Seneca Township (part 15 of 60)

Robert Miller

As the honored president of the City National Bank, of Tiffin, and one of the representative business men of the Buckeye state, where he has long had to do with affairs of marked scope and importance in connection with industrial activities, it is incumbent that specific mention be made of Mr. Miller in a work of this nature, not alone by reason, of the prominent position which he maintains, but also with an ulterior view to the incentive which the record of his honorable and useful career may afford to those who in time may come to peruse these phages.

Mr. Miller comes of stanch old English stock and is himself a native of Cambridgeshire, England, where he was born on the 15th of April, 1835. H^ ^^'^s but six years of age at the time when his father, William Miller, emigrated to America, locating in Medina, Ohio, where for twelve years he was engaged in the tailoring business, having learned the trade in his native land. At the expiration of the period noted he removed to a new farm near Portage, in Wood county, the village of Mungen being later founded in the vicinity of his home. The subject of his review was nineteen years of age at the time when the family removed to the Wood county farm, and he assisted in the work of reclaimmg and cultivating the land, where his father continued to reside for a period of about twenty-three years, when he removed to Kansas, where his youngest son had settled, and there he died at the age of seventy-four years. The mother of our subject died when he was eight years of age, her maiden name having been Elizabeth Turner, and there- . after the eldest daughter presided over the household. He was the fourth in a family of eight children, of whcAi six are still living, he being the only representative of the family in Seneca county. Three years after locating in Wood county he disposed of his interest in the old homestead to his brothers and was thereafter employed for some tim.e by the month. In June, i860, at the age of twenty-five years, he was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Mercer, who was born in Wood county, being the daughter of John Mercer, one of the influential citizens of that section. Prior to his marriage Mr. Miller had secured a tract of land in Wood county, a portion of the same being prairie, and for a time he devoted his attention to the improvement and cultivation of the same, the while making his home in the residence of his wife's parents. He finally took charge of the Mercer farm, as Mr. Mercer's advanced age led him to practically retire from active business. Mr. Miller had continued to buy additional land and had given special attention to the feeding and shipping of Hve stock, his energy and discrimination being so directed as to make his success cumulative in order.

In May, 1894, Mr. Miller took up his residence in Tiffin, where he engaged in the banking business under the firm name of Miller & Son, his son, Thomas A., becoming cashier of the institution, which was capitalized for fifty thousand dollars. Later the capital stock was increased to one hundred thousand dollars and the institution was incorporated under the national banking laws, Mr. Miller becoming president at the time of organization and having ever since been in tenure of this office. He has shown distinctive financial talent in directing the affairs of the City National Bank, which is one of the sound and conservative financial institutions of the state, transacting a general banking business and also maintaining a department for savings. The directors are all Seneca county men and are known as substantial and honored citizens, the directorate including at the present time, in addition to the president, the following named gentlemen: Charles Seitz, Lewis Sells, Shelby Myers, George Shroff and Grattan Baker. Mr. Miller has other important capitalistic interests, owning one thousand acres of land in the oil district of the state and having received handsome dividends from the operations on the same, which have now been conducted for nearly five years. In politics Mr. Miller has even given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and while he served for seven years as trustee of Portage township. Wood county, he has had no predilection for official preferment and has otherwise refused public office. During his entire mature life he has held membership in the Church of Christ, in whose cause he has maintained a lively interest. The beautiful family home, in Melmore street, is one of the most attractive in the city, having spacious and finely ornamented grounds, while the residence is large and of modern and effective architectural design.

Mrs. Miller has been particularly generous in the support of the Church of Christ, taking an active part in its work and contributing to the same with exceptional liberality. She early took a deep concern in the welfare of the church in Tiffin, and it was almost entirely through her financial aid that the present beautiful church edifice was erected. Her father had founded, and to a large extent maintained, a church of this denomination in Wood county, and she felt that she could not make a more grateful use of the proceeds of his estate than to devote the same to the enlargement and sustenance of church work. The church in Tiffin was erected at a cost of twenty-eight thousand dollars, and this amount was almost wholly contributed by Mrs. Miller, from her father's estate, while her annual contribution to the church has been one thousand dollars, so that her devotion can not be doubted, while her benefactions have gained to her the grateful recognition of the local organization, as well as the church at large. She still continues to take an active part in all divisions of the church work, the support of its collateral benevolences, etc., and is prominent in the social life of her home city, the home being a center of refined hospitality.

In conclusion we enter a brief record concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Miller : Thomas Abram is associated with his father in banking, farming and the oil business, and is at present cashier of the City National Bank; Mattie is the wife of William Cook, assistant cashier in the Western State Bank, in the city of Chicago; Pearl is the wife of Dallas Osborn, who is engaged m the ranching business at Las Vegas, New Mexico; Daniel, who died at the age of twenty-nine years, operatCvl for a time the stave factory at Mermill, Wood county, the village having been named in honor of Messrs. Mercer and Miller, who made the principal improvements at the founding of the village, and later he was associated with his father in the oil business until his death, which was a grievous blow to his devoted parents, as he was a young man of noble character, commanding unqualified respect and confidence.

Jacob Frederick Bunn

It is not an easy task to adequately describe the character of a man who has led an eminently active and busy life in connection with the great profession of the law and who has stamped his individuality on the plane of definite accomplishment in one of the most exacting fields of human endeavor; and yet there is always a full measure of satisfaction in ad^ verting, in even a casual way, to the career of an able and conscientious lawyer. Mr. Bunn merits consideration for what he has accomplished as a member of the bar of his native state and his native county, and also for the inflexible integrity which has characterized him as a man among men. Judge Bunn is recognized as a man of high intellectual gifts and of thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the science of jurisprudence, while the prestige which he has acquired has come as the result of his own efforts and abilities. He is the senior member of the firm of Bunn & Royer, attorneys and counselors at law in the city of Tiffin, and formerly presided as judge of the probate court of this, his native county.

Jacob Frederick Bunn was born on the old homestead farm, in Thompson township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 6th of June, 1847, ^^^ is a representative of one of the early pioneer families of this section of the state. His father, Jacob Bunn, was bom in the state of Pennsylvania, w^here he was reared and educated, growing up on a farm. There his marriage occurred, and in 1833 he came with his wife to the primitive wilds of Seneca county, purchasing a tract of land in the oak openings of Thompson township, w^here he reclaimed a good farm, upon which he passed the greater portion of his remaining days, having lived retired in Bellevue during the last decade of his life. He passed away at the age of seventy-six years. He was a Democrat in his political proclivities, and his religious faith was that of the Reformed church. He held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years and also served as captain of a company of state militia in the early days. He was a son of John Bunn, w^ho was born in Pennsylvania, in 1767, and who came to Seneca county, Ohio, the same year as did his son. He settled in Thompson township and there remained until his death, at the venerable age of eighty years. The family is of English extraction, the original American ancestors having come here in the early colonial epoch, while the name finally became prominent in the annals of Pennsylvania. The mother of Judge Bunn was likewise born in Pennsylvaiiia, her maiden name having been Elizabeth Leiter and the family being of Holland Dutch derivation. She accompanied her husband on his removal to Seneca county, and here her death occurred, in 1886, at the age of seventy-eight years. She likewise was a devoted member of the Reformed church and was a woman of noble Christian grace and character.

Judge Bunn, the immediate subject of this review, grew up on the old homestead farm and early began to contribute his quota toward its work, in the meantime securing his preliminar\' educational training in the public schools. When about nineteen years of age, ambitious for further educational privileges, he entered Heidelberg Collie, in Tiffin, where he completed a full course of study, being graduated as a member of the class of 1870. To a man of such individuality and tenacity of purpose it was natural that definite plans for the future should be formulated, and thus, after leaving college, we find Judge Bunn continuing the study of law, his reading having been carried on during vacations, while he was still a student in the college. His preceptor was Judge George £. Seney, to whom individual reference is made elsewhere in this work ; and such has been his devotion to his technical study that he secured admission to the bar of the state in 187 1. In the spring of that year he located in the city of Akron, where he was engaged in practice for a peritKi of two years, at the expiration of which he returned to Tiffin, where he built up a very satisfactory professional business, giving the same his undivided attention until 1878. He was elected to the bench of the probate court of Seneca county, in that year, being re-elected in 1881 and thus serving for six years in this important office, to whose duties he brought the best of equipment, - mature judgment, a broad and exact knowledge of the law and the highest regard for justice and equity. After his retirement from the bench. Judge Bunn resumed the active practice of his profession, becoming at the same time associated with Hon. John C. Royer, who continued his coadjutor until his election to the same office which had previously been held by his associate. After the expiration of his service the association was resumed and the partnership continues to the present time. In his political adherency Judge Bunn has ever been stanchly arrayed in support of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, but he has never been an office-seeker. He was a member of the board of education for six years, and was clerk of the same for a poi'tion of this time. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. The Judge is signally appreciative of good literature in all lines, and is thoroughly well read in fields outside that of his profession, upon which latter, in fact, all branches of human knowledge have distinct bearing. He is unassuming and affable in his

On the loth of October, 1873, Judge Bunn was united in marriage to Miss Laura Groff, who was born in Tiffin, the daughter of Hezekiah Groff, and w^hose death occurred on the 12th of July, 1880.

William Henry Wade

The Wade family is one of the oldest in Seneca county, and through many long years has been noted for the sterling traits that are so characteristic of the subject of this sketch, constituting him a fitting representative of the name. He was born in Loudon township, this county, on the 29th of October, 1852, a son of George W. and Catherine (Richard) Wade. His grandfather, Abner Wade, was one of the early pioneers of Seneca county, and here the father of our subject was born about 1829. After attaining to years of maturity he located on a farm in Loudon township, and some years later opened a hotel in Bascom, which he conducted for two years, while for a short time thereafter he was engaged in the grocery business in that village. Removing thence to Fostoria, he w^as there engaged in the same line of occupation until his life's labors were ended, in 1892, when he had reached the sixtythird milestone on the journey of life. In his political views he was a Republican. Of the six children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Wade five are now living, namely: Catherine, the widow of Anson Malloy and a resident of Toledo; Oscar, a prominent farmer of Loudon township; Lewis, w^ho makes his home in Fostoria; George W., also of Seneca county; and William H., the subject of this review.

William H. Wade has been an agriculturist from his youth up, and has made a success of his enterprise in this line. After his marriage he located on a farm in Loudon township, two miles west of Bascom, and as the years passed by and prosperity attended his eflforts he added to that property until he became the owner of seventy acres of w^ell improved land. He subsequently sold his possessions in that township and purchased the land which he now occupies, located three miles west of Tiffin and consisting of ninety-five acres of valuable and well improved land, constituting one of the finest farms in the township. He has ever taken an active and commendable interest in the public affairs of his locality, and on the Republican ticket he was elected to the positions of treasurer and trustee of his township.

On the 24th of December, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. Wade and Miss Elizabeth Haverstick. Her father, John Haverstick, is one of the prominent farmers of Hopewell township, Seneca county. Three children haye been born unto this union, - Ira, who is employed in the Morcher drug store, in Tiffin; and John and Clair. Mr. Wade is a niembei* of the United Brethren church. Both he and his wife have hosts of friends and well-wishers in this neighborhood, and with one accord they speak in the highest terms of the Wade household.

Ephraim Norris

One of the native sons of Seneca county who have been identified with its industrial life from the early pioneer epoch until the present is Mr. Norris, whose father located here more than seventy years ago and who is now numbered among the prosperous farmers of this section of the state. He resided in Illinois about five years, and with that exception his entire life has been passed in his native county.

Mr. Norris was born on the old homestead farm in Scipio township, Seneca county, on the i6th of December, 1833, the son of Lot and Lorena (Todd) Norris. His father was born in Frederick county, Maryland, whence he emigrated to Ohio in 1830, locating in Scipio tOAvnship, Seneca county, where he was shortly afterward married. He established his home on a tract of ninety acres of wild land, up:^n which he erected a log house and here he devoted his attention to the reclaiming of the land from the virgin forest and placing the same under cul- tivation. He developed a good farm of one hundred and ninety-one acres, and here continued to reside for more than a quarter of a century, his death occurring in the city of Tiffin in 1868, at the age of sixty-two years, his devoted wife having passed away in 1858. They became the parents of four sons and four daughters, of whom six are living at the present time.

Ephraim Norris, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead farm, early beginning to assist in the work of development and cultivation and securing such educational advantages as were afforded in the common schools of the place and period. He remained at the parental home until he had attained the age of twentyfour, after which he was employed on a farm in this county during one summer. He then removed to the state of Illinois, renting a farm in Mason county, where he maintained his home for five years. He then came again to his native county, and here, on the 21st of December, 1865, occurred his marriage to Miss Sarah Long, who was born in the state of New York, being the daughter of Anthony and Catherine Long. Her father was a carpenter by trade and was numbered among the pioneers of Seneca county.

Shortly after his marriage Mr. Norris located on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, in Adams township, the same being an integral portion of his present landed estate, comprising two hundred and forty acres of as fine land as is to be found in this favored section of the Buckeve state. Under his careful and progressive management he has reclaimed and improved the place, upon which he has erected a commodious and attractive modern residence and other excellent buildings, and he here gives his attention to diversified farming and also to the raising of horses, cattle and sheep, his success in each department of his business having been pronounced and gratifying. In politics he supports the Republican party, and both he and his wife are zealous members of the Brick Chapel, of the United Brethren church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Norris five children were born, and of this number three survive, namely : Elnora, who is the wife of Edward Grover, a farmer of Scipio township; and Olive and Lily, who remain at the parental home. The family occupy a place of prominence in connection with the social life of the community, and our subject is regarded as one of the public-spirited and progressive citizens of the county.

The medical profession in Seneca county has an able representative in the subject of this review, who is not only a scion of one of the pioneer families of the Buckeye state, but follows the same noble profession to which his now venerable father has given his attention, gaining prestige as one of the representative pioneer physicians of the state. The subject of this review maintains his home in the attractive little city of Bloomville and controls a large practice throughout that section of . the county, where he is held in the highest esteem as a physician and a citizen.

Henry H. Brundage is a native of Delaware county, Ohio, where he was born on the 5th of November, 1859, being one of the seven children of Dr. Israel and Mary J. (Duckworth) Brundage. The children' all are living at the present time, and of them we enter brief record, as follows : Mary is the wife of Sebastian Alspach, of Van Wert county; Charles is likewise a resident of that county ; Henry H. is the subject of this review; Etta is the wife of Samuel Hill, of Johnsto^vn, Ohio; Nora is the wife of B. A. Roloson, an attorney of Lima, this state; Dora is the wife of William Miller, of Van Wert county ; and Norman is a physician of Delphos, Ohio.

Dr. Israel Brundage was bom in Delaware county, where he was reared to maturity, securing his early educational training in the public schools and later entering the old Cincinnati Medical College, where he was duly graduated. Shortly after his graduation, with the coveted deo^ree of M. D., he located in Sunbury, Union county, where he remained for a brief interval and then located in Delphos, Van Wert county, where he has continued in the practice of his profession for the past forty years, holding the esteem and aflfection of the community where he has so long ministered to those in affliction. His wife was likewise born in Delaware county and is still living, so that it is pleasing to note that death has never invaded the immediate family circle.

Dr. Henry H. Brundage, the immediate subject of this review^ received his early educational training in the public schools of Van Wert county, and in 1881 he began the study of medicine under the careful and eflFective direction of his father, thus continuing for some time and becoming w^ell grounded in the various branches of medical and surgical science. In 1887 he was matriculated as a student in Fort Wayne Medical College, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1892, his brother Norman having been a graduate of the same class. After leaving college the two brothers located in the city of Delphos and there became associated in the practice of their profession, building up an excellent business. In 1895 our subject took a postgraduate course of study in the Chicago Medical College, and in the spring of the following year he removed to his present location, in Bloomlville, Seneca county, where he has since continued his professional work, securing a representative support and controlling a fine practice, as has already been' stated. His technical ability is fortified by that deep S}TTipathy which adds so greatly to the success of a physician, and his personality is such as to make his presence in the sick room invigorating in itself. The Doctor has won wartn and abiding friendships in the community and is an acquisition to the fraternity in the county. He is a member of the Seneca County Medical Society, and through this medium keeps in touch with his confreres, as does he also through reading the best medical literature of the day, ever aiming to be abreast of the advances made in the profession to whose humane work he is devoting his life. In politics the Doctor is a stanch supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, being a menvber of the council of Bloomville at the present time, while fraternally he is identified with Pericles Lodge, No. 192, Knights of Pythias, of Bloomville.

Ohio, the daughter of Christ Emshoff, vdio is now a prominent merchant tailor of Frankfort, Indiana. Dr. and Mrs. Brundage have one child, Lulu. Both the Doctor and his wife are leaders in literary work, particularly in the Bloomville Literary Society, which has done much to shape the literary tone of the community. This society was organized three years since, the Doctor being the prime instigator. Its public sessions, held each year, have afiforded a wholesome recreation and entertainmient to the citizens, and its income is de\'oted to the sustaining and expansion of the public librar)-.

As one of the native sons of Seneca county and as an able young representative of the medical profession in this section of the state, we are pleased to incorporate a review of the life of Dr. Smith, who is a menil)er of one of the county's pioneer families and is held in the highest esteem as a man and a physician, being now established in the practice of his profession in the attractive little city of Bloomville.

Dr. Smith was born on the parental homestead, in Venice townsliip. this cmnity, on the 29th of August, 1871, being the son of Samuel and ^Margaret (Miller) Smith, who became the parents of eight children, of whom seven survive, namely: Sarah, the wife of E. S. McKibben, ( f Humlx^klt, Temiessee: Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob P. Myers, of Attica, this county: SanDuel B., the subject of this sketch: Joseph, who is a resident of Attica; Margaret B., the wife of Harr\' Leppard, of Bucynis. Ohio: and Anna and William, who remain with their mother, on the old lumiestead farm. The father of the Doctor was bom in Londonderry. Ireland, whence he came with his uncle, Samuel Smith, to America when a lad of five years. His uncle first located in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, where they remained seven years, at the expiration of which they came to Seneca county, Ohio, and located on a farm of eighty-six acres, two and one-lialf miles south of the village of Attica. Later the uncle purchased forty acres adjoining his farm, thus making its total area one hundred and twenty-six acres, and there the father of our subject was reared, assisting in the work of the farm and securing such educational advantages as were afforded in the district schools. After his miarriage he continued on the hoinestead, which came into his possession upon the death of his uncle. There he continued to make his home until his- death, which occurred on the nth of March, 1895, at which time he had attained the age of fifty-three years. He was a man of the highest integrity, was successful in hisi farming operation and was one of the influential citizens of the community. Though he accorded a stanch support to the Democratic party, he never sought the honors or emoluments of public office, but such was his interest in educational affairs that he consented to accept the position of school director, in which he rendered effective service for a number of y^rs. He was a member of the Reformed church, as is also his w^dow, who was born in Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Joseph Miller, a pioneer of Seneca county.

Samuel B. Smith passed his boyhood days on the old homtestead and his early educational training was received in the public schools, being supplemented by courses of study in the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada, and the academy in Fostoria. When twenty-one years of age the Doctor placed himself on the list of pedagogues and was for four years engaged in teaching in the district schools of his native county, proving popular and successful in this profession. In 1896 he was matriculated in the medical department of the Ohio State University, at Columbus, where he was graduated on the 24th of April, 1900, having devoted his vacations to study and practical work in the office of Dr. C. A. Force, one of the leading physicians of Attica. Soon after his graduation the Doctor opened an office in Bucyrus, w^here he was engaged in the work of his profession until April, 1901, when he located in Bloomville, where he has already attained prestige in his profession and is rapidly building up a representative practice, his unmistakable ability and his genial personality insuring a cumulative success and precedence. In political matters the Doctor gins his faith to the principles and policies of the Democratic party, and his religious views are indicated by his membership in the Reformed church, of which his wife likewise is a zealous adherent. Fraternally he is identified with the time-honored order of Freemasonry, being a member of Bloomville Lodge.

On the 23d of July, i8g6, Dr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Buchman, who was born in Crawford county, the daughter of Jacob Buchman, now a prominent citizen of Carrothers, Seneca county. The Doctor and Mrs. Smith take an active part in the social affairs of the community and their home is a center of refined hospitality.

Isaac Gault

As long as history endures will the American nation acknowledge its indebtedness to the heroes who, between 1861 and 1865, fought for the preservation of the Union and the honor of the starry banner which has never been trailed in the dust of defeat in a single polemic conflict in which the country has l>een engaged. Among those whose militar\' records, as valiant soldiers of the war of the Rebellion, reflect lasting honor upon them and their descendants, is the subject of this sketch, who is now living a retired life in the pleasant little city of Bloomville and who is known as one of the sterling citizens of Seneca county, where he was for many years successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits.

Mr. Gault is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born in Wayne county, Ohio, on the 17th of September, 1842, the son of Moses and Rachel (Borders) Gault, both of whom were born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where the respective families were established in pioneer days. The father of our subject was reared on the old homestead farm in his native county and upon attaining maturity he was there married and there continued in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, his first three children having been born in that county. He removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where he remained until 185 1, when he located in Hancock county, where he continued in the vocation of a farmer until his death, in 1878, at the age of seventyone years. He was a man of noble character and excellent mental gifts, and for thirly-five years he did a zealous and eflfective work in the uplifting of his fellow men, being a local preacher in the Church of God, in whose service he continued active until his life's labors were ended. He was a stanch Democrat in his political proclivities, and for a period of about nine years he held the office of township treasurer in Hancock county, his tenure of the office being terminated only by his refusal to continue longer in the same. His cherished and devoted wife preceded him into eternal rest, her death occurring in 1861, at the age of fifty-six years. Of their ten children five are yet living, namely: Mary, the wife of Elisha Todd, of McComb, Hancock county ; Susan, the wife of John Briggs, of Ionia county, Michigan; Lydia, the wife of Frederick flyers, of McCdhib, Ohio; Daniel, a resident of Bowling Green, tiiis state; and Isaac, the subject of this review. Those deceased are Richard, Jacob, Moses, William and Eliza.

Isaac Gault was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and was surrounded by the beneficent associations of a refined Christian home, while his early educational discipline was received in the public schools. He continued at the old homestead until called upon to respond to the caller of a higher duty, when the integrity of the nation was threatened by armed rebellion. The parents of our subject gave four of their sons to battle in defense of the Union, - William, who was a member of the Xinety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Moses, who went to the front as a member of the Ninth Iowa Infantry, known as the Greyhounds, was wounded at Vicksburg and died from the effects of his injuries, being buried in Louisiana; Richard, who was a member of the Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, was captured and held prisoner in the notorious pen at Andersonville for a period of eighteen months; and Isaac, our subject, of whose military service further mention will be made. Three brothers-in-law of our subject were also soldiers in the Civil war, - Elisha and William Todd and John Briggs, - so that the family certainly contributed its quota to the defense of the old flag in this great internecine conflict.

I40 Centennial Biographical History

Isaac Gault enlisted in Company L, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, in July, 1862, and with his command took part in a number of the memorable engagements of the war. His first active service was in a skirmish at Cynthiana, Kentucky, and diereafter he participated in engagements at Point Bumside, that state": Lookout Mountain ; the siege of Knoxville, where the regiment became a part of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and thence proceeded to Atlanta, taking part in the siege and battle at that point ; thence back to Knoxville ; then to Bull's Gap and on to Raleigh, North Carolina, and Salisbury, and forward toward the Confederate capital, the command being within one hundred and fifty miles of Richmond at the time of Lee's surrender. Mr. Gault returned with his command to Tennessee, where he received his honorable discharge, and then came on to Camp Chase, at Columbus, Ohio, where he was mustered out, in August, 1865. Mr. Gault was wounded in a skirmish on Tillico plains, Tennessee, and on the 29th of October, 1862, he was badly injured in a railroad wreck, in Kentucky, bein^ incapacitated for service for several months. After his discharge Mr. Gault returned home, and on the day following his arrival was attacked w^ith neuralgia of the bowels, from which he suffered intensely, having been unable to lie in bed for a period of sixteen weeks. After regaining his strength he again turned his attention to farming, and in 1868 he located on a farm of eighty acres in Pleasant township, Hancock county, where he was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and stockgrowing until 1 88 1, when he took up his residence in Bloomville, where he has ever since made his home, being practically retired from active business life, with the exception of two years, during which time he conducted a meat market in Fostoria, in 1892-3. In politics he gives a stalwart support to the Democratic party and the principles for which it stands sponsor, and fraternally he retains a vital interest in his old comrades in arms and is prominently identified with W. T. Brown Post, No. 191, G. A. R., of which he was for several years senior vice-commander, while in December, 1901, he was elected to the office of commander of his post, this preferment being a signal indication of his popularity in the organization. While not a member of any church organ- ization, he has the highest regard for the rehgious and spiritual work accompHshed by the various denominations, and he and his wife are ever ready to support the cause and to aid in charitable work of collateral nature. Our subject is held in the highest esteem in the community, and the pleasant home is one in which a gracious hospitality is extended to a w ide circle of friends.

On the 24th of October, 1867, Mr. Gault was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Shoop, who was born in McComb, Hancock county, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel Shoop, who was one of the successful and influential farmers of that county, and of this union two children have been born, - Charles L., who died in childhood; and Mary Lenora, who is the wife of R. J. Free, of Toledo, Ohio.

Nathan Rine

We now take under review the career of one of the sterling pioneer citizens of Seneca county, where he has practically passed his entire life and where he has ever commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem. The name which he bears has been prominently identified with the annals of the county since the early days when the work of reclaiming the sylvan wilds of this section of the state was inaugurated, and here he is now known as one of the large land-holders and successful farmers of the county. He rendered valiant service to the Union cause during the war of the Rebellion, enduring the privations and sufferings of the southern prison pens, and during his etire life has manifested the same loyalty of spirit that led him to follow the old flag on many a battle-field. Thus it may be seen that he is peculiarly worthy of representation in a work of this character, his character, services and long residence in the county making him thus eligible.

Mr. Rine is a native of Adams township, this county, having been born on the pioneer farm of his father, on Wolf creek, four miles west of the- present city of Tifiin, on the i8th of April, 1831. His father,

Jacob Rine, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 17th of April, 1796. being the son of Jacob, Sr., who was a soldier in a Pennsylvania regiment during the war of the Revolution. This hero of the w^ar of independence came from the old Keystone state to Seneca county, Ohio, after his son and namesake had located here, and the former purchased a tract of eighty acres in Adams township, where he passed the greater portion of his remaining life, having been in Indiana for a few years. He died in his ninety-fifth year, honored as one of the patriarchs of the community. The maiden name of our subject's mother w^as Elizabeth Drake, and she was born in Pennsylvania. By her marriage to Jacob Rine she became the mother of nine children, namely: Margaret, who became -the wife of Peter Weaver and who is now deceased; Abraham, Joel and John, who died in youth; Elizabeth, also deceased; Nathan, the subject of tills sketch; Mary, the wife of Monro J. Kistler, of Adams township; Fletcher, a resident of Sandusky county; and Alvin, a resident of Missouri.

Jacob Rine, father of our subject, was reared in Pennsylvania, where he learned the tailor's trade in his youth, never following the same after coming to Ohio. He emigrated to the wilds of Seneca county in the early '20s and purchased eighty acres of government land in Adams township, where he remained a few years. In 1833 he removed to Wood county, wdiere he purchased and improved a farm and where he maintained his home until the death of his wife, in 1840. He then came again to Adams towmship, and here he eventually consummated a second marriage, Mary A. Steele, becoming his wife. She died about two years later and his third marriage was to Miss Catherine Dunn, who survived him several years, his death occurring at the age of sixty years. It may be consistently noted in the connection that his brother Abraham, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1800, came on foot from that state to Seneca county, Ohio, in the early days, here entering claim to forty acres of government land, then returning on foot to his old home, whence he was accompanied by his brother Jacob on his final return to Ohio. Both secured land in Adams towmship, and here Abraham^ Rine erected a log cabin, w^hich was their first home. He continued to reside in this township the greater portion of the time thereafter until his death, in 1884. He was one of the influential men of the community, was successful in his eflforts and was recognized for his intellectuality and sterling character. He served for many years as justice of the peace and was incumbent of other local offices, while he was a devoted member of the United Brethren church.

Nathan Rine, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born and reared on the farm, and was early called upon to assume individual responsibilities, since he began to work for a recompense of board and clothes when but eleven years of age, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in a somewhat desultory attendance in the pioneer schools. He continued to work by the month, on various farms, until he had attained the age of twenty years, when he began an apprenticeship at the ccoper trade, to which he devoted his attention for five years. Thereafter he farmed on rented land for many years, in Adams township. Finally, in 1877, he purchased his present homestead, of one hundred and fifty-seven acres, where he has since continued to reside, while he has added to his holdings until he now has a fine landed estate of three hundred and ninety-seven acres, wxll improved and devoted to general farming and stock-raising.

At this juncture we will advert to the military career of Mr. Rine, the same entitling him to perpetual honor. In May, 1863, he enlisted as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio Voluneer Infantry, for a term of three years or until the close of the war. He proceeded to the front with his regiment, his first engagement being in the vicinity of Petersburg. At Monocacy he was taken prisoner and was thence transferred to Lynchburg, where he was incarcerated about forty days, thereafter being held in the prison at Danville for several weeks and finally taken to that notorious pen, Libby prison, in the Confederate capital, the city of Richmond, being there confined for another forty days, enduring the hardships which made the place odiously historic. While at Danville he was kept on a diet of one-half pound of corn meal a day for a period of forty-four days. After languishing in Libby prison for the time noted his exchange was finally effected, his incarceration having been about ten months in duration, and he then went to Baltimore, whence he was sent to Camp Chase. Ohio, where he was granted a ninety-days furlough, which he passed at home, then returning to Camp Chase, where he remained until the close of the war, receiving his honorable discharge. He is prominent and popular member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being identified with Potter Post, at Green Spring.

On the 2 1 St of December, 1854, Mr. Rine was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Weiker, who was born in Pennsylvania, and of this union nine children have been born : Monroe J., a resident of Brownstown, Illinois; John D., of the same place; Fletcher A., a farmer of Green Spring township; Frank J., of Bowling Green, Ohio; Nancy J., wife of John Eiry, of Green Spring; Isaac E., a farmer of Adams township; Clara and William, who remain at the parental home; and Minnie, who is deceased.

In his political adherency Mr. Rine is stanchly arrayed in support of the Democratic party and its principles, and his religious faith is that of the Christian Union church, of which Mrs. Rine also is a member^ both being devoted and active workers in the church in Adams township. He has served for many years as a member of its board of trustees, and for several years past has also been an elder in the church.

Uriah Huber

One of the well-known citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, who since 1877 has been engaged in business in McCutchenville, is Uriah Huber, the large operator of the milling business, in its various branches, in this vicinity.

The birth of Mr. Huber occurred in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, not far from the city of Philadelphia, on October 6, 1840. He w^s but five years of age when he lost his parents, and he then became a member of the family of John Click. In 1847 Mr. Click decided to move with bis family and belongings to Seneca county, Ohio, employing a number of teams in the transportation of his goods and chattels. The lad made himself useful to Mr. Click and remained in his family until he was eighteen years of age. His ed\icational opportunities were limited to an irregular attendance, during a few winter sessions, in the schools of Clinton township, where Mr. Click had located.

However, at the age of eighteen Mr. Huber began life independent of any family connection, working for v^arious farmers as his services were needed, but later he entered upon an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, continuing in the shops until he w^as capable of doing all that would be expected of a skilled carpenter and joiner. He was working at his trade, in South Bend, Indiana, in 1861, at the outbreak of the civil war. With other loyal young spirits, he enlisted for service in the army, in May, 1861, entering Company I, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and although his first enlistment was for but three months, it brought him many new and painful experiences. He participated in the battles of Phillippi, Laurel Hill and Cheat River, and at the last mentioned place was wotmded in his wrist, a minie ball passing through his right arm at this point. Soon after this disaster he was mustered out and he returned to South Bend. He remained there until the following July, when he came back to Seneca county, and while here, on August 11, 1862, he re-enlisted, entering at this time Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, this term being for three years, his rank in the company being that of sergeant.

History tells of the heroism of the men who passed through the fiery ordeals of the battles of Perry ville. Stone River, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain, and our subject with his regiment participated in all these, with marked gallantry. He also took part in the Atlanta campaign and it was in front of that city, August 23, 1864, that his greatest disaster came upon him, as he was then and there taken prisoner, while in holes on picket line, the army of General Tliomas falling back without taking the pickets in, and he was forced to spend seven days within the walls of Libby prison, of odious memory. Still worse fate followed, as he was sent to the prison pen at Andersonville, where he endured its horrors for three months. With other brave unfortunates he was then transferred to Savannah, thence to Charleston and then to Florence, South Carolina, where he was imprisoned at the time of Lee's surrender, being liberated after eight and one-half months of confinement. At this distance of time, Mr. Huber can recall with amusement what w^as then two hazardous escapades, - his escape from the prison camp at Florence on two occasions, before the building of the stockade. His first trip brought him into contact with a bushel of sweet potatoes and two pumpkins, these probably being more palatable than all the feasts to "which he has since sat down. When he was released at the close of the w^ar he returned to Tiffin, although but a shadow of the virile, robust and gallant soldier of one hundred and sixty-five pounds who so bravely marched away. Faded, haggard and sick, he weighed but ninety-seven pounds.

Mr. Huber had a strong constitution, however, and soon recovered his health to such a degree that he could resume work at his trade, but later returned to farming and continued in that line of industry until 1876. In the following year he came to McCutchenville and embarked in the large enterprises to w-hich he has given his attention ever since. Here he operates a vinegar factory, a cider mill, a molasses mill, a feed mill, and also a sawmill, - all combined in one establishment. The business is one of importance in this vicinity and one that is very successfully conducted. Mr. Hul>er has proven that he may justly be considered a good business man as v/ell as a valorous soldier. He started wuth a sawmill and assumed an indebtedness of thirteen hundred dollars. In 1895 his plant, which was worth about seven thousand dollars, was burned, with total loss, as he did not secure the three thousand dollars of insurance carried. On rebuilding his plant, valued at five thousand six hundred dollars, he was still three thousand three hundred dollars in debt, and this has all been cleared off and handsome progress has been made in other directions.

In 1867 Mr. Huber was married to Miss Annie R. Six, and one daughter, E. Lizzie, wife of L. J. ]\Ioshinger, was born to this union. In his political belief Mr. Huber has long been identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a valued member of Seneca Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Tiffin. All that he has accumulated, together with the success and prominence he has attained, has been the result of his own endeavors.

Abraham W. Hull

Few residents of Venice township, Seneca county, are better known or more genuinely esteemed than Abraham W. Hull, who was born on the farm on which he now lives and has spent his entire life. His birth occurred on the 3d of October, 1853, his parents being Michael and Barbara (Free) Hull. The father was a native of the Keystone state, his birth there occurring in 1807, and there he was reared to mature years. In 1835, however, he left his Pennsylvania home for Ohio, locating on land which had previously been entered by his father-inlaw% George Free, in Seneca county, on which He erected a hewed-log house in the woods and immediately began the arduous task of clearing his land. The place consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, but as his boundaries until he became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in this farm, also eighty acres located near Fostoria and one hundred and sixty acres in Hancock county; but later he divided his land, giving to each of his sons an eighty-acre farm. He was a Republican in his political views, and was a member of the German Baptist church, passing away in that faith on the 20th of August, 1890, while his wife was called to her final reward in 190 1, when she had reached her ninetieth year. This worthy couple were the parents of ten children, six of whom still survive, as follows: Otha H., of Napoleon, Ohio; George F., of Fostoria ; John W., a prominent farmer of Venice township ; Silas R. and William H., who also make their home in this county ; and Abraham W., the subject of this sketch.

When eighteen years of age Abraham W. Hull was given possession of the old Hull homestead in Venice township, and he thereafter continued to care for his parents until they were called to the home beyond. He is now the owner of eighty acres of land, and in the line of his chosen occupation he is meeting with a high and well merited degree of success. In 1878 he was united in marriage to Miss Matella A. Lepard, a native of Attica, Ohio, and a daughter of Isaac Lepard, a farmer and carpenter residing in Attica. He is one of the leading residents of that city, and for two years he has served with efficiency as its street commissioner. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with three children, - Arza B., a prominent farmer of Reed township; and Ida M. and Mina B., at home. Tlie Republican party receives Mr. Huirs hearty support and co-operation, and in his social relations he is a member of Honey Creek Grange, No. 1346, P. of H., in which he has held office for many years and is the present worthy master of the lodge.

Valentine Daniel

The subject of this sketch has attained success and prosperity through his own efforts, and his life affords an illustration of what is possible of accomplishment on the part of a young man who comes to our hospitable shores from a foreign land, without financial reinforcement or influential friends, and by industry and good management makes his way forward until he attains a competency.

Mr. Daniel was born in Darmstadt, Germany, on the 15th of August, 1834, being the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Lippet) Daniel, of whose six children four survive, namely : Frank, a resident of Huron county ; Valentine, the subject of this sketch; Nicholas, who resides near his brother; and Barbara, the wife of Philip Deem, of Huron county. The father of our subject passed his entire life in Darmstadt, Germany, where he was engaged in farming and where he died in 1846, at the age of forty- four years. Our subject was reared on the home farm in the fatherland, receiving his education in the excellent schools of his native land, and at the age of nineteen years he courageously faced the responsibilities of life, emigrating to the United States and having to borrow money with which to defray the cost of his voyage, which was made on the saiUng vessel Mary Stuart. He arrived in New York after a voyage of thirty-nine days' duration, and then came to Sandusky, Ohio, w^here he was variously employed for two years. Within the first year he had earned sufficient money to not only repay the loan made at the time of his emigration, but also to advance the funds to pay the expenses of his brother Frank and sister Barbara, who came to this country in company. After their arrival they joined Valentine, and the three devotedly applied themselves to the accumulation of sufficient money to enable them to send for their mother and the other two brothers, who came to America a year later. The family located on a farm near Sandusky and there resided for one year, after which they rented another farm, for which they paid a cash rental of five hundred dollars annually. Two years later our subject and his brother John, now deceased, left this farm in charge of their brother-in-law, Philip Deem, and rented an adjoining farm, which they secured at the same rental. In that locality he continued to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits for four years, at the expiration of which, in 1865, he came to Seneca county and purchased eighty acres* of his present fine farm property, in Reed township, and here he has ever since made his home. About ten years after locating here he purchased eighty acres on the opposite side of the road, thus making his farm one of one hundred and sixty acres. He also purchased another tract, of one hundred acres, this property having been deeded to his sons a few years since. He has made excellent improvements on his homestead and is one of the successful and influential farmers of this section. In politics Mr. Daniel gives his support to the Democratic party, and he served three years as trustee of his township, while for several years he was a -member of the school board of his district. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, being a communicant of St. Mary's Assumption, and of which he was a trustee for many years.

On the 29th of January, 1861, Mr. Daniel was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Miller, who was born in Germany, being a daughter of Joseph Miller, who emigrated with his family to the United States about the year 1855. ^^- ^^^ ^^s. Daniel are the parents of ten children, namely: John, a farmer of Reed township; Joseph, a resident of Tiffin; George and August, ako farmers of Reed township; Catherine, the wife of Henry Roth, of this township; Frank, w^ho is 'Tather Christian," C. P. P. S., a priest of the Catholic church and the professor of mathematics at St. Joseph's College at Rensselaer, Indiana; Edward and Mary, who are at their parental home; Charles, a successful teacher ; and Rosa, who remains with her parents.

John P. Bork

The subject of this review is one w^ho is to be individually considered as one of the representative citizens and successful farmers and stockgrowers of Seneca county, and, in a more abstract sense, as a member of a family whose history has been honorably linked with this section of the Buckeye state for many decades. The fine farm property of our subject is located four miles southeast of the -county seat. Tiffin, in Eden township, and with its admirable improvements and general air of thrift well deserves mention as one of the model homesteads of the county.

Mr. Bork was born in Bloom township, his county, on the 14th of October, 1850, and when he was ten years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to another farm, in Seneca county, and there he grew to manhood, contributing his due quota to the work of tlie farm and receiving his early Cvhicational training in the public schools of the neighborhood, the samej)eing very primitive as compared with those i^f the present day, but being of the sort from which have gone forth many of the representative men of our natirn. He remained at the parental home until his marriage, at the age of twenty-six years, when he hxatcd on the farm where he now lives, the property having l>cen vi the time owned by his father. At the expiration of three years he purchased the farm, in which is c^nnprised one hundred and nine and one-half acres, while in addition to this he also owns another tract, of fifty-fonr acres, both being located in Eden township. He has made the best of permanent improvements on his homestead, including a commodious and attractive brick residence, which he erected in 1884, and a large brick barn, constructed in 1899. Tlie land has been placed under a high state of cultivation and Mr. Bork also devotes special attention to the raising of high-grade cattle, principally of the short-horn type. He is held in the highest esteem as a progressive and liberal-minded citizen and as one of the successful farmers of he county. In politics, while never an aspirant for official preferment, Mr. Bork has given a stanch support to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared ; he is a communicant in St. Joseph's church at Tiffin.

On the 17th of April, 1877, Mr. Bork was united in marriage to Miss Emma Case, who is likewise a native of Seneca county, and they became the parents of five children, of whom four are living, - Louisa, Frederick, Eugene and Austin. The other child, Mella, died at the age of six years.

Horace Huber

Among those whose lives and labors have conferred honor and distinction on the history of Seneca county was the subject of this memoir, who was a man of inflexible integrity, high intellectuality and marked business acumen. He was one of the pioneer settlers in Clinton township, where he held prestige as a representative fanner and stock-grower until the time of his death, while he so ordered his life as to command at all times the confidence and good will of his fellow^ men. It is fitting that in a work of this nature a suitable tribute be paid to him as a man, a pioneer and a sterling citizen.

Mr. Huber w^as a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born April 22, 1822, in Fairfield county, where he was reared. He received his early educational discipline in the public schools, thereafter com- pleted a college course at St. Clairsville, Belmont county, and finally gave his attention to the reading of law, being admitted to the bar of the state and entering upon the practice of his profession. He continued this a comparatively brief time, ill health compelling him to seek less sedentary occupation, and during the residue of his life he devoted his attention to the noble art of agriculture and to the raising of high-grade live stock. His mother died when he was a child and he was reared in the home of his aunt, Betsy Huber, who, having no children, afforded him every possible advantage. In consideration of her kindness to him, she, after becoming a widow, was afforded a permanent home by Mr. Huber, the latter years of her life thus being made pleasant by his devoted care and appreciation, her death occurring at his home about 1854.

In his native county was solemnized Mr. Huberts marriage, and soon afterward, in 1847, he came to Seneca county and located on the farm where his widow and son now live. His wife's father, Valentine Reber, had taken up this land in an early day, securing the same from the government, and upon taking up his abode here our subject inaugurated the work of clearing and improving the homestead, developing the same into one of the finest farm properties in this section of the state, and here continuing to make his home until death set its seal upon his mortal li])s. He passed away on the 19th of February, 1881, at the age of fiftyeight years, honored by all who knew him and revered as one of the founders and builders of the county.

In his political adherency Mr. Huber was stanchly arrayed in support of the Republican party and its principles, but he never sought nor desired the honors of public ofiices, though his influence was invariably given to the support of all legitimate projects and undertakings for the public good. He was an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and one of the most influential of those identified with the church organization at Rock River. He was a man of broad human charity and tolerance, a student of the best literature and well informed in regard to the issues, questions and events of the day, while his calm and mature judgment caused his advice to be sought in both public and private affairs. He stood four square in all the relations of life and his death was deeply regretted by the community in which he had lived and labored to so goodly ends.

On the 22d of October, 1846, Mr. Huber was united in marriage to Miss Mary Reber, who likewise was born in Fairfield county, near Lancaster, being the daughter of Valentine and Magdaline (Van Reid) Reber, both natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, where they were reared and where their marriage was solemnized. Soon afterward they came to Ohio, and located on an improved tract of land near Lancaster^ Fairfield county. Mr. Reber secured by government entry and by purchase a large area of land in Fairfield and Seneca counties, and of the places he thus retained in the latter his daughter and son-in-law became the ex'entual owners, the greater portion of the properties being still held by Mrs. Huber and her sons. Mr. Reber was one of the extensive landholders of this section of the state, though always living in Fairfield county, and was a prominent and influential citizen. He w^as one of those who served under General Crawford in the conflict with the Indians in this locality, and it is a matter of history that the valiant colonel was burned at the stake by the crafty red men, in the adjoining county of Wyandot. From the time of her marriage Mrs. Huber has lived on the old homestead in Qinton township, and during the long intervening years she has taken a prominent part in the social life of tlie community and has endeared herself to all with whom she has come in contact, so that now, at the venerable age of eig'hty years, while many of the companions of the earlier days have been summoned to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns/' she still finds herself surrounded" and cheered by a host of friends, retaining her mental and physical vigor in a marked degree. The old homestead comprises two hundred and forty acres, beautifully situated on Rock creek, and equipped with the best of improvements, being one of the most valuable and attractive places in the township. Of the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Huber one, Charles, died at the age of nine years; the others being John R., one of the successful farmers of this township; and Eugene B., who*

John R. Huber was born near Tiffin, and was married in 1876, to Salinda Kegerreis, of Pennsylvania birth. They have two children: Mary, the wife of J. R. McDonell, of Tiffin ; and Eva, who is a graduate of the Tiffin high school, and who remains at the parental home.

Jacob Houck

For nearly a score of years the honored subject of this sketch has served consecutively in the office of justice of the peace, while he is known and esteemed as one of the successful farmers of his native county, being associated with his brother Isaac in the conducting of a fine landed estate of two hundred and forty acres, eligibly located in Reed township. Mr. Houck is one of the well known and popular citizens of Seneca coointy, and in all the relations of life he has been dominated by that inflexible integrity of purpose whose natural concomitant is objective confidence and esteem. His reputation as an effective auctioneer has brought his services into requisition in the most diverse sections of the county, and through this means he has formed an exceptionally wide acquaintanceship, and it may be said, without fear of contradiction, that his friends are in number as his acquaintances.

Mr. Houck is a native of Hopewell township, Seneca county, where he was born on the loth of May, 1854, a representative of two of the sterling pioneer families of Seneca county. He is one of the nine children of Isaac and Mary (Heirholzer) Houck, and eight of the number are living, namely : Mary, the wife of Casper Zerolf , a resident of the state of Oregon ; Magdalene, the wife of Emmanuel Lonsway, of Loudon township, Seneca county ; Joseph, a resident of Clinton township; George, who resides in the city of San Francisco, California ; Jacob, the subject of this review ; Armenia, who is unmarried and who maintains her home in Sacramento, California; Peter, of Hopewell township; and Isaac, who is associated with our subject in business. Isaac Houck was a native of Germany, where he was born in the year 1820, being the son of Isaac Houck, Sr., who emigrated to America when his son and namesake was a lad of eleven years, entering a tract of land in Big Spring township, Seneca county, Ohio, where the family were numbered among the earliest settlers. Here the father of our subject was reared to maturity and here his marriage was solemnized, ^fter which he settled on the old home farm, where he continued actively engag^ in agricultural pursuits until about 1878, when he removed to Tiffin, where he passed the residue of his long and useful life, passing away on the 5th of August, 1893, in the fulness of years and well earned honors. He was an influential factor in the local councils and work of the Democratic party, but never sought the honors or emoluments of political office. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, as was also his wife. She was likewise bom in Germany, in 1821, and as a child accompanied her parents on their emigration to Seneca county, the family also becoming pioneer settlers of Big Spring township. She died in the year 1884, at the age of sixty-three years, having been a woman of noble and gentle character.

Jacob Houck, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared under the sturdy discipline of the old homestead farm, and his educational advantages were such as were afforded by the common schools of the locality and period. In 1877 he went to Hancock county, where he cultivated one of his father's farms on shares. In 1882 he and his brother Isaac located on their present fine homestead, in Reed township, this likewise having been the property of their father, and they have continued to be associated in their agricultural and stock-growing operations, which have been attended with gratifying success, their position being one of prominence in coneotion with this line of industry in this section of the state. In his political proclivities our subject has been a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party and he has been one of the active and zealous advocates of its cause in his section of the county. In 1883 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and has served continuously ever since, giving a most able administration of the affairs of the same, while his counsel and advice are held in high estimation in the community. In the spring of 1896 he was elected township clerk, and was in tenure of this office for two terms. In the spring of 1901 he was one of twelve whose names were considered in convention in connection with candidacy for the office of county commissioner, and notwithstanding the implied opposition in the convention he missed the nomination by but seven votes. In 1900 Mr. Houck was elected treas-: urer of the Seneca County Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and was incumbent of this office for two years, doing much to advance the interests of the organization. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, being a communicant of the church of* Sts. Peter and Paul at Attica, and of which he has served as trustee ever since the erection of the church. He is one of the influential men of his township, and to him is accorded the fullest measure of confidence' and esteem in the community.

October 15, 1884, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Houck to Miss Carrie Walters, who was born near Bryan, Ohio; and of their six children all are living except Mary, the second born, who died at the age of six years. Those surviving are Alice, Walter, Anna, Clara and Ida.

George W. Cuxxixgham'

In business, military, fraternal and political circles George W. Cunningham has gained honorable distinction, and well he may be numbered among the representative and influential citizens of Fostoria. He is to-day the honored and capable m^yor of the city, elected to that position on the Republican ticket. That party is more than fortunate that has the lo>'al, unswerving support of intelligent men who are ever willing to largely devote the energies of their nature to the upholding of its principles and who assist in fostering its progress and promoting its welfare in the community which they honor with their presence, and the Republican ranks of Seneca county has a valued addition in Greorge W. Cun- ningham, whose allegiance arises from firm faith in the party principles and unfaltering devotion to the nation's good, both of which he places before personal aggrandizement.

Mr. Cunningham is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Allen county. After acquiring his preliminary education in the public schools he became a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, this state, and later he was matriculated in the National Normal School, at Ada, Ohio. For four years he engaged in teaching, and was recognized as a capable instructor. In 1880 he came to Fostoria and has since been identified with its business interests, as proprietor of a drug store, which he has successfully conducted, enjoying an ever increasing patronage. He has a neat and attractive store, well equipped with a large line of drugs and other articles found in such an establishmpnt, and his honorable business policy and earnest desire to please his patrons have brought to him a large business.

September 15, 1887, Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage, in Fostoria, to Miss Mary Kenower, a daughter of J. L. Kenower, a pioneer resident and business man of this city, now deceased. Their union has been blessed with two sons - Harold and George. Both our subject and his wife have many warm friends here, and the hospitality of the best homes of Fostoria is extended to them.

Mr. Cunningham takes a deep interest in military affairs, and in 1897 he became a member of Company D, Sixteenth Regin^ent of the Ohio National Guard, of which he was made a second lieutenant. When trouble arose with Spain and hostilities w^re inaugurated, on the 25th of April, 1898, he went to Columbus, where with his regiment he was mustered into the United States service, on the 12th of May, as a member of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served as second lieutenant until the ist of November, when he was made first lieutenant and was assigned to Company G, of the same regiment. The comlmand proceeded to Chidcamauga park, thence to Knoxville, Tennessee, and from there was ordered to Cuba, his regiment being the first of the American soldiers to land at Cienfu'^os. After four months spent on the island, ihe regiment was ordered back to this country, and after thirteen months

Mr. Cunningham is also an active and prominent member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is serving on the staff of Brigadier General Minshull, of Qeveland, with the rank of colonel. He is equally prontinent as a Knight Templar, and in the oommandery has served with the rank of generalissimo. From the time age gave to him the right of franchise Mr. Cunningham has been an earnest Republican and, having closely studied the issues and questions' of the day, he is able to support his position by intelligent effort and to so direct his political labors as to make him an active and valued factor in party ranks. He has served as a member of both the city and county committees and of the former has been chairman, in which capacity he controlled the campaign forces so as to bring desired results. From- 1893 ^^^^^ ^897 he was a mjember of the city council and the last year served as its' president. In' April, 190T, hie was elected mayor of Fostoria, and is now the chief executive of the dty. Has administratioiT, business-like, practical and progressive, is giving excellent satisfaction to all fair-minded citizens and is furnishing additional proof of Mr. Cunningham's loyalty to good government and the welfare of his adopted home. His public career has ever been honorable and straigtitforward and in his life history there are no esoteric chapters, all being an open book. Much- is worthy of emulation, all is above condemnation, and thus it is that George Cunningham commands and receives the respect and confidence of his fellow men.

Albert Hughes

Albert Huehes was born on the 3d of March, 1848, on the farm in Liberty township which is now his homle, and he represents one of those old families of Ohio that from pioneer days im the! development of this locality has been connected with* the promotion of interests leading to its substantial improvement. His father, Thocaais Hughes, was bom in

Franklin county, Ohio, and ini the year 1827 came to Seneca county, settling in Liberty township. Much of the land was still in possession of the government and' in consequence was in its wild state, destitute of all improvement. Thomas Hughes entered one himdred and sixty acres and built thereon a substantial cabin' of round logs. His farm was covered with a dense growth of timber, and soon the woodman's ax awakened the echoes of the forest as he cleared his land for purposes of cultivation. Upon his farm he continued to labor until his death. He met his death by accident, being killed by a train, near Fremont, in 1864, when sixty- three years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth McCracken, and they became the parents of ten children. David died in Williams county twenty-three years ago; Ephraim, who lived in Williams county, died February 7, 1902, just twenty-three years after David's death; Elihu is deceased; Harvey is also deceased; Gilbert resides in' Indiana; Rena is now living in Liberty township; Mlinerva has passed away; John is a resident of Seneca county; Albert is the subject of this review; and' one died in infancy. The mother is still living at the old homestead and has attained the very advanced age of ninety-three years.

In many respects the life of Albert Hughes has been a quiet and uneventful one, for he has always lived upon the home farm. When old enough to handle the plow he began to work in the fields and from that time to the present he has continued' to devote his attention to the cultivation of the land. On attaining his majority he took charge of the old homestead, and now he owns the original tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which his father entered from the government and transformed from a densely timber region into fertile fields. In his farming operations he, is progressive and practical. In his fields he produces the cereals best adapted to the climate, and in his pastures are found high grades of cattle, for he makes stock-raisitrg an important branch of his business.

On the 23d of February, 1876, Albert Hughes was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Good, a most estimable lady, and their union has been blessed with three children, Nora, Ada, and Bertie, all at home, the family circle yet remaining unbroken by the hand of death. In his polit- ical views Mr. Hug'hes is a Republican, supporting the men and mieasures of that party but never seeking office for himself. His time and attention are closely occupied by business affairs. He is a man of strong purpose and unfaltering industry, and by the capable management of his farm he has gained a comfortable competence. His friends - and they are many - know him to be a reliable and enterprising gentleman, faithful to his duties of citizenship and' working in harmony with all progressive measures for the general good.

H. Bernhardt Berlekemp

The career of the subject of this review illustrates what is possible of accomplishment on the part of the honest and industrious young man who leaves his native land and identifies himself with, the industrial activities of the great American republic. Mr. Berlekemp is a sterling representative of the German- American element in our national life, and is now one of the successful farmers and stock-growers of Seneca county, having come here without other reinforcement than a stout heart and willing hands and having attained a high measure of prosperity through his own efforts.

Mr. Berlekemp is a native of Prussia, Germany, where he was born on the 1 2th of October, 1843, being one of the eight children of Henry and Mary Berlekemp, both of whom passed their entire lives in Prussia, where the father gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. The subject of this review was reared on the homestead farm and received a limited educational training in the schools of his native land. At the age of twenty-three, in accordance with the laws of the country, he entered the Prussian army, and his military service covered a period of three years, including the Austro-Prussi'an war. At the expiration of this time, in 1869, ^e severed the ties which bound him to home and native land, emigrating to America, where he felt superior opportunities were afforded for individual accomplishment. He came to the city of

Mrs. H. B. Brrlekemp

Cincinnati, where a sister was already living, and there he was employed in a brick-yard for one year, and then came to Seneca county, where tlie lady who later became his wife was living. He was employed at farm work in Pleasant township for Byron Rule, and there he remained two years. After his marriage he rented a farm in Pleasant township, starting married life with about two hundred dollars, and there continued operations for nine years. He then purchased eighty-five acres in Adams township, but disposed of that and in 1883 bought his present farm, where he has ever since maintained his home, the place being located in Pleasant township. His first purchase here comprised one hundred and eight acres, for which he paid nine thousand, four hundred and eighty dollars, assuming a debt of over six thousand dollars. In 1899 he bought an additional tract of one hundred and seven acres at fifty dollars per acre, so that he is now the owner of a fine estate of two hundred and fifteen acres, in two farms. He has made the best of improvements on his farm property, building a modem residence in 1893 and a fine bam in 1899. He has been very successful in his farming and stock-raising, his energy and industry being unflagging, while his efforts have been directed with signal ability and discrimination. In his political adherency Mr. Berlekemp is identified with the Republican party, and his religious faith is that of the German Reformed church, in which he has served as deacon for six years, being one of the influential members of the church at Fremont, of which Mrs. Berlekemp is also a devoted member. They are held in the highest esteem ini the community and their pleasant home is one in which a genial hospitality is ever in evidence.

On the 1st of February, 1871, Mr. Berlekemp was united in marriage to Miss Carpline Cook, who was born in Prussia, the daughter of Fred and Elizabeth Cook, and of their union eight children have been born, namely : Amelia, the wife of Lawrence Sheddenhelm, of Adams township; Louisa, the wife of Edel Farver, of Pleasant township; August, who died at the age of seventeen years; Jennie, the wife of William A. Oiler, of Tiffin; and Frank W., Oscar,. Charles and Robert, who remain at the parental home. In 1870 Mrs. Berlekemp came to Ohio with her parents, who located on a farm at Republic, where they both died, the father passing away in 1889, aged seventy years, and the mother in 1884, aged sixty-six.

Jacob Zeigler

.Few sections of Seneca county, Ohio, are more justly noted for fine farms and for a high class of citizenship, than is that part known as Bloom township, and one of the most prominent and substantial agriculturists of this locality is Jacob Zeigler, the owner of two hundred and seven acres of valuable land. Mr. Zeigler's farm is one of the most desirable in this tCwnship, and is well adapted to the purposes to which it is put, a general line of farming and the raising of stodc, both branches of his enterprise being carried on by Mr. Zeigler with complete success.

Jacob Zeigler is not only a native son of the state, but he is also a native of Seneca county, having been bom in Venice township, February 12, 1859. His ancestry is of German; extraction, and his parents were Henry an-d Louise Zeigler, who remfoved to Eden township when he was five years of age. There their lives were spent, and there he grew up a farmer boy, and all his life has been identified with agricultural aflfairs. He obtained a good common-school education, assisting during his youth in the farm work, and when his school days were concluded he took charge of the home farm, conducting it successfully until he was twenty-seven years old, leaving it at the time of his marriage, to settle upon a farm of his own.

September 24, 1885, Mr. Zeigler was married to Miss Hfeinny Brauser, who was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, OhSo^ being a daughter of Rudolph! and' Catherine Brauser. Mr. and Mrs. Zeigler have a family of seven children, namely : Alva George, Charles Adam, Hattie Catherine Louisa, Eddie J., Florence M., Mary E., and Wemie Joycet.

acres, although he is a large landholder in Crawford county also, owning there a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located in Texas township. Mr. Zdgler is a man of progressive ideas and believes in the use of modern methods and machinery, and he has done much in the way of the introduction' of such in this locality. His interests have been centered in agriculture for so many years that there are few details with which he is not thoroughly acquainted and he is justly r^arded as one of the leading farmers of the township. He has been very successful also in the raising of stock, having very practical ideas on their scientific breeding, as well as economic feeding, and his methods are regarded as most sensible and valuable, his success testifying to their practical importance.

Mr. Zeigler has been- a lifelong Demfocrat and has been an active* and intelligent upholder of the principles of the Democratic party. He has been no office-seeker, but has taken an interest in good government and' in the progress and advancement in his locality. He is a liberal supporter and a consistent member of the German Reformed church, ia which he is highly valued. During a long and industrious career Mr. Zeigler has not only gained a strong position by the ability with which he has managed his business, but as a man of force of character, upright and honest in his dealings with his fellow citizens, and as a kind husband and devoted and careful father, he has gained the esteem of all who know him.

William H. Patterson

To go back in the history of the state of Ohio to the time of the founding of the Patterson* family, would carry us to the early settlement of a great part of the state, to the beginnings of the vast canal system, and to a date when no railroads conn^rted northern Ohio with sister states. Prior to 1829 the records tell of the location of members of this^ family in Seneca county, whither they came from Perry county, where Edward Patterson' lived, and where his son, Daniel H. Patterson, was bom, in 1818. The son) accompanied his father to Seneca county, and the latter booight two hundred acres of land in Scipio township. From this family of early settlers, descended William H. Patterson, who is one of the prominent citizens of Bloom township.

Daniel H. Patterson, who was the father of our subject, lived in Scipio township until his marriage, moving then to Adarms township, and finally locating in Bloom township, prior to the birth of his son, William H., of this sketch. He was united in marriage to Catherine Seitz, and they had a family of twelve children, five of whom are still surviving, namely: William H., who is our subject; James K., who resides in Sidney, Ohio; Martha, who is the wife of John K. Spitler, of Bloom township; Qara A., who is the wife of A. F. Spitler, of Mansfield, Ohio; and Ida J., who is the wife of Henry Spitler, of Melmore, Eden township.

After his marriage Daniel H. Patterson carried^ on farming in Adams to^vnahip, where he became a well known mtein. From there he removed to Bloom township, and located on the farm where his son-inlaw, J. K. Spitler, resides, and there his death occurred at the age of seventy-two years. His wife passed away in 1861, and subsequently four of the children, Jasper, Lewis, Ellen and John, also were removed by death.

William H. Patterson was born April 3, 1844, on the home farm, in Bloom township, Seneca county, and his boyhood and early youth wnere spent amid rural surroundings. He took advantage of all educational opportunities offered and displayed such attainments that his parents willingly consented' to his securing an academic course in Republic, and later he had higher educational advantages in the normal school at Lebanon. Mr. Patterson naturally adopted the profession of teaching after completing his course in the normal school, and followed this, with unusual success, for eight winters, being regarded as one of the most reliable educators in Seneca county.

During all this time Mr. Patterson' was associated with his respected father in business enterprises and in the management of the home farm, "but he did not remove thither until 1894, since which time this has been his pleasant home. His property includes eighty acres of well cultivated land, most desirably situated, and here Mr. Patterson has developed into a first-class farmer and intelligent and successful stock-raiser. In his methods he is energetic and progressive, and he worthily represents an old agricultural family.

In 1891 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Ida Seiple,. who was born in Illinois, a daughter of B. F. and Maria (Spitler) Seiple. To this marriage was bom one son, Jesse G., a bright and interesting child. Mrs. Patterson died October 9, 1896, having been a devoted wife and mother. Mr. Patterson is a man of intellect and has shown his interest in educational matters by long service on the school board. His views on public questions are not in accord with either of the dominant parties, inclining in the direction of socialism. In private life he is devoted to the welfare of his family; his section of the county contains many of his warm personal friends ; and the interests of his country are very dear to him.

William Palmer

The biographical history of Seneca county would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of Mr. Palmer, who has passed his entire life on the farm which is now his home. In his youth he was familiar with the scenes and incidents of pioneer life, his father* having been one of the early settlers in the county, coming here at a time" when the section was practically an unbroken forest, when Indians and wild animals were still plentiful and when the homes of the settlers were log cabins of the most primitive tyi)e. Reared thus on the frontier, as it was then called, our subject has borne his part in the work of development, as did his honored father, both having been factors in bringing about the transformation which has made this one of the leading coun-' ties in the state, with its highly cultivated farms, thriving towns and villages, its school-houses, churches and all other evidences that show the mark of progress and culture.

-ship, Seneca county, Ohio, on the i8th of September, 1846, and that the name has been identified with the annals of the Buckeye state from the -earliest pioneer epoch is evident when we revert to the fact that Daniel Palmer, the father of our subject, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1804, only two years after its admission to statehood. He was reared in his native county and there learned the trade of carpenter and cabinet maker. In 1821 he came to Seneca county, as a youth of about eighteen years, in company with John Gibson, making the trip with a team of horses. He located in Eden township, where he remained until his marriage, when he established his home in the little hamlet of Melmore, where he continued to follow his trade for some time. H-e then purchased eighty acres of government land in Eden township, and on the same erected a log cabin of two rooms. He then set himself to the task of literally hewing out a farm from the forest wilderness, remaining on that place for a period of fifteen years and then purchasing the northeast 'quarter of section 31, the tract being covered with a dense growth of timber and being entirely without a clearing. He began the erection of a house of hewed logs, and while engaged in its erection walked back and forth from his home, six miles distant, each day until the work was completed and the house made ready for the occupancy of his family. He reclaimed a considerable portion of the farm as the years passed, and also aided materially in the construction of roads through the forests, and in the establishing of the primitive schools which are often referred to as "log-cabin colleges.*' He passed the residue of his long and honorable life on this farm, which is now the home of his son, and passed to his reward on the 13th of March, 1880, at the venerable age of seventy-six years. He was a Republican in his political adherency irom the time of the organization of that party, and his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church. He was a man of unbending integrity and strong individuality, impressing a beneficent influence on the community in which he lived' and labored to such goodly ends. He was united in marriage, in Eden township, to Miss Nancy Wagner, daughter of John Wagner, likewise a representative of one of Ohio's pioneer families, and of this union seven children were bom, namely: John, de- ceased ; Rachel, the widow of John Bare, of Wyandot county ; George, deceased; Jane A., the widow of Jacob Heshberger, of Wyandot county; Amanda, a maiden lady, who is likewise a resident of that county ; William, the subject of this sketch ; and Ellen, deceased. The devoted mother of our subject attained extreme longevity and enjoyed excellent health until a short time before her death, being cared for with true filial solicitude by her children and passing away in 1897, at the venerable age of ninety-one years.

William Palmer, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the old homestead, early beginning to contribute his quota to the work of reclaiming and cultivating the same and receiving his educational training in the common schools of the place and period. At the age of twenty-two years he assumed charge of the homestead, and after the death of his faither he, as the only living son, purchased the interest of the other heirs, so that he is now the owner of the fine farm, which comprises the original quarter section, of which forty acres have been cleared under his direction, while the entire tract is now under most effective cultivation with the exception of twenty-five acres, which are still covered with the native trees. He has improved the farm with commodious and convenient buildings, his residence being modern in style and equipment, and the entire farm presents a pleasing and' attractive view. His efforts have resulted in the opening of the main road to Sycamore, adding materially to the convenience of the neighborhood.

He has shown himself to be a capable and progressive farmer and discriminating business man, and in addition to his agricultural operations he has also been very successful in the raising of the best grade of live stock. His interest in all that concerns the progress and prosperity of his county is unabating, and those who have known him during his entire life are numbered among his cherished and' devoted friends, while he commands unequivocal esteem in the community at large. His political franchise is exercised in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party, of which he is a stanch supporter.

(Lineberger) Cook, of Seneca county, and of their four children only one is living, - Leila, aged fourteen years. Frank died at the age of eighty Bert at the -age of four and the other child in infancy.

John Holtz

One of the present trustees of Pleasant township is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is a scion of one of the pioneer families of the county and his present fine farmstead has been his home fromi the time of his birth, so that there are many points which render peculiarly apix>pos a consideration of his genealogy and personal career in connection with a publication of this order. He is one of the extensive' and representative agriculturists of the county and one of its influential citizens, and the confidence and esteem in which he is held in his native' township is clearly manifested in his tenure of the responsible office of which he is at present incumbent.