Seneca Township (part 44 of 60)

On the 18th of April, 1865, Mr. Seewald was united in marriage to Miss Susan Strausbaugh, who was born in Seneca county, the daugh-. ter of Jacob Strausbaugh, who was one of the pioneers of the county, whither he removed from York county, Pennsylvania. They reared ten children, namely: Blanche B., wife of John Bessler, of Los Angeles, California; Jessie C., the wife of James Dunn, of Tiffin; Charles V., a successful teacher in the schools of Loudon township; Leo O., a resident of Bismarck, North Dakota; Arthur W., in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; Grace, the wife of Daniel Flannagan, of Toledo; Asa, who remains on the old homestead; Ira H., a resident of Toledo, as is also Raleigh T.; and Maud S., who remains at the parental home. Mrs. Seewald died on the 15th of February, 1894, at the age of forty-nine years.

David- Boyd

One of the venerable pioneers and honored citizens of Seneca county is Mr. Boyd, who is now living retired from active business, after a long life of signal industry and well directed endeavor. His career has been characterized by an inflexible integrity of purpose and he has ever commanded the fullest measure of esteem in the community where he has passed so many years cf his life, his home being in Jackson township.

Mr. Boyd claims the old Keystone state as the place of his nativity, having been born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of February, 1822. He was reared and educated in his native county and when fourteen years of age entered upon an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade. After attaining maturity he removed to Cumberland county, where he was employed at his trade for a period of two years..

He then set forth for Ohio, making the trip on foot and locating in Richland county, where he remained one year, at the expiration of which time he came to Seneca county and established his home in Jackson township, 'where he has ever since resided. He at one time owned a farm of three hundred and sixty acres, but has disposed of this property with the exception of one acre, where he has maintained his home from the time when he first located in the township. Upon locating here he established a blacksmith shop, and here he continued in the active work of his trade until 1891, when he retired. His services were in demand by a large circle of patrons, and he is well known to the people of this section of the county.

In 1844 Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Miss Rosana Weiser, who was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of February, 1822, and they became the parents of five children, namely: Hugh W. A., who is engaged in farming in this township and who served as a valiant soldier during the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted, in June, 1863, as a private in Company C, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served six months, the regiment having been in pursuit of Morgan on his famous raid and having participated in the engagement at Cumberland Gap. On the 2d of May, 1864, Mr. Boyd re-enlisted, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the one hundred days' service, being assigned to duty in the defense of the national capital. Adter the expiration of his second term Mr. Boyd returned to his home, and in October, 1864, he again tendered his services to the Union, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundréd and Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was with General Thomas in the Franklin and Nashville campaign, and in this regiment he served until the close of the war, when he received his honorable discharge and was duly mustered out. He retains a vital interest in his old comrades in arms and is prominently identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of Norris Post, at Fostoria, of which he has ever served as commander. Jacob H. C. Boyd, the second son of our subject, was likewise a soldier in the Civil war, having served for seven months in the One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he is now a successful farmer of his township. John A. S., Benjamin F. and David I. died in early childhood.

In politics Mr. Boyd is a stanch Republican, and he has served as trustee of his township. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a member since 1848, his wife also being a devoted member of the same. Mr. Boyd has eleven oil wells on his place and the same are being profitably operated. He has attained prosperity through his own well directed efforts, and in the evening of his life enjoys the due reward of his active and useful career.

Among the representatives of the medical profession in Seneca county is Francis Henry Schlink, who is established in active practice in the village of New Riegel. Dr. Schlink is a native of the state of Indiana, having been born in Allen county, on the 14th of January, 1856, a son of George P. and Mary A. (Rose) Schlink, of whose nine children four are living at the present time, namely: John, a resident of * Fort Wayne, Indiana; George and Joseph, who reside in Allen county, that state; and Francis H., the subject: of this review. George P. Schlink was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, in the year 1812, and came to America, in company with his mother and step-father, in the year 1833. After residing for a short time in the city of Buffalo, New York, the father of our subject removed to Allen county, Indiana, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. There, on the 1st of January, 1843, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Mary A. Rose, who was born in Alsace, France (now a German province), and who had: come to America with her parents in the year previous to her marriage, the family locating in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The father of the Doctor continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits in Allen county, Indiana, until his death, which occurred on the 11th of February, 1863, while his wife passed away on the 25th of the succeeding month, both having succumbed to attacks of typhoid fever, as did also one of their daughters, who died about the same time. They were devoted members of the Catholic church and were people of sterling worth of character.

Dr. Schlink was but nine years of age at the time of the death of his parents, and thereafter he lived until his fourteenth year in the home of two families of the neighborhood, one of the men with whom he was thus placed later becoming his brother-in-law. Under these conditions the Doctor resided in New Haven, Indiana, where he secured his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools. At the age of sixteen years he entered Notre. Dame College, at Notre Dame, Indiana, where he completed the literary and scientific courses and was graduated as a member of the class of 1877. He thereafter took a course, of study in the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and later continued his technical studies in the Miami Medical College, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1880. In the meantime the Doctor further reinforced himself in the line of his profession by taking a special course of study in physical diagnosis in the hospital wards, together with a course of lectures in the city hospital of Cincinnati, so that he was specially well ' equipped for professional work at the time of his graduation. In the spring of 1880 Dr. Schlink entered upon the active practice of his profession at Delphos, Ohio, where he built up a representative business and attained high prestige. In 1882 the Doctor became a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, which, in the following year, he represented as a delegate to the convention of the American Medical Association, of which he became a prominent member. In the same year he was chosen as a member of the board of health of Delphos, and in that capacity served for a number of years, while he was also examining physician for the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Detroit, as he was also local surgeon, at Delphos, for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. The Doctor continued in the practice of his profession at Delphos until the spring of 1894, when he came to New Riegel, where he has since been established in a large and repre- sentative practice, being held in the highest esteem in the community and being recognized as one of the leading members of the medical fraternity in Seneca county, many difficult surgical operations being as successfully handled by him as when treated by specialists in the larger cities. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, and he is a communicant of St. Boniface church.

On the 18th of May, 1881, Dr. Schlink was united in marriage to Miss Agnes A. Ostendorf, who was born in Delphos, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph Ostendorf, who was one of the stockholders and the foreman of the Union Stave Works, at Delphos, being thus in active service for a quarter of a century, but being now retired from active business. Dr. and Mrs. Schlink became the parents of five children,. of whom four survive, namely: Josephine M., who is a graduate of the musical conservatory of the Ohio Normal University and who is. a successful teacher of music in Tiffin, where she is organist of St. Mary's church; Albert G., a student of the Ohio Normal University,. at Ada; and Rosa T. and Henry A., who remain at the parental home. Elmer, the second in order of birth, died at the age of twelve years.

Elias Hollenbaugh

At this juncture we enter memoir of one of the sterling citizens of Seneca county, where he located in pioneer days, developing a fine farm from the forest wilds of Jackson township and attaining a high degree of success through his energy and well directed efforts. He was a man of exalted honor and integrity and he ever held the highest esteem of all who knew him. It is signally fitting that in this compilation be incorporated a tribute to this sterling citizen, who entered into eternal rest on the 4th of June, Igo1.

education. As a young man he came to Seneca county, where he began working on a farm, by the month, so continuing until his patriotism and loyalty led him to tender his services in defense of the Union during the war of the Rebeilion. He enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Eleveuth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, - a term of nearly three years. After receiving his honorable discharge and being mustered out, Mr. Hollenbaugh returned to Pennsylvania, where his second marriage was solemnized, and soon afterward he returned to Seneca county, in company with his wife, being located near Bettsville for a period of seven months, after which he purchased forty acres of land in Jackson township, the tract being covered with native timber, with the exception of about five acres, which had been previously cleared. In a primitive log cabin of two rooms he and his devoted wife established their home and he then set himself valiantly to the work of reclaiming his farm from the sylvan wilds, his efforts being attended with such success that he was able to add to the area of his farm, becoming the owner of one hundred acres, nearly all of which he cleared of its heavy growth of timber while he made the best of improvements on the place, including a commodious and attractive residence, where his widow still maintains her home. On the farm are several oil wells, which add to the value of the fine property. Mr. Hollenbaugh ever gave his influence and tangible aid in support of all measures and enterprises projected for the general good, being active in the upholding of educational and religious work and being a Prohibitionist in his political allegiance. He was a man whose integrity was unimpeachable and to him was given the unstinted confidence and esteem of the community in which he lived and labored to such goodly ends. He was a devoted member of St. John's Evangelical church, in which he was ever found an active worker.

Mr. Hollenbaugh was first married to Miss Susanna Mangle, who passed away in 1862, leaving two children, - Syriah, who is the widow cf John C. Wonders; and Amelia, the wife of Eli Schaeffer, of Berks county, Pennsylvania. On the 8th of February, 1866, in Berks county, line Reigle, who was born in Berks county, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom we enter brief record, as follows: Frank is a successful farmer of Paulding county, Ohio; Mary is the wife of Nathaniel Zimmerman, of the same county; John is a resident of Sandusky county; Eli is engaged in operating the homestead; Samuel and Cordelia are deceased; Sarah is the wife of William Zimmerman, of Paulding county; Clara is the wife of Alfred Saum, of Seneca county ; Ida is the wife of Francis Kline, of Sandusky county; and Alda is the wife of Henry Myers, of Wood county.

Lemuel Downs

Not all men order their lives to their liking; nor yet are all men true to themselves in living as nearly to their ideals as possible and attaining to such success as their opportunities and talents render accessible. We now turn to one who accomplished much during his long and useful life, the entire span of which was passed in Seneca county, where he stood as a worthy scion of one of the early pioneer families, and though his was not a pretentious or exalted life, it was true to itself and its possibilities, and one to whom the biographist may revert with a feeling of respect and satisfaction.

Mr. Downs was born on the old homestead farm, in Eden township, Seneca county, March 10, 1834, and it is interesting to note the fact that this continued to be his abiding place until death set its seal upon his mortal lips, thus closing a life of signal usefulness and honor, his death occurring on the 3d of April, 1895, at the age of sixty-one years. He was one of the progressive and influential farmers and stockgrowers of this section, and his efforts were directed with such discrimination, energy and ability that his success was much above the average attained in connection with the dignified vocation of the husbandman. His father, John Downs, was born in the state of Virginia, where he was reared to maturity. He removed to Ross county, Ohio, where his marriage to Caroline Holder was solemnized, and thence he came to Seneca county in 1824. Here he entered four hundred acres of government land, the greater portion being still an unbroken forest wild, and. established his home in one of the primitive log houses common to the place and period and for many years later. Of this estate the farm now owned by the widow of our subject was an integral portion, and here John Downs and his devoted companion passed the residue of their days, each being about eighty years of age at the time of death. They had a family of thirteen children, all of whom are deceased, our subject having been the youngest and the last to pass away.

Lemuel Downs was born on this old homestead and was here reared amid the scenes and conditions incidental to pioneer life, his educational advantages, though meagre, being the best afforded in the locality, the schools being of primitive order, - simple log buildings, with the slab seats and puncheon floors. He early began to assist in the work of the farm and after his marriage began his independent career on a portion of the old homestead, eventually developing a fine place, making the best of permanent improvements, as is evident from the appearance of the farm to-day, and from time to time accumulating other land until. at the time of his death, hts estate comprised more than six hundred acres. In properly handling a property ct this sort it is needless to say that much administrative and executive ability was demanded, in addition to a thorough knowledge of the science of agriculture and the proper handling of details. That his success was one of Jarge measure was due to his own efforts, and he was one of the leading farmers and stock-growers uf the county, having devoted special attention to the raising of sheep of the best grade. as well as cattle. In politics Mr. Downs was a life-long Democrat, and he served as township trustee and in other local offices. The title of "Squire," by which he was familiarly known, was given him when a boy on account of his father having served in that capacity for years. He was a man of inflexible integrity, making no compromise fer . the sake of advancing personal aims or ambitions, and yet showing that kindly tolerance which ever commands strong and abiding friendships.

tiage to Miss Lucinda Miller, who was born near Mexico, Wyandct county, the daughter of George and Esther (Stratton) Miller, pioneer settlers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Downs became the parents of six children, of whom we make brief mention as follows: James W. died at the age of nine years; Cora May is the wife of Charles Gulick, of Eden township; Jennie Esther is the wife of Calvin Spitler, an attorney of Tiffin; Allen J. died at the age of eleven years; John Guy is proprietcr of a livery in Tiffin; and George L. is operating the old homestead.

William N. Dunn

In order to perpetuate for coming generations the record of one who was very prominently connected with the growth and development of Seneca county, but who has now passed to his final reward, a brief account of the life of William Nelson Dunn is placed on the pages of this volume. He was a public-spirited citizen, in harmony with advanced ideas, intelligent progress and one always liberal in his contributions to aid the social, material and religious advancement of the county. He was one of Seneca county's poneer settlers and was a most worthy and exemplary citizen. ae .

William Nelson Dunn was a native of the Empire state, his birth having there occurred in Sullivan county, February 1, 1815, and -he was a son of James and Mehitable (Hopkins) Dunn. Of the parents' large family of eight children all are now deceased. His father was a farmer and lumber dealer, owning about four hundred acres of timber land, on which he operated two sawmills and rafted lumber to Philadelphia. In 1831 he moved upon his farm in Wayne county, New York, where he lived until life's labors were ended in death.

In the fall of 1841, in company with Henry D. Clark, who later became his brother-in-law, William N. Dunn, of this review, came to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Hopewell township. Our subject cleared and improved his farm and became the owner of over twelve hundred acres of land in the state of Michigan and in Seneca county. His life was characterized by energy, perseverance and hard work, and to these principles his success was due. In 1872 he put aside the active cares ot the farm and removed to Tiffin, where the remainder of his life was spent. For eight years he was a constant sufferer from partial paralysis of the muscles and' nerves, but he bore his affliction with a noble courage and fortitude.

In 1842 Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to Miss Sophia W. Clark, a native of Rensselaer county, New York, and a daughter of George. and Dorcas (Sweet) Clark. The father died when the daughter was a child, and her mother afterward married Elijah Lake and removed to Wayne county, New York. Mr. Dunn was called to his final rest in 1883, and the community thereby lost one of its valued citizens, the church a consistent benefactor, his neighbors a faithful friend and his family a devoted husband and father. In his political associations he was a Democrat. His widow still survives and now resides in the home property in Tiffin. She is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church and a member of the Industrial Chapter of the church Guild. She is very active in church and charitable work and is loved and honored for her many noble characteristics.

Frederick Ellsworth England, who for nine years has been engaged in merchandising as the proprietcr of a grocery in Fostoria, is one of the native sons of this city who has attained to prominence in commercial circles here. His father, Humphrey England, was a native of Ashland county, Ohio, where the grandfather of our subject located in pioneer days, becoming an active factor in the improvement and development of that portion of the state. After arriving at years of maturity Humphrey England was united in marriage to Lavina Hollopeter, a sister of Dr. Hollopeter, of Fostoria. She was born in Wayne county,

Ohio, and in 1836, when six years of age, was brought by her parents to this city. Her father was Frederick Hollopeter, who located in Jack-' son township and throughout the remainder of his life carried on farming there. He was a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and became One of the progressive agriculturists of Seneca county, Ohio. He passed away at the age of seventy years.

The father of our subject arrived in this county about 1836, and as a carpenter and contractor was identified with building interests here until his death, which occurred when he was about sixty years of age. His widow still survives him and has reached the age of seventy-one years. "Im the public schools of Fostoria, Frederick E. England acquired a knowledge of the common branches of learning which fit one for the practical and responsible duties of life. When a young man he became connected with the grocery trade and for nine years has been the proprietor of a store which he has successfully conducted. He carries a largé and well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries and has secured a good trade, which is annually increasing, as a result of his reasonable prices, honorable dealing and earnest desire to please his patrons.

Mr. England was married in Fostoria to Miss Susie Hatfield, a daughter of John Hatfield, who came from Kentucky to Ohio, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Seneca county. Three children grace this union: Grover Hatfield, Lucile and Thelma. Mr. England is an advocate of the Democratic party, has been very prominent in its support and has served as a member of the county committee. He is now treasurer of the central committee of Seneca county and has long put forth every effort in his power to promote his party's success. In 1897 he was elerted to the city council and filled the position so capably that on the expiration of his two years' term he was re-elected. He belongs to the Junior Order of American Mechanics and to the Masonic fraternity, and in social circles as well as in politics and business life he has had many friends who maintain for him warm personal regard in recognition of his many estimable characteristics. He is of a genial nature, and the fact _ that many of his friends are numbered among those who have known him from his youth to the present time is an indication that his career has ever been honorable and straightforward.

Madison Finch

Among the well-known citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, is Madison Finch, who owns a large and well cultivated farm in Bloom township and who is justly considered one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of this locality. His birth occurred on January 11, 1825, in Yates county, New York, and he is a son of Solomon R. and Hester (Dean) Finch, natives of the same locality. In 1840 the parents decided to seek a home in the state of Ohio, where better opportunities were offered for extensive farming than in the more thickly settled portions of the old home state. To the home-keeping people of that locality and time the to Sandusky City, two of the sons, Madison and Jesse, being left to drive overland from Livingston county, New York. In the course of time the family was united and comfortably settled on the farm now owned by our subject. Mr. Finch purchased here two hundred and thirty-six acres of land, which served as the family home for many years, and here the mother died, being called to her final rest at the age of fifty-six years. Soon afterward the father removed to Fulton county, Ohio, where he secured another farm, and there he spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the age of sixty-five years. Both he and his wife were charter members of the Rockaway Baptist church, in which he long served as a deacon, and in that position he was succeeded by his son Madison. He was familiarly known as "Uncle Solly." Their surviving children are: Madison, the subject of this biography; Jesse, of Newton, Iowa; David, who resides in Adair county, that state; Margaret A., now Mrs. Henderson, and a resident of Osceola, Iowa; Mary J., who' married Elisha Wheeler, of Bellefontaine, Ohio; Catherine, the wife of Daniel Dunlap, of Abilene, Kansas; and Juliette, the wife of W. O. Butler, a resident of Waterloo, Indiana. The deceased members of the family are: Randolph, Esther, Caroline and Sarah.

Centennial Biographical, History

helpers in his father's household and at the age of seventeen years he began to assist in his neighbor's fields during the busy summer seasons. His education had not been neglected, however, and his district was glad to receive his services as a teacher during the winter seasons. He taught his first term when seventeen years of age, receiving fifteen dollars per month, while at that time his wages as a farm hand during the summer months amounted to but ten dollars a month. As he grew older and more experienced and as the neighborhood became more thickly settled and the number of his pupils increased he was able to command a larger remuneration as a teacher, being very successful in his work. For fifteen consecutive years he was thus employed, working in the fields during the summer months and teaching school during the winters. During the Civil war he became a member of the One Hundred and Sixtyfourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was stationed at Arlington Heights, to guard the city of Washington. He is now a member of Brown Post, G. A. R., at Bloomville. Since Mr. Finch purchased the old homestead he has continued to reside thereon, with the exception of two years spent tn Tiffin, and he is one of the most successful farmers and stock-raisers of Bloom township. He has a well-improved farm of one hundred and sixty-two acres, where he carries on general farming, and he has secured a competence which ranks him among the substantial men of this section.

On the 16th of October, 1861, Mr. Finch was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Biggs, of Mexico, Ohio. Her father, Joseph Biggs, was born in Maryland, June 30, 1796. About 1828 he took up his abode in Tiffin, Ohio, where he owned and conducted the first hat store in the city. About eight years later he located on a farm near Mexico, Ohio, where his death occurred on the 11th of August, 1864. In 1820 he was united in marriage to Juliett Ann Hoy, who was born in 1799, and her death occurred in 1873. Mrs. Finch is now the only survivor of their family of four children, - one son and three daughters, and she was born in Tiffin on the 19th of August, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Finch have had no children of their own, but they have reared two from childhood, - Etta

In his political preference Mir. Finch is a Republican, and he has shown his deep interest in his township by serving as its trustee, and for many years was a valued and useful member of the school board. For forty years he has been a deacon in the Rockaway Baptist church and one of its leading members, and has also taken a deep interest in the work of the Sunday-school. He is one of the oldest members of the Odd Fellows' order in this locality, having been connected and in good fellowship with the fraternity for a period of fifty years, and during all that time has been a member ot Melmore Lodge, No. 164. He is a man universally respected in Bloom township, owing to his high moral character and upright, useful and industrious life. He is a good citizen in every sense of the word, and belongs to that type which has placed the state of Ohio in the front rank of the sisterhood of states.

John W. Shaw

In the history of Republic John W. Shaw well deserves honorable mention, for with its business affairs he is closely connected and is numbered among its leading and and progressive citizens. He was born in Cayuga county, New York, May 18, 1844, and is a son of John Shaw, who was a native of Westmoreland, England. The father there learned the tailor's trade, and at the early age of fifteen came to America, to remain until called to his final home. He began work in New York and there met and married Miss Maria Lane, who was a representative of the Monmouth county, New Jersey, Revolutionary stock. The family resided upon a farm, on which John W. Shaw spent the greater part of his youth. In the common schools he acquired his earlier education, and when but a lad of fourteen began working as a farm hand, being thus engaged until July, 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Eleventh New York Regiment, which was assigned to the Sec- ond Army Corps, under General Hancock, and September 15, 1862, was first engaged at Harper's Ferry, where, with eleven thousand other troops, it was captured by Stonewall Jackson. Young Shaw, however, was paroled soon afterward and sent to Camp Douglas, Chicago. In three months all were exchanged and the regiment was returned to Washington, participating in the defense of the capital until the spring of 1863. Soon after the battle of Chancellorsville it was assigned to General Meade's army and advanced with him into Pennsylvania, taking a conspicuous part in the greatest battle of the war, Gettysburg. During Pickett's famous charge, on the 3d of July, Mr. Shaw was wounded by a minie ball, which shattered the bone of the right leg just below the knee. He was sent to the hospital at Fort Schuyler, where, on account of the serious condition of his injuries, he remained more than a year, rejoining his regiment in front of Petersburg, and remaining with the army until the close of the war, and after participating in the grand review he received an honorable discharge, on the 16th of June, 1865. His wound continued a source of annoyance, finally reducing his nerves. to a serious condition. His general health was so shattered, with no likelihood of perfect health ever being otherwise regained, that, in 1873, he yielded to the advice of friends and surgeons and permitted an amputation above the knee; and while never since perfectly robust, he has enjoyed comparative immunity from continued distress.

In the fall of 1865 Mr. Shaw came to Republic and clerked in the store of H. G. Ogden, with whom he remained three years. He then established a dry-goods and general mercantile store, which he conducted from 1870 until 1883. He met with deserved success in his venture, for his honorable methods, earnest desire to please and his reasonable prices secured a liberal patronage. Since retiring from mercantile life he has devoted his attention almost wholly to the oversight of his farm property, the outdoor life in connection tending to enhance his comfort and pleasure.

On the 5th of July, 1882, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Celia I. Williams, a daughter of John D. Williams, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio. His father, Lieutenant Reuben Williams, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, lived for some years in Fairfield county, Ohio, and about 1824 came to Seneca county. Here in Clinton township, he entered land and developed from the wilderness the farm upon which Mrs. Callie C. Shaw now resides, just outside the city limits of Tiffin. He was commissioned justice of the peace in 1826 by Governor Morrow, being the first to fill that office in Clinton township. He had rendered to his country loyal military service in the war of 1812, in which he held the rank of first lieutenant, serving under command of General Crogan, and was present when Crogan received the surrender of the British at Fort Stevenson. He was then engaged in farming, but at a later date sold his farm and removed to. Warsaw, Indiana, where, in connection with his son, General Reuben Williams, he edited the Northern Indiana Journal, making his home, however, upon a farm. He there spent his remaining days, being a prominent and influential citizen of Indiana, as well as of Ohio. John D. Williams was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth (Flaugher) Stoner. She was the daughter of Jacob Fiaugher, who came from Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, about 1830, and, being a man of considerable wealth, purchased from Josiah Hedges an extensive tract of land in Tiffin, the same extending on either side of Sandusky street. He erected the large brick house still to be seen at the corner of Sandusky and Miami streets, and here, after a residence of fifty-seven years, he died at an advanced age. He was a blacksmith by trade, and did an extensive business in that line and in the carriagemaking business, which he established in connection. He platted the section of the city and erected several of the fine residences which have drawn uniform admiration to that part of the town. He gave each child, of which Elizabeth was the eldest, a competence, and in his day was one of the most public-spirited citizens of Tiffin. Mr. Williams was a farrier and operated a sawmill on Rock Creek until 1869, wher: he, too, removed to Warsaw, Indiana, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1880, when he had attained the age of sixty-eight years. He died at Tiffin, where he was visiting, and, in accordance with his own request, was buried in Rock Creek cemetery, to lie among so many of his less life ever sounded the notes for a better citizenship and more exalted. personal living. His widow survived till November 25, 1898, dying in Tiffin, at the age of seventy-four. Hers was a singularly ennobling Christian life, her strength of mind emphasizing a naturally delicate and. refined nature. His country proved his loyalty, for at the time of the Civil war he enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and First Ohio Regiment, with which he served for thirteen months, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability. Mrs. Shaw comes from patriotic stock, as her great-grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, being laid to rest in the cemetery at Sugar Creek; her grandfather served faithfully in the war of 1812; and her father in the Civil war. She. yields honors to none in loyalty and patriotism and ever inculcates in her children due love and reverence for home and country. She was years.

The home of cur subject and wife has been blessed with four chiidren: Eleanor Paimer, who was born July 12, 1885, is a member of the senior class of the high school (1902) ; John W. was born September 30, 1888; Lane Williams was born January 25, 1894; and Florence Cronise Shaw, the cldest of the children, died on the 11th of September, 1900, at the age of seventeen years. When Florence died every person, young cr old, in Republic felt the loss as a personal affliction, for her amiability and many excellencies of mind and character had endeared her to all. Foremost in her school work and mature beyond her years, she gave promise that led her friends to await womanhood's years with earnest anticipation.

In his political affiliations Mr. Shaw has always been a Republican, and he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the party, believing that the best interests of the nation will be conserved through that channel.

cial and giving a practical and progressive administration. In the same decade he was candidate for county recorder, but, as Seneca county has a strong Democratic majority, he was defeated. For three years he also ' served as justice of the peace. In political thought and action he has always been independent, carrying out his honest views without fear or favor. In business he has achieved success through honorable effort, untiring industry and capable management, and in private life he has gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, deference for the opinion of others, kindliness and geniality. In the home Mr. and Mrs. Shaw practice a generous and kindly hospitality, finding greatest pleasure in intercourse with congenial friends. Leading quiet lives, their greatest interest is centered in the future of their own family, but they ever maintain a lively interest in all that pertains to the advancement of the community, morally, intellectually and socially, and try to exemplify through their own lives the religious faith they profess, following carefully the precepts of the golden rule.

Seneca county is characterized by a full share of the honored pioneer elements who have done so much for the development of the county and the state and the establishment of the institutions of higher civilization in this fertile and well-favored section of the old Buckeye commonwealth. The biographical sketches in this work are to a large extent in recognition of those who are pioneers or members of pioneer families, and it is signally fitting that there should be perpetuated records which will defy the ravages of time and betoken to the coming generations the earnest lives and devoted labors of those who have been such noble contributors to the state's prosperity and pride. The subject of this sketch is one of the venerable and honored citizens of the county, where where he has maintained his home frony the days of his early boyhood, - Tepresenting a period of seventy years of consecutive residence in the county. He has now retired from active labors and is enjoying the aftermath of his years of earnest endeavor, having his home in the pleasant little village of St. Stephen, but still retaining his landed estate in the county.

Mr. Falter was born in Darmstadt, the beautiful old capital of the grand duchy of Hesse, Germany, on the 26th of December, 1826, and is one of the two surviving children of Philip and Christina (Koerner ) Falter, his sister Margaret being the widow of Peter Cassanova and now maintaining her home in Paulding county, this state. The three other children of the family are deceased. The parents of our subject were likewise natives of Darmstadt, and the father had been previously married, the four children born of the first union being all deceased. Philip Falter was a shoemaker by trade and followed this vocation in the fatherland until the fall of 1831, when he emigrated with his family to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel and being forty-two days on the ocean. They passed the first winter in Buffalo, New York, and in the spring of 1832 set forth for their new home in the virgin forests of Seneca county, making the trip by the Great Lakes to Huron and thence coming through by wagon to Seneca county. Here Philip Falter entered claim to eighty acres of government land, one-half mile north of the present village of Carrothers, - the farm now owned by J. C. Wurm. He made a little clearing in the heavily timbered tract and there built one of the log cabins of the primitive frontier type, installed his famly in the unpretentious domicile and prepared to literally hew out a farm in the midst of the forest. He vigorously continued his efforts and had made excellent developments prior to his death, which occurred in 1848, his wife surviving until 1862. Both were folk of the most sterling character and were among the most honored pioneers of this section. They were communicants of the Catholic church and their fives were in harmony with their religious faith and trust. In politics Mr. Falter was a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party.

been found, as a lad, contributing his share to the arduous work of clearing the farm and adapting it to cultivation, while in the little log schoolhouse, with its puncheon floors, slab benches, yawning fireplace and. oiled-paper windows, he gained his initial scholastic lore. After the death of his father he assumed charge of the home farm, and prior to his marriage, in 1853, he had acquired a half interest in this property. He there continued to devote his attention to cultivating and improving his farm until 1856, when he disposed of the property and purchased a tract of eighty acres in Reed township, where he made his home tor seven years, at the expiration of which he disposed of the property and purchased the old Steinmetz homestead of one hundred acres, in Venice township, this having been the property of his wife's father. Later he sold this and purchased the old Marshall homestead, of one hundred and forty-two acres, in Venice township, and there he maintained his home for the long period of thirty years, making the best of improvements. He is a prosperous farmer and fine stock breeder of this locality. He still owns this farm, which is in charge of his son Cornelius.

In politics Mr. Falter has always given his support to the Democratic party, but he has never desired any official. preferment. He and his wife are zealous members of the Catholic church.

In 1853 Mr. Falter was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Steinmetz, who has been his companion and helpmeet for nearly a half century, their golden-wedding anniversary occurring on the 15th of November, 1903. Mrs. Falter was born in Alsace, France (now a German province), being the daughter of Balthasar and Elizabeth (Long) Steinmetz, who emigrated to the United States in the spring of 1833, settling in Stark county, Ohio, whence a few years later they came to Seneca county, where they passed the residue of their lives. Of the twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Falter only five survive. namely: Joseph J., a resident of Allen county, Ohio; W. Edward, a commercial salesman for the Plano Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, Illinois; Cornelius H., who has charge of the old home farm; Martha C., the wife of Matthias Wurm, of this township; and Anna E., who remains at the parental home.

Arlington Dunn

A most exempiary citizen and an honored soldier of the Civil war is Arlington Dunn, of Hopewell township, Seneca county, Ohio. During his army career he was always found faithful to the duties imposed upon him and won the confidence and high regard of his comrades and superior officers, while in business life and social relations he has ever manifested the same justice, integrity and reliability, and none knew him but to wish him well.

Mr. Dunn is a son of the Buckeye state and cf Seneca county, his birth having occurred in Hopewell township on the 6th of February, 1845, a son of William N. and Sophia W. (Clark) Dunn. The father claimed New York as the state of his nativity, his birth having there cecurred in Sullivan county. By his marriage to Sophia W. Clark he became the father of seven children, five of whom still survive, namely: Arlington, the subject of this review; Devolson, of Tiffin; Deroy C., a prominent farmer of Hopewell township; Norman, also of this township; and John A., of Tiffin. Arlington Dunn, the eldest son and the subject of this review, grew. to years of maturity under the paternal roof, and the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth were those afforded by the common schools of his neighborhood.

In 1863, when but seventeen years of age, he responded to the cail cf his country in her hour of need, and-on the 22d of August of that year he became a member of Company D, One Hundred and Twentythird Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Army of West Virginia and also in the Army of the James, and having been for some time in the commissary department, under H. L. McKee.

After General Milroy's defeat at \Vinchester, Virginia, soldiers of his command not taken prisoners of war assembled at Bedford, Pennsylvania, where he was detailed in the provost marshal's office, serving in that capacity many months, under eight different provost marshals, most of the time at Martinsburg, West Virginia, and during that time "was compelled to retreat northward in care of office supplies twice. In compliance with military law he was cbliged to jain his command at

Opequan Creek, Virginia, and at once was detailed to serve at brigade headquarters in the quartermaster department, serving in that capacity most of the time in the Army of the James until St. Howland, of the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, was relieved as brigade quartermaster. Mr. Dunn remained at headquarters, serving in the ordnance department until the close of the war.

Receiving his discharge at Camp Chase, Ohio, on the 28th of June, 1865; Mr. Dunn then returned to his home, where ke again took up the peaceful duties of civil life. In the following fall he began work in the store of a Mr. Sullivan, in Tiffin, where for the following twelve years he was employed as a bookkeeper, remaining with the widow after the proprietor's death. In 1869 he became the owner of his present home place, walking three miles to and from his work each day for the following three years, and it was not until 1873 that he gave his undivided attention to the operation of his farm. He is now the owner of eighty acres of rich and fertile land, all of which is under an excellent state of cultivation and annually yields abundant harvests. In 1885 he erected one of the handsomest residences in the locality, and many other substantial buildings and improvements now adorn his place.

As a companion on the journey of life Mr. Dunn chose Miss Mary L. Oster, their wedding having been celebrated in 1873. The iady is a daughter of Jacob W. and Catherine (Sewald) Oster, the former a native of Nassau and the latter of Bavaria, Germany. They came to the United States in 1843, and from Philadelphia they made their way on foot to this state. Four children have blessed the union of our subject and wife, namely: Cora, the wife of J. R. Ricketts, of Loudon township; Clara M., a student in the class of 1903 of the State Normal School at Angola, Indiana; William, manager of a branch office of the Postal Telegraph Company at Chicago, Illinois; and Carl Otto, at home. The Republican party receives Mr. Dunn's hearty support and co-operation, and for three terms he has served his township with efficiency as its clerk, although the locality is strongly Democratic. He has, however, refused his name to be used as a candidate for other public offices,

February, 1902, he has held an active connection with the City National Bank and is now serving his fifth year as secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Relief Association, and is a member of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, G. A. R.. Mrs. Dunn has been a member of the Second Reformed church since her eighteenth year, and is one of its active workers. Our subject is one of the most honored and highly esteemed citizens of his community, and it is safe to say that no man in Seneca

Not only in Tiffin but in the surrounding country Dr. McCollum is known as a successful and skilled physician and surgeon, one who has given years of thought and painstaking preparation to his profession and who is thoroughly qualified for its practice. Nature endowed him with the qualities necessary for success as a practitioner, for he is sympathetic, patient and thoughtful, and in the hour of extremity is cool and courageous. Though his practice has always engrossed much of his attention, he has always found time to keep posted upon the practical details in the improvements of the science and avails himself of every development in remedial agencies. For a half century he has ministered to the sick and suffering here and has always maintained an irreproachable character, worthy of respect and emulation.

The Doctor was born in Richland county, Ohio, four miles south of Mansfield, in June, 1825. His father, John McCollum, was a native of Pennsylvania, and about the time of his marriage, in 1815, he entered land in Richland county, upon which he engaged in farming for about ten years, when death ended his labors. He was a son of Ephraim and Catherine McCollum, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives as farming people, living to an advanced age. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah Barber and she likewise was a native of the Keystone state. She sur- vived her husband some time and passed away at the advanced age of eighty years. Her religious faith was indicated by her membership in the Presbyterian church. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, of whom the Doctor was the third in order of birth.

Dr. McCollum was about five years old when his father died, and he and his sister then went to live with their paternal grandfather in Pennsylvania. Upon his farm our subject was reared, and after acquiring his elementary education in the public schools he entered the Lewisburg Academy, when about sixteen years of age. He attended through the summer and engaged in teaching in the winter months in order to earn the money necessary for the prosecution of his own studies. . At length determining to engage in the practice of medicine, he read for two years, and spent the year 1849 as a student in the Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, after which he located in McCutchenville, Seneca county, Ohio, practicing there until 1853, when he returned to the Jefferson Medical College and was graduated. In the spring of 1853 he made a permanent location in Tiffin, and now for almost half a century has been an active member of the medical fraternity in this city. He engaged in general practice through a long period and is now doing quite a large office practice, as his patrons of former days do not like to dispense with his services, having found that he is learned, skillful and reliable in the performance of the important duties which devolve upon the physician and surgeon.

Dr. McCollum was united in marriage in 1853 to Miss Margaret Marr, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, who was a schoolmate of the wife of General "Stonewall" Jackson. Mrs. McCollum died in Tiffin, at the age of seventy-six years. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, in which an uncle and two of her brothers became ministers, while another brother was a physician. Unto the Doctor and his wife were born two children: Gaylord, who died at the age of five years, and Leon, who was formerly engaged in the practice of medicine, being a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa,

In his political views Dr. McCollum is a Democrat. He has been pension examiner and railway surgeon for many years, occupying the latter position since the railroad was built through Tiffin. Socially ne is connected with Tiffin Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., and he belongs to the Presbyterian church. In the line of his profession he is connected with the Seneca County Medical Society, of which he was one of the founders, and was at one time its president; the Ohio State Medical Society; the International Association of Railway Surgeons; and the American Medical Association. Thus, through connection with other members of the profession, through the discussion of means and methods of promoting their work and its effectiveness, as well as through individual study, reading and investigation, Dr. McCollum has kept steadily in touch with the progress which has made great changes in medical practice since he first located in Tiffin, thus rendering his efforts much more effective in producing the desired result of lessening pain and restoring health. His efforts, however, have not been so closely confined to his profession that it has excluded all connection with other business relations, for he was one of the organizers of the Tiffin Savings Bank, of which he is now vice-president. He has lost considerable money by going security, but altogether his career has been a successful one, and respect and honor have been accorded nim, together with a comfortable competence. Although he is now seventy-six years of age he yet practices, his nature being one to which idleness is utterly foreign. His worth is such that to know Dr. McCollum is to esteem and honor him.

Sylvester Cunningham

Sylvester Cunningham was one of the honored and respected residents of Seneca county, and when called to his final rest the community mourned the loss cf a valued citizen, - one who was esteemed by all with whom he had come in contact. He was born in Homer, New York, January 10, 1815, and upon his father's farm was reared, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The common schools offered him his educational privileges and he afterward learned the stone-mason's trade. Removing from Homer to Aurora, New York, he followed that trade and also engaged in farming there until 1856, when he determined to establish his home in the Buckeye state, whither he came and took up his residence in Scipio township, Seneca county. He purchased a farm of sixty acres, where Lemuel Stewart now resides, and for a few years resided thereon, after which he purchased. another tract of land, of eighty acres, and upon the second farm he spent his remaining days. He was closly associated with agricultural pursuits in this part of the county and contributed in no small measure to the improvement and development of the locality. His tarm work was conducted along progressive lines and he made for his family a very comfortable home. In his religious views he was a Methodist, belonging to the church of that denomination in Republic. Fle also held membership relations with the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained to the degree of a Knight Templar. He passed away Mav 30, 1883, at the age of sixty-eight years. His life was a busy, useful and upright one, characterized by energy, by straightforward dealing in business, loyalty in citizenship and honor in social relations. Thus his example is in many respects well worthy of emulation and his memory is enshrined by all who knew him.

In early manhood Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Wilkerson, and they became the parents of three children. The eldest is Charles M., who is now living in Osborn, Kansas, and is a retired farmer and ranchman. When the country was engaged in civil war he offered his services to the government, in 1861, and became a member of Company B, Seventh Ohio Infantry. With his command he participated in the battles of Bull Run, Winchester and Gettysburg. He was in the army commanded by Sherman, and during the latter part of his service he was a member of the Ninth Ohio Cavalry, under Kilpatrick, and at the front he remained until the close of hostilities, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of captain of Company I, Ninth Ohio Cavalry, being promoted from first lieutenant. His valor and meritorious conduct had won him promotion and he made for himself a most creditable military record. Elizabeth, the second child of the family, became the wife of Sydney J. Anway and died in 1893. Helen J., the youngest child, is the widow of Eli F. Beard, to whom she was married October 27, 1873. Her husband was born in Reed township, September 6, 1842, and was reared upon a farm, where he remained until a short time prior to the commencement of the war of the Rebellion, when he began working at the carriage-maker's trade. However, he watched with interest the progress of events in the south and determined that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would strike a blow in its defense. Accordingly on the 18th of June, 1861, he enlisted at Camip Chase, as a member of Company G, Twenty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years' service. Proceeding to the front, he participated in both battles of Bull Run, and on the 8th of June, 1862, was wounded in the left knee at the battle of Cross Keys. Not long after this he was granted a furlough and returned to his home. On the expiration of his leave of absence, however, he rejoined his regiment, and at Chancellorsville, on the 3d of May, 1863, was again wounded, this time in the right shoulder. On the 21st of December of the same year Mr. Beard re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, and in the engagement at Deveaux Neck he was very seriously wounded in the lower jaw, on account of which injury he was sent to the hospital, and there, by reason of his disability, he was discharged, on the 18th of May, 1865, with the rank of corporal.

On being mustered out of service Mr. Beard came to Republic, Seneca county, his parents having removed to that place during his absence. In 1874 he patented and became the manufacturer of the Buckeye churn, establishing a factory in Republic. There he carried on the business until 1888, when, on account of failing health, he placed his plant in charge of parties from Sidney, Ohio, who were to manufacture the churns, giving Mr. Beard a royalty upon the same. The value of his invention has been widely acknowledged and the churn is now-in general use through- out a large portion of this part of the country. Of Robinson Post, G. A. R., of Republic, Mr. Beard became a charter member, and he was one of its honored and valued representatives. In the Masonic fraternity he belonged to both the blue lodge and chapter, and in his life he exemplified the beneficent principles of the craft. Of the Methodist Episcopal church he was a consistent and faithful member, and his hfe was ever in harmony with its teachings. He passed away October 3, 1893, leaving to his widow not only a comfortable competence but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. Mrs. Beard is well known in Seneca county, where she has many warm friends. She belongs to Cornelia Chapter, No. 93, Order of the Eastern Star, and is the present worthy matron of that body. She has also served as president of Robinson Relief Corps, No. 106.

Daniel Loose

Daniel Loose, a well-known citizen of Clinton township, Seneca county, Ohio, owns and operates a valuable farm whose neat and thrifty appearance well indicates his careful supervision. Substantial improvements are surrounded by well-tilled fields, and all of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are there found.

Mr. Loose is a native of this state, his birth having occurred near Baltimore, Fairfield county, December 25, 1829. He is one of a family of seven children born to Rev. John and Sarah (Measey) Loose, the others being Israel, a resident of Tiffin, Ohio; Sarah A., deceased; John H., who makes his home in Clinton township; Sophia, the wife of Jacob Rosenberger, of the same township; Eli, a minister of the United Brethren church, now ministering to a church in Morrow county, Ohio; and William, deceased. The parents of our subject were born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where they were married, and from there they removed to Fairfield county, Ohio. In 1837 they came to Seneca county and settled in Clinton township, where the father erected a saw- mill and engaged in its operation, in connection with his farming. He later purchased two hundred acres of the land in Hopewell township and there gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he followed throughout the remainder of his life. For many years he served as a local minister of the Evangelical church, and was an earnest, consistent Christian gentleman, honored and respected by all who knew him. He died at the age of sixty-eight years.

The subject of this sketch was a child of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Seneca county, and here he was reared upon a farm, being given the usual advantages of a commonschool 'education. During his minority he gave' his father the benefit of his labors upon the home farm, and at the age of twenty-one rented the place, carrying it on quite successfully for three years. He also was associated with his brother in the sawmill business for two years. At the end of that time Mr. Loose purchased a tract of eighty acres, on which he made his home for three years. At the end of that time he bought the Bretz farm, of one hundred and sixty acres, in Eden township, and lived there until taking up his residence upon his present farm, lying a short distance south of the city limits of Tiffin. Industrious, progressive and energetic, he has met with excellent success in his farming operations and is to-day the owner of three places, aggregating three hundred and twenty-one acres, all under cultivation and well improved with good and substantial buildings. In connection with general farming he follows stock-raising, and has found that branch of his business quite profitable.

On November 20, 1864, Mr. Loose was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Bretz, daughter of Philigs and Mary Bretz. They are among the esteemed citizens of their community and are active members of the Eden Evangelical church, in which Mr. Loose has served as trustee and steward for many years. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and takes a commendable interest in public affairs.

burt Reverdy resides in Tiffin; Carrie Marie is the wife of Dr. Jesse B. Gilbert, of East Grand Forks, Minnesota; Otto Bretz was killed at Katchubig, Samar, Philippine Islands, on the 18th of April, 1899, as will be noted later; Harvey G. is identified with the operation of the farm; and Elmer DeWitt is a student in Heidelberg University, in Tiffin. Of the untimely death ef Otto Bretz Loose we may speak farther. Thirty soldiers of the Forty-third Regiment were on guard at the place mentioned and were attacked by six hundred of the insurgents and all but ten of their number were killed. They had taken refuge in a convent and for four days from Easter Sunday were continuously engaged in endeavoring to repel the attack of the rebellious enemy, and on Wednesday the convent was set afire and the unprotected and valiant soldiers were mercilessly shot down. Otto had left his home about six months previously and the news of his death came as a shock to the community in which he had been reared and brought deep sorrow to the family and a large circle of warm friends. He was a bright young man of twentyfive years and thus sacrificed his life in his country's cause, far from home and native land.

Wileiam B. Rollins

William B. Roilins is now living retired in Fostoria, enjoying a well-earned rest. His birth occurred in 1842, in Montgomery township, Wood county, Ohio, not far from this city, his parents being Almon and Mary (Sherwood) Rollins. His paternal grandfather was William Rollins. The father of our subject became one of the early settlers of Wood county, where in pioneer times he served as justice of the peace and where he died during the boyhood days of his son William, passing away in 1847, at the age of fifty-two years, his birth having occurred in 1795 in Connecticut. The family was founded in New England at a very early date, his ancestors establishing a home in New Hampshire. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sherwood, a daughter of William Sherwood. Her mother belonged to the same family of which Ethan

Allen was a descendant. William Sherwood served as grand master of the Masonic Lodge of New Jersey. Later he emigrated westward and took up his abode in Honey Creek, near Fort Seneca, Seneca county, there spending his remaining days.

Under the paternal roof William B. Rollins spent the days of his childhood, and when about nineteen years of age he offered his services to the government. He had watched with interest the progress of events in the south and resolved that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would strike a blow in its defense. Hardly had the smoke of Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when, in April, 1861, he became a member of Company H, Twenty-first Ohio Infantry, for three months. The command saw service in West Virginia. It was soon proven, however, that the war was not to be a mere holiday affair and troops were enlisted for three years. On the 5th of August, 1861, Mr. Rollins joined Company H, of the Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry, with which he remained until 1865, when, the war having ended, he returned to his home. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Stone River, Liberty Gap,-Lawrenceburg, Kenesaw Mountain and Chickamauga, and in the last named was wounded and taken prisoner on the second day of the battle, September 20, 1863. He was held as a prisoner of war for seventeen months and ten days, being incarcerated on Belle Island and in the small-pox hospital of Richmond, in Libby Prison, in Macon, Georgia, and was the first prisoner put in Andersonville Prison, being one of the first men to enter that notorious place. He was afterward transferred to Milan Prison, later to Florence, South Carolina, and then sent to Savannah, Georgia, where he was paroled in 1865.

Immediately after the war Mr. Rollins came to Fostoria and for twenty-one years was engaged in the produce business, during which time he enjoyed a liberal patronage and acquired a handsome competence which enabled him to retire to private life in 1886. He was the junior member of the firm of Morgan & Company, whose operations were extensive and whose business reputation was unassailable.

Her father was born in Albion, New York, and his ancestors were among those who valiantly aided in winning independence for the nation in the Revolutionary war. He is now deceased but his widow still survives and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Rollins. Our subject and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees, the Knights of Pythias and with the Masonic order, exemplifying in his life the beneficent and helpful spirit of these fraternities. If one examines into his life record to find the secret of his success it will be seen that his prosperity has resulted from close application, unfaltering diligence and keen discrimination. His history contains no exciting chapters, but in it are many examples well worthy of emulation. He has not only won success but also that good name which is ratlver to be chosen than great riches.

One of the prominent old pioneer families of Seneca county is that of Phillips. They have ever borne their part in the upbuilding and development of this region and have invariably been exponents of progress and liberal ideas upon all subjects. Mr. Phillips, of this review, was born in Norwich township, Huron county, Ohio, December 27, 1853, and is a son of John and Catherine (Groves) Phillips. Of the parents' ten children eight are now living, namely: John, a resident of Tiffin; Louis, of this review; Joseph, a prominent farmer of Venice township, Seneca county; Martin, of Bellevue, Ohio; Jacob, also of Venice township; Mary, the widow of Frank A. Falter and a resident of St. Stephen, Seneca county; Fannie, the wife of Philip Stemmetz, of Toledo: Anna, the wife of Daniel Unser, of Hopewell township, Seneca county. Helen and Matilda are deceased.

he still resides, then the property of his father, but later he became the owner of seventy-seven acres, and in addition thereto he also farms seventy-seven acres belonging to his father. In business circles he sustains a most enviable reputation. His energetic nature, strong determination, sagacity and capable management have brought to him a handsome competence, and he is now numbered among the influentiai and representative agriculturists of Bloom township.

The marriage of Mr. Phillips was celebrated in 1877, when Miss Christena Falter became his wife. She is a daughter of Philip Falter, whose history will be found in the sketch of Henry G. Falter in this volume." Ten children have been born unto this union, nine of whom still survive: Edward, Mary, Rosa, Loretta, George, Helen, Clara, Frederick and Clarence. The children are all at home with the exception oi the eldest, who is a farmer in Indiana. Mr. Phillips exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, but he has never been an aspirant for the emoluments of public office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. The family are members of the Catholic church, and they are respected and highly esteemed throughout the county.

Henry Balbian

The city of Tiffin, Ohio, is the home of some of the most flourishing industries of Seneca county, and the place of residence of those whose energy and ability control these enterprises. One of the leading business citizens of Tiffin is Henry Baibian, whose connection with the Tiffin Woolen Mills has existed since 1899, and he is a worthy representative of that class of large-brained, progressive and public-spirited men without whose business acumen and advanced ideas many lines of trade would become entirely inactive.

1881. He was born in Rhein-Pfalz, Bavaria, Germany, March 13, 1860, and was given good educational opportunities, studying for a time in an academy in Heidelberg. His father, Gustave Balbian, is a native of the same place, and still resides there, at the age of eighty years, venerable and respected. For a long priod he was a prominent and prosperous woolen manufacturer, and it was in his father's mills that our subject acquired his thorough knowledge of the manufacture of woolens.

When Mr. Balbian reached the city of New York he was but twenty years old, but he was already a skilled workman and very soon he entered upon a business engagement in Lisbon Falls, Maine, where he was superintendent of mills, at a salary of five thousand dollars a year, this connection lasting for four years. His next business association was in Philadelphia, where he managed a large mill for six years, leaving there to assist in the starting of a new plant at Louisville, Kentucky, which ne successfully and satisfactorily managed for the succeeding three years. In the fall of 1892 he returned to the north and became the manager of a mill at North Vassalboro, Miaine, remaining with that concern until 1897, when he went to Cleveland, Ohio, there taking charge of the largest plant of its kind in America.

The fertile brain of Mr. Balbian was continually busy, seeking out new methods, projecting new plans and preparing for a permanent future for himself. In 1898, in connection with his brother Frederick, he bought the Vassar Woolen Mills and the electric-light plant in Vassar, Michigan, this large enterprise now being under the superintendency of Frederick Balbian. Mr. Balbian still had expansive ideas, and in 1899 he came to Tiffin, Ohio, and considered the advisability of purchasing the old Tiffin Woolen Mills, a plant which had been idle for some years. Mr. Balbian, with the business ability which has always distinguished him, finally determined to take charge of this plant, which formerly had not been successfully conducted, and to put in improved machinery, apply his own enlightened methods of management and to endeavor to make this a valuable and paying property. This he has done, and now the industry is one of the leading ones of the city, employing a very large force of workmen and attracting a great volume of trade. The output of the plant consists of all classes of woolen goods, and in connection with the mills Mr. Balbian conducts a large tailoring establishment. His metheds are practical, because he is a practical man. He understands every detail of his work and knows just where to expand and where to economize and still to keep his goods up to the standard he has led the trade to expect.

Henry Balbian was married on October 3, 1882, to Miss Lena Ellen Batz, who was born in Connecticut, and they have three daughters, namely: Lillian May, Lena Ellen and Anna Matilda, all well! educated young ladies and fitted for the best social circles in Tiffin. Mr. Balbian was reared in the Lutheran church, and his wife is a member of the. Protestant Episcopal church. In politics he votes more for the man than in the interests of any party, while fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and has attained the thirty-second degree in the Masonic order.

Mr. Balbian is cne of the substantial citizens of Tiffin, and his beautiful home, on Milmore street, is the center of a genial hospitality. He is liberal and public-spirited and takes pride in the progress of this city, being ever ready to assist in all enterprises which promise to be of benefit. He is recognized as a leader in all matters of business, and is always at home where shrewdness, clear-headedness and sound judgment are brought into play. As manager of the Tiffin Woolen Mills he has shown his ability and skill, having a large capacity for work himself, and possessing those qualifications which enable him to manage

Albert L. Flack, Sr., the founder of the house of A. L. Flack & Company, wholesale dealers in specialties, cigars, groceries, sundries, etc., in Tiffin, Ohio, is one of the leading business men of this city, as

Mr. Flack was born in the village of McCutchenville, Seneca county, Ohio, February 8, 1849, being a son of Josiah and Sylvia Ann (Daily) Flack, and a grandson of George Flack, who was one of the early settlers of Seneca county and who was an extensive farmer six miles south of Tiffin, where he died, and for many years was a victim of the cholera epidemic. Josiah Flack, the father of our subject, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, and accompanied his father when he came to Seneca county, learning the tailoring business under the instruction of a Mr. Rose, and following the same for a number of years. In middle life he moved to Adrian, this county, and for several years was engaged in the grain business, handling it in the interests of David M. Arndt, but his last days were spent in Tiffin, where he died at the age of seventy-four. In politics he was an adherent of the Republican party, and in religion was a member of the Methodist church. He was an upright, honorable man and his memory is respected by all who knew him.

The mother of our subject was a daughter of Samuel Daily, who was a pioneer of this locality, where in those early days he conducted a large tannery, on the site of the present engine house and city hall, on Market street. Mrs. Flack was born in Tiffin and has grown with the growth of the city, and is still surviving, being one of the most highly esteemed members of the Methodist church, with which she has been so long connected. She has always resided in Tiffin with the exceptron of the period during which her husband was in business in Adrian and some eight years spent in Williams county, Ohio, and is well known to all of the older residents.

The boyhood of Albert J. Flack of this sketch was spent in Adrian, Ohio, and in Williams county, this state, and his education was acquired in the public schools. For a period of about three years he ehgaged in teaching in Adrian and Sycamore, and then came to Tiffin, where he engaged at this time in the insurance business. After several years he became identified with a manufacturing industry in this city, known as the Tiffin Union Churn Company, and for a time traveled in its interest, with excellent success. He then purchased an interest in the Oval Wocd Dish Ccmpany, the general offices of which are located at Delta, Ohio, the large factories being operated at Traverse City, Michi- gan, and for the past sixteen years he has been in charge of the sales department, successfully managing the general agency of this business. The increasing demands for the products of this company have made it necessary for Mr. Flack to give much of his time to traveling, the goods finding ready sale all over the United States and in Canada.

As an energetic man of business Mr. Flack has few superiors. He has, in addition to promoting the business of the company which he has so long represented, established in Tiffin the house of A. L. Flack & Company, and has organized a cigar manufactory, located at No. 157 Washington street, the same being the second largest of its kind in the city, although established only three years ago. He is identified with several important business enterprises in addition to those already named, a notable one being the Home Telephone Company, of which he is president. He is the owner of valuable property in Tiffin, including his beautiful modern residence on Monroe street, the same being one of the most desirable in the city. Recently Mr. Flack has effected the organization of the Knisely-Flack Company, in the city of Toledo, the same being incorporated, and its enterprise being that of the manufacture of custom-made shirts and underwear, while the Golden Elixir Company, whose product is the widely celebrated health tonic of the nante mentioned, is also a recent acquisition of the Knisely-Flack Company, Ralph E. Flack, son of our subject. being secretary and acting treasurer of both companies.

From early manhood Mr. Flack has been an active Republican, but has never consented to become a candidate for office, having no personal political ambition but having been ever ready to promote the interests of his friends and the party cause. He has taken a very active interest in the Masonic fraternity for many years, being identified with Tiffin Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., and the various organizations in this city and the Scottish Rite bodies and the Mystic Shrine in Toledo and Cincinnati. Both he and his two elder sons are thirty-second degree Masons and are widely and favorably known in the order. Mr. Flack is also a member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, Knights of Pythias, and of

On the 28th of March, 1872, Mr. Flack was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Brown, the daughter of Jeptha Brown, residing near Sycamore, Wyandot county, and the three sons of this union are all interested in the business with which their father has so long been connected. They are among the prominent and highly esteemed young men of Tiffin, their names, in order of birth, being as follows: Edgar B., Ralph E. and Clifford J.

Mr. Flack is a self-made man. His entrance into business life was in an indifferent capacity, but his energy and industry soon won him recognition and since then his progress has continually been upward. He understands most thoroughly the many details of his various enterprises which owe much to his thoroughness. Socially and in a business way he is a man to make friends, and they are legion, not confined to his home in Tiffin, but all over the country where business has called him.

George Stearns is one of the extensive land-owners of Seneca county and now makes his home in Republic, although he yet supervises his agricultural interests. He was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson county, New York, on the 1oth of July, 1826, and has therefore passed the spalmist's span of three score years and ten, but old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness and helplessness and need not suggest, as a matter of course, want of action. There is an old age which grows stronger as the years advance and gives out of its rich stores of learning and experience for the benefit of others. Such is the life of George Stearns, one of the honored and esteemed citizens of Seneca county. His father, George Stearns, Sr., was a native of Vermont and after arriving at years of maturity married Sophia Baker, a daughter cf Judge Samuel Baker. He removed frcm the Green Mountain state to New Ycerk at an came to Seneca county and entered from the government three hundred and twenty acres of land in Scipio township. He then returned to the Empire state and four years later, in 1829, brought his family to Ohio. At that time he took up his abode in Eden township, upon the farm now owned by Dr. Fleet, making it his place of residence until his death, which occurred August 27, 1831, when he was thirty-seven years of age. His wife survived him and became the wife of William Fleet. She remained on the homestead, in Eden township, until her death, in 18309, leaving one daughter born of this second marriage, - Sophia, who married Charles Nclan and now lives at Ottawa, Kansas. Of the four children of the first marriage who survived their parents we enter the following brief record: John B., who lived for many years in Scipio township, moved to South Dakota, where he died in 1890, his remains being brought back to Seneca county and: interred in Rock Creek cemetery ; George is the subject of this review; Daniel, who made his home in Garden Grove, Iowa, passed away in 1892; and Alfred, is living at Garden Grove, Iowa.

When only five years of age George Stearns lost his father, and at the early age of thirteen he was left an orphan by his mother's death. He remained upon the home farm with his stepfather, Mr. Fleet, through the succeeding year and then went to live with his guardian, Richard Baker, of Eden township, with whom he remained for six years. In the meantime he pursued his education in a log school-house, instruction being given after the primitive manner of the times. When twenty years of age he came to Scipio township and began clearing the farm which his father had entered from the government. He and his brother John inherited this property, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of heavily timbered land, many of the trees being black walnut. Mr. Stearns boarded with a family that he had employed and they lived in a log cabin. With characteristic energy he began clearing away the trees, and the sound of his ax in the forest indicated that one after another those monarchs of the woods were falling before his sturdy strokes. As the land was cleared he plowed and planted it and in course of time his labors were rewarded with good harvests. He remained upon his old homestead until 1887, when he came to Republic. He cleared all cf his share of the land, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, and madc excellent improvements, including the erection of a commodious residence, substantial barns and outbuildings and all other equipments that constitute a model farm. He still owns the property, which has never been out of the Stearns family since it was entered from the government, more than three-quarters of a century ago. As his financial resources increased he added to his property, until he now has three hundred and sixty acres of rich land in the homestead, and he also owns a valuable farm, of one hundred and ninety acres, in Decatur county, lowa. While living upon his farm he engaged quite extensively in sheep-raising, making a specialty of Merino sheep.

More than a half a century has passed since George Stearns and Orvilla King started in life together as mam and wife. Their wedding was celebrated August 2, 1849, the lady being a daughter of Obediah and Phoebe King, of Scipio township. Two children were born unto them: Frank E., who is now living in Chicago; and Clary S., a banker of Garden Grove, Iowa. The two sons went west as young men and for a few years were engaged in clerking for their uncles, in Garden Grove, Iowa, where they finally engaged in general merchandising for themselves. Later on they were identified with the organization of the First National Bank in that place, with a branch bank at Leroy. C. S. Stearns now devotes his entire attention to the banking interests, while Frank E. still continues in mercantile pursuits, having a store at Carrollton, Missouri, and also being resident buyer in Chicago for a number cf country merchants. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns gained a very large circle of friends and acquaintances in Seneca county, for the latter passed her entire life here, and our subject was but an infant at the time he was brought by his parents to this locality. The loved and devoted wife of our subject was summoned into eternal rest on the gth of October, 1892, having been an invalid for about two years prior to her death. She was a woman of fine intellectual gifts, was widely read in the best literature and had that intrinsic courtesy, kindliness and refinement which denote the true gentlewoman. She was ever ready to lend her aid and influence in furthering all that tended to help the community, was charitable and tolerant in her judgment and liberal in her contributions to worthy

When the civil war was in progress Mr. Stearns enlisted for one hundred days' service, becoming a member of Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which command participated in the defense of Washington. Since the organization of the Republican party, he has been one of its stanch advocates, unswerving in his loyalty to its principles. His worth is widely recognized, for his life has been a busy, useful and upright one. Great changes have occurred in Seneca county since he took up his abode here. Time and man have wrought a wonderful transformation, for at the time of the arrival of the family this portion of Ohio was largely a frontier district in which the work of progress and improvement was scarcely begun. The greater part of the land was in its primitive condition, just as it came from the hand of nature, but the labors of the pioneers soon produced a great change in the appearance of the country, the wild forest districts being transformed into rich farms which became the homes of a contented and happy people. In the work of progress and improvement Mr. Stearns has ever borne his part, and his labors have resulted in promoting the public good and at the same time have brought to him prosperity as the reward of his enterprise and diligence.

Captain John W. Chamberlin

In the death of Captain John W. Chamberlin, in 1901, the city of Tiffin, Ohio, lost one of her leading citizens. He was at that time the cashier of the Tiffin National Bank, a very prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and a well known veteran of the civil war.

Captain Chamberlin was born on a farm in Crawford county, Ohio, May 21, 1837, being a son of James and Roxanna (Courtright) Chamberlin, the former of whom was born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and the latter being also a native of the same place.. James Chamberlin moved with his family to Ohio in 1832 and embarked in the mercantile business in McCutchenville, on the plank road between Tiffin and Sandusky, and remained there a number of years, where he was well known as a business man and postmaster. His first wife, who was the mother of our subject, spent the whole of her life in this state, dying January 19, 1850, at the age of forty-four years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist church, and he had been a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he was an elder. The only child by this marriage was the late John W. Chamberlin. The second marriage of Mr. Chamberlin was to a Mrs. Hall, by which union there were four children.

After passing his boyhood in farm work John W. obtained a situation in a store in McCutchenville and began a business career which ended only with his death. He taught school in the vicinity of the village for one year, going then to Iowa, where also he engaged in teaching. On his return to this state he was employed in a store until the outbreak of the civil war.

At the age of twenty-four he set about recruiting a company at and near Carey, and was elected and commissioned its captain. This new organization, which was raised in seven days, was:made Company A of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Captain Chamberlin, whose commission was dated August 12, 1862, was mustered out of service with the rank of major, his commission as such being dated March 13, 1865. At Winchester, on June 15, 1863, the brigade of which his regiment was a part, while on the advance to Gettysburg, was surrenaered to the enemy by an officer temporarily in charge, and Captain Chamberlin and his brother officers were confined nearly ten months in Libby prison at Richmond, - till March 21, 1864. While a prisoner Captain Chamberlin was placed on a board of distribution of supplies sent by our government to the enlisted soldiers and had personal charge of three large hospitals, with twelve hundred inmates. July 6, 1863, he and twenty-three other captives were compelled to draw lots, two to be executed in place of two Confederate captives executed by our government; but the lot did not fall upon him. He was paroled March 21, 1864, and rejoined his regiment at Newmarket, Virginia, May, 1864, and he was finally discharged June 2, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio.

pursuits. In 1874 he came to Tiffin as secretary of the Tiffin shoe factory and held this position until 1878, when he.was elected cashier of the National Exchange Bank. Upon its reorganization as the present institution, the Tiffin National Bank, he was retained in the same position. He took a prominent part in the organization of the State Bankers' Association and was elected its president.

Distinguished as was the late Captain Chamberlin as a soldier, a man of business and a financier, he is chiefly remembered for his eminence as a member of the fraternity of Freemasons. Masonry was the rule and guide of his life, and his improvement and excellence therein was with him his highest avocation. His dignity of presence and conversation, his uprightness of character as well as his erectness of stature, his equable demeanor and his gentleness to all, were outward expressions of the esoteric truths which he not only believed but also lived. He was the only Mason in this part of the state who had attained the thirtythird degree of the craft, - an honor which is held by only a few in each state and which, unlike the thirty-second degree, cannot be obtained by application, but is conferred only for excellent and meritorious work in advancing the cause of Masonry.

His Masonic record will best indicate his standing -in the order locally and throughout the whole country, and is here presented in an abridged form: He was made a Master Mason November g, 1858; a Royal Arch Mason June g, 1859; a Royal and Sclect Master Mason June 2, 1865; and a Knight Templar November 28, 1860; and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite was conferred upon him April 5. 1866, and the thirty-third degree September 5, 1885. He was the master of Carey Lodge six years, of Tiffin Lodge four years, and conferred the lodge degrees on forty-nine candidates; was the high priest of Seneca Chapter, R. A. M., three years, and conferred the chapter degrees on thirty-four candidates; was thrice illustrious master of Clinton Council for ten years, conferring the degrees on thirteen candidates ; was eminent commander of De Molay Commandery seven years, and conferred the chivalric degrees upon ninety-three candidates.

ability was repeatedly recognized, and he was placed on the most peas ant committees. For six years he was chairman of the committee on charities and dispensation. In the grand chapter he was elected to the several offices, and in 1883 became grand high priest of the grand chapter of Ohio. He was elected president of the council of high priests, in which office he continued until his death. During these years as president he conferred the order of high priesthood on fully six hundred candidates. His efforts toward the founding of the Ohio Masonic Home at Springfield led to his appointment as trustee and treasurer of the institution at the time of its inception, and he was thus incumbent to the day of his death. His lifelong zeal and his conspicuous abilities, recognized by the higher authorities, led to his recommendation and election to the thirty-third degree, the first and only time the honor has been enjoyed by a Seneca county Mason. His obsequies were conducted by the Knights Templar.