be further stated, however, that the Seneca Advertiser is issued on Thursday of each week, in the form of a six-column quarto, and that the Daily Advertiser, a seven-column folio, is issued each evening except Sunday, and is to be considered as unmistakably one of the brightest, cleanest and most attractive dailies issued in any of the smaller cities of the state.

Irvin N. Rex

Irvin N. Rex, the efficient and popular county clerk, is numbered among the enterprising young men of Seneca county. He was born in Seneca township, January 8, 1871, and is a son of Jeremiah Rex. He spent his boyhood days in Tiffin and acquired his early education in the public schools. When eleven years of age he had a severe attack of rheumatism, which left him crippled in the right leg. After completing the work in the common schools he entei'ed Heidelberg College, where he continued his studies until twenty-one years of age, when he entered the office of the judge of the probate court, Judge J. C. Royer, as his deputy, and continued in that position until elected to his present position. In 1896 he was chosen, by popular ballot, county clerk, and assumed his duties in August, 1897. In 1900 he was re-elected by a much larger majority than was given him the first term, showing that the people*s confidence in his ability and fidelity was strengthened by capable service. He is a most loyal and trustworthy official and well deserves high encomiums from his fellow townsmen.

and they have a pleasant and hospitable home, whose social functions are greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Rex is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in this place and in his political views he is a stanch Democrat. He is one of the popular young men of the town, and has a wide acquaintance here, for he has spent his entire life in the county and much of it in Tiffin, where his official duties bring him into contact with many.

Nicholas Portz

Among the most successful business men of Fostoria is numbered Nicholas Portz, who is engaged in real-estate dealing and is also a manufacturer of pipe fittings, carrying on the latter business under the name of the Fostoria Novelty Company. He is one of the native sons of Fostoria and' has contributed in large measure to its upbuilding and progress. His birth here occurred in 1839. Two years previously his father, John Portz, had located here. The latter was a native of Merzig, in Rhenish Prussia, Germany, and after taking up his abode in Fostoria, he engaged in the manufacture of wagons until his death, which occurred in 1873, when he was sixty-seven years of age. He married Miss Mary Magdalena Bohna, also a native of Merzig, Germany, and her death occurred when she was forty-one years of age. The children born unto this worthy couple were as follows: Mary Magdalena, who became the wife of John Zimmer, of Crown Point, Indiana, and died at St. Qoud, Minnesota; Catherine, the wife of John Bick, of Fostoria ; Ann Miaria, who is the widow of Joseph Haines, of Fostoria; Nicholas, of this review; George; John; and Eva, the wife of George Hoot, of Fostoria. George and John were both soldiers of the Civil w^ar. The former became a member of the Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry and died at Chattanooga, while the latter was a member of the Fifty-seventh Ohio Infantry. He was the youngest soldier that went through the war, being only twelve years of age when he enlisted. He was then quite small for his years, but he carried a musket from the start and bore uncomplainingly all the hardships and trials of military life, dispaying valor equal to that of many older men. For two months he was at Andersonville prison and he was with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. He now resides in Fostoria, and he has every reason to be proud of his military career.

In the schools of Fostoria Nicholas Portz, of this review, pursued his education, and he entered upon his business career as an employe of C. W. Foster & Son. This was in 1851, when he was only twelve years of age. He became a clerk in the store and served in that capacity until the firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company was organized, the partners being ex-Governor Foster, Charles Olmsted and our subject. The company was formed in 1863 and carried on general merchandising, doing a business which has never been exceeded or equaled in Fostoria. Their average annual sales amounted to two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The firm carried on business until 1867, when Mr. Portz and Governor Foster became the owners of the hardware department, carrying on that enterprise under the firm name of N. Portz & Company until 1892, covering a period of a quarter of a century. At that time our subject assumed the management of the plant of the Brass & Iron Works Company, of Fostoria, which was owned by himself and Governor Foster. It had been established in 1850 by Edward Bement and in i860 became the property of Governor Foster, while in 1883 it passed into the ownership of Foster & Portz. Sixty men were employed. More than two hundred thousand dollars were invested, and the industry became one of the most important in the town. In 1893, however, business was suspended, but at the present time the plant is operated by the Schwab Safe Mlanufacturing Company, of Fostoria. Mr. Portz was largely instrumental in securing the building of the Nickel Plate Railroad to Fostoria, in 1883. He personally assumed the financipJ obligations, in order to have the road extended from Arcadia to this place instead of through Tiffin, as had been previously planned by the railroad company. This obligation involved thirty thousand dollars and later was supplanted by another arrangement. For thirty-five years Mr, Portz was associated in business with Mr. Foster, and for thirty years of that time was his partner. He is now at the head of the Fostoria Novelty Company and controls the patents for fitting lead pipes without solder and iron pipes without thread. He manufactures these pipe fittings on quite an extensive scale, and his business in this direction is steadily increasing. He also deals quite extensively in real estate and is the owner of much valuable property in Fostoria. In 1867 Mr. Portz was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Adams, of Findlay, Ohio, a daughter of Louis and Mary (Junker) Adams, both of whom are now deceased. Her father was an early settler of Findlay and became one of the leading business men there, conducting a grocery and produce store, also a distillery. He came to Ohio from Alsace, France, and the business opportunities of the new world were so improved by him that he became the possessor of a comfortable comi>etence. In religious faith Mr. Portz is a prominent Catholic and for almost thirty-five years has served continuously as a trustee of St. Wenddin church. His political support is given the Republican party, but he has never been an aspirant for office, serving only as a member of the board of health. He has also been president of the board of trade of Fostoria and occupies a most prominent and honorable position in business circles. From the age of twelve years until the present time he has been an active factor in the industrial and commercial life of his native city, and the extent and volume of his interests have contributed not alone to his own success but have also promoted the commercial prosperity of the town. His dealings have e\'er been conducted along the Hne of honorable eflfort and with strict regard for commercial ethics. He has maintained an unassailable reputation. He seems to have realized at each point of his career the highest degree of success possible at that point, and Fostoria claims him as one of her honored and representative citizens.

No class of citizens are more justly held in high esteein than members of the medical profession, and in no other city of its size are more conspicuous examples of its skill and ability to be foimd than in Tiffin,

Ohio. Here are gathered men of age, experience, study and research, and among them is Dr. J. R. McCray, who claims a fair portion of the lucrative practice of this vicinity.

Dr. McCray v^as born near the village of Barrackville, Marion county, West Virginia, on February 2y, 1850. Like many others who later in life have achieved eminence in entirely different lines of activity. Dr. McCray was reared to farm life, although it never attracted him sufficiently to make him continue it as a vocation. He was of an active and inquiring disposition, though in his early years small opportunity was afforded him for more than elementary study as supplied in the common schools.

When he had reached the age of twenty-two years he had become well enough acquainted with the carpenter trade to be employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad on trestle work, and he continued with that road until he was prepared, in 1881, to enter upon the study of his chosen profession. His experience with men and affairs probably gave him that steadfastness of purpose and poise of character which have been of such marked service to him in the practice of his profession.

In 188 1 he came to Fostoria, Ohio, and in the fall of that year he began his medical reading with the well-known Dr. Hickman, under whose instruction he continued for about a year. Then he came to Tiffin and became a student under Dr. Corfman, with whom he remained during two years, later attending the Physio-Medical College, in Indianapolis, Indiana. After a course there Dr. McCray began the practice of his profession in this city, though he soon returned to his native state, and for four years he was in active practice in Fairview, Marion county. His medical ability brought him a large practice, but desiring a more extensive field and wider opportunities, he returned to Tiffin, where his standing as a physician and citizen is unexcelled.

In 1884 Dr. McCray was united in marriage to Miss Clara Berkshire, of Fairmount, West Virginia, a lady well adapted for the social position which she so well fills.

In political sentiment Dr. MIcCray is a Democrat, but he takes no very active part in political life, the demands of his profession allcrvving but little latitude for extraneous work. Mrs. McCray is a consistent and valued member of the Evangelical church, and the Doctor is liberal in supporting its benevolent and extension work. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Seneca Lodge, of Tiffin, in which he has been a prominent worker. He bdongs to the various medical associations, including the Ohio Stat^ and the American Medical Associations, attending their meetings and contributing to their literature.

Dr. McCray is devoted to his profession and has a very large general practice, his skill being known through the city and vicinity, and he is very often called in cases of consultation. In many ways he is naturally adapted to his profession, his calm manner begetting confidence, and his gentle touch and encouraging smile often performing a cure when drugs would fail. He is a persistent reader and careful student, keeping abreast of the times in his profession, and is a worthy follower of the great Esculapius.

Silas W. Rohrer

Back to that cradle of much of our national history, the Old Dominion state, must we turn in designating the place of nativity of Mr. Rohrer, one of the influential citizens and progressive farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, where he has passed practically his entire life, his venerable father being one of the honored pioneers of this section of the state and being still a resident of the county. Mr. Rhorer was bom in Berkeley county, Virginia (now West Virginia), on the 8th of April, 1845, o"^ ^^ the two children of Benoni I. and Rebecca (Loose) Rohrer. the other being Amianda, who is now the wife of Solomon Brets, of Tiffin, Seneca county. The father of our subject was likewise bom in Virginia, on the nth of January, 1816, his parents, who were of German lineage, having removed to the Old Dominion from Pennsylvania, where the res{>ective families had been established in an early day.

Benoni I. Rohrer grew up on the homestead farm in Virginia, receiving a good English education in the common schools, and being engaged in farming in his native state for some time after his marriage to Miss Loose, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and who is now a well-preserved woman of eighty-five years. He removed to Michigan in 1847 ^"^ there passed the winter, while in the spring of 1848 he came to Seneca county, Ohio, where he was engaged in tilling the soil on various rented farms for a period of six years. In 1854 he purchased seventy-five acres of the farm now owned by his son, in HopcAvell township. He made substantial improvements on the place and ten years after purchasing the original tract added to its area seventy acres adjoining, so that the fine farm now comprises one hundred and fortyfive acres. In the spring of 1879 Benoni I. Rohrer purchased another eighty acres of land, in the same township, and forthwith removed to the same and has there maintained his home to the present time, the place being well improved and under effective cultivation. He is the oldest man in his township, being now eighty-six years of age, and is revered as one of the patriarchs of the community and as a man whose life has been upright and steadfast in all its relations. He has been an active and zealous supporter of the cause of the Democratic party for more than half a century, and has been a man of influence in his home community. He served for several years in the offices of assessor and trustee of his township and at all times has maintained a public-spirited attitude. In his advanced years he retains his mental and jrfiysical faculties in marked degree, being looked upon as one of the sturdy pioneer citizens of the county.

Silas W. Rohrer was about three years of age when his parents located in Seneca county, and here he was reared on the farm where he now lives, acquiring his early educational training in the public schools. After assisting his father in the cultivation of the home farm until he had attained the age of twenty-four years, he took charge of the place, this being at the time of his marriage, in 1879, ^^^ father then removing to his new farm, as has been already noted. Silas operated the old homestead for his father until 1896, when he effected its purchase. He is constantly improving the farm and increasing its productive capacity by the utilization of scientific methods and by scrupulous care to every detail of the work. He has a commodious and attractive residence, and in 1897 he erected one of the largest and best bank barns in the township. Mr. Rohrer has ever received the highest confidence and esteem of the community, ever giving his influence and aid to all worthy objects for the general good and material progress of the neighborhood, and has been an active and influential worker in the ranks of the Democratic party. He served one term as trustee of his township, and in 1898 was the Democratic candidate for the office of township treasurer, meeting defeat through normal political exigencies.

On the 1 8th of February, 1879, Mr. Rohrer was united in marriage to Miss Esther Britt, who was born in this township, the daughter of the late John Britt, one of the influential farmers of the county, where he located about 1852, having emigrated hither from Pennsylvania. Her mother, Mary (Nolan) Britt, died at about sixty-five years of age, being survived some five years by her husband, w^ho was eighty-six years of age at the time of his death. Mrs. Rohrer was summoned into eternal rest on the i6th of November, 1882, leaving one son, Walter F., who has attended Heidelberg College, and is now assisting his father on the farm.

David Haverstick

Most consistently may we enter memoir in this work to one who stood as one of the honored citizens and successful agriculturists of Seneca county during the long years of an active and useful life, winning their regard of men by his sterling attributes of character and attaining success through the medium of his own ability and efforts. Mr. Haverstick passed to his reward on the 9th of February, 1898, and in his death Eden township was deprived of one of its most w'orthy and honored citizens a^d one whose life was such as to offer both lesson and incentive to all who came in touch therewith.

Mr. Haverstick was a native of the old Keystone state, having been bom near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of August, 1832, and was reared on the parental farm to the age of seventeen, having received his early education in the common schools. His father died when he was fifteen and he, instead of attending school, went to Middletown, Pennsylvania, where he was employed in a planing mill for a period of four years, after which he came to Ohio and located in Annapolis, Jefferson county, where he worked in a meat market for a time and then returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, where he remained three years, working in a dairy, in connection with his brother. There, on the 3d of June, 1858, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wolff, who was born in the same locality as was he himself. Shortly after his marriage Mir. Haverstick came to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1859, and purchased a farm in Clinton township, exchanging the property three years later for another faitn,- comprising sixty acres, in the same township, and continuing its improvement and cultivation for six years, at the expiration- of which, in 1868, he traded the same for the homestead where his widow now resides, in Eden township. The original farm comprised one hundred acres, but as success crowned his efforts Mr. Haverstick added to the area of his property until he had a fine landed estate of one hundred and fifty-four acres. He placed the farm under most effective cultivation, directing his operations with marked energy and discrimination, and he made on the place the most admirable improvements of a permanent order, including the erection in 1878 of a large brick residence of attractive architectural design and modern conveniences and accessories. The farm is still maintained at its customary high standard, being devoted to diversified agriculture and the raising of high-grade stock. In politics the subject of this memoir was an uncompromising Republican and he was one of the devoted and valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Haverstick also is a member. The estate left by our subject also included' a residence property in the city of Tiffin, as well as a smaller farm near his old home.

Centennial Biographical History, 55

seven children, of whom we make brief record as follows : Sarah C, the wafe of H. E. Rhodes, a banker of Tiffin; Hattie M., who married Isaac Martin and who is now deceased; William, who remains on the old homestead ; John, a successful farmer near Nevada, Wyandot county ; Cora, the wife of Frank Othwaite, of Bellevue; Laura, the wife of Thomas Abram Miller, a banker of Tiffin ; and Earl, who is now a resident of Seattle, Washington. Mr. Haverstick was the architect of hi5 own fortunes and upon his life there rested no shadow of wrong or injustice, while his kindly and genial nature won to him firm and abiding friendships. His memory rests as a benediction upon his devoted wife, his children and all who came within the immediate sphere of his influence.

Frank Cooley

A number of the substantial and successful farmers of Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, have been born in this favored spot, and have thus been more thoroughly identified all their lives with its interests than those who have made it their homes only in recent years. Such is the case with Frank Cooley, who is one of the most highly esteemed and best known of the agriculturists of the township.

The birth of Frank Cooley occurred on December 19, 1865, in Bloom township, and he is a son of William H. and Rebecca (Hillard) Cooley, the former of whom was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 10, 1825. Edward Cooley, who was the father of William H. Cooley, came from Maryland to Fairfield county with his family, and thence to Seneca county, in 1829. Here he entered land from the government, the site being the present town of Bloomville, and here he lived until his death, in 1837, having been one of the pioneers of Seneca county. William H. was only eleven years of age when his father died, and the management of the farm fell upon his shoulders. He was a robust and industrious youth, and grew into a man of parts and prominence, improved this property, and sold it to advantage in 1866. .His death occurred in 1897, on the farm now occupied by our subject. His mother had lived with him and she died at the age of ninety-one years. WilHam H. Cooley was thrice married, his first union being with Martha GifTord, who at her death left one child, Martha, who is now the wife of John Wenner, of S wander, Ohio. The second marriage of William H. Cooley was to Mrs. Rebecca (Hillard) Cooley, who was the widow of his eldest brother, Edward, and the three children bom to this union were as follows : Stef^en A., who lives in Clinton township; Charles, who is deceased; and Frank, who is the subject of this biography. The third marriage was to Mrs. Sarah J. (Shaffner) Baker, who still survives and who resides with our subject, with whom she is part owner of the farm. She is a most estimable Christian woman, and a consistent member of the Methodist church.

Frank Cooley, who is our subject, was but six months old when his parents came to this fami, and here he has f>assed his life. He early became interested in agricultural pursuits and has continued to follow a general line of farming ever since he took charge of the estate. His education was acquired in the common schools of this district and he has been prominently identified with all matters of public interest in this locality ever since he attained his majority. His farm of one hundred and eleven acres is well adapted to the cultivation of the products common to this part of the state, and also to stock-raising, in which he has been particularly successful. His methods have been progressive, and his improvements of a character which are indications of a thorough knowledge of his business and a deep interest in it.

The marriage of Frank Cooley took place in 1892, to Miss Clara Baker, who is a daughter of his own step-mother, and who was a child of twelve years when their parents were married. One daughter, Naomi M., has been bom to this union, a bright and intelligent little school girl of seven. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cooley are valued members of the Bloomville Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mr. Cooley is liberal in his support and of which he is a steward. Mr. Cooley holds to the principles of the Republican party, but is not a seeker for political honors,, devoting his attention wholly to the demands of his private inter- ests. He possesses the respect of the citizens of his township, his family having been among the eariiest settlers and most esteemed residents. Although he belongs to the younger generation of farmers, he is recognized as a man whose methods deserve approval, and his past success in his chosen line gives promise of continued prosperity. Personally he is popular, and both he and wife are prominent in the social life in their neighborhood.

Junius V. Jones

For a third of a century Junius V. Jones has been a leading practitioner at the bar of Seneca county, making his home in Fostoria, where he still resides. He is still in active practice, his attention being also given to the superintending of his investments and property interests. He was bom in Gallia county, January 23, 1823, and is a son of James and Prisdlla (Blagg) Jones, both of whom were natives of Pendleton county, in what is now West Virginia. Soon after their marriage, however, they emigrated to the Buckeye state and took up their abode on a farm in Gallia county. In 1832 they removed to Wood county and settled in Perry township upon a farm adjoining Fostoria, then called Rome and Risdon. The father was one of the early commissioners of Wood county and also served as justice of the peace for a number of years. Other township offices were filled' by him, and at all times he was a loyal and progressive citizen, who did his utmost to forward the substantial advancement of this community. He died in 1848 at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife passed away some ten years later.

In the family of this worthy couple were five sons and four daughters: Honorable Gideon Jones, the eldest, was a noted civil engineer and surveyor in northwestern Ohio. He filled the office of county surveyor and was a member of the state legislature, representing Seneca county in the lower house. He was elected upon the Republican ticket at a time when the county had a usual Democratic majority of one thou- sand, and this fact indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow tow^nsmen. He made his home in Jackson township, and when called to his final rest his loss was keenly felt; Simpson, the second of the family, followed farming for many years, but spent his last days in honorable retirement in Fostoria. He took a deep interest in the public schools and rendered eflfective service in their behalf while a member of the board of education, a position which he held for many years. He served as clerk of the board and endeavored to raise the standard of intellectual impro\'ement. Junius V. was the third of the family. Major William H. is now a farmer of Kansas. He was at one time county clerk of Wood county, Ohio, and served as paymaster in the Union army during the Civil war. About eight years ago, however, he removed to the Sunflower state, where he is now living. Seneca died in childhood. Elizabeth became the wife of Joseph Chilcote, and both died at West Millgrove, Wood county. Emily also is deceased. Hulda became the wife of the Rev. John Miller and both died in De Kalb county, Indiana. Virginia married Joseph Eckels, of Fostoria, and both are deceased.

Junius V. Jones, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in Fostoria, and desiring to make the legal prof.ession his life work read law in the office of the Honorable W. P. Noble, and was admitted to the bar in 1868. He at once entered upon practice in this place, and for more than a third of a century has been one of the active and prominent legal practitioners here. He enjoys a distinguished and representative clientage, which has connected him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of his district, and his comprehensive and exact knowledge of legal principles and his careful prq^aration of his cases have enabled him to gain many forensic battles.

Mr. Jones was married, in Wood county, Ohio, to Miss Maria Musser, daughter of Michael Musser, of Portage township, that county. For many years she was a faithful companion and helpmate to her husband, but on the 30th of October, 1900, she was called to her final rest, passing away at the age of seventy-five years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones were bom seven children : James Edwin, now deceased ; Charles v., who died at his home in Fostoria, in April, 1901, at the age of forty-seven years; Willis F., a printer of this city; Harry J., who is engaged in the same business ; and Parley, Bert and Clara, all of Fostoria.

In his political views Mr. Jones has always been a Republican, and he has taken quite an active port in advancing the cause of his party. For many years he served as clerk of Loudon township, and throughout a long period he was township trustee, taking great interest in making ditches, whereby much of the land was reclaimed for purposes of civilization. He has also been a candidate for sheriff of Seneca county and for the state legislature. Long a member of the board of education, he served two terms as its president; he was city solicitor of Fostoria for four years, and in 1874 became mayor of the city, serving for a term of two years. No public trust reposed, in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree, and in office he has ever manifested unswerving loyalty to duty and to the right. In early days he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for many years he has been a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Honorable and upright in all relations of life, w^ith due regard for the ties of friendship and the duties of citizenship, he has commanded uniform confidence and resi>ect, and the success which he is now enjoying is well merited, coming as a reward of earnest and untiring effort in professional circles.

Thomas G. Shuman

A most exemplary citizen and an honored hero of the war of the Rebellion is Thomas G. Shuman, a prominent agriculturist of Liberty township, Seneca county. During his army career he was always found faithful to the duties imposed upon him, thus winning the coniidence and high regard of his comrades and superior officers, while in his business life and social relations he has ever manifested the same justice, integrity and reliability, and none know him save to wish him well.

Mr. Shuman is a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred on the i6th of September, 1841, and he is a son of Simon and Marj' E. (Beck) Shuman. The father also claimed Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity, his birth having there occurred on the 29th of July, 1803, and there he grew to manhood and learned the trade of shoemaking. After his marriage he b^an work at his trade in what was then known as the town of Muttontown, now called State Line, where he made his home until 1846. In that year he emigrated with his family to Ohio, remaining for about one year in Mansfield, after which he came to Tiffin and one year later purchased forty acres of land on section twenty-three, Liberty township, where he spent the remaining years of his life. After his sons reached a sufficient age they assumed the management of the home farm, while he continued at his trade, and as the years passed by he was enabled to add to his original purchase a tract of forty acres a half mile west, in the same township. He gave his political support to the Democracy, and religiously was a member of the German Reformed church. His lifers labors were ended in death on January 14, 1879, and thus passed from earth one of the honored pioneers of Ohio, and one who had nobly assisted in the trjnng task of planting the seeds of order in an unsettled country. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary E< Beck, and she likewise was bom in the Keystone state, on the 20th of January, 1808. Her father, Felix Beck, was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war, and he died of cholera at an advanced age. Mrs. Shuman passed away in death on the 26th of March, 1889, at the age of eighty-two years. Unto this worthy couple were born fourteen children, nine of whom still survive, namely : Jolin, who served as a member of Company K, One Hundred and First Ohio Infantry, who was wounded at Chickamauga, and is now a resident of Greenleaf , Wisconsin ; Henry, who makes his home in Steuben county, Indiana; William, who served as a bugler in the One Hundred and First Regiment, and is now a farmer of Pleasant township, Seneca county; Thomas G., the subject of this review; David, who was a member of the One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Regiment, and now makes his home in Sandusky county; Daniel and Elias, twin:-.

the former having serv^ed ia the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Regiment, and now residing in DeKalb county, Indiana, while the latter was a member of the One Hundred and Eightieth Regiment and resides at Ballville, Sandusky county, Ohio; Philip, a resident of Clinton township, Seneca county; and Mary, the wife of Secrist Knepper, of Bascom.

Thomas G. Shuman, of this review, was early inured to the work of the farm in all its departments, and his early education was received in the common schools of his native locality. On the 13th of August, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a memter of Company K, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and for two years and ten months he served in the Army of the Cumberland. During his military career he took part in many of the important battles of the war, including those of Perryville, on the 8th of October, 1862, Murfreesboro, on the 31st of December, 1862, and the 1st. 2d and 3d of January, 1863; Chickamauga, September 19. 20, 1863; Franklin, November 30, 1864; and Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864. He was honorably discharged on the 12th cf June, 1865, at Dayton, after which he returned to his home, and from that time until his marriage he was employed at farm labor. After that important event he spent five years on the farm belonging to his wife's mother, and in 1875 purchased forty acres of his present homestead, to which he added an additional forty acres in 1883, thus making him the possessor of eighty acres of rich and productive land, six miles north of Tiffin. For the past ten years, however, he has rented his farm, and to-day, after a useful and beneficent career, he is quietly living at his pleasant home, surrounded by the comforts that earnest Ial)or has brought to him.

On the 9th of September, 1866, occurred the marriage of Mr. Shuman and Miss Mary J. Zeis. Her father, G(xlfrey Zeis, was lx>rn in Germany, but when he was a boy he was brought by his parents to Maryland, and came to Ohio as a young man. Here he married Margaret Sager, a native of Maryland. One child has brightened and blessed the home of our subject and wife, Albert C, a minister of the German

Reformed church, and a graduate of Heidelberg College and Theological Seminary, is now located at Sycamore, Ohio. He married Minta Miller, and they have three children, - Aleta, Herbert and Anna Marie. In political matters Mr. Shuman casts his ballot in favor of the men and measures of the Republican party. He was a member of the school board for ten years, the cause of education ever finding in him a firm friend. For six years he was a trustee of the township. He has long been a member of the German Reformed church, and for a number of years he has served as treasurer and deacon therein, his wife likewise being active in all church work, her interest in and efforts for Sunday-school being specially valuable to the youth of the community. Throughout his entire life Mr. Shuman has been strictly temperate and has kept the highest ideals ever before him, striving to become what he surely is to-day, a noble, well developed Christian character.

Jacob B. Zutavern

Among the prominent citizens of Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, where for many years he was one of its most respected men, was Jacob B. Zutavem, whose useful life closed on May 8, 1900, on his farm in this township.

Jacob B. Zutavern was born in Bloom township August 15, 1855, being a son of Henry Jacob- and Margaret Zutavern. He was reared on the home farm and was an industrious and energetic youth. He took a lively interest in agricultural pursuits and this he never lost during life. He was able to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the public schools of his district, and he grew to manhood as a well informed, intelligent, industrious young farmer.

In 1879 occurred the marriage of Jacob B. Zutavern to Miss Effie Keller, who was born in Bloom township, a daughter of Peter and Susan (Buchman) Keller, who were natives of Germany, where their marriage was solemnized. They emigrated thence to the United States and settled on a tract of leased land, in the woods .of Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, where Mr. Keller improved a farm. Later he removed to Crawford county, where he improved another farm and where he died when his daughter Effie (Mrs. Zutavem) was but seven years of age. After the marriage of Mrs. Zutavem her mother returned to Seneca county, passing the remainder of her life in Eden township, where she died at the age of seventy-four years. Of her nine children six are living at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Zutavem became the parents of three children, namely: Jessie R., who died at the age of eight years; Earl R., aged fourteen years; and Vesta Ellen, aged five years.

After his marriage our subject and wife settled down on the home farm, which he successfully managed until he came to his own estate, in 1883. Mr. Zutavem was extensively engaged in farming and stockraising and owned a large tract of land, having three hundred and twenty acres divided into two farms. Here he made many improvements of a substantial and permanent nature, the present brick residence being built in 1885, and he was very justly considered one of the leading farmers of this section. Every part of his large farm was brought up to its highest producing point, as Mr. Zutavern thoroughly understood the science as well as the practical part of his business. As one of the largest and most successful raisers of fine grade stock, he was known all over this locality, and the products and stock of his farm found ready sale whenever marketed.

Although Mr. Zutavem passed out of life in the midst of a useful career, he is not forgotten, having left a distinct impress on his community. As a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, he was somewhat of a leader in its ranks. He thoroughly believed in its policy and was an ardent supporter of its methods and candidates.

Mr. Zutavern was also a leading member of the Reformed church in Bloomville, was active in religious work and was a liberal and generous supporter of this organization. His estimable widow continues his work in this church, she being also one of its consistent members.

community, and his memorj' should be cherished in enduring form. As long as industry and honesty are considered cardinal virtues, and as long as an upright and exemplary life is held as worthy of emulation, so long will abide the memory of such men as our subject. He was a man of pleasant and genial disposition, well equipped mentally, and had a wide circle of attached friends. He was charitable to those less fortunate than himself and was known as an exceptionally kind neighbor. Mrs. Zutavern still resides on the valuable farm left her by her husband, and is a lady who is most highly esteemed in this locality.

Eugene W. Allen

Tlie pioneers of a country, the founders of a business, the originators of any undertaking that will promote the material welfare or advance the educational, social and moral influence of a community, deserve the gratitude of humanity. It has been said that the man w4io each week pays over his counters a large force of workmen does more for his country than he who leads an armed host forth to battle. The destructive element connected with the latter is replaced in the former instance by one of upbuilding - by the promotion of commercial activity and consequent prosperity. Closely associated with the manufacturing and financial interests of Fostoria, Eugene Allen belongs to that class of representative Americans who while advancing individual success also promote the progress and prosperity of the community with which they are connected. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution; and his close application and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to-day his.

Mr. Allen is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred at Wolf Lake, in 1864, and his parents being Felton and Susan (Childs) Allen. He comes of an old Pennsylvania family whose representatives resided in the eastern and southern part of the Keystone state. Tlie grandfather removed from Pennsylvania to Indiana, becoming one of the honored pioneer settlers of Noble county, where he spent his remaining days, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits. Religiously he was connected with the Society of Friends. His son, Felton Allen, was lx>rn in that county and for many years successfully conducted a stock farm, being one of the leading stock dealers of that part of the country. His wife was a native of Virginia and during her childhood was brought to Indiana by her parents, who settled on a large tract of land near Wolf Lake.

In the place of his nativity Mr. Allen, of this review, was reared and educated. He has been a resident of Fostoria since 1893, and has been closely associated with its business interests. There is no American townor city that does not offer good business advantages to the man who can recognize and improve opportunities, who is energetic, determined and resolute, and Mr. Allen found that the field of labor was not exhausted here. In 1893 he was instrumental in organizing the Peabody Buggy Company, of which Mr. Peabody became president, but in 1895 the Allen Brothers, Eugene and W. O., purchased his interest in the business, and E. W. Allen became president and treasurer of the company, while W. O. Allen assumed the duties of vice-president and secretary. The business was then a small one, but it has since grown to mammoth proportions and the sales amount to two hundred and fifty-five thousand dollars yearly. Employment is furnished to one hundred skilled workmen and their products are sent throughout the United States, the eastern trade being very extensive. They manufacture light, stylish driving rigs of every description, and the excellent w^orkmanship, durability and attractiveness of design and finish insure to the company a very large and constantly increasing patronage.

Mr. Allen, however, has not confined his attention and efforts alone to one line. The old Mechanics' Savings Banking Company he transformed into the Mechanics' Banking Company, in July, 1899, ^"^' ^~ came its cashier, with O. T. Brown as its president. At that time the institution was not in a very flourishing condition, but under the wise direction and conservative policy of Mr. Allen it has l>ecome one of the leading banks in this portion of the state, its deposits having increased from one hundred thousand to more than five hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Allen also established a branch at Bradner, in the center of the oil region, and this has been attended by a high degree of success. The Allen brothers have valuable interests in the oil districts and they- have also taken great pride in the old homestead in Noble county, Indiana. The Allen stock farm of two hundred and forty acres is situated in the town of Wolf Lake. On this they raise high-bred horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, and their sales of stock annually increase their income to a considerable extent. Mr. Allen, of this review, is widely recognized as a man of excellent business and executive ability and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by determined and honorable effort.

On the 1 6th of February, 1898, Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Mary Leonard, of Fostoria, a daughter of Clark Leonard, of this city, a well-known oil producer of Ohio, having extensive interests in the oil regions. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen has been bom a daughter, Clara Louise, who is the life and light of the household. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of Fostoria. and take a very active and helpful part in its work and upbuilding. The lady is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and Elocution, in Boston, and does everything in her power to promote the intellectual and moral development of the community, while her home, celebrated for its gracious hospitality, has become the center of a cultured society circle. Mr. Allen is one of the trustees of the church and a very active worker in the Sunday-school and Society of Christian Endeavor, holding office in both. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, and in his political views he is a Republican. A generous contributor to all movements for the social, intellectual, material and moral benefit to the people, Fostoria numbers him among her valued citizens. He has made good use of his opportunities and has prospered from year to year, has conducted all business matters carefully and successfully and in all his acts displays an aptitude for successful management. He has not per- mitted the accumulation of wealth to affect in any way his actions toward those less successful than he, and has always a cheerful word and pleasant smile for all with whom he comes in contact.

Abram Rife

A successful farmer and stock-raiser of Seneca county, Ohio, is Abram Rife, who owns a large and well improved farm in Bloom township, and is one of the substantial men of the county.

Abram Rife was born on August 15, 1835, in Richland county, Ohio, and he is thus a Buckeye by birth, rearing and residence. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Rife, and they had a family of eight children. In 1844 they moved from Richland county into Wyandot county, and for a time engaged in farming there, but later, 1852, a home was made in Seneca township, Seneca county, and there the parents died, aged seventy-seven and sixty-five, respectively.

The early life of Abram Rife, the subject of this biography, was spent on the farm in Seneca township, and there he attended school and assisted his father in his management of the farm. He remained on the home farm until he had reached his twenty-second year, and then gave his services to other farmers in the locality. After working for a time as a farm hand on neighboring estates, he decided to put some of his knowledge and experience to personal use, and rented some land, succeeding in his agricultural experiments so well that he continued to thus carry on farming for some eight years. By a prudent husbanding of his pieans Mr. Rife had. managed to acquire sufficient money to enable him to invest in land, and he went to Wood county, where he bought forty acres of land and there carried on a general line of farming for three }'ears. Then he disposed of that property and returned to Seneca township, where he again invested in land, buying a farm which he conducted successfully for the eight succeeding years. It was not until 1881, however, that Mr. Rife settled down permanently, selecting then his present most desirable farm, located in Bloom township, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land, which he has transformed into one of the most valuable agricultural properties of this section of the township. It has been truly said that country life possesses every element to make the material side of life one of enjoyment, and in noting the comfort and attractiveness of Mr. Rife's estate this assertion is only emphasized. He has been a very successful stock-raiser as well as farmer, his interests having been centered here ever since his location. With the aid of modern machinery, the use of proper fertilizers and the adoption of thorough methods, he has developed a fine business.

Mr. Rife was married to Miss Ida Briner, and three sons have been born to this union, namely : Nevin ; Bertie ; and Qyde. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rife are valued members of the Evangelical church; to which the former contributes liberally, while in politics he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. In this locality Mr. Rife is considered one of the solid, responsible men of the community, and his assertions are listened to with respect, carrying with them, as they do, sentiments of good citizenship, temperance and morality. He is a man of force of character, upright and honorable, a good neighbor, a helpful friend, and a father and husband who is respected and beloved in his home.

Isaac Newton Hossler

The agricultural development of Seneca count>-, Ohio, which is of a character to reflect credit upon the state, may be easily comprehended by an acquaintance with the leading farmers of this section. They belong to a class of men who have raised the cultivation of the soil into a science, dev^oting to this work time, industry and means.

Among the prominent and successful farmers of Bloom township, Seneca county, Isaac Newton Hossler, of this biography, takes a leading position, both as an agriculturist and as a worthy and valued citizen. Mr. Hossler was born on December 12, 1852, in this same township.

Centennial Biographical History, 69

Mr. Hossler was reared on the home farm and attended the common schools, obtaining there an elementary education, which was supplemented by later instruction in the academy at Republic, where he pursued higher branches. He did not take up farming as a serious occupation before he was twenty-two years of age, but since that time has devoted his attention closely to it and by his inteUigent methods and progressive ideas has made it a successful vocation. He first took charge of his father-in-law's land, and for a period of eight years operated that to the satisfaction of all concerned. He then went back to the old home farm, taking charge of the same, and there he continued for the succeeding eight years. Mr. Hossler learned much concerning farming and stock-raising in these sixteen years of constant activity. This knowledge he applied in the management of his own farm where he located about this time and where he has resided evjer since. The well cultivated fields and commodious accommodations provided for the yields of meadows and harvests of grain, his sleek cattle and healthy stock, his comfortable and attractive residence surrounded by fruitful orchards, all testify to his precedence as a farmer, and also to the prosperity which has followed his efforts. The home farm, where he has long made his residence, consists of seventy-nine acres, and he also owns another adjoining farm of equal extent. This land is of considerable value, and could be disposed of at a high figure.

The marriage of Mr. Hossler took place on March 18, 1875, when Miss Susan Revert became his wife. She was born in Stark county, Ohio, and was a daughter of Michael and Magdalena Revert. A family of eight children was bom to Mr. and Mrs. Hossler, seven of these still surviving, as follows : Alphonso, Gertrude, Jesse, Jay, Arthur, Robert and Ray. Death removed Myrtle, at the age of eighteen months. The death of Mrs. Hossler occurred on March 24, 1894. The second marriage of Mr. Hossler occurred on April 22, 1900, when he wedded Mrs. Amanda Davis, who was the widow of J. C. Davis, and a daughter of Benjamin Zeigler.

In his political views Mr. Hossler has always been a Republican, and he has efficiently served in several of the local offices, belonging to the school board and serving as trustee of Bloom townships while in 1900 he was census enumerator. Hie is a man who possesses the confidence of his fellow citizens to such a degree that many official positions might be his if he cared to accept them. Quiet and unassuming in his demeanor, he has made many friends in this township, and all are united in their high regard for one who has lived an honest, industrious and upright life in their midst for so many years. A good citizen, a careful farmer, a faithful township official and a man devoted to his friends and family, Mr. Hossler occupies an enviable place in public regard.

William R. Tittle

Seneca county has been the home of Mr. Tittle from the time of his boyhood, and as more than half a century has elapsed since his parents located in the county it may be seen that he is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this favored section of the old Buckeye state. He has wrought out his own success through the persistent application of his energies and abilities in connection with the great basic art of agriculture, is known as a representative farmer of Eden township, and to him is the distinction of being an honored veteran of the war of the Rebellion, in which he served with the fidelity and patriotic ardor of a true son of the republic, taking part in many of the most hotly contested battles of the long and sanguinary struggle which determined the integrity of the nation.

Mr. Tittle is a native of the old Keystone state, having been* born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, the son of Jonathan and Susan (Beatty) Tittle, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. They became the parents of seven sons and three daughters, of whom only four are living at the present time, namely : Martha, the widow of William Ferguson, of Eden township; Sarah W., a resident of the village of

Centennial Biographical History, 71

Melmore, this county ; William, the subject of this sketch ; and Samuel, a resident of Tiffin. Those who are deceased are John, Ralph, Benjamin, Allen, Ann and Susanna. The parents came to Ohio in 1846 and located on a farm in Eden township, Seneca coimty, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he later added a contiguous tract of sixty acres, here developing a good farm within the next decade, which represented the remainder of his span of life, since he was summoned into eternal rest on the i6th of October, 1856, at the age of seventy-tw-o years. He was a man of utmost probity and honor, and to him was given an unreserved esteem in the community. His devoted wife survived him by more than a score of years, passing away in 1877, at the age of seventy-six years.

William Tittle came to Eden township with his parents, and here he w^as reared to maturity, assisting in the w^ork of the homestead farm and receiving his early educational discipline in the public schools of the locality and period. Upon attaining his legal majority he gave inception to his independent career by working at the carpenter trade, to which he was devoting his attention at the time when the thundering of rebel guns against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter precipitated the greatest civil war in the annals of history. His intrinsic loyalty led him to respond to the first call for troops to assist in the suppression of the rebellion, and in December, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a term of three years. He proceeded to the front with his command, and the first engagement in which he participated was that at Moorefield, Virginia (now West Virginia), and thereafter he was to be found in the fighting line in each of the following notable battles : Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Missionary Ridge, in which last he was in the division commanded by "Fighting Joe" Hooker. Thereafter Mr. Tittle took part in the engagements at Resaca, Buzzards' Roost and Peach Tree creek, after which he was with Sherman in the ever memorable march to the sea, taking part in the siege of Atlanta. During his entire term of service he was never disqualified for active duty, having never been in the hospital and having received no wounds. At Chattanooga the colonel of his regiment tendered to Mr. Tittle the position of color bearer, but he declined the honor. He received his honorable discharge en the last day of the year 1864, and then returned to Eden township, and resumed work at his trade, continuing in this line for a period of five years. He then located on his present finely improved and highly productive farm, which comprises eighty acres, and here he has been successful in his farming enterprise and is known and honored as one of the county's sterling and public-spirited citizens. His political adherency is with the Republican party, of whose principles and policies he is a stanch supporter, and his fraternal interest in his old comrades who followed the stars and stripes on many a weary march and in many a blcody contest on the southern battlefields, is vitalized through his intimate association with the Grand Army of the Republic, his memberbership being in General W. H. Gibson Post, No. 31, at Tiffin. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, of which his wife also is a devoted member.

On the 22d of December, 1870, Mr. Tittle was united in marriage to Miss Emma Johnson, who was bom in Seneca county, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Beatty) Johnson, and' they are the parentsof two children, - Susie H. and Edith B., both of whom remain at the parental home.

George W. Kishler

Among the intelligent, progressive and enterprising men who have successfully directed their attention and labors to the noble work of husbandry in Seneca county and whose prosperity has come as the result of personal eflfort, is Mr. Kishler, one of the substantial and honored agriculturists of Eden township, and aside from his position as a sterling citizen he also has the honor of being a veteran of the war of the Rebellion. H one is to sojourn for any length of time in that naturally favored portion of the county designated by the title of Eden township, he is sure to note with appreciation the changes wrought by the hand of man to the end of securing the great fields of waving grain, the undulating meadows, with their herds and flocks, the substantial improvements and the various other conditions indicatory of a prosperous agricultural community. In this connection also will be noticed the fine farm estate of the subject of this review, and here he is abiding in peace, contentment and plenty, honored by those among whom so many years of his life have been passed and ever doing all in his power to conserve the best interests of the community.

Mr. Kishler.is a native of Perry county, Ohio, having been boni on a farm, near the town of Somerset, on the 30th of May, 1842, the son of Frederick and Elizabeth Kishler. When he was about six years of age, in 1848, the family came to Seneca county, where our subject was reared to years of maturity, receiving his educational training in the public schools. When nineteen years of age he gave inception to his independent career by securing a clerkship in a mercantile establishment at Wooster, Wayne county, and resigned this position in 1862, in order to respond to the call of higher duty. He enlisted as a private in Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until his discharge, on account of physical disability. He then returned to Tiffin, where he gave his attention to the sawing out of gun stocks until May 2, 1864, when he again tendered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting, in the one-hundred-days service, as corporal in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which served in defense of the federal capital until the close of its term, when Mr. Kishler was mustered out and received his honorable discharge. His interest in his old comrades in arms has never flagged and is vitalized by his identification with the Grand Army of the Republic, he having been one of the chaiter members of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, at Tiffin, of which he served as adjutant for two terms.

After the close of his military service Mir. Kishler returned to Tiffin, where his marriage was soon afterward solemnized and he then turned his attention to agriailtural pursuits, using marked discrimination from the start and so directing his energetic efforts as to attain a cumulative success, as is evident in the prosperity which is now his. They have a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres, de\^oting the same to diversified agriculture and to the raising of an excellent grade of live stock. While he takes an interest of proper sort in public affairs of a local nature, he has never been an aspirant for official preferment, but gives a stanch support to the principles and policies advanced by the Republican party.

On the 27th of December, 1865, Mr. Kishler was united in marriage to Miss Qementine Norris, who was bom in this county, the daughter of Lloyd and Elizabeth Norris, pioneer settlers, and of this union four children have been bom, namely: Fanny B., who died in her sixteenth year; Minnie M., wife of Frank Floom, of Tiffin; Claud B., of Tiffin; and Lloyd, at home.

John H. Smith

It cannot be other than pleasing to note, in the various i>ersonal sketches appearing in this work, that there remain identified with the agricultural industry in Seneca county many worthy and prominent citizens whose entire lives have been passed here and many of whom were bom here in the early pioneer epoch, thus being witnesses of the transition stages which have brought this section of the state from its condition as a primeval forest to that as a {X>pulous and opulent division of one of the greatest commonwealths in the Union. In the subject of this review we have one of these honored representatives of a pioneer family and one who is known as a substantial and influential farmer of Hopewell township.

Mr. Smith was born in Pleasant township, on the 15th of February, 1852, being the son of Henry and Barbara (Fry) Smith. Henry Smith was born in Germany, whence he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America, in 183 1. His father brought the family to Seneca county and took up a tract of government land in Pleasant township, where he reclaimed a good farm from the forest wilds and there passed the residue of his life, as did also his wife. On this old liomestead - the one on which the subject of this sketch was born - Henry Smith was reared to maturity, attending the primitive school of the time and place as opportunity afforded, the advantages in this line being rather meager, as a matter of course. In 185 1 he purchased a quarter section of wooded land, upon which he erected* a house of hewed logs, utilizing heavy beech timbers, which were properly squared and made ready for use in the erection of this house of three rooms and attic, - a domicile somewhat more pretentious than the average in the locality at that time. He improved his farm as rapidly as possible and there remained until 1864, when he disposed of the place and purchased a quarter section in Clinton township where he likewise improved a good farm, remaining there until 1868, when he located in the vicinity of Titfin. Later on he traded his property there for three hundred acres in Pleasant township, where he made his home for eighteen years. He then retired from active pursuits, taking up his residence in Tiffin, where his death occurred three years later. His widow is still living, making her home in Loudon township. The success which attended his efforts may be estimated when it is learned that he left an estate whose value was approximately sixty thousand dollars. He was a man of strong mentality and absolute integrity of purpose, and was one of the influential citizens of the county, where he was held in the highest esteem. His w4fe, whose maiden name w^s Barbara Fry, was born in Germany, and has now attained the venerable age of seventy-two years, making her home with her youngest son, Daniel. They became the parents of eight sons and five daughters, and of this number eight are living at the present time.

John H. Smith, the immediate subject of this review, remained at the parental home until he had attained years of maturity, assisting in the farm work and attending the common schools as opportunity presented. He initiated his independent career about the time of his marriage, which occurred in 1875, renting land of his father about three years and then removing to Tiffin, where he remained about two years devoting his attention' to teaming and also to farming. He thereafter continued his agricultural pursuits on his farm of one hundred acres, in Bloom township, for a period of eleven years, at the expiration of which he traded the place for his present attractive and well improved farm, in Hopewell township, the same comprising one hundred and sixty-eight acres, of which all but eighteen acres is cleared and under a fine state of cultivation. In addition to diversified farming Mr. Smith also gives his attention to the raising of high-grade live stock, and his good judgment and discrimination have made both branches of his farm industry duly profitable. He takes a proper interest in local affairs of a public nature, and exercises his ^franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, while in religion he is a communicant of St. Mary's Catholic church, in Tiffin, having been reared in this faith.

On the 26th of November, 1875, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Mary Unser, who was born in Loudon township, the daughter of Joseph and Johannah Unser, and of this union four children have been bom, of whom two are living namely : Harry, who is engaged in farming in Seneca township; and Clara, who remains at the parental home. The other two children died in infancy.

David H. Derr

The great agricultural industry in Seneca county has an able representative in the subject of this review, who was born on the farm where he now lives, in Clinton township, and who is a member of one of the sterling old pioneer families of the coimty, his father having located in the forest wilds of this section of the state more than seventy years ago.

David H. Derr was born on his present homestead, on the 5th of May, 1844, being one of the seven children of Ezra and Rosanna (Cramer) Derr, and one of the four who are living at the present time, the others being John T. and Dennis F., of Tiffin, and William, a suc- cessful farmer of Clinton township. Ezra Derr was born in Frederick county, Maryland, January r, 1807, and in 1829 he came thence to the wilds of Seneca county, Ohio, looking over the territory and then returning to his native state. In 1830 he came again to this county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land in Qinton township, three miles northeast of Tiffin, later acquiring an additional tract of equal area, so that his farm comprised three hundred and twenty acres. Of this old homestead his son David H. now owns one hundred and fifty-eight acres and a fraction. When the father took up his location here there w^s a frame house on the place, the same having been erected by a Mr. Earl, the original owner. This was one of the first frame buildings erected in the county and is still in a fair state of preservation. Ezra Derr cleared and improved the greater portion of his. farm, and here he continued to reside until his death, on the 30th of January, 1890, at the venerable age of eighty-three years. He was a stalwart Republican in politics, and was one of the zealous and influential members of the First Reformed church in Tiffin, having been an elder in the church for many years and having ever been ready to contribute to its cause and to forward its work in every possible w-ay. He was well known in the county and was revered as one of the sterling pioneers who contributed his quota to the founding and building of this section of the state. His wife was bom in Frederick county, Maryland, on the 2Sth of M&rch, 1807, and accomp^anied her parents, Frederick Cramer and wife, on their removal to Seneca coimty, in the year following the arrival of Mr. Derr, to whom her marriage was here solemnized. She died on the i6th of August, 1889, her husband surviving her until the following January, as has been noted, so that these two, who so long lived in gentle and kindly affection in life, were not long divided in death.

David H. Derr, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead farm and received his early educational training in the public schools. He continued to work on the homestead for stipulated wages until he had attained the age of twenty-nine years, when he and his brother William took charge of the old place and worked it on shares, being thus associated until 1894, when William removed to his own farm, a part of the homestead, which he had acquired in 1890, after his father's death, and since that time our subject has continued operations on his portion of the homestead, as has been already noted in this article. His place has the best of improvements and is maintained in a high state of cultivation, being devoted to diversified farming and to the raising of live stock. Mr. Derr has been an industrious and progressive worker and careful business man, and he has not been denied a due measure of success in his well directed efforts, while he commands uniform confidence and esteem in the community where his entire life has been passed. He gives his support to the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for public oflice. He clings to the religious faith in which he was reared and is a worthy member of the First Reformed church in Tiffin, his wife being a member of the Baptist denomination.

On the loth of November, 1878, Mr. Derr was united in marriage to Miss Martha S. Kaga, who was born in this county, the daughter of Rudolph and Anna Kaga, the former of whom died December 8, 1866, and the latter on the 27th of April, 1878. Mr. Kaga was bom in Fairfield county, February 18, 18 18, and there his father died, after which his mother removed with her family to Bloom township, Seneca county, in 1827, the family thus being numbered among the pioneers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Derr became the parents of three children, of whom two are living, - Rosanna Blanche and Ezra C, both of whom remain at the parental home.

George Shannon

One of the venerable pioneers and honored citizens of Seneca county is Mr. Shannon, who has here devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits for more than half a century, having located in the county at a period when the virgin forest marked the sites of a major portion of the present highly cuUivated farms, and he thus aided in reclaiming the larjd and in laying the foundations for the prosj^erity which now attends the fine agricultural community of this favored section of the Bucke>'e state. He has cleared six different fanns in this county, and prior to dividing his property among his children was the owner of nearly four hundred acres. He has been dependent upon his own resources from the time of his boyhood and his success is a merited reward for his well directed endeavors and his life of signal probity and honor. Though of advanced years Mr. Shannon retains marked mental and physical vigor and is a fine type of the pioneers of the great state of Ohio.

Mr. Shannon is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Franklin county, on the 12th of October, 1816, the eldest of the five children of George and Barbara (Kiser) Shannon and the only one living at the present time. He was reared to the age of eighteen years in his native state, having very limited educational advantages, as the financial position of his father was such that he had to provide for his own maintenance while a mere child. In 1834 the f^,rnily came to Ohio, making the trip with a one-horse wagon and locating near Canton, Stark county, where the parents passed the remainder of their lives. At the age of nine years Mr. Shannon began woiking on a farm, for his board and clothing, and he thus continued in the employ of one man until he had attained the age of fourteen, when he began receiving wages. He remained in Stark county until 1847, when he came to Seneca county and after remaining for a few months in Tiffin he purchased a tract of fifty-two acres, in Pleasant township, a few acres having been cleared and a hewed-log house erected. He cleared and improved this fartn, and as prosperity attended his efforts he increased his holdings of farm property, clearing and improving five other places, having now his home farm, of seventy-three acres, where he took up his abode in 1898, having divided the remainder of his land among his children. He has a pleasant home and still maintains an active supervision of his farm, which is one of the model places of this section. In his political adherency Mr. Shannon has been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party from the time of attaining his majority, and he has voted for every Democratic presidential candidate from that time to the present, with the exception of the support which he gave to Abraham Lincoln, for whom he voted for his first and second terms. For several years he was a member of the school board of his district, and he also sen-ed as townsliip trustee for four years. His religious faith is that of the Brethren, or what is generally known as the Dunkard church, of which he has been a devoted member for many years.

On the 2d of January, 1840, Mr. Shannon w^as united in marriage in Stark county, to Miss Annie Mary Lautzenheiser, who was bom in Stark county, Ohio, and they became the parents of eight children, namely: John and William, who died at the ages of forty-three and fifty-four years respectively; Mary E., the w^ife of Jesse Miller, of this township; Franklin, a farmer of this township; Samuel, a resident of Tiffin; Lewis, who is a painter by trade and who is now engaged tn farming in Sandusky county ; Melissa, who became the w^ife of John Schaflfer and w^ho died at the age of thirty ; and Nelson, who has charge of the homestead farm. Nelson married Miss Lizzie Remsberg and they have two children, Ralph Harris and John Qarence. He owns a farm adjoining his father's and operates both places.

Mrs. Shannon, the wife of our honored subject, died January 28, 1900, after a brief illness. She had lived a consistent Christian life and for upward of sixty years proved a true helpwnate to her husband, w^hose every effort received her hearty approval and co-operation.

Few members of the veterinary profession are better know^n in Seneca county, Ohio, than is Dr. William B. Washburn, of Tiffin, Ohio. Educated in all of the principles and modern methods of his si>ecialty, he is enthusiastic in its practice, and his services are valued highly and are in constant demand all through this county.

The birthplace of Dr. Washburn was on a large estate owned and conducted by his father, Aaron G. Washburn, in Lucas county, Ohio, and the date of his nativity was February 8, 1869. The elder Mr. Washbum is likewise a native of Lucas county and is now the owner of a large dairy farm at Richfield Center.

Dr. Washburn grew up on a farm and early became accustomed to the care of the stock, almost insensibly beccwning interested in a way which probably determined his future career and his great success. Until he was sixteen years of age his father insisted upon his attendance at school, the boy showing unusual ability, and g^duating, at that early age, from the high school at Sylvania. He then engaged in teaching in the district schools in his native county, continuing through tw^o years, with marked success, and becoming one of the popular teachers although young in years. His health failed from over study, and in order to improve it he took a trip to Michigan. He there resumed teaching school and continued through the following year. His ambition, however, led him to enter an educational institution at Wauseon, Ohio, and that year was passed in the study of scientific subjects, with the result that Mr. Washburn's inclinations had now become a determination to enter seriously upon the systematic study of veterinary science. The sacrifice and suffering entailed upon the domestic animals vv^hich minister to our w-ellbeing and pleasure, on account of the ignorance prevailing as to their treatment, awakened in the young man an overmastering desire to learn how to cure and alleviate their afflictions.

Mr. Washburn was received as a student by Dr. J. V. Newton, of Toledo, a gentleman of high standing in the profession, wnth whom he followed a preparatory course and later entered the veterinary college located at Toronto, Canada, continuing there till his graduation in 1893. Upon his return he remained with Dr. Newton in Toledo until the following year, when he came to Tiffin, where he has been engaged in active practice. In 1898 Dr. Washburn purchased a livery business, which he has extended into the largest and most complete of its kind in this locality, his horses and various equipments being of such a kind that they would reflect credit upon a much larger city. The Doctor is an ardent lover of fine horses, his admiration for such and the pleasure

The marriage of Dr. Washburn took place on May 3, 1893, to Miss Ada M. Leonardson, who was a resident of Riga, Michigan, a lady of many graces of mind and person. In his political preferences Dr. Washburn is liberal, being in no sense a politician. In fraternal circles he is a valued member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, Knights of Pythias, at Tiffin.

As a leading member of his profession in this locality, Dr. Washburn is considered an authority, and is frequently in consultation over serious cases, few ever passing through his skilled treatment without relief. He is a member of the various county and state organizations of his profession, is respected by his brother veterinarians, and is in demand as a writer for the veterinary publications. In Tiffin Dr. Washburn is very well and favorably known, and his livery business is one of the leading concerns of the city, being well adapted to the city's needs and receiving the generous patronage it deserves.

John R. Bradner

The family history of the Bradners is one of close connection with Fostoria, and its development, progress and material advancement. He whose name introduces this review has, like his father and brothers, been actively associated with business interests that have been of benefit to the community, while promoting individual prosperity. He now conducts a general real-estate, insurance and collection agency, and is also serving as justice of the peace for Loudon township.