Seneca Township (part 14 of 60)

John R. Bradner is a native of Fostoria, his birth having occurred in 1875. The family is of Scotch lineage and was founded in America by his great-grandfather, \Vho was a native of Scotland and who was a minister of the Presbyterian church. For some years the representatives of the name resided in Nevv York, but eventually the family was estab- lished in Ohio, and since that time the Bradners have had important influence in shaping the commercial and industrial history of the state. At the usual age the subject of this review entered the public schools, acquiring a good practical education. As a real-estate dealer he is well informed concerning the value of property, not only in Fostoria and Seneca county, but in other sections of Ohio. He has handled many important property interests and negotiated deals which have involved heavy investments. He also writes a large amount of insurance annually, representing several of the standard companies, and his collection agency forms no unimportant department of his business. His efforts bring to him a handsome income and as an enterprising and wideawake business man he is well known. Mr. Bradner was united in marriage to Miss Laura M. Earl, a most estimable lady of Fostoria, and a daughter of Leroy Earl, of this city. Their union has been blessed with two interesting sons, J. Alonzo and Earl Milton. In public affairs Mr. Bradner is known as one who co-operates in every measure for the public good. His political support is given the Republican party and he was honored with election to the office of constable. So capably did he discharge his duties through the first term that he was re-elected in 1895. He was later elected justice of the peace, and is now an incumbent' of that position. He has not been- an aspirant for office, however, as his time and energies are fully occupied by his business interests. He is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family, one who, by reasoriof his sterling personal worth, deserves and is generally accorded that esteem which comes to those whose lives are in close touch with all that assists in advancing the community ini which they live.

Henry Klaiss

No citizen of Seneca county enjoys the confidence and high esteem of his associates and neighbors in a greater degree than does Henry Klaiss, who has spent his entire life in the locality. Since attaining to mature years he has taken an active share in the development of the resources of this vicinity, has materially aided in church and charitable enterprises and has ever used his influence in behalf of everything making for good citizenship.

Born on the farm on which he .now resides, Miarch 4, 1855, Mr. Klaiss is a son of Peter and Mary Matilda (Siple) Klaiss, natives of Northampton county, Pennsylvania. In the early '40s the father came to Seneca county, Ohio, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of partially improved land, in Eden township, the place which our subject now owns and occupies. At the time of the purchase a small log cabin stood on this farm, and in that primitive dwelling the family made their home for a time, after which a more suitable dwelling was erected. On this homestead the father made his home for many years, but he eventually retired from the active cares of a business life and moved, after the death of his wife, to the town of Melmore, where he passed away in death in January, 1890. His wife was called from this earth on the 4th of July, 1880. This worthy couple were the parents of three children: Henry, the subject of this review; Jeimie, the wife of George Keller, of Bloom township; and Frank, who resides near Mexico, Wyandot county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Klaiss were active members of the German Reformed church.

Henry Klaiss, of this review, received his early education in the common schools of this neighborhood, and until his marriage he made his home with his parents on the old farm. He then remov^ed to a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Seneca township, where he made his home for thirteen years, and on the expiration of that period he again returned to the home of his youth, buying the interests of the other heirs. The place now contains a tract of one hundred and twentythree acres, ninety-three acres of which is under an excellent state of cultivation, and there he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His life work has been crowned with success, but his prosperity has come to him as a result of energy, persevei*ance and hard work, his career tlius illustrating most forcibly the power of patient and persistent effort and self-reliance.

September 6, 1877, ^I^"- Klaiss was united in marriage to Miss Eva Stuckey, and they have one son, Dorsey F., aged twenty-two years. Mr. Klaiss gives his political support to the Democracy, and he has ever been zealous in its support, believing firmly in its principles. His religious preference is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

Charles F. Smith

Another of the enterprising and successful farmers and stockgrowers of Seneca county is Mr. Smith and to him also is given the distinction of being a native of the county and a member of one of its honored pioneer families, so that there is manifest consistency in here entering a review of his career.

Mr. Smith was born in Liberty township, on the 7th of September, 1859, the son of Henry Smith, who was born in Germany, whence he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America, being five years of age at the time. They came to Ohio and settled in Seneca county, abooit the year 182 1, and here Henry Smith was reared to maturity. He married Miss Barbara Fry, and they became the parents of eight sons and five daughters, of whom eight are living at the present time. When our subject was five years of age his father removed to Clinton township, where he made his home until 1870, when he located on the farm, in Pleasant township, where Charles F. now lives. Here he continued in agricultiu-al pursuits until his retirement from active life, when he established his home in the city of Tiflin, where he died September 14, 1889, ^tt the age of sixty-three years. His widow now resides with her son Daniel, near Bascom.

Charles F. Smith was reared on the home farm and his educational advantages were such as were afforded in the public schools. After his marriage, in 1885, h^ ^^^^ charge of the homestead farm, and he now owns the place, having made the best of improvements, including an attractive and modem brick residence, while the area of his farm w^hich is bordered by the Sandusky river, is one hundred and twenty-eight acres, the place being devoted to diversified fanning and the raising of high-grade live stock. In his political allegiance Mr. Smith is identified, as was his father, with the Democratic party, and he has at all times been deeply interested in public affairs of a local nature, doing all in his power to forward the educational and other normal interests of his community. He has served as director and supervisor of his school district, but has never sought any distinctively political office. His religious faith is that of the Catholic churc!h in which he was reared, and he is a communicant of St. Mary's church, at Tiffin.

On the 24th of November, 1885, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Anne B. Lutz, who is a native of Defiance county and a representative of one of its pioneer families, being the daughter of the late Michael Lutz. Our subject and his estimable wife are the parents of four children, all of whom remain beneath the parental roof, namely: Eugene, Estella, Ralph, and Cecelia.

Mahlon A. Thomas

Mahlon A. Thomas, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Fostoria ranks among the more enterprising and progressive business men. The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore the real upbuilders of a town are those who stand at the head of the leading enterprises. Mr. Thomas is especially well informed concerning realty values and handles proj>erty not only in Fostoria and Seneca county but also throughout the state.

A native of Huron county, Ohio, he was born in Ripley township, and is of English lineage. His paternal great-grandfather Amos Thomas, came from Great Britain and took up his abode in Otsego county. New York. The grandfather of Mahlon also bore the name of Amos Thomas, and he married Elmira Baker. Among their children was Delos L. Thomas, whose birth occurred in Otsego county, New

York, where he spent the days of his childhood and youth. He wedded Abbie J. Hulbert, a daughter of Hatzel Hulbert, of Otsego county, New York. Two of their sons are now living, - Mahlon A., and William Leonard, w^ho resides in Toledo. Soon after their marriage the parents emigrated westward, taking up their abode in Huron county, Ohio, about 1850. There the father engaged in farming and general business and there, in 1900, he was called to his final rest, being seventyfour years of age.

Mahlon A. Thomas spent the days of his boyhood at home, and to the public schools of his native county and at Plymouth, Ohio, he is indebted for the educational privileges enjoyed. He was married October 21, 1880, to Miss Ida J. Hammond, of Huron county, an estimable lady, who shares with him the higti regard which is uniformly his. They became residents of this city in 1892, when he established a general mercantile store, which he conducted with success for five years. On the expiration of that period he engaged in the real-estate business, and in his new field of endeavor he has met with results beyond his expectation. His operations extend over a wide area and he has conducted many important real-estate transfers. In association with his brother he owns several farms, in Huron and Wood counties, Ohio, amounting to about five hundred acres, and they have made extensive improvements on their land and are now interested in the operation of these farms. Mr. Thomas has also made extensive improvements in city property, and he and his brother are also oil operators in Wood county, where they have leases of about six hundred acres, with about fifty wells in production. Mrs. Thomas is a worker in the Pres^byterian church and has served as president of the Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. Thomas is also a stockholder in the Mechanics* Bank, and in his chosen field of labor he is meeting with that creditable success due uniform urbanity and business acumen. In political thought and action he has always been a Republican, but in local matters votes for those he considers best qualified. In business he has achieved success through honorable eflfort, untiring industry and capable management, and in private life he has gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character.

deference for the opinion of others, kindliness and geniality. Mr. Thomas is fond of hunting and has found recreation in numerous excursions in forest and field with his gun, visiting the best hunting grounds in Michigan and in the south. His home is one of the most attractive residence properties in the city of Fostoria, and is a center of refined hospitality, both he and his wife being prominent in the social life of the community.

Henry Ziegler

There is no one nation that has contributed to the complex composition of our American social fabric an element of more sterling worth or of greater value in fostering and supporting our national institutions than has Germany. Germany has given us men of sturdy integrity, indomitable perseverance, high intelligence and much business sagacity, - the result being the incorporation of a firm and strengthgiving fiber, ramifying through warp and woof. A man who may well look with pride upon his German-American ancestry is the subject of this review, who is a native of Seneca county, where he has passed practically his entire life, de\'oting his attention to agricultural pursuits, possessing the dominating characteristics mentioned above and attaining a success worthy the name, with the concomitant confidence and regard of his fellow men.

Mr. Ziegler was born on the old homestead farm, in Venice township, Seneca county, on the 23d of March, i860, being the son of Henr>- and Louisa (Keller) Ziegler, the former of whom w^as born in Baden, Germany, and the latter in the kingdom of Bavaria. The father was reared on a farm in the fatherland, where he received his educational training and where he remained until 1854, when he emigrated to America, making the voyage on one of the sailing vessels common to that period and being on the deep for forty-eight days. He came to Seneca county soon after his arrival and located in Bloom township, where he began working on a farm by the month, C(r:tinuing to be thus em- ployed about three years, within which time, by his frugality and indefatigable toil, he accumulated sufficient money to justify him in the purchase of forty acres of land, in Venice township. He was married in 1858 and s(X)n afterward took up his abode on his fami, where he continued to make his home until 1864 when he purchased eighty acres of land in Eden township, a portion of the same having been cleared and a log house and barn constituting the principal improvements. He subsequently purchased an adjoining eighty acres, and this continued to be his home until his death, on' the 9th of November, 1877, at the age of fifty-two years and five months. He was a devout member of the Reformed church, as was also his wife, who accompanied her parents, Peter and Susanna Keller, on their emigration to America, in 1852, the voyage being forty-two days in duration. They likewise settled in Bloom township, this county, where they passed the residue of their days. Mrs. Ziegler survived her honored husband many years, passing a'w^y on the loth of October, 1897, at the age of sixty-three years an<I ten days. They were people of sterling character, rearing their children to lives of usefulness and honor and being valued citizens of the community. Of their eight children we incorporate a brief record, as follows: Jacob is a farmer of Bloom township; Henry is the subject of this sketch; John lives on the homestead farm, in Eden township; Susanna M. is the wife of W. H. Brouse, of Lykens township, Crawford county; George is engaged in farming in Eden township; Christopher L. follows the same vocation in Wyandot county ; and Emeline K. and Adam A. remain at the old homestead. A few years after the death of the father the estate was enlarged by the purchase of an adjoining tract of ninety acres, upon which a new and commodious residence was erected and other admirable improvements made, and there the mother made her home until her death.

The immediate subject of this review was but four years of age when the family came to Eden township, and here he was reared to maturity, receiving a goo<l common-schcol education and remaining on the homestead farm until his marriage, in 1887. He then located on a farm of eighty acres, in the same township, devoting his attention to its cultivation until 1891, when he removed to Lykens township, Crawford county, where he had a farm of one hundred acres. At the expiration of two years he came to the farm where he now lives, in Eden township, owning one hundred and sixty acres in the home farm and forty-three acres in Texas township, Crawford county. He has made his homestead one of the fine places of this section, the same having the best permanent improvements and being maintained under a high state of cultivation, while he also devotes considerable attention to the raising of high-grade live stock. Mr. Ziegler is recognized as one of the progressive and influential farmers of his native county, using marked discrimination in the conducting of his agricultural enterprises and thus winning the merited reward of definite success. He is a Democrat in his political proclivities and his religious faith is that of the Reformed church, of which his wife also is a devoted member. He has lived in this community from his childhood and his life has been such as to gain and retain to him unqualified confidence and esteem.

On the 27th of September, 1887, ^^r- Ziegler was united in marriage to Miss Clara S. Klaiss, likewise a native of Seneca county, and they are the parents of seven children, all of whom remain at the parental home, namely : Frank L., Fannie M., Blanche N., Raymond A., Eliza E., Cora A. and Howard A.

Josiah Gooding

The annals of Seneca county give evidence that the Gooding family has been identified with its history from the early pioneer epoch, and thus added interest attaches to the consideration of the career of the honored subject of this sketch, who is one of the prominent citizens and successful farmers of the county, in which he has passed his entire life, commanding the same confidence and esteem as did his venerated father, who located here when this section of the state was essentially an unbroken wilderness, the virgin forests standing where now are valuable and finely improved farms and thriving cities and villages. The stren- uous life of the pioneer has been the theme of many a writer, and yet never can too much be written concerning those who have blazed the way for progress and prosperity in the various sovereign states of our great republic and have been the founders of our enlightened commonwealths.

Josiah Gooding was born in Adams township, Seneca county, on the i6th of October, 1835, being the son of Josiah and Amelia (Cooper) Gooding, the former of whom was born in England, on the 12th of January, 1803, and the latter in Dutchess county. New York, on October loth of the same year. In 182 1, when eighteen years of age, the father of our subject emigrated from his native land to America, locating in New York city, where his marriage was solemnized. Of this union ten children were born, namely: Mary, bom November 10, 1828, became the w^fe of John Beigh and is now deceased; George, bom December 2, 1827, resides in Hillsdale county, Michigan; William H. died in infancy; Sarah J., born Febmary 17, 1831, died on the 13th of Januar}'. 1865, having been the wife of Michael Bowerman; Catherine, born August 27, 1833, is the wife of Daniel Wyant, of Seneca county; Josiah is the immediate subject of this sketch; Amelia, born April 26, 1837, became the wife of Hiram George and resides in Idaho; Lydia, born July 2^, 1838, is the wife of Augustus Hoppes, of Henry county, Ohio; Elizabeth, bom November 25, 1840, died on August i6th of the following year; and John C, born July 9, 1842, is a carpet weaver and resides on the old homestead where he was bom. Josiah Gooding, Sr., came from New York to Seneca county about the year 1830, locating in Adams township, where he took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land, uj)on which he built a log cabin of the primitive type, with puncheon fl(X)r and wide fireplace. The land was heavily timbered, but he set himself vigorously to the task of reclaiming his farm from the wilderness, and had accomplisjlied this at the time of his death, which occurred on the 6th of December, 1841, when he met with an accident that terminated 'his life, being thrown from a horse in such a way as to break his neck. His widow survived him many years, passing away on the 7th of November, 1875.

Josiah Gooding, Jr., the subject of this sketch, remained on the old homestead farm until he had attained the age of sixteen years, early beginning to contribute his quota to its work and securing such eilucational advantages as were afforded in the district schools of the pioneer days. When he had reached the age noted, the homestead was sold, and he then began working by the month as a farm hand, continuing to make his home with his mother until his marriage, in 1859. He then engaged in agricultural operations on his own responsibility, renting a farm for two years and then purchasing eighty acres in Adams township, which tract is a portion of his present valuable estate. A log cabin had been erected on the place and this continued to be his abiding place for a number of years, the primitive domicile being far different in order from his present commodious and attractive farm residence. He now has a well improved and highly productive farm of one hundred and seventy acres, and gives his attention to diversified agriculture and to the raising of high grade live stock. Reverting to his youthful days, it should be stated that Mr. Gooding supplemented his common school education by a course of study in the academy at Rqxiblic, and when nineteen years of age he put his scholastic acquirements to practical test by engaging in pedagogic work, receiving seventy-five cents per day and continuing to teach, at varying interv^als, for ten terms. In ix>]itics he has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He has never sought official preferment, but served for three years as justice of the peace in his township. His life has been ordered upon a high plane of integrity and usefulness, and to him is accorded the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the people of the community.

Mr. Gooding has been twice married. On the 21st of April, 1859, he wedded Miss Mar>' A. Petticord, who was born on a farm now owned by her husband, the daughter of Daniel and Sarah ( Rule) Petticord. She w^as summoned to eternal rest on the 26th of March, 1896. Of this union six children were born, namely: Elvira J., the wife of Benjamin F. Swander, of Adams township; Harry M., a fanner of Pleasant township; William, who died in infancy; Emma, the wife of J. E. Shellham- mer, of Scipio township; George E., who is a farmer of that township; and Herbert A., of Adams township, who is engaged in teaching school, being also incumbent of the office of justice of the peace. On the 23d of April, 1898, Mr. Gooding was united in marriage to Mrs. Nancy M. Pontius, who was born in Adams township, the daughter of James Paine. She became the wife of William Pontius, who died in 1888, leaving four children, Schuyler, Hubbard Estella and Homer, the last two being now deceased. Mr. Gooding also made a home for Edith Fifer, of Indiana, who remained in his home from the age of eight years until the death of Mrs. Mary A. Gooding, the first wife of our subject.

The life of Dr. Henry K. Hershiser compassed the psalmist's span of three-score years and ten, covering a period of usefulness in which he lived and labored for his fellow men, carrying help and comfort to many. Not only his professional skill but his private life won for him the highest respect of all, and in his death the community lost one of its oldest and most prominent citizens.

Dr. Hershiser was a native of Bedford, Pennsylvania, born July 7, 1832, and on the paternal side was of German lineage, his grandparents having been natives of Germany. Henry Hershiser, his father, was born and reared in Bedford, Pennsylvania, where he learned the distiller's trade, as a boy, though at twenty years of age he secured employment on a farm. In 1833 he came to Seneca county and settled in Venice township, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, covered with a dense growth of timber ; but soon the monarchs of the forest fell before his sturdy strokes, and as the land was cleared he placed it under cultivation, continuing his residence thereoii until five years prior to his death, when he sold his farm and removed to Columbus. In his business affairs he met with a fair degree of success, securing a comfortable competence. He was generous, warm- hearted and kindly, and his life was in harmony with his professions as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He gave his political support first to the Wliig party and afterward to the Republican party, and although he strongly endorsed the principles which he upheld by his ballot, he w^ould never consent to become a candidate for office. He married Maria B. Kegg, who was born and reared in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and who was of Scotch-Irish descent. Like her husband, she was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and, surviving him for thirteen years, she died at the age of eighty-one.

Henry K. was about a year old when brought to Seneca county, where he passed his youthful days upon the farm, working in the fields through the summer months, while in the winter season he attended the public sch»Dols until sixteen years of age. He then went to Columbus, where he resided with his brother, William Hershiser, who was chief clerk in the state treasury department for eighteen years. He there secured a position as salesman in a drug store, where he remained for about eight or nine years, during which time he l^egan reading medicine, having become imbued with the idea of making its practice his life work.

After about five years' reading he attended lectures in the Columbus Medical College. In 1861 he began practice, and for a short time served as assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. He was then transferred to Camp Douglas, at Chicago, Illinois, where he was engaged in treating small-pox patients for fourteen months.

In 1865 the Doctor came to Tiffin, purchasing a drug store, which he conducted with success for nine years, having a large and well merited patronage. On the expiration of that period he sold his store, and up to the time of his death gave his attention entirely to his practice, which became large and lucrative. He kept informed concerning the advancement continually being made in his profession, and all improvements of practical nature he readily adopted, ever earnestly desiring to attain as high a degree of perfection as possible in the prosecution of his life w^ork, in order that his efforts might be of greatest benefit to his fellow men. His skill and ability were again and again demonstrated each year by

Centennial Biographical History, 95

Dr. Hershiser was united in marriage to Miss Susan D. Myers, a native of Clear Springs, Maryland, who died in 1871. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a most estimable lady. They had two children; but the son died in infancy, while the daughter, Jessie D., is now librarian in the city library of Tiffin.

Socially the Doctor was connected with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Tiffin Lodge, No. yy, F. & A. M. ; Seneca Chapter, No. 42, R. A. M. ; Clinton Council, No 47, R. & S. M., and De Molay Commandery. No. 9, K. T. ; while in the Scottish rite he attained the eighteenth degree, in Columbus. The Doctor belonged to the Seneca County Medical Society and to William H. Gibson Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. For sixty-nine years he resided in Seneca county and during the greater part of that period was connected with its business interests, either as a representative of commercial or of professional pursuits. He commanded public confidence and respect to a high degree and his life was ennobling to his fellow men. His name is associated with meritorious deeds, and all through Seneca county his work broug'ht relief and comfort to thousands of homes burdened by sickness and distress. He passed away October 8, 1901, at the age of seventy years, three months and one day, and the honors conferred upon him by devoted friends were but a just recognition of the exalted worth, untarnished integrity and commendable character of a widely esteemed man.

Jacob Dewald

Within the pages of this work will be found specific mention of many sterling citizens who are native sons of Seneca county and who have here passed their entire lives, becoming identified with the industrial activities of this section of the state, and gaining success through their well directed endeavors. Of this number is the subject of this sketch, who is one of the progressive and highly esteemed farmers of Hopewell township.

Mr. Dewald was born in Loudon township, this county, on the 14th of March, i860, being one of the nine children of Peter and Barbara ( Smith) Dewald, of whom individual mention is made elsewhere in this work, so that further recapitulation in regard to them and the family genealogy is not demanded in this connection. Jacob grew up on the old h-cmestead farm, early becoming inured to the sturdy duties pertaining to its operation and receiving his educational discipline in the public sclicols. His marriage was celebrated in 1886, and after this important event in his career he rented eighty acres of land from his father, in Loudon township, and there successfully engaged ih general farming for a period of fourteen years. At the expiration of this time, in July, 1900, Mr. Dewald purchased his present fine farm of eighty acres, in Hopewell township, taking up his residence on the place in the spring of the following year. He brings the most approved and scientific methods to bear in his farming industry, realizing that in this, as in all other lines of business enterprise, the highest results are to be attained only by the means of discrimination, careful attention to details and the utilization of all available facilities. His farm is under a high state of cultivation, is well improved and is one of the valuable places of this section. In politics Mr. Dewald gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are members of the Reformed church.

In August, 1886, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Dewald to Miss Clara Heiserman, who was born in Loudon township, this county, the daughter of Joseph Rhineboldt. Her mother died when she was an infant and she w^s then adopted into the family of Jacob Heiserman, remaining in the home of her foster parents until her marriage and having been reared and educated in her native county. Mr. and Mrs. Dewald have one son and two daughters, namely: - Earl, Edna and Dora.

James T. Carbin

The march of improvement and progress is accelerated day by day, and each successive moment seems to demand of men a broader intelligence and a greater discernment than did the preceding. Successful men must be live men in this age, bristling with activity, and the lessons of biography may be far reaching to an extent not superficially evident. There can be no impropriety in justly scanning the acts of any man as they affect his public, social and business relations. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of endeavor, investigation will brighten his fame and i>oint the path along which others may follow^ and thus his life becomes cumulative in its favorably influence. Among the able and representative business men of Seneca county is numbered Mr. Carbin, who has had to do with enterprises of wide scope and importance and whose executive capacity has been such as to enable him to achieve a noteworthy success, while the methods employed have been such as to g^in and retain to him the confidence and high regard of his fellow men. It is both gratifying and profitable to enter record concerning the career of such a man, and in the following paragraphs sufficient will be said to indicate the forceful individuality, initiative power and sterling character of a well-known citizen of Bloomville.

James T. Carbin claims the national metropolis as the place of his nativity, having been born in New^ York city on Christmas day, 1856, one of the six children of Edward and Mary Carbin, and being the eldest of the three survivors, the others being Edward, w^ho is ticket agent at the ferry office of the Pennsylvania Railroad in Jersey City, New Jersey; and Alexander, a business man of the same city. The father of our subject was born in the fair Emerald Isle, where he was reared and educated. As a young man he emigrated to America and located in New York city, where he passed the remainder of his life, passing away in 1876, at the age of forty-five years, w^hile his wife survived him a score of j-ears, her death occurring in 1897. He was a stalwart Democrat in his political proclivities and for years was a powerful factor in municipal politics in New Y^ork city, being a man of distinct individuality, alert mentality and marked facility in leadership and in the directing of popular opinion.

At the age of eight years the subject of this sketch was assigned to the care of William Eastman, of Crawford county, Ohio, where he was reared to his twentieth year, securing his early educational training in the public schools of this state. In March, 1876, he returned to New

York city and engaged in the oyster business in Newark bay, New Jersey, continuing operations until December of the same year, when he returned to Crawford county, Ohio, and secured the position as foreman of the stone quarries operated by A. J. Brown, at Lykens. While there one of his fellow employes was H. E. Valentine, later state senator from Crawford county and now cashier of the First National Bank of Buc>TUs, Ohio. Eventually Mr. Carbin turned his attention to contracting and bridge building, continuing in this line of enterprise until 1887, when he entered into partnership with William Cole and engaged in the general merchandise business in Lykens. At the expiration of a year Mr. Cole was succeeded by Jacob Brown, whose interests were purchased by Mr. Carbin about eighteen months later. He thereafter conducted the business as an individual enterprise until December, 1898, when he disposed of the same, having built up a large and profitable business. Mr. Carbin served as postmaster at Lykens for four years under the administration of President Harrison and for three years under President McKinley, while he also acted as deputy to his partner, Mr. Cole, who was postmaster under Cleveland. For some twelve years prior to his removal from the town our subject w^as also incumbent of the office of notary public. He was recognized as one of the representative and most public-spirited citizens of the place, contributing in many ways to its advancement and material upbuilding, having erected tw^o large store buildings and the town hall, and otherwise aided in the promotion of legitimate local interests.

As has been stated, Mr. Carbin disposed of his mercantile interests in 1898, but in the preceding year he had become identified with that line of enterprise in which he has attained so marked success and reputation in this section of Ohio. He began his operations in connection with the telephone business by constructing the first line from Lykens to New Washington, and, failing to secure a satisfactory agreement w^ith the Central Union Telephone Company, he then entered the field as an active competitor in Crawford and Seneca counties, soon completing the construction of a line from Nevada, Ohio, to Bucyrus and Lykens, w^here he established a central office. Thence he constructed the line to Tiffin, Seneca county. At Bucyrus there was no local exchange, and he estab- lished his office in the Deal House, while at Tiffin the office was installed in the Morcher House. Mr. Carbin is still identified with the local telephone exchange in Lykens, and with the Bucyrus Telephone Company, which has more than six hundred subscribers. In 1899 he established the telephone exchange in Bloomville, where he has more than one hundred subscribers and where he maintains his home. He has, however, devoted special attention to the construction and operation of toll lines, in w^hich connection he now touches Tiro, Shelby, Attica, Chicago Junction, Republic, Lodi, Chatfield, Carrothers, St. Stq>hen, Poplar, Plankton, Lemert, Spore and other points in the counties of Crawford, Seneca, Richland and Huron, having in use more than one hundred and thirty-five miles of toll line. Mr. Carbin was a pioneer in the independent telephone business in this section, and it is needless to say that he has met with strenuous opposition on the part of the old and opulent telephone concerns, but the justice of his claims has been invariably recognized in the various litigations in which he has been involved, and he has never wavered in his determination and independence, proving himself an able executive and one whose administrative capacity is of high order. Upon engaging in the telephone business he associated himself with Capt. M. A. Charlton, whose interests he purchased two years later, in 1899, simultaneously changing the title of the concern from the Inland Telephone Company to the Carbin Telephone Lines, undfer which last the business has since been conducted, with our subject as the sole owner. The position which he has attained as a successful business man is the more gratifying to contemplate when we revert to the fact that it has been attained entirely through his own efforts and ability, as reinforced by an intrinsic integrity of purfK>se which has caused him to never deviate from an honorable and straightforward course. He has made the most of his powers and his opportunities in efeich transition stage, and the result is that the poor boy has won his way to a place of honor and definite success.

In his political allegiance Mr. Carbin is known as an ardent supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and while a resident of Crawford county he was for years a prominent figure in local politics, having repeatedly served as delegate to state or congres- sional conventions, securing every favor which he saw fit to ask at the hands of his party and commanding the esteem of those who differed with him in poHtical faith. He is identified with Wren Lodge, No. 530, Knights of Pythias, of Lykens, of which he was a charter member, and with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.

In 1879 Mr. Carbin was united in marriage to Miss Kate E. Englert, who was born in Chatfield. Craw^ford county, being the daughter of Peter Englert, a native of Germany. Of this union four children were born, - Edward Blaine, Lloyd Garrison, Mellie and Pearl. Mrs. Carbin died on the 2d of August, 1891, and in the month of December, 1893, Mr. Carbin consummated a second marriage, being then united to Miss Kate Laipply, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, the daughter of Levi Laipply, a native of the same county, she being but seventeen years of age at the time of her marriage. She has proved a true mother to the children of the first marriage, and to her they have ever accorded the deepest filial solicitude. Of the second union the following children were born: Prunella, Leland McKinley (who died in infancy), Benson Dale and Harold Roosevelt. The family are prominent in the social life of the community and their home is one in which the refined amenities are ever in evidence.

Tlie Carbin telephone lines are operated and controlled 1>>^ the family, our subject being the owner, while his son, Edward Blaine, is manager, and the second, Lloyd Garrison, is chief operator. There is ample opportunity in this connection for the service of the other sons when they are ready to assume the duties involved. It may be said that the rtames of Mr. Carbin's three sons indicate his political sentiments and allegiance, and a notable circumstance in this connection is that each of these sons, named in honor of a Republican presidential candidate, was thus named before the nomination of said candidate, showing how distinct has been the political prescience of Mr. Carbin, who gave the names.

Robert Gill Pennington

One of the conspicuous and honored figures in the history of Seneca county was Robert G. Pennington, the distinguished lawyer and publicspirited citizen of Tiffin and a man whose whole life was directed along a lefty plane of thought and action, inviting the closest scrutiny and offering a lesson to all who have appreciation of the true ethical values in the scheme of human existence. He passed to his reward on the 13th of March, 1892, rich in the honors and respect which follow an upright life that has ever been true to its ideals and its highest possibilities, and it cannot be doubted that death came as a consistent croavn to a worthy life. Strong in his individuality, Mr. Pennington never lacked the courage of his convictions, but kindliness, a lively human sympathy and an abiding charity were dominating elements in his composition, softening and glorifying his life in every phase. It is fitting that a memoir be here entered concerning this good man and true.

Robert G. Pennington was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, on the nth of December, 18 16, of stanch old English lineage and sterling Quaker stock. The ancestry is traced back to Isaac Pennington, an English gentleman of large influence and broad Christian charity. His daughter married William Penn, with whom he was associated in the organization of the Society of Friends, together with George Fox, Robert Barclay, Thomas Elwood and others. The first American representative of the Pennington family was Edward, a son of Isaac before mentioned. He emigrated to Pennsylvania in company with his brotherin-law, William Penn, in 1682, and he married a daugihter of Governor Jennings, of New Jersey. From this source the Penningtons of New Jersey and Pennsylvania claim to have origin, and the name has been prominent in the annals of our national history in the several generations following the early settlement in the seventeenth century.

When Robert G. Pennington, the subject of this sketch, was eight years of age his parents, Joseph and Sarah Pennington, removed frc-tii Pennsylvania to Cayuga county. New York, where the ensuing nine years of his life were passed, his father being a mechanic by trade and also a successful farmer. With a view to securing more land he made a visit to Ohio and purchased a tract of land in Seneca county, where he located \vith his family in 1834, our subject being then seventeen years of ag«. He had secured good educational advantages prior to this time, and upon the removal of the family to the pioneer wilds of Seneca county, he entered Huron Institute, at Milan, where he completed the academic course. Mr. Pennington then began reading law under the direction of Abel Rawson, then a leading member of the Ohio bar, with headquarters in Tiffin. Mr. Pennington was admitted to the bar of the state in 1842, whereupon he entered into a professional partnership with his former preceptor, the firm of Rawson & Pennington obtaining until 1850, when the senior member retired. It was in the office of this firm that Hon. W. P. Noble and General W. H. Gibson read law and won their professional spurs, and the latter later became associated in practice with Mr. Pennington. Later, J. C. Lee, former lieutenant governor of Ohio, became Mr. Pennington's partner, and still later Judge John McCauley was associated with him in practice until he (McCauley) was elected to the bench of the common pleas court. In these years Mr. Pennington had gained no uncertain precedence at the bar, his powers being of a high order and winning him recognition as a careful and conscientious advocate, and a safe and conservative counsel.

Such a nature as that of Mr. Pennington could not fail to manifest a decided repugnance to human slavery, and thus his sympathies were given to the Union cause when the integrity of the nation was menaced by armed rebellion. In 1861 he assisted in raising and organizing the Fifty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he went to the front in the capacity of quartermaster. Later he became adjutant on the staflf of General Sigel, but after two years of service he was compelled to retire, by reason of ill health, and then returned to Tiffin and resumed the active practice of his profession. His devotion to his profession was exceptional, and early in his career he gained the reputation of being a most painstaking and honest lawyer and one who had a deep appreciation of the true ethics of his profession. This high reputation he maintained during his entire life of practice, covering a period of nearly half a century, and none ever presumed to question his integrity of purpose or his desire to forward the ends of justice by every means in his power.

Centennial Biographical History, 103

in the campaign of 1856 and showing marked power as a public speaker. In the same year he was a member of the electoral college, casting his ballot in support of Bell for the presidency. Subsequently he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, of w^hose principles he continued a zealous supporter throughout the residue of his life. He was often nominated for various official positions, but his defeat came as a normal political exigency, since the county is strongly Democratic in its complexion. In 1883 he served as a member of the committee which had the supervision of the erection of the new court house at Tiffin. He was at all times ready to lend his influence and aid in the promotion of public utilities and the conservation of the general good, his keen business sagacity making him a valuable coadjutor in any enterprise with which he became identified. In 1847 Mr. Pennington w^as one of the organizers and incorporators of the Seneca County Bank, the first establishment in the county. He became a member of its directorate and also served for an interval as its cashier. At the time of his death he was a director and large stockholder in the Tiffin Commercial Bank, wliile other important enterprises to which he gave the benefit of his wisdom and powers were the Tiffin Gas Light Company, of which he w^as the projector and of which he served for several years as president; and the securing of railway facilities for the city and county; thus for several years he served as president of the Tiffin & Fort Wayne and the American & Central Railroads; while he also fostered numerous manufacturing projects, in several of which he met with financial losses. He was successful both as lawyer and a business man, continuing to practice his profession up to the time of his final illness, having given his attention more largely to office practice, as a counselor, during the later years of his life. In person Mr. Pennington was of medium height, carrying himself erect and having a face which showed the strength of his character and also the genial and kindly nature which was so intrinsically his. He was a man of high intellectuality, and in all the relations of life he was found to be true and well worthy of the confidence so freely and uniformly reposed in him.

riage to Miss Caroline A. Kuhn, who was born on the 24th of September, 1822, on the island of Minorca, a Spanish province in the Mediterranean, being the daughter of Captain Joseph L. Kuhn, of the United States navy, and the granddaughter of General Lewis Chadwick Hargrave, then British consul-general to the Spanish Balearic isles. Dr. Henry Huhn, who was cne of the prominent and talented early physicians of Tiffin, was an uncle of Mrs. Pennington, and married a sister of the subject of this memoir. Mrs. Pennington, now venerable in years but alert in both mind and body, survives her honored husband and still resides in the beautiful old homestead, so hallowed with the associations of years. She is a woman of gentle refinement and unfailing courtesy, and within the long years of her residence in Tiffin has gained and maintained a strong hold on the affections of a large circle of friends, still taking a deep interest in the social life of the community. Of the three daughters ot Mr. and Mrs. Pennington we make brief record, as follows : Eugenia H. is the wife of Almon Hall, a successful and prominent member of the Toledo bar; Caroline C. is the wife of Hon. W. R. Steel, exmember of congress from South J^akota; and Lx>uise A. is the wife of Samuel J. Keech, of New York.

The great empire of Germany has sent to the United States some of its most valued citizens and the vitality and stability contributed by this element in our national life can not be overestimated. One of the sterling German-American citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, is the gentleman whose name introduces this paragraph and who is one of the progressive and successful farmers of Pleasant township. He has won a position of independence through his own industry, and his honesty of purpose has never been questioned, so that he commands the respect of all who know him and is well worthy of a place in this work.

reared to man's estate, receiving his educational discipline in the excellent schools of his native province. There, in October, 1856, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Eliza Kipker, who likewise was born in Prussia, and to them six children have been born, namely : Arnold, who is a successful farmer near Tiffin, this county; Eliza, the wife of Jacob Sheerer, of Pleasant township; Henry, a farmer of Sandusky county, Ohio; Minnie, the wife of Henry E. Berg, of Lodi; William J., engaged in farming in Pleasant township, Seneca county; and Adolph, w^ho still remains at the parental home, and who married Ida Ellen Lottig.

In 1876 Mr. Berlekemp emigrated with his family to America, coming to Seneca county, Ohio, where he was employed on a farm for a period of about six months and then took up his residence in the village of Bloomville, where he operated a stone quarry on shares for six years. Then coming to Pleasant township, he here leased a farm of one hundred and twenty-three acres, giving his attention to its cultivation and directing his efforts with such energy and ability that at the expiration of ten years he was enabled to purchase the place, paying seven thousand dollars, with three thousand dollars indebtedness. The farm is now unincumbered, is well improved, and the thrift and neatness everywhere in evidence indicate the care which has been bestowed by the enterprising and industrious owner. In politics Mr. Berlekemp gives his support to the principles and poHcies of the Democratic party, taking a lively interest in the questions and issues of the hour, and his religious faith is that of the German Reformed church, of which his wife is also is an active member.

Edward Wenner

Edward Wenner is now living a retired life, after many years connection with the tailor's trade. His success and rest are well merited, for his business career was ever a diligent and honorable one. Mr. Wenner was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of February,

1826. The family is of German lineage. John Wenner, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany and came to the United States when a young man, settling in Pennsylvania, where he carried on farming with a fair degree of success. In his political views he w^as a Whig and in religious faith was a Lutheran, long holding membership with that church. He married Elizabeth Kimel, who was a native of Pennsylvania and there died at the age of eighty years, -while John Wenner departed this life at the age of eighty-four years. Their son, William Wenner, the father of our subject, was a native of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, was reared upon a farm and followed that pursuit throughout the remainder of his life. He owed his success entirely to his own efforts, for he had no assistance when he started out upon his business career. He, however, secured a good home and a comfortable competence. He voted with the Whig party, but was not an active worker in political circles, his energies being more zealously devoted to the Lutheran church, in which he had long held membership. His death occurred when he had reached the a-:e of se\enty-four. His wife, who lx)re the maiden name of Elizabeth Strouss, was born in Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Henry Strcuss, who was likewise a native cf the Keystone state, but was of German extraction. Mrs. Wenner always resided in her native state, and died at the age of fifty-nine years, in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which she gave her allegiance and support through a long period.

Edward Wenner was the seventh in order of birth in his parents' family of ten children, all of whom reached mature years, although our subject is the only one now Hving. He spent his early boyhood days in his parents' home and at the age of sixteen years began preparing to face the responsibilities of business life, by learning the tailor's trade, at which he served a four years apprenticeship near Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he afterward worked for a year. In May, 1848, he caine to Tiffin, where he followed his chosen calling for a time, after which he was employed as an expert cutter for many years. After working alx)ut nine years he opened a shop of his own and later added a stock of ready made clothing and men's furnishing goods, carrying en his store for five years, when he sold out and became cutter for a firm in Tiffin. He was employed in a similar capacity in Dayton for two years and in Bucyrus, Ohio, for ten years, and then returned to Tiffin, where he has since lived a retired life, enjoying a well earned rest afer many y^ars active labor. Here he has an attractive home, and to some extent he deals in real estate, but is practically living retired.

Mr. Wenner was united in marriage to Miss Susan Thompson, a native of Ulster county. New York, and unto them were born three children: William E., who died at the age of nine years; Henry L., a practicing physician of Tiffin; and Ralph J., w'ho died October 11, 1890, at the age of thirty years. He was a successful medical practitioner of Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to his pleasant home in Tiffin Mr. Wenner owns a good farm a mile north of the city, which he rents, the place comprising seventy-four acres. He belongs to the Baptist church, as did also his cherished and devoted wife, both having been long recognized as earnest and consistent Christian people. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his life exemplifies its beneficent teachings. At the time of the Civil war he was drafted for the service but the medical examiners found that he was not qualified to meet the rigors and hardships of war. In his political views he is a stanch Republican and is a loyal citizen. Although his life has been quietly passed in business pursuits, he has formed an extensive acquaintance and commands uniform regard by reason of his sterling worth. Mrs. Wenner passed away on the 20th of January, 1902, having been an invalid for several months, and her memory remains as a benediction resting upon those who came within the sphere of her gracious influence.

As a member of the medical profession Dr. Mumaw has won distinction, and, although but a few years have passed since he became one of its representatives, he enjoys an extensive and remunerative prac- tice. A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurred in Wilmot, on the i6th of May, 1865, his parents being George and Lydia (Fisher) :Muma\v. His father was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January 20, 1820, but when four years of age he was taken by his parents to Holmes county, Ohio, a location being made near the Stark county line, and there his parents died in later life. There, also, the father of our subject was reared, married and reared his children, and the county is still his home. He is now in his eighty-second year, and is feeble in health. He owns two hundred and fourteen acres of valuable and well improved land, a part of which is located in Holmes county and the remainder in Stark county. His political support is given to the Republican party, but although he has always been a public-spirited and progressive citizen he has never sought or desired the emoluments of public office. He is a member of the Mennonite church. The mother of our subject was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, about 1825, and she, loo, is still living. Unto this worthy couple were born fourteen children, ten of whom are now living, namely : Jacob and John, twins, the former a farmer of Stark county and the latter of Geauga county ; Henry, engaged in the marble business in Marshall, Michigan; Wesley, also a farmer of Geauga county; Albert; W. S., the subject of this review; Sarah, the wife of Christian Lentz, of Baltic, Ohio; Hettie, the wife of Isaac Kilmer, of Geauga county; Emma, the wife of Emanuel Shelter, of Beach City, Ohio; and Maggie, at home.

W. S. Mumaw spent the early years of his life in his parents' home, and in the common schools of his native locality he received his early educational advantages. At the age of twenty years he entered the school room as an mstructor, and for three winter terms he followed that profession, but in 1888 he abandoned that occupation to engage in the dnig business, becoming a registered pharmacist in Michigan. For the following six and a half years he conducted a drug business of his own in Detroit, and on the expiration of that period, in 1893, he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. H. Crawford, of that city. In 1894 he entered the Detroit Medical College, in which he was graduated in the spring of 1897, but he still continued the conduct of his drug business until the following year. Selling his store in Detroit, the Doctor then engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Bascom, Seneca county, Ohio, and in August, 1900, he took up his abode in the village of Kansas, where he is now located, and here he has built up a lucrative and constantly growing patronage. He is progressive in his methods, constantly reading and studying, and keeps in close touch with the spirit of the times.

The marriage of Dr. Mumaw was celebrated on the 25th of October, 1899, when Miss Margaret Gordon became his wife. She is a native of Detroit. One little son, George, has come to brighten and bless their home. In his social relations the Doctor is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 282, K. O. T. M., of which he is the examining physician, and he is also a member of the Kansas Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support is given the Republican party, but he is liberal in his Views. He inspires personal friendships of unusual strength, and all who know him have the highest admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind.

James H. Platt

For the high rank of her bench and bar Ohio has ever been distinguished, and it is gratifying to note that in no ^section of the commonwealth has the standard been lowered at any epoch in its history. To the subject of this review, who is senior member of the firm of Piatt & Black, of Tiffin, Seneca county, we may refer with propriety and satisfaction as being one of the able and representative members of the legal profession in the state ; and that he is a native son of Ohio lends somewhat to the significance of the prestige which he has here attained.

;Mr. Piatt was born in Columbiana county, on the 22d of August, 1854, being the son of George Piatt, who was born in England, where he was reared and educated ; and where also he learned the miller's trade. When about twenty-one years of age, about the year 1849, he came to the United States, locating in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he followed his trade for a time, then continuing in the same line of vocation at Paris, Stark coutity; Oneida Mills, Carroll county; and Findlay. Hancock county, in which last mentioned place he died, being about thirtynine years of age. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and in politics gave his support to the Democratic party. George Piatt was married after his emigration to America, being united to Miss Eva Faulk, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and who is still living, having attained thei age of seventy-four years and maintaining her home in Findlay. She is a devoted member of the Lutheran church and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the Buckeye state. All of her eight children are living, the subject of this review having been the second in order of birth.

James H. Piatt remained at the parental home until he had attained the age of thirteen years, when his farther died ; whereupon he came to Tiffin and entered the home of his uncle, Benjamin F. Myers, meanwhile continuing his studies in the public schools, where he prepared himself for matriculation in Heidelberg College, which he entered when sixteen years of age, completing the- classical course and being graduated a a member of the class of 1875. Thereafter he taught one term of school in Summit county, while for the following three years he was engaged as a teacher in the public schools of Tiffin, being eminently successful in his pedagogic endeavors. In 1879 he here began reading law in the office oi the firm of Noble & Lutes, and when a dissolution of the partnership occurred he continued his studies under the effective direction of Mr. Lutes, making such progress that he was duly admitted to the bar of the state in October, 1881. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession, being associated with Harrison Noble until the early part of 1885, after whicli he conducted an individual practice until 1887, when he entered into the present professional alliance with Harry P. Black, with whom he has since been associated in the general practice of law, retaining a representative and important clientage and holding high prestige as a lawyer, thoroughly read in the science of jurisprudence, as an able advocate and as one safely conservative in counsel. His course

In politics Mr. Piatt Has ever been known as a stalwart advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, in whose cause he has rendered effective service in Seneca coimty. He held the office of city solicitor of Tiffin for a period of eight years, was a member of the board of county school examiners for six years, a member of the city board of education for two years ; and for a similar period was a member of the city board of school examiners, while at the present time he is a piember of the board of regents of Heidelberg University and has been president of the executive committee of the board for a year past. He and his wife are prominent members of Grace Reformed church; and fraternally Mr. Piatt is a member of Tiffin Lodge, No. 80, Knights of Pythias. He maintains a lively interest in the questions and issues of the hour, is a thorough student and an earnest promoter of the cause popular education.

On the 31st of July, 1883, Mr. Piatt was united in marriage to Miss Rosa M. Warner, of Tiffin, and they have two sons, Nevin E. and George R. Mrs. Piatt, at the death of her father when she was a mere child, became a member of the family of Benjamin F. Myers, and was thus a playmate and companion of her husband for fifteen years pre\nous to their marriage.

Roscoe L. Carle

Roscoe L. Carle is the eldest and only surviving son of the late Jonas H. Carle, a native of Maine, and Mrs. * Priscilla F. (Elgbert) Carle, a member of a well-known Seneca county family. Both families trace an unbroken lineage to Anglo-Saxons of the 9th century, the Carles being yeomen of old England, and one of the Egl^erts being chief of the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy. Our subject was born in Geneva, Wisconsin, May 20, 1863, and has resided in Seneca county since childhood. He received his elementary education in the village school of

Green Spring and the district school of CHnton township. Later he continued his studies at Heidelberg Academy, in Tiffin; at the Ohio State University, in Columbus ; and was graduated in 1890 at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, with the degree of Bachelor of Letters. Since graduation he has followed the editorial profession in his county. In April, 1901, he was nominated by the Democrats of Seneca county as their candidate for representative in the seventy-fifth general assembly, receiving fourteen hundred more votes than his opiX)nent at the primary nominating election. In the general election, in the following November, he was elected, leading his ticket by two hundred votes. In the legislature, although a new member, he at once received recognition, and was placed on the important committees of taxation and common schools, and was chosen secretary of the committee on hospital for epileptics. He became conspicuous for the part taken by him in tlie caucus for United States senator, and for placing the Republican majority in an uncomfortable position on the question of popular elections of United States senators. In the issue of tax reform, retrenchment of public expenditure, investigation of state institutions, and the interests of agriculture and labor lie took a leading and popular part.

Aaron Seitz

A representative of one of the early families of Seneca county, Aaron Seitz was born in Bloom township, on the 12th of March, 1844. It was in 1825 that his father, Lewis Seitz, had come to this county, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers and sharing in all the difficulties and discouragements that beset those who make their way into an undeveloped region. The latter's father also bore the name of Lewis Seitz and was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, but about the year 1800 he removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, establishing his home near Lancaster. A tract of two hundred and forty acres of land, which he had purchased at the public land sale, he afterAvard divided among his children. A minister of the Baptist church, his life was dev'Oted to that holy calling and his influence was of no restricted order, for he contributed largely to the moral development of the community in which he made his home. It was in Fairfield county that his son, Lewis Seitz, the father of our subject, was bom, October 21, 1802. He, too, became a preacher of the Baptist denomination, but as he accepted no pxecuniary remuneration for his services his livelihood was gained through the tilling of the soil, and in the little log cabin, in the midst of the forest, which was the home of the family in pioneer days, he lived for some time. In 1864, however, he removed to Wyandot county, but after a few years returned to Bloom township, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1890. For sixty-six years he served as the pastor of the Baptist church at Honey Creek, and on the Democratic ticket he was elected to a number of township offices, while in ante-bellum days he was county treasurer for one term.

Lewis Seitz, Jr., married Barbara Kagy, who was a consistent Christian woman, identified with the Baptist church, and in that faith she died, at the age of forty-two years. In their family were fourteen children, twelve of whom reached years of maturity, and among this number was Aaron Seitz, of this review. The work of the home farm early became familiar to him, for as soon as he w^as old enough to handle a team he began to assist in the cultivation of the fields and also to haul logs to his father's mill. As he had opportunity he attended the district schools, thus acquiring his education.

In 1864 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Seitz and Miss Eliza Shock, a native of Bloom township and a daughter of Jacob and Lana (Shanour) Shock. The young couple began their domestic life upon rented land and for several years Mr. Seitz continued to operate fanns which he leased, but in 1873 he took up his. abode on the farm which he now owns and which he purchased in 1871, becoming the owner of eighty acres. Since that time his attention has been devoted to its development and improvement and it is now supplied with all modern equipments. About 1880 he purchased an additional tract of one hundred and six acres, so that his place now comprises one hundred and eiglity-six acres. The greater part of it is under a high state of cultivation, and in 1891 he erected an attractive modern residence. The home has been blessed with four children, but Alvin J., the second, is now deceased. The others are Irvin L., Mattie May and Mertie Blanche. The last named was educated in the common schools and the Ada Normal University, at Ada, Ohio, and is now engaged in teaching in the district schools.

Mr. Seitz is a Democrat in his political affiliations, but takes no active part in politics as an office-seeker, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his farming and stock-raising interests. At the time of his marriage he possessed only two dollars and a half, and around this nucleus he has gathered a comfortable competence, w^hich he richly deserves.

Philip Griffin

Philip Griffin is now living a retired life in Republic. He has attained to the age of seventy-four years and his career has been so honorable and upright that he has won and e\'er enjoyed the resf>ect and confidence of his fellow men. His present hoine is far from his birthplace, for he was bcrn in Norfolk, England, on the 9th of April, 1828. In the common schools of that country he secured his education, and in 185 1 he severed the ties that bound him to his native land, in order to establish his home in America, believing that he might have better business opportunities in this country. Accordingly he took passage on a sailing vessel, which, after a voyage of four weeks, dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. From the metroix>lis he made his way to Auburn, New York, and in that locality secured work as a farm hand. Later he spent a year and a half in following the carpenter s trade, and in 1854 he came to Republic, Ohio. Here he also was identified with building interests for about three years and he then secured emplo}Tnent in the carriage shop owned by Mr. Oslx)rn, in whose service he remained for a few years, after which he was made manager of the car- riage shop owned by Squire Stickney. But the country became involved in civil war and he could not content himself to remain at home while his adopted country was endangered by the rebellious spirit of the south. In May, 1864, he offered his services, and became a corporal of Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which went to the south for one hundred days' service and was there engaged in the defense of the capital city.

On the expiration of his term of service Mr. Griffin returned to Republic and the following spring he removed to Reed township, where he carried on agriculture and worked at his trade for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he once more came to Republic and established a wagon and carriage shop, which he conducted for many years, meeting with signal success in his undertakings, and acquiring the capital which now enables him to live retired, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Indolence and idleness have ever been utterly foreign to his nature, and although he started out in life on his own account empty-handed, he placed his dependence in the substantial qualities of perseverance and energy. These have served as an excellent foundation for his later success.

May 14, 1854, Mr. Griffin was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Sutphen, a native of New York, and they now have four living children: Annie, the wife of William Dildine, of Green Spring, Ohio; Alton C, who is conducting a meat market at Chicago Junction ; Mildred, the wife of J. L. Newcomer, a farmer of Bloom township, Sen«:a county; and Edson C, who is employed as a brakeman on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. They also lost four children, Emma S., William H., Clinton, and one who died in infancy.

In his political affiliations Mr. Griffin 'has been a stanch Republican since he became an American citizen, and has done everything in his power to promote the growth and success of his party. He has been honored with a number of local offices. He was trustee of Scipio township for three years and for seven consecutive years served as a^- sessor. In 1900 he was elected mayor of Republic and capably filled the office for eighteen months, his administration being progressive and practical, but on the expiration of that period he resigned. For more than twelve years he has been a member of the school board and for several years he has served as a member of the town council, and w4iether in office or out of it he has always labored earnestly and effectively for the public welfare. Fraternally he is connected with Republic Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O. F., of which he is vice grand. He also belongs to Captain Robinson Post, G. A. R., in which he has served as commander. Upon the battle fields of the south he rendered his adopted country faithful allegiance, and among the native sons of America there is no more true or loyal citizen than Philip Griffin, who is greatly attached to his adopted country and her institutions. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to make his home in the United States, for here he has pi'ospered, advancing to the plane of comfort and prosperity through determination and honorable eflfort.

Henry A. Roller

Henry A. Roller, who has a wide acquaintance in Scipio township and is numbered among the progressive and intelligent farmers, wa? born in Wooster, Ohio, November i, 1839. His father, Henry Koller, was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, born August 5, 1800. When he arrived at years of maturity he married Elizabeth Smyser and removing to Wooster, Ohio, he there conducted a tavern on the stage road, continuing business at that place until 1843, when he removed to Perryville, where he operated a grist mill and saw mill. After six years, however, he crossed the plains to California, attracted by the discovery of gold upon the Pacific coast. During the last eight hundred miles he made the journey alone, meeting John C. Fremont, who was traveling eastward with provisions for the immigrants. For seven days he had lived on herbs and roots, for his supply had become exhausted. He w^as told by Fremont to go to Sutter^s mill or ranch, and there lie worked for three days, cutting grass for twenty dollars per day. He then began prospecting, which he followed through the summer, and in the succeeding autumn he secured a position as superintendent of the United States Mining Comi>any, acting in that capacity for several months. He then erected a sawTiiill on Yuba river, near Sutter's ranch, where he remained for two years. After his mill was in successful operation he admitted Isaac Brecker, of Shelby, Ohio, to a partnership in the business. In 1852 he returned to the east on a visit, but again went to California, when he sold his mfills. During his absence, a man to whom he had given the power of attorney over his property succeeded in beating him out of seventy thousand dollars.

In the spring of 1853 Henry Roller, the father of our subject, took up his abode in Bloom township, Seneca county, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, w^hich he owned and operated until 1866, when he sold that property and removed to Qinton township. On the expiration of that period he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the latter township, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred when he was eighty-six years of age. He was a very industrious and energetic man, and when he was seventysix years of age he cradled seven' acres of oats in a single day. His wife passed away the year previous to her husband's demise. They were the parents of six children, four reaching maturity, namely : Sarah A., the widow of Philip H. Culler, of Scipio township; Can>line, who married Rev. J. Culler and who died in 1898; Mary C, the widow of Samuel Roller, of Scipio township; and Henry A., of this review.

Henry A. Roller was only thirteen years of age when he came to Seneca coimty. His education here was continued in the public schools and in Republic Academy, after which he l>ecame a student in Heidelberg College. A liberal education thus well fitted him for life's work. He is a man of more Aan ordinary intelligence and keeps well informed on questions and issues of the day. In 1861 he was united in marriage to Jennie E. Swigart, and they became the parents of two children: Lizzie M., the wife of J. W. Rollins, of Lima, Ohio; and Harry G., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who is employed as a traveling salesman.

Socm after his marriage Mr. KoUer took up his abode in Bloom township, where he had a valuable tract of one hundred and sev^entytwo acres. Upon this he built a fine residence and substantial barn. In 1866 he purchased three hundred and ninety acres of land in Scipio township, and made his home thereon until 1874 when he removed to Tiffin, which continued to be his place of abode for two. years. He then purchased a hotel in Muncie, Indiana, conducting it for four years, after which he took charge of the Oak Ridge Sanitarium at Green Spring, Ohio, which he superintended for four years. On the expiration of that period he went on the road as a commercial salesman, and three years later returned to Ohio. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Qinlon township, besides other property. In his business affairs he has been very successful, capably controlling his interests and thereby winning creditable prosperity.

Mr. KoUer has always been a loyal citizen, and at the time of the civil war he manifested his patriotic spirit by responding to his country's call for troops, in 1864. He joined Company G, One Hundred Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and went to the front for one hundred days' service, the regiment being assigned to the duty of defending Washington. Mr. Koller has always been a Republican in politics. Wherever he has resided he has been widely and favorably known as a man who has true r^^rd for his duties of citizenship and toward his fellow men.

Jacob Eppler

Back to stanch old German stock does Jacob Eppler trace his lineage, and that in his character abide ttiose sterling qualities which have ever marked the true tyi)e of the German nation, is manifest when we come to consider the more salient points in his life history, which has iKen marked by consecutive industry and invincible spirit, eventuating in his securing a high place in the conrideiice and respect of his fellow men.

Mr. Eppler was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 4th of March, 1827, being the son of Jacob and Christina (Bitzer) Eppler, of whose five children three now survive, namely: Mary, the wife of George Zink, of Lucas county, Ohio; Christina, the wnfe of John Stutz, of Williams county; and Jacob, the subject of this sketch. Jacob Eppler, Sr., was a farmer by vocation and passed his entire life in his native land, where his death occurred in 1850, his widow passing away three years later. The following spring (1854) our subject was married and immediately afterward he and his bride embarked for America, being accompanied by two sisters and one brother of our subject, said brother, John, having entered the ser\'ice of the Union as a member of an Ohio volunteer regiment, in the war of the Rebellion, in which he sacrificed his life. They all settled in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Eppler secured employment in the iron and zinc mines, and he continued his residence in Pennsylvania until July, 1862, when he came to Fostoria, Ohio, where the first year was devoted to working in a brick-yard and a tannerj'. In the fall of 1863 he purchased a farm of forty acres in Hancock county, two miles southwest of Fostoria, and there gave his attention to the improvement and cultivation of the place for a period of six years, when he sold the property to one of his neighbors and purchased an eighty-acre farm in the same vicinity. Four years later he exchanged this for an adjoining farm of one hundred and twenty acres, where he maintained his home until 1888, when he disposed of the same and bought his present fine liomestead of one hundred and sixty acres, in Loudon township, three miles east of Fostoria, Seneca county, where he has since gained prestige as one of the progressive and successful farmers and stock-growers of the county, his farm being a model of neatness and thrift and having improvements of the best order, including a spacious and comfortable residence. He is one of the most prosperous citizens of the township, and the success which is his is all the more gratifying when the fact is taken into consideration that it has been attained entirely through his own well directed efforts. His integrity of purpose has never been questioned in all the years of ceaseless toil and endeavor, and he is well worthy of the respect and confidence so freely accorded him. In politics Mir. Eppler exercises his franchise in support of the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church.

In March, 1854, Mr. Eppler was united in marriage to Miss Regina Bitzer, who accompanied him on his rem(oval to America and who died in Pennsylvania a few years later, in 1857. They became the parents of three children, of whom only one survives, - ^Joseph, Jr., who is associated with his father in the management of the homestead. In 1868 Mr. Eppler was again married. Miss Mary Dreitzler becoming his wife, and of this union four children were born, of whom three survive, namely: Emma, the wife of German Hartzog, of Williams county; Lulu, the wife of William Cover, of Loudon township; and Charles, who is at tlie paternal home. Mr. Eppler was again called upon to mourn the loss of a devoted companion and heli>meet in 1887, w"hen his wife was summoned into eternal rest.

William D. Seemuth

Success does not depend so much upon the possession of talents or powers unusual to the majority of mankind, as upon the exercise of those qualities which are common to all. Hope is of the valley, while Effort is climbing the mountain side, so that personal advancement comes not to the one who hopes alone but to the one whose hope and faith are those of definite action. We may then hold in high r^ard the result of individual accomplishment and accord due credit and honor to the man who has won success by worthy means, be his life one of majesty and power or noble application to the humbler but not less noble application. The subject of this review holds the responsible position of engineer of the city water-works of Tiflin, and his life has been one of consecutive effort and integrity of purpose, while his advancement and success have come as a diametrical result, and to him has not been denied the fullest measure of confidence and esteem.

Centennial Biographical History, 121

Mr. Seemuth is a native of Baden, Germany, where he was born on the 7th' of February, 1846, one of the four children of William and Frederica (Bender) Seemuth, both of stanch old German lineage. Of the children, two are living, - William D., of this sketch; and John, who resides in Tiffin. The father pf our subject was likewise a native of Baden, where he was reared and educated and where he learned the trade of stone mason. He came to the United States with his family in 1849, ^^^ subject being then a child of three years, and located in Tiffin, Ohio, where he continued to follow his trade until his death, in ,1860, at the age of about thirty-four years. His wido^v subsequently becamie the wife of ^Mr. Myer, and they are still residents of Tiffin, no children having been born of their union.

William D. Seemuth was reared and educated in Tiffin where he attended the public schools, early learning to lend his aid in the supjxDrt of the family. At the age of nineteen years he began an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, and after serving nine months he enlisted, in 1864, as a blacksmith in a regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Cumberland. He continued in the service for ten months, when the war closed, and he then returned to Tiffin, and thereafter continued to work at his trade, as a journeyman, for a number of years, turning his attention to any other honest work ihat offered when not able to find employment at the trade. In 1878, when the work of installing the system of water-warks in Tiffin was inaugurated he secured employment on the construction force, and after the system was completed he was sent to Towanda, Pennsylvania, and later to Oswego, New York, where he assisted in the construction of water-works for the same company which put in the plant at Tiffin. In November, 1879, ^^^ returned to his home city and was here given charge of the street work for the same company, and he rendered effective service in this capacity for a period of ten years, at the expiration of which, in 1889, ^^ ^^'^s promoted to his present position as engineer of the works, this preferment being a fitting recognition of his capable and faithful service. He has so lived as to gain and retain the good will of all with whom he has been thrown in contact, and is one of the popular citizens of the place where he has made his home for the greater portion of his life. In politics he gives his support to the Democratic party, keeping well informed in regard to the questions and issues of the day. In 1866 Mr. Seemuth was united in mlarriage to Miss Sarah Ruch, who was born in Hopewell township, this county, daughter of John Ruch, who emigrated to the county from Pennsylvania in the early pioneer days, becoming one of the prominent farmers of the township mentioned. Mr. and MVs. Seemuth are devoted members of the Reformed church, and their two daughters married clergymen of that denomination, - Cora being the wife of Rev. W. H. Tusing, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania; and Anna the wife of Rev. Clement Alsbaugh, of Akron, Ohio.

Hon. John C. Royer

Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it can not be denied that members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of the community. This is but the natural result of causes which are prima facie. The ability and training which qualify on-e to practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Among the able members of the bar of Seneca county is Hon. John C. Rover, who has been called upon to serve in offices of distinguished trust and responsibility and who is at the present time representing Seneqa county in the senate of the state. He is a worthy representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the state and of the county in which he now lives, and of which he is a native son. Thus as a man, a lawyer and an official we may w^ll find satisfaction in incorporating in this work a brief review of Senator Royer, junior member of the law firm of Bunn & Royer, of Tiffin.

The Senator was born on a farm in Thon^on township, this county, on the 6th of May, 1856, being the son of Samuel Royer, who was born in Wa\Tie county, Ohio, the son of John Royer, who was the original rq>resentative of the family in the Buckeye state. He was a native of Pennsylvania, where the original ancestors, presumed to be French Huguenots, had located in an early epoch. John Royer came from Pennsylvania to Wayne county, Ohio, in an early day, as is evident from the fact that he came from that county to Seneca county in 1829, taking up a tract of wild government land in Tliompson township, where he reclaimed a good farm, and there passed the residue of his life, dying at the venerable age of eighty^seven years. His son Samuel was but four years of age when the family came to Seneca county, and here he was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm, securing such advantages as were to be had in the schools of the early days and continuing to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits in this county until his death, at the age of fifty-nine years. He was a man of sterling integrity and commanded unqualified esteem in the county where practically his entire life was passed, being a devoted member of the Reformed church and a man of able intellectual powers. He married Miss Mary Ann Bunn, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1833, being brought by her parents to Seneca county when a child of three years. She now makes her home with her son, John C, to whom this article is devoted. She is a zealous and active member of the Reformed church and her life has been one of kindliness and unselfishness, while to her is accorded the deepest filial solicitude by her children, who are eight in number.

Senator Royer passed his boyhood days on the old homestead farm in Tliompson township, and he attended the district schools until he had attained the age of eighteen years, when he was matriculated in Heidelberg Collie, at Tifiin, where he completed his literary course, l)eing graduated as a member of the class of 1879. Thereafter he began the work of technically preparing himself for Ihe practice of law, taking up his reading under eflfective preceptorship and Ijeing admitted to the bar of the state, by the supreme court, in 1881. He at once began the active practice of his profession in Tifiin, and such was his reinforcement through alert mental grasp and thorough prq>aration that his novitiate was reduced to the minimum. He entered into partnership with Judge

J. C. Rickenbaugh and later with Judge Frederick Bunn, his uncle, and his present coadjutor, under whose direction he had prosecuted his studies. In November, 1887, Mr. Royers active practice was interrupted by his election to the bench of the probate court of the county, and so capable and satisfactory was his administration that he was elected to succeed himself in 1890. After the expiration of his second term, in 1894, he again turned his attention to the active work of his profession, winning renewed and greater prestige and securing a rq> resentative clientage. He has been an active and enthusiastic supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, and has done much to forward the same in this section of the state. In 1883 he was elected mayor of Tiffin, and his administration of municipal affairs was discriminating, wisely economical and yet progressive and based uix>n thorough business principles. The estimate placed upon his efforts in this connection was indicated by his re-election in 1885. His election to the senate of the state, as a representative of his native coimty, occurred in 1899, and in the upper house of the legislative body his record was such as to be gratifying to his constituents and to confer credit uixm him and his county. He was assigned to mlany important committees during the first session, and has shown himself to be an active working member, doing all in his jxAver to promote wise and effective legislation through the deliberative body of which he was thus made a member. He was chairman of the standing committee on sanitary' laws and regulations, and a member of the judiciary committee and those on finance, corporations other than municipal, pubHc works and public lands, insurance, universities and colleges, manufactures and commerce, fees and salaries, state buildings, state library and revision and enrollment. Mr. Royer was renominated by his party on the 5th of June, 1901, and was re-elected in November, 1901, without opposition from any party. He is a meniloer of the following committees: Federal relations, fees and salaries, judiciary, library, insurance, public printing, railroads and telegraphs, privileges and elections, sanitary laws and regulations, and rev^ision of bills. He is one of twelve Democratic senators and was on the committee to place the members. The majority conceded eleven committee chair- manships to the Democrats and in each case Senator Royer chose to honor his colleagues rather than to accept one for himself. His party leadership in the senate has come to him in just recognition of his abilities as an able parliamentarian, forceful and logical debater, resourceful and tactful legislator, and his affable and courteous demeanor crowns a genial and pleasing personality. Fraternally our subject is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, retaining membership in Pickwck Lodge, Xo. 175, of Tiffin. Senator Royer 's personal popularity is fortified by his genial and gracious presence^ his freedom from ostentation and a genuine objective appreciation of his character and ability. On the nth of April, 1883, Senator Royer -was united in marriage to Miss Cora Baltzell, who was bom in Seneca county, Ohio, the daughter of Thomas Baltzell, Sr., and she died on the 22d of June, 1889, leaving three daughters, namely : Helen, Mallie and Clara Lucile. Since the death of his wife the pleasant home of our subject has been presided over by his widowed mother and his sister, Nora T. Royer.