Seneca Township (part 29 of 60)

Mr. Robertson chose Seneca county as the scene of his future labors, and here purchased fifty acres of land in Liberty township. There he built a log cabin and began life in the west in true pioneer style, devoting his energies to the cultivation of the fields and the improvement of his farm until October, 1861, when he put aside all business cares and personal considerations in order to respond to the call of his adopted countr}^ for aid. He donned the blue uniform and joined Company F, Fiftyfifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and with his regiment proceeded to the scene of action. Tlie first battle in which he i)articipated was at Bull Run, and later he took part in the engagements at Slaughter Mountain, Chancellorsville and Galesburg. He served faithfully and loyally for three years and then, with a creilitable military record, returned to his home.

upon his farm, which he operated for seven years thereafter and then purchased his present home, which has since been his place of abode. The farm comprises one hundred and thirty-three acres and on it are many substantial improvements and modern equipments. This farm was entered from the government in 1820 by our subject's uncle, who was a resident of Virginia and never located on his Ohio claim. Throughout the long years of his residence in Seneca county, covering more than sixty years, Mr. Robertson has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and along this line of honorable business industry he has won a desirable competence. He has ever been as true to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the old flag upon southern battlefields. In politics he has been a stanch Republican since the organization of the party, and although he has never sought office he has done all in his power in a quiet way to secure the success of the party. He found in America the opportunities for advancement, which he sought, and never has he. regretted his determination to make his home in the new world or in Seneca county, where he is now an honored and respected citizen.

Samuel Drexnixg

The Drenning family of which our subject is a representative had its origin in England. His grandfather came to the new world, establishing his home in Pennsylvania. There, in Bedford, Samuel Drenning, his son, was bom. and there lived and died. He married Jane Bridges, who was of Scotch lineage and a daughter of Abraham Bridges of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, whose father came from the land of the heather to the United States at an early period in American history.

Samuel Drenning, whose name introduces this review, was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania, in the year 1842. He spent his childhood and youth in his parents* home and' in the public schools of the neighborhood' acquired his education. Wishing to try his fortune in a more western district than that in which he was reared he made his way to

Fostoria, in March, 1863. Feeling that his country needed his services and aroused by a patriotic spirit, he enlisted in November, 1863, in Company E, Forty-ninth Ohio Regiment. He started on the Atlanta campaign, but at the battle of Resaca he was wounded. This necessitated his aosence from further active field service until March, 1865. He afterward served in Tennessee and in the southwest, being mustered out at Victoria, Texas, in November, 1865. On returning to Fostoria, Mr. Drenning engaged in t:he wood-working business, which he has since followed. In this line he has met with a fair degree of success, so carefully conducting his business interests that his patronage has steadily increased and his sales have been yearly augumented.

Mr. Drenning was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Milheim, of Fostoria, where she was born and reared, her father coming from the Keystone state. Three children grace the union of our subject and his wife, namely: Nellie, now the wife of W. E. Baker, of Findlay ; James, who resides in Toledo; and Laura, who is still under the parental roof. Mr. Drenning retains pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and with them likes to recount the incidents of the camp and the battle. During his residence in Fostoria he has become widely known and the elements of an upright manhood have gained for himi the respect and confidence of all with whom he is associated.

William Mergenthaler

For almost a third of a centry William Mergenthaler has been identified with the industrial interests of the city of Fostoria, being well known as a carriage manufacturer. Seneca county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Loudon township, on a farm located five miles south of this city, in the year 1850. His father, Godfrey Mergenthaler, was one of four brothers who settled in Seneca county at an early period in its development and bore a ver)^ active part in the work of improvement and progress. The other three broth- ers were Jajcob, John and Gottlieb. All four came to Seneca county with their father and each took up land from' the government and inaugurated the work of developing the same into fertile and productive farms. They were natives of Wittenberg, Germany, and on crossing the Atlantic to the new world made their way direct to Ohio. The father of our subject was twice married, his first union having been with Miss Heiserman, who likewise was a native of Germany, and they became the parents of two sons and one daughter, - ^Jacob and Melcher, who are well known citizens of Fostoria; and Mary, who is the wife of Philip Dey wait, and resides near Bascom, Hopewell township. After the death of his first wife, Godfrey Mergenthaler was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Hilghay, who was bom in Germany, and of this union five children were bom, - Catherine, Henry, William, Caroline and Magdalena, - all of whom are living with the exception of Henry, who died at the age of twenty-six years.

William Mergenthaler, the immediate subject of this review, passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, while to^ the public-school system of the place and period he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. Since the j-ear 1869 he has been identified with the manufacturing interests of Fostoria, having*in that year here established a carriage manufactory,, which he has since conducted with success. He purchased land on East Tiffin street, where his shop and brick block are now located. He sells his products throughout the state of Ohio and also ships to Indiana and Pennsylvania. He manufactures a full line of wagons and buggies and has recently inaugurated the manufacturing of automobiles. His plant is thoroughly equipped with the latest improved machinery for the facile carrying on of the business, and the excellence of his products, noted for their durability as well as style and workmanship, has secured to Mr. Mergenthaler a patronage which is steadily increasing and which has made him one of the prosperous business men of the attractive city where he maintains his home.

ant for office, his time being fully occupied l>>' his business affairs, in which he is meeting with signal success. All that he possesses he has gained through his own efforts and unfaltering energy and enterprise. Ever alert to adopt new methods which commend themselves to his judgment as tending to improve or facilitate his business, he has steadily advanced along the highway which leads to definite success, and he is accounted one of the prominent and prosperous business men of Fostoria, where he commands unequivocal confidence and esteem.

In 1872 Mr. Mergenthaler was married to Miss Mary Zennet, of Findlay, Hancock county, and they became the parents of four children, namely: Lulu, who died at the age of twenty years; Harry M., who is now associated with his father in business and who is one of the popular and progressive young business men of Fostoria, being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and still residing at the parental home : Laura, who is the wife of Delmo Eberhardt, of Fostoria, and has one child, Florence E. ; and Nellie, the youngest of the children, remains at the home of her parents.

Joseph Van Nest

One of the representative and honored citizens of the city of Tiffin, Ohio, is Joseph Van Nest, and such has been his life record as to particularly entitle him to consideration in a work of this nature. Mr. Van Nest was born in Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 15th of January, 1843, being a son of Peter and Susan Van Nest, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, on the 15th of May, 1813, and there he passed his earlier boyhood days, early starting out in life on his own responsibility, as will later appear in this connection. His parents were John and Catherine Van Nest, both of whom were native of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Wayne county, Ohio, in the early *30s, their son Peter having preceded them' to that locality. John Van Kest, who was a valiant soldier in the war of 1812, was a harnessmaker by trade, and this vocation he continued to follow until his death.

Centennial Biographical History. 73 1

As the name unmistabably indicates, the Van Nest family originated in Holland, where John Van Nest, the great-grandfather of Joseph Van Nest of this sketch, was born, emigrating thence to America and settling in New Jersey, where many of his descendants are yet to be found and where the family has ever been held in high regard and honor. Rev. Peter Van Nest, a brother of this original Holland ancestor, became a renowned preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, having been led into the ministry under the eloquent pleadings of the Wesleys.

Peter Van Nest, the father of our subject, began carrying the mall at the age of eight years, thus demonstrating the intrinsic energy and self-reliance of a lad who was eventually to become a large manufacturer and succesful man of business. At the age of thirteen years he made his way on foot from Pennsylvania to Wooster, Ohio, where he entered upon an apprenticeship in a blacksmith shop. When he was about nineteen years of age he sent a conveyance to the old home in Pennsylvania and with the same his parents came through to Wayne county, passing the remainder of their lives in Ohio. Peter Van Nest retained his residence in Wooster until 1848, when he came to Tiffin, where he engaged in carriage-making, building up a business second to none of similar order in northern Ohio. He carried on this enterprise, with cumulative prosperity, until his death, on the 22d of February*, 1877. He was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a man of great business ability and high moral worth, commanding unqualified confidence and esteem in all the relations of life. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Bucher, was a woma^ of noble Christian character. She was born in Maryland, on the sth of September, 181 8, and came thence to Wayn^ county, Ohio, with her parents. Christian and Elizabeth Bucher, the former of whom was born January 19, 1775, de\'oting his life to agricultural pursuits and passing away at the age of seventy-nine years, while his wife, who was bom in 1771, lived to attain the extremely venerable age of ninety-eight years. Mrs. Van Nest was a girl when the family thus came to Ohio, and here she passed the residue of her life, her death occurring on the 15th of July, 1861^ She was a devoted and consistent member of the ^lethodist Episcopal church, and her life was sustained ajid beautified by her Christian faith. Peter and Susan (Bucher) Van Nest became the parents of the following children: Sarah, who now makes her home with her brother Joseph ; John, who served as a private in the Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years, was wounded at Shiloh and he died at the age of forty-seven years ; William H. served about six months during the Civil war, being a member of the One Hundred and Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantr)% and he is now a prominent business man of Tiffin, as will be incidentally noted later on; Joseph is the immediate subject of this sketch ; George, who likewise enlisted in the Union army during the ReWlion, served about six months as a clerk in the department at Nashville, and he died at the age of forty-four years ; and Martin died in childhood.

Joseph Van Nest was but five, years of age when the family removed to Tiffin, and in the public schools of this city he received his early educational training. After leaving school he was employed in his father's factory until the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion. In April, 1861, he enlisted as a soldier, but as the quotas were filled he was not assigned to any regiment until August 11, 1862, when he became a member of Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with the rank of corporal. The regiment was assigned to the First Brigade of the First Division of the Fourth Army Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. He was engaged with his reginuent in all the great battles in which it participated, including the engagements at Perryville. Knob Gap, Stone River and Chickamauga. In the battle of Stone River he received jhree severe wounds, - two in the left leg and one in the left arm, - and as a consequence he was incapacitated for active sen-ice for a period of five months. On the 13th of January, 1863, Mr. Van Nest was taken prisoner, at Harpeth Shoals, on the Cumberland river, and was paroled with other prisoners on the same date. He rejoined his command and was in the battle of Liberty Gap, Tennessee*. while he had the distinction of being color guard of his regiment during Sherman's memorable march to the sea. Thus he participated in the ties of Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost, Dalton and Resaca, in which last engagement he was again severely wounded, in the right knee, on May 14, 1864, being struck by both shell and bullet, though the bullec was not found until three years later, when it was extracted. These wounds have proved a permanent disability, and Mr. Van Nest had been confined to the hospital for more than a year prior to his discharge from the service, on the 20th of July, 1865.

After his return from the army, where the fortunes of war had so cruelly treated him, Mr. Van Nest returned to Tiffin and again became identified with the carriage manufacturing business of his father, having been a partner in the enterprise for three years prior to the latter's death. He then entered into a partnership with his brothers, John, William and George, and they continued the business successfully until 1889, when William Van Nest purcliased the same and has since carried forward the important industry individually. Joseph Van Nest was not thereafter actively engaged in any vocation until 1894, when he 'was brought prominently before the citizens of the county by his candidacy, on the Republican ticket, for the office of sheriff. Seneca county is regarded as belonging to the Democratic party, but Mr. Van Nest, nevertheless, was elected, and that over the most popular candidate on the Democratic ticket. He was the first sheriflf elected on the Republican ticket in thirty-five years, and he would doubtless have been re-elected had not an unusual occurrence awakened political animosity. In October, 1895, Sheriflf Van Nest, with a small force of deputies, repelled an immense mob, maddened by drink and thirsting for revenge for the murder of Tiffins popular marshal, August Schultz. Nothing but death, which was administered to two of the leaders of the mob, was sufficient to check its impetuosity, and volley after volley w^as fired by the sheriff and his five deputies before the corridor of the jail was finally cleared of the ferocious multitude. The coolness of Sheriff Van Nest in this ordeal and also in the trying hours afterward, when he laid and executed a plan by which Lee Martin escaped with his life to the Fremont jail, brought into high relief the true soldierly qualities and mature judgment of the man.

mented M'r. Van Xest on his bravery in performing his duty. The sheriff had a very narro\v escape himself, as, in the tumult and excitement of the time, a number of bullets were fired at him. Although he felt at the time that he had done only his duty, Mr. Van Nest was later reminded that this fulfilling of his trust was not forgotten by that great and noble man, Governor McKinley, for through him he received an appointment as land appraiser for the government, in Indian Territory^ the duty involved being the providing of the proportionate allotment of the lands to the five civilized Indian tribes, - the Chickasaws, the Qioctaws, the Cherokees, the Creeks and the Seminoles. About one hundred and se\'enty appraisers and equalizers were appointed lo visit the territory, and in September, 1900, Mr. Van Nest took charge of his portion of the work, returning to Tiffin the following July and having performed his prescribed duty with the efficiency whicli has marked his entire public and business career. In the Indian Territory the appraisers maintained seventeen camps, in each of which were six of their nuniber, besides a cook and two teamsters. They would establish headquarters in a certain township and would then carefully inspect each quarter section, for the purpose of equalizing the allotment among the Indians, such an equal division of the land having not been previously been made, and after giving the work his most careful attention Mr. Van Nest returned to his home in Tiffin, w^here he is now living retired from business activity, enjoying the comforts of a delightful home and conscious that he is beloved within the circle of his intimate acquaintanceship, as is he also esteemed and respected by his fellow citizens at large. In politics it is scarcely necessary to state that he is a stalwart supporter of the Republican party and the principles for which it stands exponent, and fraternally he is one of the popular and valued members of General William H. Gibson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, in Tiffin.

In the year 1868 Mr. Van Nest was united in marriage to Miss Marian L. Morehouse, a young lady five years his junior. She was born in Onondaga county, New York, where she was reared and educated. She was a woman of gracious and beautiful character, was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and when she was summoned into eternal rest she was deeply mourned by a very large circle of appreciative and devoted friends, her death occurring on the 29th of Noveml^er, 1900. She is survived by her three daughters: Arlie S., who is the wife of Andrew Greer, of Wyandot county ; Jessie E., who remains at the paternal home; and Nellie Belle, who is the wife of W. W. Bemisderfer, of this county.

Jacob Wertz

From a little German home across the sea Jacob Wertz was brought to the new world and entered upon a career which seems almost incredible; yet it is not simply the outcome of propitious circumstances, but the honest reward of labor, good management, ambition and energy.

His birth occurred in Wittenberg, Germany, on the 29th of December, 1850, his parents being George and Barbara (Brendle) Wertz. With his wife and children the father took passage on a sailing vessel and came to America, spending thirty-four days on the water, and after his arrival at once made his way to Bascom, where he engaged in the mercantile and sawmilling business. This venture, however, did not prove profitable, and the savings of many years of hard and laborious toil were swept from him; but he immediately set to work to retrieve his lost possessions and embarked in the cultivation of the soil. This proved a more profitable employment and he was soon recognized as one of the leading and successful farmers of Seneca county. He has now reached the seventy-eighth milestone on the jourtiey of life. Mr. and Mrs. Wertz became the parents of ten children, four sons and six daughters, but only five of the number are now living, namely : Jacob, the subject of this review; Barbara, the wife of Michael Weller; Henry, a successful farmer of Hiopewell township; George; and Mary, the wife of Charles Miller, of Scipio township, Seneca county.

When four years of age Jacob Wertz was brought to Ohio, and in the public schools of this locality he received the educational advantages which he enjoyed in his youth. At the early age of fourteen he began the battle of life for himself, working for four dollars a month for eight years, and during that time he saved eighteen hundred dollars. With the means thus acquired he was able to purchase his present farm of one hundred and forty acres, near Bascom, and he has placed the same under an excellent state of cultivation, and here he is actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is in every sense of the word a self-made man, - one who, without any advantages at the comtmencement of life, has battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable courage and sagacity has achieved both honor and affluence.

In April, 1879, ^I^- Wertz was united in marriage to Elizabeth Smith, and they have two children, - Emma and Jacob, both at home. The Democracy receives Mr. Wertz' hearty support and co-operation, and all movements and measures which have for their object the advancement of his fellow men find in him a firm friend and active worker. Since ten years of age he has been a member of the Reformed church, and for the past ten years he has served as a deacon therein. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed in the community in which they have so long made their home, and their well wishers are legion.

Paul Miller

We now come to a consideration of the more salient points in the life history of one of the representative business men of Seneca county, one who stands forward as a native son of the county and a member of a sterling pioneer family. His name has ever been synonymous with upright manhood and good citizenship; he has given his influence and means to the betterment of society, to schools and church, to the support of good government and to the industries which have had important bearing on the advancement of the prosperity and material upbuilding of the county.

who became the parents of ten children, namely: John M., David T., Lewis, Elias, Christian C, Paul, Aaron and Moses (both deceased), Solomon, and Hannah, who is the widow of Mr. Gruner. John M. Miller was born in Germany, on the 15th of June, 1801, and was there educated, learning the weaver's trade. He was there married, and in 1832 emigrated to America, locating in Medina county, Ohio, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for a period of four years. In 1836 he came to Seneca county and purchased a quarter section of heavily timbered land, in Venice township, having to cut a way through the forest to reach his place. Here he built a primitive log cabin, and he cleared the farm and brought it under a fine sfate of productivity, while the success which had attended his efforts was attested by the fact that prior to his death he had accumulated about five hundred acres of good land in this county. He was a zealous member of the Lutheran church, and held various local offices of trust and responsibility. His first wife died in 1850, and he subsequently married Miss Catherine Kalb, who died in 1880, there having been no children born of their union. The father of our subject passed away in 1885, at the venerable age of eighty-four years and honored as one of the sterling pioneers of the county.

Paul Miller, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the old homestead and acquired his early educational discipline in the public schools. He thereafter learned the carpenter trade, and in January, 1864, he enlisted in the Union armly as- a mechanic, workhig at his trade in St. Louis, thence being sent to Nashville and later to Johnsonville, Tennessee, where his command remained until driven out by the Confederate forces, when they returned* to Nashville, where Mr. Miller received his honorable discharge, in the spring of 1865. He then returned home, and for a time was located in Lykens township, Crawford county, whence he removed to Tiffin, Seneca county, where he purchased a sawmill, which he operated four years, and then removed to Swanders Station, Shelby county, where he remained four years, at the expiration of which time he came to Bloontville, where he has since maintained his home and where he has conducted an important business in the way of milling, lumbering, contracting and building and fann- ing, being one of the active and progressive business men of the county and having shown a marked capacity for affairs of wide scope and importance. He has owned seven different sawmills, and also is at the present time owner of a well equipped sash and door factory in Blcx>mville. He is a stanch Democrat in politics and served for four years in the office of justice of the peace, while for more than a decade he was a member of the town council of Bloomville. His religious faith is that of the Reformed church, of which his wife also is a meml>er. In 1863 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Marshall, who was born in Venice township, this county, the daughter of Jacob Marshall, who was born in Germany, whence he came to America, becoming one of the pioneer farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, where he owned several hundred acres of land at the timie of his death. Mr. and Mns. Miller have had eight children, namely: John B., of Bowling Green, Ohio; Elizabeth A., the wife of E. D. Swanders, of Bowling Green; Emma C, the wife of C. F. Sponseller, of Cleveland; Benjairuin F., Harrj^ N. and Charles B., who are at the parental home; Ilona,. who is deceased; and Iva Pearl, w^ho is at home.

T. D. Stevenson, an insurance broker of Fostoria, has been a resident of this place for a comparatively brief period, locating here in 1890. During the past three years he has represented various insurance companies and has has secured a good clientage in this line. A native of Sandusky county, Ohio, he was born in Green Creek township, in November, 1842, his parents being David and Mary (Madden") Stevenson. The parents were born in the north of Ireland and both were of Scotch-Irish lineage. They became early settlers of Sandusky county and there the subject of this review w^as reared. At the time of the Civil wrar he enlisted, in 1861, for three months' service, as a member of the Eighth Ohio Infantry, joining the regiment at Tiffin, after which he went to Camp Chase, but being one of the youngest recruits he was sent home. Not deterred, however, he resolved to carry out his determination of becoming a Union soldier, and going to Morrowville, he joined the Third Ohio Infantry, for three years' service. For two years he was with that command in the Army of Cumberland, serving under Generals Buell, Kilpatrick and Sheridan, and in other commands. In the battle of Stone River he sustained two wounds and on account of his injuries he was discharged and then returned home. When he had sufficiently recovered, however, he re-enlisted, becoming a member of the Ninth Ohio Infantry, and he served until discharged at the close of the war. He had previously learned the hamessmaker's trade and in the Ninth Ohio he ranked as saddlery sergeant.

While residing in Sandusky county Mr. Stevenson was for fourteen years engaged in teaching, beginning in the district schools. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar, having previously studied law, and while residing in Gibsonburg he engaged in practice. Mr. Stevenson laid out the town of Gibsonburg on the farm which he owned, and he named the place in honor of Colonel Gibson, of Tiffin, giving him an interest in the property. The little village has flourished and grown as the years have passed. Mr. Stevenson engaged in the real-estate business, dividing his land into lots, developed the towTi and placed it upon a substantial foundation. He established a good school there and was ever active in the promotion of the interests of the community until his health failed. In 1884 he was elected county clerk of Sandusky county and then removed to Fremont, where he filled the office for three years. He was also justice of the peace of Gibsonburg for fourteen and one-half years and in these positions of public trust and responsibility he proved himself capable and loyal. In the year 1890 he came to Fostoria, where he established a grocery store, successfully conducting it until 1899, when he became an insurance brokei*, representing various fire, life, accident and tornado insurance companies. The policies which he writes amount to thousands of dollars each year, and his commissions thereon return to him an excellent income.

In Wood county, Ohio, Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage to Miss Rosetta A. Fowler, a daughter of Amos D. and Castara T. (Knead) Fowler. Her parents were early settlers of Erie county, Ohio,.

and in 1861 removed to Wood count}', where her father engaged :n farming. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson has been blessed \v'::>. four children : Amos Qaude, the eldest, is now an attorney of Tolei : . He is a graduate of the Union schools of Fremont, of Stedman Business College, at Toledo, and completed the classical course in Oberlin College. He then began preparation for the legal profession, pursuing his law course in the Ohio State University, at Columbus, and in the capital city he was admitted to the bar. He is now one of the enterprising and capable young attome\s of Toledo, where he is rapidly winning advancement. Ray D., who is a graduate of the high school of Fostoria, will complete a course of study in the Ohio State University with the -class of 1903. Thomas D., who was a graduate of the Union schc-y.s of Fremont, Ohio, died in December, 1892, at the age of twenty years. Edson M. died in October, 1892, at the age of ten and one-half \-ears. In his fraternal relations ^Ir. Stevenson is a Mason and for thirty-nine years has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all the offices. He also belongs to the post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Fostoria. He is to-day as true to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the starry banner upon the battlefields of the south. Whatever he has accumulated in life is the result of his own efforts. He entered upon his business career without capital and without the aid of influential friends, and has advanced steadily to a prominent position. All who know him esteem him verj- highly for his genuine worth and althougli he has been a resident of Fostoria for a comparatively brief period he has made many warm friends here.

Philetus Xyman

Among the men of prominence and substance who have assisted materially in the growth of the industrial enterprises of Tiffin, Ohio, must be mentioned the late Philetus X\Tnan, whose death occurred at his residence in this city on January- 7, 1892. For a long period he was the junior member of the well known manufacturing firm of Ltx)mis

Centennial Biographical History. 74 1

& Nyman, of Tiffin. He was descended from Revolutionary stock, his maternal grandfather, Mr. Woolvor, having taken a prominent part in the Continental army. Philetus was bom in Ithaca, New York, November 12, 1822, a son of John and Elizabeth (Hower) Nyman, the former a native of Holland. He came to the United States during his youth, locating in the state of New York, was there married, and when his son Philetus was still a child removed to Ohio, where he engaged in farming. *

Young Philetus grew up on the farm, taking advantage of all educational opportunities, though limited, which came within his reach, and at about the age of eighteen years entered a shop at New Haven, Ohio, where he learned the trade of machinist. This knowledge was put to practical application after he settled in Tiffin, Ohio, in 1848. Here he formed a business partnership wilh John D. Loomis, in themanufacture of all kinds of farming machinery in use at that time, making a specialty of plows. Although the beginning was small the industry and energy of the partners soon made it known, and it grew into one of the largest manufacturing plants of this city, for many years the firm name of Loomis & Nyman being a guaranty of a superior make of goods in that line. With almost unvai^ing success this business flourished, and the partnership continued until 1891, when it was dissolved by the mutual consent of both. At the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Nyman assisted in the formation of a company of one-hundredday men for action in case of state invasion, and of this he was made lieutenant, but their services were not needed and they returned from Cleveland to their homes. He was in sympathy w^ith stable government, being ever an upholder of law and order.

The marriage of Mr. Nyman occurred on October 7, 1848, in Crawford county, Ohio, to Miss Anna Hanes, daughter of Daniel and Susanna (Bordner) Hanes, both of whom w^ere natives of Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio in an early day and located in Crawford county. Mrs. Nyman was born in Stark county, Ohio, January i, 1831. Seven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Nyman, only four of whom grew to years of maturity, namely: Alice, the w^ife of Charles F. Searles and a resident of Port Qinton, Ohio; Ella, who married*

Henry L. Thornton and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio; Ida, who married James T. Lynch, of Tiffin; and Etta, who married James W. Knott and lives in Toledo, Ohio. The children were all highly educated and are leaders in their various social circles. Mi's. N>Tnan is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Nyman's kind heart made him ever ready to respond to the call of charity, although his unassuming habit and retiring manner made many of his benefactions knowTi only to the recipients of his bounty. He w^ a man who took his greatest pleasure in the comforts of his homei and the welfare of his family, for whom he had carefully provided a competency. Although not a man of exceeding wealth, his means were ample, and the beautiful hcrnie now occupied by his widow is a sample of his provision of her comfort. It is located on Melmore avenue, and its attractive grounds make it a beautiful feature of that handsome thoroughfare. The death of Mr. Nyman was caused by an affection of the heart. He left behind him a spotless reputation and a large circle of devoted friends.

Henry F. Scheerer

In the death of Henry F. Scheerer, in the year 1898, the little city of Bloomville sustained the loss of one of its able business men and most highly esteemed citizens, - one who was honored' in the community not less by reason of his sterling character than on account of his publicspirited attitude and his influence in the furthering of the progress and substantial upbuilding of the town. It is certainly fitting that a memoir to him be incorporated in this work, and in the connection it will be found that he was the architect of his own fortunes, and that his life was one dominated by the highest principles of honor and integrity.

Mr. Scheerer was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 2ist of April, 1829, and' was there reared and educated, remaining in the fatherland until he had attained- the age of twenty years, when, in 1849, he emigrated to America, believing that here were to be found superior advantages for the young man dependent upon his own re- sources for a maintenance. Soon after his arrival he made his way to Ohio, locating in Bloom township, Seneca county, where he learned the trade of shoemaker, in the shoe and cabinet shop of the Shideler Brothers, remaining there for three years and then taking up his residence in the little town of Bloomville, where he worked at his trade until 1857, in which year he opened a general store, handling clothing, boots and shoes and groceries, and soon afterward he enlarged the scope of his business enterprises by engaging in the handling of poultry, wool, hogs and sheep, and for a great many years his wife had charge of the store while he was absent in connection witli his other branches of business. He disposed of his mercantile business in 1872, and within the following year completed the erection of the Scheerer Block, a twostory brick structure, and one of the best business buildings in the town. In 1872 he had erected- the attractive and commodious residence in which his widow still makes her home, the same being then the largest and most pretentious residence in the town, and he w^as also the owner of a considerable amount of other town property, improved and unimproved. Mr. Scheerer w^as a man of mature judgment and marked business ability, and his interest in all that conserved the advancement of his home town was unflagging. He was a Democrat in his political proclivities, and he was naturally called upon to serve in various offices of trust and responsibility, having been for a number of terms incumbent of the offices of township trustee and township treasurer, and having also done effective work in the position of street commissioner, in which capacity he established the first turnpike streets in Bloomville, while he was a member of the town council for many years. He was one of the influential members of the Reformed church, in which he served as deacon and trustee, his widow also being a devoted member of the same church. Mr. Scheerer was summoned into eternal rest on the 1 6th of September, 1898, and his loss was deeply felt in the community where he had passed so many years of his active and useful life and where his friends were equal in number to his acquaintances.

On the 1st of September, 1853, M^- Scheerer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Hunsicker, who w^as born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Michael and Hannah (Clements)

Hunsicker, who came thence with their family to Seneca county in 1843, locating in Bloom township, where Mr. Hunsicker purchased a farm and where he continued to reside until after the war, his latter years being passed at Berlin, Canada, where both he and his \\4fe died. He was a weaver by trade and followed that vocation for several years. His son John, who died December 22, 1901, was one of the first dry-goods merchants in Bloomville. The eldest daughter, Anna, who married Conrad Briner, died April 6, 1902, aged seventy-seven years. !Mrs. Scheerer still resides in the beautiful home so hallowed by the associations and memories of the past. She proved a devoted companion and helpmeet to her husband, aiding him in the attaining of a position of independence and a success worthy the name. They had no children, but they made a home for one little girl, Emma Charity McGaha, who entered their home as a child of tw^o years, and remained until she attained womanhood. She is now^ the wife of B. Newcomb, of Toledo. Mr. Scheerer was ever most liberal in his donations to the support of the church, one provision of his will being an endowment, the inter-" est being used for f>erpetual support of the minister of the Reformed church in Bloomville. He had also made two quite important donations to Heidelberg College, one of which was for a scholarship which rendered substantial benefit toward the education of several students. Mrs. Scheerer continues this active interest in all such benevolences, thus carrying out not only her husband's desires but also following the bent of her own inclinations. A handsome family vault and monument of Vermont granite have l^een erected in Mount Pisgah cemetery.

Jacob M. Schatzel

Jacob M. Schatzel has for eighteen years been the city clerk of Fostoria. Further comment concerning his ability and faithful discharge of duty is hardly necessary. He enjoys to an unusual degree the respect and confidence of his fellow men, and his connection wnth the public interests of Fostoria has been of the greatest benefit to the city

Mr. Schatzel is a native of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and a son of John and Margaret (Ripple) Schatzel, both of whom were natives of Geunthersblum, Germany. His father came to America when twen^ ty-four years of age, making his home in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. When the mother crossed the Atlantic to the new world she became a resident of Pittsburg. During the boyhood of Jacob the family removed to Texas, in 1856, but two years later returned to Pennsylvania,, but subsequently again made the journey to Texas. In i860 they came to Sandusky, .Ohio. At the agei of sixteen years Jacob entered his country's service. Four times before he had enlisted, but each time he was rejected on account of his youth. In 1865, however, he was accepted' and served for seven months as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, his services being in the Shenandoah valley.

After the war Mr. Schatzel returned to Upper Sandusky, where he learned' the tinner's trade, which he followed for six years. Subsequently he conducted a tin and hardware store in Whitehouse, Ohio,, for six years, and was not only a leading merchant but an enterprising citizen, and for a time was also a member of the city council. He came to Fostoria in 1876 and established a hardware store and tinshop,. which he conducted for five years, being for two years in partnershipwith Mr. Faulhaber.

In Lucas county, Ohio, Mr. Schatzel was united in marriage to- MSss Mary K. Fiscus, of Whitehouse, a daughter of Peter and Bar-^ bara (Myers) Fiscus, who were natives of Alsace, France. After coming to America they located in Qeveland and later moved to Whitehouse. Mr. and Mrs. Schatzel have five children: Juliet L. is a graduate of the high school and is now a successful teacher in the public schools; George P., also a graduate of the high school, read law in the office of J. V. Jones and C. A. Strauch, was admitted to the bar in 1898 and is now practicing in Fostoria; Albert F. is a graduate of the dental department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and

For twenty years Mr. Schatzd has served as notary public, and for five years he was secretary of the gas board. For seventeen years he has held the position of clerk of Loudon township and for eighteen years he has been city clerk of Fostoria, having first been chosen to the office in 1884, when Fostoria was but a village, and after its incorporation, in February, 1889, he was continued in the position in which he is now serving with marked credit to himself and the c\X\. He \\-as president of the Fostoria Library Association, to which he was elected upon its organization in 1901, and is the present secretary. In the Masonic fraternity he is regarded as a worthy and exemplary member, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter of Fostoria and to the commander)' at Tiffin. He is also connected \\\t\\ the Grand Army post and for five years was its quartermaster. The family attend the Presbyterian church, taking an active part in its work, and every movement that tends to promote public progress and improvement receives the endorsement and co-operation of Mr. Schatzd. In whatever relation of life we find him - in the government service, in political circles, in business or in social circles - he is always the same honorable and respected gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.

Lee Nighswander

A gentleman of ability, determination, enterprise and laudable ambition, Lee Nighswander has for some years been identified with educational interests in Ohio as a capable instructor, and at the present time he is loyally serving Seneca county as its auditor, making his home in Tiffin. He was born in Fort Seneca, on the 13th of March, 1854, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Bare) Nighswander. He is of Swiss descent, his paternal grandparents, Christopher Nighswander and wife, being natives of Switzerland, the beautiful land of the Alps. Emigrat- ing to America, they were residents of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, at the time of the birth of their son Joseph Nighswander, who became the father of our subject. He was reared in his native city, learned the blacksmith trade and ere leaving the Keystone state was married to Elizabeth Bare, who also was born in Pennsylvania. About 1852 they came to Ohio, settling in Sen«:a county, the father purchasing a farnj at Fort Seneca, in Pleasant township. To the further development and improvement of his eighty acres he gave his attention until seventytwo years of age, when his life's labors w^ere ended in death. He was truly a self-made man, owing his success entirely to his own efforts, and by perseverance and diligence winning a comfortable competence. In early days he gave his political support to the Republican party, but in his later life voted with the Democracy. By reading and observation he became a well informed manj and his upright life was in harmony with his profession as a member of the Dunkard church. His w"ife passed aw^y when sixty-eight years of age. She was reared in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and like her husband w^as a member of the Dunkard church. This worthy couple were the parents of twelve children, all of whom reached maturity, our subject being the tenth in order of birth.

Upon tilie home farm Lee Nighswander spent the days of his boyhood and youth and, after acquiring his preliminary education in the common schools, at the age of seventeen he entered the normal school at Republic, Ohio. Subsequently he spent several years in Heidelberg University, in Tiffin, and then began teaching, being engaged in the district and village schools and also in conducting a summer normal school in connection with Heidelberg College, for two years. He dev^oted about fourteen years to the profession and then a tsd a position in the United States railway-mail service, running betw'een Sandusky and Lima, Ohio, on the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, for eight months. He then resumed teaching and was numbered among the cajxable educators of this part of the state until he accepted his present office, on the i8th of October, 1898, having been elected to the position in 1897. He was very efficient in the work of the school-room, giving excellent satisfaction. He w^as able to maintain an orderly school and not only

Mr. Nighswander w-as united in marriage to Miss Addie Barto, vVho was bom in Watson, this county, a daughter of Elias and Mary (Gamble) Barto. Her father is now^ living a retired life in Watson. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nighswander has been blessed with one daughter, Maude, who assists her fatJier in the office. Mr. Nighswander is a stanch Democrat in politics, has g^ven active aid in advancing the work of the party and rejoiced in its success, but he has always, refused to accept office until he became a candidate for county auditor, in which office he is fully justifying the confidence of his friends in his capability and his trustworthiness. He has a very wide acquaintance in Seneca coimty, and his social, genial nature and upright manhood render him very popular.

Albert J. Henzy

Albert John Henzy is an active factor in commercial circles irt Tiffin, where for many years he has successfully conducted a furniture store. He is also well known in connection with public affairs and at the present time is serving as sheriff of Seneca county. His business career has been characterized by enterprise integrity and diligence ; his officia^l service by faithfulness and capability, while his good intent is manifest in the prompt and fearless discharge of his duties.

Mr. Henzy is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Sandusky, Erie county, on the 4th of October, 1864. His father, Joseph Henzy, was a native of Switzerland and there spent his youth, early learning the stone-cutter's trade and later engaging in contracting. When twenty-two years of age he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, and taking up his abode in Sandusky he there engaged in contracting along the line of his chosen vocation until about five years prior to his death, which occurred in 1890,' when he was sixty-four years of age. He became a leading contractor, doing an extensive and important business, and as the years passed a handsome competence rewarded his labors. He was associated with Clemmens Brothers, who had the contract for the building of the first lock in the Sault Ste. Marie canal. His thorough understanding of mechanical principles, his practical workmanship and his enterprise made his services in great demand, and he executed some verj- important contracts in Ohio and other states. He was entirely a self-made man, for he started in life empty-handed, and when he came to America his only foundation for success was liis knowltedge of his trade, but his enterprise and diligence soon won recognition and for many years a most liberal patronage was accorded him. He held membership in the Catholic church and was a Democrat in his political faith, but never sought or desired office. He married Teressa Ebendinger, a native of Baden, Germany, who came to America in her early womanhood and is still living, at the age of seventy-five years, being w^ell preserved and active for one of her years. She too is a member of the CathoKc church. In the family were four children: Katherine, who married Thomas Ward ; Elizabeth, who died at the age of twenty-two; Albert J., of this review; and Charles, who is a salesman in a furniture store in Toledo, Ohio.

When Albert J. Henzy was six years of age his parents removed wath their family to Marblehead, Ohio, but after four years returned to Sandusky. He attended the district schools in the former place, and St. Mary's parochial school and the high school ini Sandusky, Ohio. W'hen about fifteen years of age he began clerking in a furniture and undertaking establishment in Sandusky, where he remained for tour years, after which he was employed' in a retail shoe store for two years. On the expiration of that period he accompanied his mother on a voyzge to Europe, visiting many points of interest in that country, and upon his return to his native land he accepted a position as salesman in a furniture store in Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained about six months.

In 1884 Mr. Henzy came to Tiffin and has since been identified wath the business interests of this city. He w^as employed as a clerk in a shoe store until 1887, when in partnership with Otto Wagner, he purchased the furniture and undertaking business of Philip Rummel & Son. After a year Mr. Wagner sold out to J. \\\ Huffman and four years later Mr. Henzy purchased Mr. Huffman's interest and was alone in business until 1889, when he admitted two of his employes to a partnership in the store, which has since been conducted under the firm name of A. J. Henzy & Company. For twelve years he continued at his first location and then removed to Washington street and purchased the slore of Feigie Brothers. He has been very successful since he embarked in merchandising on his own account and his patronage has increased., for he conducts a thoroughly modern store, carrying a large line of goods of all grades, for \\ihich he asks reasonable prices. His business methods will bear the closest investigation and his careful attention to the wants of his patrons, together w4th his honesty and diligence, have brought to him gratifying business.

On the 25th of May, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Henzy and Miss Rosa M. Kibbler, a daughter of Anthony Kibbler. She was bom and reared in Tiffin, and by her marriage she became the mother of five children, of whom one died at the age of two years. The others are In^in L., Herman, Helen and Louisa. In his political views Mr. Henzy is an earnest Democrat and has always taken a deep interest in the growth and success of his party. In 1900 he was electa! sheriff, entering upon the duties of the position in January', 1901. He is a capable and trustworthy officer and deserves commendation for his fidelity in the public service. He and his wnfe are communicants of St. Joseph's Catholic church, and in the community they have gained many friends, while the hospitality of many of the I)est homes of Tiffin is freely extended them.

Joseph Harter

Among the prominent citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Josepli Harter, who has been identified wnth the growth and development of this city for a very long period, during which time he has not only assisted in the various enterprises which have built up Tiffin, but has also established a business of large proportions for himself, and has gained the esteem of his fellow citizens.

Mr. Harter is of German birth and parentage and worthily represents the land and people of his nativity. He was bom on March 24, 1837, "^^ the river Rhine, in Baden, Germany, being a son of Nepempuck Harter, w^ho was a tailor. The family consisted of himpelf, two older brothers and two sisters, the brothers coming to America prior to 1854. In that year our subject accompanied his mother and sisters to the United States, and joined the older brothers, Frederick and Benedict, who were engaged in business in Tiffin, the latter being a tailor. The mother died of cholera within that same summer. Frederick Harter was then carrying on a stone-cutting business here, and Joseph entered his yards and remained working for his brother for two years, becoming a reliable and skilled stone-cutter.

Mir. Harter then went to Cincinnati, where he found w^ork at his trade in one of the numerous yards in that city, and finally, with a desire to see more of the country and its possibilities, he went as far west as Chicago, spending one summer there at work, but finally decided that Tiffin offered as many advantages for business as any place he had seen.

It was in a very modest way that Mr. Harter, in 1859, opened up a shop and yard in this city, depending upon his excellent work to bring him patronage. He liad made some headway when the business convulsion caused by the outbreak of the Civil war paralyzed many lines of trade. Being a musician of no mean ability, Mr. Harter decided to enter the army in that capacity, and enHsted, on October 8, 1861, in the Fifty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantr>\ During the various movements of this regiment he was a valued musician, his playing of the E flat cornet more than once inspiring hope and energy in the despondent and homesick soldier lads who were then but new to the stern game of war. Mr. Harter participated in the engagements w^hich took place through Virginia, was at Danville, Cross Keys and Cedar Mountain, and was honorably discharged at the close of one year and returned to Tiffin.

Upon his return Mr. Harter resumed his stone and marble business, applying himself closely, looking after every detail personally, and succeeding as a result of this energy and industry. He has now one of the largest marble and granite yards in this city and enjoys the patronage of not only Seneca but adjoining counties, traveling through them himself and still personally looking after the details. This he is sure is one reason of his success, that he has never delegated the business to others, but by this close and steady application has never lost sight of the demands of his trade and the best possible way of meeting it. His is one of the oldest business houses in Tiffin, and the success which he has attained is wholly due to individual effort.

Mr. Harter was married August 28, 1862, to Miss Lena Wehrle, who was bom in Seneca county, a daughter of Xavier Wehrle, who was a farmer and later a business man of Tiffin, dying of cholera in 1854. They have had six children, three of the children dying in infancy. The three daughters at home are Elizabeth, Emma and Tillie, the last named a teacher in the Tiffin public schools.

While de\'oting close attention to his personal affairs, Mr. Harter has been public-spirited and has contributed in ever>^ way in his power to the upbuilding of the city. He has given his interest, time and means to many noble enterprises. In political life Mr. Harter assumes an independent attitude in local affairs, but in national matters he votes with the Democratic party. He is a valued member of William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, G. A. R., of Tiffin, and takes an active interest in it. He is a man who for business integrity as well as personal attributes, is held in the highest esteem in Tiffin. Although Mr. Harter insists that he is sixty-five 'years old, his friends find it difficult to believe that he has reached the half-century mark, his youthful energy still directing all his movements. Few men of Tiffin can claim a larger circle of personal friends.

Frederick Manecke

For a third of a century Frederick Manecke has been a representative of Fostoria and has been closely and prominently associated with the development of the oil industry in this fKDrtion of the state. He is a man of sound business judgment and of keen discrimination, and the prosperity which he has achieved is the direct outcome of his own labors. He is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Washington township, Hancock county, two miles from Fostoria, April 9, 1848. His father, Henry Manecke, was one of the pioneer settlers of that township, having located there in 1838. He was bom in Germany in 1801 and when a young man of about twenty years determined to seek his fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Subsequently he removed to Stark county, Ohio, and in the year mentioned came to Hancock county. He took up his abode upon a farm composed entirely of wild land, only two. acres having been cleared. He owned at first but a quarter section, but as the years passed he added to his property until his landed possessions aggregated) one thousand acres. This place is highly improved with fine buildings and all modem equipments and accessories which go to make up a model farm of the twentieth century. Tlie property is now owned by William and Peter Manecke, brothers of our subject, the former being also the vice-president of the Mechanics' Savings Bank of Fostoria.

The father died in i860, at the age of fifty-nine years. His wife, to whom he was married in Philadelphia, bore the maiden name of Christina Markley, and was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. With her parents she camie to the new world, the family settling in Hardin county, Ohio, near Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Maanecke became the parents of the following children: William, who is vice-president of the Mechanics' Savings Bank of Fostoria, as already stated ; Peter, who is living on the old homestead ; Emily, the wife of Andrew Bowman, of Decatur, Illinois ; Jefferson, who is extensively engaged in farming near Decatur; Frederick, of this review; Harmon, who is also an extensive farmer living near Decatur and for one term represented his district in the state senate of Illinois; and Albert, who is agent for a machinery business at Decatur, Illinois.

Under the parental roof Frederick Manecke spent his boyhood and youth and early became familiar with all the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His education was acquired m the public schools, and he assisted in the improvemtent of the home farm until 1869, when he came to Fostoria, which has since been his place of abode. Throughout the intervening years he has been an active factor in business circles. He was first employed in a planing-mill as a joiner and afterward became superintendent of a foundry and machine shop, but since 1889 has been connected with the gas and oil producing business, becoming a contractor and superintendent of the city gas plant. He is now interested in forty producing wdls, having simk nearly eight hundred wells under contract. He is also a stockholder in the Eureka Planing Mill & Lumber Company. His efforts in these directions have l^een attended with a high degree of success and to-day he is the possessor of a handsome competence acquired entirely through his own efforts.

Mr. Manecke was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Hosier, the only daughter of Peter and Susan Hosier, pioneer settlers of Fostoria. Removing from this city to Washington township, Hancock county, he was interested there in farming until his life's labors were ended in death in 1898 when he was seventy- four years of age, though for twenty years he lived ini Findlay. He served as county treasurer for two terms in Hancock county and was prominent in its public affairs. In addition to his agricultural interests he established the Farmers' Bank of Findlay, of w'hich he was the president until he sold his interest, and then aided in the establishment of the City Bank of Findlay, of w^hich he was the president until his death. For miany years earlier in life he was engaged as a building contractor in Fostoria and thus his business interests were extensive and of an important character, bringing to him well merited prosperity. He married Miss Susan Shenian of Stark county, Ohio, whose people were from the vicinity of Hagerstown, Maryland. Mr. Hosier's i>eople also were from the same locality and both families became pioneer settlers of Ohio. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Manecke has been blessed with one son, William, who is engaged in business with his father.

Mr. Manecke I^elongs to the little group of distinctively representative business men who have been the pioneers in inaugurating and building up the chief industries of this section of the country. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this great and growing country, and, acting in ac- cordance with the dictates of his faith and judgment, he has garnered, in the fullness of time, the generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable industry, spot integrity and marvelous enterprise. He is now connected with many extensive and important business interests.

Winfield S. Wagner

Upon a few principles of natural justice is erected the whole superstructure of civil laws tending to meet the desires and relieve the wants of all alike. It has been said that **the business of the lawyer is not to make the laws but to apply them to the daily affairs of men.'' But the interests of men are of so diverse a nature, and so intermingled and complex, that the problem presented to both lawyer and judge often seems to demand the wisdom of an oracle. The relations of life are constantly changing; the exigencies of the law are those of to-day, and a lawyer is essentially a man of the present and must meet the issues of the hour. His work is such as to bring him into contact with every relation of life; and, thus the worthy devotee of the legal profession must needs be a mian of natural ability and broad mental grasp, in addition to being thoroughly read in the science of jurisprudence. Among the representative members of the bar in Seneca county is Judge Winfield Scott Wagner, who now presides on the probate bench of the county, and who figures as one of the county's native sons, who has here attained distinction. We shall here note the more salient points in his genealogical and individual history.

Winfield S. Wagner was bom on the homestead farm in Pleasant township, Seneca county, on the 27th of June, 1862, being the son of Edmund Carpenter Wagner, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared under the invigorating discipline of the farm. As a young man he emigrated thence to Ohio, in 1843; ^"^> after passing about a year in Tiffin, located on a farm near Fort Seneca. He soon afterward purchased, in that locality, a tract of wild land, which he reclaimed, there continuing his residence until 1862, when he purchased a farm in Liberty township, where he made his home until 1884. He later resided a fevv months in the city of Tiffin and theii removed to Cowley county, Kansas, where he bought a tract of land, though thereafter he resided in Winfield, until his death, in 1889, at the age of sixty-nine years. He espoused the cause of the Republican party at its organization, but in 1874 transferred his allegiance to the Democratic party, with which he was identified until his demise. He was a self-made man, having depended upon his own exertions from early youth, and he so ordered his life as to merit and retain the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He was a son of George and Josephine (Carpenter) Wagner, the former of whom was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and the latter at Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, Maryland. George Wagner was engaged in farming and stock-growing in Lancaster county, Pennsylvaia, until about 1854, when he came with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, buying land in Pleasant township, where he remained until his death, at the age of eighty-one years, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-six, having been a devoted member of the Reformed church. Two of her brothers were active participants in the war of 18 12- 13.

The maiden name of Judge Wagn-er's mother was Catherine Berkey, and she was born in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1830, being the -daughter of John and Lydia (Reeme) Berkey, who were born and reared in Pennsylvania, where their marriage was solemnized. They were numbered among the early pioneers of Ohio, having settled in Perry county as early as 181 8, and there residing until 1829, when they came to Seneca county, and were among the first settlers in Liberty township, where Mr. Berkey took up a tract of government land in the virgin forest. He improved a farm and there died, at the age of fiftynine years, his wife surviving him until 1867, w^hen she passed away at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother of our subject was bom on the old homestead and recalls that during her childhood the Indians were still numerous throughout this section, where the white settlers were rapidly encroaching on their original domain. She is still living, making her home in Topeka, Kansas, having attained the venerable age of seventy-two years. Of her eight children Judge Wagner was the sixth in order of birth and is one of the five yet living.

Centennial Biographical History. 7St

Winfield S. Wagner grew up on the homiestead farm, attending the public schools until 1879, when he was matriculated in the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada, where he completed a two-years course. Thereafter he put his scholastic acquirements to practical use by engaging in pedagogic work, being one of the successful teachers in the public schools of his native county for a period of six years. He then, began the reading of law in tlie office of George E. Schroth, a prominent member of the bar of the county, residing in Tiffin, and in 1889 he was duly admitted to the bar of the state. He then engaged in the practice of his profession in Tiffin, gaining prestige as an able and discriminating lawyer and securing a representative clientage. He was. in control of a growing and lucrative practice of general character until 1896, when he was elected to the office of judge of the probate court of the county, of which he has since continued in tenure, by successive reelections, his able and signally discriminating administraton having gained to him the most unequivocal endorsement on the part of his professional confreres and the general public. Judge Wagtier has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Dermocratic party, of whose principles and policies he has been an effective advocate, having rendered material assistance in forwarding the party's cause in the local field. Prior to his election to the probate bench he had ser\^ed for two years as chair- - man of the Democratic central committee of Seneca county, and hewas again chosen to this office in the spring of 1901. The Judge is a man of gracious personality and has the power of winning and maintaining strong friendships. His popularity is thus assured, and yet no one shows greater tenacity of purpose or is firmer in the courage and defence of his convictions.

On the 1 6th of April, 1884, Judge Wagner Was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Bealer, who like himself is a native of Seneca county- She is the daughter of Andrew and Catherine Bealer, two of the sterling pioneers of the county. Judge and Mrs. Wagner have one daughter, Gertrude, who w^as born on the loth of November, 1885. The pleasant home of the family is a center of gracious hospitality and our subject and his wife are prominent in the social life of the community.

Source changes here: from Biographical History of Seneca County, by Various, published 1902; 273,381 words in this source stream.

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Preface

is the essence of innumerable biographies." Believing this to be the fact, there is no necessity of advancing any further reason for the compilation of such a work as this, if reliable history is to be the ultimate object.

Seneca County, Ohio, has sustained within its confines men who have been prominent in public affairs and great industrial enterprises for almost a century. The annals teem with the records of strong and noble manhood, and, as Sumner has said, ''the true grandeur of nations is in those qualities which constitute the greatness of the individual.'' The final causes which shape the fortunes of individuals and the destinies of States are often the same. They are usually remote and obscure, and their influence scarcely perceived until manifestly declared by results. That nation is the greatest which produces the greatest and most manly men and faithful women; and the intrinsic safety of a community depends not so much upon methods as upon that normal development from the deep resources of which proceeds all that is precious and permanent inlife. But such a result may not consciously be contemplated by the actors in the great social drama. Pursuing each his personal good by exalted means, they work out as a logical result.

certain in the 'outcome. The study of a successful life, therefore, serves both as a source of information and as a stimulus and encouragement to those who have the capacity. As an important lesson in this connection we may appropriately quote Longfellow, who said : '' We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while we judge others by what they have already done." A faithful personal history is an illustration of the truth of this observation.

In this biographical history the editorial staff, as well as the publishers, have fully realized the magnitude of the task. In the collection of the material there has been a constant aim to discriminate carefully in regard tothe selection of subjects. Those who have been prominent factors in the public, social and industrial development of the county have been given due recognition as far as it has been possible to secure the requisite data. Names worthy of perpetuation here, it istrue, have in several instances been omitted, either on account of the apathy of those concerned or the inability of the compilers to secure the information necessary for a symmetrical sketch; but even more pains have been taken to secure accuracy than were promised in the prospectus. Works of this nature, therefore, are more reliable

Hon. Warren P. Noble

For almost sixty years Hon. Warren P. Noble has been a practitioner at the bar of Tiffin. An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have honored the state to which they belong, would be incomplete were there failure to make prominent reference to the one whose name initiates this paragraph. He holds distinctive precedence as an eminent lawyer and statesman, a man of high scientific attainments and as one who occupied a unique and trying position during one of the most exciting epochs in the history of our country, in which position he bore himself with such signal dignity and honor as to gain to him the respect of all. He has been and is distinctively a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. A strong mentality, an invincible courage, a most determined individuality, have so entered into his makeup as to render him a natural leader of men and a director of opinion. Although he has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, he is still an active factor in the business life of Tiffin, although it is his desire to rest from the more active duties of his profession.

ble, was a native of Connecticut, which state had been the residence of his ancestors for several generations. He removed to Pennsylvania when a young man, settling near Berwick, then in Luzerne county, but now in Columbia county. There he married Miss Rebecca Lytle, of that place. Her mother barely escaped being one of the victims of the Wyoming massacre, in 1778, by fleeing to a blockhouse. In the war of 1812 William Noble entered the army and rendered valiant service to his country. Unto him and his wife were born ten children; and during the infancy of our subject the parents came with their family to Ohio, locating first in Wayne county and afterward in Medina county, whence they came to Seneca county in 1836, settling in Jackson township. The father was a millwright by trade and was engaged in building mills in Pennsylvania and Ohio for many years. He owned a small farm in the latter state and thereon his family lived. He reached a venerable age and died at his home near Fostoria in 1864, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife passed away in 1872, at the age of seventy-one.

Warren P. Noble spent his childhodd days in his parents' home, -attending the pubic schools until eighteen years of age; but the facilities for acquiring an education in those days were not of the superior order that we find them to-day. He was desirous of mental improvement, how- 'ever, and became a student in the Wadsworth Academy, in Medina 'county, then under the control of Professor John McGregor, one of the ablest educators of the time in Ohio. On several occasions Mr. Noble walked to and from that school, where he remained as a student for two years, supporting himself by teaching school through the winter months. Among the most pleasurable recollections of his early life is the school which he taught in Fostoria in the winter of 1840-1. Several of the boys then under his instruction have since become distinguished men, including the Hon. Charles Foster, congressman, governor and secretary of the United States treasury. The late Judge John Lawrence, of Tennessee, was also a pupil of his at that time, as was Colonel William E. Haines, distinguished both on the field of battle and in the field of public life, serving several terms in congress. Judge John F. Caples, of Portland, Oregon, was another of that number.

Centennial Biographical History

While engaged in teaching Mr. Noble began the study of law, and in February, 1842, he came to Tiffin, which was then a small town. Here he read law in the office of Rawson & Pennington, General William H. Gibson being a fellow student in the same office. This man's brilliancy in later years lent lustre to the Tiffin bar, and though unfortunate as state treasurer he made an enviable reputation as colonel of a renowned fighting regiment. On the 4th of July, 1843, Mr. Noble was admitted to the bar, and has since been engaged in practice in Tiffin, throughout the years enjoying a large and distinctively representative clientage. As a lawyer he is sound, logical, clear-minded and thoroughly trained. With the limitations which are imposed by the constitution on federal powers, with the long line of decisions from Marshall down, by which it has been expounded, he is familiar, though he is at home in all departments of the law, from the minutiae in practice to the greater topics wherein is involved the consideration of the ethics-and philosophy of jurisprudence and the higher concerns of public policy. He has always prepared his cases with the greatest precision and care, has studied every point of law bearing upon his cause and has marshaled his evidence and his arguments with masterly skill.

In 1846 - as soon as his age rendered him eligible - he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature, and at the close of his twoyears' term was re-elected. In 1851 he was chosen by popular ballot prosecuting attorney of the county, but resigned after serving for three years. In 1860 he was elected to congress on the Democratic ticket, and so capably represented his district, so loyally upheld the Union cause and the soldiers that he was re-elected by a majority of twelve hundred, notwithstanding the fact that gerrymander work had been done, adding to his district Republican counties and taking therefrom those of recognized Democratic strength. His course in congress awakened admiration and respect, and during the entire war period he was an influential member of that body. He was what was known as a "war Democrat," and faithfully supported the administration in the conduct of the war, voting for all men and means called for from time to time; and by his speeches and contributions he helped raise every company and regiment enlisted from his

12 CENTENNIAL, BIOGRAPHICAL EISTORYdistrict, while he was at all times ready to help by every means 1n his power all soldiers who in any way needed assistance. This disposition, which made him popular with the soldiers and their friends, greatly aided his second election over an apparent majority of three thousand in faver of the opposite political power. He carefully and thoughtfully studied every question which came up for consideration during his congressicnal career, and gave his influence and support in the direction which he believed would work the greatest good for the greatest number and advance the weal of the nation. Among his contemporaries in the house at the time were James G. Blaine, Roscoe Conkling, George H. Pendleton, William Windom, James A. Garfield and Thaddeus Stevens, all of whom had marked influence in shaping the policy of the nation during the most trying period in its history.

Mr. Noble returned from congress with a reputation heightened by able and patriotic service, and resumed the practice of law in Tiffin. Soon after he became a member of the bar he entered into partnership with his brother, the late Judge Harrison Noble, who had studied with him. This business relation was maintained unchanged for a quarter of a century, at the end of which time Nelson B. Lutes, one of their students, was admitted to the firm under the style of Noble Brothers & Lutes. After two years the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent and for several years Mr. Noble was alone in practice. About 1876 he formed a partnership with Perry M. Adams, a promising and able young attorney, who had been a student in his office, and who remained a member of the firm cf Noble & Adams until his death, in 1891, while he was serving as president pro tem. of the Ohio senate. Mr. Noble then formed a partnership with his son, Warren F., and Guilford B. Keppel, under the firm name of Noble, Keppel & Noble, a relationship that is still continued, although the senior member does not seek further practice, and only acts as counsellor to accommodate some old client who desires his services. Many of the decisions of the appellate courts bear the impress of his patient investigation and his logical argument. His careful and systematic method of preparing cases has been a strong element in his success. In this respect he resembles the late Allen G. Thurman, employing none of the arts and tricks of oratory, his speeches, however, being eloquent in the clearness of statement, the broad common sense of reasoning, the force of logic, earnestness and power. He always commands the strict attention of courts and juries and of his fellow practitioners, and has never been known to fail in that strict courtesy and regard for professional ethics which should ever characterize the members of the bar. His professional career is an inspiration and a noble example to the younger men who follow him.

Mr. Noble has served in many important positions of business, trust and confidence outside the strict path of his profession. He was one of the directors of the Tiffin, Toledo & Eastern Pennsylvania Railroad Company from its organization until it was completed and turned over to the Pennsylvania system. He was a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio State University for about ten years, and the year after it was organized he was elected its president, being again chosen to that position, although the majority of the board members were Republicans. For many years he was president of the board of education of Tiffin, and the cause of education found in him a warm friend, as evidenced by his untiring efforts in behalf of the schools. He was the first president of the Commercial Bank of Tiffin and is now its vice-president. The first woman ever admitted to the Ohio bar - Mrs. Nettie C. Lutes - was a student in his office.

In 1847 Mr. Noble was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Singer, the eldest daughter of Frederick Singer. She died March 9, 1853, leaving two daughters and cone son: Belle, now the wife of William L. Bates. of Dayton, Ohio; Mary Ellen, the widow of Silas W. Groff, of Tiffin; and Warren F., who is a graduate of the Ohio State University of the class of 1879, and who is now in partnership with his father. On the 27th of September, 1873; Mr. Noble was married to Miss Alice M. Campbell, a daughter of the late Alexander Campbell, merchant and manufacturer, of Tiffin, and they have two daughters, Harriet and Alice, at home. The Noble residence is one of the finest in Tiffin and is celebrated for its gracious and charming hospitality.

Mason in the Toledo Consistory, S. P. R. S. He has ever been a liberal | contributor, in accordance with his means, to the various movements and him success. Entirely through his practice and his real-estate investments he has won his fortune, depending upon his own efforts for everything that he has gained in life. He has always been strictly temperate, activity and has won him the respect and confidence of his fellow men ina remarkable degree. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, his history reflects credit upon Ohio's bar.

William K. Bemenderfer

At this point we are permitted to touch upon the life history of one who, if for no other reason, merits recognition in the connection by reason of his having been a lifelong resident of Seneca county and a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of this section of the state. But superadded to this circumstance are others which render the appearance of his biography within these pages all the more consistent, for he has here attained a position of prominence in connection with the industrial activities of the county and is honored as one of the upright, genial and whole-souled citizens of his native county, having a fine farm home in Venice township and the same being a

William K. Bemenderfer was born on the old homestead farm, in Venice township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 2d of April, 1851, being the son of Samuel and Christina (Funk) Bemenderfer, who became the parents of seven children, namely: Henry, who is a resident of Bloom township; Edmund, who resides in Attica; Isaac, who likewise resides in Attica; Susan, the wife of Conrad Smeltz, of Venice township; Jacob, who is a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Isabelle, the wife of George Hoke, of Tiffin; and- George, who died at the age of eighteen years.

Samuel Bemenderfer was born in West Manganese, Frederick county, Maryland, on the 27th of March, 1813, and he died in Attica, Ohio, on the 7th of July, 1884. When he was an infant of two months his parents removed to Virginia, where they maintained their home until 1830, when they came to Ohio and located in Canton, Stark county, where they passed the residue of their lives. Here their son Samuel was residing at the time when he attained his legal majority, and in preparing for the active duties of life he learned the carpenter trade. In 1837 his marriage was solemnized in Stark county, this state, and he thereafter continued to work at his trade until 1842, when he came to Seneca county and located on a quarter section of land in Venice township, the same having been entered from the government by his fatherin-law, Henry Funk, of Stark county, who here took up a claim of that area for each of his children. The land was heavily timbered at the time when Mr. Bemenderfer came to his prospective farin, and here he erected a log cabin and then instituted the arduous work of reclaiming the land for cultivation. As prosperity attended his efforts he purchased additional land in this section, until his estate comprised about three hundred acres. He was a man of the utmost rectitude of character, was of vigorous mentality and excellent business judgment, and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. Politically he gave an uncompromising allegiance to the Democratic party, and for the long period of thirteen years he was incumbent of the office of assessor of Venice township, while he was trustee of the township for several terms, wielding marked influence in the community and being one of the representa- tive men of the county. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church. His wife, Christina (Funk) Bemenderfer, was born in Stark county, Ohio, in the year 1815, and died at Attica, Ohio, on the 3d of November, 1898, at the venerable age of eighty-three years, loved and venerated for her gentle and noble attributes of character. In her early life she was a member of the Lutheran church, but in later years hbecame identified with the Methodist Protestant denomination.

William K. Bemenderfer was reared on the old homestead and received his educational training in the common schools of the locality He continued to assist in the work of the old farm until his marriage, in 1873, after which he assumed the management of the place, his parents removing to Attica within the following year. He continued to devote his attention to the cultivation and management of the parental farm until 1893, when he removed to his present farm, which he had - purchased ten years previously, the same being located on secticn 7, Venice township, and now comprising cone hundred and forty acres of as fine farm land as can be found in this favored section of the state. Here he has erected a commodious and substantial residence of modern architectural design and equipments, while all other buildings and improvements on the place are of the best order, making this one cf the most valuable farm homes in the county. Mr. Bemenderfer is cne of the most progressive farmers and stock-growers of this locality, and in addition to his general agriculture he has devoted special attention to the raising of thoroughbred Shropshire sheep in which line he has been eminently successful. In politics he renders an unswerving support to the principles and policies of the Democratic party, but he has never figured as an aspirant for official preferment. Fraternally he is identified with Attica Lodge, No. 317, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and with Honey Creek Grange, No. 1346, Patrons of Husbandry. He is essentially public spirited in his attitude and is cne of the distinctively popular citizens of his native county.

this county, the daughter of Jacob and Polly M. (Murray) Hoke, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Bemenderfer have one daughter, Effie May.

William L. Reid

If one desires to gain a vivid realization of the rapid advancement made in the development and substantial upbuilding of this section of Ohio within the last few decades, he may listen to the stories and reminiscences of men who are still living here, and not overburdened with years, and whose memories form an indissoluble chain linking the early pioneer epoch with these days of prosperity and proud accomplishment as the glorious twentieth century swings into the cycle of the ages. The subject of this review, one of the prominent and influential farmers of Seneca county, and one whose reputation is unsullied by suspicion cf injustice or wrong, is a native son of the county, a representative of one of its pioneer families, and has here passed his entire life. It is well that records concerning such sterling citizens and pioneers be perpetuated on printed pages of this nature, and of the career of Mr. Reid we now offer a resume.

William L. Reid was born in Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 14th of January, 1838, the son of John T. and Eliza B. (Watson) Reid, who became the parents of four children, of whom three survive, - William L.; Margaret, who is the wife of Joseph Marquis, of Bloom tewnship; and Benjamin F. Reid, of California. John T. Reid was born in Maryland, January 1, 1807, and there he was reared and educated. His father, Archibald Reid, was a native of England, and married Catherine Talbert, of the old Maryland family of that name. In 1829, when a young man, John T. Reid came from his native state to Seneca county, in company with his uncle, John Valentine, and in 1831 he entered claim té a quarter section of heavily timbered government land in Bloom township, the place being now known as the old Shaffner farm. Here he built a small log cabin and proceeded to reclaim his land and place the same under cultivation. This he accomplished, and in 1856 he disposed of the property and purchased two hundred and forty acres of the farm now owned by his son. Here he developed a fine property, making good improvements as the years passed and here continuing to make his home until within a few years prior to his death, when he turned the farm over to our subject and thereafter lived in practical and well-deserved retirement in the village of Bloomville until his death, on March 12, 1888, at the age of eighty-one years. He was one of the influential men of the community, and served for several years as township trustee. In early life he was a Demeccrat in politics, later became a Republican, while finally he gave his allegiance to the Prohibition party, whose cause he continued to support and advocate until the close of his life. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, of which his wife also was a member. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, and died in 1897, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, revered by all who knew her. In an early day she came to Seneca county from Pennsylvania with her mother, who had married Hugh McClellan, and she passed the remainder of her life here, dying at the age of ninety-two years.

William L. Reid grew up on the pioneer farm, and his educational advantages were such as were afforded by a somewhat desultory attendance in the primitive log school-house in the vicinity of his home, since, when he was still a boy, he began to aid in the work of recfaiming and cultivating the old homestead. He was married in 1860 and with his bride continued to reside on the old home farm, operating the same on shares for several years. In the early '70s his father removed to Bloomville, and somewhat later our subject purchased the farm to which he has since added until he now has two hundred and seventy-seven acres of as fertile and productive land as is to be found in this section of the state, his operations being naturally upon a somewhat extensive scale, while the fine improvements and general air of thrift indicate the care bestowed by a discriminating and progressive owner. Mr. Reid has evér his life has been passed, and his eligibility for office of public trust and responsibility has been distinctively manifested, since he served fourteen years as trustee of Bloom township, doing much to conserve the best interests of the township and county. He gives a loyal and unswerving support to the Republican party and the principles for which it stands exponent, and fraternally is a member of Bloomville Lodge, No. 191, PL & ALM,

On the 25th of April, 1860, Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Martha Hershberger, who was born in Eden township, October 4, 1841, the daughter of Jonas and Martha (Mauck) Hershberger, early settlers of the county, whither they came from Frederick county, Maryland. Mrs. Reid passed away on the 25th of February, 1890, leaving two daughters, - Ellen, who is the wife of M. O. Bliss, of Bloomville, and who has one child living, Edson; and Eliza, who remains at the paternal home, and who was educated in Heidelberg University; she has taken considerable interest in art work, and has made quite a success as a chicken fancier and breeder. On the 19th of April, 1891, Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Anna Sankey, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Almira (Lysle) Sankey, and of this union four children have been born, - Walter Merlin, Edwin Mc- Kinley, Mabel Amethyst and Alice Lysle. .