Seneca Township (part 37 of 60)

The birth of Dr. Corfman occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, June 18, 1827, and his early years were passed on a farm. His education in the elementary branches was acquired in the district schools of his locality; and he very distinctly recalls the old log structure which was his alma mater, with its puncheon floor and slab benches. The picturesque old school-house has long passed away before the march of progress, but the lessons learned within its walls prepared the ambitious youth to take up the study of medicine while still in early manhood. His first instructor in this science was Dr. Bennan, of Elmore, Ohio, with whom he continued for some years, improving his time so well that he was then considered capable of taking charge of a practice in Belle Vernon, Wyandct county, Ohio, where he remained for two years. The young physician then moved to Pleasantville, Fairfield county, Ohio, and remained there during four years, locating then in Berwick, Seneca county, where he remained for three months. The next four years were spent in Wyandot county, where he had made many friends during his previous residence, going from his old location to Corey, in the same county, and remaining there for four years also, at the end of this period going to Findlay, where he immediately entered upon a successful professional career which continued up to the time of his removal to Tiffin, in 1881. Since locating in this city, Dr. Corfman has been a signally successful physician. Although he was educated in the old schools of medicine, long experience has made almost every human ill familiar to him, and his successful treatment and skill has proved that the foundations of medical science are the same, and also that schools and colleges do not make physicians. A real physician is born, as surely as is an artist. For a long time Dr. Corfman's services were given upon the call of necessity, no matter how inclement the weather or how pressing his own needs; but advancing years made it necessary to restrict his practice, and he has, for the past nine years, only given his attention to chronic cases, many of them being those given up by younger physicians. Dr. Corfman is a man of wonderful vitality, bears his years well and is more active than many men of one-half his age. He is kept busily occupied with his office practice, and he will be sadly missed when he no longer consents to give the benefit of his long experience.

On October 12, 1851, Dr. Corfman was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Decker, of Fairfield county, Ohio, a most estimable lady, who still survives. The family of children born to Dr. and Mrs. Corfman were eight in number, two sons and one daughter still surviving, namely : Abraham, who is a successful physician at Toledo, Ohic; John, who is engaged in farming in Seneca county; and Lillie V., who is a graduate of the high school and who resides at home. The other children were: Elizabeth, who died at the age of ten years; Susan V., who died at the age of twenty-one in Tindlay; Etta, who died at the age of ten years; Maggie M., who married J. D. Rolley and died at the age of twentyeight, leaving one child, Lillie Inez, who died in childhood: and Sarah C., who died, unmarried, at the age of twenty-eight years.

ocratic party, although he takes no active interest in politics, beyond voting. Both he and wife are connected with the Evangelical church, where they are both held in high esteem.

William Dudrow

One and three-fourths miles to the southeast of the thriving little city of Green Spring is located the fine homestead farm of the subject of this review, who is one of the native sons of Seneca county, of which lis father was a pioneer settler. Mr. Dudrow is prominently concerned in the raising of and dealing in high-grade live stock and his progressive methods and discriminating judgment have placed him among the successful farmers and business men of his native county, while he has so ordered his life as to gain and retain the confidence and high regard of those with whom he has been thrown in contact. It is clearly incumbent that a sketch of his life be incorporated in a work having to do with the representative citizens of the county.

Mr. Dudrow was born on the pioneer homestead, in Adams township, Seneca county, on the 22d of August, 1856, the son of David W. and Mary J. (Rule) Dudrow, the former of whom was born in Frederick county, Maryiand, and the latter in Seneca county, Ohio. The father of our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, and as a young man emigrated thence to the sylvan wilds of Seneca county, Ohio, where he was employed for a time on a farm and then rented Jand. Finally he purchased a tract of sixty acres, near the present home of his son Frederick W., to which latter he eventually removed and here passed the residue of his life, having reclaimed his farm and placed the major portion of the same under effective cultivation. At the time of his death he was the owner of about three hundred acres of land, his demise occurring in May, 1888, at the age of sixty-three years, while his widow is still living on the old homestead, aged about sixty-eight came devoted members of the United Brethren church, being honored as sterling pioneers of the county. They became the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living, namely: Byron, a prominent attorney of Fremont, Ohio; William, the subject of this review; Frederick W., a successful farmer and stock-grower of Adams township and associated with our subject in business; and Jennie, the wife of George Baker, of Adams township.

William Dudrow grew to maturity on the old homestead, early beginning to aid in its reclamation and cultivation and securing his preliminary educational training in the district schools, after which he continued his studies for a time in the academy at Republic, an institution held in high regard in the early days and the precursor of the present normal school at that place. Mr. Dudrow remained at the parental home until his marriage, which was solemnized on the 19th of October, 1881, when Miss Adelle Crockett became his wife, she being the daughter of Edward and Eliza (Brown) Crockett, pioneers of Adams township, where Mrs. Dudrow was born and reared. Of this union two children have been born, - William and Mary, both of whom remain at the parental home. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Dudrow located on his present homestead, of which his father had still retained possession, and here he has since maintained his home, having developed the place to a state of high productiveness and made the best of improvements of a permanent nature, including a commodious and attractively located residence. Here he is the owner of a tract of one hundred and forty acres, while he is associated with his brother Frederick W. in the ownership of an additional one hundred and twenty acres, - a part of the old homestead. He devoted his attention to general farming until 1890, when he entered into partnership with his brother and instituted the buying and shipping of live stock upon a somewhat extensive scale, handling cattle, hogs and sheep and gradually expanding the scope of operations until the business is now one of marked importance. In addition to thus handling stock he utilizes his farm to a great extent in the breeding and raising of high-grade cattle and swine, and the brothers nounced order, doing much to advance the stock interests of this section of the state, and being honored as capable, conscientious and energetic business men. In politics Mr. Dudrow supports the Republican party, and he served for six years as trustee of his township, ever showing his interest in all that touches the general welfare of the community.

Residing in the midst of the oil regions of Ohio, Thomas H. Artes, of Fostoria, is well known as an operator and contractor, having for anumber of years been extensively engaged in the development of oil wells in this portion of Ohio. He is numbered among the native sons of Pennsylyania, his birth having occurred in Warren county, that state, in 1854. His father, William Artes, was a native of Tidioute, Warren county, and was a son of Thomas Artes, a lumberman who had extensive business interests in-that portion of the state. He was born in the eastern part of Pennsylvania,and as he passed through the years of manhood accumulated a handsome competence as the result of extensive and important business interests. His son, the father of our subject, was also connected with lumbering interests in Pennsylvania. He married Catherine Clark, also a native of the Keystone state. Seven children blessed this union, the subject of this sketch being the fourth son.

Throughout his entire life Thomas H. Artes has been interested in the development of the oil industry. He began this work in Pennsylvania, and in 1896 came to Fostoria, where he has ever since drilled and operated in oil wells in connection with others, and all his wells have been fair producers. He is an experienced judge of oil lands and can fairly estimate the probable flow and quality of oil, so that his investments, being judiciously made, have resulted in bringing satisfactory: financial returns.

In the state of his nativity Mr. Artes was united in marriage to Miss Letta L. Maultby. and unto them have been bern four children, a daughter and three sons, namely: Anna, Harry, Wilbur and Ben. Both himself and wife are well known in Fostoria, where they have many warni friends, ever showing a working interest in all that makes for the elevation of thought and life in the community.

Rawson Grogker

Rawson Crocker, of Fostoria, is a representative of an honored pioneer family of this portion of the state. He was born in this city in .1841 and is of Welsh extraction, his ancestry being traced back to Seth Crocker, who resided in Washington county, New York. He was the great-grandfather of our subject, whose grandfather was John Crocker. The latter married Lucy Bartlett and immigrated westward, taking up nis abode in Seneca township, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1823, and there remaining about nine years, at the expiration of which, in 1832. he removed to Loudon township. This worthy couple became the parents of two children, - Roswell and Laura. 'The latter was married to the Hon. C. W. Foster, of Fostoria, and still resides in this city, at the age of ninety-six years. She is the mother of ex-Governor Charles Foster, one of the distinguished citizens of Ohio, who served most capably as chief executive of the state. Roswell Crocker, the father of our subject, was born in Cambridge, Washington county, New York, May 2s. 1806. With his parents he came to Ohio, and through many years he was prominently identified with the substantial improvement and upbuilding cf Seneca county. He entered from the government a tract of land, and upon a portion of the same the city of Fostoria now stands. He made the first plat of the town, which he called Rome. It was in 1832 when he took up his abode here and established a milling business. conducting a sawmill from that date until 1837. He then erected a gristmill which he operated until 1846. Leaving the town he then removed to a farm ten miles south of Fostoria and built a flourmill and sawmill about 1852, when he sold out and returned to Fostoria, building here another Houring mill, which he conducted until 1865. In that year he retired from business, having in the meantime accumulated a comfortable competence, which enabled him to rest from his former labors. In the early days when business development was yet in its infancy, his enterprise proved of vast benefit to his fellow citizens and at the same time brought to him creditable success. He lived to be more than ninetythree years of age and passed away December 30, 1899, respected and honored by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah A. Cooper, was a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, her parents being William and Anna (Giles) Cooper. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Crocker were born two sons, but the brother of our subject, Allen Crocker, died in 1865, at the age of twenty-six years.

Rawson Crocker has spent the greater part of his life in Fostoria and after attending the public schools here he continued his education in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He is also a graduate of Eastman's Business College, of Poughkeepsie, New York, and when mental training had prepared him for the practical duties of life he became a factor in business circles in his native town, where he has since remained. He was only sixteen years of age when, in 1857, he began to clerk for the old firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company, becoming a partner of that concern in 1867, and remaining for a period of six years. Since 1875 he has engaged in the grocery business and in real estate dealing. From 1878 to 1894 he was also engaged in the insurance business, and at the present time he is a stockholder in the Seneca County Bank. His attention is largely given to the superintending of his investments and his property interests. His business career has ever been marked by diligence and enterprise and as the years have passed he has accumulated a handsome competence.

In 1867 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Crocker and Miss. Lucy E. Caples, a daughter of Philip D. and Sarah (Brown) Caples. Her mother was a daughter of Major Case Brown, whose family came from Canada to Ohio. The Caples were early settlers here, taking up of Mrs. Crocker, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, March 5, 1816, and was a som of Robert F. and Charlotte F. Caples, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. About 1819 they came to Ohio, settling in Wayne county, and in 1832 they took up their abode in Jackson township, Seneca county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Crocker has been blessed with four children: John R., of this city; Charles P., who is connected with the Seneca County Bank, of Fostoria; Ross E., who is with the Crouse-Tremaine Carbon Company: and Fred, - all the children being residents of Fostoria. Mr. Crocker exercises his right of franchise in support of Republican principles, and for one term served as a member of the city council. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic order. Viewed in a personal light he is a strong man, - strong in his honor and his good name. His business interests have claimed much of his attention, yet he has ever found time to faithfully discharge the duties of citizenship and promote public progress through active

Howard Sf Free

A prominent farmer of Reed township, Seneca county, Ohio, M1. Free is the representative of one of the county's earliest pioneer families. He was born on the farm where he now resides, on the 21st of July, 1860, a son of John and Eliza (Wolf) Free. The father traced his nativity to the Old Dominion, his birth having there occurred about 1820, a son of George and Elizabeth (Ellenberger) Free. When a child he accompanied his parents on their removal to Seneca county, Ohio, the family being among the earliest settlers of Bloom township, where the father entered one hundred and sixty acres of iand, now known as the old Goose Pond farm. There the son John was reared to years of maturity, and in his youth the Indian children, who were then numerous in nhs moved to Scipio township, there purchasing the farm now owned by James Knapp, on which he located after his marriage, and in addition to the conduct of this place he also farmed the old Free homestead which he later acquired. After his father's death, however, he sold his possessions there and came to Reed township, where land could be purchased at a more reasonable figure, and here he became extensively engaged in the raising of sheep, owning from five to six hundred head. In this enterprise his efforts were rewarded with a high degree of success and he became a very wealthy man. His landed possessions were also very extensive, consisting of five hundred acres in the home farm, one hundred and sixty in Scipio township and one hundred acres in Huron county. His life's labors were ended in death on the 4th of April, 1874, and from his honorable career many lessons may be gleaned, - lessons of independence and self-reliance, of regard for the rights and feelings of others, of courage in the time of reverses and affliction. He was a Democrat in his political views, and at various times served his township as its trustee, but he never desired the honors or emoluments of public office. For many years he was a worthy member of the United Brethren church, in which he held various official positions, and was ever a faithful worker in the cause of his Master.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Free chose Miss Elizabeth Wolf, who was born about 1823, a daughter of Samuel Wolf and Susanna Bretz. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Free five are now living, namely: Martha J., the wife of B. F. Moore, of Cherryvale, Kansas; Euphrasia, the wife of Levi Keller, of Reed township, Seneca county ; Octavia, the wife of J. H. Cook, the history of whom follows this sketch; Howard S., the subject of this review; and Oresta E., the wife of W. R. Bathrick, of Norwalk, Ohio.

Howard S. Free, of this review, was but fourteen years of age when his father died, and for the following five years he made his home with his brother-in-law, Levi Keller, who resided on the old homestead farm. On the expiration of that period our subject, then in his nineteenth year, took charge of the home place, renting the same, which consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, from his mother. The place was divided after his father's death, our subject receiving as his share of the estate one hundred and five acres, situated just across the road from the old home, but this he subsequently sold and purchased the old Free homestead, for which he received a quit-claim deed, and here he has ever since made his home. In the business world he ranks with the ablest, and his efforts along the line of his chosen occupation have been attended with a well merited degree of success.

The year 1884 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Free and Miss Cora Neikirk, a native of Reed township and a daughter of Daniel and Sarah J. (Milton) Neikirk, residents of Venice township, Seneca county. They Amy I., Iva M. and John O. Mr. Free gives his political support to the Republican party, and on its ticket he has been a candidate for the positions of trustee, treasurer and justice of the peace, but at each election was defeated by a Small majority as the township is strongly Democratic. He is one of the leading members of the United Brethren church, in which he has filled the offices of steward and trustee and has also served as superintendent of the Sundayschool.

John Henry Cook

J. H. Cook, one of the prominent and successful agriculturists of Seneca county, was born in Prussia, Germany, April 2, 1851, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Determan) Cook. The name was formerly spelled Koch, but the present generation have adopted the English orthography of Cook. Our subject was reared to years of maturity in his parents' home, and in the common schools of the locality he enjoyed his early educational advantages, which, however, were extremely limited, he ies having attended school after his sixteenth year. At the age of twentyone years he began the active battle of life on his own account by working in the woods at stave-making. Immediately after his marriage he purchased one hundred and fifty-one acres of land, his present home place, and from that time until the present he has met with a well merited degree of success. As the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has been enabled to add to his possessions, first purchasing one hundred acres of land five miles west of the home farm, which is in his wife's name, and in 1899 he bought one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, making in all four hundred and eleven acres of excellent farming land. In addition to this he also owns a forty-acre tract in Nebraska. By persistent energy and considerable foresight he has been enabled to succeed in his farming operations, and he now has one of the best improved and most fertile properties in this section of the county.

The marriage of Mr. Cook was celebrated on the 1oth of February, 1876, when Miss Octavia Free became his wife. She is a native of Scipio township, Seneca county, and a daughter of John Free, now deceased. Unto this union have been born four children, - A. Ray, Ariey F., Lynn FE. and Almetta B., all at home. Mr. Cook exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and for about six terms he has served his township efficiently as its trustee, while for the past six years he has filled the office of justice of the peace, his term of office expiring in 1902. Mrs. Cook is a member of the United Brethren church. The family is one. of prominence in this locality, and all who know them entertain for them highest respect.

Dr. John W. Martin

Among the representative citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Dr. John W. Martin, who for many years was a leading dental practitioner in this city, a man who stood at the head of his profession in this vicinity.

The birth of Dr. Martin was on March 3, 1832, on his father's farm in Clinton township, Seneca county, Ohio, and he was a son of John and Barbara (Broadbrick) Martin. His father, John Martin, was born in Marvland, his parents both being natives of Frederick county, in that state, and he was reared there to manhood and was married there. His trade was that of millwright, and this he followed in Frederick county until 1826, when he was attracted to the rich lands then being opened up for settlement in Seneca county, Ohio. He entered land located three miles north of the present city of Tiffin, although at that time the settlement consisted of but a few houses. Here Mr. Martin built his log cabin, the typical home of the pioneer, began the clearing of his land and also worked at his trade, along the river, as opportunity offered. Later he gave up this branch of activity and turned his whole attention to farming, clearing and improving more land, and at the time of his death was a man of substance and had spent his seventy-one years as became an honest and upright man.

In his political beliefs, Mr. Martin was a Whig, although he was not an active partisan. During his early and middle life he was a working member of the Reformed church and was a trustee in the first church of that denomination in Tiffin. Later he became connected with the United Brethren denomination, but no matter what difference existed in the doctrine, he did his full duty as he saw it, and was a man whose memory is honored. He served in the war of 1812, being at Baltimore when the British general Ross was killed. He began life dependent upon his own resources and left an estate consisting of eighty acres of excellent, wellimproved land.

The mother of Dr. Martin was a native of Pennsylvania and was a woman: of many Christian virtues, a devoted mother and a consistent member of the United Brethren church. Her death took place at the age of eighty-one years, and both she and husband were buried in Fairmount cemetery, in this city. The family consisted of six children, but all of these have passed away with the exception of the subject of this sketch. David G., the eldest son, became a carpenter, and while still in early manhood located in Dayton, Ohio, where he died at the age of eighty-four; Margaret married Daniel Shaw and she died at the age of forty-five; Mary died at the age of sixteen; Sophia married Lucas Flack and lived to the age of sixty-eight; and Elizabeth died when a maiden of sixteen.

instruction at Otterbein University, at Westerville, returning then to his father's farm, which he continued to operate until his twenty-fifth year- At this time, having lost his'wife, he became sufficiently interested in the subject of dentistry to take up its study, for this purpose entering the office of Dr. Franklin, of Tiffin, a well known dentist of that time. Dr. Martin first located, for practice in this profession, in Westerville, in which pleasant town he remained for two years, coming to Tiffin in 1861, where he soon built up a lucrative practice, which continued to increase until his retirement from activity, in 1892. During all these years he has grown with the advances made in his chosen profession, and few practitioners in this locality more thoroughly enjoyed the confidence of the public.

The marriage of Dr. Martin was on March 24, 1853, to Miss Rachel A. Berkey, of Liberty township, Seneca county, who was a daughter of John and Lydia (Ream) Berkey, farming: people of this county. She died in 1855, having been a consistent member of the United Brethren church. She left one daughter, Rachel S., who married H. H. Neligh and now resides with her father. She has two children: Ralph A., aged twenty, and Clara Martin Neligh, aged seventeen. The second marriage of Dr. Martin was to Elizabeth A. Souder, of this township, who was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Souder, who came to this county, pioneers, in 1825, buying land located one and one-half miles north of Tiffin. The father of Mrs. Martin was a farmer and a local preacher in the Methodist church. Mrs. Martin died in 1884, her life having been one of good deeds.

In his political attachment Dr. Martin has been a life-long Republican, and has been an active member of his party and influential in its councils. For a period lasting since his twentieth year, he has been a member of the Methodist church, and is a trustee in the same. Since retiring from the practice of the profession, which he adorned for so many years, Dr. Martin has enjoyed a quiet life, having ample means. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres of excellent land, and in addition to this owns some half dozen residences in this city, while his own home on North Washington street is one of the most desirable in this locality. Dr. Martin is well known and is universally respected. His prominence in his profession, his devotion to his party and his leadership in his church, have marked him as one of the representative citizens of Tiffin.

It is eminently fitting that in this work be entered a memoir of the honored subject of this review, who was one of the influential citizens of Seneca county, where he practically passed his entire life, lending his aid in reclaiming this section of the state from the sylvan wilds, enduring the vicissitudes and disadvantages of the pioneer epoch and ever ordering his life according to the highest principles of honor and integrity, thus gaining and retaining the confidence and good will of his fellow men. He was a man of indomitable perseverance, distinct individuality and most kindly nature, and now that he has passed forward to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns,' he leaves the legacy of an unblemished life and one that was prolific in usefulness and worthy example.

Mr. Creeger was of German lineage, though the family has been identified with the annals of American history for several generations. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, on the 1st of April, 1823; one of the ten children of Henry and Catherine (McDonald) Creeger. Of the children only two survive, - Margaret, the widow of Adam Miller, of Hopewell township; and Mary, the widow of Jeremiah Matthews, of Niles, Michigan. The father, Henry W. Creeger. was born on a farm in Frederick county, Maryland, and he was reared and educated in his native state, where he continued in agricultural pursuits until 1825. when he emigrated to Seneca county, Ohio. being accompanied by his wife and children. \Vhen he arrived in this section of Ohio he found land, in Hopewell township, and the same is now the beautiful farm homestead of Mrs. Creeger, the widow of our subject. He built a log" cabin in the forest and in this primitive domicile the family installed their "household gods," thus dedicating the little dwelling with the sacred name of home. In noting the well tilled fields, the attractive residence and other improvements which mark this fine homestead today, it is difficult to realize that only a few years ago was to be found only this little cabin, snugly ensconced amid the giant trees of the forest primeval. What the labor involved, what the deprivations endured, what the courage and fortitude brought to bear and what the mutual aid and solicitude accorded, it remains for the pages of history to reverently record. The work of reclaiming the farm proceeded and here the father of our subject continued to live and labor until death set its seal upon his mortal lips, his demise occurring when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-one years and had begun to reap the fruits of his ceaseless toil and endeavor. His devoted wife preceded him into eternal rest, having passed away at the age of sixty-one. Later on he found a second companion and worthy helpmeet, being united in marriage to Mrs. Catherine (Wertz) Brendle, the widow of Jacob Brendle. No children were born of this union, and Mrs. Creeger, a devoted Christian woman of noble character, passed to her reward at the age of seventy-one years. She was born in Germany, where she was reared and educated and where her marriage to Jacob Brendle occurred. There his death occurred and later his widow came with her five children to America, in 1854, becoming a resident of Seneca county, where her marriage to Mr. Creeger was solemnized. The five children of the first marriage were as follows: Jacob Brendle, a farmer of Hopewell township; George, a resident of Tiffin, this county: Barbara, the lately deceased widow of Michael Walters, of Hopewell township: Margaret, the wife of Jacob Fleckner, of Loudon township; and Christena, who is the widow of the subject of this memoir and who was but an infant at the time of her father's death. By the two marriages noted the singular condition came about that she was the daughter-in-law of her own

Henry W. Creeger was a child of two years when his parents came to Seneca county, so that practically his entire life was here passed. He grew to maturity on the old pioneer farm in the forest and early began to assist in the work of reclaiming the land and placing it under cultivation. It is a matter of record that he aided in clearing the road from the homestead to Tiffin, this thoroughfare being literally hewed out through the forest. The schools of the place and period were necessarily primitive in character, but he took advantage of such opportunities as were afforded, and thus gained the foundation for that broad information and mature wisdom which came to him through the practical duties and associations of later years. As a young man he assumed marital responsibilities, taking unto himself a wife, in the person of Miss Ruth A. Culverson, who was born in this county, where her parents were likewise early settlers. Of the four children resulting from this union three yet survive, namely: Osra John, of Tiffin; Chippewa L., of Cass county, Missouri; and Melissa A., the wife of Sylvester Wagner, of Tiffin. After his marriage Mr. Creeger remained on the old homestead for a time and then removed to a tract of eighty acres which he had purchased, in the same township, the same adjoining his father's farm and being now a portion of the Adam Miller property. He remained on this place until about 1858, when, his father having died in the meanwhile, he purchased the old homestead and there continued to reside until his death on the 17th of April, 1896. His life was in every way exemplary and his loss was deeply felt in the community, while to those of his immediate family his memory will ever abide as a benediction and a guide. In politics he was a Republican, and his religious faith was that of the Church of God, of which he was a zealous member. He left a valuable estate, and upon the home farm he operated a stone quarry for some years after his return to the same, this industry proving profitable. The attractive and commodious residence which his widow now occupies, and which is hallowed by the memories 'and associations of the past, was erected by him in 1876.

Germany, and concerning whose parentage and early life due mention has already been made. She survives her husband and still resides in the old home, cherished by her children and by the wide circle of friends gained during her long residence in the county. She is a type of that noble womanhood which has played so prominent a part in the. history of the development and progress of this section, and here she has maintained her home since her childhood days. Of her ten children four are deceased, namely: Jesse Lawrence, who died at the age of two years; Minnie Viola, who died at the age of ten; Henry Oliver, who passed away at the age of fourteen; and Bertha, who became the wife of George Shaull and died at the age of twenty-one years. Of the surviving children we enter the following brief record: Elnora J. is the wife of William Conrad, of Eden township; James W. has charge of eighty acres of the old homestead ; Mary Catherine is the wife of John King, of this township; Charles R. operates the remaining eighty acres of the home farm; Ida E. is the wife of Oliver King; and Burdette is still with

Owen Haines

One of the well known and representative farmers of Seneca county, Ohic, is Owen Haines, who is a man of means, prominence and influence in Seneca township.

The birth of Owen Haines was in Carroll county, Maryland, September 15, 1830, and he was a son of Job and Ann (Sweitzer) Haines, to whom were born nine children. The names of the latter were: Uriah, deceased; Josiah, of Adrian, Ohio; Eleanor, deceased; Jonathan, of Carey, Ohio; Owen, of this biography; Levi, of Carey; Ann, deceased: Lydia. the wife of William Myers, of Tiffin; and Mary Jane, the wife of 47}. vent, of Adfian:

Job Haines left his home in Carroll county, Maryland, in 1840, and came to Seneca county, Ohio, making the long journey by teams, bringing along as many of the old home belongings as was possible. The farm which he selected was then owned by David Elder and consisted of two tracts, of eighty and one hundred and sixty acres, in Seneca township, the improvements being a log cabin of two rooms, surrounded by twenty acres of cleared land. For this farm Mr. Haines paid the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. Here his life ended within five years, his death being probably hastened by hard work on his farm. He was but forty-five years of age at the time, and our subject was but fifteen. The latter was spared his mother until 1856, when she, too, passed away.

Owen Haines of this sketch was ten years old when his parents located in this township and county. At the age of eighteen he went to 'Tiffin and there entered upon an apprenticeship to the mason's trade, at which he worked for three years. The excitement over the discovery of gold in California had reached this town and many men both young and old left everything to try their fortunes in the mines. Among those who left Tiffin on March 22, 1852, bound for California, was Mr. Haines. He joined a party of ninety-six and reached California on August 27, 1852, after traveling five months. As this party started out over a known trail and was well equipped, each man having either a horse or a mule, they reached their destination without serious mishap. From Kansas City, which then consisted of one log cabin, they took ox teams and some four hundred milch cows. This overland trip was made by way of Salt Lake City, but the return one was made by water, in 1855, after three years of satisfactory success.

After his return to Tiffin, Mr. Haines had the satisfaction of being able to purchase the old home farm, where he continued to reside until! 1870, at which time he sold it, its present owner being James Pennington, and removed to the farm which he now occupies. Here he has a fine farm of ninety-four acres which he has placed under a fine state of cultivation, while he has also made substantial and permanent improvements, which have added greatly to its appearance and value.

Mr. Haines was married, in 1858, to Miss Nancy Terflinger, and a family of six children was born to this union, named: Levi, Esther. Ida M., Charley, Leroy and Bertha, all of whom are still living.

In his political connection Mr. Haines has been all his life identified with the Republican party. In 1864 he enlisted as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment when it was sent to the defense of Washington city. He is a member of General W. H. Gibson Post, G. A. R., of Tiffin, and is a very active member of the Masonic fraternity, with which he has been connected for forty-eight years. He was one of the charter members of Wyandot Lodge, No. 315, of McCutchenville, with which he is still in connection, and where he has served in a number of official positions. The only other charter members still living are George Mulholland, of the vicinity of Adrian, who is still a member, and Benjamin Brundage, of Bakerville, California.

Mr. Haines is one of the very intelligent, substantial and responsible men of this township. He has been a successful agriculturist and has done much to develop the resources of his fine estate, making another of the fine farms which are the pride of Seneca county. He enjoys the respect and esteem of the public as a man of integrity, while he is much beloved in the narrower circle of private life.

Hon. James V. Magers

Among the distinguished citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, James V. Magers has been prominent for a number of years, being a well-known educator and successful business man, as well as a leader in political life, and a factor of value in the development of this section of the county. He is now occupying the highest political office in the gift of his fellow-citizens, that of mayor of the city of Tiffin.

Mr. Magers is a product of the state of Ohio, his birth having taken - place in Canton, Stark county, May 17, 1842. The home of the paternal ancestors of our subject was for several generations in the state of Maryland, his great-grandfather having belonged to the company of gentlemen who accompanied Lord Baltimore in his visit to the colonies. Law- rence Magers, the grandfather of James V., was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland, and there occurred the birth of Joseph E. Magers, the well known father of our subject, of this city. As soon as Joseph E. Magers attained a suitable age he entered upon an apprenticeship to a millwright, and when proficient made his way to Canton, Ohio, where there was need of his skilled services in the construction of mills. He was there engaged in mill construction, when, on account of failing health he was obliged to give up his work. He came with his family to Seneca county and engaged in farming, having invested in land in Seneca township. A fterward he bought another farm situated two and one-half miles east of Tiffin and resided here from 1871 to 1894, at which time he retired from active agricultural life, thenceforth residing in this city until his death in the following year at the age of seventy-seven.

Mr. Magers had been for years prominently identified with Democratic politics and served this county as commissioner for six years with the greatest efficiency, filling at various times other offices of responsibilty. He was long a justice of the peace, also served in the capacity of infirmary director. He was a nian of strong political convictions, never swerving in his adherence to the party of his choice. He was married in Stark county to Miss Mary A. Sneeringer, who was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and who accompanied her mother to this locality. Her death took place in 1897, at the age of seventy-three years. A numerous family consisting of eleven children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Magers, six of whom grew to maturity.

James V. Magers was ten years old when his parents located in Seneca county. His early years were passed in attendance at school. and when about seventeen he entered Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, where he was pursuing his studies at the outbreak of the Civil war, which interrupted his college course for the time being. This interruption caused Mr. Magers to turn but more closely to an intellectual life, and he naturally engaged in teaching, occupying his winters in this way, while there was always need of his assistance on the farm during the summer seasons. For nine years prior to 1881 he devoted the entire school year to teaching in this county, making his home in New Reigel and becoming one of fie most popular educators in the county. During this time he served for two years as clerk of Seneca township, and seven years as clerk of Big Spring township, during all these years making warm and loyal friendships. In 1881 Mr. Magers was elected clerk of Seneca county. Abandoning the professional life he moved to Tiffin to enter upon the duties of his office. These obligations were performed in a manner which resulted in a re-election in 1884. Later he became part owner and manager of the Tiffin Weekly News, a journal which had' a large circulation throughout the county. While engaged in this line of business he was appointed assignee of a large manufacturing concern, the Belgium Glass Works Company, and as the affairs of this company were in a complicated condition he severed his connection with the paper and gave his whole attention to the final adjustment of the company's affairs.

Mr. Magers then embarked in the business of fire insurance, which he carried on until 1900, although in 1899 he had been elected by his fellow citizens to the office of mayor. So well did his administration suit the populace that his re-election in 1901 gave universal satisfaction. As a public official Mr. Magers has upheld the dignity of the place and with commendable public spirit has encouraged all the measures which he has been assured would reflect honor upon the city.

Mayor Magers was united in marriage on January 7, 1868, to Miss Mary J. Adelsperger, of this county, and six children have been born to this union, two of whom died in infancy, the survivors being: Charles F., who is a rising young physician, of this city; and Olive I., Camilla E. and Victor L., the last mentioned a student of Heidelberg University. The family is one of culture and refinement and prominent in social circles.

Mr. Magers has been a consistent politician, never wavering in his devotion to the Democratic party, in which he has been active since his sixteenth year. He has personal friends by the score and his political friends know that he has always been true to them. Mr. Magers is highly esteemed in Tiffin; while many do not agree with him on political matters, they give him unbounded credit for the excellent administration he has

Michael Arbogast

Michael Arbogast, who is engaged in general farming and stockraising in Seneca township, was born in Pendleton county, Virginia, August 1, 1824, and is a representative of one of the early families of the Old Dominion. His grandfather was Henry Arbogast, whose son, Peter Arbogast, the father of our subject, was likewise a native of Pendleton county. When he had attained his majority he married Sophia Arbogast, who was born in the same locality, and they became the parents of four children: Jesse, who died near Bushnell, Illinois; Phebe, who became the wife of T. J. Windsor; Christina, who married Aaron Carr; and Michael. With the exception of our subject all have now passed away. It was in the fall of 1826 that Peter Arbogast, accompanied by his family, together with Andrew Arbogast and his family, left Virginia for Ohio. The Buckeye state was just then being opened up to civilization. Some districts had previously been settled, but the greater part of the land still belonged to the government and progress and improvement were scarcely known. The party left Virginia with a four-horse team and traveled across the country, fording streams and making their way through almost impenetrable forests until they reached Seneca county. Casting in his lot with its pioneer settlers, Peter Arbogast purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Hopewell township. This had previously been entered from the government and upon the farm was a log cabin containing one room. There was also a log barn and a few acres had been cleared. It is a part of the farm now owned by Mr. Zarges. Mr. Arbogast resided upon that place until his death, which occurred in 1835. He aided in laying out roads and in organizing schools, always performing his share in every frontier work which has led to the present development and progress of the county. His wife survived him many years, passing away in 1861. She had received the constant care and attention of her son whose solicitude was never abated.

all the years of his childhood and manhood. He aided in the difficult task of clearing the farm) and preparing the fields for cultivation, and when the land became arable he bore his part in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. As his father died when he was only nine years of age, he and his mother carried on the farm, together operating the land, with the aid of an ox team. It was in 1855 that he took up his abode upon the place where he is yet living. All through the years of an active and useful manhood he has devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and in the legitimate channels of business he has won a very desirable competence.

On the 11th of March, 1852, Mr. Arbogast was united in marriage to Miss Jane R. Stoner, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Reagan) Stoner, and she died June 23, 1882, their union having been blessed with nine children, namely: Alice, who married Jacob Staib, is now deceased; John F. is a resident of Seneca township; Nettie is the wife of Robert E. Lutz, of Oklahoma; Lewis is a mechanic and resides in Tiffin; Charles resides near Bushnell, Illinois; Rush operates the homestead farm; and three sons passed away in childhood.

Mr. Arbogast put forth every effort to make a comfortable home for his family and to give his children those opportunities by which they were well prepared for the practical and responsible duties of life. He first purchased, in 1854, one hundred and twenty-three acres of land, the improvements on which consisted of a log house and a log barn. He went in debt for the entire amount, three thousand six hundred and ninety dollars, and this was all paid in three years. Fifty acres had been cleared and in course of time his fields were green with the crops that promised golden harvests. As his financial resources increased he added to his landed possessions and within the borders of the home farm are now comprised two hundred acres. He also owns another farm, of one hundred acres, in Seneca township, and upon both he has made excellent improvements, erecting in 1875 one of the most pretentious brick residences in the vicinity. He has used the latest machinery for facilitating farm work, has erected good barns way a very valuable and desirable property. He has never sought office, for his attention has been claimed by his business interests. His residence in the county covers more than three-quarters of a century, and the present generation cannot realize the changes which have occurred during this period. Mr. Arbogast remembers seeing many Indians in the locality and has driven through Tiffin with ox team many a time when the mud came up to the hubs of the wagon wheels. The flourishing city then contained only a few pioneer cabins and the county gave little promise of its present splendid development. However, the pioneers laid broad and deep the foundation for its present progress, Mr. Arbogast performing his full share in the work of citizenship. He has ever favored reform and improvement, and his labors have been effective in promoting the general welfare. Owing to his father's death he early had to take up the responsible duties of a business career, and industry, economy and honesty have been salient features in his history, enabling him to advance steadily until he now occupies a prominent place on the plane of affluence.

Aaron Shireman

In recalling the well-known and highly esteemed citizens of Seneca county, Ohic, who, by honest and industrious lives have accumulated property and attained prominence in this locality, Aaron Shireman, a resident of Seneca township, demands mention.

Mr. Shireman is a native not only of the county but also of the township where he now lives, having been born here on January 26, 1842, and his useful life of more than a half century has been passed in this state. His parents were Conrad and Margaret (Seip) Shireman, both of whom were born in Germany, where they were married and from which country they subsequently started for the United States. After reaching this country Mr. Shireman located first at Buffalo, New York, where for some time he worked at his trade. which was that of blacksmith. Later he moved to Seneca county, Ohio, started into business in McCutchenville, and there conducted a blacksmith business for a number of years. He died at the age of seventy-four years, in 1877, the death of his wife being some ten years thereafter. They had five children, consisting of four sons and one daughter. The daughter, Kate, and one son, David, are now deceased, the survivors being as follows: Conrad, who carries on a prosperous shoe business in McCutchenville; Jacob, who is a skilled carpenter of the city of Fostoria; and Aaron, who is the subject of this sketch.

The boyhood and early youth of our subject passed away in Seneca township. Here he attended school, was a good student and became well grounded in the elementary studies. His father's farm afforded enough empicyment, in addition to the assistance he could give at the forge, tc keep him employed until he had decided his own vocation in life.

At the age of eighteen the youth entered upon an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, having always had a natural leaning and skill in that direction. He closely applied himself and soon became an excellent workman, and for some forty years his services have been in demand though the county. He can point with justifiable pride to a number of substantial structures which testify to his industrial ability, and a number of these have been built from his plans or suggestions.

Mr. Shireman is aiso a farmer and stock raiser, his farm of eighty acres being in a good state of cultivation, showing that his talents do not all lie in one direction. His buildings are commodious and substantial, his home being one of the most comfortable in the township.

Mr. Shireman was married in 1870 to Miss Emmarilla Harmon, who was born in Seneca township, a daughter of William and Mary Harmon. One child was born to this marriage, Ida M., who married Daniel Zeis, a talented young dental student in Columbus, Ohio.

In his political convictions Mr. Shireman has always been identified with the Republican party, but he is not a seeker for any political promotion, although strong, reliable, capable men like Mr. Shireman are the cnes who most faithfully bear the responsibilities of office. Whatever success has attended Mr. Shireman's efforts is due entirely to his own energy, industry and ability. From small beginnings he gradually attained a prominence in his vicinity which entitles him to be regarded as a leading citizen of his township. His reputation is that of a man of business integrity and he is esteemed by all who know him.

Scout J Matthew

In connection with an industrial enterprise of marked scope and importance the subject of this review has attained a high degree of success and is known as one of the representative business men of Seneca county, of which he is a native son.

He was born in the village of Bascom, this county, on the 8th of March, 1869, being the son of Henry W. Matthews, of whom specific mention is made on another page of this work. His early years were passed in the town where he has ever maintained his home, and after securing his rudimentary education in the public schools he became a student in that fine old Episcopalian institution, Kenyon College, at Gambier, Ohio, where he completed a thorough scientific course. As ear!v as his fifteenth year Mr. Matthews initiated his active business career by being employed in the saw and planing mill of his father, who was one of the founders of the town of Bascom. In 1890 our subject went to Tennessee, in the employ of the Matthews Lumber Company, of which his father is the principal owner, and he there remained as lumber inspector during the greater portion of the time until 1894, when he returned to Bascom and assumed charge of the lumbering interests of his father, acquiring an individual interest in the business, and has continued to operate the mill ever since.

His mechanical ability early became manifest, and soon after attaining his majority he began manufacturing small boats, of the skiff type, and from this he has developed an enterprise in the line that is one of marked importance. About the year 1892 Mr. Matthews constructed his first naphtha launch, the same having been made for his own use.

The boat proved to be a greater practical success than he has anticipated, and led to his making a careful study of the science of boat-building, in which he gained a high reputation for practical skill. In 1897 his ability in this line having attracted the attention of George Burwell, superintendent of the Lozier Manufacturing Company, of Toledo, now of Plattsburg, New York, which then controlled bicycle plants in the cities of Toledo, Ohio, Westfield, Massachusetts, Toronto, Canada, and Thomsonville, Connecticut, and he was given an order for a naphtha launch of his own design. The matter of providing a satisfactory motor came up, and Mr. Burwell decided to buy the castings and manufacture the motor in the Toledo shops. The practical result was most satisfactory, and from that time on Mr. Burwell has devoted his attention exclusively to the manufacture of motors of this type, his success having been as pronounced as has that of our subject in the line of boat-building. After Mr. Matthews had constructed the boat for Mr. Burwell they entered into a copartnership in the industry of building boats in Bascom, and the enterprise is now one of the most important in Seneca county. The motors used are all manufactured by the Lozier Motor Company, Plattsburg, New York, and the boat factory in Bascom is known as the western branch of this company, though the business is conducted under the firm name of Matthews & Company. ;

In the local factory employment is given to a corps of about forty expert workmen, and the products of the establishment have a high reputation. the business having had a consecutive expansion under the able direction of Mr. Matthews and now standing as one of the leading industrial enterprises of this section of the state. Starting with a capital cf one thousand dollars in 1892, it has now an investment of twenty-five thousand dollars, from thirty-five to forty thousand dollars being paid annually for operating expenses, and annual sales in the two plants amounting to two hundred thousand dollars. All sales are made through the Plattsburg office, the boats being in demand on the great lakes and on both coasts of the United States, with a large and rapidly growing business from foreign countries. The new five-horse-power gasoline motor for Emperor William's yacht tender was made by this firm, which was selected after thorough tests by expert engineers. While Bascom is nct a pretentious town, selection for such an industry was a wise one, labor conditions and abundant supply of material giving it precedence, and it may honestly claim to be the center of one of the important industries of the country.

In i899 Mr. Matthews exhibited one of his naphtha launches at the International Export Exposition, in Philadelphia, and secured a medal on the same, while in 1900, at the Paris exposition, in competition with fully one hundred other manufacturers, his boat received the highest award, this fact being sufficiently significant to require no further statement as to the superior excellence of the boats manufactured by the concern.

Mr. Matthews is one of the able young business men of the county and is held in the highest regard by all who know him. In politics he exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and while he is essentially public-spirited in his attitude he has never been an aspirant for political office. He is a member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, Knights of Pythias, at Tiffin, and is also identified with the uniformed rank of this order.

On the 1st of August, 1894, Mr. Matthews was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Miller, daughter of Wesley W. Miller, the present postmaster of Bascom, and of this union two children have been born, - Cari L. and Ward A.

John Seitz

John Seitz, one of the most prominent citizens of Seneca county, was born on the farm where J. K. Spitler now resides, in Bloom township, on the 12th of March, 1829. His paternal grandfather, Elder Lewis Seitz, was a native of York county, Pennsylvania. About the year 1800 he removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, settling near Lancaster, where he soon became recognized as one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of the locality. At the public land sale he pur- chased about two hundred and forty acres of land, but he never removed to that property and it was afterward divided among his children. He became a minister of the Primitive Baptist church, and throughout his life he was an active worker in the cause of the Master.

Elder Lewis Seitz, Jr., the father of him whose name introduces this review, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, October 21, 1802, and there he received his education and was early inured to the work of the farm. He, too, became a minister of the Baptist church, but as a means of livelihood followed the tilling of the soil, for he never received any compensation for his work as a minister. In 1825 he located on a part of the land which had been purchased by his father in Bloom township, on which he erected a one-room log cabin, in the woods. The land was then in its primitive condition, containing large groves of black walnut, butternut and poplar timber, but as the years passed by he succeeded in clearing and improving one hundred and sixty acres, and there he made his home until 1864, his landed possessions at that time consisting of two hundred and forty acres. In that year, however, he left his pioneer home and for a few years thereafter was a resident of Wyandot county, after which he returned to Bloom township, there maintaining his residence until his life's labors were ended in death, in 1890. For sixty-six years he served as the pastor of the Baptist church at Honey Creek, in Bloom township, and he also held various township offices, his political support having been given to the Democracy.

For his wife Mr. Seitz chose Miss Barbara Kagy, and they became the parents of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to years of maturity: Catherine, who became the wife of D. H. Patterson and is now deceased; Lydia, the deceasd wife of Jacob Seiple: Elizabeth, the wife of Eli Bretz and a resident of \Wyandot county, Ohio: John, the subject of this review: Mary, who married A. D. Bretz and makes her home in Marion county, Ohio; Annie, deceased, who married Samuel Bretz; Barbara, Hannah, Abraham, Daniel and Lewis, all deceased ; Aaron, a prominent farmer of Bloom township: Lovina, who makes her home in Bloomville: and Jonas, also deceased. The mother of this family was called to her final rest when she had reached the age of forty-two years. She,

John Seitz, of this review, remained on the old home farm in Bloom township until he was eighteen years of age, during which time he pursued his education in the old log school-house of the neighborhood. He then entered the Seneca County Academy, at Republic, where he remained as a student for two terms, under W. H. Harvey as principal, and for a time thereafter he followed the teacher's profession in his native locality. After his marriage he continued to make his home under the parental roof for the following year, while for the three subsequent years he was engaged in merchandising in Bloomville, after which he returned to the locality of his birth and there located on eighty acres of unimproved land. Directing his energies to the arduous task of clearing and improving his land, Mr. Seitz soon had his farm under an excellent state of cultivation, and there he made his home until 1865, when he came to the farm on which he now resides, here purchasing one hundred and eighty acres. As the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has succeeded in placing his fields under a fine state of cultivation, has placed many valuable and substantial improvements on his land and has erected a large brick residence. His is one of the attractive and valuable homesteads of the locality, and everything about the place indicates a progressive and thrifty owner. There he is extensively and successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising.

On the 9th of April, 1851, Mr. Seitz was united in marriage to Miss Cecilia J. Hite, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (DeLong) Hite. Unto this union have been born seven children, namely: Milford K., a prominent jeweler of Bloomdale, Wood county, Ohio; Omar B., who was accidentally killed by a horse on the range in Texas: Marshall, a farmer and fruit-grower of Texarkana, Arkansas: May. the wife of R. W. Thornburg, a prominent physician of Toledo: Nettie, deceased; and Orin K., who operates the home farm, married Rena Lamberson and they have one child, F. Marion.

taken an active and commendable interest in the public affairs of the county, and has held many positions of honor and trust. In 1862 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace of Bloom township, and eight years afterward, in 1870, was elected to represent his district in the legislature, and so acceptably did he discharge the duties entrusted to him in that responsible position that he was re-elected for a second term. In 1874 and again in 1878 he was a member of the senate. Allen O. Myers was at that time clerk of the senate, and he gave to our subject the appellation of the "watch dog of the treasury," it having ever. been the aim of Mr. Seitz to work for the masses, and while a member of that important body he proved a power for gocd to those he represented. From 1867 he became known as a Greenback Democrat, and in 1880 supported Weaver for the presidency. In that year also he was nominated by the Greenback party for governor of the state of Ohio, and in the ensuing' campaign he visited various parts of the state. In 1887 the Union Labor paity nominated Mr. Seitz for the same office, and he received twentyfive thousand votes, after an active campaign. In 1891 he was the nominee of the People's party for governor, again visiting nearly every section of the state, making an able and spirited canvass, and on this occasion also receiving a vote of twenty-five thousand. He had as competitors both McKinley and Campbell, and upon Labor Day he spoke from the same platform in Cincinnati, and the papers reported his speech as having effectually captured the crowd. During this period Mr. Seitz also edited a column in the interests of the People's party in the Cincinnati Post. In 1892-3 he published in Tiffin the "Plow and Hammer," in the interests of the same party, and he has rendered most effective service i3 upholding the principles which he advocates, having been in demand as a campa'gn speaker in Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia, Texas, etc. The late General William H. Gibson, of Tiffin, paid him a marked tribute, saving that he was logical and eloquent and that there was but one man in northwestern Ohio who excelled him. In 1896 Mr. Seitz was one of the presidential electors on the Bryan ticket, and was active in the campaign. under the direction of the campaign committee, and he has since

Mr. Seitz is a man of strong mentality, keen discernment, great tact and resolute purpose and is therefore well fitted for the political honors which have been conferred upon him. He commands the respect of his fellow men by reason of his sterling worth of character, and Ohio

The subject of this sketch was a masterful man in his church, the Reformed church in the United States, and likewise in educational circles. Born on the 22d day of November, A. D. 1822, in the vicinity of Reading, Pennsylvania, it was in the Reading Academy he was prepared for pursuing a regular college course in famous Marshall College, subsequently called Franklin and Marshall College. He distinguished himself at Marshall College and afterward in the theological seminary of the Reformed church. He was the "honor man" in his class, and while he ranked first in scholarship he was also considered as ranking first in leadership of his fellow students, both in college and theological seminary. When Mr. Good was barely twenty-four years old he was induced by his distinguished instructors, especially by Professor Philip Schaff, D. D., LL. D. (who was impressed with the fact that the Reformed church needed a college in Ohio), to head such an educational movement by coming west in person and giving himself to the work. For three or four years he earnestly strove to make this educational movement in the Ohio synod something more than mere "synodical resolutions.' No money was promised, no students pledged, nothing in fact but "wind" and 'resolve' was Synod's contribution thus far toward founding a college as an adjunct of the theological seminary of the Reformed church. This latter school of theology had just made an inauspicious beginning, under Rev. Professor A. P. Freese, at Columbus, Ohio, and was hardly expected to live. College-bred students for the seminary were likely to be lacking until the church itself put both institutions into such successful operation that the one might complement the other. To do this fifty years ago was many times more difficult than now, because a long campaign of information and the instilling of enthusiasm throughout the church in eastern and southern Ohio had to be kept up under the alert management of Rev. Mr. Good and a few personal friends. In the central part of the state he labored personally and in the other parts by correspondence. By his wonderful hopefulness and persistence Professor J. H. Good, as the acknowledged champion of the great cause, carried the undertaking to a successful termination in the founding of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio, in the month of November, A. D., 1850. During the four preceding years of his residence in Ohio, first at Lancaster and then at Columbus, so much apathy existed among the lay members of the Reformed denomination throughout the state, who were expected in their material prosperity to liberally furnish funds and students for an institution of higher learning, that Professor Good at his own financial risk, but with synodical authority, began, in the latter part of the year 1848, the publication of a church or denominational paper (the Christian World, now published at Dayton, Ohio), with the avowed purpose of making it the instrumentality of forwarding the college movement. The labors of this gifted leader in the Ohio synod were indefatigable, - in his private academy at Lancaster, Ohio, meant to be a starter of the church college, which might be relocated elsewhere; then in Columbus, Ohio, where he edited the church paper and taught in the theological seminary to prevent its becoming disorganized, all the while keeping up an extensive correspondence with Rev. Hiram Shaul, residing in Tiffin, which latter labor was wondrously fruitful, in that the citizens of Tiffin through Rev. Mr. Shaul finally made satisfactory proposals for locating the church's institutions in the enterprising little city of Tiffin. Its citizens, together with some Reformed people living in the vicinity, guaran'ecd a reascnable percentage of the large expense for grounds and the erection of a three-story college building, should the Ohio synod under Professor J. H. Good's leadership, be induced to found a first-class col- lege in this new portion of the Buckeye state. What Rev. Mr. Good forecast and optimistically outlined in personal speech and in his wide and burdensome letter-writing was fully realized. Much had to be taken in faith on his personal assurance and pledge to the citizens as to what he could persuade synod to do in the case. The synod seemed likely to choose the central part of the state for locating the college, and, in fact, at a hastily called special meeting, its constitutionality being questioned at the time, it was in some unsatisfactory way or manner "resolved'' to do this very thing. A few months later, however, the synod convened constitutionally in Navarre, Ohio, and accepted Professor J. H. Good's view of the situation. By an almost unanimous vote his outspoken preference for Tiffin over any and all competing localities was in constitutional form indorsed. Furthermore he was at this meeting elected professor of mathematics. He received four-fifths of all the votes of synod, being considered the best mathematician ever graduated by Marshall College. He was expected to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the projected college, which he wrote and reported to synod and the same was adopted.

Rector Reuben Good's school, begun in Tiffin immediately after the meeting of the Navarre synod, had in a few weeks so increased in the number and in the quality of its students as to have a satisfactory percentage of those advanced in the higher branches of study and prepared for a classical course in college in the near future. The number of these, together with the less advanced students, one hundred and fifty in all, made it necessary for the strenuous mathematical professor to do a large amount of teaching during the first year of the school's existence, while having upon his broad shoulders many other very heavy burdens. The prosperity of the school, however unexpected, justified the wisdom of synod in its "resolution" to have a charter from the state of Ohio. On the 19th day of February, 1851, the general assembly of Ohio passed the act "to incorporate Heidelberg College, at the city of Tiffin." With a legal status thus secured, much was to be done, and nearly all devolved on the energetic Professor J. H. Good, in the absence of a president of the newly chartered college. Being a member of the board of trustees, by the logic of events he must needs be its controlling spirit and leader. He served on all its important committees and saw that said committees did their work, or else he did it for them. He prevailed on his personal friend, Rev. Hiram Shaul, to give up the pastorate of the First Reformed church, at Tiffin, to accept the position of financial agent and to devote his entire time to collecting funds for the seminary amd an endowment for the college, thoroughly canvassing eastern Ohio and othey portions of the state. It was arduous and discouraging work, and the agent was in constant communication with Professor Good, who animated and directed his work. At one time he actually prevented, by his own personal influence, the abandonment of the task. Professor Good's spirit was abroad in every part of the synod's territory; his correspondence was immense, and most men would have quailed before the stupendous work to be done. Fortunately he was in the prime of life, in full possession of ncble powers and his heart knew no fear. With faith in God and faith in his own resourceful nature he could not fail. Nay, this great father of Heidelberg lived to see a glorious success achieved.

A building adapted to the needs of the college was imperatively demanded. 'Much of the labor connected with the erection of a suitable building devolved upon the energetic professor of mathematics," is the testimony of ex-Chancellor Kefauver after investigating documentary evidence. A site being chosen in the eastern portion of Tiffin, Professor Good, as chairman of the building committee, prepared the plans for the contemplated college edifice. The basement story was put up in the autumn of 1851 and the corner stone was laid by Major Lewis Baltzell, in behalf of the board of trustees, May 13, 1852, when General Samuel F. Carey pronounced an oration before a crowd of about seven thousand people.

Professor Good's temporary connection with the theological seminary had not ceased upon his coming to Tiffin, in 1850, owing to the fact that the professor-elect of theology had not yet arrived. With the arrival of Professcr E. V. Gerhart, A. M., in the latter part of May, 1851, he was relieved of further supervision in reorganizing the theological seminary, but his work in the college was increased and he was compelled to take additional branches of study, as was also the case with Professor Reuben Good, to whom the college trustees assigned the department of natural science; and this was also the case with Professor Sarah J. Thayer, a fine classical scholar, who gave the higher classes instruction in both Latin and Greek, in addition to other college duties. President E. V. Gerhart, of course, did his full quota of work in the chair of mental and moral philosophy, while Professor S. S. Rickley taught some of the normal branches of study, coming into the faculty a year later. The number of students rapidly increased from one hundred and fifty to very nearly two hundred, including those in the seminary. Thus there was sunshine as well as shadow in those early days of Heidelberg's history, when the pioneer settlers were not fully prepared, if in purse (which may be indeed questioned) yet not understandingly, for several years to adequately support the self-sacrificing professors and instructors. The latter defect was ably and grandly supplied by the sainted Henry Leonard and others whose names became imperishably connected with Heidelberg's history.

Rev. A. Nelson, D. D., of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, says: "Heidelberg College and Heidelberg Theological Seminary, especially the former, made a strong showing from the very beginning." Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D., LL. D., several years later says: '"The college (Heidelberg), by reason of its able faculty and its determination to do thorough educational work, had a more encouraging outlook than many other western colleges which I personally visited and inspected by direction of the Western College Society of New England;' and he recommended a donation of twenty-five hundred dollars to Heidelberg's before this was paid, but from this eminent Congregationalist minister's good words Heidelberg realized something in aid in another form. Turning now to the personal characteristics of the "father of Heidelberg," who for thirty-eight years was one of Tiffin's distinguished citizens, we quote again from ex-Chancellor Kefauver, incidentally remarking that when about forty-five years old Professor Good received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Franklin and Marshall

College: "'Dr. J. H. Good was wonderfully constituted. We find men greater than he was in some particular endowment, but few are his equals in gifts that make a man's life as symmetrical as was his. In his habits he was methodical in all his work. System was a great object with him. To this trait can be attributed largely the abundance of his labors. Dr. J. H. Good possessed a logical mind. He never jumped at conclusions, but in the smallest matters reasoned them out. It was owing to this fact that his religion was not of the emotional type, he being ready always to give a reason for the hope within him. He alarmed a congregation » in Our city not many years ago when he announced that there were twenty-nine propositions in the text, and entered upon their discussion with considerable animation. Before he had proceeded to any length in the sermon his hearers discovered that there was much in store for them, and that they would get it, too, without any trespassing upon either their time or patience. He was quite a literary man, being the author of a number of books, and a frequent contributor to our different church papers. Dr. Kefauver adds: "Intellectual giant as he was, he was not such a slave to his views as to suppose all others differing from him must be in the wrong. He was willing to allow to others of epposing sentiments the possibility of being right; and whenever the cause of truth required absolutely a union of sentiment between contending parties he had the magnanimity to do his part of the yielding in the case."

So much has been recorded on these pages about our subject as the father of Heidelberg and the institution's early history interwoven with his voung life that of necessity much has been omitted regarding his happy domestic life, his pulpit ministrations, his active pen in controyersial writing, his encouragement of the enlistment of college students for the defense of the Union in the dark days of 1861-5. and his subsequent occupancy of a position, from 1868 to 1888, at the head of Heidelberg Theological Seminary, when (1868) he gave up the chair of mathematics to Professor C. Hornung, A. M.. - all of which must be left to the writer of a larger biography than this short sketch. Dr. Lewis H. Steiner, former librarian of the Enoch Pratt free latter came to Ohio, gives us in fitting language these concluding words: "Scholarly, deeply pious, devotedly attached to his church, a vigorous and honest antagonist, an excellent citizen, he has gone from the church militant to receive the reward that awaits good and faithful servants. The church will be unworthy of her history when she forgets the memory of men like Jeremiah Haak Good."

Dr. Good died in Tiffin January 25, 1888, and over his grave, in beautiful Greenlawn cemetery, his monument bears the simple inscripticn ''Resurgam," expressive of his immortal hope.

Dante Th Cramer

The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore the real upbuilders of a town are those who stand at the head of the leading enterprises. One of the most progressive, energetic and reliable business men of Seneca county is Daniel H. Cramer, who is extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber. His home is in Loudon township and he was born on the farm where he now resides, November 22, 1858, his parents being William and Charlotte (Snyder) Cramer, the former a native of Pennsylvania. In their family were the following children: Daniel H., of this review; William A., Morgan E., John J. and Frederick V., all of whom reside in Fostoria; Jane, the wife of Isaac Stultz, of Jackson township; Nettie, the wife of John Hazen, of Loudon township; Anna, who married Edward Seeman, of Dunkirk, Indiana; Allie A., who resides at home; and Nellie, who died at the age of six years.

Under the parental roof Daniel H. Cramer was reared, and in the common schools he acquired a knowledge of the branches of English learning usually taught in such institutions. His business and mechanical training was received in his father's mill, and there he worked until 1893, mastering every department of the business and becoming thoroughly familiar with the work of manufacturing lumber, both in prin- ciple and detail. In the year mentioned he purchased the business of his father and has since been at the head of what is now one of the leading enterprises of the community. From the time he was fifteen years of age he has been the head sawyer in this mill. \When he entered upon the duties of the position he was so small that he had to stand upon a box. There is no planing mill in this portion of the state that is better equipped or more complete in its appointments. It is supplied with modern machinery of the latest improved kinds needed in the business, much of which has been introduced since our subject became the owner. He is a spiendid business man, enterprising and wide-awake and knows how to reach maximum results with minimum effort. There is nothing wasted about his place, every slab being used in some manner. His careful supervision has made the enterprise one of profit, and in addition to its control Mr. Cramer is also engaged in contracting and building, having erected some of the best houses and barns in this section of the county. He is also the owner of three or four threshers, which he operates in conjunction with his other business affairs.

On the 13th of December, 1880, Mr. Cramer was united in marriage to Miss Isa Overmeire, a native of Sandusky ccunty, Ohio, and a daughter of Hugh Overmeire, a retired farmer now living in Fostoria. In his political affiliations Mr. Cramer is a Republican, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his entire attention to his business interests. To him there has come the attainment of a distinguished position in connection with the great material industries of the county, and his efforts have been so discerningly directed along welldefined lines that he seems to have realized at any one point of progress the full measure of his possibilities for accomplishment at that point. A man of distinct and forceful individuality, of broad mentality and most mature judgment, he has left and is leaving his impress upon the industrial world. For years he has been an important factor in the development of the natural resources of the state, in the upbuilding ot the county and in the promotion of the enterprises which add not alone to his individual prosperity but also advance the general welfare and

When the history of Seneca county and her public men shall have been written its pages will bear no more widely known name and record no more distinguished career than that of Judge John McCauley. If as Wilmott has expressed it,

"biography is the home aspect of history,' it is entirely within the province of true history to commemorate and perpetuate the lives and characters, the achievements and. honor of the illustrious sons of the nation. The name of Judge McCauley is inseparably associated with the history of jurisprudence in this part of Ohio, and his characteristics are not unlike those of Carlyle, the philosopher, for there have ever been manifest in him a certain rugged strength, strong determination and decisive views, which have been powerful agents in winning him success at the bar.

The Judge is a son of Henry and Susan (Kelley) McCauley, both of whom were born and reared in Paisley. Scotland. They were married in 1834 and immediately afterward emigrated to the Union States, settling in Columbiana county, Ohio, where they purchased a_ farm. Later they sold that property and bought a tract of land in Wood county, Ohio, where they lived for about six years, when they removed to a farm in Hancock county, Ohio, where the father spent his remaining days, his death cecurring in 1881, when he was seventy-seven years of age. His widow survived him twelve years, dying at the fone of the Judge, in Tiffin, at the age of eighty-seven.

Judge McCauley was born in Columbiana county, December 9, 1834. and attended the primitive schools of Wood and Hancock counties until sixteen years of age, when he entered the academy at Republic, Seneca county, three years being devoted to preparation for college. At the age of nineteen he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, fessional career and has gained him advancement to a prominent place in the ranks of Ohio's able attorneys. On the 1st of September, 1859, he began reading law with the late Judge James Pillars, one of the most brilliant and prominent attorneys and jurists of northern Ohio. By hard study and close application he was enabled to pass the examination at the end of a year and was accordingly admitted to the bar. In 1860 he began practice in Tiffin, and in 1875 he entered into partnership with Robert G. Pennington, a distinguished member of the Seneca county bar, this relation being maintained for four years. Later he became associated with Henry J. Weller, his present partner, the firm of McCauley & Weller taking a foremost position at the bar of central Ohio, and the important litigation with which their names are connected being an indication of their ability and the esteem in which they are held.

Mr. McCauley was elected prosecuting attorney of Seneca county in 1865 and re-elected in 1867, serving for four years. In 1874 he was elected a member of the convention called to revise the state constitution. In 1879 he was elected judge of the common-pleas court for the tenth judicial district of Ohio, a district comprising Wood, Hancock, Hardin and Seneca counties. After three years upon that bench he resigned, in order to accept the position of a member of the supremecourt commission, which was tendered him by Governor Charles Foster, in April, 1883. His duties in this capacity were no less arduous and important than were those of the supreme court judges, though he served faithfully as a member of this commission until its work was finished in 1885, when he resumed the private practice of law. His knowledge of the law being comprehensive and profound, he was well qualified for the important duties which devolved upon him, and he was accredited with strict fairness and impartiality in his rulings on the bench. He fully sustained the dignity of the office, permitted no contention or wrangling among counsel and despatched the business of the court with remarkable facility. His appointment to the supreme-court commission was genetally recognized by members of the bar as one of peculiar fitness, and at no time did his course fail to justify their high regard for him. His advice is generally given. He has been remarkably successful in practice, is powerful in argument before court or jury and marshals his points in evidence with masterly skill, and with marked accuracy applies to them the principles of law bearing upon the subject.

In 1864 Judge McCauley was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Lockwood, a daughter of Dr. Alonzo and Marinda (Newcomb) Lockwood, of Fostoria, Ohio. Unto them were born five daughters, of whom one died in infancy. The Judge is of a most sympathetic disposition and those in need or distress never appeal to him in vain. There is no display or ostentation connected with his beneyolence and he 1s entirely free from vanity, being a plain-spoken, large-hearted and fair-minded man. He holds no membership relations with church or secret society, but is guided by a high sense of morality and broad humanitarian principles.

Joseph Shaw

Captain Joseph Shaw, now deceased, was through many years numbered among the representative citizens of Seneca county, and by an upright and honorable career commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was born in Scipio township, Cayuga county, New York, March 20, 1811. His father, Robert Shaw, was born in 1785 and was a farmer by occupation. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Sarah Keller, who was born in 1787, and in 1836 they came to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Scipio township, where Robert Shaw purchased several hundred acres of land and located upon the farm, on Morrisson creek, now owned by Mrs. John Rosenfeldt. Unto him and his wife were born ten children: Mary, Eliza, Joseph, Matilda, Sallie, Silas, George, Roxa, Jerome and Alfred. The last named is the only one living, and he resides at Chicago, Illinois. The father of this family remained an honored resident of Seneca county until his death, hich occurred August 14. 1864. His wife survived him about four years, passing away in 1868.

Centennial Biogkaphical, History

Captain Joseph Shaw, whose name introduces this review, was reared in the state of his nativity and when a young man was captain of an Erie canal boat for seven years, running between Albany and Buffala In 1841 he came to Seneca county, making his way by canal to the Great Lakes, and when he arrived in this portion of the state he became identified with agricultural interests, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Scipio township, two and one-half miles west of Republic. He at once began the cultivation and improvement of his farm, which in course of time he transformed into a valuable property.

In the year of his emigration westward Mr. Shaw was united in marriage, at Genoa, New York, to Rachel Ogden Price, a native of that place. They became the parents of three children, the eldest being Jane E., who married Captain George Tubbs. The second daughter, Helen, is the wife of Sergeant E. E. Heath, and Annie E. is the wife of G. R. Hemmingway, the proprietor of the Miller House, in Ashland, Ohio. Captain Shaw, with his family, returned to New York in 1850, remaining for twenty years, much of the time being spent as a hotel proprietor at various points. He returned to a farm west of Republic in 1870, but his last years were passed in Republic, where he died August 20, 1877. His widow survived him twenty-three vears, dying in Ashland on March 30, 1900.

Jane I. Shaw, their eldest daughter, was born in 1843 and on the 26th of May, 1868, she gave her hand in marriage to Captain George Tubbs, who was a native of Elmira, New York, born May 19, 1833. At the time of the civil war he aided in organizing the One Hundred and Forty-first Regiment of New York Infantry, being elected second lieutenant of Company I. He was promoted to first lieutenant and at the battle of Resaca he was wounded by a minie ball, which struck him in the right foot. After his recovery he was given charge of an invalid corps for a short time, but later was detailed as topographical engineer on the staff of General Knipe, commanding a brigade of the First Division of the Twentieth Army Corps. Subsequently, on the march from Savannah through the Carolinas, he was appointed topographical engineer on the staff of General Jefferson C. Davis, of Indiana, who com- manded the Fourteenth Army Corps. These honorable positions on staff duty were conferred on Captain Tubbs both for his efficiency as an officer and on account of his physical inability to march and command his company.

"After participating in the grand review, in the city of Washington, Captain Tubbs returned to the Empire state, where he was married. He resided in Candor, Tioga county, New York, where he conducted an iron foundry for four years. On the expiration of that period he sought a home in Ohio, living in Republic and vicinity. Here he maintained pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his membership in Robinson Post, G. A. R., at Republic. He served as commander of Robinson Post, as mayor of Republic and was serving his second term as justice of the peace at the time of his death, which occurred on the 2d of March, 1899. For the past fifteen years Mrs. Jane E. Tubbs has been actively engaged in Relief Corps work, and is filling the position of president of Robinson W. R. C. for the fifth time. She is also a member of the Farmers' Household Club, the Reading Circle and the Daughters of Rebekah. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Tubbs was blessed with three children: Joseph K., who is an oil producer living in Rollersville, Ohio; Robert M., who 1s in the office of F. E. Myers & Brothers, at Ashland, Ohio; and Charles E., who is living with his mother in Republic.

Francis J. Bork

-\mong the prominent and successful citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, must be mentioned Francis J. Bork, who is a prosperous farmer and respected and useful member of society. His valuable estate, which is located two miles south of Tiffin, attracts attention and favorable comment, not only on account of the evidences of agricultural superiority but also by reason of its attractiveness and its air of generous comfort.

ship, Seneca county. being a son of Frederick and Margaret (Young) Bork, natives, respectively, of Germany and France. His early life was spent on a farm and his experiences were those of the average youth of his locality, - plenty of farm work in the summers and study in the district schools in the winters. Until he had reached his seventeenth year Mr. Bork lived with his parents in Bloom township, and in 1860 he accompanied them on their removal to Seneca township, remaining at home and assisting his father until the date of his own marriage, eleven years later.