Wakeman Township (part 11 of 21)

On the 28th of May, 1860, Mr. Sherman was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ann Carpenter, who was born in England on the 2oth of March, 1843, her father being William Carpenter, likewise a native of that country. In 1858 she accompanied her uncle and aunt on their emigration to the new world and took up her abode in Huron county, Ohio. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, as follows: George, who is mentioned on another page of this work; John D. ; Samuel, a sketch of whom also appears in this volume; Edward A., who married Miss Minnie Rape and makes his home in Lyme township; Joseph H., deceased, who wedded Miss Minnie Seible; Luella, residing in Lyme township, who gave her hand in marriage to John Koch, by whom she has two sons, Melvin T. and Forest William; and Alice, at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on Christmas day of 1908 and her demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for her many good traits of heart and mind had won her an extensive circle of warm friends. Mr. Sherman is a vestryman in the Episcopal church, the teachings of which permeate his life. He has now made his home within the borders of this county for fifty-seven years and that his career has ever been above reproach is indicated by the fact that he is best liked where best known.

Elmer Samuel Burras

An excellent farm of eighty acres in Fairfield township tribute to the care and labor of Elmer Samuel Burras, who has been in possession of the property since 1900. His birth occurred in Fairfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 3d of August, 1876, his parents being Edgar and Eudolpha (Jennings) Burras, who were likewise natives of Fairfield township, this county. Their children were three in number: Minnie, Edwin and Elmer, all of whom are now married.

With the exception of two years spent at the carpenter's trade, Elmer Samuel Burras hás devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. In the year 1900 he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, and the crops which he annually harvests bring to him a gratifying income.

On.the 18th of November, 1900, Mr. Burras was united in marriage to Miss Lena Lamoureaux, who was born in Fairfield township, this county, on the sth of December, 1879. Her parents, Homer and Emma Lamoureuax, reared a family of six children, namely: Harry, William, George, Verna, Ruth and Lena. Mr.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Burras has given his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Grange and is also a devoted member of the Methodist church, the teachings of which he exemplifies in his daily life. In the community where they have always resided both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.

George Bowen

George Bowen, who is well known in Clarksfield township as a prosperous farmer, a miller and a man of affairs, was born May 29, 1847, in Norwich township, Huron county, Ohio, and is the son of John and Christine (Robinson) Bowen. The mother was a native of Coshocton county, but the father's place of biith was New Jersey. He was a farmer and an extensive landowner, was prosperous in his affairs, and took an active part in the public administration of local government. addition to his large farming interests, he was an extensive manutacturer of bricks and a mason and contractor for brick work construction, and when he died, in August, 1880, he was mourned as a man whose efforts had not only brought him success, but whose influence had been good in the community where he lived. When he married he was living in Coshocton county, moving to Norwich township, Huron county, in 1836. A family of four sons and four daughters was born to him and his wife: Martha J., Agnes, John M., William K., Henry C., Elizabeth C., George and Malinda C. Of these Martha J. and Henry C. have passed away. Mrs. Bowen survived her husband twenty years to the very month, dying in August, 1900.

George Bowen spent his youth on his father's farm and was educated in the public schools of Norwich. He married at the age of twenty-three and engaged in farming in Norwich township, which remained his home until 1907, when he moved to Clarksfield and purchased the Clarksfield Gristmill and entered upon milling as a business. The mill he bought was the oldest in point of service in Huron county, for it was built seventy-three years ago and has been in general use since. Now, however, the old stone burrs and water power have given way to the roller process and to steam power, and equipped with the best of modern improvements it is well able to take care of the large exchange business that is carried on between the farmers, the latter receiving for their grain, feed and flour. In the two vears that Mr. Bowen and his son have had the management of it, it is estimated that it does a larger business than any other mill in the county. Aside from these private interests of his, Mr. Dowen has always evinced a deep concern for the public weal. For a number of years he served his community well as road supervisor and as a member of the board of education, in both of which capacities he allied himself actively with those working for progress and improvement. When called upon to vote, the republican candidate receives his support.

In December, 1870, Mr. Bowen married Miss Alice P. Durdge, the daughter of William and Mary (Miller) Burdge. Her father was a soldier in the Civil war, and up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1904, was a farmer of Norwich township. Mrs. Burdge is still living. Two sons, Edison E. and Roscoe, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bowen. Both are residents of Clarksfield township and are mainly concerned with agriculture, The elder was born June 16, 1876, and growing up under his father's care entered upon farming, which he pursued until 1907, when he engaged with the latter in the grain and milling business. On the 16th of June, 1901, he was married to Miss Grace E. Brown, the daughter of Franklin H. and Ella (Wood) Drown, of Norwich township, and is now the father of three children, Joy, Bertha and Herbert. He is a fine business man. a republican in politics, and very active in all that concerns the welfare of the community. Roscoe Bowen was born on the 154 of November, 1880, ard has followed the life of a farmer. He was united in marriage to Miss Cora Sees, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin C. Sees, September 4, 1902, and the couple have been blessed with two daughters, Gladys and Mary. Like his brother and father, Roscoe Bowen has always been a republican, and like them also he is a good citizen, closely identified with the best interests of the township.

Mr. Bowen is a loyal Mason and a member of Attica Lodge, No. 367. In past years he also belonged to several other organizations, to Norwich Grange, to the Patrons of Husbandry and to the Good Templars, and has ever been a strong temperance advocate. He and his family affiliate with the United Brethren church and have always been supporters of all measures calculated to uplift humanity and better conditions morally, socially and commercially. Hence he and his two sons are among the best citizens that Clarksfield township can claim and by their lives give an example to others.

William Hamilton McPherson, Jr., a well known and successful agriculturist and stock breeder of [fairfield township, is the owner of an excellent farm oi one hundred and a fourth acres. His birth occurred in Greenfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 1st of January, 1875, his parents being W. H. and Lucy ( Wheeler) McPherson, who were also natives of Greenfield township. The paternal grandfather, James McPherson, came to the United States from Ireland, taking up his abode in Greenfield township, this county. Unto him and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Ann Jane Arthur, were born three children: John, George and William Hamilton. The maternal grandfather of our subject was John Henry Wheeler. W. H. McPherson, Sr.. the father of the gentleman whose name initiates this review, was twice married and by his first wife had three children, namely: Arthur, Scott and Wilham Hamilton. Subsequent to the death of his first wife he wedded Miss Maggie Much, residing near Bellevue, and their union was blessed with. two children, Clyde and Glenn.

In his youthful days William H. McPherson, Jr., attended the district schools and also assisted in the work of the home farm, so that he early became familiar with all the varied duties that claim the attention of the agriculturist. the year 1904 he came from Greenfield township to Fairfield township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and one and a fourth acres, to the cultivation of which he has since devoted his time and energies. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is also engaged in the breeding of Delaine sheep, Duroc hogs and Jersey cattle, both branches of his business returning to him à gratifying annual income. He is the groom for "Fancher," the imported Percheron stallion owned by the North Fairfield Percheron Horse

On the 8th of April, 1896, Mr. McPherson was united in marriage to Miss Cora Lucile Fitch, a native of Genesee county, Michigan, and a daughter of Edgar and Letta (Ward) Fitch. Her father still survives and lives in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Fitch reared a family of five daughters and one son, as follows: Nina, Lena, Bessie, Lucy, Letta and Archie. One child is deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McPherson have been born the following children: Carl, Everett, Nina Pearl, Lester and Edith Margaret. Mr. McPherson, who has made his home in Huron county throughout his entire life, is well entitled to mention in this volume as one of its prosperous and enterprising farmers and stockmen and also as a worthy representative of a family that has figured in the annals of the county from pioneer times down to the present.

George Barman

George Barman, who owns and operates an excellent farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres in Peru township, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in a little log cabin in Peru township on the rsth of June, 1856. His parents, Philip and Mary (Fisher) Barman, were both natives of Germany. When seventeen years of age the father accompanied his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bradous Barman, on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in the German settlement in Peru township, Huron county, Ohio. The grandíather erected a log cabin and set himself to the task of clearing the timber from a tract of sixty acres which he had purchased, for at that time this entire region was still largely wild and undeveloped. Both he and his wife continued to reside here until called to their final rest.

As before stated, Philip Barman, the father of our subject, was a young man of seventeen years on his arrival in Peru township and here he made his home until the time of his demise, which occurred in June, 1887, when he had attained the age of seventy-four years. He devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and owned a farm of fifty acres in the southern portion of Peru township. His wife, who had made the vovage to this country in early life in company with her brother, passed away in 1892 at the age of seventy-four years. Unto this worthy couple were born eight children, namely: John, who is a resident of Peru township; Philip, whose demise occurred when he was fifty-six years of age; Mary Ann, the deceased wife of Thomas Bishop ; George, of this review ; Frank, living in Peru township; Kathryn, who is

George Barman obtained his education in the district and Catholic schools and when not busy with his text-books gave his father the benefit of his services in the cultivation of the old home farm, thus early gaining practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil. General agricultural pursuits have always claimed his attention and that his choice of a life work was a wise one is proven by the gratifying measure of prosperity which has rewarded his efforts along this line. In 1902 he bought the farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres on which he now resides from Alfonzo Smith and has made a number of substantial improvements on the property. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner, whose well directed labors are annually rewarded by rich harvests.

On the 19th of June, 1883, Mr. Barman was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Hipp, a native of Peru township and a daughter of Andrew and Regina Hipp, both of whom were born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Barman now have a family of six children, as follows: Andrew, living in Ridgefield township, who wedded Katie Wise, by whom he has one child, Clarence; and Benjamin, Charles, Elmer, Roman and Clatus, all of whom are still under the parental roof.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Barman has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and has capably served his fellow townsmen in the positions of road supervisor and school director. religious faith he is a Catholic. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the community in which their entire lives have been passed and well merit the regard and esteem which is uniformly accorded them.

Albert G. Bedford

The name of Bedford has been known in Huron county from pioneer times, and he whose name introduces this record is a worthy representative of the family. He is a native of the county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Townsend township, December 23, 1865, and is a son of Robert and Phoebe (Stacy) Bedford. The father followed farming throughout his entire life, and was a well known pioneer of his section of the county. His death occurred many years ago.

Albert G. Bedford, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the district schools of Townsend township and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty years, during which time he had been thoroughly trained to habits of industry, assisting in the care and operation of the home farm up to that time. Feeling that he might be more independent if he ventured out in the business world, he accordingly started out for himself but his father's death occurring shortly afterward, he was needed by his widowed mother to care for the farm and, returning home, he took up the responsible duties of operating his mother's land. After about two years thus engaged he once more started out for himself, being employed at farm labor until the time of his marriage, after which he worked for his father-in-law by the month for atime. Then, feeling jus- tifed in engaging in farming on his own account, he rented a tract of land, which he operated until 1002. He had in the meantime saved a sum sufficient to invest in land and thus became the owner of ninety-four acres in Hartford Ridge, which he occupied until March, 1909.

It was in March, 1600, that he was appointed by the infirmary directors as superintendent of the county infirmary, and his popularity is evidenced by the fact that he received not only the support of his own party but the support of many republicans as well, he being the first democrat ever appointed to this office in Huron county. This farm comprises two hundred and four acres, situated about a mile and a half south-east of Norwalk. The home contains from sixty-five to seventy inmates, most of whom are very feeble. Mr. Bedford has already far outreached the expectations of his fellow citizens in the care and management of this infirmary, and it being an instance of where the position sought the man, rather than the man seeking the position, the public has every reason to feel that their choice has been a wise one and they have placed the right man in the right place. In his short term of service Mr. Bedford has made some changes which are proving very beneficial and will also be a saving to tax-payers. Dy his courteous treatment and kindly manner he has won the good will of each and every inmate, while his estimable wife, a woman of most kindly disposition, cares for the household in a most able manner, an air of neatness and cleanliness pervading the various departments over which she has charge.

It was in 1870 that Mr. Bedford wedded Miss Dora E. Minor, a daughter of Oliver Minor, of Hartland township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bedford has been blessed with two children: Clive A., who was born in 1806; and May C., born in 1905. Mr. Bedford deserves much praise for what he has accomplished in a business sense, for he started out in the humble capacity of a farm hanc and today is the owner of a good tract of land and is also supervising interests which none but those possessing only the most charitable nature and excellent managerial qualities could so capably control.

F. G. Laible, who is engaged in the undertaking business in Norwalk, was born in Michigan on the 2oth of March, 1875. His father, George F. Laible, was likewise a native of that state, born on the 22d of February, 1845. He devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits and died in 1803. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Josephine Russell, was a native of Lorain county, Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel Wright Russell, one of the pioneers of that county who came.to this state from New York. Mrs. Laible still survives her husband and is now living in Norwalk.

In the country schools F. G. Laible acquainted himself with the common branches of English learning and afterward continued his studies at Owosso, Michigan. On putting aside his text-books he learned the bicvcle business, worked in a bicycle factory for a time and afterward embarked in the same line of business on his own account in Owosso, Michigan. in 1897 he went to

Grand Rapids, where he learned the undertaking business and in I90I he came to Norwalk where he joined his uncle, Addison Sigourney, in the conduct of an undertaking establishment on Benedict avenue. After a brief period A. C. Holiday purchased Mr. Sigourney's interest and became a partner. This relation was maintained until 1907, when Mr. Holiday withdrew from the business and Mr. Laible became sole proprietor. He has since continued in this field of labor and has a well appointed undertaking establishment, which is liberally patronized by those who need his services. He also conducts a retail flower store, making his own floral designs in conjunction with his undertaking business. This has proven to be a profitable venture and a clever idea.

In October, 1904, Mr. Laible married Miss Dorothy E. Zuick, a daughter of John Daniel Zuick, who came to Huron county during the early girlhood of Mrs. Laible. Unto them have been born two sons, George Forest, whose birth occurred July 10, 1905; and John Brandt, born June 20, 1909.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Laible is a Mason, holding membership in Mount Vernon Lodge and in the Knight Templar Commandery. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Maccabees, while his religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Baptist church. He started out in life with nothing to aid him at the outset of his career, but by persistent and earnest purpose he has made steady progress and is now conducting a profitable business.

John Terry Walsworth

John Terry Walsworth is a wide-awake and enterprising farmer. owning and operating a tract of land of one hundred acres in Fairfield township. He was born in Peru township, Huron county, on the 23d of October, 1854, his parents being Philander and Lucy (Reeves) Walsworth, the former a native of New York. Subsequent to their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Philander Walsworth came to Ohio and here established their home and reared their family, numbering four sons and one daughter, namely: Elijah C., Joel P., Daniel F., John T. and Mary Elizabetn.

John Terry Walsworth left the parental roof at the age of eleven years and went to live with Harvey Pierce, of Peru township, with whom he remained until he had attained his majority, receiving his schooling and two hundred dollars in cash as remuneration for his services to this gentleman. A man of strong purpose and unfaltering energy, he then resolutely set to work in the hope of one day owninz a farm of his own and that his efforts have met with a just reward is indicated by the fact that he is now in possession of a well improved and valuable tract of land of one hundred acres in Fairfield township and is comfortably situated financially. He purchased this property about nine years ago and has been successfully and energetically engaged in its cultivation and improvement to the present time, annually harvesting good crops which find a ready sale on the market. From an carly age he has depended upon his own resources and has won the proud American title of a self-made man.

the 29th of November, 1880, Mr. Walsworth was united in marriage to Miss Alice E. Collingwood, whose birth occurred on the 7th of February, 1852, her parents being Jonathan and Eliza (Munsel) Collingwood, of Hartland township, Huron county. Her father was born in York county, Pennsylvania, but her mother came from Gaylon, Wayne county, New York. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Collingwood were born eight children, as follows: James, Amos, Elmer, Harvey, Martha, Alice E., Rebecca, and one who died in infancy, Betsey Ann,

Beth Mr. and Mrs. Walsworth belong to the Baptist church at North Fairfield and the former has sung in the choir during the entire period of his membership in the church, being the only tenor in the chorus. He has also served as a member of the finance committee at different times and takes an active and helpful interest in the various departments of the church work. He has an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which he has made his home from his birth to the present time, for in all life's relations he has been true to high and honorable principles and has never faltered in a choice between right and wrong but has always endeavored to follow a conrse that his judgment and his conscience have sanctioned.

Dr. Martin Beebe, whose demise occurred on the 28th of March, 1890, was successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in Huron ccunty for more than two decades and at the same time also superintended his farming interests in Clarksfield township. His birth occurred at Dover, Lenawee county, Michigan, on the Ist of September, 1836, his parents being George and Vesta (Porter) Beebe. They made their way from Massachusetts to Michigan at an ea lv day, becoming pioneer settlers of the Peninsular state. About the year 1840 they came to this state, taking up their abode in Nerwich township, Huron county,

Brougit to this county by his parents in childhood days, Martin Beebe obtained his primary education in the district schools of Norwich township and later attended a select school at Ncrwalk. In 1863 he entered the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland and was graduated from that institution with the degree of M. D. in 1865. On the 27th of December, 1865, he had wedded Miss Mary 1. Darrett, who was born October 29, 1843, a daughter of Augustus and Clarissa (Cochran) Barrett, of Clarksfield township. Mr. Barrett was a native of Monroe county, New York, and his wife of Vermont, Unto Dr. and Mrs. Deebe were born two sons, namely : Augustus C., whose birth occurred January 12, 1867, and who now resides in Cleveland, where he is engaged in business; and George P., kern October 11, 1871, who resides on the old family homestead in Clarksfield township.

Subsequent to his marriage Dr. Beebe lived in Wakeman for a year and also spent a similar period in Oberlin but did not engage in the practice of his profession. He then returned to the college for a year's review, afterward took up his abode on his farm in Clarksfield township, this county, and began the practice of medicine. He continued as a successful and able representative of his chosen calling until the time of his death and became the loved family physician in many a household. In addition to his labors as a medical practitioner he also superintended his farm and in both his professional and agricultural interests met with a gratitying measure of prosperity.

Dr. Beebe gave his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and was active in public affairs. His fraternal relations were with the Masons, while religiously he was identified with the Disciple church, being a valued and exemplary member of both organizations, He was a man of decided literary tastes and attainments and «oca high in the estimation of men in all walks of life. He was called to his final rest on the 28th of March, 1890, when fifty-four years of age, and his remains were interred at New London, Ohio. Uniformly loved and respected, his loss came as a deep blow to his large circle of friends as well as to his immediate family.

Subsequent to her husband's demise Mrs. Beebe managed the estate for some years with singular ability but in later years the care and responsibility incident to its supervision has largely devolved upon her younger son, George P. Beebe. The latter is also engaged in the breeding of thoroughbred draft and coach horses, having a wide and enviable reputation in this connection. The buildings on the old home farm are all modern and well adapted for their several uses and in fact everything about the place presents a neat and thrifty appearance. The residence, modern in its construction and furnishings, is one of the most attractive country homes in the entire county.

On the 24th of November, 1892, George P. Beebe was united in marriage to Miss Winifred Rowland, a daughter of William and Rosetta (Peck) Rowland. Both the Rowland and Peck families were early pioneer settlers of this county and became prominent and influential residents here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beebe have been born two children, Charles A. and Mary R. Politically Mr. Beebe is a stalwart advocate of the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Eagles.

Mrs. Beebe, the widow of Dr. Martin Beebe, is a devoted and faithful member of the Disciples church, taking an active and helpful interest in its work, She lives on the old homestead farm in Clarksfield township with her son and his family, and enjoys in unqualified measure the kindly regard and friendship of all who know her.

John Feichtner

John Feichtner, owning and operating a rich and productive farm of sixtynine acres in Fairfield township, was born in New Haven township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 13th of August, 1878, his parents being George and Eliza (Layer) Feichtner. The father, who was a native of Crawford county, Ohio, took up his abode in New Haven township, this county, about 1876. Unto him and his wife were born four children: John, Albert, Mary and Charles, all of whom still survive.

John Feichtner attended the district schools in pursuit of an education and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm, thus early gaining practical knowledge of the best methods of tiling the soil and caring for the crops. For the past four years he has devoted his time and en- ergies to the cultivation of his farm of sixty-nine acres in Fairfield township, fron which he annually derives a good income, the well tilled fields responding to his care and labor in golden harvests.

In 1905 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Feichtner and Miss Blanche Newman, whose birth occurred in New Haven township, this county, in 1885. By this union there are two children, Ray and Dale. The parents are well known throughout the community in which they have always resided and are young people of the highest respectability, whose good qualities of heart and mind have won for them the confidence and friendly regard of all with whom they have come in contact.

Benjamin Bowersox

Benjamin Bowersox, who is actively and successfully engaged in the cultivation of his farm of thirty-eight acres in Fairfield township, was born in Pennsylvania on the 4th of July, 1842, his parents being Jacob and Sophia (Walter) Bowerscx, who spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. Benjamin Bowersox, who has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, came to Ohio in the year 1861. He now owns a well improved and productive farm of thirty-eight acres in Fairfield township and annually harvests good crops which return to him a gratifying income.

In 1865 Mr. Bowersox was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Walter, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of George and Kate (Weaver) Walter, who were likewise born in that state. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children, namely: Mahala, Della, Alice, Sophia, Hattie, Mandy and Katy. They have also reared an adopted son, Walter Bear.

Politically Mr. Bowersox is a stalwart advocate of the republican party and is now capably discharging the duties devolving upon him in the position of township supervisor. As he has lived fer many years in Huron county, he has a wide acquaintance here and his friends know him as an enterprising agriculturist and a man of genuine worth.

Benjamin Franklin Palm

General agricultural pursuits command the attention of Benjamin Franklin Palm, who owns and cultivates a farm of seventy-five acres in Fairfield township. He was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, on the 8th of October, 1854, his parents being David Logan and Ann (Delancy) Palm, the former a native of Juniata county and the latter of Perry county, Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents, Benjamin and Betsy (Nicholson) Palm, were of German descent. George and Hannah (Rice) Delancy, the maternal grandparents of our subject, were natives of Perry county, Pennsylvania. Unto David L. and Ann (Delancy) Palm were born the following children: George, Benjamin Franklin, Tames, Elmer, Mary, Rebecca, Clara, Sadie and Joanna.

Benjamin Franklin Palm acquired his education in the schools of his native county and there continued to make his home until the year 1881, when he came to Huron county, Ohio, taking up his abode in Greenwich township. Subsequently he resided in Ripley township for a time and then came to Fairfield township, where he has since remained. During the first year of his residence in this county he followed the carpenter's trade but has since given his attention to general farming, in which line of activity he has won a creditable measure of prosperity. He purchased his present farm of seventy-five acres in October, 1899, and has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement.

On the 3oth of October, 1879, Mr. Palm was united in marriage to Miss Maggie A. Noss, whose birth occurred on the 13th of December, 1856, her parents being John C. and Maggie (Millikin) Noss, natives of Pennsylvania. Her paternal grandparents were Jacob and Sarah Jane Noss, while the maternal grandparents were William and Nancy (Beal) Millikin. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Palm have been born two children. Mary Bertha, whose birth occurred in 1880, is the wife of George Parrott, of Fairfield township. Grover, who was born on the 2d of February, 1883, learned the upholstering trade in early manhood but now devotes his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Palm are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist church at North Fairfield and have gained an extensive circle of friends throughout the county in which they have now resided for almost three decades.

E. A. Sutton, cashier of the Home Savings & Banking Company at Chicago Junction, was born in Greenwich township, Huron county, April 2, 1872. He is a son of Charles A. Sutton, who was born in the same township, July 4, 1844, and is still living on the farm where his birth occurred, being one of the representatives and respected agriculturists of the community. The grandparents were Aranson and Emeline (Brady) Sutton. The former was born April 1, 1802, and with two companions - his twin brother Alanson and James Carver - he made his way westward from New York state to Ohio abowt 1824. They spent the first night in Greenwich township, Huron county, with the family of Willis Smith, who then lived about a mile east of the village of Greenwich. The three young men took up a tract of land in Ruggles township, now included within Ashland county, and began clearing the place. Throughout his remaining days the grandfather carried on general farming in this county.

His son, Charles A. Sutton, was reared to general agricultural pursuits and determined to engage in farming as a life work. He still resides upon the old homestead and the splendid appearance of the fields indicates his careful supervision and his progressive methods. Although he is not a politician in the sense of office seeking, he has been given several local positions, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. In early manhood he wedded Annie E. Ellis, also a native of Greenwich township, Huron county, the Ellis family being numbered among the respected and prominent old families of that section.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for E. A. Sutton in his boyhood and youth. He worked in the fields during the summer months and in the winter seasons attended school. He continued his education in the Greenwich high school and a!so in Oberlin University and throughout his business career he has been identified with banking. He was first associated with the Oberlin Banking Company, there remaining for a year and a half, when he removed to Berlin Heights and became assistant cashier for the Berlin Heights Banking Company, filing that position for eight years or until December, 1899. He then came to Chicago Junction and was one of the organizers of the Home Savings & Banking Company. He was also elected a director and cashier, which office he still fills, and has thus been active in executive control of the institution, which has come to be regarded as one of the safe and reliable moneyed enterprises of the county. Mr. Sutton is conservative in his business methods and widely recognized as an able and popular official, serving well the patrons of the bank, while at all times he is uniform in his courtesy and pleasant in manner. For the past sixteen years he has represented the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States in New York city, which is one of the largest financial institutions of the world. Mr. Sutton has upwards of one million dollars in force, which is an indication of his success for this company.

In November, 1896, Mr. Sutton was married to Miss Elizabeth Romell, a native of Berlin Heights, Ohio, and they now have two children, Howard Ellis and Harry Romell. The parents are well known sociaily in Chicago Junction and have a circle of friends here almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance, Mr. Sutton is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is prominent in Masonry. having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He isa member of Golden Rule Lodge, No. 562, A. E. & A. M. ; Golden Rule Chapter. No. 167, R. A. M.; and Toledo Consistory. He is an exemplary representative of the craft, is a public-spirited citizen and a most reliable business man.

Edwin C. Woodworth

Edwin C. Woodworth, who owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred and sixteen acres in Fairfield township, is numbered among the progressive and representative agriculturists of the community. His birth occurred in North Fairfield, Huron county, Ohio, on the 19th of May, 1858. His paternal grandfather, Jonathan Woodworth, was one of the early pioneer settlers of this county, taking up his abode within its borders in 1834. He entered a tract of timber land in New Haven township and, being a man of untiring perseverance and resolute spirit, gradually transformed it into a rich and productive farming property. It has since been known as the Woodworth homestead and comprises ninety-three acres of valuable land.

Herman Woodworth, the father of our subject, was born in Trumansburg, Tompkins county, New York, on the 18th of April, 1830, and was but four years of age when brought by his parents to this state. In early life he learned the trade of a blacksmith, with which line of activity he was successfully identified until 1907, when he was obliged to abandon his work because of failing eyesight. The period of his residence in this county now covers three-fourths of a century and he is therefore largely familiar with its annals from a pioneer epoch down to the present time. He is a most highly respected and esteemed citizen of his community, his upright and honorable life having won him the regard and friendship of all with whom he has been associated.

Edwin C. Woodworth obtained his preliminary education at Fairfield and afterward entered the university at Berea, Ohio, but was obliged to return home before completing the course. For several years he was identified with educational interests as a school teacher but in 1882 purchased the farm of one hundred and sixteen acres in Fairfield township on which he now resides. He has won a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity as a tiller of the soil, for the methods which he follows are practical and at the same time are in keeping with ideas of progressive agriculture.

On the 21st of March, 1882, Mr. Woodworth was united in marriage to Miss Hattie L. Sillman, who was born in Ripley township, Huron county, on the 29th of August, 1861, a daughter of Solomon Sillman. Unto them have been born eight children, namely: Iva B., Grace L., Ross S., Myrtle L., Adin M., George B., H. Corlette and Alton E. The children have been educated at the district and Union schools and the eldest daughter completed her studies in Tiffin.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Woodworth has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party, being convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government. In religious faith his wife is a Methodist, while fraternally he is identified with Fairfield Lodge, No. 261, F. & A. M. Both have an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives and well merit the regard and esteem which is uniformly accorded them.

Cornelius W. Anderson

Cornelius W. Anderson, one of the most prominent and respected citizens of Norwalk, has served as vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company since its organization. He is a native of Hackensack, New Jersey, his birth having there occurred the 15% of September, 1869. His maternal grandfather, Cornelius Wortendyke, was the originator and founder of the Knickerbocker Ice Company of New York city and became a heavy stockholder in the concern. James Anderson, the father of our subject, did active duty in the Civil war as quartermaster sergeant of the Forty-seventh Regiment of New York Volunteer Infantry, being honorably discharged at the end of his three years' term of enlistment. His name is inscribed on the soldiers' monument at Hackensack, New Jersey. He was for many years engaged in the general commission business as a member of the firm of W..H. B. Totten & Company, of New York city.

Cornelius W. Anderson received his preliminary education in the schools of Norwalk, coming here when a lad of ten years. Here he has since made his home, being widely recognized as a most substantial, enterprising and progressive citizen of the community. Throughout his entire business career he has been engaged in the buying and selling of real estate, improving the property before disposing ofit. He was likewise one of the organizers of the Citizens Banking Company of Norwalk and has acted as vice-president thereof from the beginning. The institution opened its doors for business on the 12th of June, 1902, and paid a dividend of four per cent the first year, setting aside two thousand dollars. The company has since paid an annual dividend of eight per cent and now has a surplus of thirty thousand dollars. Mr. Anderson has always been one of the bank's heaviest stockholders, while his keen discrimination, sound judgment and excellent executive ability have constituted important elements in its successful conduct. His home place comprises fifty acres within the city limits of Norwalk and the fine buildings thereon are thoroughly equipped with all modern improvements. The spacious residence is surrounded by an immense, well kept lawn, while a beautiful flower garden also greatly enhances the attractiveness of the place. Mr. Anderson is likewise the owner of a farm of one hundred and ten acres within a mile of Norwalk and at one time was quite an extensive breeder of high grade trotting horses, owning one with a mark of 2.11 M.

in 1893 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss Katherine Lawrence, who was born in Norwalk, Ohio, on the I4th of December, 1872, a daughter of J. P. Lawrence. By this union there are two children: Lawrence W., whose birth occurred July 31, 1807; and Margaret, whose natal day was September 4, 1900.

Mr. Anderson is a stalwart adherent of the republican party and when a young man of thirty-four years was elected to the office of mayor of Norwalk, capably and satisfactorily discharging the important duties devolving upon him in that connection for a period of four years and eight months. He was the youngest man who had ever been at the head of municipal affairs in Norwalk and previous to his accession to the mayoralty had served for several years as a member of the council. In November, 1909, he was elected a member of the board of education. His religious faith is indicated by his attendance at the Episcopal church. In whatever relation of life we find him - in political circles, in business or in social relations - he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.

Lyman Ashley

Lyman Ashley, a resident of Chicago, Ohio, who is now living retired from the labors of the farm, is still the owner of valuable farming property, having one hundred and eight acres of land in Greenfield township. He belongs to the native sons of Huron county, having been born here, February 20, 1832, and during a long and useful life has borne his part in the upbuilding of his locality. He is a son of Dennis and Lurany (Bliss) Ashley, and grandson of Luther and Eunice Ashley, and Jacob and Bertha (Brown) Bliss. These grandparents were all natives of Massachusetts. Dennis Ashley was a farmer all his life, and at the time of his death owned sixty-six acres of land in Greenfield township. Lyman Ashley was the eldest of the children born to him and his wife, the others being: Luther, who lives in California; Lucy and Norah, both of whom are deceased; E. S.; Mary, the deceased wife of Charles MeMasters ; Deptor and Ward, also deceased ; and Charlotte, who married J. A. Wheeler and lives in Huron county. Luther and E. S. served in the Civil war.

Lyman Ashley attended the district schools until he was sixteen, at which time he was forced to leave school and go to work in the mills, learning to be a stationary engineer, which occupation he followed for twelve years. Then, in 1853, he went to Iowa, where he purchased 'eighty acres of government land for one hundred dollars, and during the two years he owned it, the property increased so in value that he sold it for eleven hundred and seventy-five dollars. Following this sale he returned to Huron county, which has been his home ever since. The farm he owns in Greenfield township has been in. his possession since 1856 and for thirty-eight years, he successfully operated it.

On March 20, 1863. Mr. Ashley married Mary L. Young, who was a daughter of the late James and Sarah (Frost) Young, farmers of Huron county. Mrs. Ashley is the older of the two children born to her parents, her brother being Curtis Young, who resides in Miami, Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Ashley are the parents of the following named children: Cora B., who married James Baker, of North Fairfield, and has two children Glen and Nina; Joseph B., who married Lucy Reed and has five children, Eunice, Leo, Lois, Carl and Ralph; and Lewis. C., who married Hattie M. Lindley and has two children: Helen M. and Mary Louisa.

Mr. Ashley has served very acceptably as township trustee, school director and road supervisor, and upon six separate occasions has served as juryman at Norwalk. While a republican in national matters, having cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, in local affairs, he uses discrimination, preferring to select the man he deems best fitted for the office, rather than confine himself strictly to party lines. Neither he nor any member of his family are connected. with a church organization. They are possessed of many good qualities which have won for them the friendship of the people whose opinion counts, and while enjoying the comforts of life their hard work has gained them, Mr. and Mrs. Ashley are tenderly remembered by their old friends in Greenfield township, where: they lived for so many years.

George S. Catlin

After an experience of almost four decades as a successful teacher and school superintendent George S. Catlin has returned to agricultural pursuits, to which he was reared and on the land he owns in Boughtonville, Ripley township, devotes himself to farming and the breeding of brown Leghorn chickens. He was born in Huron county, July 21, 1857, and is a son of Hudson and Theresa (Scobey) Catlin. Of remotely Irish ancestry on both his father's and mother's side, Mr. Catlin is the scion of families which have from the earliest years of the nation participated in its struggles and history. The Scobeys date back to colonial days, when some of that name were familiar with the Indian wars that involved European powers in mortal conflict. Theresa Scobey, who became the wife of Hudson Catlin and the mother of George S. Catlin, was born in 1835, in Schuyler county, New York. Her father, Archibald Scobey, who was the son of James Scobey, was born on Long Island in 1800. In his young manhood, he married Miss Sarah Ann Van Valor, a native of Buffalo, New York, and ten years his junior. Of this union, there were born eight children: Andrew, Augustus, Catherine, Jane, Cornelia, Isabel, Margaret and Sarah Ann.

Hudson Catlin, the father of George S. Catlin, comes from a family that was identified with the history of the country on this side of the Alleghenies in the early decades of the last century. He was a son of Burge Catlin, a native of Medina county, Ohio, who entered upon this life in the year 1812. By his wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Eliza Reed (Burge) Catlin, became the father of nine children: Mason, Victor, Allen, Seymour, Cynthia, Anna, Lorene, Eliza and Celia. Hudson Catlin grew to manhood in this state and after the inauguration of the Civil war, responded to the nation's call for troops, enlisting in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Although his period of services comprised only two years and nine months it was crowded with memorable experiences and numerous engagements. The latter included about twenty battles, while the forty days spent in Libby prison made pictures upon his mind which years did not efface. To Hudson Catlin and wife were born seven children: George, Archibald, Burge, Wayne, Maud, Cora and Mae.

George S. Catlin began his school life in Shiloh, and after completing the prescribed course of study there went to the Mansfield Normal School for further training in the profession which was for many years to be his vocation. Though not a man in years when he undertook to teach his first class, he possessed that insight in human nature and the ability to impart knowledge which is considered the peculiar property of older and more experienced men and from the first was successful in his direction of a school and his control of its pupils. For twentyfive years, in common and graded institutions of popular instruction, Mr. Catlin taught the elementary branches of English education and then, having proved his efficiency as a teacher, he was made a superintendent of schools, in this capacity serving in different cities through a period of eleven years. But the responsibilities were heavy and exhausting, and when an opportunity presented itself, Mr. Catlin retired from his profession and sought rest and recreation on his farm. Always a chicken fancier, he has turned to the breeding of fine brown Leghorns, contemplating engaging in the poultry and egg business on a large scale in the near future.

On the 3d of June, 1882, Mr. Catlin was married to Miss Lovina Truxell. She was born on the farm on which her husband now lives, August 27, 1865, and is a daughter of David and Sarah (Howard) Truxell, both natives of Huron county, for Milan, Ohio, was, at the time of the father's birth in 1819, included within the boundaries of this county. Mrs. Truxell was born in Greenfield township in 1839. David Truxell was of remotely German descent, his grandfather, Christopher Truxell, having been of German birth, although he came to this country, where he died only five months before he reached the hundredth milestone on life's journey. His son William, the father of David Trux- ell, was born in Pennsylvania about 1702. He married Miss Mary Brubaker, who was born in Virginia in the first year of the nineteenth century. She was the daughter of Christopher Brubaker, a native of Germany, and by her marriage became the mother of eight children: Andrew, Addison, William, James, David, Mary Jane, Elizabeth and Maria. When William Truxell came to Ohio he stopped first at Florence. From there he and five companions walked to Norwalk, where they assisted in erecting the first two buildings of that city. Thence they went to Greenfield township, entirely covered with timber at the time, purchased their farms, cleared their land and put up rude houses for themselves. David Truxell, too, experienced the hardships of pioneer days, for he bought his farm in 1844 and had to remove the timber before it was habitable. He had worked for his father until he was twenty-one, and then, dressed in homespun, set out from home literally to cut his own fortune. He began by chopping trees for the small sum of four dollars and a half an acre and used the money thus gained for the purchase of other clothes. After working for Miner Lawrence for about eight years, he was able to buy his farm. Alone and unaided, he cleared the fields and built his first home, and now though a man well advanced in years is still of strong physique and able to work like many a younger man. The strength of his constitution he attributes to the fact that he has never smoked, chewed, nor drank and tells with pride that he has never been inside a saloon. He has always been a liberal supporter of the churches, has been a professed member since he was eighteen, and in politics is a republican. His first presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison, the whig candidate, and when he marked his ballot in the fall of 1908, he had signified his choice of a national executive for the eighteenth time. To Mr. Truxell and wife have been born five children: Lafayette; Nettie; Lovina; one who died in infancy ; and Perry.

Mr. and Mrs. Catlin's family consists of three children: Lela, the eldest, who was born January 5, 1884, married W. J. Wilkinson, the North Fairfield agent for the S. M. & M. railroad. Millicent, born March 2, 1885, married F. W. Devoe, and they have two children: Robb and Donna. Clarke, the youngest, born October 27, 1887, is a school teacher.

Mr. Catlin is a member of the Methodist church and is very prominent as a church worker, having been for years the leading spirit in the congregation, a class leader and chorister. Politically, he affiliates with the republican party, and though his own duties have always been heavy, he has found time for the past nine years to render his fellow citizens invaluable service as justice of the peace. A. man of undeniable ability, he is also possessed of indefatigable energy and has won the esteem of all who know him.

Harvey Newton Miller

Harvey Newton Miller a retired farmer of Ripley township, Huron county, now living in Plymouth, was born in Cass township, Richland county, August I, 1854, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Noble) Miller. Jacob Miller, a son of John Miller, was born in November, 1827, in Crawford county, Pennsylvania.

His parents having died in his infancy; he was taken by his grandparents who brought him to Ohio in 1832, when he was less than five years old. In his early manhood, he married Miss Mary Noble, who was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, in 1827, and was only two years of age when, in 1829, her parents, Harvey and Maria (Little) Noble, came to Ohio. She was one of a family of six children, John, James, William, Elizabeth and Minerva, being the others.

Reared on a farm and working in the fields during the summer vacations, it was but natural that Harvey Newton Miiler should devote himself to agriculture. The farm of eighty acres in Ripley township, which he turned over to the care of his son in the spring of 19c9, was for twenty-two years his home and the scene of his daily toil. Nine years ago, he purchased the land, for he felt that it was as rich and fertile a tract as could be obtained in that neighborhood, and aiso the fact that he had worked on it for so many years and knew all the peculiarities of the soil urged him to the step.

On the 1st of August, 1877, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ella Bowlby, who was born July 8, 1858, in Ripley township and is a daughter of Emanuel and Lucretia (Park) Bowlby. Her parents had five children: David, William, Martha, Addie and Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have three children: Park, was born September 15, 1883. the 20th of March, 1906, he married Miss Florence Waddington, a daughter of Chory and Elizabeth (Nothacker) Waddington. Oliver, was born January 24, 1890, and is now employed in Lofland's grocery at Plymouth. the eldest son, was born March 11, 1878, and died May 26, 1883.

Mr. Miller and the members of his family belong to the English Lutheran church and are regular in attendance on its services, and consistent in their practice of its teachings. politics, he espouses the republican party and invariably casts his vote for its candiate. He is not a politician nor an office seeker, however, though he has rendered valuable service to his fellow citizens as a member of the school board. A man of high principles, whose life has been devoted to conscientious labor, he is well deserving of the rest which he is now enjoying in Plymouth.

Sebastian Schnurr

Sebastian Schnurr, who throughout his entire life has been numbered among the worthy and respected residents of Huron county, is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Ridgefield township, on which he has now made his home for fifty years. He is today one of the oldest native born citizens of the county. His birth occurred in Peru township, on the 4th of November, 1835, his parents being Plasey and Teckla (Barman) Schnurr, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany. In the year 1829 the father crossed the Atlantic to the United States, taking up his abode in Peru township, this county, where he worked for others for a time and then purchased a farm of thirty acres. He was identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and had attained the age of sixty-five years when he was called to his final rest, the community thus losing one of its most esteemed and well known early settlers. His wife was fifty-five years of age when she passed away. Unto this worthy couple were born twelve children, six of whom died in infancy. The others were as follows: Cornelius and Rosie, who are now deceased ; Sebastian, of this review; Philip; Katie; and Frances.

As stated above, Sebastian Schnurr has remained a resident of this county throughout his entire life and has always devoted his time and energies to the work of general farming. For the past half century he has made his home on his present farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Ridgefield township and as the years have gone by has won a gratifying measure of prosperity in the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. The place is well improved and in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.

On the 22d of June, 1863, Mr. Schnurr was joined in wedlock to Miss Emma Friend, a native of Germany, who in early life was brought to this country by her aunt. By this union there are five children, namely: Ida, who is at home; Emile, living in Peru township, who married Miss Amelia Gise and has two children, Josie and Paul; Flora, who makes her home in this county and married Jacob Russman, by whom she has ten children; Bertha, living in Ridgefield township, who gave her hand in marriage to John Bachman, by whom she has two children, Ciralus and Frances; and Otto, a resident of Ridgefield township, who wedded Miss Mary Dernwald and has two children, Emery and Ellis.

Mr. Schnurr is a communicant of the Catholic church and his life has been honorable and upright, so that in the evening of his days he receives the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded to one of advanced years. He has been an interested witness of the county's growth and development as it has emerged from pioneer conditions and taken on all the evidences of our modern civilization and well deserves mention in this volume as one of its most worthy and well known citizens.

Alfred Barnard

Alfred Barnard, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Lyme township, Huron county, is the owner of eighty-six acres of land, to the cultivation of which he is devoting his time and energies. He was born in Shelburn, Massachusetts, August 9, I824, a son of Anson and Lucinda (Nims) Barnard, also natives of that place. The father was born February 22, 1792, and the mother March 27, 1795, while they both passed away in April, 1859, the father's demise occurring on the IIth and the mother's on the 3oth of that month. Their marriage was celebrated December 2, 1819, and in their family were eight children, namely: Anson A., who was born October 14, 1820, and died April 1859; Frederick A., who was born September 8, 1822, and died in 1854 ; Alfred of this review ; Charles, who was born August 22, 1829, and died in 1908; Helen A., who was born September 1828, and passed away December 24, 1861; William, born October 12, 1830; Lucinda, who was born June 30, 1833, and died January 3, 1864; and Asa W., born October 21, 1836.

Alfred Barnard spent the early years of his life under the parental roof and acquired his education in the common schools. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he came to Huron county, this state, where he resided with his uncle, Samuel Nims, for about seven years. On March 1, 1855, he was married to Ruth A. Bemiss, who was born March 1827, and is a daughter of Elijah and Sophronia Bemiss, pioneer settlers of this district. After his marriage, he removed to the farm which is now his residence and which was given to him by his wife's father. When the land came into his possession, it was entirely covered with timber and brush, but with characteristic energy and industry, he set about its improvement, erecting a house, clearing the land and cultivating the soil until, in due course of time, the fields began to yield substantial harvests in return for his time and labor. Barnard is practical in his methods, studying the best ways of plowing, planting and harvesting, while today his place is a well improved property, containing all the equipment and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Barnard were six children: Helen, at home, who is a graduate of the Painsville College, and has been a district school teacher for many years; William E., who married Lillian Haynes, by whom he has two children, Rachel and Alfred, and who resides with his father, assisting in the operation of the home farm; Charles, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Mary, who passed away at the age of two years; Lyman, living at Toledo, Ohio, who married Bertha Kessler and has two children, Dorothy and Kenneth; and Clara, who married Frank Seymour, a resident of this township, by whom she has four children, George B., Ruth H., Ethelyn and Alberta Y. In 1892, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, leaving husband and children to mourn her loss. She was a lady of excellent traits of character and enjoyed the high regard of a large circle of friends.

Mr. Barnard's political affiliations are in accord with the principles of the republican party and for six years, he served as trustee of his township. He is a prominent member of the Lyme Congregational chvrch, in which he served for many years as deacon. Honorable and upright in all his dealings, the salient characteristics of his life have ever been such as command the respect, confidence and good will of his fellowmen.

Jonathan S. White

Jonathan S. White, one of the most prominent citizens of the progressive village of Greenwich and cashier of the First National Bank there, was born in Ripley township, Huron county, Ohio, February 24, 1844, and is a son of John C. and Nancy A. (Taylor) White. The latter was born in Pennsylvania, but the father's birthplace was Orange county, New York, though he was but fourteen years of age when brought by his parents to this state. The family settled in Richland county, near Mansfield, and engaged in farming, though the father for many years taught in the district schools during the winter. John C. White moved to Huron county in 1840 and bought a large tract of land which he set about clearing, a task that was not entirely completed when his son Jonathan became old enough to assist him. His wife, who shared with him the toils of those early days, bore him four children: Mary E., Jonathan S., Jennie and Margaret A., the last named being the only member of the family beside the subject of this sketch now surviving. She mairied Joseph H. Lombard and has now been a widow for some years, living in Jamestown, New York. Both Mr. and Mrs. John C. White have passed away, the former in August, 1883, the latter eleven years later in the month of April, and both are buried in Edwards Grove cemetery, Ripley township. Mr. White was always a farmer, sincerely interested in the public weal, though he was never a participant in the political life of the community. He was devoted to his family and in every way a most exemplary citizen.

Jonathan S. White was educated in the district schools, spending his youth on the farm and engaging in the general work there under his father's supervision. During the Civil war, he served as a private in Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and was chiefly engaged in post duty in and about Washington and on the Potomac river. When he was discharged at the close of the war, he taught school for a number of winter terms, and in the summer devoted his energies to farming. For about one and a half years, he clerked in a general store in New London, and then returned to farming in Ripley township. After his marriage, Mr. White, not only pursued a general line of agriculture, but also engaged in stock raising and feeding, in both of which he prospered.

In politics, he is a republican and has ever taken an active and creditable part in public matters. For one year, he served as township trustee and then was elected town clerk, in which capacity he rendered efficient and faithful service during a period of thirteen years. In 1886, he was nominated and elected auditor of Huron county and filled the position to the entire satisfaction of his constituents and with credit to himself for the space of six years. It was during this period, that Mr. White moved his family to Norwalk. When he retired from the office of auditor, carrying with him the best wishes of the community, he had served, he entered the First National Bank of Norwalk as cashier. From January, 1894, to October, 1902, he filled that position, leaving it to become cashier of the First National Bank of Greenwich, in December, 1903, where he has remained to the present. At that time, he took up his residence in Greenwich and has since identified himself with every movement that has had in view the advancement of the village and the increase of its prosperity.

On the 25th of February, 1869. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. White and Miss Marietta Barre, a daughter of John and Amy (Stout) Barre, of Ripley township. The Barres came to Ohio from Niagara county, New York, as a newly married couple, and here took up the life of farmers. Fifteen children were born to them, all but two being still alive: Cornelia E., deceased; David E.; Herman B., deceased; Eliza J.; Jonathan S.; Theodore W.; William H.; rietta E.; Ira E.; Lyman S.; James K.; Corbis M.; Dwight M.; Josephine E.; and Jessie E. The mother of these children died in May 1882. Mr. Barre was prospered in his private affairs. When death overtook him, in 1883, he was mourned as a public spirited citizen, whose life's record was one of integrity and of good works. To Mr. and Mrs. White there have been born three children: James E., deceased; Blanche M., at home; and John G., who married Myrtle Beveridge of Greenwich and is now cashier of the Wakeman Bank Company of Wakeman, Ohio. He is an alert, efficient and popular young business man, that gives promise of a successful career.

Mr. White is, and has been for many years, a stanch Mason, belonging to Greenwich Lodge, No. 543, and to the Chapter at Norwalk. In religious matters, he and his family give their support to the Congregational church, of which Mr. White is trustee, and in whose Sunday school he has been superintendent, and otherwise prominent in all that concerns the work of the church. Mrs. White and her daughter, Blanche M., are well known for the conspicuous part they play in the social and literary life of the village. In short, they are active coadjutors to Mr. White in maintaining his reputation as the best citizen, in point of efficient activity, toward bettering the conditions of the village. His influence is always thrown on the side of progress, for the improvement of the educational opportunities here, better streets and roads, and better government.

Albert Ll. Ginste

Albert L. Ginste owns a well improved and valuable farm of eighty acres in Wakeman township which annually pays tribute to his care and labor in bounteous harvests. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Wakeman township on the 26th of July, 1879. He wasa son of John and Wilhelinina (Burke) Ginste, who in early manhood and womanhood sailed from Germany to the United States with their respective parents and settled near Henrietta, Lorain county, Ohio. At the time of the Civil war John Ginste, the father of our subject, enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming a member of Company H, Forty-third Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for more than three years. After the close of the war he became an active member of Harrison Douglass Post, G. A. R., at Kipton, Lorain county, Ohio, acted as its commander for a number of years and always bore a helpful part in Grand Army matters, being deeply interested in the welfare of the "boys in blue."

"We pause, we falter at this portal of fate where the gates stand forever ajar. At this open grave of a comrade we tarry to review the grand record of a glorious life. The meteor has traversed the arc of trajection but the sheen of its glory illumines the sky with its splendor, and that sheen will fade only as the memory of man will fade. We are standing at the bier of John Ginste, a man who was of high moral worth and unfaltering integrity. He was the embodiment of all that was true and noble in man. In his death we recognize that a brilliant star has been erased from the earth's galaxy of noble manhood. When in the full rigor of manhood, at the call of duty he enlisted in Company H, Forty-third Regiment of Ohio Infantry at Oberlin, October I5, I861. On account of his superior qualities and proficiency he was early promoted through the various noncommissioned grades to that of first sergeant of his company. On October 28, 1863, he was commissioned by the governor as a second lieutenant. During 1861-62 and'63 he served in the army of the Mississippi and the army of the Tennessee, in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. In 1864 he served in the Sixteenth Army Corps until that organization ceased to exist. The command to which he belonged was transferred to the Seventeenth Army Corps. He rendered honorable service on Sherman's bloody trail down through Georgia, where the crash of infantry firing and the thunder of artillery never ceased neither day or night from the morning of the 4th day of May to the night of the sth day of September, 1864. He was with Sherman's retrograde march from Atlanta to Northern Alabama against the Confederate army of General Hood. He was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, December 22, 1864, having served two months and eight days beyond a three year enlistment. During his services he traversed the entire Confederacy from the west to east. His military service is a grand record of patriotic manhood ; he has to.his credit a grand array of brilliant stars which adorn the nation's baldrick of glory. He was engaged with his command at Cripple Creek ; Resaca; New Madrid ; second battle of Corinth; Rome; Island No. Oxford; Adairsville; Tiptonville ; Decatur, Alabama; Dallas; Fort Pillow ; Snake Creek Cap; Big Shanty ; first battle of Corinth; Nickajack; Kennesaw; Iuka; Decatur, Georgia; Atlanta; Ezra Church; Jonesboro; Lovejoy Station; and Savannah.

After leaving the army John Ginste turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, successfully carrying on farming in Wakeman township, Huron county, until 1882, when he took up his abode in Lorain county and there made his home until called to his final rest. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he never failed to cast his ballot in support of its men and measures on election day. For some years he served as a trustee of Camden township, Lorain county, capably discharging the duties devolving upon him in this connection. Interested and active in matters of public moment, his aid and cooperation could always be counted upon to further any movement instituted to promote the general welfare. He kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and was always able to support his position by intelligent argument. He was highly respected and honored throughout the community in which he made his home and his death, which occurred in Elyria, Lorain county, in the fall of 1906, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife had passed away in October, 1904.

They reared a family of seven children, namely: Ida, now the wife of Alfred Squires, of Eaton township, Lorain county ; John, a resident of Cleveland ; Catherine, who is deceased ; Albert L., of this review ; Mary, who has also passed away ; Charles, of Wakeman ; and Minnie, the wife of Meade Buckley, of Camden township. John Ginste had a full realization of the value of good mental training as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties and provided his children with all the educational advantages which his means would permit.

Albert L. Ginste obtained his education in the public schools of Lorain county and grew to manhood on his father's farm, in the work of which he assisted when his time was not occupied with his text-books. Subsequent to his marriage he took up his abode on his present farm of eighty acres in Wakeman township and has since devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His property is the visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift and industry, for he started out on his own account empty handed and has steadily worked his way upward until he is now the owner of a valuable and productive farm. The buildings on the place are all of a substantial and modern character. During the winter seasons Mr. Ginste engages in the feeding of sheep and in all of his undertakings is meeting with that measure of success which always rewards earnest, persistent and untiring labor.

On the 2d of December, 18c7, Mr. Ginste was united in marriage to Miss Cordelia Barnes, a daughter of Charles and Helen (Hall) Barnes. The Halls were a prominent picneer family of Wakeman township, contributing in substantial measure to its early development and upbuilding. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ginste has been born a daughter, Helen.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Ginste has given his political allegiance to the republican party and for three years has filled the office of assessor in Wakeman township. At the present time he is acting as a member of the township board of education, doing effective service for the cause of public instruction. All matters pertaining to the advancement of the community along material, intellectual and moral lines receive his hearty support and cooperation and he is widely recognized as a most progressive and public-spirited citizen. For about twelve years he has been a member of Wakeman Tent, No. 92, K. O. T. M., of which he has served as commander and also as lieutenant commander. Both he and his wife are prominent and valued members of the Congregational church, taking a deep and helpful interest in both church and Sundayschool work. He is a member of the board of trustees and his wife was organist in the church for a number of years. The young couple hold a high place in public esteem and their own hospitable and attractive home is a favorite resort with their many friends.

Charles S. Clark needs introduction to the readers of this volume for he has gained a world-wide reputation as the most extensive producer and propagator of seed corn rot cnly in this country but in foreign countries as well. He was born March 22, 1860, in a house which stood upon the site of his present residence, his parents being David S. and Esther (Boyd) Clark. The father, who followed farming throughout his active life, passed away on the 7th of February, 1885. In the femily were three sons and two daughters: Ella, Walter and Rollie B., all now deceased; Charles S.; and Hattie, the wife of Professor W. Andrews of Oberlin College. The father was a man of strong character, prominent in public affairs and given to good works, and he lived and died with the full confidence and respect of all who knew him. His widow still survives at the age of seventy-seven years and enjoys remarkable health.

Charles S. Clark spent his youth on the home farm and was educated in the public schools of Wekeman. At the age of eighteen years he began raising seed corn on one acre of ground, cultivating two varieties of select corn. Something of the growth and extent of his business is indicated in the fzct that on the

Charles S. Clark

Ist of May, 1909, he shipped ninety-four varieties of seed corn to one man Rockford, Illinois. His success has been phenomenal in this line of business and for the past twenty years he has been the largest grower of seed corn in the world, shipping to every corn-growing country on the face of the globe. During the winter of 1908-9 three shipments were sent to Paris and beginning in the month of October, 1909, his shipments averaged one thousand bushels per day during the entire season up to the middle of May. Among other very large contracts made for next winter's delivery he has one for a carload to be sent to San Francisco, California, and a full carload to Knowlton, Quebec, Canada., His business has developed from the small beginning of one acre, which was taken up as an experimental work, the excellence of his product being his best advertisement. He has been the originator and introducer of a great many of the different varieties of field corn and sweet corn now in use, including the finest varieties which are in cultivation today. There is a large amount of seed corn and many varieties raised by the farmers of Huron, Erie and Sandusky counties, from seed furnished by Mr. Clark and under contract with him for the purchase of their crop. He applies the same business rules to other sections which are well adapted for the development of seed corn. In addition to the enormous trade which he has built up in this connection he is also extensively engaged in the production of seed oats, of which he ships large quantities. These are also produced in many varieties and go into every oat-growing district. Mr. Clark has a fine farm of his own on which he produces a great deal of seed corn and oats, especially in an experimental way in the development of new varieties. His home is a commodious and attractive residence and altogether is a model farm in the nature of its improvements and the care which is bestowed upon it.

On the 12th of June, 1888, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Sarah T. Smith, of Milford, Connecticut, a daughter of E. Stiles and Maria Theresa (Platte) Smith, who had one son and two daughters: Frank W., Sarah T. and Susan Isabelle. The last named is now Mrs. Elbert N. Clark. The son married Miss Carrie W. Beard, of New Haven, Connecticut. The Smith family, to which Mrs. Clark belongs, never became residents of Ohio but were prominent in their locality, the ancestry extending back to twelve generations since the first of the name came to America from England. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have three children: Hazel Theresa, Hattie Marie, and Charles Harold Stiles.

They are refined and highly intelligent people and their home bears every evidence of these characteristics. They expect to give to their children every advantage in educational lines, intending to send all to college. Mrs. Clark is devoted to her home and gives to it her best efforts but also finds time for diversion and development in club work. The family are members of the Congregational church and active in church and Sunday-school work. Mr. Clark has done much valuable public service aside from what he has accomplished in a business way. He was a member and president of the board of education for six years, has been vice-president of the Wakeman Banking Company for ten years and is now a member of the township board of trustees. He is independent in politics, giving his support to the men and measures that his judgment endorses. As a young man he was much interested in baseball and won considerable note as a member of the famous Wakeman Club. He still retains a keen interest in the national game but finds his special diversion in a summer outing with his family enjoyed at their handsome summer cottage at Ruggles Beach on the shores of Lake Erie.

Fred Brown

Among the native sons of Sherman township, Huron county, who are engaged in agricultural pursuits and are ranked among the progressive and representative farmers of the community, is Fred Brown, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres in this township. He was born on the Ioth of November, 1855, and is a son of Fred and Margaret (Pirrung) Brown, both natives of Germany. They came to America about 1841 or 1842 and settled in Columbus, Ohio, where they remained for two years, after which they came to Sherman township, Huron county. While in Germany, the father was a wagonmaker by occupation and followed that trade during his residence in Columbus, but after his arrival in Sherman township, he devoted himself to farming. He purchased one hundred acres of land but later sold a part of it, owning at the time of his death eighty-eight acres. He and his wife were both buried in Sherman township. In their family were the following children: Jacob; Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Westrick, of Norwalk; Peter, who lives in Michigan; Margaret, the wife of Sebastian Purcell, residing in Peru township; John, who lives in Michigan; Frank, also of that state; Fred, of this review; Anna, the deceased wife of Henry Schendorf; and Anthony, who resides on and operates the old homestead in Sherman township. Of this family the three eldest were born in Germany.

Reared amid the scenes and environment of rural life, Fred Brown attended the district schools of his native township in the acquirement of an education. At the age of sixteen, he put aside his textbooks and engaged in farming for his father until twenty-seven years of age, when he started out for himself, renting a farm for four years. At the expiration of that period, he removed to Indiana, where he purchased a farm of ninety-five acres in Pulaski county and continued to make that his residence for thirteen years. He then sold his farm in Indiana and returned to Sherman township in 1900, buying his present place from George Diehr. He is now engaged in general farming and through his industry, well directed labors and careful management, is meeting with a creditable measure of success.

On the 14th of February, 1882, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Ottilia Geiger, a daughter of Rudolph and Ernestina (Ott) Geiger, both natives of Germany. They were farming people and both passed away in Sandusky, to which place they had removed just prior to their demise. In their family were the following children: Louisa, the deceased wife of John Smith; John; Adolph; Mrs. Fred Brown; Mary, the wife of John Weidinger; and Anna, who wedded Joseph Ringlein. Mr. and Mrs. Brown became the parents of five children, as follows: William A., born June r, 1883; Albin P., born May 24, 1888; Frank M., born

The family are members of the Catholic church at Bismarck, Sherman township, and are held in high esteem throughout the community. Mr. Brown gives substantial support to the democratic party and is serving at present as township trustee. He has also been constable, road supervisor and school director, and is a loyal citizen, supporting every measure calculated to benefit the community in its rapid and substantial development.

Alfred W. Peirce

For half a century Alfred W. Peirce has lived in Huron county and needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for his creditable life record has made him widely and favorably known. In all business affairs, he has been thoroughly reliable as well as progressive and in his relations to public interests he has been found a man of progressive spirit whose desire for the public welfare has been manifest in active work for its behalf. He was born April 29, 1833, in Charlotte, Vermont. a son of Chauncey and Mahala (Conger) Peirce.

The father was a native of Rhode Island and removed to Vermont, but never became a resident of Ohio. The son spent his youth on his father's farm and was educated in the district schools, the schoolhouse of the neighborhood being upon land in possession of the family. After he had mastered the elementary branches of learning, he spent one term in an academy to which he walked a distance of five miles each morning, returning in the same way each evening. He would also assist with the chores about the farm and though every moment was busily occupied and he had to walk so far to school, he never entered the schoolroom too late for the opening exercises. At seventeen years of age, he began teaching school, following that profession through the winter months while the summer seasons were devoted to the work of the fields, his father thus receiving the benefit of his services until after he had attained his majority. In 1856, when twentythree years of age, he left Vermont and made his way to Chicago. In the meantime, he, had picked up a knowledge of the carpenter's trade during his leisure hours. His education, too, was largely obtained by studying when the work of the farm was over for the day, and in this manner he became a man of broad education with wide knowledge concerning literature, mathematics and the sciences. On going to Chicago, in 1856, he found employment in the shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway Company. At that time there was not a foot of paving in Chicago, which was a city of comparatively small proportions. Mr. Peirce remained there from March until June, when he was called to his home in Vermont by the death of his father. He then continued in the Green Mountain state until the spring of 1857, when he made his way to Lake City, Minnesota. There he again worked at the carpenter's trade until the succeeding fall, when the country became involved in a financial panic rendering it very difficult to secure employment for building operations were practically

About that time Mr. Peirce came to Townsend, Huron county, Ohio, through the influence of some acquaintances he had made during his residence in Minnesota. He and his brother-in-law, M. M. Perkins, who came with him, purchased a hotel in Townsend and in addition to conducting the hostelry Mr. Peirce also worked in the agricultural implement factory owned by the firm of Hyde & Allen, the partners being W. S. Hyde and Pruden Allen. Mr. Peirce was employed in the shops until the spring of 1858, when the company suspended because of the stringency of the times. He then turned his attention to contracting and building and became a large operator along this line, erecting many of the schoolhouses of the county and many of the best dwellings. He was thus connected with building operations in addition to conducting his smal! farm until 1869, when he became associated with a company of railroad bridge contractors and was in Des Moines, Iowa, for a period.

On his return to Huron county, Ohio, he located in Townsend and accepted the superintendency of a sash and door factory. Three years later, he became engaged in the black walnut business in Indiana. When he again returned to Townsend, he built a residence for himself and this was about the last of his building operations. In 1875, he engaged with the Collins Pump Company as bookkeeper and thus represented them for two years, after which he became interested in the business of manufacturing pumps and also in the operation of a sawmill, in company with John C. Shaw. In this, he continued until 1890, when the mill and factory were destroyed by a cyclone, terminating his business interests of that character. He next purchased the Union Bending Works, at Collins, and has since operated this plant in connection with his son, Frank Peirce. He has ever been a man of resolute purpose, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken unless his path was barred by some obstacle or difficulty that could not be overcome by persistent and honorable effort. In 1884, he established a mercantile enterprise in Collins which he has since conducted in connection with other business affairs. He has ever been watchful of opportunities and his utilization of the advantages which have come to him have brought him to a prominent position in the business circles of the community.

Mr. Peirce has been married three times. On the 22d of August, 1854, he wedded Miss Lutheria M. Brown, a daughter of Smyrna and Almeda (Morse) Brown. Mrs. Peirce was of the same township in Vermont in which her husband's birth occurred. There were two children of this union: Lynda and Charles The daughter is now the wife of the Rev. William Fisher, Congregational minister of Kansas, while the son, Charles, is a successful farmer in Hartrhanftownship. The wife and mother died November 24, 1864, and on the 9th of December, 1869, Mr. Peirce wedded Miss Julia A. Dean, a daughter of Royal C. and Mary (Smith) Dean. The father was a traveling saleman for a Zanesville (Ohio) firm for many years and also the owner of a farm in Townsend township. By the second marriage there were born three children: Royal C., who was killed at Akron, while in the line of duty with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company ; Carl W., who after graduating from Oberlin College in 1900, went to Pittsburg and is now identified with the steel interests of that city; and Frank H., who was formerly an Oberiin student and is now associated in business with his father. The death of Mrs. Julia Peirce occurred March 9, 1894, and on the 24th of Octo- ber, 1805, Mr. Peirce was joined wedlock to Miss Lena E. Fitch, a daughter of Edgar and Letta (Ward) Fitch, of Townsend township, who came to this state from Michigan in 1891. Fitch is a farmer by occupation and has returned to Michigan. By the third marriage there is but one child, a daughter, Pauline.

Politically, Mr. Peirce is a republican having been identified with the party for years as one of its well informed representatives and active workers thoroughly qualified to defend his position by intelligent argument. He has served as justice of the peace for one term, was township trustee for several terms, and township clerk for several years. He was a member of the school board for many years and has always been a friend of education, advocating advanced ideas in connection with the work of public instruction. To his children, he gave superior college advantages and all made excellent records in their studies, especially in mathematicallines. Mr. Peirce is a member of the Masonic fraternity and for years was active in the affairs of the order. He has always been an advocate of temperance and of things which work for honorable manhood and progressive citizenship. His wife and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are active in church and Sunday school work, while Mr. Peirce gives liberally to the support thereof. He is in every way a splendid type of citizen and his cooperation can be counted upon to further any movement for the general good.

Frank W. Adelman

Frank W. Adelman, owning and operating a fine farm of one hundred acres of land, situated in Norwalk township, Huron county, Ohio, was born upon this farm on the 27th of February, 1861, a son of John J. and Margaret (Klunding) Adelman, both natives of Germany. In 1830, the father accompanied his parents, J. P. and Tracy Adelman, to the United States, and they located in Buffalo, New York, remaining in that city for a short time, after which a removal was made to Ohio, the family home being established in Ridgefield township, Huron county. There the grandfather of our subject purchased one hundred acres of land and in that township, John P. Adelman spent almost his entire life. He bought the farm upon which our subject now resides and placed many improvements thereon, devoting his energies entirely to agricultural pursuits. He became well known in the community in which he resides and served for some time as road supervisor. He passed away in 1870 in the faith of the Catholic church. He had married Margaret Klunding, who was born in Germany in 1831 and left the fatherland when thirteen years of age, accompanying her parents to the United States, where they settled in Sherman township, Huron county, Ohio. Her death occurred on the 17th of November, 1898. In the family of this worthy couple, were seven children, namely: Francis, deceased; Charles, who has also passed away; Rose, the wife of Anthony Harr, residing in Norwalk, Ohio; Frank W.. of this review; Clara M.. also residing in Norwalk; Joseph, deceased; and Benjamin, of Norwalk.