Wakeman Township (part 19 of 21)

William Miller

William Miller, a prominent and well known citizen of Huron county, is extensively and successfully engaged in farming and stock raising on his farm of two hundred and ten acres in Lyme township. He is a native son of this county, his birth having occurred in Lyme township on the 18th of November, 1857, while his parents, William and Bena (Ohlenmacher) Miller, were natives of Germany. The father, who was born in 1834, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1845 and three years later, was married to Miss Bena Ohlenmacher. whose birth had occurred in the year 1836. She passed away in 1860, leaving three children: William, Henry and Charles, all of whom still survive. For his second wife William Miller, Sr., chose Miss Jane Gross, a daughter of Phillip Gross, who was one of the first settlers of this county and in the early days conducted a tavern near Bellevue. By this union there were nine children, namely: Clara, Anna, Rudolph, Rosa, Flora, Lydia, Lawrence, Emma and Chauncey. William Miller. the father of our subject, was a prominent agriculturist by occupation and invented the then famous corn-husk mattresses and seats, such as used in the railway coaches, making a fortune through the careful control of his interests in this connection. He capably served in the positions of township trustee and township treasurer for a number of years and was a valued member of the Reformed church at Monroeville, acting as trustee, treasurer and in other official positions. When he was called to his final rest in 1905 the county mourned the loss of one of its most substantial, representative and respected citizens and one whose life in all of its phases had been straightforward and honorable.

William Miller continued to reside in his native township until eight years of age and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Erie county, where he made his home until he had attained the age of twenty-three years.

He then returned to Huron county but in the meantime had followed the advice of his father and gone to Michigan, where he took up a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres, disposing of the property, however, three years later. He purchased his present farm of two hundred and ten acres in Lyme township from Henry Bollenbacher and as the years have gone by has made varied and extensive improvements on the property, which is lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He has an attractive and modern brick residence, equipped with carbon lights, water works, etc. In addition to the home farm he also owns forty acres of land near Norwalk and has a tract of eighty acres in Texas and another of forty acres in Oklahoma. On the home place he not only cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate but also makes a specialty of raising fine sheep and cattle, meeting with a most gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity in his undertakings. He is likewise acting as general manager of the Flat Rock Creamery Company of Seneca county, of which he is a stockholder and director and is a stockholder in the local telephone company of Bellevue and the Gardner Milling Company of that place. It will thus be seen that his interests are extensive and varied and that he is a man of excellent executive ability, keen discrimination and sound judgment is indicated by the success which has attended his efforts.

On the 17th of February, 1882, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bollenbacher, who was born in Lyme township, December 20, 1853, a daughter of Philip Bollenbacher, who was one of the pioneer blacksmiths of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born two children, Dora and Anna, both at home.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Miller has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democratic party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust. He is now serving his twelfth year as constable of Lyme township and has been township trustee and road supervisor, while for seven years he was a member of the school board. A devoted and faithful member of the Lutheran church of Lyme township, he does all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence and is at present acting as clerk and trustee thereof.

Such, in brief, is the life history of William Miller. In whatever relation of life we find him - in political circles, in business or in social relations - he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.

Charles. Suhr

Charles Suhr, a strong and able lawyer of the Norwalk bar, possesses all of the requisite qualities of the successful attorney, including an excellent presence and earnest dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles. He needs no introduction

His father, William Suhr, was. born Saxony, Germany, on the 7th of March, 1829, and after spending the first fifteen years of his life in the land of his nativity came with his parents to the United States, when fifteen years of age. His father, Charles W. Suhr, first settled in Cleveland and William Suhr there resided until the death of his father and mother. In early life, he became familiar with the tailoring and clothing trade and was in business there along that line until the disastrous fire of 1851, when his stock was destroyed and he removed to Norwalk. Here he embarked in the same line of business in 1853 and continued successfully in that department of trade for forty-five years or until 1898, when he retired. Throughout this period, he had enjoyed a very liberal and extended patronage, his success being the result of the fine line of goods which he carried and the excellent workmanship which he turned out. His last years were spent in well earned and honorable rest from labor and in January, 1907, he was called to the home beyond. He was a most highly respected man by reason of the progressive citizenship which he displayed and his enterprise and reliability in commercial circles. He was a very active and earnest supporter of the republican party and was called to several offices, serving as a member of the citv council, also as city treasurer for several terms and again as township treasurer. No trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree and in all of his official duties, he displayed the same spirit of enterprise and advancement which characterized his efforts in business lines. He had a marked influence among the German-American people of this part of the state and he was also prominent in Masonry, being a splendid representative of the craft. He filled all of the chairs in the blue lodge, the chapter, the council and the commandery, and his life was in close conformity to the teachings of the order concerning brotherly kindness and mutual helpfulness. In early manhood, he married Mary Cashbaugh, a native of Pennsylvania, who was living in Cleveland, however, at the time of their marriage. She passed away several years prior to the death of her husband, being called to the home beyond March 20, 1903, when seventy years of age.

Charles Suhr was the fifth in order of birth in a family o£ six children, namely : Amelia, who was born in Cleveland and was accidentally killed at the age of twelve years ; George W., who was born in Norwalk in 1855; Mary and William A., also natives of this city; Charles of this review; and Laura E., who died in July, 1908.

Charles Suhr was educated in the Norwalk schools and at Kenyon, Ohio, where he pursued a three years' college course. He afterward took up the study of law with the intention of making its practice his life work, pursuing his reading in the office and under the direction of Stephen M. Young. In 1885, he was admitted to the bar and opened an office in Norwalk. Here he has since been identified with the legal profession and in 1902, he was elected probate judge, which positions he filled continuously, capably and acceptably until 1909, when he retired from the bench and resumed private practice. He has a keen, rapid, logical mind plus business sense and a ready capacity for hard work qualities, which are indispensable in the successful lawyer.

In 1891, Suhr was married to Miss Millie A. Howe, a native of Peru, Huron county, Ohio, and a daughter of James and Hannah L. (Hatfield) Howe, representatives of old pioneer families of this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs Suhr have become the parents of four children: Carl W., J. Vernon, Marian M., and Charles Dudley. Mr. Suhr is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has taken the degrees of the chapter and commandery. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees. In politics, he is very active. He is much interested in the welfare of the town and county, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and does all in his power to advance the best interests of the community, co-operating in every movement which he deems essential in promoting its growth and prosperity. He has a circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintance, for geniality, deference for the opinions of others and kindliness have gained him a firm hold on the affection of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

James P. Washburn

James P. Washburn, a progressive and prosperous agriculturist, owning three hundred acres of fine farm land in New London township, is one of the selfmade men of Huron county for, starting out in life empty-handed, he has acquired the success which he now enjoys entirely through his own indefatigable energy and well directed efforts. He was born in Illinois on the 26th of August, 1862, and when but two years of age he came with his parents to Ohio, where the family home was established in New London township. His mother's death occurred when he was a little lad of five years, while at the age of fifteen years he was left an orphan by the death of his father. He then went to live with an uncle, Oliver Washburn, in whose home he remained until his marriage. At this time he purchased a farm to which he removed and which he continued to operate for ten years, at the expiration of which period he sold the property and purchased another farm, while later he bought the old Golden homestead, upon which his wife and her father were both born, and which had been in the Golden family for more than sixty-five years. He has since directed his energies toward its further cultivation and improvement, erecting a new and comfortable dwelling in its midst, while he has also built substantial and commodious barns and outbuildings which stand as monuments to his enterprise and thrift. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and made of the place one of the valuable farming properties of New London township, upon which he intends to make his home throughout the remainder of his life. His property holdings consist of three hundred acres of land and he is ranked among the substantial and representative farmers of the township. He was identified with financial interests for about five years, being a director of the Savings Bank of New London for that period of time.

Mr. Washburn was united in marriage on the 6th of October, 1885, to Miss Frances Golden, who was born December 23, 1864. Unto this union have been

Politically Mr. Washburn ic a republican, doing all in his power to further tne influence of that party throughout the community and he is loyal and publicspirited in his citizenship. His has been a life of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recognition of honest labor, and few men in Huron county can more justly claim nor more richly deserve the proud American title of a self-made man.

Jacob P. Heyman

Jacob P. Heyman is numbered among the large landowners and substantial citizens of Sherman township, where he owns a valuable farm of two hundred and twenty-one acres, which, with the assistance of his sons he is now operating. Mr. Heyman is a native son of this township, his birth having occurred on the farm which is still his home, January 6, 1864, his parents being John George William and Elizabeth (Longscheid) Heyman, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came when a young man with his parents to the new world, the family home being established at Hunt's Corners in Lyme township, Huron county. There the father spent the most of his remaining days and died at the home of his son Daniel in 1903. He was at that time seventy-seven years of age, for his birth occurred in 1826. He was a very influential man in the community in which he made his home and took a helpful part in the upbuilding and improvement of the locality in which he lived. He assisted materially in the erection of the Reformed church at Hunt's Corners, in which he served as an official for many years. A democrat in politics, he served as township trustee, as road supervisor and as a member of the school board and in many other ways gave support to public interests. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Longscheid, accompanied her parents, Christian and Katharine Longscheid on their emigration from Germany to the new world, their home being established in Sherman township. She died in 1887, at the age of fifty-nine years. She became the mother of ten children: George, deceased; Emeline, the wife of August Scheid, of Peru township; Daniel, who makes his home in Lyme township, this county ; Thomas, also of Lyme township; Mary, who has passed away ; Jacob P., of this review ; Philip and Mary, both of whom are deceased ; William, who lives in Lyme township; and Albert, who makes his home in Sherman township. There is also one son, Charles, of Sherman township, who was born of the father's former marriage.

Jacob P. Heyman has spent his entire life in Huron county and acquired his education in the district schools. He has made farming his life work and that his labors have been attended with success is evidenced by the valuable farm of which he is today the owner, his place comprising two hundred and twenty-one acres, located in Sherman township. He has made many improvements on the place in the way of a good residence, substantial barn and outbuildings, has fenced the fields and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate his labors.

That the soil is rich and arable is indicated by the fine crops which he annually gathers and altogether he is one of the substantial farmers of Huron county. In addition to this property Mr. Heyman is a stockholder, treasurer and one of the directors of the Sherman Oil & Gas Company and is likewise a stockholder of the Herman Hess Clothing & Shoe Company at Monroeville.

Mr. Heyman was married December 23, 1888, to Miss Katharine Williams, a daughter of Alton and Clara (Longscheid) Williams, residents of Norwicn township. Mrs. Heyman was born in Germany, and was brought by her parents to the United States in 1872, their home being established in Norwich township. Both the parents are now deceased, the father passing away May 4, 1896, at the age of seventy-one years, while the mother preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring April 1889, when she was sixty-two years of age. Their family numbered six children, as follows: Minnie, the wife of William Miller, a resident of Minnesota; John, who makes his home near Centerton, in Huron county; Elizabeth, who became the wife of William Popp but is now deceased; Charles W., residing in Seneca county, Ohio; Mrs. Heyman, and August, of Sherman township.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Heyman has been blessed with eight children: Claud, who was born October 21, 1889; Carl, whose birth occurred December II, 1801; Earl, February 19, 1894; Orlan, who was born November 25, 1806: Ivan, October 18, 1898; Guy, born December 13, 1900; Myron, July 28, 1903; and Sylvan, whose birth occurred May 28, 1906.

Mr. Heyman gives his political support to the democratic party and on that ticket has been elected to a number of township offices, including that of trustee and road supervisor, while he has likewise served on the school board. He is a member of the Reformed church at Hunt's Corners and has been an official in the church. His success has come to him through energy, labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and honorable business principles. In manner he is quiet and straightforward, and his word has become a synonym for business integrity.

William Riddle

Scientific farming today is very different from that which was done half a century ago, for modern methods and machinery have revolutionized agricultural life and made of the farmer an extremely important factor in the life of the country. William Riddle, who resides upon his fine farm of two hundred and forty-seven acres of land in Richmond township, is an example of the best class of progressive and thoroughly modern farmers. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, September 12, 1863, and is a son of John and Amanda (Thornton) Riddle, They came to the farm of Mr. Riddle in 1865, when he was a mere infant, and spent the remainder of their lives upon it, the father dying here in 1800. and his widow in 1893. In early manhood the father taught during the winter months, while in the summer he operated his farm. He continued to teach in the district cchools for eighteen years and was well known throughout the county as a good and conscientious educator. He also taught two years in the graded school at Bellville, Ohio. John Riddle and wife were the parents of the following family : Lydia, who married John W. Miller; Archibald, who is deceased; Sybal, who married W. E. Miller; Philander ]., John J.; Lunetta, who married George Hatch; and William, who was the youngest.

William Riddle attended the district school during the winter until he reached manhood's estate, and helped his father in the summer. After the latter's death he bought the farm and ever since has been devoting himself to its further improvement until he has one of the best farms in Huron county. Among other improvements, he built a new barn, remodeled the house, which is a beautiful one, and put in about five hundred dollars worth of tile. Prior to his father's death, five hundred dollars more were expended in the same manner, so that the swamp land has been thoroughly redeemed.

On January 18, 1886, Mr. Riddle married Addie A. Keesy, a daughter of John and Margaret (Johnston) Keesy, who were farmers of Richmond township. The mother died in December, and the father in September, 1907. They were the parents of the following children: Addie A., who was the eldest; Orline, who married Chris Kelper; Estella, who married E. L. Bechman; and Miranda, who married William Beelman. Mr. and Mrs. Riddle have had two children, namely: Leroy, born in November, 1890; and Margaret, born in June,

Like his father, Mr. Riddle is a republican, and his devotion to his party has been rewarded by election to the office of township trustee for two terms, to that of school director for two terms, and that of road supervisor for one term. Both he and his wife belong to the United Brethren church. Mr. Riddle is a man who has the welfare of the community at heart, and is ever ready to lend assistance in advancing public improvements he believes will prove beneficial, but his common sense and excellent judgment keep him from rushing blindly into anything before he has thoroughly tested its advisability.

Albert T. Gamber

Albert T. Gamber, of Wakeman township, the son of William F. and Elizabeth (Reynolds) Gamber, was born in Fayette, Fulton county, Ohio, October 29, 1865. His father was a pioneer of Fulton county, removing there from New York in 1845. The town of Fayette was founded by his father, Henry Gamber, and named for his native village in New York. A well educated man and a teacher, he took special interest in matters educational, and was progressive and active in all public matters. As a democrat he stood for the principles of his chosen party, always keeping thoroughly informed in regard to things political. In 1878, he removed to Huron county and four years later located in Townsend township, where he became one of the substantial farmers of the county, strong in his many good qualities and excellent citizenship. His death occurring April 15, 1909, at the age of seventy-six, he was laid to rest in the cemetery of Fayette, which town his father had founded many vears before. His wife preceded him several years, having died in 1871. Of the family of four sons, Fordyce D., Clement, Edward L., and Albert T., the last named is the only survivor,

Albert T. Gamber grew to manhood on the farm of his father with only the privilege of a district-school education. At an early age engaging in farm work by the month, he acquired the experience he needed for the success of his later years. On July 1886, he married Miss Nettie Sly, a daughter of Robert and Jane (Draper) Sly, both families being pioneers of the county. The father came from New York. Mr. and Mrs. Sly still residents of Townsend township, are people of eminently high character and are held in great esteem. To Mr. and Mrs. Gamber six children have been born, three of whom are living: Fordyce A., a student at Oberlin college; Robert F., a student at Wakeman high school; and Clara E. Two children died in infancy and Clare L., died at the age of two and a half years.

After his marriage, Mr. Gamber accomplished the feat of boarding himself and keeping his family, for one year on the two hundred dollars wages received for farm work. The fcllowing year, he rented a farm on Hartland Ridge, where he remained for two years and then removed to Townsend township, where he continued renting for nine years. Concluding he could do better in another state, he removed to Michigan, expecting to invest in a farm, but he rented for two years instead, that he might become tetter acquainted with the soil. However, Huron county, Ohio, seemed to hold attractions not to be found in Michigan and back to Townsend township the family moved, where the farm of one hundred and fifty acres on which they now live was purchased. From a stock farm very much run down, Mr. Gamber has built up the place until it is now one of the finest farms in the county.

Always interested in sheep, in 1893 he began the breeding of the Delairie Merino varietv, and from a small exhibitor at the county fairs, the business has grown until he has become one of the foremost breeders of the world. Exhibiting at the Omaha exposition, he gained all first prizes, not including any of the ¿pecial prizes, of which he captured a large number. The same year he entered at five state fairs for a possible fifty-seven first prizes and secured fifty-two of them. Mr. Gamber's flocks consist of only thoroughbred animals and are shipped all over the world, some going as far as South Africa. They command the highest prices, occasionally bringing five hundred dollars for stud rams and for carload lots twenty-five to thirty dollars per head. Mr. Gamber is a recognized authority on his particular breed of sheep and has made a wonderful success of the business. It is of record that Ring Leader, a ram, is one of the greatest sires in the United States, many of his sons and daughters going to South Africa at fancy prices.

Though sheep breeding demands the entire attention of the owner, the necessary general farming is carried on in a very methodical manner. The sheep barns are arranged for the proper care of the sheep in all kinds of weather, and each ànimal is as carefully looked after as a fine horse. Gamber estimates that his success is due to his genuine love for sheep, his careful study of grades and the great care taken of them, during the entire year. His flock run up into the hundreds. Aside from his business and personal affairs, he still has time to be interested in public matters and is an advocate of progress in all things, especially good roads, educational advantages and beautifying the county.

A standing monument to a man is his home and its surroundings, and this home of the Gamber family is no exception, for it is beautiful, with its substantial and well lighted buildings, well kept lawns, and furnace heated house. The members of the family are Congregationalists, and active in both church and Sunday school, Mrs. Gamber being especially interested in education and Christian work. She is also a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and of the Ladies' Aid Society of the church. Her home, to which she is devoted, is well supplied with good literature, and she adds to this a refined and healthful influence.

Mr. Gamber, thaugh not an active worker in politics, is an intelligent supporter of republican principles. Of other organizations, he is a member of Lodge F. & A. M., and Wakeman Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. He is also a member of the American Delaine - Merino Record Association, being one of the pedigree committee, and of the National Wool Growers Association, of the United States.

Francis E. Scott, a traveling nurseryman of Fairfield, Ohio, was born in Union county, Ohio, in 1862, and is a son of Charles and Helen (Southwick) Scott. He was the eldest in a family of six children, the other members being Ida, Cash, Nathan, George and Charles. Francis E. Scott acquired his education in the common schools of Ohio and remained under the parental roof until he had attained years of manhood, when he entered business life on his own account. He is now identified with the nursery business as journeyman, making his headquarters at Fairfield, Ohio, purchasing various kinds of trees which he in turn sells throughout Huron and adjoining counties. He is alert, enterprising and industrious, these elements forming the salient characteristics in the success which he is enjoying in his chosen work.

In 1897 Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Hoyt, who was born in 1866 in North Fairfield, and is the only child of Icabod and Elizabeth (Godfrey) Hoyt. The former was the eldest child in a family of three children born unto Walter and Caroline (Benson) Hoyt, the others being Elmon and Mercy, while his wife was the second child in the family of Andrew and Rachel (Wing) Godfrey, their family consisting of Elizabeth, Zerah, and Michael. The Hoyts were among the earliest pioneer settlers of Fairfield township and were well known and prominent in the community in which they resided. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Scott has been blessed with one son, Hoyt Southwick, who was born on the 6th of September, 1898, and is the light and life of the household.

Mr. Scott has given his allegiance to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and he is most loyal in his citizenship, at all times being deeply interested in all matters pertaining to the general wel- fare of the community. He is highly esteemed in the vicinity where he has made his home for some time, and as an enterprising, energetic and prosperous business man well deserves mention in this volume.

The life record of Silas E. Crawford is that of a successful manufacturer and business man yet the range of his activities and the scope of his influence have reached far beyond this special field. He belongs to that public-spirited, useful and helpful type of men, whose ambitions and desires are centered and directed in those channels through which flow the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number. As a business man his activities were such as to promote general prosperity as well as individual success, and he remained for many years a well known manufacturer of this city, but he is now living retired, his activity being confined to the supervision of his invested interests.

A native of Ohio, Mr. Crawford was born in Richland county, September 20, 1842, a son of David and Margaret (Miller) Crawford. The father was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1810, while the mother's birth occurred at Ellicott's Mills, Maryland. The father came to Ohio with his parents, John and Mary Crawford, and settled in Richland county, becoming identified with agricultural interests there. In that locality David Crawfcrd was reared and on attaining his majority he engaged in teaching school for many years. He also learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed to some extent. the late '40s he removed to Huron county, Ohio, where he worked at this trade until his death. Both he and his wife are now deceased. In their family were ten children, of whom three were born in Huron county.

In the public schools Silas E. Crawford pursued his education, but his parents were in limited financial circumstances and at an early age he had to start out in life on his own account as it was necessary that he provide for his own maintenance. Having learned the trade of carriagemaking, he came to Norwalk in 1877 and began business for himself in company with others. He afterward sold out and took up the manufacture of pumps in 1876, continuing in that field of activity until 1900, when he retired from active business. In the twenty-íour years in which he devoted his energies to manufacturing lines he became widely recognized as a man of keen business discernment, careful in formulating his plans and determined in their execution. He learned to utilize every force to the best advantage and as year by year passed he so used his opportunities that success resulted. Moreover, in all that he did his course conformed to a high standard of commercial ethics. In 1888 the Home Savings & Loan Company was organized and he became the vice-president, with Mr. Gallup as president, and he is still officially connected with the company in that capacity.

In the midst of arduous business cares demanding close application and unfaltering perseverance, Mr. Crawford has yet found time to aid in the promotion of public affairs which have had for their object the betterment of the com- munity. His interest therein has been manifest in various substantial and tangible methods, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his devotion to the public good, twice elected him a member of the city council, of which he served for one term as president. He was also for fcur years mayor of the city, and his administration was businesslike and progressive, resulting in the introduction of various needed reforms and improvements. In 1908 he was elected to represent Huron county in the seventy-eighth general assembly, being the first democrat ever chosen to the office from his county. His position on any important public question is never an equivocal one. He does not hesitate to announce his opinion or to support his honest convictions and his course has ever commanded the confidence and admiration of his fellowmen.

In 1869 Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Harrington, with whom he traveled life's journey for more than thirty-five years. They were separated in death in 1903 and in 1905 Mr. Crawford was again married, his second union being with Martha W. Wightman, a native of Hastings, Michigan.

Fraternally Mr. Crawford is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and other societies. He has long occupied a position of leadership in this county, his native talents, his acquired abilitv, his patriotic citizenship and his devotion to the public welfare winning him a place of prominence and securing for him the unqualified confidence and respect of the public at iarge. His rare aptitude and ability achieving results have made him constantly sought and have often brought him into a prominence from which he would naturally shrink were less desirable ends in view. He has, however, always felt a hearty concern for the public welfare and has been helpful in bringing about those purifying and wholesome reforms which have been gradually growing in the political, municipal and social life of the city. During the dark days of the Civil war he manifested his patriotism by enlisting in Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for four months, and later became a member of the One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served as first lieutenant for eight months.

Robert C. Parker, a progressive young farmer of Fitchville township, Huron county, was born on the 21st of April, 1877, near Monroeville, Ohio, and is a son of John and Ann (Clark) Parker, both of whom are natives of Lincolnshire, England, and are still living. The mother was but a young girl when she came with her parents to this country, and the father was only fifteen when his family emigrated. Both the Parkers and the Clarks came direct to Monroeville, Ohio. and there John obtained work, at first as a laborer. He later engaged in farming in Fitchville township and became a prosperous man. |

Robert C. Parker was reared at home, spending his youth on the farm. He received his early education in the district schools of the county and then entered the Fitchville high school, from which he was graduated in 1895, a member of the first class issuing from that institution. For several years he continued farming with his father, but after his marriage, in 1008, he purchased the place which has since been his home and the scene of his endeavors. It 15 a tract of onc hundred and fifty acres, all excellent land, which Mr. Parker has brought to a high degree of productiveness, for he is an intelligent farmer who goes about his work on a scientific basis, giving especial consideration to the subject of rotation of crops and the composition of the soil, that he may receive the best products of his labor. He pursues a diversified farming and raises a good deal of stock, and is accounted a successful man.

On the oth of April, 1898, Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Simmons, a daughter of Elbridge G. and Mary (Weed) Simmons, of Lorain county. One son, Claude R., has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Parker.

Mr. Parker is an up-to-date young man who takes an active interest in public affairs and keeps himself well informed upon the questions that are before the people. He affiliates with no party, however, preferring to vote for men and measures as seems best to him. Nor has he filled any office in the township, though many times urged to accept one by men who discern in him great ability and the strength of purpose that would not let him be swerved from what he believed to be right. Successful in his business and progressive in his ideas, it is hoped that he may soon overcome his reluctance to public life, that others may profit by his life and work.

Charles McClave needs no introduction to tbe readers of this volume for he is known throughout the entire country as the owner of the Linwood Poultry yards at New London, Ohio, and as a breeder and raiser of some of the finest poultry that has been produced in the United States. His birth occurred June 21, 1859, in the town where he still makes his home. The father, Chester McClave, came with his parents from the state of New York to Ohio when a boy of less than five years, arriving in 1632 and spent the remainder of his life upon the farm where his son Charies now resides, his death occurring December 12, 1893. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Matilda White, was born in Ruggles, Ashland county, Ohio, and is still living. Chester McClave was a farmer throughout his entire life and dealt quite extensively in cattle.

The district schools afforded Charles McClave his educational privileges. In 1874 he made his initial venture in the poultry business, raising and breeding thoroughbred poultry and in the intervening years he has continued in this field of labor with excellent success. He has developed the Linwood poultry yards, now widely known throughout America, and is extensively. engaged in the raising of twenty different varieties of fine poultry, giving particular attention, however, to Plymouth Rocks and Wyandottes. He raises the Barred Plymouth Rocks, White, Golden and Silver Wyandottes, Partridge, Black and Columbian Wyandottes, Rhode Island Reds, White and Brown Leghorns, Rose Comb White Leghorns, Black Minorcas, Light Brahmas, Dark Brahmas, Partridge Cochins,

For the past twenty years Mr. McClave has been prominent as a poultry judge. He holds a judge's certificate issued by the American Poultry Association, certifying that he is an official judge for all varieties, and he is considered one of the best in the United States. In this capacity he travels from New York to San Francisco to make his engagements, covering about ten thousand miles annually. He has twenty-five hundred prize ribbons, representing the different prizes he has won with his poultry at various poultry shows as well as many medals which are only given for sweepstake prizes. He has one medal presented by the president of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in token of good will and service rendered at the occasion of the St. Louis Fair of 1904. He was a large exhibitor at that exposition, winning seventy-six ribbons and he also acted as judge of different classes of birds in which he was making no exhibits. He also has a very fine badge which was presented to him at the St. Louis Exposition. At the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago he was appointed superintendent of water fowls for ornamenting the lakes and waterways, embracing over six hundred rare specimens, both foreign and domestic. He spent over seven months at the World's Fair in full charge of this department. He was also an exhibitor at the poultry show there, winning over sixty prizes and also the cup for the best display from Ohio. He has made altogether over one hundred and seventy public exhibitions of poultry, winning in round numbers over eight thousand prizes, including such shows as are held in Boston, Syracuse, Buffalo, Pittsburg, Baltimore, Cleveland, St. Louis, Chicago and other places. Mr. McClave stands at the head of the poultry business as a breeder, exhibitor and judge. He makes daily shipments of fancy thoroughbred poultry to all parts of the United States and foreign countries, breeding about two thousand birds annually and also shipping large quantities of eggs for hatching purposes. He also handles a large and choice variety of water fowls. He has made poultry his study through life and has been one of the most successful in the business in the entire country.

The Linwood Poultry yards are situated a choice farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres which adjoin the corporation limits of the village of New London. This farm is not only supplied with all conveniences for the conduct of his business, but is furnished with all modern improvements and is most attractive in its appearance. It was upon this farm that Mr. McClave was born and reared and he now owns and occupies the property. Here he began business in a small way but by careful study, close application and experience he has attained to prominence in his chosen field of labor. He also has a fine apiary of Italian bees and thoroughly understands the work of the apiarist, while in general farming he is also equally successful. He was formerly president of the American Poultry Association and holds a life membership therein, and is president of the Ohio branch of the American Poultry Association. This organization draws its members from the United States, Canada and the insular possessions of this country.

On the 15th of October, 1895, Mr. McClave was married to Miss Lucy Copland, who was born in Butler, Richland county, Ohio, August 28, 1869, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Copland. They have two children, C. Howard, born January 12, 1901 ; and Eugene W., born September 9, 1904. In community affairs Mr. McClave is interested and has served as township trustee for nine years. He was also one of the organizers of the Savings & Loan Banking Company, of New London, and was its first vice-president until 1909. In lanuary, 1009, he was elected to the presidency and is also one of its directors. His name is an honored one in financial circles of the county. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for the past five years he has given tangible evidence of his devotion to the cause of public education as an earnest and effective member of the school board. His life has at all times been honorable and upright and his fidelity to manly principles which never seek nor require disguise have made him one of Huron county's valued citizens.

Peter. Breit

Peter Breit, whose well improved farm of eighty-two acres in Sherman township gives evidence of the life of industry and enterprise led by the owner, has for many years been closely identified with the agricultural interests of Huron county. He is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to the United States, his birth having occurred in that country on the 16th of May, 1848. His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Clemans) Breit, spent their entire lives in the fatherland. Their children were six in number, namely: John. Joseph, Mary, Peter, Anna and Elizabeth.

Peter Breit obtained his education in the schools of his native land and was a young man of twenty-five years when in 1873 he set sail for the United States, having heard many favorable reports of the opportunities and advantages to be enjoyed in this country. After landing in New York he made his way at once to this state, taking up his abode in Sherman township, Huron county, where he has continued to reside to the present time. General agricultural pursuits have occupied his attention throughout his entire business career and he is now the owner of an excellent farm of eighty-two acres, which pays annual tribute to his care and labor in bounteous harvests. He is widely recognized as a prosperous and enterprising citizen of the community and as one whose success is entirely the result of his own well directed labor and capable management.

Mr. Breit has been married twice. Two weeks after landing in the United States he wedded Miss Catherine Ranker, a native of Germany; who made the voyage to this country on the same boat with her future husband. She was called to her final rest in December, 1903, leaving a family of five children, as follows: Matilda, Nora, Peter, and Dulla. In 1907 Mr. Breit was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Minnie (Weinstein) Burghardt, the widow of Jacob Burghardt and a daughter of Valentine and Minnie Weinstein, both of whom were natives of Germany. Mrs. Breit has a daughter, Freda, by her first husband.

In his political views Mr. Breit is a democrat, to the men and measures of which party he gives stalwart support. In religious belief he is a Catholic, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran church. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought and in their wise utilization has gained a measure of success that entitles him to recognition among the substantia! and representative citizens of the community in which he has now made his home for more than a third of a century.

Jacob F. Smith

One of the prosperous farmers of Huron county, Ohio, is Jacob F. Smith, who not only owns the one hundred and forty-eight and a half acres in Richmond township on which he lives, but owns in addition sixty-five acres in Sullivan township, Ashland county, and two hundred and forty-three acres in Alberta, Canada. A native of Ohio, he was born in Stark county, near Alliance, September 10, 1848, and is a son of John and Rebecca Smith. Of German stock, he had as grandparents on his father's side, Frederick and Elisabeth Smith, both of German birth, and on his mother's, Jacob and Margaret Fetterhoff, who were born in Pennsylvania, but were of German descent. His mother was born in Dauphine county, Pennsylvania, while his father was a native of Columbiana county, Ohio. In his early life, John Smith had learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some years, but with advancing age he devoted himself to the cultivation of the soil and became a very prosperous farmer. Ten children were born to him and his wife: Elisabeth, whose first husband was Michael Merkel, and her second, William Singer; Jacob F., the subject of this sketch; James; Hannah, who married Orange Chapman; Mary, the wife of John Eschenbach; William; Loretta, who has passed away; Phoebe, who married Elzie Smith; Lydia, the wife of Irvin Smith; and Emma, the wife of Warren Klinker.

Jacob F. Smith was reared at home and received the rudiments of an English education in the district schools Ashland county. During the years that he pursued his lessons, he also worked for his father on the farm, especially during the summer months, but after he had completed his education he learned the carpenter's trade. This occupation he followed for a number of years, and then he returned to farming, to which he has devoted all his energies since and which has in fact been his calling through the greater part of his life. The land in Richmond township is a fine tract, well improved with a good frame house, a commodious and well built barn and suitable cattle sheds. By hard work and care, he has brought the fields to a high degree of fertility and reaps from them yearly an abundant harvest as rich returns for his labor.

Mr. Smith was married to Miss Sophrona Fast on the 21st of January, 1871. Mrs. Smith is the daughter of Jacob and Margaret Fast, who were members of the farming community of Ashland county, Ohio, but are now deceased, the father being in his ninety-second year when in 1909 death called him, the mother being eighty-four when a year before her husband's death, her life's work was finished. Mr. and Mrs. Fast were blessed with a large family, of whom Ephraim was the eldest; Elmyra, married Louis J. McCraig; Sophrona, became the wife of Jacob F. Smith, of this review; Martha married John Thudium; Ruth, deceased, was the wife of George Curry; Mary, wedded Mentor Johnston; Jacob H., Jessie and George are the next in order of birth; and Sarah Isabel, became the wife of Fred Thudium. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith six children have been born: Charles, who married Alta Willoughby and has one daughter, Thelma Mae; William A., who has remained single; Jesse F., who married Emma Carrick and is the father of two children, Arnold LeRoy and Wayland Edmond; and Clarence and Mary, who unmarried, live at home.

Mr. Smith is a democrat in politics and while he has always evinced a healthy interest in public matters and in the welfare of his community, he has not sought office, but rather has declined several positions that have been offered him. He has however, rendered efficient services 2s justice of the peace, an office he filled through six terms, as assessor, as road supervisor and as a member of the school board. He was urged to accept the nomination for township treasurer, and although he could not be persuaded to accept the office, the mere fact that he was the expressed choice of the democratic voters of his locality, attests the high respect and esteem in which he is held as a man and as a public servant.

W. E. Reynolds, whose life of unremitting activity along agricultural lines has been crowned with a gratifying degree of prosperity, was born on the 14th of September, 1856, in Richland county, Ohio, a son of William and Elizabeth (Snyder) Reynolds, both natives of New York. He is the second in order of birth in a family of three chiidren born unto his parents, his sisters being Josephine and Emma Reynolds.

Tpe period of the boyhood and youth of W. E. Reynolds was spent in the usual manner of the country lad, his education being acquired in the district schools, while during the summer seasons he assisted his father in the work of the farm, being early trained to habits of industry and economy which have formed the basis of the success which he now enjoys. He has made farming his life work and today he is the owner of one hundred and ten acres of land located in Ripley township, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation and which annually yield rich harvests. He has made a close study of agriculture and is methodical, systematic and progressive, so that he is numbered among the substantial and successful farmers in his section of the township.

In 1883 Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Feighner, who was born in 1857 and was the eldest in a family of six children born unto Solomon and Sarah Matilda (Weisner) Feighner, the others being John, Emma, Cinderella, Harriett and Katie. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have become the parents of ten children, namely, Myrtle, George, Howard, Grace, Fred, Martha, Veribell, Willie; Elva and Carl. Mr. Reynolds and his wife hold membership in the Lutheran church, the teachings of which form the guiding influence of their lives, while Mr. Reynolds is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and also the Sons of Veterans. In politics he gives his allegiance to the repub- lican party, and although he has never cared to figure in public life, he is a strong advocate of every movement or measure calculated to advance the public good. He holds friendship inviolable and has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

Napoleon Robinson

Among the honored veterans of the Civil war who still survives is Napoleon Robinson, a prosperous and progressive farmer of Huron county, operating a tract of land of two hundred and twenty-three acres in Greenfield township. His birth occurred on the Ist of January, 1844, in an old log house on this farm, his parents being Stephen and Emaline (Hanes) Robinson. The father, a native of Onondaga county, New York, was born in 1795 and came to Ohio alone when a small boy and settled upon a farm, the land still being largely covered with dense timber. He cleared a space and erected a log house, and something of the wildness of the district is indicated by the fact that he could stand in the door of his cabin and shoot deer. He immediately began to remove the timber and improve the land, and it was not long before, by indefatigable industry and untiring perseverance, he had brought his fields under a high state of cultivation. He continued to make this farm his place of residence throughout his remaining years, and in the year 1875, he passed away in the faith of the Baptist church. His wife, who was born near Rutland, Vermont, in 1801, came to Ohio with her parents, Nathaniel and Mary Hanes, when quite voung, the family home being established in Greenfield township. She was called to her final rest in 1388. Jn their familv, were twelve children, namely: Maria, the deceased wifc of Vernon Westcott, of California; H. K., deceased; Homer, who has also passed away; Jerome, who was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, being a member of Company 1, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Nancy Ann, who was killed by a bolt of lightning striking a tree, a piece of which flew through the window and struck her; Caroline, the wife of Hiram R. Wright, of Kansas; Geneva, who married Charles Paul, of Kansas; Hannah, deceased; Napoleon, of this review; Fidelia, who became the wife of Charles Miller, of California; and Mary F. and Anna T. E., twins, the former deceased and the latter the wife of John Warner, of Illinois.

Reared upon the old homestead where he was born, Napoleon Robinson has continued to make this place his home throughout his entire life. He attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and also assisted in the work of the farm, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. After laying aside his text-books he was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until the year 1862, when, putting aside all personal considerations, he enlisted on the 15th of August as a soldier of Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He first went to the camp of instruction at Monroeville, Ohio, and then went to Virginia, there participating in several battles and skirmishes, being in the battles of the Shenandoah valley, under Sheridan and also taking part in the capture of Richmond. He was taken prisoner at High Bridge, Virginia, but in a few days was paroled, and later, he was taken prisoner the second time when in the hospital at Petersburg with measles and was again paroled. During his term of enlistment, he saw much active service and was mustered out at Camp Chase on the 15th of June, 1865, with a very creditable record for bravery and loyalty.

When the country no longer needed his services, Mr. Robinson returned home and has since devoted his attention to the further improvement and cultivation of his farm, which, under his careful supervision, has become one of the valuable and attractive farming properties in the township. He practices rotation of crops, makes a close study of the cereals best adapted to climate and soil and the proper cultivation of the same, and in his business is meeting with substantial success.

It was on the 28th of May, 1867, that Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Anna White, a daughter of Oscar and Maria (Lotton) White, of Greenfield township, and unto this union have been born three children, as follows: Henry Grant, residing in Peru township, who married Bertha Smith and has ten children, Mildred, Eva, Isabel, Stephen, Francis, Gladys, Naomi, Sylvia, Dorothy and Homer N., and one who passed away in infancy; and May E., who died at the age of seventeen months. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Robinson has been a stalwart supporter of the republican party and has served in various minor offices. He has filled the office of school director and is deeply and helpfully interested in the cause of education. A man of intense public spirit, he has at all times remained as faithful to his country in times of peace as when he followed the old flag upon southern battlefields. He keeps up pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and is one of the valued and representative citizens of Huron county.

Frank Burras

Among the native sons of Huron county who are meeting with success along agricultural lines 15 Frank Burras, who was born in Fairfield township, on the 22d of April, 1845, and is a son of Reuben and Sallie (Standish) Burras. The father originally came from the east, settling in Ohio, where he continued to make his residence until his death. In his family were the following children: Frank, Oscar, Edgar, Reuben S., Charles Peleg, and Dorr.

Spending the period of his boyhood and youth amid the scenes and environments of rural life, Frank Burras attended the district schools in the acquirement of his education, and remained upon his father's farm, assisting in the work of the fields, until he attained his majority. He had early become familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the country lad, and his decision was therefore a wise one when, entering upon business life for himself, he chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. He has since been continuously engaged in agricultural pursuits and now carries on general farming upon a farm of two hundred acres located in Fairfield township. He devotes much of his time to the raising of sheep, having on hand at the present time about two hundred head, which he keeps mainly for the purpose of selling the wool. His farm, with the exception of eighty acres, which is now one of the well improved properties of the community, was bought and paid for almost entirely from the proceeds of his sheep raising. He is progressive and up-to-date in his business methods and his well directed energy and enterprise are meeting with most gratifying success. The life history of Mr. Burras is well known to the residents of Fairfield township, where his entire life has been spent and where he has gained an extensive circle of acquaintances and many warm friends.

William H. Chapin

William H. Chapin, a substantial farmer of New London township, Ohio, was born July 13, 1848, on the farm where he now lives, and in a home but a few feet removed from the place now occupied by his present residence. He is the son of Daniel L. and Pamela (McIntire) Chapin. The father was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, June 17, 1798, and shortly after his marriage came to Ohio. At Dover, where he settled, his wife died, and he married Miss Pamela McIntire, a native of St. Lawrence county, New York. In 1845, Mr. and Mrs. Chapin removed to New London township, locating on the farm their son now occupies. The homestead originally contained only fifty acres, but Mr. Chapin was soon able to add twenty to it, making it an excellent property. He was a man of good education and many attainments and before coming to Ohio, had taught school for a number of years in the east. He was the father of three sons. Samuel, the youngest, died at thc age of nineteen, but Eliphalet and William H. are still living. Mr. Chapin died in September, 1885, and his widow on the 22d of February following. Both are buried in the cemetery at New London.

William H. Chapin spent his youth, and in fact his whole life, on his present farm. In the district schools of the township he received his education, In 1881, he brought his wife to the home place, continuing to make it his residence and engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has been a hard and thrifty worker and has added to the inherited land until it has now an extent of one hundred and twenty-nine and one half acres, under the best cultivation and producing richly. In his stock business also he has been very successful. When called upon to exercise his right of franchise, Chapin gives his support to the republican party, and though he is not averse to giving his services to the people, he has not taken an active part in political affairs. For a few years, he held the position of road supervisor and has also served on the school board, in both of which capacities he gave satisfaction to his constituents.

On the 16th of March, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Chapin and Miss Samantha Ward, a daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Stone) Ward. About 1855, Mr. Ward, with his family, came from New York state to New London township, where he engaged in farming until his death a few years ago. His two sons, Jonathan and Hiram, served in the war of the Rebellion, the latter dying at Beverly, Virginia, from the effects of a wound received in the battle of Allegheny, Virginia. Jonathan Ward served in the Twelfth Ohio Battery to the close of the war and is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Chapin became the parents of two children: Homer, who died in infancy; and Clara M., a young girl of eighteen years, who graduated from the New London high school in 1908. She is an accomplished young woman and makes her home with her father. Mrs. Chapin passed away April 24, 1808.

Mr. Chapin professes allegiance to no religious denomination, but is a believer in churches and the good they render to 'the community. His own life, upright and Christian in the broader sense, he guides by the golden rule, putting this precept into practice daily. A man of wide culture, he has traveled through sixteen of the states of the Union and has visited most of the large cities of this realm, save those on the Pacific slope. He is able to form an intelligent idea of public affairs and conditions and takes an acute interest in the things that concern the welfare of the township and county, is an advocate of progress and the judicous expenditure of the public funds, and is a man who makes his influence felt by those around him.

Levant W. Griffin

Levant W. Griffin, a farmer of New London township, Huron county, Ohio, was born in Greenwich township, this county, May 15, 1861, a son of Orin S and Lucinda (Redfield) Griffin. The grandparents, Robert and Mariah (St. John) Griffin, came with their respective parents from New York state and were married in Huron county, where Orin S. Griffin was born and reared. He followed farming for some time, but was a man of liberal education, who for a period of thirty years was a popular and successful teacher in the schools of this county. For many years he lived in Greenwich township, but in 1885, having been elected county treasurer, he moved to Norwalk, where he resided until his death. He served in that county office for two terms, or four years, and then engaged in various enterprises, until he decided to retire from the active pursuit of business and enjoy the comforts to which his long and active life had entitled him. In May, 1506, he passed away and was mourned by all classes of people as a man of fine character and sterling integrity. His wife, who had come to Huron county an orphan of fifteen years, from Jackson, Michigan, had died in January, 1902. Husband and wife were buried in Woodland cemetery, Norwalk.

Levant W. Griffin grew to manhood on the home farm under the guidance of his parents and attended the public schools of Greenwich village, working around home while he pursued his studies. For one year after completing his education, Mr. Griffin taught school, and then, after his marriage, engaged in farming on the old home place, to which he had brought his bride. In 1892, he removed to Norwalk, where he was employed as book-keeper with Sprague & French. The following year he was engaged in the same capacity by Price & Stewart, a real estate and insurance firm, with whom he remained until 1895, when failing health compelled him to forsake the confining work of an office. He then removed to New London township and engaged in farming. His land consists

On the 29th of November, 1884, Mr. Griffin was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Miller, a daughter of John and Sarah (Jones) Miller, of Fairfield township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller were English born, and after their marriage came with their respective families to America about 1850. Miller settled first in Norwalk, where he remained for three years, and then bought a farm in Fairfield township, on which he lived the remainder of his life. He died in October 1895, and his widow now lives upon the home place. To Mr. and Mrs. Griffin were born seven children, two daughters and five sons, all of whom are living. They are Claire, Vernon, Robert, Bernice, Kenneth, Christine and Howard. The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active part in church and Sunday school work.

In politics Mr. Griffin votes with the republican party and is interested and well informed on all matters concerning the people. As road supervisor and a member of the school board, he has rendered the citizens of the township valuable service through a considerable number of years, for he is a public-spirited man, of high principles and progressive in his ideas. His home life is elevating, and his house abounds in good literature, both standard and current. In the one organization to which he belongs, the National Union, Mr. Griffin holds the position of deputy.

Chester B. Brooks

Chester B. Brooks, one of the extensive land-owners of Fairfield township, where he is successfully engaged in general farming, is one of Huron county's native sons, his birth occurring in Peru township on the 6th of January, 1856. He is a son of Philo and Catherine (Noggle) Brooks, natives of Vermont and Ohio, respectively. The father, who was born in Windsor in 1811, came with his parents to Ohio in 1817, while the mother was born in Greenfield township, Huron county, in 1823. In their family were the following children: Helen, Homer, Virgil, Melvin and Chester.

The early life of Chester B. Brooks was passed under the parental roof, and he assisted his father in operating the home farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. He later took up farming on his own account, and that his early training was thorough and comprehensive is indicated in the fact that he has since become very successful in his undertaking. the years have passed his property holdings have increased until today he owns four hundred twenty-five acres of fine land in four separate farms, each of which is under a high state of cultivation. He also engages to some extent in stock raising and his two branches of business are proving most gratifying sources of remuneration to him.

Mr. Brooks was married, on the 12th of October, 1876, to Miss Ida Jennings, a native of Fairfield, Connecticut, and a daughter of Gresham and Polly ( Wheeler) Jennings. She was born in 1858, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Anna M. Lee and Stanley Virgil. The parents are members of the Congregational church, and their lives at all times in harmony with the teachings thereof. They are highly respected the community in which they reside, while Mr. Brooks has gained many friends in Huron county, wherein his entire life has been passed, and the success which he has attained along business lines together with his honorable and upright manhood rank him among the prominent and representative citizens of Fairfield township.

Dr. Wilber G. Ferver has gained recognition as one of the able and successful physicians of Huron county and by his labors, his high professional attainments and his sterling characteristics has justified the respect and confidence in which he is held by medical fraternity and the local public. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born on the 22d of February, 1859, in New Castle, that state, a son of William and Eliza (Greer) Ferver, both of whom spent their last days in the Keystone state, the father passing away July 7, 1892, while the mother's death occurred July 8, 1898. In their family were six children, namely; Nancy Y., Samuel C., Elizabeth, William W., Wilber G. and Charles H., all of whom have passed away with the exception of Nancy and Wilber G. The father was a prosperous and successful farmer and an extensive land-owner and it was his wish that his sons should follow the occupation to which they had been reared, starting out in their business career on a farm which he himself should finish.

Wilber G. Ferver, whose name introduces this review, however, was prompted to a professional rather than an agricultural life. His boyhood and youth were passed his father's farm, his early education being acquired in country district schools, pursuing his studies in the "old brick schoolhouse on the hill." He later supplemented this training by a course in the Edinburg State Normal school of Pennsylvania and Alleghney College at Meadville, that state, and with his training as a substantial foundation upon which to base his professional studies, he pursued a course at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, graduating therefrom in 1884. He first located for practice in Greenfield, Pennsylvania, where he remained for two and a half years, and then, in 1887, he opened an office in Wakeman, Ohio, where he has continued to engage in the practice of his profession ever since. He is progressive in his methods, keeping abreast at all times with the advancement that is being made in the profession, while his excellent training and superior skill have brought to him not onlv success in his calling, but have gained for him high rank in the medical circles of this county, among the people and the profession alike. Aside from an extensive private practice, Dr. Ferver is examining physician for twelve or more of the best old line life insurance companies, which fact testifies to the high place he occupies in the community. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Association and of the Huron County Medical Association, and frequently reads papers before the meetings of the latter society, his opinions being received at all times with interests by the members of the medical fraternity. Aside from his professional duties, he is also interested in the oil business, being now the president of the

On the rsth of June, 1885, Dr. Ferver was united in marriage to Miss Emma V. Goodge, a daughter of Henry and Nancy (Coover) Goodge, of Poland, Ohio. Mr. Goodge was a carpenter and builder by trade and occupied a very high place in the community. He and his wife still survive and make their home in Youngstown, Ohio.

Aside from the success which he has attained in professional circles, Dr. Ferver has become widely known in the political ranks of this county, being a stanch republican and most actively and helpfully interested in the public affairs of Wakeman. He is a member of the republican central committee and has frequently served as a delegate to the district and county conventions, He has been for several years and is now clerk of Wakeman township and is an excellent official. Loyal and public-spirited in his citizenship to a marked degree, he is a firm believer in public improvements of all kinds, being especially strong in his advocacy of good roads, good public buildings and good schools, while every movement calculated to advance the best interests of the community at large, receives his hearty endorsement. He is also well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in Gibson Lodge, No. F. & A. M. of Wakeman in which he is a past master and senior warden, and is a Royal Arch Mason, while he also occupies the office of king in the chapter. He likewise is a member of the Woodmen of the World and of the Maccabees and is examining physician for both of these orders. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church and are interested in all of the various phases of church work, the Doctor being treasurer of the church for twelve years. He is very fond of a good horse and has bred some very fine specimens, while he is considered an excellent judge of an animal and knows a good horse as far as he can see one. This is his chief pastime and forms his principal source oí recreation and relaxation from the strenuous duties of his profession. He has at all times recognized the obligations that rest upon him in his chosen calling and has, in the course of a successful business and professional career, given evidence of the possession of those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. A gentleman of learning and culture, he recognizes the truth of the universal brotherhood of mankind.

John Ringlein

Among the German-American citizens of Huron county who are meeting with success along agricultural lines is John Ringlein, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and forty-five acres of land in Sherman township. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 17, 1826, a son of Andrew and Eva (Snyder) Ringlein. The father's death occurred in the fatherland and in 1845, when nineteen years of age, John Ringlein, accompanied by his mother, came to the new world, seeking the broader business opportunities here offered. He landed in county. There he worked on a farm as a farm hand for two years and then went to Norwalk, where he resided for twenty-three years, being engaged in various pursuits during that period. That he was faithful, industrious and capable is indicated by the fact that during twenty-one years of that time he was employed by one man, Milton Goodnor, on his farm. Later, he came to Sherman township, where he had previously purchased seventy-five acres of land from a Mr. Mc- Kenzie, and began farming on his own account. He at once directed his energies toward the further cultivation and development of his farm, and it was not long before his fields were returning excellent crops. As he gathered his harvests, for which he found a ready sale on the market, and his financial resources were thus increased, he added to his property from time to time, first purchasing forty-one acres of land from Eli Horner and later thirty acres more from Miller Brothers, so that today his property consists of one hundred and forty-five acres, all well improved and cultivated. He carries on his agricultural pursuits along practical and progressive lines and is meeting with most gratifying success.

In 1852 Mr. Ringlein was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Waaheit, a daughter of John and Barbara Waaheit, both natives of Germany, where their entire lives were spent. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ringlein were born the following children: Barbara, the wife of Daniel Miller; William; Andrew; Joseph; Frank; Aloise; Mary, who married John Wester, deceased; and Rosa, the wife of William Hafner. The family are all members of the Catholic church and are well known and highly respected throughout the community.

In politics Mr. Ringlein is a stanch democrat and has served as road supervisor and schoo! director, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He has never found occasion to regret his determination to come to America, for in this country of broad opportunity, where success comes as the sure reward of earnest labor and industry, he has won a gratifying degree of prosperity and is now comfortably situated in life.

Henry W. Carpenter

Henry W. Carpenter, who follows the occupation of a carpenter and joiner and at the same time operates a farm of forty-one and one-half acres in New London township, was born on the 22d o! May, 1847, a son of Henry E. and Esther M. (Sprague) Carpenter, the former a native of Neversink, New York, born in 1811, while the latter's birth occurred in Troy, New York. The paternal grandfather, Robert Carpenter, when in his twenties, came from England to New York in company with two brothers, Timothy and Seth. Timothy Carpenter purchased a farm on Long Island and later participated in the Revolutionary war, during which time he is supposed to have been killed as nothing was ever heard of him thereafter. Seth Carpenter located at Kingston, New York, while Robert came to Ohio in 1822, locating upon a farm cf seven hundred acres, which he purchased at five shillings per acre. He was a carpenter and wagon maker by trade and continued to engage in that occupation, while at the same time he cleared his land and devoted some time also to farming, being thus engaged at the time of his death, which occurred 1862. Upon his father's farm Henry E. Carpenter, the father of our subject, was reared, and he also took up general farming as an occupation. In 1834, he purchased the farm of which the property of our subject was then a part and continued to make it his home until his death in June, 1885. In his family were seven children, those still living being: Louisa M. Ketchum, J. B. Carpenter and Henry W. Carpenter. The deceased are: W., W. 7., O. E., and Mary A.

Henry W. Carpenter, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the district schools of New London township, passing through consecutive grades until he was graduated in due course of time. He then learned the occupation of a carpenter and joiner and continued to follow his trade, while at the same time he carried on general farming, being thus connected at the present time. Upon the death of his father the old homestead was divided and he came into the possession of over forty acres of land, upon which he now makes his home. He is active, alert and capable in the transaction of his business and his various enterprises, which, being well managed, are proving to him sources of substantial and gratifying income. His fields are under a high state of cultivation, yielding good harvests in the autumn, while many structures throughout the community stand as monuments to his skill and ability as a carpenter.

The year 1875 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Carpenter to Miss Alice Searles, and unto this union have been born three children, Walter S., Arthur B. and Alice L. Walter S., the eldest son, is well known in New London township and has served for four terms as townsbip assessor, during which time he has given a uniform satisfaction that augurs well for re-election.

Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter both attend the Methodist church although the grandparents were originally adherents of the Quaker faith. He is a stalwart republican in politics, and although he is deeply interested in the progress of the party and does all in his power to extend its influence, nevertheless he neither desires nor seeks office for himself, preferring to direct his entire energies to the conduct of his private affairs, which, careiully conducted, are proving a source of gratifying income to him. Having passed his entire life in New London township, he has become well known throvghout this locality, and the fact that his circle of friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances indicate that his salient qualities are those which tend to inspire the confidence, respect and the good will of his fellowmen.

George A. Barber

The farming interests of Huron county find in George A. Barber a worthy representative and one who is meeting with success in his business enterprise. He was born in Sherman township, this county, January 30, 1856, and is a son of Samuel G. and Matilda (Maltby) Barber, the former a native of Schenectady county, New York, and the latter of Fremont, Ohio. The grandparents of our subject on the paternal side were Edward and Desire (Kenyon) Barber. while his maternal grandfather was David Maltby. Both the Barber and Maltby families are of Scotch lineage, while the Barbers rank among the old pioneer settlers of Huron county. 'The family was founded in this portion of the state by Samuel G. Barber, the father of our subject, who came here when but seven years of age, and grew up with the county, being a witness of the work of transformation and improvement that has changed the forests of Ohio into richly cultivated fields.

Our subject has in his possession many interesting relics of the old pioneer days, one of especial interest being an Italian violin which is over two hundred years old. He also has the old gun that his grandfather brought with him from the east, and also a letter received by the Barbers in the early days, directed to this state and dated February 11, 1834. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Matilda Maltby, had three brothers who went to Texas, where they were residing at the time of the Civil war. At the outbreak of hostilities the youngest brother espoused the cause of the Confederacy and became captain in the Louisiana Light Artillery. The eldest brother was a soldier in the Mexican war and under General Scott went from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, participating in all of the battles of that campaign. After the war he went to Galena, Illinois, and later became a friend and associate of General Grant. During the Civil war he was a brevet brigadier general and assisted in capturing his own brother at the surrender of Vicksburg. Later he sought parole for his brother and sent him back to the south. He sustained a wound at the battle of Fort Donelson which, however, was not fatal. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Barber were the following children: Dora, George, Bayard, Jasper and Grace.

George A. Barber, of this review, spent the period of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm, early being trained to the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When not busy with the work in the fields he attended the district schools and thus acquired a good knowledge of the common English branches. Later he pursued a course of study during the years 1877-1880, in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio, and after leaving that institution he was engaged in teaching for about eighteen years. During that period his identification with educational interests was a source of benefit to the communities in which he labored for he proved himself a most competent and able instructor, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. Subsequently, however, he withdrew from that profession and became identified with agricultural interests, purchasing a farm in Fairfield township. He has resided upon this farm for about fourteen years, and it is now one of the well improved and valuable properties in the township. He has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation, has introduced upon the place all the accessories and equipment necessary to facilitate farm labor, and his well directed industry and energy, which are the salient elements in his career, are winning for him a gratifying measure of prosperity.

It was on the 7th of April, 1885, that Mr. Barber was united in marriage to Miss Maud Pratt, who was born in October, 1864, and is a daughter of Edwin D. and Elizabeth (Slyer) Pratt, natives of Huron county, Ohio, and East Liverpool, Medina county, this state, respectively. Her father, who was a son of

Nelson and Finette (Delano) Pratt, traces his ancestry back to the Mayflower. The Pratts were originally members of the Baptist church, but members of the family later joined the Mormon church and became stanch supporters of that creed. Hugh F. Barber, who was born on the 18th of May, 1891, is the only child born unto Mr. and Mrs. George Barber. The parents are both members of the Universalist church, while fraternally Mr. Barber is connected with the Masons at North Fairfield, Ohio. He is public-spirited in his citizenship, doing all in his power to promote the general welfare, while his influence and activity are always upon the side of progress, reform, improvement and advancement. These qualities constitute him a citizen of worth in the community where he has resided throughout his lifetime and where he has acquired an extensive circle of warm friends.

Charles W. Hopkins

Charles W. Hopkins, one of the pioneer residents of Huron county, where he has resided for more than sixty years, is one of the successful and influential agriculturists of the district in which he lives, his farm of eighty acres, situated in Ripley township, being one of the finest and best improved properties of the county. He was born in New Jersey on the 14th of March, 1838, and on the paternal side traces his ancestry back to a Mr. Hopkins who came to America in the Mayflower, founding the family in Massachusetts. His parents were John and Levica (Mott) Hopkins, the former a native of Massachusetts, where his birth occurred in 1807, while the latter was born in New Jersey in 1815. The father was the eldest in a family of eight children born unto Joshua Hopkins, the others being Orpha, Willard, Juliana, Sarah Hane, Amanda, Joshua and Samuel. The mother was a daughter of Henry Mott and the eldest of six children, the others being as follows, Allen, Job, Henry, Elizabeth and Marietta. John Hopkins, who came to Ohio at an early date, was among the pioneer setders of Huron county and for many years his efforts were potent factors in the work of improvement and development which was carried on within its borders. He passed away in 1904 at the very remarkable age of ninety-seven years. His family consisted of the following: Charles W., Elizabeth, James Henry, John Norris and Levica, while another child, whose name was also James Henry, was burned to death in infancy.

Charles W. Hopkins was a little lad of five years when he came with his parents to Ohio, and here on his father's farm he was reared to manhood, spending the period of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farm lads of that time. He shared with the other members of the household the privations and experiences of life in a frontier district and was early trained to habits of industry and economy. He has devoted his entire life to farming and kindred pursuits, and throughout his business career his efforts have been actuated by a spirit of industry, perseverance and close application that has won its just reward in a substantial and gratifying success which is today his. He owns eighty acres of excellent land which constitutes one of the finest farming properties in Huron county, and everything about his place indicates that he is in touch with the modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines. In connection with his farming he engages to some extent in stock-raising, making a specialty of breeding horses, and both branches of his business - the raising of grain and the raising of stock - are proving profitable sources of revenue to him.

It was on the 28th of September, 1862, that Mr. Hopkins was united in marriage to Miss Ann Mitchell, a native of Michigan, born March 1842. She was a daughter of Moses M. and Hulda (Hale) Mitchell and a sister of Matilda, Lorana, Ada and James Mitchell The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins was blessed with nine children, namely: Ada, Rosella, Jennie, Artie, Maud, Lizzie, James, Fred and Roy. After the death of his first wife Mr. Hopkins was again married, his second union being with Miss Emma Reeves Lincoln, a daughter of James Lincoln, and unto them were born four sons: Frank, Carl, Lincoln and Leland. The parents are members of the Congregational church, of which Mr. Hopkins is a deacon, and they are greatly interested in the various phases of church work.

In politics Mr. Hopkins gives his allegiance to the republican party and on that ticket served as postmaster at Carson, Ohio, for fourteen years. He can well remember the time when dense forests covered much of the district and wild animals were seen in abundance. During the intervening years he has watched the steady growth and advancement of the community, has seen much of the land cleared and converted into productive fields and has witnessed the log cabin giving place to the modern and substantial residence, while in this work of improvement he has taken a willing part, at all times rejoicing in the progress which has been made and doing all in his power to advance the best interests of the community. Although he has now passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he nevertheless remains an active factor in life's work and is recognized as one of the substantial, influential and valuable citizens of Huron county.

Edwin F. Childs

Edwin F. Childs, a successful and enterprising farmer and stockman of Ripley township, owning and operating seventy-one acres of fine land, was born on the 1st of October, 1862, in Greenfield township, Huron county, his parents being George L. and Ann (Miller) Childs. The father, who was a native of Massachusetts, was born in Worcester in 1826, a son of Charles Childs, and was the second eldest in a family of four sons, his brothers being Otis, Frank and Thomas. The mother, who was a daughter of William Miller, was born in Pennsylvania in 1829 and was a sister of Jacob and Charlotte Miller. George T. Childs and his wife became the parents of seven children: Edwin F., Henry, William C., Bert, Julia, Anna and Lizzie.

Under the parental roof Edwin F. Childs was reared to manhood and at the usualage was sent as a pupil to the district schools, wherein he gained a good knowledge of the English language. During the periods of vacation he assisted the work of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturalist, and he remained at home, giving his father the benefit of his aid, until he attained his majority, when he started out in the business world for himself. Wisely choosing the occupation to which he had been reared as a life work, he has since directed his energies toward agricultural and kindred pursuits, and is today one of the substantial and progressive farmers of his section of the county. He and his brother William own a tract of land in Ripley township consisting of seventy-one acres of fine farming land, which constitutes one of the desirable and valuable properties of the township, and altogether they own nearly twelve hundred acres. connection with farming interests they give considerable attention to general stock-dealing and in both branches of their business are meeting with signal success, enjoying a substantial income therefrom.

Mr. Childs has been twice married. the 24th of March, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Miller, who was born on the 16th of December, 1863, and was the eldest daughter of William and Charlotte (Atyeo) Miller, in whose family were three children, the others being Oliver and Jennie. Unto this union was born one child, Charlotte, her birth occurring on the 29th of November, 1899. After the death of his first wife Mr. Childs wedded Miss Mary Meacham, the ceremony being celebrated on the 31st of May, 1908. Mrs. Childs was born July 3, 1875, in Townsend township, and is a daughter of Lafayette Meacham.

The religious views of Mr. Childs are indicated in his membership in the Christian church, of which he is serving as trustee, while in politics he gives stanch allegiance to the republican party, although he does not seek nor desire public office, desiring to concentrate his time and attention upon the duties of his business affairs, which, capably conducted, are proving a source of most gratifying success. Mr. Childs has spent his entire life within the borders of Huron county, where he has made many warm friends, who entertain for him high regard and esteem because of his many sterling traits of character.

Joseph I. Hinkley, who passed away on the 29th of May, 1908, was for many years actively and successfully identified with the building interests of Huron county as a carpenter and contractor. His birth occurred in Tompkins county, New York, on the 18th of November, 1828, and when four years of age he was brought by his parents to Huron county, Ohio, the family home being established in Ripley township, where he resided for a number of years. He obtained his education in the district schools and when he had attained his majority started out in life on his own account, working by the month as a carpenter and joiner. He conducted a most extensive business as a builder of houses and also erected several churches, many important contracts being awarded him in recognition of his excellent executive ability and reliable methods. His capable management and keen discrimination were valuable factors in the success which attended his undertakings and he was one of the county's most highly respected citizens, being honored by all who knew him because of his unfaltering integrity and honorable, upright principles. On leaving Ripley township he made his home in Fitchville for a time and in 1864 bought a farm of sixty-four acres, to which he subsequently added by additional purchases until it embraced three hundred acres of rich and productive land. He was well known and highly esteemed throughout Huron county as one of its most prominent and worthy residents and his loss was deeply felt when he was called to his final rest in May, 1908.

In 1856 Mr. Hinkley was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Tanner, who was born in Norwich township, Huron county, Ohio, on the roth of July, 1838. Her father, Elisha D. Tanner, who was a native of Herkimer county, New York, passed away on the 13th of January, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Hinkley became the parents of eleven children. Luzerne H. and Laverne H., twins, were born on the 18th of October, 1857. The former is now a practicing physician of Greenspring, Ohio, but the latter, who gave her hand in marriage to Zuriel Curtis, died on the 4th of May, 1887. The record of the other children is as follows: Horace C., who was born April 17, 1859, and passed away December 22, 1887; Elisha D., born July 15, 1860, who is practicing dentistry at Denver, Colorado; Burdette C., born February 2, 1862, who is likewise a dentist by profession and is dean of the college at Keokuk, Iowa ; Laura E., whose virth occurred on the 28th of April, 1863; Benjamin H., born November 29, 1867, who was called to his final rest on the 16th of May, 1908; Junia J., who was born on the 15th of August, 1871 ; Lillian L., born August 10, 1872, who passed away March 4, 1875; Mrs. Adeline A. Boardman, whose birth occurred June 16, 1876; and French F., born April 2, 1879, who died the 27th of September, 1881.