Seneca Township (part 36 of 60)

became the wife of A. I. Stickney, station agent at Republic, and died in 1884; William W. is a farmer of Scipio township; and Laura is the wife of C. E. Karshner, of Barberton, Ohio. In his political views Mr. Anway is a Republican, and, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, is enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. He has served as a member of the town council of Republic and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of his community. For more than a quarter of a century he has been a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Republic and is most true and loyal to the teachings of this fraternity, which is based upon brotherly kindness and helpfulness. Throughout his entire life Mr. Anway has resided in Seneca county, and through sixty-seven years has witnessed its growth, development and progress, taking just pride in what has here been accomplished and bearing his part in the work of public improvement. The qualities of upright manhood have won for him high regard, and his worth is widely recognized.

Josiaharist Ler

As a native son of Seneca county and a representative of one of the earliest pioneer families in this section of the Buckeye state, Mr. Kistler is eminently entitled to representation in a compilation which has to do with those who have been the founders and builders of this commonwealth, while such is his personal honor and integrity of character and such his standing as one of the successful and progressive farmers of the county that this consideration is all the more compatible.

Mr. Kistler was born in Adams township, Seneca county, on the 13th of April, 1838, being the son of Joseph Kistler, who was born in Pennsylvania, of sturdy German ancestry. Joseph Kistler was born in the year 1815, and in his youth accompanied his parents on their removal to Seneca county, Ohio, where he grew to maturity on the pioneer farm, which was reclaimed from the sylvan wilds of this section of the state. Here his marriage occurred and here he reared his children. Josiah was reared on the old homestead, early beginning to lend his aid in the work of improving and cultivating the same and securing such educational advantages as were afforded in the common schools of the place and period. After attaining his legal majority he continued to work for his father, receiving one hundred dollars per year and the privileges of the family home. He was thus engaged until the year succeeding his marriage, which was solemnized when he was twenty-four years of age.

Mr. Kistler was united in marriage to Miss Susan Bookholdt, who was born in Seneca county, and to them eight children were born, of whem feur are living, namely: Joseph, a successful farmer of Adams township; Sarah, the wife of William Burger, of Clinton township; Herbert, who is engaged in farming in Adams township; and Webster, who remains at the parental home, assisting his father in his farming operations. He married Miss Lizzie Eberhardt, and they have one child, Leroy.

The vear subsequent to his marriage Mr. Kistler leased a farm in his native township, giving his attention to its cultivation for a period of five years, after which he purchased sixty acres of land in Adams township, disposing of this property a year later and returning to the parental homestead, where he successfully engaged in farming for ten years. He then purchased eighty-five acres of land in Adams township and there made his home for seven years, at the expiration of which tume he bought his present fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres. This place he has improved in the most effective way, making it one of the most desirable farm properties in the county, and here he has given his attention to diversified farming and to the raising of highgrade live stock, success having attended his efforts in all departments of his enterprise. He has never failed to avail himself of new methods which commended themselves to his judgment, and has been wide-awake and progressive, avoiding the ruts along which so many agriculturists continue to travel, thereby handicapping their success. In his political cratic party, taking an active interest in its cause and in those affairs which have to do with the general prosperity of his home community. He has served as road supervisor for the long period of eighteen years, making a most capable official, and was a director of the school board of his district for twelve years. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, of which he has been a deacon for the past six years. His wife, whose death occurred April 4, 1901, had been a devoted member of St. Joseph's Reformed church. A man of highest integrity and of unvarying courtesy and kindliness, he is honored by all who know him and is regarded as one of the representative citizens of his native

Andrew. Emerine

In the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competence and solid career on the part of the average business man fighting the every-day battle of life, there is but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter; but for a mind fully awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of the man who, without other means than a clear mind, a strong arm and a true heart, conquers fortune and gains not only the temporal rewards of his toil, but also that which is greater and higher, the respect and confidence of those with whom his years of active life have placed him in contact. America is distinctively a cosmopolitan nation; she has drawn from the four quarters of the world and rapidly assimilated the heterogeneous elements. To no country, however, does she owe more than to Germany, from whose provinces have come men of sturdy integrity, determined purpose and marked intellectual vigor, - men who have proved both builder and conservators. The German-American is in the average case imbued most thoroughly with the spirit of our national institutions, and brings to bear his strength of manhood in perpetuating and advancing the higher interests of the republic.

representative and public-spirited citizens of Fostoria, Seneca county, Ohio, where he has maintained his home for more than half a century, having been cne of the pioneer business men of the little village of the early days and having contributed a due quota to its advancement to its present status as an attractive and thriving little city of the Buckeye commonwealth. He has had an abiding and practical interest in all that has touched the prosperity and substantial upbuilding of the town, and here he has risen, through his own well directed and honorable efforts, from the position of a harnessmaker plying his trade in a diminutive shop, which he shared with two other young tradesmen in different lines of enterprise, to that of president of the First National Bank and the owner of extensive real-estate and capitalistic interests. Such a life record can not fail of lesson and incentive, and it is gratifying indulgence to here trace the career of the German lad who came with his industrious and honored father to the United States, where he early assumed the practical respcnsibilities of life and where he has attained notable success during the long years which have developed his powers and made him a valuable factor in the community.

Andrew Emerine was born in Wittenberg, kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 3d of December, 1829, the original orthography of the name having been Amhrine. His parents, George and Anna (Heine) Emerine, were of stanch old German lineage and their marriage was solemnized in Wittenberg, where the mother died when our subject was about two years of age. His father soon afterward emigrated to America and in 1836 he located on a farm in Liberty township, Seneca county, Ohio, where he remained several years, clearing and improving a farm in the forest. He then removed to Sandusky county, where he made his home until 1861, when he located in Hancock county, where he continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits until his death, at the patriarchal age of ninety years. He was a man of sterling integrity and indefatigable industry, devoting his life to honest toil and endeavor and commanding unqualified confidence and esteem. His son Andrew remained at home, assisting his father in the work of the farm, until he had attained the age of eleven years, when he faced the battle of life on his own responsibility, finding employment as a chore boy on a neighboring farm and thereafter continuing to be identified with farm work until he had reached the age of seventeen. It is scarcely necessary to state that the early scholastic advantages afforded to Mr. Emerine were exceedingly limited im scope, but to one of so alert mentality the lack of early educational advantages can not prove a bar to the acquirement of definite and comprehensive knowledge, as is evident when we but stop to consider the intellectual strength of the man of to-day, his broad mental grasp and mature judgment. For about three years Mr. Emerine had lived in the home of a Mr. Spielman, a few miles south of Tiffin, Seneca county, and he gave up his work there at the age of seventeen for the purpose of learning the trade of harness-making, in which connection he came to Fostoria, which was then a small hamlet, known by the name of Rome. Here he served an apprenticeship of three years under the direction of Jacob Fritcher, receiving his board and clothing during the interval and becoming a competent artisan in the line. Of the buildings in the little village of Rome at the time he took up his residence here not more than fifteen remain to-day in the flourishing city of Fostoria, the name of the town having been changed in honor of the father cf ex-Governcr Fester, who has here maintained his home from childhood. After completing his apprenticeship Mr. Emerine worked as a journeyman at his trade until he had accumulated a surplus of about fifty dollars, and with this as a basis he engaged in business on his own responsibility, opening a harness shop in a little building, sixteen feet square, in which were provided accommodations also for the tailor shop of Charles Kelley, who was also postmaster, and for David Stackhouse, a shoemaker, the three enterprises flourishing in their respective lines. Our subject secured the necessary tools and equipments on time but one other harness shop in this immediate locality, Joseph Lewis conducting a similar enterprise at a little settlement called Risdon, located about one-half mile north of Rome, from which it was separated by a strip of woods. Mr. Emerine continued to conduct his harness-making increasing business demanded. The county was rapidly settling up and developing, he secured good prices for his products and work and his business was signally prospered, his sales running as high as twelve thousand dollars a year and orders for work coming so rapidly as to test the capacity of the establishment. He gave credit to every one who asked for same, and the sterling character of the people of the community is indicated when we revert to the fact that he never lost to ~ exceed fifty dollars through thus placing his confidence in those who secured work on credit. For many years our subject manufactured all the horse collars sold in his place, giving his personal attention to the cutting of nearly all his leather stock and working assiduously night and day to meet the demands placed upon him. What more consistent and well merited than that such earnest application should meet with definite reward? He employed several workmen in his shop and its products had the highest reputation for superior excellence, while his business methods were ever above criticism, as they have been in the later vears during which he has had to do with affairs of wide scope and wnportance. At the expiration of twelve vears Mr. Emerine found that he had a modest fortune of about ten thousand dollars, and upon this was based the wider success which was to come to him through enterprise and far-sighted business policy. He purchased at that time a tract of land, for which he paid four thousand dollars, and within a year he disposed of the same at a profit of twenty-four hundred dollars, this operation signifying the turning point in his business career and lea ting to his withdrawing from that line of enterprise which had served as the nucleus of his success. He continued to handle real estate, and from 1860 to 1875 large profits could be realized from the handling of Ohio realty. both improved and unimproved. Mr. Emerine had the prescience and sagacity to take advantage of the opportunities thus afforded during the war of the Rebellion and the years immediately following. and hethas ever since continued to be largely interested in real estate in this section of the state. He retired from the harness business in the year 1874, in order to devote his attention the more closely to his cther interests. He purchased tracts of wild land at nominal prices and by improving the same through clearing off the forest, constructing drains and erecting substantial buildings was enabled to dispose of many of the properties at a good profit, while others he retained in his possessicn as a good permanent investment. At the present time he is the owner of twenty-one farms, with an aggregate area of fully seven thousand acres and situated in Wyandot, Hancock, Logan, Seneca and Wood counties. His general plan has been in this connection to lease the farms for a grain rental, though in several instances he has entered into partnership relations with lessees of his farms, devoted principally to grain and in a few cases involving the raising of high-grade live stock, having had as many as one hundred head of cattle on a fine stock and grain farm located about one and one-half miles distant from Fostoria.

In connection with his real-estate operations Mr. Emerine incidentally develcped a large brokerage and loaning business and this eventually led to the establishment of the First National Bank of Fostoria, of which he has been president from the time of its organization. The institution filed articles of incorporation in December, 1882, under the national banking laws and with the following named stockholders: Andrew Emerine, of Fostoria; George W. Hull, of Bucyrus; G. J. Hull, of Findlay ; Lovell Harris, of Upper Sandusky ; T. D. Adams, of Fostoria; Ross Crocker. of the same city; and Hon. John McCauley, of Tiffin. The bank is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars and its history has been one of substantial growth, wise and conservative management and marked prosperity, our subject having remained, by successive elections, its chief executive officer and giving to it the benefit of his high business abilities, discriminating judgment and fine administrative powers. The original cashier was Truman Hull, who was succeeded after two years by Alonzo Emerine, son of our subject. who has ever since been the capable incumbent of this responsible position. The list of stockholders contains the names of men prominent in business and financial circles and standing as voucher for reliability and solidity in the institution, the deposits of the bank now aggregating about fifty thousand dollars. while its business in all departments has been most satisfactory from the start.

advancement of the city and county of his home, Mr. Emerine has ever been known for his genuine public spirit and has given his aid and influence to many enterprises through which he hoped to foster the industrial prestige of Fostoria. A glass manufactory and a brick factory with which he identified himself proved unable to be successfully operated, but he is one of those prominently concerned in the Seneca White Lime Company, which operates eight kilns, affording employment to forty married men and having a capacity for the daily output of six hundred barrels of lime, the product being specially adapted for use in manutacturing glass and as a fertilizer, in which latter function it is extensively used in Pennsylvania. Mr. Emerine is also president of the First National Bank of North Baltimore, Ohio, the same having been organized in 1892 and being capitalized for sixty thousand dollars. This is likewise one of the solid financial institutions of the state, and its cashier 1s Levi Wooster, a son-in-law of our subject. Mr. Emerine has still other important capitalistic interests, being concerned in the oil industry as a member of two different operating companies, one of which had its inception about fifteen years ago, and since that time it has paid in dividends to each of its fifteen stockholders about sixty thousand dollars. Our subject erected in his home city the Emerine block, one of the finest structures in the business district, and in this the bank is located. His tine modern stone residence is one of the most attractive homes in Fostoria and one of the handsomest and most substantial in this section of the state. In politics our subject gave his allegiance to the Democratic party for many years, but finally became convinced that it had deviated materially from its original principles and he has consequently maintained an independent attitude in politics for some time, exercising his franchise in support of policies and measures rather than holding to distinct partisan lines. He is a member of no fraternal organization, having ever found that his home and his business had full clainis upon his time and attention without recourse to extraneous associations. Though not a member of any religious organization he

In 1850 Mr. Emerine was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Bair, of this county, and she entered into eternal rest in 1860, leaving twe children, - Alonzo, who is cashier of the First National Bank of Fostoria, and Amanda, who became the wife of Levi Wooster, cashier of the First National Bank of North Baltimore, and who died at the age of thirty years, leaving two children, - Lula and Trude. In Decembet . 1863, was solemnized the marriage of our subject to Miss Amy Noble. who was born in Brant county, Canada, and who died at the age of fifty-nine years, leaving five children, namely: Sarah. who is the wife of John Faulhaber, of Fostoria; Lucy, who remains at the paternal home: Cora, who is the wife of J.C. Crisswell. of Mount Gilead, Morrow county: Andrew, who is teller in the First National Bank of

Wiebur Csbrovwn

In no other land on the face of the globe is there accorded so perfect and consistent a recognition of individuality as in America. and here only has it been possible te overcome the prejudicial animus against admitting the ability and capacity of youth and to afford to the individual a full province in which to exercise the most potent functions of which he is capable, regardless of the fact that over his head may not have passed as many years as represent the age of these with whom he comes in competition in anv of the fields of human endeavor. An exemplification of the potentialities of vouth is given in the honorable and peculiarly successful career of the subject of this review, and though he now mantains his residence in the national metropolis, he calls Ohic his home and is still intimately identified with both political and business affairs in his native state, while such has been his prominence in

-\mong Ohio men in New York city none has more quickly achieved a high pcsition in the business and financial world than Col. Wilbur C. Brown. He is a son,of Owen T. Brown, one of the representative citizens of this county, and as specific mention of him is made on other pages of this work it will not be necessary to recapitulate at this juncture. \Wulbur Charles Brown was born in Newark, Licking county, Ohio, on the 20th of November, 1863, and he received his preliminary education in the public schools of that place and the city of Fostoria, Seneca county, to which his parents removed in his early youth. He was graduated in the Fostoria high school in 1880, with the highest honors of his class. He early manifested a predilection for literary work, his taste in this direction being exact and appreciative and his creative talents definite and critical. It may be appropriately stated that when only fourteen years of age he edited and printed an amateur newspaper. and his initial step after leaving school was to accept the position of city editor of the Daily Jeffersonian, at Findlay, Ohio. In April, 1882. Colonel Brown resigned his editorial position for the purpose of entering the banking house of the Hon. Charles Foster, in Fostoria, Mr. Foster having at that time been governor of the state. This incumbency Colonel Brown retained until January 1, 1888, when he tendered his resignation and became treasurer and general financial manager of a very extensive flouring-mill company which was organized in Fostoria by the late Hon. M. D. Harter, this corporation operating the largest winter-wheat milling plant in the Union. Colonel Brown's business career has been one of brilliant order, and yet has been the natural sequel of the determined application of his distinctive abilities and to his extraordinary grasp of manifold details and his indefatigable energy. Asa young man he has risen to a position of unmistakable prominence in the financial and industrial world, and while it is scarcely within the province of this article to enter into details, a brief reference to the more salient points in his career can not prove malapropos. In 1896 excessive work and responsibility thrown upon him by the tragic death of

Mr. Harter resulted in Colonel Brown's enduring a most severe attack of congestion of the brain, which barely escaped a fatal termination. After partially recuperating he resigned his position, having carried the great industry through a most critical period in its history, practically, as was said of Lord Brougham, '"'doing the work of seven men,' and showing a wonderful capacity for the handling of affairs of the widest scope and touching both the working and financial phases involved in the great enterprise.

In November, 1896, Colonel Brown became associated with Hen. Abner McKinley, brother of the late martyred president, and thereupon removed to New York city, where his rise has been rapid and continuous, bringing him in touch with large financial interests. He has gained a reputation as a man well equipped equally with the solid and the brilliant qualities essential to financial success. He was one of the syndicate of capitalists that built the Detroit & Lima Northern Railroad, of which he was treasurer, and of another syndicate that organized the International Fire Engine Company, a nine-million-dollar corporation, and is one of the largest stockholders in the American Mutoscope Company, of whose directorate he is a member. At Fostoria he organized the Fostoria Shade & Lamp Company, representing the largest industry of the sort in the Union, and he is a director and one of the largest stockholders in the White Mountain Paper Company. with twenty-five million dollars capital, while he has various other financial and industrial interests of wide scope and importance.

Colone! Brown served on the military staff of President McKinley during the four years of the latter's administration as governer of Ohio, in which connection he held the rank of colonel. With clearty defined and ably fortified political opinions, he early gave evidence of his interest in the work of the Republican party in Ohio, and he soon became recognized as one of the most efficient and valuable workers in the ranks of the party in his native state. He was elected delegate to the national convention of his party in 1892 and had the distinction of being the youngest delegate in the convention, and he was elected secretary of the Ohio delegation representing the thirteenth congressional district of the state, and was one of the four alternate delegates at large from Ohio to the Republican national convention at Philadelphia in 1900. For ten years he was chairman of the city Republican committee of Fostoria, being at the head of the city organization and a prominent member of the Fostoria Republican Club. He has invariably declined to accept political preferment of any order, though he has often been importuned to become a candidate for important offices. His political connections and influences have been notable and he has been in close touch with the leaders of his party in both his native state and the nation at large. Colonel Brown is an effective political speaker, and during the presidential campaign of 1900 he devoted much of his time to the canvass, making addresses in New York, New Jersey, West Virginia and Ohio. In his speeches he especially gave attention to the financial issues of the contest, and gained a reputation for singularly thorough information and great ability and effectiveness in the discussion of those complicated questions. The Colonel was a most intimate personal friend of President McKinley, of whom he was a stanch admirer, and it was his sad privilege to have stood at the bedside of the lamented president when he answered the inexorable summons of death and closed a life of exalted usefulness, beauty and honor.

Colonel Brown is identified' with the Republican Club of New York, the Transportation Club, the Lawyers' Club and the Ohio Society of New York, while he is also a member of various social organizations in the old Buckeye state, to which he is ever loyal as one of its native sons. In the midst of the thronging demands of a busy life he is always approachable, being gracious in his association with his fellow men and

Among the honored representatives of the medical profession in Seneca county stands Dr. Martin, who is located in the attractive village ef Bloomville and who is known as one of the native sons of the county and a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of this section of the old Buckeye state. His ability in his profession has gained him marked prestige, while his personality is such as to have gained to him a host of warm friends in the community where his ministrations are given.

Dr. Martin was born in Bloom township on the farm now owned by his brother George, in section 10, the date of his nativity being April 15. 1831. His father, John C. Martin, was born near Mifflin, Pennsvlvania, the son of William Martin, a native also of that state. John C. removed with his widowed mother and the other members of the family to Fairfield county prior to 1812, in which year the records show that he went to Hamilton county, where he remained two years. He then returned to Fairfield county, where was solemnized his marriage to Miss Mary A. McCandlish, and of their children we enter brief record, as follows: William is a resident of Iowa; Robert is deceased; Anthony McCandlish is the subject of this sketch; Wilson and John are deceased ; George, a retired farmer, is a resident of Bloomville; Albert resides in king City, Missouri: and Jane is deceased. The father of the Doctor came to Seneca county in 1827, making the trip with team and wagon and transporting his family and household effects to the forest wilds of Blocm township, where he entered claim to eighty acres of government land, upon which he erected a log cabin. He was a wheelwright and chairmaker by trade, and he thus was led to build a shop on his farm, and there he gave a portion of his time to the work of his trade. including the manufacturing of chairs and spinning wheels for both wool and flax, and the necessary reels, and for his products he found a ready demand in the pioneer community. He remained on his original place for two years and then removed to the farm where his son, the Doctor, was born, and there he spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the age of eighty-one years, his wife having preceded him into eternal rest, dying at the age of sixty-six years. Both were devoted members of the Presbyterian church and were Peet of sterling character and marked mentality.

pioneer farm, and his first scholastic training was secured in a primitive subscription school held in the house of John Davis, Bushnell Austin acting as instructor. Later he continued his studies in the old academy at Republic, and when nineteen years of age he put his acquirements to practical test by engaging in pedagogic work, becoming one of the popular and successful teachers of the county. When twenty-one years of age he began reading medicine in the office of Dr. George R. Weeks, one of the early physicians of Bloomville, continuing to teach school during the winter months and thus defraying his expenses. After three years he entered the Western Reserve Medical College, at Cleveland, where he continued his technical studies for one year, after which, in 1854, he e1itered upon the active practice of his profession in Reedtown, Seneca county. Later he was matriculated in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1859. receiving the degree of M. D. He was thereafter engaged in practice at Republic for one vear, and then removed to a farm in Reed township, where he continued his professional work in connection with agricultural pursuits for a period of eleven years. The following two years were passed in Venice township and the Doctor then, in 1872, came to Bloomville, where he has ever since been established in the practice of his profession, retaining a large and representative supporting patronage and being recognized as an able member of the medical profession and as a citizen of the highest character. His political support is given to the Republican party, and though he has ever shown a consistent interest in public affairs of a local nature he has never sought political preferment of any order. The Doctor is specially fond of travel, and he and his wife have been able to indulge themselves freely in this interesting and profitable diversion, having crossed the Rocky mountains nine times and having also visited other sections of the Union.

On the 22d of June, 1854, Dr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Hossler, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob Hossler. one of the pioneers of this county, where he located in 1834. Of this union two children have been born, namely: Anna M., the wife of E. F. Hanna, a wholesale commission merchant of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Franz Sigel, who is a graduate of the Columbus Medical College, and who is engaged in the practice of his profession at Napoleon, Ohio. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Presbyterian church and is prominent in the church and social life of the community.

For nearly fifty years the Doctor has devoted himself to the practice of the most noble of all professions, and it should be noted that there are but two other men in Seneca county now actively engaged in practice who were in the practice when he Legan. His success in his chosen field of work has redounded to his greater professional precedence. With a careful diagnosis he has endeavored to understand his patient, and with careful and sympathetic nursing has worked to assist nature in her healing processes.

Frederick Zarges

Stuttgart, the picturesque old capital city of Wurtemberg, Germany, figures as the birthplace of the venerable subject of this review, who is one of the honored citizens of Seneca county, where he has maintained his home for almost half a century and where he has attained prosperity through his own well directed efforts. Though advanced in years he retains remarkable mental and physical vigor, and he is esteemed as one of the sterling pioneer citizens of the county where he has lived and labored to goodly ends.

Mr. Zarges was born in Stuttgart on the 8th of April, 1818, and is now the only survivor of the seven children of Frederick and Catherine (Kideisch) Zarges, both of whom passed their entire lives in Wurtemberg, the former having been a cabinetmaker and joiner by trade and vocation. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native city, and in preparing for the active responsibilities of life he learned the trade of florist and gardener, to which he devoted his attention in Germany until he had reached the age of thirty years, when, in 1847, he severed the ties which bound him to home and native land and set tunities were afforded for individual accomplishment. His financial reinforcement at the time of his arrival in New York city was represented in the sum of eighty dollars, but he had the excellent equipment implied in a sturdy physique, energy, integrity and a thorough knowledge of horticulture and floriculture, so that he had little to fear in the way of making his services of value, even though a stranger in a strange land. He passed one week in the national metropolis and then proceeded to Rochester, New York. where he entered the employ of the well known nursery firm of Ellwanger & Barry, the senior member of which had been a coworker with him in Germany. After a few months had elapsed Mr. Zarges went to Kingston, Canada, to accept a position, but not being satished with the conditions and outlook in that connection, he soon returned to Rochester and thence, somewhat later, went to Groveland Center, New York, where he was engaged in gardening for one year, at the expiration of which time he went to Duanesburg, Schenectady county, where he was engaged in gardening for two summers, passing the winters in Rochester. He then passed a year in Elmira, after which, in the spring of 1853, he was sent to Kentucky to lay out a nursery for a man named Hobbs, having in the meantime become the owner of eight acres of land within the city limits of Rochester. He established the nursery for Mr. Hobbs, at a point ten miles east of the city of Louisville, remaining in that locality until the fall of 1854, when he returned to Rochester, where he purchased a stock of trees and other requisite supplies, with which he came to Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, where he engaved in the handling of nursery stock, continuing to have his stock shipped in from Rochester and from Sandusky, Ohio. In 1856 he purchased six acres of land in Hopewell township, two miles south of Tiffin, and here set out a nursery for himself, contmuing to handle stock shipped in from the east until his own place should become available as a source of supply. Before the close of the war of the Rebellion he had secured a good start, so far as the condition of his own nursery was concerned, but such were the local conditions that he was unable to do a profitable business and much of his stock was dug up and destroyed in a bonfire. Mr. Zarges then abandoned the nursery business and turned his attention to market gardening on his place, and shortly afterward he purchased an additional sixteen acres, across the road from his original tract. In 1876 he erected on the new place a substantial brick house, taking up his residence there in the fall of that year and here he has ever since maintained his home, continuing to follow the line of enterprise which he inaugurated so many years ago and which he has conducted with so marked ability and discrimination as to attain a high degree of success and a position of independence. For the past thirteen years he has given over much of the practical and managerial work to his son, but, though venerable in years he kas not resigned the active duties of life, having vitality far greater than the average man of sixty and finding pleasure in maintaining an active supervision of the interests to which he has so long given his time and attention. In 1885 Mr. Zarges purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty-two acres in Seneca township, and this property which is well improved, he still owns. At the time of the crucial epoch of the civil war Mr. Zarges gave his unqualified support to Abraham Lincoln as candidate for the presidency, but in later years has been identified with the Democratic party, of which his son also is a supporter, while both are zealous members of the German.Lutheran church. Mr. Zarges has ever retained the unequivocal confidence and esteem of his fellow men and is to-day one of the popular men of his community, the years resting lightly upon him as the shadows of life begin to lengthen, while he stands as a worthy example of what is possible of accomplishment on the part of one who will apply his best energies and abilities in facing the problems of i1fe.

On the 5th of July, 1864, Mr. Zarges was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Staib, who was born in Seneca county, the daughter of Lewis Staib, who emigrated from Wurtemberg, Germany, and took up his residence here about 1835, thus becoming one of the pioneers of the county. Mrs. Zarges has been a true companion and helpmeet to her husband during the long years of their married life, and their union has been blessed with one son, Frederick Lewis, who resides at home and has charge of the gardening business established so many 'years ago by his here reared and educated. On the 23d of May, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie De Bussman, who was born in this county, the daughter of Frederick and Rosa (Snyder) De Bussman, and of this union three children have been born, two of whom survive, - Frederick and Leila. Myra died in early childhood.

That independent spirit, enterprise, industry and determination so essential to a successful career in connection with any vocation are possessed in an eminent degree by the subject of this review, who is engaged in the blacksmithing and wagon-making business in the village of Kansas, Seneca county, Ohio, and who is honored as one of the sterling citizens and representative business men of the place.

Mr. Seiger was born in the county of Sandusky, Ohio, on the 8th of August, 1868, being a son of Ellis and Christina (Shoemaker) Seiger, whose six children all survive, namely: Lucy, the wife of Phineas Gamertsfelter, of Sandusky county; Charles H., the subject of this review ; Emma, the wife of W. O. Riehm, of Liberty township, Seneca county; Joseph and Jacob, who reside in the village of Kansas; and Minnie, the wife of Edward Lewman, of Liberty township. The father of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, whence he removed with his parents to Sandusky ccunty, Ohio, when a boy, being there reared and educated and being for many years identified with sawmilling, gristmilling and farming in that section of the Buckeye commonwealth. In 1884 he came to the town of Kansas, where he operated a gristmill for a number of years, being now engaged in the oil business, operating several wells in this locality.

Charles H. Seiger remained at the parental home during his early youth and received his educational training in the public schools. After the removal of the family to Kansas he was here employed in his father's nineteen, when he began serving an apprenticeship at the trade of blacksmith, in which he became an expert artisan. He was employed by others for an interval of five years and then, in 1892, opened a shop of his own. He has built up a large and profitable enterprise, doing wagonmaking and operating a planing mill in connection with his general blacksmithing, and being frequently referred tc as the "busiest man tn the town," this being praise to which he is clearly entitled, for he is indefatigable in his industry and his business methods are such as to retain to him unqualified confidence and esteem in the community. In his political proclivities Mr. Seiger is a stanch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and fraternally he is identified with Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, while both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is also a prominent member of Kansas Lodge, No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is treasurer at the time of this writing.

November 24, 1894, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Seiger to Miss Mabel Grove, who was born in Erie county, Ohio, the daughter of the late William Grove, a successful merchant of Castalia, and of this union three daughters have been born, namely: Bernice, Vera and Lela.

Seneca county contributed to the federal army many a brave and valiant soldier during the war of the Rebellion, and among those surviving at the present time, - when the ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic are rapidly being decimated by the one invincible toe, death, - stands the subject of this sketch, who was loyal to his country in her hour of peril and who has ever since been her stanch supporter in the "piping times of peace." In the connection it is also interesting to revert to the fact that cur subject's father, Eli Thornburg, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and that his maternal grandfather. Henry Meyers, showing that loyalty and patriotism have been ever characteristic of the family and also, incidentally, revealing the fact that it was established on American soil in the colonial epoch. Mr. Thornburg is one of the representative farmers of Seneca county, where he has passed the major portion of his life, his parents having been numbered among its pioneer settlers.

Mr. Thornburg is a native of the state of Maryland, having been born in Washington county on the 12th of May, 1828, the son of El and Sarah (Meyers) Thornburg, who became the parents of six children, of. whom Wesley, the eldest, met his death while serving in the war of the Rebellion. The others are: Harrison, Martha S., Mary, Margaret E., and.Captain Thomas H., who is the only survivor besides our subject. Captain Thornburg was a lieutenant in the Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he started as a private. Eli Thornburg removed with his family to Seneca county in 1832, locating in Tiffin, where he followed his trade, that of mason, until his death, in 1854, at the age of sixty-five years, his wife passing away in 1869, aged about seventy years. Our subject was about five years of age at the time of the family's removal to this county, and here he was reared to maturity, securing such scholastic advantages as were afforded by the public schools and learning the mason's trade under the effective direction of his father. He continued to follow his trade in this locality until 1852, when the gold excitement in California led him to make the long, perilous and weary trip across the continent to the new Eldorado, the journey being made with a mule team and not being completed until the expiration of three months. He went to the mining camp at Hangtown (now known as Placerville) and there joined the eager throng of gold-seekers, working in the placer beds for two years and being quite successful in his efforts. He then returned to Ohio. on this occasion making the trip by boat and by way of the isthmus of Panama. He now engaged in farming in Eden township and was thus employing his time at the outbreak of the Rebellion. In 1863 he enlisted as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being mustered into the service'in the city of Cleveland, for a term of one hundred days, and thence proceeding with his command to assist in defense of the national capital, at Fort Hagerty receiving his honorable discharge at the expiration of his term. He then returned to his home in Eden township, and in 1879 he purchased his present fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, where he has been duly successful in his farming operations and in the raising of an excellent grade of live stock. An air of thrift and prosperity pervades the place, the permanent improvements being of excellent order and every detail showing the careful supervision of an energetic and progressive owner. His political support has ever been given to the Republican party and he has neglected none of his civic duties, doing all in his ncwer to conserve the best interests of the community and being here held in the highest esteem.

Bltasaayv. Grum

The Crum family is of sterling old German origin, but has been established on American soil since the colonial epoch, the original representatives in the United States having located in Pennsylvania, with whose annals the name has been identified for several generations. The subject of this review, one of the highly esteemed and prosperous farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, may well be considered a representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state, since his father came here forty-five years ago and cast in his lot with the people who were here ° developing the forest lands into fine farms, inaugurating the work which has been so splendidly carried forward and which has made the county one of the most attractive and prosperous sections of the old Buckeve commonwealth. Many of those who figure as founders and builders of the county find representation in this publication, and we are pleased to thus consistently make reference to the Crum family.and to the individual career of the gentleman whose name initiates this review.

28th of April, 1846, being the son of Frederick and Susanna (Reeme) Crum. of whose eight children seven are living at the present time. namely: Daniel, a prominent farmer of Hopewell township; Elias W., the immediate subject of this sketch; Frederick, a resident of Hamilton county, Indiana; Theodore, a farmer of Pleasant township; Wesley, engaged in agricultural pursuits in Eden township; Savilla, the wife of Deroy C. Dunn, of Hopewell township; and Oliver, a successful merchant at Bascom. The father of our subject was likewise born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1816, being the son of Leonard and Catherine (Stein) Crum, the former of whom was also born in the same county. whither his father had emigrated from Germany. Grandfather Leonard Crum passed his entire life in his. native county, passing away at the age of eighty-four years and having devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, owning three hundred and twenty acres of land in Dauphin county. His son Frederick grew to maturity on the old homestead, and for six years after his marriage was engaged in farming on a tract of land owned by his father. He then purchased a farm of eighty-seven acres in his native county and there made his home until 1857, when he came with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, where he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres now owned by our subject. Five vears later he purchased the eighty-acre farm where his son Daniel L. now resides, and in 1871 he purchased another farm, comprising one hundred and thirty-four acres, located three miles north of Tiffin, in Clinton township, where he made his home about four vears. He then purchased forty acres adjoining this last farm and there erected a commodious and attractive residence. Here he was living at the time of his wife's death, July 16, 1889. and two years later he removed to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Dunn, where he remained until his death. on the sth of January, 1899. He was a man of spotless reputation and noble character, was one of the world's sterling workers and gained independence and prosperity through his own efforts, ever commanding that unalloyed esteem which indicates objective appreciation of genuine worth. He was one of the influential citizens of his community, allegiance to the Republican party. He was eighty-three years of age at the time of his death, and his cherished and devoted wife, who was born in the same county as was he himself, passed away at the age or sixty-four years. é

Elias W. Crum, as may be inferred, was surrounded with the benefcent influences of a true home, though it was humble in character. and he waxed strong in mind and body while assisting in the work of the nomestead farm, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in the common schools of the period. His marriage occurred in 1871, and his father then removed to Clinton township, leaving the homestead farm in his charge. Here he continued in the vocation to which he was reared, and his energy and progressive methods were attended with such results that he was enabled to effect the purchase of the homestead in 1880, and here he has ever since maintained his home, bringing to bear the most approved and scientific methods and facilities in the cultivation of his land, and making the best of improvements, including a substantial and handsome brick residence, which he erected in 1890 and which is to be noted as one of the fine homes of this township. In addition to his homestead farm he is also the owner of sixty-five acres in Clinton township, this place being in charge of his son-in-law. Silas Bretts. Mr. Crum has commanded, for the same reasons, the esteem and confidence so freely accorded to his venerated father. and the family hold a prominent position in the social life of the community. In politics Mr. Crum exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party, but the honors and emoluments of public cffice have had no allurements for him. He and his wife are devoted members of the Protestant Methodist church, and he has been a member ci the board of trustees of Bethel church for the past five years.

On the 31st of January, 1871, Mr. Crum was united in marriage to Miss Frances Lambright, who was born in Maryland, the daughter of Henry Lambright, who came with his family to Seneca ceunty in 1856, settling in Clinton township. where he passed the residue cf his

I., the wife of Clement Barnes, a farmer of Hopewell township; Mary O., the wife of Silas Bretts, who has charge of our subject's farm in Clinton township; and Herbert L., who remains at the parental home

Isaac W. Cookson

The pioneers of a country, the founders of a business, the originators of any undertaking that will promote the material welfare or advance the educational, social and moral influence of a community deserve the gratitude of humanity. One of the leading factors in the mercantile activities of Kansas, Ohio, is the hardware store of Isaac W. Cookson, who is at all times a public-spirited and progressive citizen, never withholding his support from any movement which tends to advance the public good.

A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurred in Sandusky county, December 19, 1856. His father, Joseph Cookson, was also born in that county, in 1834, to which place his parents had removed from Pennsylvania. There the son Joseph was reared and married, and when the time came for hin to begin the active battle of lite on his own account, he located on a farm in Sandusky county, which continued to be his home until 1894. In that year he came to Kansas, Ohio, where he and his wife still reside. She bore the maiden name of Mary Sprout, and their marriage was blessed with four children, three of whom still survive, namely: Isaac, the subject of this review; David F., who still makes his home in Sandusky county; and Jacob C., a prominent agriculturist of Liberty township.

Isaac \V. Cookson chose as a life occupation that to which he had been reared, and at the age of twenty years he began farming on rented land, thus continuing for the following ten years. In 1886 he removed tu Sycamore, Ohio, where he gave his attention to the creamery business for the following three years, and on the expiration of that period, in brother, David F. This relationship was of short duration, however, for within a year our subject became its sole owner and has ever since conducted the business alone. Since entering upon an independent career he has made good use of his opportunities and has prospered from year to year, conducting all business matters systematically and in all his acts displaying an aptitude for successful management. But not alone in the business world has he won prominence, for in the ranks of the Republican party he is recognized as a leader. While a resident of Sycamore he was elected and served as a member of the town council, but was obliged to resign that position on account of his removal from the city. In 1892, under Harrison's administration, he was made postmaster cf Kansas, in which capacity he served for four years, discharging his duties in that important position to the satisfaction of all concerned. In his social relations he is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, and of Kansas Lodge, No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is a past grand and past chancellor, respectively.

December 19, 1876, Mr. Cookson was united in marriage to Miss Laura Byers, a native of Loudon township and a daughter of Philip Byers. They have two children, - Lulu, the wife of Ralph Smith, of Fremont, Ohio; and Maud E., at home. The family hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Cookson has served as a steward and as president of the Epworth League.

Amos Keller

Amos Keller is one of the prominent business men of Seneca county, his home being in Seneca township. He has met with creditable success and has commanded uniform confidence and respect by his business methods, so that the record of his career is full of interest. In all his trade transactions he has been honorable; at all times he has been energetic: he forms his plans readily, carries them forward to successful completion, and is now enjoying well merited prosperity.

Mr. Keller was born near Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, December 26, 1839, and is a son of Joseph Keller, whose birth occurred ia Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1797. The grandfather of our subject was Henry Keller, who, about the year 1809, removed with his family to Fairfield county, Ohio, and there Joseph Keller was reared to manhood upon a farm. He was about twelve years of age at the time of his removal to the Buckeye state, and through the period of his youth he assisted in the operation of the old homestead. On attaining his majority he began werking at the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed fcr two years, and then decided to resume farm work, purchasing a tract of land which he owned and operated until 1849. In that year he removed to Clinten township, Seneca county, and became the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land, two miles from Tiffin. This is now owned by Mr. Schoffner and Mr. Schreikel. This farm was partially improved when it came into the possession of Mr. Keller, and he and his family became the cccupants of a log cabin that had previously been erected upon the place. While his wife attended to the household duties he took his place in the fields and continued the cultivation of the soil until 1855, when his life's labors were ended in death. He held membership in the Evangelical Association and his life was consisteat with the teachings of that denomination. He was three times married, his first wife being Mrs. Catherine Hite, by whom he had one child, who died in infancy. For his second wife he chose Miss Elizabeth Tussing, and they became the parents of six children, namely: Mary, who became the wife of Solomon Meisse and died in 1899; Reuben, who was a resident of Seneca county and died in 1882; Sarah, who is the widow of David Meisse and makes her home in Springfield, Ohio: Isaac W., a resident of Fairfield county, this state; Amos, the subject of this review: and Joseph, who died during the civil war, while at Camp Dennison, in 1864, was wounded at the battle of Stone River, but the immediate cause of his death was an attack of smallpox; he belonged to Company H of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he was orderly sergeant. After the death of his second wife, Joseph Keller.

Amos Keller spent the first ten years of his life in his native county and then accompanied his family to Seneca county, where he pursued his elementary education in the public schools, later continuing his studies in Heidelberg College. There he remained as a student from 1857 until 1860. In 1861 he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, with the intention of becoming a teacher of the higher branches of learning, but on account of ill health he was forced to abandon his college course. He was afterward engaged in teaching school until May, 1864, when he responded to his country's call for aid, joining Company A of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for one hundred days' service. The regiment was sent to the defense of Washington, and on the expiration of his term Mr. Keller returned to Seneca county, where he worked on a farm during the summer months and in the winter seasons continued his educational work, being a most successful and competent teacher. In the year 1866 he purchased a tract of twenty-eight acres of land, with a sawmill, the place being known as the old St. John property. For seven years he operated the sawmill and in 1874 he erected a gristmill. He also placed a circular saw in the sawmill, in 1877, and in addition erected a planing mill, conducting the three departments of his business, in all of which he has met with success. The capacity of the flour mill is fifty barrels per day. The plant is equipped with a full roller process and the four manufactured is of a very high grade, thus finding ready sale on the market. His planing mill and sawmill are equally well adapted for the uses to which they are put and in both lines Mr. Keller is receiving a liberal patronage. Upon his place he has made splendid improvements, including the erection of a beautiful three-story brick house, which was built in 1883. He has ninety-five acres in the home place and his land has become very valuable by reason of the growth in population in the county and also owing to the many excellent improvements which he has placed upon his property. He also owns a separate farm, of one whereby the place has been converted into a tract of rich fertility; and also has a third farm, of fifty-five acres, making a total of two hundred and seventy acres.

On the roth of October, 1867, Mr. Keller was united in marriage to Miss Martha Sneath, who was born in Pleasant township, this county. on the rst of September, 1846, being a daughter of William and Martha Sneath. The family came to Ohio from Maryland in the early pioneer days, first locating in Trumbull county and thence coming to Seneca county, where they were numbered among the early settlers of Clinton township. Robert Sneath, a brother of Mrs. Keller, is one of the representative citizens of the county. Mrs. Keller was summoned into eternal rest on the 11th of March, 1902, leaving two children. - Rufus E. and Abbie F. The daughter is a graduate of Heidelberg College, in Tiffin, in which her husband, Professor A. D. Keller, is now an instructor. Our subject and his wife also took into their home, at the age of four years, an orphan girl, Elsie May Somers, and she received the care and advantages which they accorded to their own children. Mrs. Keller was a woman of noble and gentle character, ever ordering her life in harmony with the deep Christian faith which was a dominating element in her nature, and being devoted to her home and family, though she thoroughly enjoyed the advantages of travel, in company with her husband. She had been exceptionally strong and vigorous, both mentally and physically, and her death came with slight premonition, casting a shadow over the entire community in which she had been so highly esteemed. Her memory rests as a benediction upon those who came within the sphere of her gracious influence.

In his political views Mr. Keller is a stanch Republican, giving an earnest support to the party, and for twelve years he has served as a memiber of the school board, being president of the board during this entire period. He also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at McCutchenville, in which he is steward and trustee. Other offices he hes filled, and he is ever interested and active in support of the cause, doing all in his power for the spread of Christianity. In the year 1900 he attended the Paris exposition and traveled extensively abroad, visit- ing France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Belgium and England. Mr. Kelier well deserved this period of recreation and rest, for his has been an active and busy life. There is no element of indolence in him and his unremitting diligence has been the means of bringing him a handsome competence as he has carried forward his business affairs.

During the years which mark the period of Dr. Loose's professional career he has met with gratifying success, and during his residence in Bloomville he has won the good will and patronage of many of the leading citizens and families of the place. He is a great student and endeavors to keep abreast of the times in everything relating to discoveries in medical science and methods of treatment. Progressive in his ideas and favoring modern methods as a whole, he does not dispense with many of the true and tried systems which have stood the test ot years.

A native son of Seneca county, he was born in Clinton townshi;. March 15, 1874, a son of Eli and Jennie (Bader) Loose. The father was a son of John Loose, who became one of the early settlers of the locality, coming to the Buckeye state from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. and on his arrival here he took up his abode in Clinton township. three miles north of Tiffin, where the son Eli grew to years of maturity on the homestead farm. Later he became a student in Heidelberg College, where he prepared himself for the ministry, and was ordained in the Evangelical church. At the close of his studies, however, he purchased a farm adjoining his father's place, and for many years thereafter gave his attention to farming, preaching only at intervals. and without taking regular pastoral work. After devoting about twenty vears of his life to agriculture he sold his farm and accepted a charge as resident minister of the United Brethren church at Attica. having in the meantime withdrawn from the Evangelical church on account of there having been no society of that denomination near him. Remaining in Attica for three years he accepted a charge in Oceola, where he remained for a similar period, going thence to Whitesville, where he spent the following three years. During the next two years he ministered to his church at Green Spring, and from: that point went to Johnsville, Morrow county, his present location. During the past twelve vears he has devoted his life entirely to the work of the Master, and his efforts have been blessed with - a religious awakening that has been highly gratifying. His wife was born in Fairfield county, Ohio. Her father was a native of Germany, but when a boy he accompanied his father on his removal to America, and after their arrival in this country they took up their abode in Fairfieid county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Loose were born three children, but only two are now living, the brother of our subject being Arthur, who is a resident of Green Spring, Seneca county, where he is engaged in the provision business.

T. C. Loose, whose name introduces this review, acquired his elementary education in the schools of his native locality, and at the early age of eighteen years he became a teacher in the district schools, following that profession for two terms. Wishing to follow the practice of medicine as a life occupation, he accordingly, in 1891, entered the office of Dr. C. A. Force, of Attica, remaining under his preceptorage until his entrance into the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, in 1892, and during his vacations he still continued his reading under Dr. Force. In the spring of 1896 Dr. Loose was graduated in the Starling Medical College, receiving one of the five honorable mentions given by the college for best grades, and a set of gynecological instruments for the best work in gynecology. On the 1st of April following his graduation, he located in Bloomville, where he has built up a lucrative and constantly increasing practice.

In 1894 occurred the marriage of the Doctor and Miss Daisy «A. Sutton, of Attica, a daughter of A. G. Sutton, a prominent banker of that city. One child has brightened and blessed the home of our subject and wife, - Bushnell A. Dr. Loose-is a member of the Seneca County Med- ical Society, and also of Eden Lodge, No. 310, F. & A. M. His political support is given to the Republican party, and for a number of years past he has served as a member of the school board and as health officer.

John B. Zimmerman

John B. Zimmerman, one of the leading agriculturists and most highly esteemed men of Seneca county, was born on the farm on whicn he now resides on the 16th cf December, 1838, a son of Barney and Sarah (Sager) Zimmerman. The father, who was born in Maryland in 1804, served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which ne followed in the state of his birth until 1836, when he came with his wife and four children to Seneca county, Ohio, purchasing eighty acres of land near where our subject now resides. His wife proved to him a faithful helpmate during this early pioneer epoch and nobly assumed the management of their farm while her husband worked at his trade. He erected many of the pioneer log cabins for the settlers in this locality, and later, when the frame houses came in vogue, he formed a partnership with Josiah Hilderbrake, and together they followed contracting and building for many years. Mr. Zimmerman was an expert workman, but later in life he abandoned his trade and retired to his farm, where his life's labors were ended in death on the 3d of March, 1888, at the age of eighty-four years. He was very liberal in his political views, but his preference was for the Democracy; and on its ticket he was elected and served as county commissioner, serving for three years, while for about nine years subsequently he was an infirmary director. For more than sixty years he was a member of the German Reformed church, *t Fort Seneca, during much of which time he held office. He was a man of sterling character, never having had a lawsuit throughout his entire life. and in all movements for the betterment of his community he took an active part. The mother of our subject was born in Maryland in 1810, and her death occurred in 1897, at the age of eighty-seven years survive, namely: Jacob, a farmer of Pleasant township, Seneca county ; Solomon, who resides in Sheridan, Michigan; Margaret, the wife of Rey. David Sherrick, also of Pleasant township; John B., the subject of this review; and Sophia, the wife of Levi Repp, of Harlan, Indiana.

John B. Zimmerman grew to manhood amid the refining influences of a cultured home, and his education was received in the common schools of the neighborhood. On the gth of September, 1861, he ran away from home and enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company B, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under General William H. Gibson, and until November, 1862, the regiment formed a part of the Army of the Cumberland. After the battle of Shiloh Mr. Zimmerman was detailed as an ambulance driver, but five months later was transferred to the quartermaster's department, as assistant, and while serving in the latter capacity, on the 9th of October, 1862, he was captured near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and was taken to Nicholasville and there paroled the third day afterward. Reporting for duty at Columbus, he was sent home on a furlough, and for several weeks thereafter was a constant sufferer from rheumatism, on account of which he was discharged, in December, 1862, not even having been exchanged. After recovering his health he began farming the home place on the shares, and two years after his marriage he removed to Clinton township, locating two miles north of Tiffin, where he began work at the blacksmith's trade, in partnership with a brother-in-law, and though he had no special training he was able to perform all work demanded in the shop. Eighteen months later our subject left that place for Fort Seneca, where he opened up a shop and for seven years he was there engaged in work at his trade, following which he was engaged in the mercantile business at that point for five years, but the latter venture proved unprofitable and at the close of that period he found himself in debt to the amount of twelve hundred dollars. Coming thence to Liberty township, he rented his father's two farms, and succeeded in clearing off his indebtedness. In 1880 he purchased a farm adjoining the old homestead, paving two thousand dollars in cash and assuming an indebtedness of his father's land. In 1898, after his mother's death, he purchased the interests of the remaining heirs in the old homestead, and this has ever since continued to be his home. He belongs to that active class of agriculturists who are never ready to settle down and to "take life easy," which seems to be the goal ever in view to multitudes of farmers: he is not afraid of work and would not be content to live in quiet idleness and luxury, for he realizes that work is the salvation of mankind and idleness is a curse to one's self and the community.

In 1863 occurred the marriage of Mr. Zimmerman and Miss Anna E. Omwake, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Jacob and Anna E. (Beck) Omwake, who came to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1846. Two children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, - Henry A., a prominent agriculturist of this township, married Ida B. Ensminger, of Kewanee, Illinois, and in company with his brother he recently purchased the John Birkey homestead; Homer D., who operates the old home farm. The Democracy receives Mr. Zimmerman's hearty support and co-operation, and in his social relations he is a member ct General William H- Post, "No21,G. AR, oi iitiin, ) hor thirty-six years he has been an active member of Shiloh Methodist Protestant church, in which he has served as class leader, and for twenty-four years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school. In business circles he sustains an enviable reputation, and his energetic nature, strong determination, sagacity and capable management have brought to him a handsome competence. He carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his business methods son ct Jacob and Susanna ( Puffenberger) Null. The father also claimed West Virginia as the state of his nativity, and there he was reared and married, following the occupations of farming and milling as a means of livelihood. When about twenty-eight years of age he came to Seneca county, Ohio, entering eighty acres of forest land in Liberty township, and also purchasing an eighty-acre tract located just across the road from the John Shoemaker farm. On the latter place was a hewed-log cabin, and there he spent the remainder of his life. With the aid of his sons he cleared the land, placed his fields under a fine state of cultivation and from time to time added to his landed possessions until he became the owner of eight hundred acres. His political support was given to the Democracy. Both he and his wife reached the ripe old age of eighty years, and she was called to her final rest just a few days prior to her husband's death. Four children were born unto this worthy couple, namely: \illiam Harrison, the subject of this review; Lovina, the wife of Joseph Cesna, of Eaton county, Michigan; Sarah, the widow of John Chester and a resident of Tiffin; and Clarinda, the wife of Samuel Schrodes, also of Tiffin.

William H. Null grew to manhood amid the pioneer surroundings of a new and unsettled country, acquiring but a limited education in the primitive log school-house, which he attended in his youth, for early in life he was obliged to assist his father in clearing and cultivating the farm. After his marriage he farmed on rented land for two years, and then removed to a tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres which had been purchased by his father and which he deeded to our subject in the following year. Mr. Null is now the owner of two farms, comprising two hundred and five acres of excellent farming land, located in Liberty township, but for the past thirty years he has made his home in the village of Kansas, with the exception of three years when he returned to his farm. His has been a busy and useful life, - a life filled with arduous and useful toil, but he is now the possessor of a comfortable competence.

native of Maryland. By the second union five children were born, namely: Ada D., the wife of Fred Veach, of Liberty township; Effie L., the wife of Elmer Leggitt, of Woodville, Ohio; Elizabeth, the wife of Mert Grant, of Pleasant township, Seneca county; John K., who resides on one of his father's farms; and William Harrison, Jr., who operates the second farm. Mr. Null gives his political support to the Democracy. Throughout nearly his entire life he has been a resident of Seneca county, and has been identified with many of the interests that have contributed to its substantial development and improvement. His probity, fidelity and sterling worth have won him the unqualified confidence of his fellow townsmen, and now, in the evening of life, his pathway is brightened by the veneration and respect which ever follow an upright career.

The subject of this review has passed her entire life in Seneca county and is a worthy representative of one of its sterling pioneer families, as was also her husband, now departed this life, and thus it becomes compatible that specific mention be made of both in this compilation.

Mrs. Boyd was born in Seneca county, being a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Elliott, the former of whom was born in the state of Pennsylvania, whence he came to Seneca county in an early day, locating in Bloom township, where he reclaimed a farm and there maintained his home for many years, being regarded as one of the representative men of the county, and being honored for his sterling integrity of purpose. He is still living, having attained the venerable age of eighty-four years, and he is now making his home with one of his sons, in Reno county, Kansas. The mother of our subject died when the latter was but two years of age. and her father subsequently married Miss Elizabeth Sheidler. who died three years later. and he thereafter consummated a third marriage, Miss Polly Harnish becoming his wife. She was a woman of noble character, and under her solicitous care Mrs. Boyd was reared to years of maturity, receiving her educational discipline in the public schools in the vicinity of her home.

On the 13th of December, 1867, Miss Catherine Elliott was united in marriage to Levi Franklin Boyd, who was born in Reed township, on the 24th of July, 1842, being the son of Hiram and Jane (Reed) Boyd, who were numbered among the early settlers in Reed township. Mr. Boyd was reared to manhood on the old homestead farm and was educated in the common schools of the locality and period. His intrinsic loyalty and patriotism were quickened into decisive action when the thundering of Confederate guns against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter announced that the nation's integrity was menaced by armed rebellion, and in 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was in active service for a term of three years, and the history of this valiant regiment is practically his own history during that period of strenuous conflict through which the Union was perpetuated. He was captured and was held in duress at Libby, Andersonville and other prisons of the south, and after receiving his honorable discharge he returned to his home and here in Seneca county he ever afterward gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. Just prior to his marriage Mr. Boyd purchased forty acres of the present finely improved homestead, subsequently adding to the same, and it now has an area of ninety-six acres and is one of the most valuable and attractive places in the township. Here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on the 23d of December, 1893. For many years prior to his demise Mr. Boyd had been badly crippled with rheumatism, resulting from exposure and hardships during his term of service in the civil war, and he was practically tunable to do any active work for eighteen years before his death. He was a man of spotless character and held the esteem of all who knew him. His political suppert was given to the Republican party, but he never sought official preferment. Fraternally Mr. Boyd was identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, and he ever maintained a warm interest in nis old field of the south. He is survived by his widow and their one daughter, Jennie, who is the wife of James Harrison, who has the management of Mrs. Boyd's homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have two children, - Hazel and Frank.

Mr. Boyd was.a man of a high order of mentality, was progressive in his methods, animated by the highest principles, and was one whose life was prolific in good, while no citizen of the community was more highly honored than was he, who had here passed his entire life, aiding in the development of the county and lending his influence in support of all worthy measures for the general good. His death was sincerely deplored by a wide circle of loyal friends.

Rollin K. Williams

The most elaborate history is perforce a merciless abridgment, the historian being compelled to select his facts and materials from manifold details. This applies to specific as well as generic history, and in the former category biography is placed. In every life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of incident, and yet in summing up the career cf any man the writer must needs touch only the more salient points, giving the keynote of the character but eliminating all that is superfluous to the continuity of narrative.

Within the pages of this work will be found individual mention of many prominent and influential citizens whose lives have been practically passed in Seneca county and who are representatives of pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state. Of this number is Mr. Williams, who was born on the old homestead where he now lives, in Adams township, and who is one of the progressive and successful farmers of the county. Mr. Williams was born on the 7th of December, 1844, being the son of Jeremiah Williams, Jr., who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in the year 1806, being the son of Jeremiah, Sf.,ca native war. He emigrated to Ohio in an early day, becoming a pioneer settler of Fairfield county, as did he iater of Seneca county, to which he removed with his family in 1824 or 1825, taking up a tract of government land in Eden township, where he reclaimed a good farm. The last years of his life were passed with his son, on the farm where Rollin K. now lives, his death occurring at the age of eighty-five years, while his wife, whcse maiden name was Mary Gaither, died here also at the age of eighty-two. They became the parents of four sons and six daughters, and of this number none are living at the present time. The children who grew to maturity were Reuben, Elisha, Susan, Elizabeth, Mary, Eli and Jeremiah, Jr. Reuben settled in Warsaw, Indiana, where he established a newspaper, the same being now edited and published by his son, General Reuben Williams; Elisha Williams removed to Fulton county, Ohio; Susan married Uriah Egbert and lived in Pleasant township; Elizabeth and Mary married and removed from this county; little is known as to Eli; and Jeremizh, Jr., was the father of our subject. About 1833 Jeremiah Williams, Jr., came to Adams township, having here purchased a quarter section of heavily timbered land, only four acres having been cleared, while a primitive log cabin had been 'erected. In this domicile he took up his abode, and here he inaugurated the work of reclaiming and otherwise improving the farm, which continued to be his home until his death, on the 16th of August, 1878, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife survived him only nine months, both having been devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they were active workers, while to them was given the unqualified esteem of the community where they passed so many years of their lives. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Eliza L. Kinzer, and she was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Susan Kinzer. She was reared from early childhocd in Eden township, where she was married, her first union having been with John Jones, and after his death was sclemnized her marriage to Jeremiah Williams. Of this second union six children were born, namely: Margaret O., a maiden lady, who died on the 15th of October, tg01, having remained at the came the wife of Jaccb Yotter, of Kosciusko county, Indiana, and who died in 1874; Cyrus, a resident of Kosciusko county, Indiana; Edmund B., a farmer of Adams township; and Rollin K., the immediate subject of this sketch and the owner of the old homestead.

Rollin K. Williams grew to maturity on the old homestead farm, early beginning to assist in its improvement and cultivation and securing his preliminary educational training in the district schools, after which he continued his studies in the academy at Republic. With the exception of an interval of six years, when he worked at Melmore, Eden township, he has consecutively maintained his home on the old farm where he was born. A portion of the original tract has been sold, but he still owns a fine farm of ninety acres, covering the homestead, the same having the best of permanent improvements and being kept under a high state of cultivation, yielding bounteous harvests in return for the labors and care expended. In politics Mr. Williams is a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party, and he has served for fourteen years as justice of the peace, in which capacity he has rendered effective and impartial work. Both he and his wife are zealous and influential members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the office of circuit steward, trustee and assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school.

On the 25th of November, 1869, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Endslow, who was born September 24, 1848, in Craw ford county, Ohio, the daughter of William and Eliza (Junk) Endslow, pioneers of Crawford county, where the father settled as early: as 1825, having emigrated thither from Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where he was born and reared. He died on the farm which he had thus entered and reclaimed, in Crawford county, in his seventy-third year. His wife was born in Ireland, whence she was brought to Pennsylvania when eight years of age, having been reared in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where her marriage was solemnized. She died in Crawford county, Ohio, when her daughter, Mrs. Williams, was but two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of four children, of whom we

Norris, of Scipio township, and they have two children, Carl and Alice; Dwight O., who is a druggist in New London, Ohio, married Miss Cora Selmann, and they have one child, Helen; Cassius A. is in the employ of the Toledo & Ohio Central railroad, at Columbus; and Rollin K., Jr., remains at the parental home.

The beautiful cemetery of Green Lawn, at Tiffin, Ohio, owes much of its attractiveness to the effective efforts of Mr. Clouser, who has had charge of the same for more than a decade and a half, having been chosen to the office of sexton in 1885. It is ever fitting that ''God's acre' should be made as beautiful as possible, typifying the ideal life beyond and bespeaking the glories of immortality in so far as is possible; and thus no community can claim to have done its duty if its cemeteries are neglected and unkempt. Tiffin has placed an able incumbent in the office of sexton of Green Lawn, where nature and art vie with each other in making attractive the city of the dead.

Mr. Clouser comes of stanch German lineage, though the name has long been identified with the annals of American history, and he is himself a native of Seneca county, where he has passed his entire life, having been born on the homestead farm, in Clinton township, on the 28th. of December, 1857. His father, Aaron Clouser, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he grew to maturity and where was solemnized his marriage to Miss Anna Aker, a native of the same county. In 1848 they came to Ohio and located in Seneca county, the father purchasing a farm two miles northeast of Tiffin and devoting his attention to general farming there until 1876, when, his children having married and established homes of their own, he came to Tiffin and was made sexton and so served till his death, which occurred on the 18th of September, 1900, at the venerable age of eighty-two years. He was a member of the English Lutheran church and in his earlier life had been a quite active worker in the cause of the Republican party. He was one of the California argonauts of 1849, where he was fairly successful in mining for gold, remaining there nearly three years. He was a son of Abraham and Catherine Clouser, natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been a tailor and weaver by trade and a representative of a German family which located in the Keystone-state in an early day. Anna (Aker) Clouser, the mother of our subject, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and died in Seneca county, Ohio, at the age of fifty-six years, having been a devoted member of the Lutheran church. She was a daughter of Joseph D. and Catherine (Mosier) Aker, natives of Pennsylvania, where they passed their entire lives, the former being killed in a storm, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife passing away at the age of sixty-four; both were devoted members of the Baptist church.

Of the children of Aaron and Anna (Aker) Clouser six grew to maturity, namely: Eliza, who is the wife of Abraham Fretz, a prominent farmer of Seneca county; Anna M., who is the wife of John E. Huffman, likewise a farmer of this county; James, a railway conductor, residing in Westchester, Pennsylvania; Lewis J., the subject of this sketch; Mary E., who is the wife of Alva H. Speck, of Tiffin, where he operates a flour mill; and Rose Alice, who was a most devoted member of the Lutheran church, and who passed away in 1883, at the age cf sixteen, years.

Lewis J. Clouser passed his boyhood days on the old homestead farm, early beginning to lend his aid in connection with its work, and securing his educational discipline in the district schools and the public schools in Tiffin. When twenty-one years of age he found employment at Green Lawn cemetery, with his father. who was sexton, and thereafter continued to he identified with its care-taking at intervals until :885, when he was made sexton of the same, a position which he has since retained, taking deep interest in the beautifying of the cemetery and in keeping it in immaculate order at all times. His services have been duly appreciated, as is evident from his long retention in the position. In politics he has ever given a stalwart allegiance to the Republican party, and he served for several years as a member of the board of election judges. Fraternally he is prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed the degrees of both lodge and encampment, and also with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, at Tiffin. He is a member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife is a ntember of the Lutheran church. On the 23d of February, 1886, Mr. Clouser was united in marriage to Miss Ida Speck, who was born in Clinton township, this county, the daughter of Peter and Mary Speck, her father having been one of the pioneer farmers of this section of the state, and of this union two daughters have been born, - Martha Alice and Viola E., both of whom remain at the parental home.

Back to stanch old German stock does Mr. Hoover trace his lineage, and that in his character abide those sterling qualities which have ever marked the true type of the German nation, is 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 most naturally in securing hima high position in the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He has passed his entire life in Seneca county, where his father was one of the early pioneer settlers, contributing to its development and' prosperity, even as has his son in connection with the industrial activities which have conserved consecutive advancement.

Joseph F. Hoover was born on the pioneer farm in Loudon township. on the 17th of October, 1843. being the fifth in order of birth of the nine children of Benedict and Frances (Miller) Hoover, and one of the four who are living at the present time, the others being Louisa. the wife of Simon Flaxenhar, of Liberty township: Andrew, of Hopewell township: and Mary, the wife of Henry Miller, of Loudon township. The parents were both natives of Germany, where they were reared and educated, coming to America while still young, their marriage having been solemnized soon after their arrival in New York city. Soon afterward they came to Seneca county, Ohio, settling in Loudon township, where the father entered a tract of forty acres of government land, upon which he built one of the primitive log houses common to the pioneers, and set himself valiantly to the task of clearing and improving his farm. Here he and his devoted wife passed the remainder of their lives, honored by all who knew them and known as people of sterling character. On the old homestead Joseph F. was reared to maturity, contributing his share to the work incidental to the same and securing a common-school education. He was married in 1865, and since that time, with the exception of an interval of about three years, has lived on the farm which he now owns, the same having originally been the property of his father-inlaw, one of the early settlers in the county. Directly after the death of this sterling pioneer our subject purchased the home farm, of seventy acres, to which he has since added by the purchase of eighty acres in Liberty township and eighty-five acres in Loudon township, so that he now has a valuable and well improved landed estate of two hundred and thirty-five acres, in three farms, while he has so directed his efforts as to gain the maximum success in connection with his agriculturai operations, being recognized as one of the progressive and representative men of this locality and commanding unqualified respect and esteem. His public-spirited attitude has gained him recognition in connection with the governmental affairs of the county, and he served two terms as trustee of Hopewell township, in which his home is located. His political proclivities are indicated in the unwavering allegiance which he has ever given to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in whicn he was reared, and of which his wife also is a communicant, being members of the congregation of St. Andrew's church.

On the 3d of May, 1865, Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Anderson, who was born on the farm where they now reside, and here she has practically passed her entire life. Her father, John Anderson, was one of the early settlers of Seneca county, having come hither from Franklin county, Ohio, and originally entering claim tional one hundred and twenty acres, and here he passed the residue of his days, his death occurring at the age of seventy-five years. The maiden name of his wife was Candacy Chaney, and she entered into eternal rest at the age of sixty-five. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover became the parents of ten children, all of whom are living except Mary, who died in infancy. The others are: Dennis, who is engaged in farming in Hopewell township; Nettie, the wife of Henry Koerper, of Liberty township; Jennie, the wife of Joseph Swartzmiller, of Loudon; Thomas, who resides in Tiffin; Anson, of Loudon; and Frank, Harry, Lloyd and Douglas, who remain at the parental home.

Among the more esteemed citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Dr. Levi Corfman, who for many years has been one of the representative practitioners of this city, and who still, at the advanced age of seventy-four. gives his professional services to those who feel the confidence in his skill which his successful career has inspired.