Seneca Township (part 43 of 60)

Alanson S. Owen was but five years old when his parents settled in Seneca county, and in its subsequent development he has been an important factor. As soon as his years permitted, he assisted in the clearing of the home farm, at the same time taking advantage of all educational advantages offered in this locality. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching the winter terms of school in his township, working through the summers on the farm, and four years were passed in this manner. Later three summers were spent in assisting his brother Lewis in his farming operations, on the share plan. Those were years: of happy industry, and under the combined efforts of Nathaniel Owen: and these sons the lands owned by this family became noted for their evidences of cultivation and their abundant productiveness.

The marriage of Alanson S. Owen occurred on December 7, 1851, when he was united to Miss Lydia Slaughter, who was born in Yates county, New York, and became a resident of Seneca county, Ohio, in 1841, at which time her parents located here. Two children were born to this union: Myra B., who is deceased, was the wife of L. H. Hohe, and*her only surviving child is Jean A., who is a lad of eleven years: and who is living with his grandparents; and Eugene S., who is ex-

Mr. Owen remained on his brother's farm after his marriage, working on the share plan, until 1855, when he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, and removed to his new home. In 1860 he entered three hundred and twenty acres of land in Gratiot county, Michigan, his deed bearing the signature of President Abraham Lincoln. He resided for four years on that newly acquired property, which his son now owns. Two years were passed in Sandusky cotinty, Ohio, but the majority of his days have been spent in Seneca county, where he is widely known and much esteemed.

Mr. Owen has always been a member of the Republican party and has ever been its active supporter. He has been identified with the prosperity of this county and is a worthy representative of a family which has left an impress on its life, - a characteristic American family of the type that forms the back-bone of the country's greatness.

David Myers

Among the well known and highly respected citizens and prosperous farmers of Seneca county is David Myers, who as a practical agriculturist has few superiors in this township.

The Myers family originated in Switzerland, from which country have come many of the hardy pioneers who have made the wilderness, in which they first settled in their new homes on this side of the Atlantic, blcsscm into productiveness and return wealth to their descendants. Among those who tired of the religious persecutions in his own country was David Myers, a native of Switzerland, who settled, in its earlv days of occupancy, in Bloom township, choosing this location on account of its evident fertility and advantageous situation.

David Myers, the father of our subject, married Elizabeth Woolerd, and they became the parents of a family of nine children, - four sons and five daughters. Five of the family still survive.

Centennial Biographical History, 587

The first purchase of land made by David Myers was forty acres, which he entered from the government, his frugality and industry enabling him to add to his possessions until at the time of his death he owned an estate, in one tract, comprising one hundred and ninety-four acres. Mr. Myers-was a hard-working man all his life, but his years extended to seventy-four, all of which had been usefully employed, his death occurring in 1881. The beloved mother of our subject survived until 1890, her death taking place at the age of seventy-four years. Both parents were beloved in the home and respected in the neighborhood. Their lives were circumscribed by the limits of this community, where they left to their children and neighbors records of quiet and worthy lives.

David Myers, who is the subject of this biography, was born on the old farm in Bloom township, the scene of his parents' early struggles. He received an excellent common-school education and has applied all his energies to the development of this farm. In connection with his father he cleared the additional purchases as they were made, and in his father's declining years he assumed full management. With Mr. Myers farming is not simply an occupation, his experience and knowledge have enabled him to enjoy it as a science. Nature has concealed few secrets from him; he thoroughly understands every branch of the business, the properties of the soil and its adaptation to the various vegetable growths, the horticultural possibilities of his land, and the economical raising and feeding of stock.

The improvements which Mr. Myers has been continually engaged in making on his farm are substantial and of a permanent character, and render it both comfortable and attractive. As a general farmer his methods are considered excellent, his one hundred and ninety-four . acres yielding crops which testify to his close attention to business as well as to the fertility of this part of Seneca county.

As a citizen David Myers enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens, many of whom have known him from his infancy. He 'has never taken any active part in political life, his home interests and employments proving more attractive. In the Independent Order of

Odd Fellows, however, he has taken a deep interest, and he is one of the valued members of the lodge in Bloomville. In the peaceful following of his vocation Mr. Myers has won the respect of all who know him, and also the solid comfort which is the just reward of duties faithfully performed.

John Newcomer

In noting the prominent and successful agriculturists of Seneca county, Ohio, John Newcomer, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and eight acres in Bloom township, deserves special mention. Not only has he demonstrated his practical knowledge of farming and stock-raising, but for a number of years he has also been a well known business man and is a public-spirited citizen.

Mr. Newcomer's native state is Ohio, and his birth occurred on March 3, 1836, in Medina county. His parents were Peter and Mary (Rohrer) Newcomer, the former of whom was born in Washington county, Maryland, from which he moved into Medina county, Ohio, in 1833. There he purchased a tract of land, and there a log cabin was the family home for many years. Peter and Mary Newcomer had a family of nine children, their names being as follows: John, of this sketch; Abraham, a resident of Medina; Margaret and Anna, twins, the latter being deceased; Jacob, of Medina county; Daniel, deceased; David, deceased; Henry, of Medina; and Mary. The parents of this family lived quiet, frugal lives and when they passed away left many friends who were sincere mourners.

Born and reared on a farm, John Newcomer, of this sketch, has followed an agricultural life with success, his early environment giving him a practical knowledge of this vocation. His education was acquired in. the public schools, which he attended, with the sons of other farmers, during the winter sessions, the summers being usually given to work on the farm. In those days much of the labor which is now done by

Perhaps this caused our subject to leave the farm for a short season and learn the carpenter trade, but he returned to farming life shortly afterward, employing the winter seasons in carpenter work. In 1861 Mr. Newcomer came to Seneca county and bought eighty acres of good land, in Bloom township, within one mile of Bloomville, living on that place for five years. Selling that place, he bought another tract of eighty acres, improved the same and cultivated it for ten years. He finally sold this farm also, and in 1876 he moved to his present farm, where -he owns one hundred and eight acres of excellent land, which he has made into one of the best farms of this locality. The excellent and appropriate improvements on this place have been made by Mr. Newcomer, and they testify to his good judgment and practical character. Here he has successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, his land being well adapted to both industries. For the past fifteen years he has added another line of business, dealing extensively in fertilizers.

Mr. Newccmer was married on October 25, 1860, to Miss Susan Buckley, who was born May 18, 1840, in Bloom township, being a daughter of George and Magdalena (Troxel) Buckley. A family of five children was born to this union, namely: Jerome L., who operates the home farm and is a capable agriculturist, married Millie M. Griffin and they have one child; Emily L. is the wife of Alvin Huddle, a druggist of Bloomviile; Jennella is the wife of William Baldwin, an oil dealer of Bloomville; Lillian M. is the wife of Harry Buckingham, a druggist of Bloomville; and Magdeline resides at the parental home. All of this family command the esteem of the communities in which they live, and are among the most intelligent residents. George Buckley was born in Berlin, Prussia, and at the age of thirteen years came to America with his parents, Michael and Barbara Buckley. They settled in Stark county, Ohio, and there he was married to Magdalena Troxel, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Troxel. Immediately after their marriage George and Magdalena Buckley came to Seneca county, locating in Bloom town- ship, where they passed the remainder of their lives. His death occurred in 1842 at the age of thirty-seven years, while his widow survived him by more than fifty years, dying at the age of eighty-six. She had become the wife of Isaac Rohrer. Her five children by the first marriage were as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob Detweiler; Catherine, who died in her twenty-first year, unmarried; Michael, of Kosciusko county, Indiana; Susan, the wife of Mr. Buckley ; and Hannah, who is the widow of John Hahn and lives in Bloomville.

Mr. Newcomer is a Republican in his political views, and he has served efficiently in a number of the local offices, notably as township trustee. He has shown his interest in educational matters by serving for years on the school board, during which time his sensible and conservative course did much to permanently improve this branch of the township's business. Both he and wife are members of the Mennonite church, holding association with the society in Medina county, and he is one of the honest and upright citizens of the class which has made

Steer Envans Au

The air of solid prosperity which attracts attention all over the state of Ohio is nowhere more apparent than in Seneca county, which stanchly upholds the state's reputation as a leader in valuable farms. Among those who have done good work in sustaining this supremacy is Stephen A. Saul, a highly esteemed resident and prosperous farmer of Bloom township.

Mr. Saul is essentially an Ohio product, his own birth, as well as that of his father and his grandfather, having occurred in this state. Stephen A. Saul was born on November 6, 1860, in Bloom township, Seneca courfty, on the farm now the property of Jacob Brodie. He is a son of Edward and Lavina (Kagy) Saul, the former of whom was a son of Samuel Saul, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1802. In 1825 Samuel Saul came to Seneca county and entered government land, living on his farm here until his death, at the age of eighty-six years. He was a well known and highly esteemed citizen and was serving as county commissioner at the time of the purchase of the county infirmary farm.

Edward Saul, the father of Stephen A., was born in 1826, in Eden township, soon after his parents' location in Seneca county. At the opening of the Miami reservation in Indiana Mr. Saul entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, which he gave to his children and upon which his son, John K. Saul, now lives, in Howard county, Indiana. In 1857 he moved to the farm where our subject was born, this being the old home of his wife. Here he died in 1872, a man of prominence in his native county and the owner of land here and in Indiana. Lavina (Kagy) Saul, mother of our subject, is a daughter of Abraham Kagy, who resided in Bloom township, where she was born in 1832, and where she still lives, enjoying the tender ministrations of her attached relatives and many friends. <A family of ten children was born to Edward and Lavina Saul, and eight of these still survive, as follows: Robert R. M., who is a resident of Lykens township, Crawford county; John K., who is a resident of Howard county, Indiana; Isabella, who lives with her mother; Stephen A., who is the subject of this biography; Martha E., who is the wife of Alex Kingseed and who lives in Howard county, Indiana; Maria L., who is the wife oi H. J. Weisenauer, of Howard county, Indiana; Eliza, who is the wife of H. J. Brodie, a resident of Bloom township; and Hannah, who married William Smeltzer, also of Howard county, Indiana. Those deceased bore the names of Lewis and George.

Although Mr. Saul, of this sketch, was reared on a farm, he enjoyed excellent educational advantages, supplementing the common-school course with a season in Bloomville and the Ada Normal school. At the age of nineteen he began to teach school, employing the winter seasons in this way for six terms, and giving excellent satisfaction, while he became popular and well known in that connection. The summers during this time were fully filled with farm work.

Mr. Saul was married, on October 11, 1883, to Miss Susie Weisenauer, and a bright and intelligent family of eight children have been born to them, namely: Mabel (who is a teacher in Bloom township), Jay O., Allen J., Mary, Arthur, Florence, Cora and Esther, - all living at home. Mr. Saul and his family lived on the old farm until 1888, when they moved to Howard county, Indiana, where they remained until 1893, at which time they returned to the present farm, where they have lived ever since. This farm, which was improved by Abraham Kagy, comprises two hundred and forty acres of as excellent laud as ts to be found in Bloom township. Mr. Saul owns a farm of eighty acres in Howard county, Indiana, and is still connected financially with some of its leading enterprises. During his residence there he was one of the organizers of the Howard Gas Company, and still retains a directorship in it.

As a leading member of the Democratic party he exerts considerable influence, which, however, is never directed in the interests of political preferment for himself. Asa farmer and stock-raiser he ranks very high in this county, and as a citizen he is regarded as a most worthy representative of one of the oldest and most honored of the county's families.

Benjamin F. Myers

Benjamin F. Myers, who during life was one of the esteemed teachers and prominent men of Tiffin, Ohio, was a descendant of one of the German pioneers of this state, his grandfather, Conrad Myers, coming hither from Pennsylvania, and settling in Mahoning county in 1796. Conrad Myers, the son of Conrad, married Leah Rauch, who was born in Pennsylvania, and in 1845 removed to Seneca county, settling on a farm in Jackson township. They had a family of five sons and four daughters, one of the sons being the subject of this biography.

and as early as the age of sixteen years he began teaching, a profession which he followed for upward of thirty-seven years with signal success. Ambitious and energetic, he soon found a way to become a student in Heidelberg University, at Tiffin, where he entered the scientific department, becoming one of the most ambitious and determined students in his class. After leaving college he immediately resumed teaching, first in the district schools, but, as his ability became known, rising to the principalship of one of the most important schools in the.city of Tiffin. For twenty years Mr. Myers was assistant superintendent of the city schools, and he became favorably known in all educational work, both in the city and county. For a period of thirty-seven years Mr. Myers was a leading educator, his scholarly attainments giving him prominence in higher educational circles, while his pleasing personality and thorough comprehension of the trend of educational life made his services of incalculable value. Particularly was he known as a member of the board of county school examiners, a position which he filled with credit for twenty years.

Aside from his educational work, which was unusually beneficial, Mr. Myers was prominent in other lines. In 1885 he was elected, as the candidate of the Democratic party, to the office of county treasurer, his record for ability and personal integrity giving him a very large majority ahead of his ticket. He efficiently served the county in this responsible position during two terms, and was one of the most faithful officials that Seneca county ever had. He was also interested in several commercial enterprises and was one of the organizers and stockholders in the Tiffin Savings Bank, being its vice-president from its organization until his death.

Mr. Myers was married, in 1856, to Miss Leah A. Faulk, of Columbiana county, Ohio, and to this union was born one son, Claude Eugene, : who is still living with his mother. He married Miss Nellie C. Pindar. Mrs. Myers is still a resident of Tithn, occupying a stately brick residence on Clinton avenue, this beautiful place having been occupied and owned by them at the time of her husband's decease, July 20, 1896. It is located in a choice residence section of the city and is a valuable part of the estate which Mr. Myers had accumulated. He was a man of excellent business ability and was successful in his enterprises.. He was an active member and liberal supporter of the First Reformed church. as is also his widow, and here he was sincerely mourned. In the church and in the social life of the community Mrs. Myers is known for her interest.in good works.

As a man of the strictest business integrity Benjamin F. Myers will always be remembered by the public; as a careful and conscientious teacher many will long testify to his efficiency; while his genial, generous disposition and kind and sympathetic nature endeared him xo all who knew him and surrounded him with many loyal friends. In the death of Mr. Myers this city and Seneca county lost an esteemed citt zen; the youth, whose characters are shaping for life's activities, lost an earnest and sympathizing instructor; the church was deprived of a conscientious Christian and benevolent worker; and the family mourned

Among the highly esteemed residents of Tiffin, Ohio, and one who: has made many warm personal friends since his location in this city, in 1890, 1s Casper Guss, who is now living practically retired, after an agricultural iife of many years.

Casper Guss was born on November 4, 1830, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, being a son of Casper and Mary (Selser) Guss, both of whom were natives of the same county. The ancestry of both paternal and maternal lines traces back to German origin. Casper Guss, the father of our subject, married in his native county, and in 1834 he removed with his wife and eight children to Sandusky county, Ohio. At that time all transportation in this section was done by wagon, and it is quite probable that the wagon was the family home until a leg cabin could be erected in the forest where the new home was located. Mr. Guss was one of the hardy pioneers of that section and he labored assiduously in the clearing and development of his farm. He was a hatter by trade, but gave his attention to agricultural affairs in his Ohio home. He died at the age of sixty-five years, having been a man who was beloved in his family and respected by the outside world. In politics he was a Democrat and in religion a Lutheran.

The mother of our subject, Mary (Selser) Guss, lived until the age of seventy-seven years, her death occurring in Sandusky county, Ohio. She was a woman of many virtues, a consistent member of the Lutheran church, a helpful wife and a devoted mother. Our subject was one of a family of ten children and is the only survivor.

Casper Guss, who is the subject of this biography, was three and one-half years old when his parents moved to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he grew up among pioneer surroundings. His educational opportunities were few, on account of the conditions of the time and place, although he took advantage of all that he could secure. When he was nineteen years old he went to Fremont, Ohio, where he remained at work in a blacksmith shop for two years, but, finding that this line of work was injuring his health, he returned to the farm. Here he remained until his father's death, and then managed the estate for his mother until 1871, when he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Pleasant township, which he operated for five years. Selling this farm, Mr. Guss bought another containing sixty-five acres, in Eden township, and this he managed with success until he decided to somewhat limit his activity, and sold it, purchasing his present pleasant home on Greenfield street in Tiffin. Here Mr. Guss has enough land to enable him to take exercise in the raising of his choice fruit and vegetables, and to also enjoy the comforts and conveniences of city life.

The first marriage of Mr. Guss was solemnized in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1855, when Miss Malinda Bookwalter became his wife. They became the parents of six children, four of whom died in infancy, the survivors being: Eva, who married Daniel Hill; and Mary Charlotte, wno married Reuben Hoyt, the renowned manufacturer of perfumes in New York. The second marriage of Mr..Guss occurred in 1870, when he wedded Miss Anna Niemeyer, who was born in Prussia, and three children were born to this union: The first child died in infancy; Rufus, who is employed in the agricultural shops here; and Frank is a machinist in this city.

Mr. Guss has always been a Democrat and during his residence in Sandusky county held a number of the local offices. He is a valued and 'consistent member of the First Reformed church and is known to his fellow citizens as a man of unswerving integrity, of excellent example and of value as a citizen.

John K. Spitler

Among the progressive and enterprising citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, none has more successfully supported its claim to be one of the best farming districts in the state than has John K. Spitler, a representative of an old and honored family of this vicinity.

Jacob Spitler, who was the grandfather of John K., the immediate subject of this biography, located here as early as 1826, at that time entering eighty acres of government land. Here he lived to old age, aman of excellent repute, leaving behind him a family of fourteen children. The Spitlers have ever been a vigorous race, the descendants of thirteen members of this family being numerous through this state, many of them occupying positions of responsibility, and all displaying 'characteristics which reflect credit upon honorable ancestors.

Notably was Daniel Spitler, who was the father of John K., a worthy representative of his family. He accompanied his father from Fairfield county, where he was born, assisted him in his pioneer efforts and made his father's house his home until his own marriage. Daniel was the father of eleven children, of whom we enter record as follows: Martha married J. L. Hershberger, of Bloom township; Agnes is the widow of Ralph Tittle; Sabina is Mrs. Tonnessen, and lives in Indiana; John K. is the subject of this biography; Eliza married G. B. Hall, of Tiffin; Monroe is deceased; May married Charles King, of Wood county, Onio: and the others died in infancy.

Centennial Biographical History. 5O7

After his marriage to Hannah Kagy Daniel Spitler moved to a faim of his own, this containing eighty acres of wild land, and here he erected a log cabin and worked with unceasing industry, clearing his land, and beginning its cultivation, which he continued through life, accumulating satisfactory fruits from his toil. In this home of his own. making he died, in 1896, at the age of seventy-seven years. His widow survived until June 30, 1901, when she, too, passed away, at the age of seventy-seven years. Both parents had lived up to the teachings of the Baptist church, of which she had been a leading member and he an attendant and supporter.

7, 1850, a son of Daniel and Hannah (Kagy) Spitler, who were then residents of Bloom township. He was reared on the home farm and. was afforded better educational opportunities than fell to the lot of many youths of his age, his father consenting to his supplementing his common-school education with one term at Heidelberg College and an academic course of three terms at Republic Academy. Mr. Spitler grad-. uated from the position of pupil into that of teacher, and although at this time he was but twenty-one years old he very efficiently fulfilled the duties of teacher for six terms in the Seneca county schools. In ali farming districts the summers claim the time and labor of the young people of school age, and it was only during the winter seasons that his services were in demand. ;

After his marriage, in 1873, Mr. Spitler settled down to an agricultural life, renting land for the first five years and then buying a tract of good land, in Eden township, where he remained for a period of ten years. In the meantime he had been looking about for a per-- tanent home where he could carry on extensive operations in farming and the raising of high-grade cattle. He found a suitable place in his: present fine estate. which was formerly the home of his wife's father and originally settled by Elder Lewis Seitz, and it is thus one of the old farmsteads of the county. A trade was soon effected which placed this very valuable property in his control. Mr. Spitler has, unquestionably, one of the best improved farms in Seneca county, and here- he carries on general farming and stock-growing. In all his methods he is progressive and enterprising, and he has succeeded in his endeavors, as a result of intelligent, well directed effort. In addition to the two hundred acres of land included in the home farm Mr. Spitler also owns a valuable forty-acre tract in the oil fields of Wood county, on which are located seven productive wells.

Mr. Spitler was married on February 13, 1873, to Miss Martha Patterson, who was a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Seitz) Patterson, and four children have been born to this union, namely: Caivin B., who attended Heidelberg College and was graduated in the law school at Ada, is now a well known attorney in Tiffin; Cora B. is a talented musician, and a student in the Ursuline Convent, in Tiffin; Worden M. is a teacher in district schools; and Ralph is at home. This comprises a family of unusual intellectual fiber.

In his political attachment Mr. Spitler has been a life-long Democrat. He is held in the highest esteem in his locality, being a man of responsibility, and he not only represents an honorable old family but also personally stands for all that is best in the life of his community.

In the death of Charles Geyer, in 1891, the city of Tiffin, Ohio, lost one of its leading capitalists and esteemed citizens. For many years he had been identified with the development of business interests here, and was one of the progressive and public-spirited men who took a deep interest in promoting the institutions which seemed to promise to be of benefit to the county, and particularly to Tiffin, in which city he took a justifiable pride.

The birth of Charles Geyer occurred near Leipsic, in the kingdom of Saxony, Germany, October 13, 1827, and he was a son of Christian and Catherine Geyer, also natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1839, settling in Huron county, Ohio. Christian Geyer was generations. He carried on a tanning business in his new home and became a prosperous man, early introducing his son in the business. Charles was instructed in the tanning business in the thorough manner indicative of the methods of a German father, and in 1859 he was competent to engage in, the business himself. He opened up a tannery in the village of Caroline, Venice township, in Seneca county, where he also engaged in farming for some years. In 1871 he removed the business to Tiffin, where he continued it for some time, later becoming a dealer in hides and pelts, in which line he became very well known, his business being one of the largest in this locality. This he managed with increasing prosperity until 1889, when he retired from it in favor of his son Samuel, who carries it on at the old location.

Although Mr. Geyer built up his success by his own efforts he was for a number of years one of the most important factors in Tiffin's industrial life, and he became the owner of much valuable property in this city and vicinity. His accumulations were but the natural result of a life of industry and close attention to business. Among the valuable tracts included in his holdings is one tract of thirty acres, within the city limits, on which are located four paying oil wells, and in addition he owned a number of valuable building lots, some of these well improved, and also ten acres in the same tract which contained his own beautiful home, a large brick residence, surrounded with attractive grounds. The Empire hotel, one of the best arranged and most convenient hostelries of the city was also his property, and this he superintended until the time of his death, although he delegated its management to others. It is now ably conducted by two of his sons and is one of the leading hotels in Tiffin. He was one of the incorporators and until his death was one of the board of directors of the Commercial Bank, a leading financial institution of this city.

Mr. Geyer was married in 1854, in Chicago, Illinois, to Miss Ida Kaessmann, a native of Leipsic, Germany, where she was born on November 23, 1836. In 1854 she crossed the ocean and went to relatives in the city of Chicago, where she met and married Mr. Geyer. A family of six sons and three daughters was born to Mr. and Mrs. Geyer, all but one of these still surviving and being numbered among the prominent residents of Tiffin. 'They are as follows: Louisa, who grew to: young womanhood and was educated in this city, married Hon. J. L. Kaley, of Omaha, Nebraska; C. Charles, who is engaged in the oil business at the wells here, married Miss Nellie Dean, of Tiffin; Samuel carries on the hide and pelt business established by his father; Emma married William Hertzer, who is the cashier of the Tiffin National Bank; Frank, who married Miss Ida M. Riedel, of Fostoria, is connected with his brother Arthur as joint proprietor of the Empire hotel, and, with their brother Charles, they are interested in the four oil wells located on their mother's estate; William is clerk in the Empire hotel; Ida, a young lady, remains at the parental home; and Oscar died at the age of six years.

Both Mr. Geyer and wife were prominent in the English Lutheran church, to which he was a liberal contributor. His death took place on May 6, 1891. Mr. Geyer was a man of large physique, and he was. large in mind and heart, a man who was devoted to the welfare of his city, to his friends and to his family. On account of his business connections he was well known and his death was felt to be a serious loss to this community. The concerns which he was instrumental in organizing still flourish and reflect credit upon his business sagacity.

Peter Bray Ton

The subject of this sketch, who is one of the representative farmers and honored citizens of Big Spring township, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state, and is distinctly entitled to consideration in this publication. He was born in Crawford township, Wyandot county, then a portion of Crawford county, on the 7th of February, 1825, being a son of Elijah and Anna. (Holbrook) Brayton, of whose eleven children only our subject and his brother Asa survive, the latter being a leading physician of Carey, Ohio. Elijah Brayton was born in Vermont, about the year 1785, and was.

Peter Brayton

reared to years of maturity there. About the year 1816, in company with his wife and children, he emigrated to Ohio, settling in Crawford township, Wyandot (then Crawford) county, where he entered a claim to a tract of eighty acres. A few years later he built a gristmill on Tymochtee creek and operated it successfully for several years, this being one of the first mulls in that locality. In the year 1826 Matthew Brayton, a brother of our subject, was stolen by members of a tribe of Seneca Indians from Canada, when he was seven years of age, and all efforts to recover him proved fruitless and all trace of him was finally lost.

In 1833 Elijah Brayton removed with his family to Seneca county, and here became the owner of about four hundred acres of land in Big Spring township, the present home farm of our subject being a portiom of the original estate. Here he passed the remainder of his long and. useful life, passing away at the age of eighty years. In politics he was originally a Whig and later gave his allegiance to the Republican party.. For a number of years he was the overseer of the poor in this township,. and he was a man who commanded the 'confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was a devoted member of the United Brethren church at Carey, in which he served as an official for several years. His house, which was erected in 1833, was the place of the earliest preaching of his church ministers. This house is still standing, in fair preservation. Mrs. Brayton died at the age of fifty years.

sons - William, Peter and Asa - reached maturity. The daughters were Harriet, Lucy, Mary and Olive, who grew up and married. Harriet became the wife of Jonathan Hildebrand and died at the age of seventyfive years. Lucy became the wife of William Davis and died at the age of fifty years. Mary married David Burns and died at the advanced age: of eighty years, in Audrain county, Missouri. Olive married Alvin Dow and died at the early age of twenty-two years. William Brayton became: an extensive and prosperous farmer in Crawford township, where he owned about seven hundred acres of land, most of which he had given to his children. He died in 1897, in his eighty-seventh year.

school-house of the pioneer days, standing on the site of the present school-house. Of course it had the usual puncheon floor, slab benches and other characteristic equipments of the period. Young Peter was early called upon to assist in the work of clearing the homestead, which was heavily timbered, and thus he was enabled to attend school only at irregular intervals. He was married in 1845 and then located on a tract of sixty-one and a half acres which had been given to him by his father, and here he began farming. After the death of his father he purchased an adjoining eighty acres, which was a part of the old homestead; and as prosperity attended his efforts he purchased other land from time to time and became the owner of a fine estate of six hundred acres, the greater portion of which he has divided among his children. One tract contained the two famous springs that gave the township its name. Jn 1834 he attended the first town election, held in an Indian cabin at these springs, and he recalls that but thirteen votes were cast, almost every man securing an office and his father being chosen fence-viewer and his brother William clerk of the township.

Mr. Brayton's life has been one of signal usefulness and honor; and now, as its shadows begin to lengthen, he rests secure in the high esteem of all who know him, and is known as one of the representative pioneers of his township. The only person now living in the township who was here when the Brayton family came is Austin Knowlton, now aged ninety-two years, who lives near the village of Adrian, on land that he entered a year or two previously to the arrival of the Brayton family. John Luzada, who is now a resident of the village of Springville and is eighty-seven years old, came with Elijah Brayton, being brought up by him.

In politics Mr. Brayton is a Republican, and his religious faith is that cf the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has long been a devoted member, at Carey.

On the Ist of January, 1845, Mr. Brayton was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Ogg, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, the daughter of Kinsey Ogg. She proved a true helpmeet during their married gust, 1871. She is survived by five of her six children, namely: Josephine, the wife of John Fulk, of Putnam county; Jesse, also a resident of that county; Emma, the wife of Joseph Crislip; Lafayette, a resident of Big Spring township; and Tefronia, who is the wife of Major Bright, of Hancock county. Newton, the third child, died at the age of twentytwo years, having devoted his life to the demands of the home. Forest E. Crislip, a son of Joseph and Emma Crislip, now manages the old homestead of Mr. Brayton, receiving the same for his devotion and attention to the declining years of his honored grandfather. He married Lucy Williamson, and they have one little daughter, Gertrude, of the fourth generation of the family to live on the old homestead.

In March, 1872, Mr. Brayton was married to Miss Hannah Little, who was born in Hancock county, a daughter of Solomon Little, who was a pioneer of that county; and the only child by this marriage is deceased. Our honored subject has seventeen grandchildren and four

Pliny Trumbo

It is a weli attested maxim that the greatness of a state lies not in its machinery of government, nor even in its institutions, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in their capacity for definite accomplishment and their devotion to the public. good. One of the native sons of Seneca county who has attained marked success in connection with agricultural pursuits and who was a valiant soldier in the war of the Rebellion is Mr. Trumbo, who is now living retired in the pleasant village of Amsden. He belongs to that public-spirited, useful type of men whose ambitions and desires are directed in those channels through which flow the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number, and it is therefore consistent with the purpose and plan of his work that his record be given among those of other representative citizeus of Seneca county.

on the 17th of May, 1845, being the son of Enoch Trumbo, who was. born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and where - he learned the trade of stone mason. He came to Ohio in 1832 and assisted in the construction of the canal locks at Youngstown, while in the meanwhile he filed claim to one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Jackson township, Seneca county, where he remained a short time and then resumed his work on the canal. The same fall he came back to his farm, which was-as yet a sylvan wild, being covered with a dense growth of hard-wood timber. Here he erected a log cabin, sixteen feet square, in which he and his brother Andrew established 'bachelor's hall" and instituted the work of clearing the land. In this township was celebrated his marriage to Eleanora Robertson, daughter of Robert Robertson, who was born in [reland and who was numbered among the pioneer settlers in Jackson township. Of this union six children were born, namely: Rebecca, the wife of William Ash,. of Jackson township; Daniel W., who-died at the age of sixteen years; Maria, who died at the age of four years; Pliny, the subject of this sketch; Marcus D., who resides on the old homestead; and Mary E., the wife of John Pankhurst, of this township. The father died on the 30th of July, 1894, and his loss was deeply felt in the community, where .- he had ever been a progressive and representative citizen and one who. commanded unqualified confidence and esteem. He held the office of county commissioner, assisted in the organization of Jackson township,. and for many years was incumbent of the offices of township trustee and justice of the peace. His political support was given to the Republican party, and he was actively concerned in the public affairs of local nature having been prominent in connection with the establishment of the early schools in the township and ever aiming to promote the general good by ready interposition and lively interest. He became the owner of more than five hundred acres of land and was numbered among the honored and successful citizens of the county. His wife preceded him. into eternal rest, passing away on the 18th of June, 1873.

the common schools. On the 12th of September, 1862, he gave distinctive evidence of his intrinsic loyalty by enlisting as a private in Company E, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by General William H. Gibson. The first engagement in which he participated was that at Stone River, where he was wounded by a minie ball. He then went to a house on the battlefield, and soon afterward the building was surrounded by Wheeler's cavalry and he was taken prisoner. He was removed to Libby prison, where he was confined for one week and then taken to City Point, where his exchange was effected after one month's imprisonment, and whence he proceeded to the parole camp at Annapolis. Finally he was sent to Camp Chase, in Ohio's capital city, where he was granted a furlough. He remained at his home until the expiration of his furlough and then, having been exchanged, rejoined his regiment near Murfreesboro after an absence of five months. Thereafter he participated in the engagements at Liberty Gap, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, and still later was in pursuit of Longstreet. At the expiration of its term of enlistment his regiment veteranized and Mr. Trumbo was then assigned to the Sixty-eighth Indiana Infantry, with which he served two months and then rejoined his old regiment. He then took part in the battles of Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Pickett's Mills, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree creek, and finally succumbed to a sunstroke just previous to the Jonesboro campaign and was sent to the hospital at Vining Station and thence to Nashville, being detailed for hospital service and so continued till discharged, in June, 1865. After thus rendering the valiant service of a true son of the republic Mr. 'Trumbo returned to his home, and after his marriage, in 1867, he located on a part of the old homestead and there engaged in farming, continuing successfully in this line until 1899, when he retired from active labor and took up his residence in his present attractive home, in the village of Amsden. He still owns his fine farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres, on which he has made the best of improvements and which is one of the model places of this section of the state.

local official capacity, and for many years, at intervals, was incumbent of various offices, having been trustee of his township and having served eight years as township clerk and six years as assessor. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally is identified with Norris Post, No. 27, G. A. R., at Fostoria. He was vice-president of the Farmers' Mutual Relief Association of Seneca County for a period of four years and has been a member of its directorate for the past eighteen years.

On the 12th of May, 1867, Mr. Trumbo was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Nederhouser, who was born in Summit county, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob Nederhouser, and of this union three children have been born, namely: Clara, the wife of Elmer Harrison, of Jackson township; and Milan and Irvin, who are engaged in farming in the same township, the latter operating the homestead.

More Flack

To the early settlement of Seneca county, Ohio, the old Keystone state made many contributions, and thus was gained at the start a most desirable class of citizens, - sturdy, energetic, progressive and of inflexible integritv. One of the early pioneer families of the county has a representative in the subject of this review, who has inherited the sterling traits which have made the name an honored one in the annals of this secticn of the state. He is one of the progressive and prosperous farmers of the county, holds the respect of all who know him and is well entitled to representation in this work.

Mr. Fiack was born on the cld homestead farm where he now resides, in Liberty township, the date of his nativity being May 26, 1859. He was one of the sixteen children of Louis S. and Margaret A. (Null) Flack, and is one of the nine who still survive, the others being Joseph, Warren, Byron, Ada, John, Henry, Alice and Jane. . Louis S. Flack, son of John L. Flack, who emigrated to this county from Pennsylvania in an early day, becoming one of the pioneer settlers in the forest wilds which then designated this section of the state, and he lived and died on this same farm. Here Louis S. was reared to the sturdy discipline of the pioneer farm, and here his marriage was solemnized. Finally he purchased the interests of the other heirs to the homestead, in Liberty township, where he thus passed the remainder of his life, being successfully engaged in general farming and owning about five hundred and forty acres at the time of his death, which ocurred in August, 1866, at which time he was forty-nine vears of age. He was an ardent Democrat in his' political proclivities, was influential in public affairs of a local nature and on many occasions acted as delegate to county and state conventions of his party. His widow subsequently became the wife of John Crawford, and she died on the homestead in 1896, at the age of seventy-two years, no children having been born of the second marriage.

More Flack, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the old homestead which has been in the possession of the family for so inany years, and his educational training was secured in the public schools. Upon attaining his legal majority he engaged in agricultural pursuits on the old farm, and thereafter rented the same until 1897, when he purchased the interests of the other heirs and now continues in the successful conducting of diversified farming, keeping everything about the place in first-class order and bringing to bear every agency which will add to the facility of the farm work and insure the highest possible measure of success in return for the labor expended. The typical American term of "hustler" may well be applied to him, and the same-expresses much that could not otherwise be indicated save by extended circumlocution. In political matters Mr. Flack gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, and while he keeps well informed in regard to the issues of the hour, and also shows a lively interest in all that touches the progress and material prosperity of the community, he has never been an aspirant for public office. Mr. Flack still clings to the independent state of "single blessedness,'' his home being presided over by a housekeeper.

History generally treats of those who have attained eminence in politics or statecraft, in military circles and to some extent in the field of letters and art, but has little to do with those toilers upon whom the real prosperity and progress of the nations depend. It is left to specific biography to perpetuate the record of those law-abiding citizens who, in the midst of the active affairs of this work-a-day world, stand forth in integrity of purpose, loyalty to friends and native land, and in that enterprise and industry which make for the well-being of their respective communities. To this class belongs Mr. Sendelbach, who is of stanch old German lineage and who is one of the progressive and successful farmers and stock-growers of Liberty township, Seneca county, where he has passed his entire life and where he has gained prosperity through his own well directed effort, the while commanding the unequivocal esteem of the community in which his life history is familiar.

Mr. Sendelbach was born on the farm where he now resides on the 1st of April, 1846, being the only child of Joseph and Anna Mary Sendelbach. His father was born in Germany, where he was reared and where his first marriage was solemnized. He finally emigrated from his native land to America, settling in Seneca county, Ohio, in the pioneer days, and here securing the tract of wild land which constitutes the present home of his son, the subject of this review. He became the owner of two hundred acres of land, which he largely reclaimed, and here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in 1864. After the death of his first wife, who bore him one son and three daughters, he married Ama Mary, the mother of our subject, who was the only child cf the seccnd union. The devoted mother died in 1881, having been a zealous member of St. Andrew's Catholic church, as was also her husband. In this faith their son was reared, and he and his family are communicants of the church, holding membership in the parish of St. Andrew's, in Liberty, of which Mr. Sendelbach has served as trustee. ; death, and thereupon he assumed charge of the old homestead, of which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres about five years later, while subsequently he acquired title to the remaining forty acres. Here he has passed his entire life, devoting his attention to diversified farming and to the raising of high-grade stock, while he has brought to bear such discrimination and energy that his efforts have been attended by a high degree of success. He has made fine improvements of a permanent nature, including a commodious, modern residence, of attractive architectural design, which he erected in 1896, while the other farm buildings are indicatory of the progressiveness which has conserved our subject's prosperity. His educational advantages were such as were afforded in the public schools in the vicinity of his home, and he is honored as one of Seneca county's sterling sons and able business men. His political support is given to the Democratic party, and while he takes a proper interest in all that concerns the well-being of the community he has never sought official preferment.

Mr. Sendelbach was united in marriage to Miss Louise Long, who entered into eternal rest in 1876, leaving four children, namely: Mary, the wife of Nicholas Altwies; Catherine, the wife of Charles Walter; Teresa, the wife of Nicholas Blazer; and Henry W. On the toth of January, 1877, Mr. Sendelbach married Miss Margaret Brickner, who was born on the adjoining farm, the daughter of George Adam and Eve (Smith) Brickner, and of the ten children of this union Joseph and John are deceased, the survivors, all of whom remain at the parental home, being as follows: Laura, Michael, Frank, Sebastian, Leona, Lena,

If one is to sojourn for any length of time in that naturally favored section of Seneca county designated as Venice township he is sure to note with appreciation the changes wrought by the hand of man to the end of securing the great fields of waving grain, the undulating meadows, with their herds and flocks, the substantial improvements and various. other conditions indicatory of a prosperous agricultural community. He is almost sure also to forthwith hear specific mention made of one of the model framsteads of the township, that being the domain of the subject of this sketch, who is a member of one of the pioneer families of this county, where he has passed his entire life, and who has by his course given added honor to a name which has been honored in this locality from the early days when was inaugurated the work cf reclaiming the forest wilds. Abiding here in peace, contentment and plenty, esteemed by those among whom his life has been passed, conspicuous in all that tends to the conservation of the best interests of the community, known as one of its most progressive and able farmers, - what more consonant than that the life of such a man be taken under consideration in this connection ?

Mr. Falter was born in Venice township, this county, on the 30th of October, 1852, being a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Houk) Falter, of whose eight children five survive, namely: Henry G., the subject of this sketch; Christina, the wife of Lewis Phillips, of Bloom township; Joseph, a resident of Huron county; Anna, the wife of Joseph Thoma, of Saginaw county, Michigan; and John, a resident of the city of Cleveland. Philip Falter was born in Germany in 1826, and when a boy of ten years he came with his parents to America and the family settled in the heavily timbered section of this county known as Venice township. On the spot where our subject was born many years later the grandfather erected his primitive log cabin, and then essayed the herculean task of hewing out a farm in the forest. The farm upon Which he thus located is that now owned by John Worm. There the father of our subject was reared to years of maturity and after his marriage acquired the old homestead, to whose cultivation and improvement he continued to devote his attention until 1863, when he disposed of the property and purchased the farm now owned by our subject. Here he continued to reside until his death, in April, 1873, his devoted wife having passed away in the preceding month, while the death of their eldest in politics, was a member of the Catholic church, as was also his wife, and was one of the representative and highly esteemed citizens of the county.

Henry G. Falter was but twenty years of age at the time of his parents death, and as he was the eldest of the family the management of the farm and the care of the family devolved upon him, though he Was scarcely more than a boy. He bravely assumed the responsibility, his father's will providing that he should have the use of the farm for a period of four years, and at the expiration of this period the stipulation was that he should receive eighty acres of the homestead and his brother Frank forty acres, while they were to pay the other heirs for their interests. Our subject at this time assumed an indebtedness of four thousand dollars, having nothing save the farm of eighty acres and a yearling colt, which subsequently died. The crops of the first year were almost a total failure, and the same discouraging condition was iv evidence the second year, the outlook being so unpropitious that Mr. Talter nearly decided to give up the farm. The third season, however, excellent crops were garnered, good prices for produce prevailed and an era of prosperity for him was finally ushered in. He has had, as a matter of course, certain reverses since that time, but his discrimination and good management have enabled him to make a steady progress and to attain a high degree of success. He takes special pride in maintaining good fences, keeping his buildings in.the best of repair and so enriching his land as to keep its productiveness at the maximum point, not permitting it to retrograde, as have many farmers in the older-settled sections of Ohio and other states of the middle west. As the result of his ability and well directed efforts Mr. Falter is to-day known as one of the best and most substantial farmers in this section, now having one hundred and forty-nine acres in his home farm, while for the past six years he has also rented and operated an adjoining farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and has so added to its value and fertility that the owner who had placed it on the market recently refused to sell the property, after having investigated as to its condition and intrinsic worth.

O12 Centennial Biographical History

party, and he served as township trustee for six years and for a long term of years he has been a member of the school board. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, and he is one of its most influential and devoted members in this section, being a member of the board of trustees of St. Stephen's church, at St. Stephen, and a member of the building committee, under whose direction a new rectory is being constructed.

In the year 1875 Mr. Falter was united in marriage to Miss Mary Worm, who was born in this township, of which her father, the late Christian Worm, was an early settler, having emigrated hither from "Germany. Of the eight children born to our subject and his estimable wife all except one are living and all these remain at the parental home, their names, in order of birth, being as follows: Philomena, Philip, Lawrence, Edward, Anthony, Clement and Theresa. Oliver died at the age of six years. The family occupy a position of prominence in the social life of the community, and the attractive home is a center of cordial hospitality.

In the beautiful and industrially prolific county of Seneca, Ohio, there is a fine farmstead which has been owned by representatives of the Steinmetz family from the early epoch, when the sturdy pioneers came hither and set to themselves the task of reclaiming and making productive the forest primeval, where so long had the red man, in his motley garb, disputed dominion with the beasts of the field. The farm of which we speak is that owned by the gentleman whose name intro- 'duces this paragraph and who is known as one of the most successful and influential agriculturists of this favored section, while his is the distinction to be of the third generation of the family to be identified with the history of Seneca county. Here in the early days came Martin Steinmetz, the grandfather of our subject and of stanch old German lineage, having been born in the province of Alsace, which Germany suc- ceeded in wresting from France and annexing to its own great empire. He emigrated thence to America with his family, and they forthwith made their way through to Ohio, which was then held to be on thevery frontier of civilization, and from Canton they came through to Seneca county, being compelled to cut their way through the dense forest. The grandfather secured a tract of entirely wild and heavily timbered. land in Venice township, purchasing one hundred acres which 'had. shortly before been secured by government entry, and here he built his modest log cabin beneath the grateful umbrageous canopy of the Ohio forests. This noble pioneer, a man of the stanchest integrity, found. as his portion a full quota of the vicissitudes which were the inevitable concomitants of pioneer life, - perils that shadowed the day and the: night, hardships and privations, all demanding fortitude, faith and indomitable perseverance in working toward desired ends. It is gratifying to note that the patriarchal homestead has remained in the posses-. sion of the family, for such tenure is too slightly typical of our restless, ambitious .American life. 7 John C. Steinmetz was born on the farm where he now resides, in Venice township, the date of his nativity having been December 29,. 1852. He is a son of Michael and Mary (Falter) Steinmetz, whe became the parents of eleven children, of whom nine survive, namely: John C., the subject of this sketch; Philip, a resident of Toledo, Ohio;. Clement, of Tiffin; Anthony, of Dunnington, Indiana; Mary Angeline, wife of Joseph Phillips, of Venice township; Christina, wife of Stephen Worm, of Paulding county; Cecelia, wife of Isadore Worm, of St. Stephen, Seneca county; Louisa, wife of John Ewald, of Dunnington, Indiana; and Mary, wife of Frank Freeland, of Dunnington. The father of cur subject was bern in Alsace, Germany, and was about. eighteen months old at the time when the family emigrated to America. He was reared on the pioneer farm in this township, having very limited educational advantages, and here his marriage was solemnized, some years after which he purchased the farm now owned by our subject. He had learned the trade of carpenter and built for himself a residence: on his farm, where he continued to make his home and to work at his- trade, also developing and improving the farm. His wife died in the year 1881, and he later was united in marriage to Miss Lena Watts, of Tiffin, to which city he soon afterward removed and has there maintained his home ever since. At the time of his removal he owned one hundred and thirty-six acres in the home farm and eighty acres located three miles northwest of the same, all of which he has now sold, having made desirable investments in Tiffin property. Of his second marriage one child was born, but is now deceased. Mr. Steinmetz has been one of the prominent and honored men of the county, is a Democrat in his political proclivities, and for several years he was incumbent of office, having served both as assessor and trustee of Venice township. He 1s a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic church.

John C. Steinmetz was reared on his present homestead and secured his educational discipline in the public schools of the locality. On the 16th of November, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Ball, who was born in this township, the daughter of Joseph Ball, who was born in Germany and who was a pioneer of Seneca county, being now deceased. After his marriage our subject located on his father's eighty-acre farm, to which reference has been made, and there he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1886, when he returned to the homestead farm, which he rented from his father until 1891, when he purchased the property, which he has greatly improved, making it one of the most attractive and valuable rural estates in this section. He has remodeled and enlarged the buildings on the place and his home is one which gives an unmistakable evidence of the energy and discrimination which have been brought to bear by the progressive owner. He is public-spirited in his attitude and gives his support to all legitimate measures and undertakings for the general good, his political allegiance being accorded to the Democratic party, while his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, under whose beneficent discipline he was reared. Catherine (Ball) Steinmetz was summoned into eternal rest on the roth ot February, 1896, and is survived by four of her five children, namely: Edward, Earl, Lawrence and Clement, - all of whom remain at the nee second time, Miss Anna Zirger becoming his wife. She was born in Tiffin, and is the daughter of Marcus Zirger, of whom special mention is found on another page. The family are prominent in the social life of the community and are held in the highest regard by all who know them.

Benjamin F. Knepper

Back to the old Keystone state of the Union must we turn in tracing the genealogy of Mr. Knepper, since records extant indicate that his paternal ancestors located in Pennsylvania in the colonial epoch, having come thither from the German fatherland, as did also the maternal progenitors. Our subject is now one of the honored and prosperous farmers wf Seneca county, and from his study ancestors he has. inherited those sterling traits of character which have enabled him to work out his own salvation and to gain and retain the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He has been dependent upon his own resources from his boyhood, and through his indefatigable industry and determination has advanced step by step to the goal of independence and prosperity, richly meriting this reward of his ceaseless toil and endeavor.

Benjamin Franklin Knepper was born in Franklin county, Pennsy]lvania, on the 4th of December, 1838, and he and his sister Amanda, the wife of John Boner, of that county, are the two surviving children of Peter and Eliza (Wagemon) Knepper, the former of whom was born in the same county in 1793, being the son of Abraham Knepper, likewise a native of Franklin county and the son of Abraham, Sr., who came from Germany and established his home in Pennsylvania. The grandfather of our subject passed his entire life in his native county, where he lived to the patriarchal age of ninety-five years. There Peter Knepper was reared to the discipline of the farm, and after his marriage he purchased one hundred and thirty acres adjoining the old homestead, and there remained until his death, in 1847, at the age of fifty-four years. He was a Democrat in politics and his religious faith was that of the Seventh Day Adventists. He was twice married, his first wife having been a Miss Geeseman, and of their union three children were born, only one of whom survives, - Sarah, the widow of Daniel Bricker, of North Baltimore, Ohio. His second wife, the mother of our subject, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, being the daughter of Jacob Wagemon, likewise a native of that county and of German lineage. Mrs. Knepper survived her husband many years, passing away in 1892, at the age of seventy-two.

Benjamin F. Knepper was but nine years of age at the time of his. father's: death, and from that time forward he depended on his own resources for a livelihood, so that his educational advantages were necessarily limited in scope. Through reading and active association with the practical affairs of life he has, however, effectively supplemented the meager education gained in his boyhood. He began his independent career by living with various farmers in the vicinity of his old home,. working for his board until he had sufficiently advanced in years and strength to make his services of greater value. At the age of nineteen he came to Seneca county, Ohio, arriving here in the fall of 1856. He worked as a farm hand during the summer months and at chopping wood in the winter, being industrious and frugal and saving his earnings. By this means he accumulated a sufficient sum of money to justify him, in 1861, in the purchase of eighty acres of land in Hopewell township, and the following year he assumed the additional responsibilities. of a man of family, his marriage being then solemnized. With his bride he took up his residence on his farm, which was covered with heavy timber, having erected a primitive log house as a domicile. He cleared twenty acres of the land within the succeeding two years and then disposed of the place, in 1864, and purchased an eighty-acre tract in Liberty township, the same being cleared of timber at the time, and this continued to be his home and field of operations for six years, at the expiration of which, in 1870, he sold the property and purchased one hundred and forty-three acres of his present fine homestead, in Hopewell township, four and one-half miles northwest of Tiffin, which is his postoffice address. By the purchase of adjoining lands he has increased.

the area of the homestead, which now comprises two hundred and forty - acres of fertile land, the place being well improved with good farm buildings and maintained under a high state of cultivation, while Mr. Knepper also owns forty acres three miles east of the home farm, in Clinton township. His political support is given to the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are zealous members of the Bethel Methodist Protestant church.

On the 6th of February, 1862, Mr. Knepper was united in marriage: to Miss Mary E. Reeme, the daughter of William Reeme, a native, as is she, of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Seneca county, Ohio, in the spring of 1857. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Knepper we enter the following brief record: Minnie V. is the wife of John Loose, of Hopewell township; Cyrus D. is a farmer of Clinton township; Eva G. is the wife of Frank Beck, of Liberty township; Arletta B. is the wife of Curtis Ash, of Hancock county; Emma C. is the wife of Curtis Edwards, of Liberty township; Benjamin D. is engaged in farming in Hopewell township; William I. has charge of the parental homestead; Russell M. is a notary public at Tiffin; and Clara C. is at the parental home.

Louis Williams Bollinger

Of stanch old German lineage is the subject of this sketch, who is a native son of Seneca county and now numbered among its successful and influential farmers. Mr. Bollinger was born on the parental farm, in Venice township, on the 16th of June, 1856, being a son of Louis and Margaret Bollinger, the former of whom was born in the Rhine district of Germany and the latter in Wurtemberg. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom eight are living at the present time, namely: Margaret, the wife of George Duerr, of Gratiot county,. _ Michigan; Catherine, the wife of Samuel Kimmel, of Venice township,

Louis W., the subject of this sketch; and Philip, Daniel, Alexander and John F., all of whom reside in Venice township. The parents emigrated from the German fatherland to America about the year 1840 and located in Venice township, their marriage having occurred after their arrival in the United States. The father of our subject was for some time employed as a locomotive fireman on the railroad from Sandusky to Carey, thereafter was employed in a warehouse in the town of Republic, and finally settled on his little farm of thirty acres, to which he subsequently added until he became the owner of a fine landed estate in this township, having in his possession two hundred and fifty acres at the time of his death, at the age of fifty-six years, June 25, 1880. He was a man of influence in the community, one whose integrity of character was beyond question, and he was held in high esteem in this section. He gave his support to the Democratic party, being one of the prominent workers in its cause in this township, of which he served as trustee at one time. He was a member of the Reformed church, as was also his wife, who survived him about sixteen years.

Louis W. Bollinger, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the-old homestead farm and received a common-school education. After the death of his father he took charge of the home farm for his mother, so continuing until his marriage, in 1882, when he rented and located upon a farm of sixty-four acres owned by his mother. He operated this farm on shares for a period of seven years, and then, in 1891, purchased a tract of forty acres, upon which he took up his abode. Later on he purchased his present home farm, which comprises eighty acres, and he has further added to his landed estate until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land in four tracts, the greater portion being in Venice township. He has been the architect of his own fortunes, having received from his father's estate only about nine hundred dollars, and he is now known as one of the most successful, energetic and progressive farmers of this section of the county, having made the best of improvements on his property and directing his efforts with marked discrimination and ability. He gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, but has never desired the honors of political

On the 16th of October, 1881, Mr. Bollinger was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Deisler, who was born in this township, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Dish) Deisler, pioneers of the county, and of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bollinger two survive, - Matilda and Rosa, both of whom remain at the parental home.

John B. Wilhelm

The pursuits of life are as varied as are the tastes and capacities of men, and it is an interesting and useful study to observe the degree of their assimilation. Among the progressive and influential farmers and apiarists of Seneca county is Mr. Wilhelm, whose attractive and valuable farmstead is located in Venice township. He has maintained his home here for more than two score years, being reared to maturity in this county, and here so directing his independent business career as to attain a high degree of prosperity and to command the unqualified confidence and regard of his fellow men.

Mr. Wilhelm is a native of the province of Alsace, Germany, though the same was an integral portion of France at the time of his birth, which occurred on the 6th of October, 1844. His parents were John and Catherine (Swalier) Wilhelm, both of whom were born in Alsace, the father of the former having been a soldier in Napoleon's army. John Wilhelm was born in the year 1808, and in 1857 he emigrated with his family to America, locating in the state of New York, where he remained until the fall of the following year, when he came to Seneca county, Ohio, and leased a tract of land in Bloom township, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for several years. He then purchased forty acres of the farm now owned by his son Aloysius, one mile west of the village of St. Stephen, and there he passed the residue of his life, which was one of rectitude and signal usefulness, his death occurring in 1886, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a Democrat in his. political proclivities, and his religious faith was that of the Catholic church, of which his widow is also a devoted communicant, being now in her eighty-sixth year and making her home with her son Aloysius J., of Bloom township. Of her six children four yet survive, namely: John B., the immediate subject of this review; Aloysius J., a successful farmer of Bloom township; Therese, who is Sister St. Clara in the Ursuline convent in the city of Tiffin; and Joseph C., a resident of Henry county, this state.

The subject of this sketch was afforded excellent educational advantages in his youth, having secured his rudimentary discipline in the common schools in the vicinity of his home, and having effectively supplemented this by a course of study in the academy at Republic and later by one in Baldwin University, at Berea, Ohio. From the age of fourteen years he lived in the homes of various farmers, working on the farm during the summer months and attending school during the winters, defraying the expenses of his education wholly through his own efforts. At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Wilhelm began teaching school, and he thereafter continued to follow the pedagogic profession for about a decade in Seneca and Stark counties, being very successful in his work and gaining marked prestige in that line.

In the year 1871 Mr. Wilhelm was united in marriage to Miss Marcella Delaney, who was born in Venice township, this county, a daughter of Matthew Delaney, one of the pioneer farmers of this locality. In 1873 our subject took up his residence on his present homestead, which was a part of the estate of his father-in-law, the land having been entered as a government claim by Mr. Delaney in 1833. Mr. Wilhelm now owns one hundred and ten acres of very fertile and prolific land, has made the best of improvements on the place and is known as one of the substantial and progressive farmers of this section. He also has forty acres in a separate farm. For a number of years he has devoted special attention to the raising of bees, and he is known as one of the leading apiarists of the state, having made a careful study of the habits and handling this department of his enterprise. He places on the market each year from fifteen hundred to two thousand pounds of the finest honey, the product always being sent cut in the most inviting form and invariably commanding the highest market price. In politics Mr. Wilhelm gives bis allegiance to the Democratic party, of whose cause he has been a. stanch supporter, and he served two terms in the office of township trustee, taking a deep interest in all that concerns the welfare of the community and being essentially public spirited. His religious faith is that under whose benign influence he was reared, and he is a communicant of the Catholic church, as are also his wife and children. Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm became the parents of five children, of whom three survive, namely: Frank X., Anna C. and Clara, all of whom remain at the parental home, being popular in the best social life of the community.

John Fruth

The subject to whcse life history we now direct attention has passed practically his entire life in Seneca county, though he is a native of Germany, and has been conspicuously identified with the industrial and civic activities of this section of the state, being one of the successful farmers and highly honored citizens of Loudon township, where his parents took up their abode in the pioneer epoch of the county's history.

Mr. Fruth was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 17th of June, 1851, being a son of Jacob and Sevilla (Sherdon) Fruth, of whose seven children four survive at the present time, namely: Sevilla, the wife of Conrad Herbert, of Big Spring township; Susannah, wife of David Peters, of Alvada, this county: John, the subject of this sketch; and Gustav2, who makes his home with our subject. The parents were both native of Bavaria, and there they maintained their home until 1854, when they bade adieu to the fatherland and emigrated to America, the subject of this review being but three years of age at the time. They landed in New York city after a voyage of thirty days' duration, and thence came directly through to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and settled on a farm near the city of Cleveland, the place having been purchased by Jacob Fruth prior to his emigration, through the medium of his sister, who had preceded him to America and had located with her husband in Cuyahoga county. Mr. Fruth remained in that county two years and then dispcsed of his farm and came to Seneca county, locating in Loudon township, where he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty-four acres,:the same being now owned by his son-in-law, David Peters, previously mentioned. The father of our subject cleared and improved this farm and there made his home until his death, at the age of sixty years, his widow surviving him many years and passing away at the age of seventy-five. They were folk of sterling character - - earnest, industrious and God-fearing, - and were devoted members of the United Evangelical church. Mr. Fruth gave his support to the Democratic party after becoming a naturalized citizen, and he ever commanded the esteem of the people of the community where he lived and labored to such goodly ends.

John Fruth, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the old homestead and received a common-school education. He remained at home until his marriage, in 1874, and soon afterward purchased seventy acres of his present farm, where he began his independent career. In 1885 he purchased an adjoining sixty acres, and as he has made the best improvements and brought the place under a high state of cultivation, he new has one of the valuable and attractive farm estates in this section of the county. He has ever taken an active interest in the enterprises and undertakings which have been projected for the general good of the community and his attitude has been that of a public-spirited and progressive citizen. In politics his allegiance is given to the Democratic party, and he has served as a member of the township central committee of his party, while he has also been incumbent of other positions of trust and responsibility. He was assessor of his township for two terms. was road supervisor for an equal period and was the candidate of his party for township trustee in 1895, but was of school director at the present time, and has, at intervals, held this office for several years. He is an elder in St. John's United Evangelical church and is a zealous worker in the same, his wife also being a devoted member of the church. Fraternally he is identified with Loudon Grange, No. 723, Patrons of Husbandry, of which he is chaplain at the time of this writing.

On the roth of February, 1874, Mr. Fruth was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Mergenthaler, who was born in Loudon township, the daughter of Gottfried Mergenthaler, who was one of the early settlers of this township, having emigrated thither from Wurtemberg, Germany. Of the thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fruth twelve survive, namely: Jacob F., a farmer of this township; William C., of Big Spring township; David, of Loudon township; Ida C., wife of Henry Zuern, of Seneca township; Christina E., wife of George Heilman, of Hancock county: and Daniel L., Clara F., Abraham J., Sarah A., John C., Clarence H. and Lena M., who remain at the paternal home.

Joseph M. Martin

It cannot be other than gratifying to note that within the pages of this compilation will be found mention of many prominent and successful citizens of the county who have here passed their entire lives and who stand representative of the sturdy pioneer element which instituted the herculean task of reclaiming this section of the state from the wilderness, carrying the work valiantly forward and leaving it to their sons and daughters to rear the superstructure upon the foundations thus firmly laid. Those who have been the founders and builders of Seneca county are the ones who find place in this edition, and in the connection we are pleased in being permitted to briefly review the genealogy and personal career of the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch and who is one of the influential farmers and stock dealers of the county in

Mr. Martin was born in Liberty township, on the 29th of October, 1848, being the son of Jacob and Sarah (Hostler) Martin, of whose nine children six now survive, namely: Jacob B., a resident of Fostoria, Ohio; Hiram F., of Eaton county, Michigan; Joseph M., subject of this review; Sarah C., wife of Leander Zeis, of Seneca township, this county; Savannah, the wife of Edward Hepshire, of the same township; and Rufus, a successful farmer of Seneca township. Jacob Martin, father cf these children, was bern. in Pennsylvania, on the 28th of October, 1816, being the son of Jocob and Margaret Martin, whom he accompanied on their removal to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1833. Jacob Martin, Sr., took up a quarter section of government land, in Liberty township, the tract now owned by Andrew Sherger, and there he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. Jacob, Jr., father of our subject, assisted in clearing and improving the homestead, and after his marriage he rented land for a number of years and also cultivated another quarter section which his father had acquired, clearing the greater portion of the same. Later he purchased a tract of forty acres and there lived for some time, finally disposing of the property an" purchasing the old home place, where he continued to reside until the time of his death, on the 3d of March, 1873. He was a Democrat in his pcelitical proclivities, but never sought official preferment, and he was a prominent and influential member of the United Brethren church, of which he was an officer for many years, being a man of unblemished character. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1818, died in 1896, at the age of seventy-eight years, her family having come to Seneca county about the same time as did the Martin family.

Joseph M. Martin, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old hcmestead and was indebted te the public schools of the locality for his early educational advantages. In 1872 his marriage occurred and thereafter he resided about seven months on a farm owned by cne of his brothers. He then removed to the farm of his motherin-law, renting the place and there continuing in agricultural pursuits for six vears. In the meanwhile he effected the purchase of a tract of the time noted he also bought the homestead of which he had thus remained in charge, the same comprising one hundred and four acres. Later he purchased an adjoining fifty-four acres and still later a contiguous tract of fifty-three acres, thus increasing the area of this fine farm to an aggregate of two hundred and eleven acres. As time has passed he has increased his landed estate in the county, and his properties are considered to be among the most valuable in this section of the state. He is also the owner of the Grassman farm, of eighty acres, in Liberty township; the Crall farm, in the same township and of equal area, and upon all of his properties the best of improvements have been made. For the past decade Mr. Martin has figured as one of the leading stock buyers and shippers in the county, while in addition to general agriculture he gives special attention to the raising of high-grade stock. His extensive operations as a buyer have given him a wide acquaintanceship throughout this section of the state, and he is known as a man of marked business and executive capacity and as one whose integrity of purpose is beyond cavil, thus retaining uniform confidence and esteem. His political support has been given to the Democratic party from the time when he first exercised his right of franchise, but he has had ne desire for public office, and this was so signally manifested on one cccasion, when he was his party's nominee for trustee of his township, that he was defeated, having made no personal effort to forward his own interests in the connection and having given frequent assurance that he preferred not to accept the position. Notwithstanding these conditions he was defeated by only twenty votes. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Protestant church, and he is one of the trustees of the Shiloh church.

On the 19th of May, 1872, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ellen Zeis, who was born in Liberty township, this county, on the farm now owned by her husband, being the daughter of Godfrey and Margaret (Sager) Zeis, sterling pioneer settlers of this county Of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Martin all are living except an infant daughter, those surviving being Eva M., the wife of William Rosenberger of Liberty township; Homer A., a successful young farmer of the same township; Celesta E., the wife of Harry Beck, of Pleasant township; Wilbert W., who is now a student in Heidelberg College, at Tiffin; and Rufus M., who remains at the parental home.

Henry Seewald

Among the many honored sons of Seneca county who still continue to make their home within its borders there are few whose careers have been more varied and interesting than that of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph and who is now one of the influential and highly esteemed members of the agricultural community of this section of the Buckeye state. He was left an orphan at an early age but was thereafter not deprived of the advantages of a cultured and refined home; he became a sailor on the Great Lakes, later identifying himself with the wider maritime realm, as a sailor on boats plying the ocean; it was his to render most valiant and meritorious service as a soldier in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion, while in the gaining of the no less honorable victories which peace ever hath in store he has shown himself equally loyal to himself, to truth and to the duties. of citizenship. It is thus signally appropriate that 2 review of his life history be incorporated in this publication, which has to do with those who have contributed to the development and upbuilding of the county of which he is a native and a representative of a sterling pioneer family.

Mr. Seewald was born in the city of Tiffin, which was then a inere village, on the 8th of March, 1836, being the son of Valentine and Philipena (Lang) Seewald, of whose three children he is now the only survivor. The children were Lewis, who left home when eleven years old and was never heard of thereafter; and Charles, who was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, having been a member of Company A, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was an active participant in the battle of Gettysburg, where he received a wound which gust 16, 1863, from the result of the injury, aged twenty-one years. The father of our subject was a native of the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, where he was reared to maturity and where he learned the trade of locksmith and gunsmith. As a young man he severed the ties which bound him to home and fatherland and emigrated to the United States, settling in Tiffin, Ohio, where he continued to follow his trade until his death, on the 22d of December, 1846, at the age of forty-four years. His wife was likewise a native of Germany, whence she came to America in company with her parents, Henry and Catherine Lang, and family, first locating in Baltimore, where they remained for a time and then came to Tiffin, making the entire journey on foot. They were thus pioneers of this county and their descendants have been prominent in the annals of the state, as were other representatives of their family in the same generation. Her brother, William Lang, is the author of Lang's Histery cf Seneca County. Philipena (Lang) Seewald was born in the year 1809, and she died in Tiffin, at the age of thirty-three years.

Henry Seewald was but six years of age when he was deprived of his mother's care, and four years later he was doubly orphaned by the death of his father. He then went to Fremont, this state, where he found a home with his uncle, Rev. Henry Lang, his early educational advantages having been such as were to be had in the somewhat primitive public schools of the day. At the age of fifteen years he became a sailor on the Great Lakes and was thus engaged for a period of six years, after which he was employed as a sailor before the mast, on the Atlantic ocean, for four years, within which time he had a varied and, in retrospective view, an interesting experience. In the meanwhile the ominous cloud of civil war had obscured the nationai horizon, and when the conflict was finally precipitated Mr. Seewald was not slow to give distinctive evidence of his intrinsic patriotism. On the 7th of September, 1861, ne enlisted, at Philadelphia, on his return from a voyage to Cuba, as a private in Company D, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and with which he took an active part in many of the most notable and sanguinary battles of the Rebellion, notably the following: The engagement at West Point, the Seven Days' fight before Richmond, the battles of Scuth Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and Spottsylvania. At Chancellorsville, on May 3, 1863, he was wounded, being struck by rifle balls three different times, and owing his life to a diary and a Testament which he had picked up a few minutes before the battle and placed in his breast pocket, the book so retarding the course of the bullet as tc render the injury not a serious one. He still has the old Testament to which he owes his life. On picking it up he remarked: "This is thick enough to stop a ball." In the engagement at Spottsylvania, however, on the 12th of May, 1864, Mr. Seewald received a severe wound which developed blood poisoning and necessitated his confinement in the Lincoln general hospital, in Washington, until the expiration of his term of service, 'when he received his honorable discharge, on the 19th of September, 1864. That he still retains an interest in his old comrades is manifest in his attending reunions of the old soldiers and visiting the battle ground of Gettysburg.

After the expiration of his military service, which was one of distinction, Mr. Seewald returned to his home in Tiffin, and shortly afterward, in the spring of 1865, he purchased ninety acres of his present farm, in Louden township, to which he has added until he now has a fine place of one hundred and forty acres, well improved and under most effective cultivation. Much of the land was still covered with the native timber at the time he took up his residence here, and he has personally 'cleared more than half of his place and reclaimed the land to cultivation, so that he has had his share of the pioneer experiences. In addition to his general agricultural operations Mr. Seewald also devotes special attention to the raising of shorthorn cattle, of which he has some fine types. He has ever given an uncompromising support to the Republican party and has taken a deep interest in public affairs of a local nature. He served for fifteen years as a member of the school board of his district, and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen has given ligious interests and all that conserves the general welfare, while to him is accorded in his native county the fullest measure of esteem and confidence.