Wakeman Township (part 15 of 21)

Charles H. Wheaton, whose name introduces this review, was a lad of eleven years when he accompanied his father to the United States, and his education, which was begun in England, was completed in this country. He continued under the parental roof until the year 1861, when, in response to President Lincoln's call for troops, he enlisted for three months' service as a member of Captain Sawyer's independent company organized under the laws of the state of Ohio. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned home and, in connection with his brother, Dennis E. Wheaton, took charge of his father's meat business, which they carried on for many years, or until the block was destroyed by fire. The brothers then went to Cleveland, where they were engaged in a similar enterprise for seventeen years, and at the end of that time our subject returned to the old homestead to take care of his father and his father's estate. The fine brick house which the latter erected still stands upon the place and is in excellent condition. Mr. Wheaton is engaged in the stock business and, like his father, is one of the best judges and one of the most successful buyers of stock in Huron county. He has purchased cattle since he was a boy of fourteen years and has the reputation of having bought more stock than any other buyer in this county. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which his industry and energy, have been salient characteristics. While engaged in the meat business he was recognized as one of the leading men in that line, and that he prospered and won a goodly amount cf success is indicated by the handsome competence which he has acquired as the result of well directed energy.

In November, 1860, Mr. Wheaton was united in marriage to Miss Anna Lydia Hoyt, who was born in March, 1834, a daughter of Acrebeach Hoyt. Unto this union have been born the following children: Minnie, who wedded George Crumm and later married Fred Smies ; Dora, the wife of Edgar Lee; and Mary, the wife of Walter E. Bateles, by whom she has two children, Elmer Darwin and Mary Mehn. In politics Mr. Wheaton 15 independent, reserving the right to vote for the men and measures which, in his estimation, are best adapted to conserve the public good. Although born across the water, Mr. Wheaton is as loyal to the interests of his adopted country as any American-born citizen, and he has gained high rank among the representative men of Norwalk township, not only by reason of the gratifying degree of success which he has attained but also because of his honorable manhood and true personal worth.

Hyatt Travis

Hyatt Travis, now living retired from the duties of business life, has for many years been actively and helpfully interested in the public affairs of Greenwich township and is, moreover, a well known and prominent figure in the political circles of his community. He was born on the roth of August, 1839, in New York city, a son of Jacob and Sarah (Hyatt) Travis, and remained in his native city until fourteen years of age, when he accompanied the family on their removal to New Rochelle, New York. They remained there for one year, when the father took the family to Yorktown, New York, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for eight years.

The education of Hyatt Travis had been commenced in the public schools of New York city and after the removal of the family from that city he pursued a course of study for several terms in the district schools, remaining with his parents until 1860. In December of that year he came to Greenwich, where his brother Oscar had arrived six years previously, while the parents and the remaining members of the family followed him in 1862. On reaching this city he associated with his brother in the operation of a farm until the following September when, in response to his country's call for troops, he enlisted as a member of Company I, Third Regiment of Ohio Cavalry for three years. He served two years, however, when he veteranized and continued with the same company and regiment until the close of the war, his entire service covering a period of three years and nine months, being mustered out in August, 1865. During this time he saw much hard service under General Thomas, General Wood and later under General Wilson. He participated in many of the hotly contested battles of the war, in the meantime having two horses shot from under him. The first occasion was just after the battle of Stone River while engaged with his company in a slight skirmish. His horse was killed and he was taken prisoner and sent to Libby prison at Richmond, Virginia. After three weeks spent in that place he was paroled and sent home, where he remained until exchanged about four months later, when he returned to his regiment. He again had a horse shot from under him during the battle of Chickamauga but on this occasion escaped capture. Throughout his entire service, during which time he was often in the thickest of the fight, he was never wounded although he returned home very much broken in health.

After the close of the war he entered the service of the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad Company as brakeman but severed his connection therewith after eleven months, owing to the state of his health. He was then married in 1868, after which he engaged in farming in Greenwich township for eight years. At the expiration of this period, however, he was compelled to give up agricultural pursuits, as his health would no longer permit of the strenuous duties that devolved upon him in that connection. He then came to Greenwich and became identified with general mercantile interests, being thus engaged for nearly four years. Again he attempted farming but found that the state of his health had not improved and was once more compelled to give up that pursuit. Consequently he sold his farm and returned to Greenwich, where he has since lived practically retired.

He has, however, been very active in public affairs, becoming well known in the political circles of the community, while since his retirement from business life he has been almost continuously before the public in an official capacity. He votes with the republican party and for several terms served as village and township treasurer. Something of his personal popularity was shown in the fact that he was elected mayor of his town and served as chief executive for two terms. He is now acting as justice of the peace, which position he has filled for several years, while from 1889 until 1893 he was postmaster of Greenwich. He has been clerk and also president of the school board, the cause of education at all times finding in him a stalwart champion. Active in the interests of his party, he has several times acted as a delegate to various conventions and has frequently been a member of the county central committee, being a prominent figure in the party councils. His career as a public official has ever been an exemplary one, performing his duties in every instance in a manner that gained for him the favorable commendation and the endorsement of his constituents. His position has never been an equivocal one for he has ever stood on the side of truth and right in all things.

On the 1st of September, 1868, Mr. Travis was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Hoag, a daughter of Jesse and Mary (Watson) Hoag, the former a prom- inent agriculturist of Greenwich township. Unto this union have been born seven children, namely: Ella, the wife of Frederick Miller; George, deceased; William ; Charles, who has also passed away; Ira J.; Elmer, residing in Youngstown; and Hazel.

The family, although not members, attend the Methodist Episcopal church. while Mr. Travis maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Greenwich Post, No. 279, C. A. K., in which he has filled all of the offices. He has also been a delegate several times to the state encampments of this organization. He has ever been an advocate of public improvement and exerts his influence toward the adoption of all those measures which have for their object the welfare and upbuilding of the community. He has now completed the Psalmist's allctted span of three score years and ten and in the evening of life he enjoys the full respect and confidence of all who know him.

W. B. Keefer is numbered among the men to whom Chicago Junction owes its growth, its development and its prosperity. His efforts have been of a practical nature, far-reaching and beneficial. He acted as the first postmaster of the new town and since that time has been most closely associated with its progress and improvement, figuring prominently now in its business circles as a representative of its banking interests. His birth occurred in Greenfield township, Huron county, September 9, 1848. His father, Walter Keefer, was a native of New York and in 1834 removed westward to Sandusky county, Ohio, residing in the vicinity of Bellevue, for a number of years. He afterward came to Huron county, but in a short time returned to Erie county, taking up his abode there in 1849. Five years later - in 1854 - he again came to Huron county and settled on a farm one-half mile from Chicago Junction, where he made his home until his death which occurred in 1896, when he was eighty-six years of age. In politics, he was a stanch republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party and he was a splendid type of the pioneer citizen who recognizes and utilizes the opportunities for the county's development as well as for the attainment of his own success. His wife bore the maiden name of Lydia Wiles and was a representative of a family that was established in Sandusky county, at an early epoch in its development. Later, her father, Storey Wiles, removed with his wife and children to Huron county, taking up his abode north of Chicago Junction, where he spent his remaining days, his death there occurring. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Keefer, there were born four sons and one daughter, who are yet living - all residents of Huron county - and three sons who died in infancy.

At the usual age, W. B. Keefer began his education as a pupil in the common schools and later, he continued his studies in Norwalk, being thus well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. After putting aside his textbooks, he learned telegraphy and was employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company for two and a half years. In 1875, when the subject of estab- lishing a postoffice was under discussion he wrote to the postmaster general, urging the claims of this village and suggesting the name of Chicago for the new office. His suggestion was acted upon and he was appointed the first postmoster of the new town, entering upon his duties in 1875. He continued to fill the office until 1888 and during that time he opened and carried on a jewelry store. In the latter year, realizing the possibilities for business development here, he opened a private bank which he conducted successfully until 1905. It was then reorganized as a state bank under the name of the Commercial Bank Company, of which Mr. Keefer was elected president, with E. W. Severnance as vice-president; W. K. Southard, cashier and W. M. Griffin, assistant cashier. Mr. Keefer now devotes his entire time to the bank. A general banking business is conducted and he has familiarized himself with every department of the work and makes the enterprise one of success. It has enjoyed a continuous growth from the beginning and well merits the liberal patronage which is accorded it.

In 1883, Mr. Keefer completed his arrangements for having a home of his own in his marriage to Miss Eva L. Shepard, a native of Seneca county, Ohio, who in her girlhood days accompanied her parents, Israel and Nancy Shepard, on their removal to Hillsdale, Michigan. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keefer was born a son, W. Dale, whose birth occurred July 9, 1800, and who died June 6, 1894. Mr. Keefer is well known in Masonic circles, taking the degrees of the lodge, chapter and commandery. His life record may well constitute an example and a source of inspiration to his fellowmen. He has made for himself a splendid name by reason of his industry and integrity, which have brought him success and the respect of his fellow citizens. The town of Chicago Junction is largely a monument to his business ability and enterprising spirit for, with several associates, he has been closely identified with its upbuilding and progress from the outset to the present time.

Jacob Schreiner

Jacob Schreiner, a general farmer and stockman of Greenfield township, Huron county, owns the one hundred acres of land on which he lives and fifty-six acres in another part of the township. He was born in Seneca county, Ohio, October 19, 1862, and is the son of Michael and Mary (Koby) Schreiner, both of whom are of German birth. Michael Schreiner was fourteen when he went to Seneca county to fight the battle of life for himself. In the company of a few friends he worked around for different farmers in Seneca county for some time and then sent for his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schreiner, to come to the new world and make their home. This they did and passed the remainder of their days in the county to which their son had become attached. Michael Schreiner, Jr., always followed farming in Center township, in Seneca county, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land. Of late years he has retired from the active pursuits and at the age of seventy-seven enjoys the comforts and rest he so well deserves at the home of his daughter in Norwalk. He was prominent in local af- fairs, held several township offices and has ever been a devoted adherent of the Catholic religion. His wife was one year old when her parents removed to Sen- eca county, where she continued to live all her life, dying there in 1906 at the age of sixty-two. She was a dutiful wife and a mother of the following children: Joseph, who lives at Chicago Junction, Ohio; Mary, who married Anthony Scheibley of Seneca county; Jacob, of this review ; Peter, a resident of Fostoria, Ohio; Addie, deceased; Rose, the wife of Tony Hasselbauch, of Bellevue, Ohio; Philomina, the wife of Louis Schwartz, a prominent business man of Chicago, Ohio; Elizabeth, the widow of Andrew Nejedly; Martin, who lives at Akron, Ohio; Catherine, the wife of Lewis Steinmetz, of Fostoria, Ohio; Thresia, who married Andrew Adelman, of Norwalk, Ohio; Louisa, the wife of William Huffman, of Tiffin, Ohio; and Aggie, who married a Mr. Smith of Iowa. Two children died in infancy.

Jacob Schreiner lived in Seneca ccunty until 1884, and received his education in the schools there. He early devoted himself to farming and until he was twentytwo years of age continued in that occupation, after which he was engaged in the hotel business at Bellevue, Fostoria, Zanesville and Chicago Junction. His operations met with success but in the spring of 1907 he sold his interests in the hotel and cafe at Chicago Junction and came to Greenfield township, Huron county, where he purchased from Jennie Wheeler his present farm. Since he has assumed possession of this land he has greatly improved it, adding many modern conveniences to his fine house, making the barns more up-to-date and instituting many changes in the methods of farming which will increase the productiveness of the soil. His farm is well stocked with all things necessary for the prosecution of a successful business, and his animals are of the finest.

Mr. Schreiner has been married twice, his first union being with Miss Josephine Ball, and they had three children: Mary, Peter, deceased; and William. Mrs. Josephine Schreiner was divorced, and Mr. Schreiner afterward married Mrs. Flora Huntington, who by her former marriage had one daughter, Sadie, now the wife of William G. Ramsey, by whom she has a son, Russell Jacob. Mrs. Schreiner is a daughter of Emanuel F. and Sarah (Thompson) Grames, of Chicago Junction, who were old settlers of this county but are now deceased. They had five children who lived to maturity : Frank, William, Flora, Henry and Minnie, and others who did not survive the period of infancy. In politics Mr. Schreiner gives his support to the democratic party and in religious matters to the Catholic church of Chicago Junction. Though so recently a citizen of Greenfield township, he bids fair to be one of her prosperous farmers and one of her most public-spirited men.

Adolf P. Erf, successfully engaged in agriculture in Lyme township, Huron county, comes from an old and prominent family of this county. He was born upon the farm which is now his home June 22, 1867, a son of Anthony and Marie (Maurer) Erf. He comes of German and Swiss lineage, his father having been born in Freien Dietz, Germany, June 20, 1843, while his mother was a native of

Switzerland. The paternal grandparents of our subject, Jacob and Katherine Erf, sailed for the new world from Germany about 1859, and, coming direct to Ohio, settled in this county, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of this district and aiding in reclaiming the wild land for agricultural purposes. Mr. Erf at once started to clear the land, built a dwelling for his family, and here he and his wife resided until they were called to their final rest.

Their son Anthony Erf, the father of our subject, was sixteen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their journey to the United States and was thus early identified with the work of improvement and cultivation which was going on at that time in the section of Ohio where they settled. He assisted his father in establishing a home here, where the remaining years of his life were spent, for after his father's demise he took charge of the home farm and continued the work of improvement. He became a well known and respected citizen of this county, having served for several terms as trustee of Lyme township. He was a faithful and consistent member of the Evangelical church of Monroeville, honorable and upright in his relations with his fellowmen. He met his death by drowning in a creek near his place while returning home after attending to a little matter of business. When he failed to appear at his home a search was made for him and his body found several days later. He had fallen into the water and it was thought that, owing to an injury to one his arms, which he had sustained shortly before, he was unable to rescue himself, after having vainly attempted to do so - a fact which was manifest by certain marks left on the bank where he had endeavored to pull himself out of the water. He had gone to pay a threshing bill and still had ten dollars in his pocket after paying the bill. His wife had previously passed away in 1871, leaving, besides her husband, five children, Edward, William, Gustave, Adolf and Albert, the last named having since passed away. After the death of his first wife Mr. Erf was again married, his second union being with Miss Minnie Frenz, who, by her marriage, became the mother of five children, Hiram, Otto, George, Amelia and Louise.

On the old homestead which had been the property of his grandfather, Adolf P. Erf was reared amid the scenes and environment of rural life, devoting the days of his boyhood and youth to the acquirement of an education as a pupil of the district schools of Lyme township and of He early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the farm lad and as the years passed and his strength increased he aided more and more fully in the work of the fields, becoming familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. He remained at home until twenty-six years of age when, on the 28th of December, 1894, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Beiler, a daughter of Henry and Philibina Beiler.

Mr. and Mrs. Erf began their domestic life in Richfield township, this county, where they resided for five years on a farm of sixty acres near Bellevue, which Mr. Erf purchased and operated. He then sold this property and in 1906 bought from the estate his present farm, which was a part of the original homestead. He later acquired forty additional acres from Robert Truman, his holdings now aggregating one hundred and sixty-five acres, fourteen acres of which are located in Sher-. man township. He has directed his energies to the improvement of this place and

As the years came and went three children were added to the household of Mr. and Mrs. Erf, but the first two died in infancy. The third and only surviving member is Olga, born November 20, 1901, who is the light and life of the home. Mr. Erf is connected with the Lutheran church of Pontiac and at all times holds to high and manly principles. He has been most successful in his agricultural pursuits, this success being but the visible evidence of well directed energies and good judgment combined with strict business integrity. Having passed his entire life in this district, he has become widely known throughout the county, and that he is most respected and honored where he is best known is indicative of the fact that at all times his salient characteristics are such as win esteem, trust and good will from all classes.

William Graham

Through the years of an active and useful life William Graham was identified with carpentering and farming, being recognized in Huron county as one of its worthy and respected citizens, arriving here in the period of early manhood. He was born in England, in January, 1835, and was a son of John Graham of that country. He spent the first nineteen years of his life in the land of his birth and during that period acquired his early education in the public schools. The favorable reports which he heard concerning America and the business opportunities here afforded led him to the determination to seek his fortune on the western side of the Atlantic, and acting on this resolution he came to the United States making his way at once to Huron county, Ohio. In early life he learned and followed the carpenter's trade, being identified with building operations here until soon after his marriage, when he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits.

In November, 1850, Mr. Graham was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Lowther, who was born in Huron county in February, 1839, and is a daughter of Edward and Martha (Lovell) Lowther. Her paternal grandparents were Heury and Sarah Lowther, in whose family were three children, Edward, Thomas and William. The Lowthers were among the early settlers of Huron county, establishing their home here in pioneer times when much of the land was still undeveloped, being covered with the native forest growth. Edward Lowther assisted in the arduous task of transforming the wild timber region into cultivated fields and for a long period was closely identified with agricultural interests. Having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Martha Lovell, a daughter of David and Mary (Chilcott) Lovell, in whose family were three daughters and a son, Martha, Rachel, Eleanor and Ethan. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lowther was blessed with nine children, namely: Sarah, Mariette, Isabella, Jackson, David, Helen, Martha, James and Thomas. Of this family Sarah gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Graham 1850, and as the years passed they became the parents of a son and daughter. Lewis, the elder, born in 1865, married Jessie Watts, and they have two sons, William and Bruce. Martha, born in 1860, is the wife of Mor-

Soon after their marriage Mr. Graham ceased to engage in carpentering and turned his attention to the task of tilling the soil, becoming owner of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Fairfield township. Year after year he diligently carried on the work of the fields, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. That his methods were practical and progressive is indicated in the large crops which he gathered and also in the well kept appearance of his farm. In all of his business affairs he was thoroughly reliable and his integrity stood as an unquestioned fact in his career. He was a member of the Universalist church and gave his political allegiance to the democracy but did not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He died May, 1907, and is still survived by his widow, Mrs. Sarah E. Graham, who yet makes her home in Fairfield township. She has always lived in this county and has a very wide acquaintance, while the warm friendship of many with whom she has come in contact is freely accorded her.

John Lawler

John Lawler, devoting his time and energies to the cultivation and improvement of his farm of one hundred acres in Lyme township, is a worthy native son of this county, his birth having occurred in Lyme township on the 25th of December, 1857. His parents, Thomas and Sarah (Lawler) Lawler, were both natives of Ireland, born in the years 1825 and 1834 respectively. It was about 1850 that Thomas Lawler crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up his abode in Huron county, working as a farm hand in Lyme township for a time. Subsequently he purchased a tract of ninety-one acres of land in the same township, in the cultivation and improvement of which he was successfully engaged until the time of his demise in 1882. In religious faith he was a Catholic and his honorable, upright life won him the warm regard and esteem of many with whom he came in contact. His widow still survives and is well known throughout the community as a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind. Unto this worthy couple were born nine children, namely: John, of this review; and Edward, Thomas, Patrick, Michael, Joseph, Mary, Margaret and Sarah, all of whom are deceased, with exception of Mary.

John Lawler obtained a good practical education in the district schools of his native township and has always continued to reside here, following the occupation of farming as a life work. In 1905 he bought his present place of one hundred acres from his father-in-law and has met with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in his agricultural interests, the fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.

On the 7th of April, 1891, Mr. Lawler was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Winzerl, who was born in Lyme township in April, 1864. Her parents, John and Eliza (Kehoe) Winzerl, were natives of Germany and Ireland respectively, the former having come to America in 1848, while the latter crossed the Atlantic 1851. Both were employed on farms for some time, but after their marriage, in 1861, Mr. Winzerl purchased a farm of one hundred acres in Lyme township, where they continued to make their home until called from this life. They were Catholics in religious faith and were the parents of three children, namely: John; Catharine, wife of our subject; and Julia, deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lawler have been born five children: Joseph, John, Sadie, Wilfred and Loretta, all at home. The parents are devoted and faithful members of the Catholic church and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which they spent their entire lives.

Frank B. Gannett

Frank B. Gannett, a well known, successful and enterprising agriculturist of Fairfield township, was born in the state of New York on the 15th of February, 1869. When a little lad of six years he was adopted by Thomas Gannett, who had no children of his own and whose farm he inherited at the time of Mr. Gannett's death in 190r. Thomas Gannett, whose birth occurred in England in September, 1845, devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. It was in 1866 that he took up his abode on a farm in Fairfield township, Huron county, Ohio, having purchased the property from James Buck, of Norwalk. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Emma Sweet, was born in England in 1834. They were well known and highiv esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and upright, honorable lives.

Frank B. Gannett attended the schools of North Fairfield in the acquirement of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. Since putting aside his text-books he has given his attention to the work of general farming, in which line of activity he has won a gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity, being the owner of one hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land in Fairfield township. This is the oldest farm in the township and on it was erected the first frame house in Fairfield. The place is now equipped with a number of substantial buildings, which are kept in a state of excellent repair, and in addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate Mr. Gannett also feeds sheep, hogs and cattle on quite an extensive scale. He likewise engages in the sale of machine oils and all lubricating oils, which he supplies through three townships, disposing of about one hundred and fifty barrels annually. In all of his business affairs he is alert and enterprising, meeting with the measure of success which always rewards earnest, persistent and well directed labor.

In September, 1898, Mr. Gannett was united in marriage to Miss Georgina Duncan, whose birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, the 4th of April, 1862. Her father, Robert Duncan, who was born on the roth of May, 1828, passed away June 1903. He was of Scotch descent and made his home at Bluevale, Ontario, of which town his father was one of the first settlers. The mother of Mrs. Gannett was born in 1829 and was a second cousin of Sir John A. Mc-

Donald, the premier of Canada. Her demise occurred on the 7th of April, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Gannett now have two children, namely: Norman Thomas, born February 28, 1902; and Robert Duncan, who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 18th of March, 1904. A resident of this county for more than a third of a century, Mr. Gannett is widely known within its borders and the substantial qualities which he has displayed in his citizenship and in his business relations have gained him a high place in the regard and good will of his fellow townsmen.

Success is not a matter of genius, held by some, but is the outcome of clear judgment, experience and indefatigable energy. This truth is manifest in an analyzation of the life record of all those men who are pushing their way to the front and seeking their advancement in the legitimate lines of trade. It is proven again in the history of C. E. Ward, a prominent regalia manufacturer of New London, where he has developed a business of large and profitable proportions, utilizing every advantage that has come to hand and carefully watchful of all details pointing to success.

Ohio numbers Mr. Ward among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Sullivan, Ashland county, on the 9th of January, 1873. His parents were Jacob and Ellen (Hubler) Ward, who were also natives of this state, the Hubler family coming from Pennsylvania at an early day. C. E. Ward was one of three children and an only son. He lost his mother when five years of age and in early life was thrown upon his own resources. His educational opportunities were those afforded by the public schools of New London but the necessity of providing for his own support prevented him from obtaining a higher education. He is essentially a self-made man, one who has risen from the humble position of a clerkship in a grocery store to the head of an extensive, prosperous and growing manufacturing concern at the age of thirty-six years, an accomplishment which speaks for itself. He made his initial step in the business world as a grocery clerk, being thus employed for a few years when as a result of his industry, integrity and foresight, he was enabled to engage in business on his own account as a dealer in furniture.

The Regalia Manufacturing business which "has made New London famous" was established in a very modest way by W. S. Bellville and R. B. Powers in 1889 and after a short time, they sold out to W. E. Clemmons and S. O. Curtis. On the 13th of July, 1895, Mr. Ward purchased the interest of Mr. Curtis and carried on a business in partnership with Mr. Clemmons. The manufacturing department was conducted upstairs in connection with the furniture business below. In January, 1904, Mr. Clemmons was about to sell his interest to Mr. Powers, but before the deal was consummated, Mr. Ward induced him to sell to E. R. Stillson and in connection with the latter carried on the business as Ward & Stillson, until September 19, 1905, when Mr. Stillson bought out Mr. Ward's interest and organized an incorporated company under the title of the Ward Stillson Company. Mr. Ward then erected his present manufactory and organized the C. E. Ward

Company, of which he is president while his father is vice-president. He commenced business under this style October 1, 1905, in the manufacture of regalia and the enterprise has grown enormously, the rapid development of the trade being indicated in the fact that this year's business will reach over a quarter of a million dollars. They employ a superior class of help, both male and female, and the firm is represented on the road by seven traveling salesmen while the business extends throughout the United States and Canada. Mr. Ward is a bright, genial man, energetic, far-sighted and progressive and while his success is notable it is equally well deserved.

In 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ward and Miss Daisy E. White, a daughter of Daniel White, an old resident of New London and a Civil war veteran. Mr. Ward's father was also a Union soldier, serving with the Twentyfifth Independent Battery of the Light Artillery. Two children, Sterling and Virginia, have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Ward and with the parents constitute the members of the household. Mr. Ward is a valued representative of the Masonic fraternity in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also connected with other orders and while he is no office seeker, his business interests preclude the possibility of active participation in public affairs as an office holder. He is an ardent republican, stands for clean government and is opposed to anything like misrule in municipal affairs. He concentrates his energies upon his business, which demands his entire time and in its control, he displays marked executive ability, keen discernment and a power of wisely co-ordinating forces so as to produce an unified and harmonious whole. His business has been notably successful for within a brief period he has built up an enterprise second to no productive industry in New London or this part of the county.

5. J. Rummell, carrying on general agricultural pursuits, his time and energies being devoted to the further development, cultivation and improvement of a farm of sixty-three acres of land, is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Ottawa county on the 1st of March, 1856, a son of Sebastian and Applelona (Diehl) Rummell. As a boy he was reared amid the wholesome influence and environment of rural life and later his time was largely divided between the work of the schoolroom and the duties of the fields. Arriving at years of maturity, he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared and has largely devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He has, however, in the past given some attention to painting and butchering but is now engaged in general farming. His place of sixty-three acres has a well kept appearance and the fields, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, annually bring forth rich harvests. He practices rotation of crops, while the work of plowing, planting and harvesting is systematically done, due attention being given to the condition and quality of the soil.

In 1880 Mr. Rummell was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Vogus, a daughter of Fred Vogus, and unto this union have been born the following children: Mandy,

Fred, Anna, Nettie, Ida, Laura, Albert and Albertina. In politics Mr. Rummell is a stanch democrat, giving loyal support to the principles of that party and doing all in his power to extend its influence in the community. Both he and his wife are members of the Catholic church and are highly respected for their many good traits of character. Mr. Rummell has never sought to figure prominently in a public way, preferring always to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs which, carefully conducted, are bringing to him gratifying returns. Although he has lived in this locality only nine years, he nevertheless has gained a wide circle of friends who entertain for him warm regard.

Charles W. Abbey

Charles W. Abbey is cultivating a farm of ninety-three acres in Norwalk township and is a farmer whose well directed energy and keen foresight are bringing to him a creditable measure of prosperity. He was born in the northern peninsula of Michigan on the 24th of August, 1849, a son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Todd) Abbey. On the paternal side he comes of Welsh lineage, the line of descent extending down from John Abbey, through his son Shuble, who married Sarah Sanford and in turn became the father of Aaron Abbey, who was born September ro, 1825, in Ashtabula county, Ohio. The mother of our subject was born in Buifalo, New York, November 14, 1829, and is a daughter of Augustus and Arna (Cole) Todd. On both the paternal and maternal sides the men have been longlived, Shuble Abbey, the grandfather of our subject, having lived to the venerable age of ninety-six years. He was extremely active during his entire life and when eighty-five years old climbed a chestnut tree and shook down the nuts. Henry Francisco, the great-great-grandfather, lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and thirty-four years. He was of French descent and resided in New York. When one hundred years old he plowed with a yoke of oxen, and at the age of fourteen years he played the bugle at the coronation of Queen Anne. In the family of Aaron Abbey and his wife were five children: Henry A., Albert A., Charles W., Edward A. and Walter S.

As a iarm boy Charles W. Abbey spent the days of boyhood and youth and in the public schools he acquired a fair education that qualified him to take up the more responsible duties of life when he put aside the tasks of the schoolroom. He remained at home until about eighteen years of age, when he purchased the farm upon which he now resides and started out in business on his own account. He has made this farm his home for forty-two years and in the meantime has brought it under a fine state of cultivation. He is up-to-date and progressive in his methods and'his well directed energy and close application to business have been the means of bringing to him a most gratifying degree of success.

Mr. Abbey was united in marriage the 1st of May, 1872, to Miss Matilda Florence Lockwood, a daughter of Eli and Anna (Howarth) Lockwood, of Huron county. Their home has been blessed with one son, Bernard, who was born February 3, 1875, and married Miss Orpha Allman. Fraternally Mr. Abbey is a Mascn and holds membership in a Michigan lodge, while his son, Bernard, belongs to the Elks and the Maccabees of Norwalk. He is independent in politics and is governed by the character of the candidates rather than by any feeling of partisanship. He is not neglectful of the responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship, but at all times lends his aid to further any measure which has for its object the substantial and permanent upbuilding and welfare of the community. As he has made his home for 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 personal worth.

E. W. Smith. a well known and prominent farmer and horse dealer of Ripley township, may well claim the proud American title of a self-made man, inasmuch as the prosperity which he now enjoys has been won entirely through his own efforts and has come as the result of indefatigable industry and well directed energy. Born on the 16th of February, 1865, in this township, he is a son of Otis and Mary Jane (Welsh) Smith, the former born in Onondaga county, New York, in 1832, while the latter's birth occurred in Ripley*township, Huron county, in 1838. The paternal grandfather, Henry Smith, was born in New York in 1800 and came to Ohio at an early date, purchasing the farm upon which our subject now resides in 1840. He married Caroline Redfield, and in their family were the following children: Otis, Henry, Jane and two who passed away in infancy. The mother of our subject was the daughter of Nicholas V. and Susan (Styles) Welsh, and was the eldest in a family of four children, the others being Peter, John and Rachel. Nicholas Welsh was born in 1819 in Maryland and is a son of John Welsh. His grandfather, John Welsh, Sr., was the founder of the family in America, coming from Wales when nineteen years of age and locating in Maryland. The family was numbered among the slave traders of that state at one time, but upon their removal to Ohio they freed all of their slaves. Mr. Welsh, like many other southerners, was raised by an old black mammy. The family of Otis Smith and his wife consisted of five children, namely, Warren, Charles, Ralph, E. W. and Verna.

Amid the scenes and environments of agricultural life E. W. Smith was reared to manhood, acquiring his education in the district schools, and when not engaged with his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the fields, his training in general farming being most thorough and comprehensive. He remained at home until he attained his majority and then started out in business for himself. Most of his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he now owns a fine farm of one hundred and ninety-eight acres of land which, in its well improved and attractive appearance, indicates the thrift and progressiveness of its owner. For ten years, however, he operated a livery and sale stable in Plymouth, and he now deals in horses, making a specialty of breeding trotters. He has been very successful in his various undertakings and is now ranked among the substantial and representative agriculturists of Huron county.

It was on the 19th of August, 1885, that Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Ella Watts, who was born in East Cleveland, Ohio, in January, 1866, a daugh- ter of Frank and Elizabeth (Lester) Watts. She was the sister of Hattie, Sarah, Grace and Alberta Watts, and by her marriage to Mr. Smith became the mother of two sons: Forest, born in December, 1888; and Charles, born in May, 1897. The eldest son, who is a graduate of the Plymouth high school, taught school for several years and in the fall of 1909 entered the Ohio State University. The family are members of the Methodist church of Plymouth, and are people of high repute in the community in which they reside.

Mr. Smith holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics is a stalwart republican, giving his unwavering support to that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Although he has confined his attention closely to business, yet he has found time to interest himself in those affairs which should always claim the attention of every good citizen, and his influence is ever on the side of progress, improvement, reform and advancement. His has been a life of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recognition of honest labor, and in this community, where he has resided throughout his entire lifetime, he has gained an extensive circle of warm friends, who entertain for him high regard, while the fact that he is most liked where best known indicates that his salient characteristics are in accord with the principles of honorable and upright manhood.

Horace B. Silliman

One of the prosperous farmers of Ripley township and one of the extensive landholders, is Horace B. Silliman. Although not one of Ohio's native sons he early saw the great agricultural possibilities of the state and for more than half a century, has made it his home. He was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, September 13, 1832, and is the son of Joseph and Lucinda (Banks) Silliman. The Silliman family is of Dutch and English descent, but has for several generations been connected with the life of this country. The father, Joseph Silliman, was born in 1790 in the county that was later the birthplace of his son and was the eldest of the family of nine that were born of the union of Justice Silliman and Miss Ruth Jennings. The other children were: Abijah, Daniel, Stephen, Sarah, Ruth, Abigail, Marinda and Isaac. Mrs. Lucinda Silliman was also born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, but was two years younger than her husband, her birth having occurred in the year 1792. She was the daughter of Thomas Banks and his wife and the sister of Jane, Amelia, Sarah, Esther and Rachel. Through her marriage with Joseph Silliman she became the mother of three children: Horace B., George and Sarah Eliza.

Horace B. Silliman first came to Ohio in 1849, when he was but seventeen years of age and remained but ten months staying with his brother George who was a resident of Fairfield. The impressions formed on this visit, however, were so favorable, that he returned to his home with the intention of disposing of his property as quickly as possible and coming again to this state, which though not as well developed as at present, seemed to offer great opportunities, especially to the man who was willing to work. In 1855, he sold his property in Connecti- cut and came to Ripley township, where he purchased the one hundred and eighty-four acres on which he now lives. The years have proved the wisdom of his decision. He has been more successful than he had even dared to hope; the land brought him rich harvests, and when he engaged in the stock business, it too prospered, so that he has been able from time to time to add to his original land holdings until he now has three hundred and forty acres in Ripley township.

In the April of the year preceding his advent to Ohio, that of 1854, Mr. Silliman married Miss Abigail Hawkins, who was born August 20, 1833, in Fairfield county, Connecticut, and is a dauzhter of Eben and Clara (Wakeman) Hawkins. The parents had a family of eight children, of whom Mrs. Silliman is the youngest. The others were Burr, William, Elihu, Arella, Sarah, Mary and Adaline. To Mr. and Mrs. Silliman have been born eleven children: Georgiana, William, Frank, Dwight, Edward, Clara, Mary, Ella and three who died in infancy.

In politics, Mr. Silliman affiliates with the democratic party and has taken a vital interest in the affairs of the township, having served for a number of years as trustee and at several different times as assessor. He is also responsible to some degree for the financial stability of the county, for he was one of the founders of the People's Bank at Plymouth and the Farmers Bank at Greenwich, and since their establishment has been upon their boards of directors. Yet the position of esteem which he holds in the community is due entirely to his own efforts, because he seized opportunities when they presented themselves and made others whenever he saw the slightest pcssibility of gaining and advancing by them. Fraternally, he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Koya! Arcanum.

Isabella Conger

Isabella Conger, of Greenfield township, who is conducting the farm on the one hundred and acres of land left by her husband, was born in this township, June 25, 1831, and is a daughter of Edward and Martha (Lovell) Lowther. Her paternal grandfather, Henry Lowther, was born in Ireland and came to the United States at the time of the rebellion in his home land. He settled in New York state, became a farmer and acquired considerable property, which he lost by going bond for a friend. His son Edward Lowther, the father of Mrs. Conger, was born in New York city in 1800. At the age of seventeen he came west to Ohio, locating in Greenfield township, Huron county, where he purchased land and lived the remainder of his days. Captain Lowther he was generally called, for he was at one time captain of the militia and was otherwise prominent in his section of the county, for he held many township offices during the period of his residence here and was a conspicuous figure in the Universalist church. His life was brought to a close in 1886. His wife was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and came with her parents to Ohio when it was a dense forest and when Indians were frequent visitors to the homes of the white settlers. Quite a different county did she leave in 1887, when her eighty-one years of activity were ended by death. She became the mother of the following children: Thomas, deceased; Mariette, the widow of Ira Watterman; Isabella, of this sketch; Jackson, of Sherwood, Ohio; Sarah, the widow of William Graham; Helen, the deceased wife of Dexter Mason; Martha, the wife of Barnett Rowe; and James.

Greenfield township has always been Mrs. Conger's home. She was born here in a little log house and in the district schools received such an education as they were able to give. She took part in the work that was carried on at the home farm, such work as a girl could do, and was about twenty years of age when she was sought in marriage by Lewis Conger, the son of Elijah and Hannah (Ludlow) Conger. Mr. Conger was born September 8, 1824, at Ludlowville, New York, and in 1833, came with his parents to Milan, Ohio, where he worked with his father in a mill until 1850, when the family moved to Greenfield township. In 1870 Mr. Conger bought the farm on which his widow now lives from Jacob Noggle, and as it was in an almost rude state, the many improvements that it now possesses are to be laid to Mr. Conger's credit.

On the of February, 1853, Mr. Conger and Miss Lowther were united in the holy bonds of matrimony, and the forty-four years during which they were permitted to travese life's pathway together were blessed with four children. Edward L., who lives in Greenfield township, married Miss Nellie Hall and has two children, May and Ray. Halsey died at the age of five months. Julia, now deceased, was the wife of Charles Palmer and the mother of two children, Florence and Charles. Lewis, who lives on the farm with his mother, was married to Miss Ada Daly, of Greenfield township and is the father of a daughter Isabelle. Mr. Conger was called to his final rest November 11, 1899, and during the subsequent years the son Lewis has taken full charge of the farm, has conducted its work and managed its finances.

Daniel Jay Morse

Daniel Jay Morse is now living retired in North Fairfield but for many years was closely associated with farming interests in Huron county. Prospering as the years went by he acquired a handsome competence and when relieved of the necessity of further labor to provide a means of living, he took up his abode in town, there to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. He is not actively engaged in any business at the present time, save in loaning money. Few men have longer resided within the borders of the county than Mr. Morse, who is one of the native sons, his birth having occurred in Bronson township, on the 23d of March, 1836. There were still many evidences of pioneer life here at that time, for the railroads had not been built, much of the land was still uncultivated and through the dense forests roamed wild animals, while various kinds of wild game were to be seen. Great changes have since occurred and with the work of general progress and improvement Mr. Morse has been identified. He comes of a family of English lineage. The first of the name of whom we have authentic record was John Morse, who was commissioned a captain in the Colonial army before the Revolutionary war by King George and the commission is still in possession of his descend- ents. At the time the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression he became allied with American interests and participated in the war for independence holding the rank of captain in the Continental army. His grandfather, Ezekiel Morse, was born in Massachusetts and went from New England to Rochester, New York, during the war of 1812. He fought with the American troops throughout the war and took up his abode in Rochester when it was a mere hamlet, he and his brother Enoch laying out the main street of the city. He was also of the first aldermen of Rochester and was closely and prominently connected with the work of development and upbuilding during the formative period. At his death he was taken back to Rochester, where he was accorded a public burial by the city.

Daniel S. Morse, the father of Daniel J. Morse, was born in Washington, Massachusetts, and came to Huron county, Ohio, about 1820 or 1822, making the journey by way of the lake to the town of Huron, where he hired an ox team and in that manner proceeded to Greenwich. He remained there for only a year, however, after which he settled upon a farm in Bronson township, where he remained until called to his final rest. This is the only farm in Bronson township that has never passed out of possession of the family nor never had a mortgage upon it. He diligently pursued his work in developing and improving his property and became recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community. Moreover, he was a prominent and influential citizen and filled various positions of public trust in his township. He acted for at time as justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial and for twenty-six years prior to his death he was the trusted and reliable treasurer of the township. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Congregational church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful part, serving for many years as one of the deacons and doing everything in his power to promote the growth and extend the influence of the society. In early manhood he had married Lucy Jeffords, also a native of Washington, Massachusetts, and they became the parents of nine children, Lois, Mary L., Edward, Daniel Jay, Laura, Theodore, Martha, Jacob and Ellen. Of this family Edward, Daniel and Jane are the only ones now living. The homestead of one hundred and twenty acres, which the father long owned and which he left at the time of his death, still remains undivided.

Daniel Jay Morse was reared on the old home farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lost of the agriculturist in his efforts to profitably till the soil. When but a boy he took his place in the fields as soon as old enough to handle the plow and continued to engage actively in general farming until he retired from business life. His education was acquired in the public schools and in the school of experience he has also learned many valuable lessons, That his methods of farm work were practical and brought substantial results 15 indicated in the position to which he has attained among the men of affluence in the county.

In 1859 Mr. Morse was united in marriage to Miss Orpha Watrous, a daughter of Cyrus and Emily (Barber) Watrous, of Erie county, Ohio. Three children were born of that marriage: Charles Watrous, who was born in 1861 and is a railroad William S., born 1865; and Emma, who was born in 1874 and is now deceased. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Morse was again married on the 22d of

September, 1907, to Eva Belle Tremley, a daughter of William and Sarah Ann (Hoffmire) Tremley. Mr. and Mrs. Morse are now living in North Fairfield, he having sold his farm and taken up his abode in town, there to enjoy well earned rest. His money is now loaned out and he derives from his investments a good income. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist church. His life has always been honorable and upright and has ever been in conformity to a high standard of business principles. Neither has he been indifferent to good citizenship but has sought the good of the community through his cooperation in many public measures. He has lived to witness remarkable changes in the county, including the building of railroads, the introduction of the telegraph and the telephone, the adoption of all modern farm machinery and the employment of all modern means for intellectual, aesthetic and moral progress as well. He rejoices in what has been accomplished and has given stalwart support to many movements which have been directly beneficial to this section of the state.

Franklin C. Wood

Among the men of Greenwich village, distinguished for exceptional bravery is Franklin C. Wood, the town marshall, who was born November 1877, in Cass township, Richland county, Ohio, and is a son of John W. and Mary E. (Darling) Wood. Both parents were also natives of that township, to which the paternal grandfather, James C. Wood, had come from New York state. He was among the early settlers there and cleared the land of the heavy timber with which it was covered. As the township grew he became prominent in its affairs, and was one of the four that organized the republican party in Cass township. He himself did not serve in the Civil war, but he sent four sons to fight for their country, two of whom died in the service. Kellum succumbed to disease while with his regiment; William died from the effects of a wound received in the battle of Bull Run; Charles served four years and after the war went to Kansas, where he died; and Andrew was in the one hundred days' service, and still lives in Shiloh, Ohio.

John W. Wood, the father of Franklin C. Wood, was too young to enlist. For many years he was a farmer of Richland county and later of Huron county, and in the year 1906, removed to Greenwich village, where he has since resided with his family, pursuing the carpenter's trade. His wife's father, William E. Wood, was also an early settler in Cass township, Richland county, and was one of the four men who organized the republican party there. He was accidentally killed many years ago, by having his clothing caught in the tumbling rod of the old horse-power thresher. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Wocd, became the parents of two children: Florence, who died in infancy ; and Franklin C., the subject of this sketch.

As a young lad and into the period of his young manhood, Franklin C. Wood lived and worked on his father's farm, receiving his education at the district schools of the county. He later entered upon the life and work of farming, which he pursued for several years after his marriage, until 1906, when he came to

Greenwich village. In August of the following year, he was appointed marshall to fill an unexpired term and in November was duly elected by popular vote to the same office for a term of two years. On more than one occasion, the people have had reason to congratulate themselves on the wisdom of their choice, for Mr. Wood has proved a most valuable officer, but perhaps never more than upon the morning of December 16, 1908, a day that has gone into the annals of the village, when Mr. Wood proved himself a man of stupendous courage and iron nerve. Even as he with all modesty recounts the occurrence, it is one that excites our admiration and wonder. In the early morning of December 16, 1908, while going upon his rounds, Mr. Wood encountered four men in the street, evidently intent upon robbing the banks of the village. Upon accosting them, he was led into a trap between some box cars standing on a side track, and then suddenly found that he was facing a brace of revolvers. He was ordered to throw up his hands, which he did, but his own revolver came up with them and one of the men fell dead from the shot which he pulled. This of course brought the remaining men upon him with renewed force; they fired on him and then engaged in a hand to hand struggle, in the course of which he was overpowered and left for unconscious, the men retiring to some distance to look after their fallen comrade. He was not so much used up as appeared, however, but managed to get his guns into working order again, and doubtless would have ended the life of another man, had they not discovered his activity and pounced upon him with increased vindictiveness, jumping on him, kicking him and literally trampling him into the ground, where they left him to make their own escape. Unconscious he was indeed this time, but with the passage of the hours soon gained sufficient power to drag himself to a pool of water from which he revived himself sufficiently to call for assistance. There was immediately great commotion, the wounded marshal was put aboard a fast Big Four train, flagged for the purpose, and hurried to the hospital at Galion, where for many days his life hung by a slender thread. After six weeks, he was pronounced to be able to leave the physician's care and to go to his home in Greenwich, but even there the period of his confinement to his bed was prolonged for three months longer. He is now able to be about town, though he is still very weak from the many thrilling experiences through which he has passed the last being the fourth that almost resulted in death to him, though the three preceding ones were merely accidental. On the occasion of the first, he was kicked severely by a horse, the second time a tree fell on him, and on the third, he was caught in some machinery. In each case, he was so badly injured, that his life was despaired of, but on each occasion, as on this most recent, he has pulled through. It is needless to say that the three assailants on the night of December 16, escaped, but he who was killed was identified by the Pinkerton Detective Agency, as Edward Quinn, a criminal with a long record, who was sought for in many cities. It is believed that it was the intention of the men to rob at least one of the banks of Greenwich, and in recognition of the marshal's bravery and opportune frustration of the robbers' operations, a purse of substantial size was presented to him. The Casualty and Security Company, which carried burglar insurance on the banks, and the Ohio Bankers' Association each contributed one hundred dollars, and the subscriptions of the other banks and from the citzens of the village brought the sum up to twelve hundred and fifty-

On the 12th of December, 1902, Mr. Wood was married to Miss Myrtle G. Martin, a daughter of Joseph and Julia (Weygant) Martin, of New London, where the father is living in retirement after an active life as a farmer. One child, Thelma G., has been born of this union. Mr. Wood and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and she is also a member of the Ladies of the Maccabees. To the Knights of the Maccabees, Mr. Wood belongs and to the Greenwich Lodge, No. 640, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics, he is a republican and is an effective party worker. After the incident narrated above, it is but repetition to say that he is a man of unflinching nerve, of fixed determination, and one who believes in doing right, because it is right, and while these qualities are inestimable they are fully appreciated by Mr. Wood's fellow citizens, a knowledge and satisfaction that is afforded to but comparatively few persons.

William Franklin Darling

A. well impoved farm of ninety acres pays tribute to the labor and care bestowed upon it by William Franklin Darling, one of Ohio's native sons, whose birth occurred in Richland county, January 2, 1856. He is a son of William and Lydia (Shoup) Darling, both natives of Richland county, Ohio, the former born in 1811. The father, who was the second white child born in that county, spent his entire life within its borders, passing away in 1874. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Lydia Shoup, while for his second wife he chose Miss Leah Wagner, a native of Crawford county. Two children were born unto the first union, Mary and William F.

No event of especial importance came to vary the routine of life for William Franklin Darling during the period of his boyhood and youth, which were spent on his father's farm amid the scenes and environments of rural life. He attended the district schools in the acquirement of his education, and under the capable direction of his father received thorough business training which well equipped him for the practical and responsible duties of life. He remained at home until his marriage and in the year following that event, he purchased the farm upon which he now resides and which has been in his possession for the past thirty-two years. He has directed his entire energies toward its further improvement, has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and has erected substantial, modern buildings, while upon the place are found all of the conveniences and accessories that go to make up a model farm. In the management of his affairs, he manifests excellent business ability, and his close application and untiring industry are the salient elements in the prosperity which he now enjoys.

Mr. Darling was united in marriage on the 3oth of December, 1876, to Miss Catherine Wentz, who was born November 27, 1854, in Richland county, Ohio, her parents being Solomon and Catherine (Firewood) Wentz. She had three sisters and two brothers all younger than herself, namely: Mary, George, Anna,

Clara and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Darling became the parents of three children, as follows: Effie, who was born in 1877, and married Joseph Hodge, by whom she has three children: Adon, Alice and Martha; Pearl, whose birth occurred in 1884; and Mary, born 1800. The family are members of the Lutheran church at Shiloh, Ohio, in the work of which they are interested and to the support of which they are generous contributors. Mr. Darling gives his political allegiance to the republican party, but has no desire for office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business interests in which he is meeting with signal success, being now ranked among the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Ripley township.

Calvin Whitney

The life record of Calvin Whitney was beautiful in its symmetry, in its purposes and its accomplishments. ín him keen discernment and powers of management were well balanced with a charitable spirit and broad humanitarianism. Because of this his work was of the utmost value in the public life of Norwalk and his history constitutes an important chapter in the annals of the city. He was born in Townsend, Huron county, Ohio, September 25, 1846, and was one of the six children of Charles and Roxanna ( Palmer) Whitney. The father's birth occurred Shelby, Richland county, Ohio, on the 23d of September, 1812, and his father was Henry Whitney, who was born in 1791 in Norwalk, Connecticut. There he married Miss Lucy Grumman and in 1819 they made their way to the western border of civilization - for so it then seemed - and settled in Shelby, Richland county. The family is of English origin and was founded in this country by Henry Whitney, who emigrated irom England, where he was born, about 1620 He became one of the early residents of New England where his family was represented for successive generations in the vicinity of Norwalk, Connecticut, until the removal to the west was made by Henry Whitney, who was the first of the name in Ohio.

Calvin Whitney in his boyhood days worked on the home farm and attended the country schools. He was apt and diligent in his studies, manifesting special fondness for mathematics and, encouraged by a loving mother, he mastered the elements of an English education and at the age of fifteen was much better equipped by mental training for the duties of life than most boys of his age. Lessons of industry, perseverance and integrity were also impressed upon his mind and in the course of years bore rich fruit. He was but eighteen years of age when he started out in life on his own account, undertaking the task of operating a small farm on the shares, but a hail storm ruined his crops and he concluded that Providence did not intend him to follow farming. Therefore, in 1865 with his capital amounting to about four hundred dollars, he embarked in the hardwood lumber business, in which he soon established a credit and by which he won success from the start. His patronage grew rapidly until his sales aggregated about two hundred thousand dollars annually. He possessed superior ability for judging and

In the fall of 1875 the A. B. Chase Company was organized in Norwalk and on account Mr. Whitney's superior knowledge of the lumber business, his record as an executive and the fact that he was a rising young business man of keen discrimination, his cooperation was sought as one of the incorporators of the company, which was organized for the manufacture of reed organs with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Whitney became one of its first directors and so continued until April, 1877, when on the death of A. B. Chase, he was elected the president of the A. B. Chase Company and continuously occupied that position until his demise. He saw the business grow from a comparatively small beginning to one of extensive proportions and in foreign lands as well as in America its product has a large sale. In what manner Mr. Whitney filled the presidency and caused a newly organized business company to be recognized as among the responsible, respected and prominent industries of the United States, is history with which nearly every one in Norwalk and every piano man in the country is familiar. A man of great versatility he readily adapted himself to changed conditions and to widely different lines of business - and always with success. The word fail had no place in his vocabulary. He knew that when one avenue of advancement seemed closed there were other paths which might be sought out and followed and he never relinquished an honorable purpose.

On the 5th of November, 1868, occurred the marriage of Calvin Whitney and Miss Marian Dean, a daughter of Royal Cady and Marian (Smith) Dean, of Townsend, Huron county, Ohio. They became the parents of four children: Marian Daisy, the wife of E. B. Dillon, of Columbus; Ruby ot this Cy Ida now the wife of Amos W. Gardiner, of Houston, Texas; and Warren Calvin, who is a prominent representative of the A. B. Chase Company. He was born in Norwalk, October 0, 1882, was cducated in the schools of this city, in Ohio University and in Princeton University, in which he was graduated with the class cf 1906. He then entered into active relations with the A. B. Chase Company and now spends much of his time on the road in looking after the interests of the firm. He is a bright young man, fitted by education and training to follow in the footsteps of his father. The wife and mother died November 4, and on the 25th of August, 1904. Mr. Whitney was married to Mrs. Urania A. Todd, who with the four children survives the husband and father.

Some time prior to his demise Mr. Whitney underwent a severe operation, from which he never fully recovered and after an illness lasting more than a year he passed away the sixth day of June, 1909. His parents were members of the Baptist church for fifty years and he was reared in a religious atmosphere and became thoroughly in sympathy with work along moral lines. For many years he held membership in the Methodist church and his religion was always of the cheery kind, his life and his example being its exponent. It is not likely that the amount that he has given for charities and the cause of religion will ever be known because of his desire to give of himself and his money without the plaudits of men. However, his contributions to all branches of church work were most generous and he donated ten thousand dollars to the extension fund of the Methodist Episcopal church for the building of houses of worship in the far west and, giving this in honor of his wife, it is known as the Marian Whitney fund. No tale of sorrow or distress made appeal to him in vain and not only his substantial assistance but also his words of encouragement brought hope into the lives of many who fared forward the better for it. He possessed a marvelous memory and superior intellect which were undimmed during his long illness and though he retired from the active management of the Norwalk business he kept in touch with the piano trade of the country and to within a month of his death continued his correspondence with his contemporaries in that field of labor. The community at his death felt that a priceless possession had been taken, for he was a dominating factor in commercial and manufacturing circles and was equally prominent and honored in all of his relations to the public life and its intellectual and moral progress. He left the impress of his individuality for good upon the community in such a way that will cause his memory to be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him for years to come.

Madison M. Fast

Madison M. Fast belongs to one of the old and substantial families of Huron county, Ohio, and during his busy life has proven himself worthy of his forebears who were brave, self-reliant men. He was born March 26, 1857, on the farm adjoining his present one in Richmond township, and is a son of E. W. and Hannah (Roberts) Fast; a grandson of Jacob and Catherine (Rex) Fast and Jacob and Lucinda Roberts, and great-grandson of the redoubtable Christian Fast, Revolutionary soldier and Indian fighter. Christian Fast had many remarkable adventures among the Indians, being one of five white men captured by the savages. They camped on the banks of the Maumee river, and shot three of their prisoners, and burned one of them, Colonel Crawford at the stake. Fortunately Christian Fast was able to arouse their superstitious fears and so they spared his life, staining his skin to resemble their own and putting rings in his nose and ears. They tried to induce him to marry a squaw and become one of them, but the valiant white man watched his opportunity and after six months' captivity, managed to escape one night, swimming across the Maumee river. His captors missed him and tried to stop his escape by firing at him, but although the shots fell all about him in the water, he reached the opposite bank unhurt and was able to reach a white settlement three miles distant, although closely pursued by the Indians.

E. W. Fast, father of Madison M. Fast, is now living on the homestead south of that of Madison M. Fast, who operates it for him, the father having retired from active life after many years, spent in farming. While not enrolled as a member of the United Brethren church, he has always been much interested in its work and a liberal contributor to it, and he donated the land on which stands the present church of the denomination in Richmond township. The church edifice adjoins his house. He and his wife became the parents of the following children: Jane, who married Jacob Walker; Mary, who married Scott Sewalt ;

Madison M. Fast was married October 10, 1882, to Susan Resh, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Thomas) Resh, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, but later removed to Richland county, Ohio, and later to Huron county. Their children were: Henry; Catherine, who married Wesley Sparks; Jacob, who went west and was never heard of afterward ; Joseph, who is decease; Samuel; Mary Anne, who married George W. Ritz; Sarah, who died, married Isaac Snavley; William; and Mrs. Fast. Mr. and Mrs. Fast had six children: M., who married Joseph Mann; Orin; Leroy; Russell; Effie, who is deceased, and Daisy.

Mr. Fast owns ninety-six acres of fine farming land in Richmond township, which he has brought to a good state of cultivation, and he operates it in conjunction with the farm of his father. He has been road supervisor and school director, and in in his political views, he is a democrat and is earnest in the support of his party. His family belong to the United Brethren church. The standing of Mr. Fast in his community both as a farmer and citizen is high, and he has attained it through honorable methods and close attention to his work.

Hubbard D. Palmer

Hubbard D. Palmer occupies one of the most beautiful country homes of Huron county, situated in the midst of two hundred acres of valuable land in Fitchville township. He has other desirable property elsewhere and as the result of his well directed business affairs in former years, is now numbered among the men of affluence in his community. He was born in Fitchville township, this county. His father, Seeley Palmer, was one of the earliest settlers of the county and aided in building the first frame house in Norwalk.

Spending his youthful days in the place of his nativity, Hubbard D. Palmer pursued his education in the public schools, continuing his studies in the Fitchville high school of which Colonel De Wolff was then the superintendent. He entered business life in connection with the construction of the Western Union Telegraph lines at the age of sixteen years, gaining practical experience that was of the greatest benefit to the government when he became connected with the Union army in the Civil war. He was nineteen years of age when he started for California by way of the isthmus. They were about ten days in making the trip across Panama and it required more than forty days to complete the journey to San Francisco. On reaching the Golden state, Mr. Palmer turned his attention to mining and located and bought several claims. He followed hydraulic mining in the mountains and met with fair success, the largest pure nugzet which he tcok out weighinz sixteen and a half ounces. He wears a solid plain gold rinz made from gold which he took out of the mines himself and cherishes it with much pride. Altogether, he was quite successful while in California and, well pleased with his trip, he returned to Huron county, Ohio, after a sojourn of three years in the far west. He spent three weeks in visiting with his parents and relatives and then went south to visit his brother-in-law, Dennis Doren, who was located at the general headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, holding the position of general superintendent of construction of heavy and field telegraph wires for the army. At that time, General Thomas T. Eckert was the general superintendent of the telegraph department and of the quartermaster's office in the general war department, and immediately after Mr. Palmer's arrival in the south, learning that he had been trained in the business of constructing telegraph lines, General Eckert influenced him to become the assistant of Mr. Doren. He consented and remained at such work until the close of the war. When the war was over, General Eckert was made president of the Western Union Telegraph Company, remaining as its chief executive until about two years ago, when he was elected president of the board of directors, which position he still holds. Mr. Doren became superintendent of construction of the Western Union Telegraph Company in the United States and Canada, and was also made president of the Cable Construction Company, continuing in that capacity until his death. Mr. Palmer's duty while in the army included the laying of lines from the corps to the general headquarters. The heavy wires were laid on poles and the field wires were strung on light socket poles and could be taken down and removed almost instantly. The manner in which they were put up enabled one to construct from twenty-five to thirty-five miles per day. They were strung from a reel fastened to the back of mules and were taken in by a similar method. The corps wires were all connected in a wagon expressly constructed for that purpose containing a battery and if necessary the message could then be repeated from the wagon, over the heavy wire to Washington. Mr. Palmer was a witness of every important battle in the east fought from the time that General Burnsides took charge of the Army of the Potomac until the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Mr. Palmer was always at general headquarters except for the time he was out building lines to the general headquarters. A large number of their corps were captured and several died at Andersonville prison.

After the war, Mr. Palmer remained with the Western Union Telegraph Company for about two years, repairing its lines which had been destroyed during the period of hostilities. He afterward had full charge, under Mr. Doren, of the construction of overland cable lines from Bangor, Maine, to St. Johns, New Brunswick, through Halifax and Nova Scotia to Plastacove, Great Britian, connecting there with the cable. Thus he was busily engaged for several years, but at length his health failed him and since then he has spent most of his time in Missouri and Ohio. For a period he was engaged in the grocery business and was also busy in looking after his landed interests. He is the owner of more than three hundred acres of rich and productive land. His home place is a farm of two hundred acres in Fitchville township, supplied with all modern improvements, including a beautiful residence which he erected and which is one of the fine country homes of Huron county. He is also a director of the Huron County Bank and his investments have at all times been judiciously placed, so that he is deriving therefrom a substantial income.

Mr. Palmer has been twice married. In 1865, he wedded Miss Euphronia Knapp, who passed away about the year 1878. In November, 1906, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Mina Waterhouse, a daughter of

[srael L. Waterhouse, who was born in Schoharie county, New York, in 1819. His mother bore the maiden name of Miss Hannah Davis and was a daughter of Aaron Davis, one of the heroes of Bunker Hill and a cousin of Commodore Perry. She had a great-uncle who preached a sermon in a Quaker church in Pennsylvania at the remarkable old age of one hundred and four years. She lived to the very advanced age cf ninety-four years. The Davis family was of English lineage.

Israel L. Waterhouse, the father of Mrs. Palmer, came to Ohio in 1848. He was a well educated man and in his younger years taught school. Later he took up the occupation of farming which he continued to follow until his retirement from active business life in the '8os. He then removed to New London, Ohio, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest, save for the active participation which he took in the public life of the community. After his removal to New London, he was elected mayor of the town, also served as a member of the city council and in other offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. He assisted in building the numerous churches in New London and, although not a member of any, was always a strong supporter of and a liberal contributor to all. His death occurred October 16, 1897, when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years. On the 4th of November, 1849, he had married Hannah M. Stowe, who was born in Skaneateles, New York, September 7, 1828. They had a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, all of whom are yet living. Among this number is Mrs. Palmer.

In his political faith, Mr. Palmer is also a republican and has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day although not a politician in the sense of office seeking. His religious belief accords with the teachings of the Congregational church. His has been an interesting and eventful life and if written in detail this history would contain many thriling chapters covering his California experiences in the early mining days, his duty on the frontier in the Civil war and his connection with the construction of telegraph lines in the United States. While in later years he has lived more quietly he has manifested the same sterling qualities which have always been characteristic of him and which have gained him the high position which he occupies in the regard of his fellowmen.

Mrs. Emaline McFarland is numbered among Huron county's residents who have long lived in this section of the state, and she has a very wide and favorable acquaintance, many who know her entertaining for her warm regard. She was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, August 20, 1836, and is a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Brubaker) Truxell. They, too, were natives of the Keystone state, where they lived until after their marriage and, on removing westward, they took up their abode in Ripley township, Huron county, Ohio, and became identified with the farming interests of the locality in which they settled.

Their daughter, Emaline Truxell, was reared under the parental roof and was educated in the public schools and was early trained to the duties of the household so that she was well qualified to take charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage. In early womanhood, she gave her hand and heart to Archibald Mc- Farland, who was born in Greenfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 31st of October, 1822, and was a son of Archibald and Anna (Easter) McFarland. Following their marriage the ycung couple began their domestic life upon a farm in this county and throughout his remaining days Mr. McFarland carried on general agricultural pursuits. He was a man of industry and his diligence and determination, which were among his salient characteristics, brought him a comfortable living and enabled him to leave his family in pleasant circumstances.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. McFarland were born two sons and a daughter, but the eldest, Frank Easter, who was born in 1858, is now deceased. The others are: Julia A., born in 1861; and Archibald Kent, born in 1863. At his death Mr. Mc- Farland left to his family seventy acres of rich and productive land and through the careful management of their property and wise conduct of their business affairs they have increased their holdings until the farm now comprises one hundred eight acres of rich land together with a lct of two and a half acres at North Fairfield, whereon Mrs. McFarland now makes her home. She has passed the seventythird milestcne on life's journey and as she has spent the greater part of her time in Huron county she has a very wide acquaintance here, while her many good traits of heart and mind have endeared her to those with whom she has been brought in contact.

Claude L, Latham

Claude L. Latham, an erergetic, enterprising and progressive agriculturist of Ridgefield township, is devcting his time and energies to the cultivation of his farm o: sixty-cne acres. He was torn in that township on the 13th of October, 1881, his parents being Hardica L. and Ida (Fish) Latham. William Latham, the paternal grandfather of cur subject, made his way westward at an early day, becoming a pioneer settler of Lyme township, Huron county, Ohio. His family numbered eight children, those still living being Ortive, Clayton, Bretna and Ionia, while the deceased are Zahm, Hardica L., Delilah and Hilda.

Hardica L. Latham, the father of Claude L., was born in Lyme township, this county, in 1849, was educated in the public schools of Monroeville and when a youth of eighteen years went west, traveling quite extensively over that section of the country bevond the Mississippi. Finally he arrived in California where he remained ior two years. He was also at sea for a period, sailing between California and South American ports. Returning to Ohio he went upon the farm where his son, Claude L , now lives, in Ridgefield township, Huron county, and was successfully identified with agriculture throughout the remainder of his active business career. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was quite prominent politically, being recognized as one of the leading local representatives of the democracy. He capably served in the position of township trustee for several years and was well known and highly esteemed throughout the community. He was a lover of fine horses and owned a number of them. In manner he was genial, courtecus and sociable, and these qualities made him very popular so that his death was greatly deplored by many friends when in 1904 he was called to the home beyond. His wife, who was born in Ridgefield township in 1852, was a daughter of Major John Fish, who won his title by service in the war of 1812. He was born March 6, 1786, in New York, and served all through the second war with England. 1815 he removed to Licking county, Ohio, and ten years later came to Huron county, where he made his home until called to his final rest on the 13th of September, 1866. Mrs. Latham still survives her husband and is yet a resident of this county. Their union was blessed with two children, Claude L. and Goldie C. The latter now makes her home with her mother.

Claude L. Latham attended the district schools in pursuit of an education and was also a student in Monroeville for a time. He was trained to farm work, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and this line of activity has since claimed his attention. He now owns an excellent farm of sixty-one acres in Ridgefield township, on which he has placed many substantial improvements. It is a well developed tract of land which is naturally rich and productive and the alluvial soil brings forth bounteous harvests in reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields.

On the grd of January, 1905, Mr. Latham was united in marriage to Miss Ada "Lockwood, a daughter of James C. and Sarah Lockwood, who were early settlers of this county. The Lockwood family, originally from England, settled at Norwalk, Connecticut, while this country was still numbered among the colonial possessicns of Great Britain, and several members of the family participated in the Revoluticnary war which brought independence to the nation. Mrs. Latham's great-grandfather, George Lockwood, built what is known today as the Lockwood road, extending from Norwalk to Milan, Ohio. Her grandfather, Stephen Lockwood. was a native of Allen's Corners, Huron county. He was the first white male child born in Huron ccunty, his natal year being 1821. He served as a soldier of the Civil war, defending the interests of the Union. He became a prominent farmer and stock dealer of this part of the state and was engaged in general merchandising in Milan at the time of the disastrous fire there, which caused him fosses amcunting to thirty-three thousand dollars. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Lock- was a native of Norwalk, Connecticut, born in 1827 and came to Huron ccunty with her parents. James C. Lockwood, the father of Mrs. Latham, was in Huron county in September, 1854. Having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Miss Sarah Beekley, who was born in Milan, Ohio, in 1853. Her father, Anthony Beekley, was a native of Baden, Germany, and came to America when sixteen years of age. He devoted his life to carpentering and to school teaching and was also a musician of considerable note. Fer eight years he engaged in teaching in the Catholic school at Milan. He, too, was a veteran of the Civil war and died in 1906. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Barbara Kellar, was a native of Switzerland and unto them were born six children.