Seneca Township (part 57 of 60)

John W. Cook received an excellent common school education in his youth and he continued to reside on the old homestead farm until his marriage, in 1887. He is still engaged in farming on his farm of eighty acres in Scipio township. Mr. Cook was one of the organizers of the Republic Banking Company, a substantial monetary institution which was founded in 1903 and which is incorporated under the laws of the state with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars. Of this company Mr. Knapp is president and Mr. Cook is giving efficient service as vice president. In politics Mr. Cook is a staunch adherent of the principles of the Democratic party, in the local councils of which he has been most active. In 1908 he was elected county commissioner and he was re-elected to this office in 1910. He takes a keen and intelligent interest in educational affairs and has served as a member of the school board for a period of twenty years. He is affiliated with the Ohio Protective Association and his religious faith is in harmony with the teachings of the Reformed church, in which he holds the office of trustee. His wife was likewise a devout member of the Reformed church. As a citizen Mr. Cook is recognized as a liberal minded and public spirited man and he manifests a deep interest in all matters projected for the general welfare of the community.

In 1887 was recorded the marriage of Mr. Cook to Miss Maggie Cole, who was born and reared in Seneca county and who was a daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Th<Hnpson) Cole. Mr. Cole was officially connected with Adams township for several years and he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Reed township. He was a farmer by vocation and he was summoned to the life eternal on the 18th of May, 1896, his cherished and devoted wife having passed away on the 17th of May, 1886. After the death of his wife Mr. Cole resided with Mr. and Mrs. Cook until he was himself called from the scene of his mortal endeavors. Mrs. Cook died on the 22nd of March, 1908, deeply mourned by all who had come within the sphere of her gracious influence.

W. H. AND C. C. Pitcher. - In this age of advanced civilization and phenomenal progress it is the man whose energy is on a par with his ambition that forges and makes a name for himself and with him success is not an accident but a logical result. Through their own well directed efforts the Pitcher Brothers have built up their present prosperous enterprise, that of supplying the citizens of Attica with pure milk and cream. They observe all the sanitary and pure food laws in the handling and sterilizing of their product. They own and operate one hundred and sixteen acres of land in Venice township, this county, and they have large herds of Jersey, Holstein and Durham cows, whose daily output averages no less than thirty-five gallons of fine rich milk per day. The business was begun in November, 1909, and their marked success is evidenced by the ever increasing patronage which they enjoy.

William H. Pitcher was born in Seneca county, Ohio, on the 13th of January, 1868, and his brother, Clinton C, was born in the same place on the 3rd of August, 1871, they being the sons of William H. and Hannah H. (Hanford) Pitcher, both of whom are natives of Ohio. They removed to Seneca county in 1864 and the father became identified with the hotel business in the city of Attica. Mr. and Mrs. Pitcher reared a family of five children, namely: Frank B., Lottie L., Edwin K., William H. and Clinton C, the latter two being the subjects of this brief review. Mr. W. H. Pitcher, Sr., was summoned to the life eternal in 1899 and is survived by his widow and five children ; Mrs. Pitcher now maintains her home fit Attica. W. H. and C. C. Pitcher are both stanch advocates of the principles and policies of the Republican party and they give their aid in support of all measures and enterprises projected for the general welfare of the community. William H was engaged in the barber business in Columbus an(i Toledo, Ohio, for about twenty years and through his thrift and industry he managed to save up enough capital to enter into partnership with his brother in the dairy business. In the year 1889 he was united in marriage to Miss Cecil A. White, who was born in Wayne county and who is a daughter of George and Tenie (Gast) White, both of whom are now deceased. No children have been born to this union. Clinton C. is a painter and paper hanger by trade and he followed this line of business for a period of fifteen years or until 1909 the time of the formation of the firm of Pitcher Brothers, which enterprise has already been described. In 1891 was solemnized his marriage, to Miss Mary A. Wilcox, who is a native of Erie, where her birth occurred on the 10th of April, 1872, she being a daughter of Isaac and Mary A. (Reed) Wilcox, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Pitcher are the parents of three children, whose names are here entered in order of birth, Carl C, Ronald W. and Ruth N.

The Pitcher Brothers are both affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and W. H. is also a memT>er of the Improved Order of Moose. C. C. holds membership in the Universalist church as does also his wife.

Aaron Kistler. - One of Scipio township's wealthiest and most prominent men is Aaron Kistler. His entire life has been passed here and he has risen through his own efforts from the humblest beginnings to his present substantial position. For thirty years he devoted his energies to general agriculture, but in 1893 he took up stock and horse shipping and has achieved remarkable financial success in this line.

Aaron Kistler was born November 3, 1843, and is the son of Michael and Saloma (Fritz) Kistler, natives of Pennsylvania. These worthy people were preceded by two years by the subject's grandparents, Michael and Sallie (Hoppis) Kistler. They were the first of the name in the county, having arrived within Seneca's boundaries in the year 1831. They located in Adams township on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and were among the earliest pioneers. The Kistlers are a hardy race and men more dauntless than they might have faltered before the task of bringing to a habitable and tillable state the splendid untamed acres. A wild young virgin country will yield her strength only to men of strength and daring and youth. Mr. Kistler 's father when he came was compelled to blaze the road from the trail to his property , and in every respect conditions were primitive indeed.

In Pennsylvania in his younger days the father combined distilling and tanning with his farming, and Mr. Kistler still possesses his old account book written in German. He had been one to make the most of his opportunities, for he had but thirteen days of schooling in the whole course of his youth. Mr. Kistler knew the healthy appetite which comes from strenuous labor, for he drove a horse power thrasher from July until late winter, his feet stockingleas and encased in cowhide boots. There were eleven children in the family and stockings were unthought of luxuries. The names of the brothers and sisters were: Mary A., Michael, David, Polly, Levi. Lovina, Sarah J., Joseph, Sallie and Julia A., Aaron Kistler being eighth in order of birth.

Aaron Kistler resided under the parental roof-tree lantil his marriage. The young woman to become his wife was Mary E. Detterman, and their union was celebrated December 31, 1863. One child, a daughter named Mary J., was born January 3, 1865, and she married Warren P. Miller, of Scipio township. They became the parents of two sons : Ralph, who lived until he was past twenty-one, when he died, and Grover, who was named in honor of President Cleveland and who married Laura Corthell. of Clinton township, in 1907. On February 1, 1866, Mrs. Kistler was summoned to the other world. Mr. Kistler was again married, June 10, 1866, Miss Molly Rinehold being united to him in the holy bonds of matrimony. She was born March 12, 1844, and is the daughter of George and Sallie (Smith) Rinehold, Pennsylvanians who came here from the Keystone state about 1832 and located in Scipio township on the Cook farm.

Mr. Kisller farmed actively for about thirty years after establishing a separate household. Later, as mentioned in preceding paragraphs he branched out into the stock shipping business. He also buys horses in the west and ships them to this state, where they are sold after being fitted for the market. At an early age he took up the study of veterinary medicine and surgery, and for a time practiced with his father. His practice at the present time is large and he has three hundred accounts per year upon his books.

The subject has also played a prominent and praiseworthy role in political matters. He is a loyal Democrat, having supported the policies of this party since he cast his first vote and he has given service in several oflSces. He held the oflSce of justice of the peace for six terms, his present term to expire in the year 1912. He has been township trustee and a member of the school board, and the fact that he is the champion of good education does not arise from the fact that in his own youth he enjoyed exceptional opportunities, for in point of fact, he attended school but twenty-four days after he reached his fourteenth year. He has effectively remedied what deficiences may have existed, for he is a student and great reader. He has read the Bible through twice from beginning to end and is an authority on Biblical topics. He is nearly as much at home with the German language as he is with the English, having perfected his German by a comparison of German and English Bibles. He is a consistent member of the Reformed church and belongs to the Ohio Protective Association. He enjoys the confidence of all who know him ; has acted as executor of several estates and enjoys a reputation as a good appraiser of land ; and he has several times served on the jury.

In 1899 Mr. Kistler removed from Adams township to Republic, where he now makes his home, although at the same time spending a good deal of time upon his country estate, which has excellent buildings, a large brick residence of nine rooms and a great barn, thirty-five by ninety-two feet in dimension. There are numerous outbuildings, the com barn being twenty-four by twenty-four feet. The Kistler farm has nine miles of tile drainage. In addition to his manv other interests Mr. Kistler is a director of the Republic Bank, of which institution he was one of the organisers.

Charles H. Kernan, superintendent of the national home of the Junior Order United American Mechanics at Tiffin, Ohio, is a man especially fitted for the work in which he is engaged.

Professor Kernan was bom and reared in New York state. After completing his studies in the graded schools he was sent to Amsterdam Academy, and later was a student in the Potsdam Normal School, St. Lawrence, New York, where he received special training for the profession of teaching, and he has ever since been engaged in educational work. For ten years he was principal of the Orient High School, Long Island, New York, and in September, 1900, was appointed to the position he now occupies. His accomplished wife, who before marriage was Miss Louise Bowland an ^ who is a native of Marviand, is chief matron of the institution. They have four children, Ruth, Allen, Esther and Dorotha, who attend school at the home.

The Junior Order ITnited American Mechanics home, a national institution, was established in 1896, on a farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres in Clinton township, Seneca county, one mile and a quarter north of Tiffin, and is supported by the membership of the order in all the different states of the union. Its buildings, eight in number, are soon to be increased by a thirty thousand dollar school house, erected by the order in the state of Ohio. The school includes an industrial department. Six teachers, especially fitted for their respective lines of work, are employed, and the students in attendance at this writing represent twenty-three diflferent states, they being children of deceased members of the order in good standing at time of death. On Simdays devotional exercises are conducted by pastors of the different churches of TiflSn, including the Baptist church of which Mr. Kernan is a member. Mrs. Keman is a member of Trinity Episcopal church.

In addition to the Junior Order United American Mechanics Mr. Kernan belongs to various other fraternal organizations. He has membership in TiflSn Lodge, No. 77, P. and A. M., and Seneca Chapter, Council and Commandery at TiflSn, and is a thirty-second degree Mason of Toledo Consistory ; is also a member of the Knights of Pythias No. 80, and the Royal Arcanum, and he is an associate member of the 6. A. R.

Vern Cary. - The hope of Seneca county rests upon her younger generation, and one of her worthy young citizens is Vern Cary, who is a native of the county and a progressive and successful agriculturist. He was bom in Seneca county March 1, 1886, the son of James McCord Cary and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary L. Brown. It was Seneca county that witnessed the birth of the father, although preceding generations of the family have been natives of the New England states, that cradle of so much of our national history. James Cary led the usual existence of the youth of the early days, working diligently upon the farm during the summer months and attending the district school in the winter. Until he became eighteen years of age he thus alternated his seasons of duty behind a desk in the school room and behind the plow and the harvester, but when he reached the age mentioned above he started out to make his way in life alone. He secured work as a farm hand and by the exercise of industry and thrift ultimately came to be numbered among the prosperous land holders. He married, the lady to become his wife being a native of Huron county and in addition to him whose name initiates this review he and his wife were the parents of Irvin Cary, Harold Cary and Corris Cary. The father was a Republican in politics and he and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The father was called to his eternal rest iji 1907, but the mother survives and makes her residence on the old homestead in Reed township.

Vern Cary attended the district school, enjoying to the fullest desrree the ediacational advantages of Seneca county. Under the excellent tutelage of his father he learned the manifold secrets of agriculture and when it came to choosing a life work he decided in favor of that occupation which had engrossed the attention of his immediate forbears. After the death of his father the management of the farm fell upon the shoulders of Mr. Cary and his brother Harold and their enlightened methods have been productive of the best results. Like his father he gives his heart and hand to the principles and policies of the Republican party. He is public spirited and his past record points to a useful and successful career.

M. Smith was born on the 5th of November, 1879, and is a son of Martin and Mary J. (Harvey) Smith. The father was born in Seneca county on the 4th of March, 1840, and he was summoned to the life eternal on the 5th of April, 1903. During his active business career he was identified principally with bridge work in this county, his trade being that of stone mason. On the 20th of December, 1862, he married Miss Mary J. Harvey, whose birth occurred in Madison county, Ohio, on the 4th of April, 1845. Martin Smith was aligned as a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Democratic party during his life time and he served several times on the jury. He and his wife became the parents of six children, of which number Fred M., of this sketch, was the fifth in order of birth.

Fred M. Smith was reared to maturity and educated in Republic, having attended the high school of this place. At the time of the inception of the Spanish- American war, in 1898, he enlisted as a member of Company E, Second regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for a period of ten months. He entered the federal service as mail carrier in 1903. In politics Mr. Smith accords a stanch allegiance to the cause of the Republican party and he has done much to advance the general welfare of the community. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Independent Order' of Odd Fellows.

On the 20th of December, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Smith to Miss Lucy R. George, a native of Richland county, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Sarah (Williams) George, both of whom were bom and reared in Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of three children, namely: Elizabeth, Catherine and Georgie, all of whom remain at the paternal home. Mrs. Smith was summoned to the life eternal on the 19th of April, 1908. She was a woman of most gracious refinement and was dearly beloved by all who came within the sphere of her gentle influence. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Snyder, of Tiffin, under the auspices of the Rebekah lodge of Republic. Mrs. Smith was a prominent member of the Daughters of Rebekah.

John W. Scott. - This prominent citizen of Seneca county was bom in Pennsylvania March 4, 1868, a son of John B. and Patience (Blackwell) Scott, natives of England. Mr. Scott came to the United States in 1859 and Mrs. Scott in 1855, with her father, Thomas Blackwell, who located in Akron, Ohio. Mr. Scott settled at Titusville, Venango county, Pennsylvania, and he was engaged in the oil business there from 1860 to 1882. He was bom March 11, 1834.

John W. Scott lived with his parents till he married Miss Annie Altmire, who was bom April 1, 1872, a daughter of Theodore and Matilda (Uhrey) Altmire, representatives of old Pennsylvania families. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have four children: Walter, born January 21, 1896; Nellie, born December 21, 1898; Ruth, born Febmary 28, 1900; William, born July 23, 1909. Mrs. Scott was educated in the common schools of Butler county, Pennsyl- vania, and was married in Butler county December 18, 1894. Her parents are now conducting a store in Hilliard, Pennsylvania. The father was formerly a coal miner and has been in charge of the store for twenty-eight years. lie is a member of the Catholic church, while his wife is a Lutheran. Mrs. Scott has brothers and sisters as follows : Cora, who married Roy Hutchinson and resides in Sharon, Pennsylvania; Charles, resides in Greenville, Pennsylvania, and is an engineer on the railroad; Mildred and Nellie are at home and Florence resides in Butler, Pennsylvania. Mr. Scott's brothers and sisters are as follows: George B. was formerly an engineer at the Greenspring Pumping Station, and his death occurred September 18, 1906; William is a conductor on the Bedford & Lake Erie Railroad; Olive married Camden McKeen and resides in Butler, Pennsylvania; and Nellie married Francis P. Honaway and resides in Colliers, West Virginia.

Educated so far as he found it practicable to be in the common schools of Pennsylvania, Mr. Scott began his career as an oil man when he was about six months in his sixteenth year. At first he was a water boy, but rapid promotion put him in the connection gang, made him a pumpman, a foreman, an engineer and chief in charge of a station at Greenspring, Ohio. He has as fine a plant as one would be likely to see in many days travel, and his management of it and his manner of doing business mark him as a first class oil man and as a business man of uncommon ability.

Mr. Scott is an independent Republican, a seventh degree Mason, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. In some of these societies he has been called to official positions.

In many ways Mr. Scott has demonstrated that he is a man of that quality of public spirit that makes him useful when work is to be done for the general good. In fact there is no movement at Greenspring having for its object the enhancement of the public weal that does not have his cordial co-operation.

Frank B. Shank. - A man who stands high among his fellows and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him is Frank B. Shank, a native of Huron county, where his birth occurred August 18, 1864. On both sides of the family he is German in descent and partakes in fullest measure of those stanch characteristics which make the Teutonic emigrant one of the most welcome to American shores. His father, Frank Shank was born in Germany, and when a boy about fourteen years of age came here in company with his parents. They first located in Sandusky, Ohio, where the subject's grandfather secured means of livelihood, but he and his family subsequently removed to Seneca county. It was there that Frank Shank supplemented such education as he had received in his native country. He took as his wife Marguerite Ball, also a German, and the children of these worthy people were as follows; Mary, who married Ben Long and resides in Hurou county; Will, a citizen of Huron county; Fred, also a resident of Huron county; Kate, wife of John Swartz, of Huron county; Aggie, wife of Lorenzo Faulter, of Venice township, Seneca coun- ty; and Henry, of Huron county. The subject's father was devoted to the policies and principles of the Democratic party and at one time held the oflSce of school director. He died September 12, 1898, the mother surviving until 1910. The family are Catholic in faith.

Frank Benjamin Shank secured his education in the district schools of Huron county and upon his father's farm received a thorough training in the various departments of agriculture. When it became time for him to choose a life work he decided in favor of agriculture and has made a success of his endeavors in the great basic industry. He has resided in Seneca county for twenty years and each year has added to the security of his standing in the community. One evidence out of a host of these is the fact that he rented a farm from Judge McCauley for a continuous term of eleven years and there was never any form of writing between them.

In the matter of politics Mr. Shank resembles his father and subscribes to the articles of faith of the Democratic party. He has had some experience in public office, having served six years as school director and two terms as township trustee. In addition to his operations in general agriculture he is a breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle and Poland China hogs.

On October 8, 1889, Mr. Shank established a household of his own by his union with Elizabeth Ball, a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Schwartz) Ball, of German extraction. Her father was called to his eternal rest in the month of April, 1902, and her mother survives and makes her home in Tiffin. The birth of Mrs. Shank occurred in Seneca county May 20, 1874. She is of a family of ten living brothers and sisters, one of the members being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Shank have the following children : ^lark Harry, Lillie, Urban and Walter S.

Ernest 6. Allgyre. - Germany has contributed its fair quota to the development and upbuilding of this country of complex nationalities and among its representatives are found citizens who are ever ready to extend their aid in time of war and who in the ** piping times of peace" foster and support our national institutions and set a fair example of thrift, sturdy integrity and indomitable perseverence. Of this admirable type of American citizenship is Ernest G. Allgyre, who was bom at Caroline, Venice township, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1870, of German parentage. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Grewer) Allgyre, both of whom were born in the empire of Germany, whence they emigrated in 1851, to the United States and located in Sandusky, this state. Remaining here one year, they removed to Crawford county, where they spent one year in New Washington and in 1853 they established a permanent home in Caroline, Seneca county, where the father followed his trade, that of blacksmith, and where he is remembered as a loyal and public spirited citizen.

Ernest G. Allgyre received his early educational training in his native place and initiated his independent career by engaging in his father's trade, following the same with marked success for a period of five years. At the present time he is proprietor of the Attica hotel, one of the oldest and most popular hostleries in northern Ohio. This well known hotel was built in 1840 and has stool as a landmark during the long intervening years. In 1908 Mr. AUgyre purchased the property and reconstructed and remodeled it till it is now one of modem convenience and comfort. The genial personality of the host as coupled with the gracious qualities of Mrs. Allgyre make this hotel most popular with the traveling public. It is centrally located, well ventilated and is proverbial for its cleanliness and fine table. Mr. Allgyre is independent in his political convictions and he is ever ready to give his aid in support of all measures and enterprises projected for the advancement of the general welfare of the community which has long represented his home.

In 1896 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Allgyre to Miss Alice M. Ewart, who was bom in Washington, Pennsylvania, and who is a daughter of Oliver Ewart, a representative citizen of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Allgyre are the parents of two children, Mamie C. and Frederick J., both of whom are attending the public school in Attica.

George Ziegler. - On his finely improved farm of two hundred acres, eligibly located nine miles southeast of TiflBn, Seneca county, and one mile east of Melmore, Ohio, Mr. George Ziegler is engaged in agricultural pursuits and in the raising of high grade cattle^ hogs and sheep. It has been his to achieve most noteworthy success in his chosen field of endeavor and he has also been prominent in connection with political affairs of a local nature in his home county.

Mr. Ziegler was born on the old homestead farm in Eden township, Seneca county, on the 10th of November, 1865, and is a son of Henry and Louisa (Keller) Ziegler, both of whom were bom in Germany. George Ziegler is indebted to the common schools of his native county for his early educational advantages, having been a student during the winter terms until he was eighteen years of age. He then initiated his independent career as a farmer and soon thereafter he was married. He now owns and operates a valuable estate of two hundred acres nine miles southeast of TiflSn and besides his devotion to diversified agriculture he is engaged extensively in stock raising, preferring Durham cattle and Poland China and Chester hogs. He markets a car and a half each year of hogs. He also has two hundred head of Delaine sheep, from which he clips annually eighteen hundred pounds of wool.

In politics Mr. Ziegler is aligned as a stalwart in the ranks of the Democratic party on all national questions but in local affairs he maintains an independent attitude, preferring to give his support to men and measures meeting with the approval of his judgment. In 1909 he was given proof of popular confidence and esteem in that he was then elected township trustee. He has served as a member of the school board for three years and is now a member of the election board. He is a loyal and public spirited citizen and gives most freely of his aid and influence in support of all movements projected for the general welfare of the community. He and his wife are devout members of the Reformed church and they are most popular factors in the best social circles of their home county.

In the year 1895 Mr. Ziegler was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Hunsicker, who was bom at Crawford county and who is a daughter of William and Catherine (Lust) Hunsicker, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Ohio, where the father engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler became the parents of five children, namely : Jessie, Calvin, Prona M., Forest E. and Harold M., all of whom are attending school.

Joseph L. Anway. - A native son of Seneca county, Joseph L. Anway has passed his entire life thus far in this section of the state and though now an octogenarian he still retains in much of their strength and pristine vigor the excellent mental and physical powers of his youth. He was bom on the old homestead farm in Scipio township, Seneca county, on the 13th of October, 1829, and is a son of William and Eliza (Lapham) Anway, the former of whom was born on the 13th of January, 1803, and the latter on the 27th of January, 1809, both being natives of New York. William Anway was a son of William and Hannah (Hall) Anway, both of whom were born in New York, whence they came to Ohio about 1823, at which time the son William was about twenty -one years of age. They named Scipio township after their old home township in Seneca county. New York, and they took up their abode in an old hut on the grounds where the depot now stands, they being the first white people to settle in this township. On the 13th of January, 1824, they entered a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of government land one mile south of Republic. They had children as follows : John, Susan, George, David A., Fanny, Phoebe, Harrison, Harvey, William and Rastus. William next to the youngest in order of birth of the above children, resided with his parents on the old home farm until his marriage, on the 8th of March, 1827. He received an eighty-acre tract of his father's land and became a successful agriculturist in this county. He was originally an old line Whig in politics and when the Republican party was organized in 1858, he became aligned as a supporter of is principles and policies. He was one of the first oflScials in the township and he was summoned to the life eternal on the 9th of June, 1863, at the age of sixty-one years. His wife passed away on the 31st of July, 1881. Mr. Anway was a very enterprising and public spirited citizen, taking an active interest in the local schools and churches. He held a scholarship in the Seneca county academy and was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church, contributing most liberally to the building fund of the church and giving generously to its charities and benevolences. William and Eliza (Lapham) Anway became the parents of four children, Joseph L., the immediate subject of this review ; William H., who was bom on the 22nd of June, 1833; Morgan H., born July 14, 1840; and Phoebe Jane, born April 22, 1845. William

Joseph L. Anway was reared to the sturdy discipline of the old home farm, in the work and management of which he early became associated with his father. He afforded the advantages of the common schools of his native county and later entered Seneca County Academy, which he attended for several years. That he put his scholastic acquirements to good use is evident when it is stated that prior to his marriage he taught for several terms in schools in Scipio and Reed townships. He spent most of the time at home with his parents until he had attained to the age of twenty-four years and he then initiated his independent operations as a farmer, beginning on an eighty acre tract which he had received from his father. His present finely improved farm consists of two hundred and seventy acres and is eligibly located in Scipio township, near Republic. In politics he accords a stanch allegiance to the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and he has ever shown a keen and intelligent interest in public affairs in the county. He has held the oflfice of township tnistee for eighteen consecutive years and has given efficient service as a member of the school board for fully a score of years. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order cf Odd Fellows, at Republic, having been affiliated with this organization for a period of forty-two years and being the oldest member in the state. He holds membership in Republic Lodge, No. 40, and became noble grand when eighty-one years of age. His religious belief is in harmony with the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church and both he and his wife have been active factors in connection with the different departments of the church work.

Mr. Anway has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Betsy A. Thompson, the ceremony having been performed on the 6th of October, 1852. She was summoned to the life eternal on the Slst of October, 1864, and on the 16th of December, 1869, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Anway to Miss Mariette E. Ames, who was born in Seneca county and who is a daughter of Charles and Alvira (Higley) Ames, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of New York. Mr. Anway 's grandfather, David Ames, was a sea saptain on the Great Lakes. By his first marriage Mr. Anway became the father of three children, Martha, Ida J. and Adda M.. the latter being the wife of E. Ogden, of Republic. No children have been born of the second marriage.

Lewis S. Werterhouse. - It is pleasing to the publishers of this compilation to incorporate within its pages a brief review of the career of one who is a native son of this county and who has passed practically his entire life thus far within its borders. Lewis S. Westerhouse was bom in Adams township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 21st of August, 1852, and is a son of John H. and Catherine M. (Sherman) Westerhouse, both of whom were bom and reared in Germany. The father was born on the 13th of April, 1828, and departed this life on the 29th of October, 1891.

The date of the mother's birth was December 3, 1828, and she was summoned to the life eternal on the 3rd of April, 1905. Mr. and Af rs. Westerhouse emigrated to America about 1849. They were married in Adams township and established their home on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres there. They reclaimed their land to cultivation and Mr. Westerhouse became a very successful farmer. To this union were bom seven children, concerning whom the following brief data is here recorded : Samuel S., born April 10, 1850, maintains his home in Adams townhsip; Lewis S. is the immediate subject of this review; Frank B., bom January 16, 1855, passed to eternal rest on the 23rd of March, 1886; John H. bom March 18, 1858, resides in Adams township close to the old homestead; Henry A., born April 7, 1861, is deceased, his death having occurred on the 22d of February, 1863; William N., born February 18, 1864, lives on the old homestead ; and Emma, born August 14, 1869, maintains her home with Lewis S.

Lewis S. Westerhouse was afforded the advantages of a good common school education in his youth, having attended the public schools of his native township and he was associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm until his marriage, in 1881. Thereafter he was engaged in the carpenter's trade for a period of about twelve years, having erected many of the fine farm residences and bams in this county. In 1885 he purchased and settled upon the old homestead on which his wife was bom and reared and he has since been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has one hundred and forty-three acres of most arable land and his buildings and improvements are of the most modern order. In politics Mr. Westerhouse is a Republican and he takes an active interest in local politics. He has held the office of township trustee for three terms of three years each. His father was likewise a stanch Republican and he also held the office of township trustee for a number of years. The father was keenly interested in religious and educational matters, having been officially and financially connected with the Evangelical church and having served for many years as a member of the school board. Mr. Westerhouse is a devout member of the Evangelical church, in the various departments of whose work he has been an active factor. Fraternally he is affiliated with the different social organizations of representative character and he is held in high regard by his fellow citizens.

On the 24th of March, 1881, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Westerhouse to Miss Eliza Miller, who was born on the 8th of September, 1860, a daughter of Philip and Catherine (Telgamyre) Miller, natives of Germany, whence they came to the United States about 1854. They located in Scipio township and there reared a family. They were members of the Evangelical church and were essentially progressive and liberal in their civic attitude. No children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Westerhouse and she was summoned to her reward on the 2nd of March, 1889. Since her death Mr. Westerhouse 's sister, Emma, has lived with him and kept house for him. Samuel S. is the only one of the Westerhouse brothers who has reared a family. He married Miss Emma

Shadier and they have seven children, namely : Nora, bom September 3, 1872, is the widow of Charles Biffel and she has one child, Clarence; Anna, born on the 27th of May, 1874, is the wife of William Myers and they reside in Bloomville and have one daughter, Mildred; Lillie, bom June 16, 1876, married Jesse L. Bowerman, of Adams township, and they have four children, Lawrence, Bernard, Lela and Donald; Olive C, born May 5, 1878, wedded Edward Shontz of Adams township and they became the parents of five children, three of whom are living, Luella, Mabel and Charles ; William E., born April 21, 1881, died in December, 1900 ; Frank, born June 10, 1885, resides at home; and Mabel, born January 30, 1888, married Charles Cook, of Adams township. All the above children were reared in the faith of the Evangelical church and received their education in the township schools. Nora attended the Greenspring Academy and was a popular and successful teacher in Adams and Pleasant townships prior to her marriage. Mr. Westerhouse has lived a life of usefulness such as few men know. God-fearing, law-abiding, progressive, his life is as truly that of a Christian gentleman as any man's can well be. With unwavering fidelity he has done the right as he has interpreted it. He is a modest, unassuming man, genial and inspiring, and his charity knows only the bounds of his opportunities.

Henry C. Telford, M. D. - Other men's services to the people and state can be measured by definite deeds, by dangers averted, by legislation secured, by institutions built, by commerce promoted. The work of a doctor is entirely estranged from these lines of enterprise yet without his capable, health-giving assistance all other accomplishment would count for naught. Man's greatest prize on earth is physical health and vigor. Nothing deterioates mental activity so quickly as prolonged sickness, hence the broad field for human helpfulness afforded in the medical profession. The successful doctor requires something more than mere technical training - he must be a man of broad human sympathy and genial kindliness, capable of inspiring hope and faith in the heart of his patient. Such a man is he whose name initiates this article. Dr. Telford was born in Livingston county, Illinois, on the 24th of February, 1872, and is a son of James and Jennie (Scott) Telford, the former of whom was born in England and the latter in Scotland. James Telford emigrated to the United States about the year 1851 and he established his home in LaSalle county and then in Livingston county, Illinois, where he became a prosperous and progressive farmer. He is still living, at the age of eighty years, at Emington, Illinois, and the mother is also living, aged seventy-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Telford became the parents of nine children, eight of whom are now living, the subject of this review being the seventh in order of birth.

Dr. Telford was reared to maturitv on the home farm and he was afforded the advantages of the common schools of his native county. In due time he chose for himself the profession of medicine and at the age of twenty-nine he took the scientific course in the Northern Indiana University at Valparaiso, later entering the Uni- versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in the medical department of which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1905, duly receiving his well earned degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immediately after his graduation he came to Attica, Seneca county, Ohio, where he took charge of the patients of Dr. Titus. He remained here four months, at the expiration of which he returned to Michigan, where he became associated in practice with Dr. W. B. Hanna at Mass City, Michigan, one of the best known representatives of the homeopathic school of medicine in that state. On the 19th of April, 1906, however, he again took up his home in Attica, where his success in his chosen profession has been on a parity with his well directed efforts and where he now controls a large and lucrative patronage, enjoying to the full the confidence and esteem of his ever increasing practice.

Though never a seeker of the emoluments or honors of public oflSce, Dr. Telford accords a stanch allegiance to the cause of the Republican party and he has ever given his aid in support of all measures and enterprises projected for the furtherance of the general welfare of the community. He is a man of philanthropic and charitable tendencies and holds secure vantage ground in popular confidence and esteem. Fraternally he is a member of Attica Lodge No. 367, Free and Accepted Masons; the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics; and the Modern Woodmen of America. In connection with his profession he holds membership in the Homeopathic Medical Society of Ohio and the American Institute of Homeopathy. Both he and his wife are members of the Disciples church.

On June 6, 1908, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Telford to Miss Charity Hurren, of Ontario, Canada. Dr. and Mrs. Telford are the parents of one son, Elden H., who was born on the 25th of February, 1910. Dr. and Mrs. Telford are prominent and popular factors in connection with the best social activities of their home city and their modem and attractive residence is a recognized center of gracious and generous hospitality.

Neile Stinebaugh. - An essentially progressive and public spirited business man of the younger generation in Seneca county is Neile Stinebaugh, who is editor and owner of the Republic Reporter and who is a native son of the village which has represented his home throughout his entire life thus far, his birth having here occurred on the 2d of May, 1888. He is a son of William and Keturah (Ballinger) Stinebaugh, both of whom were bom in Ohio, the former August 4, 1848, and the latter in the year 1858. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this review, John and Elizabeth (Measle) Stinebaugh, were natives of Maryland, whence they emigrated to Ohio in an early day, locating first in Wood county and later removing to Scipio township, Seneca county. Here the grandfather engaged in agricultural pursuits. The maternal grandfather of him whose name initiates this article was one of the first merchants in Republic and was conceded wealthy at the time of his death, leaving an extensive landed estate and other valuable property. William Stinebaugh resided on the old homestead farm until his marriage, in 1878, and thereafter he was with the B. & 0. Railroad Company until his death, which occurred March 19, 1900, at the age of sixty-two years. His cherished and devoted wife survives him and now maintains her home with her son Neile, in the village of Republic. William and Keturah Stinebaugh became the parents of two children, Edward, who was born on the 22d of October, 1880 ; and Neile, the subject of this review. Edward attended the public schools of Republic and was graduated in the village high school as a member of the class of 1905. He is now connected with the B. & O. railroad, with headquarters at Tiffin, and he served two years as mayor of Republic. In 1908 he was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Hakes.

Neile Stinebaugh received his educational discipline in the public schools of Republic, being graduated in the high school in the class of 1907. That he put his scholastic attainments to good use is evident when it is stated that he was a successful and popular teacher in Seneca county for a period of two years. On the 12th of May, 1909, he launched the Republic Reporter and he is making a distinct success in his journalistic endeavors. The paper now has a circulation of five hundred and it is making rapid headway under the able management of Mr. Stinebaugh. In politics he accords a stanch allegiance to the principles and policies for which the Democratic party stands sponsor and in 1909 he was elected corporation clerk of the village of Republic, he being the youngest man in the state to be incumbent of this office. He is a young man of quick perception and fine executive ability and is widely recognized as a citizen who is alert and enthusiastically in sympathy with all measures tending to advance the general welfare of the community. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.

John William Billiard is one of the prosperous agriculturists of Reed township, owning a fine eighty-acre farm, some high grade cattle, and one of the largest sugar forests and camps in this part of the country. Unlike so many of the citizens of Seneca county, he is not a native son, but was bom in Leeds, England, February 1. 1876. Both his father and his mother, whose names were Thomas and Elizabeth (Otter) Billiard, were natives of the "right little, tight little isle." The former's birthplace was Nottinghamshire and his eyes first opened to the light of day September 5, 1849. After attaining his majority Thomas Billiard began hi& experience as a wage-earner in the capacity of a teamster. in 1882, when John William was about six years of age, his parents decided to leave England and make their future residence in the newer country with its greater opportunity for the working man and his children. Mr. and Mrs. Billiard and their family landed at Baltimore, Maryland, on June 19, 1882, and they subsequently found their way to Seneca county, where the father worked by the month for wages to support his family and to repay the one hundred dollars which he had borrowed from his uncle to pay their passage to the United States. Those were meager times.

but they finally got upon their feet, figuratively speaking, and had a comfortable home. There were in the family three other children besides him whose name heads this review. Arthur resides at Flat Rock ; George is deceased ; and Lillie married James Na^e and makes her home in Attica.

On April 1. 1889. Mr. Billiard and his brothers and sister had the misfortune to be deprived of their mother by death, and he being the eldest child, the care of the younger children and the housework fell upon his young shoulders. He manfully took up his duties, distasteful though they may have been, and cooked, washed, ironed, and did everj-thing pertaining to the house. Notwithstanding, he managed to attend the district schools until he was twenty-one years of age, going in the winter months. During this time the family were residing in Reed township. Mr. Billiard finally left the home in which he had been so useful and hired to M. Gray, a farmer, for one hundred and fifty dollars a year. By working Sundays and by extreme economy he managed to save out rf this one hundred and twenty dollars a year and in this wav he made his start in life. He succeeded by hard work and grit and now owns an excellent farm of eighty acres, well improved and adjoining the oldest settled farm in the township. His land is located in Reed township. As before mentioned he has a large sugar forest and camp on his estate and it is equipped with one of the most modem syrup evaporators and canners made. He has forty head of Poland China hogs and one very fine male weighing five hundred pounds. One of Mr. Billiard 's interesting experiences was a hunting trip which he took into Wisconsin and which lasted for eighteen months, during which he bagged eight deer and much smaller game.

Mr. Billiard established a home of his own when on the 16th of June. 1909. he married Mrs. Eflfie Kautz, a native of Huron county, her maiden name having been Eastman. Mr. Billiard is a loyal advocate of the policies and principles of the Republican party. His father was a Republican and also a member of the Ancient Order of Shepherds.

RrssELL M. Knepper. - Seneca county has contributed its generous quota to the high prestige of the bench and bar of Ohio, and numbered among the representative members of the legal profession in the county at the present time is he whose name initiates this paragraph. He is the junior member of the law firm of Wagner & Knepper. of Tiffin, and is known as an able and versatile trial lawyer and well fortified counselor. He has won success and precedence through his own efforts, and his course has been so directed as to retain to him the inviolable confidence and esteem of the people of his native county.

Mr. Knepper was born on the old family homestead located (m Wolf creek in Hopewell township, this county, on the 11th day of Pebniary, 1878, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Reeme) Knepper, the former of whom was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. The father died January 31, 1905, and the mother is still living.

The active career of the father was one of close identification with the great basic industry of agriculture. As a boy Russell M. Knepper began to lend his aid in the work of the home farm, and in the meanwhile he availed himself of the advantages afforded in the district school, where he had as an instructor William O. Doran, who has been a successful and prominent worker in the local educational field for fully forty years. That Mr. Knepper made good use of the opportunities offered under such preceptorship is evident when it is noted that at the age of seventeen years he proved himself eligible for pedagogic honors. He began teaching in the district schools of his home county and continued in this line of work, at intervals, for a period of five years. His appreciation and ambition prompted him to seek higher educational advantages, and his aim then, as in later years, was one of definite action. Still dependent upon his own resources for further work along educational lines, he entered the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, where he completed the prescribed scientific course and was graduated in the spring of 1901. with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Soon after his graduation Mr. Knepper located in the city of Tiffin, where he began the study of law under the preceptorship of Judge George M. Hoke and where he continued his technical reading until 1904, when he was matriculated in the law department of his alma mater, the Ohio Northern University, in which by close application he was enabled to complete the prescribed course and gain his degree of Bachelor of Laws in June, 1905. He simultaneously passed the examination entitling him to admission to the bar of the state. He initiated the practice of his profession in Tiflfin, and here, in June, 1906, he formed a partnership with Judge W. Scott Wagner, under the firm name of Wagner & Knepper. A large and substantial law business has been conducted to the present time by this firm. The clientele is of representative order, and the junior member has effectively proved his mettle in connection with many important litigations, as well as in the counsel room, where he has shown a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of law and precedure. He is a close student, painstaking, honest and capable in the preparation of his causes, and his close observance of the unwritten code of ethics has gained and retained to him the high regard of his professional confreres. His personality, genial, democratic and unaffected, has likewise contributed to his success in his exacting profession, of whose dignity he has the deepest appreciation. Mr. Knepper has not only shown fine dialectic and forensic powers but has also gained reputation as an effective orator, in which connection his services have been in frequent requisition at various social and public assemblies, including those of a political nature. He is well fortified in his opinions as to matters of public polity and is a stalwart advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party. Though he has never held public office, Mr. Knepper takes a loyal interest in local affairs, and in his political party he is one of the leaders in his native county.

Corn, of Ironton, Ohio. William D. Corn, the father of Mrs. Knepper and a very siuxessfnl lawyer, died at Cincinnati February 16, 1907, and the mother, Mrs. Birdie Com, resides at the home of their only child and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Knepper.

Mr. Knepper is a contributor to the Methodist Protestant church of Tiffin, where Mrs. Knepper is a member, and he is a member of the Knijrhts of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Junior Order United American Mechanics fraternal orders. The U. R. K. P. recently conferred honors upon Mr. Knepper which entitles him to the rank of captain and he is commissioned as such.

William F. Orwig. - Now living virtually retired from active business, Mr. Orwig is numbered among the well known and highly esteemed citizens of his native county and maintains his home in the village of Flat Rock. He is a member of a family that was founded in Seneca county in the middle pioneer epoch, and the name has ever stood exponent of sterling integrity of purpose and loyal citizenship.

William F. Orwig was born at Flat Rock, this county, on tht 15th of February, 1852, and in the county of his nativity he nas found ample scope for eflfective and productive effort as one of the world 's great army of workers, having gained a due measure of success through his well directed endeavors. He is a son of James and Sarah (Ream) Orwig, both of whom were born in Union county, Pennsylvania, of stanch German lineage. James Orwig came from the old Keystone state to Seneca county, Ohio, in company with Henry Kutz, and the trip was made by means of team and wagon. He was a tailor by trade and after locating at Flat Rock he here engaged in the work of his trade, in connection with wnich he eventually developed a successful business as a dealer in men's furnishing goods. He was among those sterling patriots who tendered their services in defense of the Union when its integrity was menaced by armed rebellion. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he proceeded to the front and met his full quota of arduous and perilous experience as a valiant and faithful soldier. He entered the service at Monroeville and thereafter, while proceeding with his regiment on a forced march of more than one hundred miles, he experienced considerable trouble with his heart, the disorder becoming so acute that he was finally sent to the rear. He became incapacitated for active field service and on this account was finally granted an honorable discharge. In later years he received a pension from the government, in recognition of his services and the disabilities entailed thereby. After the close of his military career Mr. Orwig returned to Flat Rock and resumed the work of his trade. Later he established himself in the meat-market business in this village, and with this line of enterprise he continued to be identified for a period of about eighteen years. Failing health then necessitated his withdrawal from active business and he lived retired in Flat Rock thereafter until his death, which occurred in March, 1882. He ever commanded uniform confidence aiid esteem in the community that so long represented his home, and as a citizen he was loyal and public spirited. He was a Republican in politics and was affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic.

The marriage of James Orwig to Miss Sarah Ream, of Plat Rock, was solemnized about the year 1850, and his wife was summoned to eternal rest in 1902. She was born in July, 1834, and was a daughter of Joseph and Catherine Ream, who were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Seneca county about the year 1832, making the trip with an ox cart. Mr. Ream secured a tract of wild land, comprising about one hundred and eighty acres, in Thompson township, and here he reclaimed a productive farm, on which the Seneca county orphans' home is now located. This worthy pioneer lived up to the full tension of the early days of arduous toil and manifold privations, and it is related that in the early days he cleared land for others in order to secure sufficient money to pay his taxes. Mr. and Mrs. Ream continued to reside on their old homestead until their death. James and Sarah (Ream) Orwig became the parents of three children, of whom William P., of this sketch, is the eldest; Oliver A., who was born in 1854, is a representative agriculturist of Thompson township; and Nellie E., born in 1860, is the wife of Prank Kimmel, of Bellevue.

William P. Orwig is indebted to the public schools of Plat Rock for his early educational discipline and he continued to reside at the parental home until the time of his marriage. Shortly after this important event in his career he established an individual home at Plat Rock and turned his attention to the teaming business, with which line of enterprise he continued to be successfully identified during the greater part of his active business career. He is liberal and public spirited as a citizen and gives his support to all measures tending to advance the general welfare of his home village and county. He is a stanch supporter of the cause of the Republican party.

In the year 1876 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Orwig to Miss Amanda M. Weiker, who was bom in Thompson township, this county, on the 14th of April, 1856, and who is a daughter of Elias and Maria (Heater) Weiker, whose marriage was celebrated on the 4th of November, 1838, and the latter of whom died January 22, 1859. Elias Weiker was a native of Union county, Pennsylvania, born on the 15th of August, 1818, and was a son of George and Susannah (Deahl) Weiker, whom he accompanied on their removal to Thompson township, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1832. John and Sarah Heater, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Orwig, came from Pennsylvania to Seneca county about the same time and both the Weiker and Heater families secured tracts of government land in Thompson township, where they reclaimed good farms. The mother of Mrs. Orwig was born in the year 1818 and her death occurred in Seneca county.

citizens of Seneca county, whence he eventually removed to Bellevue, Ohio, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1904. The following lines commemorating his death appeared in a local publication : * * One by one the pioneer citizens are passing away. Elias Weiker, one of the oldest residents of Bellevue, died at his home on North street this morning at two o'clock, aged eighty-five years, six months and twenty days.

** Elias Weiker, son of George and Susan Weiker, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1818. When a young man in 1832 he came with his parents to Thompson township, Seneca county, Ohio, locating upon a farm near Flat Rock. Here he grew to manhood. The family was one of the first to locate in what was then an unbroken wilderness and here amid the scenes of that heroic age, in nature 's school, the subject learned the lesson of industry and thrift that were his chief characteristics in later life.

**Mr. Weiker was twice married. He was married to Miss Maria Heater, November 4, 1838. Eight children were bom to this union, three of whom died in infancy and five survive. They are Isaac Weiker, who lives on the old homestead south of town in Thompson township; Mrs. John Wertz and Mrs. Mary Scothorn, of Nashville. Barry county, Michigan; Mrs. Sarah Hiskey, of Bellevue and Mrs. Prank Orwig, of Plat Rock. Mrs. Weiker died January 22, 1859.

**Mr Weiker was married to Miss Maria Deahl in 1870 and three children were born to this union, one Mrs. W. J. Klein, of Hamilton, Ohio, who with the widow survives.

**Mr. Weiker was the last of his family, one brother, Jonas Weiker, having died Januar>^ 21, 1904. Mr. Weiker was a successful farmer and by industry and frugality amassed a handsome fortune and was the owner of large land interests in Nebraska, Kansas, Seneca county and also owned a number of houses and lots in Bellevue. Mr. Weiker retired from active farming about thirty years ago, when he moved to Bellevue. Since that time he devoted himself to looking after his property. Mr. Weiker was a highly esteemed pioneer citizen, whose more than four score years have been associated with the early history of Bellevue. He was permitted to live to see the straggling county hamlet develop into a prosperous city. He enjoyed a reasonable degree of health until about a week ago, when he took to his bed. He suffered from no specific disease but *Like a clock, worn out with eating time, at last the weary wheels of life stood still.' '*

John Heater, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Orwig, became an extensive landholder in Seneca county and he gave to each of his children t& farm of eighty acres, together with household goods and other appurtenances necessary for establishing independent homes. Later his own house and bam were destroyed by fire, kindled by malicious persons whose identity was never discovered, and under these conditions the children had the privilege of showing their filial solicitude, as they provided for the erection of new buildings for the parents as well as for the proper furnishing of the house. The children who had received each a tract of eighty acres of land were eleven in number, and the generous provision made by the honored father was shown proper appreciation when the children in turn found it possible to reciprocate as noted above. Mr. Heater died at the age of eighty-seven years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and for services rendered he received a pension until his death. Both the Weikers and Heaters were respectable and honorable pioneers. George Weiker died at the age of eighty-four.

Mrs. Orwig was afforded the advantages of the public schools of Seneca county and those of Decatur, Indiana, where she graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1875. Mrs. Orwig owns twenty acres of land near the village of Plat Rock, and she is the owner of real estate in Cleveland, as well as a house and lot at Bellevue. The latter property is the old homestead of her father. Mr. and Mrs. Orwig became the parents of three children, concerning whom the following brief record is entered: Delia M., who was bom on the 20th of June, 1877, is the wife of Weston Leininger, of Bellevue, and they have seven children, Donald C, Harry A., Mildred E., Prank, Hazel Dell, Isabel and John ; Myrtle Bell, who was born on the 10th of June, 1882, is the wife of John Carr, of Chicago, Ohio, and they have two children, Thelma P. and Thomas; Hazel Dey, the youngest of the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Orwig, was born on the 12th of August, 1886, and still remains at the parental home. She was graduated in the Plat Rock high school as a member of the class of 1902 and is a popular factor in the religious and social activities of the community, being secretary of the Sunday school of the Evangelical church and also secretary of the Young People's Association of the church, besides which both she and her mother hold membership in the local hive of Ladies of the Modem Maccabees.

William P. Martin is one of Hopewell township's prominent citizens, owning and operating one hundred and sixty-seven acres of land, engaging extensively in stock raising in addition to general farming and being very active in public life. He is bound with especial nearness to this part of Ohio, having been bom within the pleasant boundaries of the county, April 20, 1863, his parents being Henry W. and Caroline (Smoyer) Martin. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania, but the father was bom in Liberty township, Seneca county, the year of his nativity having been 1839, and his residence in that township lasted until 1874 in which year he removed to Hopewell township. Pollowing his schooling in the public institutions of learning, he attended Heidelberg University at Tiffin and later engaged in school teaching. He was the father of six children, three of whom were boys and three girls and five of whom were living in 1910, Jacob W. being the one deceased. William P. is the eldest in order of birth; Ora C. Newhouse of Postoria is the widow of Perry Newhouse ; Nora Cromer is the wife of C. B. Cromer of Hopewell township; Catherine Martin resides with her mother in Hopewell township ; J. M. Martin is in Chula, Virginia, engaged as superintendent on a large plantation for a Mr. Wilson of Illinois.

William F. Martin passed the peculiarly wholesome boyhood of the boy who is raised upon the farm, both Liberty and Hopewell townships having been the scenes of his earlier years. After securing his educational discipline in the district schools he took charge of the farm and has proved very efiScient in his management, of the same. He was married September 28, 1882, to Miss Ida B. King, daughter of William H. King of Hopewell township. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Martin has been blessed by the birth of six children. Ross W., the eldest, born July 11, 1883, is engaged in farming with his father, having followed in the paternal footsteps in the matter of a life work ; Grover A., born July 4, 1888, is taking a business course in Heidelberg College ; Earl L., engaged in teaching school in Hopewell and Liberty townships, was born September 27, 1890; Maurice K., born July 19, 1896, and Marguerite C, born April 27, 1901, constitute an attractive young household. Ralph, born July 27, 1892, died September 7, 1903.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Church of God, the former being one of the elders in church organization. He favors the policies and principles advanced by the Democratic party and for a period of eight years has served as township clerk, his assumption of the office being in the year 1904. His valuable farming property is located in section 23, and in addition to his general farming and stock-raising he has engaged with much success in the dairy business.

Austin C. Littler. - A prominent citizen of Seneca county is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres in section 12, Liberty township, and is one of the best judges of horses in that part of the state. Though he is himself a practical farmer, he rents his land and is living a retired life, simply looking after his private affairs. He is well known as a Democrat but has little taste or inclination for active politics. Yet he is interested in all that pertains to the advancement and prosperity of Liberty township and public spirited enough to do all within his power and means to aid them.

Mr. Littler is a native of Seneca county, born in Pleasant township, October 17, 1851, a son of Nathan and Mary (Engler) Littler. The father was born in Virginia and the mother in Maryland. Their parents brought them to Ohio, both families locating in Seneca county, where the elders lived out their days. Austin C. Littler was reared in Liberty township, where his parents removed from Pleasant township, and was educated in public schools near his home. He was early initiated in a most practical way into the mysteries of farming. In 1880 he married Miss Margaret Davidson, daughter of William and Maria Davidson, born in Seneca county in 1855. Their daughter Blanche was graduated in music at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, and is the wife of Wilbur Hull of Liberty township.

Wesley W. MhjLer, an estimable citizen and a man well known in this part of the state, has been postmaster at Bascom for a period of twelve years in his present services, having also served a period of over six years from 1879 to 1886. For many years a farmer in Loudon and Adams townships, upon removing to Bascom in the year 1878, he took up the grocery business and conducts this in. addition to fulfilling the duties of his office. Mr. Miller is a veteran of the Civil war and tracing his descent as far as his greatgreat-grandfather, we find that gentleman to have been a native of Switzerland. Mr. Miller is a native son of the county, his birth having occurred in Adams township November 8, 1839, his parents being Simon and Hannah (Wax) Miller. Simon Miller was the son of Daniel Miller who was the son of Daniel Miller, Sr., who is believed to have been bom in the city of Philadelphia. Of Swiss parentage, Daniel Miller, Senior, went to Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, at an early day, and it was he who laid out the town of Millersburg, which received his name and which was the scene of his death. His son, Mr. Miller's grandfather, migrated to Seneca county, Ohio, in pioneer days, and with his three sons and one daughter* settled in Scipio township, here living out the remainder of his days. The father's birthplace was in Dauphin county, i'ennsylvania, but it was in Seneca county that he grew to manhood, married, and reared his family, which like that of his father, consisted of three sons and a daughter. Of these four, whose names were Wesley W., Daniel, Simon and Martha, all are deceased with the exception of him whose name initiates this sketch. Daniel, as well as Wesley W., were soldiers at the time of the Civil war. The subject enlisted in 1864 as a member of Company I of the One Hundred and Sixty-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the colonel being Colonel J. C. Lee and his was one hundred days service. For his service to his country he now receives a pension.

Mr. Miller was reared upon his father's homestead in Adams township, secured his education before a desk in the district school, received a practical training in that vocation to which his father's energies were devoted, and remained beneath the home roof until his twenty-second year when he was married to Sophia Jamison of Kosciusko county, Indiana. She was a native of the Hoosier state and the daughter of William and Susan (Rough) Jamison. They took up their residence upon land in Loudon township and it was there that the death of the wife occurred, one son being left, Simon J., born July, 1869, and a present resident of Port Clinton, Ohio.

In April, 1870, Mr. Miller again married, this union being with Mary L. Creeger, bom in Seneca county, Ohio. She passed away in Bascom August 8, 1901. There are two daughters, the elder, Martha, being the wife of S. J. Mathew of Port Clinton, and the younger. Bertha, being married to A. R. Windsor, who is located near Port Clinton. Mr. Miller and his family belong to the United Brethren church and he maintains relations of war days by his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics Mr. Miller favors by his support and sympathy the men and measures advanced by what its admirers term **The Grand Old Party." Besides his eighteen years service as postmaster, he has also served for three years as township trustee.

Dr. M. E. Wilson was born April 14, 1852, at Dayton, Montgomery county, Ohio. At an early age he became a member of. the household of Lewis Priedley, for whpm he worked as a farmer boy, attending district schools as opportunity was afforded him. After a time he took his future in his own hands and labored diligently at whatever he could find to do. He was early impressed with the idea that in order fitly to enter upon the battle of life he should have education beyond that which he had been able to obtain in public schools. Therefore he entered the Ada College at Ada, Ilardin county, Ohio, where he was a student through several successive terms, paying his way by means of such work as he was able to find. lie taught three terms of school in Huron county, Ohio, then took up the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. H. T.-Blain. Later he became a student at the Toledo Medical College, where he took the course of study prescribed to fit him for the practice of medicine and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1887. There too he paid his way with his own earnings from month to month. To the practice of his chosen profession he has devoted the same energy, perseverance and good judgment that characterized him in his preparatory period. Soon after his graduation, he located at Bettsville, where from the beginning he had the confidence and esteem of his townspeople where his practice has grown substantially from year to year down to the present time. Since he came several other physicians of ability have tried without success to establish themselves in the town. His practice Avhich embraces all classes at Bettsville extends in all directions into an extensive area of country. His fellow citizens point to him not only as a man of remarkable success in a professional way but as a self-made man whose achievements are worthy of the emulation of younger men.

In 1889 Dr. Wilson married Miss Cora Patterson of Reed township, and they live in their own comfortable home on Main street. As a Democrat Dr. Wilson wields an influence for good that is recognized by thinking people in his vicinity regardless of their political affiliation. Though eighty-five or ninety per cent of the vote of his township is Republican he has been five times elected its treasurer, which office he is filling at this time. He is a stockholder and a director in the Bettsville Banking Company of which corporation he is vice-prsident. He is identified with Greenspring Lodge, No. 427 Free and Accepted Masons, with Fremont Chapter, No. 64, Royal Arch Masons, and of Fremont Commandery No. 56, Knights Templar. As a physician he is well known through his part of the state, holding membership as he does in the County, State and American Medical societies.

Frank S. Walter is well known in the locality and is former assessor and present land appraiser of Hopewell township. He finds particular cause for loyalty to Seneca county from the fact that he is a native son, his birth having occurred in Liberty township January 28, 1874. He is a son of Michael W. and Mary (Brendle) Walter, both of whom are deceased at the present time. The father was born April 12, 1845, in Seneca county, Ohio, and the mother's birth was on the 23d of September, 1847, she being a native' of Germany and about seven years old when she came to Seneca county. The demise of the former occurred October 1, 1901, and that of the latter January 20, 1902. Mr. Walter is the second in order of birth of a family of seven children, the other members living being: Jessie W., Charles L., Harvey 0. and James E. The last two are located at Medford, Oregon and Charles L. is living in Bascom, Seneca county.

Mr. Walter was but an infant when his parents removed from Liberty to Hopewell township, and it was in the district schools of the latter that he acquired his education. By means of assisting in the duties to be encountered upon every farm, he became the possessor of much agricultural information and is now one of the progressive farmers of the locality. His farm is the old homestead of his father and grandfather, and comprises some one hundred and twenty acres of fertile and highly cultivated land. He enjoys the confidence of the community, being especially well liked where he is best known and his three years* service as assessor and his present incumbency of the office of land appraiser have been of marked efficiency. He gives his heart and hand to the cause of the Democratic party and is public spirited and well informed upon public issues, giving his support to all those measures likely to result in the attainment of the greatest .good to the greatest number. He is a member of the German Reform church of Bascom and one of its trustees.

Mr. Walter has never joined the ranks of the Benedicts and he and his brother Jessie W. are living on the farm. He finds an additional source of revenue in the ownership of an excellent threshing machine, which he has followed for the last thirteen years.

Archie P. Sombrs. - A representative business man of Republic, Seneca county, Ohio, and one who has contributed materially to the progress and development of this section of the state, is Archie P. Somers, who was bom on the 25th of September, 1870, and who is a son of Prank D. and Sarah A. (Myers) Somers, both of whom were born and reared in Ohio. Archie P. Somers is a native son of the village of Republic and he is descended from stanch old German stock, his paternal grandfather, Charles Somers, having emigrated to America from Germany in the year 1830. He and his wife first located at Premont, Ohio, and later they established their home in Seneca county, where they passed the residue of their lives. Frank D. Somers was but eight years of age at the time of his mother's death and his father was summoned to the life eternal before his birth. After the death of his mother he resided with his brother and sister for some time and his preliminary education was such as could be obtained in the district schools. At fourteen years of age he hired out as a farm hand and he continued to be thus employed until he had attained to his legal majority, when he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Myers. Thereafter he engaged in farming on his own account and he became one of the most successful and substantial farmers in this county. Of his brothers and sisters, Charles, Elizabeth and Christena were born in Germany ; John was bom on the passage over to America ; and Ilenrv and Billv were born in Ohio. To Prank D. and Sarah A. Somers were bom three children, namely : Harry, of Scipio township ; Pred, of Postoria ; and Archie P., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Somers was summoned to eternal rest on the 13th of August, 1899, and Mr. Somers is now living on his finely improved farm of eighty acres in Scipio township.

Archie P. Somers, the immediate subject of this review, availed himself of th^ advantages afforded in the common schools of his native county and of those of the village of Republic. He continued to be associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm until his marriage, at twenty-one years of age. He then initiated his independent operations as a farmer and continued to be so occupied for a period of three years, at the expiration of which he entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad company. Pive years later he again became identified with agricultural pursuits and in 1906 he established his home in the village of Republic, where he is now extensively engaged in the buying and shipping of hay, in which connection he handles about three thousand tons per annum, shipping the same to all points of the compass. He is a stanch Republican in his political proclivities and is at the present time giving most efficient service as village councilman. He has ever given freely of his aid and influence in support of all measures and enterprises projected for the general welfare of the community and is recognized as an essentially progressive and public spirited citizen. He holds a high place in the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen and in his basiness relations he has gained a reputation for fair and honorable methods and unquestioned integrity. In a fraternal way he is a valued and appreciative member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed through all the official chairs, being at the present time (1910) noble grand of the local lodge. He and his wife hold membership in the Daughters of Rebekah and the latter is a devout member of the German Lutheran church, in the various departments of whose work she has been most active.

On the 18th of October, 1891, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Somers to Miss Liza Jane Wiker, who was bom in this county on the 24th of November, 1872, and who is a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Sharger) Wiker, both of whom were bom and reared in Germany, whence they came to America in an early day, settling on a farm in Adams township, Seneca county. Mr. and Mrs. Wiker became the parents of ten children : William, Lizzie, Ellen, Sallie, Delia, Allie, George, Nora, Mattie and Liza Jane. Of this number Delia, Nora and Liza Jane are still living. Afrs. Wiker and three of the children passed away within two weeks of one another, when Mrs. Somers was a child of twelve years of age. Mr. Wiker served as a gallant soldier in the Union army during the Civil war and he is now living in Reed township, having attained to the venerable age of sixty-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Somers have four children : Ethel, who was bom on the 25th of August, 1892, is now in her last year in the preparatory course of the normal school at Republic; Earl, who was born on the

9th of November, 1894 ; Gretta, born July 20, 1897 ; and Franklin, born December 6, 1904, all of whom are attending the public schools in Republic.

George R. Cramer. - A representative citizen of Scipio township, Seneca county, and one who has achieved eminent success as an agriculturist is George R. Cramer, who was bom in Seneca county, Ohio, on the 28th of May, 1865, and who is a son of Edwin R. and Christina (Neikirk) Cramer, the former a native of Maryland and the latter a native of Ohio. Edwin R. Cramer was born on the 7th of October, 1835, and he was but five years of age at the time of his parents* removal from Maryland to Ohio. He is a son of Christian and Catherine (Creighes) Cramer, who located in Clinton township, this county, on a farm, in 1840. Edwin R. Cramer resided with his parents until his marriage to Miss Christina Neikirk, a daughter of Daniel and Christina (Somers) Neikirk. Mr. Neikirk was bom in Maryland and his wife claimed Baden Baden, Germany, as the place of her birth. Edwin and Christina Cramer became the parents of five children : George, the immediate subject of this review; Rosa Bell and Clara Dell, twins, bom January 13, 1869, the former became the wife of Scott Growel, of Adams township; and the latter married James H. Breyman, of Tiffin; Chloie, bom January 9, 1877, became the wife of William Myers, of Utah; and Ezra S., bom June 11, 1880, was summoned to the life eternal on the 20th of May, 1888. Edwin R. Cramer was a most successful farmer during his lifetime and his death occurred on the 30th of May, 1908. His cherished and devoted wife now resides on the old homestead to which she came as a bride and she has attained to the venerable age of sixty-seven years. When the Cramer family first came to Ohio they were in rather straightened circumstances but through thrift and industry they gained noteworthy success and became highly respected citizens in Scipio township.

George R. Cramer was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm and he early began to assist his father in the work and management thereof. His education was such as was afforded in the public schools of the county and when sixteen years of age he hired out as a farm hand. Four years later he journeyed to the west, locating in Nebraska, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. For twenty-three years he livefl the strenuous life of the mining camps and in 1906 he returned to his native state of Ohio, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, the old homestead of Michael Neikirk, an uncle of his mother. He now has an estate of three hundred and twenty acres of most arable land and his splendidly improved farm is one of the finest in the county. He devotes his attention to diversified agriculture and his spacious residence and bams are of the most modern type. In politics Mr. Cramer is aligned as a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Democratic party and though he has never manifested aught of desire for public office of any description he gives freely of his aid and influence in support of all measures advanced for the general welfare of the community. In a fratemal wav he is affiliated with the Knights of the Tented Maccabees and he is also a member of the Western Federated Miners Union, He and his wife are devout members of the Catholic church, to whose charities he has contributed in generous measure. Mr. Cramer has in his possession some fine specimens of his work in steel, also in gold, silver, copper and lead ore, which he brought back with him from the west.

In Utah, in July, 1893, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Cramer to Miss Elizabeth E. Wheetly, a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Karug) Wheetly, both of whom were bom in Scotland, the former in county Waxford and the latter at Glasgow. After living for a time in England Mr. and Mrs. Wheetly emigrated to America, about 1879, at which time Mrs.^ramer was four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Wheetly had seven children, namely: James, Mary C, Margaret M., Elizabeth, Bridget, Richard and William, all of whom are deceased except Mrs. Cramer and Bridget, who now maintains her home in California. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer became the parents of eight children, two of whom died when infants. Those living are, Bertha, bom March 8, 1895; Edwin R., bom October 7, 1897; Ezra R., born January 18, 1899; Junita, bom October 25, 1902; George E., bom October 1, 1906; and Irene M., born March 18, 1908.

RoLLiE J. Hensinger. - A native son of Seneca county and a scion of an old pioneer family in this section, Rollie J. Hensinger was bom in Adams township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 27th of June, 1875. He is a son of Benjamin P. and Brigada (Pender) Hensinger, both of whom were likewise bom in Seneca county. Benjamin P. Hensinger was a son of John and Catherine (Garman) Hensinger, the date of his nativity being September 5, 1846. John and Catherine Hensinger were natives of Lehi county, Pennsylvania, whence they emigrated to Ohio about 1840. The household goods was transported by ox teams and wagons and the older members of the family made the trip on foot. John entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Adams township and set about reclaiming a farm from the virgin wilderness. He erected a log cabin and reared a family of ten children, whose names are here recorded: Harris, Mary, Plora, Owen, John, Conrad, Risaldo, Moses, Benjamin P. and Catherine. Benjamin P. resided with his parents until his marriage, March 9, 1869, to Miss Brigada Pender. They became the parents of six children, Arvilla, Emma, Prank, Rollie -J., Herbert and Lucy M, After the death of his first wife, in 1885, he married Maria Kane, who bore him one son, Emery Earl. She was summoned to the life eternal on the 23rd of July, 1910. He was engaged in farming during the major portion of his active business career and was an essentially loyal and public spirited citizen who contrbuted in generous measure to all movements projected for the general wellfare of the community.

Rollie J. Hensinger received his early educational discipline in the district schools of his native township and when twenty-two years of age he went to Ada, Ohio, where he spent two terms in a business course. After his marriage he turned his attenton to diversified agriculture. In politics he is a stalwart Republican and he has held various offices of public trust. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He is a man of broad general information and is ever on the alert and enthusiastically in sympathy with all measures and enterprises tending to advance the welfare of the community.

On the 30th of October, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Hensinger to Miss Nettie Carson, who was born and reared in Seneca county and who is a daughter of William and Ann (Lawrence) Carson, natives of Pennsylvania. William Carson was one of seven children, the others being : Jane, Nancy, John, Jake, Hugh and Mary. For a time Mrs. Carson's parents resided in New Jersey and in 1845 they removed to Ohio and located at Melmore, this county. The family was represented in the Civil war and all the boys were mechanics by vocation. Mrs. Hensinger was the fifth in order of birth in a family of nine children, the names of the others being: Orville, Carrie, Walter, Floyd, Nettie, Mary, Roy, Pearl and Ollie. Mr. and Mrs. Hensinger have one son. Merlin E., who was born on the 12th of August, 1904. A son Vernon Gerald, was born to them on the 20th of May, 1902, but he passed from this life on October 12 of the same year.

William Harmon Homan. - A man of honest worth, endowed with the habits of thrift and industry characteristic of his German ancestors, William Harmon Homan holds an assured position among the respected and valued residents of Tiffin. A son of the late George Homan, he was bom, February 3, 1871, in F'^ Hancock county, Ohio, but has spent the greater part of his life n Tiffin.

George Homan was bom, reared and married in Germany. Learning the trade of a printer, he followed it in the Fatherland until 1860, when he came with his wife and children to the United States, locating first in Buffalo, New York. After working in a printing office in that city for eight years, he moved to Findlay, Ohio, where he had charge of a boarding house for four years. Going to Fremont, Ohio, in 1872, he conducted the Fremont Courier five years, when he sold out. Coming from there to Tiffin, he established the first, and only German newspaper of Seneca county, which he managed from 1881 until 1893. He was quite active in public affairs, and in 1888 was elected sheriff of Seneca county, and served until his death about six months before the expiration of his term of service. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Florian, was born in Berlin, Germany, his native city, and is now living with her son, William H., who is the eighth child in order of birth of her family of nine children, a part of whom were born in Germany.

Brought up and educated in TiflRn, William H. Homan began learning the jewelry business when but fourteen years of age, and has made that his life occupation, being a skilful and artistic workman. During his younger days, however, Mr. Homan worked with his father to some extent as a newspaper man, and also served as deputy sheriflf under his father. He is a Democrat in polities, and a member of the German Catholic church. Mr. Homan married, April 9, 1907, Gertrude M. Smith.