Seneca Township (part 26 of 60)

Mr. Spitler was married on February 13, 1873, to Miss Martha Patterson, who was a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Seitz) Patterson, and four children have been born to this union, namely: Calvin B., who attended Heidelberg College and was graduated in the law school at Ada, is now a well known attorney in Tiffin; Cora B. is a talented musician, and a student in the Ursuline Convent, in Tiffin; Worden M. is a teacher in district schools ; and Ralph is at home. This comprises a family of unusual intellectual fiber.

In his political attachment Mr. Spitler has been a life-long Democrat. He is held in the highest esteem in his locality, being a man of responsibility, and he not only represents an honorable old family but also personally stands for all that is best in the life of his community.

Charles Geyer

In the death of Charles Geyer, in 1891, the city of Tiffin, Ohio, lost one of its leading capitalists and esteemed citizens. For many years he had been identified with the development of business interests here, and was one of the progressive and public-spirited men who took a deep interest in promoting the institutions which seemed to promise to be of benefit to the county, and particularly to Tiffin, in which city he took a justifiable pride.

The birth of Charles Geyer occurred near Leipsic, in the kingdom of Saxony, Germany, October 13, 1827, and he was a son of Christian and Catherine Geyer, also natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1839, settling in Huron county, Ohio. Christian Geyer was a tanner by trade, an occupation in which the family had engaged for generations. He carried on a tanning business in his new home and became a prosperous man, early introducing his son in the business. Charles was instructed in the tanning business in the thorough manner indicative of the methods of a Gennan father, and in 1859 he was competent to engage in the business himself. He opened up a tannery in the village of Caroline, Venice towTiship, in Seneca county, where he also engaged in farming for some years. In 1871 he removed the business to Tiffin, where he continued it for some time, later becoming a dealer in hides and pelts, in which line he became very well known, his business being one of the largest in this locality. This he managed with increasing prosperity until 1889, When he retired from it in favor of his son Samuel, who carries it on at the old location.

Although Mr. Geyer built up his success by his own efforts he was for a number of years one of the most important factors in Tiffin's industrial life, and he became the owner of much valuable property in this city and vicinity. His accumulations were but the natural result of a life of industry and close attention to business. Among the valuable tracts included in his holdings is one tract of thirty acres, within the city limits, on which are located four paying oil wells, and in addition he owned a number of valuable building lots, some of these well improved, and also ten acres in the same tract which contained his own beautiful home, a large brick residence, surrounded with attractive grounds. The Empire hotel, one of the best arranged and most convenient hostelries of the city was also his property, and this he superintended until the time of his death, although he delegated its management to others. It is now ably conducted by. two of his sons and is one of the leading hotels in Tiffin. He was one of the incorporators and until his death ^\^s one of the board of directors of the Commercial Bank, a leading financial institution of this city.

Mr. Geyer was married in 1854, in Chicago, Illinois, to Miss Ida Kaessmann, a native of Leipsic, Germany, where she was born on November 23, 1836. In 1854 she crossed the ocean and went to relatives in the city of Chicago, where she met and married Mr. Geyer. A family of six sons and three daughters was born to Mr. and Mrs. Geyer, all but one of these still surviving and being numbered among the prominent residents of Tiffin. They are as follows: Louisa, who grew toyoung womanhood and was educated in this city, married Hon. J. L. Kaley, of Omaha, Nebraska; C. Charles, who is engaged in "the oil business at the wells here, married Miss Nellie Dean, of Tiffin; Samuel carries on the hide and pelt business established by his father; Emma married William Hertzer, who is the cashier of the Tiffin National Bank;. Frank, who married Miss Ida M. Riedel, of Fostoria, is connected with his brother Arthur as joint proprietor of the Empire hotel, and, with their brother Charles, they are interested in the four oil wells located on their mother's estate; William is clerk in the Empire hotel ; Ida, a young lady, remains at the parental home ; and Oscar died at the age of six years. Both Mr. Geyer and wife were prominent in the English Lutheran church, to which he was a liberal contributor. Hia death took place on May 6, 1891. Mr. Geyer was a man of large physique, and he was^ large in mind and heart, a man who was devoted to the welfare of his city, to his friends and to his family. On account of his business connections he was well known and his death was felt to be a serious loss to this community. The concerns which he was instrumental in organizing still flourish and reflect credit upon his business sagacity.

Peter Brayton

The subject of this sketch, who is one of the representative farmers and honored citizens of Big Spring township, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state, and is distinctly entitled to consideration in this publication. He was born in Crawford township, Wyandot county, then a portion of Crawford county, on the 7th of February, 1825, being a son of Elijah and Anna (Holbrook) Brayton, of whose eleven children only our subject and his brother Asa survive, the latter being a leading physician of Carey, Ohio. Elijah Brayton was bom in Vermont, about the year 1785, and was.

reared to years of maturity there. About the year 1816, in company with his wife and children, he emigrated to Ohio, settling in Crawford, township, Wyandot (then Crawford) county, where he entered a claim, to a tract of eighty acres. A few years later he built a gristmill on Tymochtee creek and operated it successfully for several years, this being one of the first mills in that locality. In the year 1826 Matthew Brayton, a brother of our subject, was stolen by members of a tribe of Seneca Indians from Canada, when he w^as seven years of age, and all effort:5. to recover him proved fruitless and all trace of him was finally lost.

In 1833 Elijah Brayton removed with his family to Seneca county,, and here became the owner of about four hundred acres of land in Big. Spring township, the present home farm of our subject being a portion of the original estate. Here he passed the remainder of his long and useful life, passing away at the age of eighty years. In politics he was originally a Whig and later gave his allegiance to the Republican party. For a number of years he was the overseer of the poor in this township, and he was a man who comlmandcd the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was a devoted member of the United Brethren church at Carey, in which he served as an official for several years. His house, which was erected in 1833, was the place of the earliest preaching of his church ministers. This house is still standing, in fair preserva-^ tion. Mrs. Brayton died at the age of fifty years.

In Elijah Brayton's family were eleven children, of whom three sons - William, Petei- and Asa - reached maturity. The daughters were: Harriet, Lucy, Mary and Olive, who grew up and married. Harriet became the wife of Jonathan Hildebrand and died at the age of seventyfive years. Lucy became the wife of William Davis and died at the age of fifty years. Mary married David Burns and died at the advanced age of eighty years, in Audrain county, Missouri. Olive married Alvin Dow and died at the early age of twenty-two years. William Brayton became an extensive and prosperous farmer in Crawford township, where he owned about seven hundred acres of land, most of which he had given: to his children. He died in 1897, i" his eighty-seventh year.

school-house of the pioneer days, standing on the site of the present school-house. Of course it had the usual puncheon floor, slab benches and other characteristic equipments of the period. Young Peter was early called upon to assist in the work of clearing the homestead, which was heavily timbered, and thus he was enabled to attend school only at irregular intervals. He was married in 1845 ^^^ then located on a tract of sixty-one and a half acres which had been given to him by his father, and here he began farming. After the death of his father he purchased an adjoining eighty acres, which was a part of the old homestead ; and as prosperity attended his effoi"ts he purchased other land from time to time and became the owner of a fine estate of six hundred acres, the greater portion of which he has divided among his children. One tract contained the two famous springs that guve the township its name. Jn 1834 he attended the first town election, held in an Indian cabin at these springs, and he recalls that but thirteen votes were cast, almost every man securing an office and his father being chosen fence-viewer and his brother William clerk of the township.

Mr. Brayton's life has been one of signal usefulness and honor; and now, as its shadows begin to lengthen, he rests secure in the high esteem of all who know him, and is known as one of the representative pioneers of his township. The only person now living in the township who was here when the Brayton family came is Austin Knowlton, now aged ninety-two years, who lives near the village of Adrian, on land that he entered a year or two previously to the arrival of the Brayton family. John Luzada, who is now a resident of the village of Springville and is eighty-seven years old, came with Elijah Brayton, being brought up by him.

In politics Mr. Brayton is a Republican, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has long been a devoted member, at Carey.

On the 1st of January, 1845, M^- Brayton was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Ogg, who was bom in Ross county, Ohio, the daughter of Kinsey Ogg. She proved a true helpmeet during their married life of more than a score of years, her death occurring on the ist of An- gust, 1 87 1. She is survived by five of her six children, namely: Josephine, the wife of John Fulk, of Putnam county ; Jesse, also a resident of that county; Emma, the wife of Joseph Crislip; Lafayette, a resident of Big Spring township; and Tefronia, who is the wife of Major Bright, of Hancock county. New^ton, the third child, died at the age of twentytwo years, having devoted his life to the demands of the home. Forest E. Crislip, a son of Joseph and Emma Crislip, now manages the old homestead of Mr. Brayton, receiving the same for his devotion and attention to the declining years of his honored grandfather. He married Lucy Williamson, and they have one little daughter, Gertrude, of the fourth generation of the family to live on the old homestead.

In March, 1872, Mr. Brayton was married to Miss Hannah Little, who was born in Hancock county, a daughter of Solomon Little, who was a pioneer of that county; and the only child by this marriage is deceased. Our honored subject has seventeen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Pliny Trumbo

It is a well attested maxim that the greatness of a state lies not. in its machinery of government, nor even' in its institutions, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in their capacity for definite accomplishment and their devotion to the public go(Jd. One of the native sons of Seneca county who has attained marked success in connection with agricultural pursuits and who was a valiant soldier in the war of the Rebellion is Mr. Trumbo, who is now living retired in the pleasant village of Amsden. He belongs to that public-spirited, useful type of men whose ambitions and desires are directed in those channels through which flow the greatest and nx)st permanent good to the greatest number, and it is therefore consistent with the purpose and plan of his work that his record be given among those of other representative citizens of Seneca county.

on the 17th of May, 1845, t>eing the son of Enoch Trumbo, who was^ born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and where he learned the trade of stone mason. He came to Ohio in 1832 and assisted in the construction of the canal locks at Youngstown, while in the meanwhile he filed claim to one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Jackson township, Seneca* county, where he remained a short time and then resumed his work on the canal. The same fall he came back to his farm, w^hich was as yet a sylvan wild, being covered with a dense growth of hard-wood timber. Here he erected a log cabin, sixteen feet square, in which he and his brother Andrew established **bachelor's hair' and instituted the work of clearing the land. In this township was celebrated his marriage to Eleanora Robertson, daughter of Robert Robertson, who was born in Ireland and who was numbered among the pioneer settlers in Jackson township. Of this union six children were born, namely : Rebecca, the wife of William Ash, of Jackson township; Daniel W., who died at the age of sixteen years; Maria, who died at the age of four years; Pliny, the subject of this sketch; Marcus D., who resides on the old homestead; and Mary E., the wife of John Pankhurst, of this township. The father died on the 30th of July, 1894, and his loss was deeply felt in the community, where he had ever been a progressive and representative citizen and one whocommanded unqualified confidence and esteem. He held the office of county commissioner, assisted in the organization of Jackson township,. and for many years was incumbent of the offices of tcnvnship trustee and justice of the peace. His political support was given to the Republican party, and he was actively concerned in the public affairs of local nature having been prominent in connection with the establishment of the early schools in the township and ever aiming to promote the general good by ready interposition and lively interest. He became the owner of more than five hundred acres of land and was numbered among the honored and successful citizens of the county. His wife preceded him into eternal rest, passing away on the i8th of June, 1873.

Centennial Biographical History, 605

the common schools. On the 12th of September, 1862, he gave distinctive evidence of his intrinsic loyalty by enlisting as a private in Company E, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by General William H. Gibson. The first engagement in which he participated was that at Stone River, where he was wounded by a minie ball. He then went to a house on the battlefield, and soon afterward the building, was surrounded by Wheeler's cavalry and he was taken prisoner. He was removed to Libby prison, where he was confined for one week and then taken to City Point, where his exchange was effected after one month's imprisonment, and whence he proceeded to the parole camp at Annapolis. Finally he was sent to Camp Chase, in Ohio's capital city, where he was granted a furlough. He remained at his home until the expiration of his furlough and then, having been exchanged, rejoined his regiment near Murfreesboro after an absence of five months. Thereafter he participated in the engagements at Liberty Gap, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, and still later was in pursuit of Longstreet. At the expiration of its term of enlistment his regiment veteranized and Mr. Trumbo was then assigned to the Sixty-eighth Indiana Infantry, with which he served two months and then rejoined his old regiment. He then took part in the battles of Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Pickett's Mills, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree creek, and finally succumbed to a sunstroke just previous to the Jonesboro campaign and was sent to the hospital at Vining Station and thence to Nashville, being detailed for hospital service and so continued till discharged, in June, 1865. After thus rendering the valiant service of a true son of the republic Mr. Trumbo returned to his home, and after his marriage, in 1867, he located on a part of the old homestead and there engaged in farming, continuing successfully in this line until 1899, when he retired from active labor and took up his residence in his present attractive home, in the village of Amsden. He still owns his fine farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres, on which he has made the best of improvements and which is one of the model places of this section of the state.

local official capacity, and for many yeiars, at intervals, was incumbent of various offices, having been trustee of his township and having served eight years as township clerk and six years as assessor. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally is identified with Xorris Post, No. 27, G. A. R., at Fostoria. He was vice-president of the* Farmers* Mutual Relief Association of Seneca County for a period of four years and has been a member of its directorate for the past eighteen years.

On the 1 2th of May, 1867, Mr. Trumbo was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Nederhouser, who was born in Summit county, Ohio, die daughter of Jacob Nederhouser, and of this union three children have been born, namely: Qara, the wife of Elmer Harrison, of Jackson township; and Milan and Irvin, who are engaged in farming in the same township, the latter operating the homestead.

More Flack

To the early settlement of Seneca county, Ohio, the old Keystone state made many contributions, and thus was gained at the start a most desirable class of citizens, - sturdy, energetic, progressive and of inflexible integrity. One of the early pioneer families of the county has a representative in the subject of this review, who has inherited the sterling traits which have made the name an honored one in the annals of this section of the state. He is one of the progressive and prosperous farmers of the county, holds the resi)ect of all who know him and is well entitled to representation in this work.

Mr. Flack was born on the old homestead farm where he now resides, in Lil^erty township, the date of his nativity being May 26, 1859. He was one of the sixteen children of Louis S. and Margaret A. (Null) Flack, and is one of the nine who still survive, the others being Joseph, Warren, Byron, Ada, John, Henry, Alice and Jane. Louis S. Flack, father of our subject, was likewise born in Liberty township, being the son of John L. Flack, who emigrated to this county from Pennsylvania in an early clay, becoming one of the pioneer settlers in the forest wilds which then designated this section of the state, and he lived and died on this same farm. Here Louis S. was reared to the sturdy discipline of the pioneer farm, and here his marriage was solemnized. Finally he purchased the interests of the other heirs to the homestead, in Liberty township, where he thus passed the remainder of his life, being successfully engaged in general farming and owning about five hundred and torty acres at the time of his death, which ocurred in August, 1866, at which time he was forty-nine years of age. He was an ardent Democrat in his political proclivities, was influential in public affairs of a local nature and on many occasions acted as delegate to county and state conventions of his party. His widow subsequently became the wife of John Crawford, and she died on the homestead in 1896, at the age of seventy-tw^o years, no children having been born of the second marriage. More Flack, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the old homestead which has been- in the possession of the family for so many years, and his educational training was secured in the public schools. Upon attaining his legal majority he engaged in agricultural pursuits on the old farm, and thereafter rented the same until 1897^ when he purchased the interests of the other heirs and now continues in the successful .conducting of diversified farming, keeping everything about the place in first-class order and bringing to bear every agency which will add to the facility of the farm work and insure the highest possible measure of success in return for the labor expended. The typical American term of "hustler" may well be applied to him, and the same expresses much that could not otherwise be indicated save by extended circumlocution. In political matters Mr. Flack gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, and while he keeps well informed in regard to the issues of the hour, and also shows a lively interest in all that touches the progress and material prosperity of the community, he has never been an aspirant for public office. Mr. Flack still clings to the independent state of "single blessedness," his home being presided over by a housekeeper.

Joseph Sendelbach

History generally treats of those who have attained eminence in politics or statecraft, in military circles and to some extent in the field of letters and art, but has little to do with those toilers upon whom the real prosf>erity and progress of the nations depend. It is left to specific biography to perpetuate the record of those law-abiding citizens who, in the midst of the active affairs of this work-a-day world, stand forth in integrity of purpose, loyalty to friends and native land, and in that enterprise and industry which make for the well-being of their respective communities. To this class belongs Mr. Sendelbach, who is of stanch old German lineage and who is one of the progressive and successful farmers and stock-growers of Liberty township, Seneca county, where he has passed his entire life and where he has gained prosperity through his own well directed effort, the while commanding the unequivocal esteem of the community in which his life history is familiar.

Mr. Sendelbach was born on the farm where he now resides on the 1st of April, 1846, being the only child of Joseph and Anna Mary Sendellxich. His father was burn in Germany, where he was reared and where his first marriage was solemnized. He finally emigrated from his native land to America, settling in Seneca county, Ohio, in the pioneer days, and here securing the tract of wild land which constitutes the present home of his son, the subject of this review. He became the owner of two hundred acres of land, which he largely reclaimed, and here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in 1864. After the death of his first wife, who bore him one son and three daughters, he married Ama Mary, the mother of our subject, who was the only child of the second union. The devoted mother died in 1881, having been a zealous member of St. Andrew's Catholic church, as was also her husband. In this faith their son was reared, and he and his family are communicants of the church, holding membership in the parish of St. Andrew's, in Liberty, of which Mr. Sendelbach has served as trustee.

death, and thereupon he assumed charge of the old homestead, of which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres about five years later, while subsequently he acquired title to the remaining forty acres. Here he has passed his entire life, devoting his attention to diversified farming and to the raising of high-grade stock, while he has brought to bear such discrimination and energy that his efforts have been attended by a high degree of success. He has made fine improvements of a permanent nature, including a commodious, modern residence, of attractive architectural design, which he erected in 1896, while the other farm buildings are indicatory of the progressiveness which has conserved our subject's prosperity. His educational advantages were such as w^ere atiforded in the public schools in the vicinity of his home, and he is honored as one of Seneca county's sterling sons and able business men. His political support is given to the Democratic party, and while he takes a proper interest in all that concerns the well-being of the community he has never sought official preferment.

Mr. Sendelbach was united in marriage to Miss Louise Long, who entered into eternal rest in 1876, leaving four children, namely : Mary, the wife of Nicholas Altwies; Catherine, the wife of Charles Walter; Teresa, the wife of Nicholas Blazer; and Henry W. On the loth of January, 1877, Mr. Sendelbach married Miss Margaret Brickner, who was born on the adjoining farm, the daughter of George Adam and Eve (Smith) Brickner, and of the ten children of this union Joseph and John are deceased, the survivors, all of whom remain at the parental home, being as follows : Laura, Michael, Frank, Sebastian, Leona, Lena, Josephine and Louis.

Henry G. Falter

If one is to sojourn for any length of time in that naturally favored section of Seneca county designated as Venice township he is sure to note with appreciation the changes wrought by the hand of man to the 'end of securing the great fields of waving grain, the undulating meadows, with their herds and flocks, the substantial improvements and various other conditions indicatory of a prosperous agricultural community. He is almost sure also to forthwith hear specific mention made of one of the model framsteads of the township, that being the domain of the subject of this sketch, who is a member of one of the pioneer families of this county, where he has passed his entire life, and who has by his course given added honor to a name which has been honored in this locality from the early days when was inaugurated the work of reclaimmg the forest wilds. Abiding here in peace, contentment and plenty,, esteemed by those among whom his life has been passed, conspicuous in all that tends to the conservation of the best interests of the community,, known as one of its most progressive and able farmers, - what more consonant than that the life of such a man be taken under consideration in this connection?

Mr. Falter was born in Venice township, this county, on the 30th of October, 1852, being a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Houk) Falter, of whose eight children five survive, namely: Henry G., the subject of this sketch; Christina, the wife of Lewis Phillips, of Bloom township; Joseph, a resident of Huron county; Anna, the wife of Joseph Thoma, of Saginaw county, Michigan; and John, a resident of the city of Cleveland. Philip Falter w^as born in Germany in 1826, and when a boy of ten years he came with his parents to America and the family settled in the heavily timbered section of this county known as Venice township. On the spot where our subject w^as born many years later the grandfather erected his primitive log cabin, and then essayed the herculean task of hewing out a farm in the forest. The farm upon which he thus located is that now owned by John Worm. There the father of our subject was reared to years of maturity and after his marriage acquired the old homestead, to whose cultivation and improvement he continued to devote his .attention until 1863, when he disposed of the property and purchased the farm now owned by our subject. Here he continued to reside until his death, in April, 1873, his devoted wife having passed away in the preceding month, while the death of their eldest daughter occurred in the July following. Philip Falter was a Democrat in politics, was !a member of the Catholic church, as was also his wife, and was one of the representative and highly esteemed citizens of the county.

Henry G. Falter was but twenty year^ of age at the time of his parents' death, and as he was the eldest of the family the management of the farm and the care of the family devolved upon him, though he was scarcely more than a boy. He bravely assumed the responsibility, his father's will providing that he should have the use of the farm for a period of four years, and at the expiration of this period the stipulatipn was that he should receive eighty acres of the homestead and his brother Frank forty acres, while they were to pay the other heirs for their interests. Our subject at this time assumed an indebtedness of four thousand dollars, having nothing save the farm of eighty acres and a yearling colt, which subsequently died. The crops of the first year were almost a total failure, and the same discouraging condition was in evidence the second year, the outlook being so unpropitious that Mr. Falter nearly decided to give up the farm. The third season, however, excellent crops were garnered, good prices for produce prevailed and an era of prosperity for him was finally ushered in. He has had, as a matter of course, certain reverses since that time, but his discrimination and good management have enabled him to make a steady progress and to attain a high degree of success. He takes special pride in maintaining good fences, keeping his buildings in the best of repair and so enriching his land as to keep its productiveness at the maximum point, not permitting it to retrograde, as have many farmers in the older-settled sections of Ohio and other states of the middle west. As the result of his ability and well directed efforts Mr. Falter is to-day known as one of the best and most substantial farmers in this section, now having one hundred and forty-nine acres in his home farm, while for the past six years he has also rented and operated an adjoining farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and has so added to its value and fertility that the owner who had placed it on the market recently refused to sell the property, after having investigated as to its condition and intrinsic worth. In politics Mr. Falter gives a stalwart allegiance to the Democratic party, and he served as township trustee for six years and for a long term of years he has been a member of the school board. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, and he is one of its most influential and devoted members in this section, being a member of the board of trustees of St. Stephen's church, at St. Stephen, and a member of the building committee, under whose direction a new rectory is being constructed.

In the year 1875 Mr. Falter was united in marriage to Miss Mary Worm, who was born in this township, of which her father, the late Christian Wonu, was an early settler, having emigrated hither from Germany.. Of the eight children born to our subject and his estimable wife all except one are living and all these remain at the parental home, their names, in order of birth, being as follows: Philomena, Philip, Lawrence, Edward, Anthony, Qement and Theresa. Oliver died at the age of six years. The family occupy a position of prominence in the social life of the community, and the attractive home is a center of -cordial hospitality.

John C. Steinmetz

In the beautiful and industrially prolific county of Seneca, Ohio, there is a fine farmstead which has been owTied by representatives of the Steinmetz family from the early epoch^ when the sturdy pioneers came hither and set to themselves the task of reclaiming and making productive the forest primeval, where so long had the red man, in his motley garb, disputed dominion with the beasts of the field. The farm of which we speak is that owned by the gentleman whose name introduces this paragraph and who is known as one of the most successful and influential agriculturists of this favored section, while his is the distinction to be of the third generation of the family to be identified with the history of Seneca county. Here in the early days came Martin Steinmetz, the grandfather of our subject and of stanch old German lineage, having been born in the pnnnnce of Alsace, which Germany suc- ceeded in wresting from France and annexing to its own great empire. He emigrated thence to America with his family, and they forthwith made their way through to Ohio, which was then held to be on thevery frontier of civilization, and from Canton they came through to Seneca county, being compelled to cut their way through the dense forest. The grandfather secured a tract of entirely wild and heavily timbered land in Venice township, purchasing one hundred acres which had shortly before been secured by government entry, and here he built his modest log cabin beneath the grateful umbrageous canopy of the Ohio . forests. This noble pioneer, a man of the stanchest integrity, found as his portion a full quota of the vicissitudes which were the inevitable concomitants of pioneer life, - perils that shadowed the day and thenight, hardships and privations, all demanding fortitude, faith and indomitable perseverance in working toward desired ends. It is gratifying to note that the patriarchal homestead has remained in the possession of the family, for such tenure is too slightly typical of our restless, ambitious American life.

John C. Steinmetz was born on the farm where he now resides, in- Venice township, the date of his nativity having been December 29,^ 1852. He is a son of Michael and Mary (Falter) Steinmetz, who became the parents of eleven children, of whom nine survive, namely: John C, the subject of this sketch; Philip, a resident of Toledo, Ohio;. Clement, of Tiffin; Anthony, of Dunnington, Indiana; Mary Angeline, wife of Joseph Phillips, of Venice township; Christina, wife of Stephen Worm, of Paulding county; Cecelia, wife of Isadore Worm, of St Stephen, Seneca county; Louisa, wife of John Ewald, of EKinnington, Indiana; and Mary, wife of Frank Freeland, of Dunnington. The father of our subject was born in Alsace, Germany, and was about eighteen months old at the time when the family emigrated to America. He was reared on the pioneer farm in this township, having very limited educational advantages, and here his marriage was solemnized, some years after which he purchased the farm now owned by our subject. He had learned the trade of carpenter and built for himself a residenceon his farm, where he continued to make his home and to work at his.

trade, also developing and improving the farm. His wife died in the year 1881, and he later was united in marriage to Miss Lena Watts, of Tiffin, to which city he soon afterward removed and has there maintained his home ever since. At the time of his removal he owned one hundred and thirty-six acres in the home farm and eighty acres located three miles northwest of the same, all of which he has now sold, having made desirable investments in Tiffin property. Of his second marriage one child was born, but is now deceased. Mr. Steinmetz has been one of the prominent and honored men of the county, is a Democrat in his political proclivities, and for several years he was incumbent of office, having served both as assessor and trustee of Venice township. He is a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic church.

John C. Steinmetz was reared on his present homestead and secured his educational discipline in the public schools of the locality. On the 1 6th of November, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Ball, who was born in this township, the daughter of Joseph Ball, who was born in Germany and who was a pioneer of Seneca county, being now deceased. After his marriage our subject located on his father's eighty-acre farm, to which reference has been made, and there he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1886, when he returned to the homestead farm, which he rented from his father until 1891, when he purchased the property, which he has greatly improved, making it one of the most attractive and valuable rural estates in this section. He has remodeled and enlarged the buildings on the place and his hc«ne Is one which gives an unmistakable evidence of the energy and discrimination which have been brought to bear by the progressive owner. He is public-spirited in his attitude and gives his support to all legitimate measures and undertakings for the general good, his political allegiance being accorded to the Democratic party, while his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, under whose beneficent discipline he was reared. Catherine (Ball) Steinmetz was summoned into eternal rest on the 19th of February, 1896, and is survived by four of her five children, namely: Edward, Earl, Lawrence and Clemtent, - ^all of whom remain at the paternal home. On the nth of October, 1899, Mr. Steinmetz was married a second time, Miss Anna Zirger becoming his wife. She was born in Tiffin, and is the daughter of Marcus Zirger, of whom special mention is found on another page. The family are prominent in the social life of the community and are held in the highest regard by all who know them.

Benjamin F. Knepper

Back to the old Keystone state of the Union must we turn in tracing the genealogy of Mr. Knepper, since records extant indicate that his paternal ancestors located in Pennsylvania in the colonial epoch, having come thither from the German fatherland, as did also the maternal progenitors. Our subject is now one of the honored and prosperous farmers of Seneca county, and from his study ancestors he has inherited those sterling traits of character which have enabled him to work out his own salvation and to gain and retain the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He has been dependent upon his own resources from his boyhood, and through his indefatigable industry and determination has advanced step by step to the goal of independence and prosperity, richly meriting this reward of his ceaseless toil and endeavor.

Benjamin Franklin Knepper was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of December, 1838, and he and his sister Amanda, the wife of John Boner, of that county, are the two surviving children of Peter and Eliza (Wagemon) Knepper, the former of whom was born in the same county in 1793, being the son of Abraham Knepper, likewise a native of Franklin county and the son of Abraham, Sr., who came from Germany and established his home in Pennsylvania. The grandfather of our subject passed his entire life in his native county, where he lived to the patriarchal age of ninety-five years. There Peter Knepper was reared to the discipline of the farm, and after his marriage he purchased one hundred and thirty acres adjoining the old homestead, and there remained until his death, in 1847, at the age of fifty-four years. He was a Democrat in politics and his religious faith was that of the Seventh Day Adventists. He was twice married, his first wife having been a Miss Geeseman, and of their union three children were born, only one of whom survives, - Sarah, the widow of Daniel Bricker, of North Baltimore, Ohio. His second wife, the mother of our subject, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, being the daughter of Jacob Wagemon, likewise a native of that county and of German lineage. Mrs. Knepper survived her husband many years, passing away in 1892, at the age of seventy-two.

Benjamin F. Knepper was but nine years of age at the time of his father's death, and from that time forward he depended on his own resources for a livelihood, so that his educational advantages were necessarily limited in scope. Through reading and active association with the practical affairs of life he has, however, effectively supplemented the meager education gained in his boyhood. He began his independent career by living with various farmers in the vicinity of his old home,, working for his board until he had sufficiently advanced in years and strength to make his services of greater value. At the age of nineteen he came to Seneca county, Ohio, arriving here in the fall of 1856. He worked as a farm hand during the summer months and at chopping wood in the winter, being industrious and frugal and saving his earnings. By this means he accumulated a sufficient sum of money to justify him, in 1861, in the purchase of eighty acres of land in Hope\vell township, and the following year he assumed the additional responsibilities of a man of family, his marriage being then solemnized. With his bride he took up his residence on his farm, which was covered with heavy timber, having erected a primitive log house as a domicile. He cleared twenty acres of the land within the succeeding two years and then disposed of the place, in 1864, and purchased an eighty-acre tract in Liberty township, the same being cleared of timber at the time, and this continued to be his home and field of operations for six years, at the expiration of which, in 1870, he sold the property and purchased one hundred and forty-three acres of his present fine homestead, in Hopewell township, four and one-half miles northwrest of Tiffin, which is his pbstoffice address. By the purchase of adjoining lands he has increased: the area of the homestead, which now comprises two hundred and forty acres of fertile land, the place being w^ell improved with good farm buildings and maintained under a high state of cultivation, while Mr. Knepper also owns forty acres three miles east of the home farm, in Clinton township. His political support is given to the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are zealous members of the Bethel Methodist Protestant church.

On the 6th of February, 1862, Mr. Knepper was united in marriageto Miss Mary E. Reeme, the daughter of William Reeme, a native, as is she, of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Seneca county, Ohio, in the spring of 1857. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Knepper we enter the following brief record: Minnie V. is the wife of John Loose, of Hopewell township ; Cyrus D. is a farmer of Clinton township; Eva G. is the wife of Frank Beck, of Liberty township; Arietta B. is the wife of Curtis Ash, of Hancock county; Emma C. is the wife of Curtis Edwards, of Liberty township; Benjamin D. is engaged in farming in Hopewell township; William L has charge of the parental homestead; Russell M. is a notary public at Tiffin; and Qara C. is at the parental home.

Louis Williams Bollinger

Of stanch old German lineage is the subject of this sketch,, wha is a native son of Seneca county and now numbered among its successful and influential farmers. Mr. Bollinger was born on the parental farm, in Venice township, on the i6th of June, 1856, being a son of Louis and Margaret Bollinger, the former of whom was born in the Rhine district of Germany and the latter in Wurtemberg. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom eight are living at the present time, namely: Margaret, the wife of George Duerr, of Gratiot county^ Michigan ; Catherine, the wife of Samuel Kimmel, of Venice township, Seneca county; Louisa, the wife of David Sellers, of Attica, this county;

Louis W., the subject of this sketch; and Philip, Daniel, Alexander and John F., all of whom reside in Venice township. The parents emigrated from the German fatherland to America about the year 1840 and located in Venice township, their marriage having occurred after their arrival in the United States. The father of our subject w^as for some time -employed as a locomotive fireman on the railroad from Sandusky to Carey, thereafter was employed in a warehouse in the tow n of Republic, and finally settled on his little farm of thirty acres, to which he subsequently added until he became the owner of a fine landed estate in this township, having in his possession two hundred and fifty acres at the time of his death, at the age of fifty-six years, June 25, 1880. He was a man of influence in the community, one whose integrity of character was beyond question, and he was held in high esteem in this section. He gave his support to the Democratic party, being one of the prominent workers in its cause in this township, of which he served as trustee at one time. He was a member of the Reformed church, as was also 4iis wife, who survived him about sixteen years.

Louis W. Bollinger, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared 'On the old homestead farm and received a common-school education. After the death of his father he took charge of the home farm for his mother, so continuing until his marriage, in 1882, when he rented and located upon a farm of sixty-four acres owned by his mother. He operated this farm on shares for a period of seven years, and then, in 1891, purchased a tract of forty acres, upon which he took up his abode. Later on he purchased his present home farm, which comprises eighty acres, and he has further added to his landed estate imtil he is now the »owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land in four tracts, the greater portion being in Venice township. He has been the architect of his own fortunes, having received from his father's estate only about nine hundred dollars, and he is now known as one of the most successful, energetic and progressive farmers of this section of the count>% having made the best of improvements on his property and directing his efforts with marked discrimination and ability. He gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, but has never desired the honors of political

On the 1 6th of October, 1881, Mr. BolHnger was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Deisler, who was born in this township, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Dish) Deisler, pioneers of the county, and of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bollinger two survive, - Matilda and Rosa, both of whom remain at the parental home.

John B. Wilhelm

The pursuits of life are as varied as are the tastes and capacities of men, and it is an interesting and useful study to observe the degree of their assimilation. Among the progressive and influential farmers and apiarists of Seneca county is Mr. Wilhelm, whose attractive and valuable farmstead is located in Venice township. He has maintained hi^ home here for more than two score years, being reared to maturity in this county, and here so directing his independent business career* as to attain a high degree of prosperity and to command the unqualified confidence and regard of his fellow men.

Mr. Wilhelm is a native of the province of Alsace, Germany, though the same was an integral portion of France at the time of his birth, which occurred on the 6th of October, 1844. His parents were John and Catherine (Swalier) Wilhelm, both of whom were born in Alsace, the father of the former having been a soldier in Napoleon's army. John Wilhelm was bom in the year 1808, and in 1857 he emigrated with his family to America, locating in the state of New York, where he remained until the fall of the following year, when he came to Seneca county, Ohio, and leased a tract of land in Bloom township, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for several years. He then purchased forty acres of the farm now owned by his son Aloysius, one mile west of the village of St. Stephen, and there he passed the residue of his life, which was one of rectitude and signal usefulness, his death occurring in 1886, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a Democrat in hispolitical proclivities, and his religious faith was that of the CathoHc church, of which his widow is also a devoted communicant, being now in her eighty-sixth year and making her home with her son Aloysius J., of Bloom township. Of her six children four yet survive, namely: John B., the immediate subject of this review; Aloysius J., a successful farmer of Bloom township; Therese, who is Sister St. Clara in the Ursuline convent in the city of Tiffin ; and Joseph C, a resident of Henry county, this state.

The subject of this sketch was afforded excellent educational advantages in his youth, having secured his rudimentary discipline in the common schools in the vicinity of his home, and having effectively supplemented this by a course of study in the academy at Republic and later by one in Baldwin University, at Berea, Ohio. From the age of fourteen years he lived in the homes of various farmers, working on the farm during the summer months and attending school during the winters, defraying the expenses of his education wholly through his own efforts. At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Wilhelm began teaching school, and he thereafter continued to follow the pedagogic profession for about a decade in Seneca and Stark counties, being very successful in his work and gaining marked prestige in that line.

In the year 1871 Mr. Wilhelm was united in marriage to Miss Marcella Delaney, who was born in Venice township, this county, a daughter of Matthew Delaney, one of the pioneer farmers of this locality. In 1873 our subject took up his residence on his present homestead, which was a part of the estate of his father-in-law, the land having been entered as a government claim by Mr. Delaney in 1833. Mr. Wilhelm now owns one hundred and ten acres of very fertile and prolific land, has made the best of improvements on the place and is known as one of the substantial and progressive farmers of this section. He also has forty acres in a separate farm. For a number of years he has devoted special attention to the raising of bees, and he is known as one of the leading apiarists of the state, having made a careful study of the habits and needs of the busy little toilers and having been highly successful in- handling this dq)artment of his enterprise. He places on the market each year frcm fiftten hundred to two thousand ix>unds of the finest honey, the product always being sent out in the most inviting form and invariably commanding the highest market price. In politics Mr. Wilhelm gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, of whose cause he has been a stanch supporter, and he served two terms in the office of township trustee, taking a deep interest in all that concerns the welfare of the community and being essentially public spirited. His religious faith is that under whose benign influence he was reared, and he is a communicant of the Catholic church, as are also his wife and children. Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm became the parents of five children, of whom three survive, namely : Frank X., Anna C. and Clara, all of whom remain at the parental home, being popular in the best social life of the -community.

John Fruth

The subject to whose life histor}- we now direct attention has passed practically his entire life in Seneca county, though he is a native of Germany, and has been conspicuously identified with the industrial and civic activities of this section of the state, being one of the successful farmers and highly honored citizens of Loudon township, where his parents took up their abode in the pioneer epoch of the county's history.

Mr. Fruth was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 17th of June, 1 85 1, being a son of Jacob and Sevilla (Sherdon) Fruth, ol whose seven children four surv'ive at the present time, namely : .Se\nlla, the wife of Conrad Herbert, of Big Spring township; Susannah, "wife of David Peters, of Alvada, this county; John, the subject of this sketch ; and Gustave, who makes his home with our subject. The f>arents were both native of Bavaria, and there they maintained their home until 1854, when they bade adieu to the fatherland and emigrated to America, the subject of this review being but three years of age at the time. They landed in Xew York city after a voyage of thirty days' duration, and thence came directly through to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and settled on a farm near the city of Cleveland, the place having been purchased by Jacob Fruth prior to his emigration, through the medium of his sister, who had preceded him to America and had located widi her husband in Cuyahoga county. Mr. Fruth remained in that county two years and then disposed of his farm and came to Seneca county, locating in Loudon township, where he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty-four acres, the same being now owned by his son-in-law, David Peters, previously mentioned. The father of our subject cleared and improved this farm and there made his home until his death, at the age of sixty years, his widow surviving him many years and passing away at the age of seventy-five. They were folk of sterling character - earnest, industrious and God-fearing, - and were devoted members of the United Evangelical church. Mr. Fruth gave his support to the Democratic party after becoming a naturalized citizen, and he ever commanded the esteem of the people of the community w^here he lived and labored to such goodly ends.

John Fruth, to w^hom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the old homestead and received a common-school education. He remained at home until his marriage, in 1874, and soon afterward purchased seventy acres of his present farm, where he began his independent career. In 1885 he purchased an adjoining sixty acres, and as he has made the best improvements and brought the place under a high state of cultivation, he now has one of the valuable and attractive farm estates in this section of the county. He has ever taken an active interest in the enterprises and undertakings which have been projected lor the general good of the community and his attitude has been that of a public-spirited and progressive citizen. In politics his allegiance is given to the Democratic party, and he has served as a member of the township central committee of his party, while he has also been incumbent of other positions of trust and responsibility. Hie was assessor of his township for two terms, was road supervisor for an equal period and was the candidate of his party for township trustee in 1895, 'but was defeated, owing to political exigencies. He is incumbent of the oflFice of school director at the present time, and has, at intervals, held this office for several years. He is an elder in St. John's United Evangelical church and is a zealous worker in the same, his wife also being a devoted member of the church. Fraternally he is identified with Loudon Grange, No. 723, Patrons of Husbandry, of which he is chaplain at the time of this writing.

On the loth of February, 1874, Mr. Fruth was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Mergenthaler, w^ho was born in Loudon tow^nship, the daughter of Gottfried Mergenthaler, who was one of the early settlers o£ this township, having emigrated thither from Wurtemberg, Germany. Of the thirteen children born to Mr. and !MVs. Fruth twelve survive,, namely: Jacob F., a farmer of this township; William C, of Big Spring township; David, of Loudon township; Ida C, \vife of Henry Zuern, of Seneca township; Christina E., wife of George Heilman, of Hancock county ; and Daniel L., Clara F., Abrahami J., Sarah A., John C, Qarence H. and Lena M., who remain at the paternal home.

Joseph M. Martin

It cannot be other than gratifying to note that within the pages of this compilation will be found mention of many promlinent and successful citizens of the county who have here passed their entire lives and who stand representative of the sturdy pioneer element which instituted the herculean task of reclaiming this section of the state from the wilderness, carrying the work valiantly forward and leaving it to their sons and daughters to rear the sui>erstructure ujxm the foundations thus firmly laid. Those who have been the founders and builders of Seneca county are the ones who find place in this edition, and in the connection we are pleased in being permitted to briefly review the genealogy and personal career of the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch and who is one of the influential farmers and stock dealers of the county in. which he has lived his entire life.

Mr. Martin was tx^rn in Liberty township, on the 29th of October, 1848, being the son of Jacob and Sarah (Hostler) Martin, of whose nine children six now survive, namely : Jacob B., a resident of Fostoria, Ohio; Hiram F., of Eaton county, Michigan; Joseph M., subject of this review; Sarah C, w'ife of Leander Zeis, of Seneca township, this county; Savannah, the wife of Edward Hepshire, of the same township; and Rufus, a successful farmer of Seneca township. Jacob Martin, father cf these children, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 28ih of October, 1816, being the son of Jocob and Margaret Martin, whom he accompanied on their removal to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1833. Jacob Miartin, Sr., took up a quarter section of government land, in Liberty township, the tract now owned by Andrew Sherger, and there he and his wife passed the remainder of their Hves. Jacob, Jr., father of our subject, assisted in clearing and improving the homestead, and after his marriage he rented land for a number of years and also cultivated another quarter section which his father had acquired, clearing the greater portion of the same. Later he purchased a tract of forty acre* and there lived for some time, finally disposing of the propeny ans purchasing the old home place, where he continued to reside until the time of his death, on the 3d of March, 1873. He was a Democrat in his political proclivities, but never souglit official prefeiTnent, and he was a prominent and influential member of the United Brethren church, of which he was an officer for many years, being a man of unblemished character. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1818, died in 1896, at the age of seventy-eight years, her family having come to Seneca county about the same time as did the Martin family.

Joseph M. Martin, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead and was indebted to the public schools of the locality for his early educational advantages. In 1872 his marriage occurred and thereafter he resided about seven months on a farm owned by one of his brothers. He then removed to the farm of his motherin-law, renting the place and there continuing in agricultural pursuits for six years. In the meanwhile he eflfected the purchase of a tract of forty acres on the opi)osite side of the road, and at the expiration of

:the time noted he also bought the homestead of which he had thus remained in charge, the same comprising one hundred and four acres. Later he purchased an adjoining fifty-four acres and still later a contiguous tract of fifty-three acres, thus increasing the area of this fine farm to an aggregate of two hundred and eleven acres. As time has passed he has increased his landed estate in the county, and his properties are considered to be among the most valuable in this section of the state. He is also the owner of the Grassman farm, of eighty acres, in Liberty township; the Crall farm, in the same township and of equal area, and upon all of his properties the best of improvements have been made. For the past decade Mr. Martin has figured as one of the leading stock buyers and shippers in the county, while in addition to general agriculture he gives special attention to the raising of high-grade stock. His extensive operations as a buyer have given him a wide acquaintanceship throughout this section of the state, and he is known as a man of marked business and executive capacity and as one whose integrity of purpose is beyond cavil, thus retaining uniform confidence and esteem. His political support has been given to the Democratic party from the time when he first exercised his right of franchise, but he has had nc desire for public office, and this was so signally manifested on one occasion, when he was his party's nominee for trustee of his township, that he was defeated, having made no personal effort to forward his own interests in the connection and having given frequent assurance that he preferred not to accept the position. Notwithstanding these conditions he was defeated by only tv/enty votes. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Protestant church, and he is one of the trustees of the Shiloh church.

On the igth of May, 1872, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ellen Zeis, who was born in Liberty township, this county, on the farm now owned by her husband, being the daughter of Godfrey and Margaret (Sagw) Zeis, sterling pioneer settlers of this county Of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Martin all are living except an infant daughter, those surviving being Eva M., the wife of William Rosenberger of Liberty township; Homer A., a successful young farmer oT the same township; Celesta E., the wife of Harry Beck, of Pleasant township; Wilbert \V., who is now a student in Heidelberg College, at Tiffin; and Rufus M., who remains at the parental home.

Henry Seewald

Among the many honored sons of Seneca county who still continue lo make their home within its borders there are few whose careers have been more varied and interesting than that of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph and who is now one of the influential and highly esteemed members of the agricultural community of this section of the Buckeye state. He was left an orphan at an early age but wzs thereafter not deprived of the advantages of a cultured and refined home; he became a sailor on the Great Lakes, later identifying himself with the wider maritimie realm, as a sailor on boats plying theocean; it was his to render most valiant and meritorious service as a soldier in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion, while in the gaining of the no less honorable victories which peace ever hath in store he has shown himself equally loyal to himself, to truth and to the dutiesof citizenship. It is thus signally apprcq>riate that a review of his life history be incorporated in this publication, which has to do with those who have contributed to the developnDent and upbuilding of the county of which he is a native and a representative of a sterling pioneer family^

Mr. Seewald was born in the city of Tiffin, which was then a mere village, on the 8th of March, 1836, being the son of Valentine and Philipena (Lang) Seewald, of whose three children he is now the only survivor. The children w^ere Leuns, who left home when eleven years old and was never heard of thereafter; and Charles, who was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, having been a member of Company A, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with w^hich he was an active participant in the battle of Gettysburg, where he received a wound which finally necessitated the amputation of one of his legs, and he died Au- gust 16, 1863, from the result of the injury, aged twenty-one years. The father of our subject was a native of the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, where he was reared to maturity and where he learned the trade of locksmith and gunsmith. As a young man he severed the ties which bound him to home and fatherland and emigrated to the United States, settling in Tiffin, Ohio, where he continued to follow his trade until his death, on the 22d of December, 1846, at the age of forty-four years. His wife was likewise a native of Germany, whence she came to America in company with her parents, Henry and Catherine Lang, and family, first locating in Baltimore, where they remained for a timie and then came to Tiffin, making the entire journey on foot. They were thus pioneers of this county and their descendants have been prominent in the annals of the state, as were other representatives of their family in the same generation. Her brother, William Lang, is the author jf Lang's History of Seneca County. Philipena (Lang) Seewald was bom in the year 1809, and she died in Tiffin, at the age of thirty-three yea'-s.

Henry Seewald was but six years of age when he was deprived of his mother's care, and four years later he was doubly orphaned by the death of his father. He then went to Fremont, this state, where he found a home with his uncle. Rev. Henry Lang, his early educational advantages having been such as were to be had in the somewhat primitive public schools of the day. At the age of fifteen years he became a sailor on the Great Lakes and was thus engaged for a period of six years, after which he was employed as a sailor before the mast, on the Atlantic ocean, for four years, within which time he had a varied and, in retrospective view, an interesting experience. In the meanwhile the ominous cloud of civil war had obscured the national horizon, and when the conflict was finally precipitated Mr. Seewald was not slow to give distinctive evidence of his intrinsic patriotism. On the 7th of September, 1861, he enlisted, at Philadelphia, on his return from a voyage to Cuba, as a private in Company D, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which wsls assigned to the Army of the Potomac and with w^hich he took an active part in many of the most notable and sanguinary battles of the Rebellion, notably the following: The engagement at West Point, the Seven Days' fight before Richmond, the battles of South Moimtain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and Spottsylvania. At Chancellorsville, on May 3, 1863, he was wounded, being struck by rifle balls three different times, and owing his life to a diary and a Testament which he had picked up a few minutes before the battle and placed in his breast pocket, the book so retarding the course of the bullet as to render the injury not a serious one. He still has the old Testament to which lie owes his life. On picking it up he remarked : "This is thick enough to stop a ball.'' In the engagement at Spottsylvania, however, on the 12th of May, 1864, Mr. Seewald received a severe wound which developed blood poisoning and necessitated his confinement in the Lincoln general hospital, in Washington, until the expiration of his term of service, Avhen he received his honorable discharge, on the 19th of September, 1864. That he still retains an interest in his old comrades is manifest in his attending reunions of the old soldiers and visiting the battle ground of Gettysburg.

After the expiration of his military serv^ice, which was one of distinction, Mr. Seewald returned to his home in Tiffin, and shortly afterward, in the spring of 1865, he purchased ninety acres of his present farm, in Loudon township, to which he has added until he now has a fine place of one hundred and forty acres, well improved and under most effective cultivation, j Much of the land was still covered with the native timber at the time he took up his residence here, and he has personally -cleared more than half of his place and reclaiimed the land to cultivation, so that he has had his share of the pioneer experiences. In addition to his general agricultural operations Mr. See\vald also devotes special attention to the raising of shorthorn cattle, of which he has some fine types. He has e\^er given an uncompromising support to the Republican party and has taken a deep interest in public affairs of a local nature. He served for fifteen years as a member of the school board of his district, and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen has given his influence in the furtherance of good government, educational and re- ligious interests and all that conserves the general welfare, while to him is accorded in his native county the fullest measure of esteem and confidence.

On the i8th of April, 1865, Mr. Seewald w^as united in marriage to Miss Susan Strausbaugh, who- was bom in Seneca county, the daughter of Jacob Strausbaugh, who was one of the pioneers of the county, whither he removed from York county, Pennsylvania. They reared ten children, namely: Blanche B., wife of John Bessler, of Los Angeles, California; Jessie C, the wife of James Dunn, of Tiffin; Charles V.,. a successful teacher in the schools of Loudon township; Leo O., a resident of Bismarck, North Dakota; Arthur W., in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; Grace, the wife of Daniel Flannagan, of Toledo; Asa, who remains on the old homestead; Ira H., a resident of Toledo, as is also Raleigh T. ; and Maud S., who remains at the parental home. Mrs. Seewald died on the 15th of February, 1894, at the age of forty-nine years.

David Boyd

One of the venerable pioneers and honored citizens of Seneca county is Mr. Boyd, who is now living retired from active business, after a long life of signal industry and well directed endeavor. His career has been characterized by an inflexible integrity of purpose and he has ever commanded the fullest measure of esteem in the community where he has passed so many years of his life, his home being in Jackson township.

Mr. Boyd claims the old Keystone state as the place of his nativity,, having been born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of February, 1822. He was reared and educated in his native county and when fourteen years of age entered upon an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade. After attaining maturity he removed to Cumberland^ county, where he was employed at his trade for a period of two years-

He then set forth for Ohio, making the trip on foot and locating in Richland county, where he remained one year, at the expiration of which time he came to Seneca county and established his home in Jackson township, where he has ever since resided. He at one time owned a farm of three hundred and sixty acres, but has disposed of this property with the exception of one acre, where he has maintained his home from the time when he first located in the township. Upon locating here he established a blacksmith shop, and here he continued in the active work of his trade until 1 89 1, when he retired. His services were in demand by a large circle of patrons, and he is well known to the people of this section of the county.

In 1844 Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Miss Rosana Weiser, who w^as bom in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of February, 1822, and they became the parents of five cliildren, namely: Hugh W. A., w'ho is engaged in farming in this township and who served as a valiant soldier during the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted, in June, 1863, as a private in Company C, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served six months, the regiment having been in pursuit of Morgan on 'his famous raid and having participated in the engagement at Cumberland Gap. On the 2d of May, 1864, Mr. Boyd re-enlisted, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the one hundred daj?^' service, being assigned to duty in the defense of the national capital. After the expiration of his second term Mr. Boyd returned to his home, and in October, 1864, he again tendered his services to the Union, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was with General Thomias in the Franklin and Nashville campaign, and in this regiment he served until the close of the war, when he received his honorable discharge and was duly mustered out. He retains a vital interest in his old comrades in arms and is prominently identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of Norris Post, at Fostoria, of which he has ever served as commander. Jacob H. C. Boyd, the second son of our subject, was likewise a soldier in the Civil war, having served for seven months in the One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he is now a successful farmer of his township. John A. S., Benjamin F. and David I. died in early childhood.

In politics Mr. Boyd is a stanch Republican, and he has served as trustee of his township. His religious faith is that of the M'ethodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a mjember since 1848, his wife also being a devoted member of the same. Mr. Boyd has eleven oil wells on his place and the same are being profitably operated. He has attained prosperity through his own well directed efforts, and in the evening of his life enjoys the due reward of his active and useful career.

Among the representatives of the medical profession in Seneca county is Francis Henry Schlink, who is established in active practice in the village of New Riegel. Dr. Schlink is a native of the state of Indiana, having been bom in Allen county, on the 14th of January, 1856, a son of George P. and Mary A. (Rose) Schlink, of whose nine children four are living at the present time, namely: John, a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana; George and Joseph, who reside in Allen county, that state; and Francis H., the subject of this review. George P. Schlink was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, in the year 18 12, and came to America, in company with his mother and step- father, in the year 1833. After residing for a short time in the city of Buffalo. New York, the father of our subject removed to Allen county, Indiana, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. There, on the ist of January, 1843, ^vas solemnized his marriage to Miss Mary A. Rose, who was born in Alsace, France (now a German province), and who had come to America with her parents in the year previous to her marriage, the family locating in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The father of the Doctor continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits in Allen county, Indiana, until his death, which occurred on the nth of February, 1865, while his wife passed away on the 25th of the succeeding month, both having succumbed to attacks of typhoid fever, as did also one of their daughters, who died about the same time. They were devoted members of the Catholic church and were people of sterling worth of character. Dr. Schlink was but nine years of age at the time of the death of his parents, and thereafter he lived until his fourteenth year in the home of two families of the neighborhood, one of the men with whom he w^as thus placed later becoming his brother-in-law. Under these conditions the Doctor resided in New Haven, Indiana, where he secured his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools. At the age of sixteen years he entered Notre Dame College, at Notre Dame, Indiana, where he completed the literary and scientific courses and was graduated as a member of the class of 1877. He thereafter took a course of study in the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and later continued his technical studies in the Miami Medical Collie, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1880. In the meantime the Doctor further reinforced himself in the line of his profession by taking a special course of study in physical diagnosis in the hospital wards, together with a course of lectures in the city hospital of Cincinnati, so that he \vas specially well equipped for professional work at the time of his graduation. In the spring of 1880 Dr. Schlink entered upon the active practice of his pwDfession at Delphos, Ohio, where he built up a representative business and attained high prestige. In 1882 the Doctor became a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, which, in the following year, he represented as a delegate to the convention of the American Medical Association, of which he became a prominent member. In the same year he was chosen as a member of the board of health of Delphos, and in that capacity served for a number of years, while he was also examining physician for the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Detroit, as he was also local surgeon, at Delphos, for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. The Doctor continued in the practice of hig profession at Delphos until the spring of 1894, when he came to New Riegel, where he has since been established in a large and repre- sentative practice, being held in the highest esteem in the community and being recognized as one of the leading members of the medical fraternity in Seneca county, many difficult surgical operations being as successfully handled by him as when treaited by specialists in the larger cities. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, and he is a communicant of St. Boniface church.

On the 1 8th of May, 1881, Dr. Schlink was united in marriage to Miss Agnes A. Ostendorf, who was born in Delphos, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph Ostendorf, who was one of the stockholders and the foreman of the Union Stave Works, at Delphos, being thus in active service for a quarter of a century, but being now jetired from activebusiness. Dr. and Mrs. Schlink became the parents of five children,, of whom four survive, namely: Josephine M., who is a graduate of the musical conservatory of the Ohio Normal University and who is a successful teacher of music in Tiffin, where she is organist of St. Mary's church; Albert G., a student of the Ohio Normal University^ at Ada; and Rosa T. and Henr}^ A., who remain at the parental home. Elmer, the second in order of birth, died at the age of twelve years.

Elias Hollenbaugh

At this juncture we enter memoir of one of the sterling citizens of Seneca county, where he located in pioneer days, developing a fine farm from the forest wilds of Jackson township and attlaining a high degree of success through his energy and well directed efforts. lie was a man of exalted honor and integrity and he ever held the highest esteem of all who knew him. It is signally fitting that in this compilatfon be incorporated a tribute to this sterling citizen, who entered into eternal rest on the 4th of June, 1901.

education. As a young man he came to Seneai county, where he began working on a farm, by the month, so continuing until his patriotism and loyalty led him to tender his services in defense of the Union during the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, - a term of nearly three years. After receiving his honorable discharge and being mustered out, Mr. Hollenbaugh returned to Pennsylvania, where his second marriage was solemnized, and soon afterward he returned to Seneca county, in company with his wife, being located near Bettsville for a period of seven months, after which he purchased forty acres of land in Jackson township, the tract being covered with native timber, with the exception of about five acres, which had been previously cleared. In a primitive log cabin of two rooms he and his devoted wife established their home and he then set himself valiantly to the work of reclaiming his farm from the sylvan wilds, his efforts being attended with such success that he was able to add to the area of his farm, becoming the owner of one hundred acres, nearly all of which he cleared of its heavy growth of timber while he made the best of improvements on the place, including a commodious and attractive residence, wltere his widow still maintains her home. On the farm are several oil wells, which add to the value of the fine property. Mr. Hollenbaugh ever gave his influence and tangible aid in support of all measures and enterprises projected for the general good, being active in the upholding of educational and religious work and being -a Prohibitionist in his political allegiance. He was a man whose integrity was unimpeachable and to him was given the unstinted confidence and esteem of the community in which he lived and labored lo such goixlly ends. He was a devoted member of St. John's Evangelical church, in which he was ever found an active worker.

Mr. Hollenbaugh was first married to Miss Susanna Mangle, who passed away in 1862, leaving two children, - Syriah, who is the widow of John C. Wonders: and Amelia, the wife of Eli Schaeflfer, of Berks county, Peimsylvania. On the 8th of February-, 1866, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Hollenbaugfli was united in marriage to Miss Care- line Reigle, who was born in Berks county, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom we enter brief record, as foIlow'S : Frank is a successful farmer of Paulding county, Ohio; Mary is the wife of Nathaniel Zimmerman, of the same county; John is a resident of Sandusky county ; Eli is engaged in operating the homestead ; Samuel and Cordelia are deceased; Sarah is the wife of William Zimmerman, of Paulding county; Clara is the wife of Alfred Saum, of Seneca county; Ida is the wife of Francis Kline, of Sandusky county ; and AJda is the wife of Henry Myers, of Wood county.

Lemuel Downs

Not all men order their lives to their liking; nor yet are all men true to themselves in living as nearly to their ideals as possible and attaining to such success as their opportunities and talents render accessible. We now turn to one who accomiplished much during his long and useful life, the entire span of which was passed in Seneca county, where he stood as a worthy scion of one of the early pioneer families, and though his was not a pretentious or exalted' life, it was true to itself and its pyossibilities, and one to whom the biographist may revert with a feeling of respect and satisfaction.

Mr. Downs was born on the old homestead farm, in Eden tow^nship, Seneca county, March 10, 1834, and it is interesting to note the fact that this continued to be his abiding place until death set its seal upon his mortal lips, thus closing a life of signal usefulness and honor, his death occurring on the 3d of Apiil, 1895, at the age of sixty-one years. He was one of the progressive and influential farmers and stockgrowers of this section, and his efforts were directed with such discrimination, energy and ability that his success was much above the average attained in connection with the dignified vocation of the husbandman. His father, John Downs, was bom in the state of Virginia, where he was reared to maturity. Hie removed to Ross county, Ohio, where his marriage to Caroline Holder was solemnized, and thence he caiTx: to Seneca county in 1824. Here he entered four hundred acres of government land, the greater portion being still an unbroken forest wild, and established his home in one of the primitive log houses common to the place and period and for many years later. Of this estate the farm now owned by the widow of our subject was an integral portion, and here John Downs and his devoted companion passed the residue of their days, each being about eighty years of age at the time of death. They had a family of thirteen children, all of whom are deceased, our subject having, been the youngest and the last to pass away.

Lemuel Downs was born on this old homiestead and was here reared amid the scenes and conditions incidental to pioneer life, his educational advantages, though meagre, being the best ^ifforded in the locality, the schools being of primitive order, - simple log buildings, with the slab seats and puncheon floors. He early began to assist in the work of the farm and after his marriage began his independent career on a portion of the old homestead, eventually develq)ing a fine place, making the btst of permanent improveinents, as is evident from the appearance of the farm to-day, and from time to time accumulating other land until, at the time of his death, his estate comprised more than six hundred acres. In properly handling a* property ot this sort it is needless to say that much administrative and executive ability was demanded, in addition to a thorough knowledge of the science of agriculture and the proper handling of details. That his success was one of large measure was due to his own efforts, and he was one of the leading farmers and stock-growers of the county, having devoted special attention to the raising of sheep of the best grade, as well as cattle. In iK>litics Mr. Downs was a life-long DemcKrat, and he serxed as township trustee and in other local offices. The title of **Squire,*' by which he was familiarly known, was given him when a lx>y on account of his father having sensed in that capacity for years. He was a man of inflexible integrity, making no compromise for the sake of advancing aims or ambitions, and yet showing that kindly tolerance which ever cc^nmands strong and abiding friendships.

riage to Miss Lucinda Miller, who was born near Mexico, Wyandot -county, the daughter of George and Esther (Stratton) Miller, pioaeer settlers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Downs became the parents of six' ^children, of whom we make brief mention as follows : James W. died at the age of nine years; Cora May is the wife of Charles Gulick,' of Eden township; Jennie Esther is the wife of Calvin Spitler, an attorney of Tiffin ; Allen J. died at the age of eleven years ; John Guy is proprietor of a livery in Tiffin ; and George L. is operating the old homestead.

Wiluam N. Dunn

In order to perpetuate for coming generations the record of one w^ho was very prominently connected with the growth and development of Seneca county, but who has now passed to his final reward, a brief account of the life of William Nelson Dunn is placed on the pages of this volume. He was a public-spirited citizen, in harmony with advanced ideas, intelligent progress and one always liberal in his contributions to aid the social, material and religious advancement of the county. He was one of Seneca county's poneer settlers and was a most worthy and exemplary citizen.

William Nelson Dunn was a native of the Empire state, his birth having there occurred in Sullivan county, February i, 181 5, and he was a son of James and Mehitable (Hopkins) Dunn. Of the parents' large family of eight children all are now de(!eased. His father was a farmer and luml>er dealer, owning about four hundred acres of timber land, on which he operated two sawmills and rafted lumber to Philadelphia. In 1 83 1 he mioved upon his farm in Wayne county, New York, where he lived until life's labors were ended in death.

In the fall of 1841, in company with Henry D. Clark, who later became his brother-in-law, William N. Dunn, of this review, came to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Hopewell township. Our subject cleared and improved his farm and became the owner of over twelve hundre'd acres of land in the state of Michigan and in Seneca county. His life was characterized by energy, perseverance and hard work, and to these principles his success was due. In 1872 he put aside the active cares o£ the farm and removed to Tiffin, where the remainder of his life was spent. For eight years he was a constant sufferer from partial paralysis, of the muscles and nerves, but he bore his affliction with a noble courage and fortitude.

In 1842 Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to Miss Sophia W. Clark^ a native of Rensselaer county. New York, and a daughter of George and Dorcas (Sweet) Clark. The father died- when the daughter was a child, and her mother afterward mlarried Elijah Lake and removed to Wayne county. New York. Mr. Dunn was called to his final rest in 1883, and the community thereby lost one of its valued citizens, the church a consistent benefactor, his neighbors a faithful friend and his family a devoted husband and father. In his political associations he was a Democrat. His widow still survives and now resides in the home property in Tiffin. She is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church and a member of the Industrial Chapter of the church Guild. She is very active in church and charitable work and is loved and honored for her many noble characteristics.

Frederick E. England

Frederick Ellsworth England, who for nine years has been engaged in merchandising as the proprietor of a grocery in Fostoria, is one of the native sons of this city who has attained to prominence in commercial circles here. His father, Humphrey England, was a native of Ashland county, Ohio, where the grandfather of our subject located' in pi6- neer days, becoming an active factor in the improvement and development of that portion of the state. After arriving at years of maturity Humphrey England was united in marriage to Lavina Hollopeter, a sister of Dr. Hollopeter, of Fostoria. She was bomi in Wayne county^

Ohio, and in 1836, when six years of age, was brought by her parents to this city. Her father wasi Fred'erick Hollopeter, who located in Jack-' son township and throughout the remainder of his life carried on farming there. He was a' native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and became one of the progressive agriculturists of Seneca county, Ohio. He passed away at the age of seventy years.

The father of our subject arrived in this county about 1836, and as a carpenter and contractor was identified with building interests here until his death, which occurred when he was about sixty years of age. His widow still survives him and has reached the age of seventy-one years. In the public schools of Fostoria, Frederick E. England acquired a knowledge of the common branches of learning which fit one for the practical and responsible duties of life. When a young man he became connected with the grocery trade and for nine years has been the proprietor erf a store which he has successfully conducted. He carries a largS and well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries and has secured a good trade, which is annually increasing, as a result of his reasonable prices, honorable dealing and earnest desire to please his patrons.

Mr. England was married in Fostoria to Miss Susie Hatfield, a daughter of John Hatfield, who came from Kentucky to Ohio, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Seneca county. Three children grace this union : Grover Hatfield, Lucile and Thelma. Mr. England is an advocate of the Democratic party, has been very prominent in its support and has served as a member of the county committee. He is now treasurer of the central committee of Seneca county and lias long put forth every effort in his power to promote his party's success. In 1897 he was elerted to the city coiuncil and filled the position so capably that on the> expiration of his two years' term he was re-elected. He belongs to the Junior Order of American Mechanics and to the Masonic fraternity, and in social circles as well as in politics and business life he has had many friends who maintain for him warm personal regard in recognition of his many estimable characteristics. He is of a genial nature, and the fact that many of his friends are numbered' among those who have known him from his youth to the present time is an indication that his career has ever been honorable and straightforward.