Seneca Township (part 27 of 60)

Madison Finch

Among the well-known citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, is Madison Finch, who owns a large and well cultivated farm in Bloom township and who is justly considered one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of this locality. His birth occurred on January ii, 1825, in Yates county. New York, and he is a son of Solomon R. and Hester (Dean) Finch, natives of the same locality. In 1840 the parents decided to seek a home in the state of Ohio, where better opportunities w^ere offered for farming than in the more thickly settled portions of the old home state. To the home-keeping people of that locality and time the trip seemed long and dangerous, but it was safely accomplished by water to Sandusky City, two of the sons. Madison and Jesse, being left to drive overland from Livingston county, New York. In the course of time the family was united and comtfortably settled on the farm now owned by our subject. Mr. Finch purchased here two hundred and thirt>'-six acres of land, which served as the family home for many years, and here the mother died, being called to her final rest at the age of fifty-six years. Soon afterward the father removed to Fulton county, Ohio, where he secured another farm, and there he spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the age of sixty-five years. Both he and his wife were meml^ers of the Rockaway Baptist church, in w^hich he long served as a deacon, and in that position he was succeeded by his son Mladison. He w^as familiarly known as **Uncle Solly." Their surviving children are: Madison, the subject of this biography; Jesse, of Newton, Iowa; David, who resides in Adair county, that state; Margaret A., now Mrs. Henderson, and a resident of Osceola, Iowa; Mary J., who rrtarried Elisha Wheeler, of Bellefontaine, Ohio; Catherine, the wife of Daniel Dunlap, of Abilene, Kansas; and Juliette, the wife of W. O. Butler, a resident of Waterloo, Indiana. The deceased members of the family are: Randolph, Esther, Caroline and Sarah.

The early years of our subject w^ere passed on the home farms in Yates and Livingston counties, New York. After the settlement was made in Ohio he assisted in the clearing of the land, but there were many helpers in his father's household and at the age of seventeen years he began to assist in his neighbor's fields during the busy summer seasons. His education had not been neglected, however, and his district was glad to receive his services as a teacher during the winter seasons. . He taught his first term when seventeen years of age, receiving fifteen dollars, per month, while at that time his wages as a farm hand during the summer months amounted' to but ten dollars a month. As he grew older and more experienced and as the neighborhood became more thickly settled and the number of his pupils increased he was able to command a larger remuneration as a teacher, being very successful in his work. For fifteen consecutive years he was thus employed, working in the fields during the summer months and teaching school during the winters. During the Civil war he became a member of the One Hundred and Sixtyfourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was stationed at Arlington Heights, to guard the city of Washington. He is now a member of Brown Post, G. A. R., at Bloomville. Since Mr. Finch purchased the old homestead he has continued to reside thereon, with the exception of two years spent in Tiffin, and he is one of the most successful farmers and stock-raisers of Bloom township. He has a well-improved farm of -one hundred and sixty-two acres, where he carries on general farming, and he has secured a competence which ranks him among the substantial men of this section.

On the i6th of October, 1861, Mr. Finch was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Biggs, of Mexico, Ohio. Her father, Joseph Biggs, was bom in Maryland, June 30, 1796. About 1828 he took up his abode in Tiffin, Ohio, where be owned and conducted the first hat store in the city. About eight years later he located on a farm near Mexico, Ohio, ^here his death occurred on the nth of August, 1864. In 1820 he was united in marriage to Juliett Ann Hoy, who was born in 1799, and her death occurred in 1873. Mrs. Finch is now the only survivor of their family of four children, - one son and three daughters, and she was born in Tiffin on the 19th of August, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Finch have had no children of their own, but they have reared two from childhood, - Etta

In his political preference M'r. Finch is a Republican, and he has shown his deep interest in his township by serving as its trustee, and for many years was a valued and useful member of the school board. For forty years he has been a deacon in the Rockaway Baptist church and one of its leading members, and has also taken a deep interest in the work of the Sunday-school. H« is one of the oldest members of the Odd Fellows' order in this locality, having been coimected and in good fellowship with the fraternity for a period of fifty years, and during all that time has been a member of Melmore Lodge, No. 164. He is a man universally respected in Bloom township, owing to his high moral character and upright, useful and industrious life. He is a good citizen in every sense of the word, and belongs to that type which has placed the state of Ohio in the front rank of the sisterhood of states.

John W. Shaw

In the history of Republic John W. Shaw well deserves honorable mention, for with its business affairs he is closely connected and is numbered among its leading and and progressive citizens. He was born in Cayuga county. New York, May 18, 1844, and is a son of John Shaw, who was a native of Westmoreland, England; TTie father there learned the tailor's trade, and at the early age of fifteen came to America, to remain until called to his final home. He b^an work in New York and there met and married Miss Maria Lane, who was a representative of the Monmouth county. New Jersey, Revolutionary stock. The family resided upon a farm, on which John W. Shaw spent the greater part of his youth. In the cormnon schools he acquired his earlier education,, and when but a lad of fourteen began working as a farm hand, being thus engaged until July, 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Eleventh New York Regiment, which was assigned to the Sec- ond Army Corps, under General Hancock, and September 15, 1862, was first engaged at Harper's Ferry, where, with eleven thousand other troops, it was captured by Stonewall Jackson. Young Shaw, however, was paroled soon afterward and sent to Camp Douglas, Chicago. In three months all were exchanged and the regiment was returned to Washington, participating in the defense of the capital until the spring of 1863. Soon after the battle of Chancellorsville it was assigned to General Meade's anr.y and advanced with him into Pennsylvania, takinga conspicuous part in the greatest battle of the war, Gettysburg. During Pickett's famous charge, on the 3d of July, Mr. Shaw was wounded by a minie ball, which shattered the bone of the. right leg just ht\om the knee. He was sent to the hospital at Fort Schuyler, where, on account of the serious condition of his injuries, he remained more than a year, rejoining his regiment in front of Petersburg, and remaining with the army until the close of the war, and after participating in the grand review he received an honorable discharge, on the i6th of June, 1865. His wound continued a source of annoyance, finally reducing his nerves to a serious condition. His general health was so shattered, with no likelihood of perfect health ever being otherwise regained, that, in 1873, he yielded to the advice of friends and surgeons and permitted an amputation above the knee; and while never since perfectly robust, he has enjoyed comparative immunity from continued distress.

In the fall of 1865 Mr. Shaw came to Republic and clerked in the store of H. G. Ogden, with whom he remained three years. He then established a dry-goods and general mercantile store, which he conducted from 1870 until 1883. He met with deserved success in his venture, for his honorable methods, earnest desire to please and his reasonable prices secured a liberal jxitronage. Since retiring from mercantile life he has devoted his attention almost wholly to the oversight of his farm property, the outdoor life in connection tending to enhance his comfort and pleasure.

On the 5th of July, 1882, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Celia I. Williams, a daugliter of John D. Williams, who was bom in Fairfield county, Ohio. His father. Lieutenant Reuben Williams, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, lived for some years in Fairfield county, Ohio, and about 1824 came to Seneca county. Here in Clinton township, he entered land and developed from the wilderness the farm upon which Mrs. Callie C. Shaw now resides, just outside the city limits of Tiffin. He was commjissioned justice of the peace in 1826 by Governor Morrow, being the first to fill that office in Clinton to%vnship. He had rendered to his country loyal military service in the war of 1812, in which he held the rank of first lieutenant, serving under command of General Crogan, and was present when Crogan received the surrender of the British at Fort Stevenson. He was then engaged in farming, but at a later date sold his farm and removed to Warsaw, Indiana, where, in connection with his son, General Reuben Williams, he edited the Northern Indiana Journal, making his home, however, upon a farm. He there spent his remaining days, being a prominent and mfluential citizen of Indiana, as well as of Ohio. John D. Williams was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth (Flaugher) Stoner. She was the daughter of Jacob Flaugher, who came from Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, about 1830, and, being a man of considerable wealth, purchased from Josiah Hedges an extensive tract of land in Tiffin, the same extending on either side of Sandusky street. He erected the large brick house still to be seen at the corner of Sandusky and Miami streets, and here, after a residence of fifty-seven years, he died at an advanced age. He was a blacksmith by trade, and did an extensive business in that line and in the carriagemaking business, which he established in connection. He platted the section of the city and erected several of the fine residences which have drawn uniform admiration to that part of the town. He g^ve each child, of which Elizabeth was the eldest, a competence, and in his day was one of the most public-spirited citizens of Tiffin. Mr. Williams was a fanmrr and operated a sawinill on Rock Creek until 1869, when he, too, removed to Warsaw, Indiana, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1880, when he had attained the age of sixty-eight years. He died at Tiffin, where he \vas visiting, and, in accordance with his o\ni request, was buried in Rock Creek cemetery, to lie among so many of his old friends. He was a man among men and one whose fearless, stain- less life ever sounded the notes for a better citizenship and more exalted, personal living. His widow survived till November 25, 1898, dying in Tiffin, at the age of seventy-four. Hers was a singularly ennobling Christian life, her strength of nidnd emphasizing a naturally delicate and, refined nature. His country proved his loyalty, for at the time of the Civil war he enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and First Ohio Regiment, with which he served for thirteen months, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability. Mrs. Shaw comes from patriotic stock, as her great-grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, l>eing laid to rest in the cemetery at Sugar Creek ; her grandfather served faithfully in the war of 1812; and her father in the Civil war. She yields honors to none in loyalty and patriotism and ever inculcates in her children due loae and reverence for home and country. She was graduated in the Tiffin schools and was herself a teacher there for eight years.

The home of our subject and wife has been blessed with four children: Eleanor Palmer, who was born July 12, 1885, is a member of the senior class of the high school ( 1902) ; John \V. was born September 30, 1888; Lane Williams was bom Januarj- 25, 1894; and Florence Cronise Shaw, the eldest of the children, died on the nth of September, 1900, at the age of seventeen years. When Florence died every person, young or old, in Republic felt the loss as a personal affliction, for her amiability and many excellencies of mind and character had endeared her to all. Foremost in her school work and mature beyond her years, she gave promise that led her friends to await womanhood's years with earnest anticipation.

"There is no death; what seems so is transition. This life of mortal breath Is but the suburbs of the life elysian, Whose portals we call death."

In his political affiliations Mr: Shaw has always been a Republican, and he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the party, believing that the best interests of the nation will be conserved through that channel. In 1875-6 he served as mayor of Republic, proving a most capable offi- cial and giving a practical and progressive administration. - In the same decade he was candidate for county recorder, but, as Seneca county has a strong Democratic majority, he was defeated. For three years he also served as justice of the peace. In political thought and action he has always been independent, carrying out his honest views without fear or favor. In business he has achieved success through honorable effort, untiring industry and capable management, and in private life he has gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, deference for the opinion of others, kindliness and geniality. In the home Mr. and Mrs. Shaw practice a generous and kindly hospitality, finding greatest pleasure in intercourse with congenial friends. Leading quiet lives, their greatest interest is centered in the future of their own family, but they ever maintain a lively interest in all that pertains to the advancement of the community, morally, intellectually and socially, and try to exemplify through their own lives the religious faith they profess, following carefully the precepts of the golden rule.

John B. Falter

Seneca county is characterized by a full share of the honored pioneer elements who have done so much for the development of the county and' the state and the establishment of the institutions of higher civilization in this fertile and well-favored section of the old Buckeye commonwealth. The biographical sketches in this work are to a large extent in recognition of those who are pioneers or members of pioneer families, and it is signally fitting that there should be perpetuated records which will defy the ravages of time and betoken to the coming generations the earnest lives and devoted labors of those who have been such noble contributors to the state's prosperity and pride. The subject of this sketch is one of the venerable and honored citizens of the county, where he was for many years successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and where he has maintained his home froni the days of his early boyhood, - representing a period of seventy years of consecutive residence in the county. He has now retired from active labors and is enjoying the aftermath of his years of earnest endeavor, having his home in the pleasant little village of St. Stephen, but still retaining his landed estate in the county.

Mr. Falter was bom in Darmstadt, the beautiful old capital of the grand duchy of Hesse, Germany, on the 26th of December, 1826, and is one of the two surviving children of Philip and ^Christina (Koerner) Falter, his sister Margaret being the widow of Peter Cassanova and now maintaining her home in Paulding county, this state. The three other children of the family are deceased. The parents of our subject were likewise natives of Darmstadt, and the father had been previously married, the four children born of the first union being all deceased. Philip Falter was a shoemaker by trade and followed this vocation in the fatherland until the fall of 1831, when he emigrated with his family to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel and being forty-two days on the ocean. They passed the first winter in Buffalo, New Yoik, and in the spring of 1832 set forth for their new home in the virgin forests of Seneca county, making the trip by the Great Lakes to Huron and thence coming through by wagon to Seneca county. Here Philip Falter entered claim to eighty acres of government land, one^half mile north of the present village of Carrothers, - the farm now owned by J. C. Wurm. He made a little clearing in the heavily timbered tract and there built one of the log cabins of the primitive frontier type, installed his famly in the unpretentious domicile and prepared to literally hew out a farm in the midst of the forest. He vigorously continued his efforts and had made excellent developments prior to his death, which occurred in 1848, his wife surviving until 1862. Both were folk of the most sterling character and were among the most honored pioneers of this section. They were communicants of the Catholic church and their lives were in harmony with their religious faith and trust. In politics Mr. Falter was a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party.

been found, as a lad, contributing his share to the arduous work of clearing the farm and adapting it to cultivation, while in the little log schoolhouse, with its puncheon floors, slab benches, yawning fireplace and oiled-paper windows, he gained his initial scholastic lore. After the death of his father he assumed charge of the home farm, and prior to his marriage, in 1853, he had acquired a half interest in this properly. He there continued to devote his attention to cultivating and improving his farm until 1856, when he disposed of the property and purchased a tract of eighty acres in Reed township, w^here he made his home tor seven years, at the expiration of which he disposed of the property and purchased the old Steinmetz homestead of one hundred acres, in Venice township, this having been the property of his w^ife's father. Later he sold this and purchased the old Marshall homestead, of one hundred and forty-two acres, in Venice township, and there he maintained his home for the long period of thirty years, making the best of improvements. He is a prosperous farmer and fine stock breeder of this locality. He still owns this farm, which is in charge of his son Cornelius.

In politics Mr. Faher has always given his support to the Democratic party, but he has never desired any official preferment. He and his wife are zealous members of the Catholic church.

In 1853 Mr. Falter was united in m.arriage to Miss Margaret Steinmetz, who has been his companion and helpmeet for nearly a half century, their golden-wedding anniversary occurring on the 15th of November, 1903. Mrs. Falter was bom in Alsace, France (now a German province), being the daughter of Balthasar and Elizabeth (Long) Steinmetz, who emigrated to the United States in the spwing 6i 1833, settling in Stark county, Ohio, whence a few years later they came to Seneca county, where they passed the residue of their lives. Of the twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Falter only five survive, namely : Joseph J., a resident of Allen county, Ohio; \V. Edward, a commercial salesman for the Piano Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, Illinois ; Cornelius H., who has charge of the old home farm; Martha C, the wife of Matthias Wurm, of this township: and Anna E., who remains at the parental home.

Arlington Dunn

A most exemplary citizen and an honored soldier of the Civil war is Arlington Dunn, of Hopewell township, Seneca county, Ohio. During his army career he was always found faithful to the duties imposed upon him and won the confidence and high regard of his comrades and superior officers, while in business life and social relations he has ever manifested the same justice, integrity and reliability, and none knew him but to wish him well.

Mr. Dunn is a son of the Buckeye state and of Seneca county, his birth having occurred in Hopewell township on the 6th of February, 1845, 3. son of William N. and Sophia W. (Clark) Dunn. The father claimed New York as the state of his nativity, his birth having there occurred in Sullivan county. By his marriage to Sophia W. Qark he became the father of seven children, five of whom still survive, namely : Arlington, the subject of this review; Devolson, of Tiffin; Deroy C, a prominent farmer of Hopewell township; Norman, also of this township; and John A., of Tiffin. Arlington Dunn, the eldest son and the subject of this review, grew to years of maturity under the paternal roof, and the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth were those afforded by the common schools of his neighborhood.

In 1863, when but seventeen years of age, he responded to the call of his country in her hour of need, and on the 22d of August of that year he became a member of Company D, One Hundred and Twentythird Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Army of West Virginia and also in the Army of the James, and having been for some time in the commissary department, under H. L. McKee.

After General Milroy's defeat at Winchester, Virginia, soldiers of his command not taken prisoners of war assembled at Bedford, Pennsylvania, where he was detailed in the provost marshal's office, serving in that capacity many months, under eight different provost marshals, most of the time at Martinsburg, West Virginia, and during that time was comf>elled to retreat northv/ard in care of office supplies twice. In compliance with military law he was obliged to join his command at

Opequan Creek, Virginia, and at once was detailed to serve at brigade headquarters in the quartermaster department, senang in that capacity most of the time in the Army of the James until St. Rowland, of the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, was relieved as brigade quartermaster. Mr. Dunn remained at headquarters, serving in the ordnance department until the close of the war.

Receiving his discharge at Camp Chase, Ohio, on the 28th of June, 1865, Mr. Dunn then returned to his home, where he again took up the peaceful duties of civil life. In the following fall he began work in the store of a Mr. Sullivan, in Tiffin, where for the following twelve years he was employed as a bookkeeper, remaining with the widow after the proprietor's death. In 1869 he became the owner of his present home place, walking three miles to and from his work each day for the following three years, and it was not until 1873 that he gave his undivided attention to the operation of his farm. ' He is now the owner of eighty acres of rich and fertile land, all of which is under an excellent state of cultivation and annually yields abundant har\'ests. In 1885 he erected one of the handsomest residences in the locality, and many other substantial buildings and improvements now adorn his place.

As a companion on the journey of life Mr. Dunn chose Miss Mary L. Oster, their wedding having been celebrated in 1873. The lady is a daughter of Jacob W. and Catherine (Sewald) Oster, the former a native of Nassau and the latter of Bavaria, Gremiany. They came to the United States in 1843, ^^^ from Philadelphia they made their way on foot to this state. Four children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, namely : Cora, the wife of J. R. Ricketts, of Loudon township; Clara M.. a student in the class of 1903 of the State Normal School at Angola, Indiana; William, manager of a branch office of the Postal Telegraph Company at Chicago, Illinois ; and Carl Otto, at home. The Republican party receives Mr. Dunn's hearty support and co-operation, and for three terms he has served his tOAvnship wuth efficiency as its clerk, although the locality is strongly Democratic. He has, however, refused his name to be used as a candidate for other public offices, preferring to give his time and attention to his business duties. Since

February, 1902, he has held an active connection with the City National Bank and is now serving his fifth year as secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Relief Association, and is a member of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, G. A. R. Mrs. Dunn has been a member of the Second Reformed church since her eighteenth year, and is one of its active workers. Our subject is one of the most honored and highly esteemed citizens of his community, and it is safe to say that no man in Seneca county has a wider circle of friends and acquaintances than Arlington Dunn.

Not only in Tiffin but in the surrounding country Dr. McCollum is know^n as a successful and skilled physician and surgeon, one who has given years of thought and painstaking preparation to his profession and who is thoroughly qualified for its practice. Nature endo\ved him with the qualities necessary for success as a practitioner, for he is sympathetic, patient and thoughtful, and in the hour of extremity is cool and courageous. Though his practice has always engrossed much of his attention, he has always found time to keep posted upon the practical . details in the improvements of the science and avails himself of every development in remedial agencies. For a half century he has ministered to the sick and suffering here and has always maintained an irreproachable character, worthy of respect and emulation.

The Doctor was bom in Richland county, Ohio, four miles south of Mansfield, in June, 1825. His father, John McCollum, was a native of Pennsylvania, and about the time of his marriage, in 181 5, he entered land in Richland county, uf>on which he engaged in farming for about ten years, when death ended his labors. He was a son of Ephraim and Catherine McCollum, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives as farming people, living to an advanced age. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah Barber and she likewise was a native of the Keystone state. She sur- vived her husband some time and passed av/ay at the advanced age of eighty years. Her religious faith was indicated by her membership in the Presbyterian church. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, of whom the Doctor was the third in order of birth.

Dr. McCollum was about five years old when his father died, and he and his sister then went to live with their paternal grandfather in Pennsylvania. Upon his farm our subject was reared, and after acquiring his elementary education in the public schools he entered the Le^visburg Academy, when about sixteen years of age. He attended through the summer and engaged in teaching in the winter months in order to earn the money necessary for the prosecution of his own studies. At length determining to engage in the practice of medicine, he read for two years, and spent the year 1849 ^s a student in the Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, after which he located in McCutchenville, Seneca county, Ohio, practicing there until 1853, when he returned to the Jefferson Medical College and was graduated. In the spring of 1853 he made a permanent location in Tiffin, and now for almost half a century has been an active member of the medical fraternity in this city. He engaged in general practice through a long period and is now doing quite a large office practice, as his patrons of former days do not like to dispense with his services, having found that he is learned, skillful and reliable in the performance of the important duties which devolve upon the physician and surgeon.

Dr. McCollum was united in marriage in 1853 to Miss Margaret Marr, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, who was a schoolmate of the wife of General "StonewalF' Jackson. Mrs. McCollum died in Tiffin, at the age of seventy-six years. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, in which an uncle and two of her brothers became ministers, while another brother was a physician. UAto the Doctor and his wife were born two children: Gaylord, who died at the age of five years, and Leon, who was formerly engaged in the practice of medicine, being a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk. Iowa, but, not finding this congenial, is now engaged in the lumber business

In his political views Dr. McCollum is a Democrat. He has been pension examiner and railway surgeon for many years, occupying the latter position since the railroad was built through Tiffin. Socially he is connected with Tiffin Lodge, No. yy, F. & A. M., and he belongs to the Presbyterian church. In the line of his profession he is connected with the Seneca County Medical Society, of which he was one of the founders, and was at one time its president ; the Ohio State Medical Society; the International Association of Railway Surgeons; and the American Medical Association. Thus, through connection with other members of the profession, through the discussion of means and methods of promoting their work and its effectiveness, as well as through individual study, reading and investigation, Dr. McCollum has kept steadily in touch with the progress which has made great changes in medical practice since he first located in Tiffin, thus rendering his efforts much more effective in producing the desired result of lessening pain and restoring health. His efforts, however, have not been so closely confined to his profession that it has excluded all connection with other business relations, for he was one of the organizers of the Tiffin Savings Bank, of which he is now vice-president. He has lost considerable money by going security, but altogether his career has been a successful one, and respect and honor have been accorded him, together with a comfortable competence. Although he is now seventy-six years of age he yet practices, his nature being one to which idleness is utterly foreign. His worth is such that to know Dr. McCollum is to esteem and honor him.

Sylvester Cunningham

Sylvester Cunningham was one of the honored and respected residents of Seneca county, and when called to his final rest the community mourned the loss of a valued citizen, - one who was esteemed by all with whom he had come in contact. He was born in Homer, New York, January lo, 1815, and upon his father's farm was reared, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The common schools offered him his educational- privileges and he afterward learned the stone-mason's trade. Removing from Homer to Aurora, New York, he followed that trade and also engaged in fanning there until 1856, when he determined to establish his home in the Buckeye state, whither he camie and took up his residence in Scipio township, Seneca county. He purchased a farm of sixty acres, where Lemuel Stewart now resides, and for a few years resided thereon, after which he purchased another tract of land, of eighty acres, and upon the second farm he spent his remaining days. He was closly associated with agricultural pursuits in this part of the county and contributed in no small measure to the improvement and development of the locality. His farm work was conducted along progressive lines and he made for his fam.ily a very comfortable homie. In his religious vie\vs he was a Methodist, belonging to the church of that denomination in Republic. He also held membership relations u-ith the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained to the degree of a Knight Templar. He passed away May 30, 1883, at the age of sixty-eight years. His life was a busy, useful and upright one, characterized by energy, by straightforward dealing in business, loyalty in citizenship and honor in social relations. Thus his example is in many respects well w^orthy of emulation and his memory is enshrined by all who knew him.

In early manhood Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Wilkerson, and they became the parents of three children. The eldest is Charles M., who is now living in Osborn, Kansas, and is a retired farmer and ranchman. When the country was engaged in civil war he offered his services to the government, in 1861, and became a member of Company B, Seventh Ohio Infantry. With his command he participated in the battles of Bull Run, Winchester and Gettysburg. He was in the army commlanded by Sherman, and during the latter part of his service he was a member of the Ninth Ohio Cavalry, under Kilpatrick, and at the front he remained until the close of hostilities, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of captain of Company I, Ninth Ohio Cavalry, being promoted from first lieutenant. His valor and meritorious conduct had won him promotion and he made for himself a most creditable military record. Elizabeth, the second child of the family, became the wife of Sydney J. Anway and died in 1893. Helen J., the youngest child, is the widow of Eli F. Beard, to whom she was married October 27, 1873. Her husband was born in Reed township, September 6, 1842, and was reared upon a farm, where he remained until a short time prior to the commencement of the war of the Rebellion, when he began working at the carriage-maker's trade. However, he watched with interest the progress of events in the south and determined that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would strike a blow in its defense. Accordingly on the i8th of June, 1861, he enlisted at Camp Chase, as a member of Company G, Twenty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years' service. Proceeding to the front, he participated in both battles of Bull Run, and on the 8th of June, 1862, w^as wounded in* the left knee at the battle of Cross Keys. Not long after this he was granted a furlough and returned to his home. On the expiration of his leave of absence, however, he rejoined his regim<ent, and at Chancellorsville, on the 3d of May, 1863, was again w^ounded, this time in the right shoulder. On the 21st of December of the same year Mr. Beard re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, and in the engagement at Deveaux Neck he was very seriously wounded in the lower jaw, on account of which injury he was sent to the hospital, and there, by reason of his disability, he was discharged, on the i8th of Mjay, 1865, ^vith the rank of corporal.

On being mustered out of service Mr. Beard came to Republic, Seneca county, his parents having removed to that place during his absence. In 1874 he patented and became the manufacturer of the Buckeye chum, establishing a factory in Republic. There he carried on the business until 1888, when, on account of failing health, he placed his plant in charge of parties from Sidney, Ohio, who were to manufacture the chums, giving Mr. Beard a royalty upon the same. The value of his invention has been widely acknowledged and the churn is now in general use through- out a large portion of this part of the countr}\ Of Robinson Post, G. A. R., of Republic, Mr. Beard became a charter member, and he was one of its honored and valued representatives. In the Masonic fraternity he belonged to both the blue lodge and chapter, and in his life he exemplified the beneficent principles of the craft. Of the Methodist Episcopal church he was a consistent and faithful member, and his life was ever in harmony with its teachings. He passed away October 3, 1893, leaving to his widow not only a comfortable competence but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. Mrs. Beard is well known in Seneca county, where she has mlany warm friends. She belongs to Cornelia Chapter, No. 93, Order of the Eastern Star, and is the present w^orthy matron of that body. She has also sensed as president of Robinson Relief Corps, No. 106.

Daniel Loose

Daniel Loose, a well-known citizen of Clinton township, Seneca county, Ohio, owns and operates a valuable farm whose neat and thrifty appearance well indicates his careful supervision. Substantial improvements are surrounded by well-tilled fields, and all of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are there found.

Mr. Loose is a native of this state, his birth having occurred near Baltimore, Fairfield county, December 25, 1829. He is one of a family of seven children born to Rev. John and Sarah (Measey) Loose, the others being Israel, a resident of Tiffin, Ohio; Sarah A., deceased; John H., who makes his home in Clinton township; Sophia, the wife of Jacob Rosenberg«er, of the same township; Eli, a minister of the United Brethren church, now ministering to a church in Morrow county, Ohio ; and William, deceased. The parents of our subject were born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where they were married, and from there they removed to Fairfield county, Ohio. In 1837 they came to Seneca county and settled in Clinton township, where the father erected a saw- mill and engaged in its operation, in connection with his farming. He later purchased two hundred acres of the land in Hopewell township and there gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he followed throughout the remainder of his life. For many years he served as a local minister of the Evangelical church, and was an earnest, consistent Christian gentleman, honored and respected by all who knew him. He died at the age of sixty-eight years.

The subject of this sketch was a child of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Seneca county, and here Tiewas reared upon a farm, being given the usual advantages of a commonschool education. During his minority he gave his father the benefit of his labors upon the home farm, and at the age of twenty-one rented the place, carrying it on quite successfully for three years. He also was associated with his brother in the sawmill business for two years. At the end of that time Mr. Loose purchased a tract of eighty acres, on which he made his home for three years. At the end of that time he bought the Bretz farm, of one hundred and sixty acres, in Eden township, and lived there until taking up his residence upon his present farm, lying a short distance south of the city limits of Tiffin. Industrious, progressive and energetic, he has met with excellent success in his farming operations and is to-day the owner of three places, aggregating three hundred and twenty-one acres, all under cultivation and well improved with good and substantial buildings. In connection w^ith general farming he follows stock-raising, and has found that branch of his business quite profitable.

On November 20, 1864, Mr. Loose was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Bretz, daughter of Philip and Mary Bretz. They are among fhe esteemed citizens of their community and are active members of the Eden Evangelical church, in which Mr. Loose has served as trustee and steward for many years. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs.

burt Reverdy resides in Tiffin; Carrie Marie is the wife of Dr. Jesse B. Gilbert, of East Grand Forks, Minnesota; Otto Bretz was killed at Katchubig, Samar, Philippine Islands, on the i8th of April, 1899, as will be noted later; Harvey G. is identified with the operation of the farm; and Elmer DeWitt is a student in Heidelberg University, in Tiffin. Of the untimely death of Otto Bretz Loose we may speak farther. Thirty soldiers of the Forty-third Regiment wei*e on guard at the place mentioned and were attacked by six hundred of the insurgents and all but ten of their number were killed. They had taken refuge in a convent and for four days from Easter Sunday were continuously engaged in endeavoring to repel the attack of the rebellious enemy, and on Wednesday the convent was set afire and the unprotected and valiant soldiers were mercilessly shot down. Otto had left his home about six months previously and the news of his death came as a shock to the community in which he had been reared and brought deep sorrow to the family and a large circle of warm friends. He was a bright young man of twentyfive years and thus sacrificed his life in his country's cause, far from home and native land.

William B. Rollins

William B. Rollins is now living retired in Fostoria, enjoying a well-earned rest. His birth occurred in 1842, in Montgomery township, Wood county, Ohio, not far from this city, his parents being Almon and Mary (Sherwood) Rollins. His paternal grandfather was William Rollins. The father of our subject became one of the early settlers of Wood county, where in pioneer times he served as justice of the peace and where he died during the boyhood days of his son William, passing aw'ay in 1847, at the age of fifty-two years, his birth having occurred in 1795 in Connecticut. The family was founded in New England at a very early date, his ancestors establishing a home in New Hampshire. He was united in marriage to Miss M^ry Shenvood, a daughter of William Sherwood. Her mother belonged to the same family of which Ethan

Allen was a descendant. William Sherwood served as grand master of the Masonic Lodge of New Jersey. Later he emigrated westward and took up his abode in Honey Creek, near Fort Seneca, Seneca county, there spending his remaining days.

Under the paternal roof Williami B. Rollins spent the days of his childhood, and when about nineteen years of age he offered his services to the government. He had watched with interest the progress of event's in the south and resolved that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would strike a blow in its defense. Hardly had the smoke of Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when, in April, 1861, he became a member of Company H, Twenty-first Ohio Infantry, for three mlonths. The command saw service in West Virginia. It was soon proven, however, that the war was not to be a mere holiday affair and troops were enlisted for three years. On the 5th of August, 1861, Mr. Rollins joined Company H, of the Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry, with which he remained until 1865, when, the war having ended, he returned to his home. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Stone River, Liberty Gap, Lawrenceburg, Kenesaw Mountain and Chickamauga, and in the last named was wounded and taken prisoner on the second day of the battle, September 20, 1863. He was held as a prisoner of war for seventeen months and ten days, being incarcerated on Belle Island and in the srmall-pox hospital of Richmond, in Libby Prison, in Macon, Georgia, and was the first prisoner put in Andersonville Prison, being one of the first men to enter that notorious place. He was afterward transferred to Milan Prison, later to Florence, South Carolina, and then sent to Savannah, Georgia, where he was paroled in 1865.

Immediately after the war Mr. Rollins came to Fostoria and for twenty-one years was engaged in the produce business, during whicfi time he enjoyed a liberal patronage and acquired a handsome competence which enabled him to retire to private life in 1886. He was the junior member of the firm of Morgan & Comtpany, whose operations were extensive and whose business reputation was unassailable.

Her father was born in Albion, New York, and his ancestors were among those who valiantly aided in winning independence for the nation in the Revolutionary war. He is now deceased but his widow still survives and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Rollins. Our subject and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees, the Knights of Pythias and with the Masonic order, exemplifying in his life the beneficent and helpful spirit of these fraternities. If one examines into his life record to find the secret of his success it will be seen that his prosperity has resulted fromi close application, unfaltering diligence and keen discrimination. His history contains no exciting chapters, but in it are many examples well worthy of emwlation. He has not only won success but also that good name which is ratiher to be chosen than great riches.

Louis Phillips

One of the prominent old pioneer families of Seneca county is that of Phillips. They have ever borne their part in the upbuilding and development of this region and have invariably been exponents of progress and liberal ideas upon all subjects. Mr. Phillips, of this review, was born in Norwich township,' Huron county, Ohio, December 27, 1853, and is a son of John and Catherine (Groves) Phillips. Of the parents' ten children eight are now living, namely : John, a resident of Tiflin ; Louis, of this review ; Joseph, a prominent farmer of Venice township, Seneca county; Martin, of Bellevue, Ohio; Jacob, also of Venice township; Mary, the widow of Frank A. Falter and a resident of St. Stephen, Seneca county; Fannie, the wife of Philip Stemmetz, of Toledo; Anna, the wife of Daniel Unser, of Hopewell township, Seneca county. Helen and Matilda are deceased.

Louis Phillips w^as reared to years of maturity in his native county, but on account of impaired hearing his educational privileges were naturally very limited. After his marriage he located on the farm where he still resides, then the property of his father, but later he became the owner of seventy-seven acres, and in addition thereto he also farms seventy-seven acres belonging to his father. In business circles he sustains a most enviable reputation. His energetic nature, strong determination, sagacity and cap^able management have brought to him a handsome competence, and he is now numbered among the influential and representative agriculturists of Bloom township.

The marriage of Mr. Phillips was celebrated in 1877, when Miss Christena Falter became his wife. She is a daughter of Philip Falter, whose history will be found in the sketch of Henry G. Falter in this volume. Ten children have been born unto this union, nine of whom still survive: Edward, Mary, Rosa, Loretta, George, Helen, Clara, Frederick and Clarence. The children are all at home with the exception of the eldest, who is a farmer in Indiana. Mr. Phillips exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, but he has never been an aspirant for the emoluments of public office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. The family are members of the Catholic church, and they are respected and highly esteemed throughout the county.

Henry Balbian

The city of Tiffin, Ohio, is the home of some of the most flourishing industries of Seneca county, and' the place of residence of those whose energy and ability control these enterprises. One of the leading business citizens of Tiffin is Henry Baibian, whose connection with the Tiffin Wbolen Mills has existed since 1899, and he is a worthy representative of that class of large-brained, progressive and public-spirited men without whose business acumen and advanced ideas many lines of trade would become entirely inactive.

1881. He was born in Rhein-Pfalz, Bavaria, Germany, March 13, i860, and was given good educational opportunities, studying for a time in an academy in Heidelberg. His father, Gustave Balbian, is a native of the same place, and still resides there, at the age of eighty years, venerable and respected. For a long priod he was a prominent and prosperous woolen manufacturer, and it was in his father's mills that our subject acquired his thorough knowledge of the manufacture of woolens.

When Mr. Balbian reached the city of New York he was but twenty years old, but he was already a skilled workman and very soon he entered upon a business engagement in Lisbon Falls, Maine, where he was superintendent of mills, at a salary of five thousand dollars a year, this connection lasting for four years. His next business association was in Philadelphia, where he managed a large mill for six years, leaving there to assist in the starting of a new plant at Louisville, Kentucky, which he successfully and satisfactorily nuanaged for the succeeding three yearsl In the fall of 1892 he returned to the north and became the manager of a mill at North Vassalboro, Mlaine, remsadtiing with that concern until 1897, when he went to Qeveland, Ohio, there taking charge of the largest plant of its kind in America.

The fertile brain of Mr. Balbian was continually busy, seeking out new methods, projecting new plans and preparing for a permanent future for himself. In 1898, in connection with his brother Frederick, he bought the Vassar Woolen Mills and the electric-light plant in Vassar, Michigan, this large enterprise now being under the superintendency of Frederick Balbiam. Mr. Balbian stiH had expansive ideas, and in 1899 he came to Tiffin, Ohio, and considered the advisability of purchasinfr the old Tiffin Woolen Mills, a plant which had been idle for some years. Mr. Balbian, with the business ability which has always distinguished him, finally determined to take charge of this plant, which formerly had not been successfully conducted, and to put in improved macliiner\', apply his own enlightened methods of management and to endeavor to make this a valuable and paying property. This he has done, and now the industry is one of the leading ones of the city, employing a very large force of workmen and attracting a great volume of trade. The output of the plant consists of all classes of woolen goods, and in connection with the mills Mr. Balbian conducts a large tailoring establishment. His methods are practical, because he is a practical man. He understands every detail of his work and knows just wliere to expand and where to economize and still to keep his goods up to the standard he has led the trade to expect.

Henry Balbian was married on October 3, 1882, to Miss Lena Ellen Batz, who was bom in Connecticut, and they have three daughters, namely: Lillian May, Lena Ellen and Anna M?atilda, all well educated young ladies and fitted for the best social circles in Tiffin. Mr. Balbian was reared in the Lutheran church, and his wife is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. In ix>litics he votes more for the man than in the interests of any party, while fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and has attained the thirty-second degree in the Masonic order.

Mr. Balbian is one of the substantial citizens of Tiffin, and his beautiful home, on Milmore street, is the center of a genial hospitality. He is liberal and public-spirited and takes pride in the progress of this city, being ever ready to assist in all enterprises which promise to be of benefit. He is recognized as a leader in all matters of business, and is always at home where shrewdness, clear-headedness and sound judgment are brought into play. As manager of the Tiffin Woolen Mills he has shown his ability and skill, having a large capacity for work himself, and possessing those qualifications which enable him/ to manage large forces of men without friction.

Albert L. Flack

Albert L. Flack, Sr., the founder of the house of A. L. Flack & Company, wholesale dealers in specialties, cigars, groceries, sundries, etc., in Tiffin, Ohio, is one of the leading business men of this city, as well as one of its most substantial and progressive citizens.

Mr. Tlack was born in the village of McCutchenville, Seneca county, Ohio, February 8, 1849, being a soni of Josiah and Sylvia Ann (Daily) Flack, and a grandson of George Flack, who was one of the early settlers of Seneca county and who was an extensive farmer six miles south of Tiffin, where he died, and for many years was a victim of the cholera epidemic. Josiah Flack, the father of our subject, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, and accompanied his father when he came to Seneca county, learning the tailoring business under the instruction of a Mr. Rose, and following the same for a number of years. In middle life he moved to Adrian, this county, and for several years was engaged in the grain business, handling it in the interests of David M. Amdt, but his last days were spent in Tiffin, where he died* at the age of seventy-four. In politics he was an adherent of the Republican party, and in religion was a member of the Methodist church. . He was an upright, honorable man and his memory is respected by all who knew him.

The mother of our subject was a daughter of Samuel Daily, who was a pioneer of this locality, where in those early days he conducted a large tannery, on the site of the present engine house and city hall, on Market street. Mrs. Flack was bom in Tiffin and has grown with the growth of the city, and is still surviving, being one of the most highly esteemed members of the Methodist church, with which she has been so long connected. She has always resided in Tiffin with the exception of the period during which her husband was in business in Adrian and some eight years spent in Williams county, Ohio, and is well known to all of the older residentai

The boyhood of Albert J. Flack of this sketch was spent in Adrian, Ohio, and in Williams county, this state, and his education was acquired in the public schools. For a period of about three years he eJigaged ini teaching in Adrian and Sycamore, and then came to Tiffin, where he engaged at this time in the insurance business. After several years he became identified with a manufacturing indtistry in this city, known as the Tiffin Union Churn Company, and for a time traveled in its interest, with excellent success. He then purchased an interest in the Oval Wood Dish Company, the general offices of which are located at Delta, Ohio, the large factories being operated at Traverse City, Michi- gan, and for the past sixteen years he has been in charge of the sales department, successfully managing the general agency of this business. The increasing demands for the products of this company have made it necessary for Mr. Flack to give much of his time to traveling, the goods finding ready sale all over the United States and in Canada.

As an energetic man of business Mr. Flack has few superiors. He has, in addition to promoting the business of the company which he has so long represented, established in Tiffin the house of A. L. Flack & Company, and has organized a cigar manufactory, located at No. 157 Washington street, the same being the second largest of its kind in the city, although established only three years ago. He is identified with several important business enterprises in addition to those already named, a notable one being the Home Telephone Company, of which he is president. He is the owner of valuable property in Tiffin, including his beautiful modern residence on Monroe street, the same being one of the most desirable in the city. Recently Mr. Flack has effected the organization of the Knisely-Flack Company, in the city of Toledo, the same being incorporated, and its enterprise being that of the manufacture of custom-made shirts and underwear, while the Golden Elixir Company, whose product is the widely celebrated health tonic of the name mentioned, is also a recent acquisition of the Knisely-Flack Company, Ralph E. Flack, son of our subject being secretary and acting treasurer of both companies.

From early manhood Mr. Flack has been an active Republican, but has never consented to become a candidate for office, having no personal political ambition but having been ever ready to promote the interests of his friends and the party cause. He lias taken a very active interest in the Masonic fraternity for many years, being identified with Tiffin Lodge, No. yy, F. & A. M., and the various organizations in this city and the Scottish Rite bodies and the Mystic Shrine in Toledo and Cincinnati. Both he and his two elder sons are thirty-second degree Masons and are widely and favorably known in the or3er. Mr. Flack is also a member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, Knights of Pythias, and of Tiffin Lodge of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. The religious

On the 28th of March, 1872, Mr. Flack was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Brown, the daughter of Jeptha Brown, residing near S}xamore, Wyandot county, and the three sons of this union are all interested in the business with which their father has so long been connected. They are among the prominent and highly esteemed' young men of Tiffin, their names, in order of birth, being as follows : Edgar B., Ralph E. and Clifford J.

Mr. Flack is a self-made man. His entrance into business life was in an indifferent capacity, but his energy' and industry soon won him recognition and since then his progress has co^ntinually been upward. He understands most thoroughly the many details of his various enterprises which owe much to his thoroughness. Socially and in a business way he is a man to make friends, and they are legion, not confined to his home in Tiffin, but all over the country where business has called him.

George Stearns

George Stearns is one of the extensive land-owners of Seneca coimty and now makes his home in Republic, although he yet supervises his agricultural interests. He was bom in Ellisburg, Jefferson county. New York, on the loth of July, 1826, and has therefore passed the spalmist's span of three score years and ten, but old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness and helplessness and need not suggest, as a matter of course, want of action. There is an old age w^hich grows stronger as the years advance and gives out of its rich stores of learning and experience for the benefit of others. Such is the life of George Stearns, one of the honored and esteemed citizens of Seneca county. His father. George Stearns, Sr., u-as ai native of Vermont and after arriving at years of maturity married Sophia Baker, a daughter of Judge Samuel Baker. He removed from the Green Mountain state to New Ycrk at an early date and was married in Steuben county, whence, in 1825, he came to Seneca county and entered from the government three hundred and twenty acres of land in Scipio township. He then returned to the Empire state and four years later, in 1829, brought his family to Ohio. At that time he took up his abode in Eden township, upon the farm now owned by Dr. Fleet, making it his place of residence until his death, which occurred August 27, 1831, when he was thirty-seven years of age. His wife survived him and became the wife of William Fleet. She remained on the homestead, in Eden township, until her death, in 1839, leaving one daughter born of this second marriage, - Sophia, who married Charles Nolan and now lives at Ottawa, Kansas. Of the four children of the first marriage who survived their parents we enter the following brief record: John B., who lived for many years in Scipio township, moved to South Dakota, where he died in 1890, his remains being brought back to Seneca county and interred in Rock Creek cemetery; George is the subject of this review; Daniel, who made his home in Garden Grove, Iowa, passed away in 1892; and Alfred, is living at Garden Grove, Iowa.

When only five years of age George Stearns lost his father, and at the early age of thirteen he was left an orphan by his mother's death. He remained upon the home farm with his stepfather, Mr. Fleet, through the succeeding }^ar and then went to live with his guardian, Richard Baker, of Eden township, with whom he remained for six years. In the meantime he pursued his education in a log school-house, instruction being given after the primitive manner of the times. When tw^erety years of age he came to Scipio township and began clearing the farm' which his father had entered from the government. He and his brother John inherited this property, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of heavily timbered land, many of the trees being black walnut. Mr. Stearns boarded w4th a family that he had employed and they lived in a log cabin. With characteristic energy he began clearing away the trees, and the sound of his ax in the forest indicated that one after another those monarchs of the woods were falling before his sturdy strokes. As the land tvas cleared he plowed and planted it and in course of time his labors were rewarded with good' harvests. He remained upon his old homestead Until 1887, when- he came to Republic. He cleared all of his share of the land, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, and made excellent improvements, including the erection of a commodious residence, substantial barns and outbuildings and all other equipments that constitute a model farm. He still owns the property, which has never been out of the Stearns family since it was entered from the government, more than three-quarters of a century ago. As his financial resources increased he added to his property, until he now has three hundred and sixty acres of rich land in the homestead, and he also ow^ns a valuable farm, of one hundred and ninety acres, in Decatur county, Iowa. While living upon his farm he engaged quite extensively in sheep-raisir^, making a specialty of Merino sheep.

More than a half a century has passed since George Steams and Or\'illa King started in life together as man and wife. Their wedding was celebrated August 2, 1849, the lady being a daughter of Obediah and Phoebe King, of Scipio township. Two children were born unto them: Frank E., who is now living in Chicago; and Qary S., a banker of Garden Grove, Iowa. The two sons went west as young men and for a few years were engaged in clerking for their uncles, in Garden Grove,

National Bank in that place, with a branch bank at Leroy. C. S. Stearns now devotes his entire attention to the banking interests, while Frank E. still continues in mercantile pursuits, having a store at Carrollton, Missouri, and also being resident buyer in Chicago for a number of counir)^ merchants. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns gained a ver>' large circle of friends and acquaintances in Seneca county, for the latter passed her entire life here, and our subject was but an infant at the time he w^s brought by his parents to this locality. The loved and devoted wife of our subject was summoned into eternal rest on the 9th of October, 1892, having been an invalid for about tw^o years prior to her death. She was a woman of fine intellectual gifts, was widely read in the best literature and had that intrinsic courtesy, kindliness and refinement which denote the true gentlewoman. She was e\'er ready to lend her aid and influence in furthering all that tended to help the community, was charitable and tolerant in her judgment and liberal in her contributions ' to worthy

When the civil war was in progress Mr. Stearns enlisted for one hundred days' service, becoming a member of Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which command participated in the defense of Washington. Since the organization of the Republican party, be has been one of its stanch advocates, unswerving in his loyalty to its principles. His worth is widely recognized, for his life has been a busy, useful and upright one. Great changes have occurred in Seneca county since he took up his abode here. Time and man have wrought a wonderful transformation, for at the time of the arrival of the family this portion of Ohio was'larg'ely a frontier district in which the work of progress and improvement was scarcely begun. The greater part of the land was in its primitive condition, just as it came from the hand of nature, but the labors of the pioneers soon produced a great change in the appearance of the country, the wild forest districts being transformed into rich farms which became the homes of a contented and happy people. In the work of progress and improvement Mr. Stearns has ever borne his part, and his labors have resulted in promoting the public good and at the same time have brought to him prosperity as the reward of his enterprise and diligence.

Captain John W. Chamberlin

In the death of Captain John W.Chamberlin, in 1901, the city of Tiffin, Ohio, lost one of her leading citizens. He was at that time the cashier of the Tiffin National Bank, a very prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and a well known veteran of the civil war.

Captain Chamberlin was born on a farm in Crawford county, Ohio, May 21, 1837, being a son of James and Roxanna (Courtright) Chamberlin, the former of whom was born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and the latter being also a native of the same place. James Chamberlin moved with his family to Ohio in 1832 and embarked in the mercantile business in McCutchenville, on the plank road between Tiffin and Sandusky, and remained there a number of years, where he was well known as a business man- and postmaster. His first wife, who was the mother of our subject, spent the whole of her life in this state, dying January 19, 1850, at the age of forty-four years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist church, and he had been a member of the Presbj-terian church, in which he was an elder. The onJy child by this marriage was the late John W. Chamberlin. The second marriage of Mr. Chamberlin was to a Mrs. Hall, by which union there were four children.

After passing his boyhood in farm- work John W. obtained a situation in a store in McCutchenville and began a business career which ended only with his death. He taught school in the vicinity of the village for one year, going then to Iowa, where also he engaged iA teaching. Oni his return to this state he was employed in a store until the outbreak of the civil war.

At the age of twenty-four he set about recruiting a company at and near Carey, and was elected and commissioned its captain. This new^ organization, which was raised in seven days, was made Company A of the One Hundred' and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantr}\ Captain Chamberlin, >vhose commission was dated August 12, 1862, was mustered out of service with the rank of major, his commission as such being dated March 13, 1865. At Winchester, on June 15, 1863, the brigade of which his regiment was a part, while on the advance to Gettj-^burg, was surrendered to the enemy by an officer temporarily in charge, and Captain Chaml^erlin and his brother officers were confined nearly ten months in Libby prison at Richmond, - till March 21, 1864. While a prisoner Captain Qiamberlin was placed on a board of distribution of supplies sent by our government to the enlisted soldiers and had personal charge of three large hospitals, with twelve hundred, inmates. July 6, 1863, he and twenty-three other captives w^ere compelled to draw lots, two to be executed in place of two Confederate captives executed by our. government ; but the lot did not fall upon him. He was paroled March 21, 1864, and rejoined his regiment at Newmarket, Virginia, May, 1864, and he was finally discharged June 2, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio.

pursuits. In 1874 he came to Tiffin as secretary of the Tiffin shoe factory and held this position until 1878, when he was elected- cashier of the National Exchange Bank. Upon its reorganization as the present institution, the Tiffin National Bank, he was retained in the same position. He took a prominent part in the organization of the State Bankers' Association and was elected its president.

Distinguished as was the late Captain Chamberlin as a soldier, a man of business and a financier, he is chiefly remembered for his eminence as a member of the fraternity of Freemasons. Masonry was the rule and guide of his life, and his improvement and excellence therein was with him his highest avocation. His dignity of presence and conversation, his uprightness of character as well as his erectness of stature, his equable demeanor and his gentleness to all, were outward expressions of the esoteric truths which he not only believed but also lived. He was the only Mason in this part of the state who had attained the thirtythird d^jee of the craft, - an honor which is held by only a few in each state and which, unlike the thirty-second degree, cannot be obtained by application, but is conferred only for excellent and meritorious work in advancing the cause of Masonry.

His Masonic record wnll best indicate his standing in the order locally and throughout the whole country, and is here presented in an abridged form: He was made a Master Mason November 9, 1858; a Ro>'al Arch Mason June 9, 1859; ^ Royal and Select Master Mason June 2, 1865; and a Knight Templar November 28, i860; and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite was conferred upon him April 5, 1866, and the thirty-third d^egree September 5, 1885. He was the master of Carey Lodge six years, of Tiffin Lodge four years, and conferred the lodge degrees on forty-nine candidates; was the high priest of Seneca Chapter, R. A. M., three years, and conferred the chapter degrees on thirty- four candidates ; was thrice illustrious master of Clinton Council for ten years, conferring the degrees on thirteen candidates ; was eminent commander of De Molay Commandery seven years, and conferred the chivalric degrees upon ninety-three candidates.

ability was repeatedly recognized, and he was placed on the most important committees. For six years he was chairman of the committee on charities and dispensation. In the grand chapter he was elected to the sex^eral offices, and in 1883 became grand high priest of the grand chapter of Ohio. He was elected president of the council of high priests, in which office he continued until his death. During these years as president he conferred the order of high priesthood on fully six hundred candidates. His efforts toward the founding of the Ohio Masonic Home at Springfield led to his appointment as trustee and treasurer of the institution at the time of its inception, and he was thus incumbent to the day of his death. His lifelong zeal and his conspicuous abilities, recognized by the higher authorities, led to his recommendation and election to the thirty-third degree, the first and only time the honor has been enjoyed by a Seneca county Mason. His obsequies were conducted by the Knights Templar.

The first marriage of Captain Chamberlin was solemnized on June 6, 1861, to Miss Mary Cowles, w1k> died May 13, 1867. A daughter, Mary, was born to this marriage and died in girlhood. On November 2, 1870, Captain Chamberlin was married to Miss Livonia R. Buell, who with one son, John W., now in young manhood, survives him. Mrs. Chamberlin was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, a daughter of Hon. William Myron and Laura P. (Starr) Buell, the former of whom was a native of Delaware county, Ohio, and the latter of New Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Buell became a prominent merchant and grain-dealer at Crawfordsville and Carey, Ohio, and was a captain of militia in 1840, and went to California in 1852. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat, and at one time was a member of the California legislature. His death occurred in that state, when he was aged about fifty-nine years. The mother of Mrs. Chamberlin had an ancestral line reaching to the Mayflower, being a lineal descendant of Elder William Brewster, who came on that historic vessel in 1620, its first voyage to America. Her death cxrcurred in 1849, when she had attained her thirty-seventh year. She had been the faithful and tender mother of six children, Mrs. Chamberlin being eight years old at the time of her decease. . The latter was educated at Carey, Ohio, and spent several years in teaching. She now resides in the beautiful home left by her husband on Sycamore street in Tiffin, and is an active member of the Methodist church. Her son John is a student at the Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland.

Harmon H. Cook

The life history of him whose name introduces this review is closely identified with the history of Seneca county, which has been his home for many years. His business career was begun in this county, and throughout the years which have since come and gone he has been closely allied with its interests and upbuilding. His life has been one of untiring activity and has been crowned with a degree of success attained by comparatively few. He is of the highest type of business men, and none more than he deserves a fitting recognition among those whose enterprise and abilities have enabled them to climb to the topmost round of the ladder.

Harmon H. Cook was born in Prussia, Germany, January 14, 1849, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Determan) Cook. The name was originally spelled Koch, but the present generation have adopted the English spelling of Cook. The father was also born in Prussia, his birth occurring in 1820, and he was there reared and married. While residing in his native land he was principally engaged in the manufacture of wooden shoes.

In 1854, with his wife and four children, he left his little home across the sea and came to America, locating in Adams township, Seneca county, Ohio. He was then in poor circumstances, and was enabled to make the journey here only through the assistance of his wife's brothers, - John H. and Harmon Determan, who were among the earliest pioneers of Adams township. There the father of our subject worked by the day at clearing land and at whatever honorable occupation presented' itself, and from his savings he was soon enabled to purchase one hundred and thirty acres of land. This he was able to free from all indebtedness in a few years, and as the years passed by he added to his possessions until he owned! five hundred acres of well improved and valuable land. His life's labors were ended in dJeatb in 1894, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife's brothers, John H. and Harmon Deterrruan, both began life in this country poor boys, and they, too, became wealthy. The sons and grandsons of these are all now well situated in life, and thus the Cook and Determan families are influential ones in this portion of the state. Henry Cook was a stanch Democrat in his political views and was an active worker in the Reformed church. His wiit survived his death but two weeks, when she, too, passed away, dying at the age of sixty-eight years. This worthy couple became the parents of nine children, all of whom still survive, namely : Catherine, the wife of Melchior Kechly, of Nebraska; Harmon H., the subject of this review; Henry, a prominent farmer of Reed township; Frederick, who makes his home in Scipio township ; Louis, also of that township ; Eliza, the wife of Wilson Cole, of Reed township; John, a prominent agriculturist of Scipio township; Anna, the wife of Robert Stroub, also of Scipio township; and Daniel, of Thompson township, Seneca county. Harmon H. Cook is indebted' to the common schools of the neighborhood for the educational advantages which he enjoyed, but these, however, were extremely limited, as he was the eldest son of the family and much of the burden of the farm work fell on his young shoulders. At the age of twenty-one years he left his parents' home and began the active battle of life for himself, woricing as a farm hand» for the following two years. He then continued agricultural pursuits as a renter, and two years after his marriage he purchased ninety-six acres and a fraction over, a part of his present home, while about six years later he increased the boundaries of his possessions by purchasing forty-eight acres adjoining, thus making his farm one of one hundred and! fort)--five acres. When he first purchased his land he assormed an indebtedness of four thousand dollars, but indiustry and economy, combined with excellent management and sound business judgment, soon reduced the amount; but when his second farm was purchased the debt was again increased to four thousand dollars. However, this he was enabled to pay oflf through the same means, and in 1895, taking advantage of the depression in prices, he purchased one hundred and forty-six acres in Huron county,

Ohio, which 19 a valuable property. During the present year, 1902, he became the owner of a tract erf one hundred and sixty acres in Scipio township, Seneca county, and he also owns a farm of forty acres in Nebraska, thus making him the possessor of four hundred and ninety-one acres. His business career furnishes a splendid example of what may be accomplished through determined purpose, laudable ambition and well directed effort, for the position that he has attained in life has been won entirely through his own endeavors.

In 1875 Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Mis® Mahala Seiple, a native of Seneca coimty and a daughter of John Seiple, now deceased. To this union six children have been born, but the second child, Edson, died at thirteen years of age, as the result of an accident. Those living are : Lillie, Amana, Vernon, Lorena and Roy, all at home. Mr. Cook gives a stanch support to the Democratic party, but has never been an office-seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention to his extensive business interests. He is a worthy member of the Reformed church.

Rev. John P. Puetz

Among the highly steemed citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, no one is more universally respected by all classes than is Rev. Father John P. Puetz, rector of St. Joseph's Catholic church. He came here in 1885 and his faithful service has been given for years to this parish, where he has had the satisfaction of seeing abundant blessing bestowed upon it.

Father Puetz was born on German soil, in a Rheinish province, December 20, 1833. His parents were John P. and Mary Ann (Schrid) Puetz, both of whom- were born, reared and married in the same province. They were respected and industrious farming people, who left their native land to find better opportunities for their children in the United States. In 1846, when their son John was thirteen years of age, they emigrated from Germany to Ridgeville township, Lorain county, Ohio, where they continued an agricultural life until the death of Mr. Puetz, at the age of fifty-four. His widow survived until in her seventy-

The early life of the future priest was similar to that of other lads of his age, who grow up on a farm and attend the district schools, although from early youth a seriousi mind had disclosed the trend of his iniclinations. This induced his parents to send him, at the age of eighteen, to be instructed in St. Mary's Seminary and College, at Cleveland, where he remained for five years under the scholarly influence of noted teachers who thoroughly prepared him for entrance upon the special study of theology. Due progress w-as- made in this department and in 1865 he was ordained to the priesthood, in Cleveland, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe.

Succeeding his ordination the young priest was placed in charge of the parish and church at Galion, Crawford county, Ohio, the results of his five years' pastorate there being the erection of a school-house, the extension of a large and interested congregation and an impulse given to the religious work of the community, which has e\'er since borne fruits. Father Puetz then went to Sherman, Huron county, Ohio, where he remained for three years, busily engaged in building up and strengthening the religious institutions of his cliurch. From there he was transferred to Milan, Erie county. Father Puetz came to that parish when it was in sore need of help, and there he faithfully labored for eleven years, serving three churches, building a flourishing parochial school and leaving the church in a prosperous financial condition.

These unremitting labors, however, had told upon his health, and the succeeding eighteen months were spent in rest in Europe, where he devoted much time to visiting the venerable and historic landmarks of his church. On June 15, 1885, he and his brother. Rev. Martin Puetz, came to Tiffin, and together assumed the pastorate of St. Joseph's. For twelve years they labored as mutual coadjutants, this association being broken only by the death of Father Martin, at Los Angeles, California, on January 21, 1897, the immediate cause being an affection of the lungs.

Much has been accomplished in the seventeen years since Father Puetz came to this congregation. The interior work of the church has been renewed, a steam-heating apparatus installed and paintings and statuary appropriately placed. There is seating capacity for one thousand persons. The congregation numbers about five hundred families. The rectory, a magnificent structure, was erected in 1887, at a cost of nine thousand dollars. A commodious school-house, which accommodates four hundred and sixty pupils, was erected in 1895, and the school is in charge of the Ursuline Sisters. The older boys are under the management of lay brethren. There are two libraries in the school, free to young people. The management of so large a parish and the cares attendant upon it keep Father Puetz a busy man, although he is never too much otherwise occupied to take an interest in all outside matters looking toward' the prosperity of this community. A scholar, he is widely read in various fields of literature; and he is an earnest advocate of those refining and uplifting influences that make for human elevation. He coimts his friends in Tiffin by the score, asi they are not, by any means, confined to the limits of his own congregation, his quiet, orderly, useful life having gained for him the esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

It was in the years 1873-4 that he visited Europe. May i, 1873, he left home and visited Glasgow, Scotland, and Edinburg and Castle Mary Queen of Scots; spent three d^ys in London in general sight-seeing; two days in Paris; traveled south through France to the Pyrenees, visiting Lourdes, famous for the cure§ by "Our Lady of Lourdes;'' east to Marseilles, by steamer on the Mediterranean sea to Leghorn, Italy, Genoa, the birthplace of Columbus, Valencia and Naples ; ascended Mount Vesuvius to the crater, breathing its sulphurous fumesf; visited Pompeii, Rome, and saw the Pope, Pius IX; visited the great art galleries at Rome, and St. Peter's church, one of the seven wonders of the world ; also the catacombs, Venice and Milan; thence by stage to Switzerlanc^ where he remained from August, 1873, to May, 1874; visited Carlsbad, Bohemia, and through Germany to his birthplace in Freiberg, where he found but two persons whom he knew, and finally back to London and Liverpool, and thence by the White Star line to America, reaching New- York in October.

riculum and was ordained! by Bishop Rappe two years previously to his brother. He was stationed at Monroeville, Huron county, this state, twenty-one years, erecting there a new and beautiful church and having a large congregation. Joining his brother, he came to Tiffin.

He devoted special attention to Sicilian music and! had one of the finest choirs at Monroeville; and here in Tiffin he developed the same idea, supplementing the operatic style, with the happy result of forming as fine a choir at St. Joseph's church as could be found in the diocese. This place has developed a fine touch of art in the music of the church, there being now about twenty-five voic^ in the choir. His interest in the church was great and he was rigorous in his efforts to have the musical services imposing. He was well liked by all regardless of church relations.

Failing health led him to resort to Los Angeles, California, which place he had barely reached when bis useful life ended in death. His body was brought back to his old home here and great honor w^s paid him at the funeral.

Lorenzo D. Ricketts

When it is stated' that the father of the subject of this sketch was a native son of the Buckeye state it will be evident in a prima facie way that he was a representative of one of the early pioneer families of this section of the Union, while it was also his to be numbered among those sterling pioneers of Seneca county who laid broad and deep the foundations of the present prosperity and advancedi position of the county. Coming here in an early day he took part in subduing the wild land and reclaiming it for cultivation, and during the long course of a half century he was numbered among the honored and influential citizens of the county. Here also was born the subject of this review, and he has ably sustained the high reputation achieved by his sire, and is one of the leading farmers and stock-growers of Loudon township, where he has a finely improved landed estate and where he has practically passed his entire life, setting at naught the old adage, in its wider application, that

"a prophet is not without honor save in his own country," for he command's the confideilce and esteem- of the people of the community in which he was born and reared and in which he has directed his efforts to so goodly ends. He well merits representation in this work.

Mr. Ricketts was bom on the old homestead farm in Loudbn township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 9th of September, 1837, being a son of John and Dorcas (Shippy) Ricketts, of whose four children three are living, namely: Lorenzo D., our subject; Lydia, who makes her home with him ; and Perry, who is also a successful farmer of this township. John Ricketts was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in the last year of the eighteenth century, 1800, and was there reared under the influences of pioneer life, receiving such educational advantages as were implied in a somewhat desultory attendance in the primitive schools of the day, these being maintained mostly on the subscription plan, while the "temples of learning" were rudfe log cabins, equipped with puncheon floors and slab benches. In 1828 he left his native county and came to Seneca county, which was at that time practically a virgin forest, and here he was again to renew his pioneer experiences and to endure those arduous labors and encounter those vicissitudes which are ever the lot of the one who thus aids in the initial stages of tlie march of progress as the star of empire takes its way to the west. Upon his arrival he entered claim to a tract of eighty acres of wild land in Loudon township, and here erected a log house, to which he removed his family in the following year. Later he took up an additional forty acres and he then set himself vigorously and courageously to the task of reclaiming the land, the greater portion of which he brought under cultivation. He here continued to make his home until his life labors were ended, his death occurring in 1875, in the fulness/ of years and well merited honors. His political allegiance was given to the Democratic party, and in the early da^'S he served as trustee of his township, being one of the first incumbents of this office. His wife passed away on the old homestead, having been to him a true helpmeet ami a devoted mother to her children, who will ever re\Tre her memory, which rests as a benediction upon all who came within the sphere of her influence.

reared under the sturdy and invigorating discipline of the old homestead farm, and his educational training was secured in the public schools of his native township. Upon attaining maturity he assumed charge of the paternal farm, and was successful in the cultivation of the same and also in the line of stock-raising, to which he has continued to devote considerable attention. He still owns and operates forty acres of the old farm, while in 1896 he purchased the farm of forty acres, in the same township, on which he now makes his home, having a commodious and comfortable residence and the best of improvements in all other essential lines, while he is known as a progressive and able business man, not content to follow entirely along the beaten path, but standing ready to avail himself of all appliances and methods- which will add to the success of his farming operations. He also takes a commendable interest in all that concerns the well-being of the community, and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His political proclivities are indicated in the stanch support which he accords to the Democratic party, whose cause he espoused upon attaining his legal majority. He has never married and his sister presides over the dt)mestic economies of his home, where a generous hospitality is extended to a wide circle of their friends in the community where both have passed their lives.

Grattan H. Baker

One of the earliest families making permanent settlement in Seneca county was that now worthily represented by the gentleman whose name forms the heading of this article. For many years they have been identified with the agricultural interests of this locality, and have aided materially in the development of the resources of Seneca county, taking an active part in everj'thing calculated to promote the welfare and happiness of the majority.

Judge Samuel Baker, the grandfather of him whose name heads this review, w^as of the fifth generation from Thomas Baker, who was born in England in 1618, and after cc-ming to America he located at

East Hampton, Long Island. In 1639 ^^ settled at Milford, Connecticut, and in 1650 returned to East Hampton. Judge Samiuel Baker became a prominent sheepraiser of Steuben county, New York, where he also held the important office of judge of the court of common pleas. la his family were twelve children, eight of whom, four sons and four daughters, came to Seneca county. Thomas J. and Franklin came to this county in 1822, settling in Eden township, where each secured three hundred and twenty acres of government land on section 13, but the latter was only permitted to enjoy his new home for a few years, being called to his final rest in 183 1. In 1822 a sister, Mary, who became the wife of Joseph Baker, also came to this county and settled in Scipio township. John Baker came to Seneca county in 1828, locating in Eden township, and in the same year his sister Sophia, with her husband, George Stearns, found a home in this locality. Two others, Ann, the wife of Zelolus Knapp, and Lucretia, the wife of Sylvanus Arnold, also came to Ohio, but both afterward removed to Garden Grove, Iowa.

Richard Baker, the father of our subject, was born in Urbana, New York, in January, 1809, and there he received his education in the public schools and was early inured to the labors of the farm. In 1835 he joined his brothers and sisters in Seneca county, locating on the farm on. which our subject now resides, and here he became the owner of four hundred acres of land on sections 26, 35 and 36. His home place was on section 26, and at that time only a few^ acres had been cleared and a small log cabin had been erected. As the years passed by prosperity^ rewarded the well-directed efforts of Mr. Baker, and he was enabled ta add to his original purchase until he became the owner of one thousand acres of rich and fertile land, and there he was extensively engaged in the raising of sheep, having been the first to import a fine grade into Seneca county, bringing a fine drove of Spanish Mterinos from the state of New York in 1836. In 1872, however, he left this valuable place to the care of our subject and removed to another farm in the township,^ there making his home until called to his final rest, when he had reached the eightieth milestone on the journey of life, passing away in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which, he had been long an active worker. In 1836 Mr. Baker married Miss Fannie Wheeler, who was born in 1819, a daughter of the Hon. Grattan H. Wheeler, who was formerly a state senator from Steuben county. New York, and for sev- CTal years he was also a member of congress. The ancestry of the Wheeler family can be traced back to John Wheeler, who served as a sergeant at Concord, Massachusetts, as early as 1639. Mrs. Baker's grandfather, Silas Wheeler, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and in 1775, after following Arnold through Maine, he was wounded and captured in Canada, and was taken to Ireland, where, owing to the intervention of Henry Grattan, he was released. Mr. Wheeler promised to name his first male child Grattan Henry, and he was the father of Mrs. Baker. Mrs. Baker was called to the home beyond in 1887.