Seneca Township (part 19 of 60)

Charles H. Seiger remained at the parental home during his early youth and received his educational training in the public schools. After the removal of the family to Kansas he was here employed in his father's mill and at various other occupations until he had attained the age of nineteen, when he began serving an apprenticeship at the trade of blacksmith, in which he became an expert artisan. He was employed by others for an interval of five years and then, in 1892, opened a shop of his own. He has built up a large and profitable enterprise, doing wagonmaking and operating a planing mill in connection with his general blacksmithing, and I^eing frequently referred to as the **busiest man In the town," this being praise to which he is clearly entitled, for he is indefatigable in his industry and his business methods are such as to retain to him unqualified confidence and esteem in the community. In his political proclivities Mr. Seiger is a stanch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and fraternally he is identified with Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, while both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is also a prominent member of Kansas Lodge, No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is treasurer at the time of this writing. November 24, 1894, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Seiger to Miss Mabel Grove, who was lx)rn in Erie county, Ohio, the daughter of the late William Grove, a successful merchant of Castalia, and of this union three daughters have been born, namely : Bernice, Vera and Lela.

Harrison Thornburg

Seneca county contributed to the federal army many a brave and valiant soldier during the war of the Rebellion, and among those surviving at the present time, - when the ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic are rapidly being decimated by the one invincible foe, death, - stands the subject of this sketch, who was loyal to his country in her hour of peril and who has ever since been her stanch supporter in the "piping times of peace.'' In the connection it is also interesting to revert to the fact that cnir subject's father, Eli Thornburg, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and that his maternal grandfather. Henry Meyers, bore arms in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution, showing that loyalty and patriotism have been ever characteristic of the family and also, incidentally, revealing the fact that it was established on American soil in the colonial epoch. Mr. Thornburg is one of the representative farmers of Seneca county, where he has passed the major portion of his life, his parents having been numbered among its pioneer settlers.

Mr. Thornburg is a native of the state of Maryland, having been born in Washington county on the 12th of May, 1828, the son of Eli and Sarah (Meyers) Thornburg, who became the parents of six children, of whom Wesley, the eldest, met his death while serving in the war of the Rebellion. The others are: Harrison, Martha S., Mary, Margaret E., and Captain Thomas H., who is the only survivor besides our subject. Captain Thornburg was a lieutenant in the Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with w'hich he started as a private. Eli Thornburg removed with his family to Seneca county in 1832, locating in Tiffin, where he followed his trade, that of mason, until his death, in 1854, at the age of sixty-five years, his w-ife passing aw^ay in 1869, aged about seventy years. Our subject was about five years of age at the time of the family's removal to this county, and here he was reared ta maturity, securing such scholastic advantages as were aflforded by the public schools and learning the mason's trade under the eflfective direction of his father. He continued to follow his trade in this locality until 1852, when the g;old excitement in California led him to make the long, perilous and weary trip across the continent to the new Eldorado, the journey being made with a mule team and not being completed until the expiration of three months. He went to the mining camp at Hangtown (now known as Placerville) and there joined the eager throng of gold-seekers, working in the placer beds for two years and being quite successful in his eflforts. He then returned to Ohio, on this occasion making the trip by boat and by way of the isthmus of Panama. He now engaged in farming in Eden township and was thus employing his time at the outbreak of the Rebellion. In 1863 he enlisted as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being mustered into the service in the city of Cleveland, for a term of one hundred days, and thence proceeding with his command to assist in defense of the national capital, at Fort Hagerty receiving his honorable discharge at the expiration of his term. He then returned to his home in Eden township, and in 1879 he purchased his present fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, where he has been duly successful in his farming ojxrations and in the raising of an excellent grade of live stock. An air of thrift and prosperity pervades the place, the permanent improvements being of excellent order and every detail showing the careful supervision of an energetic and progressive owner. His political support has ever been given to the Republican party and he has neglected none of his civic duties, doing all in his newer to conserve the best interests of the community and being here held in the highest esteem. Mr. Thornburg has never married.

Elias W. Crum

The Crum family is of sterling old German origin, but has been established on American soil since the colonial epoch, the original representatives in the United States having located in Pennsylvania, with whose annals the name has been identified for se\'eral generations. The subject of this review, one of the highly esteemed and prosperous farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, may well be considered a representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state, since his father came here forty-five years ago and cast in his lot with the people who were here developing the forest lands into fine farms, inaugurating the work which has been so splendidly carried forward and which has made the county one of the most attractive and prosperous sections of the old Bucke}e commonwealth. Many of those who figure as founders and builders of thp county find representation in this publication, and we are pleased to thus consistently make reference to the Crum family and to the individual career of the gentleman whose name initiates this review.

28th of April, 1846, being the son of Frederick and Susanna (Reeme) Crum, of whose eight children seven are living at the present time, namely: Daniel, a prominent farmer of Hopewell township; Elias W., the immediate subject of this sketch ; Frederick, a resident of Hamilton county, Indiana; Theodore, a farmer of Pleasant township; Wesley, engaged in agricultural pursuits in Eden township; Savilla, the wife of Deroy C. Dunn, of Hopewell township; and Oliver, a successful merchant at Bascom. The father of our subject was likewise bom in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 18 16, being the son of Leonard and Catherine (Stein) Crum, the former of w^hom was also born in the same county, whither his father had emigrated from Germany. Grandfather Leonard Crum passed his entire life in his native county, passing away at the age of eighty-four years and having devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, owning three hundred and twenty acres of land in Dauphin county. His son Frederick grew to maturity on the old homestead, and for six years after his marriage was engaged in farming on a tract of land owned by his father. He then purchased a farm of eighty-seven acres in his native coimty and there made his home until 1857, when he came with his family to Seneca county, CHiio, where he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres now owned by our subject. Five years later he purchased the eighty-acre farm where his son Daniel L. now resides, and in 1871 he purchased another farm, comprising one hundred and thirty-four acres, located three miles north of Tiffin, in Clinton township, where he made his home about four years. He then purchased forty acres adjoining this last- farm and there erected a commodious and attractive residence. Here he was living at the time of his wife's death, July 16, 1889, and two years later he removed to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Dunn, where he remained until his death, on the 5th of January, 1899. He w^as a man of spotless reputation and noble character, was one of the world's sterling workers and gained independence and prosperity through his own efforts, ^^er commanding that unalloyed esteem which indicates objective appreciation of genuine worth. He was one of the influential citizens of his community, and though he never sought official preferment he gave an unfaltering allegiance to the Republican party. He was eighty-three years of age at the time of his death, and his cherished and devoted wife, who was bom in the same county as was he himself, passed away at the age ot sixty-four years.

Elias W. Crum, as may be inferred, was surrounded with the beneficent influences of a true horme, though it was humble in character, and he waxed strong in mind and body while assisting in the work of the homestead farm, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in the common sch'jols of the period. His marriage occurred in 1871, and his father then removed to Clinton township, leaving the homestead farm in his charge. Here he continued in the vocation to which be was reared, and his energy and progressive methcxls were attended wit!i >ucb results that be was enabled to effect the purchase of the homestead in 1880, and here be has ever since maintained his home, bringing to l)ear the most apj)roved and scientific methcxls and facilities in the cultivation of his land, and making the best of improvements, including a stibstantial and bandsoine brick residence, which be erected in 1890 and which is to Ije noted as one of the fine homes of this township. In addition to bis homestead farm he is also the owner of sixty-five acres in Clinton township, this place l^eing in charge of his son-in-law, Silis Bretts. Mr. Crum lu^s commanded, for the same reasons, the esteem am! confidence so freely accorded to bis venerated father, and the family hold a prominent |X)sition in the social life of the community. In |X)]itics Mr. Crum exercises bis franchise in supi)<)rt of the principles and poUcies of the Republican party, but the honors and emoluments of pul)lic office have bad no albirements for him. He and bis wife are devoted members of the Protestant Methodist church, and he has been a meml)er li the l>oard of trustees of Bethel church for the past five years.

On the 31st of January. 1871, Mr. Crum was imited in marriage to Miss Frances Lambright, who was born in Maryland, the daughter of Henr}' Lambright, who came with Jiis family to Seneca county in 1856, settling in Clinton township, where he passed the residue of hi> life. Mr. and Mrs. Crum are the parents of three children, - Minnie

I., die wife of aement Barnes, a farmer of Hopewell township; Mary O., the wife of Silas Bretts, who has charge of our subject's farm in Clinton towTiship; and Herbert L., who remains at the parental homp*

Isaac W. Cookson

The pioneers of a country, the founders of a business, the originators of any undertaking that will promote the material welfare or advance the educational, social and moral influence of a community deserve the gratitude of humanity. One of the leading factors in the mercantile activities of Kansas, Ohio, is the hardware store of Isaac W. Cookson, who is at all times a public-spirited and progressive citizen, ne\^er withholding his support from any movement which tends to advance the public good.

A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurred in Sandusky county, December 19, 1856. His father, Joseph Cookson, was also born in that county, in 1834, to which place his parents had removed from Pennsylvania. There the son Joseph was reared and married, and when the time came for hirm to begin the active battle of life on his own account, he located on a farm in Sandusky comity, which continued to lie his home until 1894. In that year he came to Kansas, Ohio, where he and his wife still reside. She bore the maiden name of Mar}- Sproui, and their marriage was blessed with four children, three of whom still survive, namely: Isaac, the subject of this review; David F., who still makes his home in Sandusky county; and Jacob C, a prominent agriculturist of Liberty township.

Isaac W. Cookson chose as a life occupation that to which he had been reared, and at the age of twenty years he began farming on rented land, thus continuing for the following ten years. In 1886 he removed to Sycamore, Ohio, where he gave his attention to the creamery business for the following three years, and on the expiration of that period, in 1889, came to this city to engage in the hardware business with his brother, David F. This relationship was of short duration, however, for within a year our subject became its sole owner and has ever since conducted the business alone. Since entering upon an independent career he has made good use of his opportunities and has pr(>si>ered from year to year, conducting all business matters systematically and in all his acts displaying an aptitude for successful management. But not alone in the business world has he won prominence, for in the ranks of the Republican party he is recognized as a leader. While a resident of Sycamore he was elected and served as a member of the town council, but was obliged to resign that position on account of his removal from the city. In 1892, under Harrison's administration, he was mnde 1^ stmaster of Kansas, in w^hich capacity he served for four years, discharging \\\^ duties in that important position to the satisfaction of all concerned. In his social relations he is a member of Kansas Lo<:lge, Xo. 183, Knights of Pythias, and of Kansas Lodge, Xo. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is a past grand and past chancellor, respectively.

December 19, 1876, Mr. Cookson w^as united in marriage to Miss Laura Byers, a native of Loudon township and a daughter of Philip Byers. They have two children, - Lulu, the wife of Ralph Smith, of Fremont, Ohio; and Maud E., at home. The family hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Cookson has served as a stew^ard and as president of the Epworth League.

Amos Keller

Amos Keller is one of the prominent business men of Seneca county, his home being in Seneca township. He has met with creditable success and has commander] uniform confidence and respect by his business mtethods, so that the record of his career is full of interest. In all his trade transactions he has l>een honorable : at all times he has been energetic; he forms his plans readily, carries them forward to successful completion, and is now enjoying well merited prosperity.

^Ir. Keller was bom near Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, December 26, 1839, and is a son of Joseph Keller, whose birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1797. The grandfather of our subject was Henry Keller, who, about the year 1809, removed with his family to Fairfield county, Ohio, and there Joseph Keller was reared to manhood upon a farm. He was about twelve years of age at the time of his removal to the Buckeye state, and through the period of his youth he assisted in the operation of the old homestead. On attaining his majority he began wcrking at the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed for two years, and then decided to resume farm work, purchasing a tract of land which he owned and operated until 1849. I" ^^at year he removed to Clinton township, Seneca county, and became the ow^ner of two hundred acres of valuable land, two miles from Tiffin. This is now owned by Mr. Schoffner and Mr. Schreikel. This farm was partially improved when it came into the possession of Mr. Keller, and he and his family became the occupants of a log cabin that had previously been erected upc>n the place. While his wife attended to the household duties he took his place in the fields and continued the cultivation of the soil until 1855, when his life's labors were ended in death. He held membership in the Evangelical Association and his life was consistent with the teachings of that denomination. He w^as three times married, his first wife being Mrs. Catherine Hite, by whom he had one child, who died in infancy. For his second wife he chose Miss Elizabeth Tussing, and they became the parents of six children, namely : Mary, who became the w'ife of Solomon Meisse and died in 1899; Reuben, who was a resident of Seneca county and died in 1882; Sarah, who is the widow of David Meisse and makes her home in Springfield, Ohio: Isaac W., a resident of Fairfield county, this state; Amos, the subject of this review ; and Joseph, who died during the civil war, while at Camp Dennison, in 1864, was wounded at the battle of Stone River, but the immediate cause of his death was an -attack of smallix>x; he belonged to Company H of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteei* Infantry, of which he was orderly sergeant. After the death of his second wife, Joseph Keller,

Amos Keller spent the first ten years of his life in his native county and then accompanied his family to Seneca county, where he pursued his elementary education in the public schools, later continuing his studies in Heidell^erg College. There he remained as a student from 1857 until i860. In 1 86 1 he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, with the intention of becoming a teacher of the higher branches uf learning, but on account of ill heaUh he was forced to abandon his college course. He was afterward engaged in teaching school until May, 1864, whtn he responded to his countrj^'s call for aid. joinii\^ Company A of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantr}', for t>ne hundred days* service. The regiment was sent to the defense of \\'ashington, and on the expiration of his term Mr. Keller returned to Seneca county, where he worked on a farm during the summer months and in the winter seasons continued his educational work. Ix'ing a most successful and competent teacher. In the year i8(M) he j)urchased a tract of twenty-eight acres of land, with a sawmill, the j)lace being known as the old St. John property. For seven years he ( pcrated the sawmill and in 1874 he erected a gristmill. He also placed a circular saw in the sawmill, in 1877, and in addition erected a planing mill, cotiducting the three departments of his business, in all of which he has met with success. The capacity of the flour mill is fifty barrels l>er (lay. The plant is eijuipped with a full roller process and the llour manufactured is of a very high grade, thus finding ready sale on the market. His planing mill and sawmill are equally well adapted for the uses to which they are put and in both lines Mr. Keller is receiving a lil)eral patronage. Up^>n his place he has made splendid improvements, including the erection of a beautiful three-stor\' brick house, which was built in i<*^83. He h?s ninety-five acres in the home place and his land has bee me very valuable by reason of the grtnvth in population in the county antl als«» (.wing to the many excellent improvements which he has place<l u|x>n his property. He als<^ owns a separate farm, of one hundred and twentv acres, cm which he has over sixtv thousand tile.

whereby the place has been converted into a tract of rich fertility ; and also has a third farm, of fifty-five acres, making a total of two hundred and seventy acres.

On the loth of October, 1867, Mr. Keller was united in marriage to Miss Martha Sneath, who was bom in Pleasant township, this county, on the 1st of September, 1846, being a daughter of William and Martha Sneath. The family came to Ohio from Maryland in the early pioneer da3^s, first locating in Trumbull county and thence coining to Seneca county, where they were numbered among the early settlers of Clinton township. Robert Sneath, a brother of Mrs. Keller, is one of the representative citizens of the county. Mrs. Keller was summoned into eternal rest on the nth of March, 1902, leaving two children. - Rufus E. and Abbie F. The daughter is a graduate of Heidelberg College, in Tiffin, in which her husband. Professor A. D. Keller, is now an instructor. Our subject and his wife also took into their home, at the age of four years, an orphan girl, Elsie May Somers, and she received the care and advantages which they accorded to their own children. Mrs. Keller was a woman of noble and gentle character, ever ordering her life in harmony with the deep Christian faith which was a dominating element in her nature, and being devoted to her home and family, though she thoroughly enjoyed the advantages of travel, in company with her husband. She had been exceptionally strong and vigorous, both mentally and physically, and her death came with slight premonition, casting a shadow over the entire community in which she had been so highly esteemed. Her memory rests as a benediction upon those who came within the sphere of her gracious influence.

In his political vie\vs Mr. Keller is a stanch Republican, giving an earnest support to the party, and for twelve years he has served as a member of the school board, being president of the board during this entire period. He also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at McCutchenville, in w^hich he is steward and trustee. Other offices he has filled, and he is ever interested and active in supp>ort of the cause, doing all in his power for the spread of Christianity. In the year 1900 he attended the Paris exposition and traveled extensively abroad, visit- ing France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Belgium and England. Mr. Keller well deserved this period of recreation and rest, for his has been an active and busy life. There is no element of indolence in him and his unremitting diligence has been the means of bringing him a. handsome competence as he has carried forward his business affairs.

During the yeai*^ which mark the period of Dr. Loose's professional career he has met with gratifying success, and during his residence in Bloomville he has won the good will and patronage of many of the leading citizens and families of the place. He is a great studait and endeavors to keep abreast of the tim^ in everything relating to discoveries in medical science and methods of treatment. Progressive in his ideas and favoring modern methods as a whole, he does not dispense with many of the true and tri^ systems which have stood the test ot years.

A native son of Seneca county, he was born in Clinton township March 15, 1874, a son of Eli and Jennie (Bader) Loose. The father was a son of John Loose, who became one of the early settlers of the locality, coming to the Buckeye state from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and on his arrival here he took up his abode in Clinton township, three miles north of Tiffin, where the son Eli grew to years of maturity on the homestead farm. Later he became a student in Heidell>erg College, where he prepared himself for the ministry, and was ordained in the Evangelical church. At the close of his studies, however, he purchased a farm adjoining his father's place, and for many years thereafter gave his attention to farming, preaching only at inter\^als, and without taking regular pastoral work. After devoting about twenty years of his litV to agriculture he sold his fann and accepted a charge as resident minister of the United Brethren church at Attica, having in the meantime withdrawn from the Evangelical church on account of there having been no society of that denomination near him. Remaining in Attica for three years he accepted a charge in Oceola, where he remained for a similar period, going thence to Whitesville, where he spent the following three years. During the next two years he ministered to his church at Green Spring, and f roml that point went to Johnsville, Morrow county, his present location. During the past twelve years he has devoted his life entirely to the work of th-e Mlaster, and his efforts have been blessed with a religious awakening that has been highly gratifying. His wife was born in Fairfield county, Ohio. Her father was a native of Germany, but when a boy he accompanied his father on his removal to America, and after their arrival in this country the}- took up their abode in Fairfield county. Unto Mt. and Mrs. Loose were born three children, but only two are now living, the brother of our subject being Arthur, who is a resident of Green Spring, Seneca county, where he is engaged in the provision business.

T. C. Loose, whose name introduces this review, acquired his elementary education in the schools of his native locality, and at the early age of eighteen years he became a teacher in the district schools, following that profession for two terms. Wishing to follow the practice of medicine as a life occupation, he accordingly, in 1891, entered the office of Dr. C. A. Force, of Attica, remaining under his preceptorage until his entrance into the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, in 1892, and during his vacations he still continued his reading under Dr. Force. In the spring of 1896 Dr. Loose was graduated in the Starling Medical College, receiving one of the five honorable mentions given by the college for best grades, and a set of gynecologicarl instruments for tlie best work in gynecology. On the ist of April following his graduation, he located in Bloomville, where he has built up a lucrative and constantly increasing practice.

In 1894 occurred the marriage of the Doctor and Miss Daisy A. Sutton, of Attica, a daughter of A. G. Sutton, a prominent banker of that city. One child has brightened and blessed the home of our subject and wife, - Bushnell A. Dr. Loose is a member of the Seneca County Med- ical Society, and also of Eden Lodge, No. 310, F. & A. M. His political support is given to the Republican party, and for a number of years past he has served as a member of the school board and as health officer.

John B. Zimmerman

John B. Zimmerman, one of the leading agriculturists and most highly esteemed men of Seneca county, was bom on the farm on which he now resides on the i6th of December, 1838, a son of Barney and Sarah (Sager) Zimmerman. The father, who was born in Maryland in 1804, served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he followed in the state of his birth until 1836, when he came with his wife and four children to Seneca county, Ohio, purchasing eighty acres of land near where our subject now resides. His wife proved to him a faithful helpmate during this early pioneer epoch and nobly assumed the management of their farm while her husband worked at his trade. He erected many of the pioneer log cabins for the settlers in this locality, and later, when the frame houses came in vogue, he formed a partnership with Josiah Hilderbrake, and together they follcrw^ed contracting and building for many years. Mr. Zimmerman was an expert workman, but later in life he abandoned his trade and retired to his farm, where his life's labors were ended in death on the 3d of March, 1888, at the age of eighty-four yeafs. He was very liberal in his political views, but his preference was for the Democracy, and on its ticket he was elected and served as county commissioner, serving for three years, while for about nine years subsequently he was an infirmary director. For more than sixty years he was a member of the German Reformed church, -^t Fort Seneca, during much of which time he held office. He was a man of sterling character, never having had a lawsuit throughout his entire life, and in all movements for the betterment of his community he iook an active part. The mother of our subject was born in Maryland m 1 810, and her death occurred in 1897, ^^ the age of eighty-seven \-t;ars Unto this worthy couple were born six children, five of whom still survive, namely : Jacob, a farmer of Pleasant township, Seneca county ; Solomon, who resides in Sheridan, Michigan; Margaret, the wife of Rev, David Sherrick, also of Pleasant township; John B., the subject of this review ; and Sophia, the wife of Levi Repp, of Harlan, Indiana. John B. Zimmerman grew to manhood amid the refining influences of a cultured home, and his education was received in the common schools of th-e neighborhood. On the 9th of September, 1861, he ran away from home and enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company B, Forty-ninth Ohio Voluftteer Infantry, under General William H. Gibson, and until November, 1862, the regiment formed a part of the Army of the Cumberland. After the battle of Shiloh Mr. Zimmerman was dj^tailed as an ambulance driver, but five months later was transferred to the quartermaster's department, as assistant, and w^hile serving in the latter capacity, on the 9th of October, 1862, he was captured near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and was taken to Nicholasville and there paroled the third day afterward. Reporting for duty at Columbus, he was sent home on a furlough, and for several weeks thereafter was a constant sufferer from rheumatism, on account of which he was discharged, in December, 1862, not even having been exchanged. After recovering his health he b^^n farming the home place on the shares, and two years after his marriage he removed to Clinton township, locating two miles north of Tiffin, where he began work at the blacksmith's trade, in partnership with a brother-in-law, and though he had no special training he was able to perform all work demanded in the shop. Eighteen months later our subject left that place for Fort Seneca, where he opened up a shop and for seven years he was there engaged in work at his trade, following which he was engaged in the mercantile business at that point for five years, but the latter venture proved unprofitable and at the close of that period he found himself in debt to the amount of twelve hundred dollars. Coming thence to Lil)erty township, he rented his father's two farms, and succeeded in clearing off his indebtedness. In 1880 he purchased a farm adjoining the old homestead, paying two thousand dollars in cash and assuming an indebtedness of four thousand dollars, and this he continued to farm in connection with his father's land. In 1898, after his mother's death, he purchased the interests of the remaining heirs in the old homestead, and this has ever since continued to be his home. He belongs to that active class of agriculturists who are nevxr ready to settle dcnvn and to "take life easy," which seems to be the goal ever in view to multitudes of farmers: he is not afraid of work and would not be content to live in quiet idleness and luxury, for he realizes that work is the salvation of mankind and idleness is a curse to one's self and the community.

In 1863 occurred the marriage of Mr. Zimmerman and Miss Anna E. Omwake, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Jacob and Anna E. (Beck) Omwake, who came to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1846. Two children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, - Henry A., a prominent agriculturist of this township, married Ida B. Ensminger, of Kewanee, Illinois, and in comi>any with his brother he recently purchased the John Birkey homestead ; Homer D., who operates the old home farm. The Democracy receives Mr. Zimmerman's hearty support and co-operation, and in his social relations he is a member of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, G. A. R., of Tiffin. Fur thirty-six years he has been an active member of Shiloh Methodist Protestant church, in which he has served as class leader, and for twenty-four years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school. In business circles he sustains an enviable reputation, and his energetic nature, strong determination, sagacity and capable management have brought to him a handsome competence. He carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his business methods have ever been in strict conformity with the ethics of commercial life.

William Harrison Null

Residing in the town of Kansas and ranking with the representative fanners of Seneca county is found tlie subject of this review. He was born in Frederick county, West Virginia, on the 28th of February, 1821, son of Jacob and Susanna (Puffenberger) Null. The father also claimed West Virginia as the state of his nativity, and there he was reared and married, following the occupations of farrrting and milling as a means of livelihood. When about twenty-eight years of age he came to Seneca county, Ohio, entering eighty acres of forest land in Liberty township, and also purchasing an eighty-acre tract located just across the road from the John Shoemaker farm. On the latter place was a hewed-log cabin, and there he spent the remainder of his life. With the aid of his sons he cleared the land, placed his fields under a fine state of cultivation and from time to time added to his landed possessions until he became the owner of eight hundred acres. His political support was given to the Democracy. Both he and his wife reached the ripe old age of eighty years, and she was called to her final rest just a few days prior to her husband's death. Four children were born unto this worthy couple, namely: William Harrison, the subject of this review; Lovina, the wife of Joseph Cesna, of Eaton county, Michigan ; Sarah, the widow of John Chester and a resident of Tiffin; and Clarinda, the wife of Samuel Schrodes, also of Tiffin.

William H. Null grew to m^hood amid the pioneer surroundings of a new and unsettled country, acquiring but a limited education in the primitive log school-house, which he attended in his youth, for early in life he was obliged to assist his father in clearing and cultivating the farm. After his marriage he farmed on rented land for two years, and then removed to a tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres which had been purchased by his father and which he deeded to our subject in the following year. Mr. Null is now the owner of two farms, comprising two hundred and five acres of excellent farming land, located in Liberty township, but for the past thirty years he has made his home in the village of Kansas, with the exception of three years when he returned to his farm. His has been a busy and useful life, - a life filled with arduous and useful toil, but he is now the possessor of a comfortable competence.

native of Maryland. By the second union five children were born, namely: Ada D., the wife of Fred Veach, of Liberty township; Effie L., the wife of Elmer Leggitt, of Woodville, Ohio; Elizabeth, the wife of Miert Grant, of Pleasant township, Seneca county; John K., who resides on one of his father's farms ; and William Harrison, Jr., who operates the second farm. Mr. Null gives his political support to the Democracy. Throughout nearly his entire life he has been a resident of Seneca county, and has been identified with many of the interests that have contributed to its substantial development and improvement. His probity, fidelity and sterling w^orth have won him the unqualified confidence of hi3 fellow townsmen, and now, in the evening of life, his pathway is brightened by the veneration and respect w^iich ever follow an upright career.

The subject of this re\aew has passed her entire life in Seneca county and is a worthy r^resentative of one of its sterling pioneer families, as was also her husband, now departed this life, and thus it becomes compatible that specific mtention be made of both in this compilation.

Mrs. Boyd was bom: in Seneca county, being a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Elliott, the former of whom was born in the state of Pennsylvania, whence he came to Seneca county in an early day, locating in Bloom township, where he reclaimed a farm and there maintained his home for many years, l^eing regarded as one of the representative men of the county, and being honored for his sterling integrity of purix)se. He is still living, having attained the venerable age of eighty-four years, and he is now making his home with one of his sons, in Reno county, Kansas. The mother of our subject died when the latter was but two years of age, and her father subsequently married Miss Elizal)eth Sheidler, who died three years later, and he thereafter consummated a third marriage. Miss Polly Harnish becoming hi> wife. She was a woman of noble character, and under her solicitous care Mrs. Boyd was reared to years of maturity, receiving her educational discipline in the public schools in the vicinity of her home.

On the 13th of December, 1867, Miss Catherine Elliott was united in marriage to Levi Franklin Boyd, who was born in Reed township, on the 24th of July, 1842, being the son of Hiram and Jane (Reed) Boyd, who were numbered among the early settlers in Reed township. Mr. Boyd was reared to manhood on the old homestead farm and was educated in the common schools of the locality and period. His intrinsic loyalty and patriotism were quickened into decisive action when the thundering of Confederate guns against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter announced that the nation's integrity w^as menaced by armed rebellion, and in 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was in active service for a term of three years, and the history of this valiant regiment is practically his own history during that period of strenuous conflict through w^hich the Union was i>erpetuated. He was captured and was held in duress at Libby, Andersonville and other prisons of the south, and after receiving his honorable discharge he returned to his home and here in Seneca county he e\'er afterward gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. Just prior to his marriage Mr. Boyd purchased forty acres of the present finely improved homjestead, subsequently adding to the same, and it now has an area of ninety-six acres and is one of the most valuable and attractive places in the township. Here he continued to make his home until his death, w^hich occurred on the 23d of December, 1893. F^^ many years prior to his demise Mr. Boyd had been badly crippled with rheumatism, resulting from exposure and hardships during his term of service in the civil war, and he was practically unable to do any active work for eighteen years before his death. He was a man of spotless character and held the esteem of all who knew him'. His political'support was given to the Republican party, but he never sought official preferment. Fraternally Mr. Boyd was identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, and he ever maintained a warm interest in his old comrades who followed the stars and stripes on many a sanguinary battle- field of the south. He is survived by his widow and their one daughter, Jennie, who is the wife of James Harrison, who has the management of Mrs. Boyd's homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have twx> children, - Hazel and Frank.

Mr. Bo>d was a man of a high order of mentality, was progressive in his methods, animiated by the highest principles, and was one wliose life was prolific in good, while no citizen of the community was more highly honored than was he,, who had here passed his entire life, aiding in the development of the county and lending his influence in support of all worthy measures for the general good. His death was sincerely deplored by a wide circle of loyal friends.

Rollin K. Williams

The most elaborate history is perforce a merciless abridgment, the historian being compelled to select his facts and materials from manifold details. This applies to specific as well as generic historj', and in the former category biography is placed. In every life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of incident, and yet in summing up the career of any man the writer must needs touch only the more salient points, giving the keynote of the character but eliminating all that is superfluous to the continuity of narrative.

Within the pages of .this work will be found individual mention of many prbminent and influential citizens whose lives have been practically passed in Seneca county and who are representatives of pioneer families of this section of the Buckeje state. Of this number is Mr. Williams, wlio was lx>rn on the old homestead where he now lives, in Adams township, and who is one of the progressive and successful farmers of the county. Mr. Williams was born on the 7th of December, 1844, being the son of Jeremiah Williams, Jr., who was bom in Fairfield county, Ohio, in the year 1806, being the son of Jeremiah, Sr., a native of Anne Arundel county, Maryland, and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He emigrated to Ohio in an early day, becoming a pioneer settler of Fairfield county, as did he later of Seneca county, to which he removed with' his family in 1824 or 1825, taking up a tract of government land in Eden township, w^here he reclaimed a good farm. The last years of his life were passed with his son, on the farm where Rollin K. now lives, his death occurring at the age of eighty-five years, while his w*ife, whose maiden name was Mary Gaither, died here also at the age of eighty-t\\x)«. They became the parents of four sons and six daughters, and of this number none are living at the present time. The children who grew to maturity were Reuben, Elis'ha, Susan, Elizabeth, Mary, Eli and Jeremiah, Jr. Reuben settled in Warsaw, Indiana, w^here he established a newspaper, the same being now edited and published by his son. General Reuben Williams; Elisha Williams removed to Fulton county, Ohio; Susan married Uriah Egbert and lived in Pleasant township ; Elizabeth and Mary married and removed from this county ; little is known as to Eli; and Jeremiah, Jr., was the father of our subject.

About 1833 Jeremjah Williams, Jr., came to Adams township, having here purchased a quarter section of heavily timbered land, only four acres having been cleared, while a primitive log cabin had been erected. In this domicile he took up his abode, and here he inaugurated the work of reclaiming and otherwise improving the farm, which continued to be his home until his death, on the i6th of August, 1878, at the age of se\'enty-two years. His wife survived him only nine months, both having been devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they were active workers, while to them was given the unqualified esteem of the community where they passed so many years of their lives. Tlie maiden name of our subject's mother was Eliza L. Kinzer, and she was bom in Mifflin coimty, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Susan Kinzer. She was reared from early childhood in Eden township, where she was married, her first union having been with John Jones, and after his death was solemnized her marriage to Jeremiali Williams. Of this second union six children were born, namely: Margaret O., a maiden lady, who died on the 15th of October, 1901, having remained at the old homestead ; John, who died in mizncy ; Frances Amanda, who be- came the wife of Jacob Yotter, of Kosciusko county, Indiana, and who died in 1874; Cyrus, a resident of Kosciusko county, Indiana; Edmund B., a farmer of Adams township; and Rollin K., the immediate subject of this sketch and the owTier of the old homestead.

RolHn K. Williams grew to maturity on the old homestead fami, early beginning to assist in its improvement and cultivation and securing his preliminary educational training in the district schools, after which he continued his studies in the academy at Republic. With the exception of an interval of six years, when he worked at Melmore, Eden township, he has consecutively maintained his home on the old farm where he was born. A portion of the original tract has been sold, but he still owns a fine farm of ninety acres, covering the homestead, the same having the best of permanent improvements and being kept under a high state of cultivation, yielding bounteous han-ests in returni for the labors and care expended. In politics Mr. Williams is a stalwart supporter of the Democratic i>arty, and he has served for fourteen years as justice of the peace, in which capacity he has rendered effective and impartial work. Both he and his wife are zealous and influential mermbers of the Methodist Episcopal church, in w^hich he holds the office of circuit stew^ard, trustee and assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school.

On the 25th of November, 1869, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Endslow, who was born September 24, 1848, in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of William and Eliza (Junk) Endslow, pioneers of Crawford county, where the father settled as early as 1825, having emigrated thither from Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where he was born and reared. He died on the farm which he had thus entered and reclaimed, in Crawford county, in his seventy-third year. His wife was bom in Ireland, whence she was brought to Pennsylvania when eight years of age, having been reared in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where her marriage was solemnized. She died in Crawford county, Ohio, wlien her daughter, Mrs. Williams, was but two years of age. Mr, and Mrs. Williams are the parents of four children, of whom we incorporate a brief record, as follows: Mary O. is the wife of Edward

Norris, of Scipio township, and they have two children, Carl and Alice ; Dwight O., who is a druggist in Xew^ London, Ohio, married Miss Cora Selmann, and they have one child, Helen ; Cassius A. is in the employ of the Toledo & Ohio Central railroad, at Columbus; and Rollin K., Jr., remains at the parental home.

Lewis J, Clouser

The beautiful cemetery of Green Lawn, at Tiffin, Ohio, owes much of its attractiveness to the effective efforts of Mr. Clouser, who has had charge of the same for more than a decade and a half, having been chosen to the office of sexton in 1885. It is ever fitting that **God's acre" should be made as beautiful as possible, typifying the ideal life beyond and besi>eaking the glories of immortality in so far as is possible ; and thus no community can claim to have done its duty if its cemeteries are neglected and' unkempt. Tiffin has placed an able' incumbent in the office of sexton' of Green Lawn, where nature and art vie with each other in making attractive the city of the; dead.

Mr. Clouser comes of stanch German lineage, though the name has long been identified with the annals of American history, and he is himself a native of Seneca county, w^here he has passed his entire life, having been born on the homestead farm, in Clinton township, on the 28tli of December, 1857. ^^s father, Aaron Clouser, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, w^here he grew to maturity and where was solemnized his marriage to Miss Anna Aker, a native of the same coimty. In 1848 they came to Ohio and located in Seneca county, the father purchasing a farm two miles northeast of Tiffin and devoting his attention to general farmiing there until 1876, when, his children having married and established homes of their own, he came to Tiffin and was made sexton and so served till his death, which occurred on the i8th of September, 1900, at the venerable age of eighty-two years. He was a member of the English Lutheran church and in his earlier life hlad been a quite active worker in the cause of the Republican party. He was one of the California argonauts of 1849, ^'here he w^as fairly successful in mining for gold, remaining there nearly three years. He was a son of Abraham and Catherine Qouser, natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been a tailor and weaver by trade and a representative of a German family which located in the Keystone state in an early day. Anna ( Aker) Qooiser, the mother of our subject, was bom in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and died in Seneca county, Ohio, at the age of fifty-six years, having been a devoted member of the Lutheran church. She was a daughter of Joseph D. and Catherine (Mosier) Aker, natives of Pennsylvania, where they passed their entire* lives, the former being killed in a storm, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife passing away at the age of sixty- four; both were devoted members of the Baptist church.

Of the children of Aaron and Anna (Aker) Clouser six grew to maturity, namely : Eliza, who is the wife of Abraham Fretz, a prominent farmer of Seneca county; Anna M., who is the wife of John E. Huffman, likewise a farmer of this county ; James, a railway conductor, residing in \\'^estchester, Pennsylvania; Lewis J., the subject of this sketch ; Mary E., who is the wife of Alva H. Speck, of Tiffin, where he operates a flour mill ; and Rose Alice, who was a most devoted member of the Lutheran church, and who passed away in 1883, at the age of sixteen years.

Lewis J. Clouser passed his boyhood days on the old homestead farm, early beginning to lend his aid in connection with its work, and securing his educational discipline in the district schools and the public schools in Tiffin. When twenty-one years of age he found employment at Green LawTi cemetery, with his father, who was sexton, and thereafter continued to l)e identified* with its care-taking at intervals until 1885, when he was made sexton of the same, a position which he has since retained, taking deep interest in the beautifying of the cemetery and in keeping it in immaailate order at all times. His services have been duly appreciated, as is evident from his long retention in the position. In politics he has ever given a stalwart allegiance to the Republican party, and he served far several years as a member of the board of election judges. Fraternally he is prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed the degrees of both lodge and encampment, and also with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, at Tiffin. He is a member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife is a mtember of the Lutheran church. On the 23d of February, 1886, Mr. Qouser was united in marriage to Miss Ida Speck, who was born in Clinton township, this coimty, the daughter of Peter and Mary Speck, her father having been one of the pioneer farmers of this section of the state, and of this union two daughters have been bom, - Martha Alice and Viola E., both of whom remain at the parental home.

Joseph F. Hoover

Back to stanch old German stock does Mr. Hoover trace his lineage, and that in his character abide those sterling qualities which have ever marked the true type of the German nation, is manifest when w^e come to consider the more salient points in his life histor>% which has been marked by consecutive industry and invincible spirit, eventuating most naturally in securing himi a high position in the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He has passed his entire life in Seneca county, w^here his father was one of the early pioneer settlers, contributing to its development and prosi>erity, even as has his son in connection with the industrial activities which have conserved consecutive advancement.

Joseph F. Hoover was born on the pioneer farm in Loudon township, on the 17th of October, 1843, being the fifth in order of birth of the nine children of Benedict and Frances (Miller) Hoover, and one of the four who are living at the present time, the others being Louisa, the wife of Simon Flaxenhar, of Libeii:y township: Andrew, of Hopewell township: and Mar}^ the wife of Henry Miller, of Loudon township. The parents w-ere both natives of Germany, wher^ they were reared and educated, coming to America while still young, their marriage having been solemnized soon after their arrival in New York city. Soon afterw-ard they came to Seneca county, Ohio, settling in Loudon township, where the father entered a tract of forty acres of government land, upon which he built one of the primitive log houses common to the pioneers, and set himself valiantly to the task of clearing and improving his farm. Here he and his devoted wife passed the remainder of their lives, honored by all who knew them and known as people of sterling character. On the old homestead Joseph F. was reared to maturity, contributing his. share to the work incidental to the same and securing a common-school education. He was married in 1865, and since that time, with the exception of an interval of about three years, has lived on the farm which he now owns, the same having originally been the property of his father-inlaw, one of the early settlers in the county. Directly after the death of this sterling pioneer our subject purchased the home farm, of seventy acres, to which he has since added by the ptuxAase of eighty acres in Liberty township and eighty-five acres in Loudon township, so that he now has a valuable and well improved landed estate of two hundred and thirty-five acres, in three faiTns, while he has so directed his eflforts as to gain the maximum success in connection with his agricultural operations, being recognized as one of the progressive and representative men of this locality and commanding unqualified respect and esteem. His public-spirited attitude has gained him recognition in connection with the governmental affairs of the coimty, and he served tw^o terms as trustee of Hopewell township, in which his homje is located. His ix>litical proclivities are indicated in the unwavering allegiance which he has ever given to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, and of w'hich his wife also is a communicant, being members of the congregation of St. Andrew's church. On the 3d of May, 1865, Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Xancy Anderson, who was born on the farm where they now reside, and here she has practically passed her entire life. Her father, John Anderson, was one of the early settlers of Seneca county, havin^? come hither from Franklin county, Ohio, and originally entering claim to this seventy acres of government land. He later purchased an addi- tional one hundred and twenty acres, and here he passed the residue of his days, his death occurring at the age of seventy-flve years. The maiden name of his wife was Candacy Chaney, and she entered into eternal rest at the age of sixty-five. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover became the parents of ten children, all of whom are living except Mary, who died in infancy. The others are: Dennis, who is engaged in farming in Hopewell township; Nettie, the wife of Henry Koerper, of Liberty township; Jennie, the wife of Joseph Swartzmiller, of Loudon; Thomas, who resides in Tiffin; Anson, of Loudon; and Frank, Harry, Lloyd and Douglas, who remain at the parental home.

Among the more esteemed citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Dr. Levi Corfman, who for many years has been one 'of the representative practitioners of this city, and who still, at the advanced age of seventy-four, gives his professional services to those who feel the confidence in his skill which his successful career has inspired.

The birth of Dr. Corfman occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, June 18, 1827, and his early years were passed on a farm. His education in the elementary branches was acquired in the district schools of his locality; and he very distinctly recalls the old log structure which was his alma mater, with its puncheon floor and slab benches. The picturesque old school-house has long passed away before the march of progress, but the lessons learned within its walls prepared the ambitious youth to take up the study of medicine while still in early manhood. His first instructor in this science was Dr. Bennan, of Elmore, Ohio, with whom he continued for some years, improving his time so well that he was then considered capable of taking charge of a practice in Belle Vernon, Wyandot county, Ohio, where he remained for two years. The young physician then moved to Pleasantville, Fairfield county, Ohio, and remained there during four years, locating then in Berwick, Seneca county, where he remained for three months. Tlie next four years were spent in Wyandot county, where he had made many friends during his previous residence, going from( his old location to Corej% in the same .county, and remaining there for four years also, at the end of this period going to Findlay, where he immediately entered upon a successful professional career which continued up to the time of his removal to Tiffin, in 1881. Since locating in this city Dr. Corfman has been a signally successful physician. Although he was educated in the old schools of medicine, long experience has made almost e\'^ery human ill familiar to him, and his successful treatment and skill has proved that the foundations of medical science are the same, and also that schools and colleges do not make physicians. A real physician is bom, as surely as is an artist. For a long time Dr. Corfman's services were given upon the call of necessity, no matter how inclement the weather or how pressing his own needs; but advancing years made it necessary to restrict his practice, and he has, for the past nine years, only given his attention to chronic cases, many of them being those given up by younger physicians. Dr. Corfman is a man of wonderful vitality, bears his years well and is more active than many men of one-half his age. He is kept busily occupied with his office practice, and he will be sadly missed when he no longer consents to give the benefit of his long experience.

On October 12, 1851, Dr. Corfman was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Decker, of Fairfield county, Ohio, a most estimable lady, who still survives. The family of children bom to Dr. and Mrs. Corfman were eight in number, two sons and one daughter still surviving, namely: Abraham, who is a successful physician at Toledo, Ohio ; John, who is engaged in farming in Seneca county; and Lillie V., who is a graduate of the high school and who resides at home. The other children were: Elizabeth, who died at the age of ten years; Susan V., who died at the age of twenty-one in Findlay; Etta, who died at the age of ten years; Maggie M., who married J. D. RoUey and died at the age of twent\'- eight, leaving one child, Lillie Inez, who died in childhood; and Sarah C, who died, unmarried, at the age of twenty-eight years.

ocratic party, although he takes no active interest in politics, beyond voting. Both he and wife are connected with the Evangelical church, where they are both held in high esteem.

One and three-fourths m/iles to the southeast of the thriving little city of Green Spring is located the fine homestead farm of the subject of this review, who is one of the native sons of Seneca county, of which his father was a pioneer settler. Mr. Dudrow is prominently concerned in the raising of and dealing in high-grade live stock and his progressive methods and discriminating judgment have placed him among the successful farmers and business men of his native county, while he has so ordered his life as to gain and retain the confidence and high regard of those with whom he has been thrown in contact. It is clearly incumbent that a sketch of his life be incorporated in a work having to do with the representative citizens of the county.

Mr. Dtidrow was bom on the pioneer homestead, in Adams township, Seneca county, on the 22d of August, 1856, the son of David W. and Mary J. (Rule) Dudrow, the former of whom) was bom in Frederick county, Maryland, and the latter in Seneca county, Ohio. The father of our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, and as a young man emigrated thence to the sylvan wilds of Seneca county, Ohio, where he was employed for a time on* a farm and then rented land. Finally he purchased a tract of sixty acres, near the present home of his son Frederick W., to which latter he eventually removed and here passed the residue of his life, having reclaimed his farm and placed the major portion of the same under effective cultivation. At the time of his death he was the owner of about three hundred acres of land, his demise occurring in May, 1888, at the age of sixty-three years, while his widow is still living on the old homiestead, aged about sixty-eight years. In politics he was a Republican, and both he and his wife be- came devoted members of the United Brethren church, being honored as sterHng pioneers of the county. They became the parents of eight children, of \Vhom four are now living, namely: Byron, a prominent attorney of Fremont, Ohio; William, the subject of this review: Frederick W., a successful farmer and stock-grower of Adams township and associated with our subject in business; and Jennie, the wafe of George Baker, of Adams township.

William Dudrow grew to maturity on the old homestead, early beginning to aid in its reclamation and cultivation and securing his preliminary educational training in the district schools, after which he continued his studies for a time in the academy at Republic, an institution held in high regard in the early days and the precursor of the present normal school at that place. Mr. Dudrow remained at the parental home until his marriage, which was solemnized on the 19th of October, 1881, when Miss Adelle Crockett became his wife, she being the daughter of Edward and Eliza (Brown) Crockett, pioneers of Adams township, where Mrs. Dudrow was born' and reared. Of this union two children have been born, - William and Mary, both of whom remain at the parental home. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Dudrow located on his present homestead, of which his father had still retained f>ossession, and here he has since maintained his home, having developed the place to a state of high productiveness and made the best of improvements of a permanent nature, including a commodious and attractively located residence. Here he is the owner of a tract of one hundred and forty acres, while he is associated with his brother Frederick W. in the owtiership of an additional one hundred and twaity acres, - a part of the old homestead. He devoted his attention to general farming until 1890, when he entered into partnership with his brother and instituted the buying and shipping of live stock upon a somewhat extensive scale, handling cattle, hogs and sheep and gradually expanding the scope of operations until the business is now one of marked importance. In addition to thus handling stock he utilizes his farm to a great extent in the breeding and raising of high-grade cattle and swine, and the brothers have through their well directed enterprise attained a success of pro- nounced order, doing much to advance the stock interests of this section of the state, and being honored as capable, conscientious and energetic business men. In poHtics Mr. Dudrow supports the RepubHcan party, and he served for six years as trustee of his township, ever showing his interest in all that touches the general welfare of the community.

Thomas H. Artes

Residing in the midst of the oil regions of Ohio, Thomas H. Artes, of Fostoria, is well known as an operator and contractor, having for a number of years been extensively engaged in the development of oil wells in this portion of Ohio. He is numbered among the native sons of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Warren county, that state, in 1854. His father, William Artes, was a native of Tidioute, Warren county, and was a son of Thomas Artes, a lumberman who had extensive business interests in that portion of the state. He was born in the eastern part of Pennsylvania,and as he passed through the years of manhood accumulated a handsome competence as the result of extensive and important business interests. His son, the father of our subject, was also connected with lumbering interests in Pennsylvania. He married Catherine Clark, also a native of the Keystone state. Seven children blessed this union, the subject of this sketch being the fourth son.

Throughout his entire life Thomas H. Artes has been interested in the development of the oil industry. He began this work in Pennsylvania, and in 1896 came to Fostoria, where he has ever since drilled and operated in oil wells in connection with others, and all his wells have been fair producers. He is an experienced judge of oil lands and can fairly estimate the probable flow and quality of oil, so that his investments, being judiciously made, have resulted in bringing satisfactory financial returns.

In the state of his nativity Mr. Artes was united in marriage to Miss Letta L. Maultby. and unto them have been born four children, a daughter and three sons, namely : Anna, Harry, Wilbur and Ben. Both himself and wife are well known in Fostoria, where they have many warm friends, ever showing a working interest in all that makes for the elevation of thought and life in the community.

Rawson Crocker

Rawson Crocker, of Fostoria, is a representative of an honored pioneer family of this portion of the state. He was born in this city in 1 84 1 and is of Welsh extraction, his ancestry being traced back to Seth Crocker, who resided in Washington county, New York. He was the great-grandfather of our subject, whose grandfather was John Crocker. The latter married Lucy Bartlett and immigrated westward, taking up his abode in Seneca township, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1823, and there remaining about nine years, at the expiration of whidi, in 1832, he removed to Loudon township. This worthy couple l^ecame the parents of two children, - Roswell and Laura. 'The latter was married to the Hon. C. W. Foster, of Fostoria, and still resides in this city, at the age of ninety-six years. She is the mother of ex-Governor Charles Foster, one of the distinguished citizens of Ohio, who served most capably as chief executive of the state. Roswell Crocker, the father of our subject, was born in Cambridge, Washington county, New York, May 25. 1806. With his parents he came to Ohio, and through many years he was prominently identified with the substantial improvement and upbuilding of Seneca county. He entered from the government a tract of land, and ujxm a portion of the same the city of Fostoria now stands. He made the first plat of the tow^n, w^hich he called Rome. It was in 1832 when he took up his abode here and established a milling business, conducting a sawmill from that date until 1837. He then erected a gristmill which he operated until 1846. Leaving* the town he then removed to a farm ten miles south of Fostoria and built a flourmill and sawmill at Springville. At that point he carried on his milling operations until about 1852, when he sold out and returned to Fostoria, building here another tlouring mill, which he conducted until 1865. In that year he retired from business, having in the meantime accumulated a comfortable competence, which enabled him to rest from his former labors. In the early days when business development was yet in its infancy, his enterprise proved of vast benefit to his fellow citizens and at the same time brought to him creditable success. He lived to be more than ninetythree years of age and passed away December 30, 1899, respected and honored by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah A. Cooper, was a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, her parents being William and Anna (Giles) Cooper. Unto Mr. ^nd Mrs. Crocker were born two sons, but the brother of our subject, Allen Crocker, died in 1865, at the age of twenty-six years.

Rawson Crocker has spent the greater part of his life in Fostoria and after attending the public schools here he continued his education in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He is also a graduate of Eastman's Business College, of Poughkeepsie, New York, and when mental training had prepared him for the practical duties of Hfe he became a factor in business circles in his native town, where he has since remained. He was only sixteen years of age when, in 1857, he began to clerk for the old firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company, becoming a partner of that concern in 1867, ^^^ remaining for a period of six years. Since 1875 ^^ has engaged in the grocery business and in real estate dealing. From 1878 to 1894 he was also engaged in the insurance business, and at the present time he is a stockholder in the Seneca County Bank. His attention is largely given to the superintending of his investments and his property interests. His business career has ever been marked by diligence and enterprise and as the years have passed he has accumulated a handsome competence.

of Mrs. Crocker, was bom in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Miarch 5, 1816, and was a son of Robert F. and Charlotte F. Caples, natives of Mar)^- land and Pennsylvania, respectively. About 181 9 they came to Ohio, settling in Wayne county, and in 1832 they took up their abode in Jackson township, Seneca county. Tlie marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Crocker has been blessed with four children: John R., of this city; Charles P., who is connected with the Seneca County Bank, of Fostoria; Ross E., who is with the Crouse-Tremaine Carbon Company; and Fred, - all the children being residents of Fostoria. Mr. Crocker exercises his right of franchise in support of Republican principles, and for one term served as a member of the city council. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic order. Viewed in a personal light he is a strong man, - strong in his honor and his good name. His business interests have claimed much of his attention, yet he has ever found timie to faithfully discharge the duties of citizenship and promote public progress through active co-operation in all measures for the general good.

Howard S. Free

A prominent farmer of Reed township, Seneca county, Ohio, Mi. Free is the representative of one of the county's earliest pioneer families. He was born on the farm where he now resides, on the 21st of July, i860, a son of John and Eliza (Wolf) Free. The father traced his nativity to the Old Dominion, his birth having there occurred about 1820, a son of George and Elizabeth (Ellenberger) Free. When a child he accompanied his parents on their removal to Seneca county, Ohio, the family being among the earliest settlers of Bloom township, where the father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, now known as the old Goose Pond farm. There the son John was reared to years of maturity, and in his youth the Indian children, who were then numerous in this portion of the state, were his playmates. Prior to his marriage he re- moved to Scipio township, there purchasing the farm now owned by James Knapp, on which he located after his marriage, and in addition to the conduct of this place he also farmed the old Free homestead which he later acquired. After his father's death, however, he sold his possessions there and came to Reed township, where land could be purchased at a more reasonable figure, and here he became extensively engaged in the raising of sheep, owning from five to six hundred head. In this enterprise his efforts were rewarded with a high degree of success and he became a very wealthy man. His landed possessions were also very extensive, consisting of five hundred acres in the home farm, one hundred and sixty in Scipio township and one hundred acres in Huron county. His life's labors were ended in death on the 4th of April, 1874, and from his honorable career many lessons may be gleaned, - lessons of independence and self-reliance, of regard for the rights and feelings of others, of courage in the time of reverses and affliction. He was a Democrat in his political views, and at various times served his township as its trustee, but he never desired the honors or emoluments of public office. For many years he w^as a worthy member of the United Brethren church, in which he held various official positions, and was ever a faithful worker in the cause of his Master.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Free chose Miss Elizabeth Wolf, who w^as born about 1823, a daughter of Samuel Wolf and Susanna Bretz. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Free five are now living, namely : Martha J., the wife of B. F. Moore, of Cherryvale, Kansas; Euphrasia, the wife of Levi Keller, of Reed township, Seneca county; Octavia, the wife of J. H. Cook, the history of w^hom follows this sketch; Howard S., the subject of this review; and. Oresta E., the wife of W. R. Bathrick, of Norwalk, Ohio.

Howard S. Free, of this review, was but fourteen years of age when his father died, and for the following five years he made his home with his brother-in-law, Levi Keller, who resided on the old homestead farm. On the expiration of that period our subject, then, in his nineteenth year,: took charge of the home place, renting the same, which consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, from his mother. The place was divided after.

his father's death, our subject receiving as his share of the estate one hundred and five acres, situated just across the road from the old home, but this he subsequently sold and purchased the old Free homestead, for which he received a quit-claim deed, and here he has ever since made his home. In the business world he ranks with the ablest, and his efforts along the line of his chosen occupation have been attended with a well merited degree of success.

The year 1884 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Free and Miss Cora Neikirk, a native of Reed township and a daughter of Daniel and Sarah J. (Milton) Neikirk, residents of Venice township, Seneca county. They have become the parents of three children, - ^Amy I., Iva M. and John O. Mr. Free gives his political support to the Republican party, and on its ticket he has been a candidate for the positions of trustee, treasurer and justice of the peace, but at each election was defeated by a small majority as the township is strongly Democratic. He is one of the leading members of the United Brethren church, in which he has filled the offices of steward and trustee and has also served as superintendent of the Sundayschool.

John Henry Cook

J. H. Cook, one of the prominent and successful agriculturists of Seneca county, was born in Prussia, Germany, April 2, 185 1, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Determan) Cook. The name was formerly spelled Koch, but the present generation have adopted the English orthography of Cook. Our subject was reared to years of maturity in his parents' home, and in the common schools of the locality he enjoyed' his early educational advantages, which, however, were extremely limited, he never havirig attended school after his sixteenth year. At the age of twentyone years he began the active battle of life on his own account by working in the woods at stave-making. Immediately after his marriage he purchased one hundred and fifty-one acres of land, his present home place, and from that time until the present he has met with a well merited degree of success. As the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has been enabled to add to his possessions, first purchasing one hundred acres of land five miles west of the home farm, which is in his wife's name, and in 1899 he bought one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, making in all four hundred and eleven acres of excellent farming land. In addition to this he also owns a forty-acre tract in Nebraska. By persistent energy and considerable foresight he has been enabled to succeed in his farming operations, and he now has one of the best improved and most fertile properties in this section of the county. The marriage of Mr. Cook was celebrated on the loth of February, 1876, when Miss Octavia Free became his wife. She is a native of Scipio township, Seneca county, and a daughter of John Free, now deceased. Unto this union have been born four children, - A. Ray, Arley F., Lynn E. and Almetta B., all at home. Mr. Cook exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and for about six terms he has served his township efficiently as its trustee, while for the past six years he has filled the office of justice of the peace, his term of office expiring in 1902. Mrs. Cook is a member of the United Brethren church. The family is one of prominence in this locality, and all who know them entertain for them highest respect.

Dr. John W. Martin

Among the representative citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Dr. John W. Martin, who for many years was a leading dental practitioner in this city, a man who stood at the head of his profession in this vicinity.

The birth of Dr. Martin was on March 3, 1832, on his father's farm in Clinton township, Seneca county, Ohio, and he was a son of John and Barbara (Broadbrick) Martin. His father, John Martin, was born in Maryland, his parents both being natives of Frederick county, in that state, and he was reared there to manhood and was married there. His trade was that of millwright, and this he followed in Frederick county until 1826, when he was attracted to the rich lands then being opened up for settlement in Seneca county, Ohio. He entered land located three miles north of the present city of Tifiin, although at that time the settlement consisted of but a few houses. Here Mr. Martin built his log cabin, the typical home of the pioneer, began the clearing of his land and also worked at his trade, along the river, as opportunity offered. Later he gave up this branch of activity and turned his whole attention to farming, clearing and improving more land, and at the time of his death was a man of substance and had spent his seventy-one years as became an honest and upright man.

In his political beliefs, Mr. Martin was a Whig, although he was not an active partisan. During his early and middle life he was a working member of the Reformed church and was a trustee in the first church of that denomination in Tiffin. Later he became connected with the United Brethren denomination, but no matter what difference existed in the doctrine, he did his full duty as he saw it, and was a man whose memory is honored. He served in the war of 1812, being at Baltimore when the British general !Ross was killed. He began life dependent upon his own resources and left an estate consisting of eighty acres of excellent, wellimproved land.

The mother of Dr. Martin was a native of Pennsylvania and was a woman of many Christian virtues, a devoted mother and a consistent member of the United Brethren church. Her death took place at the age of eighty-one years, and both she and husband were buried in Fairmount cemetery, in this city. The family consisted of six children, but all of these have passed away wath the exception of the subject of this sketch. David G., the eldest son, became a carpenter, and while still in early manhood located in Dayton, Ohio, where he died at th^ age of eighty-four; Margaret married Daniel Shaw and she died at the age of forty-five; Mary died at the age of sixteen ; Sophia married Lucas Flack and lived to the age of sixty-eight; and Elizabeth died when a maiden of sixteen.

The boyhood days of John W. Martin, who was the youngest of his parents' children, were spent on the farm, and his early education was acquired in the district schools. Later he enjoyed a term of nine months' instruction at Otterbein University, at Wesiterville, returning then to his father's farm, which he continued to operate until his twenty-fifth year. At this time, having lost his wife, he became sufficiently interested in the subject of dentistry to take up its study, for this purpose entering the office of Dr. Franklin, of Tiffin, a well known dentist of that time. Dr. Martin first located, for practice in this profession, in Westerville, in which pleasant town he remained for two years, coming to Tiffin in 1861, where he soon built up a lucrative practice, which continued to increase until his retirement from activity, in 1892. During all these years he has grown with the advances made in his chosen profession, and few practitioners in this locality more thoroughly enjoyed the confidence of the public.

The marriage of Dr. Martin was on March 24, 1853, to Miss Rachel A. Berkey, of Liberty township, Seneca county, who was a daughter of John and Lydia (Ream) Berkey, farming people of this county. She died in 1855, having been a consistent member of the United Brethren church. She left one daughter, Rachel S., who married H. H. Neligh and now resides with her father. She has two children : Ralph A., aged twenty, and Clara Martin Neligh, aged seventeen. The second marriage of Dr. Martin was to Elizabeth A. Souder, of this township, who was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Souder, who came to this county, pioneers, in 1825, buying land located one and one-half miles north of Tiffin. The father of Mrs. Martin was a farmer and a local preacher in the Methodist church. Mrs. Martin died in 1884, her life having been one of good deeds.

In his political attachment Dr. Martin has been a life-long Republican, and has been an active member of his party and influential in its councils. For a period lastii^ since his twentieth year, he has been a member of the Methodist church, and is a trustee in the same. Since retiring from the practice of the profession, which he adorned for so many years, Dr. Martin has enjoyed a quiet life, having ample means. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres of excellent land, and in addition to this owns some half dozen residences in this city, while his own home on North Washington street is one of the most desirable in this locality. Dr. Martin is well known and is universally respected. His prominence in his profession, his devotion to his party and his leadership in his church, have marked him as one of the representative citizens of Tiffin.

Henry W. Creeger

It is eminently fitting that in this woric be entered a memoir of the honored subject of this review, who was one of the influential citizens of Seneca coimty, where he practically passed his entire life, lending his aid in reclaiming this section of the state from the sylvan wilds, enduring the vicissitudes and disadvantages of the pioneer epoch and ever ordering his life according to the highest principles of honor and integrity, thus gaining and retaining the confidence and good will of his fello\i' men. He was a man of indomitable i>erseverance, distinct individuality and most kindly nature, and now that he has passed forward to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns,'' he leaves the legacy of an unblemished life and one that was prolific in usefulness and worthy example.

Mr. Creeger was of German lineage, though the family has been identified with the annals of American history for several generations. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, on the ist of April, 1823, one of the ten children of Henry and Catherine (McDonald) Cre^er. Of the children only two survive, - Margaret, the widow of Adam Miller, of Hopewell township; and Mary, the widow of Jeremiah Matthews, of Niles, Michigan. The father, Henry W. Creeger, was born on a fami in Frederick county, Maryland, and he was reared and educated in his native state, where he continued in agricultural pursuits until 1825, when he emigrated to Seneca coimty, Ohio, being accompanied by his wife and children. When he arrived in this section of Ohio he found the locality almost an unbroken wilderness, Indians still being common, while bears, deer and other beasts of the forest were to l>e encountered on every side. He entered claim to a quarter section of government land, in Hopewell township, and the same is now the beautiful farm homestead of Mrs. Creeger, the widow of our subject. He built a log cabin in the forest and in this primitive domicile the family installed their "household gods,'* thus dedicating the little dwelling with the sacred name of home. In noting the well tilled fields, the attractive residence and other improvements which mark this fine homestead today, it is difficult to realize that only a few years ago was to be found only this little cabin, snugly ensconced amid the giant trees of the forest primeval. What the labor involved^ w^at the deprivations endured, what the courage and fortitude brought to bear and what the mutual aid and solicitude accorded, it remains for the pages of history to reverently record. The work of reclaiming the farm proceeded and here the father of our subject continued to live and labor until death set its seal upon his mortal lips, his demise occurring when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-one years and had begun to reap the fruits of his ceaseless toil and endeavor. His devoted wife preceded him into eternal rest, having passed away at the age of sixty-one. Later on he found a second companion and worthy helpmeet, being united in marriage to Mrs. Catherine (Wertz) Brendle, the widow of Jacob Brendle. No children were born of this union, and Mrs. Creeger, a devoted Christian woman of noble character, passed to her reward at the age of seventy-one years. She was born in Germany, where she was reared and educated and where her marriage to Jacob Brendle occurred. There his death occurred and later his widow came with her five children to America, in 1854, becoming a resident of Seneca county, where her marriage to Mr. Creeger was solemnized. The five children of the first marriage were as follows : Jacob Brendle, a farmer of Hopewell township; George, a resident of Tifiin, this county; Barbara, the lately deceased w4dow of Michael Walters, of Hopewell township: Margaret, the wife of Jacob Fleckner, of Loudon township; and Christena. who is the widow of the subject of this memoir and who was but an infant at the time of her father's death. By the two marriages noted the singular condition came about that she was the daughter-in-law of her own mother.

Henry W. Creeger was a child of two years when his parents caine to Seneca county, so that practically his entire life was here passed. He grew to maturity on the old pioneer farm in the forest and early began to assist in the work of reclaimling the land and placing it under cultivation. It is a matter of record that he aided in clearing the road from the hcMTiestead to Tiffin, this thoroughfare being literally hewed out through the forest. The schools of the place and period were necessarily primitive in character, but he took advantage of such opportunities as were afforded, and thus gained the foundation for that broad information and mature wisdom which came to him through the practical duties and associations of later years. As a young- man he assumed marital responsibilities, taking unto himself a wife, in the person of Miss Ruth A. Culverson, who was bom in this county, where her parents^ were likewise early settlers. Of the four children resulting from this union three yet survive, namely : Osra John, of Tiffin; Chippewa L., of Cass county, Missouri; and Melissa A., the wife of Sylvester Wagner, of Tiffin. After his marriage Mr. Creeger remained on the old homestead for a time and then removed to a tract of eiglity acres which he had purchased, in the same township, the same adjoining his father's farm and being now a portion of the Adam Miller property. He remained on this place until about 1858, when, his father having died in the meanwhile, he purchased the old homestead and there continued to reside until his death on the 17th of April, 1896. His life was in every way exemplary and his loss was deeply felt in the community, while to those of his immediate family his memory will ever abide as a benediction and a guide. In politics he was a Republican, and his religious faith was that of the Church of God, of which he was a zealous member. He left a valuable estate, and upon the home farm he operated a stone quarry for some years after his return to the same, this industry proving profitable. The attractive and commodious residence which his widow now ocaipies, and which is hallowed by the memories and associations of the past, was erected by him in 1876.

Germany, and concerning whose parentage and early life due mentioit has already been made. She survives her husband and still resides in the old home, cherished by her children and by the wide circle of friends gained during her long residence in the county. She is a type of that noble womanhood which has played so prominent a part in the history of the development and progress of this section, and here she has maintained her home since her childhood days. Of her ten children four are deceased, namely : Jesse Lawrence, who died at the age of two years ; Minnie Viola, who died at the age of ten; Henry Oliver, who passed away at the age of fourteen; and Bertha, who became the wife of George Shaull and died at the age of twenty-one years. Of the surviving children we enter the following brief record: Elnora J. is the wife of William Conrad, of Eden township; James W. has charge of eighty acres of the old homestead ; Mary Catherine is the wife of John King, of this township; Charles R. operates the remaining eighty acres of the home farm; Ida E. is the wife of Oliver King; and Burdette is still with his mother.

Owen Haines

One of the well known and representative farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Ov.en Haines, who is a man of means, prominence and influence in Seneca township.

The birth of Owen Haines was in Carroll county, Maryland, September 15, 1830, and he was a son of Job and Ann (Sweitzer) Haines, to whom were born nine children. The names of the latter were : Uriah, deceased; Josiah, of Adrian, Ohio; Eleanor, deceased; Jonathan, of Carey, Ohio; Owen, of this biography; Levi, of Carey; Ann, deceased; Lydia, the wife of William Myers, of Tiffin ; and Mary Jane, the wife of J. J. Yent, of Adrian.

Job Haines left his home in Carroll county, Maryland, in 1840, and came to Seneca county, Ohio, making the long journey by teams, bringing along as many of the old home belongings as was pG^ssible. The farm which he selected was then owned by David Elder and consisted of two tracts, of eighty and one hundred and sixty acres, in Seneca township, the improvements being a log cabin of two rooms, surrounded by twenty acres of cleared land. For this farm Mr. Haines paid the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. Here his life ended within five years, his death being probably hastened by hard work on his farm. He was but forty-five years of age at the time, and our subject was but fifteen. The latter was spared his mother until 1856, when she, too, passed away.

Owen Haines of this sketch was ten years old when his parents located in this township and county. At the age of eighteen he went to Tiffin and there entered upon an apprenticeship to the mason's trade, at which he worked for three years. The excitement over the discovery of gold in California had reached this town and many men both young and old left everything to try their fortunes in the mines. Among those who left Tiffin on March 22, 1852, bound for California, was Mr. Haines. He Joined a party of ninety-six and reached California on August 27, 1852, after traveling five months. As this party started out over a known trail and was well equipped, each man having either a horse or a mule, they reached their destination without serious mishap. From Kansas Cit)', which then consisted of one log cabin, they took ox teams and some four hundred milch cows. This overland trip was made by way of Salt Lake City, but the return one was made by water, in 1855, after three years of satisfactory success.