Seneca Township (part 32 of 60)

Edward Wenner was the seventh in order of birth in his parents' family of ten children, all of whom reached mature years, although our subject is the only one now living. He spent his early boyhood days in his parents'. home and at the age of sixteen years began preparing to face the responsibilities of business life, by learning the tailor's trade, at which he served a four years' apprenticeship near Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he afterward worked for a year. In May, 1848, he came to Tiffin, where he followed his chosen calling for a time, after which he was employed as an expert cutter for many years. After working about nine years he opened a shop of his own and later added a stock of for five years, when he sold out and became cutter for a firm in Tiffin. He was employed in a similar capacity in Dayton for two years and in Bucyrus, Ohio, for ten years, and then returned to Tiffin, where he has since lived a retired life, enjoying a well earned rest afer many years active labor. Here he has an attractive home, and to some extent he deals in real estate, but is practically living retired.

Mr. Wenner was united in marriage to Miss Susan Thompson, a native of Ulster county, New York, and unto them were born three children: William E., who died at the age of nine years; Henry L., a practicing physician of Tiffin; and Ralph J., who died October 11, 1890, at the age of thirty years. He was a successful medical practitioner ot Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to his pleasant home in Tiffin Mr. \Venner owns a good farm a mile north of the city, which he rents, the place comprising seventy-four acres. He belongs to the Baptist church, as did also his cherished and devoted wife, both having been long recognized as earnest and consistent Christian people. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his hfe exemplifies its beneficent teachings. At the time of the Civil war he was drafted for the service but the medical examiners found that he was not qualified to meet the rigers and hardships cf war. In his political views he is a stanch Republican and is a loyal citizen. Although his life has been quietly passed in business pursuits, he has formed an extensive acquaintance and commands uniform regard by reason of his sterling worth. Mrs. Wenner passed away on the 20th of January, 1902, having been an invalid for several months, and her memory remains as a benediction tice. A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurred in Wilmot, on the 16th of May, 1865, his parents being George and Lydia (Fisher) \Mumaw. His father was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January 20, 1820, but when four years of age he was taken by his parents to Holmes county, Ohio, a location being made near the Stark county line, and there his parents died in later life. There, also, the father of our subject was reared, married and reared his children, and the county is still his home. He is now in his eighty-second year, and is feeble in health. He owns two hundred and fourteen acres of valuable and well improved land, a part of which is located in Holmes county and the remainder in Stark county. His political support is given to the Republican party, but although he has always been a public-spirited and progressive citizen he has never sought or desired the emoluments of public office. He is a member of the Mennonite church. The mother of our subject was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, about 1825, and she, too, is still living. Unto this worthy couple were born fourteen children, ten of whom are now living, namely: Jacob and John, twins, the former a farmer of Stark county and the latter of Geauga county; Henry, engaged in the marble business in Marshall, Michigan; Wesley, also a farmer of Geauga county; Albert; \W. S., the subject of this review; Sarah, the wife of Christian Lentz. of Baltic, Ohio; Hettie, the wife of Isaac Kilmer, of Geauga county; Enima, the wife of Emanuel Shelter, of Beach City, Ohio; and Maggie, at home.

\W. S. Mumaw spent the early years of his life in his parents' home, and in the common schools of his native locality he received his early educational advantages. At the age of twenty years he entered the school room as an instructor, and for three winter terms he followed that profession, but in 1888 he abandoned that occupation to engage in the drug business, becoming a registered pharmacist in Michigan. For the following six and a half years he conducted a drug business of his own in Detroit, and on the expiration of that period, in 1893, he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. H. Crawford, of that city.

In 1894 he entered the Detroit Medical College, in which he was eraduated in the spring of 1897, but he still continued the conduct of his drug business until the following year. Selling his store in Detroit, the Doctor then engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Bascom, Seneca county, Ohio, and in August, 1900, he took up his abode in the village of Kansas, where he is now located, and here he has built up a lucrative and constantly growing patronage. He is progressive in his methods, constantly reading and studying, and keeps in close touch with the spirit of the times.

The marriage of Dr. Mumaw was celebrated on the 25th of October, 1899. when Miss Margaret Gordon became his wife. She is a native of Detroit. One little son, George, has come to brighten and bless their home. In his social relations the Doctor is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 282, K. O. T. M., of which he is the examining physician, and he is also a member of the Kansas Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support is given the Republican party, but he is liberal in his views. He inspires personal friendships of unusual strength, and all who know him have the highest admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind.

James Hpl Att

For the high rank of her bench and bar Ohio has ever been distinguished, and it is gratifying to note that in no section of the commonwealth has the standard been lowered at any epoch in its history. To the subject of this review, who is senior member of the firm of Platt & Black, of Tiffin, Seneca county, we may refer with propriety and satisfaction as being one of the able and representative members of the legal profession in the state; and that he is a native son of Ohio lends somewhat to the significance of the prestige wlnch he has here attained.

Mr. Platt was born in Columbiana county, on the 22d of August, 1854, being the son of George Platt, who was born in England, where he was reared and educated; and where also he learned the miller's trade. When about twenty-one years of age, about the year 1849, he came to the United States, locating in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he followed his trade for a time, then continuing in the same line of vocation at Paris, Stark county; Oneida Mills, Carroll county; and Findlay, Hancock county, in which last mentioned place he died, being about thirtynine years of age. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and in politics gave his support to the Democratic party. George Platt was married after his emigration to America, being united to Miss Eva Faulk, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and who is still living, having attained the age of seventy-four years and maintaining her home in Findlay. She is a devoted member of the Lutheran church and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the Buckeye state. All of her eight children are living, the subject of this review having been the second in order of birth.

James H. Platt remained at the parental home until he had attained the age of thirteen years, when his father died; whereupon he came to Tiffin and entered the home of his uncle, Benjamin F. Myers, meanwhile continuing his studies in the public schools, where he prepared himsetf for matriculation in Heidelberg College, which he entered when sixteen years of age, completing the classical course and being graduated a a member of the class of 1875. Thereafter he taught one term of school in Summit county, while for the following three years he was engaged as a teacher in the public schools of Tiffin, being eminently successful in his pedagogic endeavors. In 1879 he here began reading law in the office of the firm of Noble & Lutes, and when a dissolution of the part-. nership occurred he continued his studies under the effective direction of Mr. Lutes, making such progress that he was duly admitted to the bar of the state in October, 1881. He at once entered upcn the practice of his profession, being associated with Harrison Noble until the early part of 1885, after which he conducted an individual practice until 1887, when he entered into the present professional alliance with Harry P. Black, with whom he has since been associated in the general practice of law, retaining a representative and important clientage and holding high prestige as a lawyer, thoroughly read in the science of jurisprudence,

In politics Mr. Platt has ever been known as a stalwart advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, in whose cause he has rendered effective service in Seneca county. He held the office of city solicitor of Tiffin for a period of eight years, was a member of the board of county school examiners for six years, a member of the city board of education for two years; and for a similar period was a member of the city board of school examiners, while at the present time he is a member of the board of regents of Heidelberg University and has been president of the executive committee of the board for a year past. He and his wife are prominent members of Grace Reformed church; and traternally Mr. Platt is a member of Tiffin Lodge, No. 80, Knights of Pythias. He maintains a lively interest in the questions and issues of the hour, is a thorough student and an earnest promoter of the cause popular education.

On the 21st of July, 1883, Mr. Platt was united in marriage to Miss Rosa M. Warner, of Tiffin, and they have two sons, Nevin E. and George R. Mrs. Platt, at the death of her father when she was a mere child, became a member of the family of Benjamin F. Myers, and was thus a playmate and companion of her husband for fifteen years previous

Roscoe L. Carle

Roscoe L. Carle is the eldest and only surviving son of the late Jonas H. Carle, a native of Maine, and Mrs. Priscilla F. (Egbert) Carle, a member of a well-known Seneca county family. Both families trace an unbroken lineage to Anglo-Saxons of the oth century, the Carles being yeomen of old England, and one of the Egberts being chief of the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy. Our subject was born in Geneva, Wisconsin, May 20, 1863, and has resided in Seneca county since childhood. He received his elementary education in the village school of

Green Spring and the district school of Clinton township. Later he continued his studies at Heidelberg Academy, in Tiffin; at the Ohio State University, in Columbus; and was graduated in 1890 at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, with the degree of Bachelor of Letters. Since graduation he has followed the editorial profession in his county. In April, 1901, he was nominated by the Democrats of Seneca county as their candidate for representative in the seventy-fifth general assembly, receiving fourteen hundred more votes than his opponent at the primary nominating election. In the general election, in the following November, he was elected, leading his ticket by two hundred votes. In the legislature, although a new member, he at once received recognition, and was placed on the important committees of taxation and common schools. and was chosen secretary of the committee on hospital for epileptics. He became conspicuous for the part taken by him in the caucus for United States senator, and for placing the Republican majority in an uncomfortable position on the question of popular elections of United States senators. In the issue of tax reform, retrenchment of public expenditure, investigation of state institutions, and the interests of agriculture and fabcr he took a leading and popular part.

A representative of one of the early families of Seneca county, Aaron Seitz was born in Bloom township, on the 12th of March, 1844. It was in 1825 that his father, Lewis Seitz, had come to this county, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers and sharing in all the difficulties and discouragements that beset those who make their way into an undeveloped region. The latter's father also bore the name of Lewis Seitz and was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, but about the. year 1800 he removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, establishing his home near Lancaster. A tract of two hundred and forty acres of land, which his children. A minister of the Baptist church, his life was devoted to that holy calling and his influence was of no restricted order, for he contributed largely to the moral development of the community in which he made his home. It was in Fairfield county that his son, Lewis Seitz, the father of our subject, was born, October 21, 1802. He, too, became a preacher of the Baptist denomination, but as he accepted no pecuniary remuneration for his services his livelihood was gained through the tilling of the soil, and in the little log cabin, in the midst of the forest, which was the home of the family in pioneer days, he lived for some time. In 1864, however, he removed to Wyandot county, but after a few' years returned to Bloom township, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1890. For sixty-six years he served as the pastor of the Baptist church at Honey Creek, and on the Democratic ticket he was elected to a number of township offices, while in ante-bellum days he was county treasurer for one term.

Lewis Seitz, Jr., married Barbara Kagy, who was a consistent Christian woman, identified with the Baptist church, and in that faith she died, at the age of forty-two years. In their family were fourteen children, twelve of whom reached years of maturity, and among this rumber was Aaron Seitz, of this review. The work of the home farm early became familiar to him, for as soon as he was old enough to handle a team he began to assist in the cultivation of the fields and also to haul logs to his father's mill. As he had opportunity he attended the district schools, thus acquiring his education.

In 1864 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Seitz and Miss Eliza Shock, a native of Bloom township and a daughter of Jacob and Lana (Shanour) Shock. The young couple began their domestic life upon rented land and for several years Mr. Seitz continued to operate farms which he leased, but in 1873 he took up his abode on the farm which he now owns and which he purchased in 1871, becoming the owner of eighty acres. Since that time his attention has been devoted to its development and improvement and it is now supplied with all modern equipments. About 1880 he purchased an additional tract of one hundred and six acres, so that his place now comprises one hundred and eignty-six acres. The greater part of it is under a high state of cultivation, and in 1891 he erected an attractive modern residence. The home has been blessed with four children, but Alvin J., the second, is now deceased. The others are Irvin L., Mattie May and Mertie Blanche. The last named was educated in the common schools and the Ada Normal University, at Ada, Ohio, and is now engaged in teaching in the district schools.

Mr. Seitz is a Democrat in his political affiliations, but takes no active part in politics as an office-seeker, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his farming and stock-raising interests. At the time of his marriage he possessed only two dollars and a half, and around this nucleus he has gathered a comfortable competence, which he richly deserves.

Beet Rgr Ein

Philip Griffin is now living a retired life in Republic. He has attained to the age of seventy-four years and his career has been so honorable and upright that he has won and ever enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellow men. His present home is far from his birthplace, for he was bern in Norfolk, England, on the 9th of April, 1828. In the common schools of that country he secured his education, and in 1851 he severed the ties that bound him to his native land, in order to establish his home in America, believing that he might have better business oppcrtunities in this country. Accordingly he took passage cn a sailing vessel, which, after a voyage of four weeks, dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. From the metropolis he made his way to Auburn, New York, and in that locality secured work as a farm hand. Later he spent a year and a half in following the carpenter's trade, and in 1854 he came to Republic, Ohio. Here he also was identified with building interests for about three years and he then secured employment in the carriage shop owned by Mr. Osborn, in whose service he remained for a few years, after which he was made manager of the car- riage shop owned by Squire Stickney. But the country became involved in civil war and he could not content himself to remain at home while his adopted country was endangered by the rebellious spirit of the south. In May, 1864, he offered his services, and became a corporal of Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which went to the south for one hundred days' service and was there engaged in the defense of the capital city.

On the expiration of his term of service Mr. Griffin returned to Republic and the following spring he removed to Reed township, where he carried on agriculture and worked at his trade for a year and a halt. On the expiration of that period he once more came to Republic and established a wagon and carriage shop, which he conducted for many years, meeting with signal success in his undertakings, and acquiring the capital which now enables him to live retired, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Indolence and idleness have ever been utterly foreign to his nature, and although he started out in life on his owa account empty-handed, he placed his dependence in the substantial qualities of perseverance and energy. These have served as an excellent foundation for his later success.

May 14, 1854, Mr. Griffin was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Sutphen, a native of New York, and they now have four living children: Annie, the wife of William Diidine, of Green Spring, Ohio: Alton C., who is conducting a meat market at Chicago Junction; Mildred, the wife of J. L. Newcomer, a farmer of Bloom township, Seneca county ; and Edson C., who is employed as a brakeman on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. They also lost four children, Emma S., William H., Clinton, and one who died in infancy. ;

In his political affiliations Mr. Griffin has been a stanch Republican since he became an American citizen, and has done everything in his power to promote the growth and success of his party. He has been honored with a number of local offices. He was trustee of Scipio township for three years and for seven consecutive years served as assessor. In 19co he was elected mayor of Republic and capably filled the office for eighteen months. his administration being progressive and practical, but on the expiration of that period he resigned. For more than twelve years he has been a member of the school board and for several years he has served as a member of the town council, and whether in office or out of it he has always labored earnestly and eifectively for the public welfare. Fraternally he is connected with Republic Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O. F., of which he is vice grand. He also belongs to Captain Robinson Post, G. A. R., in which he has served as commander. Upon the battle fields of the south he rendered his adopted country faithful allegiance, and among the native sons of America there is no more true or loyal citizen than Philip Griffin, who 1s greatly attached to his adopted country and her institutions. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to make his home in the United States, for here he has prospered, advancing to the plane of comfort and prosperity through determination and honorable effort.

Henry A. Koller, who has a wide acquaintance in Scipio township and is numbered among the progressive and intelligent farmers, was born in Wooster, Ohio, November 1, 1839. His father. Henry Koller, was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, born August 5, 1800. \When he arrived at years of maturity he married Elizabeth Smyser and removing to Wooster, Ohio, he there conducted a tavern on the stage read, continuing business at that place until 18143. when he renoved to Perryville, where he operated a grist mill and saw mill. After six years, however, he crossed the plains to California, attracted by the discovery of gold upon the Pacific coast. During the last eight hundred miles he made the journey alone, meeting John C. Fremont, who was traveling eastward with provisions for the immigrants. For seven days he had lived on herbs and roots, for his supply had become exhausted. He was told by Fremont to go to Sutter's mill or ranch, and there he then began prospecting, which he followed through the summer, and in the succeeding autumn he secured a position as superintendent of the United States Mining Company, acting in that capacity for several months. He then erected a sawmill on Yuba river, near Sutter's ranch, where he remained for two years. After his mill was in successful operation he admitted Isaac Brecker, of Shelby, Ohio, to a partnership in the business. In 1852 he returned to the east on a visit, but again went to California, when he sold his mills. During his absence, a man to whom he had given the power of attorney over his property succeeded in beating him out of seventy thousand dollars.

In the spring of 1853 Henry Koller, the father of our subject, took up his abode in Bloom township, Seneca county, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, which he owned and operated until 1866, when he sold that property and removed to Clinton township. On the expiration of that period he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the latter township, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred when he was eighty-six years of age. He was a very industrious and energetic man, and when he was seventysix years of age he cradled seven acres of oats in a single day. Huis wife passed away the year previous to her husband's demise. They were the parents of six children, four reaching maturity, namely: Sarah A., the widow of Philip H. Culler, of Scipio township; Caroline, who married Rev. J. Culler and who died in 1898; Mary C., the widow oi Samuel Koller, of Scipio township; and Henry «A., of this review.

Henry A. Koller was only thirteen years of age when he came to Seneca county. His education here was continued in the public schools and in Republic Academy, after which he became a student in Heidelberg College. - liberal education thus well fitted him for life's work. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and keeps wel! informed on questions and issues of the day. In 1861 he was united in marriage to Jennie E. Swigart, and they became the parents of two children: Lizzie M., the wife of J. W. Rollins, of Lima, Ohio; and Harry G., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who is employed as a traveling

Soon after his marriage Mr. Koller took up his abode in Bloom township, where he had a valuable tract of one hundred and seventytwo acres. Upon this he built a fine residence and substantial barn. In 1866 he purchased three hundred and ninety acres of land in Scipio township, and made his home thereon until 1874 when he removed to Tiffin, which continued to be his place of abode for two years. He then purchased a hotel in Muncie, Indiana, conducting it for four years, after which he took charge of the Oak Ridge Sanitarium at Green Spring, Ohio, which he superintended for four years. On the expiration of that period he went on the road as a commercial salesman, and three years later returned to Ohio. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Clinton township, besides other property. In his business affairs he has been very successful, capably controlling his interests and thereby winning creditable prosperity.

Mr. Koller has always been a loyal citizen, and at the time of the civil war he mamfested his patriotic spirit by responding to his country s call for troops, in 1864. He joined Company G, One Hundred Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and went to the front for one hundred days service, the regiment being assigned to the duty of defending Washington. Mr. Koller has always been a Republican in politics. \\Vherever he has resided he has been widely and favorably known as a nian who has true regard for his duties of citizenship and toward his fellow men.

Jacob Eppler

Back to stanch cold German stock does Jacob Eppler trace his lineage, and that in his character abide those sterling qualities which have ever marked the true type of the German nation, 1s manifest when we come to consider the more salient points in his life history, which has been marked by consecutive industry and invincible spirit, eventuating in his securing 'a high place in the confidence and respect of his fellow

Mr. Eppler was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 4th of March, 1827, being the son of Jacob and Christina (Bitzer) Eppler, of whose five children three now survive, namely: Mary, the wife of George Zink, of Lucas county, Ohio; Christina, the wife of John Stutz, of Williams county; and Jacob, the subject of this sketch. Jacob Eppler, Sr., was a farmer by vocation and passed his entire life in his native land, where his death occurred in 1850, his widow passing away three years later. The following spring (1854) our subject was married and immediately afterward he and his bride embarked for America, being accompanied by two sisters and one brother of our subject, said brother, John, having entered the service of the Union as a member of an Ohio volunteer regiment, in the war of 'the Rebellion, in which he sacrificed his life. They all settled in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Eppler secured employment in the iron and zinc mines, and he continued his residence in Pennsylvania until July, 1862, when he came to Fostoria, Ohio, where the first year was devoted to working in a brick-yard and a tannery. In the fall of 1863 he purchased a farm of forty acres in Hancock county, two miles southwest of Fostoria, and there gave his attention to the improvement and cultivation of the place for a period of six years, when he sold the property to one of his neighbors and purchased an eighty-acre farm i the same vicinity. Four years later he exchanged this for an adjoining farm of one hundred and twenty acres, where he maintained his home until! 1888, when he disposed of the same and bought his present fine homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, in Loudon township, three miles east of Fostoria, Seneca county, where he has since gained prestige as one of the progressive and successful farmers and stock-growers of the county, his farm being a model of neatness and thrift and having improvements of the best order, including a spacious and comfortable residence. He is one of the most prosperous citizens of the township, and the success which is his is all the more gratifying when the fact is taken into consideration that it has been attained entirely through his own well directed efforts. His integrity of purpose has never been worthy of the respect and confidence so freely accorded him. In politics Mr. Eppler exercises his franchise in support of the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church.

In March, 1854, Mr. Eppler was united in marriage to Miss Regina Bitzer, who accompanied him on his remioval to America and who died in Pennsylvania a few years later, in 1857. They became the parents of three children, of whom only one survives, - Joseph, Jr., who is associated with his father in the management of the homestead. In 1868 Mr. Eppler was again married, Miss Mary Dreitzler becoming his wite. and of this union four children were born, of whom three survive, namely: Emma, the wife of German Hartzog, of Williams county ; Lulu, the wite of William Cover, of Loudon township; and Charles, who 1s at the paternal! home. Mr. Eppler was again called upon to mourn the loss of a devoted companion and helpmeet in 1887, when his wife was summoned into eternal rest.

Wiletam D. Seemuth

Success does not depend so much upon the possession of talents or powers unusual to the majority of mankind, as upon the exercise of those qualities which are common to all. Hope is of the valley, while Effort is climbing the mountain side, so that personal advancement comes not to the one who hopes alone but to the one whose hope and faith are those of definite action. We may then hold in high regard the result of individual accomplishment and accord due credit and honor to tie nyan who has won success by worthy means, be his life one of majesty and power or noble application to the humbler but not less noble application. The subject of this review holds the responsible position of enginee: of the city water-works of Tiffin, and his life has been one of consecutive effort and integrity of purpose, while his advancement and success have come as a diametrical result, and to him has not been denied the fullest measure of confidence and esteem.

Mr. Seemuth is a native of Baden, Germany, where he was born cn the 7th of February, 1846, one of the four children of William and Frederica (Bender) Seemuth, both of stanch old German lineage. Of the children, two are living, - -William D., of this sketch; and John, who resides in Tiffin. The father of our subject was likewise a native of Baden, where he was reared and educated and where he learned the trade of stone mason. He came to the United States with his family in 1849, our subject being then a child of three years, and located in Tiffin, Ohio, where he continued to follow his trade until his death, in 1860, at the age of about thirty-four years. His widow subsequently became the wife of Mr. Myer, and they are still residents of Tiffin, no children having been born of their union.

William D. Seemuth was reared and educated in Tiffin where he attended the public schools, early learning to lend his aid in the support of the family. At the age of nineteen years he began an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, and after serving nine months he enlisted, -in 1864, as a blacksmith in a regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Cumberland. He continued in the service for ten months, when the war closed, and he then returned to Tiffin, and thereafter continued to work at his trade, as a journeyman, for a number of years, turning his attention to any other honest work that offered when not able to find employment at the trade. In 1878, when the work of installing the system of water-warks in Tiffin was inaugurated he secured employment on the construction force, and aiter the system was completed he was sent to Towanda, Pennsylvania, and later to Oswego, New York, where he assisted in the construction of water-works for the same company which put in the plant at Tiffin. In November, 1879, he returned to his home city and was here given charge of the street work for the same company, and he rendered effective service in this capacity for a period of ten years, at the expiration of which, in 1889, he was promoted to his present position as engineer of the works, this preferment being a fitting recognition of his capable and faithful service. He has sc lived as to gain and retain the good will of all with whom he has been thrown in contact, and is one of the popular citizens of the place where he has made his home for the greater portion of his life. In politics he gives his support to the Democratic party, keeping well informed in regard to the questions and issues of the day. In 1866 Mr. Seemuth was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ruch, who was born in Hopewell township, this county, daughter of John Ruch, who emigrated to the county from Pennsylvania in the early pioneer days, becoming one of the prominent farmers of the township mentioned. Mr. and Mis. Seemuth are devoted members of the Reformed church, and their two daughters married clergymen of that denomination, - Cora being the wife of Rev. W. H. Tusing, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania; and Anna the wife of Rev. Clement Alsbaugh, of Akron, Ohio.

Whatever else may be said cf the legal fraternity. it can not be denied that members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of the community. This is but the natural result of causes which are prima facic. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Among the able members of the bar cf Seneca county 1s Hon. John C. Royer, who has been called upon to serve in offices of distinguished trust and responsibility and who is at the present time representing Seneca county in the senate of the state. He is a worthy representative of one of the sterling pic neer families of the state and of the county in which he now lives, and of which he is a native son. Thus as a man, a lawyer and an official we may well find satisfaction in incorporating in this work a brief review of Senator Rover. junior member of the law firm of Bunn & Royer, of Tiffin.

original representative of the family in the Buckeye state. He was a native of Pennsylvania, where the original ancestors, presumed to be French Huguenots, had located in an early epoch. John Royer came from Pennsylvania to Wayne county, Ohio, in an early day, as is evident from the fact.that he came from that county to Seneca county in 1829, taking up a tract of wild government land in Thompson township, where he reclaimed a good farm, and there passed the residue of nis life, dying at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. His son Samuel was but four years of age when the family came to Seneca county, and here he was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm, securing such advantages as were to be had in the schools of the early days and continuing to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits in this county until his death, at the age of fifty-nine years. He was a man of sterling integrity and commanded unqualified esteem in the county where practically his entire life was passed, being a devoted member of the Reformed church and a man of able intellectual powers. He married Miss Mary Ann Bunn, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1833, being brought by her parents to Seneca county when a child of three years. She now makes her home with her son, John C., to whom this article is devoted. She is a zealous and active member of the Reformed church and her life has been one of kindliness and unselfishness, while to her is accorded the deepest filial solicitude by her children, who are eight in number. .

Senator Royer passed his boyhood days on the old homestead farm in Thompson township, and he attended the district schools until he had attained the age of eighteen years, when he was matriculated in Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, where he completed his literary course, being graduated as a member of the class of 1879. Thereafter he began the work of technically preparing himself for the practice of law, taking up his reading under effective preceptorship and being admitted to the bar of the state, by the supreme court, in 1881. He at once began the active practice of his profession in Tiffin, and such was his reinforcement through alert mental grasp and thorough preparation that his novitiate

J. C. Rickenbaugh and later with Judge Frederick Bunn, his uncle, and his present coadjutor, under whose direction he had prosecuted his studies. In November, 1887, Mr. Royer's active practice was interrupted by his election to the bench of the probate court of the county, and so capable and satisfactory was his administration that he was elected to succeed himself in 1890. After the expiration of his second term, im 1894, he again turned his attention to the active work of his profession, winning renewed and greater prestige and securing a representative clientage. He has. been an active and enthusiastic supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, and has done much to forward the same in this section of the state. In 1883 he was elected mayor of Tiffin, and his administration of municipal affairs was discriminating, wisely economical and yet progressive and based upon thorough business principles. The estimate placed upon his efforts in this connection was indicated by his re-election in 1885. His election to the senate of the state, as a representative of his native county, occurred in 1899, and in the upper house of the legislative body his record was such as to be gratifying to his constituents and to confer credit upon him and his county. He was assigned to many important committees during the first session, and has shown himself to be an active working member, doing all in his power to promote wise and effective legislation through the deliberative body of which he was thus made a member. He was chairman of the standing committee on sanitary laws and regulations, and a member of the judiciary committee and those on finance, corporations other than municipal, public works and public lands, insurance, universities and colleges, manufactures and commerce, fees and salaries, state buildings, state library and revision and enrollment. Mr. Royer was renominated by his party on the 5th of June, 1901, and was re-elected in November, 1901, without opposition from any party. He is a member of the following committees: Federal relations, fees and salaries, judiciary, library, insurance, public printing, railroads and telegraphs, privileges and electicns, sanitary Jaws and regulations, and revision of bills. He is one of twelve Democratic senators and was on the committee manships to the Democrats and in each case Senator Royer chose to honor his colleagues rather than to accept one for himself. His party leadership in the senate has come to him in just recognition of his abiiities as an able parliamentarian, forceful and logicai debater, resourceful and tactful legislator, and his affable and courteous demeanor crowns a genial and pleasing personality. Fraternally our subject is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, retaining membership in Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, of Tiffin. Senator Royer's personal popularity 1s fortified by his genial and gracious presence, his freedom from ostentation and a genuine objective appreciation of his character and ability.

On the 11th of April, 1883, Senator Royer was united in marriage to Miss Cora Baltzeil, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, the daughter of Thomas Baltzell, Sr., and she died on the 22d of June, 18809, leaving three daughters, namely: Helen, Mallie and Clara Lucile. Since the death of his wife the pleasant home of our subject has been presided over by his widowed mother and his sister, Nora T. Royer.

Robert Miller

As the honored president of the City National Bank, of Tiffin, and one of the representative business men of the Buckeye state, where he has long had to do with affairs of marked scope and importance in connection with industrial activities, it is incumbent that specific mention be made of Mr. Miller in a work of this nature, not alone by reason, of the prominent positicn which he maintains, but also with an ulterior view to the incentive which the record of his honorable and useful career may afford to those who in time may come to peruse these pages.

Mr. Miller comes of stanch old English stock and is himself a native of Cambridgeshire, England, where he was born on the 15th of April, 1835. He was but six years of age at the time when his father, William Miller, emigrated to America, locating in Medina, Ohio, where for twelve vears he was engaged in the tailoring business, having learned the trade in his native land. At the expiration of the period noted he removed to a new farm near Portage, in Wood county, the village of Mungen being later founded in the vicinity of his home. The subject of his review was nineteen years of age at the time when the family removed to the Wood county farm, and he assisted in the work of reclaiming and cultivating the land, where his father continued to reside for a period of about twenty-three years, when he removed to Kansas, where his youngest son had settled, and there he died at the age of seventy-four years. The mother of our subject died when he was eight years of age, her maiden name having been Elizabeth Turner, and thereafter the eldest daughter presided over the household. He was the fourth in a family of eight children, of whom six are still living, he being the only representative of the family in Seneca county. Three years after locating in Wood county he disposed of his interest in the old homestead to his brothers and was thereafter employed for some time by the month. In June, 1860, at the age of twenty-five years, he was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Mercer, who was born in Wood county, being the daughter of John Mercer, one of the influential citizens of that section. Prior to his marriage Mr. Miller had secured a tract of land in Wood county, a portion of the same being prairie, and for a time he devoted his attention to the improvement and cultivation of the same, the while making his home in the residence of his wife's parents. He finally took charge of the Mercer farm, as Mr. Mercer's advanced age led him to practically retire from active business. Mr. Miller had continued to buy additional land and had given special attention to the feeding and shipping of live stock, his energy ané discrimination being so directed as to make his success cumulative in order.

In May, 1894, Mr. Miller took up his residence in Tiffin, where he engaged in the banking business under the firm name of Miller & Son, his son, Thomas A., becoming cashier of the institution, which was capitalized for fifty thousand dollars. Later the capital stock was increased to one hundred thousand dollars and the institution was incorporated under the national banking laws, Mr. Miller becoming of this office. He has shown distinctive financial talent in directing the affairs of the City National Bank, which is one of the sound and conservative financial institutions of the state, transacting a general banking business and also maintaining a department for savings. "he directors are all Seneca county men and are known as substantial and honored citizens, the directorate including at the present time, in addition to the president, the following named gentlemen: Charles Seitz, Lewis Sells, Shelby Myers, George Shroff and Grattan Baker. Mr. Miller has other important capitalistic interests, owning one thousand acres of land in the oil district of the state and having received handsome dividends from the operations on the same, which have now been conducted for nearly five years. In politics Mr. Miller has even given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and while he served for seven years as trustee of Portage township, \Wood county, he has had no predilection for official preferment and has otherwise refused public office. During his entire mature life he has held membership in the Church of Christ, in whose cause he has maintained a lively interest. The beautiful family home, in Melmore street, is one of the most attractive in the city, having spacious and finely ornamented grounds, while the residence is large and of modern and effective architectural design.

Mrs. Miller has been particularly generous in the support of the Church of Christ, taking an active part in its work and contributing to the same with exceptional liberality. She early took a deep concern in the welfare of the church in Tiffin, and:it was almost entirely through her financial aid that the present beautiful church edifice was erected. Her father had founded, and to a large extent maintained, a church of this denomination in Wood county, and she felt that she could not make a more grateful use of the proceeds of his estate than to devote the same to the enlargement and sustenance of church work. The church in Tiffin was erected at a cost of twenty-eight thousand dollars, and this amount was almost wholly contributed by Mrs. Miller, from her father's estate, while her annual contribution to the church has been one thousand dotlars, so that her devotion can not be doubted, while her benefactions have gained to her the grateful recognition of the local organization, as well as the church at large. She still continues to take an active part in all divisions of the church work, the support of its collateral benevolences, etc., and is prominent in the social life of her home city, the home being a center of refined hospitality.

In conclusion we enter a brief record concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Thomas Abram is associated with his father in banking, farming and the oil business, and is at present cashier of the City National Bank; Mattie is the wife of William Cook, assistant cashier in the Western State Bank, in the city of Chicago; Pearl is the wife of Dallas Osborn, who is engaged in the ranching business at Las Vegas, New Mexico; Daniel, who died at the age of twenty-nine vears, operated for a time the stave factory at Mermill, Wood county, the village having been named in honor of Messrs. Mercer and Miller, who made the principal improvements at the founding of the village, and later he was associated with his father in the oil business until his death, which was a grievous blow to his devoted parents, as he was a young man of noble character, commanding unqualified respect and confidence.

Jacob Prederick Bunn

It is not an easy task to adequately describe the character of a man who has led an eminently active and busy life in connection with the great profession of the law and who has stamped his individuality on the plane of definite accomplishment in one of the most exacting fields of human endeavor; and yet there is always a full measure of satisfaction in adverting, in even a casual way, to the career of an able and conscientious lawyer. Mr. Bunn merits consideration for what he has accomplished as a member of the bar of his native-state and his native county, and also for the inflexible integrity which has characterized him as a man among men. Judge Bunn is recognized as a man of high intellectual gifts and of thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the science cf result of his own efforts and abilities. He is the senior member of the firm of Bunn & Royer, attorneys and counselors at law in the city of Tiffin, and formerly presided as judge of the probate court of this, his native county.

Jacob Frederick Bunn was born on the old homestead farm, in Thompson township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 6th of June, 1847, and is a representative of one of the early pioneer families of this section of the state. His father, Jacob Bunn, was born in the state of Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated, growing up on a farm. There kis marriage occurred, and in 1833 he came with his wife to the primitive wilds of Seneca county, purchasing a tract of land in the oak openings of Thompson township, where he reclaimed a good farm, upon which he passed the greater portion of his remaining days, having lived retired in Bellevue during the last decade of his life. He passed away at the age of seventy-six vears. He was a Democrat in his political proclivities, and his religious faith was that of the Reformed church. He held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years and also served as captain of a company of state militia in the early days. He was a son of John Bunn, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1767, and who came to Seneca county, Ohio, the same year as did his son. He settled in Thompson township and there remained until his death, at the venerable age of eighty years. The family is of English extraction, the original American ancestors having come here in the early colonia) epoch, while the name finally became prominent in the annals of Pennsylvania. The mother of Judge Bunn was likewise born in Pennsylvania, her maiden name having been Elizabeth Leiter and the family being of Holland Dutch derivation. She accompanied her husband on his removal to Seneca county, and here her death occurred, in 1886, at the age of seventy-eight years. She likewise was a devoted member of the Reformed church and was a woman of noble Christian grace and character.

the public schools. When about nineteen years of age, ambitious for further educational privileges, he entered Heidelberg College, in Tiffin, where he completed a full course of study, being graduated as a member of the class of 1870. To a man of such individuality and tenacity of purpose it was natural that definite plans for the future should be formulated, and thus, after leaving college, we find Judge Bunn continuing the study of law, his reading having been carried on during vacations, while he was still a student in the college. His preceptor was Judge George E. Seney, to whom individual reference is made elsewhere in this work; and such has been his devotion to his technical study that he secured admission to the bar of the state in 1871. In the spring of that year he located in the city of Akron, where he was engaged in practice for a period of two years, at the expiration of which he returned to Tiffin, where he built up a very satisfactory professional business, giving the same his undivided attention until 1878. He was elected to the bench of the probate court of Seneca county, in that year, being re-elected in 1881 and thus serving for six years in this important office, to whose duties he brought the best of equipment, - mature judgment, a broad and exact knowledge of the law and the highest regard for justice and equity. After his retirement from the bench, Judge Bunn resumed the active practice of his profession, becoming at the same time associated with Hon. John C. Royer, who continued his coadjutor until his election to the same office which had previously been held by his associate. After the expiration of his service the association was resumed and the partnership continues to the _ present time. In his political adherency Judge Bunn has ever been stanchly arrayed in support of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, but he has never been an office-seeker. He was a member of the board of education for six years, and was clerk of the same for a portion of this time. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. The Judge is signally appreciative of good literature in all lines, and is thoroughly well read in fields outside that of his profession, upon which latter, in fact, all branches of human

On the toth of October, 1873, Judge Bunn was united in marriage to Miss Laura Groff, who was born in Tiffin, the daughter of Hezekiah Groff, and whose death occurred on the 12th of July, 1880.

William Henry Wade

The-Wade family is one of the oldest in Seneca county, and through many long years has been noted for the sterling traits that are so characteristic of the subject of this sketch, constituting him a fitting representative of the name. He was born in Loudon township, this county, on the 29th of October, 1852, a son of George W. and Catherine (Richard) Wade. His grandfather, Abner Wade, was one of the early pioneers of Seneca county, and here the father of our subject was born about 1829. After attaining to years of maturity he located on a farm in Loudon township, and some years later opened a hotel in Bascom, which he conducted for two years, while for a short time thereafter he was engaged in the grocery business in that village. Removing thence to Fostoria, he was there engaged in the same line of occupation until his life's labors were ended, in 1892, when he had reached the sixtythird milestone on the journey of life. In his political views he was a Republican. Of the six children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Wade five are now living, namely: Catherine, the widow of Anson Malloy and 2 resident of Toledo; Oscar, a prominent farmer of Loudon township; Lewis, who makes his home in Fostoria; George W., also of Seneca county; and William H., the subject of this review.

William H. Wade has been an agriculturist from his youth up, and has made a success of his enterprise in this line. After his marriage he located on a farm in Loudon township, two miles west of Bascom, and as the years passed by and prosperity attended his efforts he added to that property until he became the owner of seventy acres of well improved land. He subsequently sold his possessions in that township and purchased the land which he now occupies, located three miles west of Tiffin and consisting of ninety-five acres of valuable and well improved land, constituting one of the finest farms in the township. He has ever taken an active and commendable interest in the public affairs of his locality, and on the Republican ticket he was elected to the positions of treasurer and trustee of his township.

On the 24th of December, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. Wade and Miss Elizabeth Haverstick. Her father, John Haverstick, is one of the prominerit farmers of Hopewell township, Seneca county. Three children have been born untu this union, - -Ira, who is employed in the Morcher drug store, in Tiffin; and John and Clair. Mr. Wade is a member of the United Brethren church. Both he and his wife have hosts of friends and well-wishers in this neighborhood, and with one accord they speak in the highest terms of the Wade household.

Ephraim Norris

One of the native sons of Seneca county who have been identified with its industrial life from the early pioneer epoch until the present is Mr. Norris, whose father located here more than seventy years ago and who is now numbered among the prosperous farmers of this section of the state. He resided in Illinois about five years, and with that exception his entire life has been passed in his native county.

Mr. Norris was born on the old homestead farm in Scipio township, Seneca county, on the 16th of December, 1833, the son of Lot and Lorena (Todd) Norris. His father was born in Frederick county, Maryland, whence he emigrated to Ohio in 1830, Iccating in Scipio township, Seneca county, where he was shortly afterward married. He established his home on a tract of ninety acres of wild land, upon which he erected a log house and here he devoted his attention to the reclaiming of the land from the virgin forest and placing the same under cul- tivation. He developed a good farm of one hundred and ninety-one acres, and here continued to reside for more than a quarter of a century, his death occurring in the city of Tiffin in 1868, at the age of sixty-two years, his devoted wife having passed away in 1858. They became the parents of four sons and four daughters, of whom six are living at the present time. ' .

Ephraim Norris, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead farm, early beginning to assist in the work of development and cultivation and securing such educational advantages as were afforded in the common schools of the place and period. He remained at the parental home until he had attained the age of twentyfour, after which he was employed on a farm in this county during one summer. He then removed to the state of Illinois, renting a farm in Mason county, where he maintained his home for five years. He then came again to his native county, and here, on the 21st of December, 1865, occurred his marriage to Miss Sarah Long, who was born in the state of New York, being the daughter of Anthony and Catherine Long. Her father was a carpenter by trade and was numbered among the pioneers of Seneca county.

Shortly after his marriage Mr. Norris located on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, in Adams township, the same being an integral portion of his present landed estate, comprising two hundred and forty acres of as fine land as is to be found in this favored section of the Buckeye state. Under his careful and progressive management he has reclaimed and improved the place, upon which he has erected a commodious and attractive modern residence and other excellent buildings, and he here gives his attention to diversified farming and also to the raising of horses, cattle and sheep, his success in each department of his business having been pronounced and gratifying. In politics he supports the Republican party, and both he and his wife are zealous members of the Brick Chapel, of the United Brethren church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Norris five children were born, and of this number three survive, namely: Elnora, who is the wife of Edward Grover, a farmer of Scipio township; and Olive and Lily, who remain at the parental home. The family occupy a place of prominence in connection with the social life of the community, and our subject is regarded as one of the public-spirited and progressive citizens of the county.

The medical profession in Seneca county has an able representative in the subject of this review, who is not only a scion of one of the pioneer families of the Buckeye state, but follows the same noble profession to which his now venerable father has given his attention, gaining prestige as one of the representative pioneer physicians of the state. The subject of this review maintains his home in the attractive little city of Bloomville and controls a large practice throughout that section of the county, where he is held in the highest esteem as a physician and a citizen.

Henry H. Brundage is a native of Delaware county, Ohio, where ne was born on the 5th of November, 1859, being one of the seven children of Dr. Israel and Mary J. (Duckworth) Brundage. The children all are living at the present time, and of them we enter brief record, as follows: Mary is the wife of Sebastian Alspach, of Van Wert county; Charles is likewise a resident of that county; Henry H. is the subject of this review ; Etta is the wife of Samuel Hill, of Johnstown, Ohio; Nora is the wife of B. A. Roloson, an attorney of Lima, this state; Dora is the wife of William Miller, of Van Wert county; and Norman is a physician of Delphos, Ohio.

Dr. Israel Brundage was born in Delaware county, where he was reared to maturity, securing his early educational training in the public schools and later entering the old Cincinnati Medical College, where he was duly graduated. Shortly after his graduation, with the coveted degree of M. D., he located in Sunbury, Union county, where he remained for a brief interval and then located in Delphos. Van Wert past forty years. holding the esteem and affection of the community where he has so long ministered to those in affliction. His wife was likewise born in Delaware county and is still living, so that it is pleasing to note that death has never invaded the immediate family circle.

Dr. Henry H. Brundage, the immediate subject of this review, received his early educational training in the public schools of Van Wert county, and in 1881 he began the study of medicine under the careful and effective direction of his father, thus continuing for some time and becoming well grounded in the various branches of medical and surgical science. In 1887 he was matriculated as a student in Fort Wayne Medical College, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1892, his brother Norman having been a graduate of the same class. After leaving college the two brothers located in the city of Delphos and there became associated in the practice of their profession, building up an excellent business. In 1895 our subject took a postgraduate course of study in the Chicago Medical College, and in the spring of the following year he removed to his present location, in Bloomyille, Seneca county, where he has since continued his professional work, securing a representative support and controlling a fine practice, as has already been stated. His technical ability is fortified by that deep sympathy which adds so greatly to the success of a physician, and his personality is such as to make his presence in the sick room invigorating in itself. The Doctor has won warm and abiding friendships in the community and is an acquisition to the fraternity in the county. He isa member of the Seneca County Medical Society, and through this medium keeps in touch with his confreres, as does he also through reading the best medical literature of the day, ever aiming to be abreast of the advances made in the profession to whose humane work he is devoting his life. In politics the Doctor is a stanch supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, being a member of the council of Bloomville at the present time, while fraternally he is identified with Pericles Lodge, No. 192. Knights of Pythias, of Bloomville.

Ohio, the daughter of Christ Emshoff, who is now a prominent merchant tailor of Frankfort, Indiana. Dr. and Mrs. Brundage have one child, Lulu. Both the Doctor and his wife are leaders in literary work, particularly in the Bloomville Literary Society, which has done much to shape the literary tone of the community. This society was organized three years since, the Doctor being the prime instigator. Its public sessions, held each year, have afforded a wholesome recreation and entertainment to the citizens, and its income is devoted to the sustaining and

As one of the native sons of Seneca county and as an able young representative of the medical profession in this section of the state, we are pleased to incorporate a review of the life of Dr. Smith, who is a member of one of the county's pioneer families and is held in the highest esteem as a man and a physician, being now established in the practice of his profession in the attractive little city of Bloomville.

Dr. Smith was born on the parental homestead, in Venice township, this county, on the 29th of August, 1871, being the son of Samuel and Margaret (Miller) Smith, who became the parents of eight children, of whom seven survive, namely: Sarah, the wife of E. S. McKibben, of Humboldt, Tennessee; Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob P. Myers, of Attica, this county; Samuel B., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, who is a resident of Attica; Margaret B., the wife of Harry Leppard, of Bucyrus, hio; and Anna and William, who remain with their mother, on the olc homestead farm. The father of the Doctor was born in Londonderry, Ireland, whence he came with his uncle, Samuel Smith, to America when a lad of five years. His uncle first located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they remained seven years, at the expiration of which they came to Seneca county, Ohio, and located on a farm of eighty-six uncle purchased forty acres adjoining his farm, thus making its total area one hundred and twenty-six acres, and there the father of our subject was reared, assisting in the work of the farm and securing such educational advantages as were afforded in the district schools. After his marriage he continued om the homestead, which came into his possession upon the death of his uncle. There he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on the 11th of March, 1895, at which time he had attained the age of fifty-three years. He was a man of the highest integrity, was successful in his farming operation and was one of the influential citizens of the community. Though he accorded a stanch suppert to the Democratic party, he never sought the honors or emoluments of public office, but such was his interest in educational affairs that he consented to accept the position of school director, in which he rendered effective service for a number of years. He was a member of the Reformed church, as is also his widow, who was born in Ontaric, Canada, the daughter of Joseph Miller, a pioneer of Seneca county.

Samuel B. Smith passed his boyhood days on the old homestead and his early educational training was received in the public schools, being supplemented by courses of study in the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada, and the academy in Fostoria. When twenty-one years of age the Doctor placed himself on the list of pedagogues and was for four years engaged in teaching in the district schools of his native county, proving popular and successful in this profession. In 1896 he was matriculated in the medical department of the Ohio State University, at Columbus, where he was graduated on the 24th of April, 1900, having devoted his vacations to study and practical work in the office of Dr. C. A. Force, one of the leading physicians of Attica. Soon after his graduation the Doctor opened an office in Bucyrus, where he was engaged in the work of his profession until April, 1901, when he located in Bloomville, where he has dlready attained prestige in his profession and is rapidly building up a representative practice, his unmistakable ability and his genial personality insuring a cumulative success principles and policies of the Democratic party, and his religious views are indicated by his membership in the Reformed church, of which his wife likewise is a zealous adherent. Fraternally he is identified with the time-honored order of Freemasonry, being a member of Bloomville Lodge. |

. On the 23d of July, 1896, Dr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Buchman, who was born in Crawford county, the daughter of Jacob Buchman, now a prominent citizen of Carrothers, Seneca county. The Doctor and Mrs. Smith take an active part in the social

Tsaac Gault

As long as history endures will the American nation acknowledge its indebtedness to the heroes who, between 1861 and 1865, fought for the preservation cf the Union and the honor of the starry banner which has never been trailed in the dust of defeat in a single polemic conflict in which the country has been engaged. Among those whose military records, as valiant soldiers of the war of the Rebellion, reflect lasting honor upon them and their descendants, is the subject of this sketch, who is now living a retired life in the pleasant little city of Bloomville and who is known as one of the sterling citizens of Seneca county, where he was for many years successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits.

Mr. Gault is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born in Wayne county, Ohio, on the 17th of September, 1842, the son of Moses and Rachel (Borders) Gault, both of whom were born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where the respective families were established in pioneer days. The father of our subject was reared on the old homestead farm in his native county and upon attaining maturity he was there married and there continued in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, his first three children having been born in that county. He removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where he remained until vocation of a farmer until his death, in 1878, at the age of seventyone years. He was a man of noble character and excellent mental gifts, and for thirty-five years he did a zealous and effective work in the uplifting of his fellow men, being a local preacher in the Church of God, in whose service he continued active until his life's labors were ended. He was a stanch Democrat in his political proclivities, and for a period of about nine years he held the office of township treasurer in Hancock county, his tenure of the office being terminated only by his refusal to continue longer in the same. His cherished and devoted wife preceded him into eternal rest, her death occurring in 1861, at the age of fifty-six years. Of their ten children five are yet living, namely: Mary, the wife of Elsha Todd, of McComb, Hancock county; Susan, the wife of John Briggs, of Ionia county, Michigan; Lydia, the wife of Frederick Myers, of McComb, Ohio; Daniel, a resident of Bowling Green, tiis state; and Isaac, the subject of this review. Those deceased are Richard, Jacob, Moses, William and Eliza.

Isaac Gault was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and was surrounded by the beneficent associations of a refined Christian home, while his early educational discipline was received in the public schools. He continued at the old homestead until called upon to respond to the caller of a higher duty, when the integrity of the nation was threatened by armed rebellion. The parents of our subject gave four of their sons to battle in detense of the Union, - William, who was a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Moses, who went to the front as a member of the Ninth Iowa Infantry, known as the Greyhounds, was wounded at Vicksburg and died from the effects of his injuries, being buried in Louisiana; Richard, who was a member of the Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, was captured and held prisoner in the notorious pen at Andersonville for a period of eighteen months; and Isaac, our subject, of whose military service further mention will be made. Three brothers-in-law of our subject were also soldiers in the Civil war, - Elisha and William Todd and John Briggs, - so that the family certainly contributed its quota to the defense of the old flag in

Isaac Gault enlisted in Company L, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, in July, 1862, and with his command took part in a namnbes One memorable engagements of the war. His first active service was ue skirmish at Cynthiana, Kentucky, and thereafter he participated in engagements at Point Burnside, that state; Lookout Mountain; the ea of Knoxville, where the regiment became a part of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and thence proceeded to Atlanta, taking part in the siege and battle at that point; thence back to Knoxville; then to Bull's Gap and on to Raleigh. North Carolina, and Salisbury, and forward toward the Confederate capital, the command being within one hundred and fifty miles of Richmond at the time of Lee's surrender. Mr. Gault returned with his command to Tennessee, where he received his honorable discharge, and then came on to Camp Chase, at Columbus. Ohio, where he was mustered out, in August, 1865. Mr. Gault was wounded in a skirmish on Tillico plains, Tennessee, and on the 29th of October, 1862, he was badly injured in a railroad wreck, in Kentucky. being incapacitated for service for several months. After his discharge Mr. Gault returned heme, and on the day following his arrival was attacked with neuralgia of the bowels, from which he suffered intensely, having been unable to lie in bed for a period of sixteen weeks. After regaining his strength he again turned his attention to farming. and in 1868 he located on a farm of eighty acres in Pleasant township, Hancock county, where he was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and stockgrowing until 1881, when he took up his residence in Bloomyille, where he has ever since made his home, being practically retired from active business life, with the exception of two years, during which time he conducted a meat market in Fostoria; in 1892-3. In politics he gives a stalwart support to the Democratic party and the principles for which it stands sponsor, and fraternally he retains a vital interest in his old comrades in arms and is prominently identified with W. T. Brown Post, No. 191. G. A. R., of which he was for several years senior vice-commander, while in December, 1901, he was elected to the office of commander of his post, this preferment being a signal indication of his popularity in the organization. While not a member of any church organ- ization, he has the highest regard for the religious and spiritual work accomplished by the various denominations, and he and his wife are ever ready to support the cause and to aid in charitable work of collateral nature. Our subject is held in the highest esteem in the community, and the pleasant home is one in which a gracious hospitality is extended toa wide circle of friends.

On the 24th of October, 1867, Mr. Gault was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Shoop, who was born in McComb, Hancock county, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel Shoop, who was one of the successful and influential farmers of that county, and of this union two children have been born. - Charles L., who died in childhood; and Mary Lenora, who is the wife of R. J. Free, of Toledo, Ohio.

Nathan Rine

\Ve now take under review the career of one of the sterling pioneer citizens of Seneca county, where he has practically passed his entire life and where he has ever commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem. The name which he bears has been prominently identified with the annals of the county since the early days when the work of reclaiming the sylvan wilds of this section of the state was inaugurated, and here he is now known as one of the large land-holders and successful farmers of the county. He rendered valiant service to the Union cause during the war of the Rebellion, enduring the privations and sufferings of the southern prison pens, and during his etire life has manifested the same loyalty of spirit that led him to follow the old flag on many a battle-field. Thus it may be seen that he is peculiarly worthy of representation in a work of this character, his character, services and long residence in the county making him thus eligible.

Mr. Rine is a native of Adams township, this county, having been born on the pioneer farm of his father, on Wolf creek, four miles west ot the present city of Tiffin, on the 18th of April, 1831. His father,

Jacob Rine, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 17th of April, 1796, being the son of Jacob, Sr., who was a soldier in a Pennsylvania regiment during the war of the Revolution. This hero of the war of independence came from the old Keystone state to Seneca county, Ohio, after his son and namesake had located here, and the former purchased a tract of eighty acres in Adams township, where he passed the greater portion of his remaining life, having been in Indiana for a few years. He died in his ninety-Afth year, honored as one of the patriarchs of the community. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Elizabeth Drake, and she was born in Pennsylvania. By her marriage to Jacob Rine she became the mother of nine children, namely: Margaret. who became the wife of Peter Weaver and who is now deceased; Abraham, Joel and John, who died in youth; Elizabeth, also deceased; Nathan, the subject of this sketch; Mary, the wife of Monro J. Kistler, of Adams township; Fletcher, a resident of Sandusky county; and Alvin, a resident of Missouri.

Jacob Rine, father of our subject, was reared in Pennsylvania, where he learned the tailor's trade in his youth, never following the sare after coming to Ohio. He emigrated to the wilds of Seneca county in the early "20s and purchased eighty acres of government land in Adams township, where he remained a few years. In 1833 he removed to Wood county, where he purchased and improved a farm and where he maintained his home until the death of his wife, in 1840. He then came again to Adams township, and here he eventually consummated a second marriage, Mary A. Steele becoming his wife. She died about two years later and his third marriage was to Miss Catherine Dunn, who survived him several years, his death occurring at the age of sixty years. It may be consistently noted in the connection that his brother Abraham, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1800, came on foot from that state to Seneca county, Ohio, in the early days, here entering claim to forty acres of government land, then returning on foot to his old home. whence he was accompanied by his brother Jacob on his final return to Ohio. Both secured land in Adams township, and here Abraham Rine in this township the greater portion of the time thereafter until his death, in 1884. He was one of the influential men of the community, was successful in his efforts and was recognized for his intellectuality and sierling character. He served for many years as justice of the peace and was incumbent of other local offices, while he was a devoted member of the United Brethren church.

Nathan Rine, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born and reared on the farm, and was early called upon to assume individual responsibilities, since he began to work for a recompense of board and clothes when but eleven years of age, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in a somewhat desultory attendance in the pioneer schools. He continued to work by the month, on various farms, until he had attained the age of twenty years, when he began an apprenticeship at the cooper trade, to which he devoted his attention for five years. Thereafter he farmed on rented land for many years, in Adams township. Finally, in 1877, he purchased his present homestead, of one hundred and fifty-seven acres, where he has since continued to reside, while he has added to his holdings until he now has a fine landed estate of three hundred and ninety-seven acres, well improved and devoted to general farming and stock-raising.

At this juncture we will advert to the military career of Mr. Rine, the same entitling him to perpetual honor. In May, 1863, he enlisted as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio Voluneer Infantry, for a term of three years or until the close of the war. He proceeded to the front with his regiment, his first engagement being in the vicinity of Petersburg. At Monocacy he was taken prisoner and was thence transferred to Lynchburg, where he was incarcerated about forty days, thereafter being held in the prison at Danville for several weeks and finally taken to that notorious pen, Libby prison, in the Confederate capital, the city of Richmond, being there confined for another forty days, enduring the hardships which made the place odiously historic. While at Danville he was kept on a diet of one-half pound of corn meal a day for a period of forty-four days. After languishing in Libby prison for the time noted his exchange was finally effected, his incarceration having been about ten months in duration, and he then went to Baltimore, whence he was sent to Camp Chase. Ohio, where he was granted a ninety-days furlough, which he passed at home, then returning to Camp Chase, where he remained until the elose of the war, receiving his honorable discharge. He is prominent and popular member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being identified with Potter Post, at Green Spring.

On the 21st of December, 1854, Mr. Rine was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Weiker, who was born in Pennsylvania, and of this union nine children have been born: Monroe J., a resident of Brownstown, Illinois; John D., of the same place; Fletcher A., a farmer of Green Spring tow seh: Frank J;, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Nancy). wife of John Eiry, of Green Spring; Isaac E., a farmer of Adams township; Clara and William, who remain at the parental home; and Minnie, who is deceased.

In his political adherency Mr. Rine is stanchly arrayed in support of the Democratic party and its principles, and his religious faith is that of the Christian Union church, of which Mrs. Rine also is a member, both being devoted and active workers in the church in Adams township. He has served for many years as a member of its board of trustees. and for several vears past has also been an elder in the church.

Uriah Huber

One of the well-known citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, who since 1877 has been engaged in business in McCutchenville, is Uriah Huber, the large operator of the milling business, in its various branches, in this vicinity.

The birth of Mr. Huber occurred in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, not far from the city of Philadelphia, on October 6, 1840. He was but five years of age when he lost his parents, and he then became a member of the family of John Glick. In 1847 Mr. Glick decided to move with his family and belongings to Seneca county, Ohio, employing a number of teams in the transportation of his goods and chattels. The lad made. himself useful to Mr. Glick and remained in his family until he was eighteen years of age. His educational opportunities were limited to an irregular attendance, during a few winter sessions, in the schools of Clinton township, where Mr. Glick had located.

However, at the age of eighteen Mr. Huber began life independent of any family connection, working for various farmers as his services were needed, but later he entered upon an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, continuing in the shops until he was capable of doing all that would bé expected of a skilled carpenter and joiner. He was working at his trade, in South Bend, Indiana, in 1861, at the outbreak of the civil war. With other lovai voung spirits, he enlisted for service in the army, in May, 1861, entering Company I, Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and although his first enlistment was for but three months, it brought him many new and painful experiences. He participated in the battles of Phillippi, Laurel Hill and Cheat River, and at the last mentioned place was wotnded in his wrist, a minie ball passing through his right arm at this point. Soon after this disaster he was mustered out and he returned to South Bend. He remained there until the following July, when he came back to Seneca county, and while here, on August 11, 1862. he re-enlisted, entering at this time Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, this term being for three years, his rank in the company being that of sergeant.

History tells of the heroism of the men who passed through the fiery ordeals of the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain, and our subject with his regiment participated in all these, with marked gallantry. He also took part in the Atlanta campaign and it was in front of that city, August 23, 1864, that his greatest disaster came upon him, as he was then and there taken prisoner, while in holes on picket line, the army of General Thomas falling back without taking the pickets in, and he was forced to spend seven days within the walls of Libby prison, of odious memory. Still worse fate followed, as he was sent to the prison pen at Andersonville, where he endured its horrors for three months. With other brave unfortunates he was then transferred to Savannah, thence to Charleston and then to Florence, South Carolina, where he was imprisoned at the time of Lee's surrender, being liberated after eight and one-half months of confinement. At this distance of time, Mr. Huber can recall with amusement what was then two hazardous escapades, - his escape from the prison camp at Florence on two occasions, before the building of the stockade. His first trip brought him into contact with a bushel of sweet potatoes and two pumpkins, these probably being more palatable than all the feasts to which he has since sat down. When he was released at the close of the war he returned to Tiffin, although but a shadow of the virile, robust and gallant soldier of one hundred and sixty-five pounds who so bravely marched away. Faded, haggard and sick, he weighed but ninety-seven pounds.

Mr. Huber had a strong constitution, however, and soon recovered his health to such a degree that he could resume work at his trade, but later returned to farming and continued in that line of industry until 1876. In the following year he came to McCutchenville and embarked in the large enterprises to which he has given his attention ever since. Here he operates a vinegar factory, a cider mill, a molasses mill, a feed mill, and also a sawmill, - all combined in one establishment. The business is one of importance in this vicinity and one that is very successfully conducted. Mr. Huber has proven that he may justly be considered a good business man as well as a valorous soldier. He started with a sawmill and assumed an indebtedness of thirteen hundred dollars. In 1895 his plant, which was worth about seven thousand dollars, was burned, with total loss, as he did not secure the three thousand dollars of insurance carried. On rebuilding his plant, valued at five thousand six hundred dollars, he was still three thousand three hundred dollars in debt, and this has ali been cleared off and handsome progress has been made in other directions.

In 1867 Mr. Huber was married to Miss Annie R. Six, and one daughter, E. Lizzie, wife of L. J. Moshinger, was born to this union. In his political belief Mr. Huber has long been identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a valued member of Seneca Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Tiffin. All that he has accumulated, together with the success and prominence he has attained, has been the result of his own endeavors.

Few residents of Venice township, Seneca county, are better known or more genuinely esteemed than Abraham W. Hull, who was born on the farm on which he now lives and has spent his entire life. His birth occurred On the 3d of October, 1853, his parents being Michael and Barbara (Free) Hull. The father was a native of the Keystone state, his birth there occurring in 1807, and there he was reared to mature years. In 1835, however, he left his Pennsylvania home for Ohio, locating on land which had previously been entered by his father-inlaw, George Free, in Seneca county, on which he erected a hewed-log house in the woods and immediately began the arduous task of clearing his land. The place consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, but as the years passed by and prosperity awarded his efforts he increased his boundaries until he became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in this farm, also eighty acres located near Fostoria and one hundred and sixty acres in Hancock county; but later he divided his land, giving to each of his sons an eighty-acre farm. He was a Republican in his political views, and was a member of the German Baptist church, passing away in that faith on the 20th of August, 1890, while his wife was called to her final reward in 1901, when she had reached her ninetieth year. This worthy couple were the parents of ten children, six of whom still survive, as follows: Otha H., of Napoleon, Ohio; George F., of Fostoria; John W., a prominent farmer of Venice township: Silas R. and William H., who also make their home in this county ; and Abraham W., the subject of this sketch.

\Vhen eighteen years of age Abraham W. Hull was given possession of the old Hull homestead in Venice township, and he thereafter continued to care for his parents until they were called to the home beyond. He is now the owner of eighty acres of land, and in the line of his chosen occupation he is meeting with a high and well merited degree of success. In 1878 he was united in marriage to Miss Matella A. Lepard, a native of Attica, Ohio, and a daughter of Isaac Lepard, a farmer and carpenter residing in Attica. He is one of the leading residents of that city, and for two years he has served with efficiency as its street commissioner. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with three children, - Arza B., a prominent farmer of Reed township; and Ida M. and Mina B., at home. The Republican party receives Mr. Hull's hearty support and co-operation, and in his social relations he is a member of Honey Creek Grange, No. 1346, P. of H.. in which he has held office for many years and is the present worthy master of the lodge.

Valentine Daniel

The subject of this sketch has attained success and prosperity through his own efforts, and his life affords an illustration of what is possible of accomplishment on the part of a young man who comes to our hospitable shores from a foreign land, without financial reinforcement or influential friends, and by industry and good management makes his way forward until he attains a competency.

Mr. Daniel was born in Darmstadt, Germany, on the 15th of August, 1834, being the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Lippet) Daniel, of whose six children four survive, namely: Frank, a resident of Huron county: Valentine, the subject of this sketch; Nicholas, who resides near his brother; and Barbara, the wife of Philip Deem, of Huron county. The father of our subject passed his entire life in Darmstadt, Germany, where he was engaged in farming and where he died in 1846. at the age of forty-four years. Our subject was reared on the home farm in the fatherland, receiving his education in the excellent schools of his native land, and at the age of nineteen years he courageously faced the responsibilities of life, emigrating to the United States and having to borrow money with which to defray the cost of his voyage, which was made on the sailing vessel Mary Stuart. He arrived in New York after a voyage of thirty-nine days' duration, and then came to Sandusky, Ohio, where he was variously employed for two years. Within the first year he had earned sufficient money to not only repay the loan made at the time of his emigration, but also to advance the funds to pay the expenses of his brother Frank and sister Barbara, who came to this country in company. After their arrival they joined Valentine, and the three devotedly applied themselves to the accumulation of sufficient money to enable tnem to send for their mother and the other two brothers, who came to America a year later. The family located on a farm near Sandusky and there resided for one year, after which they rented another farm, for which they paid a cash rental of five hundred dollars annually. Two vears later our subject and his brother John, now deceased, left this farm in charge of their brother-in-law, Philip Deem, and rented an adjoining farm, which they secured at the same rental. In that locality he continued to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits for four years, at the expiration of which, in 1865, he came to Seneca county and purchased eighty acres of his present fine farm property, in Reed township, and here he has ever since made his home. About ten years after locating here he purchased eighty acres on the opposite side of the road, thus making his farm one of one hundred and sixty acres. He also purchased another tract, of one hundred acres, this property having been deeded to his sons a few years since. He has made excellent improvements cn his homestead and is one of the successful and influential farmers of this section. In politics Mr. Daniel gives his support to the Democratic party, and he served three years as trustee of his township, while for several vears he was a member of the school board of his district. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, being a communicant of St. Mary's Assumption, and of which he was a trustee for many years.

On the 29th of January, 1861, Mr. Daniel was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Miller, who was born in Germany, being a daughter of Joseph Miller, who emigrated with his family to the United States about the year 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel are the parents of ie children, namely: John, a farmer of Reed township; Joseph, a resident of Tiffin; George and August, also farmers of Reed township; Catherine, the wife of Henry Roth, of this township; Frank, who is "Father Christian," C. P. P. S., a priest of the Catholic church and the professor of mathematics at St. Joseph's College at Rensselaer, Indiana; Edward and Mary, who are at their parental home; Charles, a successful teacher; and Rosa, who remains with her 'parents.