Seneca Township (part 58 of 60)

Charles Ash. - For nearly four score years has the Ash family been identified with the history of Seneca county and few if any names have been more closely and prominently concerned with the industrial and civic development and advancement of this favored section of the state. He whose name initiates this review is the larfjrest land holder in the county and from his youth to the present time he has been actively concerned with the great basic industries of agriculture and stock growing, through the medium of which he has achieved large and worthy success, thus adding to the prestige gained along the same lines by his honored father, William Ash, who, at a venerable age, still maintains his residence in this county and who is one of its most honored pioneer citizens. Mr. Ash has ever commanded the unqualified confidence and esteem of the community, which has represented his home from the time of his nativity, has been called upK)n to serve in various offices of distinctive public trust, including that of representative in the state legislature and, though invarably unostentatious and unassuming, he is recognized as one of the substantial capitalists and essentially representative citizens of his native county.

Charles Ash was bom upon the old homestead farm in Jackson township, this county, on the 18th of December, 1857, and is a son of William and Rebeccah (Trumbo) Ash. The father was bom in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of April, 1830, and is a son of George and Letitia (Reed) Ash, the former of whom was likewise a native of Bedford county, where he was born in the year 1779. In 1833 he came to Seneca county, Ohio, and secured one hundred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land in Liberty township. There he reclaimed a farm upon which he continued to reside until his death, at the patriarchal age of ninety years, his wife having passed away at the age of sixty-eight years.

William Ash was reared under the scenes and conditions of the pioneer epoch in this section of the state and through his mature judgment and well directed eflforts he has become one of the large landholders and influential citizens of the county, where he now owns more than twelve hundred acres of land. For many years he was also a prominent factor in the buying and shipping of live stock, as well as of grain. He has served in various public officps, including that of justice of the peace, which he retained for more than a quarter of a century. He has long served as vice president of the First National Bank of Fostoria. His wife was born and reared in Seneca county and is a daughter of Enoch Trumbo, one of the prominent pioneers of this section of the state. Of the three children two are living: Ellen, who is the wife of Alfred Nowrey, of Jackson township, and Charles, who is the subject of this review. Concerning the career of the honorable Charles Ash, the following data are well worthy of reproduction in this volume:

*'Oiir subject was reared and received his early educational training m the public schools of the locality. At the age of eighteen years he became actively associated with his father in the buying and shipping of live stock, soon giving evidetice of the discrimination and that executive capacity which have been the conservators of his success. In February, 1885, Mr. Ash effected the purchase of eighty acres of his present fine homestead, and forthwith located on the same, where, in connection with general agriculture, he continued to devote his attention to the buying and selling of live stock for a number of years, his operations in the line being marked benefit in furthering the advancement of the stock industry in this locality. He has added to his landed estate until he now owns more than twelve hundred acres of as valuable land as can be found in the county, the same having been equipped with the best of permanent improvements. His farming is conducted by tenants, though in past years he did an extensive business, cultivating several hundred acres, with several men in his employ. He also owns three hundred and twenty acres in Logan county, Kansas. Nearly a decade ago Mr. Ash enlarged the scope of his operations by beginning to buy and ship grain, initiating this enterprise in a somewhat modest way. It has, however, been cumulative in character, and in the summer of 1901 he erected a well equipped grain elevator in the village of Amsden, where he handled a large business in this line, making extensive shipments and thus aiding materially in advancing the agricultural interests of the locality. He is essentially alert and public spirited in his attitude, and his interest in all that conserves the general welfare is unabating."

Besides his extensive farming interests Mr. Ash is identified with many important industrial enterprises which have conserved the advancement and prosperity of his home county. He is president of the Commercial Savings Bank of Fostoria, in which he is one of the largest stockholders, as is he also in the Standard Light & Power Company of that city. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Fostoria Union Stock Yards & Commission Company, besides which he holds stock in other industrial concerns.

In politics Mr. Ash has ever accorded unswerving allegiance to the cause of the Republican party and he has served two terms as treasurer of his native county. His election to this most important office showed most conclusively the estimate placed upon him in his home county, for the same normally gives a Democratic majority of fifteen hundred votes, while as a Republican he received a majority of twelve hundred votes at the time of his first election. He was a township clerk for two years and for years* held the office of justice of the peace. His first election to the office of county treasurer occurred in 1901 and he was re-elected. He gave a most able and discriminating administration of the fiscal affairs of the county and thus marked himself for higher political honors. He is the only Republican ever elected treasurer of Seneca county. In November, 1908, Mr. Ash was elected to represent the county in the lower house of the state legislature, in which he served one term and made an admirable record for faithful work in behalf of good government and wise legislation. He is identified with Postoria Lodge, No. 305, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias; and Kansas Tent, No. 288, Knights of the Maccabees, the two last named lodges being located in the village of Kansas, this county. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Amsden and he is chairman of its board of trustees.

On the 25th of March, 1883, Mr. Ash was united in marriage to Miss Belle F. Poster, who was bom in Jackson township, this county, and who was the daughter of Sampson and Margaret (Stahl) Poster. Her father was an influential farmer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Ash became the parents of five children, two of whom, William and Rebeccah, died in infancy; Earl P., who was bom on the 19th of April, 1886, is now associated with his father in the farming and grain business ; Herbert P., who was born in October, 1888, was graduated in the Tiffin high school and in 1910 was graduated at Heidelberg College, in the same village; Carmen is a student in the Bristol school, at Washington, District of Columbia, and is a young woman of most gracious personality. Afrs. Ash was summoned to the life eternal in 1907. Mr. Ash contracted a second marriage, being then united to Mrs. Jeanette C. Chamberlain, who was born in Crawford county, and whose father moved to Seneqa county when she was a child.

Arthur M. Henney. - Residing with his parents on the. old homestead farm in Thompson township which was the place of his birth, Mr. Henney is numbered among the popular young men of Seneca county, and in addition to being identified with the operation of the farm he is also engaged in the manufacturing of the Morning Star acetelyn gas machines, of which he is the inventor and patentee.

Mr. Henney was born on the farm which is still his home and the date of his nativity was November 2, 1875. He is a son of Aaron and Anna (Gilbert) Henney, the former of whom was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of May, 1841, and the latter of whom was bom in Seneca county, Ohio, on the 31st of July. 1851, a daughter of Perry and Barbara (Mowery) Gilbert, the latter of whom died when Mrs. Henney was a child of three years. Aaron Henney was about twelve years of age at the time of his parents removal from the old Keystone state to Ohio, and for the first three years the family home was in Huron county. In 1856 removal was made to Thompson township, Seneca county, where the paternal grandfather of the subject of this review purchased one hundred and forty-four acres of land, which he developed into a productive farm. Aaron Henney continued to reside with his parents until the time of his marriage, when he removed to Sherman township, Huron county, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1860, when he returned to Seneca county and purchased his present fine farm of eighty-eight acres in Thompson township. He has made the best of improvements on this homestead, which has been his place of abode for a half century, and here he and his devoted wife are enjoying the gracious prosperity which is the due reward of former years of earnest toil and endeavor. With them reside their son Arthur M. and his wife, and the father is now living virtually retired from active labor, though he still maintains a general supervision of his farm. He is a man who has ever commanded the unqualified confidence and esteem of the community in which he has so long maintained his home, and he holds prestige as one of the representative agriculturists of the county. His political allegiance is given to the Democratic party and both he and his wife hold membership in the United Evangelical church at Flat Rock. The only other surviving child of Aaron and Anna Henney is Myrtle, who is now the wife of Charles Mook, a prosperous farmer of Sandusky county, they have one child, Deloris.

Arthur M. Henney was reared to adult age on the home farm and early began to contribute his quota to its work, the while he duly availed himself of the advantages afforded in the public schools. He has continued to be associated in the management of the farm during the intervening years, and remains with his wife in the old homestead which was the place of his birth. He has taken a loyal interest in all that has touched the welfare of his native county and while he has never been ambitious for public office he accords a stanch support to the principles and policies for which the Democratic party stands sponsor.

On the 2nd of December, 1903, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Henney to Miss Jennie Bennehoff, who was born in Thompson township, this county, on the 26th of February, 1882, and who is a daughter of William F. and Barbara (Royer) Bennehoff, the former of whom was bom in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and the latter at Fireside, Seneca county, Ohio. Mrs. Bennehoff was a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Bunn) Royer and a sister of Judge John C. Royer, of Tiffin, who is one of the representative legists and jurists of Seneca county and who has served as a member of the state senate. The original progenitors of the Royer family in America came to the new world on the historic ship ** May flower, ' ' on the occasion of its first voyage to America. Samuel Royer was a son of John and Mary M. (Romig) Royer, both of whom were bom in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, whence they came to Ohio and took up their residence in Wayne county about the year 1820. In 1829 they came to Seneca county and Mr. Royer here purchased a tract of heavily timbered land in Thompson township, where he eventually reclaimed a good farm, upon, which both he and his wife passed the residue of their lives. The family was one of the first three to make permanent location in Thompson township, and the name has been closely identified with the social and material development and progress of Seneca county, where many of its representatives still remain. John Royer was eighty-seven years of age at the time of his death, and his wife preceded him to eternal rest by a number of years. The Romig family likewise was numbered among the very early settlers of Thompson township.

advantages as were afforded in the pioneer schools and where he did his part in the arduous work of reclaiming the home farm, lie continued to be identified with the great basic art of agriculture until his death, at the age of fifty-nine years. He and his wife were devoted members of the Reformed church and Mrs. Rover, long surviving her husband, is passing the closing years of her life in the home of her son, Hon. John C. Royer, of TiflSn. Samuel and Mary Ann (Bunn) Royer became the parents of fifteen rhildren, and it is worthy of note in this connection that Mrs. Royer and her two sisters had a total of forty-three children.

William P. Bennehoflf was born August 20, 1842, and died April 8, 1867; his wife was bom January 18, 1856, and her death occurred January 12. 1898. William P. Bennehoflf was a son of Solomon and Anna (Raider) Bennehoflf who were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Ohio and established their home in Seneca county in 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Henney have two children, Thelma M., who was bom April 29, 1906, and Naoma E., who was born August 16, 1908.

Mr. Henney is a man of much inventive genius and among the practical devices originated and patented by him is a machine for the generation of acetelyn gas. This is a recognized improvement over all other machines devised for this purpose, and which constitute the nucleus of admirable lighting plants for residences, business establishments, etc. He is broad minded and progressive in his civic attitude and while never a seeker of public oflfice he is found arrayed as a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies for which the Democratic party stands sponsor.

Mahlon a. Thomas. - The spirit of enterprise and progressiveness that has been so potent in the development and upbuildinjn of Seneca county finds strong exemplification in the career of this business man of Postoria, and his standing in the community is such as to well entitle him to consideration in this publication. He is prominently identified with the various lines of industrial and business enterprise and as an owner and dealer in real estate he has done much to further the material upbuilding of his home city.

Mahlon A. Thomas was born in Ripley township, Huron coun- 1v, Ohio, on the 17th of December, 1855, and is a son of Delos ^ and Abbie J. (Hulbert) Thomas. The lineage of the Thomas family is traced back to stanch English origin and Amos Thomas, great-grandfather of the subject of this review, was the founder of the family in America. This worthy ancestor established his home in Otsego county, New York, where he continued to reside until his death. His son Mahlon was the grandfather of him whose name initiates this review, and Mahlon Thomas, Sr., married Miss Elmira Baker and their son, Delos L. was born and reared in Otsego county, New York, as was also his wife, who was a daughter of Hatzel Hulbert, a representative farmer of that county. Soon after their marriage the parents of Mr. Thomas emisrrated to the west and established their home in Huron county, Ohio, about the year 1850. There the father died on the 27th of December, 1899, his birth having occurred in 1827. He developed one of the fine farms of Huron county and was one of the honored pioneer citizens of that county at the time when he was called to the life eternal. His wife, who was likewise bom in the year 1827, died in September, 1892, both having been devout and zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They became the parents of five children, of whom two are living, Mahlon A., whose name introduces this article, and William Leonard, who is a resident of Hastings, Michigan.

Mahlon A. Thomas was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm, with whose work and management he continued to be identified until he was twenty years of age, in the meanwhile having been accorded the advantages of the public schools of his native county. For two years he was a student in the high school at Plymouth and for several terms he continued his studies in a normal school in Ohio. In his youth Mr. Thomas learned the valuable lessons of consecutive industry and he has ever retained an appreciation of the value of honest toil and endeavor. In 1892 he established his home in Fostoria, where he conducted a general merchandise business for five years, at the expiration of which he disposed of the same and turned his attention to the real estate business, in which his operations have been of wide scope and importance and in connection with which he has gained a reputation for fair and honorable dealings and for the careful protection of the interests of his patrons. He is associated with his brother in the ownership of several farms in Huron and Wood counties, this state, and these properties are very valuable owing to their highly improved condition.^ The brothers have also been prominently identified with oil operations in Wood county, where they have held large leases of land and operated many wells. ^Ir. Thomas has made extensive improvements on real estate owned or controlled by him in Fostoria and in his business operations, as well as in a generic way, he has at all times shown high civic pride and loyalty. He is a stockholder in an automobile manufactory in Fostoria, is a director in the Union National Bank and is president of the Mechanics* Banking Company, which conducts a state bank at Bradner, this county. Mr. Thomas has shown marked administrative and executive ability and has been in the most significnt sense the architect of his own fortunes. His acumen in connection with financial operations has made him a valued factor in connection with the banking interests, with which he is identified, and he is known as one of the able representatives of financial interests in Seneca county.

In politics Mr. Thomas accords a stanch allegiance to the Republican party in so far as national and state issues are involved, but in local affairs he maintains an independent attitude, giving his support to the men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment. He is a trustee of the Presbyterian church in Fostoria, of which Mrs. Thomas is a most zealous member and in which «he is serving as president of the Ladies' Aid Society. The following statements relative to the subject of this review are well worthy achieved success through honorable efforts, untiring industry and capable management, and in private life he has gained that personal warm regard which is a recognition of worth of character, deference for the opinions of others, kindliness and geniality. He is fond of hunting, finds recreation in numerous excursions in forest and field, visiting the best hunting grounds in Michigan and the south. His home is one of the most attractive residence properties in the city of Fostoria and is the center of refined hospitality, both he and his wife being prominent in the social life of the community.'*

On the 21st of October, 1880, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Thomas to Miss Ida J. Hammond, who was born and reared in Huron county, this state, and whose father, now deceased, was one of the representative farmers of that county. . Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have no children.

Clarence S. Streely. - The able and popular ticket agent for the Burlington & Ohio Railroad in the city of Fostoria has been long and prominently identified with railroad interests and his fidelity and eflfective service have been indicated by the many positions of trust to which he has been called in this connection, the while his unfailing courtesy and genial personality have gained to him the esteem of the traveling public, as well as the high regard of the various communities in which he has maintained his home.

Clarence S. Streely was born at Maple Park, Kane county, Illinois, on the 28th of November, 1859, and he is indebted to the public schools for his early educational discipline, which included a course in the high school in Elkhart, Indiana. In that city he secured employment in a paint shop and later he was similarly employed in the celebrated Studebaker Wagon & Carriage Manufactory, at South Bend, Indiana. Finally he learned the telegraphist's trade and in 1882 he was given the position of telegraph operator and ticket agent for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad at Warsaw, Indiana. Later he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and was stationed at Crestline, as operator and agent. From there he removed to Green River, Wyoming, where he was similarly employed in the service of the Union Pacific Railroad Company. Later he held the position of treasurer in the oflBce of .the Wabash Railroad Company, in the city of Detroit, Michigan, and coming to Fostoria, Ohio, he entered the employ of the Burlington & Ohio Railroad Company, with whose services he has here since been identified. He has the distinction at the present time of being the oldest employe, in point of consecutive service, in his department. Mr. Streely has ever shown the utmost courtesy and solicitude in his treatment of the p)eople with whom he has come in contact in an official and private capacity and by this means he has not only given the more eflfective service to the companies by which he has been employed but has also justified the high esteem which has been accorded him in a popular way. In politics he gives his support to the Republican party and he is identified with the order of Railway Trainmen. Mr. Streely was united in marriage to Miss Rose Woessner and they have one son, Frederick, who was bom on the 5th of May, 1888, and who is now employed by the Hocking Valley Railroad Company at Fostoria. He married Miss Catherine Smithers.

Albert Abbott, a Seneca county farmer, residing at 243 N. Washington street, Tiffin, Ohio, was born ip Liberty township, this county, January 28, 1848, son of Henry and Eliza (Lott) Abbott. Henry Abbott was one of the early settlers of Seneca county, he having come here previous to his marriage ; and his witt was a native of the county. They were the parents of eleveichildren, eight sons and three daughters, all of whom were reare*. at the old homestead in Pleasant township, and received then educations in the district school near by.

After the father's death, which* occurred in 1862, the sons continued the farming operations, and subsequently Albert bought the interests of the other heirs and acquired title to the farm, the operations of which he has since conducted. He now owns 260 acres on section 29, Pleasant township, where he lived until 1903, when he moved his family to their present home in Tiffin. And while they live in the city, he still looks after his farm.

On March 18, 1880, Mr. Abbott married Miss Addie Sager, who was bom in Pleasant township, June 22, 1856, daughter of Benjamin and Susan (Thompson) Sager; and the fruite of this union are two sons. Herbert, born January 7, 1881, is a graduate of the Tiffin High School and the Ann Arbor (Michigan) Law School, and is engaged in the practice of law at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The other son, Carl, was bom June 20, 1886, and at this writing resides with his parents. Politically, Mr. Abbott is a Republican.

Grant Lott, a native of Liberty township and the grandson of a well known pioneer, is not only one of the large land holders and successful farmers and stock raisers, but he is prominent in public affairs as well, being one of the pillars of local Republicanism. He was for many years a member of the central committee, was the former clerk of Liberty township, and his interest in the advancement of good education being known is at present a member and clerk of the board of education.

Mr. Lott was bom April 16, 1863, and is the son of James and Margaret (Peasel) Lott. The father was bom in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 4, 1826, but when a child, in 1832, removed with his parents to Seneca county, they settling in section 29, Liberty township. The grandfather, Reuben Lott, was a native of New Jersey, who later removed to Pennsylvania and then came to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1819. The country was very new at the time of his locating in Ohio, and he built the third cabin in Liberty township. Here he made his home for the residue of his life. He was a Whig and later, upon the formation of that party, a Republican, and he held the office of constable. His death occurred at the age of ninety years.

became not only a farmer of means, but a man of political note, as an exponent of the Republican party, serving in various township offices. He was a member of the United Brethren church. His land comprised some two hundred and forty acres, much of which he cleared himself. His wife died in 1885, but he survived until 1903. They were the parents of six children, five of whom survive at the present time, the eldest having been burned to death at the age of two and one half years. Laura is the wife of Charles M. Cross of Indianapolis. John L. is a member of th6 legal fraternity who has attained to no small amount of distinction, having held the office of assistant state attorney-general of Ohio for a number of years and being at present special United States attorney of Washington, D. C. Sherman W., is an attorney practising in Toledo, Ohio. The youngest is Anna M". Lott of Liberty township, who resides on the old homestead.

Grant Lott was reared upon his father's homestead and received an unusually thorough education, taking full advantage of the public school opportunities, and after an attendance at the Postoria Academy, spending three years at Heidelberg University. Shortly after leaving college he accepted a position as traveling salesman for a firm having their headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, and he spent about three years thus engaged, in that time acquiring a coihmercial experience of an interesting character. After his marriage in 1895 he devoted his entire attention to his lands, engaging extensively in farming and stock raising and his endeavors have resulted in the most unqualified success. He has charge of two hundred and forty acres and is scientific and up-todate in his methods.

On May 1, 1895, Mr. Lott took as his wife Bertha Armstrong, of Indianapolis, she having been born in Champaign county, Illinois, March 21, 1874. She received her education in the public schools, but has herself supplemented this in the most effectual manner, being a wide reader and student today. They have one son, Harold E., born in August, 1896. Mrs. Lott is a member of the United Brethren church and Mr. Lott gives liberal support to the same. His political activities are of an important character and his support is sought as a most valuable adjunct. His election to the clerkship of Liberty township was in 1902 and he continued to be the incumbent of this office for seven years. It may well be said of him that he is of the best type of politician, being honest and direct in his methods.

William I. Zechman. - The name of Zechman is well and honorably known in Seneca county, and it has been identified with this section of the Buckeye state only since about 1873, when William I. Zechman, then less than twenty years of age, answered the challenge of a youthful desire for change and adventure and came westward to meet as a soldier of fortune adventure more pleasant in retrospect than when experienced.

Mr. Zechman was born July 19, 1854, in the state of Pennsylvania (Snyder county) and is the son of Simeon and Elizabeth A. (Bilger) Zechman, both of them also natives of the Keystone state.

The father was a mason by trade and a veteran of the Civil war, in which he saw service almost from beginning to end of that great conflict. He enlisted at the beginning of the war in 1861 in Company F, Fifty-sixth Regiment. Although one of the first to enlist the elder Mr. Zechman never applied for a pension, and gloried in having given his service to the country he loved without hope or idea of reward. Upon the return of peace he resumed his trade. The subject was one of a family of seven children, the members of the family being Zachariah T., William I., John F., Robert, Mary E., Adda M. and Qeorge H.

Prior to his leaving for Ohio on the fifth day of August, 1873, William I. Zechman had resided with his parents. He initiated his journey by going by railroad as far as Pittsburg, and from that city he went on foot to Fort Wayne and proceeded in the same manner to Three Rivers, Michigan, and thence to Bellevue, Ohio. His financial reserve was low and at night he slept in the woods, too tired and footsore to heed the dismal howling of the wolves and the other far from soothing sounds of the forests at that time. Sometimes he found a night's repose on a depot platform and his meals were gained in various and sundry fashions. When he reached Bellevue he hired out to cut wood in Adams township and for several months engaged in this strenuous toil.

On the 10th day of December, 1874, Mr. Zechman was united in marriage to Mary E. Arnold, bom in 1858 and the daughter of David and Sarah (McCauley) Arnold, natives of Pennsylvania and West Lodi, Ohio, ivespectively. The mother came to Ohio with her parents in 1840, when about six years of age, and they located south of Flat Rock on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which they zealously improved and brought to a state of fruitfulness. Mrs. Zechman 's grandfather, Samuel Arnold, came to Seneca county and located on a farm six miles south of West Lodi, in Thompson township. Mrs. Zechman is one of a family of four children, the other members being, Philip, who died at the age of four years, Eliza and William.

For some years foUowng his marriege Mr. Zechman resided on a farm in Adams township, the time of his residence there being about nine years in duration. They then secured seventy acres of their own and took up their residence upon this tract, remaining for five years, after which they moved to property west of Bellevue, which they rented from one of Seneca county's landholders. They subsequently secured farming property near Flat Rock and having engaged in its cultivation for some time then took up the management of a farm of T. E. Wyant. At the end of a year's time they purchased a home in Flat Rock, where they now reside, enjoying the advantages of town life and at the same time profitably cultivating a forty-two acre farm near by and another of fifty-two acres somewhat south of that. Mr. Zechman is to be counted among the considerable property owners, being the proprietor of a business block, five houses and lots and two lots which contain a fish pond filled with fish. He is a man of varied interests and also deals in black walnut logs and scrap iron. His

To Mr. Zechman and his wife have been born four children. The eldest daughter, Sarah A., bom December 3, 1875, became the wife of Henry May, of Bellevue, and died May 22, 1902. George D., born June 1, 1878, is located in Plat Rock in the shoe business. He married Barbara M. Link, of Minnesota, and is the father of a daughter, Mildred, born January 11, 1906. Burton P., born February 29, 1880, is engaged as railroad conductor, with headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. Arthur W., bom March 9, 1882, is located in Plat Rock, where he manages a hardware business. He married Lydia M. Murbach, of Whitehouse, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Josephine E. bom March 1, 1908.

Mr. Zechman and his family are faithful members of the Evangelical church, in whose affairs they take an active interest and to whose support they aflford generous contribution. The wife is a valued member of the Missionary society. In his political adherence Mr. Zechman gives his heart and hand to the men and measures of the Republican party, and in evidence of the confidence in which he is held by his associates is the fact that he has been intrusted with various township offices. He has rendered estimable service during an eleven years' career as a member of the school board.

In a resume of the subject's business activities there should be included the fact that he deals extensively in furs and skins, and he has traveled over various sections buying these commodities. He also ships a great many car loads of iron and hides during the year. He is one of the substantial men of Plat Rock and the surrounding country and is widely known by reason of personal popularity and his varied business associations.

George D. Zechman, son of William I. and Mary (Arnold) Zechman, the former one of the most prosperous and influential citizens of Flat Rock, whose career is sketched in detail on other pages of this work is one of the live business men of this part of Seneca county, being the proprietor of an up-to-date shoe shop and also pursuing the vocation of a painter He was bom June 1, 1878, the scene of his nativity being Adams township. On the 28th day of September, 1905, he was united in marriage to Barbara Link, a young woman born April 23, 1875, her parents l»eing Albert and Prances (Geisler) Link, natives of Bavaria, Germany. When a youth of sixteen the father paid his adieus to the old country and sailed for the shores upon which he expected to find opportunity awaiting him. He was accompanied by his parents, John J. and Anna C. (Smith) Link, and first located in New York, going thence to Pillmore county, Minnesota, where they became the proprietors of a good farm of one hundred and sixty act^es. In 1895 they retired and removed to the town of Preston, where they at present reside, enjoying in their declining years the fruits of their previous thrift and industry.

Qeisler, a German, who upon coming to the United States, located in New Orleans, Mrs. Zechman's mother being at that time but nine months old. From Louisiana they removed to Minnesota, and in that stale the parents of the subje<et*s wife were united in matrimony in the month of November, 1869. Nine children were the issue of this union : Mary C, born September 30, 1870, resides at home with her parents; Joseph, bom in September, 1871, is a Minnesota* farmer, his land being situated near Racine; John died in infancy; Carrie, bom August 25, 1872, married Alfred Qinder, and is now deceased, a son, William A., surviving her; Anna B. ; Rev. H. W. Link, born in 1878, now pastor of the Evangelical church of Fostoria, married Laura Hahn, and is the father of one child, named Francis M. ; Sarah, bom in June, 1879, is the wife of Charles DeHaven, of Idaho, and the mother of five children; Louisa M., born January 27, 1884, is the wife of Earl D. Miller, of Flat Rock ; Emma C, born Febmary 17, 1886, wife of Hugo M. Henderson, of Preston, Minnesota, and mother of three children; named Mary, Howard and Eveline M. Joseph, mentioned above, married Lizzie Burkhard of Racine, Minnesota, and has four children, who answer to the names of Walter J., Flossie L., Raymond A. and Louisa E.

Shortly after his marriage Mr. Zechman returned with his bride to Flat Rock and there they took up their residence, both of them ngw playing an important part in the many sided life of the community. As said before Mr. Zechman is a shoemaker and owns and conducts a first class shoe store, enjoying a large and ever growing patronage. Mrs. Zechman is a zealous member of the Evangelical church and takes an active part in all its affairs. She is a teacher in the Sunday School; belongs to the missionary society, was formerly president of the Young People's Association, and holds membership in the local Women's Christian Temperance Union. They have one child, a daughter, named Mildred Gertrude, born January 11, 1907.

Arthur W. Zechman is one of Flat Rock's influential citizens and up-to-date men of affairs, conducting a hardware and roofing business whose transactions average over eight thousand dollars annually, his patronage coming not only from the busy center in which he resides but as well from the outlying districts. Not only is Mr. Zechman favorably known in this section, but he has an interesting and honorable ancestry whose description is well worth the telling. Mr. Zechman is one of the younger generation of business men, his nativity having occurred March 9, 1882, and his parents being William L and Mary (Arnold) Zechman. The father was born July 19, 1854, in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Simeon and Elizabeth A. (Bilger) Zechman. The subject's grandfather, Simeon Zechman, saw service at the time of the Civil war, serving as the lieutenant of his company, Company F. Fifty-sixth Regiment. He was not among those who escaped unscathed, but received numerous bullet wounds, whose scars long gave eloquent testimony of his valiance and bravery in the defense of his loved country. He enlisted in 1861 and was mustered out in 1865. He was a brick mason by trade and upon the return of peace he returned to his trade, as a good citizen serving his country as faithfully in time of peace as in war. He was the father of seven children, whose names were Zachariah, William I., John F., Robert A., Mary E., Adda M. and George H.

The father of him whose name initiates this review remained beneath the parental roof until his twentieth year, when he concluded to seek new fortunes in the west. He went by boat to Pittsburg, then went on foot to Port Wayne, Indiana, thence to Three Rivers, Michigan, and thence to Bellevue, Ohio, making the whole journey on foot from Pittsburg and at night sleeping in the woods or on station platforms. Upon arriving at Bellevue he hired as a wood cutter to a man in Adams township and soon afterward, in 1874, he married Mary E Arnold, born in 1858, to David and Sarah (McCauly) Arnold, natives of western Ohio and Pennsylvania. Her mother had come to Ohio with her parents in 1840, when six years of age. They had located on land south of Plat Rock, this comprising some one hundred and twenty acres, which they improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. Mrs. William Zechman was one of a family of four children, the other members of the family being : Philip who died at the age of seven years, Eliza A. and William. Samuel Arnold, maternal grandfather of the subject, came to West Lodi, Ohio, from the Keystone state, locating on a farm south of Plat Rock in Thompson township.

Por nine years following his marriage William I. Zechman resided on a rented farm in Adams township, and then bought seventy acres to which he removed. After five years residence upon the same he went to Bellevue and after staying there a short time, came to Plat Rock and bought the house and lot where he now resides. He has prospered and although he had but fifteen dollars when he began for himself he now is an owner of no inconsiderable amount of property. This consists of two small farms near the town consisting of forty-two and fifty-two acres, several houses and lots in Plat Rock, and a large brick block in Plat Rock; and other holdings. He is engaged in the walnut lumber and iron business and is one of the substantial citizens of the locality.

To William Zechman and his wife were bom four children: Sarah, bom December 31, 1875, married Henry May, of Bellevue, and died May 22, 1902 ; George D., born June 1, 1878, who is located in Plat Rock, in the shoe business, married Barbara M. Link, of Preston, Minnesota, and is the father of one child, Mildred, bom January 11, 1906; Burton P., bora Pebmary 29, 1880, is located in Ohio's capital city where he is engaged as a conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Mr. Zechman 's political faith is Republican and both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical church, in which they take an active part, the latter being a valued member of the Missionary society. The head of the house has held various township offices and served as a member of the school board for eleven years.

spent his earlier years upon the farm, amid its quiet and peaceful scenes learning those lessons in industry, thriftiness and honor which have since stood him in such good stead. He attended the schools of Flat Rock. When about twenty years of age he secured a position with the Orphans' Home at Flat Rock, where he acted in the capacity of a farm hand for some three years. He was married in 1906 and about that time took up the tinner's trade. After working for a short time in an inferior capacity he concluded to establish himself upon a more independent footing and in July, 1910, he opened a hardware store in Plat Rock, where he has experienced the greatest success, now dealing in both hardware and roofing and enjoying a large and ever increasing patronage.

The marriage of Mr. Zechman was celebrated June 6, 1906. His wife, whose maiden name was Lydia Murbach, is the daughter of John Jacob Murbach, born June 6, 1853, and his wife, Elizabeth (Wickerly) Murbach. The date of her nativity was October 25, 1883. Mrs. Zechman 's father was a native of the northern part of Switzerland, who crossed the seas to the **land of promise" when he was about twenty years of age. The young woman he made his wife was an Ohioan, a daughter of Martin and Anna (Sharer) Wickerley, her birth having occurred January 1, 1857, in Lucas county. John Jacob Murbach after an active career as an agriculturist is now living retired. He received his education in the old country and lived near the Rhinefall at Schoffhusen. The date of his emigration to these shores was June 30, 1873. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical church. Mrs. Murbach 's father emigrated from Germany and located* near White House, Ohio, on a farm of sixty acres.

The wife of the subject was engaged at the Orphans' Home at Plat Rock as a dining room girl for a year and a half prior to her marriage, and it was there that she met her husband. She is one of a family of seven children. They are in order of birth:

Martha, born in January, 1881; Mrs. Zechman; George, bom in September, 1884; Walter, bom in November, 1886; Ida, bom in June, 1888 ; Mary, born in October, 1890 ; Esther, born in August, 1896. Mrs. Zechman was educated at White House and graduated with the class of 1902. These people are among the leading citizens of the township and are widely known, their circle of acquaintances being coincident with that of their friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Zechman are the parents of one child, a daughter named Josephine, born March 1, 1909. They stand for all that is best and most elevating in the township and their church membership extends to the Evangelical church, in which they take an active part, he being class leader, and steward, and his wife holding membership in the Woman's Missionary Society. He is a stanch Republican and a keen student of current events. In recognition of the confidence in which he is held by his associates he has been elected to several township offices and has several times held membership on the township board.

Albert J. Haflby. - An active and highly esteemed citizen of TifRn, distinguished for his ability and integrity, Albert J. Hafley is prominent in public affairs, at the present time holding the responsible position of treasurer of Clinton township. He was born March 2, 1867, in Cleveland, Ohio, and when but two years of age was brought by his parents to Tiffin, where he has since resided.

Educated in the public schools of Tiflfin, he completed the studies of the eighth grade, after which he began the trade of a machinist with the National Machine Company, remaining with that company until March 15, 1890. On that day Mr. Hafley met with a serious accident, losing his left hand. Being forced to change his occupation, he began to read law, making a special study of bookkeeping and commercial law. He afterwards accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Tiffin Gas Works, retaining it until the gas gave out. He subsequently served seven years as clerk of Clinton township, and being then elected township treasurer of Clinton township has served in this capacity ever since. For the past ten years Mr. Hafley has also been bookkeeper for Mr. J. B. Matthias, a position for which he is eminently qualified.

Mr. Hafley married, in 1897, Anna J. Matthias, a daughter of J. B. Matthias, and of the five children that have been born to their union three are now living. Mr. Hafley and his family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church.

Ransom J. Higgins. - A substantial and prosperous resident of Clinton township, Ransom J. Higgins is actively identified with one of the leading industries of this section of Seneca county, being owner of two valuable oil farms which are highly productive, yielding him an excellent annual income. A native of Ohio, he was born August 1, 1852, in Wyandot county, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits. His father, John Higgins, was born and bred in Maryland. Coming as a young man to Ohio, he settled first in Newark, Licking county, where he met and married Joanna Klinker, a native of New York state. He afterwards bought land in Wyandot county, and was there engaged in general farming for many years.

Brought up on the parental homestead, Ransom J. Higgins obtained the rudiments of his education in th6 district schools, after which he attended Buchtel College, in Akron, Ohio, two terms. He then turned his attention to the pursuit of agriculture, and finding the occupation both pleasant and profitable has since continued thus employed the greater part of the time. For three years he lived with his family in Tiffin. In 1905 he purchased his present home farm of thirty-seven acres in Clinton township, where he has since resided. This farm is rich in oil, and has three producing wells with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of this valuable product. He also owns another oil producing estate in Clinton township, a farm of eighty acres situated near Swander Station. Politically Mr. Higgins is a Republican, but has never been an aspirant for official honors. Fraternally he is a member of McCutchenville Lodge^ No. 314, F. & A. M. Although Mr. Higgins lives

On the 23rd of March, 1875, Mr. Higgins married Olive Slaymaker, who was born and brought up in Seneca county, Ohio, and to them three children have been born, the eldest of whom lived but a brief time. The two now living are as follows: Ernest J., born March 9, 1879, was graduated from the TiflSn High School, class of 1900 and after taking a two years* course in the Ohio University established himself as a druggist at Norwalk, Ohioj and Mabel H., born February 7, 1890, is a graduate of the Tiffin High School and is living at home with her parents.

George A. Qeyer was born at Woodville, Sandusky county, Ohio, April 20, 1873, a son of H. H. and Paulina (Allen) Geyer, natives respectively of Buffalo, New York, and Woodville, Ohio. When he was about ten years of age his parents moved from Woodville to Seneca county. After having gained a good primary education in excellent public schools he entered Heidelberg University, Tiffin, Ohio, where he pursued his studies until he was ready to begin his active business career. Mr. Geyer was for thirteen years until 1907 a traveling salesman for a concern engaged in the manufacture of buggies. In the year just mentioned he went into the hardware business, and his store on Main street, Bettsville, is one of the land marks of that town. He has taken an interest In the general enterprise and prosperity of the place, as is evidenced by the fact that he is a stockholder in the Bettsville 'Banking Company. As a business man he is regarded as one of the leaders in the community. If he were called upon to mention the source of his business success he would probably refer to the knowlcilge of men and of trade conditions which he acquired as a traveling salesman. His neighbors might attribute his prosperity to his honest, upright character, to his affable manners and to his real desire to be useful to his fellow citizens.

In 1900 Mr. Geyer married Miss Ora Blue, and in 1904 she bore him a son whom they named Paul. Politically Mr. Geyer is an earnest Republican, but beyond doing his duty as a citizen he takes no active interest in public affairs. He is a Mason, affiliating with the Greenspring Lodge No. 427, Free and Accepted Masons and enjoying the distinction of being a Knight Templar. He is a member also of Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, of Kansas, Ohio.

Howard E. Wolfe. - Not only is Howard E. Wolfe a native of Hopewell township, but he also has the somewhat unusual distinction to have been born upon the very farm upon which he now makes his residence. His birthdate is June 25, 1870, and he is the son of Solomon and Mahalah A. (Bowless) Wolfe, and the youngest of the five children bom to this worthy pair. Of these four are now living at the present day, namely: Jesse, a farmer who resides in Hopewell township with his brother Howard ; Rose, wife of George Schroth of Tiffin ; Catherine, who is unmarried and lives at Tiffin ; and he whose name initiates this paragraph.

Howard E. Wolfe passed the wholesome boyhood which is the heritage of most farmer's sons and was fortunate enough to receive an excellent education. After receiving a preliminary training in the district schools of his township he became a student at Heidelberg College at TiflSn, and after pursuing a course in that well known institution of learning he acquired a commercial training, also at Tiflftn. Although prepared for a career of different nature he was favorably inclined towards agriculture and from the year 1898 he has devoted his entire attention to this vocation, being one of the successful and representative exponents of the same. In addition to general farming he engages in the raising of stock upon a large scale. His interests, however, are by no means confined to his farming, for he is the representative of a number of large corporations. He is one of the directors in the Mutual Relief Association of Hopewell township, a fire insurance company, and he keeps in touch with all the leading movements of the day.

Mr. Wolfe joined the ranks of the Benedicts on January 21, 1898, the lady to become his wife being Miss Delia M. Powers, who was born and reared in Hopewell township. Like her husband she took advantage of the educational opportunities afforded by the township, and later finished at Heidelberg University. She is a daughter of Robert and Mary Powers. To this union have been born three children, as follows: Herbert E., born November 27, 1900 ; Howard A., bom November 23, 1902 ; and Margaret R., born August 2, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, attending that of Clinton township. The former is an adherent of the principles of Republicanism and is very active in the work of the party, his support being sought by a large contingent.

Solomon Wolfe, father of the foregoing, was bom in Union county, Pennsylvania, February 8, 1838, his parents being Michael and Margaret (Engleman) Wolfe. His grandparents, Michael and Catherine (Smith) Wolfe, were natives of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, but subsequently went to Union county, Pennsylvania and cast their lot with the agricultural element, securing uncleared land and with typical pioneer dauntlessness bringing it to tillable condition. The first few years of their son Solomon was spent in Union county, Pennsylvania, but about 1843 he moved to Sandusky county with his parents and lived upon a farm located within its boundaries for the greater portion of his life. It was there that he received his training in the Three R's, as the elementary education was termed in those days, and there he was married on January 16, 1862, to Mahalah Bowless, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Keller) Bowless, natives of Maryland and Seneca county. In the April following the solemnization of their union they located on a farm situated in the southeast part of section 2, this comprising one-fourth of the section. Here engaged in the various departments of the great basic industry of agriculture he lived imtil the year 1902, when he retired and came to Tiffin, Ohio, his household being situated upon the corner of Clay and Jackson streets. He and his family are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the head of the house casts his vote and his influence with the Republican party. He is happy in the esteem and friendship of all those who know him best. The three brothers of Solomon Wolfe, Levi, Jack and Jessiah were soldiers in the Civil war. Levi and Jack are deceased.

Howard J. Pry, son of the late James H. Pry, who was filling the office of county commissioner when he died, was bom in Liberty township, Seneca county, Ohio, March 13, 1881. James H. Pry, a native of Virginia, was brought as a child to Seneca county by his parents, who located in Pleasant township. He married Miss Emma Wickert and she bore him two children, Howard J., the immediate subject of this notice, and Orpha, bom in 1863, who became the wife of Prank Voorhies, of Gibsonburg, Sandusky county, Ohio. He died in 1883.

Howard J. Pry was reared on the farm on which he now lives and was educated in the public schools and at the Toledo Business College, Toledo, Ohio. He was graduated from the last mentioned institution in 1899, after having taken a comprehensive course which fitted him to take almost any place of high responsibility in the average business office. He was also a student at Ada, Ohio. His tastes led him to the life of a farmer rather than to that of the business man. He was licensed to teach school, but never has done so. He gives attention to general farming, in which he has won much success. His farm is one of the best in its vicinity, has a good residence, a fine bam and ample outbuildings, and is well equipped with modem machinery and appliances.

. Mr. Pry married Miss Bessie Baker, a daughter of John Baker, of Sandusky county, Ohio, bom and reared on a farm and educated in district schools. She has borne him a daughter, whom they named Norene and who was five years old August 15, 1910. Politically Mr. Pry is a stanch Democrat. While too busy to become an active politician, he is interested in local and national affairs, wields a recognized influence in township matters and is consulted about every public movement of importance by practical men who know the value of his opinion. He owns sixty acres in Liberty township, Seneca county, and one hundred and fifty acres in Sandusky county.

John M. Pry was bom in section nine in Liberty township Seneca county, Ohio, September 15, 1856. His father was Daniel Pry, son of George Pry. The latter, who was born in Pennsylvania, came of an old family whose history has been traced to pre- Revolutionary days in the American colonies. Daniel Pry, bom December 29, 1829, died September 3, 1910. His wife, who was Sarah Baker, was born in section 9, in that township, in 1832, shared with him the joys and sorrows of old age in the community where they made their home and reared their family and still survives. They had a son and a daughter, John M. Pry and Sarah E. (Pry) Houx, wife of James B. Houx, of Liberty township.

John M. Pry was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Liberty township, learned farming thoroughly and attended the common school near his home. Since he was twenty years old he has given his entire attention to farming. He has de- voted himesif somewhat to the cultivation of sorghum. On November 29, 1877, he married Miss Mary E. Kies, of Liberty township. She died without issue. On May 16, 1907, he married the widow of Charles R. Kies, who was Phoebe A. Kies and was reared ta womanhood by Samuel Pry. There are no children by this marriage.

Mr. Pry is a member of the Evangelical church and prominent in connection with its affairs. He is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Mrs. Pry is a Rebekah, a member of the organization at Bettsville. He is identified also with Lodge No. 94, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Tiffin. He is a Democrat, and as such has been chosen to several important oflSces. He has been township trustee two years, treasurer four years, clerk four years, a member of the Bettsville board of education and of the Liberty board of education, and has been a county commissioner since 1909, having just been returned at the recent election for another term as county commissioner. -

George W. Might. - An idea is conveyed of the ambition and determination of this prosperous business man of Postoria when it is stated that he came to this city about twenty years ago with his worldly possessions summed up in the contents of a grain sack, which he carried upon his back. By earnest and indefatigable industry and good management he has gained success worthy of the name, the while he has so demeaned himself as to gain and retain the unqualified confidence and esteem of those with whom he has come in contact in business and social connections. Mr. Might was born in Gallia county, Ohio, in September, 1872, and there he was reared on a farm and afforded the advantages of the district schools. In 1889 he came to Postoria, where he served for some time as car inspector for the Nickel Plate Railroad Company, in whose employ he continued for more than thirteen years. He resigned his position with this company to engage in the coal business, in which he here continued until 1907, when he engaged in the draying business with the modest equipment of one dray. His energy and effective service have enabled him to build up a successful business and he now operates four teams receiving the support of the leading business men of the city and maintaining his office at 108 East North street. He also owns a half interest in the Reservoir Ice Company and is the owner of an attractive residence at 318 west Premont street.

In politics Mr. Might gives his support to the Republican party and he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Pellows and the Praternal Order of Eagles.

Mr. Might married Miss Daisy Knecht, who was bom at Union City, Indiana, and they have one son, Gerald, who was born on the 24th of April, 1901.

James A. Miller. - The J. A. Miller Tile Company is one of the thriving industries of Seneca county, and standing in charge of its destinies is fhe gentleman whose name it bears. The plant.

which since its inception has experienced a rugged growth, covers a space of eighteen acres and the company own some two hundred acres in Thompson township. Material for the product is secured from the eighteen acres. Mr. Miller was one of the originators of the Tile Drain Company and was chiefly instrumental in building the mill at Bascom in 1887, which up to the year 1893 bore the firm name of Creeger & Miller, after which it received its present designation. In the twenty years of its existence naturally there have been several changes and different partners have been taken into the concern, but always Mr. Miller retained the controlling interest until in 1905, when Thomas H. Drohen became half owner. Even under the present arrangement Mr. Miller manages the concern. The J. A. Miller Tile Company adds materially to the prosperity of Hopewell township and much credit is due to those who maintain it.

Mr. Miller was bom in Seneca county, Hopewell township, on the 27th day of December, 1863, his parents being Adam and Margaret (Creeger) Miller, the father a native Pennsylvanian and the mother of Ohio. He shares the lot of so many successful Americans of having been born and reared upon the farm, and his education was obtained in the district school. About the time that he became of age he left the farm and very shortly afterward became engaged upon his career as a manufacturer. Although he started out with little capital he has made the most of every opportunity and by the exercise of sound judgment and and executive ability has built up a substantial business and one of large scope.

On September 22, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Clara Ruse, of Hopewell township, where she was bom and reared. She is the daughter of Solomon K. and Elizabeth (Alspaugh) Ruse. They are the parents of three sons, who have either attained to or are approaching useful citizenship. Ardie, bom September 30, 1889, is married, his wife having been Miss Anna StuUer, daughter of Charles Stuller, and he is associated with his father in the tile business. Russell was bom June 2, 1897, and Raymond August 2, 1902. The Miller family are affiliated with the United Brethren church at Bascom. Mr. Miller is an enthusiastic lodge man, his fraternal relations extending to Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, Knights of Pythias of Tiffin Uniformed Rank, and to the Knighted Order of Tented Maccabees at Bascom, of which he is a charter member and past commander. Politically he casts his vote with the Republican party. His attractive home at Bascom is set in the midst of five acres. Mr. Miller was township treasurer, for two terms, having been elected to the office over strong opposition by a large majority.

Charles L. Park was bom in Tiffin, Seneca countv. Ohio, October 7, 1857, one of two sons of Peter and Sarah (Hemming'k Park. Peter Park was bom in Tiffin and lived there most of his life. He learned the tailor's trade and worked at it in his younger days. In 1849 he went to California in quest of gold and met with some success there. He was employed in the west for a time in some civil engineering enterprises.

At the tender age of five years Charles L. Park became a member of the family of Jacob and Sarah Plack, who reared him from that time and sent him to the district school, where he obtained a practical education. When he was twenty-one he began farming on shares. In 1883 he married Miss Eda E. Harrison, daughter of John Harrison and a native of Sandusky county, Ohio. They had two sons and a daughter. Clarence and Ralph are farming the Park homestead. Florence is a member of her father's household. All three are well educated. Clarence and Florence have passed the Boxwell examination and Florence is now attending the high school at Fostoria. Mr. and ]\Irs. Park are members of the Evangelical church of Liberty township. He is a layman of the church and has been Sunday school superintendent twenty-two years. His sons are members of Kansas Lodge, No. 183. Knights of Pythias, of which Ralph is a past chancellor.

In politics Mr. Park is a Republican, devoted to the good work of that party in pushing our country forward to a grand destiny. He has filled the office of assessor and served as a member of the board of education of his township. He has been for nine years treasurer of the Seneca County Sunday School Association. He and his son Ralph are stockholders and he is a director in the Bettsville Banking Company. His farm consists of one hundred and seventy acres in sections 19 and 20, Liberty township.

Charles W. Reese. - This prominent citizen of Seneca county, Ohio, was born in Sandusky county, that state, July 28, 1865, a son of J. D. and Jemima (Freet) Reese, and was brought by his parents to Seneca county when he was yet a mere child; When he was in his fifth year his mother died and he was soon given a step mother, his father having married a few years after his own mother's death. He was reared at Kansas Station and acquired a good education in district school, more because he was a diligent and receptive student than because his opportunities were especially good. He accepted a position as traveling salesman, which he filled for fifteen years. In 1889 he married Miss Hattie Lease, daughter of Thomas W. Lease. She had lived at Newmarket, Maryland, till she was thirteen years old, and then she came to Kansas Station, Seneca county.

After his marriage Mr. Reese bought the Jacob Zeis farm of two hundred and forty acres, which is well improved, well stocked and well equipped for successful cultivation. He was in business at Fostoria. Ohio, four years. He is a stockholder in the Union National Bank of that town. In politics he is a stanch Republican He is a member of Lodge No. 935, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Fostoria. To Mr. and Mrs. Reese have been born four children, who are here mentioned in the order of their nativity. Ethel is a student in the Fostoria, Ohio, high school. Waldo is a student in the same school. Doran and Robert are awaiting their turn to take advantage of the same excellent opportunities for a practical education.

should be instructive in many ways, especially to those just about to face, the world and its difficulties. It will be recognized as a story of triumph over obstacles of a selfmade man who at the outset had little to depend on but his grit and determination.

Herman S. Rust. - A man of excellent business capacity, energetic and enterprising, Herman S. Rust is numbered among the active and progressive agriculturists of Seneca county, his well-kept and productive farm being advantageously located in section 22, Clinton township. A native of Ohio, he was bom November 25, 1861, in Cincinnati, and when a year and a half old was brought by his parents to Tiffin, where he was brought up and educated. Mr. Rust's father. Dr. Herman Rust, a well known minister and professor in Heidelberg College for over a third of a century, married Elizabeth Geesey, and to them four children were bom, namely: J. B., of Tiffin; Mary C., of Tiffin; Herman S., the special subject of this brief biographical sketch; and Calvin E., who is engaged in the real estate business at Pellston, Michigan.

After completing the course of study in the public schools of Tiffin Herman S. Rust was for three years a student in Heidelberg College. He was afterwards here employed in a drug store for about a year, when, following the advice of Horace Greeley, he went westward, and in the succeeding four years was engaged in farming with his cousin in Wisconsin. Going then to southwestern Nebraska, where his father had invested in land, Mr. Rust was there engaged in tilling the soil for another four years. Moving then with his family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he remained in that city eight years, being engaged in the dairy business. Returning to Seneca county, Ohio, in May, 1895, Mr. Rust located on his present farm, which is situated two and one-half miles east of Tiffin. Here he owns eighty acres of rich and fertile land, which he has devoted chiefly to general farming and stock raising, although he is at the present time, in 1910, making preparations to carry on market gardening on an extensive scale, his land and location being admirably adapted for that purpose.

While a resident of Nebraska, on August 25, 1886, Mr. Rust was united in marriage with Julia Schwartz, who was born and educated in the city of Milwaukee, and into their household five children have made their advent, namely: Charles H., of Tiffin; Ervin J., of Fremont; Anselm H., born in August, 1895; Ema, bom in December, 1897 ; and Elsie, borti in January, 1900. Charles H. married Bertha Reinhard, of Tiffin, December 25, 1909, and they have one child, bom in November, 1910. Ervin J. married Iverna Snyder, of Plymouth, Ohio, in September, 1910, and they reside in Fremont. The other children are living with their parents and attending public schools in Tiffin. Mr. and Mrs. Rust are members of the Second Reformed church of Tiffin. Politically Mr. Rust invariably supports the principles of the Republican party.

Solomon E. Srodes. - This well known farmer and stockdealer of Liberty township, Seneca county, Ohio, was bom in Jones county, Iowa, October 7, 1851, a son of Thornton and Caroline (Strode) Srodes. His parents, natives of Virginia, came to Ohio with their parents, were married there and later went to Iowa. About 1853 they returned to Ohio, locating in Seneca county, where Mrs. Srode died in 1855 and where Mr. Srode lived many years. The latter took a second wife, who so far as was possible stood to the immediate subject of this sketch as a mother. When he was old enough to do chores and go to school he was given plenty to do. It is probable that he learned farming faster than he learned his lessons at school, because the method of instruction must have been more practical, but in due time he became a student at a select school at Adrian, Ohio, and was graduated from Heidelberg College, Tiffin. He remained under the parental roof till he was twenty-one years old.

Mr. Srodes married Miss Rebecca Puflfenberger, daughter of John Puflfenberger, a pioneer in Liberty township, where she was carefully reared and liberally educated. She was a chaming young woman who developed into a good and faithful wife, exemplifying all the virtues inherited from a long line of good women who were her forbears. After their marriage they located in Michigan, where they lived seven years and where Mr. Srodes was active in local politics, holding the oflfice of clerk of his township. Coming back to Seneca county, they made a home for themselves in Liberty township, where they have since lived. Mr. Srodes owns the east one-half of the northeast one-fourth of section 28, which he has made a good and productive farm, providing it with up-to-date buildings, implements and appliances for successful cultivation. While doing mixeS farming, he gives much attention to stock, which, with Joseph Martin as a partner, he buys and sells quite extensively. He is considered one of the best judges of livestock in his vicinity.

To Solomon E. and Rebecca (Puflfenberger) Srodes have been bom three sons and two daughters. James married Clara Plummerfelt. Grace married Jesse Day, a telegrapher at Swandes Station, Ohio. Harry married Maurie Morehoflf and lives at Gibsonburg, Ohio. Dessie married Lester Zimmerman, of Greenspring, Ohio, a telegrapher in the employ of the Nickel Plate Railway Company. Dada is a member of Mr. and Mrs. Srodes' household. Mr. Srodes is one of the dependable Democrats of Liberty township. He is now ably filling the oflfice of township trustee. His public spirit is such that he may be safely looked to to do anything in his power for the benefit of the township or of the county.

Silas Craun, postmaster at Kansas, Liberty township, Seneca county, Ohio, was born November 10, 1872, a son of Isaac C. and Catherine (Ash) Craun, who were then farming in Liberty township. Isaac C. Craun was a native of the Buckeye state. His wife was bom in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Silas was reared on a farm that his grandfather had entered as government land. He was carefully instructed in all work pertaining to good farming and during the winteiB attended public schools near his home until he was about eighteen years old. Then he devoted himself entirely to agricultural pursuits. He lived on the old Craun homestead until 1902, when he removed to the village of Kansas, to take charge of a hotel and livery stable. He was thus employed until 1907, when President Roosevelt appointed him postmaster of Kansas, which position he has since filled to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, and that means of course to the satisfaction of the whole community. In politics he is a Republican, taking a lively and helpful interest in local, state and national affairs. While he has never been offensively partisan he has been active enough in a judicious way so that he has acquired considerable local influence in township affairs. It should be noted in this connection that he was for three years assessor of his township. In connection with his postoffice he operates a small general store.

Mr. Craun married Miss Lottie Schuster, a native of Bettsville. He is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Craun has no children.

Harman Stato was born in Seneca township, Seneca county, Ohio, August 13, 1854, a son of Lewis and Catherine (Emich) Staib. His father and mother were both born in Germany, both were brought to the United States and to Seneca county by their parents, and they were married and lived out their lives there. were the parents of ten children, all but two of whom live in Seneca county.

Harman was reared on a farm and educated in public schools. Early orphaned, he has looked out for himself ever since he was about fifteen years old. For a time he worked for farmers and othens by the day or by the month. But he was of the kind that are certain to improve their condition as time goes on, and he has acquired sixty acres of good land in section twenty-one and forty acres in section 16 in Seneca township. Giving his attention to general farming and stockraising, he has prospered well and is considered one of the stanch, forehanded farmers in his part of the county. In politics he is a Democrat. He has ably served on the township school board and has in all ways demonstrated that he possesses great public spirit. In fact, there is no question touching the general advancement of the township about which he is not consulted.

In the spring of 1879 Mr. Staib married Anna C. Fritz, of Seneca township but a native of Tiffin. They have three daughters and one son. Lydia is the wife of John Zuern. Ella married August Stahl. Harman G. and Alma are members of their parents' household. All of them have had good educational advantages. Mr. Staib is a member of the Evangelical church of Seneca township and of its board of trustees. He and his family are generous contributors toward the maintenance of this church and toward the promotion of all its varied works for good.

Newton C. Thomas was bom in Liberty township, Seneca county, Ohio, April 26, 1859, a son of Jacob and Esther (Betts) Thomas, natives of New York, who came in youth to Liberty township with their parents and were married and lived there till late in life. They then moved to Bettsville where they lived out their allotted days.

Mr. Thomas was reared in Liberty township, where he acquired a common school education. He worked by the month for farmers till he was twenty-five years old. He then married Joanna Hull, who was born in Sandusky, Ohio, January 7, 1862, a daughter of Lucien and Martha (Rozell) Hull. Her father was a native of the state of New York and her mother was born in Trfenton, New Jersey. They came west to Huron county, and thence removed to Sandusky, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were married December 11, 1884. They located at Van Buren, Michigan, where he was employed on the P. and M. line as a baggage master. After living there eight years he bought his farm at Maple Grove, Seneca county, Ohio, which has since been their home. It consists of ninety-five acres in section 15, Liberty township. Mr. Thomas has good buildings and all modem facilities for successful general farming and devotes himself to a considerable extent to stockraising. He is what is popularly called *'a forehanded man," as is evidenced by the fact that he has secured a goodly life insurance.

Mr. Thomas is a Republican in the very best sense of that now comprehensive word, and as such he wields a recognized influence in township aflfairs. He is the present eflficient ditch supervisor and in his administration of that office demonstrates the thoroughness which is a distinguishing characteristic of his mental makeup. As a lifelong resident of Seneca county he is public-spiritedly interested in everything that pertains to its advancement and prosperity.

Charles E. Peasel. - One of Liberty township's substantial and well known farmers is Charles E. Feasel, who owns and operates some one hundred and thirty-eight and a half acres of the land entered originally by his grandfather in 1829. This Gteorge Peasel, the founder of the family in Ohio, came to the state in 1821. He moved to Pranklin county and then back to Seneca county in 1829, from his native state, Virginia, and entered the southwest one-fourth of section 15, Liberty township, living upon this for the remainder of his life. He became prominent in local aflfairs and is still remembered by some of the older generation. His demise occurred in 1886.

Mr. Peasel was bom June 24, 1863, in Jackson township, Seneca county, his parents being John and Rebecca (Stahl) Peasel. After his marriage the father moved from his parents' estate to Jackson township and there followed the vocation of a farmer until his death, which occurred in January, 1885. To this worthy couple were bom seven children, five of whom survive at the present day : Charles E., William P., John L., Ervin E. and Ester A. Mr. Peasel gained his education in the district school, learned farming in the school of practical experience, and showed such marked aptitude in this honorable vocation that he chose it for his life work. After his marriage he removed to the farm upon which he still resides and which, as previously mentioned, is a part of his grandfather's property, and which has in consequence borne the name of Feasel ever since it was entered. Mr. Peasel has the original deed signed by Andrew Jackson. ' He engages in general farming and is also prominent in public affairs, having served as a member of the school board, is township treasurer, and at present is one of the township trustees. Politically he subscribes to the policies and principles of the Republican party and believes it to be one of the duties of good citizenship to keep in touch with current affairs and all matters affecting in any way the public welfare.

On the 19th day of March, 1885, Mr. Peasel took as his bride Mary Millhine, of Jackson township, and to them nine children have been born, eight surviving at the present day. They are by name: Irvin, Harvey, deceased, Cora, Alverdie, Ethel, Belvia, Gladys, Harmon and Wilfred. Mr. and Mrs. Peasel are consistent members of the United Brethren church and play an active part in its affairs, the former being trustee, class leader and Sunday school superintendent and giving valuable service in these several capacities.

John P. Wannement. - ^Noteworthy among the enterprising and skillful agriculturists of Seneca county is John P. Wannement, who is industriously engaged in the prosecution of a calling, upon which the support and wealth of our nation so largely depends, in Clinton township, where he owns a well improved and valuable farm. A son of August Wannement, he was bom October 31, 1839, in Big Spring township, Seneca county. Born and reared in Belgium, August Wannement there married Catherine Sosson, a native of the same country. He was a man of culture and an accomplished musician. Emigrating with his family to this country in 1838, he came directly to Seneca county, Ohio, and settled in Big Spring township. He was for a few years employed as a music teacher, but afterward devoted his attention to the improvement of the land which he had purchased, being there engaged in general farming until his death, August 16, 1856, at a comparatively early age. His wife survived him, passing away in 1884. Of the seven children bom of their union, four are living, namely: John P., Philemenda, Victoria and Joseph.

Brought up on the home farm, John P. Wannement obtained the rudiments of his education in the schools of his native district, completing his studies in a Prench school at Louisville, Stark county, Ohio. Pamiliar with the various branches of agriculture from his youth up, he naturally chose the independent occupation of a farmer, and in his operations has met with satisfactory success. Coming to Clinton township in 1880, Mr. Wannement purchased eighty acres of land on section 15, and in its care and improvement has exercised skill and judgment, his estate being now one of the most attractive in the vicinity. In addition to farming he carried on the threshing business for about thirty years in Seneca county, beginning the occupation when only twenty years old.

Throughout his many years of residence in Clinton township, Mr. Wannement has ever evinced an intelligent interest in local progress and improvement, and has served acceptably in positions of trust and responsibility, for six years being a township trustee and for six years rendering valuable and appreciative service as a county commissioner. He is a straightforward Democrat in politics, an active worker in the interests of his party.

Mr. Wannement married, in October, 1862, Margaret Pecher, who was bom in Seneca township, Ohio, April 17, 1842. Nine children have blessed their union, namely: Joseph, Charles, Stephen, Just, deceased, Leo, John, Pius, Mary J., deceased, and Bertha C. Mr. and Mrs. Wannement have thirty grandchildren and are very proud of their descendants.

Samuel T. Wannamaker was born in Piqua, Ohio, in December, 1838, a son of Isaac and Catharine (Billig) Wannamaker. His branch of the family of Wannamaker is related to that of Hon. John Wannamaker of Philadelphia, once postmaster general of the United States. Isaac Wannamaker was brought by his parents to Seneca county in 1849, when he was about eleven years old. The family settled in Seneca township, where his parents both died, his mother on the 14th of March, 1911, at the ripe old age ol ninety-nine years. Isaac Wannamaker was a religious man and his influence upon the community was always for good. His widow, who was born in 1812, became the mother of eleven children, only four of whom survived in 1910. These are Samuel T., Caroline, Joel and Sylvester B., all of whom live in Seneca township.

Samuel T. Wannamaker was educated in public schools and was taught the practical side of farming by his father, whom he helped during his boyhood and youth. He was for a short time in business in Tiffin. He married Amanda Hustsberger, who died six months after their wedding, and he has never been inclined to marry again. His mother and sister welcomed him to their home at the time of his bereavement and he has lived there ever since. For fifteen years he operated a threshing machine in Seneca and nearby townships. He owns a fine farm in Seneca and Hopewell townships and gives attention to mixed farming and stockraising. A Democrat in his political affiliations, he was as such repeatedly elected township treasurer, holding the office continuously fifteen years, till his retirement in 1910. He is a member and a trustee of the Lutheran church at Tiffin and a liberal supporter of its varied interests. As a citizen he is progressive and public spirited ready at all times to encourage in the most practical way any movement which in his opinion promises benefit to any considerable number of his fellow citizens.

Harry W. Tomb. - Secure in the enjoyment of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and figuring as one of the enterprising business men of the locality is Harry W. Tomb, who was bom December 11, 1875. The founder of the family in Ohio was Benjamin Tomb, grandfather of him whose name initiates this review and a native of the state of Pennsylvania, who came farther west to the Buckeye state in the earlier part of the nineteenth century. In his native state he had made his livelihood as the driver of a canal boat, but after inaking his new location he settled upon the Spicer section, securing as his own two hundred acres of land and occupying his time in clearing it, erecting a home and cultivating the virgin soil. In his later years he removed to TiflSn, where he became an important factor in civic life as president of the First National Bank, of which he was one of the founders. He was a Republican, stanch in his political convictions, and he gave efficient service as a member of the school board. He married his second wife in Tiffin, she having been a Leonard previous to her marriage, and it is of this union that Mr. Tomb is a descendant. There were children named as follows: Rebecca, Thomas B., Benjamin P., father of the subject, George and Harry.

Mr. Tomb's father, Benjamin P., was born in the month of April, 1845. He resided under the. home roof imtil his marriage, receiving his educaton in the district schools, at the university at Granville, Ohio, and under the tutelage of his father becoming well grounded in the various departments of agricidture. At the time of the Civil war he joined the one hundred day service as a member of the Ohio volunteer infantry. He went into camp with l\is regiment at Harper's Ferry, w&s there taken prisoner and was finally exchanged. At the fige of twenty-three he established a household of his own by his marriage to Miss Nora Benham, who was born August 5, 1845. She was of English desdent. To this union were bom five children, George, Mary B., Frank, Leonard and Harry W.

Benjamin Tomb, like his father, is a Republican and a member of the Baptist church. He also holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his worthy wife reside upon a farm near Bloomville and are known throughout the community as public spirited and altruistic citizens.

Harry W. Tomb, at the age of twenty-seven years, laid the foundation of a happy married life by his marriage to Miss J. G. Dimick, of Bellevue. Mrs. Tomb was born October 10, 1878, the daughter of Weston and Mary M. (Derr) Dimick, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. They reside in Bellevue, where the father is in the employ of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Company. He was formerly with the Eastern Ohio Gas Company.

For nine years Mr. Tomb has represented the U. P. T. Company of Cleveland, and for three years he was on the road for this company. He is an enterprising and trustworthy gentleman and enjoys the confidence of employers and customers. He and his wife are the parents of a son, named Webb D. and born November 21, 1907. Mr. Tomb is independent in politics, believing in the freedom of thought which allows a voter to support the man and the measure he is convinced is the best. He and his wife attend the Congregational church.

The Tomb family has been long in America and has a most interesting family history. One of the first of the name whose life record has been preserved was Jacob Tomb, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, of German extraction, and he settled in the northern part of one of Ohio's counties in 1786. Six months later his residence there was successfully contested by Indians and he took refuge in Cumberland county, where he remained several yearc. His son Philip was the progenitor of the subject and he came with his father, and the rest of the family made a difficult journey to the vicinity of Pine Creek, Pennsylvania, and there made their home. An account of their interesting pioneer experiences is given in the sketch of Mr. Tomb's brother, Leonard B., which appears on other pages of this work. Philip's son was Benjamin, the first, grandfather of Mr. Tomb. Men of fine, dauntless character and unflagging energy, they did much to pave the way for latter-day prosperity.

Maurice R. Mench, cashier of the Bettsville Banking Company, was born at MifYlinburg, Union county, Pennsylvania, July 13, 1873, a son of John R. and Susan (Haasenplug) Mench. His parents were of German extraction but were natives of Union county, Pennsylvania. He was reared on his father's farm, as a farmer's boy of all work, and gained a practical education in public schools. In du& time he became a student in the Central Pennsylvania College at New Berlin, Pennsylvania, and later took a complete course in the Pennsylvania State Normal School at Ijockhaven, Clinton county, Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated in 1894, with the degree of B. E. For a year after his graduation he was a teacher in the high school at Hartleton, Union county, Pennsylvania, of which he was also principal. In 1895 he accepted a position as bookkeeper in the Commercial Bank at Tiffin, Ohio. After being employed thus for seven years he was for two years a farmer. In the summer of 1905 he was conspicuously instrumental in the organization of the Bettsville Banking Company, which operates under an authorized capitalization of twenty-five thousand dollars. George I. Gam was its first president; Elijah Voorhies, its first vice-president; A. A. Miller, its first secretary; and Maurice R. Mench, its first cashier. At this time George I. Gam is its president ; Dr. M. E. Wilson, its vice-president; Maurice R. Mench, its cashier. Its directors are J. E. Shaw, U. N. Keller, M. N. Mowry, N. B. Flack, H. H. Geyer, C. L. Park. Adam Gamertsfelder, Prank Kenan, Dr. M. E. Wilson, Elijah Voorhies and George I. Gam. Mr. Mench, who, as has been seen, has been connected with banking interests during most of his active years, brought to his duties with this concern an intimate knowledge of financial and commercial conditions and requirements which has enabled him to take rank as one of the best and safest practical bankers in his part of the state.

Mr. Mench married Miss Rose E. Stief, of Carey, Wyandot county, Ohio, who was educated there and at the seminary at Glendale. She has borne her husband a son and a daughter - J. Rishel in 1900 and Catherine E. in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Mench live in a fine home on Main street in Bettsville. Of this he is the owner, also of a fine improved farm of eighty acres in section 16, Liberty township. In politics he is a Republican of deep and abiding interest in all public questions and especially helpful to the growth and prosperity of Bettsville. Mr. and Mrs. Mench are communicants of ttie Presbyterian church at Tiffin, to the various interests of which they are loyally helpful.

Louis Jones is one of the well known and enterprising citizens of Kansas, Seneca county. He is an exponent of both manufacturing and commercial interests, for he is a salesman of cement and cement block and a dealer in building supplies, while at the .same time engaging in the manufacture of cement posts. He is one of the younger generation of progressive business men, his birth having occurred in Liberty township April 18, 1880, his parents being John A. and Emmeline (Flack) Jones. The father, who is living in Kansas, Liberty township, where he is retired, is a native of Pennsylvania and is a veteran of the Civil war, he having served during the conflict between the states as a member of Company B, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He moved here in the year 1907. The mother was bom in Liberty township. Mr. Jones is the youngest in order of birth in a family of five the other members of the family being: John H., Rell L., Byron, and one sister, deceased.

Mr. Jones was unfortunate enough to lose his mother when he was about a year old, and he was reared by his grandmother. His early years were passed in Fostoria and it was there that he received his education, graduating from the high school with the class of 1900. His education was interrupted at the time of the Spanish- American war by his enlistment with Company D of the Sixth Ohio, this being one of the regiments which were sent to Cuba, and there he saw four months' service. After the declaration of peace and the disbanding of the army, he returned to the home town, finished hi^ schooling, meanwhile living with his father. Soon after this he embarked in business, identifying himself with the cement and cement block industry, his trade being largely in Seneca county. The manufacturing plant of which he is the head is situated in Kansas, Liberty township.