Seneca Township (part 35 of 60)

It is gratifying in this age to meet a man who has had the courage to face the battles of life with strong heart and steady hand and to win in the stern conflict by bringing to tear only those forces with which nature has equipped him, - determined purpose, invincible courage, sturdy self-reliance and that self-respect which is begotten of worthy ambition and a desire to do right under all circumstances. These elemental attributes of character have been signally exemplified in the career of the gentleman whose name initiates this review, for he came to this country from the fatherland without the aid of capitalistic reinforcement or influential friends, and has gained a notable victory through the normal and legitimate avenues of industrial activity, being now a same township a valuable farm property. He has become one of the representative citizens of his township, and his course has been such as not only to gain him distinct prosperity but also the great reward implied in the confidence and esteem of those who know him.

Mr. Rock was born in the grand duchy of Luxemburg, on the 3oth of May, 1857, the son of John and Catherine (Lang) Rock, who became the parents of sixteen children, of whom eleyen survive, while only four of the number are residents of the United States, namely: Dominick, of Bismarck, Huron county, Ohio; Matthew, a resident of Sandusky ; Catherine, the wife of John Fritz, of Thompson township, Seneca county: and Nicholas, the subject of this review. John Rock was for many years engaged in the hat, cap and furnishing-goods business in the town of Dudlingen, Luxemburg, where his death occurred in the year 1874, his widow still maintaining her home there. Our subject was reared and educated in his native place and there learned the trade of shoemaking, to which he devoted his attention until 1880, when he came to America, his resources at the time of his arrival being represented in the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars, and this being borrowed capital. From New York he came to Sandusky, Ohio, where he entered the employ of his uncle, John Greethan, who was there engaged in the grocery and provision business. He was thus employed for a period of three years and within this time there was assigned to him the duty of driving a huckstering wagon through the section of Seneca county where he now makes his home. While thus engaged Mr. Rock formed the acquaintance cf Miss Veronica Gerber, to whom he was united in marriage on the 24th of October, 1882, she having been born in Thompson township, the daughter of Michael Gerber, who was born in the province of Alsace, which was then a portion of the territory >f France, and who emigrated thence to America and became one of the early settlers of Seneca county, Ohio. In the spring subsequent to his marriage Mr. Rock located on the farm, in Reed township, which he now owns, the same comprising eighty acres and having been then the property of his father-in-law. Here he continued to devote his attention to general agriculture and stock-raising and here, on the 27th of Octo- ber, 1887, occurred the death of his wife, who is survived by four children, - Charles M., Monica R., Peter M. and Veronica. On the 22d of October, 1889, Mr. Rock was married to Miss Rosa Dannenmiller, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of John Dannenmiller, who was an influential farmer of that locality, where his death occurred. Two children have been born to our subject and his wife, - Julia and Scholastica. In 1892 Mr. Rock left the farm, which he had purchased of his first wife's father several years previously, and located in Reedtown, where he purchased the mercantile establishment and business of John G. Weaver, and here he has since continued to do a thriving business, handling a select and comprehensive stock of general merchandise and securing a representative patronage from the wide radius of territory normally tributary to the village. He is progressive and public-spirited in his attitude, and none can envy him a success so worthily achieved. He still owns his farm! property, the place being well improved and under effective cultivation. Though never an aspirant for office Mr. Rock has given a steadfast allegiance to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, his communion being with St. Mary's Assumption church in Reed. He visited the Paris exposition of 1900 and incidentally made a quite extended tour of the European continent, having the pleasure at the time of visiting his old home in Luxemburg.

It is a well attested maxim that the greatness of the state lies not in its machinery of government, or even its institutions, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in their capacity for high and unselfish effort and their devotion to the public good. To this class belongs Ellsworth L. McDole, of Kansas, Seneca county, a man prominent in the business, social, political and church circles of the village.

Keystone state, his birth having there occurred in Beaver county, on the 28th of December, 1825, and he was of Irish extraction. When a child he removed with his parents to Meigs county, Ohio, where he grew to years of maturity, and there he was married. When the time came for him to assume the responsible duties of life for himself he chose the life of a farmer, and in that county he followed the tilling of the soil until 1884. He was ai energetic and capable agriculturist, and became a man of much influence in his locality. In that year he came to Kansas, Ohio, and after his son's marriage he took up his abode with him, and here he and his wife both still reside. In political matters he was formerly an old-line Whig, but in later years he has been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, although he has never sought the honors of public office. For many years he has also been an active member of the Disciples' church. As a companion on the journey of life Mr. MicDole chose Miss Sarah Adams, who was born at Yellow Creek, Jefferson county, Ohio, June 19, 1835. Her father, John Adams, was descended from the old Revolutionary branch of the family of that name. Unto this union were born three childrenn - W. Asbury, who for many years has been a teacher and merchant in Parkersburg, West Virginia; Ulysses C., of Kansas, Ohio; and Ellsworth L., the subject of this review.

Ellsworth L. McDole was reared to years of maturity under the parental roof, and during his early youth he attended the common schools of his locality, while later he entered the Longbottom Academy, of Meigs county, where he enjoyed superior advantages. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the school-room as an instructor, and for the twelve following years he devoted his entire time and attention to educational work, in West Virginia, Ohio, Kansas, Missouri and again in Ohio. During four years of that time he was the efficient principal of the Kansas, Ohio, schools. While engaged in the teacher's profession he also studied medicine, under the preceptorship of Drs. E. H. and: A. M. Chilcote, of Bloomdale, Wood county, Ohio, and later entered the medical department of the University of Wooster, but one year prior to his graduation he was obliged to leave that institution on account of ill health. After abandoning the profession of teaching he engaged in the drug business, in 1894, and has continued in the same to the present time. Mr. McDole has ever been a stalwart advocate of Republican principles, and by that party he has been many times elected to positions of honor and trust. For a number of years past he has been a member of the county and executive committees of his party. For a short time he served as deputy collector of revenues, under Colonel Waldorf, and was later appointed a gauger at Troy, Ohio; but, although he stood the highest in the civil-service examination, he did not accept the position, owing to his extensive business interests. He has served as a member of the county board of school examiners, and on January 1, 1898, was made the postmaster at Kansas, Ohio. Prior to that time, in April, 1893, he was elected a justice of the peace, and has ever since continued to fill that position. He has also served as deptty state superintendent of elections.

The marriage of Mr. McDole was celebrated on February 25, 1900, when Miss Minnie I. Hinsman became his wife. She is a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, and a daughter of Christian Hinsman. They have one child, Julia, born February 24, 1902. In his social relations Mr. Mc- Dole is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, in which he has served as deputy grand chancellor, under appointment by Grand Chancellor Winn; he is also a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Kansas Tent, Knights of the Maccabees. Since 1884 he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which for several years he served as a steward and as Sunday-school superintendent. He is a man of strong mentality, keen discernment, great tact and resolute purpose, and is therefore well fitted for the political honors which have been conferred upon him.

as he himself often expressed it, on "Yellow creek," in Jefferson county, Ohio, about 1820, the exact date of his nativity being unknown, even to himself. Scarcely anything can be learned of his family, though we know that he early inclined to study, familiarizing himself with such limited books as he could secure for himself or borrow for the time being. His desire was for the acquirement of an education, and in accordance with that fixed idea he entered the academy at Norwalk, Ohio, though no data can now be obtained touching his removal from his native county. After obtaining such advantages as the academy afforded he began reading law in the office and under the preceptorship of John Whitbeck, at Norwalk. In seeking for a suitable location in which to begin the practice of his chosen profession he chose Tiffin, having already formed some few acquaintances here, among others being Warren P. Noble. who was then a young lawyer of about his own age.

He applied himself to the principles of the law, the abstruse reasoning upon which it was based appealing strongly to his peculiarly analytical mind. Clients were slow in coming, and for several years the practice of his profession afforded him a precarious living. He had not learned the art of retaining money, and the end of each year found him no better off financially than at its beginning until the time when he decided to join his fortunes with those of the lady of his choice, Miss Sarah M. Deming. of Norwalk. She possessed to a high degree the business tact and managerial ability lacking in her husband, and henceforth the financial clouds were less ominous, the sunshine of prosperity being more frequently seen through the rift.

a special aspirant for public honors, he was prevailed upon, in 1859, to become a candidate for the nomination for state senator, but not being disposed to make a personal canvass and lacking those traits that enhance personal popularity he was defeated. When he was nominated for a seat on the common-pleas bench, in 1868, he was chosen without special effort, as his legal ability was well known to be second to that of ro man in the district. Asa judge he was hard-working and methodical.

his technical and profound knowledge of law enabling him to hand down decisions that were notable for clarity and for soundness of logic, and strength and brilliancy of diction, while they ever manifested his thorough familiarity with law and precedent. Judge Pillars' ability and keenness of intellect were such that he would have graced a seat on the supreme bench, delighting as he did in the analytical discussion of those fundamental principles that form the basis of all law. He took a deep interest in the younger members of the bar, no task asked at his hands being too onerous or too great for him to grant and fulfill. He often wrote the entries for them, and in this his exactness, clearness and mastery of the language were clearly shown, the articles being models of brevity, conciseness and powerful composition. He was a wide reader and his powers of assimilation were prodigious, his private library standing pre-eminent in this section of the state. He found greatest consolation in the perusal of those old authors whose wit and learning have graced the past, and no sacrifice was too great when the object was to secure some ancient volume valuable in edition, contents or binding. His arguments on the bench, while noted for incisive logic, brevity, clarity and force, often led to conclusions that caused much opposition, it not being merely hinted but openly declared that his decisions were sometimes shaped by extraneous influences that militated against strict justice. He demanded more exactness of procedure on the part of attorneys who had fallen into somewhat loose methods, and thus elevated the courts, placing business upon a more methodical basis than heretofore, though what was gained in one way might have been lost in another. His keenness of intellect and command of the basic principles made his mind specially ready to grasp new points of law, - possibly to the exclusion of reasoning that might lead to sounder judgment. He was never more at home than when supporting by the subtlest logic what seemed to others a losing side, his facility of argument and coloring with delicate shades of language leading his opponents to accept his views. Whatever may have been said in criticism of Judge Pillars, no one ever questioned his ability or learning, and had his nature been evenly balanced there would have come from his life an influence for good beyond the power of man to conjecture. He was a peculiar man, - probably with more diversified elements and attributes than any other man who has ever lived in Tiffin, and whatever phases of character were presented for contemplation, there would be ever found a brilliancy second to none. His mind was of that texture found in the pessimist, the world carrying a dark and forbidding aspect for him, the result of this attitude being that in his later years he became almost misanthropic, recourse being frequently had to those stimulants whose effect was to momentarily enhance and emphasize the natural brilliancy of a once powerful mind, but whose reflex was to intensify the darker, sadder musings of a disordered and distorted imagination.

Judge Pillars died in the year 1888, having tasted much of life, feeling the thrill that comes from pure, abstract reasoning and from living in touch with the master minds of centuries past, and also realizing to the full the bitterness resulting from being out of sympathy with those with whom he lived and moved.

Cg. Cook

Mr. Cook is the superintendent of the Peabody Buggy Company. of Fostoria. He has resided in this city since 1887 and has occupied his present position since 1897. Previous to that time he was for five years connected with the Fostoria Buggy Company, the predecessor of the corporation which he now represents. Mr. Cook is a native of Dayton, Ohio, in which city his birth occurred in 1850. After acquiring his education in the public schools he began learning the carriagemaker's trade, which he also followed in Cincinnati. He became an expert workman, mastertering the business in every detail. He thoroughly understands mechanical principles, is practical and is fully competent to direct the efforts of the large force of workmen employed in the factory. He has supervision over the labors of from one hundred to one hundred and thirty men, and with those who work under him he is always fair and just, and is ready to recommend for promotion, as opportunity offers, all those who are diligent, honorable and loyal to the company's interests. He owes his own advancement to reliability, close application and steadfast principles. These qualities have won him continual promotion until he today occupies a very prominent position in trade circles.

Mr. Cook was married, in Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Kate Linkert, of Rochester, New York, and they now have two sons and a daughter. One son, Harry, occupies the position of foreman in the employ of E. W. Walker, at Goshen, Indiana, while William works with his father in the factory of the Peabody Buggy Company. The daughter is Gertrude, a student in the high school. Socially Mr. Cook is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he had taken royal-arch degree. He also has membership relations with the Knights of the Maccabees and in his political affiliations is a Republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him as he prefers to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. His life history illustrates how potent are loyal principles, diligence and honorable effort in attaining success when one does not have friends or wealth to aid him at the outset Ora eatcer.

William Henry Norris

Among the most highly regarded citizens of the city of Tiffin, Ohio, is William H. Norris, who has resided here since 1891, having been previously engaged in agricultural pursuits. Although not actively engaged in farming Mr. Norris still exercises a superintendence over in 'land, which is located in the near vicinity, while he enjoys all the comforts of city life in his pleasant home, at No. 191 North Sandusky street.

Mr. Norris is a son of the Buckeye state, having been born ef Seneca county November 11, 1831. His ancestral line runs back to England, from which land came his great-grandparents, Nathaniel and Grace Norris, who settled in Frederick county, Maryland. There the grandparents of our subject were born, Thomas P. and Susanna Norris, the former on February 18, 1765, and the latter on March 16, 1775. They moved to Harrison county, Ohio, in the early days of its settlement, and they were accompanied by their son Lott, who was then a young man. An older brother, Nathaniel, had come to Seneca county in 1827, and in the latter part of the same year Lott Norris, who was the father of our subject, also came hither. They entered government land in Scipio township, four miles northwest of Republic. At that time the whole country was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and it required much hard work to clear this land and convert it into its present state of fertile productiveness.

After his marriage, in the spring following his location, Lott Norris erected a comfortable log cabin on his land and devoted his energies to the clearing of his acres and improving his condition. He owned ninety acres here and remained on the farm for some eight years, removing then to a new purchase, near by, of ninety-two acres, of which eight acres had already been cleared. Here Mr. Norris worked with unceasing industry until within a few years of his death, retiring prior to that event to Tiffin, where he passed away at the age of sixty-one years. Although he had been a busy man from his earliest days of activity, he found time to faithfully serve his community in various official positions, his clear judgment and known integrity making him a valuable citizen. He accumulated means, and at the time of his death owned one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Adams township. and an additional one hundred and eighty-two acres in Scipio township, all of which had been acquired by his own energy. When the Mad River Railroad was built through this county it materially increased the value of his property. He was an interested and active member of the Republican party, and was a leading member of the Methodist church, aiding in its early establishment in his locality.

The mother of our subject belonged to one of the old and longestablished families of Maryland. Her name was Lourana Todd, and she accompanied her parents upon their removal to Seneca county, where they also entered government land. She was an attendant of the

Dunkard church, and although she never became a member the simplicity of life and the pious and unworldly belief of the adherents of their faith attracted her. She died at the age of forty-eight years. Eight children were born to Lott and Lourana (Todd) Norris, two of whom are deceased, namely: Mary, who died in 1864; and Charles, who died when but eighteen years of age, while serving in the army. The survivors are as follows: William, who is our subject and the eldest of the family; Ephraim, who is a farmer in Adams township; John, who resides in Tiffin; Sarah, who married Jacob Bunnell; Susan, who married B. J. Vandervere; and Emma, who married Albert Bunnell.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent at home, where his youthful energies found plenty of exercise in assisting in farm work. His educational advantages were rather limited, not on account of any want of ambition on his part or neglect on the part of his parents, but because of conditions prevailing at the time in this locality. He remained at home and gave his assistance to his father until he was twenty-four years of age, and then started out in life for himself. He went to Mason county, Illinois, and there worked for several years as a carpenter, but at the request of his parents he returned to his home and remained there, giving needed assistance in the management of his father's large interests for eighteen months.

Mr. Norris was married October 7, 1858, to Miss Lizzie Coffman, who was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1833, being a daughter of Joseph and Fannie (Kanagy) Coffman, the spelling of the family name having formerly been Kauffman. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Seneca county in 1842. settling in Scipio township, where her father became a large farmer and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died at the age of eighty years and seven months, and was a man who was noted not only for his prominence and financial prestige, but also for his many enefaetions to the poor, his charities being liberal and wide spread. He was generous to his children, giving eighty acres of land to each one of the six. Huis father, Peter Coffman, was a native of Switzerland and belonged to the Moravian faith. The mother of Mrs. Norris was likewise a consistent and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and her years were extended to ninety-two. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Norris were of English lineage, the original American ancestors having come to Pennsylvania, the grandparents being born in Shippensburg, that state, and later became residents of Stark county, Ohio, in the days of its early settlement.

Mr. and Mrs. Norris had a family of four sons, two of whom died in early childhood, the survivors being: Charles Albert, who is a prosperous farmer of Adams township; and Martin Edward, who is also successfully engaged in farming, in Scipio township. Mrs. Norris inherited eighty acres of land from her father's estate, and this she transferred to one of her sons, and eighty acres were also given to the other son, this still leaving a tract of eighty acres, which Mr. Norris rents.

After his marriage Mr. Norris bought a farm in Scipio township, although he was obliged to go into debt, but in a short time was able to add an adjoining tract of eighty acres, in Adams township. His industry has been rewarded by prosperity. Mr. Norris has not been unmindful of public affairs, even while his family and business called for his close attention. For two years he belonged to the state militia, and in May, 1864, when the call came for defenders of the nation's capital, he, like Cincinnatus of old, left his plow in the furrow, and with Company K,. One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment, under Colonel Lee, hastened to the city of Washington. Mr. Norris remained on his farm until increasing years prompted him to turn over its active management io a tenant and enjoy the ease which his industry and energy had earned. In 1891 he erected his present comfortable residence in Tiffin, and since removing there has been one of the city's esteemed citizens, interested in its development and assisting in public-spirited enterprises. Mrs. Norris and her sons are particularly active in the Methodist church and in the charitable and benevolent work in this city.

Although Mr. Norris has reached the psalmist's age, there is small indication of failing powers in either mind or body, the strength of youth still remaining to a remarkable degree. Mr. Norris rightly attributes his excellent health and freedom from many of the ills of advancing years to his perfectly temperate life, as he has never indulged in either strong drink or in the use of tobacco in any form. He is a man of integrity and of noble purpose, - one who has done his share in the upbuilding Br the prosperity of his section and who most justly deserves the high

Lorenzo Sherman

This venerable pioneer and representative agriculturist of Seneca county has lived on the farm which is now his home for move than half a century, while he has been a residerit of the county from his infancy, thus having witnessed and taken an active part in the development of this section of the state from a sylvan wild to its present condition as an opulent agricultural and industrial community, with admirably 1mproved farms and thriving cities and villages. From the rude forest lodge of the early days, the primitive schools and the meagre advantages of the pioneer epoch, he has seen the varied transitions and in the evening of his life is enabled to enjoy the fruits of his long years of earnest toil and endeavcr. He early began to contribute to the work of clearing the land from its heavy forest, later assisted in the establishing of better schools and better public improvements, while his life course has ever been so directed as to retain to him the unqualified approval and esteem of the community in which he has passed practically his entire life. As a sterling representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state, it is imperative that a due tribute be incorporated in this publication.

Lorenzo Sherman is a native of the old Empire state of the Union, having been born in Oswego county, New York, on the 27th of April, 1823, the son of Japhet and Hannah (Holmes) Sherman, the former of whom was born in the state of Rhode Island, in the first year of the nineteenth century. They became the parents of six children, namely : Lorenzo, the subject of this sketch; Elkanah, who was in the one hun- dread days' service during the war of the Rebellion, and who is now deceased; Hiram, a resident of Kansas; Caroline, deceased; Warren, a resident of Oregon: and Franklin, who is deceased, having also been a Union soldier in the Civil war.

Our subject was but two years of age when his parents removed from New York state to Ohio, in 1825, settling on a tract of land in Eden township, the father having here purchased eighty acres, all of which was still covered with the primeval forest, the place being now cwned by J. R. Holmes. Here he erected a primitive log cabin of one rooin, utilizing the logs in their original shape, as there was not sufficient time or the needed assistance for the hewing of the timber. This rude domicile was equipped with a slab roof and such other meager fittings as were available, and yet the toil, deprivation and isolation were borne with stanch fortitude and the humble home was worthy the name. On this farm the father of our subject passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring when he was forty-three years of age. His widow lived to attain remarkable longevity, passing away at the age of one hundred years and eleven months. Our subject grew up on the pioneer farm, and while still a youth attained a local reputation as an ox-driver and logger, » having contributed in the work of clearing out roads and making other necessary improvements in the locality. He remained on the old homestead until the time of his marriage, having attended the primitive subscription schools as opportunity afforded, the same being held in log ouses, with puncheon floors, slab seats and wide fireplace, familiar in the early days, and yet in "'scholastic institutions" of this type many of the eminent men of the nation have received their early discipline.

In the year 1847 Mr. Sherman purchased a tract of sixty acres of wild timbered land in Eden township, paying ten and one half dollars per acre for the same; and this he cleared and improved and it is interesting to note that it is still his homestead, though he has added to the area of the same by the purchasing of one hundred acres, thus having two fine farms, both being under a high state of cultivation and devoted to diversifed agriculture. His long years of earnest effort have not been denied farmers of the township, while he has retained the confidence and goorl will of the people of the community, being kindly and charitable in nature and ever regarding the, wishes and rights of others, as is evidenced in the fact that he has never been a party toa lawsuit during his entire life. His political support is given to the Republican party.

On the 7th of May, 1846, Mr. Sherman was united in marriage to Miss Leah Stalter, and their two living children are Hiram J. and Mary E. Hiram J. Sherman operates one of the farms. He married Miss Frances Jane Culver and they have two children - Myron A. and L. Katie. Mary E. Sherman began to teach at the age of seventeen years, and taught in the schools of Seneca and Wyandot counties for twenty terms. Both she arid her brother were educated in Heidelberg University. Two children are deceased, - one in infancy, and William H., who died of typhoid fever at the age of thirty years.

Henry Kirgis

One of the leading citizens and substantial and representative farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Henry Kirgis, a large landholder who has been identified with the interests of Bloom township since 1872.

On the paternal side Mr. Kirgis is connected with a long line of German forefathers, his father, Jacob Kirgis, having been born in Wurtemberg, Germany, coming to the United States with his father, Jacob Kirgis, in 1834. The latter settled in Seneca county, Ohio, and here bought large tracts of land, in Seneca township, the old farm now being the property of Lewis Kingseed. Jacob Kirgis was married, in this latter township, to Mary Schaffer, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, her parents also being pioneers in Seneca county. A family of six children was born to Jacob and Mary Kirgis, namely: Henry, who is the subject of this biography; Elizabeth, who married John Sponsaller and lives at New Washington; Julia, who married Mathias Bippees, of To ledo, Ohio; William, who lives in Lykens township, Crawford county ;

Daniel, who also lives in Crawford county; and Caroline, who married Lewis Buck, of Bucyrus, Ohio. In 1834 Mr. Kirgis also entered a tract of government land in Wyandot county, but he never resided upon it.

After his marriage Jacob Kirgis removed to the farm on which our subject was born, erecting there a comfortable log cabin. Although containing but one room, its construction made it warm and perfectly adapted to the needs of the occupants. Here he reared his family and engaged in the clearing of the surrounding land, continuing to improve it until 1848, when he moved to Lykens township, Crawford county. Here Mr. Kirgis bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, cleared and improved this property also, and continued residence upon it until 1866, when he returned to his former farm. His death occurred in New Washington, in 1875, at the age of seventy-eight years, his widow surviving him two years. Both parents of our subject were worthy and consistent members of the Lutheran church, and they had lived lives of industry and honor, and had accumulated a competency.

Henry Kirgis was the eldest child of his parents, and he was born in Seneca township, Seneca county, January 16, 1840. He had attained his seventh year when his parents moved to Crawford county, and there he grew to manhood, having been educated in the common schools. In February, 1862, he was married to a most estimable young lady of Crawford county, Miss Mary Shellhorn, and to this union four children were born, namely: William, who is a resident of Scipio township, Seneca county; Mattie, who married Samuel Haines, of Bloom township; Ann M., who married George Claire, a banker in Sycamore, Ohio; and Henry M., who is a resident of Venice township.

Soon after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kirgis came to Bloom township, where the former purchased one hundred and fifty-six acres of land, and they lived on that farm fer six years, then disposing cf the property and buying another tract of eighty acres. In 1872 Mr. Kirgis removed his family to the farm where he now resides, making a first purchase of two hundred and forty acres of land, and now owning here three hundred and eighty acres. Thus he has a home farm of large extent, and this, under productive in this township. In addition to this valuable property Mr. Kirgis is also the owner of a farm of eighty acres and another tract of one hundred and forty-nine acres, in Scipio township, while this does not include two hundred acres which he has generously given to his children. Mr. Kirgis has used good judgment in his investments in real estate, and his ample fortune has been accumulated by thoroughly honorable and legitimate means. In connection with general farming and stock raising, he has dealt in wool for the past fifteen years.

In his political views our subject has always been devoted to the principles of the Democratic party, but he has been personally a much esteemed citizen aside from politics, and he was continued in the office of township trustee for a period of eleven years. He is regarded as a iiberal, public-spirited citizen, living up to the demands of the day and taking a deep interest in his section. Both he and his wife are among the leading members of the Lutheran church, to which Mr. Kirgis has long been a liberal contributor and-of which he has served as trustee for several years. ;

One of the leading farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Paul W. Zutavern, who was born in Bloom township, this county, June 20, 1859, being a grandson of Conrad Zutavern and a son of Henry and Margaret (Geiger) Zutavern, who had a family of eleven children, - three sons and eight daughters, - of whom seven survive.

Henry Zutavern was a son of Conrad Zutavern, and both were born in Baden, Germany. Conrad Zutavern brought his family to America and settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and later his son Henry came to Seneca county and here entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, while still later he entered six hundred acres in the state of Michigan. At one time he thus owned large tracts of land, some of which he improved, and some of which he sold. Henry Zutavern died life. His estimable wife survived until 1879, her death occurring at the age of sixty-seven. Both parents had been consistent and valued members of the German Reformed church. }

The early rearing of our subject was on his father's farm, where he assisted in the work of improvement and cultivation, while he attended the district schools. At the age of nineteen years there devolved upon him the duty of taking charge of his father's estate, and he successfully carried on operations there until 1881, managing the farm with economy and ability, gaining in the meantime an experience which he has put to good use in the conduct of his own agricultural enterprise. Mr. Zutavern comes of a long line of farming people and there are few details of this industry which he does not fully understand. Being a man of progressive ideas and intelligent comprehension, he makes use of modern machinery, understands drainage and succession of crops, displaying in every branch of his business the interest and knowledge which have enabled him to take the leading position he does among Seneca county farmers. The improvements which Mr. Zutavern has made on his property are substantial and permanent, his commodious barn, which is ninety-eight by forty feet in dimensions, having been erected in 1897. All of his other buildings are in proportion, and there are few farms in this township which are so desirable in every way. Our subject has here a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of arable land, well adapted to the production of all grains and vegetable growths, and equally well suited for stock-raising, the latter being an important feature in Mr. Zutavern's operations. .

The marriage of Mr. Zutavern was solemnized on November 5s. 1881, when Miss Alvada Spaulding became his wife. She was born in Bloom township, the daughter of Samuel D. and Mary (Trail) Spaulding. Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Harry B., Rollo H. and Ethel B., all of whom have been given excellent educational opportunities.

Mr. Zutavern has been devoted to the principles of the Republican paity all his life, and has exerted considerable influence in party ranks in this township. He has served in local offices, and is at present, and has been for the past three years, one of the valued trustees of Bloor township, having recently been elected fora second term. He is a man of upright life and character, holding the esteem of all his neighbors and having a wide circle of friends. Both he and his estimable wife and family belong to the Bloomville Reformed church and are prominent in the good work it carries on. For several years he has served as deacon of the church, and he was a member of the building committee under whose direction was recently completed the erection of the present church edifice, at a cost of eleven thousand dollars. Mr. Zutavern belongs to that class of men whose word is as good as their bond. He is highly esteemed in public life and much beloved in his family, where he is a kind and careful father and husband, devoted to the welfare of those dependent upon him.

Isaac Db Stinebaugeh

One of the substantial and representative men of Seneca county, Ohio, is Isaac B. Stinebaugh, who is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Bloom township, where he owns and operates a large and valuable farm. For many years he has been identified with the industrial development and public life of this section, and is widely and favorably known.

Mr. Stinebaugh is a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having taken place on the site of the present thriving town of Republic, November 14, 1829. He was the only child of Adam and Susannah (Bowser) Stinebaugh, and was born on his honored mother's nineteenth birthday. His father, Adam) Stinebaugh, was born February 20, 1799, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in which state the family has many representatives. Adam had married early in the spring of 1829 and in the fall of that year, with his father-in-law, John Bowser, drove from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and in Seneca county he purchased a farm of sixty acres, on which stood a log cabin, this occupying the only spot which had been cleared by the previous owner. Here Mr. and Mrs. Stinebaugh settled and here our subject was born. After seven years of hard work on this place, Mr. Stinebaugh sold it advantageously, the Miami River and Lake Ene railroad having been built through it. He then purchased eighty acres of the farm which is now owned by his son. Here Mr. Stinebaugh continued to live until his death, which occurred in 1885. He was a man of great industry and was a very prominent worker in the Bloom and Scipio Freewill Baptist church. The death of his wife occurred in 1856. She was born in Washington county, Maryland. Isaac B. Stinebaugh, of this sketch, grew up on the farm and was given aS good educational opportunities as the local schools afforded, finishing his studies in the Republic Academy. Before he was seventeen years old he became a teacher, and filled that position very satisfactorily for two winters, but then he returned home to take charge of the farm. Being the only son, his services were needed by his father. Mr. Stinebaugh was married on July 3, 1856, to Miss Nancy Long, who was a native of Scipio township, this county, being the estimable daughter of Michael and Hepzibah (Famuliner) Long. To this union was born a family of six children, all of whom still survive with one exception, namely, Susan B., who was the wife of Everett Cooley, and who died in 1886, aged twenty-nine years. The others are as follows: Isaac L., a graduate in civil engineering, at the Ohio State University, is now following his profession as a civil engineer; Sceva is the wife of Dr. A. F. Walker, of Sycamore, Ohio; Maggie J. is the wife of Hannibal L. Keller, of Clinton township, this county; Charles E., a well known educator and a graduate of the Ada Normal School, is principal of a school in Rising Sun, Ohio; and Lilly D. is the wife of Nathaniel Loose, of Detroit, Michigan. In his children, Mr. Stinebaugh has been pecu- : liarly fortunate, all of them developing into respected members of society. Mr. Stinebaugh owns two hundred and forty acres of well improved land in Bloom township and is one of its leading agriculturists. His home is one of comfort and plenty, and although time has touched him and silvered his hair, it has done it gently and the is still quite capable of carrying on his business affairs and taking his part in matters of for thirty-five years has been one of the directors of the Farmers' Mutuai Benefit Association, and for fourteen years was township trustee. In political life Mr. Stinebaugh has always testified to his adherence to the Republican party by ardently supporting its men and measures, being one of the intelligent citizens of this community, and one who has always kept in touch with the trend of public life. For almost a lifetime he has been actively connected with the Baptist church, in which he was reared by « careful father and mother, and for thirty-three years he was its quarterly clerk, and one of its trustees. In every relation of life Mr. Stinebaugh has lived up to high ideals, and he is one of the most respected men of this township, honored for his public spirit and integrity

The honored subject of this sketch bears a name which has been intimately identified with the annals of the city of Tiffin and of Seneca county since the early pioneer epoch. His father was one of the first to engage in mercantile pursuits in the little town which has developed into a prosperous and attractive city, and was otherwise concerned in the industrial progress of this section of the state; while our subject himself is a nativeeson of the county, has here passed his entire life and has contributed to its material progress and prosperity to an extent equaled by but few, if any, of his contemporaries. He has been _an important factor in its commercial, public and industrial affairs for a long term of years and thus has done much to advance the general welfare. Few lives furnish a more striking example of the wise application of sound principles and safe conservatism than does his. The story of Mr. Sneath's success is short and simple, containing no exciting chapters, but in it lies one of the valuable secrets of the marked prosperity which it records, and his private and business life are pregnant with interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in dramatic useful life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular. His interests are of diversified and important nature, his attitude has ever been essentially public-spirited, and it may safely be said that no man in the county has done more to forward the march of improvement and material progress in this section than has this sterling pioneer and honored business man.

Samuel B. Sneath is a native of the city in which he now maintains his home and in which he holds prestige as president of the Commercial Bank and as the leading business man, his birth having taken place in the family homestead, on Washington street, opposite the site of the present court house, while the date of his nativity was December 19, 1828. His father, Richard Sneath, of Scottish lineage, was born in the state of Delaware, where the family had been found in the colonial epoch of our national history, and there he was reared and educated, finally removing to Maryland, where his marriage to Miss Catherine Baugher, a native of Frederick county, that state, was solemnized. In 1826 he came with his family from Maryland to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Tiffin, where he engaged in the mercantile business and also in manufacturing, continuing to be identified with these lines of enterprise until his death, in 1842, at the age of fifty-six years. He was numbered among the first merchants in the pioneer town and was an energetic and able business man; though he met with financial reverses shortly before his death. His political support was given to the Whig party. but he was not actively concerned in public affairs of a political nature. His wife survived him, her demise occurring in Tiffin, at the age of about sixty-eight years. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They became the parents of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, and of whom four survive at the present time, the subject of this sketch having been the sixth in order of birth.

Samuel B. Sneath was about thirteen vears of age at the time of his father's death, and he continued to attend the public schools of Tiffin till the age of fifteen, when he began his practical career by securing work in the fanning-mill manufactory which had been established by his father: while shortly afterward he became a clerk in a local drygoods establishment, where he remained about three years. In 1853 he entered into partnership with Jesse Shriver, under the firm name of Shriver & Sneath, and engaged in the dry-goods and clothing busi- . ness in his native town. At the expiration of about eight years Mr. Sneath disposed of his interests in this enterprise and turned his attention to the produce business, in which he continued for the long period of thirty years, within which time he had expanded the scope of his enterprise by engaging in the grain business upon an extensive scale. He purchased an elevator in Tiffin and also became a stockholder and director of the National Exchange Bank (now the Tiffin National Bank), in whose organization he was prominently concerned. In the Centennial year, 1876, Mr. Sneath effected the organization of the Commercial Bank, of which he acted as cashier for a time, finally becoming president of this important financial institution and having held this chief executive office for the past decade. About 1890, his other interests placing imperative demands upon his time and attention, he turned over his produce and grain business to his son, who then entered into partnership with A. A. Cunningham, as will be noted in the appended sketch of Ralph D. Sneath. ;

The magnitude and importance of the enterprises and undertakings which have felt the governing hand of Mr. Sneath can not be lightly estimated in any work which has to do with the development and progress of this favored section of the Buckeye state. In 1897 he inaugurated the construction of the Tiffin, Fostoria & Eastern Electric Railway, the line of fourteen miles between Tiffin and Fostoria being completed in 1899, together with an operating plant of the best modern order. The cost of this enterprise was very large, demanding a preliminary investment which would have thwarted the designs of one less confident of ultimate results and of his own powers of accomplishment than is Mr. Sneath, the road being now in full operation and upon a paying basis, while its value to the localities touched can not be overestimated. Mr. Sneath is also the largest individual stockholder in the National Machinery Company, in Tiffin, owning one-third of the capital stock, which is placed at three hundred thousand dollars. He placed the enterprise on its feet, through his far-sighted and progressive policy, and it may well be said that his interposition in any undertaking 1s practically a voucher for its success. He is the owner of a half interest in the business of the firm of Sneath & Baker, conducting the most extensive carpet house furnishing establishment in the county, and he also owns what is known as the "Green Line" city railway in Tiffin, while he also figures as an extensive land-holder, having three fine farm properties in the county, in addition to valuable real estate in his home city. Mr. Sneath has been identified with every public enterprise in Tiffin, having been one of the committee of three to which was assigned the task of securing the right of way and the putting through of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in this section, and he has been known for years as the leading business man and one of the prominent capitalists of Tiffin, his success having been attained by worthy and legitimate means and through his own efforts, so that to him has always been accorded the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem, the citizens of the county being appreciative of the value of 'his influence and co-operation in connection with any project or undertaking conserving the general welfare. In politics Mr. Sneath has given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, but he is essentially a business man and has invariably refused to accept public office. Though he has now passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, this honored pioneer retains the vigor of a man of fifty, being alert and active and giving his personal supervision to his varied financial and industrial interests. He has passed his entire life in Tiffin, having witnessed its growth from a mere hamlet in the forest to its present position as a modern and thriving city, and in all these years he has maintained a secure hold on the respect and good will of the people of the community.

Mr. Sneath was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Davis, who was born in Tiffin, being the daughter of Levi Davis, one of the pioneer settlers of the town. Mrs. Sneath was summoned into eternal rest

F. M. Niles, of Toledo; and Ralph D., to whom specific reference is made in the appended paragraphs. Mr. Sneath consummated a second marriage, Miss Laura A. Stephenson becoming his wife. She was born in Findlay, Ohio, the daughter of William Stephenson, and she now presides with gracious dignity over the beautiful home, which is the center of refined hospitality. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and is prominent in the social life of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Sneath have had two children, - Marian Lee, who is attending school; and Richard W., who died at the age of seven.

As may be seen from the foregoing sketch, the subject of this review is of the third generation of his family in Seneca county, and like his honored father is a native son of the city of Tiffin. Mr. Sneath is known as a young man of distinctive business acumen and sterling character, and he is a worthy representative of the honored name which he bears. He is the senior member of the well-known firm of Sneath & Cunningham, grain dealers and general commission merchants, with headquarters at Tiffin, and through his energy and progressive methods, with the able co-operation of his associate, the enterprise has been made one of wide scope and importance, having unmistakable influence on the industrial activities of this section of the state. An epitome of the career of Mr. Sneath is certainly apropos in this work.

Ralph Davis Sneath was born in Tiffin, on the 31st of October, 1863, being the son of Samuel B. Sneath, of whom individual mention is made in the preceding review. Our subject secured his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools of Tiffin and supplemented the same by attending Oberlin College for one year. When about nineteen years of age he was given a clerkship in the Commercial Bank, of which him in his later associations. He continued to be employed in the bank about four years and then became associated with his father in the grain and commission business. After three years he conducted operations on his own responsibility and thus continued until 1900, when he entered into the present partnership association with Arthur A. Cunningham, and since that time the business has been conducted under the firm name of Sneath & Cunningham, while the scope of operation is indicated in the fact that they now operate twenty-one elevators, located in Seneca and the adjoining six counties. Sneath & Cunningham are recognized as the most extensive grain dealers in Seneca county and their business is one whose value to the community is unmistakable, touching, as it does, the great productive activities of one of the best agricultural districts of the state. In politics Mr. Sneath is a stalwart Republican, though he is like his father, in never having sought or desired the honors or emoluments of public office.

On the 14th of July, 1886, Mr. Sneath was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Hurst Moore, who was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter cf Rev. R. B. Moore, now a prominent citizen of Vineland, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Sneath are the parents of two children, - Samuel, aged fourteen years (1902), and Emma Louise, aged ten.

John R. Holmes

No citizen of Eden township, Seneca county, is more widely known or highly esteemed than John R. Holmes. Of a sterling pioneer family, he and his ancestors have been prominent in the development, organization and maintenance of this county, always being safely counted upon to endorse and support to the extent of their ability every good work, movement and enterprise.

Mr. Holmes was born in Eden township, July 27, 1837, a son of David and Maria (Downs) Holmes. The father was born in Holmesville, New York, but in 1825 he came from the Empire state to Ohio, and for a time thereafter made his home with his brother-in-law, J. Sherman, in Eden township. He was a blacksmith by trade, and for several years he followed his trade at Melmore, while for a time he was also engaged in the operation of a threshing machine. His father, Jedediah Holmes, who was the founder and laid out the town of Holmesville, New York, subsequently joined him in the Buckeye state. After coming to this state he located in Eden township, and died here, aged seventy-seven years. In 1859 David Holmes joined the great army of gold-seekers who were making their way to the Pacific coast, and he made the journey to the Golden state with an ox team, and on his arrival there he located at Marysville, where he purchased cattle and drove them to the mines. After a residence of two years on the Pacific slope he again returned to his home in this state, locating on the farm which our subject now owns, but about 1879 he put aside the cares of a business life and from that time until his death, which occurred January 4, 1891, he lived in quiet retirement at Mefmore. His wife passed away in death February 10, 1882. They became the parents of three sons, - Jeremiah, who was born in 1833, and died at the age of twenty-two years; John R., of this review; and James W., who is a practicing physician of Tiffin, Ohio.

John R. Holmes has spent his entire life in this locality and to its public school system he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. At the age of twenty-twe years he began the active duties of life on his own account, and as a life occupation he chose that to which he had been reared, namely, farming, to which he has devoted the best efforts of his life. With the exception of one year, which was spent in Lucas county, his entire life has been passed on the farm which he now owns and occupies. It can be truly said of him that he has grown up with the locality. Here he was born, here his boyhood was spent and here he determined to achieve that success in life which illustrates his industry, his intelligence and his superior business qualifications. Not daunted by any adverse circumstances. but fastening his eye upon the object before him, by persistent effort and judicious management his business career has been crowned with success. His farm

January 27, 1874, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage to Miss Annie Foley, and they have eight childrenW - Eva, Sheldon M., Bertha, Clara, Benton, Byron, Elson and Anna Helena. The family circie has not been broken by the hand of death, and they occupy an enviable position in society circles in Seneca county. Eva is a bookkeeper in Cleveland, where Sheldon M. is a drug clerk; Bertha is employed in Tiffin; and all the other children are at the parental home. Mr. Holmes gives his political support to the Republican party, stanchly advocating the principles of that grand old party.

Henry Stucky

Among the representative farmers and stock-growers of Seneca county is the subject of this review, who is the owner of a fine landed estate of more than four hundred acres and carrying on the varicus departments of his enterprise with that discretion and energy which are sure to find their natural sequel in definite success. To such men as Mr. Stucky we turn with particular satisfaction as offering in their life histories justification for works of this nature, - not that their lives have been such as to gain them wide reputation or the admiring plaudits of men, but that they have been true to the trusts reposed, have shown such attributes of character as entitle them to the regard of all, and have been useful in their spheres of action.

Henry Stucky comes of. stanch German lineage, but is himself a native son of the oid Buckeye state, having been born on a farm in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, on the 5th of August, 1850, the son of Carl and Mary (Kiefer) Stucky, both of whom were born in Germany, where they were reared and where their marriage was solemnized. In 1847 they emigrated to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel and being forty days en route. They located on a farm in

Crawford county, Ohio, the father reclaiming the same from the sylvan wilds, and in that county both passed the remainder of their lives, being folk of frugal, industrious habits and inflexible integrity of character. In his native county our subject was reared to the sturdy discipline of farm life, and his educational opportunities were such as were provided in the common schools of the locality and period. He began his independent career at the age of twenty-two years, when he secured employment as a farm hand, and finally he rented a tract of land in Bloom township, Seneca county, where he remained eight years, at the expiration of which he located on his present homestead farm, in Eden township. The same comprises one hundred and ninety-three acres, and he also owns another farm of eighty acres in the same township, one of one hundred and twelve acres in Bloom township, and still another tract, of thirty-five acres, - thus bringing the total area of his landed property in the county up to four hundred and twenty acres. The major portion of this land is under a high state of cultivation and of marked productivity, being devoted to diversified agriculture and to the raising of high-grade live stock. Mr. Stucky commands unqualified confidence and esteem in the community, gives his influence in support of all measures for the general good, is a stanch Republican in politics and is a consistent member of the Reformed church, of which his wife also is a devoted member.

On the 24th of December, 1874, was soleninized the marriage of Mr. Stucky to Miss Almira Klaiss, and they are the parents of five children, namely: Emory K., Lucius C., Eliza E., Grattan H. and Grace.

'\ representative citizen of Seneca county and a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state, Mr. Holtz is peculiarly worthy of consideration in this compilation. He is a native son of Seneca county, with whose annals the family name has been trial development and material upbuilding of this locality the members of the family have played an important part, ever commanding the highest confidence and esteem of the community.

Charles D. Holtz was born in Pleasant township, Seneca county, on the farm now owned by his brother John, the date of his nativity being January 31, 1846. He is a son of Jacob P. and Susan (Huss) Holtz, both of whom were born in Frederick county, Maryland, the former being a son ot Jacob Holtz, who was of stanch old German lineage. He was born in 1786, and his wife in 1788, and each lived to the age of about seventy-five years. Their children were as follows: William; Jacob P., the father of our subject; Mary Elizabeth; George; Lewis Ezra, now a resident of Putnam county; Ann Charlotte; and Demnis, who resides on the old homestead in Clinton township. Jacob P. Holtz was born on the 14th of June, 1815, and: in 1834 he came with his parents and their six other children to Seneca county, Ohio, the trip being made with teams and wagons. The grandfather of our subject purchased several hundred acres of land in Clinton township, and there passed the remainder of his life, having reclaimed a good farm with the assistance of his sons. Here was solemnized the marriage of Jacob P. Holtz to Miss Susan Huss, who was born August 5, 1818, the daughter of David Huss, who removed with his family from Frederick county, Maryland, to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1827, locating in Eden township, of which he was. one of the first settlers. Jacob P. and Susan Holtz became the parents of three children, - Jacob S., who enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and who died in July, 1864, in Ft. Strong hospital, at Arlington Heights, District of Columbia; Charles D., the immediate subject of this review; and John, who is one of the representative farmers of Pleasant township. Shortly after his marriage the father of our subject came to Pleasant township and located on a quarter section of wild land, reclaiming the same and adding to his holdings from time to time until he had a fine estate of about seven hundred acres. Here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in 1889, his widow surviving until August, 1896, when she and ability, was one of the influential citizens of the county and was a stalwart Republican in his political proclivities. His life was one of signal honor and usefulness and he was revered as one of the sterling pioneers of the county.

Charles D. Holtz, the immediate subject of this review, was born on the old homestead, in Pleasant township, and was there reared to maturity, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in the public schools of the place and period. After his marriage he located on a farm of ninety-five acres, in Adams township, and there made his home for an interval of eighteen years, at the expiration of which he took up his residence in Pleasant township on the farm where he now lives, having here developed a fine property which was part of the old homestead, and having made the best of permanent improvements, including a commodious and attractive residence. He now owns three hundred and fifteen acres of land, the major portion being under a high state of cultivation, while he has also devoted considerable attention to the raising of high-grade stock, being successful in both departments of his enterprise, which is directed with ability and energy. Mr. Holtz is zelso the owner of two brick business blocks in the town of Green Spring, which is his post office address, and for more than fifteen years consecutively he has served as a member of the directorate of the Seneca County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, whose headquarters are at Tiffin. He was treas- 'urer of the company in 1896 and 1897, while in 1898 he was elected to the office of president, and has been re-elected consecutively ever since. He served one year as assessor of Adams township and for five years as trustee of the same township, being recognized as a capable executive and a man of spotless integrity in all the relations of life. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, of whose cause he is a zealous supporter. Fraternally he is identified with Green Spring Lodge, No. 427, A. F. & A. M., of which he has served as w orshipful master. In 1874 he became a member of Union Grange, No. 1078, Patrons of Husbandry, and has been one of its influential and activ e workers, having served the same in the various official chairs.

Miss Mary L. Smith, who was born in Green Spring, the daughter of S. H. and Charlotte Smith, now residents of Bellevue, and of this union three children have been born, namely: Grace, who is a graduate of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, and who is now the wife of H. W. Robinson, a leading grain merchant of Green Spring; Nellie, who is likewise a graduate of Heidelberg College and who remains at the parental home; and Jessie, who is a student in the same college, being a member of the class of 1903:

Michael Borough

The vicissitudes and conditions of pioneer life were not unknown to the subject of this sketch, and though he has marked the intervening years with "ceaseless toil and endeavor' he has had the satisfaction of realizing that his efforts have been crowned with success, since he stands to-day as one of the prominent and prosperous farmers of Seneca county and as one of its honored citizens.

Mr. Borough is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Sandusky county on the 16th of January, 1836. His father, Abraham Borough, was born in Pennsylvania, whence he was taken in his early childhood to Virginia, where he was reared and educated. He continued to reside in the Old Dominion state until 1828, when his father, Frederick Borough, removed with his family to Ohio, locating in Jackson township, Sandusky county, where he took up a quarter section of wild government land, upon which he erected a house of hewed logs, and then gave his attention to reclaiming the land. He was a tailor by trade and spent his last years with a son in Michigan, where he died at the patriarchal age of one hundred and five years, five months and twenty days. Abraham Borough married, in Wayne county, Miss Sarah Betts. and they became the parents of six sons and four daughters, namely: Samuel, a resident of Eaton county, Michigan; Michael, of this sketch; Henry, a resident of Hancock county; Daniel, of Wood county: Mary, the wife of David Mowry, of Fostoria; Lily, the wife of Emanuel Snyder, of Arcadia, Hancock county; Amanda, wife of Reuben Ringle, of Gratiot county, Michigan; and John, Levi and Sarah, who are deceased. In 1840 Abraham Borough removed from Sandusky county to Liberty township, Seneca county, where he remained a few years and then returned to Sandusky county, where he continud: to reside until 1850, when he again came to Liberty township, and here purchased a tract of eighty acres, to whose cultivation he devoted his attention for the ensuing fifteen years. He then purchased a farm in Hancock county, but eventually came back to Seneca county, his death occurring in Fostoria at the venerable age of eighty years. His wife passed away at the age of sixty-nine years, both having been consistent members of the Evangelical church.

Michael Borough, the immediate subject of this sketch, grew up on the pioneer farms owned by his father, and his early educational advantages were such as the primitive log school-house ot the period afforded, and he walked one and one-half miles to the school-house each day. He continued to assist his father in his farming operations until he had attained the age of twenty-two vears, when he gave inception to his independent career by engaging in the work of clearing land and chopping wood, continuing to be thus engaged for three years. He thereafter operated a threshing outfit and also engaged in farming on rented land, thus continuing until 1869, when he took up his abode on the farm which he now owns, near Fort Seneca, Pleasant township, and here he has made excellent improvements of a permanent nature, while he has placed the farm under a fine state of cultivation, having one hundred and eighty acres of as good land as is to be found in this favored section of the state, his farm bordering the Sandusky river. In his farming operations he also devotes special attention to the breeding of short-horn cattle and Shropshire sheep.

In politics Mr. Borough accords allegiance to the Republican party, and the personal estimate placed upon him in the community has been signified in his being called upon to serve in the office of township trustee. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as trustee, steward and class-leader for more than a quarter of a century, his wife also being a devoted worker in the church.

On the 5th of December, 1861, Mr. Borough was united in marriage to Miss Mary Oswalt, and they have three children, - William H., who assists in the management of the homestead, married Annie Hushey, of Sandusky, and they have two children, - Horace and Venona; Jennie, the wife of Dr. J. C..Bowman, of Martin, Ohio; and Lola, the wife of

Elimah Nie Bel

This honored veteran of the Civil war, and now a leading agriculturist of Seneca county, may be justly termed a self-made man, for from his early years he has been obliged to make his own way in the world, and bravely and victoriously has he met adversity. He was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, January 10, 1839, a son of Levi and Elizabeth (Ritter) Niebel. The father was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in September, 1816, and in 1832 removed with his parents to Wyandot county. After his marriage he began farming in Fairfield, Ohio, and there the mother of our subject was called to her final rest in 1841, and of her two children Elijah alone survives. His only brother, John, was killed by acident at the age of thirteen years. After her death the children found a home with their paternal grandparents until the father's second marriage. about two years later, when Miss Hannah Bish became his wife. From 1844 until 1856 the father made his home in Bloom township, Seneca county, and in the latter year removed to the farm two miles southeast of Fostoria on which our subject now resides, but some time in the '7os he left this place and removed to Fostoria, and since tg01 he has made his home in Hancock county with his son Henry.

Elijah Niebel. the subject of this review, received but limited educational advantages during his youth and early manhood, for in early life he was obliged to assist in the clearing of the home farm, but by constant reading, study and observation in later life he has added greatly to his knowledge and has become a well informed man. On the 31st of October, 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil war, he nobly offered his services to his loved country and was assigned to Company D, Seventysecond Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving as a defender of the starry banner for three years and eight months. During his military career he took part in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, including those of Pittsburg Landing, the siege of Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson and Brandon. After the last named engagement he returned home on a thirty days' furlough, after which he returned to his regiment and took part in the battle of Paducah. He was captured on the 11th of June, 1864, near Meridian, Mississippi, during the engagement at Price's Cross-roads, and was confined in the prison pen at Andersonville for three months, after which he was transferred to Florence, South Carojina, there remaining as a prisoner of war until the 1st of the following March. He was then paroled, at Goldsboro, and returned to his home. His army experience is one of which he has every reason to be proud, tor he was ever found at his post of duty, and for his promptness, bravery and strict fidelity to duty he won the praise of his officers and the respect and esteem of his comrades.

In 1866 Mr. Niebel took up his abode in Fostoria, which continued to be his home for the following five years, during which time he was engaged in the arduous task of clearing land. For the succeeding twenty months he resided on his father-in-law's farm, in Loudon township, and he then became the owner of seventy-five acres of his present home place, where he has ever since continued to reside. As the years have passed by prosperity has abundantly rewarded his well directed efforts, enabling him to add to his original purchase until his landed possessions now consist of one hundred and fifty-five acres of rich and productive land. His success, however, is not the outcome of propitious circumstances, but the honest reward of labor, good management, ambition and energy, without which no man can win prosperity.

pioneers of Seneca county, Ohio, coming to this locality from Stark county. They became the parents of six children, - Flora Belle, deceased; one who died in infancy; Sarah A., also deceased; Minnie, wife of William Mathers, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Clara, wife of J. H. Arnold, of that city; and Arthur C., of Toledo. Mr. Niebel is a stanch supporter of Republican principles, and socially is a member of Norris Post, No. 27, G. A. R., of Fostoria, and has revisited some of the scenes of former strife 'while he was a soldier. His religious preference is indicated by his membership in the First United Brethren church at Fostoria, of which he is a zealous member and active worker, and in which he has served in various official capacities, being a trustee at the time of the building of the present edifice.

Harry E. Bradner

Harry E. Braduer, who is president of the Fostoria Heat & Light Company, represents one of the pioneer families of the state, but farther hack into the history of this country can his ancestry be traced. His ereat-grandfather, the Rev. Bradner, was a native of Scotland and emigrating to America founded the family in the new world. He was a minister of the Presbyterian church and was living in New York city when William Bradner, the grandfather of our subject, was born. William Bradner married Laura Everingham, and after residing at Niagara Falls, New York, for some years, he came with his family to Ohio, settling in Perry township, Wood county, and engaging in merchandising in Mill Grove. It was his son, John A. Bradner, who became the father of our subject. Prominently connected with railroad building in this state, he was for many years one of the most distinguished citizens of Fostoria. He married Miss Catherine Phillips and unto them were born eight children, of whom Harry E. is the seventh in order of birth.

Mr. Bradner of this review pursued his early education in the public schools of Fostoria, completed the high school course, and then, with a broad general education to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the study of law, in the office and under the direction of Charles A. Strauch, of Fostoria. He did not practice, however, but, becoming interested in the City Heat & Light Company, he was made its secretary and treasurer, and in January, 1902, was elected its president.

On the 3d of April, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bradner and Miss Edith Butterfield, a daughter of Isaac and Antonia (Griswold) Butterfield, the latter being a daughter of Samuel Griswold, whe was the first white child born in Columbus, Ohio. He became well known in connection with journalistic interests in Ohio, published a paper at Tiffin, later one at Marion, and at the time of his death was the editor and proprietor of the Fairfield County Gazette, at Lancaster, Ohio. His son Samuel, an uncle of Mrs. Bradner, was one of the ed.tors of the Omaha Bee. Unto Mr. and Mirs. Bradner has been born one child, William Robert. The parents are well known in Fostoria, where they have a large circle of acquaintances, and enjoy the hospitality of the best homes. Mr. Bradner is accounted one of the most progressive and energetic business men of the locality and his reliability and personal

Few residents of Fostoria have been more actively connected with its upbuilding and progress than Owen T. Brown, the president of the Mechanics' Banking Company. and no history of the county would be complete without a suitable record of his life.

He was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, one the 27th of March, 1835, a son of Edward and Margaret (Williams) Brown, who on emigrating to America in 1844 settled in Newark township, Licking county, Ohio, where they spent their remaining years, the father passing away in 1861, at the age of sixty-eight, while his widow survived him until 1870, dying at the age of sixty-five. Owen T. was but a little lad of seven years when with his parents he crossed the Atlantic. He was reared in Licking county and attended the schools of Newark, and when he had put aside his text books he became connected with the grain trade there. In 1875 he removed to Fostoria, but still engaged in buying and selling grain in Newark, as a member of the firm of Brown Brothers. On arriving in this city he became a partner in the firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company, which connection was maintained until 1890, when he went to Europe. At that time a reorganization brought into existence the firm of Brown & Bannister, the business continuing until 1896, Mr. Brown becoming the sole owner of the business. 'In July, 1899, he became the president of the Mechanics' Banking Company upon the reorganization of the old Mechanics' Savings Bank Company. Under his direction the new institution has had a remarkable growth. The conservative business policy which he inaugurated has brought commensurate success, the patronage increasing until it has assumed large proportions.

Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor ee who was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, March 27, 1835. Twice have they revisited their native land and in Igor they traveled all over the European continent, visiting the principal points of modern as well as historic interest. Four children were born to them, but Edward, their first, died at the age of six. Wilbur Charles, Anna M. and Mamie E. are the younger members of the family.

Mr. Brown has been active and influential in promoting public progress and the upbuilding of Fostoria. He is a progressive, enterprising citizen, deeply interested in every movement calculated to advance the general good. For three terms he served as a member of the city council. and was the president of the board at the time the city waterworks were established and when all the contracts for city paving were given. The council asked him to resign his position as one of its members in order to make him president of the water-works commission and allowed him to name the other two committeemen. The building of the water-works plant, involving the expenditure of two hundred thousand dollars. was completed in a thoroughly satisfactory and business-like

He has ever been a Republican, strong and earnest in support of the party, his efforts in its behalf being accorded of value in party lines. For thirty years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, being connected with the blue lodge and chapter. Long a consistent and faithful member of the Presbyterian church, for twenty-six years he has served as one of its trustees. He is a conservative business man of recognized ability and sterling integrity, acknowledged as a power in commercial, political, fraternal and church circles. He has not been so abnormally developed along any line as to make him a genius, but he belongs to that class of representative Americans who give due attention to those varied lines of thought and action which most affect the general good. Among his warmest friends are those who have known him through many years, - a fact which indicates that his career has ever been honorable, and upon the pages of Seneca county's history appears the name of no man who is more worthy of public regard than Owen T. Brown.

Edward E. Heath, who is connected with the development of the oil industry at Rollersville and makes his home in Republic. was born in Tompkins county, New York, February 12, 1843. His father. James Heath, removed with his family to Harford, New York, in 1849, and in the public schools of that place Edward E. acquired his literary education. At the age of seventeen years, however, he started out upon his business career, working at the tinner's trade in Homer, New York, where he served an apprenticeship to that pursuit. He was thus engaged until the 21st of August, 1862, when he placed his name upon the roll of volunteer soldiers to aid in the suppression of the-rebellion in the south. On the 19th of September he was mustered in the United States service, becoming a member of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty- seventh New York Infantry, at Hamilton. He joined the army for three years, and with his regiment proceeded to the front. The first engagement of importance in which he participated was at Chancellorsville. and there he was wounded by a minie ball, which passed clear through the left thigh and lodged against the bone in the right leg. He was then in the field hospital for three days, after which he was sent to a hospital in Washington, where he remained for seventeen days, during which time the ball was extracted. He was then sent to David's Island, where he remained until the Ist of September, at which time he was transferred to Fort Schuyler. Later he was at Bedloe's Island and at Alexandria, Virginia, when he was put on detached service, being thus engaged until his discharge, at the close of his term of three years. He was mustered out on the 14th of July, 1865, as first sergeant, having been promoted to the rank of corporal before leaving New York. On account of his wounds he was at one time granted a furlough of one month. He did his duty faithfully and well and was always found with his command until his injuries necessitated his remaining in the hospital.

After the close of his military service Mr. Heath took up his abode in Homer, New York, where he followed his trade for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Tioga county, New York. At Candor, that county, he was engaged in the hardware business until 1874, when he came to Republic, Ohio, on a visit, hoping that his wife's health might be improved. She was so much benefited by the change that he decided to remain here and soon afterward began buying and selling walnut timber. Later he engaged in the tinware and hardware business in Republic and is now connected with the oil industry, owning six oil wells at Rollersville, Ohio, the enterprise being successful.

On the 1st of December, 1869, Mr. Heath was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Shaw. She was born in Scipio township, Seneca county, a daughter of Joseph Shaw, whose history appears elsewhere in this work. In his political views Mr. Heath is a Republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party. He holds membership in Captain Horace Robinson Post, G. A. R., of Republic, of which he was formerly commander, and his wife belongs to the Women's Relief Corps, of which she is treasurer. He is a past noble grand of Republic Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O. F., and his wife is a past noble grand of the Daughters of Rebekah. She has been quite prominent in the work of this organization and was a delegate to the state meeting of the order, representing the twentyfirst district. In public affairs Mr. Heath has taken a deep, active and helpful interest. He was a member of the town council and served on the fire and water committee. He does everything in his power to promote the welfare and progress of his community, and for twenty years he has been correspondent of the Tiffin Tribune. In his business interests he has met with creditable success, owing to his enterprise and

Pho Aso Night

This venerable pioneer of Seneca county is a native son of the Buckeye state and a representative of one of the families who came to this commonwealth in an early epoch, dignifying the same by their services and worthy lives, even as he has done during the more than four score years which have elapsed since he was here ushered into the world. Honored by all, there is no citizen of the county more worthy of consideration in this compilation, and we find satisfaction in noting here the more salient features in his career. Mr. Knight, after years of active and earnest endeavor, is now living retired in the attractive little city of Tiffin, honored as one of the patriarchs of this locality.

Mr. Knight comes of stanch English lineage in the agnatic line and is a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, having been born on the old homestead farm on the 28th of February, 1821, the son of John and Mary (Glaze) Knight, who became the parents of seven children, of whom only two survive, - Elizabeth, the wife of Barney Brinker, and the owner of the old homestead. where she still lives; and Thomas C., the venerable subject of this review. John Knight was born his parents came to the United States, locating on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, four miles distant from Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio, where John Henry Knight, the grandfather of our subject, passed the remainder of his life, as did also his wife. He cleared and improved his farm, which ultimately became the property of his son and namesake, who finally sold the place and purchased a tract of wild land in Sandusky county, to which he removed when our subject was but three years of age. Some years later he returned to Pickaway county and there purchased another farm, which continued to be his home for the residue of his life, the old homestead being now owned by his daughter, as has been noted. He died in 1834, at the age of fifty-two years, having been a man of ability and utmost probity. In politics he gave his support to the Democratic party, ever manifesting a_ deep interest in all that concerned the welfare of the community. His wife was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, her parents being of Prussian lineage, while the family was established on American soil in the colonial epoch, as is evident from the fact that one of her uncles in the paternal line served with distinction in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution. He was captured by the British and was held in duress until he nearly died of starvation, but finally succeeded in making his escape and rejoining the colonial forces. George Knight, an uncle of our subject, also rendered effective service in the second conflict with Great Britain, having served as a soldier in the war of i812. The mother of Mr. Knight lived to attain the exceptiorally venerable age of ninety-seven years, her death occurring in Pickaway county.

Thomas C. Knight remained with his parents, assisting in the work of the farm and receiving his early educational discipline in the somewhat primitive schools maintained in Ohio in the pioneer days. He was but thirteen years of age at the time of his father's death, and he thereafter continued to assist his mother on the home place until his marriage, in 1848, when he came to Seneca county and located on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Hopewell township, reclaiming the place and placing it under a high state of cultivation, while, as the years passed and prosperity attended his efforts, he made excellent improve- ments of a permanent nature, the place now being equipped with substantial buildings and all other requisite accessories and facilities. This fine farm property is still owned by Mr. Knight, and there he continued to reside until 1885, when he sought surcease from the active labors of a busy and useful career and removed to the city of Tiffin, where he has a pleasant home, in which he is passing the sunset years of his life in peace and happiness. In politics Mr. Knight has maintained an independent attitude and has invariably refused to accept official preferment, though he has ever been ready to lend his aid and influence in support of all legitimate objects for the public good.

On the 9th of February, 1848, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Knight to Miss Mary Powell, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, the daughter of Philip Powell, a prominent and influential pioneer farmer of Fairfield county, and this union was blessed with nine children, of whom seven are living at the present time, namely: William, a successful wholesale business man of the city of Cleveland; Marion, who is a grain merchant of Tiffin; Amos, a prominent and successful physician of Attica, Ohio; John; Laura, the wife of William Reid, of Pickaway county; Thomas E., who has a farm adjoining the old homestead; and Sherman, who is identified with the glass-manufacturing industry at Dunkirk, Indiana. Mrs. Knight died in July, 1891, aged sixty-seven years, and her demise was a source of bereavement to a large circle of friends outside the sacred family precincts.

William H. Anway

William H. Anway represents one of the honored pioneer families of Seneca county, and his birth occurred on the old family homestead, in Scipic township, June 22, 1835. There he was reared, and in the common schools he acquired his early education, which was supplemented by study in the Republic Academy. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 3d of September, 1857, the lady of his choice being Miss Lucinda Tremaine, who was born in Fulton county, Ohio, a daughter of Warren and Nancy (White) Tremaine, who came to Seneca county about 1828, establishing their home in Scipio township. Her father purchased eighty acres of land. upon a part of which the town of Republic now stands. About 1835 he removed to Fulton county, Ohio, and there entered land from the government. He became one of the prominent and influential pioneer settlers there and took an active part in promoting public progress. Fie aided in crganizing the township in which he lived and was its first justice of the peace. His death occurred in 1841 and his wife passed away in January, 1887, at the age of eighty-four years. He left to the care of his widow two daughters, Mrs. Anway and Clotilda. The latter became the wife of A. H. Smith, and died at Delta, Ohio, in February, 1902. Their mother then conducted the farm of three hundred and twenty acres for eight years after her husband's death. On the expiration of that period she married Elijah Smith, the father of A. H. Smith. She survived her second husband and died at the home of Mrs. Anway at the venerable age of eighty-three years.

Mr. and Mrs. Anway began their domestic life upon a farm which continued to be their place of abode until 1872, in which year they came to Republic. After two years, however, Mr. Anway resumed farming upon the old homestead, but when two more years had passed he sold that property and again came to Republic, where he continued until 1880. In that year he began farming upon a tract of land near the town, and there continued agricultural pursuits until 1901, when he retired from active business life and one more took up his abode in Republic. He is still the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, and of this eighty acres were entered from the government by his paternal grandfather, William Anway, and has since been owned by some representative of the name of Anway. Industry has characterized his business career and his sound judgment and careful management have been the means of bringing to him creditable and desirable success.