Seneca Township (part 25 of 60)

Mr. Waltennier was bom in Big Springs township, this county, on tlie 24th of June, 1844, the son of John and Gertrude (Carter) Waltennier, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, whence they came to Seneca county in an early day. They became the parents of ten children, of whom three are living at the present time. James T. was but seven years of age at the time of his father's death, and he was then taken into the home of Martin Fiant, of Jackson township, by whom he w^s reared, assisting in the work of the farml and attending the public schools as opponunity afforded. He was a youth of but seventeen years when the thundering of rebel guns against the ramparts of old F.ort Sumter aroused a loyal protest in his heart, and he did not long delay tendering his services in defense of his country. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company B, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, his term of enlistment being for three years. His command was assigned to the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, and he took part in some of the most fiercely contested and ever memorable battles of the great war which determined the integrity of the Union. Among the number were the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca, Vicksburg and Chickasaw Bayou, and later he was with General Sherman in the famous march to the sea. At Dalton, Georgia, Mr. Waltermier was captured by the Confederates, and was held prisoner from May 27, 1864, until the close of the war. He was released and duly mustered out of the service, and then returned to Jackson township, greatly broken in health by reason of the many hardships he had endured on the field and while in captivity. On this account he was practically unable to do any active work for a period of nearly two years, but finally resumed the occupation to which he had been reared and in which he has ever since continued. He is one of the few survivors of the ill-fated "Sultana," whose boilers exploded and fifteen hundred returning Union prisoners were drowned. He is a member of the Sultana Memorial Association. After his marriage, in 1867, Mr. Waltermier purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Jackson township, and there resided for two years, at the expiration of which period he sold the property and rented the farm on which he now lives, purchasing the same in 1883. Here he has a well-improved and highly cultivated farm of eighty acres, and through his well-directed efforts he has been successful in his fanning enterprise and is one of the substantial men of the township, where he is known and honored for his sterling worth of character. His political support is given to the Democratic party and his religiousfaith is that of the Reformed church, of which he is a devoted and prominent member, having been a deacon of Olive Chapel for a period of about twelve years.

On the 24th of January, 1867, Mr. Waltermier was united in marriage to Miss Mahala Swope, who was born in this county, the daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Hampshire) Swope, pioneer settlers. Of the seven children of this union five are living and all remain at the parental home except the eldest, their names, in order of birth, being as follows i Ella, the wife of Charles Master, of Wood county; and Etta M., Nora A., Oscar J. and Irvin T.

Mrs. Waltermier was born in the house in which she now lives, December 7, 1845. Her father, Daniel Swope, was born in Morgan county, this state, as vvas also her mother, they being married there, and he entered this tract of land from the government, settling here alxmt 1 83 1 in the wx>ods before there was another house between here and Fostoria, five miles distant, and there were very few in the entire county. Indians were thick about them, with whom they were on pleasant terms. The present residence, built al^out 1835, was (;ne of the first frame residences erected in the county. Her parents lived here till her mother's death, at fifty-five years of age. Later her father removed to Knobnoster, Missouri, about fifteen years ago, and there died, in his ninetysixth year. They had six children, all but one still living ( 1902). Lvdia is the widow of Levi Wertz, of W(kx1 comity ; Eli Swope lives in Missouri : Noah died at the age of fifty-two years: Israel and Samuel, also of Missouri; and Mahala, who has lived, except three years, on a farm in Kansas. .

Eli L. Rosenberger

One of the prominent old pioneer families of Seneca county is that of the Rosenbergers, which has been well represented in Liberty township from a very early day. They have e\'er borne their part in the up-

Henry Rosenberger, the founder of the family in this portion of Ohio, came from Virginia to Clinton township, Seneca county, in a very early day. In this locality Anthony Rosenberger, his son and the father of our subject, was born about 1829. When the time came for him to choose a life occupation he continued in the vocation to which he had been reared, farming, and after his marriage he rented his father's farm and land adjoining. Later he became the owner of forty acres in Hopewell township, but remained there only a short time and then kxrated on land belonging to his father-in-law. In 1863 he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of our subject's present farm, which continued to be his home from that time until 1872, when he purchased and rempved to a farm of one hundred and twenty-seven acres in Pleasant township, there spending his remaining days, his death occurring about 1880. He was a Republican in his political affiliations and was a member of the Methodist Protestant church, in v/hich he was an active and efficient worker and for many years he led the singing therein, having a fine bass voice. For his first wife Mr. Rosenberger chose Jane Michaels, and they had three children, namely: Jennie, the wife of Edward Heilman, of Clinton township; Mar\', the wife of David Zimmerman, of Hamilton county, Indiana; and Eli L., the subject of this review. The wife and mother passed away in death in 1862, and for his second wife the father chose Miss Margaret Zimmerman, by whom he had one child, Ida, now the wife of Frank Edwards, of Pleasant township. Mr. Rosenberger is still living at the old homestead, aged sixty-seven.

Eli L. Rosenberger received his elementary education in the comman schools of this locality, and later he was a student for one term in Heidelberg College, where he enjoyed superior educational advantages. He was twenty years of age at the time of his father's death, and in the following spring he removed to his present home farm, near the homestead, where he owns ninety-seven acres of rich and productive land. The place is extremely fertile and well improved and is considered one of the most valuable farms of its size in the county. In 1896 he erected one of the most magnificent farm residences in Seneca county, which is supplied with all the modern conveniences known to the city home and is complete in all its apfK>intments.

Tw'o months after locating upon his present homestead Mr. Rosenberger was united in marriage to Miss Flora I. Michaels, a daughter of George Michaels, now a resident of Illinois. Two children have been born unto this union. - Ralph R. and Ward E. Tlie Republican party receives Mr. Rosenberger's support and co-operation, and his religious preference is indicated by his miembership in the Methodist Protestant church. He gives his support to all moral, educational, social or material interests which he believes will benefit the community, and as a man of sterling w^orth he justly merits the high regard in which he is held.

Dr. H. G. Blaine is one of the well-known residents of Seneca county. He has gained distinction in the line of his chosen calling, in which he has ever been an earnest and discriminating student, and he holds a position of due relative precedence among the medical practitioners of this section of the Buckeye state.

A native of Wheeling, West Virginia, his birth occurred on ttie 25th of November, 1858, a son of William I. and Nancy V. (Voshal) Blaine. His father's nativity was in the Keystone state, his birth occurring in Carlisle, in 1827; and while yet a bo>' he accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to manhood and learned the printer's trade. On his father's side he was descended from good old English ancestry, w^hile his maternal ancestors were of Welsh descent. By his marriage to Nancy Voshal he became the father of six children, five now living, - George H., who is employed by the Colonial Steel Company in South Monaca, Pennsylvania; Ella, the wife of A. J. Whitney, of Bettsville, Ohio;

Lillie, the wife of George Sherman, of Attica, this state; Laura, tlie wife of Bentley McLean, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and H. G., the subject of this sketch.

Owing to misfortunes which befel his parents, H. G. Blaine was left to the cold mercies of the world at the age of three years. His parents had early removed to the south and the ravages of war had thus devastated the home of his childhood. Cast upon the charities of distant relatives, he was brought to this state and finally found shelter in the honne of William F. Leonard, a farmer of Seneca county, w4io reared him to years of maturity and gave him the advantages of the common schools. Later he attended the normal school of Republic and Fostoria. He has depended entirely upon his own efforts since the early age of sixteen years, when he began teaching in the schools of the neighborhood, following that occupation during the winter season, while i-n the summer months he was employed at farm labor, thus continuing until his twentieth year. Two years previous to this time, however, when eighteen years of age, he determiined to adopt the medical profession as a life work, and accordingly soon afterward entered the office of Dr. James M. Parker, of Attica, Ohio. In the fall of 1880 he matriculated in the Columbus Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, where he attended his first course of lectures. In the spring of 1882 he was graduated at the Indiana Eclectic Medical College, of Indianapolis, Indiana, also receiving a second diploma from the Toledo Medical College in 1886. A month after his graduation he opened an office for the practice of his profession in the village of Reedtown, a small hamlet in Seneca county^ but after one year's residence there, in February, 1883, he formed a partnership with Dr. Alfred Force, at Attica, Dr. Blaine's present location, this partnership relation continuing until July, 1884, when it was dissolved by mutual consent.

With his great love for the work in which he was engaged and his indomitable energy. Dr. Blaine did not feel that his practice then called forth his entire efforts, and he therefore set to work to establish a miedical journal, in which he would be able to set forth his own ideas relating to medical science and at the same time open an avenue through which he might become more famiHar with the opinions of the profession at large. Accordingly, on the ist of October, 1884, he issued the first number of the Medical Compend, a practical monthly epitome of medicine and surgery and the allied sciences, and this he published in Attica until April, 1889, when his private office, the office of the Medical Compend and the printing office, together with their contents, were destroyed by fire. In the following June Dr. Jonathan Priest, of Toledo, Ohio, became associated with our subject in the publication of the Medical Compend, and the office of the journal was moved to that city, of which Dr. Blaine became a resident in 1892. Uixm the death of Dr. Priest Dr. H. S. Havighorst was made a partner, and the name of the journal was changed to the Toledo Medical Comjjend. thus continuing until 1894, when the journal was sold, and in 1896 ouf subject returned to Attica. In 1885 l^^ ^^'^^ app(3inted to the chair of diseases of women and children in the Toledo Medical College, and he was afterward chosen to fill the chair of diseases of the nervous system in the same institution, which position he held until May, 1892, when he resigned from the faculty. lie is the author of the work entitled **The Physician: His Relation to the Law.*' The principal object of this book is to give in a ccmdensed form the relation of the physician to the special laws which control him and of which he, as a rule, has a very vague and imperfect idea, together with a more extended knowledge of the legal rules which govern the collection of his fees. The ethical code of the three schools of medicine are also given without comment, and other chapters contain the statutory- enactments in the various states regulating the practice of medicine.

In 1877 I^^- Blaine was united in marriage to Lucy E. Shanks, a daughter of James Shanks, of Chicago Junction, Ohio, and they had four sons: Ernest G. and Earl H., twins, the latter now deceased: Harry S., a mail clerk of Toledo, Ohio; and William. G., a student in the high school of Toledo. On the i8th of June, 1898, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Maude Endslow, a native of Crawford county, Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas B. Endslow, the well-known miller of New Washington, Ohio. The only child of this marriage is npw deceased. The Democracy receives Dr. Blaine's hearty support and co-operation, and he is now a member of the Democratic county executive committee; was elected mayor of Attica, Ohio, in April, 1902, while for the past three years he has also been the health officer. In 1899 he and his son, E. G., erected the Attica Telephone Exchange and the toll lines to Bellevue, Monroeville, Chicago Junction and Scipio, but in June, 1901, he sold his interest in that corporation. In the interests of his profession he is connected with the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association and the Ohio Medical Society, and in his social relations he is a member of Attica Lodge, No. 302, K. of P., of which he is a past chancellor; is deputy state counselor of Attica Council, No. 317, J. O. U. A. M., and is examining physician and consul of Attica Camp, No. 9216, Modern Woodmen of America.

Andrew Werley

No better illustration of the characteristic energy and enterprise of the typical German-American citizen can be found than that afforded by the career of this well-known citizen of Seneca county. He was born in Braunlingen, Baden, Germany, November 22, 1825, and is a son of Francis J. and Agatha (Rapenegger) Werley, also natives of Baden, Germany, where they died in 1848. The father was a clock-maker, and followed that occupation as a means of livelihood up to the time of his death. Of the nine children born unto this worthy couple only three are now living, namely: Jane, the wife of Casper Richter, of Columbus, Ohio; Andrew, the subject of this review; and Teresa, the wife of Jacob Schiffer, of Nevv Riegel, Ohio.

Andrew Werley was reared and educated in the land of his nativity, and in 1846, when a young man, he left the home of his childhood and youth for the United States. Traveling through France from Strasburg to Havre de Grace, he there embarked on the French steamer **Globe/' and arrived in the harbor of New York on the ist of June, 1846, after an ocean voyage of forty-four days. After his arrival in this country he made his way by canal to Delaware county, Ohio, arriving in Newark on the 29th of June of the same year, and on the following Fourtli of July joined his brother John in Delaware. He there made his home for the following two years, during which time he was engaged in selling clocks throiigh that and adjoining coimties. From 1848 until 1856 he worked in the Ohio Tool Company's plant in Colum.bus, and in that year he located in New Riegel. His brother John was then engaged in the mercantile business in that village, and for two years our subject remained in his employ, going thence to Thompson township, where he erected and conducted a store at Frank's Corner for four years. He then returned to New Riegel and at a sheriff's sale purchased the store formerly owned by his brother John, the latter having sold the same about two years prior to that time. From that time until 1878 Mr. Werley was there engaged in a general mercantile business, but on the expiration of that period he sold his stock of goods to his son-in-law, Charles H. Klein, and in 1880 built an elevator and engaged in the grain business. After devoting his attention to that occupation for eight years he sold his interests and retired from the active duties of a business life.

While residing in Columbus, Ohio, on the 27th of August, 1851,. Mr. Werley was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Smith, a native also of Baden, Germany, and a daughter of Philip and Anna Smith. The family came to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1835 purchasing land m Seneca township, and there they spent the remainder of their lives. Of the twelve children bom unto our subject and wife only nine are nowliving, namely: Stephen A., a resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas : Rosa^ the wife of C. H. Klein, of Auglaize county, Ohio; Minnie M., who makes her home in Chicago, Illinois; Qotilda and Sophia T., at home; Victor M., of Carey, Ohio; Loretta E., the widow of Albert E. Friend, of Cleveland, Ohio; Isabelle M., the wife of George Fowler, of Dubuque, Iowa; and Seraphin C, a bookkeq>er, of Marysville, California. The children all received excellent educational advantages, and they

Mr. Werley gives his political support to the Democracy, and for nineteen years he held the office of township treasurer. When the New Riegel post-office was established he became its first postmaster, and when the town was incorporated he becamie its first mayor, in which he is the present incumbent, this being his sixth term in that impxcrtant position. For a period of twenty-four years he has served as a school director, and for many years he has served as a delegate to the county, state, judicial and senatorial conventions of his party. The family are members of St. Boniface's Catholic church.

Charles E. Feasel

In the history of the agricultural interests of Seneca county Charles E. Fease! well deserves prominent mention, being one of the leading and enterprising farmers of Liberty township. He was born in Jackson township on the 24th of June, 1863, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Stahl) Feasel, who were the parents of seven children, as follows: Clara, deceased; Charles E. ; William, who resides in Liberty township; Ida E., who died in childhood; John L., a resident of Jackson township; Esther E., the wife of George Aumaugher, of Jackson township; and Irvin, who resides in Jackson township. Throughout his active business career the father of this family was connected with agricultural pursuits, becoming a well-known and enterprising farmer. He died in 1886, at the age of fifty-eight years, and his wife, surviving him eleven years, passed away in 1897, also at the age of fifty-eight years.

Charles E. Feasel is indebted to the public-school system of his native county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He worked on the home farm through the months of summer, attending school during the winter season, and with the labors of field and meadow he early became familiar. At length he left the home place in order to engage in business on his own account and chose as his vocation the work to which he had been reared. He is to-day the owner of a traci: of rich and arable land of one hundred and thirty-five acres and carries on both general farming and stock-raising. His fields give promise of golden harvests and in his pastures and feed lands can be seen good giades of cattle, hogs and sheep, which find a ready sale on the market and add materially to his annual income. He has good improvements upon his place and a glance will indicate to the passer-by that the owner is a progressive agriculturist.

In the year 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Feasel and Miss Mary Millhine, of Jackson township, and a daughter of John and Sarah Millhine. Seven children have been bom of their union, namely : Irvin E., Harvey H., Cora E., Alberta B., May Ethel, Belvah M. and Gladys A. The parents hold membership in the United Brethren church, taking a very active part in its w^ork and contributing materially to its support.

Mr. Feasel has been honored with several offices in the church; has been superintendent of the Sunday-school, class-leader, trustee; and is now secretary' of ihe board of trustees. He has also filled civic positions, having for three years capably served as the township treasurer. He has likewise been a member of the school board and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend, who does all in his power for its advancement. His political faith is that of the Republican party, and, as every true American citizen should do, he keeps well informed on the issues of the day and does what he can. to secure the adoption of the principles in which he believes. In manner he is frank and genial and his many good qualities are recognized by friends who have known and respected him from boyhood.

Seneca county, Ohio, has its full quota of skilled physicians and surgeons, and among the number may be noted the subject of this review, Dr. J. Frank Titus. He was born in Jackson township, this

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 56Scounty, on the 20th of January, 1870, a son of Giles J." and Sarah E.. ( White) Titus. The father also claimed the Buckeye state as the place of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Cleveland in 1838, and there he grew to mature years and learned the trade of plasterer. When a young man he removed to Iowa, and there remained until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he went to Quincy, Illinois, there offering his services to the Union cause by becoming a member of the Eightyfourth Illinois Infantry. He remained a brave and valiant soldier until the terrible struggle was past, and during his services he was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. After his honorable discharge he came to Seneca county, Ohio, establishing a turning factory in the village of Kansas, where he was engaged in the manufacture of wooden bowls.. About 1878, however, he removed his plant to Woodville, Sandusky county, and from 1883 until 1890 was engaged in the same business at Green Spring, Ohio. In the latter year he became a resident of Fostoria, where he has since been living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of former toil. He gives a stanch and unwavering sui>port to the Republican party, and religiously is a member of the United Brethren church. While a resident of Iowa he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. White, and they became the parents of eight children, four now living: Roger, a commercial traveler of Cleveland, Ohio; Lillian, the wife of George W. Mallott, of Rocky Ford, Colorado; and Gertrude, the wife of E. J. Earnest, of Jackson, Michigan; and J. Frank, the subject of this review.

J. Frank Titus began the active battle of life for himself when but a lx>y of seventeen years, as an employe in a general store at Cummings, Wood county, Ohio, there remaining for four years. On the expiration of that period he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in which institution he was graduated in the homeopathic departmient in the spring of 1896. In the fall, of that year he came to Attica and opened an office for the practice of his chosen profession. Although one of the more recent representatives of the profession, he has already gained distinction in the line of his chosen calling, has ever been an earnest and discriminating student, and all who*

The marriage of Dr. Titus was celebrated June 5, 1900, when iliss Bertha L. Rhineberg became his wife. She is a native of Green Spring. Seneca county, and a daughter of T. B. Rhineberg, now a resident of Reed township. The Doctor is a member of Attica Lodge, I. O. O. F., in which he is now serving as vice grand, and is a member of Attica Lodge, Xo. 302, K. of P., in which he has held all the offices and at the present time is master at arms. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Jacob S. Armstrong

Among the native sons of Scipio township who still reside within its borders is Jacob S. Armstrong, whose birth here occurred July 2"^. 1834, his parents being George and Mary A. (Swickard) Armstrong. The father was a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, and in 1834 arrived in Seneca county, at which time he took up his abode upon the farm in Scipio township, where our subject was born. His first home was a little log cabin, in which he lived in true pioneer style, bravely meeting all the hardships and trials which fall to the lot of the pioneer. Only a few acres of the land had been cleared, but with characteristic energj^ he began the further development of the farm, which he continued until ill health caused him to return to Jefferson county. There he remained through the succeeding decade and then returned to Scipio township, again locating upon the old homestead. It was his place of residence until 1856, when he went to Reed township, where for twenty-eight years he carried on agricultural pursuits, his life's labors being ended in death in 1884. He was then seventy-three years of age. his birth having occurred in 181 1. His wife passed away March 9, 1883. I" '^^s business undertakings Mr. Armstrong met with excellent success. lie acquired nine hundred acres of land in Reed and Scipio townships and well did he earn the proud American title of a self-made man. His prosperity was the outcome of earnest and diligent effort, guided by sound judgment. His fellow townsmen recognized his worth and ability and frequently called him to serve in township offices, and the Methodist Episcopal church found in him a valued and worthy member. In the family were four children, namely: Jacob S., of this review; Samantha, the wife of Alpheus Wall; John G., a resident of Reed township; and Tabitha, the wife of George Wall, who served as a soldier in the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the civil war.

In taking up the personal history of Jacob S. Armstrong, we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Seneca county as a representative farmer. His preliminary education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by study in the Republic Academy, and his business training was received upon the home farm, where he early became familiar with the work of the fields. On the 5th of March, 1861, he gained a companion and helpmate for the journey of life in the person' of Miss Sarah Ann Tompkins, who was born in Thomp^son township, Seneca county, and is a daughter of Isaac and Christina (Scothorn) Tompkins. Her mother was the first white child in Reed tmvnship, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Armstrong having located there in 1824, when she was three years old. Mrs. Tompkins is still living with Mrs. Armstrong, and has reached the advanced age of eighty-one years. Her husband came to Seneca county from New York about 1833 and here met and married Miss Scothorn. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with one child, Lillian, the wife of Daniel Benfer. They reside with her parents and have four children, - Wade A., Glee S., Qaude E. and Darl J. The family home is a fine brick residence which was erected by Mr. Armstrong and is one of the largest houses in Seneca county. It is tastefully furnished and is surrounded by a beautiful and well kept lawn. Many excellent improvements have been made upon the farm, which comprises two hundred and eighty acres of rich land. In addition to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to the climate, Mr. Armstrong is engaged in stockraising, and both branches of his business are remunerative.

pressed in Populistic platforms. His wife is a member of the Baptist church and he belongs to the !Masonc fraternity, with which he has been identified for more than thirty years. He is also a member of the Grange and is widely known in his native county, where his life has been so honorably passed that his record is well worthy of emulatic«i. There have been no exciting chapters in his history, but his record is that of a man w ho has ever been true to the duties of citizenship, of friendship and of the home.

David W. Brown

From his boyhood the subject of this sketch has been a resident of Seneca county ; and that he is a representative of one of its pioneer families is evident when we revert to the fact that he has now attained to the age of nearly four-score years. His life has been one of signal usefulness and honor, and his memory links the early pioneer epoch, with its primitive surroundings and equipments, inseparably with this latter era of prosperity and opulent achievement and conditions which have marked the advent of the glorious twentieth century. As a representative farmer of the county and one of its pioneer citizens, it is incumbent that we enter this review of the life history of Mr. Brown.

David W. Brown is a native of the state of Maryland, having been born in Frederick county, on the 9th of December, 1826, the son of George and Julia Ann (Scott) Brown, who became the parents of seven children, namely : Catherine, who married William W. Null and died in 1866; David W., of this sketch; Christian, who died in 1879, from disability contracted in the w^ar ; Sarah, the wife of Aaron C. Reese, of Linden, Ohio ; Thomas, who died in childhood ; Leetha, the wife of Jacob Ash, of Kansas, Ohio; and Wesley B., w^ho enlisted in the Civil war when only sixteen years old and is now a resident of Williams county. Thomas Brown, the grandfather of our subject, was of English ancestry, a farmer in Frederick coimty, Maryland, married Susan Harmon, of German descent, and died in 1828, at the age of fifty-five years. His wife died in- 183 1, at the age of fifty-six years. Their children were John, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Thomas, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, fought in the engagements at Bladensburg and Baltimore, and in 1836 settled in Miami county, Ohio; William, who died while a young man, at Greencastle, Pennsylvania ; and Christian, who came to Seneca county, Ohio, with his brother George in 1833, married Susan Shaull, a daughter of John B. Shaull, who located on the present homestead of David W. Brown about 1822 or 1823; Christian died in 1842.

George Brown, the father of our subject, came with his family from Maryland with a team and wagon, taking up his abode in Tiffin, then a mere hamlet in the mddst of a wild forest, where settlers had inaugurated the work of reclamation not many years previously. Here he followed his trade, that of cooper, for a short time, and in 1835 removed to Eden township, where he leased land and engaged in farming. In 1839 he removed to Liberty township, where he purchased a tract of eighty acres, which served as the nucleus of his well-improved estate of one hundred and sixty acres, since he had purchased additional land and had improved the property prior to his death, at the venerable age of eightyfour years, the last twenty-seven years of his life having been passed at the home of his son, the subject of this review. He was a man of sterling character and held the unqualified esteem of the people of the community. He served as* a justice of the peace for a number of years and was also the incumbent of other local offices. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church, of which his wife was likewise a meml^er.. She fussed away at the age of forty-two years.

David W. Brown was a lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Seneca coimty, and here he was reared to maturity, his educational advantages being necessarily limited, so that it may be said that he is self-educated, even as he has been the architect of his own fortunes in a temporal way. When twenty-two years of age he began learning the shoemaker's trade at Bascom, serving an apprenticeship of one and a half years, and thereafter he worked at Fort Seneca, from 1852 to 1854, and then removed to Liberty township, where he continued to follow his trade for a year, and next extended the scope of his enterprise by also engaging in agricultural pursuits and tlie raising of live stock. He had, indeed, begun his business career by buying farm animals at the early age of seventeen years. He has continued to reside in Liberty township to the present time, and has followed his trade to a greater or less extent in connection with his farming and stock-raising industry. His efforts have met a merited success and he is now the owner of a well-improved and highly culti'vated farm of eighty acres, having retained this amount of the estate of two hundred and forty-eight acres which he here owned at one time.

In politics Mr. Brown is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, with which he \\2ls* been allied from the time of attaining his majority, and during all his years of toil and endeavor he has been broadminded, upright and pubHc-spirited, and has commanded the confidence and esteem of those among whom his life has been passed.

On the 28th of March, 1852, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Null, who was bom in Hopewell township, this county, the daughter of Jacob and Susanna ( Pufifenberger) Null, who were born and married in Virginia, whence they came to Seneca county about 1830, settling on a heavily timbered tract of land in Hopewell township, whence about two years later they removed to Liberty township, where Mr. Null purchased eighty acres, subsequently adding to his property, owning four hundred acres at the time of his death, Avhen eighty-two years of age. His wife died at the age of seventy-six years, six months and two days. Mrs. Brown is one of five children living, the others being W. H. Null, retired, a resident of Kansas, Ohio; Lovina, now Mrs. Dr. Joseph Cessna, at Kalamo, Michigan : Sarah, the wife of John Chester, of Tiffin; and Clarinda, the wife of Samuel Shrodes, of Tiffin.

The ten children of Mr. and Mrs. Brown are: Tliomas J., who re«i(l law at Tiffin, was admitted to the bar, practiced at Chicago, was married in Illinois to Miss Susie McCulIough, and is now a practitioner « f law and an insurance agent at Atlanta, Ge(Tgia; Albert, who was reared on the farm, married Luella Astry, is a farmer in Williams county, this state, and has two children, - Lottie K. and Ariel; Catherine, now the wife of William Wagonhouser, of Sylvania, Lucas county, Ohio, with four children, - Claude W., David Albert, Alva and Myrl ; William H., a farmer of Hopei\'ell townsihip, who married Malinda Altman had has six children, - Ladema, Viola, Maud, Alvemon (who died at the age of seventeen years), Isora and Virgie; Susan E., who married Jacob H. Wagoner, of the same township, and whose children are George, Marie, John and Louisa; John D., who read law at Valparaiso, Indiana, practiced his profession at Kansas City, has been engaged in editorial work in Missouri, married Mary Young and has one daughter, named Mabel; Elander, who died in infancy; Awilda, who is the wife of Henry Puffenberger, her husband having the farm of the old Puffenberger homestead in Liberty township; they have lost one child in infancy and are now rearing a nephew, George A. Brown, aged at present five years; Jessie, now Mrs. John Smith, of Wood county, this state, with two children, - Ethel Leone and Eva; and Charles S., who married Mrs. May McCall and has three children, - Clio, George and Susie. He is engaged in the oil business in Wood county.

John Ball

One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men of Seneca county is John Ball. He is public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the comrrtunity, and for many years he has been numbered among the most valued and honored citizens of Seneca county.

His birth occurred in Huron county, Ohio, November 18, 185 1, a son of JosepJi and Celia (Qous) Ball. His father was born in Germany about 1820, and he was there reared and married, and prior to his removal to this country three children were bom to him in his little German home. In 1850 he crossed the broad Atlantic to the United

States, spending about fourteen weeks on the voyage, and after arriving in New York he made his way to Huron county, Ohio, there purchasing fifty acres of land in Norwich township. About 1862 he sold his possessions there and remfoved to Venice township, Seneca county, here becoming the owner of an eighty-acre tract, but later sold that propert}- and removed to Bloom township, where his last days were spent, his death occurring in 1894. Eight children were bom unto Mr. and Mrs. Ball, namely : James, a prominent agriculturist of Seneca county : Benjamin, deceased; Margaret, the widow of Frank Schank and a resident of Huron county, Ohio; John, the subject of this review; Frank, who is emiployed by his brother Joseph; Catherine, deceased; Mary, who wife of Michael Brown, of Huron county; and Celia, the wife of Leo Layman, of Ottawa county, Ohio.

To the public-school system of his native locality John Ball is indebted for the educational privileges which he received in his youth, but his advantages in that direction were extremely limited. About six years prior to his marriage he rented the Jacob Funk farm of one hundred and sixty acres, but in 1890 he removed from that place to the Jacob H ussier farm of two hundred and forty acres, on which he made his home lor one year. While residing there he became the owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Blooin township, exchanging for the same a tract of sixty acres which he had purchased some time in the '70s while making his horrte on the Funk farm. He gives his entire attention to the raising of the cereals best adapted to this soil and climate, and in the line of his chosen vocation he is meeting with a high and well-merited degree of success. In matters of national importance he gives his political supp>ort to the Democracy, but at local elections he supports the men whom in his best judgment he regards as best qualified to fill positions at honor and trust.

On the 14th of October, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ball and Miss Catherine Reiderman. Tlie lady is a native of Erie county, Ohio, and a daughter of January' Reiderman, whose birth recurred in Germany. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ball four now survive, - John C, Bertha M., Celia B. and Christian O., - all at home. The family are members of the Catholic church, in which Mr. Ball is serving as councilman and as a member of the building committee, having assisted in the construction of the St. Stephen's church, parsonage and school building. Many years of his life have been spent in Seneca county and among its best citizens he is widely and favorably known.

Owen P. Green

Owen P. Green owns and cultivates sixty acres of land in Scipio township and is a progressive farmer, following modem methods. He was born in this township August 7, 1843, ^"d is a son of Elias and Mary A. (Lapham) Green. His father was a native of Cayuga county, New York, and in an early day emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Scipio towTiship when the work of progress and improvement was in its incipiency. When our subject was nine years of age the father remo\'ed with his family to Hardin county and there spent his remaining days. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Green were bom five children: Eliza J., now deceased ; Timothy ; Owen P. ; Ansel C. ; and Lavinia A., who has passed away. After the death of the father the family returned to Scipio township, where Owen P. Green was reared to manhood. When a youth of fourteen he began earning his own living, working as a farm hand by the month.

After the inauguration of the Civil war he felt that his duty was toward his country, and to the government offered his services on the 7th of August, 1 86 1, becoming a miember of Company H, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was sent to the front and the first engagement in which he participated was at the battle of Stone River. He was also in the engagements at Chickamauga and Franklin. At the battle of Chickamauga he was wounded by a shell and for four months lay in a hospital. On the 19th of June, 1865, the war having ended, he received an honorable discharge. His record was ever characterized- by fidelity to duty and bravery in the midst of battle and he returned to his home with a creditable military record.

Agciin Mr. Green took up his abode in Scipio township. He was married February 2, 1871, to Miss Sarah E. Wilkerson. Mrs. Green was born on the farm where she now lives, a daughter of Charles and Jane (White) Wilkerson, who were both born in Cayuga county, New York, where they were married September 10, 1837, and they came to Seneca county in 1840. Mr. Wilkerson secured this tract of land in the woods, erected a log house and in 1858 built the present residence. Both himself and wife died here, he October 19, 1889, in his eighty-first year, and she August 31, 1901, aged eighty-nine years. They had three daughters, - Delia, now the widow of Edgar S. Lamkin, and Celia C, Mrs. Stephen Rowland, both residing in Republic; and Mrs. Green, the youngest. She was educated in the academy at Republic and taught for a time in the home school.

Mr. Green is carrying on general farming and stock-raising with good success, his place being neat and thrifty in apjxjarance, indicating his careful supervision. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican paity and belie\-es firmly in its principles. He is today as true to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the old flag upon the battlefields of the south.

George Briney

George Brine>^ was born upon the farm where he now resides, August 4, 1843, ^^^ i^ ^ son of John Henry Briney, a native of Alsace, Germany, who came to America with his parents about 1827, being at the time thirteen years of age. His father was Henry Briney, who with his family took up his abode in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where he became connected with business interests as a clerk in a hotel. In the Keystone state John Henry Briney was reared to manhood and as a companion and helpmate on the journey of life he chose Rebecca Linebaugh. They became the parents of six children : Jacob, w^ho died at the age of seventeen years ; Caroline, the wife of George Detterman, of

Centennial Biographical History. 57S

Adams township; Henry, a resident of . Henry county, Ohio; George, of this review; Catherine, who has passed away; and Mary, the wife of T. F. Mohr, of Scipio township. In the year 1838 the father of these children made his way to Ohio, settling in Scipio township, Seneca county, upon the farm where our subject now resides. He had purchased this in connection with hi§ father at a previous date, the tract comprising ninety-three acres. Upon it a log cabin of one room had been built and five acres of the land had been cleared, but the remainder was covered with heavy timber. Upon this farm the grandfather of our subject died at the age of eighty-four years, and here John Henry Briney passed away in 1890, his wife surviving him only one year. Both were seventy-eight years of age when called to the home beyond. The father had been very successful in his business pursuits and had accumulated three hundred and twenty acres of land. He was a member of the Lutheran church and was widely known and highly respected for his sterling worth.

On the old family homestead George Briney of this review was reared, early becoming familiar with the work of cultivating the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were han'^ested in the autumn. During the winter months when the farm work was practically over for the year he attended school and until tw^enty-three years of age he gave his father the benefit of his services. At that time he removed to the farm upon which his brother-in-law, Mr. Mohr, is now living, and later took up his abode upon the original homestead of ninety-three acres where his birth occurred. He has dev^oted his attention to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and has made excellent improvements upon his place, which now returns to him annually a good income.

October 18, 1866, Mr. Briney was united in marriage to Catherine Detterman, and their union has been blessed with eight children : Clara,, the wife of B. D. Yundt, of Scipio township; Frank, of Tliompson township; Warren, who is with his father; Nellie, who became the wife of H. Hileman; and Oaude, Edith, Lena and Gladys. The parents hold membership in St. Jacob's Reformed Lutheran church and Mr. Briney belongs to the school board, on which he has serv^ed for twenty years,.

the cause of education finding in him a warm friend, who exercises his official prerogatives for the substantial advancement of the schools of his neighborhood. Having always resided in this locality, he is well known, and the fact that many of his warmest friends are numbered among those with whom he has been acquainted from boyhood is an indication that his career has ever been honorable and upright.

Jacob Souder Huss

From the early pioneer epoch the life of the honored subject of this review has been identified with the industrial activities of Seneca county, of which he is a native son and in which he has maintained a consecutive residence. He has now passed the psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, and this fact is significant, since it indicates the early date at which his parents must have cast in their lot with the pioneers of this now i>rosperous and opulent section of the old Bucke>'e state. His father exercised a potent influence in the develojxnent and advancement of the coimty in the early days, and this is also true of the son, who has here lived and labored to goodly ends, so ordering his life as to command the unreserved confidence and regard of all who Tcnow him. To a review of his earnest and honorable life we turn with a feeling of respect and satisfaction, since the same offers both lesson and incentive.

Jacob S. Huss was born on the old pioneer farm, amid the sylvan wilds of Eden township, this coimty, on the 5th of December, 1828, being one of the three children of David and Nancy (Olmsted) Huss. Ann, the wife of Jacob Holtz, died at the age of seventy-eight years, and Elizabeth is the wife of Lysander Reynolds, of Clinton township. David Huss was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of that state, where he was reared and educated and where he learned the trade of carpenter. When a young man he removed to Frederick county, Maryland, where his wife was bom and where their marriage was solemnized. Soon after this important event they emigrated thence, in 1827, to Seneca county, Ohio, where the father poirchased forty acres of heavily timbered land, in Eden township, later buying additional land until he had one hundred and twenty acres. He cleared his farm and gradually brought the same into cultivation, his original domicile being a primStive log cabin, which he erected in a small clearing in the forest. He continued to reside in this county until his death, in 1873, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His political allegiance was originally given to the Whig party, but upon the organization of the Republican party he identified himself therewith and continued to be an earnest supporter of the same until his death. He wielded a strong influence in public affairs of a local nature, and served with ability and for long periods in various township offices, including those of justice of the peace, assessor and trustee. He was a man of spotless integrity and never violated the confidence reposed in him by any of the relations of life. His widow survived him nearly ten years, her demise occurring in 1882, in her eighty-third year.

Jacob S. Huss was reared on the old homestead, early beginning to <x)ntribute to the work of development and cultivation and conning his lessons in the little log school-house as opportunity presented. He continued to work for his father until he had attained the age of twentyfour years, when he assumed charge of the home farm, later becoming the owner of seventy-two acres, contiguous to his father*s farm, having purchased the land in three different portions. In 1867 they disposed of their property in Eden township and removed to Clinton township, where our subject purchased a tract .of one hundred and forty-nine acres, to which he subsequently added twenty acres, and here he has ever since given his attention to general farming and stock-growing, having reclaimed the farm and made the best of improvements on the same. His father continued an inmate of his home until death ended the labors of a useful and active life. The mother of our subject also continued in his home until her death, and her memory remains as a benediction to all who came under the influence of her noble and' gentle character. In polities' Mr. Huss has given an unqualified support to the Republican party,

On the loth of April, 1855, Mr. Huss was united in marriage to Miss Almira E. Reynolds, who was born July 17, 1834, in Cayuga county, New York, the daughter of Abraham and Harriet (Goldsmith) Rej'nolds, who carnle to Seneca county, Ohio, about 1835 and here passed the remainder of their lives, having cleared and improved a gmxl farm in Eden township. The father here died at.an advanced age. !Mr. and Mrs. Huss became the parents of two children : Jessie, who is the wafe of Frederick Dudrow% of Adams township, and has two children, - Harry Huss Dudrow and Byron Fred Dudrow ; and Ella, who married Frank Trout and died at the age of eighteen years. Mrs. Huss became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in her youth and has ever continued a devoted adherent of the same.

John Bigham

The great basic industry of agriculture, which must ever figure as the bulwarks of our national prosperity and progress, has in Seneca county an able representative in the person of Mr. Bigham, w4io is a representative citizen of Liberty township and one of the substantial and prosperous agriculturists of this section of the state.

Mr. Bigham was born in Fredericktown, Knox county, Ohio, on the 5th of March, 1832, being the son of John and Eliza (Lewis) Bigham, both natives of Pennsylvania. They became the parents of eight children, of whom only three are living at the present time, - Margaret, who is unmarried and who resides in Mlelmore, this county; Samuel, a resident of Ionia county, Michigan; and John, the subject of this sketch. John Bigham, Sr., was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and was there reared to maturity. He there married, and in 1832 he cam)e with his family to Ohio, locating in Knox county, at Fredericktown, where he remained until July of the following year, w^hich repre- sents the date of his arri\^l in Seneca county. Here he purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land, near the present village of Melmore, erecting a primitive log cabin as a home for his family, and then setting himself valiantly to the task of reclaiming his land and placing it under cultivation. As time passed, the evidences of his success became each year more distinctly marked, and he here made his home until his life's labors were terminated by his death, in September, 1883, when his estate was represented by the qM' homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and several hundred acres of valuable land in Ionia and Eaton counties, Michigan. In politics he was originally an old-line Whig, but eventually transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, whose cause he thereafter gave a zealous support. He was a man of distinct ability and sterling character and was highly esteemed in the community. His wife passed away in 1840, at the age of thirty-six years.

John Bigham, Jr., the subject of this sketch, grew up on the old homestead farm, in Eden township, and that he made the most of the scholastic advantages which were offered in the public schools of the place and period is evident from the fact that as a young man he became a successful and popular teacher in the district schools, engaging in such pedagogic work for eight terms, in Seneca and Crawford counties and in Washtenaw county, Michigan, and showing himself to have been a diligent and appreciative student. In 1857 he went to Washtenaw county, Michigan, where he was employed in a sawmill for three months and thereafter as a farm hand until the winter season came on, when he secured a position as teacher. The following spring his marriage was solemnized, and with his bride he soon afterward returned to Ohio, locating on a farm in Crawford county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own responsibility, becoming the owner of one hundred and ten acres. After about six years had elapsed he disposed of this place and purchased another farm, of one hundred and thirty-two acres, * in the same county but about two miles southeast of Melmore, and adjoining the old homestead. He disposed of this property in 1870, pairchasing a tract of one hundred and eighty acres in Jackson township, Seneca county, which he still owns, having made excellent improvements on the place and there retaining his residence until 1889, when he removed to the farm of one hundred acres owned by his wife, in Liberty towns'iip, and this has since been the family home, - one of the most attractive in this section. Mr. Bigham supervises the operation of both these fine farm properties and on every hand are to be seen the evidences of the careful and discriminating attention bestowed and the progressive methods employed. In politics he is a loyal supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and while a resident of Crawford county he served two terms as trustee of his township and also held the office of assessor. In 1 89 1 he was appointed postmaster of Angus, Ohio, and has since been the incumbent, the office being located on the farm, through which passes the Nickel Plate Railroad. Fraternally he is identified with Fostoria Lodge, F. & A. M., having been a member since 1861, and his religious views are in harmony with the tenets of the Presbyterian -church, though not a member, w-hile Mrs. Bigham holds views more in accord with the Dunkard church.

In 1856 Mr. Bigham was united in rnarriage in Washtenaw county, Michigan, to Miss Jane Clarke, who was born in the state of New York, and who died in 1888, leaving three children, - Mary E., wife of U. N. Keller, of Her, this county; Robert, of Her; and Martha J., wife of N. B. Flack, of Amisden. Subsequently Mr. Bigham consummated a second marriage, his union to Miss Sarah Ann Flack being solemnized on the 1st of October, 1889. Mts. Bigham w'as born on the farm where she now lives, being the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bachtell) Flack, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been bom in Fayette county and the latter in Franklin county. Jacob Flack w^as the son of John L. and Barbara (Snyder) Flack, who were numbered among the earliest settlers of Seneca county, having come here in 1826 and locating on the farm now owned by More Flack, of w^hom mention is made on another page. The land was heavily timbered and here the grandfather of Mrs. Bigham erected his log house and duly installed his Lares and Penates. He reclaimed his farm and became the ownet of several hundred acres of land in the county, dividing the estate among his children and passing t6 his reAvard at the age of sixty-five years.

one of the honored pioneers of this state. Jacob Flack was born on the 19th of December, 1813, and he entered into eternal rest on the 4th of May, 1867, after a life of signal honor and usefulness. After his marriage he settled in the woods on the farm now owned by Mrs. Bigham and her home during her entire life. Here he owned two hundred acres, which had been given himl by his father, and here he remained until his death, having been one of the prominent and influential citizens of the county and having been held in the highest regard by all who knew him. He was a Democrat in politics and his religious faith was in touch with the Dunkards. His wife is now deceased, having passed away August 7, 1899, in her eighty-first year. They were the parents of two daughters, the younger being Barbara Ella, who married E. M. Williams and who died in 1868, aged twenty-seven years. Sarah Ann had ever lived with her parents, her life being devoted to the demands of home and family.

John F. Fruth

Year has been added to year and decade to decade until the aggregate of almost half a century has been attained since the time when the subject of this sketch came as a lad to Seneca county, of which his father was a pioneer, still living within its confines, as a venerable patriarch and as a man whose life has been such as to retain to him the high esteem of his fellow men. When the family took up their residence in Loudon township this secticm was still practically a frontier region, awaiting the awakening touch of the sturdy pioneers who would still further transform its wild lands into rich and productive farms and beautiful homes," establish villages, churches, schools and various commercial and industrial enterprises and thus continue the inceptive work of reclaiming the country for the uses and blessing of mankind. The natural advantages of this section attracted at an early day a superior class of settlers, - a thrifty, industrious, progressive and law-abiding people, whose influence has given p>ermanent direction to the work of development and material advancement. Or this type was the father of our subject, who is one of the sturdy sons of the German fatherland who have taken up their abode in America to become an integral part of its social fabric and a valuable factor in conserving its normal and legitimate progress. Tlie Fruth family is one peculiarly worthy of consideration in this work, touching Seneca county and its people.

John F. Fruth was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 2 1 St of May, 1853, being the son of Frank and Catherine (Fruth) Fruth, of collateral branches of one of the old and honored families of that section of the great German empire, where both were born, as were also their ten children, of whom only four survive, namely : Leonard, who makes his home with the subject of this re\'iews Adam, a farmer of Scipio township; Catherine, the wife of A. Heinze, of Loudon township; and John F., whose name appears at the head of this article. The father of our subject was born in Bavaria, on the isth of September, 181 3, and was there reared and educated and there learned the trade of baker, to which he continued to devote his attention in his native land for a number of years. He emigrated with his family to America in the spring of 1854, the subject of this review being at the time a child of about one year, and they located at a point about eight miles distant from the city of Qe\^eland, Ohio, where the father devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits about tw^o years, his devoted wife having died only four weeks after the arrival of the family in the United States.

In 1856 Frank Fruth came with his children to Seneca county and settled in the township of Loudon, where he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of land, to whose reclamation he forthwith directed his attention, and here he has ever since maintained his home, the old homestead farm being now owned by his son-in-law, Mr. Heinze, but being still the abiding place of the venerable father, now nearly ninety years of age, who receives from his children the deepest filial respect and solicitude. He has given his political support to the principles and policies of the Democratic party and his entire life has been one of sterling rectitude and honor, while his industry was unflagging until his advanced years necessitated his retirement from the active duties of business. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran church, w-ith which his wife, who passed away so many years ago, was likewise identified.

John F. Fruth, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the old homestead and early began to lend his aid in the work of clearing and cultivating the same, while his educational privileges were such as were afforded in the primitive public schools of the period. His marriage occurred in the year 1873 ^^^ he then purchased forty acres of land in Loudon township, the same being in section 32, and in four years he traded this place in part paymient for his present fine homestead, which comprises one hundred and sixty-six and a fraction acres. Here he has made excellent improvements, has brought the farm into the highest state of cultivation, of diversified order, and has made it one of the attractive and valuable rural homes of this favored section of the Buckeye commonwealth, where he has practically passed his entire life, which has been so directed as to retain to him at every stage in his career the high esteem of those with whom he has come in contact. Though he has ne\'er sought the honors of political office, Mr. Fruth has given a stanch support to the Demiocratic party and has shown at all times a deep interest in all that goes to further the general welfare of the community. His religious connection is with the W(est Independent United Brethren church, of which Mrs. Fruth likewise is a member.

On June 22, 1873, Mr. Fruth was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary (Peter) Fruth, w^ho was born in Loudon township, daughter of Jacob Peter, who removed from Germany to this county as a pioneer of the year 1833. At the age of eighteen years she had married Conrad Fruth, the brother of John F., and he died March 17, 1868, leaving two sons, John Henry Fruth, now a farmer of Hancock county, and Conrad, also of that county. They were both reared by their uncle and stepfather, receiving such assistance as could be rendered when establishing homes of their own. Of the four children born to our subject and his estimable wife three are living at the present time: Jacob, a resi- dent of Hancock county, married Miss Lydia Mertz and has one soiv Roswell R. ; Millie remains at the parental home, as does also the younger daughter, Catherine.

Alanson S. Owen

Among the representative citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, few are better known in Bloom township than is Alanson S. Owen, who has been an honored resident of this county for seventy years. Mr. Owen was bom in Yates county, New York, on November 9, 1826, a son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Spooner) Owen, both families being prominent ones in Yates county. They reared in that^state a family of seven children, the four survivors being as follows : Lewis R., who resides in Fairfax, Iowa; Charles, who lives in Eden township, Seneca county: Mary, who is the wife of Lewis Blackman, and lives in Rock county, Wisconsin; and Alanson S., who is the subject of this brief biography.

Nathaniel Owen, the father of our subject, was born in Orange county, New York, in 1789, going in young manhood to Yates county, where he married and engaged in farming, remaining there until 1832. His attention had been called to the rich lands in Ohio which were awaiting settlers. The great canal system of that state was well under way, the spirit of progress was in the land, and with an idea of securing homes for his family of seven children, Mr. Owen decided to emigrate to the younger state. The journey was made in pioneer fashion and the new home was secured in Scipio township and was located two miles north of our subject's present home. Mr. Owen bought one hundred and ninety-three acres of land, for the sum of nine hundred dollars. Thirty acres of this tract had been partially cleared and the previous owner had built on it a house of hewed logs. This became the family residence and was thus occupied for almost fifteen years. Natlianiel Owen was a man of great physical strength and endurance, one who drove his work instead of i^emiitting it to drive him, and this land soon became re- munerative under his methods. As his children grew older he purchased additional land, consisting of four tracts of eighty acres each and another farm of forty acres, it always being his great desire to provide for his children. This good father was not permitted to reach old age, although he had never known a day of sickness in his life prior to his last illness. He died on September 14, 1847, being at that time aged fifty-eight years, eight months and fourteen days. Through life he: had been a consistent member of the Methodist church, filling its officesand supporting it in a Hberal manner.

The mother of our subject survived until 1882, her age at that, time lacking but thirteen days of being ninety years. She was born December 6, 1791, in Yates county. New York. She was a woman of high Christian character, estimable in every way and one who met the demands made upon her with a kindness and forbearance which endeared her to all who knew her.

Alanson S. Owen was but five years old when his parents settled in Seneca county, and in its subsequent development he has been an important factor. As soon as his years permitted, he assisted in the clearing of the home farm, at the same time taking advantage of all educational advantages offered in this locality. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching the winter terms of school in his township, working through the summiers on the farm, and four years were passed in this manner. Later three summers were spent in assisting his brother Lewis in his farming operations, on the share plan. Those were years: of happy industry, and under the combined efforts of Nathaniel Owens and these sons the lands owned by this family became noted for their evidences of cultivation and their abundant productiveness.

The marriage of Alanson S. Owen occurred on December 7, 1851;. when he was united to Miss Lydia Slaughter, who was born in Yates county, New York, and became a resident of Seneca county, Ohio, irt 1841, at which time her parents located here. Two children were born to this union: Myra B., who is deceased, was the wife of L. H. Hohe, and her only surviving child is Jean A., who is a lad of eleven years and who is living with his grandparents; and Eugene S., who is ex-

Mr. Owen remained on his brother's farmi after his marriage, -working on the share plan, until 1855, when he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, and removed to his new home. In i860 he entered three hundred and twenty acres of land in Gratiot county, Michigan, his deed bearing the signature of President Abraham Lincoln. He resided for four years on that nes\^ly acquired property, which his son now owns. Two years were passed in Sandusky county, Ohio, but the majority of his days have been spent in Seneca county, where he is widely known and much esteemed.

Mr. Owen has always been a member of the Republican party and has ever been its active supporter. He has been identified with the prosperity of this county and is a worthy representative of a family which has left an impress on its life, - a characteristic American family of the type that forms the back-bone of the country's greatness.

David Myers

Among the well known and highly respected citizens and prosperous farmers of Seneca county is David Myers, who as a practical agriculturist has few superiors in this township.

The Myers family originated in Switzerland, from which country have come many of the hardy pioneers who have made the wilderness, in which they first settled in their new homes on this side of the Atlantic, blossom into productiveness and return wealth to their descendants. Among those who tired of the religious persecutions in his own country was David Myers, a native of Switzerland, who settled, in its early days of occupancy, in Bloom township, choosing this location on account of its evident fertility and advantageous situation.

David Myers, the father of our subject, married Elizabeth Woolerd, and they became the parents of a family of nine children, - four sons and five daughters. Five of the family still survive.

The first purchase of land made by David Myers was forty acres, which he entered from the government, his frugality and industry enabling him to add to his possessions until at the time of his death he owned an estate, in one tract, comprising one hundred and ninety-four acres. Mr. Myers w^as a hard-working man all his life, but his years extended to seventy-four, all of which had been usefully employed, his death occurring in 1881. The beloved mother of our subject survived until 1890, her death taking place at the age of seventy- four years. Both parents were beloved in the home and respected in the neighborhood. Their lives were circumscribed by the limits of this community, where they left to their children and neig'hbors records of quiet and worthy lives.

David Myers, who is the subject of this biography, was born on the old farm in Bloom township, the scene of his parents' early struggles. He received an excellent common-school education and has applied all his energies to the development of this farm. In connection with his father he cleared the additional purchases as they were made, and in his father's declining years he assumed full management. With Mr. Myers farming is not simply an occupation, his experience and knowledge have enabled him to enjoy it as a science. Nature has concealed few secrets from him ; he thoroughly understands every branch of the business, the properties of the soil and its adaptation to the various vegetable growths, the horticultural possibilities of his land, and the economical raising and feeding of stock.

The improvements which Mr. Myers has been continually engaged in making on his farm are substantial and of a permanent character, and render it both comfortable and attractive. As a general farmer his methods are considered excellent, his one hundred and ninety-four acres yielding crops which testify to his close attention to business as w^ell as to the fertility of this part of Seneca county.

As a citizen David Myers enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens, many of whom have known him from his infancy. He has never taken, any active part in political life, his home interests and employments proving more attractive. In the Independent Order of

Odd Fellows, however, he has taken a deep interest, and he is one of the valued members of the lodge in Bloomville. In the peaceful following of his vocation Mr. :Myers has won the respect of all who know him, and also the solid comfort which is the just reward of duties faith« fully performed.

John Newcomer

In noting the prominent and successful agriculturists of Seneca county, Ohio, John Newcomer^ who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and eight acres in Bloom township, deserves special mention. Not only has he demonstrated his practical knowledge of farming and stock-raising, but for a number of years he has also been a well known business man and is a public-spirited citizen.

Mr. Newcomer's native state is Ohio, and his birth occurred on March 3, 1836, in Medina county. His parents were Peter and Mary (Rohrer) Newcomer, the former of whom was born in Washington county, Maryland, from which he moved into Medina county, Ohio, in 1833. There he purchased a tract of land, and there a log cabin was the family home for many years. Peter and Mary Newcomer had a family of nine children, their names being as follows: John, of this sketch; Abraham, a resident of Medina; Margaret and Anna, twins, the latter being deceased; Jacob, of Medina county; Daniel, deceased; David, deceased; Henry, of Medina; and Mary. The parents of this family lived quiet, frugal lives and when they passed away left many friends who were sincere mourners.

Born and reared on a farm, John Newcomer, of this sketch, has followed an agricultural life with success, his early environment giving him a practical knowledge of this vocation. His education was acquired in the public schools, which he attended, with the sons of other farmers, during the winter sessions, the summers being usually given to work on the farm. In those days much of the labor which is now done by cunningly contrived machinery fell upon the youths, and hay time and

Perhaps this caused our subject to leave the farm for a short season and learn the carpenter trade, but he returned to farming life shortly afterward, employing the winter seasons in carpenter work. In 1861 Mr. Newcomer came to Seneca county and bought eighty acres of good land, in Bloom township, within one mile of Bloomville, living on that place for five years. Selling that place, he bought another tract of eighty acres, improved the same and cultivated it for ten years. He finally sold this farm also, and in 1876 he moved to his present farm, where he owns one hundred and eight acres of excellent land, which he has made into one of the best farms of this locality. The excellent and appropriate improvements on this place have been made by Mr. Newcomer, and they testify to his good judgment and practical character. Here he has successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, his land being well adapted to both industries. For the past fifteen years he has added another line of business, dealing extensively in fertilizers.

Mr. Newcomer was married on October 25, i860, to Miss Susan Buckley, who was born May 18, 1840, in Bloom township, being a daughter of George and Magdalena (Troxel) Buckley. A family of five children w^as born to this union, namely : Jerome L., who operates the "home farm and is a capable agriculturist, married Millie M. Griffin and they have one child; Emily L. is the wife of Alvin Huddle, a druggist of Bloomville; Jennella is the wife of William Baldwin, an oil dealer of Bloomville ; Lillian M. is the wife of Harry Buckingham, a druggist of Bloomville; and Magdelinc resides at the parental home. All of this family command the esteem of the communities in which they live, and are among the most intelligent residents. George Buckley was lx)rn in Berlin, Prussia, and at the age of thirteen years came to America with his parents, Michael and Barbara Buckley. They settled in Stark county, Ohio, and there he was married to Miagdalena Troxel, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Troxel. Immediately after their marriage Georg^e and Magdalena Buckley came to Seneca county, locating in Bloom town- ship, where they passed the remainder of their lives. His death occurred in 1842 at the age of thirty-seven years, while his widow survived him by more than fifty years, dying at the age of eighty-six. She had become the wife of Isaac Rohrer. Her five children by the first marriage were as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob Detweiler; Catherine, who died in her twenty-first year, unmarried ; Michael, of Kosciusko county,. Indiana; Susan, the wife of Mr. Buckley ; and Hannah, who is the widow of John Hahn and lives in Bloomville.

Mr. Newcomer is a Republican in his political views, and he has served efficiently in a number of the local offices, notably as townsliip trustee. He has shown his interest in educational matters by serving for years on the school board, during which time his sensible and conservative course did much to permanently improve this branch of the township's business. Both he and wife are members of the Mennonite church, holding association with the society in Medina county, and he is one of the honest and upright citizens of the class which has made Bloom township a leading section of the county.

Stephen A. Saul

The air of solid prosperity w^hich attracts attention all over the state of Ohio is nowhere more apparent than in Seneca county, which stanchly upholds the state's reputation as a leader in valuable farms. Among those who have done good work in sustaining this supremacy is Stei>lien A. Saul, a highly esteemed resident and prosperous farmer of Bloom township.

Mr. Saul is essentially an Ohio product, his own birth, as well as that of his father and his grandfather, having occurred in this state. Stephen A. Saul was bom on November 6, i860, in Bloom township,. Seneca county, en the farnx now the pro})erty of Jacob Brodie. He is a son of Edward and Lavina (Kagy) Saul, the former of whom was a son of Samuel Saul, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio,.

in 1802. In 1825 Samuel Saul came to Seneca county and entered government land, living on his farm here until his death, at the age of eighty-six years. He was a well known and highly esteemed citizen and was serving as county commissioner at the time of the purchase of the county infirmary farm.

Edward Saul, the father of Stephen A., was born in 1826, in Eden township, soon after his parents' location in Seneca county. At the opening of the Miami reservation in Indiana Mr. Saul entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, which he gave to his children and upon which his son, John K. Saul, now lives, in Howard county, Indiana. In 1857 he moved to the farm where our subject was born, this being the old home of his wife. Here he died in 1872, a man of prominence in his native county and the owTier of land here and in Indiana. Lavina (Kagy) Saul, mother of our subject, is a daughter of Abraham Kagy, who resided in Bloom township, where she was born in 1832, and where she still lives, enjoying the tender ministrations of her attached relatives and many friends. A family of ten children was born to Edward and Lavina Saul, and eight of these still survive, as follovvs: Robert R. M., who is a resident of Lykens township, Crawford county; John K., who is a resident of Howard county, Indiana; Isal>ella, who lives with her mother; Stephen A., who is the subject of this biography; Martha E., who is the wife of Alex Kingseed and who lives in Howard county, Indiana ; Maria L., who is the wife ol H. J. Weisenauer, of Howard county, Indiana ; Eliza, who is the wife of H. J. Brodie, a resident of Bloom township; and Hannah, who married William Smeltzer, also of Howard county, Indiana. Those deceased bore the names of Lewis and George.

Although Mr. Saul, of this sketch, was reared on a farm, he enjoyed excellent educational advantages, supplementing the common-school course with a season in Bloomville and the Ada Normal school. At the age of nineteen he began to teach school, employing the winter seasons in this way for six terms, and giving excellent satisfaction, while he became popular and well known in that connection. The summers during this time were fully filled with farm work.

Mr. Saul was married, on October ii, 1883, ^^ Miss Susie Weisenauer, and a bright and intelligent family of eight children have been bom to them, namely: Mabel (who is a teacher in Bloom township), Jay O., Allen J., Mary, Arthur, Florence, Cora and Esther, - all living at home. Mr. Saul and his family lived on the old farm until 1888, when they moved to Howard county, Indiana, where they remained until 1893, at which time they returned to the present farm, where they have lived ever since. This farm, which was improved by Abraham Kagy, comprises two hundred and forty acres of as excellent land as is to be found in Bloom township. Mr. Saul owns a farm of eighty acres in Howard county, Indiana, and is still connected financially with some of its leading enterprises. During his residence there he was one of the organizers of the Howard Gas Company, and still retains a directorship in it.

As a leading member of the Democratic party he exerts considerable influence, which, however, is never directed in the interests of political preferment for himself. As a farmer and stock-raiser he ranks very high in this county, and as a citizen he is regarded as a most worthy representative of one of the oldest and most honored of the county's families.

Benjamin F. Myers

Benjamin F. Myers, who during life was one of the esteemed teachers and prominent men of Tiffin, Ohio, was a descendant of one of the German pioneers of this state, his grandfather, Conrad Myers, coming hither from Pennsylvania, and settling in Mahoi^ing county in 1796. Conrad Myers, the son of Conrad, married Leah Ranch, who was bom in Pennsylvania, and in 1845 removed to Seneca county, settling on a fsjrm in Jackson township. They had a family of five sons and four daughters, one of the sons being the subject of this biography.

and as early as the age of sixteen years he began teaching, a profession which he followed for upward of thirty-seven years with signal success. Ambitious and energetic, he soon found a way to become a student in Heidelberg University, at Tiffin, where he entered the scientific department, becoming one of the most ambitious and determined students in his class. After leaving college he immediately resumed teaching, first in the district schools, but, as his ability became known, rising to the principalship of one of the most important schools in the city of Tiffin. For twenty years Mr. Myers was assistant superintendent of the city schools, and he became favorably knowm in all educational work, both in the city and county. For a period of thirty-seven years Mr. Myers was a leading educator, his scholarly attainments giving him prominence in higher educational circles, while his pleasing personality and thorough comprehension of the trend of educational life made his services of incalculable value. Particularly was he known as a member of the board of county school examiners, a position which he filled with credit for twenty years.

Aside from his educational work, which was unusually beneficial, Mr. Myers was prominent in other lines. In 1885 he was elected, as the candidate of the Democratic party, to the office of county treasurer, his record for ability and personal integrity giving him a very large majority ahead of his ticket. He efficiently served the county in this responsible position during two terms, and was one of the most faithful officials that Seneca county ever had. He was also interested in several commercial enterprises and was one of the organizers and stockholders in the Tiffin Savings Bank, being its vice-president" from its organization until his death.

Mr. Myers was married, in 1856, to Miss Leah A. Faulk, of Columbiana county, Ohio, and to this union was born one son, Claude Eugene, who is still living with his mother. He married Miss Nellie C. Pindar. Mrs. Myers is still a resident of Tiffin, occupying a stately brick residence on Clinton avenue, this beautiful place having been occupied and owned by them at the time of her husband's decease, July 20, 1896. It is located in a choice residence section of the city and is a valuable part of the estate which Mr. Myers had accumulated. He was a man of excellent business ability and was successful in his enterprises. He was an active meml^er and liberal supporter of the First Reformed church, as is also his widow, and here he was sincerely mourned. In the church and in the social life of the community Mrs. Myers is known .for her interest in good works.

As a man of the strictest business integrity Benjamin F. Myers will always be remembered by the public; as a careful and conscientious teacher many will long testify to his efficiency; while his genial, generous disposition and kind and sympathetic nature endeared him \o all who knew him and surrounded him with many loyal friends. In the death of Mr. Myers this city and Seneca county lost an esteemed citizen; the youth, whose characters are shaping for life's activities, lost an earnest and sympathizing instructor; the church was deprived of a conscientiQUS Christian and benevolent worker ; and the family mourned a loving husband and father.

Casper Guss

Among the highly esteemed residents of Tiffin, Ohio, and one who has made many warm personal friends since his location in this city, in 1890, is Casper Guss, who is now living practically retired, after an agricultural life of many years.

Casper Guss was bom on November 4, 1830, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, being a son of Casper and Mary (Selser) Guss, both of whom were natives of the same county. The ancestry of both paternal and maternal lines traces back to German origin. Casper Guss, the father of our subject, married in his native county, and in 1834 he removed with his wife and eiglit children to Sandusky county, Ohio. At that time all transportation in this section was done by wagon, and it is quite probable that the wagon was the family home until a log cabin could be erected in the forest where the new home was located. Mr. Guss was one of the hardy pioneers of that section and he labored assiduously in the clearing and development of his farm. He was a hatter by trade, but gave his attention to agricultural affairs in his Ohio home. He died at the age of sixty-five years, having been a man who was beloved in his family and respected by the outside world. In politics he was a Democrat and in religion a Lutheran.

The mother of our subject, Mary (Selser) Guss, lived until the age of seveiity-seven years, her death occurring in Sandusky county^ Ohio. She was a woman of many virtues, a consistent member of the Lutheran church, a helpful wife and a devoted mother. Our subject was one of a family of ten children and is the only survivor.

Casper Guss, who is the subject of this biography, was three and one-half years old when his parents moved to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he grew up among pioneer surroundings. His educational opportunities were few, on account of the conditions of the time and place,, although he took advantage of all that he could secure. When he was nineteen years old he went to Fremont, Ohio, where he remained at work in a blacksmith shop for two years, but, finding that this line of work was injuring his health, he returned to the farm. Here he remained until his father's death, and then managed the estate for his mother until 187J, when he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Pleasant township,, which he operated for five years. Selling this farm, Mr. Guss bought another containing sixty-five acres, in Eden township, and this he managed with success until he decided to somewhat limit his activity, and sold it, purchasing his present pleasant home on Greenfield street in Tiffin. Here Mr. Guss has enough land to enable him to take exercise in the raising of his choice fruit and vegetables, and to also enjoy the comforts and conveniences of city life.

The first marriage of Mr. Guss was solemnized in Sandusky, Ohio,, in 1855, when Miss Malinda Bookwalter became his wife. They became the parents of six children, four of whom died in infancy, the survivors being : Eva, who married Daniel Hill ; and Mary Charlotte, wno married Reuben Hoyt, the renowned manufacturer of perfumes in New York. The second marriage of Mr. Guss occurred in 1870, when he wedded Miss Anna Niemeyer, who was born in Prussia, and three children were born to this union : The first child died in infancy ; Ruf us, who is employed in the agricultural shops here ; and Frank is a machinist in this city.

Mr. Guss has always been a Democrat and during his residence in Sandusky county held a number of the local offices. He is a valued and -consistent member of the First Reformed church and is known to his fellow citizens as a man of unswerving integrity, of excellent example and of value as a citizen.

John K. Spitler

Among the progressive and enterprising citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, none has more successfully supported its claim to be one of the best farming districts in the state than has John K. Spitler, a representative of an old and honored family of this vicinity.

Jacob Spitler, who was the grandfather of John K., the immediate subject of this biography, located here as early as 1826, at that time entering eighty acres of government land. Here he lived to old age, a man of excellent repute, leaving behind him a family of fourteen children. The Spitlers have ever been a vigorous race, the descendants of thirteen rrDembers of this family being numerous through this state, n^any of them occupying positions of responsibility, and all displaying 'Characteristics which reflect credit upon honorable ancestors.

Notably was Daniel Spitler, who was the father of John K., a worthy representative of his family. He accompanied his father from Fairfield county, where he was born, assisted him in his pioneer efforts and made his father's house his hcmie until his own marriage. Daniel was the father of eleven children, of whom we enter record as follows : Martha married J. L. Hershberger, of Bloom township; Agnes is the widow of Ralph Tittle ; Sabina is Mrs. Tonnessen, and lives in Indiana : John K. is the subject of this biography ; Eliza married G. B. Hall, of Tiffin; Monroe is deceased: May married Charles King, of Wood county, Ohio : and the others died in infancy.

After his marriage to Hannah Kagy Daniel Spitler moved to a faim of his own, this containing eighty acres of wild land, and here he erected a Ic^ cabin and w^orked with unceasing industry, clearing his land, and beginning its cultivation, which he continued through life^ accumulating satisfactory fruits from his toil. In this home of his own. making he died, in 1896, at the age of seventy-seven years. His widow survived until June 30, 1901, when she, too, passed away, at the age of seventy-seven years. Both parents had lived up to the teachings of the Baptist church, of which she had been a leading member and he an. attendant and supporter.

John K. Spitler, who is the subject of this sketch, was born August 17, 1850, a son of Daniel and Hannah (Kagy) Spitler, who were then residents of Bloom township. He was reared on the home farm and. was afforded better educational opportunities than fell to the lot of many youths of his age, his father consenting to his supplementing his common-school education with one term at Heidelberg College and an academic course of three terms at Republic Academy. Mr. Spitler graduated from the position of pupil into that of teacher, and although at this time he was but twenty-one years old he very efficiently fulfilled the duties of teacher for six terms in the Seneca county schools. In all farming districts the summers claim the time and labor of the young people of school age, and it was only during the winter seasons that his services were in demand.

After his marriage, in 1873, Mr. Spitler settled down to an agricultural life, renting land for the first five years and then buying a tract of good land, in Eden township, where he remained for a period of ten years. In the meantime he had been looking about for a permanent home where he could carry on extensive operations in farming and the raising of high-grade cattle. He found a suitable place in his> present fine estate, which was formerly the home of his wife's father and originally settled by Elder Lewis Seitz, and it is thus one of the old farmsteads of the county. A trade was soon effected which placed^ this very valuable property in his control. Mr. Spitler has, unquestionably, one of the best improved farms in Seneca county, and here- he carries on general farming and stock-growing. In all his methods he is progressive and enterprising, and he has succeeded in hh endeavors, as a result of intelligent, well directed effort. In addition to the two hundred acres of land included in the home farm Mr. Spitler also owms a valuable forty-acre tract in the oil fields of Wood county, on which are located seven productive wells.