Seneca Township (part 17 of 60)

Adam Miller, father of Mrs. Keppel, was born in Maryland, in the year 1818, and when he was a lad of eig'ht years he came with his father, Daniel Miller, to Seneca county, the family locating on one of the pioneer farms of Hopewell township, where his parents passed the residue of their lives. He assisted in the reclamation and cultivation of the home farm until he attained years of maturity, and after his marriage to Miss Margaret Creeger, he rented the farm now owned by the widow of Michael Flynn and there continued in agricultural pursuits for a period of five years, at the expiration of which he purchased eighty acres of the present homestead, in section 20, Hopewell township, adding to the same from time to time until he accumulated a fine estate of two hundred and eighty acres. Here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on the 27th of October, 1901. He gave a stanch support to the Republican party and was prominent in public aflfairs in the community, having held the office of township clerk for a number of years and having been one of the influential men of this section of the county. His religious faith was that of the United Brethren church, of which he was a zealous and consistent member of the church of this name at Bascom. His six living children are as follows: Henrietta, the wife of William Glick, of Tiffin; Nelson A., of Hopewell; Mary, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Bertha, the wife of John Adams ; James A., a resident of Bascom ; and Hattie, the wife of Elmer Lott, of Boston, Massachusetts.

Tiffin is fortunate in that she has miany very able representatives of the medical fraternity among her citizens, - men whose comprehensive study and ready adaptation of scientific knowledge to the needs of suffering- humanity has resulted beneficially in the alleviation of human suffering and the restoration of health. Occupying an enviable position among the prominent representatives of the profession is Dr. Wenner, one of Tiffin's native sons, his birth having occurred here on the 19th of September, 1861. Here he spent his boyhood days until he was seven years of age, and then went to Bucyrus, where he remained for ten years, attending the public schools until he had attained the age of seventeen. He then returned to Tiffin and was graduated in the high school here at the age of eighteen. He began reading medicine with Dr. A. B. Hovey, with whomt he remained for a year, and afterward studied under the direction of Dr. X. C. Scott, of Cleveland, Ohio, and in the medical department of the Western Reserve University, in which institution he was graduated in March, 1882, before he had reached his majority.

Dr. Wenner began practice in McCutchenville, Seneca county, where he remained for six months, and was then in Arcadia for two years, after which he located in Tiffin, where he has since remained. Here he has since been in continuous practice and the success which has attended his efforts has been based upon a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the principles of the sciences of medicine and surgery, and correct application to the needs of suffering humanity. While he has engaged in general practice he makes a specialty of surgery. His success in this direction is due to his minute and accurate acquaintance with anatomy, combined with power of diagnosis, a cool head, steady muscles and mechanical genius.

April 22, 1883, Dr. Wenner was united in marriage to Miss Jennie R. Smith, who died April 26, 1885. On the 26th of October, 1886, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Emma Huss, of Tiffin, and they now have two children: Henry L. and Marjorie E. In his political views the Doctor is a Republican, firm in his faith in, and sui>- port of, the principles of the party. He w^s presidential elector from his district when William McKinley was first chosen to the presidency. For two years he was a member and one year president of the scho<:!l board of Tiffin and was a candidate for congress in 1898, making a strong run in a district which has an acknowledged Democratic majority of great strength. He has served on the county executive committee for ten years, a part of the time as its chairman, and he takes an active and helpful interest in the work of the party, his labors having been attended with gratifying results. He has been state councilor of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and is now its state treasurer and is also the Ohio trustee of the Orphans' Home of that order.' which institution is located in Tiffin. The Doctor is also connecte<:l with the Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In the line of his profession he is identified with the Seneca County, Qeveland and the Northwestern Ohio Medical Associations, and thereby keeps in touch with the advanced thought and improved methods which are brought before those bodies and discussed for the good of all, thus rendering more proficient the labors of the physicians practicing in these districts. In his religious faith and membership he is a Baptist, while his wife belongs to the Methodist church. His life has been consistent with his church relations, and no physician in Tiffin has higher regard for the ethics of his profession. His skill has led to gratifying success and at the same time his hopeful spirit and genial temperament have been important factors in sustaining the courage of those to whom he has ministered thus aiding nature in her attempts to restore the normal condition of the patient*.

Among the citizens of Seneca county there is none to whom is accorded a greater meed of honor and affection than to the venerable gentleman whose name appears above, for his life has been consecrated to exalted aims and he has been one of the most potent factors in the religious and educational advancement of this section of the state, having been one of the founders of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, one of the prominent educational institutions of Ohio, with whose work he was actively identified for the long term of two score years. He is a representative of a family of distinction and sterling worth, long identified with the annals of American history, and his personal career has been one of signal usefulness, contributing new laurels to the honored name which he bears. Many will there be who will read with pleasure and profit this brief review of his life history.

(Haak) Gcod, both of whom passed their entire lives in Pennsylvania, being of sterling German ancestry. Philip A. Good became one of the influential citizens of his native state, being a man of strong intellectuality and having been a successful teacher for a number of years. He served as a member of the state legislature and was also incumbent of various county offices of trust and responsibility, such as prothonotary of the orphans' court, county surveyor and clerk of the common pleas court. He was an active and devoted member of the Reformed church, as was also his wife, a woman of gracious presence and distinctive refinement. He died on the 4th of October, 1832, aged about forty-eight years. His father, Jacob Good, was born in one of the German-speaking cantons of Switzerland, whence he emig^ted to America about 1763, being a young man at that time, and he located in Pennsylvania, where he became a teacher and also followed other vocations and where he passed the residue of his life. He had received a good education in his native land and his mentality was of that high order which has be^n characteristic of the family in succeeding generations. Upon. coming to America he changed the orthography of his name to the present form, the original patronymic having been Guth. In Pennsylvania he prepared himself for the ministry of the German Reformied church, but his career as a clergyman was cut short by his death, at the age of about fortyfive years.

The mother of our subject was born near Reading, Berks county, Pennsylvania, and in that locality she passed the greater portion of her life, being siunmoned into eternal rest on the 20th of March, 1840, at the age of about sixty-three years. By her marriage to Philip A. Good she became the mother of eleven children, of whom we enter record as follows : Johanna died at the age of eighty-five years : \\'illiam A., a teacher and a clergyman of the Reformed church, \vathe first superintendent ol scliools in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he practically introduced the public-school system, and there died at the age of sixty-five years, having received the degree of ^Master of Arts from Marshall College at Mercersburg, Pennsylvania; Margaret died in 1896, aged eighty-four years: John P. died in infancy:

Centennial Biographical History. -215

Elizabeth passed away in 1840, aged twenty-five; Reuben is the immediate subject of this sketch; Jonathan J. was a soldier in the Union army in the Rebellion and was instantly killed by a shot in the forehead, at the battle of Chickamaugu, in 1863, at the age of- forty-three years; Jeremiah, A. M., D. D., was graduated in Marshall College and was practically the father of Heidelberg College, and is now deceased; Sarah is the wife of Rev. William K. Zieber, D. D., of Hanover, Pennsylvania ; James, who likewise was a graduate of Marshall College, died at the age of twenty- four; and Anna M., who became the \nfe of Dennis Holtz, of Seneca county, Ohio, died in 1890, at the age of sixty years. The boyhood days of Reuben Good were passed in the parental home, in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he received excellent instruction under private tutors and in Dr. Dawson's classical school. When he had attained the age of fourteen years he secured a clerkship in a local mercantile establishment and followed this vocation until he was nineteen, when he resumed his interrupted educational work, being then matriculated in Miarshall College (now known as Franklin & Marshall College), at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated in 1842, with the degree of A. B. He then entered the theological seminar}^ of that institution, continumg his studies for three years and finishing the course. He was ordained in Ohio, in 1845, to the ministry by the proper judicators of the Reformed church. Locating at Greenville, Darke county, he engaged in missionary work on a circuit including that vicinity and the field about Dayton, while he sup]X)rted himself during these early years of devoted labor by teaching. In September, 1850, Rev. Mr. Gocxl was elected by the Ohio synod as rector or head master of the projected school at Tiffin, which preparatory school was exi)ected tcj exp>and into Heidelberg College. Early in November, immediately uix)n Rector Good's arrival in Tiffin, he, in company with Major Louis Baltzell, a prominent man of the city, personally canvassed Tiffin for the first students, whose number, on the day of opening, was but seven, rapidly increasing to eighty-five, and by the end of the scholastic year the total enrollment showed one hundred and fifty diflferent names. Mrs. A. M. Lee, an experienced teacher, dcA'^oted all her time, as did Rector

Reuben Good, to the school, and as did Professor J. H. Good in the chair of matheniiatics and in the way of an extensive correspondence v/ith preachers and liberal laymen throughout the Ohio synod, and elsewhere in Pennsylvania a«rd Maryland, in behalf of the school with its flattering beginning as to students and its needs as to money for endowment, buildings, etc. The latter gentleman was strong enough to do the work of a half dozen men and he *'did it most excellently well," so as to be justly named the *Tather of Heidelberg College.'* Like this gifted brother. Rector Reuben Good's work increased, he being chosen to occupy th« professorial chair of natural sciences, in which capacity he rendered effective and devoted service until his retirement, in 1890, by reason of advanced age, but he is still connected with the institution as an emeritus professor, retaining a deep interest in the affairs of the college, to whose upbuilding he gave the best years of his life and to whose alumni he is endeared by ties of unequivocal respect and affection. He now enjoys that otium cum dignitate which is the just reward for his many years of able serv^ice as one of the world's w^orkers, having a pleasant home, surrounded by twenty acres of land, within the city limits of Tiffin and being still vigorous in mind and body for one of his advanced age. He is well known to the [people of this section of the state in educational and religious circles, while to him is granted the veneration due to one who has ordered his life upon a lofty plane and labored fcr the good of his fellow men. In politics Mr. Good tes given his allegiance to the Republican party from the tiriie of its organization, and during the Rebellion he was a zealous supporter of the cause of the Union.

On the 29th of September, 1847, ^^^^ solemnized the marriage of Professor Good to Miss Mary J. Winters, who was bom in the city of Dayton, Ohio, and who remains his devoted and cherished companion as the shadows of their lives begin to tenderly lengthen, she being now seventy-five years of age. She has been active in church work and has proved a true helpmeet to her husband, being a woman of unassuming presence and gentle refinement. Her father. Rev. David Winters, D. D., was an influential clergyman and the regular pastor of the First

Reformed church in Dayton, Ohio, for a long tern^ of years. At the Dayton Academy Mrs. Grood received her education. Professor and Mrs. Good were the parents of eleven children, of whom four died in infancy. Those who lived to mature years are as follows : Rev. Charles W., a clergyman of the Reformed church, has held several important charges and is now at the old ho;me, caring for his parents with true filial soliciitude ; he was graduated at Heidelberg College, and thereafter continued his studies for one year at Yale and one at Oxford, England; Edward R., likewise a graduate of Heidelberg, was a member of the firm of E. R. Good & Brother, leading publishers in Tiffin, and his death occurred September 28, 1901, at the age of forty-six years; Miary is also a graduate of Heidelberg; William H., who received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the same institution, is a publisher and dealer in books and photographic supplies in Tiffin ; Anna received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Heidelberg and is now the wife of Professor M. E. Kleckner, who holds the chair of biology and geology in that institution ; Lily, likewise a graduate of the college, with the same degree as her sister, is the wife of Rev. Harvey S. Nicholson, pastor of the Reformed church at Colon, Michigan; and Irving is a compositor in his brother's printing establishment.

Thomas J. Kintz

One of the prominent citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Thomas J. Kintz, who is cashier of the Tiffin Savings Bank, and who is also financially interested in a number of successful enterprises in this locality, in addition to being identified with public affairs.

Mr. Kintz is a native of Ohio, having been bom at Canton, Stark comity, February 14, 1844. His parents were George and Eliza (Conaghan) Kintz, the fonner of whom was a native of Pennsylvania. In' his young manhood he came to Ohio and located in Stark county, and there for a period of about twelve years, he was engaged in the hotel business. He then lived for a short time in Tennessee, going from that state to Indiana, where he went into business, making his home in Terre Haute, where he died at the age of eighty years.

The mother of our subject was a daughter of Dennis Conaghan, who was born in Ireland, but who became a resident of the United States in his youth, his marriage occurring in the state of Pennsylvania, where his children were born. Mrs. Kintz became a resident of Ohio at the time of her marriage, and she died, of typhoid fever, at her home in Canton, at the early age of thirty-five years. She was a w^onian of many virtues, a devoted mother, and a consistent meinber of the Catholic church. Thomas J., of this sketch, was a babe of eighteen months when he was thus deprived of his mother's care and aflFection, and he was then taken to the home of his grandfather Conaghan, in Wyandot county, Ohio. Here he lived until he was three years of age. when his uncle, Joseph Conaghan, who was a prosperous farmer in Seneca township, Seneca county, took the little lad into his househokl and there he remained until he was twenty-one. He grew up on the farm and assisted his uncle, but he was given excellent educational advantages by this kind relative. After finishing a preparatory course in the common schools of Seneca township, at the age of eighteen he entered Heidelberg College, at Tifiin. After one term of study Mr. Kintz engaged in teaching and by this plan was enabled to continue at the college, following this profession for five years.

In 1867 Mr. Kintz was selected for the position of deputy recorder of Seneca county, filling the position with so much efficiency for eight years that he was made recorder, upon the death of the former incumbent. This vacancy he filled for the unexpired term of one year anr» two weeks, and at the expiration of that time he was honored with an election to the office and subsequently re-elected, the combined terms covering a period of upwards of seven years. During this service Mr. Kintz had not been unmindful of the interests of the Democratic party, of which he is an active member, and by which he has been frequently honored.

Centennial Biographical History, 219

office, from 1880 to 1890, Mr. Kintz was engaged in the abstract and real-estate business in this city. When the project of establishing the Tiffin Savings Bank was agitated, Mr. Kintz was one of the financiers who recognized the wisdom of this move and he became one of the organizers of this enterprise. The bank began business on March 3, 1890, Mr. Kintz entering as cashier, which position he has faithfully filled ever since. The financial disturbances of the country in 1893 left no trace on the business of this institution. Its capital stock is fifty thousand dollars, of which Mr. Kintz owns eleven thousand. Tlie deposits range from three hundred and ninety to four hundred thousand dollars, and it is considered one of the safest banking institutions in the state of Ohio, the careful, conservative methods of its management meeting with the approbation of the public and gaining unqualified confidence. Mr. Kintz has other large business interests in this city. He is also interested in a large amount of real estate, one valuable holding being his handsome residence on Perry street.

On February 15, 1872, Mr. Kintz was united in marriage to Miss Adalaide V. Weller, who was born in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, where she was educated and reared, but who later became a resident of Rochester, Xew York, and still later of Tiffin, Ohio.

Ever since his first entrance into political life Mr. Kintz has been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and in 1873 he was elected on its ticket a member of the city council, his personal popularity having an influence, as his residence was then in a Republican ward. Upon removing from- the ward within the next year he resigned his position, but he was recalled by the council in 1898 and again in 1900, and he is still serving the city, being one of its most loyal officials. Fraternally our subject is a member of Seneca Lodge, No. 35, I. O. O. F., of Tiffin, and also of the B. P. O. E. of this city. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Methodist, church, and for a time he served as a member of its building committee.

Mr. Kintz is a representative self-made man, and is a liberal, publicspirited citizen, e\^er living up to the demands of the day and taking an interest in all which will benefit his city.

Newton U. Egbert

The subject of this sketch is of the third generation of his family in Seneca county, which fact gives the natural implication that the original location here was made in those early days when the section nowmarked by fruitful farms, thriving cities and attractive villages was yet practically unreclaimed from the primeval forests. The transitions have been marked, and the Egbert family has contributed to the work of development and progress and has ever stood representative of sterling integrity of character and of definite energy and enterprise. It is assuredly fitting that mention be here made of the lives and labors of those who have wrought to goodly ends.

Newton Uriah Egbert w^as born in Pleasant township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the i8th of September, 1844, being the son of Jeremiah W. and Lucy A. (Rule) Egbert. The father was born in Franklin county, Ohio, on the 19th of September, 181 7, and his wife w^as bom in Trumbull countj% Ohio, being the daughter of Daniel and Jane (Groscost) Rule, honored pioneers of Seneca county. Our subject is one of the nine children born of this union, and seven of the number grew to years of maturity, namely : Norman D., a fanner of Clinton township; Newton U., the immediate subect of this sketch; Dora, the wife of Clay Holtz, of Adams township; Elizabeth, w^lio became the wife of Henry Stinchcomb and who died in Michigan, aged forty-four years; John, a fanner of Clinton township; Lillian, a young lady who I'esides in the same township, as does also Isaac R. Jeremiah \V. Egbert w'as the son of Uriah and Susanna A. (Williams) Egbert, who came from Pennsylvania to Franklin county, Ohio, and thence to Seneca county in 1823, taking up a tract of government land in Clinton township and there establishing their family in the primitive log house characteristic of the locality and period. This farm continued to be the family home until 1832, when they removed to Pleasant township, \vhere Uriah Egbert entered a claim of two hundred and forty acres of government land, there de\'eloping a good farm and there living to a venerable age, as did his wife Susanna. After his marriage the father of our subject located on' a two-acre tract in Pleasant township, where the two elder children were born. Soon afterward he secured eighty acres in Clinton township, and cleared the place ot its heavy growth of timber, making good improvements. There he continued to reside until fifteen years prior to his death, when, at the settlement of the estate, he purchased his father's old homestead, where he was engaged in farming until his demise, on the i8th of December, 1898, his cherished and devoted wife having preceded him into eternal rest in February, 1890. They were well known and uniformly esteemed in the community, both having been zealous and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Egbert church and cemetery are on his farm entered by his fathei* Uriali.

Xewton U. Egbert grew up on the parental farm, assisting in its work and receiving such educational advantages as were aflforded by the public school of the locality and Baldwin University, which he attended for three, years. He remained at the parental home until his marriage, save for the period of his military service in the civil war, and then located on a farm of two hundred and five acres, in Adams township, developing this into one of the valuable places in this county and there continuing to make his home for the long period of twenty-six years. He then located on his present homestead place, which comprises one hundred and thirty-seven acres, and his attention is still given to farming and stock-raising. He is the owner of an estate of one hundred and thirty-se\'en acres in Adams township, and his farm is one of the most attractive in this locality, having a commodious residence and other excellent improvements.

In 1864 Mr. Egbert enlisted, for a term of one hundred days, as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantr}', with which he was sent to assist in the protection of the federal capital, being honorably discharged at tlw expiration of his term. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and since 1868 has been a member of the Green Springs Lodge, No. 318, I. O. O. P., having passed all the chairs in the same. In politics he is a stanch Re-

On the 8th of November, 1874, Mr. Egbert was united in marriage to Miss Amanda H. B^u^d, who was born in Washington county, ^laryland, the daughter of John and Susan (Sager) Beard. She continued his devoted companion and helpmeet until her death, which occurred on the 1 2th of August, 1897, at the age of fifty-six years, her memory remaining as a benediction to all who knew her and had appreciation of her true and noble character. She left three children: Bessie H., who is her father's housekeeper; Mildred; the wife of John Riggle, of Clinton township; and Schuyler C, who remains at the paternal home.

Daniel C. Rule

It can not be other than gratifying, in view of the nomadic spirit which is growing to animate all classes of American citizens, to find a locality in which are to be found citizens of worth and prominence who have passed their entire lives in the localities where they were Ix)m, and who command the respect and esteem of those who have been familiar with their entire careers. In the older settled sections of the far east we find instances where property has been held from generation to generation by one family, and where the old homesteads signify something more than mere names, but in the western and middle states this condition has not been so pronoimced. In Seneca coimty, Ohio, howe\^er, as the pages of this work clearly prove, are to be found many representatives of families who here initiated the work of reclaiming the virgin wilderness and who here made for themselves homes which their children and grandchildren are glad to retain as homes. One of the scions of pioneer stock in Adams township is Mr. Rule, of whose career we are pleased to enter a brief review.

Rule, both of whom were bom in Pennsylvania. They became the parents of nine children, of whom only two survive, - Jane, the widow cf D. W. Dudrow, of this county; and Daniel C, to whom this sketch is devoted. Those deceased are Lucy A., Elizabeth, Samuel, Albert, Byron, Matilda and Isaac P. The father of our subject came from Pennsylvania to Seneca county in the year 1832, locating* in Scipio township, where he entered claim to a tract of government land, whose reclamation he instituted, and there he remained for a period of five years, at the expiration of which he removed to Adams township, where he purchased two hundred and sixty-three acres of wild land, which he developed into a valuable and productive farm and which continued to be his home until his death, which occurred in 1887, at the venerable age of eighty-six years, his wife having passed away in 1879, aged seventy-seven.

Daniel C. Rule was bom and reared in Adams township, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in the common schools o^' the place and period, while he supplemented this discipline by a course of study in the academy then maintained in the village of Republic. When eighteen years of age he put his scholastic abilities to practical test, and was a successful teacher for seven terms, teaching during the winter months and assisting in the work of the homestead farm in the summer seasons. He was married in 1862, and thereupon located on his present farm, which he reclaimed and which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, having a finely improved place of one hundred and sixty acres and carrying on diversified farming, his efforts having been attended with success, implying the re^vard justly due for his assiduous labors and application in the past. He also gives attention to the raising of stock, and for many years was engaged in the buying and shipping of the same. In politics his support is given unreservedly to the Republican party, and in 1876 he w^s elected assessor of his towns-hip, giving an effective and acceptable administration. He was the candidate of his party for representative in the state legislature in 1877.

of Earl and Galena Church. Mr. and Mrs. Rule have three children: Annie, the wife of Martin Brunthaven, of Sandusky county; Ralph R.. a representative young member of the bar of Norwalk. Ohio; and Daniel C, Jr., who was a student at Adelbert and who is a graduate of the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada, being a civil engineer by profession.

John Neikirk

One of the native sons of Seneca county who rendered to the nation the valiant ser\'ice of a loyal son of the republic at the time of the war of the Rebellion and who is now one of the honored citizens and successful farmers of Adams township, is Mr. Xeikirk. and it is our privilege to here incorporate a brief review of his life, according him due consideration as a representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state.

Mr. Neikirk was born on the farm where he now maintains his home, the date of his nativity being December 23, 1834. His father, Joseph Neikirk, was born in Washington county, Indiana, the son of Michael Neikirk, who came thence to Seneca county with his family in the early pioneer epoch. Joseph Neikirk was married in Seneca county, Barbara Noel becoming his wife, and to them seven children were born : Mary, the widow of Dorsey Hardsock, of Adams township: William, who lost his life while serving in the Civil war; David, who also was a soldier in the Union army and who is now deceased : John, the subject of this review; and Samuel, Elizabeth and Barbara, all of whom are deceased. The father of our subject passed away in 1887, at the venerable age of eighty-two years, and the death of his devoted and cherished wife occurred in 1873, at the age of sixty-four. They located on the farm now owned by our subject shortly after their marriage, and here continued to reside until death terminated their mortal careers. The father was a blacksmith by trade, and followed this vocation in his earlier years in connection with his farming, and his life was one of signal integrity and honor. He reclaimed his farm from the virgin forests and lived to enjoy the fruits of his years of toil and endeavor, being revered as one of the sterling pioneers of the county.

On the old homestead John Neikirk was reared to maturity, early becoming familiar with the strenuous work pertaining to its development and cultivation and securing his preliminary educational discipline in the common schools. This was effectively supplemented by a course of study in the academy then maintained in the village of Republic, and thereafter he became a teacher in the schools of the county, devoting his attention to successful pedagogic work during the winters of 185O and 1857. In 1859 occurred his marriage, and after this important event in his career Mr. Neikirk rented a tract of land near the old home and continued its cultivation for a period of four years. In March, 1864, he located on a farm of eighty acres in Adams township, and this continued to be his home until 1888, in March of which year he returned to the old homestead, where he has since been successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, having a well improved place of seventy acres.

In May, 1864, Mr. Neikirk tendered his services to the Union by enlisting as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which regiment his brothers David, William and Samuel, as well as his brother-in-law, Dorsey Hardsock, were also members. The regiment was sent to aid in the defense of the national capital, and there our subject was in service for a period of one hundred days, at the expiration of which he received his honorable discharge. He still manifests his interest in his old comrades by retaining membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, being identified with Robinson Post, Xo. 135, at Republic. In politics he has ever given his support to the Republican party, taking a proper interest in public affairs of a local nature and keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the hour.

On the 6th of October, 1859, Mr. Neikirk was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Noel who was born in Allen county, Indiana, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ensley) Noel, who removed from

Seneca county, Ohio, to Dekalb county, Indiana, in 1839, where the father died at the age of forty-seven years, his widow still maintaining her home in that state and having attained the advanced age of eightyfivfe years (1902). They became the parents of seven sons and four daughters, of whom five are living at the present time, namely : Philip, who served in the Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war, is a resident of Dekalb county, Indiana; Sarah E. is the wife of our subject; Solomon is a resident of Knob, Shasta county, California; and Perry and Samuel are residents of Indiana. Those deceased are George, who died at Memphis, Tennessee, during the Rebellion, having been a soldier in the One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry ; Susan, who became the wife of John Long; Lucy, who married Holmes Link; Eliza, who became the wife of Joseph Rechtenwald; and two who died in infancy. Mr. and ]\Irs. Xeikirk are prominent and influential members of the English Lutheran church, with which our subject has been identified fur forty years, having served as elder and deacon. Our subject and his wife have no children of their own, but have reared one girl from the age of eight years, Clara Elnora Redfox, now a young lady.

George W. Fitz

Among the honored veterans of the war of the Rebellion is nunil^ered Mr. Fitz, who acci^rded to his country the XoydX and patriotic service of a true son of the republic, and whose life has been such as to commend him to the respect and good will of his fellow men. He is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Adams township, Seneca county, having purchased his present fine homestead in 1886.

The ukl Keystone state figures as the place of Mr. Fitz's nativity, since he was lK)rn in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of July, 1842, being the sf^n of Henry and Sarah (Harbaugh) Fitz, lx>th of whom were born in tliat state, of German lineage. His father was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and thus our subject was reared under the invigorating discipline of the old homestead, receiving his educational training in the common schools. At the age of twenty-two years, on the 19th of September, 1864, Mr. Fitz signalized his patriotism by enlisting as a private in Company M, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, with which he proceeded to West Virginia, taking part in the engagements at Cedar Creek and Gordonsville, the regiment being attached to Sheridan's command, in the Army of the Potomac. In the battle at Gordonsville Mr. Fitz was wounded, receiving a minie ball in the right arm just below the shoulder, but he was not long incapacitated for accive duty and continued in the service with his regiment until victory had crowned the Union arms, w^hen he received his honorable discharge, having made a record as a faithful and valiant soldier in the ranks.

After the close of the war Mr. Fitz returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1867, when he came to Ohio, locating in Sandusky county, where he was employed as a day laborer for one year, after which he came to Seneca county and turned his attention to farming, renting land until 1886, when he effected the purchase of his present farm, which is located two and one-half miles southeast of Green Spring, in Adams township, and which comprises one hundred and ten acres, having formerly been known as the Benner farm. The place is well improved and is of marked fertility, while to his operations our subject has brought to bear so much discrimination, energy and good judgment that he has gained a place as one of the substantial farmers of the county, his place being a model farm and giving evidence of the care bestowed in keeping everything in the best condition and in securing the maximum returns from its cultivation. Mr. Fitz has net failed to take a proper interest in public affairs of a local nature, and the confidence and esteem in which he is held in the community has been shown in his official preferment, since he served with ability as township trustee. His political proclivities are indicated in the stanch allegiance which lie gives to the Republican party, in whose cause he has contributed his efforts and influence. He keeps in touch with his old comrades in arms

On the 25th of December, 1867, Mr. Fitz was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Donaldson, who was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Andrew J. Donaldson. Our subject and his wife have no children, but he has made a home for her niece, Flora Fowlen from her childhood, and she remains as a member of the family. Mrs. Fitz is one of the active rmembers of the Woman's Relief Corps, maintained as auxiliary to Potter Post, G. A. R.

Ira H. Lepard

Ira H. Lepard, one of the prominent and successful agriculturists of Seneca county, is a native son of Venice township, his birth having here occurred on the 5th of March, 1858. He is a son of John and Harriet (Hoyle) Lepard. The father is also a native of the Buckeye state, where he w^as born in Lancaster, February 23, 1828, a son of Isaac and Nancy (Huffman) Lepard, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Maryland. When tw^o years of age, in 1830, the son John was brought by his parents to Seneca county, the family locating on the south line of Reed township, w'here the grandfather entered eighty acres of land, and, after clearing a sufficient space, built a cabin thereon. During the erection of this round-log dw^elling the family lived in wagons. He at once began the arduous and difficult task of clearing and placing his land under cultivation, and there his life's lalx>rs w^ere ended on the 21st of January, 1848, when he had reache<:l the fiftyfirst milestone on the journey of life. Some years after his death his widow removed to Attica, and there she was called to the spirit world September 11, 1892, at the age of ninety-three years. They were among the earliest residents in Reed township, there having been but two houses in Attica at the time of their arrival, and Tiffin, then called Fort Ball, was a small hamlet of about a dozen houses.

John Lepard, their son and the father of our subject, received but limited school advantages, and after his father's death he assumed the management of the home farm. One year after his marriage he located on a rented farm one mile west of the old homestead, where he made his home for about nine years, and on the expiration of that period, in 1864, he purchased the farm of one hundred and twenty acres where his son Ira now resides. As time passed, however, he increased his landed possessions by adding a forty-acre tract, thus making him the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. From the age of two years his entire life was spent in Seneca county, and he therefore witnessed its growth from a wilderness to its present improved conditions. His political support was given to the Democracy, and although not a member of any religious denomination he was an attendant and liberal supporter of the Baptist church and was ever active in any movement tending to promote the welfare of his fellow men. He died on the 7th of October, 1893, at the age of sixty-five years.

On the 8th of October, 1854, Mr. Lepard was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Hoyle, who was bom in the state of New York March I, 1827, a daughter of Horace and' Grizella (Holcomb) Hoyle, the former a native of Providence, Rhode Island, and the latter of New York. After their marriage the parents removed to Lorain county, Ohio. Their daughter Harriet became a successful teacher at sixteen, and after coming to Seneca county was the first teacher in the Attica schools, in 1852, where she taught up to the time of her marriage. She is still living on the old home farm, and is well preserved in all her mental faculties. She has ever shown a decided interest in educational work, being thoroughly informed on all lines of literature and takes special delight in the study of the Bible. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lepard were bom six children who grew to years of maturity, namely : Mary, who died at twenty-six; Eunice, who has been an invalid for thirtyfour years ; Ira, the immediate subject of this review ; Emmia and Hattie, also at home; and Flora, the wife of A. N. Kelly of Chicago, Illinois, and who was a teachei for three years.

Ira H. Lepard acquired his primary education in the district schools near his home and later attended the Attica high school. He worked with his father on the home place until 1886, and in that year began farming a portion of the old homestead on the shares, thus continuing until his father's death, when he assumed the entire management of the place, besides fifty acres of his own purchase. Throughout his entire business career he has been industrious, energetic and successful, and he has won for himself an honorable name in trade circles, while at all times he has received the unbounded confidence of his fellow men.

Mr. Lepard was married on the 3d of September, 1887, to Miss May Neikirk, a native of Adams township, Seneca county, and a daughter of D. J. Neikirk. She passed away on the 27th of February, 1898, and on the ist of January, 1902, our subject married Miss Jennie L. Alter, a native of Middletown, Ohio. Her parents, John K. and Emma E. (Bainbridge) Alter, removed to Dakota in 1883, and there the daughter attained to womanhood. After completing a common-school education she received a course in the high school of EUendale, North Dakota, and later in the Manual Training School at the same place. At the age of seventeen she began teaching, and for a period of ten years taught in the country schools, in the Mound City schools of South Dakota and in the EUendale schools, in North Dakota, resigning from the latter school to get married. She is one of the correspondents of the "West Land Educator," the official teachers' bulletin of North Dakota, which is a jounial founded to assist teachers, and in the conduct of which she retains an interest. At the time of her marriage, however, she endeavored to withdraw her correspondence, but her resignation was not accepted.

Mr. Lepard gives his political support to the Republican party, and is frequently a delegate to the conventions. In his social relatione he is a member of Venice Lodge, No. 197, I. O. O. F., in which he served as a noble grand f(»r seven terms; is a member of the Indel>endent Order of Good Templars, in which he has held office for the past fifteen years; and during the past year was master of Honey Creek Cirange, Xo. T314. P. of H. His relii^ious preference is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, in which he has been an officeholder for twenty years, and throughout his Hfe he has been an active worker in the cause of Christianity.

James Leroy Lake

Reed townsfhip, Seneca county, Ohio, includes among its representative fanners and respected citizens James Leroy Lake, who is a native son of this township, his birth here occurring on the 27th of May, 1846. His father, Joshua Lake, was bom in Cayuga county. New York, May 6, 1805, and there he was reared to years of maturity. About 1833 he came to Seneca county, Ohio, locating on an eighty-acre tract in Reed township, but in 1862 he sold this place and removed to the farm on which our subject now resides, there purchasing one hundred and ten acres, which continued to be his home until his life's labors were ended in death, in his seventy-ninth year. He gave an unfaltering support to the Democratic party, and for many years he served his to\vnship as a justice of the peace, as treasurer and assessor, holding the latter position when there were but fifteen families in the township. He later filled various other township positions. He was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church. As a companion on the journey of life Mr. Lake chose Miss Lydia Thatcher, who was born in Tompkins county, New York, December 4, 18 18, and her death ocairred on the 21st of August, 1899, when she had reached the age of eighty-one years. She, too, was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Unto this worthy couple were born four children, but only two now survive, our subject and Dr. O. A. Lake, of Green Spring, Ohio.

James Leroy Lake enjoyed the educational privileges afforded by the common schools of his neighborhood during his youth and early manhood, and at the age of twenty years he began the business of stavemaking, w^hich was a very profitable occupation at that time. While thus engaged he made over three thousand staves, and at the same time he also carried on agricultural pursuits during the summer months. As the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has purchased land and is now the owner of his present fine hon-iestead, located in Reed towmship, Seneca county. In addition to farming he does considerable work as a stone mason. In political matters he has followed in the footsteps of his father and also gives a stanch support to the principles of the Democracy, and for four years he served his township with efficiency as a justice of the peace. He has also held the offices of township trustee and assessor, and in all these positions he has discharged his duties with pi'omptness and fidelity. In his social relations he is a member of Lodi Lodge, No. 493, I. O. 0. F., and is a charter member of Harmony Grange, No. 481, P. of H.

In February, 1868, Mr. Lake was united in miarriage to Miss Samantha Insley, but this union was soon terminated in death, for the wife w^s called to her final rest on the 15th of September, 1869. For his second wife he chose Miss Helen Hakes, but this union w^s also terminated in death, April 5, 1893. On the 15th of April, 1896, Mr. Lake married Miss Elsie M. Wilhelm, a native of Stark county, Ohio, and a daughter of David and Margaret (Brillhart) Wilhelm, a prominent farmer of Reed township. They have one child, Irvin Leroy, who was born July 15, 1898.

Joseph M. Bever

Uix^n the roll of the representative members of the legal profession in Seneca county, Ohio, consistently appears the name of Joseph Milton BcA'cr. who is a native son of the county and a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the state. In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a mfore thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life, or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application, mature judgment and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stem conservator of justice, and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for sucess does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the legitimate result of application and unmistakable ability. Possessing the qualifications of the able lawyer, Mr. Bever has attained marked precedence in his chosen profession and has high standing at the bar of his native state, - a bar that has been graced by the transcendant abilities of mfcany of the ablest men in the annals of the nation. He has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Fostoria for nearly a quarter of a century, has been concerned in much important litigation- and is known to be thoroughly informed in the science of jurisprudence, an able attorney and a safe and duly conservative counsel, while his personal integrity and honesty of purpose have begotten an objective confidence and esteem of no equivocal order. In a work touching those who have been concerned in the public and civic life of Seneca county it is clearly incumbent that specific mention be made of Mr. Bever.

Joseph Milton Bever was born on a farm in Eden township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 9th of December, 1853, being the youngest of the six sons of Rev. Joseph and Elizabeth (Knouse) Bev^er, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Pennsylvania, she being of stanch old Pennsylvania German stock. Rev. Joseph Bever was one of a family of thirteen children who accompanied their parents on their emigration from Virginia to Ohio, in the year 1822, and within the following year they located about five ^d one-half miles south of Tiffin, Seneca county, where they made their home in the almost unbroken wilderness. Seneca county was not then organized, and this family endured, with other hardy pioneers, the labors and privations incident to life in the sylvan wilds of this section. One of the early teachers of Rev. Joseph Bever was Mr. Burlingame, father of Hon. Anson Burlingame, late minister to Russia, but his early scholastic dis- cipline was confined to a period of about nine months' duration, the popular appreciation of educational training at that time being greatly subordinate to that of developing a capacity for arduous toil. The youth, however, realized to no slight degree to how great an extent his sphere of usefulness would be circumscribed through lack of proper mental training, and through every means possible he sought earnestly to increase his store of knowledge, reading the few books which he could secure in the frontier settlement arid undoubtedly thus applying himself by the light of the open fireplace or the flickering candle, since it is not to be thooight that he would or could be released from his share of the arduous daily toil incident to the reclaiming of the farm in the virgin forest. His determination, however, proved sufficient to insure his continuance of study and reading and he developed marked intellectual strength and became a man of no inconsiderable scholastic attainments. As a young man he felt himself called to preach the gospel, his nature being intrinsically fervent and spiritual, and thus he identified himiself with the United Brethren church, by which, in due course of time, he was licensed to preach, forthwith entering upon the active work of the ministry. His first circuit comprised many of the counties of northwestern Ohio, - a section then traversed by few roads, and those of the most primitive tyi>e, while few of the streams were spanned by bridges of any sort, thus making the field far from inviting. His zeal and devotion did not falter by reason of these and other obstacles, and he continued in the active work of the Master for the greater pK>rtion of his life, as pastor and presiding elder, being one of the revered pioneer clergymen of his denomination in this section. He removed to Fostoria from the old homestead, which he had aided to reclaim, in 1871, and he did not withdraw from) pastoral work until about 1882, when his advanced age caused him to resign to a considerable extent his active labors. He continued to make his home in Fostoria until his death, which occurred in November, 1896, his devoted wife having passed away in 1883. . Of Rev. Joseph Bever it may well be said that he was a "friend to tnith, of soul sincere, in action thoughtful and in honor clear; who broke no promise, served no private end ; who gained no title and who lost no friend." Six sons survive him, namely : Captain Russel H., of Tiffin, is now deceased; M. A., of Marion; D. M., of Tiffin; L. O., of Kenton ; J. T., of Bowling Green; and Joseph M., the subject of this sketch.

To the district schools of Eden township Joseph M. Bever is indebted for his early educational training, and there he continued his studies, also assisting in the work of the old homestead, until he had attained the age of seventeen years, when he accompanied his father on his removal to Fostoria, which has ever since been his home. In 1873 he was matriculated in Otterbein University, at Westerville, Ohio, where he was graduated in the centennial year, 1876, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Shortly after his graduation Mr. Bever entered the office of W. J. Rigby, in Fostoria, and there began the technical reading and study which were to fit him for his chosen profession, his devotion to his work and his excellent assimilative powers being such that he becamie eligible for and was admitted to the bar of the state in 1878. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession in Fostoria, where he has ever since continued. His years of close application and his reliability and talent in the various branches of his professional work have eventuated in a definite and worthy success, giving him prestige as one of the leading members of th-e Seneca county bar, while his hold upon the confidence and esteem of the local public has been shown in the preferments which have come to him in official capacities. In 1878 he was elected city solicitor of Fostoria and was again chosen as incumbent of this office in 1880. Two years later he was appointed city clerk, to fill a vacancy, and at the regular election following, in 1883, he was chosen to fill out the unexpired term in this office. In 1884 came to him the distinction of being elected to the chief executive office of the municipal government, and that his administration met with popular approval is nuanifest when we revert to the fact that he was re-elected mayor in 1888, and for a third time in 1891. . In January, 1897, Mr. Bever was appK>inted city solicitor, to fill a vacancy, and was retained in this office by popular election in April of the same year, w^iile he was re-elected in 1899. He has ever taken a deep and active interest in educational matters and served for twelve years as a member of the city board of school examiners, while he was also a member of the first board of trustees of Fostoria Academy. In poHtics Mr. Bever g^ves his allegiance to the Republican i>arty, of whose principles and policies he has been an able advocate.

In connection with that noble fraternal organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Mr. Bev^er has attained the most distinguished preferment in the gift of his brothers in the order, being at the present time grand master of the grand lodge of the state of Ohio, within whose jurisdiction are found seventy thousajid members. He became identified with the order in 1881 and has been one of its most honored and enthusiastic devotees, having been frequaitly a representative to the grand lodge and having served in other official capacities. He holds his membership in Fostoria Lodge. No. 305, in his home city.

On the loth of July, 1878, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Bever and Miss Sootie J. Rugg, of Franklin county, and they have three children, - Mabel M., Roscoe and Thurlow, all of whom are graduates of the Fostoria high school, and all of whom are zealous members of the Presbyterian church.

Nicholas Rock

It is gratifying in this age to meet a man who has had the courage to face the battles of life witli strong heart and steady hand and to win in the stern conflict by bringing to b^ar only those forces with which nature has equipped him, - determined purpose, invincible courage, sturdy self-reliance and that self-respect which is begotten of worthy ambition and a desire to do right under all circumstances. These elemental attributes of character have been signally exemplified in the career of the gentleman whose name initiates this review, for he came to this country from the fatherland without the aid of capitalistic reinforcement or influential friends, and has gained a notable victory through the normal and legitimate avenues erf industrial activity, being now a successful merchant of Reedstown, Seneca county, and also having in the same township a valuable farm property. He has become one of the representative citizens of his township, and his course has been such as not only to gain him distinct prosperity but also the great reward implied in the confidence and esteem of those who know him.

Mr. Rock was born in the grand duchy of Luxemburg, on the 30th of May, 1857, ^he son of John and Catherine (Lang) Rock, who became the parents of sixteen children, of w.hom eleven survive, while only four of the number are residents of the United States, namely: Dominick, of Bismarck, Huron county, Ohio; .Matthew, a resident of Sandusky; Catherine, the wife of John Fritz, of Thompson township, Seneca county; and Nicholas, the subject of this review. John Rock was for many years engaged in the hat, cap and fumishing-goods business in the town of Dudlingen, Luxemburg, where his death occurred in the year 1874, his wddow still maintaining her home there. Our subject was reared and educated in his native place and there learned the trade of shoemaking, to which he devoted his attention- until 1880, when he came to America, his resources at the time of his arrival being represented in the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars, and this being borrowed capital. From New York he came to Sandusky, Ohio, where he entered the employ of his uncle, John Greethan, who was there engaged in the grocery and provision business. He was thus employed for a period of three years and within this time there was assigned to him the duty of driving a huckstering wagon through the section of Seneca county where he now makes his home. While thus engaged Mr. Rock formed the acquaintance of Miss Veronica Gerber, to whom he was united in marriage on the 24th of October, 1882, she having been born in Thompson township, the daughter of Michael Gerber, who was born in the province of Alsace, which was then a portion of the territory of France, and who emigrated thence to America and became one of the early settlers of Seneca county, Ohio. In the spring subsequent to his marriage Mr. Rock located on the farm, in Reed township, which be now owns, the same comprising eighty acres and having been then the property of his father-in-law^ Here he continued to devote his attention to general agriculture and stock-raising and here, on the 27th of Octo- ber, 1887, occurred the death of his wife, who is survived by four children, - Charles M., Monica R., Peter M. and Veronica. On the 22d of October, 1889, ^^- Rock was married to Miss Rosa Dannenmiller, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of John Dannenmiller, who was an influential farmer of that locality, where his death occurred. Two children have been born to our subject and his wife, - Julia and Scholastica. In 1892 Mr. Rock left the farm, which he had purchased of his first wife's father several years previously, and located in Reedtown, where he purchased the mercantile establishment and business of John G. Weaver, and here he has since continued to do a thriving business, handling a select and compreherrsive. stock of general merchandise and securing a representative patronage from the wide radius of territory normally tributary to the village. He is progressive and public-spirited in his attitude, and none can envy him a success so worthily achieved. He still owns his farm! property, the place being well improved and under effective cultivation. Though never an aspirant for office Mr. Rock has given a steadfast allegiance to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, his communion being with St. Mary's Assumption church in Reed. He visited the Paris exposition of 1900 and incidentally made a quite extended tour of the European continent, having the pleasure at the time of visiting his old home in Luxemburg.

It is a well attested maxim that the greatness of the state lies not in its machinery of government, or even its institutions, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in their capacity for high and unselfish effort and their devotion' to the public good. To this class belongs Ellsworth L. McDole, of Kansas, Seneca county, a man prominent in the business, social, political and church circles of the village.

Keystone state, his birth having there occurred in Beaver county, on the 28th of December, 1825, ^"d he was of Irish extraction. When a child he removed with his parents to Meigs county, Ohio, where he grew to years of maturity, and there he was married. When the time came for him to assume the responsible duties of life for himself he chose the life of a farmer, and in that county he followed the tilling of the soil until 1884. He was an energetic and capable agriculturist, and became a man of much influence in his locality. In that year he came to Kansas, Ohio, and after his son's marriage he took up his abode with him, and here he and his wife both still reside. In political matters he was formerly an old-line Whig, but in later years he has been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, although he has never sought the honors of public office. For many years he has also been an active member of the Disciples' church. As a companion on the journey of life Mr. McDole chose Miss Sarah Adams, who was born at Yellow Creek, Jefferson county, Ohio, June 19, 1835. Her father, John Adams, was descended from the old Revolutionary branch of the family of that name. Unto this union were born three children, - W. Asbury, who for many years has been a teacher and merchant in Parkersburg, West Virginia; Ulysses C, of Kansas, Ohio; and Ellsworth L., the subject of this review.

Ellsworth L. McDole was reared to years of maturity under the parental roof, and during his early youth he attended the common schools of his locality, while later he entered the Longbottom Academy, of Meigs county, where he enjoyed superior advantages. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the school-room as an instructor, and for the twelve following years he devoted his entire time and attention to educational work, in West Virginia, Ohio, Kansas, Missouri and again in Ohio. During four years of that time he was the efficient principal of the Kansas, Ohio, schools. While engaged in the teacher's profession he also studied medicine, under the preceptorship of Drs. E. H. and A. M. Chilcote, of Bloomdale, Wood county, Ohio, and later entered the medical department of the University of Wooster, but one j^ear prior to his graduation he was obliged to leave that institution on account of ill health. After abandoning the profession of teaching he engaged in the drug business, in 1894, and has continued in the same to the present time. Mr. McDole has ever been a stalwart advocate of Republican principles, and by that party he has been many times elected to positions of honor and trust. For a number of years past he has been a member of the county and executive committees of his party. For a short time he served as deputy collector of revenues, under Colonel Waldorf, and was later appointed a ganger at Troy, Ohio; but, although he stood the highest in the civil-service examination, he did not accept the position, owing to his extensive business interests. He has served as a member of the county board of school examiners, and on January i, 1898, was made the postmaster at Kansas, Ohio. Prior to that time, in April, 1893, he was elected a justice of the peace, and has ever since continued to fill that position. He has also served as deputy state superintendent of elections. The marriage of Mr. McDole w^s celebrated on February 25, 1900, when Miss Minnie I. Hinsman became his wife. She is a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, and a daughter of Christian Hinsman. They have one child, Julia, born February 24, 1902. In his social relations Mr. Mc- Dole is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, in which he has served as deputy grand chancellor, under appointment by Grand Chancellor Winn ; he is also a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 405, Indei>endent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Kansas Tent, Knights of the Maccabees. Since 1884 he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which for several years he served as a steward and as Sunday-school superintendent. He is a man of strong mentality, keen discernment, great tact and resolute purpose, and is therefore well fitted for the political honors which have been conferred upK)n him.

James Pillars

The late Judge James Pillars, of Tiffin, well deserves more than casual mention in connection with those men whose lives here carried an influence in shaping the history of this community. He was born.

Judge James Pillars Centennial Biographical History, 241

as he himself often expressed it, on "Yellow creek/' in Jefferson county, Ohio, about 1820, the exact date of his nativity being unknown, even to himself. Scarcely anything can be learned of his family, though we know that he early inclined to study, familiarizing himself with such limited books as he could secure for himself or borrow for the time being. His desire was for the acquirement of an education, and in accordance with that fixed idea he entered the academy at Norwalk, Ohio, though no data can now be obtained touching his removal from his native county. After obtaining such advantages as the academy afforded he began reading law in the office and under the preceptorship of John Whitbeck, at Norwalk. In seeking for a suitable location in which to begin the practice of his chosen profession he chose Tiffin, having already formed some few acquaintances here, among others being Warren P. Noble, who was then a young lawyer of about his own age.

He applied himself to the principles of the law, the abstruse reasoning upon which it was based appealing strongly to his peculiarly analytical mind. Clients were slow in coming, and for several years the practice of his profession afforded him a precarious living. He had not learned the art of retaining money, and the end of each year found him no better off financially than at its beginning until the time when he decided to join his fortunes with those of the lady of his choice. Miss Sarah M. Deming. of Norwalk. She f>ossessed to a high degree the business tact anrf managerial ability lacking in her husband, and henceforth the financial clouds were less ominous, the sunshine of prosperity being more frequently seen through the rift.

Judge Pillars was never of a popular turn of mind, his warmest friendships being with those few who could understand him. Never a special aspirant for public honors, he was prevailed upon, in 1859, to become a candidate for the nomination for state senator, but not being disposed to make a personal canvass and lacking those traits that enhance personal popularity he was defeated. When he was nominated for a seat on the common-pleas bench, in 1868, he was chosen without special effort, as his legal ability was well known to be second to that of no man in the district. As a judge he was hard-working and methodical.

his technical and profound knowledge of law' enabling him to hand down decisions that were notable for clarity and for soundness of logic, and strength and brilliancy of diction, while they ever manifested his thorough familiarity with law and precedent. Judge Pillars' ability and keenness of intellect were such that he would have graced a seat on the supreme beiich, delighting as he did in the analytical discussion of those fundamental principles that form the basis of all law. He took a deep interest in the younger members of the bar, no task asked at his hands being too onerous or too great for him to grant and fulfill. He often wrote the entries for them, and in this his exactness, clearness and mastery of the language were clearly shown, the articles being models of brevity, conciseness and powerful composition. He was a wide reader and his powers of assimilation were prodigious, his private library standing pre-eminent in this section of the state. He found greatest consolation in the perusal of those old authors whose wit and learning have graced the past, and no sacrifice was too great when the object was to secure some ancient volume valuable in edition, contents or binding. His arguments on the bench, while noted for incisive logic, brevity, clarity and force, often led to conclusions that caused much opposition, it not being merely hinted but openly declared that his decisions were sometimes shaped by extraneous influences that militated against strict justice. He demanded more exactness of procedure on the part of attorneys who had fallen into somewhat loose methods, and thus elevated the courts, placing business upon a more methodical basis than heretofore, though what was gained in one w^ay might have been lost in another. His keenness of intellect and command of the basic principles made his mind specially ready to grasp new points of law, - ^possibly to the exclusion of reasoning that might lead to sounder judgment. He was never more at home than when supporting by the subtlest logic what seemed to others a losing side, his facility of argument and coloring w^ith delicate shades of language leading his opponents to accept his views. Whatever may have been said in criticism of Judge Pillars, no one ever questioned his ability or learning, and had his nature been evenly balanced there would have come from his life an influence for good beyond the power of man to conjecture. He was a peculiar man, - probably with more diversified elements and attributes than any other man who has ever lived in Tiflin, and whatever phases of character were presented' for contemplation, there would be ever found a brilliancy second to none. His mind was of that texture found in the pessimist, the world carrying a dark and forbidding aspect for him, the result of this attitude being that in his later years he became almost misanthropic, recourse being frequently had to those stimulants whose effect was to momentarily enhance and emphasize the natural brilliancy of a once powerful mind, but whose reflex was to intensify the darker, sadder musings of a disordered and distorted imagination.

Judge Pillars died in the year 1888, having tasted much of life, feding the thrill that comes from pure, abstract reasoning and from living in touch with the master minds of centuries past, and also realizing to the full the bitterness resulting from being out of sympathy with those with whom he lived and moved.

C. G. Cook

Mr. Cook is the superintendent of the Peabody Buggy Company, of Fostoria. He has resided in this city since 1887 and has occupied his present position since 1897. Previous to that time he was for five years connected with the Fostoria Buggy Company, the predecessor of the corporation which he now represents. Mr. Cook is a native of Dayton, Ohio, in which city his birth occurred in 1850. After acquiring his education in the public schools he began learning the carriagemaker's trade, which he also followed in Cincinnati. He became an expert workman, mastertering the business in every detail. He thoroughly understands mechanical principles, is practical and is fully competent to direct the efforts of the large force of workmen employed in the factory. He has supervision over the labors of from one hundred to one hundred and thirty men, and is thus controlling a business of considerable magnitude. In his relations with those who work under him he is always fair and just, and is ready to recommend for promotion, as opportunity offers, all those who are diligent, honorable and loyal to the company's interests. He owes his own advancement to reliability, close application and steadfast principles. These qualities have won him continual promotion until he today occupies a very prominent position in trade circles.

Mr. Cook was married, in Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Kate Linkert, of Rochester, New York, and they now have two sons and a daughter. One son, Harry, occupies the position of foreman in the employ of E. W. Walker, at Goshen, Indiana, while William works with his father in the factory of the Peabody Buggy Company. The daughter is Gertrude, a student in the high school. Socially Mr. Cook is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he had taken royal-arch degree. He also has membership relations with the Knights of the Maccabees and in his political affiliations is a Republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him as he prefers to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. His life history illustrates howpotent are loyal principles, diligence and honorable effort in attaining success when one does not have friends or wealth to aid him at the outset of a career.

William Henry Norris

Among the most highly regarded citizens of the city of Tiffin, Ohio, is William H. Norris, who has resided here since 1891, having been previously engaged in agricultural pursuits. Although not actively engaged in farming Mr. Norris still exercises a superintendence over his -land, which is located in the near vicinity, while he enjoj^s all the comforts of city life in his pleasant home, at No. 191 North Sandusky street.

Mr. Norris is a son of the Buckeye state, having been born in Seneca county November 1 1, 183 1. His ancestral line runs back to England, from which land camie his great-grandparents, Nathaniel and Grace Norris, who settled in Frederick county, Maryland. There the grandparents of our subject were born, Thomas P. and Susanna Norris, the former on February 18, 1765, and the latter on March 16, 1775. They moved to Harrison county, Ohio, in the early days of its settlement, and they were accompanied by their son Lott, who was then a young man. An older brother, Nathaniel, had come to Seneca county in 1827, and in the latter part of the same year Lott Norris, who was the father of our subject, also came hither. They entered government land in Scipio township, four miles northwest of Republic. At that time the whole country was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and it required much hard work to clear this land and convert it into its present state of fertile productiver^ss.

After his marriage, in the spring following his location, Lott Norris erected a comfortable log cabin on his land and devoted his energies to the clearing of his acres and improving his condition. He owned ninety acres here and remained on the farm for some eight years, removing then to a new purchase, near by, of ninety-two acres, of which eight acres had already been cleared. Here Mr. Norris worked with unceasing industry until within a it\\ years of his death, retiring prior to that event to Tiffin, where he passed away at the age of sixty-one years. Although he had been a busy man from his earliest days of activity, he found time to faithfully serve his community in various official positions, his clear judgment and known integrity making him a valuable citizen. He accumulated means, and at the time of his death owned one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Adams township and an additional one hundred and eighty-two acres in Scipio township, all of which had been acquired by his own energy. When the Mad River Railroad was built through this county it materially increased the value of his property. He was an interested and active member of the Republican party, and was a leading member of the Methodist church, aiding in its early establishment in his locality.

The mother of our subject belonged to one of the old and longestablished families of Maryland. Her name was Lourana Todd, and she accompanied her parents upon their removal to Seneca county, where they also entered government land. She was an attendant of the

Dunkard church, and although she never became a member the simplicity of life and the pious and unworldly belief of the adherents of their faith attracted her. She died at the age of forty-eight years. Eight children were born to Lott and Lourana (Todd) Norris, twQ of whom are deceased, namely : Mary, who died in 1864; and Charles, who died when but eighteen years of age, while serving in the army. The survivors are as follows: William, who is our subject and the eldest of the family; Ephraim, who is a farmer in Adams township; John, who resides in Tiffin ; Sarah, w'ho married Jacob Bunnell ; Susan, who married B. J. Vandervere; and Emma, who married Albert Bunnell.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent at home, where his youthful energies found plenty of exercise in assisting in farm work. His educational advantages were rather limited, not on account of any want of ambition on his part or neglect on the part of his parents, but because of conditions prevailing at the time in this locality. He remained at home and gave his assistance to his father until he was twenty-four years of age, and then started out in life for himself. He went to Mason county, Illinois, and there worked for several years as a carpenter, but at the request of his parents he returned to his home and remained there, giving needed assistance in the management of his father's large interests for eighteen months.

Mr. Norris was married October 7, 1858, to Miss Lizzie Coffman, who was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1833, being a daughter of Joseph ^nd Fannie (Kanagy) Coffman, the spelling of the family name having formerly been Kauffman. Her pyarents were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Seneca county in 1842, settling in Scipio township, w^here her father became a large farmer and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died at the age of eighty years and seven months, and was a man who was noted not only for his prominence and financial prestige, but also for his many benefactions to the poor, his charities being liberal and wide spread. He was generous to his children, giving eighty acres of land to each one of the six. His father, Peter Coffn^an, was a native of Switzerland and l>elono^ed to the Moravian faith. The mother of Mrs. Norris was likewise a consistent and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and her years were extended to ninety-two. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Norris were of English lineage, the original American ancestors having come to Pennsylvania, the grandparents being born in Shippensburg, that state, and later became residents of Stark county, Ohio, in the days of its early settlement.

Mr. and Mrs. Norris had a family of four sons, two of whom died in early childhood, the survavors being : Charles Albert, who is a prosperous farmer of Adams township; and Martin Edward, who is also successfully engaged in farming, in Scipio township. Mrs. Norris inherited eighty acres of land from her father's estate, and this she transferred to one of her sons, and eighty acres were also given to the other son, this still leaving a tract of eighty acres, which Mr. Norris rents.

After his marriage Mr. Norris bought a farm in Scipio township, altliough he was obliged to go into debt, but in a short time was able to add an adjoining tract of eighty acres, in Adams township. His industry has been rewarded by prosperity. Mr. Norris has not been unmindful of public affairs, even while his family and business called for his close attention. For two years he belonged to the state militia, and in May, 1864, when the call came for defenders of the nation's capital, he, like Cincinnatus of old, left his plow in the furrow, and witli Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment, under Colonel Lee, hastened to the city of Washington. Mr. Norris remained on his farm until increasing years prompted him to turn over its active management to a tenant and enjoy the ease which his industry and energy had earned. In 1891 he erected his present comfortable residence in Tiffin, and since removing there has been one of the city's esteemed citizens, interested in its development and assisting in public-spirited enterprises. Mrs. Norris and her sons are particularly active in the Methodist church and in the charitable and benevolent work in this city.

Although Mr. Norris has reached the psalmist's age, there is small indication of failing powers in either mind or body, the strength of youth still remaining to a remarkable degree. Mr. Norris rightly attributes his excellent health and freedom from many of the ills of advancing years to his perfectly temperate life, as he has never indulged in either strong drink or in the use of tobacco in any form. He is a man of integrity and of noble purpose, - one who has done his share in the upbuilding of the prosperity of his section and who most justly deserves the high measure of esteem in which he is held.

Lorenzo Sherman

This venerable pioneer and representative agriculturist of Seneca county has lived on the farm which is now his home for more than half a century, while he has been a resident of the county from his infancy, thus having witnessed' and taken an active part in the development of this section orf the state from a sylvan wild to its present condition as an opulent agricultural and industrial community, with admirably improved farms and thriving cities and villages. From the rude forest lodge of the early days, the primitive schools and the meagre advantages of the pioneer epoch, he has seen the varied transitions and in the evening of his life is enabled to enjoy the fruits of his long years of earnest toil and endeavor. He early began to contribute to the work of clearing the land from its heavy forest, later assisted in the establishing of better schools and better public improvements, while his life course has ever been so directed as to retain to him the unqualified approval and esteem of the community in which he has passed practically his entire life. As a sterling representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state, it is imperative that a due tribute be incorporated in this publication.

Lorenzo Sherman is a native of the old Empire state of the Union, having been born in Oswego county. New York, on the 27th of April 1823, the son of Japhet and Hannah (Holmes) Sherman, the former of whom was born in the state of Rhode Island, in the first year of the nineteenth century. They became the parents of six children, namely: Lorenzo, the subject of this sketch ; Elkanah, who was in the one hun- drcd clays' service during the war of the Rebellion, and who is now deceased: Hiram, a resident of Kansas; Caroline, deceased; Warren, a resident of Oregon : and Franklin, who is deceased, having also been a Union soldier in the Civil war.

Our subject was but two years of age w^hen his parents removed from New York state to Ohio, in 1825, settling on a tract of land in Eden township, the father having here purchased eighty acres, all of which was still covered with the primeval forest, the place being now owned by J. R. Holmes. Here he erected a primitive log cabin of one room, utilizing the logs in their original shape, as there w^s not sufficient time or the needed assistance for the hewing of the timber. This rude domicile was equipped with a slab roof and such other meager fittings as were available, and yet the toil, deprivation and isolation were borne with stanch fortitude and the humble home w^as wx)rthy the name. On this farm the father of our subject passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring when he was forty-three years of age. His wadow lived to attain remarkable longevity, passing away at the age of one hundred years and eleven months. Our subject grew up on the pioneer farm, and while still a youth attained a local reputation as an ox-driver and logger, having contributed in the work of clearing out roads and making other necessary improvements in the locality. He remained on the old homestead until the time of his marriage, having attended the primitive subscription schools as opportunity afforded, the same being held in log houses, with puncheon floors, slab seats and wide fireplace, familiar in the early days, and yet in "scholastic institutions'' of this type many of the eminent men of the nation have received their early discipline.

In the year 1847 M^- Sherman purchased a tract of sixty acres of wild timbered land in Eden township, paying ten and one half dollars per acre for the 'same ; and this he cleared and unproved and it is interesting to note that it is still his homestead, though he has added to the area of the same by the purchasing of one hundred acres, thus having two fine farms, both being under a high state of cultivation and devoted to diversified agriculture. His long years of earnest effort have not been denied farmers of the. township, while he has retained the confidence and good will of the people of the community, being kindly and charitable in nature and ever regarding the wishes and rights of others, as is evidenced in the fact that he has never been a party to a lawsuit during his entire life. His political support is given to the Republican party.

On the 7th of May, 1846, Mr. Sherman was united in marriage to Miss Leah Stalter, and their two living children are Hiram J. and Mary E. Hiram J. Sherman operates one of the farms. He married Miss Frances Jane Culver and they have two children, - Myron A. and L. Katie. Mary E. Sherman began to teach at the age of seventeen years, and taught in the schools of Seneca and Wyandot counties for twenty terms. Both she and her brother were educated in Heidelberg University. Two children are deceased, - one in infancy, and William H., who died of typhoid fever at the age of thirty years.

Henry Kirgis

One of the leading citizens and substantial and representative farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Henry Kirgis, a large landholder who has been identified with the interests of Bloom township since 1872.

On the paternal side Mr. Kirgis is connected with a long line of German forefathers, his father, Jacob Kirgis, having been born in Wurtemberg, Germany, coming to the United States wnth his father, Jacob Kirgis, in 1834. The latter settled in Seneca county, Ohio, and here bought large tracts of land, in Seneca township, the old -farm now being the property of Lewis Kingseed. Jacob Kirgis was married, in this latter township, to Mary Schaffer, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, her parents also being pioneers in Seneca county. A family of six children was born to Jacob and Mary Kirgis, namely : Henry, who is the subject of this biography: Elizabeth, who married John Sponsaller and lives at New Washington: Julia, who married Mathias Bippees, of To ledo, Ohio; William, who lives in Lykens township, Crawford county;

Daniel, who also lives in Crawford county; and Caroline, who married Lewis Buck, of Bucyrus, Ohio. In 1834 Mr. Kirgis also entered a tract of government land in Wyandot county, but he never resided upon it.

After his marriage Jacob Kirgis removed to the farm on which our subject was born, erecting there a comfortable log cabin Although containing but one room, its construction made it warm and perfectly adapted to the needs of the occupants. Here he reared his family and engaged in the clearing of the surrounding land, continuing to improve it until 1848, when he moved to Lykens tow^nship, Crawford county. Here Mr. Kirgis bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, clear-ed and improved this property also, and continued residence upon it until 1866, when he returned to his former farm. His death occurred in 'New Washington, in 1875, ^t the age of seventy-eight years, his widow surviving him two years. Both parents of our subject were w^orthy and consistent members of the Lutheran church, and they had lived lives of industry and honor, and had accumulated a competency.

Henry Kirgis was the eldest child of his parents, and he w^as born in Seneca township, Seneca county, January 16, 1840. He had attained his seventh year when his parents moved to Crawford county, and there he grew to manhood, having been educated in the common schools. In Febniary, 1862, he was married to a most estimable young lady of Crawford county, Miss Mary Shellhorn, and to this union four children were born, namely: William, who is a resident of Scipio township, Seneca county; Mattie, who married Samuel Haines, of Bloom township; Ann M., w-ho married George Claire, a banker in Sycamore, Ohio; and Henry M., w^ho is a resident of Venice township.

Soon after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kirgis came to Bloom township, w^here the former purchased one hundred and fifty-six acres of land, and they lived on that farm for six years, then disposing of the property ancf buying another tract of eighty acres. In 1872 Mr. Kirgis removed his family to the farm where he now resides, making a first purchase of two hundred and forty acres of land, and now owning here three hundred and eighty acres. Thus he has a home farm of large extent, and this, under the excellent methods pursued by the owner, has become one of the most productive in this township. In addition to this valuable property Mr. Kirgis is also the owner of a farm of eighty acres and another tract of one hundred and forty-nine acres, in Scipio township, while this does not include two hundred acres which he has generously given to his children. Mr. Kirgis has used good judgment in his investments in real estate, and his ample fortune has been accumulated by thoroughly honorable and legitimate means. In connection with general farming and stock raising, he has dealt in wool for the past fifteen years.

In his political views our subject has always been devoted to the principles of the Democratic party, but he has been personally a much esteemed citizen aside from politics, and he was continued in the office of township trustee for a period of eleven years. He is regarded as a liberal, public-spirited citizen, living up to the demands of the day and taking a deep interest in his section. Both he and his wife are among the leading members of the Lutheran church, to w'hich Mr. Kirgis has long been a liberal contributor and of which he has served as trustee for several years.

Paul W. Zutavern

One of the leading farmers of Seneca county, .Ohio, is Paul W. Zutavem, who was bom in Bloom township, this county, June 20, 1859, being a grandson of Conrad Zutavem and a son of Henry and Margaret (Geiger) Zutavem, who had a family of eleven children, - three sons and eight daughters, - of whom seven survive.

Henry Zutavern was a son of Conrad Zutavern, and both were born in Baden, Germany. Conrad Zutavern brought his family to America and settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and later his son Henry came to Seneca county and here entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, while still later he entered six hundred acres in the state of Michigan. At one time he thus owTied large tracts of land, some of w^hich he improved, and some of which he sold. Henry Zutavem died in 1874, at the age of sixty-five years, after an industrious and worthy life. His estimable wife survived until 1879, her death occurring at the age of sixty-seven. Both parents had been consistent and valued members of the German Reformed church.

The early rearing of our subject was on his father's farm, where he assisted in the work of improvemlent and cultivation, while he attended the district schools. At the age of nineteen years there devolved upon him the duty of taking charge of his father's estate, and he successfully carried on operations there until 1881, managing the farm with economy and ability, gaining in the meantime an experience which he has put to good use in the conduct of his own agricultural enterprise. Mr. Zutavem comes of a long line of farming people and there are few details of this industry which he does not fully understand. Being a man of progressive ideas and intelligent comprehension, he makes use of modem machinery, understands drainage and succession of crops, displaying in every branch of his business the interest and knowledge which have enabled him to take the leading position he does among Seneca county farmers. The improvements which Mr. Zutavem has made on hif? property are substantial and permanent, his commodious barn, which is ninety-eight by forty feet in dimensions, having been erected in 1897. All of his other buildings are in proportion, and there are few farms in this tcrvATiship which are so desirable in every way. Our subject has here a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of arable land, well adap^ ted to the production of all grains and vegetable growths, and equally well suited for stock-raising, the latter being an important feature in Mr. Zutavem's operations.