Seneca Township (part 56 of 60)

George A. Kuhn is one of the energetic, progressive business men of Thompson township, his connection with the commercial world having dated from the year 1893, previous to which time he was one of Seneca county's agriculturists. He is engaged in buying grain for the W. H. Gardner Grain & Mill Company at Bellevue, his own headquarters being located at Plat Rock. Mr. Kuhn is a native son of the township, having been bom here September 12, 1859, the son of Adolph and Susan (Harpster) Kuhn. The subject is German in parentage, his father having been bom in the Patherland in the year 1826, coming to the land of the stars and stripes in the year 1832 or 1833, when he was scarcely more than half a dozen years of age. The elder Kuhns were named Jacob and Catherine, and the former was a well educated man, he having taught school previous to his removal to a new scene of endeavor. They found their way to the Buckeye state and located in this township.

Adolph Kuhn grew up with the new country, learning its lessons of independence and progressiveness and he remained under the home roof until he was about sixteen years of age. Thrown upon his own resources, he worked for neighboring farmers for several years or until his marriage, when he secured a farm and branched out as an independent agriculturist. He married Susan Harpster, who was born in 1832 and died January 5, 1906. She was a native of the Keystone state, having come here with her parents, George and Catherine (Harpster) Harpster, when she was a very young girl. They secured land from the government, the deed bearing the signature of President Andrew Jackson. This they improved and converted into a comfortable home for their family, which contained seven children, whose names were Thomas, Solomon, Pred, Daniel, Elizabeth, Susan and Katie the latter being the only one living at the present day. George Harpeter held a firm place in the esteem of his fellow men. He was a stanch adherent of the Democratic party and a member of the Evangelical church, in whose campaign for righteousness he played a prominent part. The First Evangelical church in Ohio was erected upon the Old Harpster farm in the y^ar 1841, and he gave a great deal of time and money to its support. The Harpster home was a haven for traveling ministers. Two of George Harpster 's brothers, Solomon and Daniel, were in the Civil war.

George A. Kuhn resided with his parents until the death of the head of the house on March 22, 1870. It was near that time that he married Arcelia Spittler, bom June 19, 1854, to Daniel and Mary A. (Patterson) Spittler, natives of Fairfield county, Ohio. The paternal grandfather was the son of Christian Spittler of the Keystone state. Simeon Spittler, who was an uncle of the subject 's wife, was a soldier of the Civil war. Mrs. Kuhn was one of four children, the other members of the family being Ransler, Josiah and one who died at birth. The father, who was bom in 1816, died June 6, 1866, and the mother, bom July 5, 1815, died May 14, 1902. Mrs. Kuhn is of remote Irish descent, her greatgrandfather, David Patterson, having been a **Son of Erin.'' He came to America and married a Maryland girl.

Two children have been bom to bless the union of the subject and his wife. Samuel A., born May 8, 1883, resides in Flat Rock, where he holds the position of an engineer. He married Elva A. Noel March 31, 1907, she having been born July 25, 1884, to George and Catherine Good. Their daughter, Helen M., born October 20, 1908, makes Mr. Kuhn a grandfather. The second son, William D., born October 26, 1886, and his wife,. Olive B. (James) Kuhn, born July 14, 1885, to Charles and Amanda* (Tussing) James, reside with the subject and his wife. Their marriage was celebrated on Independence Day, 1909, and they have an infant son, Paul G., born April 8, 1910. Both sons received their education in the schools of Flat Rock.

Not only is Mr. Kuhn a good business man, but he is active and interested in public aflfairs. He pays fealty to the ** Grand Old Party" and has been entmsted with positions on the school and township boards. He and his family, like those of the name who have gone before them, are faithful members of the Evangelical church, giving, as did their forbears, their sympathy and support to its good causes. Mr. Kuhn and his brother David own one hundred of the fertile acres of Seneca coimty, this tract being known as the Harpster homestead and having belonged originally to George Harpster, mentioned earlier in this article. Samuel A. and William D., the sons of him whose name initiates this review, are associated in the grain buying business with their father, and all three are recognized as representative and estimable citizens.

Amos C. Rogers. - A member of a fine old English family whose original progenitor in America settled near Baltimore, Maryland, in 1819, and a fair and representative example of the evolution of our best American citizenship, Amos C. Rogers is success- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Venice township, Seneca county, where he owns and operates a farm of one hundred and forty acres. He was born on his father's old farmstead in Venice township, on the 11th of September, 1861, and is a son of John and Elmira (Snyder) Rogers, the former of whom claimed England as the place of his nativity and the latter of whom was bom in the state of Ohio, in Venice township. John Rogers, whose birth occurred in March, 1818, was the son of Stephen and Jane (Rogers) Rogers, both natives of England, whence they emigrated to the United States when John was a child of but one year. Stephen and Jane Rogers established their home eighteen miles south of the city cf Baltimore, Maryland, and in 1837 they removed to Seneca county, Ohio, where the father followed the work of his trade, that of blacksmith. They became the parents of nine children, all born in England, and of this number John, father of him whose name initiates this review, was the youngest. John Rogers was reared to the age of nineteen years in Maryland, where his educational training was that afforded in the schools of the locality and period. He became very much attached to hunting and the excitement connected with big game often led to his remaining out in the forest all night rather than give up the chase. For many years he killed from twenty to thirty deer each winter. He entered government land in Ohio and became a very prosperous farmer, owning at one time as much as two hundred and twenty acres of finely improved land. He was twice married, wedding first Miss Elmira Snyder, who was likewise bom in Venice township, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Prouse) Snyder, of Dutch extraction. John and Elmira Rogers became the parents of the following named children: William, Mary M., who is now the wife of E. D. Ellis; Anna, wife of S. R. Hull ; Levina, who became the wife of Hiram McLaughin and both are now deceased; Mary J., who married Lafayette Hooler ; David, who is deceased ; Amos C., the immediate subject of this review; and Isabella, now Mrs. Gilbert Enders. Mrs. Rogers was a member of the United Brethren church, and she was summoned to the life eternal in March, 1891. In 1892 was solemnized the marriage of John Rogers to Mrs. Agnes Freeborn, who is still living. John Rogers died in 1897, deeply mourned by his family and scores of devoted friends.

Amos C. Rogers was reared to adult age on his father's farm and he availed himself of the advantages of the common schools of Seneca county. With the exception of eight years, in which he rented various farms in this county, he has owned and operated his present splendid estate of one hundred and forty acres, which he purchased in 1899. In politics he accords a stanch support to the cause of the Republican party and he is loyal and public spirited as a citizen, doing all in his power to further the general welfare of the community. He is identified with various fraternal and social organizations of representative order and both he and his wife are members of the Reformed church, in the various departments of whose work thev have been active factors.

who is a daughter of Jacob C. and Catherine (Young) Shock, representative citizens of Bloom township. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers became the parents of seven children, five of whom are living: Lucilla, deceased; Earl; Ralph, deceased; Alta and Alma, twins; Lloyd ; and May. Those living are at home with their parents.

Hiram Hippler. - There is no one nation that has contributed to the complex composition of our American social fabric an element of more sterling worth or of greater value in fostering and supporting our national institutions than has Germany. Germany has given us men of sturdy integrity, indomitable perseverance, high intelligence and much business sagacity - the result being the incorporation of a firm and strength-giving fiber, ramifying through warp and woof. Of this good stock is Hiram Hippler, who was born in Koenigheim, in the grand duchy of Baden, on June 15, 1849. Both his father, Prances Hippler, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Blesch, were natives of the Fatherland. The former attended the excellent German schools. He escaped service in the army by drawing a high number, the recruits being secured for the ranks by drawing numbers. During the war of 1866, however, the subject of this review served in the German army for three weeks, taking his place in the ranks while his parent was on sick leave. In this time the young man participated in one battle, that of Touberbeschofsheim, and at its termination he retreated with the rest of the regiment. All the supplies were discovered to be captured and the regiment subsisted on a milk diet for some time, catching all the cows which strayed along the line of march and giving such military milkings as they chewed the cud of contemplation in the pastures, undisturbed by **wars and rumors of wars.*' One very interesting incident of the battle Mr. Hippler will not soon forget. Upon a dead body remaining upon the field after the conflict was found a letter. The writers were informed of the death of him who had received it and he was mourned as dead. The body was duly claimed and buried. But it subsequently transpired that the letter found upon the person of the dead man had not been his at all, but had been given to him by the real recipient shortly before the battle. Only the other day Mr. Hippler secured a German almanac and in it he found a description of the battle and of the letter incident, as above narrated. He naturally looked upon this as an interesting coincidence.

There were a number of children bom to the union of Mr. Hippler 's father and mother. Timothy emigrated to the United States when sixteen years of age, and was drafted into the service at the time of the Civil war. Rosina married Oswald Deppish and resides in Bavaria, Germany. Jacob emigrated to the United States with his family in 1880 and is now deceased. Charles, who emigrated to the United States when seventeen years of age, located in Seneca county, where he reared a family. He is now deceased, having been accidentally killed in a mill. The father of these died in Germany in 1873 and in 1880 the mother emigrated to American shores, living for eight years beneath the stars and

Mr. Hippler received his education in the public schools of Germany and when he was seventeen years of age he crossed the Atlantic to secure his share of the highly vaunted American opportunity. He borrowed his passage money from his parents, but very soon after landing he secured work and in a few months was able to repay the borrowed money. He came to Seneca county in February, 1867. He secured work with farmers and for a time received only eight dollars per month during crop season and during the winter only his board.

On December 3, 1871, at the age of twenty-three years, Mr. Hippler took as his wife Malinda Pender, a native of Seneca county. Their union was blessed by the birth of two sons, Victor E., residing in Lodi, where he operates an implement store, and Ohlen E., also a citizen of Lodi, where he is the proprietor of a grocery and saloon.

The subject's career in the industrial world is herewith sketched. As soon as he was financially able he purchased an eighty-acre farm. For four years he engaged in the hotel business, conducting the Lodi Hotel for a term of four years. Abandoning that he purchased his present farm of sixty acres, which he has since operated with splendid result. The farm is well improved and the residence is a fine brick house. Mr. Hippler has given efficient public service, having been elected a justice of the peace for sixteen years. He is a stanch adherent of the Democratic principles.

Andrew J. Mittower. - Among the intelligent, progressive and enterprising men who have successfully directed their attenton and labors to the noble work of husbandry in Seneca county and whose prosperity has come as the result of personal effort is Andrew J. Mittower. Although for nearly fifty years one of the prominent agriculturists of the county, Mr. Mittower has now retired and resides in Lodi, the management of his highly improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres being in the hands of his son.

Mr. Mittower is a native son of Seneca county, his birth having occurred in Scipio township September 3, 1830, his years thus being more by ten than the psalmist's alottment. His father, John Mittower, was born in Maryland and emigrated to Ohio with other members of the family in 1826. Locating in Seneca county, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres from the government and for the tract, now so valuable, paid two hundred dollars. The nearest land office being in the state of Delaware, he was compelled to go there to complete the papers. Not being of the most robust type physically, he suffered from the privations and hardships of pioneer life. He chose as his wife Elizabeth Spangle, a native of the Keystone state, and the children bom to the union of these w^orthy people were as follows: Rachel, who married Leander Ransburg, of Indiana, and is now deceased; Catherine, now deceased; Susan, who became the wife of Jeptha Dunn, and is now deceased; Sarah, wife of D. J. Neikirk, and a resident of Attica; and he whose name initiates the article. Mr. Mittower's father was a man of consequence in his locality and captain of the volunteer service. The custom in those days was to organize companies, to drill them and to ever be in readiness for the call to arms. John Mittower was summoned to his eternal rest in 1874 and the mother survived for fourteen years. They were consistent members of the Lutheran church.

Andrew J. Mittower spent his youthful years upon his father's farm, attending the district schools and finishing his education in the Academy of Republic, where he had for his instructor in mathematics the celebrated Aaron Scheyler, author of several valuable treatises on mathematical subjects. After finishing his education he returned to the farm where he continued to reside and to be successfully engaged in his vocation, that of agriculture.

In 1860 Mr. Mittower took unto himself a wife, the lady of his choice being Miss Malinda Clay, a native of Scipio township and of Pennsylvania parentage. The children born to this union were Clara^ deceased; Edwin, who resides in Cleveland, Ohio; Alpheus, a Reed township citizen; Delia, who married Perry Kistler and is now deceased; Elmer, who resides in Lodi and is postmaster of that place, having held the position for seven years ; Blanche, who became the wife of Mark Hoeltzel, and resides in Thompson township.

Prom the time Mr. Mittower left college until the year 1899 he followed farming continually and was very successful in his agricultural endeavors. In that year, crowned with years and honors, he concluded to retire from active life arid to enjoy in leisure the fruits of his previous industry and thrift. He accordingly entrusted the management of his estate to his son, Alpheus Mittower, and resides in Lodi, where he enjoys the respect of that community as well as of this. Mr. Mittower has played a prominent and praiseworthy part in public life, having served as township trustee, land appraiser, justice of the peace and school director. He is a stanch Republican and a member of the Lutheran church.

Harry A. Weidaw. - Engaged in the grain business at Republic, Harry A. Weidaw, though a native of the old Keystone state of the Union, has passed practically his entire life thus far in Seneca county. He was bom in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, on the 3d of October, 1876, and is a son of Thomas and Priscilla (Sherer) Weidaw, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Bloom township in the year 1879, at which time Harry A. was a child of but three years. The father engaged in agricultural pursuits in Bloom township and in 1906 he purchased the fine farm on which he now maintains his home. He was united in marriage to Miss Priscilla gherer in 1868 and they became the parents of six children, all sons, namely: Prank E., Clinton A., Harry A., Charles S., Fred A. and Harvey P., all of whom reside in Bloomville except Harry A., the immediate subject of this sketch.

ville for his early educational training and he continued to be identified with the great basic industry of agriculture until July 1, 1907, when he gave up farming and removed to the village of Republic, where he is now interested in the grain and seed business. In this line of enterprise he has built up a good, thriving business and he is recognized as one of the loyal and public spirited citizens of Republic. In politics he accords a stanch allegiance to the cause of the Democratic party and no further voucher is needed concerning the high estimate in which he is held by his fellow citizens than that evidenced in the fact that in 1909 he was elected village marshal of Republic. In this important office he is giving most efficient and satisfactory service and he has ever given his aid in support of all movements projected for the good of the community. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights oi Pythias, in which lodge he has been honored wdth several important offices, and he is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Methodist church and his wife holds membership in the Presbyterian church at Bloomville, and they have been most ardent workers in connection with the charities and benevolences of the churches.

the 27th of December, 1881. She is a daughter of Ruben and Elizabeth Smith, natives of New Jersey. After the father's death the mother came to Ohio, about 1887, locating in Tiffin, and afterward moved to Bloomville. Mr. and Mrs. Weidaw have one daughter, Cleo A., who was born on the 28th of May, 1902.

the 30th of July, 1870, and is a son of George and Christina (Slowan) Ohl, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania in 1845, and the latter of whom claims the empire of Germany as her birthplace. Christina (Slowman) Ohl was six years of age at the time of her emigration to America and she first located in Crawford county, Ohio, where her marriage to George Ohl was solemnized. In 1851 George Ohl came to Crawford county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. They became the parents of six children, whose names are here entered in respective order of birth: William, Cyrus, George, Henry, Addison, and Cora. The daughter is the wife of Henry Briegel, of Crawford county. George Ohl was closely identified with the great basic industry of agriculture during the greater portion of his life. He was a stanch supporter of the cause of the Democratic party in politics and both he and his wife held membership in the Reformed church. His death occurred in 1906 and Mrs. Ohl is still living, residing in Crawford county with her son George.

reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm and received his early educational training in the common schools of his native county. In 1901 he purchased his present fine farm and he holds secure vantage ground in the confidence and esteem of his fellow men, which fact was given concrete proof by his election to the office of township supervisor in 1903-4. In his political convictions he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party and he is ever on the alert and most enthusiastically in sympathy with all measures tending to advance the general welfare of the community. He is affiliated with various fraternal and social organizations of representative character and both he and his wife hold membership in the Reformed church of Bloomville, in which he is a deacon. He is a consistent Christian, a worthy neighbor and a loyal and public spirited citizen.

On the 6th of January, 1901, was solemnized the marriage of iVIr. Ohl to Miss Laura Stuckey, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, on the 21st of January, 1874, and who is a daughter of Carl and Louise (Keller) Stuckey, both of whom are now deceased. She is next to the youngest in a family of ten children, whose names are here entered in order of birth:. Henry, Mary, Magdelene, Charles, Elizabeth, Harriet, George, William, Laura and Janette. Mr. and Mrs. Ohl have no children.

Harriet Spooner. - It is most pleasing to the publishers of this work to accord recognition at this point to Harriet Spooner, a native of the fine old Buckeye state and a scion of an old New England family, of which the original progenitor in America was one Sprague, who came over in the Mayflower. Harriet (Sprague) Spooner was born on the 8th of May, 1839, at Columbus, Ohio, the place of her birth being the state penitentiary, of which her father was warden for a number of years. She is a daughter of V. T. Sprague, a native of Rhode Island, where his birth occurred in 1800. His father was an engraver of considerable fame and was employed by the government at Washington, D. C. V. T. Sprague received excellent educational advantages in his youth and after completing his college course he was elected manager of a Textile Milling company in New England. In 1830, however, he severed his connections in the east and journeyed to Ohio, locating at Columbus. For a number of years he was high sheriff of that city. Prior to his advent in Ohio he had married Miss Mercey l*lace, of Providence, Rhode Island. She was a daughter of George Place, who was a farmer by occupation and who gave gallant service as a soldier in the war of the Revolution. About 1836 V. T. Sprague was appointed warden of the penitentiary at Columbus and after remaining incumbent of that position for a number of years he was appointed superintendent of the Cleveland Infirmary, which latter position he held for a period of nineteen years. Thereafter he opened a general merchandise store on what is now known as Cole Ridge, in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and he continued to be identified with that line of enterprise until his death, which occurred in 1884. When Mr. Sprague took charge of the infirmary at Cleveland that institution occupied a small farm house, which was replaced by a fine seven-story building during his regime. Mrs. Sprague survived her honored husband for three years, she being summoned to the life eternal in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Sprague became the parents of eight children, namely: William, Cinthia, Jane, Harriet, Mary, Josephine, Addison and Kate, all of whom are now deceased except Harriet, the immediate subject of this review.

Mrs. Spooner was reared in a home of most gracious culture and refinement. Her early education was received in the public schools of Cleveland and she was also a student at Hiram College when J. A. Qarfield was a professor in same. This splendid training she has since eflfectively supplemented by reading and extensive travel. She is a woman of fine mental caliber and broad human sympathy and is deeply beloved by all who have come within the sphere of her gentle influence. In 1860 was solemnized her marriage to Dr. Henry K. Spooner, she being bom in a penitentiary and married in a poor house, her future husband being house physician at the infirmary at Cleveland at the time of her marriage. Dr. Spooner wa& bom in Seneca county in 1837, and he was a son of William and Caroline (Burke) Spooner. William Spooner was a native of Seneca county, New York, and Caroline Burke was a native of Kentucky. Dr. Spooner received his medical training at Western Reserve College and at the time of the Civil war he served as surgeon in the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being brevetted major. Mrs. Spooner was with her husband at Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Lookout Mountain and at the barracks at Washington, at which latter place she attended the reception given President Lincoln. Dr. Spooner was affiliated with the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar, and he was a member of Robinson Post, Grand Army of the Republic. His political faith coincided with the views of the Republican party and he gave most eflScient service as representative in the state legislature. The name of Spooner is one of large influence and wealth in Seneca county and Dr. n. K, Spooner was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. God-fearing, law-abiding, progressive, he ever did the right as he interpreted it and he was a pillar of strength in the community in which he resided. Mrs. Spooner came with her husband to Republic in 1860, and she recalls the old strap-iron railroad, known as the Mad River Road. She has witnessed the many changes that have taken place in this section of the state prior to and following the Civil war. She and her husband became the parents of three children, concerning whom the following brief data are here recorded : Sophia first married Dr. Storer and after his death she wedded B. S. Mills, of Republic ; Kate is the wife of J. P. Barker, superintendent of a manual training school at Cleveland, Ohio ; and William R. is one of the leading physicians and surgeons in Republic. Dr. William R. Spooner was graduated in the Toledo Medical College, at Toledo, Ohio. He married Miss Mary J. Whiteman, who was bom at Republic, February 6, 1873. To this union have been bom two children : Helen L., whose birth occurred on the Ist of August, 1894, and Henry K. Whiteman Spooner, bom on the 21st of June, 1905. This family resides with Mrs. Spooner, at her fine home in Republic. Dr. H. K. Spooner was summoned to the life eternal in 1907 and his remains were laid to rest in Pair View cemetery, the funeral services being conducted under the auspices of the Knights Templars of Tiffin. Mrs. Spooner is a member of the Disciples of Christ church, in the various departments of whose work she has been an active factor.

Samuel 0. Pelsted. - Pew names have more weight or are better known in Qreenspring than that of Samuel 0. Pelsted, who has been engaged in the hardware and tinner's business throughout almost the entire course of his career in the world of affairs, one year, however, having been devoted to managing a hotel at this place. He is a native Ohioan, having been bom September 7, 1854, at Toledo, the son of John and Sarah (Older) Pelsted. In the ancestry of his children figure a number of doughty pioneers who met and conquered difficulties and who engaged in tasks in the new country which would have dislocated the arm of Hercules. His parents were born in England, but they came here with their parents at an early day and when they were children.' Mr. Pelsted 's maternal grandparents, whose names were Samuel and Sarah Older, settled near Grand Rapids, Wood county, Ohio, and secured one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government. They cleared a space upon it and built a log house, where they reared their family of fourteen children, who often had Indians for playmates. The grandfather took a prominent part in the upbuilding and development of the new country, and was interested in politics, being first a Whig and later, upon the organization of that party, a Republican. He was a member of the United Brethren church* and was a well-known figure in the meetings in school houses and in the cabins of the settlers, and none labored more valiantly than he for the promotion of good schools. He was very loyal to his adopted country and at the time of the Civil war sent every son he had to its service, all of them escaping shot and shell and the ravages of disease and receiving honorable discharge at the end of the conflict. The names of these sons were : Caleb, John, Thomas, George, Barnett and Silas. This good man passed on to his reward in the year 1856, being at that time sixty-two years of age.

When he was twenty-five years of age Samuel 0. Pelsted located at Custer, Ohio, where he learned the tinner's trade and three years later, at the age of twenty-eight years, he was married to Cynthia Prance, their union being celebrated May 8, 1883. Mrs. Pelsted is the daughter of George and Sarah (Coyne) Prance. The father was born January 17, 1816, the son of John and Betsy E. (Myers) Prance, natives of Knoxville, Jefferson county, Ohio. While located at Custer the home was burned to the ground, the mother being alone in the doomed house, and in bed at the time with a small babe. As there were no near neighbors she was driven to her own resources to escape the flames. She first sent her son Edward, who was with her, to a neighbors three miles away. It was in the early spring and snow was upon the ground, and the lad was compelled to go that distance barefoot through the snow.

So badly were his toes frozen that his nails dropped off, but the plucky little fellow went on unfalteringly to give the alarm. When assistance arrived from the neighbors they found the distracted mother, wrapped in a few pieces of bedding, lying at a safe distance from the fire, but in her excitement and grief she had forgotten to take the sleeping baby from its cradle. Just then the roof began to fall in and one of the boys ran in, snatched the baby from the flames and saved him to become a useful citizen and live out his days. When the father came home from some business which had called him away he found his home in ashes and his family in the care of a kind neighbor. They remained with this good pioneer friend until the father could erect another house, it being the pride of the pioneer to do a good turn whenever possible.

When he was about twenty-one years of age Gteorge Prance started out for himself, by hiring out to one Pred Mizer for eight dollars a month, a part of which he gave to his parents, they being in a destitute condition. At the age of twenty-five years he was married to Sarah Coyne, bom Pebruary 25, 1841, and they became the parents of a family of nine children, an enumeration of whom is made below. The eldest is Mary A. Sherman. Edward married Nancy Brown. Elizabeth became the wife of C. Carr. Susan was twice married, first to John Morrison and second to Stephen Hunter. John married Rhoda Van Horn. Sarah J. is the wife of Benjamin Richardson. Peter took as his wife Emma Thielen. Cynthia married the subject of this biography. William C, the youngest, married Jennie Simmons.

Mrs. Pelsted's father had a varied and eventful life. At about the time of the birth of his daughter, Cynthia, his house burned down and the family were driven out in their nightclothes, all of the household effects being lost. He came to Wood county from Tuscarawas county, a distance of two hundred miles, by ox team, he leading the way and blazing a path through which his good wife drove the team. Shortly after reaching the new home they had an exciting experience, a wild-cat coming into their house on the very night of the arrival and running around among the children who were sleeping on the floor. At this time coon skin was the medum of exchange. It was very hard to get corn or other provision, it sometimes taking two days to get to the mill and back with a little meal. Pour years after taking up his residence in that part of Ohio Mr. Prance was hired to build seven miles of railroad through the swamp for the C. H. & D. Railroad. This was done with the aid of wheelbarrows, it not being possible to use teams on account of the soft condition of the ground. Mr. Prance was a man who was identified with the best causes and institutions, lie was the friend of schools and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in whose upbuilding he took an active part. It was he who built the first tile factory in Custer and he took the initiative in many other directions. This venerable gentleman after a life of usefulness died at Custer at the age of ninety-four years, secure in the respect and love of his associates,

After his marriage Mr. Felsted took up the hardware and tinner's business and he has continued in this line ever since, having established a good trade and made the confidence of the community his own. As previously mentioned he was for one year **mine host** of a hotel at Greenspring. Before becoming established in his present business he worked for Hugh Watkins on a farm. He and his boy companions played around old Fort Meigs and the old ** Indian tree*' is dear in their memories.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Felsted has been blessed by the birth of three children. Leo F. was bom January 21, 1888. He received his education at Weston, Ohio, and later attended at Greenspring, remaining in the high school until his Sophomore year. He then went to Her, Seneca county, to teach, and in the interims of his duties as pedagogue attended summer school at Heidelberg Univprsity. He taught school at Adrian, Ohio, and not being content to **let well enough alone*' in the matter of educaton in the following summer he matriculated at Wooster. After another winter of teaching he attended school at Winona Lake, Indiana, taking a summer course. He finished his educational discipline in 1909. He then went to Republic, Ohio, where he has charge of the grammar department, and it is his intention to make teaching and school interests his life work. He is admirably well fitted for such a career and will, if his promise Ls fulfilled, come to take his place among the leading educators. The second son, Hugh, born April 3, 1890, has finished his education and resides at home. Lois, born October 3, 1892, is also at home with her parents

Mr. Samuel 0. Felsted is an enthusiastic lodge man, having membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. He and his family Are consistent members of the Presbyterian church of Greenspring.

Abram Bennitt Raymond. - He whose name initiates this review has the honor of being the grandson of the first settler in Reed township, Seneca county, Ohio, where he was born on the 1st of February, 1857, a son of Jacob and Mary (Bennitt) Raymond. George Raymond, grandfather of Abram Bennitt Raymond, in company with his brother-in-law, Seth Reed, came to Seneca county in 1824, at which time Reed township was a virgin wilderness. These two sterling pioneers were the first settlers in this now favored section of the fine old Buckeye state, having removed here from the state of New York, where both were bom and reared to maturity. Seth Reed being the elder of the two the township was named in his honor. Thev each entered one hundred and sixtv acres of government land and located on opposite sides of what subsequently came to be the public highway. In clearing their land each made encroachments on the other's estate through ignorance, but matters were settled amicably when the ground was later surveyed. About 1806 George Raymond was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Reed, who was a sister of Seth Reed. To this union were bom twelve children, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob being triplets, and whose birth occurred on the pioneer farm in 1826. The triplets all grew to maturity and were men of fine physique, each attaining a height of over six feet and of the number Isaac is still (1910) living. A remarkable circumstance worthy of note here is that each of the triplets had three children bom to them.

Jacob Raymond was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bennitt, who was born in Steuben county, New York, in 1830, and they became the parents of Abram Bennitt, George and Lucey Adelphia, the latter being now Mrs. Covert, of Reed township. Abram B. is the immediate subject of this sketch and George is now living in Reed township. Jacob followed the vocation of his honored father and eventually became the owner of the one hundred and sixty acres entered by him. He was a man who secured a high place in the confidence and esteem of the community and held many important offices in the township, among them being that of justice of the peace, of which he was incumbent for a period of ten years. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and for a number of years was leader of its choir. Ilis wife held membership in the Baptist church, to whose charities he was likewise a liberal contributor. He was a man of philanthropic and generous impulses and gave his aid in support of all movements projected to further the welfare of the community. He lived to the venerable age of eighty-two years and died in 1908. His wife was summoned to the life eternal in 1898, at the age of sixty-eight years. At the time of the inception of the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army and served as a most valiant soldier until 1865, when he received his honorable discharge.

Abram B. Raymond, to whom this brief sketch is dedicated, was reared to maturity on the old home farm, in whose work he early began to assist. His early educational discipline was that afforded in the common schools of the countv and he has since supplemented the same by his association with men. and affairs of prominence and during his residence in Reed township he served for two years as assessor. In 1902 he removed with his family to Bloom township, where h^ is now the owner of a splendid farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he purchased in 1905. In politics he accords a stalwart allegiance to the cause of the Republican party and he is affiliated with various fraternal and social organizations of representative character.

In 1881 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Abram Bennitl Raymond to Miss Emma Post, who was bom in Huron county, Ohio, in the year 1861, and who is the daughter of Jerome and Caroline Post, representative citizens of Huron county. They have four children, namely: Ralph, Ernest, Carl and Luell. Ralph wedded Miss Mary Chaffee and they are the parents of two children, Mildred and Clifford. Ernest is unmarried and living with his parents. Carl married Ola Rife, a native of Seneca county, August 6, 1910. Luell is now the wife of Horace Pumphrey, of Harrison county, Ohio.

Augustus Tanner. - A representative agriculturist of Seneca county and a Civil war veteran who nobly sacrificed an arm in the service of his country's cause at the time when the dark cloud of civil strife obscured the national horizon, Augustus Tanner is well deserving of recognition in this compilation devoted to the life histories of loyal and public spirited citizens of this now favored section of the Buckeye state. He was born at Utica, Herkimer county, New York, on the 7th of July, 1842, and is a son of Isaac and Hannah M. (Tanner) Tanner, both of whom were likewise natives of the old Empire state of the Union, whence they removed to Venice township, this county, about the year 1855. Here Isaac Tanner purchased a farm of two hundred and fifty acres, on which there were a few improvements, and here he and his wife continued to reside until their death, the latter being summoned to the life eternal on the 1st of July, 1901, and the former passing away February 6, 1903. They became the parents of five children, three of whom are now deceased, namely, John, who died in infancy, Emily and Maria. Those now living are Eugene and Augustus.

Augustus Tanner was reared to the age of thirteen years in his native county, at which time, in 1855, he accompanied his parents to Seneca county, where he assisted in the work of the home farm and supplemented his earlier education by attendance at the district schools during the winter terms. On the inception of the Civil war, though still a minor, he showed that intrinsic patriotism which has ever distinguished his citizenship by enlisting as a private in Company I, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a period of three years. His command was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and for a year and a half he took an active part in the engagements of those forces. He participated in the following battles: Port Republic, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, all in Virginia, and numerous other minor engagements. He was then transferred, together with his regiment, to the Army of the Cumberland and saw active service at the battles of Lookout Mountain, Dalton, Peach Tree Creek, Ringold, Kenesaw Mountain and Resaca Mountain, (Tennessee). At Kenesaw Mountain he was severely wounded in his left arm, the injuries demanding amputation. After a period of nine months spent in the hospital Mr. Tanner received hs honorable discharge, on the 7th of January, 1865. He was a loyal soldier in the Union army and his subse- ({uent career stands as an example of that old-time integrity so rare in the rush of modem American life and withal so worthy of emulation. He has long been one of the reliable and sterling farmers of Seneca county, where he owns a finely improved farm of two hundred and fifty acres, on which his attractive and spacious brick residence, designed by Architect Chamberlin, is recognized as a center of gracious and refined hospitality.

In politics Mr. Tanner has ever given a stanch allegiance to the principles and policies of the Republican party and both he and his wife are members of the Universalist church, in connection with which they have been earnest and consistent workers. He is affiliated with various fraternal and social organizations of prominent order and has ever been broad minded and liberal in his support of all movements advanced to conserve the welfare of his county and state. He is a modest, unassuming man, genial and inspiring, a man whose charity knows only the bounds of his opportunities.

On the 22d of April, 1866, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Tanner to Mias Harriet Ringle. who was born in Venice township, this county, in 1847, and who is a daughter of George and Catherine Ringle, the former of whom was bom in Ohio, in 1803, and the latter near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of January, 1809, the vear that was made notable bv the birth of Lincoln, Gladstone and others alike renowned. In 1832 Mr. Ringle entered one hundred and sixty-nine acres of government land, for which he paid one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, and on this old homestead were born and reared his eleven children, namely : John, Drucilla. Simon A., Mary J., Henry, Nancy A., Martin, Ashael, Amanda, Harriet and Emma. The entire family grew to maturity and four are now living, Ashael, Amanda, Harriet and Emma. Mr. Ringle was summoned to the life eternal in 1879, at the venerable age of seventy-six years, secure in the confidence and esteem of the community and widely mourned by his family and large circle of friends. Mrs. Ringle passed away on the 13th of June, 1900, when ninety-one years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Tanner have two children, Avis A. and Harley M., the former of whom is now the wife of Joseph N. Baker of Lorain, Ohio, to whom she was married on the 27th of January, 1898. Mrs. Joseph Baker has been twice married. Her first husband was Harvey J. Weider, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, to whom she was married May 4, 1887. They had one son, Glide A., born on the 20th of March, 1888, and at present an operator in the Postal Telegraph services in New York city. Harley M. is engaged in farming in Venice township. He married Ida Zuber, of Sandusky, Ohio.

George Rhoads is a scion of sterling old pioneer families who so nobly lent their aid in the development of Seneca county, and he is a fair and representative example of the evolution of our best American citizenship. He was bom in Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 25th of December. 1866, and is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Cross) Rhoads, the former of whom was likewise born in Bloom township, where he has spent his entire life thus far and where he owns and operates a fine farm. Mrs. Rhoads was summoned to the life eternal in 1878 and she is survived by seven children, namely: Erwin, Edward, George, Melvin. Estella, Alonzo and Burt. . Of this number Edward is the only non-resident of Sene<»a county. In 1880 Isaac Rhoads was united in marriage to I^frs. Norris, whose maiden name was Wenner. No children have been born to this union. George Rhoads, grandfather of him whose name initiates this sketch and in whose honor he was named, claimed the old Keystone state as the place of his nativity and subsequently moved from Pennsylvania to Seneca county, where he purchased a tract of one hundred acres of fine farm land and identified himself with the great basic industry of agriculture. He married Miss Betsy Webster, who was bom and reared in Bloom town- ship, this county, where her parents were numbered among the early pioneers. This marriage was blessed with eleven children, five of whom are now living, Samuel, Isaac, Obadiah, Louis, and Elizabeth. The daughter is the wife of Abram Troxell.

George Rhoads was reared to maturity on the home farm, in whose work he early began to assist, and his preliminary educational training was that afforded in the common schools of the locality, which he attended during the winter terms. * lie is now one of the progressive and prosperous farmers of Venice township, where he owns a finely improved farm of one hundred and sixty a< res, which he devotes to general or mixed agriculture. Though never an active participant in political affairs, he accords a stanch allegianc e to the principles and policies for which the Democratic party stands sponsor and he is affiliated with various fraternal and social organizations of a representative character.

In December, 1887, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Rhoads to Miss Minnie E. Sponseller, who was bom in Crawford county, Ohio, and who is a daughter of Abraham and Catherine Sponseller representative citizens of Bloom townshp. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads are the parents of four children, Verne, Ernest, Iva and Hershel, all of whom remain at the parental home.

Dan B. Crissel. - Seneca county is indeed fortunate to be able to number among her citizens men of the type of Dan B. Crissel, a resident of Republic, engaged in the coal and tile business, lie is a son of Captain Wilson J. Crissel, of honored memory, a patriot, a brave soldier and a substantial business man who formerly was among the best-known and most influential of the men of the locality. Captain Crissel was a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Perry county in the year 1820. In his youth he learned the hamessmaker's trade and after engaging in this for a short time, made a radical change by adopting a mercantile career after his removal to Republic. In 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Joanna S. Brown, daughter of Dan and Sallie (Chase) Brown, natives of the state of New York, who followed the tide of emigration westward and at an early date cast their fortunes with Ohio, locating on an extensive farming property situated south of Republic. At the outbreak of the Mexican war >fr. Crissel enlisted in an Ohio regiment, serving as sergeant throughout the war and on the occasion of one of the hardly fought battles of that conflict receiving a wound in the arm. His services to his beloved country did not end with his younger days, but when in 1864 the capitol at Washington was threatened, he organized a company for its defense. At the organization of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment he was elected captain of Company K, and served for a brief period. It has been recorded of him that he was a brave, popular and efficient officer and one who gained and retained the esteem of his men. He took a leading part in advancing the farming interests of the community and rendered much encouragement and help in the introduction of the best breeds of stock, his farm really becoming headquarters for here and breeders from all sections of this and surrounding states coming to recognize him as a wideawake, enthusiastic and progressive citizen. Captain Crissel was one of the best read men of his day and locality and his keen judgment and eflfective, incisive argument gave him great influence in political matters. He was a stanch adherent of the policies and principles of the Republican party and although he had no desire or ambition for public life, he was prevailed upon to accept several local offices, which he filled with the utmost ability. He was a popular Mason, in the circles of his lodge, as everywhere else in his contact with his fellow men, being recommended to general affection by his agreeable manners and unfailing kindliness. He was called to his eternal rest February 9, 1869.

The mother of Dan B. Crissel, as previously mentioned, was the daughter of Hon. Daniel Brown, who in the year 1836 came from Tompkins county. Mr. Brown made himself the owner of one hundred and thirty-three acres of land, constituting the farm upon which Morgan Ink now resides. He cleared his farm from the forest primeval and experienced the usual hardships and joys of the pioneer. In 1853 he removed to other land located in Scipix) township, this being incorporated in the James H. Knapp home- Stead. He enjoyed political preferment, being a member of the state legislature in 1844-5 and he was widely recognized as a leader of public thought and opinion in his locality. In the affairs of the Universalist church he took a prominent part. He was seventytwo years of age at the time of his demise in 1872, the year of his birth having been coincident with that of the beginning of the nineteenth century. His wife survived him for many years, passing away January 25, 189&, at the age of eighty-one. Mrs. Crissel was their only child. After Captain Crissers death she became the wife of James JI. Knapp, one of Seneca county's most prominent citizens.

Dan B. Crissel was the eldest of the two sons bom to Captain and Mrs. Crissel. Bom of such parents, blessed with such gifts of nature and nurture, it is by no means strange that he should have made a success of his own life, not merely of the material sort, but of the better sort which results in the respect of all with whom one comes in contact. He received his higher education in the old academy conducted in such an enlightened fashion by Professor J. Praise Richards. He resided with his parents until his marriage, that happy event being celebrated November 4, 1880, and his chosen lady being Miss Jennie P. Ogden, daughter of David and Ann (Green) Ogden. For a quarter century he was enrolled among Seneca county's most progressive agriculturists. His property of one hundred and twenty acres was located in Scipio township, and was a valuable estate and a most productive one, Mr. Crissel being one to keep in touch with the latest developments in scentific agriculture. His interests were by no means limited to his own occupation, but he found time and energy for public life, for which he is eminently well fitted. In 1895 he was made a member of the infirmary board, receiving the high compliment of an eight hundred majority. He rented his farm about this time and has ever since given a part of his energies to other lines of endeavor. A stalwart Republican, he has held various township offices, and held them ably, his services on the school board, as township trustee and as treasurer, having redounded greatly to the profit of the community. -

In 1909 Mr. Crissel embarked in the coal and tile business, and has experienced great success in this line. In this he is associated with his only son, James, and a yearly business of many thousand dollars is transacted. In this, as in all other causes to which he has brought his time and attention, he has proved successful, and the new business seems destined to enjoy the sunniest skies.

Mr. Crissel's lodge relations extend to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed all the chairs with the exception of the secretaryship, and of that office he is the present incumbent, having held it for thirty years. He is also a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and has held all the offices in the bestowal of this order, at the present time being its state representative. He is one whose social proclivities are pleasantly developed and he finds no small amount of pleasure' in these affiliations. His son is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and has held some of the offices.

James D. Crissel, only child of the foregoing gentleman, was born December 4, 1884. He studied in Republic's excellent schools, being graduated from its -higher department with the class of 1902, and he is a graduate of the Bliss Electric School of Washington, D. C. He has been for eight years a member of Company I, Eighth Ohio National Guards. He is a worthy scion of the splendid stock from which he springs and a notable future is doubtless in store for him,

Henry Fike. - For fully three quarters of a century has the Fike family been identified with the great basic industry of agriculture in Seneca county, Ohio. Peter Fike, grandfather of him whose name introduces this article, was born in Germany, and in 1835 he emigrated with his wife and five children to America. He proceeded to the state of Ohio, where he reclaimed a farm in Venice township, Seneca county, and in due time he converted his two hundred and thirty acres of virgin soil into one of the model farms of the county. As pioneer citizens Mr. and Mrs. Fike contributed generously to the development and upbuilding of the new country and their memory will long be revered in the community which represented their home. They became the parents of five children, all of whom were born in the Fatherland and whose names are here entered in order of birth : Mary E., who became the wife of William Swartz, deceased ; Katie, who married John A. Buckman, deceased; Mary, who became Mrs. Breigh, deceased; Peter, who was long engaged in farming in Venice township ; and Adam, father of the subject of this review. Adam Fike claimed Germany as the place of his nativity and the date of his birth was 1820. He was a lad of fifteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to the Buckeye state and he was reared to maturity on his father's farm in Venice township. His wife, whose maiden name was MagdeJene Talman, was likewise born in Germany and she was but three years of a^e at the time of her parents' emigration to America in 1826. Adam Fike devoted his entire active business career to agricultunal pursuits in Seneca county, and he died when but thirty-four years of age, in 1854. Adam and Magdelene (Talman) Fike became the parents of five children, namely, David, Henry, Anna, Jacob and Mary. David married Miss Mary Dichler and they became the parents of ten children : Samuel E., Christ, Harvey, George, Susan, Berget, Cora, Louise, Ida and Lizzie. Adam Fike and his family were all devout members of the German Lutheran church, in whose behalf they were zealous workers. Mrs. Fike was summoned to the life eternal in 1892, at the venerable age of sixty-nine years, deeply mourned by her children and a wide circle of devoted friends.

Henry Fike, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was bom on the old homestead farm in Venice township on the 22d of February, 1848, and there he was reared to adult age, his early educational advantages being those afforded in the district schools, which he attended during the winter terms, the summer seasons being devoted to the cultivation of the farm. He initiated his independent career by purchasing a farm in his native township, which he devoted to general crops. In 1872 he became interested in mercantile business in Attica and was identified with the same for a period of six years. He was* also concerned with the sale of farming machinery and with various other lines of enterprise. At the^ present time he is devoting the major portion of his attention to his finely improved farm of one hundred acres and he deserves recognition in this sketch as a loyal and public spirited citizen who has done much to further the civic and material progress of the community. He is a stalwart Democrat in his political proclivities and he is affiliated with various fraternal and social organizations of representative character.

In the year 1886 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Fike to Miss Elizabeth Williams, who was bom in 1855 and who is a daughter of Anthony Williams, a representative farmer of Reed township, Seneca county, Ohio. To this union have been bom five children : Estella M., Clare E., Ferris E., Mary and one who died in infancy. Estella M. was united in marriage, January 18, 1911. to Howard M. Martin, of Venice township, a young and prosperous farmer. He is the son of E. M. and Floue (Sherman) Martin, pioneers of Seneca county. Mr. and Mrs. Fike are both members of the Lutheran church.

Adolph Hauri. - The progress and enterprise of a place is determined by the quality of its business men, and the stability and sterling worth of citizens of the fine little town of Attica, Seneca county, Ohio, have contributed in no small degree to its material and civic development, making it thoroughly up-to-date with its modern conveniences - fire protection, water and light privileges, fine residences and well stocked department stores. One of the leading establishments of Attica is the store conducted by the firm

Adolph Hauri was bom in Reed township, this county, on the 17th of March, 1874, and Arnold Hauri was born in the same place on the 18th of June, 1872. They are the sons of Samuel and Virena (Schotzman) Hauri, both of whom were natives of Switzerland, whence they emigrated to the United States in early youth, settling in Reed township, Seneca county. Samuel and Virena Hauri became the parents of three sons : Arnold, Adolph and Otto. The latter is now engaged in concrete work at Paris, Tennessee, and in December, 1901, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Anna Valtman. They have one daughter, Ottis. Adolph and Arnold Hauri were reared on the home farm and received their early educational discipline in the common schools of Reed, Scipio and Venice townships. In 1884 they removed to Attica, their father having been summoned to the life eternal in 1882. His second wife, whose maiden name was Jane Runner, survived him by a quarter of a century, her death having occurred at Attica in 1907. No children were born of this union. In 1900 the Hauri Brothers, Adolph and Arnold, initiated their independent career by engaging in the grocery and bakery business, in which connection they conducted a most successful enterprise until 1909, at which time they purchased the entire stock of the P. C. Myers' department store, and the concern is rapidly gaining prestige as one of the most popular and prosperous establishments in the county. The brothers are men of fine executive ability and of unquestioned honesty and integrity. In politics they are independent, never manifesting aught of desire for public office, and they give their aid in support of all enterprises tending to further the general welfare of. the town and county. Both are members of the German Reformed church, to whose charities they have been most liberal contributors and in a fraternal way Adolph is an appreciative member of the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics, while Arnold holds membership in the Senior Order of the same organization and he is also identified with Attica Lodge, No. 367, Free and Accepted Masons.

Adolph Hauri is a bachelor. On the 4th of March, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Arnold Hauri to Miss Alice Rush, who was born at Attica September 3, 1874, and who is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Woolett) Rush, representative citizens of Attica. They have no children.

Leonard L. Sutton. - Within the confines of Seneca county will be found many representative citizens whose fair and honorable business dealings and whose sterling integrity of character have added to the dignity and prestige of this now favored section of the fine old Buckeye state. It is to be regretted that the limitations imposed by the size of this work allow us to touch but briefly upon the life history of a family whose individual members have contributed so liberally to the material development and upbuilding of the county. John Sutton, grandfather of him whose name introduces this article, was a native of the old Keystone state, his birth occurring on the 2d of April, 1800. As a young man he moved to Steuben county, New York, and in 1854 he resolved to seek his fortune in the west and proceeded to Ohio and purchased land in Reed township. On disposing of this property he became the owner of a farm in Venice township, on which he continued to reside until a short time prior to his demise, which occurred in Attica in 1878. In early life John Sutton was an ardent Whig in his political adherency and later he aligned himself with the cause of the Abolitionist party. He was twice married. He first wedded Miss Hendershot and to this union were born six children, three of whom grew to maturity, Isaac, William and Margaret. For his second wife Mr. Sutton married Miss Christina True. They became the parents of six children, including: Lester, deceased; Susan, who is now the wife of John H. Carpenter, of Marion, Ohio ; and Alva, who is the postmaster of Attica. Mrs. Christina (True) Sutton was summoned to the life eternal in 1890.

Lester Sutton, father of Leonard L., was bom in Steuben county. New York, in the town of Homell, then known as Hornellsville, on the 13th of July, 1836. He received excellent educational advantages in his youth. After finishing the curriculum of the common schools he was graduated, at the age of eighteen years, in the academy at Republic, Ohio. He then put his scholastic attainments to practical test by engaging in the pedagogic profession, which he followed with success for a period of eight years. In 1862 he began the study of law under the able preceptorship of General Leander Stem, in Tiffin, and continued in the same until, the death of General Stem, which occurred at the battle of Stone's River. Mr. Sutton then turned his attention to teaching again, in the meanwhile reading law during his leisure hours, and he was admitted to the bar in 1866. He immediately opened an office in the city of Attica, Seneca county, and here initiated the practice of his profession, in due time building up a large and lucrative clientage. In 1878 he established a private bank, known as the Banking House of Lester Sutton. The sterling integrity and the honorable business methods of the owner of this institution made it popular with the financial public from the start. In 1903 Leonard L. and Charles C. were admitted as partners to the business and the title changed to that of Lester Sutton and Sons, under which it has since remained. Mr. Sutton's services were in wide demand as public auctioneer and he was frequently appointed administrator of estates, in which connection he acquitted himself with the utmost satisfaction to all parties concerned. Mr. Sutton, during his active business career, was the founder and promoter of many of the leading business enterprises in Attica on the development of which depended in large measure the growth of the city. In polities he was an uncompromising Republican and though never a seeker of the honors or emoluments of public oflSce he ever accorded his support to all measures and enterprises tending to conserve the welfare of the community. As a loyal and public spirited citizen, whose word was as good as his note, his memory will always be revered. His mind was of giant strength; he was broad minded and liberal in thought and action, was charitable towards others' opinions and was ever mindful of their rights and sensibilities. In public life he was fair, honorable and outspoken, in private life he was true, kind and tender, and at all times and under all circumstances he was just, loyal and markedly courteous. Pratiemally he was affiliated with Attica Lodge, No. 367, Free and Accepted Masons, and at the time of his demise, which occurred in Attica on the 18th of May, 1909, he was the last of its charter members ; he was worshipful master of this lodge for thirteen consecutive years. He also held membership in the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and in the Commandery, Knights Templars. In the Scottish Rite Masonry he had attained to the thirty-second degree. He was an honored and appreciative member of Venice Lodge, No. 197, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife were active members of the Baptist church in their home city. On March 20, 1859, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Sutton to Miss Emeline Rundell, who was bom in Seneca county, Ohio, and who was a daughter of William and Miranda Rundell. To this union five children were born, Leonard L., concerning whom further mention will be made; Laiira, who became the wife of Ross W. Ayres, a prominent business man of Chicago, Illinois, and she died August 20, 1906, while on a visit to her old home in Attica ; Charles C, long associated with his father and brother in the banking business ; Luella, who is the wife of E. S. Bernard, of Tiffin, Ohio ; and Alice, who died in infancy. Mrs. Sutton was summoned to eternal rest on the 7th of February, 1901, deeply mourned by all who had come within the sphere of her gracious influence.

Leonard L. Sutton, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was born in Reed township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 5th of December, 1863. He received a liberal education in his youth, being graduated in Denison University as a member of the class of 1889, and receiving from this well ordered institution his well earned degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was closely identified with the business interests of his father during the latter 's lifetime and no higher tribute can be accorded him than that indicated when it is stated that he is following in the footsteps of his father in his square business methods. He is affiliated with Attica Lodge, No. 367, Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has served as worshipful master ; Venice Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks; and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In 1895 was solemnized his marriage to Miss Gertrude Wilhelm who was born in Reed township on the 26th of June, 1870, and who is a daughter of David D. and Margaret (Brillhart) Wilhelm, representative citizens of Reed township. To this union have been bom three sons. Jay H., Corwin and Russell.

Charles C. Sutton, who is in partnership with his brother Leonard L. in the banking business established by their father in Attica, was born in that city on the 14th of December, 1869, and he was afforded the advantages of the public schools of Attica in his youth. Like his brother he holds membership in Attica Lodge, No. 367, Free and Accepted Masons; and in Venice Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also affiliated with the

Knights of Pythias. In 1895 he was united in marriage to Miss Eva Smith, born in Seneca on the 2d of November, 1&70. She is a daughter of Biee and Elizabeth N. (Cory) Smith, of Attica. Mrs. Sutton has become the mother of one son, C. Norris. Like their late father the Sutton brothers are establishing for themselves a firm foothold in the business and social life of their home citj' and they are alert and enthusiastically in sympathy with every movement advanced for the progress and development of their home citv and county.

Lawrence J. Winoart. - An esteemed rind highly respected resident of Tiffin, Lawrence J. Wingart holds a place of prominence among the public officials, being widely and favorably known as county recorder of Seneca county, a position for which he is admirably fitted as well by courtesy as by capability. A son of William and Clara J. (Underwood) Wingart, he was bom in Holmes township, Crawford county, Ohio, August 22, 1877. His father, a native of Pennsylvania, has for many years been identified with the advancement of the agricultural prosperity of Ohio, for many years having been engaged in farming in Crawford and Seneca counties. In 1898 he removed with his family to Seneca county, and is now a resident of Clinton township.

Reared to manhood on the home farm, Lawrence J. Wingart was well drilled in the various branches as a boy and youth, in the meantime being well prepared for a teacher in the district schools. Preferring life in the open, however, he never entered upon a professional career, but as soon as attaining his majority began farming in association with his father. Evincing a warm interest in local progress and improvements during his entire life, ^fr. Wingart became influential in public affairs, and served a8> assessor of Pleasant township. In 1907 he removed to Melmore Eden township, where he conducted a general store for two years and while there, was treasurer for one term of Eden township which he resigned to assume his duties of recorder. In November, 1908, he was elected county recorder of Seneca county, and having assumed the duties of his position in September, 1909, has since served most faithfully.

Mr. Wingart married, February 18, 1903, Elizabeth Snyder, who was bom and educated in Senet»a county. Politically Mr. Wingart is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and to lodge No. 174, B. P. O. E., of Tiffin. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Wingart are valued members of the Reform church at Tiffin, and at one time he served as president of Pleasant township Sunday chool Convention.

Erwin D. Young. - Holding an important place in the industrial life of Seneca county is Erwin D. Young of Greenspring, who with his brother Howard R. conducts the tile manufacturing business started by his father nearly thirty years ago. He was born May 27, 1880, and is the son of Josiah and Caroline (Schuster)

Young, the former a native of Ohio and the latter a resident for some time of the state of New York. The date of the former's birth was December 5, 1850, and the latter 's July 3, 1857, and their union occurred in the year 1878. Mr. Young's mother was born in Eden Center, New York, and her father was born in Germany. She is a member of the Evangelical church and one of its most earnest and valued members. The sketch of Mr. Young's parents appears elsewhere. Josiah Young was educated in the district school of the locality and when he began upon his career as a wage earner and the head of a family he located in Greenspring and started a tile manufacturing business, this step being made in 1880, the year of the subject's birth. The plant has grown steadily and has experienced a substantial gain in output and (|uality, a business of between six and nine thousand dollars being done yearly, and the plant having been extended until it now covers something like fifty-six acres of land, including the clay from which the tile is made.

Erwin D. Young was reared and educated at Greenspring, after his preliminary training entering the High School where he graduated and later attended the academy and graduated therein with the class of 1896. When he was nineteen years of age he went to Springfield, on a contract with the sheet and metal company of that place. He spent eight years there and it was there that he was married, on June 25, 1903, to Miss Carrie E. Tannreuther, the daughter of Fred and Gertrude (Etinger) Tannreuther. Mrs. Young was born January 8, 1880, and although her father was born in Germany her mother was bom and reared in Logan," Ohio, and they now reside in Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Young was born in the land of the stars and stripes. In 1907 Mr. Young and his family returned to Greenspring, where he with his brother, Howard R., have taken charge of the manufacturing business of their father, who is now partially retired. The factory has all the modern machinery used in the manufacture of tile and brick. The capacity of brick is something like 150,000 a year, and that of tile 400,000. This tile ranges in diameter from three inches to that of twelve inches, and the owners of the factory have practically an inexhaustable supply of clay. They are intending to enlarge the factory which is situated about one mile south of Greenspring. Mr. Young resided in town until 1909, when he built him a commodious home near the factory. In this location he finds greater convenience for the superintendency of the business which is continually becoming of larger scope. A great proportion of the product is taken by farmers who come for it to the factory.

Mr. Young is the eldest in a family of three children, the two other members of the family being Howard R., previously mentioned, and Lura May. Like his father before him he is an independent Democrat and he is a man who takes no small amount of interest in the progress of events of a public import. He is a lodge man, holding membership in both the great Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias. In the latter he has the rank of past grand chancellor. Mr. and Mrs. Young are the parents of one child, a daughter named Gertrude C, who was born November 20, 1906.

Daniel P. Smith. - In April, 1909, Daniel P. Smith established his home in Republic, Ohio, where he is now living virtually retired from active business affairs. Por years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Seneca county and in this line of enterprise his success has been on a parity with his well directed endeavors. Mr. Smith was bom in Scipio township, Seneca county, on the 23rd of January, 1844, and he is a son of David and Susan (Neikirk) Smith, the former of whom claimed Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, as the place of his nativity, and the latter of whom was born in Maryland. The father was born on the 31st of December, 1810, and he was summoned to the life eternal on the 26th of Pebruary, 1901, at the patriarchal age of ninety-one years. The date of Mrs. Smith 's birth was April 27, 1820, and she passed away on the 26th of August, 1899, at the age of seventy-nine years. In 1835 David Smith, in company with his sister and brother-in-law, moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio and they located in a log cabin in Scipio township, Seneca county, and there began to reclaim a farm from the virgin forest. He married Miss Susan Neifiirk, who was a daughter of Jacob and Margarine (Hoenish). Neikirk, the former of whom was a son of Michael Neikirk, who emigrated from Prederickstown, Maryland, to Ohio in the early pioneer days. He located with his family in the woods on what is known as the Neikirk homestead. This old homestead is situated on the Kilbem road in Scipio township and is one of the old landmarks of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of twelve children, concerning whom the following brief data are here incorporated : Catherine, is the wife of Joseph Hilsinger, of Scipio township ; John R., resides in Nebraska ; Daniel P., of this sketch, is the next in order of birth; David A., of Scipio township; Mary A., who is the wife of A. J. Neikirk, of Bellevue, Huron county, Ohio ; Harriet, who married Edson Qray, of Scipio township; Henry J., who maintains his home in Oklahoma; Isaac, of Scipio township; James, of Clinton township; Emmett, who is deceased; Ella, who is the wife of Douglas DeWitt, of Clinton township ; and Rolla, of Oklahoma. A remarkable feature in connection with this large family is that throughout his entire life the father never expended as much as one hundred dollars for family doctor bills. Mr. Smith was a carpenter by trade and prior to his death he was the originator and largely interested in the Seneca County Mutual Fire Association. He was a stanch adherent of the Democratic party in his political convictions, and both he and his wife were devout members of the English Lutheran church. They were both highly honored citizens in Seneca county and did much to advance the civic and material welfare of their home community.

Daniel P. Smith, to whom this sketch is dedicated, availed himself of the advantages afforded in the common schools of his native county and he continued to maintain his home under the paternal roof until his marriage, March 30, 1873. His first teacher was Clerry Stryker, his wife's uncle. After his marriage Mr. Smith initiated his independent business career as a farmer and he continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits in Scipio township until 1909, when he removed to the village of Republic, where he is deeply interested in public affairs of a local nature, being at the present time one of the village councilmen. He is much interested in educational matters and is serving as a member of the school board. In a fraternal way he is afiiliated with Hildreth Lodge, No. 165, Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is past worshipful master and which he has represented in the Grand Lodge of the state. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Eastern Star.

In 1873 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Smith to Miss Mar^ Gray, who was bom in Scipio township on the 19th of January, 1851, and who is a daughter of Samuel B. and Jane (Stryker) Gray, both of whom were born and reared in the old Empire state of the union. They came from Steuben county. New York, to Seneca county, Ohio, about the year 1832, and here the father was engaged in farming until his death. Mrs. Gray was summoned to the life eternal when her daughter Mary (Gra^ Smith was an infant two weeks old. Mrs. Smith was reared ana educated in New York, in the home of her maternal grandmother, and she returned to Ohio when eighteen years of age. Mr. and ^Irs. Smith became the parents of six children, namely, Nellie, who was born on the 21st of January, 1874, is the wife of Robert Smith, of Republic ; Susie was born July 5, 1879, and she died on the 21st of July, 1892 ; Arvilla, who was born on the 31st of March, 1882, is the wife of Walter An way, of Republic ; Belva L., who was born on the 6th of October, 1886, married Prank Carpenter and they reside in Chicago, Ohio ; Leona F., was bom on the 16th of September, 1891, and she remains at home with her parents; and Ola M., who was born on the 4th of July, 1896, is now attending school in Republic. It is interesting to note that Daniel F. Smith has in his possession his grandfather's old clock, which his parents had when they were married. This clock was made by the first Hilsinger to come to this county, his son being now the husband of Mr. Smith's sister, as previoiasly noted. The attractive home of the Smith family in Republic is recognized as a center of gracious and refined hospitality and the young daughters who remain at home are popular factors in connection with the best social activities of the village.

Fred J. Cook. - One of the foremost agriculturists and horse dealers in Seneca county, Ohio, is Fred J. Cook, who was reared in this county and who is a scion of an old German family, his parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Detterman) Koch, having come to America in the year 1854. The father was born in Vesfalan, Germany, on the 4th of January, 1818, and the mother was bom in the same place November 7, 1823. The family name, which was originally spelled Koch, as noted, is spelled Cook by the present generation. Mr. and Mrs. Koch located on a farm in Adams township, this county. The father through native thrift and industry made a decided success of farming as a vocation and at the time of his death, August 6, 1890, was one of the most prosperous citizens in this section of the fine old Buckeye state. He was a stanch advocate of the cause of the Democratic party in his political con- victions and he and his wife were devout members of the Reformed church. Elizabeth Detterman Koch died August 20, 1890, just two weeks after her husband's death. They became the parents of nine children, concerning whom the following facts are offered : Catherine is the wife of Melchoir Kechley and they peside in Nebraska ; Harmon is deceased ; Henry is engaged in farming near Attica; Fred J., is the immediate subject of this review; Lewis is deceased; Eliza is the wife of J. W. Cole, of Tiffin; John W., resides at Republic, Ohio, and a sketch of his career appears on other pages of this work ; Annie married R. Straub, of Scipio township ; and Daniel F., resides in Thompson township.

Fred J. Cook attended the public schools of Adams township until he had attained to the age of twelve years and thereafter he was a student in the Scipio schools until he was eighteen years old. He resided with his parents until his marriage, December 6, 1877, at which time he initiated independent operations as a farmer on a tract of forty acres of land in Scipio township, where he devoted his attention to general farming and the buying and selling of western horses. He has increased his original farm by the addition of different tracts of land until he now owns some two hundred and fifty-one acres of most arable land, which is in a high state of cultivation. In politics Mr. Cook accords an uncompromising allegiance to the cause of the Democratic party, and he and his wife are devout members of the Reformed church, of which he has served as deacon the most of his married life. He has been a member of the school board for the past thirty-three years and he is a most loyal supporter of all measures projected for the good of the community.

In the year 1877 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cook to Miss Anna E. Hoppel, who was born in Adams township on the 2l8t of August, 1858, a daughter of Conrad and Catherine (Buckhold) Hoppel. The father was born and reared in Grermany and the mother, a native of Scipio township, and concerning whose history further data are given in the sketch dedicated to Warren Hoppel on other pages of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Cook became the parents of seven children, namely: Stella T., born February 25, 1879, remains at the parental home; Arthur B., born October 4, 1881, has spent the last three years on a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land in South Dakota ; Charles W., bom November 28, 1886, married Mabel H. Westerhouse, in 1908, and they maintain their home in Scipio township, this county, on one of the family farms ; L. Hale, born on the 6th of May, 1889, was married February 8, 1911, to Nina B. Boldoser, of Scipio township, and they now occupy the old homestead recently vacated by his father and mother who- have added to their holdings of Scipio township property by the purchase of a home of sixteen acres and five brick dwellings within the corporate limits of Republic; Rollie F., at home, born October 25, 1891; Roxy C, bom June 25, 1897; and Dora A., born February 14, 1900. All the children have been afforded excellent educational advantages and the two younger ones are still in school.

John Spencer. - A representative farmer and a Civil war veteran whose service to his country in her time of need was of the most patriotic and loyal order, John Spencer was born in Venice^ township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 27th of January, 1836, and he is a squ of Huckins and Mary (Bingham) Spencer, the former of whom was born in the state of Maine, on August 7, 1804, and the latter in Ireland, June 30, 1807. Mary (Bingham) Spencer came to America when a child of eight years and lived in Richland county until her marriage. In 1836 Mr. and Mrs. Spencer removed to Seneca county, where they purchased a farm of forty acres, on which they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Spencer died in 1852 as the result of injuries received by an accidental shot gun wound, and Mrs. Spencer passed to eternal rest in 1860. They became the parents of ten children, whose namr's and respective dates of birth are here entered : Ichabod, November 20, 1827; William, November 22, 1829; Mary J., November 18, 1831; Dorothea, April 4, 1833; John, January 27, 1836; Ellen, October 18, 1839; Abigail, May 8, 1841; Samuel, September 24, 1843; James, April 8, 1845; and Francis M., March 25, 1850. Of this number John (of this sketch), Ellen, Samuel and James an? now living, (1910).

John Spencer was the fifth in order of birth and he was sixteen years of age at the time of his father's death. He was reared to maturity on the home farm and received a good common school education. He is essentially a self made man and his present success and prosperity are the result of his own well directed endeavors and his close application to duty and business. In 1866 he purchased a tract of forty acres of land in Seneca county, to which in due time he added two hundred and sixty acres more, this making a fine farm of three hundred acres. At the time when the integrity of the nation was jeopardized by open rebellion John Spencer gave proof of his intrinsic patriotism by enlisting as a private in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on the 22nd of August, 1862. He participated with his regiment in the following engagements: Winchester, New Market, Lynchburg, Snickers Ferry, Berrysville, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Petersburg, High Bridge and Appomattox Court House, all in the state of Virginia. On June 15, 1863, he was captured at Winchester and conveyed to Libby prison, his parole being effected in July of that year. He rejoined his command at Martinsburg, Virginia. He was recaptured at High Bridge on April 16, 1865, being released three days later on the surrender of General Lee and the close of the war. He received his honorable discharge on the 12th of June, 1865. His brother James served in the same command as did John. Samuel Spencer enlisted in the Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, while William and Ichabod Spencer served in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. All were gallant, dashing soldiers, whose courage and faithfulness were of the highest order. John Spencer has ever retained a deep and abiding interest in his old comrades in arms and the same is evidenced by his membership in Rice & Creglen Post, No. 112, Grand Army of the Republic. In polities he is a staunch advocate of the eaose of the Republican party and he has ever accorded a strong support to all measures ^and enterprises advanced for the furtherance of the good of the community. As a citizen and business man Mr. Spencer's career stands as an example of that old time integrity so rare in the rush of modem American life and withal so worthy of emulation, and his record thus far will bear the searchlight of the fullest investigation. It may be said of him that his circle of friends is limited only by that of his acquaintances. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Baptist church.

On the 21st of Man*h, 1861, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Spencer to Miss Mary A. Todd, who was bom in Venice township, Seneca county, on the 30th of January, 1840, and who is a daughter of John and Mar\' A. Todd, both of whom were natives of Columbiana county, Ohio. The former was bom on the 15th of April, 1812, and the latter on the 7th of June, 1811. Mr. and Mrs. Todd moved to Seneca county about the year 1830 and they purchased eighty acres of land in Venice township, where they constructed a log house and endured the privations and vicissitudes of early pioneer life. They became the parents of ten children, three of whom were valiant soldiers in the Civil war. Michael Todd served in Company I, One Hundred and Twentythird Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Alexander and John enlisted in the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This shows a remarkable record for two families, the furnishing of eight able bodied men for the subjection of rebellion and the preservation of the union. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer became the parents of four children, concerning whom the following brief record is here incorporated ; Ira E., who was born on the 6th of March, 1862, married Miss Amanda Shuly and no children were born of this union ; Sheridan J., who was bom on the 21st of February, 1866, married Miss Melissa M. Springer and they have one son, Clarence J.; Silas B., was born on the 25th of August, 1868, and died in March. 1872; and James M., who was born on the 10th of February, 1872, married Miss Florence Trexell and they have two children, Lloyd and Doris.

John W. Cook. - A citizen who has gained distinctive precedence and prestige in the industrial and financial affairs of Seneca county is John W. Cook, who was bom in Adams township, this county, on the 24th of September, 1860. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Detterman) Koch (now spelled Cook), both of whom were born and reared in Germany, whence they came to America about the year 1854, locating in Adams township, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits. With practically nothing to begin with Mr. Henry Koch through earnest industry and thrift managed to accumulate considerable property and he saw each of his nine children established in fine homes prior to his death. Henry Koch was a Democrat in politics and both he and his wife were devout members of the Reformed church, in whose aflPairs they took an active part. Mr. and Mrs. Koch became the parents of nine children, and concerning them the following brief data is here incorporated: Catherine became the wife of Melchoir Kechley and they reside in Nebraska; Harmon is deceased ; Henry is engaged in farming near Attica ; Fred J. resides in Scipio township ; Lewis is deceased ; Eliza is the wife of J. W. CoJe, of Tiffin ; John W. is the immediate subject of this review ; Annie married R. Straub, of Scipio township; and Daniel F. reside» in Thompson township.