Seneca Township (part 42 of 60)

Samuel F. Kaufman

In connection with the mercantile interests of Attica Mr. Kaufman has become well and favorably known, and by his own unaided efforts he has risen to his present high position in the business world. His birth occurred in Crawford county, Ohio, March 7, 1864, his parents being Daniel and Elizabeth (Kaufman) Kaufman. The father was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in 1816, and the mother's birth also occurred in the Keystone state, in 1825, and both were of Dutch descent. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a merchant in that state, but meeting with financial reverses there he removed with his family to the eastern part of Ohio, his son Daniel being then a small boy. When twenty-five years of age the latter came to Crawford ccunty, purchasing eighty acres of land in Cranberry township, after which he returned to his old home and was married. He immediately brought his bride to his new Ohio home, erected a log cabin twelve by twelve feet in the dense woods, and after paying the first installment on the place he had but ten dollars left. As time passed by he succeeded in clearing his land, and there made his home until within six years of his death, when he purchased property in and removed to Tiro, there passing away in death in 1891. He gave his political support to the Republican party and was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. His widow is still living, and now makes her home with her son Amos in Tiro. This worthy couple became the parents of ten children, seven of whom are now living, namely: Mary, the wife of Peter Lash, of Crawford county; Sarah, the wife of Frank Lash, of Richland county; Katie, the wife of Jacob Fike, of Los Angeles county, California; Nora, the wife of J. E. Brown, also of that county; Emanuel,

The last mentioned remained under the parental roof until his nineteenth year, during which time he pursued his education in the district schools of his neighborhood. In 1882 he entered the grocery store of George H. Hamilton, of Attica, where he was employed as a salesman for two and a half years, on the expiration of which period he entered the jewelry store of T. K. Crane, with the agreement that he was to purchase the stock of goods after serving a given period. Accordingly, about eight months later Mr. Crane left the store, our subject then becoming its sole owner and manager. After two years had passed by he was enabled to purchase the stock of another jeweler of the town, and on the expiration of a similar period he became the owner of the business property, which he occupied for the following four years. Subsequently he built his present substantial brick building and about ten years ago he began adding to his jewelry stock until in addition thereto he now carries queensware, notions, stationery, books and many other articles. In the line of watches, especially, he not only enjoys a large retail trade but does quite a lucrative jobbing trade, selling to jewelers in various Ohio towns. In all his business relations he has been thoroughly upright and conscientious, and has won the respect and esteem of those. with whom he has had business or social intercourse.

The marriage of Mr. Kaufman was celebrated on the 30th of May, 1890, when Miss Icedore Huffman became his wife. She is a native daughter of Attica, and prior to her marriage she was a successful and popular teacher in its schools for a number of years. She is a daughter of Josiah and Sarah L. Huffman, and the former, who was one of the prominent farmers of Venice township, is now deceased. Unto our subject and wife have been born two children, - Morton L., born September 25, 1893, and Paul H., born June 9, 1900. Mr. Kautman gives his political support to the Republican party, and for two years he was a member of the city council, serving in that position at the time of the building of the water works. Socially he was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity in Attica, but has since withdrawn his membership therefrom. He is a member of Attica Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M., of Bellevue Chapter, No. 113, R. A. M., in which he was initiated on the 3d of May, 1898. He became a member of Bellevue Council, No. 82, April 5, 1900, and on the 23d of May of that year was made a member of De Molai Commandery, No. 9, of Tiffin. He is also a member of Attica Lodge, No. 317, J. O. U. A. M., and Sappho Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The unostentatious routine of private life, although of vast importance to the welfare of the community, has not figured to any great extent in history. But the names of men who have disinguished thernselves by the possession of those qualities which mainly contribute to the success of private life and to the public stability, and who have enjoyed the respect and confidence of those around them, should not be permitted to perish. Their examples are most valuable and their lives well werthy of consideration. Such are the thoughts that involuntarily come to mind when we take under review the career of such an honored pioneer as the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph. He is a representative of one of the old families of Seneca county, and his mind links the early formative epoch with that of latter-day progress and magnificent prosperity. Such are the men particularly worthy of mention in a work of this nature.

Peter Dewald, who has passed practically his entire life in Seneca county, comes of stanch old German lineage and is himself a native of the fatherland, having been born in the kingdom of Bavaria, in the year 1827, the son of John and Elizabeth (Rusick) Dewald, two of whose ten children are living at the present time, namely: Peter, the subject of 'this sketch, and Philip, who is elsewhere mentioned in this work. Maria, who became the wife of Jacob Starber, of Tiffin, died May 1, O02.

In the early '30s John Dewald emigrated from Germany to America and took up his residence in Seneca county, Ohio, locating on what were designated as the "Swale lands" north of the present village of Bascom, in Hopewell township. On account of the superabundance of water in that locality at the time, he removed to a point one mile south of the village mentioned, and there reclaimed a farm and continued to reside until his death, in the year 1850. The subject of this sketch was reared on the old homestead farm and his educational privileges were such as could be supplied in the primitive log schoolhouse of the period. In 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Smith, who was born in Buffalo, New York, being the daughter of Jacob Smith, who located in Seneca county in the year 1833, settling in Loudon township. In his youth our subject learned the carpenter's trade, and for seven years after his marriage he continued to devote his attention to the same, his services being in constant requisition during the early days. In 1866 he erected a residence on his present farm, which is most eligibly located in Loudon township and which he purchased prior to his marriage. Upon the completion of this dwellinghouse he took up his residence on the farm, and the same has ever since been his home and the scene of his well directed and successful efforts. He now has a landed estate of two hundred and fifty acres, the same being in three farms and all are in this township.

He has been indefatigable in his industry, has ever been animated by the highest principles and has been a valuable factor in the development and progress of the county, where he has so ordered his life as to gain and retain the unequivocal confidence and high regard of all with whom he has come in contact. He has made the best improvements on his estate, and it is interesting, in view of its present attractions and well tilled fields, to revert to the fact that he personally reclaimed from the virgin forests the greater portion of his home farm, which is one of the best in this section of the county. He has ever shown himself concerned in the enterprises and undertakings which conserve the general welfare, and has given his allegiance to the Republican party from the time of its organization, while his religious faith is that of the Zion

Reformed church, of which he and his devoted wife have long been zealous and consistent members. Of their ten children all but one are living and all are well established in life and are numbered among the sterling and honored people of their home county, where all still reside, the following brief record being given concerning them: Mary is the wife of John Rainey, of Loudon township; Jacob is a farmer of Hopewell township; Margaret, unmarried, resides in Tiffin; Susan is the wife of John Coppes, of Loudon township; William is a farmer of Hopewell township; Peter remains at the parental homestead; Alice died in her twentieth year; and Della, Nora and Leota remain at the home of their honored parents.

Henry W. Matthews

The name of Henry W) Matthews is inscribed on the roll of Seneca county's honored and valued citizens, and the part which he has performed in the development of the county well entitles him to prominent mention in this volume. Almost entirely through his efforts the town of Bascom - so named in honor of a Mr. Bascom who was a resident here - was established, in which he has long made his home, laboring for its promotion and welfare.

Mr. Matthews is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred near Lexington, Richland county, on the 23d of September, 1841, a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Creeger) Matthews. About 1852 or 1853 the father came with his family to Seneca county, a location being made in Hopewell township, where he purchased a farm, and there his death occurred, at the age of sixty-five years. The mother is still living with her scn George, at Niles, Michigan, being remarkably well preserved for a woman of eighty-five. Our subject is the eldest of his four living children, the others being Augustus, who is engaged in the lumber business in Michigan; Jeremiah, engaged in the same vocation in South Bend, Indiana; and George, who is engaged in the manufacture of bicycles in Niles, Michigan.

The educational privileges which Henry W. Matthews was permitted to enjoy in his youth were those afforded by the common schools of his neighborhood, and on a farm in the county of his nativity he was early inured to the labors of the field and meadow. At the age of twentytwo years he began without means the active duties of life on his own account, and after following agricultural pursuits for a time he engaged in the lumber and milling business on Wolf creek, erecting a sawmill by borrowing three hundred and fifty dollars to make a first payment of four hundred dollars. In the three years following he had cleared off that debt and had about fifteen hundred dollars to use in erecting the second mill at that point. This he conducted for three years and then erected the present mill at Bascom. To his skill and ability is due the erecticn of the first circular-saw mill in this section of the country, which was located on the present site of the boat factory of his son, S. J. Matthews, and this he conducted as a saw and planing mill until 1895. In 1885, in company with his brother, J. H. Matthews, he extended his milling business into Tennessee, where at one time they owned six sawmills, while in addition thereto they also became the owners of eighteen hundred acres of timber land in that commonwealth, a part of which they have cleared and converted into a valuable farm of seven hundred acres.

Throughout the period of his connection with the interests of Seneca county Mr. Matthews has exerted a wide and helpful interest in its affairs, and the prosperity which the thriving little city of Bascom now enjoys is due in a large measure to his untiring energy and ability. He was instrumental in securing the right of way for the street ~ailroad from Tiffin to Fostoria, and is now a stockholder and director of the company. He is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and on its ticket he was twice elected to the position of trustee of his township and three times as treasurer. He has served about thirty years on the township board of education, being responsible for the first brick school-house in Bascom, more than thirty years ago, as well as for the present new three-room building - one of the best in the county - which was demanded by the growth of the village, though secured against strenuous opposition. The Bascom Sand Ridge Cemetery Association was also organized by him. To a considerable extent he has been a builder, especially in the village of Bascom, where he still owns a dozen or more residences; and besides he is also the proprietor of a choice farm a mile and a half northwest of the village. :

His religious tendencies connect him with the United Brethren church, in which he has long served as a trustee. He has given his aid in many generous ways to the perpetuation of those forces which conserve the best interests of the community, and the course that he nas followed in political, business and social circles commends him to the high esteem of all.

He was married on the 26th of May, 1868, in Frederick county, Maryland, to Miss Linnie C. Smith, of that county. They have but one child, named Scott J., of whom separate mention is made in this volume.

As one of the able and progressive newspaper publishers of Seneca 'county and as representative of two of its honored pioneer families, it is with distinctive gratification that we here accord a review of the career of Mr. Lake, editor and publisher of the Attica Weekly Hub, a vigorous and ably conducted paper and one which is a valued exponent of local interests.

George Clifford Lake was born in Venice township, this county, on the 2d of April, 1866, being the son of Wilson D. and. Mary L. (Cain) Lake, who became the parents of three children, of whom two survive, namely: Charlotte A., the wife of J. L. Williams, of Reed township, this county; and George C., the immediate subject of this sketch. That the name borne by Mr. Lake has been long identified with the annals of this county is evident when we revert to the fact that his father was likewise born in Venice township, in the year 1825, and that he here passed his entire life - - having been a resident consecutively of ship. He was a son of David L. and Ruth (Lester) Lake, both of whom were born in Geneva, New York, whence they came to Seneca county, Ohio, directly after their marriage. The latter was a sister of Marvin Lester, who achieved distinction as a scout and Indian fighter: and whose name is familiar in the history of this section of the Union. Upon arriving in the wilds of Seneca county the grandparents of our subject took up a quarter section of government land, two miles west of the present town of Attica, and there they erected their primitive log domicile, with puncheon floor and other rudimentary equipments. David L. Lake set to himself the task of clearing and improving his. frontier farm and he reclaimed the greater portion. When well advanced in years he and his wife removed to Barry county, Michigan,. locating near Hastings, where they passed the residue of their lives. The father of our subject was reared on the old homestead in Venice township, early beginning to contribute to the arduous work of reclamation and cultivation, and securing only such educational advantages as. were afforded ia the subscription or district schools precariously maintained by the isolated settlers of the pioneer locality. After his marriage he settled on what is now known as the Samuel Nesbitt farm, two miles southeast of Attica. Here he purchased eighty acres and tnereafter devoted his attenticn to the improving and cultivation of the place, where he maintained his home until April, 1867, when his residence was destroyed by fire, and he then disposed of the farny and removea to Attica, where he was for some time employed as an engineer in the local planing mill and blind and sash factory. Incidental to the exciterent attending the destructicn cf his home by fire he suffered a stroke of paralysis, and was ever afterward crippled from the effects. He died on the 20th of March, 1875, and he commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem in the community, being a man of absolute rectitude and one whose life had been one of consecutive application, even in the face of serious physical infirmities. He originally gave his support to the Dem-- ocratic party, but early espoused the cause of the Prohibition party, it having been his honor to deposit the first Prohibition ticket ever voted in ing a firm belief in an all-wise Providence, he never identified himself with any religious body, though his ideas were to a large extent in harmony with the tenets of the Universalist church.

Hugh B. Cain, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was for many years high sheriff of New York state and was a man of influence in political affairs in that state, as was he later in Seneca county, Ohio, having located in Attica in the year 1835 and here erected a residence of octagonal form, the same being one of the most pretentious and unique dwellings in the town at that period. He was a man of fine mentality and was an important factor in the Democratic party in this section of the state. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Susan B. Lemon, both died in Attica, in whose best social life they were conspicuous figures. The mother of our subject was summoned into eternal rest on the 18th of August, 1898, having been a resident of Attica for sixty-three years and having been its oldest inhabitant at the time of her demise.

Gecrge C. Lake grew up under the influences of farm life, but was only twelve years of age at the time when his father's misfortunes made it necessary for him to contribute to his own support, and thus he has depended upon his own resources from his boyhood to the present time. As may be inferred, his early educational privileges were thus very limited in scope, but as a boy he began an apprenticeship at the printer's trade, and it has been well said that to thus serve in a newspaper office is equivalent to a liberal education, and through his intimate association with the "art preservative of all arts'' Mr. Lake has acquired a broad and exact fund of information and is an able writer and thinker. At the early age of fourteen he was made foreman of the Attica Journal, and two years later he assumed the editorial chair. He continued in _ the employ of the Journal for sixteen and one-half years, within which time he had won his spurs in the field of journalism and had developed a distinctive executive capacity, fortified by intimate knowledge of all details of the line of enterprise to which he had thus given his attention. On the 1oth of March, 1896, Mr. Lake severed his connection with the Attica Journal and founded the Attica Weekly Hub, which he has con- lent business in the other departments of his enterprise. The paper is independent in politics, is a seven-column folio and is issued on Wednesday of each week, while it now has a circulation of nearly one thousand copies, going into the best homes in this locality. and exploiting local interests and affairs in the most approved style. The job departrnent of the Hub office is well equipped and the work turned out is of the highest type. Mr. Lake is one of the representative newspaper men of the county and is popular in both business afd social circles, having a wide acquaintanceship in this section and being a progressive and publicspirited citizen. In politics he exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Demiccratic party. Fraternally he is identified with Attica Lodge, No. 302, Knights of Pythias, in which he has passed all the official chairs; with Attica Lodge, No. 212, Junior Order United American Mechanics; and with Attica Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. Lake has been twice married. On December 17, 1891, he was united to Miss Susie L. Goodnough, of Wheeler, Gratiot county, Michigan, she having been the daughter of Romanzo Gocdnough, a prominent factor in the ranks of the Democratic patry. He and his wife were both born in Seneca county, whence they removed to Michigan a number of years ago. Mrs. Lake was summoned into the eternal life on the 18th of January, 1898, having been the mother of three children, ci whom Durell Bird and Ferris McKinley survive. On the 14th of October, 1900, Mr. Lake married Miss Lulu Honey, who was born in Seneca county, the daughter of Christ Honey, who was born in Baden, Germany, and who became one of the pioneer settlers in Seneca county. Mr. and Mrs. Lake have one daughter, Beulah Angeline.

Charles H. Feasel is a self-made man, who from early boyhood has been dependent upon his own resources. Unaided he has fought the battles of life and has come off conqueror in the strife. To-day a valu- able farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres pays to him a golden tribute and is the visible evidence of his life of industry and perseverance.

Mr. Feasel is numbered among the native sons of Seneca county, his birth having occurred in Liberty township, April 5, 1857. His parents, Alexander and Mary A. (Turner) Feasel, were also natives of Ohio, and the former was born in Liberty township, the paternal grandfather of our subject, Henry Feasel, having been one of the honored pioneer settlers of the locality. Coming here in early days, he entered land from the government and began the development of a farm, making a good home for his family. Alexander Feasel spent his entire life here and after attaining to man's estate devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-five years cf age. In his family were four children: William, a resident of Seneca county; Elmer, who is living in Jackson township; Charles H., of this review; and Mariette, the wife of Frank Brown, an agriculturist of Liberty township.

On the old home farm Charles H. Feasel was born, and in the common schools he pursued his education. When a little lad of seven summers he went to live with his grandparents and-at the age of thirteen he began earning his own livelihood by working as a farm hand in the neighborhood. The compensation was not great, but it made him independent and he developed a self-reliance and a force of character which have proved important elements in his later business prosperity. When nineteen years of age he left Ohio, going to Michigan, but after a few months he returned to this state and for a year was employed as a farm hand in Seneca township and has since been a representative of its agricultural interests.

At the age of twenty-one, August 6, 1879, Mr. Feasel was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Jane (Flack) Updegraff, a daughter of Lewis and Margaret Ann (Null) Flack and the widow of John Andrew Updegraff, and their home has been blessed with seven children, as follows: Alexander; Nora Augusta, who died when three years of age: Eva Belle, LeEtta, Hattie E. A., Mary Jane and Franklin E. J. Mrs. Feasef has two children by her former marriage, Ernest and Minnie May Updegraff, now wife of Herman Barton. Eva Belle is the wife of James Cheney, Alexander married Viola Cheney and Ernest Updegraff married Ada Sheets. Mr. and Mrs. Feasel began their domestic life upon the farm which is still their home. Our subject here owns and operates cne hundred and twenty-five acres of rich land and is carrying on general farming. His fields are well tilled, his buildings are substantial and kept in good repair, and everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating his careful supervision. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, having from his early boyhood been dependent upon his own resources. His life has been quietly passed, yet there is much in his history that is worthy of commendation. He has ever been straightforward in his dealings with his. fellow men and has placed his dependence upon the substantial qualities of industry, careful management and resolute purpose, so that he now occupies a prominent position among the substantial farmers of Seneca county.

Norman Dunn

Norman Dunn, one of the leading and representative agriculturists of Seneca county, was born on the farm on which his brother, Deroy C. Dunn, now resides, on the 20th of March, 1853, a son of William Nel-: son Dunn, the history of whom will be found in the sketch of Arlington Dunn in this volume. Our subject received his education in the common schools of the neighborhood, and at the age of eighteen years: secured employment in the molding department of the Tiffin Agricultural Works, where he remained for one year, and for eight months thereafter worked on the construction of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, while for the following two months he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Returning thence to the old home fann, he was there engaged in agricultural pursuits with his brother Deroy his father, located where the Belgian Glass Works were later. built. After his marriage his father gave him thirty acres of the tract, and about three years later he was able to purchase the additional twenty acres, but in 1889 he disposed of that property and the following year became the owner of his present valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres, where he has ever since resided. On this place he has erected a handsome brick residence and a commodious barn, has placed his fields under an excellent state of cultivation, and his is now one of the best developed and most desirable homesteads in the county.

In February, 1876, Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to Miss Jennie B. Wagner, a daughter of John Wagner, now deceased. Three children have been born of this union: Ida May, the wife of John Eitz, of Tiffin, Ohio; Ralph Clark, at home; and Parker W., who also is with his parents. The Democracy receives Mr. Dunn's hearty support and ¢<o-operation, and although the takes an active interest in the public affairs of his locality he has never been a seeker for political preferment. He has attained prominence in business circles, while in private life no man in Hopewell has mire friends than he, and they have been won and are being retained by his attractive personality, his outspoken devotion to the best interests of the community and his mental ability.

James T. Waltermier

During the war of the Rebellion, representing a most crucial epoch in our national history, Seneca county sent forth a due quota of her valiant sons to defend the integrity of the Union, and one of the number to be thus honored as a veteran of this great fratricidal conflict is the gentlemtan whose name initiates this sketch and who has made his home in the county during his entire life, being now a successful farmer of Jackson township.

Mr. Waltermier was born in Big Springs township, this county, on the 24th of June, 1844, the son of John and Gertrude (Carter) Waltermier, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, whence they came children, of whom three are living at the present time. James T. was but seven years of age at the time of his father's death, and he was then taken into the home of Martin Fiant, of Jackson township, by whom he was reared, assisting in the work of the farm! and attending the public schools as opportunity afforded. He was a youth of but seventeen years when the thundering of rebel guns against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter aroused a loyal protest in his heart, and he did not long delay tendering his services in defense of his country. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company B, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, his _term of, enlistment' being for three years. His command was assigned to the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, and he took part in some of the most fiercely contested and ever memorable battles of the great war which determined the integrity of the Union. Among the number were the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca, Vicksburg and Chickasaw Bayou, and later he was with General Sherman in the famous march to the sea. At Dalton, Georgia, Mr. Waltermier was captured by the Confederates, and was held prisoner from May 27, 1864, until the close of the war. He was released and duly mustered out of the service, and then returned to Jackson township, greatly broken in health by reason of the many hardships he had endured on the field and while in captivity. On this account he was practically unable to do any active work for a period of nearly two years, but finally resumed the occupation to which he had been reared and in which he has ever since continued. He is one of the few survivors of the ill-fated 'Sultana,' whose boilers exploded and fifteen hundred returning Union prisoners were drowned. He is a member of the Sultana Memorial Association.

After his marriage, in 1867, Mr. Waltermier purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Jackson township, and there resided for two years, at the expiration of which period he sold the property and rented the farm on which he now lives, purchasing the same in 1883. Here he has a well-improved and highly cultivated farm of eighty acres, and through his well-directed efforts he has been successful in his farming enterprise and is one of the substantial men of the township, where he is known and honored for his sterling worth of character. | His political support is given to the Democratic party and his religious. faith is that of the Reformed church, of which he is a devoted ana prominent member, having been a deacon of Olive Chapel for a period of about twelve years.

On the 24th of January, 1867, Mr. Waltermier was united in marriage to Miss Mahala Swope, who was born in this county, the daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Hampshire) Swope, pioneer settlers. Of the seven children of this union five are living and all remain at the parencal home except the eldest, their names, in order of birth, being as follows: Ella, the wife of Charles Master, of Wocd county; and Etta M., Nora As Osear J-and Irvin Ti.

Mrs. Waltermier was born in the house in which she now lives, December 7, 1845. Her father, Daniel Swope, was born in Morgan county, this state, as was also her mother, they being married there, and he entered this tract of land from the government, settling here about 1831 in the woods before there was another house between here and Fostoria, five miles distant, and there were very few in the entire county. Indians were thick about them, with whom they were on pleasant terms. The present residence, built about 1835. was one of the first frame residences erected in the county. Her parents lived here till her mother's death, at fifty-five years of age. Later her father removed to Knobnoster, Missouri, about fifteen years ago, and there died, in his ninetysixth year. They had six children, all but one still living (1902). Lydia is the widow of Levi Wertz, of Wood county: Eli Swope lives in Missouri; Noah died at the age of fifty-two years: Israel and Samuel, also of Missouri; and Mahala, who has lived, except three years, on a farm in

Eere Rosenberger

One of the prominent old pioneer families of Seneca county is that ~ of the Rosenbergers, which has been well represented in Liberty township from a very early day. They have ever borne their part in the up-

Henry Rosenberger, the founder of the family in this portion of Ohio, came from Virginia to Clinton township, Seneca county, in a very early day. In this locality Anthony Rosenberger, his son and the father of our subject, was born about 1829. When the time came for him to choose a life occupation he continued in the vocation to which he had been reared, farming, and after his marriage he rented his father's farm and land adjoining. Later he became the owner of forty acres in Hopewell township, but remained there only a short time and then located on land belonging to his father-in-law. In 1863 he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of our subject's present farm, which continued to be his home from that time until 1872, when he purchased and removed to a farm of one hundred and twenty-seven acres in Pleasant township, there spending his remaining days, his death occurring about 1880. He was a Republican in his political affiliations and was a member of the Methodist Protestant church, in which he was an active and efficient worker and for many years he led the singing therein, having a fine bass voice. For his first wife Mr. Rosenberger chose Jane Michaels, and they had three children, namely: Jennie, the wife of Edward Heilman, of Clinton township; Mary, the wife of David Zimmerman, of Hamilton county, Indiana; and Eli L., the subject of this - review. The wife and mother passed away in death in 1862, and for his second wife the father chose Miss Margaret Zimmerman, by whom he had one child, Ida, now the wife of Frank Edwards, of Pleasant township. Mr. Rosenberger is still living at the old homestead, aged sixty-seven.

Eli L. Rosenberger received his elementary education in the comman schools of this locality, and later he was a student for one term in Heidelberg College, where he enjoyed superior educational advantages. He was twenty years of age at the time of his father's death, and in the following spring he removed to his present home farm, near the homestead, where he owns ninety-seven acres of rich and productive land. The place is extremely fertile and well improved and is considered one of the most valuable farms of its size in the county. In 1896 he erected one of the most magnificent farm residences in Seneca county, which is supplied with all the modern conveniences known to the city home and is complete in all its appointments.

Two months after locating upon his present homestead Mr. Rosenberger was united in marriage to Miss Flora I. Michaels, a daughter of George Michaels, now a resident of Illinois. Two children have been born unto this union, - Ralph R. and Ward E. The Republican party receives Mr. Rosenberger's support and co-operation, and his religious preference is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Protestant church. He gives his support to all moral, educational, social or material interests which he believes will benefit the community, and as a man

Dr. H. G. Blaine is one of the well-known residents of Seneca county. He has gained distinction in the line of his chosen calling, in which he has ever been an earnest and discriminating student. and he holds a position of due relative precedence among the medical practitioners of this section of the Buckeye state.

A native of Wheeling, West Virginia, his birth occurred on the 25th of Ncvember, 1858, a son of William I. and Nancy V. ( Voshal) Blaine. His father's nativity was in the Keystone state, his birth occurring in Carlisle, in 1827; and while yet a boy he accompanied his parents on their removal to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to manhood and learned the printer's trade. On his father's side he was descended from good old English .ancestry, while his maternal ancestors were of Welsh descent. By his marriage to Nancy Voshal he became the father of six children, five now living, - George H., who is employed by the Colonial Steel Company in. South Monaca, Pennsylvania; Ella, the wife of A. J. Whitney, of Bettsville, Ohio;

Lillie, the wife of George Sherman, of Attica, this state; Laura, the wife of Bentley McLean, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and H. G., the subject of this sketch.

Owing to misfortunes which befel his parents, H. G. Blaine was left to the cold mercies of the world at the age of three years. His parents had early removed to the south and the ravages of war had thus devastated the home of his childhood. Cast upon the charities of distant relatives, he was brought to this state and finally found shelter in the home of William F. Leonard, a farmer of Seneca county, who reared him to years of maturity and gave him the advantages of the common schools. Later he attended the normal school of Republic and Fostoria. He has depended entirely upon his own efforts since the early age of sixteen years, when he began teaching in the schools of the neighborhood, following that occupation during the winter season, while in the summer months he was employed at farm labor, thus continuing until his twentieth year. Two years previous to this time, however, when eighteen years of age, he determined to adopt the medical profession as a life work, and accordingly soon afterward entered the office of Dr. James M. Parker, of Attica, Ohio. In the fall of 1880 he matriculated in the Columbus Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, where he attended his first course of lectures. In the spring of 1882 he was graduated at the Indiana Eclectic Medical College, of Indianapolis, Indiana, also receiving a second diploma from the Toledo Medical College in 1886. A month after his graduation he opened an office for the practice of his profession in the village of Reedtown, a small hamlet in Seneca county, but after one year's residence there, in February, 1883, he formed a partnership with Dr. Alfred Force, at Attica, Dr. Blaine's present location, this partnership relation continuing until July, 1884, when it was dissolved by mutual consent.

With his great love for the work in which he was engaged and his indomitable energy, Dr. Blaine did not feel that his practice then called forth his entire efforts, and he therefore set to work to establish a medical journal, in which the would be able to set forth his own ideas relating he might become more familiar with the opinions of the profession at large. Accordingly, on the 1st of October, 1884, he issued the first number of the.Medical Compend, a practical monthly epitome of medicine and surgery and the allied sciences, and this he published in Attica until April, 1889, when his private office, the office of the Medical Compend and the printing office, together with their contents, were destroyed by fire. In the following June Dr. Jonathan Priest, of Toledo, Ohio, became associated with our subject in the publication of the Medical Compend, and the office of the journal was moved to that city, of which Dr. Blaine became a resident in 1892. Upon the death of Dr. Priest Dr. H. S. Havighorst was made a partner, and the name of the journal was changed to the Toledo Medical Compend, thus continuing until 1894, when the journal was sold, and in 1896 our subject returned to Attica. In 1885 he was appointed to the chair of diseases of women and children in the Toledo Medical College, and he was afterward chosen to fill the chair of diseases of the nervous system in the same institution, which position he held until May, 1892, when he resigned from the faculty. He is the author of the work entitled "The Physician: His Relation to the Law." The principal object of this book is to give in a condensed form the relation of the physician to the special laws which control him and of which he, as a rule, has a very vague and imperfect idea, together with a more extended knowledge of the legal rules which govern the collection of his fees. The ethical code of the three schools of medicine are also given without comment, and other chapters contain the statutory enactments in the various states regulating the practice of medicine.

In 1877 Dr. Blaine was united in marriage to Lucy E. Shanks, a daughter of James Shanks, of Chicago Junction, Ohio, and they had four sons: Ernest G. and Earl H., twins, the latter now deceased: Harry S., a mail clerk of Toledo, Ohio; and William G., a student in the high school of Toledo. On the 18th of June, 1898, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Maude Endslow, a native of Crawford county, Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas B. Endslow, the well-known now deceased. The Democracy receives Dr. Blaine's hearty support and co-operation, and he is now a member of the Democratic county executive committee; was elected mayor of Attica, Ohio, in April, 1902, while for the past three years he has also been the health officer. In 1899 he and his son, E. G., erected the Attica Telephone Exchange and the toll lines to Bellevue, Monroeville, Chicago Junction and Scipio, but in June, 1901, he sold his interest in that corporation. In the interests of his profession he is connected with the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association and the Ohio Medical Society, and in his social relations he is a member of Attica Lodge, No. 302, K. of P., of which he is a past chancellor; is deputy state counselor of Attica Council, No. 317, J. O. U. A. M., and is examining physician and consul of Attica Camp, No. 9216, Modern Woodmen of America.

Andrew Werley

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 citizen of Seneca county. He was born in Braunlingen, Baden, Germany, November 22, 1825, and is a son of Francis J. and Agatha (Rapenegger) Werley, also natives of Baden, Germany, where they died in 1848. The father was a clock-maker, and followed that occupation as a means of livelihood up to the time of his death. Of the nine children born unto this worthy couple only three are now living, namely: Jane, the wife of Casper Richter, of Columbus, Ohio; Andrew, the subject of this review; and Teresa, the wife of Jacob Schiffer, of New Riegel, Ohio.

Andrew Werley was reared and educated in the land of his nativity, and in 1846, when a young man, he left the home of his childhood and youth for the United States. Traveling through France from Strasburg to Havre de Grace, he there embarked on the French steamer "Globe," and arrived in the harbor of New York on the rst of June, 1846, after an ocean voyage of forty-four days. After his arrival in this country he made his way by canal to Delaware county, Ohio, arriving in Newark on the 29th of June of the same year, and on the following Fourth of July joined his brother John in Delaware. He there made his hone for the following two years, during which time he was engaged in selling clocks through that and adjoining counties. From 1848 until 1856 he worked in the Ohio Tool Company's plant in Columbus, and in that year he located in New Riegel. His brother John was then engaged in the mercantile business in that village, and for two years our subject remained in his employ, going thence to Thompson township, wiere he erected and conducted a store at Frank's Corner for four years. He then returned to New Riegel and at a sheriff's sale purchased the store formerly owned by his brother John, the latter having sold the same about two years prior to that time. From that time until 1878 Mr. Werley was there engaged in a general mercantile business, but on the expiration of that period he sold his stock of goods to his son-in-law, Charles H. Klein, and in 1880 built an elevator and engaged in the grain business. After devoting his attention to that occupation for eight years he sold his interests and retired from the active duties of a business life.

While residing in Columbus, Ohio, on the 27th of August, 1851, Mr. Werley was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Smith, a native also of Baden, Germany, and a daughter of Philip and Anna Smith. The family came to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1835 purchasing land in Seneca township, and there they spent the remainder of their lives. Of the twelve children born unto our subject and wife only nine are now living, namely: Stephen A., a resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Rosa, the wife of C. H. Klein, of Auglaize county, Ohio; Minnie M., who makes her home in Chicago, Illinois; Clotilda and Sophia T., at home; Victor M., of Carey, Ohio; Loretta E., the widow of Albert E. Friend, of Cleveland, Ohio; Isabelle M., the wife of George Fowler. of Dubuque, Iowa; and Seraphin C., a bookkeeper, of Marysville, California.

Mr. Werley gives his political support to the Democracy, and for nineteen years he held the office of township treasurer. When the New Riegel post-office was established he became its first postmaster, and when the town was incorporated he became its first mayor, in which he is the present incumbent, this being his sixth term in that important position. For a period of twenty-four years he has served as a school director, and for many years he has served as a delegate to the county, state, judicial and senatorial conventions of his party. The family are members of St. Boniface's Catholic church.

Charles Ee. Peasel

In the history of the agricultural interests of Seneca county Charles E. Fease! well deserves prominent mention, being one of the leading and enterprising farmers of Liberty township. He was born in Jackson township on the 24th of June, 1863, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Stahl) Feasel, who were the parents of seven children, as follows: Clara, deceased; Charles E.; William, who resides in Liberty township; Ida E., who died in childhood; John L., a resident of Jackson township; Esther E., the wife of George Aumaugher, of Jackson township: and Irvin, who resides in Jackson township. Throughout his active business career the father of this family was connected with agricultural pursuits, becoming a well-known and enterprising farmer. He died in 1886, at the age of fifty-eight years, and his wife, surviving him eleven years, passed away in 1897, also at the age of fifty-eight years.

Charles E. Feasel is indebted to the public-school system of his native county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He worked on the home farm through the months of summer, attending school during the winter season, and with the labors of field and meadow he early became familiar. At length he left the home place in order to work to which he had been reared. He is to-day the owner of a tract of rich and arable land of one hundred and thirty-five acres and carries on both general farming and stock-raising. His fields give promise of golden harvests and in his pastures and feed lands can be seen good wiades of cattle, hogs and sheep, which find a ready sale on the market and add materially to his annual income. He has good improvements upon his place and a glance will indicate to the passer-by that the owner iS a progressive agriculturist.

In the year 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Feasel and Miss Mary Millhine, of Jackson township, and a daughter of John and Sarah Millhine. Seven children have been born of their union, namely: Irvin E., Harvey_H., Cora E., Alberta B., May Ethel, Belvah M. and Gladys A. The parents hold membership in the United Brethren church, taking a very active part in its work and contributing materially to its support. :

Mr. Feasel has been honored with several offices in the church; has been superintendent of the Sunday-school, class-leader, trustee, and is now secretary of the board of trustees. He has also filled civic positions, having for three years capably served as the township treasurer. He has likewise been a member of the school board and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend, who does all in his power for its advancement. His political faith is that of the Republican party, and, as every true American citizen should do, he keeps well informed on the issues of the day and does what he can to secure the adoption of the principles in which he believes. In manner he is frank and genial, and his many good qualities are recognized by friends who have known and respected him from boyhood.

Seneca county, Ohio, has its full quota of skilled physicians and surgeons, and among the number may be noted the subject of this review, Dr. J. Frank Titus. He was born in Jacksen township, this county, on the 20th of January, 1870, a son of Giles J. and Sarah E. (White) Titus. The father also claimed the Buckeye state as the place of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Cleveland in 1838, and there he grew to mature years and learned the trade of plasterer. When a young man he removed to Iowa, and there remained until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he went to Quincy, Illinois, there offering his services to the Union cause by becoming a member of the Eightyfourth Illinois Infantry. He remained a brave and valiant soldier until. the terrible struggle was past, and during his services he was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. After his honorable discharge he came to Seneca county, Ohio, establishing a turning factory in the village of Kansas, where he was engaged in the manufacture of wooden bowls. About 1878, however, he removed his plant to Woodville, Sandusky county, and from 1883 until 1890 was engaged in the same business at Green Spring, Ohio. In the. latter year he became a resident of Fostoria, where he has since been living a retired life, enjcying the fruits of former toil. He gives a stanch and unwavering support to the Re-. publican party, and religiously is a member of the United Brethren church.. While a resident of Iowa he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. White, and they became the parents of eight children, four now living: Roger, a commercial traveler of Cleveland, Ohio; Lilliaa, the wife of George W. Mallott, of Rocky Ford, Colorado; and Gertrude, the wife of E. J. Earnest, of Jackson, Michigan; and J. Frank, . the subject of this review.

J. Frank Titus began the active battle of life for himself when but a boy of seventeen years, as an employe in a general store at Cummings, \Veod county, Ohio, there remaining for four years. On the expiration - of that period he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in which institution he was graduated in the homeopathic department in the spring of 1896. In the fall of that year he came to Attica and opened an office for the practice of his chosen profession. Although one of the more recent representatives of the profession, he has already gained distinction in the line of his chosen ,

The marriage of Dr. Titus was celebrated June 5, 1900, when Miss Bertha L. Rhineberg became his wife. She is a native of Green Spring, Seneca county, and a daughter of T. B. Rhineberg, now a resident of Reed township. The Doctor is a member of Attica Lodge, I. O. O. F., in which he is now serving as vice grand, and is a member of Attica Lodge, No. 302, K. of P., in which he has held all the offices and at the present time is master at arms. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Jacobs. Armstrong

Among the native sons of Scipio township who still reside within its borders is Jacob S. Armstrong, whose birtn here occurred July 28, 1834, his parents being George and Mary A. (Swickard) Armstrong. The father was a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, and in 1834 arrived in Seneca county, at which time he took up his abode upon the farm inn Scipio township, where our subject was born. His first home was a little log cabin, in which he lived in true pioneer style, bravely meeting all the hardships and trials which fall to the lot of the pioneer. Only a few acres of the land had been cleared, but with characteristic energy he began the further development of the farm, which he continued until il! health caused him to return to Jefferson county. There he remained through the succeeding decade and then returned to Scipio township, again locating upon the old homestead. It was his place of residence until 1856, when he went to Reed township, where for twenty-eight years he carried on agricultural pursuits, his life's labors being ended iu death in 1884. He was then seventy-three years of age, his birth having occurred in 1811. His wife passed away March 9, 1883. In his business undertakings Mr. Armstrong met with excellent success. He acquired nine hundred acres of land in Reed and Scipio townships and well did he earn the proud American title of a self-made man. His prosperity was the outcome of earnest and diligent effort, guided by sound judgment. His fellow townsmen recognized his worth and ability and frequently called him to serve in township offices, and the Methodist Episcopal church found in him a valued and worthy member. In the family were four children, namely: Jacob S., of this review; Samantha, the wife of Alpheus Wall; John G., a resident of Reed township; and Tabitha, the wife of George Wail, who served as a soldier in the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the civil war.

In taking up the personal history of Jacob S. Armstrong, we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Seneca county as a representative farmer. His preliminary education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by study in the Republic Academy, and his business training was received upon the home farm, where he early became familiar with the work of the fields. On the 5th of March, 1861, he gained a companion and helpmate for the journey of life in the person of Miss Sarah Ann Tompkins, who was born in Thompson township, Seneca county, and is a daughter of Isaac and Christina (Scothorn) Tompkins. Her mother was the first white child in Reed township, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Armstrong having located there in 1824, when she was three years old. Mrs. Tompkins is still living with Mrs. Armstrong, and has reached the advanced age of eighty-one years. Her husband came to Seneca county from New York about 1833 and here met and married Miss Scothorn. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with one child, Lillian, the wife of Daniel Benfer. They reside with her parents and have four children, Wade A., Glee S., Claude E. and Darl J. The family home is a fine brick residence which was erected by Mr. Armstrong and is one of the largest houses in Seneca county. It is tastefully furnished and is surrounded by a beautiful and well kept lawn. Many excellent improvements have been made upon the farm, which comprises two hundred and eighty acres of rich land. In addition to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to the climate, Mr. Armstrong is engaged in stockraising, and both branches of his business.are remunerative.

pressed in Populistic platforms. His wife is a member of the Baptist church and he belongs to the Masonc fraternity, with which he has been identified for more than thirty years. He is also a member of the Grange! and is widely known in his native county, where his life has been so honorably passed that his record is well worthy of emulation. There have been no exciting chapters in his history, but his record is that of a man who has ever been true to the duties of citizenship, of friendship and of the home.

David W. Brown

From his boyhood the subject of this sketch has been a resident of Seneca county; and that he is a representative of one of its pioneer families is evident when we revert to the fact that he has now attained to the age of nearly four-score years. His life has been one of signal usefulness and honor, and his memory links the early pioneer epoch, with its primitive surroundings and equipments, inseparably with this latter era of prosperity and opulent achievement and conditions which have marked the advent of the glorious twentieth century. As a representative farmer of the county and one of its pioneer citizens, it is incumbent that we enter this review of the life history of Mr. Brown.

David W. Brown is a native of the state of Maryland, having been born in Frederick county, on the 9th of December, 1826, the son of - George and Julia Ann (Scott) Brown, who became the parents of seven children, namely: Catherine, who married William W. Null and died - in 1866; David W., of this sketch; Christian, who died in 1879, from disability contracted in the war; Sarah, the wife of Aaron C. Reese, of Linden, Ohio; Thomas, who died in childhood ; Leetha, the wife of Jacob Ash, of Kansas, Ohio; and Wesley B., who enlisted in the Civil war when only sixteen years old and is now a resident of Williams county. Thomas Brown, the grandfather of our subject, was of English ancestry, a farmer in Frederick county, Maryland, married Susan Harmon, of German descent, and died in 1828, at the age of fifty-five years. His wife died in 1831, at the age of fifty-six years. Their children were John, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Thomas, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, fought in the engagements at Bladensburg and Baltimore, and in 1836 settled in Miami county, Ohio; William, who died while a young man, at'Greencastle, Pennsylvania; and Christian, who came to Seneca county, Ohio, with his brother George in 1833, married Susar Shaull, a daughter of John B. Shaull, who located on the present homestead of David W. Brown about 1822 or 1823; Christian died in 1842.

George Brown, the father of our subject, came with his family from Maryland with a team and wagon, taking up his abode in Tiffin, then a mere hamlet in the midst of a wild forest, where settlers had inaugurated. the work of reclamation not many years previously. Here he followed his trade, that of cooper, for a short time, and in 1835 removed to Eden township, where he leased land and engaged in farming. In 1839 he removed to Liberty township, where he purchased a tract of eighty acres, which served as the nucleus of his well-improved estate of one hundred and sixty acres, since he had purchased additional land and had improved the property prior to his death, at the venerable age of eightyfour years, the last twenty-seven years of his life baving been passed at the home of his son, the subject of this review. He was a man of sterling character and held the unqualified esteem of the people of the community. He served as a justice of the peace for a number of years and was also the incumbent of other local offices. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church, of which his wife was likewise a member.. She passed away at the age of forty-two years.

David W. Brown was a lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Seneca county, and here he was reared to maturity, his educational advantages being necessarily limited, so that it may be said that he is self-educated, even as he has been the architect of his own fortunes in a temporal way. When twenty-two years of age he began learning the shoemaker's trade at Bascom, serving an apprenticeship of one and a half years, and thereafter he worked at Fort Seneca, from 1852 to 1854, and then removed to Liberty township, where he continued to follow his trade for a year, and next extended the scope of his enterprise by also engaging in agricultural pursuits and the raising of live stock. He had, indeed, begun his business career by buying farm animals at the early age of seventeen years. He has continued to reside in Liberty township to the present time, and has followed his trade to a greater or less extent in connection with his farming and stock-raising industry. His efforts have met a merited success and he is now the owner of a well-improved and highly cultivated farm of eighty acres, having retained this amount of the estate of two hundred and forty-eight acres which he here owned at one time.

In politics Mr. Brown is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, with which he has been allied from the time of attaining his majority, and during all his years of toil and endeavor he has been broaiminded, upright and public-spirited, and has commanded the confidence and esteem of those among whom his life has been passed.

On the 28th of March, 1852, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Null, who was born in Hopewell township, this county, the daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Puffenberger) Null, who were born and married in Virginia, whence they came to Seneca county about 1830, settling' on a heavily timbered tract of land in Hopewell township, whence about two years later they removed to Liberty township, where Mr. Null purchased eighty acres, subsequently adding to his property, owning four hundred acres at the time of his death, 'when eighty-two years of age. His wife died at the age of seventy-six years, six months and two days. Mrs. Brown is one of five children living, the others being W. H. Null, retired, a resident of Kansas, Ohio; 'Lovina, now Mrs. Dr. Joseph Cessna, at Kalamo, Michigan; Sarah, the wife of John Chester, of Tiffin; and Clarinda, the wife of Samuel Shrodes, of Tiffin.

The ten children of Mr. and Mrs. Brown are: Thomas J., who read law at Tiffin, was admitted to the bar, practiced at Chicago, was married in Illinois to Miss Susie McCullough, and is now a practitioner cf law and an insurance agent at Atlanta, Gecrgia; Albert, who was county, this state, and has two children, - Lottie K. and Ariel; Catherine, now the wife of William Wagonhouser, of Sylvania, Lucas county, Ohio, with four children, - Claude W., David Albert, Alva and Myrl; William H., a farmer of Hopewell township, who married Malinda Altman had has six children, - Ladema, Viola, Maud, Alvernon (who died at the age of seventeen years), Isora and Virgie; Susan E., who married Jacob H. Wagoner, of the same township, and whose children are George, Marie, John and Louisa; John D., who read law at Valparaiso, Indiana, practiced his profession at Kansas City, has been engaged in editorial work in Missouri, married Mary Young and has one daughter, named Mabel; Elander, who died in infancy; Awilda, who is the wife of Henry Puffenberger, her husband having the farm of the old Puffenberger homestead in Liberty township; they have lost one child in infancy and are now rearing a nephew, George A. Brown, aged at present five years; Jessie, now Mrs. John Smith, of Wood county, this state. with two children, - Ethel Leone and Eva; and Charles S., who married Mrs. May McCall and has three children, - Cho, George and Susie. He is engaged in the oil business in Wood county.

John Ball

One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men of Seneca county is John Ball. He is public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community, and for many years he has been numbered among the most valued and honored citizens of Seneca county.

His birth occurred in Huron county, Ohio, November 18, 1851, a son of Joseph and Celia (Clous) Ball. His father was born in Germany about 1820, and he was there reared and married, and prior to his 'removal to this country three children were born to him in his little German home. In 1850 he crossed the broad Atlantic to the United

States, spending about fourteen weeks on the voyage, and after-arriving in New York he made his way to Huron county, Ohio, there purchasing fifty acres of land in Norwich township. About 1862 he sold his possessions there and remloved to Venice township, Seneca county, here becoming the owner of an eighty-acre tract, but later sold that property and removed to Bloom township, where his last days were spent, his death occurring in 1894. Eight children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Ball, namely: James, a prominent agriculturist of Seneca county; Benjamin, deceased; Margaret, the widow of Frank Schank and a resident of Huron county, Ohio; John, the subject of this review; Frank, who is employed by his brother Joseph; Catherine, deceased; Mary, who wife of Michael Brown, of Huron county; and Celia, the wife of Leo Layman, of Ottawa county, Ohio.

To the public-school system of his native locality John Ball is indebted for the educational privileges which he received in his youth, but his advantages in that direction were extremely limited. About six years prior to his marriage he rented the Jacob Funk farm of one hundred and sixty acres, but in 1890 he removed from that place to the Jaccb Hossler farm of two hundred and forty acres, on which he made his home tor one year. While resiaing there he became the owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Bloom township, exchanging for the same a tract of sixty acres which he had purchased some time in the "70s whiie making his home on the Funk farm. He gives his entire attention to the raising of the cereals best adapted to this soil and climate, and in the line of his chosen vocation he 1s meeting with a high and well-merited degree of success. In matters of national importance he gives his political support to the Democracy, but at local elections he supports the men whom in his best judgment he regards as best qualified to fill positions of honor and trust.

On the 14th of October, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ball and Miss Catherine Reiderman. The lady is a native of Erie county, Ohio, and a daughter of January Reiderman, whose birth occurred in Germany. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ball four now survive, - John C., Bertha M., Celia B. and Christian O., - all at home. The family are members of the Catholic church, in which Mr. Ball is serving as councilman and as a member of the building committee, having assisted in the construction of the St. Stephen's church, parsonage and school building. Many years of his life have been spent in Seneca county and among its best citizens he is widely and favorably

Owen P. Green

Owen P. Green owns and cultivates sixty acres of land in Scipio township and is a progressive farmer, following modern methods. He was born in this township August 7, 1843, and is a son of Elias and Mary A. (Lapham) Green. His father was a native of Cayuga county, New York, and in an early day emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Scipio township when the work of progress and improvement was in its incipiency. When our subject was nine years of age the father removed with his family to Hardin county and there spent his remaining days. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Green were born five children: Eliza J., now deceased; Timothy; Owen P.; Ansel C.; and Lavinia A., who has passed away. After the death of the father the family returned to Scipio township, where Owen P. Green was reared to manhood. When a youth of fourteen he began earning his own living, working as a farm hand by the month. |

After the inauguration of the Civil war he felt that his duty was toward his country, and to the government offered his services on the 7th of August, 1861, becoming a member of Company H, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was sent to the front and the first engagement in which he participated was at the battle of Stone River. He was also in the engagements at Chickamauga and Franklin. At the battle of Chickamauga he was wounded by a sheil and for four months lay in a hospital. On the roth of June, 1865, ine war having ended, he received an honorable discharge. His record was ever characterized by fidelity to duty and bravery in the midst of battle and he returned to his home with a creditable military record.

Again Mr. Green took up his abode in Scipio township. He was married February 2, 1871, to Miss Sarah E. Wilkerson. Mrs. Green was born on the farm where she now lives, a daughter of Charles and Jane (White) Wilkerson, who were both born in Cayuga county, New York, where they were married September 10, 1837, and they came to Seneca county in 1840. Mr. Wilkerson secured this tract of land in the woods, erected a log house and in 1858 built the present residence. Both himself and wife died here, he October 19, 1889, in his eighty-first year, and she August 31, 1901, aged eighty-nine years. They had three daughters, - Della, now the widow of Edgar S. Lamkin, and Celia C., Mrs. Stephen Howland, both residing in Republic; and Mrs. Green, the youngest. She was educated in the academy at Republic and taught for a time in the home school.

Mr. Green is carrying on general farming and stock-raising with good success, his place being neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating his careful supervision. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and believes firmly in its principles. He is to-day as true to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the old flag upon the battlefields of. the south.

George Briney

George Briney was born upon the farm where he now resides, August 4, 1843, and is a son of John Henry Briney, a native of Alsace, Germany, who came to America with his parents about 1827, being at the time thirteen years of age. His father was Henry Briney, who with his family took up his abode in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where he became connected with business interests as a clerk in a hotel. In the Keystone state John Henry Briney was reared to manhood and as a companion and helpmate on the journey of life he chose Rebecca Linebaugh. They became the parents of six children: Jaccb, who died at

Adams township; Henry, a resident of Henry county, Ohio; George, of this review; Catherine, who has passed away; and Mary, the wife of T. F. Mohr, of Scipio township. In the year 1838 the father of these children made his way to Ohio, settling in Scipio township, Seneca county, upon the farm where our subject now resides. He had purchased this in connection with his father at a previous date, the tract comprising ninety-three acres. Upon it a log cabin of one room had been built and five acres of the land had been cleared, but the remainder was covered with heavy timber. Upon this farm the grandfather of our subject died at the age of eighty-four years, and here John Henry Briney passed away in 1890, his wife surviving him only one year. Both were seventy-eight years of age when called to the home beyond. The father had been very successful in his business pursuits and had accumulated three hundred and twenty acres of land. He was a member of the Lutheran church and was widely known and highly respected for his sterling worth.

On the old family homestead George Briney of this review was reared, early becoming familiar with the work of cultivating the fields irom the time of early spring pianting until crops were harvested in the autumn. During the winter months when the farm work was practically over for the year he attended school and until twenty-three years of age he gave his father the benefit of his services. At that time he removed to the farm upon which his brother-in-law, Mr. Mohr, is now living, and later took up his abode upon the original homestead of ninety-three acres where his birth occurred. He has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising and has made excellent improvements upon his place, which now returns to him annually a good income.

October 18, 1866, Mr. Briney was united in marriage to Catherine Detterman, and their union has been blessed with eight children: Clara, the wife of B. D. Yundt, of Scipio township; Frank, of Thompson township; Warren, who is with his father; Nellie, who became the wife of H. Hileman; and Claude, Edith, Lena and Gladys. The parents hoid membership in St. Jacob's Reformed Lutheran church and Mr. Briney belongs to the school board, on which he has served for twenty years, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend, who exercises his official prerogatives for the substantial advancement of the schools cf his neighborhood. Having always resided in this locality, he is weil known, and the fact that many of his warmest friends are numbered among those with whom he has been acquainted from boyhood is an indication that his career has ever heen honorable and upright.

From the early pioneer epoch the life of the honored subject of this review has been identified with the industrial activities of Seneca county, of which he is a native son and in which he has maintained a consecutive residence. He has now passed the psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, and this fact is significant, since it indicates the early date at which his parents must have cast in their lot with the pioneers of this now prosperous and opulent section of the old Buckeye state. His father exercised a potent influence in the development and advancement of the county in the early days, and this is also true of the son, who has here lived and labored to goodly ends, so ordering his life as to command the unreserved confidence and regard of all who know him. Toa review of his earnest and honorable life we turn with a feeling of respect and satisfaction, since the same offers both lesson and incentive.

Jacob S. Huss was born on the old pioneer farm, amid the sylvan wilds of Eden township, this county, on the 5th of December, 1828, being one of the three children of David and Nancy (Olmsted) Huss. Ann, the wife of Jacob Holtz, died at the age of seventy-eight years, and Elizabeth is the wife of Lysander Reynolds, of Clinton township. David Huss was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of that state, where he was reared and educated and where he learned the trade of carpenter. When a young man he removed to Frederick county, Maryland, where his wife was born and where their marriage was solemnized. Soon after this important event they emigrated thence, in 1827, to Seneca county, Ohio, where the father purchased forty acres of heavily timbered land, in Eden township, later buying additional land until he had one hundred and twenty acres. He cleared his farm and gradually brought the same into cultivation, his original domicile being a primitive log cabin, which he erected in a smail clearing in the forest. He continued to reside in this county until his death, in 1873, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His political alleglance was originally given to the Whig party, but upon the organization of the Republican party he identified himself therewith and continued to be an earnest supporter of the same until his death. He wielded a strong influence in public affairs of a local nature, and served with ability and for long periods in various township offices, including those of justice of the peace, assessor and trustee. He was a man of spotless integrity and never violated the confidence reposed in him by any of the relations of life. His widow survived him nearly ten years, her demise occurring in 1882, in her eighty-third year.

Jacob S. Huss was reared on the old homestead, early beginning to contribute to the work of development and cultivation and conning hts lessons in the little log school-house as opportunity presented. He continued to work for his father until he had attained the age of twentyfour years, when he assumed charge of the home farm, later becoming the owner of seventy-two acres, contiguous to his father's farm, having purchased the land in three different portions. In 1867 they disposed of their property in Eden township and removed to Clinton township, where our subject purchased a tract of one hundred and forty-nine acres, to which he subsequently added twenty acres, and here he has ever since given his attention to general farming and stock-growing, having reclaimed the farm and made the best of improvements on the same. His father continued an inmate of his home until death ended the labors of a useful and active life. The mother of our subject also continued in his home until her deatn, and her memory remains as a benediction to all who came under the influence of her noble and gentle character. In politics Mr. Huss has given an unqualified support to the Republican party,

On the 1oth of April, 1855, Mr. Huss was united in marriage to Miss Almira E. Reynolds, who was born July 17, 1834, in Cayuga county, New York, the daughter of Abraham and Harriet (Goldsmith) Reynolds, who camie to Seneca county, Ohio, about 1835 and here passed the remainder of their lives, having cleared and improved a good farm in Eden township. The father here died at an advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Huss became the parents of two children: Jessie, who is the wife of Frederick Dudrow, of Adams township, and has two children, - Harry Huss Dudrow and Byron Fred Dudrow; and Ella, who married Frank Trout and died at the age of eighteen years. Mrs. Huss became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in her youth and has ever continued a devoted adherent of the same.

John Bigham

The great basic industry of agriculture, which must ever figure as the bulwarks of our national prosperity and progress, has in Seneca county an able representative in the person of Mr. Bigham, who is a representative citizen of Liberty township and one of the substantial and prosperous agriculturists of this section of the state.

Mr. Bigham was born in Fredericktown, Knox county, Ohio, on the 5th of March, 1832, being the son of John and Eliza (Lewis) Bigham, both natives of Pennsylvania. They became the parents of eight children, of whom only three are living at the present time, - Margaret, who is unmarried and who resides in Melmore, this county; Samuel, a resident of Ionia county, Michigan; and John, the subject of this sketch. John Bigham, Sr., was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and was there reared to maturity. He there married, and in 1832 he came with his family to Ohio, locating in Knox county, at Fredericktown, where he remained until July of the following year, which repre- sents the date of his arrival in Seneca county. Here he purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land, near the present village of Melmore, erecting a primitive iog cabin as a home for his family, and then setting himself valiantly to the task of reclaiming his land and placing it under cultivation. As time passed, the evidences of his success became each year more distinctly marked, and he here made his home until his life's labors were terminated by his death, in September, 1883, when his estate was represented by the old homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and several hundred acres of valuable land in Ionia and Eaton counties, Michigan. In politics he was originally an old-line Whig, but eventually transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, whose cause he thereafter gave a zealous support. He was a man of distinct ability and sterling character and was highly esteemed in the community. His wife passed away in 1840, at the age of thirty-six years.

John Bigham, Jr., the subject of this sketch, grew up on the old homestead farm, in Eden township, and that he made the most of the scholastic advantages which were offered in the public schools of the place and period is evident from the fact that as a young man he became a successful and popular teacher in the district schools, engaging in such pedagogic work for eight terms, in Seneca and Crawford counties and in Washtenaw county, Michigan, and showing himself to have been a diligent and appreciative student. In 1857 he went to Washtenaw county, Michigan, where he was employed in a sawmill for three months and thereafter as a farm hand until the winter season came on, when he secured a position as teacher. The following spring his marriage was solemnized, and with his bride he soon afterward returned to Ohic, locating on a farm in Crawford county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own responsibility, becoming the owner of one hundred and ten acres. After about six years had elapsed he disposed of this place and purchased another farm, of one hundred and thirty-two acres, in the same county but about two miles southeast of Melmore, and adjoining the old homestead. He disposed of this property in 1870, purchasing a tract of one hundred and eighty acres in Jackson township, Seneca county, which he still owns, having made excellent improvements on the place and there retaining his residence until 1889, when he removed to the farm of one hundred acres owned by his wife, in Liberty townsnip, and this has since been the family home, - one of the most attractive in this section. Mr. Bigham supervises the operation of both these fine farm properties and on every hand are to be seen the evidences of the careful and discriminating attention bestowed and the progressive methods employed. In politics he is a loyal supporter of the principles cf the Democratic party, and while a resident of Crawford county he served two terms as trustee of his township and also held the office of assessor. In 1891 he was appointed postmaster of Angus, Ohio, and has since been the incumbent, the office being located on the farm, through which passes the Nickel Plate Railroad. Fraternally he is identified with Fostoria Lodge, F. & A. M., having been a member since 1861, and his religious views are in harmony with the tenets of the Presbyterian church, though not a member, while Mrs. Bigham holds views more in accord with the Dunkard church.

In 1856 Mr. Bigham was united in marriage in Washtenaw county, Michigan, to Miss Jane Clarke, who was born in the state of New York, and who died in 1888, leaving three children - Mary E., wife of U. N. Keller, of Iler, this county; Robert, of Iler; and Martha J., wife of N. B. Flack, of Amsden. Subsequently Mr. Bigham consummated a second marriage, his union to Miss Sarah Ann Flack being solemnized on the Ist of October, 1889. Mrs. Bigham was born on the farm where she now lives, being the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bachtell) Flack, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born in Fayette county and the latter in Franklin county. Jacob Flack was the son of John L. and Barbara (Snyder) Flack, who were numbered among the earliest settlers of Seneca county, having come here in 1826 and locating on the farm now owned by More Flack, of whom mention is made on another page. The land was heavily timbered and here the grandfather of Mrs. Bigham erected his log house and duly installed his Lares and Penates. He reclaimed his farm and became the owner of several hundred acres of land in the county, dividing the estate among one of the honored pioneers of this state. Jacob Flack' was born on the 19th of December, 1813, and he entered into eternal rest on the 4th of May, 1867, after a life of signal honor and usefulness. After his marriage he settled in the woods on the farm now owned by Mrs. Bigham and her home during her entire life. Here he owned two hundred acres, which had been given him by his father, and here he remained until his death, having been one of the prominent and influential citizens of the county and having been held in the highest regard by all who knew him. He was a Democrat in politics and his religious faith was in touch with the Dunkards. His wife is now deceased, having passed away August 7, 1899, in her: eighty-first year. They were the parents of two daughters, the younger being Barbara Ella, who married E. M. Williams and who died in 1868, aged twenty-seven years. Sarah Ann had ever lived witb her parents, her life being devoted to the demands cf home and family.

John Fpufruth

Year has been added to year and decade to decade antil the aggregate of almost half a century has been attained since the time when the subject of this sketch came as a lad to Seneca county, of which his father was a pioneer, still living within its confines, as a venerable patriarch and as a man whose life has been such as to ret2in to him the high esteem of his fellow men. \Vhen the family took up their residence in Loudon township this secticn was still practically a frontier region, awaiting the awakening touch of the sturdy pioneers who would still further transform its wild lands into rich and productive farms and beautiful homes, establish villages, churches, schools and various commercial and industrial enterprises and thus continue the inceptive work of reclaiming the country for the uses and blessing of mankind. The people, whose influence has given permanent direction to the work of development and material advancement. Or this type was the father of our subject, who is one of the sturdy sons of the German fatherland who have taken up their abode in America to become an integral part of its social fabric and a valuable factor in conserving its normal and legitimate progress. The Fruth family is one peculiarly worthy of consideration in this work, touching Seneca county and its people.

John F. Fruth was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 21st of May, 1853, being the son of Frank and Catherine (Fruth) Fruth, of collateral branches of one of the old and honored families cf that section of the great German empire, where both were born, as were also their ten children, of whom only four survive, namely: Leonard, who makes his home with the subject of this review; Adam, a farmer of Scipio township; Catherine, the wife of A. Heinze, of Loudon township; and John F., whose name appears at the head of this article. The father of our subject was born in Bavaria, on the 15th of September, 1813, and was there reared and educated and there learned the trade of baker, to which he continued to devote his attention in his native land for a number of years. He emigrated with his family to America in the spring of 1854, the subject of this review being at the time a child of about one year, and they located at a point about eight miles distant from the city of Cleveland, Ohio, where the father devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits about two years, his devoted wife having died only four weeks after the arrival of the family in the United States.

In 1856 Frank Fruth came with his children to Seneca county and settled in the township of Loudon, where he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of land, to whose reclamation he forthwith directed his attention, and here he has ever since maintained his home, the old homestead farm being now owned by his son-in-law, Mr. Heinze, but being still the abiding place of the venerable father, now nearly ninety years of age, who receives from his children the deepest filial respect and solicitude. He has given his political support to the principles and policies of the Democratic party and his entire life has been one of sterling rectitude and honor, while his industry was unflagging until his advanced years necessitated his retirement from the active duties of business. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran church, with which his wife, who passed away so many years ago, was likewise identified.

John F. F ruth, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the old homestead and early began to lend his aid in the work of clearing and cultivating the same, while his educational privileges were such as were afforded in the primitive public schools of the period. His marriage occurred in the year 1873 and he then purchased forty acres of land in' Loudon township, the same being in section 32, and in four years he traded this place in part payment for his present fine homestead, which comprises one hundred and sixty-six and a fraction acres. Here he has made excellent improvements, has brought the farm into the highest state of cultivation, of diversified order, and has made it one of the attractive and valuable rural homes of this favored section of the Buckeye commonwealth, where he has practically passed his entire life, which has been so directed as to retain to him at every stage in his career the high esteem of those with whom he has come in contact. Though he has never sought the honors of political office, Mr. Fruth has given a stanch support to the Democratic party and has shown at all times a deep interest in all that goes to further the general welfare of the community. His religious connection is with the West Independent United Brethren church, of which Mrs. Fruth likewise is a member.

On June 22, 1873, Mr. Fruth was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary (Peter) Fruth, who was born in Loudon township, daughter of Jacob Peter, who removed from Germany to this county as a pioneer of the year 1833. At the age of eighteen years she had married Conrad Fruth, the brother of John F., and he died March 17, 1868, leaving two sons, John Henry Fruth, now a farmer of Hancock county, and Conrad, also of that county. They were both reared by their uncle and stepfather, receiving such assistance as could be rendered when establish- ~ ing homes of their own. Of the four children born to our subject and

Alanson S. Owen

Among the representative citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, few are better known in Bloom township than is Alanson S. Owen, who has been an honored resident of this county for seventy years. Mr. Owen was born in Yates county, New York, on November 9, 1826, a son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Spooner) Owen, both families being prominent ones in Yates county. They reared in that state a family of seven children, the four survivors being as follows: Lewis R., who resides in Fairfax, Iowa; Charles, who lives in Eden township, Seneca county: Mary, who is the wife of Lewis Blackman, and lives in Rock county, Wisconsin; and Alanson S., who is the subject of this brief biography.

Nathaniel Owen, the father of our subject, was born in Orange county, New York, in 1789, going in young manhood to Yates county, where he married and engaged in farming, remaining there until 1832. His attention had been called to the rich lands in Ohio which were awaiting settlers. The great canal system of that state was well under way, the spirit of progress was in the land, and with an idea of securing homes for his family of seven children, Mr. Owen decided to emigrate to the younger state. The journey was made in pioneer fashion and the new home was secured in Scipio township and was located two miles north of our subject's present home. Mr. Owen bought one hundred and ninety-three acres of land, for the sum of nine hundred dollars. Thirty acres of this tract had been partially cleared and the previous owner had built on it a house of hewed logs. This became the family residence and was thus occupied for almost fifteen years. Nathaniel Owen was a man of great physical strength and endurance, one who drove his work munerative under his methods. As his children grew older he purchased additional land, consisting of four tracts of eighty acres each and another farm of forty acres, it always being his great desire to provide for his children. This good father was not permitted to reach old age, although he had never known a day of sickness in his life prior to his last illness. He died on September 14, 1847, being at that time aged fifty-eight years, eight months and fourteen days. Through life ne had been a consistent member of the Methodist church, filling its offices and supporting it in a liberal manner.

The mother of our subject survived until 1882, her age at that time lacking but thirteen days of being ninety years. She was born: December 6, 1791, in Yates county, New York. She was a woman of high Christian character, estimable in every way and one who met the demands made upon her with a kindness and forbearance which endeared her to all who knew her.