Wakeman Township (part 16 of 21)

'Unto Mr. and Mrs. Claude L. Latham have been born two children, Ida L. and Howard L. Fraternally Mr. Latham is identified with the Masonic lodge at Norwalk and is a worthy exemplar of the craft. He has always made his home in Ridgefield township and, though still a young man, has also attained a creditable measure of success in the conduct of his farming interests. The name of Latham has figured prominently in the annals of this county from pioneer times down to the present and the subject of this review has ever fully sustained the honorable reputation borne by his father and grandfather.

Louis W. Wickham

The name of Wickham is well in Norwalk in connection with the practice of law, to which profession Louis W. Wickham gives his attention. He was born in this city, November 30, 1866, and is a son of Judge C. P. Wickham, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this work. His grandfather was Judge Frederick Wickham, a representative of an old New England family of Puritan ancestry. The first of the name to come to the west was William Wickham, a native of Rhode Island, and the grandfather of Frederick Wickham.

In the public schools of this city Louis W. Wickham pursued his early education and afterward attended the preparatory school of the Western Reserve University, while later he became a student in Princeton University. He then studied law with his father and was admitted to the bar in 1889, after which he began practice in Norwalk. He has served for five years as prosecuting attorney of Huron county, being elected in 1903 and again in 1906. He was in partnership with his father until September, 1908, since which time he has practiced alone.

In 1892, Mr. Wickham was married to Miss Ellen E. Benedict, a daughter of David D. Benedict, of an old Huron county family. They have four children: Susan, Cora, Fred and Annabelle. Mr. Wickham is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Mount Vennon Lodge, F. & A. M.; Huron Chapter, R. A. M.; and Norwalk Commandery, K. T., of which he is at present eminent commander.

Fred Di Pierce

Fred D. Pierce, a native of Wakeman township, his birth having occurred April 22, 1859, is a representative of a family long and prominently connected with the annals of this township. His grandfather, Amile P. Pierce, brought his family from South Britain, Connecticut, in 1817, arriving in this locality about the same time that C. C. Canfield and Samuel Bristol, accompanied by their families, settled here. These three families constituted the first while settlers in Wakeman township. The district was then wild, its lands unclaimed and its resources undeveloped and Mr. Pierce was obliged to clear the land, then covered by a dense forest, in order to build a cabin for the shelter of his family. Men of the present period can scarcely realize the struggles and dangers which attended the pioneer settlers, the heroism and self-sacrifice of lives passed upon the borders of civilization, the hardships endured, the difficulties overcome. Mr. Pierce, with characteristic energy, participated in the slow, persistent work of development which was necessary to reclaim this land for the purposes of civilization and, permitting no obstacles to overcome his determination and undaunted courage, eventually gained a gratifying measure of success in his agricultura] enterprise, becoming a prosperous farmer and extensive land owner. He was a man of strong, sterling character, his help and counsel being sought by many of the early settlers. He married Miss Electa Blackman ere his removal west and in their family were six children, all of whom attained maturity, but have now passed away. This number included: Minott ; Lemuel; David S.; Bennett, who was drowned in the Defiance river, leaving a family to mourn his loss; Fanny, who became the wife of Horace J. Beecher of Wakeman and both are now deceased; and Ann, who became the wife of Dr. Johnson, of Oberlin.

Of this family David S. Pierce became the father of our subject. He was reared upon the old homestead farm, which he later continued to operate, and was also very successful in his business affairs. A fine specimen of American manhood, he became actively and helpfully identified with the public affairs of the locality, also championing any causes that tended to better the conditions or further the development of the community. He was frequently called to fill various township offices and was always faithful and loyal to the trust imposed in him. He married Miss Julia A. Bunce and their family consisted of two children: Fred D., of this review, and Jennie I., now Mrs. Edward P. Canfield. The father passed away October 22, 1870, his remains being interred at Wakeman, while his wife is still surviving and in her eighty fourth year is in good health and vigor.

Fred D. Pierce, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared upon the old homestead, his time being passed in the pursuits common to the country lad. He attended the schools of Wakeman in the acquirement of his education and remained upon the home farm for a number of years, cultivating the fields and making a specialty of raising thoroughbred Hereford cattle. In 1895, however, he sold the place and removed to Wakeman, where he engaged in the hay and grain business and became a very extensive dealer in those products. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him a gratifying degree of prosperity.

Throughout the years of his residence in Wakeman, Mr. Pierce has taken a deep interest in public matters. He is a stalwart republican in politics and served several terms as township trustee, while in 1897, he was appointed postmaster of Wakeman under President McKinley, and is still incumbent in that office, now serving in his third term and performing his duties therein in a way that has gained the approbation and approval of his fellowmen. At the time of his appointment the postoffce at Wakeman was a fourth-class office, but during his terms of service, the business has greatly increased, causing the office to be advanced to the third-class, the incumbent becoming a presidential appointee. Four rural routes have been established, thus supplying free mail delivery to every point.in the township.

Mr. Pierce was united in marriage on the 18th of October, 1880, to Miss Ida E. Barnes, a daughter of George A. and Elizabeth (Sherman) Barnes. Both the Barnes and Sherman families are old residents of Wakeman county, engaged in agricultural pursuits and prominent in the affairs of the community. Mr. Barnes passed away in February, 1888, and is still survived by his wife. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce has been blessed with two sons, David E. and Idane B. The former is in business in Elyria, while the latter is associated with his father in his hay and grain enterprise. After nine years of happy wedded life, Mr. Pierce was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 16th of April, 1889. Mr. Pierce is public-spirited in his citizenship, advocating all measures which tend toward the general welfare of the community, while the matter of public improvements is a cause dear to his heart. Honest and loyal in all relations of life, he has gained the high regard and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact and the consensus of public opinion accords him a high place among the representative and prominent citizens of Wakeman.

Sherman O. Noble

Sherman O. Noble, one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Ripley township, owning and operating an excellent farm of three hundred and ten acres, was born October 8, 1867, in this township, his parents being W. P. and Eliza (Starkey) Noble. The former, who was born in Richland county in 1839, was a son of Harvey Noble and a brother of William, James, John, Margaret, Minerva and Mary Noble. Throughout his active career, he followed the occupation of farming but is now living retired in Greenwich, in the enjoyment of well earned rest. In early life, he was a prominent figure in community affairs, serving as county commissioner for six years while he likewise filled the office of township trustee and also of land appraiser. He married Eliza Starkey, a daughter of James Starkey of Virginia and the eldest in a family of seven children born unto her parents, the others being Wesley, Reuben, Abraham, Anderson, Jane and Levina. Unto W. P. Noble and his wife were born eleven children, three of whom died in infancy. Those who survived were: Theodore, Sherman, Mina, Elmer C., Allen, Hayes, Winnie and Nellie.

Sherman O. Noble spent the period of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm and is indebted to the district school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. When not engaged with his text-books, he assisted his father in the work of the fields and early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. He remained under the parental roof unti! he attained his majority, when, entering business life on his own account, he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. He has since that time directed his energies toward agricultural pursuits, being the owner of an excellent farm of three hundred and ten acres, situated in Ripley township, which, under the care and labor bestowed upon it, has become one of the valuable and desirable properties of the township. In addition to his general farming, he devotes much time to stock interests, being an extensive buyer and shipper of general stock, while he makes a specialty of breeding heavy draft horses and also thoroughbred short-horned cattle. He is a stockholder in the Clinton Air Line Telephone Company, and his various business interests, which are capably con-

It was in July, 1893, that Mr. Noble was united in marriage to Miss Alice Cherry, the youngest daughter of William and Emma (Hester) Cherry, her sisters being Lina and Rose. As the years have come and gone the home of Mr. and Mrs. Noble has been blessed with three children, namely: Paul, who was born in 1895; Nona, whose birth occurred in 1897; and Thelma, born in 1898. At the polls Mr. Noble gives his allegiance to the republican party, which organization he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is now serving his fourth term as township trustee, which office he is filling with entire credit to himself. He is public-spirited in his citizenship, lending his aid to all measures which have for their object the growth and welfare of the community. He is a man of excellent business ability and sound judgment, and the success which he today enjoys has come to him as the result of his own labor, economy and indomitable energy.

Mathias Claus, a retired farmer of Sherman township, Huron county, and the owner of one hundred and thirty-three acres of fine land, was born in Germany, October 20, 1834, and is the son of Mathias and Mary Claus. The parents came to this country with their family in 1852, and settled in Sherman township, where they bought forty acres of land, on which was a log cabin. In this, they made their home for about five years, and then sold that land, buying a larger tract in the same township, which was their home until they were called to their final rest. The father attained the advanced age of eighty-two, but the mother was granted only forty years. By their union, were born five children: Helen, the widow of a Mr. Fisher, and a resident of Bellevue, Ohio; Martin, a resident of Sherman township; Mathias; and George, of Sherman township.

Mathias Claus was but fifteen years of age when his parents came to this county and here he has made his home ever since. He received the greater part of his education in the land of his birth, but after locating here attended night school for a time to become proficient in the English language. He began to learn agricultural pursuits in his early youth and has devoted his life to that calling. On his present farm, he has lived for a period of thirty-seven years and during this time has greatly improved its condition and increased its value beyond what it was when he purchased it from John Strupe. For a short period, however, he left the quiet life on the farm for the noise and danger of the battlefield, for in 1864, he enlisted in Company C, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He joined his regiment at Sandusky, Ohio, and went to Camp Chase, from there going to Nashville, Tennessee. He was in a number of battles and skirmishes in and about Nashville, and at the battle of Franklin, was severely injured by jumping over a breastwork. In 1865, he was mustered out at Nashville, after which he returned to his home and has engaged in farming ever since

On the 2d of January, 1867, Mr. Claus married Miss Josephine Shank, a daughter of Frank and Helen Shank, of Sherman township. Mrs. Claus was born in Germany, February 14, 1846, and came to this country with her father at the age of eighteen. They settled in Norwich township, where the father died at the age of seventy-five. The motber had passed away many years before in Germany, being only forty-two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Shank were the parents of six children, four of whom are living, the two oldest sons, Frank and Benjamin, having passed away. Of the others, Elias lives in Norwich township; Josephine is the wife of our subject; Carrie is living in Fremont and Agnes in Tiffin, Ohio.

Mr and Mrs. Claus have been blessed with nine children: Frank, living at home; Carrie, the wife of Frank A. Heddle, of Monroeville and the mother of four children: Clarence, Loretta, Irene and Walter; Mary, the wife of John Rossman, of Monroeville and the mother of two children: Oliva and Lucien; Josephine, who is the wife of Ed. G. Bick, of Peru township and has one daughter, Beatrice; William, who married Miss Florence Holliday, lives in Peru township, and has three children: Colletta, Donald and Josephine; Louisa, living at home; Joseph, who lives in Peru township; and two youngest, Emma and Fred, both at home. The family are all members of the Catholic church at Bismarck.

Mr. Claus has taken an active part in local affairs as a strong republican and has served as road superintendent as the choice of his party. He has also for several terms been a member of the school board, giving his aid to any progressive movements in the cause of local education. After having put aside the more onerous of his life's duties and responsibilities, he lives in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil and in the good will of those who know him, for he is a man who has made and retains many stanch friends.

One of the notable places of Greenwich township is the Fairmount Stock Farm, not only because of its old rural beauty and completeness but for the public-spirited character of its proprietor, William T. Silsby. He was born on the 15th of April, 1868, in East Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and is the son of Sylvester and Beulah (Brockway) Silsby. The mother was a native of Utica, New York, but the father was born in Ackworth, Connecticut, and was a direct descendant of one of the pilgrims who came to this country in the historic Mayflower. During their childhood Mr. and Mrs. Silsby were brought to Ohio by their respective parents, the families locating in East Cleveland, the father becoming the owner and operator of stone quarries but later in life turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He died in August, 1894, honored and respected by all who knew him, and his wife passed away in December, 1898.

William T. Silsby was liberally educated in the public schools of Cleveland and was reared among the busy activities of a farm near that growing city. Here he laid the foundation stone of all successful life - the power and spirit of work. After his marriage he located in Dawson, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where for one year he was employed as foreman of the works of the W. J. Raney Coal & Coke Company but at the end of that time he returned to Cleveland and the following six years were devoted to farming and to the dairy business. Selling his interests in that city in 1899, he came to Huron county and purchased the old Cyrus Mead farm of three hundred and twenty acres of excellent land in Greenwich township. This is a well improved place and to its further development and cultivation he has since devoted his energies, being successfully engaged in both general farming and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of breeding fine draft horses and short horned cattle and the products of the Fairmount Stock Farm have become widely known for their excellence. One of his sons, Charles W., is devoting considerable attention to the raising of rose comb white Leghorn chickens. In the midst of the farm stands a fine country home equipped with all of the modern appliances, the house and barns being lighted by a private electric plant and supplied with water by their own system of waterworks. hospitality is dispensed and friends served unstintedly, the Silsbys being noted for much graciousness the countryside over.

It was on the 31st of March, 1891, that Mr. Silsby was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Stoltzenberg, a daughter of Christian and Fredrika (Yurand) Stoltzenberg, of Cleveland. Her father, who was a well known farmer and hotelkeeper, and was highly respected, died some years ago, but her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Silsby have become the parents of seven children, all sons, namely: Ralph H., deceased; Christopher C.; Charles W.; Oliver P.; Harry 7.; Valentine T.; and Lincoln W. have been provided with excellent educational privileges, Mr. and Mrs. Silsby taking an active interest in educational affairs and realizing the value of good school privileges. Christopher C. is attending the Greenwich high schoo! and is an enthusiastic ball player and all around athlete.

In addition to his other business Mr. Silsby was one of the promoters of the Clinton Airline Telephone Company, of which he is now president and which makes a specialty of rural service. This company has only been in existence for the past four years but already has about five hundred patrons and is connected with other rural lines, giving free service to more than one thousand patrons. At this rate of rapid growth the Clinton Airline bids fair to become one of the leading telephone companies of the state.

A man who attends successfully to his own private interests is generally willing to lend his talents to the prosecution of public interests. With fine public spirit Mr. Silsby has always entered actively into the public life of the community in which he has happened to reside. The late movement for good roads has found in him an especially active friend, and he was sincere and successful in his advocacy of the forty thousand dollar bond issue to improve Greenwich township roads, Having reared a family of bright children, he naturally has always been a great friend of cducation and the idea of the centralized school has appealed strongly to him. But it is useless to further enumerate the public improvements which have at ditferent times secured his support, for Mr. Silsby has always been the forefront the battle for the uplift of society. A democrat in politics, Mr.

Silsby is active in the interests of his party. He is a member of the county board of elections and while a party man, he has the name of being fair to the opposition.

Socially he is a member of O. K. Lodge, No. 616, K. P., and is also identified with the Greenwich Lodge, No. 640, I. O. O. F. In the former he is a past chancellor and is at present a member of the board of trustees of the lodge. He is a great worker while he works, but he believes in the maxim work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." season therefore he indulges in hunting and fishing and is known as one of the best sportsmen in the township.

Lewis Woodruff

Lewis Woodruff is an active factor in business circles in Fairfield township, where he owns and occupies a farm of one hundred and thirty acres. His attention, however, is not all given to the tilling of the soil for he also devotes some time to carpentering and is leading a very busy and useful life. He is numbered among the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Peru township on the 7th of Arpil, 1852. His parents were Chancey and Juliet (Sanders) Woodruff, the former born in Huron county in 1820 and the latter in Peru township in 1827. The paternal grandfather of our subject was George Woodruff, while the maternal grandparents were John and Maria (Cleary) Sanders. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Chancey Woodruff were born two sons and a daughter: L ewis, Stanley and Nellie.

The youthful days of Lewis Woodruff were quietly passed in the pursuits of the home farm. He obtained his education in the public schools and through the periods of vacation worked in the fields, assisting his father in their development. He was early trained to habits of industry and economy and learned valuable lessons concerning persistency of purpose and unfaltering diligence.

On the 19th of January, 1876, Mr. Woodruff was married to Miss Addie Felton, who was born in Norwich township, Huron county, February 13, 1855. Her father, Ephraim Felton, was a son of James and Eunice (Wheeler) Felton, and, having arrived at years of maturity, he wedded Mary Gilson, by whom he had three children: Asa, Celia and Melissa. For his second wife he married Mary Ann Fitch, who was born in Huron county, Ohio, in 1810 and was a daughter o£ Berlin and Susanna (Hawks) Fitch. The children of the second union were: Addie, Mary, Lillian and Emma. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff has been blessed with five children: Marion, who was born in 1877 ; Stanley, in 1878; Anna, in 1880; Myrtle, in 1886; and Harry, in 1889.

Since attaining his majority Lewis has resided upon a farm and is the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of productive land which is well improved and returns to him a gratifying income because of the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. He is now working at the carpenter's trade and in that department of business displays skill and ability, possessing much natural mechanical ability and ingenuity. In community affairs, he is interested, co-operating in many measures for the general good. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for six years, he served as a trustee of Fairfield township.

Fraternally he is ccnnected with the Maccabees and the Grange. Having spent his entire life in this locality, he has a wide acquaintance and his record as a business men and citizen entitles him to the friendly regard in which he is unifcrmly held.

Albion D. Maynard, who for a number of years combined the occupation of rarming with his trade as a blacksmith, is now conducting a blacksmith and repair shop in Boughtonville. He was born in Ripley township, January 12, 1848, and is a son of Deranzil and Annis (Ingersoll) Maynard. The father was born in the state of New York in 1812 and was a son of David and Nancy Maynard, who were the parents of nine children: David, John, Deranzil, George, Ira, Mary, Laura, Lucy and Thomas. The mother was born January 19, 1816, and was a daughter of Ralph Ingersoll and his wife. To them were born seven children: Luther, Lewis, Darius, Harriet, Amanda, Annis and Polly. To Mr. and Mrs. Deranzil Maynard have been born six children: Nancy F., David A., Albion D., Robert A., Lucy L. and Mortimer I. The father followed the life of a farmer and was active in the public affairs of his township, not shunning the duties of office when the people wished so to hcnor him. He has been a stanch republican since that party was organized to supplant the old line whigs, and to support the nation in its hour of need.

The son of a farmer, it was but natural that Albion D. Maynard should follow the same kind of work. In his youth, however, he learned the trade of a blacksmith and finding it profitable hes from time to time engaged exclusively in practicing it. For twenty years, he lived in Michigan, farming and working at his trade. Ohio proved to be the state with the stronger attractions and Mr. Maynard returned to his home where he has remained since. His reputation as a skilled workman having been made, the Rinehart & Dennis Construction Company engaged him several years ago to act as foreman over those engaged in their carpenter and trestle work. He was employed by that firm for four years but since the expiration of that time he has not sought other positions as he finds he has all he can do with the work that is brought into his shop.

Mr. Maynard was still in the first years of his young manhood when, on the 28th of August, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Downey. She was born in Lorain county, Ohio February 4, 1852, and is a daughter of David L. and Ann (Wilkinson) Downey, the former a native of New York, the latter a Canadian. They were the parents of Orilla, Elizabeth, Priscilla, Elizabeth, Doris, Catherine, Serah, Flora and Lorenzo. Mr. end Mrs. Maynard's union has been blessed with three children, all of whom have married and established homes of their own. Clifford, born September 23. 1873, married Miss Bertie Cleverly and they have one child, Donald. Iva, born in 1875, married Frank Gleason. Annis, born September 20, 1878, married Cortland Miller, who is a minister and is located at Walton, Indiana.

The family were reared in the Christian church and still live up to its teachings in so far as they are able. Though not a politician nor active in public affairs,

Mr. Maynard never misses an opportunity to cast his vote for the republican candidates, feeling that it is the duty of every citizen to exercise his right to ballot and believing that that party makes for the stability and progress of the nation's government. A hard working man and conscientious, he has made firm friends among his fellow members of the Tribe of Ben Hur.

Dr. Downing H. Young, whose ability is manifest in the large practice which is accorded him in Wakeman and throughout the surrounding country, was born October 7, 1842, in Mansfield, Ohio, his parents being Downing H. and Angeline (Marvin) Young. The grandfather Lemuel Young was a Virginian came to Ohio at a very early date, settling in Holmes county, near Millersburg. He devoted his entire life to the occupation of farming. His son Downing H. Young was born in Virginia, August 6, 1816, and left home when sixteen years of aze. He then went to Shelby, Ohio, where he remained for two years, after which he went to Peru, Ohio, and learned the trade of blacksmithing. He followed that for only a brief period, however. Subsequent to his marriage, which occurred on the 6th of September, 1836, he engaged in merchandising and while devoting his attention to the conduct of his store he also took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar. He practiced both in Shelby and Mansfield, becoming a resident of the latter city and as the years passed he attained eminence in his profession. He was very active in the days of the Civil war, doing much toward raising troops and giving four sons to the service. Throughout his entire life his citizenship was of a most loyal and progressive character, his cooperation being always counted upon to further any movement for the public good. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Angeline Marvin, was the eldest of fourteen children and the first white child born in Sharon township, Richland county, Ohio, on the site of what is now the city of Shelby. Her parents were Stephen and Sarah (Moyer) Marvin, Connecticut people, who came to Ohio about I814. Her maternal grandmother in her maidenhood bore the family name of Burr and was a close relative of Aaron Burr. Her family had from the government some of the "Fireland Land Script" for property destroyed by the British. This brought the Moyer family to Ohio and they located land on Blackfork at Shelby, developing there a homestead property which is still in possession of their descendants.

Downing H. and Angeline (Marvin) Young had a family of eleven children: Hercelia J.; Mary A.; Elmira A.; Samuel Hinkley; Henry St. John; Andrew Jackson; Downing Howard; Stephen Marvin; Daniel Sherwood; Sarah Angeline; and Grace. Of these Hercelia J., Elmira, Downing, Stephen and Sarah are still living. One son, Samuel H. Young, was a member of Company C, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Captain John McLaughlin, enlisting in response to the first call for three months' troops. He participated in the first battle of Bull Run and on the expiration of his term of enlistment he rejoined the army as a member of Company C, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to Sherman's brigade. He participated in a number of contests with the enemy and was injured at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. He bore a lieutenant's commission, but his injury necessitated his resignation from the service. Later when he had sufficiently recovered he joined Company H, of the One Hundred and Twenty-eight Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to garrison duty on Johnsons Island. He was also a lieutenant in this organization and at the close of the war received a lieutenant's commission in the regular army. He was relieved from duty in 1866 and, returning home, took up newspaper work as editor and publisher of the Shelby Chronicle, continuing in active connection with that paper until his death in 1869. Another son, Henry St. John, was a member of Company C, Sixty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a sergeant aud was killed at the battle of Stone River. A third son, Andrew Jackson, was a member of Company C, Sixty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Infantry and died in Danville, Kentucky, from pneumonia contracted while on the line of duty. Downing H. Young, of this review, was also a soldier, enlisting in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-eight Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, doing post duty at Johnsons Island. A son-in-law, Jerome B. Howard, who was the husband of Elmira Young, was a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Regiment and while on his way from Columbus, where he had been on detailed duty, to join his command, he was captured and sent to Andersonville prison, where he died. He was a man of fine education and high attainments. After her husband's death his widow studied medicine, winning her degree in the Womans' College in New York in 1868. She then located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she practiced for many years and was eminently successfui. She chaperoned a company of voung ladies from Cincinnati to the Vienna exposition and during that time took a post-graduate course at the Vienna Hospital. She has now retired from active practice, however, and resides with her son Hiram M., who is an electrical expert, at Palmyra, Illinois. Another son, Jerome B., an editor of the Phonographic Magazine of Cincinnati, is also proprietor of the Pitman shorthand system and likewise a musician of much renown. The military record of this family is certainly a remarkably one and their history in other directions is that of successful achievement.

With his family Downing H. Young, Sr., removed to Toledo, Ohio, in 1857, and there engaged in the practice of law until June, 1860, when he established his home at New Haven, Huron county, where he resided until his death and where the family home it yet maintained. For many years, they have been valued and respected citizens of that district.

Downing H. Young, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the schools of Mansfield, Toledo and New Haven, Ohio. His time was largely spent in school up to the outbreak of the Civil war and following the close of hostilities he entered the medical department of the University of Wooster at Cleveland in 1865. He was graduated in May, 1871, and in the intervening years has since given his time, energies and attention to his profession and duties. |

On the 31st of December, 1868, Dr. Young was married to Miss Elizabeth Merrihew, a daughter of Jesse and Charlotte (Lyon) Merrihew, of Knox county, Ohio. They became the parents of two children: Andy Jason and Charlotte M., both of whom still survive, but the mother died in April, 1898. The son is mar- and resides Winfield, Kansas, while the daughter is now the wife of Wallace Wyandt, of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Young was married a second time December 5, 1900, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Anna Bunelle, of Wakeman.

Dr. Young began the practice of his profession in Steuben, Huron county, where he remained for three years and then went to Delaware county, Ohio, where he spent three and one-half years. He was afterward located at Chicago Junction until 1901, when he came to Wakeman, where he has since practiced. He has always been a close student of everything bearing upon his chosen line of work and reading and investigation have kept him in close touch with the advance of the profession. For four years, he was the coroner of Huron county and was emergency surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad from 1887 until 1001. At the present writing, he is the president of the Huron county board of pension examiners, of which he has been a member for twelve years. He has also been a member of the Chicago Junction school board for a number of years and health officer for four years. Always active in public affairs, he believes money invested in public improvements is for the general good and does much for the betterment and uplift of the people. Citizenship is to him no mere idle term. He feels that every true American citizen should keep well informed on the political questions and issues of the day and support the principles which he deems most beneficial to the nation at large. He believes also that an intelligent discussion of public issues cannot result but in public benefits and he is ever ready to give a clear and comprehensive exposition of his views and the reasons therefor. The republican party finds in him a stalwart champion because of his firm belief in its platform.

Fraternally be is connected with Wilson Todd Post, No. 359, G. A. R., and in specifically professicrzl lines he is associated with the Huron County Medical Association and also with the Ohio State Medical Association. The Young home is one of the most attractive in the village. Mrs. Young is a zefined and cultured lady and both Dr. and Mrs. Youne are prominent in the social and intellectual life of the community. Their library is well supplied with current literature and the works of the best authors, while the Doctor's volumes treating of professional subjects, are very numerous, giving him light upon the intricate and involved questions that continually arise in daily practice.

Josiah Lawrence

Prominent ameng the pioneers and substantial citizens of Bronson township and Huron county, we present the name of Josiah Lawrence, whose parents, Timothy and Calista (Todd) Lawrence, came to Huron county in early pioneer times and entered the tract of land which is now the home of the subject of this review. Timothy Lawrence was born in Stanford, Connecticut, in 1800, and in 1832 made a permanent locaticn in Huron county. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and, coming here as he did when the work of development, improvement and building was at its height, he found ample opportunity to put into practice his knowledge of the builder's art. This proved of great advantage to him, as he was thus able to earn a good living ere he could realize a profit from his farming operations. For several years he also did auctioneering, being engaged in the sale of farm property. In early times he was a whig, later an abolitionist and eventually gave his support to the republican platform. He was a man of much influence in his community, ever ready to assist in any movement or measure calculated to benefit his locality or prove of help to his fellowmen. He was an expert with the sword and in 1830 commanded a company of light artillery at Auburn, New York. His children were: Josiah, of this review ; and Delia. Mr. Lawrence departed this life January 30, 1882, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-two years, and thus the community lost one of its most highly respected pioneer men. His wife survived for a number of years, her death occurring in February, 1899, when she, too, had reached a very advanced age, being eighty-six years old.

Josiah Lawrence received his education through the medium of the common schools and was reared to the duties of the home farm, assisting his father from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. He has always lived on the farm which is stil his home, it being the place of his birth. The tract consists of one hundred and thirty acres, located in Bronson township. It is improved with substantial buildings and everything about the place is kept in good repair. The only interruption to his farm work was at the time of the Civil war, when Mr. Lawrence served hund-ed end thirty days as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Colonel Blake of Medina county znd Captain Martin. The company was engaged during this time principally in guard duty. After returning from the war Mr. Lawrence resumed his farm labors and as time passed ard his financial resources permitted he increased his holdings until he now owns altcgether three hundred and ten acres of as good land as can be found in Huron county. He has always been a noted wood chopper and yet chops several cords of wood each winter.

In October, 1867, Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage to Miss Alice Newmen, and the children born to them were: Even, who was born in 1868 and married Charlotte Hinely; and Mary, who was born in December, 1869, and is now engaged in teaching in the Benedict school of Norwalk. The mother of these children died in June, 1870, and in March, 1871, Mr. Lawrence was again married, his second union being with Miss Maggie Baird, by whom he had one child, Levinia, now the wife of Daniel Stone. Her mother passed away June, 1878, and in December, 1879, Mr. Lawrence married Miss Nancy Rowland, who died on the 12th of May, 1909.

Mr. Lawrence has always given his political support to the republican party and for the past twelve years has served as township trustee. He is also a member of the board of health and was real-estate assessor in the year 1900. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church and he belongs to the Grand Army post. Fond of travel, he has visited twenty different states of the Union and contemplates a visit to California in the winter of 1010-11. Having spent his entire life in Huron county, in the years which have passed, Mr. Lawrence has seen wonderful changes as the county has taken on the evidences of an ad- vanced civilization, and he has not only been a witness of this transformation but has largely aided in the labors which have transformed the wild tract into a splendid agricultural district, while thriving and enterprising cities and villages have grown from mere hamlets. Now at the age of seventy-five years he is surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life and can look back over his long and honorable business career without regret. He has ever lived at peace with his fellowmen and all who know him esteem him for his genuine personal worth.

Sebastian Purcell

That the farms of Ohio are valuable investments, furnishing a substantial means of subsistence to those who have thereon settled, has been proven again and again in the fact that Ohio's native sons remain within her borders. To this class belongs Sebastian Purcell, who was born December 17, 1847, on the farm where he has spent his life and which is his present place of residence.

His parents, John and Margaret Purcell, were both born in Germany and on coming to America in 1846, settled in Huron county, Ohio, having purchased the farm, then containing one hundred and seventeen acres, which has since been in possession of the family. It is situated in Peru township, and to the original purchase has been added some twenty-three acres. In the family of John and Margaret Purcell, there were four children: John, now deceased; Kathryn, who married Peter Wallrath and resides at Logansport, Indiana; Anna, who married Mat Grimmer and resides in Peru township ; and Sebastian, the subject of this review The father of this family passed away in 1861, when only forty-two years of age, while the mother, long surviving, died in 1881, when seventy-three years old. John Purcell was greatly interested in the work of general improvement in his own county and in addition to his farming operations, built a number of bridges and for some time heid the position of road supervisor of Peru township, giving his time and service in the building of good roads in this locality.

Sebastian Purcell was reared under the parental roof, assisting his father in the fields during the summer seasons, each fall looking forward to an abundant harvest as the reward of the summer's toil. In the winter months, he sought an education in the district and Catholic schools and in this way spent the day of his youth. In early manhood took upon himself the responsibilities of the agriculturist, following this occupation as a life work. Carefully saving his earnings each year, at length he was enabled to make the old homestead his own, having purchased the farm from his father and, taking great interest in the place, from time to time he has added needed improvements and in the fall of 1909, he expects to erect a modern residence on his property.

On the 17th of February, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Purcell and Miss Margaret Brown, who was born in Sherman township in 1850, her parents being Fred and Margaret (Pirring) Brown. Unto this union have been born seven children, namely: Albert and Edward, who are yet at home with their parents; Tracy, who married Martin' Habenmeier and is living at Norwalk ; Theodore, of Chicago Junction, Ohio, who married Anna Bishop and has one child, Anna; Olive, living at home; Tillie, of Norwalk, Ohio, who married Mat Zurcher and had two children, Edward and Robert, who died when five months old, August 8, 1909, and Alfonse, who is living at home.

Mr. Purcell has followed general agricultural pursuits all his life and is now ably assisted in this field of activity by his sons, Albert, Edward and Alfonse. In religious faith, he is a Catholic and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, firmly believing in the principles of its platform as conducive to the best forms of government. His son Alfonse is a member of the Knights of Columbus of Norwalk, but Mr. Purcell devotes his time and energies exclusively to his business, and success has been the reward of his labors.

Dwight M. Barre

Industry, energy and thrift have characterized the labors of Dwight M. Barre, who is today the owner of eighty acres of well improved and valuable land situated in Ripley township, Huron county, in which township he was born on the 2oth of July, 1848. His parents were John and Amy (Stout) Barre, natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively, the former born in 1805, while the latter's birth occurred in 1809. John Barre was the son of John Barre, Sr., whose family consisted of the following children: Dwight, David, Herman, Jonathan, Wellington, Henry, Ora, Lyman, James, Corvis, Cornelia, Jane, Marietta, Josephine and Jessie. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Jonathan and Lydia (Mitchell) Stout, whose family of six children included: Amy, Jonathan, David, Eliza, Emily and Hannah.

Dwight M. Barre was reared on the old home farm, his youthful days being passed in a manner similar to that of most farm boys who assisted in the work of the fields and at the same time had the opportunity of acquiring a fair English education in the district schools. After laying aside his text-books, he continued to devote his attention to agricultural interests and has made this occupation his life work. His well kept farm of eighty acres is one of the valuable farming properties of the township and in its neat and attractive appearance indicates the thrift and industry of its owner. Close application, systematic methods and intelligently directed energy have been the salient characteristics in the success which he now enjoys and he occupies a foremost place among: the progressive and influential agriculturists of the community. He is also known in the financial circles of Greenwich as a stockholder in the First National Bank of that city.

Mr. Barre laid the foundations for a happy home life in his marriage on the 22d of December, 1876, to Miss Ella Wolcott, a native of Massachusetts, her birth occurring in that state in 1855. Mrs. Barre is a daughter of Renseller and Augusta (Miller) Wolcott, both natives of the old Bay state, the former's birth occurring in 1830 while the latter was born in 1837. She was a sister of George and Esther Wolcott and her grandparents on the paternal side were Thomas and Sally (Williams) Wolcott. Her mother was the daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Olds) Miller, in whose family were the following: Augusta, Alfred, George, Frank, Emma, Susan and Hattie. On the paternal side, Mrs. Barre comes from a family which was founded in America 1620, representatives of the name having been active in the affairs of this country in early colonial days. Several members of the Wolcott family were governors of Connecticut, one was secretary of the treasury under Washington's administration while still another was numbered among the signers of the Declaration of Independence. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Barre have been born two children, Walter and DeWitt.

The family are members of the Congregational church, in which Mr. Barre Is serving as treasurer, and he and his wife occupy a high place socially in the community in which they reside. Fraternally, Mr. Barre is a Mason, while in politics he gives stalwart support to the republican party, being in hearty sympathy with its principles and purposes. Having passed his entire life in this township, his life record is well known to his fellow citizens, whose respect, confidence and good will he enjoys in no limited degree.

Frank O. Briggs

A representative of the worthier agricultural class of Huron county, Frank O. Briggs cultivates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres in Greenwich township. He was born December 7, 1857, on this property, though his has not been a continuous residence there and he is a son of George W. and Joanna Briggs and grandson of David Briggs. The grandfather was one of the very early pioneers of the county, a justice of the peace for many years, and a great hunter and trapper, following this business all over northern Ohio and Michigan. He dealt largely with the Indians and secured their friendship by his kind and honorable dealing. George W. Briggs was the first white child born in Greenwich township. He accompanied his father on his long hunting trips and experienced the fidelity and medical skiil of the Indians. one of the trips, the boy tcok a severe case of the measles and the father, not knowing what to do, finally tcok him to an Indian camp where he left him. When he returned the boy had completely recovered. David Briggs finally settled down in Huron county, where he died in 1864. George W. married, as stated, and lived for a time in Huron, but the inherited spirit of adventure caused him to listen to the siren of the gold fields in the great west, and in 1864 he crossed the plains to Idaho City, the many thrilling experiences being to him like the smoke of battle to the war horse, Mr. Briggs remained in the west until 1876, his wife and children staying in Huron county. The whole family then spent three years in Idaho, at the end of which time the mother returned. In 1882, Frank and his father also came back, giving up frontier life permanently and settling on a farm in Greenwich township. George W. Briggs died here in 1901, aged eighty-one years, the wife having preceded him the year before at the age of eighty. The daughter, Jennie, is now Mrs. T. A. Jenney, residing in California.

Frank O. Briggs, of this review, was reared in Greenwich township and received a good district school education before going west. Just before returning, he married Miss Eliza Stierman, of Idaho City, June 22, 1882, a daughter of William and Anna (Otten) Stierman. Mr. Stierman was one of the California

The later life of Mr. Briggs is briefly told. He engaged in farming for a few years, after his return from the west, then handled agricultural implements at Greenwich village in company with W. J. Richards, under the firm name of Richards & Briggs. Again the call of the west was heeded, and in 1886, the family went back to Idaho, engaging in the dairy business at Rocky Bar. After five years there, they returned to their Greenwich farm, where they have since held continuous residence. However, the spirit of the grandsire is strong, and in 1906 Mr. Briggs returned to Idaho, taking his family, where they spent some eighteen months in hunting and tramping, his son showing his prowess by killing three of the five bears secured, together with numerous other large game.

Frank O. Briggs is alert and active in the life of his home community, serving the public at times in the different offices of township trustee, assessor and member of the school board. the present trustee of the township, he is pushing the good roads idea and with much success. He is an active standpatter in republican politics and as a delegate in the conventions of his party is forceful and judicious in outlining party policies.

Calvin A. Heyman

Calvin A. Heyman, a prosperous young farmer of Sherman township, and the owner of one hundred and ninety-two acres of fine land, in two different farms, was born at Weavers Corners, this township, January 11, 1871, and is a son of Jacob and Clara (Longscheid) Heyman. Both parents were born in Germany, but came to this country at an early age with their respective parents. Jacob Heyman, who is still living on two hundred and fifty acres of land at Weavers Corners, was born December 26, 1836, and was sixteen years of age when his parents William C. and Margaret (Upperman) Heyman came to this country. The latter settled at Hunts Corners, where they lived for about one year, moving then to Sherman township, where they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. This was only partly cleared and the house on it was an old frame building. Here they lived until 1862, when they bought land in this locality of Mr. Weaver, which was their home until death called them, the grandíather at the age of eighty-six, the grandmother at seventy-six. They had ten children: William, deceased ; John, killed by a barn door falling on him during a storm ; Charles, who lives in Huron, Ohio; Jacob, the father of the subject of this sketch; Jeanette, who married Philip Stutz, of Three Rivers, Michigan; Philip, deceased; George, of Sherman township; Henry, of Paulding county, Ohio; Fred, of the same place ; and Elizabeth, the wife of William Horn, of Topeka, Kansas.

Jacob Heyman, the father of Calvin A., has lived in this county since he was sixteen years old. He had attended school in Germany, but after coming here was in the employ of various farmers by the year. On the 20th of October, 1861, he was married to Miss Catherine Longscheid, who had come to this county with her parents when fourteen years of age. Her family settled in Sherman town- ship, where the parents both died. They had six children: Elizabeth, deceased ; Margaret; William, deceased; Anthony; Clara, the mother of our subject, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Heyman had a family of thirteen children, nine of whom died before they were seven years old. Those living are: Calvin A., of this review; Clara, the wife of George Setchel, and the mother of one son, Russell; Edward, who was killed in a street car accident at the age of thirty-four; and Amelia, who lives at home. Jacob Heyman is a man who has been prominent in local affairs. He has been a farmer all his life and has filled several offices within the gift of the people, having served as township trustee, justice of the peace, real estate assessor, treasurer, road supervisor and school director. He has always voted the democratic ticket and these offices have been bestowed by the voters of that party. He has been a member of the Reformed church at Hunts Corners and has held office in the congregation the greater part of his life, being the only member now living who helped organize and establish the church in 1865. In short, he is a man, who, possessed of strong qualities, has not hesitated to exert them for the good of the community and the fair name of himself.

Calvin A. Heyman, his son, received his early education in the district schools, after which he attended the Ohio Normal College at Ada. Upon finishing his schooling, he entered upon a period of teaching of perhaps seven years, but he has followed farming the greater part of his life, having been reared under the guidance of a sucoessful farmer and in a farming community, and when he thought of making a home for himself, it was this vocation that he chose. In 1895 he bought his present place from Jacob Hass and immediately set about improving it and increasing its productiveness. Among the other buildings which he has erected is a fine, large barn.

On the 18th of November, 1897, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Heyman and Miss Flora Heyman, a daughter of John Paul and Jeanette (Scheid) Heyman, who were among the early settlers of Lyme township. She is the sister of L. P. Heyman, of whom mention is made in another part of this volume. child, a daughter, Ethel, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heyman.

Mr. Heyman and his family are members of the Reformed church of Hunts Corners, in which he has been superintendent of the Sunday school for about eleven years. He is a young man of industry and ability, whose efforts have so far been crowned with well deserved success and for whom the future seems to hold much in store.

Among the notable citizens of Clarksfield township, who have not only achieved distinction in the particular work which they mapped out for themselves but have entered other fields and have devoted themselves to promoting the interests of the community in which they live, is Dr. Frank E. Weeks, a physician. He was born in a log cabin in Henrietta township, Lorain county,

Ohio, and is the son of Henry H. and Cora T.. (Van Camp) Weeks. He is of remotely Dutch descent, for one of his ancestors, Jacobus Kipp, was born in Holland in 1632, and on the 8th of March, 1654, married Miss Maria de la Montaine, the old Dutch fort in New Netherlands that is now New York. His wife was born near the Maderia islands, January 26, 1637, while her parents were on their way to the new country. Sarah Kipp, daughter of Benjamin and Dorothy (Davenport) Kipp, the latter a grandson of Jacobus Kipp, was married to James Weeks in Newcastle, Westchester county, New York, in 1766. The son of this union, Benjamin Kipp Weeks, was born March 22, 1773, and married Sarah Thorn, the daughter of Thomas, Jr., and Hannah (Sutton) Thorn. Thomas T. Weeks, a son of Benjamin, came with his family to Ohio in 1837 and settled in Florence township, Erie county, where he engaged in farming. The first piece of land he purchased was heavily covered with timber, and later he bought another tract on which the work of clearing had already been begun and which boasted a double log house. In this the family lived for eight years, while their frame house was building. He had followed the life of a farmer, and his son Henry H. took up the same line of work in Florence township, Erie county. In 1883, Henry H. Weeks removed to Kipton, Lorain county, where he has since resided, living in retirement upon his farm. One son only was born to him and his wife, Dr. Frank E. Weeks.

In the district schools of the county Frank E. Weeks received the fundamentals of a broad education. On leaving these he spent three terms in study at Oberlin University, after which he taught for three winters, working on the farm during the summer months. In 1880 he took up the study of medicine, entering the medical department of the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, from which he was graduated with the class of 1883. Dr. Edwin E. Beeman, who was at that time practicing in Wakeman, was his preceptor. After receiving his physician's license, Dr. Weeks began the practice of his profession in Kipton, Lorain county. In 1885 he removed to Vermilion, Erie county, and the next year came to Clarksfield, where he has remained ever since and enjoys a large and remunerative practice. able physician, Dr. Weeks is also an exemplary citizen, whose public spirit is an inspiration to many. In politics he is a republican and has ever been active in the affairs of the party, having been for years the Clarksfield member of the republican county committee, and almost invariably the township delegate to the county, district and state conventions. During one term he served the county as coroner, was township clerk for eighteen years and clerk of the school board for twenty years, and is at present a member of the latter body. His literary and historical interests are also extensive, biography and genealogies receiving much of his attention. The Firelands Historical Society appointed him biographer for Huron county, a position he holds to the present. In 1908 he compiled The Pioneer History of Clarksfield, a very complete work, comprising both historical and biographical data, and is now engaged on similar work, which he hopes to publish soon. Perhaps, however, the measure of his public spirit can be estimated in no better way than by the fact that it was through his efforts that the Clarksfield Telephone Company was organized and incorporated, a concern which has now one hundred and fifty subscribers with long

On the 5th of June, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Weeks to Miss Cynthia A. Judson, the daughter of Albert W. and Mary Ann (Fish) Judson, of Berlin Heights, Erie county, where for a number of years Mr. Judson was civil engineer and surveyor. He died April 22, 1904, but his wife, who survives, lives in Sandusky, Ohio. Dr. and Mrs. Weeks are the parents of three children: Charles J., who is married and is a resident of Oberlin, Ohio; Lucy M., a teacher in the Clarksfield schools, who entered Oberlin College in the fall of 1909; and Paul T., also a student at Oberlin.

In all that he has undertaken Dr. Weeks has achieved success and a fair fame, and the results of his labors have been far-reaching. a physician he enjoys an extensive practice and the confidence of those to whose wants he administers. In the councils of the republican party his opinion is ever regarded highly. In Clarksfield the interest he has evinced in public matters, especially in educational affairs, has met with unswerving good will and loyalty. His literary efforts, too, have been successful, for he is a graceful and fluent writer, endowed with the power of expressing what he has to say in an interesting and attractive manner. Before the meetings of the Huron County Medical Society he often reads papers on important subjects, for he stands high in this organization, and his opinions on matters in dispute is eagerly sought. In short he is a man who has improved upon the many opportunities afforded him, has used them for his own advancement and the welfare of his fellows.

C. A. Paul needs introduction to the readers of this volume for he is a leading and representative business man the story of whose lite is that of orderly progression under the steady hand of one who is a consistent master of himself and who possesses a well balanced organism. Capable of mature judgment of his own capacities and of the people and circumstances that make up his life's contacts and experiences he is eminently a man of business sense and easily avoids the mistakes and disasters that come to those who are liable to erratic movements resulting in unwarranted risk and failure. He has been identified with manufacturing interests, but for a long period his investments have been represented by banking and agricultural interests and he is now vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company of Norwalk.

A native of Erie county, Ohio, C. A. Paul was born December 12, 1860, and represents a pioneer family of that county. His grandfather, Loren Paul, settled in Erie county at a very early day, having driven westward to Ohio frorn the state of New York with a yoke of oxen. In the midst of the wild forest he established his home, securing a large tract of land which he converted into rich and productive fields as the years passed by. His son, James L. Paul, was also a native of Erie county and having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Eliza A. Delamater, a native of New York. He also devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits, being still identified with farming interests. His wife passed away on the 11th of April, 1008.

C. A. Paul acquired his early education in the district schools and afterward attended the Normal high school and also the Ohio State University. He was a youth of thirteen years when in 1874 his father removed with the family from Erie to Huron county and established his home upon a farm in Bronson township, where he is still living. He is numbered among the extensive and successful farmers and stock-raisers, making a specialty of the raising of fine cattle. His son, C. A. Paul, is an only child. His youthful days were passed under the parental roof but, not desiring to follow agricultural pursuits as a life work he turned his attention to manufacturing interests, with which he was connected for two years after leaving school. He then took up the banking business in which he has since continued and is now vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company. He also owns two farms in Huron county and from this property derives a substantial annual income.

In 1893 Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Clara Cannon, a native of Cleveland and a daughter of Captain Thomas Wilson, an extensive ship owner. Mr. Paul is identified with the Congregational church. He is preeminently a man of affairs with large and varied interests and wields a wide influence. business man and financier he ranks prominent among the men of force in the community because of his ready recognition and utilization of opportunities. He has made no backward steps in his life, his course being characterized by continuous progress toward the goal of prosperity. His business affairs, although extensive, have not hurt his active participation in movements relative to the public good and throughout the community he is known as a public-spirited citizen whose interest in the general welfare has been manifest in many tangible ways.

Joseph H. Post

Joseph H. Post, whose name is known throughout Ohio and other states in the Union in connection with thoroughbred Delaine merino sheep, now owns a farm of eighty-three acres in New London township, in the operation of which he is meeting with most gratifying success. He is numbered among the native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Hartland township on the 18th of January, 1859.

Reared to agricultural pursuits, he attended the public schools of his native township in the acquirement of his education, and during the periods of vacation he assisted in the work of the home farm. He continued to devote his time to his text-books until eighteen years of age, when his father's feeble health made it necessary for him to take charge of his business affairs. The father passed away when Mr. Post was twenty-one years of age, and he continued to reside upon the homestead, directing his efforts to its management, until 1903, when the property was divided. He then purchased eighty-three acres of fine farm land in New London township, upon which he has since made his home. he has engaged in general agricultural pursuits, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation, while for many years he was identified with sheep-raising interests, making a specialty of thoroughbred Delaine merino sheep. He was eminently suc- cessful in this branch of his business, gaining the reputation of having one of the best breeding flocks of sheep in Ohio. On account of ill health, however, he was obliged to give up his stock interests, since which time he has confined himself to general farming. The Post sheep, however, are still well known and a very popular breed throughout Ohio and adjoining states, while their reputation has even extended as far west as the state of Washington, where they are handled by the Baldwin Sheep & Ranch Company. Mr. Post has enjoyed a substantial income from the fact that both branches of his business - the raising of grain and the breeding of sheep - have proved profitable, while his indefatigable industry, his intelligently directed labors, his close application and his good business ability have been salient characteristics in his success.

It was in 1885 that Mr. Post was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E. Miller, a native of Hartland township, born on the Ist of November, 1868, and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Miller, residents of Hartland township. Mr. Post gives loyal support to the republican party and is now serving as township trustee, while he has also been township appraiser, at all times performing the duties of these offices in a prompt, efficient and highly satisfactory manner. Hay- ing spent his entire life in Huron county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends within its borders, and the fact that he is most liked and respected where best known is an indication that the principles which actuate him in his relations with his fellowmen are in harmony with those which govern honorable and upright manhood.

The Coutant family of Greenwich township is known as one of the early pioneers of the county. Several of its members still reside here at advanced age, and all are respected for their integrity and uprightness. Four of the original family of eleven children born to Jasper and Phobe (Burdsell) Coutant are still living: Gideon, Joseph H. and Benjamin, of Greenwich township, respectively aged ninety, eighty-eight and eighty-five years and Burdsell, aged eighty, residing in Wood county, Ohio. The parents of these children lived in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, the father dying there at a comparatively early age. The grandfather Burdsell and family moved to Ohio in 1833, together with other relatives. After the death of Mr. Coutant, the widow, in 1856, followed her sons and relatives and passed the remainder of her life in the Buckeye state, dying in 1896, at the extreme old age of one hundred years and one hundred days.

Joseph H. Coutant, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in what is now Monroe county, Pennsylvania, September 19, 1820. years after the emigration of the Burdsells, Gideon and Joseph H. Coutant decided to come to what was then referred to as the "Great West." 'They made the journey in the usual manner of the times - overland by horses and wagon. Upon arriving they settled in the forest and carved out of nature's bounty a log-cabin home. Four years passed before Joseph was ready to take upon himself the responsibilities of married life, but on October 18, 1847, he brought to his cabin home a wife, formerly Miss Mary Jane Hoyt. She was a member of a pioneer family also, who had emigrated to Ohio from New York, being originally from Connecticut. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Coutant: Ella Gertrude, Edward H. and Charles, the last dying in infancy. Ella and Edward are unmarried and reside with their father on the old home farm, the mother having died in November, 1883.

After marriage, Joseph H. Coutant settled on his present farm and has continued his residence thereon to the present time. prosperity came he invested in land and has for many years been known as one of the largest real-estate holders the county ; his present holdings comprising three hundred acres of highly improved land.

Mr. Coutant has been a model citizen, taking up such duties as came to him and performing them in an intelligent and efficient manner. He served many years on the school board of his township, as township trustee, and in other public matters his voice has always been raised in support of that which would elevate the moral tone of the community. A whig in his early manhood, voting first for "Tip- pecanoe and Tyler too," he took part in the evolution of affairs which produced the republican party. His vote is now cast in that party's favor and he is proud to claim a charter membership therein. His religious life has been passed in the Society of Friends, having had a birthright membership. He has been active in the work of the church and still loves "the precincts of the sanctuary." Although of advanced age, Mr. Coutant is vigorous and active and is passing his closing years in the cheerful habits of industry formed in his youth, surrounded by friends who esteem him for his unquestionable worth.

Andrew Missler

Andrew Missler, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Sherman township, is one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of this section of the county, who has, moreover, been an extensive landowner in the past, but has given away considerable property to his sons. He still owns a farm of one hundred and eightyfive acres upon which he resides and which he continues to operate. A native of Germany, he was born June 27, 1848, a son of Andrew and Frances Missler. The parents, who were reared and married in the fatherland, brought their family to the United States in 1854, settling first in Adams county, Ohio, where they remained for one year. A removal was then made to Huron county, and here their remaining days were passed, the father passing away March 19, 1871, while the mother's demise occurred six weeks later. In their family were the following children: Anna, deceased; Joseph; Margaret, Elizabeth and Caroline, who have all passed away ; Catherine; Anthony, a soldier of the Civil war who is now deceased ; Peter, who is also dead; and Andrew, of this review.

In the district schools of Huron county Andrew Missler acquired his education, and remained a studewt up to his fifteenth year, when, setting aside his textbooks, he shouldered his ax and went into the woods to assist in clearing the land. At that time much of the district was covered with native timber and the trees had to be removed ere the work of improvement could be begun. From an early age he assisted in the work of developing a new farm, and he has since continued to make agriculture his life work. Upon attaining manhood he embarked in business on his own account and purchased ninety acres from his father, for which he paid four thousand dollars. He later acquired fifty-three and a half acres from Worthington Imps, which cost thirty-five hundred dollars, another tract of fifty-five and a half acres from Anthony Gerhardstein, for which he paid twenty-five hundred dollars, and he paid thirty-five hundred dollars for eightyone acres purchased from Frank Ruffing. The farm upon which he now resides includes one hundred and twenty-three acres bought from Joseph Ruffing for nine thousand dollars. He became known as one of the extensive land owners of Sherman township, but he has since given three different farms to his sons and contemplates giving another one next year. This continuous and steady accumulation of property is but the visible evidence of the prosperity that came to him as the years went by, for he is a practical, progressive and successful farmer, who possesses also the ability of keen judgment and good business management,

On the 13th of September, 1870, Mr. Missler was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Meyers, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Meyers, farming people of Seneca county, Ohio. She is one of a family of six children, the other members of the family being Benjamin, Marv, John, Jacob and Catherine. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Missler has been blessed with nine children, as follows: J. Andrew; Catherine; Mary; Joseph; John; Jacob, deceased; Fred; Otto; and Clara, who died December 14, 1907.

The family attend the Catholic church and Mr. Missler gives his support to the democracy where national issues are concerned. However he reserves the right to vote independently in local matters, casting his ballot for the men and measures which in his judgment will best conserve the public good. He has served as road supervisor and is always interested in all matters pertaining to the upbuilding and growth of the community. He has attained success in his chosen field of labor, but his prosperity has come to him as the direct result of industry, energy, perseverance and well directed efforts. He stands high in the honor and esteem

George W. Baker

George W. Baker, one of the younger farmers of Greenfield township, who with his brother August manages the one hundred and sixty-five acres of land owned by their mother, was born in Peru township, Huron county, August 27, 1874. His parents, George P. and Elizabeth (Miller) Baker, were both of German birth, but spent the greater part of their lives in this country. The father was twenty-eight when he started life in the United States. He came direct to Ohio and settled in Sandusky, where he found employment during the winter months in the boiler shops, and during the summer on the lakes. About 1870 he came to Huron county, locating in Peru township, where he first worked for Philip Erf for a number of years, and then bought one hundred acres of land, on which he lived and farmed until I902, when he sold it and removed to Greenfield township. The Peru township farm was largely covered with tim- ber when he first settled there, an entirely different piece of property from that which his successor found, for Mr. Baker had not only brought the fields to a high state of cultivation, but had also erected some fine buildings. In 1902 he bought from Mrs. Shields the farm that is known as the old Simmons place. On it he made his home until his death, and on it his widow and sons still live. It, also, has profited by the Bakers' residence, for the buildings have been remodeled, and a more scientific and up-to-date system of agriculture has been carried on that has increased its productiveness and enabled it to produce a better quality of crops. Baker was released from the cares of this world September r9, 1907, but his wife still survives at the age of fifty-six. She was eighteen when she came to this country with her brother, William Miller, and in the years of her married life became the mother of six children: George, of this review is the eldest. August was born January 17, 1876. Lena died at one year of age. John died at the age of six months. Albert married Lena Lovell, an adopted daughter of Mrs. Martha Lovell of this township, and they have three children: Jeannette, Elizabeth and Raymond, and live in Greenfield township. Bertha, the youngest of the family, married Peter Zieher and lives at Sandusky, Ohio. They have son, Bernhart George.

George W. Baker has always lived in this county, receiving his training to meet the problems of life at home and in the district schools. For a few terms he was a pupil in the German school of Peru township, so that his education is better than that which falls to the lot of many boys reared on a farm and compelled to get their lesson at odd moments when work did not claim their time and in the few months during which the school held session. He has been successful in the farming he has conducted on his land, but has not specialized in any particular branch.

On the 26th of October, 1901, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Merrill Perry, a daughter of Fred and Mary (Gates) Perry, of Penn township, who were among the early settlers of that locality, and have many stories to tell of the changes that have taken place since they first took up their residence there. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have an adopted daughter, Loretia Meyers, a little girl of six years of age. August Baker, who assists his brother in the conduct of the farm, was married in 1904 to Miss Anna Christ, of Erie county. They have a son George, a stalwart little child in whom many hopes are placed. The Baker family are members of the Lutheran church of Pontiac, which George P. Baker helped to build and in which he always held office. The sons are still active in its affairs and in the general tenor of their lives give evidence of its teachings.

John Drury

John Drury, a farmer of Lyme township, Huron county, owning seventy-five acres of land near Bellevue, upon which he lives, was born on this farm, March 7, 1847. The Drury family originally came from England in 1632, settling in one of the New England states. Our subject's great-grandfather bore the name of Jonathan Drury, while his grandfather was John Drury, who was born in Massachusetts and became the father of ten children, two sons and eight daughters. Our subject's father, Jonathan Maynard Drury, was born in Worthington, Massachusetts, February 24, 1809. In the course of time he married Miss Abigail Maynard Knowlton, a daughter of Benjamin Knowlton, of New Fane, Vermont, where Miss Abigail was born June 20, 1812. 1837, the year subsequent to his marriage, Jonathan Drury came to Huron county, Ohio, on a prospecting tour. The following season he moved his family to Lyme township, this county, settling upon a small rented farm. For several years he worked for the diffierent farmers until, in 1842, he was able to buy a tract of sixty-four acres of land, to which he added until he had a tract of one hundred and ten acres, upon a part of which his son lives at the present day. A log cabin was his first habitation and served him until 1857, when he put up a fine brick residence, only one of the many extensive improvements he made on the place. Jonathan Drury was a life-long memter of the Lyme Congregational church, of which he was a deacon for over fifty years, and when death called him, August 13, 1897, the community felt they had lost an esteemed member. By his first marriage there were three children born: Ellen M., who died at the age of seventeen; Caroline T., who was but six at the time of her death; and John, the subject of this sketch. After the death of his first wife which occurred May 8, 1847, Mr. Drury married Mrs. Clarissa Barnard Wrisley, by whom he had one son Miron Maynard, who was born on the home farm, June 10, 1853. He married Miss. Ida Osborn and is a prominent business man of Chicago, Illinois, making his home in Evanston. Four children have been born to him: Walter M., Louise, Burton E. and Allen B. By her former marriage Mrs. Clarissa Drury had two sons: George A., now deceased, and Allen B., both prominent soap manufacturers of Chicago, where they started in business in 1861.

John Drury has lived all the years of his life on the old home farm, which he inherited from his father. His education was acquired at the public and high schools of Bellevue. Upon completing his own schcoling he taught for two winters in York township, Sandusky county, while during the summer seasons he followed the life of a farmer, as he had from the days of his childhood. In the quiet pursuit of his vocation his days have been passed. He fell heir to his father's property, as he had followed in his footsteps and not only in the matter of business but also as regards functions bestowed by the good will of his fellows, for his father's death he was made deacon of the church. Of its Sunday school he has been superintendent for fifteen years and for a period of over thirty years has been clerk of the congregation.

Mr. Drury was twice married, the first time to Miss Ida Mary Cowle, a daughter of John and Anna (Ford) Cowle, of Bellevue, whom he married February 8, 1871. There was one daughter, Edith Ellen, born to this union, but she died in infancy, being born May 27, 1873, and dying the 16th of August following. Mrs. Drury, who was born September 12, 1846, died February 4, 1887, and on the 8th of May, 1889, Mr. Drury married Mrs. Josephine (Wright) Nims, a daughter of John and Betsy (Ford) Wright. John Wright was the founder of the Wright Banking Company, of Bellevue, and its president until his death, and at one time he owned three thousand acres of land this section of the state. Mrs.

Josephine (Wright) Drury was born April 16, 1848, in Groton township, Erie county, Ohio, and by her former marriage had one child, Walter Worthington Nims, who lives at Strongs Ridge, Lyme township. He married Miss Mamie L. Newton and has one child, born January 1909.

His long residence and connection with affairs in this county has made Mr. Drury well known in this locality. Looking back over his past life, which has been filled with earnest endeavor, no gréater praise can be given than by saying he is a worthy son of an esteemed father.

Robert Arthur

Robert Arthur, who has the distinction of being the largest landowner of Huron county, Ohio, resides upon a farm of thirteen hundred acres in Greenfield township, to the cultivation of which he is directing his entire energies. He was born in this township on the 4th of March, 1829, in an old log house situated about three-quarters of a mile from his present home, and is a son of John and Martha (Easter) Arthur. The father was born near Londonderry, Ireland, in 1797, and in 1822 he brought his wife and one child to the United States, purchasing a small farm in Greenfield township, Huron county. Upon the land stood a log house in which they began their housekeeping, while Mr. Arthur at once commenced clearing the land for the purpose of cultivation. Soon he had improved the entire tract and was so prosperous in his undertaking that as the years went by he was able to add to his original holdings and at the time of his death he was the owner of an excellent farm of three hundred acres. He was a member of the Congregational church of Steuben and assisted in building that church, in which he was an office-holder up to the time of his death.. He was a man of fine principles who was respected and esteemed throughout the community in which he resided. He passed away in 189o, while his wife, who was also born in Ireland, was eightyfour years of age at the time of her death. In their family were six children, namely: Margaret, who was born in Ireland and is the deceased wife of Alexander Lewis, who has also passed away ; Anna J., who married James McPherson and resides at Steuben, Ohio, being the oldest resident of that town, a sketch of whom is found elsewhere in this volume; Mary, who married Thomas Irving, both of whom are now deceased; William, who passed away at the age of seventy years ; Robert, of this review ; and Kathryn, also deceased. All were born in this township with the exception of the eldest, whose birth occurred before the parents left Ireland.

Amid the wholesome scenes and environments of agricultural life Robert Arthur was reared to manhood, and during the intervening years he attended the district schools in the acquirement of a good education that fitted him for the responsible and practical duties of life. Under the direction of his father he also learned valuable lessons concerning the best methods of cultivating the fields, and in the broader school of experience received thorough and comprehensive training. He has devoted his entire life to general farming, in which he has been eminently successful, and by indefatigable energy, untiring diligence and intelli- gently applied labor he has been able to add, from time to time, to his property holdings until today he is the most extensive landowner in Huron county, having in his possession about thirteen hundred acres of fine farming land.

On the 27th of February, 1867, Mr. Arthur was united in marriage to Miss Julia Cook, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wyet Cook, residents of Peru township. In that township she was born in 1843 and on the 20th of April, 1901, was called to her final rest, her death being the cause of deep regret to a large number of warm friends. Beside her husband she left to mourn her loss five children, namely: Mattie, who still resides at home; Clarence, who married Inez Hill, by whom he has two children, Margaret and Francis, and who resides upon and operates the home farm; J. V., who married Irene Otes and with his wife and three children, Aubrey, John M. and Annetta, resides near Steuben, Ohio; Laura, the wife of James Trimmer of Fairfield township, by whom she has six children, Helen, Arthur, Marian, Julia, Jeanette and Charles, the family residence being at North Fairfield, Ohio; and Fred, residing at Steuben, who married Alice Barre and has two children, Robert and Malcolm.

Mr. Arthur's religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Congregational church of Steuben, in which he has been a trustee for a great number of years. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served in several township offices on that ticket, being trustee of the township for four terms and a school director for a long period. He has already passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, having reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey, while his entire career has been passed within the,borders of Huron county, where his fellow citizens know him as a straightforward and reliable man and an enterprising farmer, who well deserves the esteem and high regard that is uniformly accorded him.

William Gamble

William Gamble, who is now living retired in a comfortable home in Steuben, Huron county, was for many years closely identified with the agricultural interests of Greenfield township, where he owned farming property. Mr. Gamble was born in Lincolnshire, England, October I5, I842, and was but six months old when brought by his parents, Thomas and Mary (Rick) Gamble, to the United States. The father was born December 21, 1806, and at an early day came to the new world, establishing his home in New York, where he remained about fifteen months. He then continued his journey westward, and with his family settled in Monroeville, Huron county, where for a time he was in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. Believing, however, that farm life would prove more congenial, he began in a small way by purchasing ten acres of land in Fairfield township. He then took up his abode on this place and made it his home until his wife died, when he disposed of his farming interests and removed to Illinois, making his home with a daughter during the succeeding eight years. He once more returned to Huron county and entered the employ of Barnett Roe in a mill. Later he in partnership with his son purchased sixty-six acres of land in

Greenfield township and for thirty-one years was actively identified with agricultural pursuits, his death occurring April 8, 1895, when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-eight years, and his remains lie buried in the cemetery at Steuben. As above stated, his wife bore the maiden name of Mary Rick, and they became the parents of two sons and a daughter: William, of this review; Joseph, who left home about forty-five years ago, since which time he has not been heard from; and Mary Ann, who makes her home in Minnesota. The wife and mother lived but a few years after coming to the United States, her death occurring in 1849, her remains being interred at Olena, in Bronson township, Huron county.

William Gamble accompanied his parents on their various removals after coming to this country but he was mainly reared in Huron county, where he also acquired his education, which, however, was somewhat limited, owing to the primitive condition of the newly settled district. After reaching mature years he and his father purchased sixty-six acres of land in Greenfield township, which they cultivated for thirty-one years. Eventually Mr. Gamble added a tract of sixty-six acres to the original purchase and made all the improvements upon the place. He erected a house and barn but the latter was destroyed by fire but was soon replaced by another. Throughout a long period he was closely identified with farming interests but in 1903 he disposed of his farm property to Mrs. Samuel Wagner and purchased a nice home in Steuben, where he has since made his home. He has here four a half acres of ground, which is kept in good condition and today he is numbered among the worthy retired citizens of this village.

Mr. Gamble was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennett, a daughter of Allen and Harriett (Youngs) Bennett, the ceremony being performed on the 9th of February, 1864. Mrs. Gamble was born in New Haven township, Huron county, her paternal grandfather, James Youngs, having been a pioneer settler of that district. Her father was born in the Empire state in 1823 and departed this life in 1859, when but thirty-six years of age. The mother was born in Auburn township, Richland county, Ohio, in 1827, and was married in Greenfield township to Mr. Youngs. Her death occurred in 1857, when she was but thirty years old. 'Their family numbered two sons and two daughters, namely : Elizabeth, now Mrs. Gamble; James, a resident of Illinois; Charles, of Indiana; and Mary, who died at the age of nine years. Mrs. Gamble was but nine years of age at the time of her parents' death, and she was then taken into the home of her grandfather, James Youngs, by whom she was carefully reared and educated. She made her home with her grandfather until the time of her marriage. She has become the mother of five children, as follows: Lillian, the wife of Charles Earl, of Fairfield township, by whom she has one child, Fannie; Helen, who is the wife of Fred Sparks, of Peru township, and the mother of three children, Maud, Walter and Stamford ; William Thomas, who wedded Ella Brant, of Chicago, Ohio, by whom he has had three children, Lawrence, Dale and Wilma, but the latter is now deceased; Jay, who wedded Ethel Brant, their home being in Norwalk, Oho; and Mary; who died at the age of eleven months.

Mr. Gamble is independent in his political views and affiliations and for the past ten years has served as township trustee. He has also held other public offices, having been elected on both the republican and democratic tickets. He has now passed the sixty-seventh milestone on life's journey and the greater part of this period has been passed in Huron county, so that few men have more intimate knowledge of its history or of events which have left their impress upon its annals. He has spent a busy, active and useful life and he and his estimable wife are now enjoying in retirement the accumulations of profitable, successful and honorable careers.