Seneca Township (part 38 of 60)

The marriage of Mr. Bork was to an estimable and attractive young lady of his neighborhood, Miss Elizabeth Smith, who became his wife on January 29, 1871. They have one child, Maria, aged nine years. Soon after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bork came to their present farm, and here they have made their home ever since. Although the hospitable home of our subject and wife is one of the most comfortable and well appointed in this township, this is almost wholly due to the industrious efforts of its owner, as very few improvements had been made on this farm when Mr. Bork came to it.

\Vhen he purchased his farm it was with the intention of engaging in farming and stock-raising. It consists of one hundred and fifty-nine acres of land and is unusually valuable on account of its close proximity to the citv of Tiffin. Being a practical man, Mr. Bork understands all these advantages, and he has one hundred and thirty acres of his land under cultivation, raising grain and other products for which this part of the state is notable. As a successful stockraiser he is well known in the township, his superior methods of feeding and sanitary housing meeting with excellent results.

Mr. Bork has taken a deep and intelligent interest in his vocation and he has also taken pride in his surroundings. In 1881 he built one of the most commodious and complete barn structures to be found in this neighborhood, its dimensions being thirty-eight by eighty feet. This was followed, in 1888, by the erection of a large, modern brick residence, of pleasing appearance without and solid comfort within. Mr. Bork has

For many years Mr. Bork has been a leading member of the Democratic party in this section and served as township supervisor for a long period. In this position he looked carefully after the interests of the tax-payers and his administration has reflected credit upon the office. In religious life he is a consistent member of St. Joseph's Catholic church. Mr. Bork is a quiet, unobtrusive citizen, busily occupied with his own large interests, but takes a public-spirited pride in the advancement of enterprises which promise to be of benefit to his township. He is charitable in his benefactions, liberal in his support of public enterprises, honest and upright in his business dealings and kind and devoted in the bosom of his family. He is a man who not only possesses the esteem of his fellow citizens, but who also deserves it.

Mrs. Bork was born in Germany, the daughter of Matthias and Mary Ann (Smith) Smith, who emigrated to America when she was two years of age, locating on a farm in Liberty township, Seneca county, Ohio, whence they eventually removed to Lucas county. where Mr. Smith's death occurred. His widow still maintains her home in that county. XIrs. Bork was a young lady of twenty-one vears at the time

As a minister of the gospel and as editor and educator Rev. Dr. George WV. Williard was widely known, and although his life's labors have been ended his influence is yet widely felt in the lives of those with whom he was associated, and bears fruit in the kindly deeds and virtues cf those who fellcw his example and carry out his precepts. 'astructing through the press, from the pulpit and in the school-room, the lessons which he expcunded fell deep into the heart of many a reader cr womanhocd. Tiffin, Ohio, knew him long and well as the president of Heidelberg College, which he raised from a comparatively insignificant institution to the rank of the best colleges of the land.

George W. Williard was a native of Frederick county, Maryland, where he was born on the 1oth of June, 1818, the son of John and Mary (Shafer) Williard. His ancestors were French Huguencts, who fled from their native land to escape the persecutions incident to the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, proceeding to Germany and thence emigrating to America in the early colonial epoch. Dr. Williard's early educational advantages were very meager, but. having determined to Cevote his life to the Christian ministry, he eagerly availed himself of every opportunity which would enable him to broaden his knowledge and thus be better prepared for the exalted calling. To this end he entered the high school at York, Pennsylvania, when sixteen years of age. There he remained until the school was removed to Mercersburg, where Marshall College was established in 1835, and in the latter institution he was graduated with the class of 1838. It may be noted, incidentally, that Marshall College was later merged into Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and that the institution is maintained under the auspices of the Reformed church. He studied theology at Mercersburg and was licensed to preach in October, 1840, being soon afterward ordained a clergyman of the Reformed church. He spent four vears in simultaneous charge of three congregations, one being in Virginia, twelve miles distant from his two Pennsylvania churches. On the expiration of that period he went to Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in preaching and also taught in the local academy. For three years thereafter he was pastor of a church in Winchester, Virginia, and then became pastor of the Reformed church at Columbus, Ohio, continuing at that place until 1855, when he resigned to accept a call from a church in Dayton, Ohio, where he labored as an earnest and zealous minister of the gospel until 1866. In that year he accepted the presidency of Heidelberg College, in Tiffin. Previously to this time, in 1853. he was elected editor of the Western Missicnary, the organ of the Reformed church in the west, and he continued to fill that position, in connection with his pastoral work, until his removal to Tiffin. He found the affairs of the college in a very discouraging condition, there being few teachers and scarcely any endowment. It was, in faet, little more than an academy, but gradually he succeeded in placing it on a solid financial basis and in raising the educational standard to an equality with that of other colleges of the land. During the presidency of Dr. Williard, which continued for twenty-four years, there were erected on the campus a president's home, a boarding hall for young women and a commodious college building, at a cost of seventy-two thousand dollars. These buildings were all paid for before he left the institution, and there was handed to the trustees ninety-one thousand dollars safely invested and bearing seven per cent. interest, together with notes to the value of twenty-five thousand dollars, bearing six per cent. interest. A library fund of about six thousand dollars was also secured, together with a considerable beneficiary fund for the aid of indigent young men. There were three huncred and forty-six students enrolled in 1890, when he resigned the presidency, and the school was in a most flourishing condition, as the result of his untiring labors, his zeal and his abilitv. Added to his comprehensive knowledge, mature wisdom and Christian piety was a practical business acumen and a singular facility for the effective imparting of instruction, and all of his varied powers were constantly exerted in behalf of the college.

In 1890 Dr. Williard. after a regime of nearly a quarter of a century as president of Heidelberg, accepted the chair of ethics and apologetics in, and was acting president of, Ursinus College and Theological Seniinary, at Collegeville, Pennsylvania, where he remained for nearly three years. After a short residence in Lancaster, that state, in 1895, he founded and organized the Hivling Memorial Reformed church, of Dayton, Ohio, and he presided as pastor of the same until his death, which occurred on the 17th of September, r900. The congregation first met in a car shed, which had previously been used as a stable, but under the control and guidance of the devoted pastor the church became strong and prosperous, and an edifice was erected at a cost of nearly twenty thousand dollars. \Vith untiring effort, with a nature so hopeful as to ever bafHe discouragement, Dr. Williard carried forward his work of improving the mental and moral condition of his fellow men and aided in the development of sterling character, which represents all that is of definite and permanent value in life, - the only thing that commands true respect and honor and. that broadens the nature and fits it for the progression in the life to come.

Not only was Dr. Williard known for his pastoral and college work, but he also won distinction in the realm of religious literature. His literary productions were quite extensive and were widely read among the people of his denomination. In 1851 he published a translation from the original Latin of Dr. Ursinus' Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism. In 1871 he assisted in the preparation of the Western Liturgy of the Reformed Church; in 1879 he wrote and published the History of Heidelberg College, together with thirteen addresses and sermons delivered to the graduating classes; in 1883 he edited a Treasury of Family Reading, which had a wide circulation; in 1890 he published the Life, Work and Character of Henry Leonard, who for thirty years was the successful financial agent of Heidelberg College; and his best and most imiportent werk was the Comparative Study of the Dominant Religions of the World. He was also a frequent contributor to the different periodicals of the church. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Franklin and Marshall College, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1866, and that of Doctor of Laws by Monmouth College, of Monmouth, Illinois, in 1888.

Dr. Willard was thrice married. On the 21st of April, 1841, he wedded Miss Louisa C. Little, a daughter of Dr. P. W. Little, of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and after her death he married Miss Emily Jane Hivling, a daughter of Colonel John Hivling, of Xenia, Ohio, the marriage being solemnized on January 3, 1866. Her death occurred in 1891, and on the 7th of October, 1893, Dr. Williard was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Gormley, a daughter of Joseph Gormley, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who survives him. By the first marriage there were five children, of whom two are living at the present time, the eldest of these being Dr. George P. Williard, a prominent physician of Tiffin, to whom individual reference is made in appending paragraphs. His brother, Rev. Edwin R. Williard, was for nearly a decade pastor of Grace Reformed church, at Akron, this being one of the most flourishing churches of the Ohio synod, and his pastorate there was terminated in 1900. He is now in pastoral charge of the Salem Reformed church, at Canal Fulton, Ohio.

Death came to Rev. Dr. Williard when he was eighty-two years of age, and after he had devoted a half-century to the work of Christian education, through the school, the pulpit and the press. He labored without ceasing, and his zeal supplemented broad knowledge that rendered him a forceful and convincing speaker and an entertaining and instructive writer. His mind was analytical and inductive, his arguments logical and his 1easoning strong and convincing. At this point it would be almost tautological to enter into any series of statements showing Dr. Williard to have been a man of high intellectuality and broad public spirit, for these have been shadowed forth in the lines of this review. Strong in his individuality, he never lacked the courage of his convictions, but there were as dominating elements in this individuality, a lively human sympathy and an abiding charity, which, taken in connection with the sterling integrity and honor of his character, gained for him the respect, confidence and honor of men.

For more than a quarter of a century George Parker Williard has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Tiffin, and the years have told the story of a successful career, due to the possession of innate talent and acquired ability along the line of one of the most important professions to which man may devote his energies - the alleviation of pain and suffering and the restoration of health, which is man's most cherished and priceless possession. This is an age of progress in all of the advancement that has revolutionized methods of medical and surgical practice, rendering the efforts of the physicians of much more avail in warding off the inroads of disease than they were even at the time when he entered upon his professional career. |

Lhe Doctor is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Huntingdon, that state, on the 1st of July, 1845. He is a son of Rev. Dr. George W. Williard, subject of the foregoing memoir. His boyhood days were spent under the beneficent influences of a cultured and refined home, the family having removed to Columbus, Ohio, in his early childhood, while he was ten years of age when they located in Dayton, this state, where he prosecuted his studies in the public schools, being graduated in the Dayton high school when seventeen years of age. \lmost immediately thereafter he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. John Davis, of that city, and on the gth of March, 1867, he was graduated in the Jefferson Medical College, in the city of Philadelphia. Thus amply fortified for his chosen calling, he opened an office in the village of Fort Seneca, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 29th of June, 1867, and for six years he continued in active practice. In 1873 the Doctor weat to California, where he became associated in practice with his cousin, Dr. Cephas L. Bard, a brother of United States Senator Thomas R. Bard, and this professional alliance continued two years, at the expiration of which Dr. Williard returned to Ohio and located in Tiffin, where he has continuously been in practice for the long period of twenty-six years. Long since he left the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few, his ability and devotion to his profession gaining him this relative precedence. He has studied and read broadly, carrying his investigation into every field of thought bearing upon his profession and having readily adopted those methods and improvements which wide experience and sound judgment indicated to him a definite valuation in connection with his work.

When nineteen vears of age, in 1864, Dr. Willard became a member of Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-first Regiment of the Ohio National Guard, and with that command went to the front for service in the war of the Rebellion. They were sworn in at Dayton and thence proceeded to West Virginia. The Doctor first served as regimental steward, at Harper's Ferry, and later was post steward in the fort at Federal Hill, Baltimore, Maryland. While in the military service he had six hemorrhages, and as a result became so debilitated as to mecessitate his discharge from the service, and he endured seven other hemorrhages after his return honve, but he eventually recovered his health and has never asked for a pension. Dr. Williard holds membership in General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, Grand Army of the Republic, and thus maintains friendly relations and comradeship with those who were loyal defenders of the integrity of the Union during the dark days of the civil war. He is also identified with Tiffin Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., of which he is a valued member. In politics he has always been a Republican, and while he warmly endorses the principles and policies of the party and is a liberal contributor in the promotion of its cause, he has never accepted office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his practice. For several years he has held the position of local surgeon for the Big Four Railroad and also for the Fostoria & Tiffin Electric Railroad. The Doctor is one of the leading physicians of this part of the state, with broad and comprehensive knowledge of the theory of medicine and surgery and wide experience in practice, his ability being attested by the representative support he receives in the community where he has so long lived and labored and where his popularity is of the most unequivocal order.

On the 16th of February, 1881, Dr. Williard was united in marriage to Miss Electa Stout, of Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of Elias Stout and the granddaughter of David Stout, who was one of the pioneers of Dayton, where he located when it was a mere village. Mrs. Williard was reared and educated in Dayton and is a woman of gracious presence and innate refinement, being prominent in the social life of Tiffin. She has made her home celebrated for its pleasing hospitality and good cheer. She holds membership in the Presbyterian church, in whose work she takes a deep interest. |

George W. Herp

The name of Herr is one known throughout Seneca county, for here our subject has passed his entire life and here his parents resided for many decades. He was born on the farm on which he still resides, on the 12th of February, 1865, a son of George and Elizabeth (Shoeffer ) Herr. The father was born in Prussia, Germany, April 10, 1822, and in the place of his nativity he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1848 he crossed the Atlantic ocean to the United States, and after his arrival in this country he made his way to the Buckeye state, spending a short time in Chillicothe, and from there removed to Galion. At the latter place he was married, and there worked at his trade for about four years, on the expiration of which period, in 1852, he came to Seneca county, purchasing eighty acres of land where our subject now resides. Later he added to his original purchase an adjoining eighty acres, making his landed possessions to consist of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1891, however, he laid aside the active cares of a busi- . ness life and removed to New Washington, where his death occurred about six weeks later. He gave his political support to the Democracy, but was never a seeker after the honors of public office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. He was a worthy member of the Lutheran church, and was highly esteemed for his many ucble characteristics. His widow is still living, being now in her seyenty-third year, and is a resident of New Washington. Of their eight cluldren four now survive, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of S. J. Kibler, of New Washington, Ohio; Susan, who makes her home with her mother; George W., of this review; and Louise, the wife of Frank Schoff, of Venice township.

George W. Herr is indebted to the public-school system of Seneca county for his elementary education, and later he became a student in the New Washington high school. At the age of nineteen years he accepted a clerkship in the employ of Jesse Marquardt, a New Washington druggist, with whom he remained for about eighteen months, when

Soon after his marriage his parents left the old homestead and removed to New Washington, and since that time our subject has had entire control of the place. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and his is one of the valuable and model homesteads of the township. He is progressive in his methods, is ever ready to adopt new and modern improvements and is recognized as one of the representative agriculturists of the community.

December 9, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Herr and Miss Ida Buchman. She is a native of Bloom township, Seneca county, and a daughter of P. A. and Rose Ann (Brillhardt) Buchman, he a general merchant of Carrothers. This union has been brightened and blessed by the presence of two children, - Marie E. and Marion M. Mr. Herr gives his political support to the Democracy, and tor three years he served as a director of the schools. The family are members of the

Charles Olmsted

Charles Olmsted for many years has been an active factor in the financial circles of Fostoria through connection with both public and private interests. At the present time he is serving as city treasurer and his record in this direction is remarkable, for he has been the incumbent since 1870. No higher testimonial could be given of his efficiency and trustworthiness than the proof of their faith in him which his fellow townsmen give at each election. His name is synonymous with integrity in every community where he is known, and over the record of his public career and his private life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. His residence in Fostoria covers a period of almost half a century, and while he has prospered in his business undertakings the community has also been greatly benefited by his efforts in its behalf.

Gcharees Oemsited

stock, his great-grandfather having served his country in the war for independence. The family was founded in New England at a very early epoch in our colonial history. Judge Jesse S. Olmsted, the father of our subject, was born in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and for a time resided in Albany, New York, whence he emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Lower Sandusky, among the pioneer settlers of that portion of the state. He became quite prominent in public affairs in that portion of the state, and was henored with several public offices. He was associate county judge of Sandusky county, was also county treasurer and a member of the school board. One of the early merchants of Upper Sandusky, he carried on business there for many years and was an active factor in commercial circles. He married Azuba Ferguson, whose parents removed from New York to Ohio, becoming early settlers of Sandusky county.

In the place of his nativity Charles Olmstead, of this review, spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the public schools he obtained his education, but from early manhood he has been a resident of Fostoria. Removing to this place in 1856, he established a dry-goods store and also carried on general business interests, dealing especially in grain. He was a member of the firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company, the senior partner afterward becoming the governor of Ohio. The dry-goods business was sold out in 1876, but the firm continued in the grain trade under the same firm name until 1890. Since that time Mr. Olmsted has given his entire attention to the banking business and to the management of the city's finances. In 1891 he established the Mechanics' Savings Bank Company, became its president and continued its conduct until 1899, when he sold to the Mechanics' Banking Company, of which he is one of the directors. He is a man of keen discernment in business, his judgment being rarely, if ever, at fault, and his efforts have been an element in producing business stability and progress in the city in which he has so long made his home.

farm and was prominent in public affairs. He was honored with election to the office of representative in the state legislature, was also county commissioner and was well known in public life. leaving the impress of his individuality upon public thought and feeling. Unto our subject and his wife were born two children: Jesse S.. of this city: and Mary A., the deceased wife of Frank Carroll, of Columbus.

Every interest calculated to benefit the community - to promote its welfare along lines of material, social, political, intellectual and moral advancement - receives the endorsement and co-operation of Mr. Olmsted, and therefore he is accounted one of the most valued citizens of Fostoria. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knights Templar degree, and the basic principles of the order find exemplification in his helpful relations with his fellow men. For six years he served as a member of the school- board, and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend. - one who believes in keeping a high standard of intellectual improvement. In politics he has been a stanch Republican since the organization of the party. He was first elected to the office of city treasurer in 1870 and at each election since that time has received not only the united support of his party but also the ballots of many members of the Democracy. No trust reposed in him has been betrayed in the slightest degree, and he has made for himself an unassailable reputation in public office. His manner is genial and cordial and the qualities of an upright manhood have won for Mr.

Judge John Kaull Rohn

One of the most talented and distinguished lawyers and jurists connected with the bench and bar of the Seneca circuit was Judge John K. Rohn, who, in a profession where advancement must depend upon individual merit and ability, gained a most prominent position. The profession of the law, when clothed with its true dignity, purity and strength must rank first among the callings of men, for law rules the universe. The work of the legal proession is to formulate, to harmonize, to regulate, to adjust, to administer those rules and principles that underlie and permeate all government and society and control the varied relations of men. As thus viewed there attaches to the legal profession a nobleness that cannot but be reflected in the life of the true lawyer, who, rising to the responsibilities of the profession, and honest in the pursuit of his purpose, embraces the richness of learning, the firmness of integrity and the purity of morals, together with the graces and modesty and the general amenities of life. Of such a type Judge Rohn was a representative and his career was one which reflected credit upon the bar of his district.

It was on the 5th of April, 1859, that the Judge was born at the family home, two and a half miles east of Tiffin, on the North Greenfield road, cn the farm now owned by Rev. Dr. Rust. His parents were Asia and Eliza (Kaull) Rohn. The father was born in Catasauqua, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1814, and was the youngest in the family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, born unto Daniel and Catherine (Helman) Rohn, the former of French lineage and the latter of German extraction. The mother of the Judge was born in Trexlertown, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1817, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Swartz) Kaull, and her father was the eldest in the family of six children born to John and Maria (Steininger) Kaull. Her mother was a daughter of Samuel and Mollie (Gregory) Swartz, the former of German and the latter of English birth. |

Asia and Eliza (Kaull) Rohn, the parents of the Judge, were reared and married in the Keystone state and in the spring of 1849 started for Ohio, arriving in Seneca county three weeks later, making the entire journey by wagon. They settled on a farm two and a half miles directly east of the court-house on the North Greenfield road, and there resided for twenty-six years. In 1875, however, the father sold the old farm and purchased the home place which is still owned by the

Early in life Judge Rohn became imbued with a strong desire to acquire a more advanced education than the public schools afforded and bent every energy to its accomplishment. His own labor made possible his collegiate course in Heidelberg College, which he entered in the fall of 1875. He pursued the scientific course and was graduated on the 19th of June, 1879. During the succeeding winter he engaged in teaching school in the Stickney district about two and a half miles east of Republic. He desired, however, to make the practice of law his liie work, and, with a broad general knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he began reading law in the office of the firm of Noble & Adams, attorneys of Tiffin, and was regularly admitted as an attorney and counselor at law by the supreme court of Ohio, October 2, 1882. In the spring of 1883 he established an office in Tiffin and soon he manifested ability that showed him capable of handling most important and involved litigated interests. Gradually he rose to prominence. In the preparation of cases he was most thorough and exhaustive; he seemed almost intuitively to grasp the strong points of law and fact, while im his briefs and arguments the authorities were cited so extensively and the facts and reasoning thereon presented so cogently and unanswerably that he left no doubt as to the correctness of his views and conclusions. His devotion to his clients' interests was proverbial and all who entrusted their interests to him had in him implicit confidence. He made a specialty of corporation law and was particularly strong in that branch of jurisprudence. His practice was very satisfactory and he had the gratification of receiving from the highest courts of Ohio decisions favorable to his clients. In 1896 Judge Seney resigned from the bench of the circuit court and Governor Bushnell appointed Judge Rohn to fill the vacancy. He took his place upon the bench and served with marked ability, his decisions displaying marked judicial soundness, thorough knowledge of the law and ready adaptability of its principles to the points in litigation, together with marked impartiality and freedom from judicial bias. Owing to the heavy Democratic majority of the county of law, having a distinctively representative clientage. He was thus . engaged until stricken with the illness which terminated his life on the 15th of June, Igor.

In connection with his profession Judge Rohn was connected with one of the most important industries of this part of the state, being a heavy stockholder in the National Machinery Company, of Tiffin. He was one of its incorporators, its secretary and a member of its board ot managers. It was capitalized for three hundred thousand dollars and has paid from sixteen to eighteen per cent. annual dividends. The plant has been recently enlarged and the success of the enterprise was attributable in large measure to the wise counsel and efforts of Judge Rohn. His wife is now a member of its board of directors. He was also attorney for the Tiffin Commercial Bank and of the Pennsylvania and Lake Erie Railroad Companies, and also represented other corporations as their legal adviser.

June 16, 1886, the Judge was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Schliff, of Springfield, Illinois, and unto them were born two daughters - - Helen Elizabeth and Margaret Louise. He found his greatest happiness in his home and he considered no personal sacrifice too great that would enhance the happiness or promote the welfare of his wife and children. Two months before his death he was informed by the physicians of the serious nature of his illness and at once began making preparations for his family, daily instructing his wife concerning his business affairs that she might know how to superintend her property interests. His keenest anxiety was that his wife and daughters should be well provided for, and Mrs. Rohn has displayed excellent business and executive ability in controlling her affairs. When the end came the funeral services were held by the Rev. J. P. Stratton and the interment made at Green Lawn.

To his family Judge Rohn left the priceless heritage of an unsullied reputation. He was a gentleman of innate culture and refinement, a iover of art and of the beautiful. He followed the injunction of Shakespeare, "Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice." He was ever affable, courteous and kindly, and was entirely free from ostentation or display. He looked fully ten years younger than he was, for the years had fallen lightly upon him. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, he commanded uniform regard, and from his friends he won love and esteem.

There is no nation that has contributed to the complex makeup of our American social fabric an element of more sterling worth and of greater value in supporting and fostering our national institutions than has Germany. From this source our republic has had much to gain and nothing to lose. Germany has given us men of sturdy integrity, indomitable perseverance, higher intelligence and much business sagacity, - the result being the incorporation of a strong and strength-giving fiber ramifying through warp and woof. A man who may well look with pride upon his German-American origin is the subject of this review, who is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Seneca county, where he has passed his entire life, and where he is personally recognized as a representative citizen, having attained a high degree of success through his Operations in connection with the great basic art and science of agri- 'culture.

Mr. Zutavern was born on the old homestead farm, in Bloom township, this county, the date of his nativity having been April 2, 1848. He is one of the eleven children born to Jacob H. and Margaret (Geiger ) Zutavern, and of the number six are living at the present time, namely : Christina, the wife of Jacob Horn, of Michigan; Lucinda, the wife of Conrad Lebold, of Venice township; Conrad H., the subject of this sketch; Caroline, the wife of Benjamin Shelhorn, also of Michigan ; Amelia, the wife of Leonard Smeltz, of Kansas, Seneca county; and Paul, a resident of Bloom township. Jacob H. Zutavern was born in

Baden, Germany, whence he, as a lad of eight years, accompanied his " parents on their emigration to America, the family settling in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he was reared to maturity and where his marriage was solemnized. A year after this important event in his life he came with his wife to Seneca county, where he took up a pre-emption claim of one hundred and sixty acres, in Bloom township, the tract being heavily timbered. Here he erected the approved form of log cabin common to the pioneer epoch, and then gave his virile strength and energy to the work of reclaiming tiie land for cultivation. His industrious efforts were prolific in ultimate success, and he eventually purchased forty acres of adjoining land and also became the owner of the farm of one hundred and four acres where his son, our subject, now lives, and also accumulated six hundred acres in Michigan. From these statements it may be gleaned 'that his success was pronounced and that he was an influential citizen, while his integrity of character and his kindly nature gained him a warm place in the confidence and esteem of those with whom he came in contact in the various relations of life. He lived to attain the age of sixtyeight years, his demise occurring in the year 1873. He identified himself With the Republican party at the time of its organization and ever afterward continued a stanch advocate of its principles. He was a member of the Reformed church, as was also his wife, who survived him by about eight years. He became one of the wealthiest men of Bloom township and his influence was ever given in support of all worthy enterprises and projects for the general good, so that he stood as a model citizen and as one who had made a large contribution to the development and progress of this section of the state.

Conrad H. Zutavern, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the old homestead and is indebted to the public schools of the locality for the early educational advantages which were his. In Williams county, Ohio, on the 24th of December, 1871, when twenty-three years of age, Mr. Zutavern was united in marriage to Miss Maria Smeltz, who was born in Venice township, Seneca county, where her father, Jacob Smeltz, was a pioneer settler, his later years being passed in Williams county. After his marriage our subject settled on his present farm, which he purchased of his father at that time. He has erected substantial buildings on the place, effected other improvements of the best order and has made it one of the best farms in this section. At the time of this writing (May, 1902,) he is erecting an attractive residence in the town of Attica and it is his intention to retire from the more active duties of the farm and to make his home in that village. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but has had no predilection for public office. He and his wife are prominent members of the English Reformed church at Carrothers, in which he is an elder. They have no children. Mr. Zutavern has the highest standing in the community and is one of the honored and influential citizens of his native county.

The German fatherland has contributed a most valuable element to the complex social fabric of the American republic, which has gained much through this source, the element being one which has ever conserved the march of progress and stood for sterling manhood and womanhood. The honored subject of this sketch, whois one of the successful farmers of Seneca county, is a native of Germany, but has practically passed his entire life in America and is to be mentioned as a scion of one of the highly respected pioneer families of Seneca county. Mr. Deisler was born in'Prussia, Germany, on the 5th of February, 1825, being the son of Conrad and Anna C. (Brundt) Deisler, of whose seven children only two survive, - George, of this sketch; and Conrad, who owns the old homestead and who is likewise a successful farmer of Venice township. The parents emigrated from the fatherland to the United States in the year 1833, and after residing for a brief interval in Wooster, Ohio, came that same year to Seneca county, where the father purchased sixty-six acres of land, upon a portion of which the present village of Carrothers is located. Here he continued to devote his attention to farming for many years, - until the spring of 1872, when he and his wife took up their home with their daughter, Mrs. Flechner, in Crawford county, where they eighty-two years. The father of our subject was a stanch Democrat in his political proclivities and was a zealous member of the German Reformed church, in which he held various official positions.

George Deisler was reared to maturity on the homestead farm, early beginning to aid in the work of reclamation and cultivation and having limited educational advantages as were implied in an irregular attendance in the primitive schools of the locality and period. Upon attaining his legal majority he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of carpenter, and after thus serving for a term of three years, secured thirteen dollars per month the last year; he thereafter devoted his attention to the work of his trade for a further interval of above eight years, making nearly all the coffins used for the-neighborhood. In 1854 he was married, and soon afterward he settled on the old homestead, to whose cultivation he devoted himself until the spring of 1858, when he purchased one hundred and fifteen acres cf his present farm, in Venice township, to which he then removed. He has made the best of improvements on the place, to whose area he has added by the purchase of an adjoining tract of thirty and onehalf acres, so that the fine farm now comprises one hundred and fortyfive and one-half acres. The place is under a high state of cultivation and gives evidence of the careful management and progressive methods which have been brought to bear, the owner having ever commanded unqualified confidence and esteem in the community where he has lived from youth to advanced age, ever giving his aid and influence in support of all worthy enterprises and measures for the general good and standing as one of the world's noble army of workers. In politics Mr. Deisler has ever been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and his devotion to duties of citizenship in the exercise of the right of franchise has been singularly marked, as is evident when we revert to the fact that in all the long years which have passed since he attained his legal majority he has on only two occasions failed to deposit his vote in support of the men or measures approved by his judgment. He has, however, never sought political office for himself. He is a devoted member of the Reformed church at Carrothers, in which for many years he served faithfully and

In November, 1854, Mr. Deisler was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Shade, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Carrick) Shade, who took up their residence in Seneca county in 1835. The father of Mrs. Shade, Frederick Carrick, was a valiant soldier in the Continental army during the war of the Revolution. During a long and ideal married life of nearly half a century Mrs. Deisler continued as the devoted and cherished companion and helpmeet of her husband, her summons to the "land of the leal'" coming on the 29th of September. 1898, when she passed away in her sixtyninth year. She was a woman of noble character and her memory rests as a benediction upon those who came within the immediate sphere of her influence. Mr. and Mrs. Deisler became the parents of eleven children, and all are living, namely: Benjamin F., a farmer of Defiance county ; Lucinda, the wife of Gottlieb Hash, a farmer of Paulding county ; Joseph, a farmer of the same county; George William, engaged in the insurance business in the city of Sandusky ; Sarah A., the wife of Daniel F. Smith, Bloom township; James Samuel, a resident of Tiffin; Simon, a ditch contractor of Paulding county; Reuben, a resident of Toledo and a passenger fireman for the Pennsylvania Railroad; John H., of Williams county; Catherine A., the wife of John M. Sponseller, who has charge of the farm of our subject, and who has three children, - Herbert J., Dora Fay and George Milton; and Harvey, a farmer of Paulding county.

William J. Smith, one of the best-known citizens of Seneca county, is a representative of good old Irish stock. His father, John M. Smith, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, August 10, 1826, but in 1837, when a lad of eleven years, he accompanied his parents, James A. and Elizabeth A. Smith, on their removal to America, the family locating in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the son, John M., grew to mature years

Seneca county, Ohio, where he decided to locate, and, sending east for his parents, they purchased the old John Smeltz farm east of Caroline. In 1849, however, John M. Smith left his Ohio home for the gold fields of California, making the journey by way of Cape Horn, and after his arrival in the Golden state engaged in mining and farming, in which he met with a reasonable degree of success. In 1853 he returned to his home in Seneca county, purchasing the James McKittrick farm, where he spent the remaining years of his life, having been called to his final rest on the 17th of April, 1898, his death resulting from the kick of a horse, living but two hours after the accident. From 1867 until 1880 he was a member of the Presbyterian church in Caroline, but in the latter year he united with the Reformed church, of which he remained a consistent member until his life's labors were ended in death. His political support was given the Democracy, and for one or more terms he was the efficient justice of the peace of his township. As a companion on the journey of life Mr. Smith chose Miss Mathilda Smith, and they became the parents of ten children, nine of whom still survive: James A., of Baldwin, Indiana; \William J., of this review; Mary A., the wife of George Aylea, also of Indiana; Nancy J., the wife of James Clemens, of Carrothers, Ohio; Daniel H., a prominent farmer of Venice township: Samuel A., who also makes his home in this township, as does his brother, Thomas J.; Matilda A., the wife of Charles Armitage, of Reed township; and James H., of Venice township.

William J. Smith, of this review, is a native son of Venice township, Seneca county, his birth having here occurred on the 15th of September, 1857, and to its public-school system he is indebted for the educational privileges which he received in his youth. At the age of twentyone years he began operating a threshing machine, later purchasing a new steam thresher, and for sixteen years he followed that occupation. In 1892 he became the owner of his present home farm, consisting of eigthy acres of rich and productive land, and soon after its purchase he abandoned his threshing operations in order to give his entire time and attention to the cultivation of his land. He is recognized as a man of executive ability and enterprise and is numbered among the leading citi- zens of the community. He is liberal in his political views, but his preference is for the Democracy, and in his social relations he is a member of Attica Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M.

December 18, 1884, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Theodosia Sovereign, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Rufus and Nancy (Rodgers) Sovereign, natives respectively of Canada and Kentucky. Five children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, but the first born died in infancy, and the third in order of birth, Rufus, also died in childhood. The three surviving are Edith, John and Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Reformed church.

Charles L. Weininger

One of the leading and representative farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Charles L. Weininger, who is a most highly esteemed and substantial citizen of Seneca township.

The birth of Mr. Weininger occurred in Wyandot county, Ohio, May 6, 1846. He was a son of John and Catherine (Lane) Weininger. and a grandson of Adam Weininger, the latter of whom was a native of Germany. From that land he emigrated to the United States in 1815, at a date when this country began to make great strides in the direction of permanent commercial, industrial and particularly agricultural progress.

Adam Wrininger was just the type of settler needed in the lands offered by the government, in the state of Ohio. Honest, industrious, plodding and persevering, no physical task was too great for him to undertake in the hope of providing for the welfare of those dependent upon him, and soon his home in Fairfield county showed the effects of his activity. In 1826 he moved to Wyandot county, where he became possessed by some two thousand acres of land, and here he lived until his death, at the age of eighty years, being at that time one of the most respected men of his locality. His trade was that of blacksmith. His old home 1s now owned by the heirs of Jesse Badger.

John Weininger, who was the son of Adam and the father of our subject, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and grew up on his father's farm, accompanying him to Wyandot county. 'He became a man of prominence in his jocality, filled a number of the local offices with great efficiency and was a leading member of the Baptist church. His first marriage was to Catherine Lane, who was a daughter of John Lane, and they had five sons, viz.:_ Solomon and George, of Wyandot county ; Joel, of Fostoria; Jackson, deceased; and Charles L., of this sketch. The second marriage of Mr. Weininger was to Mary Johnson, who still survives and is a resident of McCutchenville. After his first marriage he obtained one hundred and thirty acres of his father's farm, which was heavily timbered, erected here a log cabin and here his death occurred in April, 1891, at the age of eighty-one years. From 1832 to 1835 he kept a hotel, on the old plank road, one mile north of McCutchenville, during which time he became well known to the traveling public, those being the times when the country inn offered most welcome rest and entertainment for the passengers of the old "stage coach," of pleasant memory. At his death Mr. Weininger left an estate of six hundred acres.

Our subject was reared on the old farm and received the best educational advantages offered in his locality. After finishing the commonschool course he attended Heidelberg College, in Tiffin. In 1876 he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Welsh, who was a native of Zanesville, Ohio, and four children were born to this union, namely: Frank, at home; Herma, the wife of Paul Bigger; Dolly, deceased at the age of six years; and Welsh.

Soon after his marriage our subject moved to his present farm, which he had purchased in 1867, and which is located in sections 35 and 36, in Seneca township, and comprises one hundred and forty-five acres of most excellent land, and the old home farm, which he also owns, contains one hundred and thirty acres. Here he carries on extensive operations in farming and stock-raising, being thoroughly equipped for both lines of activity in the way of modern machinery and permanent and substantial improvements. These have all been made by Mr. Weininger and reflect

Mr. Weininger is a sensible and well-balanced citizen, a leading member of the Democratic party, a good business man and one who keeps thoroughly abreast of the times. His children have been given excellent educational advantages, his daughter having become noted for her talents in drawing and music, in the convent school which she attended for four years, in Tiffin. He is highly respected in the township and is justly considered one of the representative men.

Charles D. Gangwer

There may be found in almost all American communities quiet, retiring men, who never seek official preferment or appear prominently in public affairs, yet nevertheless exert a widely felt and beneficent influence in the community, helping to construct or solidify the foundation upon which the social and political world rests. Such a man was the honored subject of this memoir, and he was ever found faithful to duty, under whatever aspect it presented itself, never sacrificing integrity and honor to personal expediency and so living as to command unqualified confidence and esteem as emanating from those with whom he came in contact in the various relations of life. Not undue eulogy but rather simple justice is done to the memory of such a man when perpetual record is made concerning his life and accomplishment, and this the writer would attempt in this simple tribute to one who stood ''four-square to every wind that blows," who attained definite success in temporal affairs and who was one of the representative farmers and honored citizens of Seneca county during the major portion of his long and useful career.

Mr. Gangwer was of stanch German lineage and was himself a native of the old Keystone state of the Union, having been born in Allentown, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of December, 1836. He age began an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade, becoming an expert in the same and continuing to follow this vocation in Allentown until he had attained the age of twenty-eight years. Then he came to Seneca county, Ohio, and located in Tiffin, where he passed one winter, after which, in 1859, he took up his abode on the fine farm where his widow now resides, in Pleasant township, five miles north of Tiffin. The place was practically unreclaimed from the forest wilds, and the only improvement of note was a small log house of the pioneer type in which they lived fourteen years. He cleared the greater portion of the place and brought the land under effective cultivation, having laid hundreds of rods of tile and converting what was originally almost a swamp into one of the best farms of the community. As the years passed and prosperity attended his assiduous and well directed endeavors, Mr. Gangwer made the best of permanent improvements on his homestead, including in 1869 the fine brick residence where his widow now lives, the same being commodious and of attractive architectural design, and standing as one of the beautiful homes of the county. He devoted his attention to diversified agriculture and to the raising of high-grade stock; and since his death his widow has superintended the management of the farm, showing marked executive capacity and profiting by the experience of her long and grateful association with her honored husband. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres, all of which is available for cultivation except seven acres, which are yet covered with native timber. In politics Mr. Gangwer supported the Democratic party and its principles, and his religious faith was that of the Reformed church at Fort Seneca, of which he was an elder for years and of which his widow also is still a devoted member. |

On Whitsunday of 1858 Mr. Gangwer was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Gensenlither, who was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1840, the daughter of Jacob and Lena Gensenlither. Mr. and Mrs. Gangwer became the parents of four children, namely: Annie M., the wife of William Dutrow, of Tiffin; Caroline, the wife of John W. Coy, a capitalist of Washington, D. C.: Henry, who is successfully engaged in farrning near Columbia City, Indiana; and Jane, who became the wife of Rev. S. W. Seaman, a clergyman of the Reformed church at Columbus, Ohio, and died July 7, 1901, at the age of thirty-five years. She left two children, - Eveline and Karl. She was educated in Heidelberg College, where she was a classmate of her husband, whom she afterward married when twenty years of age. All the children have been educated at Heidelberg College, and Henry was a teacher in the county ten years. Since Mr. Gangwer's death Mrs. Gangwer has taken into her family a young girl named Louisa Holsinger, who has become a valued conypanion. Mr. Gangwer died December 7, 1898, in his sixty-second year. He had an uncle named Thomas Gangwer, who was a saddler by trade, was a cripple and came to Seneca county with his brother James, the father of the subject of this sketch, some five years previously to the latter's arrival. Charles D. came to care for his uncle, who in return for the care gave him eighty acres of land. Thomas set up a shop on the farm, where he worked as long as he was able, for during the last five years of his life he was almost helpless. During the ten years of his lite here he was tenderly cared for by Charles D. and his wife. The parents ef cur subject continued to reside upon this farm until their death, the mother dying in 1876 and the father fifteen years later.

James P. Mourer is a well-known attorney of Fostoria who has attained to a leading position at the Seneca county bar, although he has heen in practice here only about eight years. He is numbered among the native sons of the city, his father being John J. Mourer, who was born in Alsace, France, and who, on emigrating to the new world, about 1864, took up his abode in Fostoria. Here he established a clothing store, which he successfully conducted for a number of years, dying in 1898, at the age of forty-six. He married Catherine Knissel, who was born at Kaiserslautern, Germany.

James P. Mourer

tinuing his studies until he had completed the high-school course. He was then matriculated in Fostoria Academy, and when his literary education was completed he began to prepare for the practice of law, reading in the office of Brown & Guernsey. He also attended the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, being admitted to the bar in 1894, since which time he has been engaged in practice in this city. Gradually his patronage has increased and to-day he is enjoying a large and remunerative clientage. His preparation of cases is most thorough and exhaustive: he is said to grasp intuitively the strongest points of law and tact, while in his briefs and arguments the authorities are cited so extensively and the facts and reasoning are presented so cogently and unanswerably as to leave little doubt as to the correctness of his views or conclusions. No detail escapes him; every case is given its due prominence and the cause is argued with such skill, ability and power that he rarely fails to gain a verdict.

Mr. Mourer was united in marriage to Miss Alberta Chance, of Fostoria, a daughter of Henry Chance, and they have a pleasant home and enjoy the highest regard of many friends. In politics he is a Republican, and while he has firm belief in the principles of the party he has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his entire attention to his law practice. He represents a number of corporations engaged in the development of the oil fields, and has a large share of practice in connection with the most important cases tried in the courts of this district.

If "biography is the home aspect of history," as Wilmott has ex- | pressed it, it is entirely within the province of true history to commeniorate and perpetuate the lives and character, the achievements and honor of the illustrious sons of the state. High on the roll of those whose efforts have made the history of jurisprudence in Ohio a roll of fame century has been numbered among the legal practitioners of the state. No man has ever been more respected in Seneca county, and none has ever more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people, who, recognizing his merit, have rejoiced in his advancement and the honors to which he has attained. He is a lawyer of the highest rank, learned in his profession and a most persuasive and powerful advocate; and, though nearly forty years have come and gone since he quit the bench for the bar, Judge Seney is yet engaged in the practice of law and maintains his place as a foremost representative of the legal fraternity of this great commonwealth. Respecting the ancestors of Judge Seney and his kindred, by blood and by marriage, much may be said. His father, Joshua Seney, long a resident of Tiffin, was born in Maryland and reared in the city of New York, where he was educated for the legal profession. He was a graduate of Columbia College and the University Law School and soon thereafter was in the war of 1812, as an aid-de-camp on the staff of a commanding general. He was the private secretary of Albert Gallatin, then secretary of the United States treasury under President Madison. At Uniontown, Pennsylvania, he began the practice of law and won distinction at the bar. He was the law partner of Andrew Stewart, an eminent lawyer and a politician of national fame. While a resident of Uniontown, he declined the appointment of United States judge for the western district of Pennsylvania, tendered him by Andrew Jackson, then president of the United States. After his removal to Tiffin he gave no attention to the practice of law. Twice he was elected treasurer of Seneca county and later and for years was the clerk of the supreme court of Ohio, by the appointment of its judges. The late Judge Lang, who for many years knew Mr. Seney intimately and well, in his history of Seneca County, says: "If Joshua Seney's industry had been equal to his capacity, he would have been very successful as a lawyer. He had a natural aversion to anything that looked like labor. He was all politiclan; and a more shrewd and far-seeing politician than him Seneca county never had in any party. .He was unselfish, and sought no office his power to aid him. Raised in the lap of wealth and luxury, he knew nothing about labor, or the value of money. He had very little taste or application for the practical part of life. His language was chaste and polished, and his manners peculiarly his own. He was perfectly at home in an office, and discharged every trust with ability and fidelity. He was treasurer of Seneca county, for two terms, and clerk of the supreme court for many years. He wrote a fine hand, and his records are spotless. He had a large, well developed head and expressive countenance, a black eye, a pleasant voice, and his hands were so small as to attract attention. He was finely educated, knew the theory of the law, but had no ambition to practice it. He was a great student and reader, and few men were better posted on good literature. He was not a good public speaker; but, as a forcible writer he excelled."

The maiden name of the mother of George E. Seney was Ann Ebbert, and she was a daughter of George Ebbert, a prosperous mercham of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. This lady was much more than an ordinary woman. Domestic in her tastes, she lived a quiet and unostentatious life, abounding in good deeds. She was born and reared in Uniontown and liberally educated at the female seminary in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, and soon after her graduation became the wife of Joshua Seney. She was a lady of great practical sense, and had strong religious convictions. Prior to her marriage she was an active and influential Christian worker in her native town, and in Tiffin, where she lived twenty-two years a wife and twenty-six years a widow, she was held in the highest esteem. In her the poor and deserving had a valued friend, and at the bedside of the sick and dying she was a frequent and welcome visitor. To her four daughters and three sons she was an indulgent and loving mother, and to her husband a most devoted wife.

George Ebbert, the father of Ann Ebbert, and his wife, Sarah Wood, were born, reared and married in Philadelphia. Their parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and in Philadelphia accumulated wealth and held high social position. Upon his marriage George Ebbert removed to Uniontown, where he established a mercantile business, which he was a model man, sound in judgment, successful in whatever he undertook, kind in heart and generous in hand; and this is also to be said of his wife, who was a model as a wife, mother, neighbor and friend.

The paternal grandfather of George E. Seney was the distinguished jurist and statesman of Maryland, Joshua Seney. For three successive terms he represented his native county in the Maryland house of delegates, and later the colony of Maryland in the last continental congress. He was a member of the electoral college which re-elected George Wash-~- ington president of the United States, and was chief justice of the courts in the third judicial district of Maryland. In the first and second congresses, under the constitution of the United States, he was a representative from the state of Maryland, and was elected to the third congress, but died before it convened. Upon the marble stone at the grave of this eminent man. is inscribed these words:

"From the Commencement of the American Revolution, at various periods of his life, he filled with ability some of the highest stations, and discharged with integrity some of the most important duties to which his native state could appoint him; preserving through the whole a character, both private and public, unstained by a single vice."

The wife of this eminent citizen of Maryland was Frances Nicholson, a daughter of James Nicholson, 2 distinguished commodore of the navy in 1776, and whose father, Francis Nicholson, was, prior to the Revolutionary war, the colonial governor of Maryland. Another daughter of Commodore Nicholson was the wife of Albert Gallatin, who was the secretary cf the United States treasury under Presidents Jefferson and Madison, a senator in congress from the state of Pennsylvania, also envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of the commodore's daughters was the wife of Colonel William Few. who was a member, from Georgia, of the convention that framed the constitution of the United States and later a senator in congress from that state; and another the wife of John Montgomery, who was the mayor of Baltimore 'and later a representative in congress from Maryland. A son of Commodore Nicholson was a member of congress from Maryland, and another son was a captain and later a commodore in the United States navy. .

John Seney, the paternal great-grandfather of George E. Seney, was born in Maryland, and there was eminent as a lawyer and in public affairs. In the Revolutionary war he was the captain of a militia company organized for the defense of the colonies and later was in command of a regiment of which he was the colonel. Near the close of the struggle he was elected to represent his native county in the Maryland house of delegates, and was re-elected for nine successive terms, in two of which his distinguished son, Joshua Seney, was a representative. He was a member of the convention which framed the constitution of Maryland, preparatory to her admission into the Union of the states, and later was a member of the convention called by the people of Maryland to ratify or reject the constitution of the United States. At the first election of electors for president and vice president of the United States he was chosen an elector for the state of Maryland, and in the electoral college voted for George Washington for president.

George E. Seney was born in Uniontown, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1830, and when less than two years of age his parents removed to Tiffin, where his years have been near three-score and ten. With a good common-school education, he was at the Norwalk Seminary for three years, when its principal was that eminent scholar and divine, Rey. Edward Thomson, D. D., late a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church. Later, and for two years, he was employed as a clerk in a Tiffin dry-goods store. At the age of eighteen vears he was in the city of New York, purchasing a stock of books and stationery for a book store, which he and an uncle opened and conducted in Tiffin. In this

With a desire to be a merchant, he, through a relative in the east, secured a position in a wholesale dry-goods store in St. Louis. To this his parents were opposed, for they desired him to be a lawyer. To please his father and mother he entered the office of Luther A. Hall, Esq., cf Tiffin, to study law, with the understanding that if at the end of three months he preferred the place open for him at St. Louis, neither parent would object. Years afterward, when he was well established in his profession, Mr. Hall, in speaking of him, said: "The first day George was in my office, he and the law fell in love, and they have been loving ever since." Certainly neither he, his kindred, nor his friends have had occasion to regret that he entered professional, instead of commercial, life. Two years of study prepared him for admission to the bar, and in 1851 he commenced the practice of law as a partner of his preceptor, Mr. Hall. This copartnership continued for less than three years; and, upon its dissolution and until his election as judge, he practiced law alone. When the law firm of Hall & Seney dissolved, of the eighteen practicing lawyers in Seneca county several were of marked ability and had been long at the bar, but from the beginning Judge Seney had a liberal share of the legal business. His clientage grew, both in volume and in importance and at the end of four years, when he became judge, his practice compared favorably with that of lawyers of twice or even thrice his years and experience. At the bar he had made the reputation of a studious, methodical and reliable lawyer and an able and effective jury advocate.

At the age of twenty-seven years, George E. Seney was elected judge of the third judicial district of Ohio, for the constitutional term of five years. He was made the candidate of his party for judge by the unanimous vote of a convention composed of many representative Democrats, a number of whom were lawyers. The voting strength of the two political parties in the district was about equal, but at the election Judge Seney had a majority of one thousand and six over the Re-

After the election of Judge Seney, and before his term of office commenced, he declined the appointment of United States district attorney for the northern district of Ohio, tendered him by President Buchanan. The third judicial district was composed of twenty counties, in each of which three terms of the common-pleas court and one term of the district court were held in each year, - the former by one of the five district judges and the latter either by three of these judges or by two and a judge of the supreme court of Ohio. In several of these counties Judge Seney held terms of the common-pleas court, in other counties parts of their terms; and, either with two of the district judges, or with one and a judge of the supreme court, held a term of the district court in sixteen of the twenty counties of the judicial district. The judges holding these courts during these five years were Josiah Scott, Thomas W. Bartley, Milton Sutliff, William Y. Gholson and Jacob Brinkerhoff, of the supreme court, and Mathias C. Whitney, William Lawrence, Alexander Latta, Josiah S. Plants and George E. Seney of the commonpleas court; and of these ten judges Judge Seney is the sole survivor.

The first court held by Judge Seney was at: Perrysburg, then the county seat of Wood county; and the first lawyer to address him in a cause was the Honorable Morrison R. Waite, then a practicing lawyer at Toledo and later the chief justice of the supreme court of the United States. In this connection it may be remarked that Judge Seney was one of the committee appointed by congress to accompany the remains of Chief Justice Waite from Washington to Toledo and to be a pallbearer at his funeral. Upon the bench, Judge Seney presided with dignity, courtesy and strict impartiality. So marked was his knowledge of the law and his ability to apply it to the points at issue that his decisions were valued as the considerate judgment of a sound lawyer and an upright and just judge. While on the bench he prepared and had published what is known to the legal profession as Seney's Ohio Code, which was republished in 1874. Among lawyers this work is highly

Judge Seney, near the close of his judicial term, which was in the second year of the late Civil war between the states, enlisted in the One Hundred and First Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and upon its organization was commissioned one of its first lieutenants, and subsequently its quartermaster. Recruiting for this regiment, in which he and another enlisted man largely assisted, began late in July, 1862, and early in September following the regiment, over one thousand strong, was on the hills near Covington, Kentucky, resisting the advance of the Confederate forces under General Kirby Smith upon Cincinnati.

In the Army of the Cumberland, under Generals Buell, Rosecrans, Thomas and Sherman, the One Hundred and First Ohio Regiment served until the close of the war. Its service was conspicuously effective at the battles of Perryville, Lancaster, Nashville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Franklin, and in the five months of fighting and marching from Missionary Ridge to Atlanta, under General Sherman. From the day the One Hundred and First Ohio Regiment crossed the Ohio river at Cincinnati until impaired health unfitted him for further service in the field, a period of nearly three years, Judge Seney served with his regiment in all of its campaigns. Upon resigning his commission in the army he resumed the practice of law, at Tiffin, and in a short time was in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative practice, easily maintaining his place among the leading representatives of the profession.

In the law. as in every other walk of life, success depends largely upon industry, and the Judge was known as one of the most indefatigable and tireless workers. His large clientage connected him with much of the most important litigation tried in the courts of this part of the state. More than twenty years ago a biographer in writing of him said: "As a lawyer he is highly esteemed by the profession: his cases are thoroughly prepared and ably and effectively presented to the court and the jury. While he is a fine speaker and with his oratorical gifts and graces excels as an advocate, he no less excels by his sound judgment and rare sense as an attorney and counselor. The fact that he is usually assigned the closing argument in a case indicates the esteem in which he is held by his associates in the trial. As a man he is genial, and has the native delicacy and refinement of the educated gentleman." A later biographer says: 'Judge Seney rose rapidly in his profession and is known as an able lawyer and an eloquent and effective jury advocate, - firm and decisive in character, quiet and gentle in manner, unostentatious in bearing, a pleasing public speaker, a person of refined tastes, and esteemed and popular with his professional associates." Still another biographer says: "Judge Seney was the youngest man who ever held common-pleas court in Ohio. He was elected judge at the age of twenty-six years and served a term of five years with satisfaction to litigants and lawyers and with honor to himself. He was a hard and conscientious worker and has the qualities that commend a judge, - patience and gravity, dignity and courtesy, urbanity in demeanor, a high sense of justice, a desire to be right and the application required for careful research and investigation to ascertain the law applicable to a case."

In politics Judge Seney has taken more or less interest, more as a Democrat and less as a politician. His paternal ancestors were strong in the Democratic faith and the Democracy of the Judge is, and has been, always and ever, unwavering. He has made many speeches in support of the men and measures of his party, and in many other ways has been active and efficient in the affairs of his party. In conventions to nominate Democrats as candidates for office he was either a delegate or a spectator, but never a candidate except when nominated for judge and for member of congress. When elected to congress he was fifty-two years of age, and the only office that he had held or had been a candidate for was that of judge twenty-five years before. The Democratic state convention in 1856 nonrinated him for presidential elector on the Buchanan and Breckinridge ticket. He was a delegate to the Democratic national convention at St. Louis, in 1876, which nominated Samuel J. Tilden for president of the United States. He was the president of the Democratic state convention which met at Cleveland in 1887. As a spectator he was at the Democratic national convention which nominated for president James Buchanan at Cincinnati in 1856, Stephen A. Douglas at Baltimore in 1860, Winfield S. Hancock at Cincinnati in 1880, and Grover Cleveand at Chicago in 1884; and as a spectator attended the Republican national convention which nominated for president Benjamin Harrison at Minneapolis in 1892, and William McKinley at St. Louis in 1896. He was a delegate at large from Ohio to the convention of Democrats at Indianapolis, in 1896, which nominated General John M. Palmer for president and Simon B. Buckner for vice president, and to them he gave his vote at the election.

In 1874 he was the candidate of the Democratic party for congress, and at the election was defeated by less than one hundred and forty votes. This defeat a friend explained in this language: "It will be remembered that in the convention he refused, again and again, to be a candidate for the nomination, and protested, again and again, against his candidacy when nominated. 'These refusals and protests gave every voter to understand that he was opposed to his own election, and this, with the fact that he made no effort to be elected, was enough to elect the opposing candidate by a very large majority."

Indeed, of Judge Seney it may be truthfuly written that he had no ambition for distinction in public affairs, but regarded the pursuits of | private life, and particularly those pertaining to his profession, as being in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts. Endowed by nature with high intellectual qualities, to which have been added discipline and embellishments of culture, his is a most attractive personality. Well versed in the learning of his profession and with a deep knowledge of human nature and of the world, with great shrewdness, keen sagacity and extraordinary tact, he is in the courts an advocate of great power and influence, while his private life has left its impress upon the moral growth of the community. Had Judge Seney been less a lawyer and more a politician, his public career would not have ended at the close of his fourth term as a representative in congress. He was the choice of several members of the Ohio legislature for United States senator when the late Henry B. Payne was elected to that office, and later, when the during his congressional term, and since, he was urged by prominent and leading Democrats and by his party press to bé a candidate for governor of Ohio, but always and ever refused the use of his name in a nominating convention.

When the free coinage of silver at the ratio of sixteen to one became a political issue, the Republican party and the anti-free-coinage Democrats proposed to make him their candidate for congress, and in refusing. the candidacy he said that he would not accept the commission of a member of congress if tendered him.

Years of industrious and energetic labor in his profession have not been without substantial rewards to Judge Seney. Until recently he was the owner of the Tiffin Gas and Electric Works. He is the largest stockholder in the Tiffin Savings Bank, and now is, and has been, since the organization of the bank twelve years ago, its president.

In the city.of Tiffin and in the county of Seneca he is the owner of valuable real estate and gives personal attention to its management. His elegant residence at the corner of Clay and Water streets is, within and without, a most elegant structure.

Progressive, liberal and enterprising, he takes an active and leading part in whatever is calculated to advance Tiffin and the good of her people. His estimable wife, Anna Walker Seney, is a daughter of the late Joseph Walker, Esq., long a merchant of Tiffin, and a granddaughter of the late Josiah Hedges, Esq., who was the founder of Tiffin and is remembered by many citizens as an active leader in public affairs fifty years ago.

This name is one known throughout Seneca county, for here Mr. McDonald has passed his entire life and here his parents resided for many decades. He has long been recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of his locality, and for many years has held a foremost place in the public affairs of the county. He has been faithful to his concep-

Mr. McDonald was born in Tiffin, Ohio, May 6, 1835, a son of Upton and Rebecca (Cromer) McDonald. The father, who was a native of Maryland, was there reared and married, and after that event they came with her parents, three brothers and two sisters to the Buckeye state, immediately taking up their abode in Seneca county. For a time after their arrival here they camped in a tent in Tiffin, the city then containing but two or three houses, and later her father located on a farm near what is now Cromer Station, which was built on the farm of her brother, Ezra Cromer. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald made their home with her father for about three years, when they purchased a farm near by, consisting of eighty acres, and there they spent the remainder of their lives, he dying when our subject was about ten years of age. After the father's death the mother became the wife of Jacob Warner and survived about twenty years. The union of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald was blessed with ten children, seven of whom are now living, namely: James, a resident of Carbondale, Kansas; Susan, the widow of John Walters and a resident of Liberty township, Seneca county; John M., the subject of this review ; David, a prominent farmer of Pleasant township; Ezra, a shoemaker at Fort Seneca; Rebecca, the widow of Lafayette Letherman and a resident of Liberty township; and Albert, of Williams county, Ohio.

John M. McDonald, of this review, acquired but a limited education, for in early life his services were needed in developing a new farm. From the time of his marriage until 1861 he was employed at various occupations by the day or month, and at the latter date enlisted for service in the civil war, becoming a member of Company F, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for one year. During his military career he took part in the battles of Murfreesboro and Stone river, also many others of lesser importance, and after being confined in a hospital in Murfreesboro, on account of a severe illness, for three months, he was honorably discharged. For about three years after his return from the war he suffered from ill health, and he has never fully owner of forty acres of land in Pleasant township, where he made his home for three years, when he sold that property and purchased the land which he now owns, paying eight thousand four hundred dollars for eighty acres one and one-half miles northwest of the courthouse in Tiffin. Incurring five thousand dollars of indebtedness, Mr. McDonald paid it in seven years. He is a man of energy and enterprise, and along the line of his chosen calling he has met with a well merited degree of success. On the 22d of February, 1855, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mc- Denald and Miss Emily R. Van Natter. She is a native of the state of New York and a daughter of Moses and Rachel (Adams) Van Natter, who came to Seneca county in 1841, locating near Bettsville, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Of the nine children born unto our subject and wite only five are now living, namely: Nelson W., who is engaged in the manufacture of buggies in Tiffin, Ohio; Milan W., who is employed in a glass factory in Fairmount, Indiana; Chester, of Liberty township, Seneca county; Orton W., a prominent farmer of Reed township; and Daisy B., the wife of Otto Bour, also of Reed township. At the age of eight years Effie E., the eldest girl, was drowned through carelessness of playmates. One child died in infancy. Korah G. died at thirty-two. He had been a farmer in Seneca county, and a daughter, Adelsa, died at twenty-three, having lived at home and being summoned to the great hereafter almost without a moment's warning.

In his social relations Mr. McDonald is a member of General W. H. Gibson Post, G. A. R., and his political support is given to the Republican party. His religious preference, as is that of Mrs. McDonald, is indicated by membership in the United Brethren church in Tiffin.

William.H. Doran

homes, and in this glorious labor the Dorans have been active and zealous, leaving to their children and to posterity the records of useful, well spent lives.

John Doran, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Virginia, but as early as 1822 he came to Seneca county, Ohio, entering eighty acres of government land where a brother of our subject, George W., now resides. At the raising of the old Hunter mills his back was seriously injured, but he survived the fracture for thirty-five years and reached the ripe old age of ninety years. Jonas Doran, the father of our subject, was born on his father's farm in Hopewell township, Seneca county. Asa companion on the journey of life he chose Mary A. Armstrong, and they became the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters, namely: William H.; Inez, the wife of W. C. Welty; John; Della, the wife of Walter Hiser; Rosa, the wife of Lafayette Covert; Ella, the wife of Elias Zeis; Sheridan; Frank; George; and Ida, deceased. The father of this family was called to his final rest in 18g0, at the age of fifty-nine years, but his widow still survives and resides on the old home farm, three and one-half miles northwest of Tiffin, where their children were born and reared.

William H. Doran, whose name introduces this review, was born on the 19th of February, 1855, and he continued to reside on the old homestead until after his marriage, when he rented a farm in Clinton township, there remaining for one year. For the following six years he farmed on rented land in Seneca township, coming thence to Hopewell township, where he again located on rented land, thus continuing for seven years. On the expiration of that period he became the owner of one hundred acres of his present farm, and as the years have passed by he has added to his original purchase until his landed possessions now consist of one hundred and eighty acres of rich and fertile land. He has placed his fields under a fine state of cultivation, has erected commodious and substantial buildings, and in many other ways has added to the value and attractive appearance of his place. In addition to the raising of the cereals best adapted to this soil and climate he has also engaged

In October, 1877, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Doran and Miss Amanda Lynch. Mrs. Doran is the daughter of John A. and Sarah (Utz) Lynch, was born in Liberty township, and was eighteen at her own marriage. Her father died the year of her marriage, while her mother is still living, residing at Tiffin. Mr. and Mrs. Doran have become the parents of eight children, - Nellie, Olive (wife of Peter Warner), George, Thomas, James, William, Jesse and Laura. Mr. Doran's social relations connect him with the Masonic fraternity, and politically he is identified with the Republican party. He is greatly esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, and is a man of wide influence in this, his native township.

Phillip Bollinger

One of the well known and influential citizens of Venice township is Phillip Bollinger, who has spent his entire life here. He has always been actively interested in everything which tended to promote the development of this region, and has been confidently counted upon at all times to endorse progressive measures and 'to uphold the law, right and justice.

The Bollinger family are numbered among the old and honored residents of the county, and their history may be found in the sketch of L. W. Bollinger in this volume. Our subject was born in Venice township, Seneca county, February 20, 1852. Shortly after his marriage he became the owner of eighty acres of land in this locality, and as the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has been enabled to add to his original purchase until his landed possessions now consist of two hundred and thirty acres of rich and fertile land. His fields are under an excellent state of cultivation, good and substantial buildings adorn the place, and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates to the passer-by the supervision of a progressive owner. In matters of political importance he gives his support to the Democracy, and his religious preference is indicated by his membership in the Reformed church, in which he has long served as a deacon.

For a companion on the journey of life Mr. Bollinger chose Miss Anna M. Funk, a native of Stark county, Ohio, and a daughter of Isaac and Catharine (Kitzmiller) Funk, he now residing in Bloomville, Seneca county, and she being deceased. Seven children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, namely: Ida, the wife of James Freeborn, who resides on a portion of his father's tarm; George F., William Fw Ollie. Cera, Boma and Andrew - ]., and with the exception of the eldest all are at home. Mr. Bollinger is at all times charitable and benevolent, and it is safe to say that no man in Seneca county has a

A native son of Seneca county and one of its progressive and influential citizens is Mr. Holtz, who is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this section of the state, where he has passed his entire life, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits, in connection with which he has attained a high degree of success, the while commanding the high esteem of those who have known him and had appreciation of his honorable and useful career.

Mr. Holtz was born on the old homestead, in Pleasant township, Seneca county, on the 11th of December, 1841, one of the six children of \Willilam and Catherine M. (Cramer) Holtz, who became the parents of four sons and two daughters, namely: Harrison, who was drowned in childhood; Clay, the immediate subject of this sketch: William, who was a member of Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio Vclunteer Infantry, being captured by the enemy at Chickamauga and dying

Norman Egbert, of Clinton township; Rosa, who died in infancy; and Scott, who is a resident of Tiffin. The father of our subject passed away in 1862, and his widow survived him by many years, her death occurring on the 16th of November, 1895, at the venerable age of seventy-one years.

Clay Holtz grew to maturity on the old homestead farm, receiving his early educational training in the public schools and continuing to assist in carrying on the work of the home place until he was prompted to take up the sterner duty devolving upon him as a loyal son of the republic, when the integrity of the Union was menaced by armed rebellion. On the gth of October, 1861, when nineteen years of age, he enlisted as a private in Company H, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a term of three years. He proceeded to the front with his regiment and was thereafter a participant in many of the most notable engagements of the great civil conflict, among the number being the following: Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, after which last the regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland and was thereafter in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Burnt Hickory, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek and the siege of Atlanta. At Franklin, West Virginia, on the 22d of May, 1862, Mr. Holtz was taken prisoner, being in the field hospital, but was immediately paroled and returned to his home and here attended school until his exchange, in January, 1863, and he rejoined his regiment in the early part of the following month, at Burke's Station, Virginia, arriving in time to take part in the battle of Chancellorsville. He thereafter continued to serve constantly in the ranks until the close of his term of enlistment, when. he received his honorable discharge, and he forthwith returned to his. native county and here assisted his mother in the operation of the old homestead until 1869, when he located on his present farm, which was: a part of the estate. To this he has added from time to time until he now has a fine farmstead of three hundred and forty acres, in one body, while he has made the best of improvements upon the same, having a commodious and substantial residence, good barns and other requisite buildings for the accommodation of stock, products and impierments, and he has thoroughly developed his broad acres and brought the farm into a high state of cultivation. He raises diversified crops and also gives attention to the raising of a high grade of live stock. Mr. Holtz is essentially public-spirited in his attitude, and his influence has ever been cast in support of all enterprises for the general good, his political allegiance being accorded to the Republican party, of whose cause he has been a zealous supporter, though never seeking the honors or emoluments of public office. Fraternally he perpetuates his interest in and friendship with his old comrades in arms by retaining membership in the Potter Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Green Spring, while in the same place he is identified with the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

On the 28th of February, 1868, Mr. Holtz was united in marriage to Miss Andorah Closson Egbert, who was born in Clinton township, this county, the daughter of Jeremiah and Lucy Ann (Rule) Egbert, her name having been conferred at the request of a Mr. Closson, an old friend of the family, who wished to thus perpetuate the name of his deceased fiancee. Of the eight children of Mr. and Mrs. Holtz we offer the following brief record: Harry, who assists in the management of the homestead farm; Alice, who is the wife of John Stackhouse, who is located in Cleveland, being in government emiploy ; William, who served in the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American war, having been for nine months an orderly sergeant on the staff of General Bates, and he is now attending a dental college in the city of Cincinnati; Kathryn, who attended Baldwin University, is now one of the successful and popular teachers in the schools of this county; Susan, who was graduated in the Green Spring Academy and later attended the Lebanon Normal School, began teaching at the age of fifteen years and continued her pedagogic work for a period of three years, at the expiration of which she was married to a schoolmate, Charles Bridwell, and they now reside in Solitude, Kentucky; Charlotte, who is the wife of Eugene Crabill, a farmer near Tiffin, Ohio: Lucy, who was educated in the Northern Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso, was a success- ful teacher and is now the wife of Elmer Rosenburger, of Melmore, this county; and Zula Juanita (pronounced Wau-ne-ta) is attending the township graded schools. _

Jacob Brendle

No better illustration of the characteristic energy and enterprise of the typical German-American citizen can be found than that afforded by the career of this well known farmer of Hopewell township. Coming to this country in early life, he has made his way to success through wisely directed efforts, and he can now look back with satisfaction upon past struggles.