Wakeman Township (part 20 of 21)

Mr. Hinkley fully realized the value of good mental training as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties and all of his children enjoyed excellent educational advantages. The period of his residence in this county covered more than three-fourths of a century and that his ife in its varied relations was at all times worthy of emulation and commendation is indicated by the fact that he was best loved where test known. He was a most devoted and loving husband. and father and a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist church. Kind hearted and liberal, the poor and needy found in him a friend whose sympathy

Daniel White

Daniel White, a successful farmer and apiarist of New London township, and one of the township's prominent and influential citizens, was born June 3, 1841, in Yates county, New York, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Sutfin) White. The paternal grandfather's name was also Daniel, and this cognomen has been borne by a son of the family for as many generations of which there is any record. This branch of the White family came to Ohio in 1846, locating in Huron, Subsequently they made the journey from there to New London by wagon, and here took up their residence, this being their home ever since. At the time of their advent the country in the neighborhood of New London was covered with dense forests, and the work of clearing had to be accomplished before any farming could be attempted. In this work both our subject and his sister Sarah, Mr. White's only children, assisted, and both are living to tell of the many hardships encountered and overcome. Mr. White's first wife died in 1863, and on the 6th of September of the following year he married Mrs. Sarah S. Gilbert, the widow of Titus Gilbert and the daughter of Joel and Polly (Benham) Parker. The Parkers came from Connecticut to Ohio at a very early day and were very active in promoting the development of this new land. Mr. White died January 18, 1877, a man highly respected by all who knew him, for he was industrious and frugal and of high character. His daughter, Sarah, married Llewellyn Gilbert, and is now a widow residing in Galion, Ohio.

Daniel White of this review, grew up at home, assisting in the work of clearing the soil and then in cultivating it. When the call for troops came at the beginning of the Civil war, he enlisted, August 1, 1861, in Battery B, First Ohio Light Artillery, for a period of three years, which was then thought to cover the whole length of the war. On January 4, 1864, he was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, and then, without leaving the line, was mustered in again, so that there was no break in the period of his service to his country until the close ofthe war. Although he was offered several promotions he preferred to remain a private, taking a certain pride in fighting valiantly in the ranks. His battery was attached to the Armies of the Tennessee and the Cumberland and participated in the hard fighting that fell to the share of those armies. The battery's first encounter was at Wild Cat Run, called a battle then, but in the light of subsequent events amounting to little more than a skirmish. Later it took part in the engagements at Stone River, Pellville, Kentucky, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and the subsequent encounters of the army. Although under fire so many times, Mr. White escaped without a wound and without seeing the inside of a prison, a hospital or a guardhouse. On the 22d of July, 1865, he was mustered out of the service at Cleveland, Ohio, and returned to the life of a private citizen. He came to New London, which has since been his home, and for the first five years was employed as a stationary engineer. In 1871, after his marriage, he took up farming, settling upon thirty acres of land belonging to his father-in-law. After a few years he engaged in bee culture, and for the past thirty-five years has been known in the county as one of the most successful men in this line of work. He went about it in a most thorough manner, studying the habits of the bees, their manner of work, the question of their food, just as a farmer makes a study of his soil and the rotation of crops so that he can obtain the best results from the land at his command. Mr. White is able as a result of this scientific and intelligent culture, to get from his bees a generous gift, and in the years that have come and gone they have produced tons of honey. About thirty years ago Mr. White undertook the cultivation of strawberries and at present his crop averages probably one thousand bushels. He makes a specialty of late varieties and in consequence his berries command the highest prices in the markets after the regular supply has been exhausted.

On the 3d of March, 1871, Mr. White was married to Miss Julia E. Gilbert, a daughter of Titus and Sarah (Parker) Gilbert. The Gilberts came to Ohio in 1852, from Oneida county, New York, and settled in New London township, Huron county, on the farm on which Mr. and Mrs. White now live. Mr. Gilbert was a miller by trade and on coming here intended starting a mill but lived only a year and a half after his arrival, leaving a widow and eight children. Of these Mrs. White is the youngest; Caroline, Llewellyn and Sarah have died; and Martha, Frank, Andrus and Byron are living. The sons followed in their father's footsteps, became millers and attained success and prosperity in their line of work. Mrs. Gilbert died January 25, 1881, a woman well beloved by all who knew her. To Mr. and Mrs. White there have been born four children: Bertha, the wife of Blake Andrews; Daisy, who married Clyde E. Ward, of New London; Daniel F., a resident of Detroit, Michigan, and Gilbert, of New London, Ohio.

In politics Mr. White is a republican and takes an active part in all party matters, frequently having served on the county republican committee, and almost regularly a delegate to county, district and state conventions. In the public affairs of the township he has also taken part, having served as town assessor for seven years, and now trustee of New London township, a position he has held for many years. During the years his children were in school he served as a member of the school board. He belongs to Carnation Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and is one of its charter members. In Runyon Post, No. 47, C. A. K., he has been active and has frequently been its delegate to state and national encampments. A high degree of public spirit has ever distinguished his actions. He is a hard worker, progressive in his ideas and enjoys the satisfaction of seeing his family well settled in life. At his home, ever filled with good cheer, he dispenses a genial hospitality that is. generally appreciated in the community.

Daniel Mahl

The agricultural pursuits of Sherman township find a worthy representative in Daniel Mahl, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and eight acres. A native son of Huron county, he was born on the 21st of March, 1862, a son of John D. and Catherine (Shook) Mahl, natives of Germany who early came to America and were married in this country. The father was a soldier in the German army, but after coming to the United States he took up the occupation of farming at first working for others by the month, but later on his own account. He purchased a tract of land which now comprises a part of the farm owned by the subject of this review. He and his wife became the parents of the following children: John; Jacob; Adam; Daniel; Catherine, the wife of Joseph Miller; Frank; Michael; Henry; Louisa; and Mary, deceased.

Daniel Mahl spent the days of his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, his time being divided between acquiring an education in the district schools and assisting in the work of the fields. At the age of sixteen, however, he laid aside his text-books and took up the occupation to which he was reared, and has since been continuously engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sherman township. He can remember when Huron county was mostly covered by timber and the trees had to be cut down and the native growth removed before the work of improvement could be commenced. And then, after the land had been cleared, the work of cultivation was not easy, for he has seen the time when, during planting season, the soil was so scarce that he was obliged to carry dirt in his hat with which to cover the kernels of corn being planted. Undaunted, however, by any obstacles that blocked his path, Mr. Mahl persevered during the intervening years, until today as the result of untiring industry and indefatigable energy and perseverance he has a finely improved property, the fields annually ylelding rich harvests.

On the 2d of July, 1896, Mr. Mahl was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Didion, a daughter of John J. and Rosella Didion, mention of whom is made on another page of this volume. This union was blessed with eight children, namely: Herman, born June 16, 1897; Ralph, born September 26, 1898; Carl, born March 4, 1900; Arnold, born October 24, Mary, born April 13, 1904; Irene, born March 12, 1906; Emma, born May 23, 1908; and Linus August, October 7, 1909. The family are members of the Catholic church, while politically Mr. Mahl is affiliated with the democratic party. He has never sought nor desired public office as the reward for party fealty, desiring rather to direct his entire energies and attention to his personal interests, which, capably managed, are proving a source of gratifying income to him. Having passed his entire life in Huron county he has gained an extensive circle of friends, and the fact that he is most liked where best known is an indication that his salient characteristics are such as to inspire the confidence and respect of his fellow men.

Adelbert Eugene Hanville

Adelbert Eugene Hanville, who has been engaged in the operation of a sawmill in Huron county for almost forty years, is also a dealer in hardwood lumber and is recognized as one of the successful and progressive business men of the locality where he resides. A native of Corning, New York, he was born on the 17th of April, i851, and is a son of C. W. and Mary Ann (Fowler) Hanville. The former, was born in Geneva, Cayuga county, New York, in 1826, while the latter was a native of Pennsylvania, born in the I831. After their marriage the parents resided for a time in Ulysses, Potter county, Pennsylvania, and later came to Ohio, where the father became identified with the lumber and sawmilling business at Ripley, Huron county. Subsequently he purchased a sawmill north of North Fairfield, which is now owned and operated by the subject of this review. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hanville were the following children: Adelbert Eugene, George W., Charles P., Delphene, Eva and Ella.

Adelbert Eugene Hanville, whose name introduces this record, spent the period of his boyhood and early youth in the east, attending the common schools in the acquirement of his education. He was fifteen years of age when, in 1866, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, and here he has since continued to make his home. He remained at home assisting his parents until 1870, when he purchased the mill from his father and has since continued to operate it.

The mill, which has been in existence for nearly seventy years, was burned down in 1899 but was rebuilt in the same year, and has been in continuous operation since. Mr. Hanville owns about twenty-two acres of land upon which the mill is situated. He has been very successful in his various enterprises inasmuch as they are proving a source of gratifying remuneration to him. He possesses good business ability and his close application and good management are the salient characteristics in the creditable measure of success which he now enjoys.

On the 15% of September, 1872, Mr. was united in marriage to Miss Ida E. Taylor, a daughter of Alexander and Eliza Ann (McCord) Taylor, of North Fairfield, Ohio. She was called to her final rest, however, the 12th of October, 1875, and on the 31st of March, 1876, Mr. Hanville was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Ardella Ayers, a daughter of James and Eliza Ann Lamm Ayers, the former a native of Rome, Ashtabula county, Ohio, while the latter was born in Montgomery county, Alabama. Mr. and Mrs. Ayers, who were southern people, came to the north during the Civil war as refugees, and in their family were six children, namely: Ella, John, Mary, Ada, Charles and Minnie. The second union of Mr. Hanville has been blessed with the following children: Earl, born on the 5th of February, 1880; Harry, born June 3, 1882; Iva, whose birth occurred on the 21st of September, 1884; Nellie, born September 5, 1887: Hattie, born on the 21st of November, 1889; and Geneva, on the 11th of July, 1893. All yet survive with the exception of Iva, who passed away on the 16th of August, 1907.

In politics Mr. Hanville is independent. He has been a member of the Fairfield township school board, the cause of education finding in him a stanch champion. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons at Fairfield and also holds membership with the Redmen. He is highly respected in the community in which he has resided for so many years, for he has ever led an upright, honest and honorable life, while in business affairs he has depended upon no fortunate combination of circumstances to aid him in his career, but has worked for the success which is now his, knowing that fortune favors those who labor persistently and guide their efforts by sound judgment.

Alfred A. Gates

No history of Huron county would be complete without mention of Alfred A. Gates, who was born in this county more than seventy years ago and has therefore been a witness to the changes which have been carried on within its horders during the last half century. He is, moreover, entitled to special mention this volume from the fact that at the time of the Civil war, when the country was plunged into the darkest hour of her history, he was among the first to spond to her cry for aid, and throughout the four years of hostility served with a courage and loyalty that won for him a most creditable military record. Born on the 7th of May, 1836, in Huron county, he is a son of Abigail (Ames) Gates, the former born February 4, 1789, while the latter s birth òccurred in New York on ihe 22d of September, 1784. In their family were the fol-

Alfred A. Gates, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the district schools near his father's home and was reared on the old homestead farm, assisting his father in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting, so that when he started out to farm on his own account he was well. equipped with a thorough knowledge of the best methods of agriculture. He has devoted his entire life to farming and as the years have gone by has prospered in his undertakings, being now the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. This is all under a high state of cultivation and returns excellent crops each year as a reward for the care and labor bestowed upon the fields. He has made a close study of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, is methodical. systematic and progressive in his business, and is numbered among the substantial and successful farmers of his section of the county. Moreover his dealings with his fellowmen have ever been straightforward and honorable, so that his success is well merited.

The only interruption that came in his life of intense activity was at the time of the Civil war, when, in response to the call for troops, on the 1st of July, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company E, Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and fought valiantly and bravely in defense of his country. He saw much active service and was compelled to endure many dangers and hardships, for throughout the four years of his enlistment he was almost continuously at the front. Not once, however, did he waver in his allegiance to his country and at all times, whether on the lonely picket line or in the midst of battle, he remained loyal to the old flag and the cause which it represented. He participated in the following battles: Sugar Creek; Pea Ridge; Chickasaw Mountain; Arkansas Post: Black Bayou; Jackson; Champion Hills; Siege of Vicksburg; Clinton; Brandon; Lookout Mountain; Missionary Ridge; Ringgold; Resaca; New Hope Church; Kenesaw Mountain; Peach Tree Creek; Atlanta; and Bentonville. On the 25th of July, 1865, he was honorably discharged and with a creditable military record he returned home, again taking up his agricultural pursuits.

On the 8th of November, 1865, Mr. Gates was united in marriage to Miss Frances Paine, born July 1, 1840, a daughter of Ira and Lydia (Knowlton) Paine. Unto them were born three children: Gusta, Gross and Frank. After the death of his first wife Mr. Gates was again married, his second union being with Miss Beile Stewart, the wedding occurring on the 4th of June, 1873. Mrs. Gates was born April 25, 1851, and was a daughter of David C. and Mary (LaForce) Stewart, the former born in Ohio on January 1825, while the latter's birth occurred on the 3oth of January, 1832. She had one sister, Mary. Her grandfather on the paternal side was Galbraith Stewart, who was a prominent and well known judge of Ottawa county during its pioneer days. Mr. Gates is a member of the Congregational church, while his wife belongs to the Friends Society, of which she was pastor for over twenty years. They are people of the highest worth, whose excellent traits of character have gained them the esteem and regard of their many friends throughout the community. Mr. Gates gives loyal support to the republican party and for six years has been treasurer of the township. He is preeminently a public-spirited man and in all matters of citizenship has remained as loyal to his country in times of peace as when fighting on southern battlefields.

Joel E. Snyder, a prosperous farmer of New London township, Huron county, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1850, and is a son of Andrew and Harriet (Fister) Snyder. He is of remotely Dutch descent and for several centuries members of the Snyder family have taken part in making the history of this land. In 1700 six brothers of the name came to America from Holland, three of whom settled in New York and three in Pennsylvania, one of the latter being Nicholas Snyder, the great-great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Several of the brothers participated in the American Revolution, some of their descendants served in the war of 1812, and those of the family who are living today play a not inconspicuous part in the affairs of their respective localities. Jacob Snyder, the grandfather of Joel E. Snyder, was a resident of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, a prosperous farmer and a large landowner. He had a family of thirteen children, ten sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to the age of seventy-six and several nearly reached the hundredth milestone, although Henry, who still lives in Northumberland county at the age of eighty-three, is the only survivor at present.

Andrew Snyder, the father of Joel E. Snyder, was the third from the youngest in the family of thirteen. He was a farmer and a county bridge constructor, and several of the substantial bridges and viaducts of Northumberland county were built by him or under his supervision. In April, 1866, he came to Ohio, settling in New London township, Huron county, where he pursued his farming with great success. He had a family of nineteen children by his first wife and three by a second; only eight of the nineteen, however, are alive today. They are Louisa, now Mrs. John Tonkinson, of Waverly, Nebraska ; Emma, the wife of Samuel Kauffman, of Pratt, Kansas; Joel E.; Nathan and Adam, of New London township; Charles H., of Pratt, Kansas; Mary Jane, now Mrs. Edward Osborn, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Sarah Ann, the wife of Cleabert Lilly, of Pratt, Kansas. All the children have prospered in the business they have undertaken. Mr. Snyder's first wife died September, 1877, and when he himself died, January 17, 1908, he was buried by her side in the cemetery at East Ruggles. A good man and a strong man of high principles, the citizens of the county mourned his loss.

Joel E. Snyder grew up at home on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools of the county of his birth, and, after the family moved to Ohio, in the schools of New London township. In 1876 he entered upon his business career as a traveling salesman for harvesting machinery and other farm implements, his territory being the northern counties of Ohio. Three years later he engaged in farming, first, for a year upon his father's land. In the spring of 1881 he removed to New London, where he worked at the trade of cabinetmaker, which he had learned in his youth, and for twelve years made a reputation for himself as a clever carpenter and skilful mechanic. In 1893 he again engaged in farming in New London township, and two years later purchased the farm which has since been his home. Here he carries on diversified agriculture, though he makes a specialty of potatoes and has given considerable attention to stock raising. The buildings on the land, including his own residence, are all modern and excellently constructed from his own designs and largely by his unassisted efforts. Mr. Snyder calls his place "Sand Creek," from the little creek that runs through his grounds and the quantities of sand of superior grade found there. He hauls hundreds of loads of this every year and from it derives a considerable revenue.

On the 2d of November, 1879, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Carrie May Jewell, a daughter of James and Mary Jane (Ensign) Jewell. The parents are of English birth and are residents of Lorain county, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have been born two sons: Alton Carroll and Kenneth K. The elder married Miss Tessa Tynder and they have two children, Lillian and Eldred Martin. They live in New London. Kenneth R. lives at home and manages the farm, a responsibility for which he gave up his profession of teaching.

Mr. Snyder has always taken an active interest in public matters and is well informed on all questions before the people. His political sympathies are with the republican party, on whose ticket in New London township he has been elected to the office of real estate appraiser for 1010, a testimony of the high regard which he is held by the substantial men of this locality. He belongs to no societies but his son Alton Carroll is a member of the New London Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Kenneth R. belongs to the Masonic lodge of the township. Both are fine young men. Mr. Snyder, with his wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has been for many years a class leader in the congregation and otherwise active in church and Sunday school work. He is, indeed, a fine citizen, public spirited, contributing to the progress and advancement of the community in which he lives.

Augustuste Copi

Augustus L. Coit, owning and operating an excellent farm of one hundred and twelve acres located in Fairfield township, Huron county, was born August 26, 1848, in New York city, a son of James L. and Elizabeth (Rodgers) Coit. The father was born in Connecticut on the 29th of July, 1815, while the mother, who was also born in the east, passed away when the subject of this sketch was very young. She was the mother of five children, namely: Eureka, William H., Augustus L., Eudora, and Mandora. The father was the second eldest in a family of four children born unto Elias L. and Phoebe (Brown) Coit, the others being Augustus T., Andrew Jackson and William E., two of whom were sailors.

Augustus L. Coit accompanied his parents to Ohio when very small and therefore almost his entire life has been passed within the borders of this state. He acquired his education in the district schools and remained at home, giving his father the benefit of his assistance, until he reached manhood. When he entered business upon his own account he was first identified with the stone interests in Greenfield, operating a quarry at that place for nearly twenty years, and during this period he gained a creditable degree of success, his industry, enterprise and perseverance being salient elements in his prosperity. He later became connected with agricultural pursuits, purchasing the farm upon which he now resides, which has been in his possession for about six years. It consists of one hundred and twelve acres located in Fairfield township and is one of the desirable properties of the locality. He carries on general farming, practices rotation of crops, and makes a close study of the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, and his efforts are proving most successful, returning to him a gratifying annual income.

The year 1877 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Coit and Miss Anna T. Graham, who 15 the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Meyers) Graham, and one of four children born unto that couple, the other members of the family being Henry, George and Elizabeth. Four children have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Coit, namely: Lena M., born in 188r; Morris E., born in 1883; Alma B., whose birth occurred in 1886; and Elizabeth R., born in 1893. all of whom are still under the parental roof.

In his political allegiance Mr. Coit is a stalwart republican, doing all in his power to further the influence of that party in the community, although he does not seek public preferment as a reward for party fealty. He is at present serving as a member of the board of education, and does all in his power to promote and uphold a high standard of education throughout the township. Public-spirited to a large degree, Mr. Coit's influence is always upon the side of progress, reform, improvement and advancement, and these qualities constitute him a citizen of worth in the community in which he resides.

Frank G. Fenton

An excellent farming property of ninety-seven acres in Ripley township, Huron county, pays tribute to the care and iabor of Frank C. Fenton. A native of New York, he was born on the 13th of March, 1867, a son of George and Emma (Loomis) Fenton, both natives of the Empire state, who were also the parents of the following: Charles, Arthello and Aouda. The father was a son of Stephen and Philena (Cutler) Fenton, whose family consisted of Charles, Joel, Gilbert, George, Miles and Betsy.

Frank G. Fenton acquired his education in the district schools of his native state, where he was reared to manhood, and in 1892 he came to Ohio. He was thoroughly trained to the various duties of the home farm and has been identified with farming throughout the greater part of his active business career. For a few years, however, he was engaged in a but eventually resumed farming pursuits and now is the owner of ninety-seven acres of fine land upon which he has resided since his arrival in this state. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, and the soil, which is naturally rich and productive, responds readily to the care and attention bestowed upon it, yielding annually rich golden harvests. Possessing excellent business ability, Mr. Fenton has so wisely and carefully conducted his farming interests that he has won substantial success and is ranked among the progressive and representative agriculturists of his section of the county.

Mr. Fenton was united in marriage on November 2, 1892, to Miss Bertha Thomas, a native of Ripley township, born on the 16th of February, 1861. She is a daughter of Sylvanus W. and Sarah Ann (Marcy) Thomas, the other members of whose family were Ida, George, Carrie and Charles Thomas. The father, who was born January 20, 1824, in New York, is a son of George and Adeline (Baker) Thomas, and a brother of Levi, George, Uriah, Fayette, Andrew, Alvira, Isabender and Walter Thomas. He followed the occupation of farming and was considered one of the best sheep breeders in the state of Ohio. He was also very well known in local political affairs and served as township treasurer for several years. His wife, who was the daughter of Abram and Sarah (Fisher) Marcy, was born in Connecticut on the 9th of November, 1822, and by her marriage to Mr. Thomas became the mother of three daughters: Maria, Sarah and Esther. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fenton has been born one child, Florence, whose birth occurred June 17, 1895.

They are members of the Congregational church, in which Mr. Fenton is serving as deacon and also as superintendent of the Sunday school. and are people of excellent traits of character, occupying a high place in the regard of their friends and neighbors. He is stalwart in his support of republican principles which, in his opinion, are most conducive to good government, but he has never desired nor sought office for himself. He has, however, served a number of times as a member of the township school board, the cause of education finding in him a warm champion. He is public-spirited in his citizenship, at all times lending his influence to those measures which have for their object the material, political, intellectual and moral welfare of the community. His salient characteristics have ever been in accord with the principles of honorable and upright manhood, and he ranks foremost among the valued citizens of the community.

Frank T. Guess

Among those who can justly claim the proud title of self-made man is Frank T. Guess, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Fairfield township, Huron county. A native of England, he was born in Boughton, Chelsea, County of Kent, on the 16th of May, 1865, a son of John and Mary Ann (Manser) Guess, both natives of England, the former born in 1826 and the latter in 1836. They were farming people in their native country, where they were married, and continued to engage in that occupation after their arrival in the United States. In their family were four sons and two daugbters, as follows: George, John Henry, Frank Thomas, Frederick Alfred, Elizabeth Alice and Clara Isabel.

In 1884, when a young man of nineteen years, Frank T. Guess left England, and came with his parents to the United States. settlement being made in Ohio.

He had acquired his education in the schools of his native country and after arriving in this state remained upon his father's farm, assisting in the work of the fields, until he had attained his majority, when he entered business on his own account as a farmer and has been connected with agricultural pursuits continuously since. He now resides upon a farm of fifty acres, which he has now owned for six years, and to the improvement of which he directs his entire time and attention. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, has carried on his farming along progressive and up-to-date methods, and through his industry, enterprise and perseverance is meeting with gratifying success. Outside of his agricultural interests he is a stockholder in the Boughtonville Telephone Company, of which company he was one of the organizers.

In 1891 Mr. Guess returned to England, where he was united in marriage to Miss Keturah Clinch, who was born in South Green, Stockbury, in Kent. She is a daughter of John and Keturah Clinch also natives of England. Both Mr. and Mrs. Guess are members of the Methodist church, while politically Mr. Guess gives his allegiance to the republican partv. He has crossed the Atlantic six times and the North Sea twice while he has traveled considerably throughout the west, and he relates many interesting incidents in connection with his various trips. He is truly a self-made man, for although he started out in life without any special advantages at the outset, by earnest, persistent and unfaltering effort he has made progress in the business world and is now ranked among the progressive and enterprising farmers of Fairfield county.

Henry Linder

Henry Linder, who has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and is now operating a farm of eighty acres in Sherman township, is a native son of Huron county, born November 20, 1852. He is a son of Lawrence and Catherine (Hurtz) Linder, botli now deceased. The parents were born in Germany and came to America at an early date with their respective parents. The father followed the occupation 5f farming throughout his residence in this country. Of their family Henry Linder was the eldest, the remaining members being: Conrad; John; Elizabeth, the wife of George Krause; Catherine, who married Philip Conradi; Barbara, deceased; George; Lawrence; and Lena, the wife of Charles P. Eichenlaub.

The district schools of Peru township afforded Henry Linder his educational advantages, and he remained a student therein until seventeen years of age, when he put aside his text-books and began earning his own livelihood as a farm hand, working by the month. He was thus engaged for six years and then he purchased the farm upon which he now resides. He directs his energies toward general husbandry and the attention which he has given to his farm has made it one of the neat and well improved properties of the township. He practices rotation of crops, has made a thorough study of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and the best methods of cultivating each, is a progressive and practical farmer who is winning a creditable degree of success.

In 1884 he married Miss Minnie Linder, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Swan) Linder, who were prominent farmers and early settlers of Huron county, Ohio. Although the name is the same, the families are not related in any way. Mrs. Henry Linder is the youngest in a family of five children, the other members being George, Lena, Catherine and Lawrence. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children, namely: Elizabeth, born in August, 1885; Louis, whose birth occurred in October, 1888; and Karl, born in January, 1892. The two eldest attended the district schools, and are now at home, assisting their parents with the farm work, while the ycungest, Karl, is a student at the Lutheran University of Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Linder are members of the Lutheran church and are interested in the various phases of church work. Mr. Linder is a democrat in politics where national questions are at issue, but is independent where local matters are concerned, voting for the best men, regardless of their party affiliation. His life has been a busy and useful one and the qualities of honorable manhood and good citizenship have been his. He is held in high regard wherever known and has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

Isaac H. Robinson

Isaac H. Robinson is a typical farmer of the up-to-date class who utilizes modern machinery and methods to cultivate his soil and conduct the business of his farm. He owns one hundred and thirty-five acres in Norwich township and is of the third generation to own the property which was purchased by his paternal grandfather for three dollars per acre. He sold it to his son Wesley Robinson, and from him Isaac H. Robinson bought it. This farm is one of the best in the township, is well tiled and has on it a commodious brick house and good barns. The tiling was done during Wesley Robinson's life.

{saac H. Robinson was born on the farm where he now resides, February 8, 1849, being a son of Wesley and Mary (Bennett) Robinson, and grandson of William and Letitia Robinson, who passed most of their lives in Ohio, and of Isaac H. and Sally Bennett, natives of New York state. His father followed farming throughout his life, operating the place he bought from his father. He was a man of consequence in his locality, serving as justice of the peace in Norwich township for many years, and was a democrat in political faith. Isaac H. Robinson was his second son, the other children being William, who lives Grass Lake, Michigan; George, who lives in Huron county; and Daniel, who died in March, 1909.

On October 30, 1872, Isaac H. Robinson married Isadora Bramble, a daughter of John and Laura (Hossford) Bramble. Her father was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, and her mother in Huron county. They were the parents of the following children: Virginia, who is deceased; Izora, who married Nelson Wilson; and Isadora, who became Mrs. Robinson, and Rowland, who is deceased. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are: Laura, the wife of Chester Dooley, living in Peru township by whom she has one daughter Helen; and

Isaac H. Robinson was educated in the district school of Norwich township and since reaching manhood, has served very acceptably as school director and road supervisor. He is one of the prominent democrats of his locality and fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order at Attica, Ohio, and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Centerton, Ohio. The family belong to the Methodist church. Having lived in Norwich township all his life, Mr. Robinson has watched its development with great interest and has never failed to respond when there was need of his help in furthering public improvements that he believed would conserve the best interests of the people.

The industry, energy and thrift of W. F. Huffman is at once manifest in the excellent appearance of his farm of one hundred and twenty acres which is located in Ripley township, Huron county, and constitutes one of the valuable farming properties of that section of the county. A native of Ripley township, he was born on the 12th of February, 1864, and he and his brother Marshall are the only children of Artemus and Agnes (Allen) Huffman, natives of New York, the former born on the 11th of March, 1837, and the latter in Ithaca on the 16th of January, 1842. The father was the son of Solomon and Sarah Huffman, both natives of the Empire state, whose family consisted of William, Artemus, Leonard, Henry, Sarah, Martha, Mary, Margaret and Christina. James and Jane (Crosby) Allen were the parents of Agnes Allen, who was a sister of James, Andrew, Leonard, William, Joseph, Henry, Thomas, Mary Ann, Jennie and Esther Allen.

No event of especial importance came to vary the routine of life for W. F. Huffman during the period of his boyhood and youth, which was passed upon the home farm, his time being divided between acquiring an education in the district schools and assisting his father in the work of the fields. Under the careful direction of the latter he early learned lessons concerning the value of industry, energy and perseverance, and these elements continued to be salient qualities in his later business career. His farm of one hundred and twenty acres is under a high state of cultivation, and in its midst are found commodious barns and outbuildings, while Mr. Huffman has introduced all of the modern accessories and conveniences for facilitating labor, the place being equipped with everything that goes to make up a model farm o: the nineteenth century.

Mr. Huffman was united in marriage on the 9th of December, 1885, to Miss Eva Barre, who was born on the of April, 1864, and is a daughter of Wellington and Deborah (Gifford) Barre. Her parents were both natives of Ripley township, the father having been born in 1837 while the mother's birth occurred on the 4th of July, 1842. In their family were the following children: Eva, Della, Henry, Lee, Wade and Vernon. In the family of her paternal grandparents were fifteen children, namely: Wellington, David, Lyman, Jonathan, Herman, Ira,

Dwight, Corvis, James, Henry, Cornelia, Jane, Jessie, Marietta and Josephine. Her maternal grandparents were Edward and Almira (Salisbury) Gifford, residents of New York, whose family consisted of Deborah, Frank, Horace and Bursha. Corvis Huffman, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Huffman, was born on Christmas day of 1894.

Mr. Huffman and his wife hold membership in the Disciples church, their lives ever being in harmony with the teachings thereof. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Huffman has given stalwart support to the republican party and he is now acting as township trustee, having filled that office for seven years. Having resided in this county throughout his entire life he is well and favorably known here and his straightforward and honorable deaiings have won for him the warm regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.

Investigation into the history of Ohio indicates that the Perrys came to the state during pioneer times and were active in clearing away the wilderness and utilizing the rich soil for farming purposes. The great-grandparents of him whose name introduces this review were Joseph and Sarah (Seward) Perrv, the latter a relative of Secretary Seward of President Lincoln's cabinet. Among their children was Daniel Perry, who on arriving at years of maturity wedded Elizabeth Dow Tillson, a daughter of Thomas and Azubah (Noyes) Tillson. Unto Daniel and Elizabeth (Dow) Perry were born seven children: Edwin Louis, Charles Higgins, Dorcas Azubah, Seward Anna Lucinda, Elizabeth and Willie Daniel.

Edwin Louis Perry, the father of Thayer K. Perry, was born in Peru township, Huron county, Oho, November 13, 1841, and was reared in the usual manner of farm lads of the period, his education being acquired in the public schools. the Baldwin University at Berea, Ohio, and Western Reserve Normal School, of Milan, Ohio, while under the direction of his father he received his training in the work of the fields. In the year 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Emily Tamar Ruggles, who was born July 20, 1843, in Ridgefield township, this county. The Ruggles family is also numbered among those that formulated the pioneer development of this part of the state. Her paternal grandparents were Eden and Artemisia (Jackson) Ruggles, of Connecticut, and the family is an old one of New England. Their son, Martin Luther Ruggles, the father of Mrs. Emily Perry, was born in Connecticut, November 13, 1803. He spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native state and about 1824, when twenty-one years of age, sought a home in what was then the far west. In the primitive manner of the times he journeyed to Huron county, Ohio, and took up his abode in Ridgefield township, amid the wild scenes and environments of frontier life. Here he followed his vocation as a skilled mechanic. He was married to Miss Fidelia Webb, who was born in New York, September 25, 1808, and their chil-

Of this family Emily became the wife of Edwin L. Perry in 1866, and they have since traveled life's journey happily together. Mr. Perry is a man of liberal education, who supplemented his early advantages by study in Berea, Ohio, and in the Milan Normal School. He engaged in teaching for one term and with the exception of that period has devoted his entire life to general farming since attaining man's estate. He has been a busy man, actively engaged in the tilling of his fields, and the excellent appearance of his place is indicative of his careful supervision and progressive methods. In politics he is independent, voting for principle rather than for party. His wife is a lady of broad culture, who supplemented her public school privileges by further study in the Western Reserve Normal School at Milan, Ohio. It was while they were students there that Mr. and Mrs. Perry became acquainted and their friendship ripened into love and was consummated in marriage. Mrs. Perry engaged in teaching school for five years and has always been a warm advocate of the cause of education. Both Mr. and Mrs. Perry are members of the Baptist church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part, doing all in their power to promote the growth of the church and extend its influence. Mr. Perry has served as deacon in the church and as Sunday school superintendent and teacher of the Bible class.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Perry have been born ten children: Ralph, Edith, Irene, Floyd, Daisy, Beth, Gladys, Branch, Thayer and one who died in infancy. Of this family Thayer K. Perry, whose name introduces this review, was born May 20, 1889. He has become an active assistant in the work of the home farm and is numbered among the enterprising young agriculturists of the community. In his business affairs he displays keen discrimination and sound judgment and he is proving himself a worthy representative of one of the leading families of thecounty. He is now teaching school in his second year.

George W. Hanville

The business interests of Boughtonville find a worthy representative in George W. Hanville, a well known and prominent lumber merchant who also engages in the operation of a sawmill and at the same time cultivates a farm of sixty-five acres of fine land in Ripley township. A native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurred on the 18th of October, 1852, his parents being C. W. and Mary Ann (Fowler) Hanville, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. The former, who was born in 1826, was for some time connected with the sawmill and lumber business at Lodi, Ohio, and later was the proprietor of a sawmill near North Fairfield, which is now operated by his son Adelbert Eugene. His wife was born in 1831 and by her marriage became the mother of the following children: Adelbert Eugene, George W., Charles P., Delphene, Eva and Ella. i

George W. Hanville attended the schools of his native state in the acquirement of an education, and when about fourteen years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, where he has since continued to reside. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, and during the meantime, under the direction of his father, he gained a thorough and intimate knowledge of the lumber business, so that later, when entering upon an independent business career, he was fully qualified to carry on an enterprise of that nature on his own account. For the past thirty-five years he has conducted an extensive lumber business, buying and shipping hard and soft lumber, while he also operates a sawmill, in which connection he planes and matches lumber and does considerable custom work. He is likewise the owner of sixty-five acres of excellent farm land situated in Ripley township, upon which he carries on general agricultural pursuits. He is preeminently a man of affairs and is conducting his various enterprises in a systematic, progressive and business-like manner that is winning for him a high place among the leading business men of the community.

It was on the 25th of October, 1875, that Mr. Hanville was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Ann Maynard, who was born November 8, 1852, a daughter of D. Z. Maynard, of whom further mention is made in the sketch of A. D. Maynard, found on another page of this volume. Unto this union has been born four children namely: Arthur E., William D., George J. and Lena B. Mr. Hanville and his wife are members of the Disciples church, while Mr. Hanville gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community and gives loyal support to many measures for the general good. His worth as a business man is widely acknowledged, for he has made good use of his opportunities and has forged his way to the front, proving that energy and diligence constitute a safe basis upon which to build success. Honorable and straightforward in his business dealings, he may be termed a sound, substantial citizen, who keeps his promises, meets his obligations and is loyal to every trust.

Frederick Hearson

Frederick Hearson, who carries on general farming on his tract of land of ninety acres in Fairfield township, was born in Erie county, Ohio, December 17, 1852, his parents being Thomas and Sarah Ann (Temple) Hearson, both of whom were natives of England, in which country they were married. The year 1850 witnessed their emigration to the United States. In their family were the following children: John, George, Richard, Frederick, Frank, Elizann and Sarah.

Frederick Hearson has followed general agricultural pursuits as a life work and by reason of his industry, energy and capable management has won a goodly measure of success in his undertakings. He now owns a well improved and productive farm of ninety acres in Fairfield township, which he purchased in 1908, having previously disposed of his farm of one hundred and seven acres in Hartland township, Huron county. For a period of nineteen years he had been a resident of Lyme township. For the past year, however, he has been numbered among the prosperous and enterprising agriculturists of Fairfield township. Through modern methods of farming he keeps his land in good condition and everything about the place indicates his careful supervision and practical methods.

In 1877 Mr. Hearson was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Parsons, a daughter of John and Emma (Stafford) Parsons. She was one of a family of six children, her brothers and sisters being as follows: George, Thomas, Susie, Mary and Izzie. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hearson have been born three children, namely: Charles Edward, who wedded Miss Mary Walker and lives in Toledo, where he is employed as a motorman ; Edith May, the wife of Joseph Brandal, of Bellevue, Ohio; and Olive.

In his political views Mr. Hearson is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, as every true American citizen should do. He belongs to the Methodist church and his life is in harmony with his professions. The circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances and all who know him entertain for him the warmest esteem and regard.

Nelson Van Aken

Nelson Van Aken, a general farmer and stock-raiser of Ripley township, operating a fine farm of two hundred and eleven acres, was born in New York on the 22d of September, 1859, a son of Elijah and Sarah (Brooks) Van Aken. He was one of a family of seven children born unto that worthy couple, the others being Lewis, Minerva, Marinda, Walter, Marshall and Millard.

In the state of his nativity Nelson Van Aken was reared to manhood, attending the district schools in the acquirement of an education. In 1882, when a young man of twenty-three years, he came to Ohio, settling in Ripley township, where he purchased his present farm upon which he has continued to make his home throughout the twenty-seven years of his residence in this state. The period of his youth had been passed amid the scenes and environments of rural life, so that at an early age he had become familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad, and under the direction of his father had learned lessons concerning the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. That his early training was thorough and comprehensive is indicated in the fact that since taking up agricultural pursuits on his own account he has been very prosperous. His home farm comprises two hundred and eleven acres of finely improved land, in the midst of which stand commodious and substantial buildings, while everything about the place indicates that he 15 in touch with the modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines. Along with his general farming he engages stock-raising, and in both branches of his business is meeting with gratifying success.

It was in the year 1883 that Mr. Van Aken was united in marriage with Miss Belle McClain, a daughter of J. K. and Angeline (Jonstein) McClain and a sister of John C., Albert, Carrie and Cora McClain. Unto this union was born one child, May. Mr. Van Aken holds membership with the Maccabees and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while in politics he gives his support to the republican party. He neither desires nor seeks office, however, prefer- ring to devote his time and attention entirely to the conduct of his business affairs which, under his careful control, are proving a source of most gratifying prosperity. During his residence in this community he has gained a circle of warm friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

George W. Holtz

George W. Holtz, one of Richmond township's prosperous native farmers, owns fifty-two and a half acres of well improved land, on which he pursues a general line of agriculture. He was born March 6, 1851, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Musser) Holtz. The father, who was a son of Jacob Holtz, was like the latter a native of Perry county, Pennsylvania. At the age of seven he came with his parents to Ohio, settled in Richland county, which remained his home for some years after his marriage, when he removed to Richmond township, Huron county, where he had bought about fifty acres of land. At the time of the purchase the farm was virgin soil, and Mr. Holtz had to clear away the timber before he could plant his crops. They proved to be fertile fields, however, and remained his home until his death, although by that time he had added one hundred and eight acres to his real-estate holdings. Mr. Holtz was married twice. His first wife, who was Miss Elizabeth Musser in her maidenhood, died in 1863, when her son George W. was about twelve years old.. She had borne a family of five children: William, deceased; George W. and John W., who were twins; Sarah, now deceased, who married George Elston and lived in Breckenridge, Colorado; and Jennie, deceased, who was the wife of Elijah Limes and lived in Van Wert county, Ohio. Miss Sarah Thompson was the bride of Mr. Holtz's second marriage. She lived, however, only three years after their union, having become the mother of one daughter, Laura, who has been married twice, John Trotter having been her first husband, and Casius Gump her second. Mr. Holtz, who died May 2, 1898, and the deceased members of his family are buried in Union Bethel cemetery in Richmond township.

George W. Holtz attended the district schools of Richmond township, thougii the education he received was comparatively meager, for he was compelled to leave school when he was seventeen and during his earlier years could only spend two or three months at school each winter, for his assistance was needed on the farm as early and as late as the weather would permit. To agriculture he has devoted his time throughout life, for it was but in the course of the farm work that he became a skillful manager of a threshing machine and hay baler. Richmond township has always been his home, save for the three years he lived in Chicago, Ohio. However, he has made three trips west, for pleasure and to view the grandeurs of the western scenery. After his marriage the first land Mr. Holtz bought was a tract in Richmond township consisting of forty acres, which he purchased from Joseph Rush, but he later traded that for a farm of eighty-five acres, making up the difference in price with cash. He was soon able to add thirty acres to the tract, thus bringing his holdings to one hundred and fifteen acres, to which fifty-two and a half acres were added about the same time through an inheritance. Subsequently he bought the farm on which he now lives and has sold the rest of his land, though he still retains some property in Chicago, Ohio.

Mr. Holtz has been married twice. Miss Susan Pickens, his first wife, to whom he was united November 29, 1872, was a daughter of Chris Pickens. By her marriage she became the mother of five children: James W., who lives in Utah; Irvin W., a resident of Attica, Ohio; Jacob, of Huron county; Vernon C., who died in his twenty-first year; and Jennie B., who lives in Toledo, Ohio. After his first wife's death, Mr. Holtz married Miss Esther Mathilda Waltz, a daughter of John G. and Myra (Casey) Waltz. Her father was born in Germany, but her mother was a native of Virginia and is still living, in Chicago, Ohio, celebrating the eighty-third anniversary of her birth, October 4, 1909, and enjoying good health. Mrs. Holtz was the eldest of four children, the others being Margaret Elizabeth, the wife of T. W. Bussard; Jacob D., who lives in California; and Amanda Catherine, the wife of W. A. Miller, of Wood county, Ohio. By Mr. Holtz's second marriage there was born one daughter, Anna Marion, who died in her ninth year.

A. democrat in his political views, Mr. Holtz takes a vital interest in matters that concern the welfare of his fellow citizens, though he could never be called either a politician or an office-seeker. He has, however, served the community in the capacity of road supervisor and has been a member of the school board, and his influence is ever given to what he believes to be right. His religious affiliations are with the United Brethren. A hard working man, a generous competence has rewarded his labors, and he has been able to add improvements to his farm, has remodeled the house, built new sheds and put a new roof on the barn, all things bespeaking his industry and good management.

George A. Hassinger

One of the farmers of Ripley township, whose earnest efforts have been crowned with success is George A. Hassinger, who owns a farm of fifty-seven acres in the vicinity of the little village of Boughtonville. Though not one of Ohio's native sons, for more than a quarter of a century he has made this state his home and the scene of his toils. He was born March 29, 1866, in Blaine, Perry county, Pennsylvania. His parents, Samuel and Margaret (Trostle) Hassinger, were also tives of the Keystone state and were respectively the son and daughter of William Hassinger, and Henry and Elizabeth Trostle. Mr. and Mrs. Hassinger became the parents of seven children: William H., George A., Sadie, Ida, David, Laura and Alfred.

George A. Hassinger, the second son in this family, was reared in his Pennsylvania home until he was sixteen, receiving such education as a farmer's boy might acquire in the district schools when the time of year made it impossible for him to work in the fields. In 1882 he came to Ohio, finding employment on different farms and following the painter's trade which he had learned. About five years ago he bought the place on which he now lives and has devoted himself more and more exclusively to the work of cultivating his fields. He still, now and then, however, does a day's or week's work at his trade and is accounted a skillful artisan.

George A. Hassinger was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Dick, December 14, 1888, She was born in Richland county, on a farm near Shelby. in the year 1862 and is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Buskey) Dick, who were likewise of Ohio birth and were blessed with six children: Franklin, Alice, Minnie, Olivia, Jennie and Margaret. In Mr. and Mrs. Hassinger's family there are three children: Alverda, who was born January 25, 1892; Foster, who was born January 7, 1894; and Edna, born August 7, 1897.

The family are members of the Methodist church at Delphi and are not only punctilious in their attendance at its services but are also zealous in their practical application of its teachings. Politically Mr. Hassinger is a stanch democrat and is ever loyal in his support of the candidates of that party. He does not identify himself inimately with the public life of the township, however, although he has filled the position of school director, acquitting himself of his duties honorably. He has been active in promoting measures advantageous to his fellows, one having been the organization of the Boughtonville Telephone Company, of which he is a member. A man who has been dependent upon his own exertions for what he would possess in this world, he cannot but be gratified by the success with which they have been attended.

Rev. Michael J. Coan

The Rev. Michael J. Coan, pastor of St. Francis Xaviers Catholic church at Chicago, Ohio, has been in charge here for four years, during which time he has firmly established himself in the hearts of his people and gained the full confidence of the citizens of this place. He is a native of Ireland, where he was born August 12, I875, and is a son. of Michael and Bridget (Muldoon) Coan, who were also natives of that country. They never left the Emerald Isle, but both died there. The grandfather on the paternal side, Patrick Coan, also died in Ireland. There were the following children in the family of Michael Coan and his wife: Myria, who married M. P. Hagarty and lives in Massachusetts; Anna ; Catherine; Margaret, who is known as Sister Mary Peter, and Elizabeth, who is known as Sister Mary Clementine, both in a convent at Springfield, Massachusetts; Sarah, who lives in Massachusetts; Bridget, residing in Pittsfield, Massachusetts; John, who never left Ireland; and Michael J.

Father Coan first attended the national schools of Ireland, but when only seventeen he came to the United States and for one year worked in a dry-goods store in Boston, Massachusetts. He then began studying for the priesthood at the Holy Cross College, Worcester, Massachusetts, and after finishing there, he entered St. Bernard College at Rochester, New York, where he was ordained in 1904. by Bishop McQuaid. He was then sent to Cleveland, Ohio, where he served as assistant priest for one year in St. Philomena's church. On July r9, 1005, he was given charge of the church at Chicago, Ohio, and since he has assumed control

Father Coan is a scholarly man, learned in the lore of his church and possessed of a deeply sympathetic nature that enables him to touch the hearts of his people. He is a!so an excellent business man, and the affairs of his parish are in a very flourishing condition under his capable management.

Ezra S. Jennings

During the period of pioneer development in Huron county Ezra S. Jennings became a resident of this part of the state and remained here until his demise, continuing throughout the entire period as one of the respected and highly esteemed agriculturists and citizens of this section of Ohio. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, on the 21st of August, 1827, and was a son of Walter Jennings and a grandson of Daniel Jennings. The last named was born in Connecticut, October I4, 1770, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 14th of March, 1840, when he passed away at the age of sixty-nine. His wife, Phoebe Jennings, was born in Connecticut on the 14th of February, 1773. Their children were as follows: Walter, born in 1798; Rhoda; Eunice; Gregory, born in 1805; Ezra, in 1806 ; Abigail, in 1809: Daniel, in 1811 ; Gershem, in 1813; Sarah, in 7815; Esther, in 1817; and Alva, in 1819.

Of this family Walter Jennings became the father of Ezra S. Jennings. He was born near Bridgeport, Connecticut, on the 31st of May, 1798, and resided in that state until 1835. In the meantime he married, his wife, Mrs. Rhoda nings, having been born near Bridgeport on Christmas day of 1802. "Their children were: Ezra S., Gregory, Nelson, Mary Ann, Sarah, and twins, who died in infancy.

Ezra S. Jennings spent the first eight years of his life in the state of his nativity and in 1835 accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Ohio. The journey was made by way of the Erie canal to Buffalo and thence by way of Lake Erie to Huron. From that point they traveled by wagon to Fairfield township. Upon reaching their destination the father purchased nine acres of land on which was an old log cabin. There were only two frame houses within ten miles and there were still many evidences of pioneer life to be seen. Deer were often seen in the forests and turkeys and other kinds of wild game were very numerous. The native timber was uncut and only here and there had a clearing been made to show that civilization was begun. As the years passed, however, the Jennings family became active factors in the work of general progress and improvement here.

Ezra S. Jennings was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life and shared with the family in all of the hardships and trials incident to establishing a home on the frontier. He assisted in the arduous task of developing new land and throughout his entire life he followed the occupation of farming. He made preparations for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 28th of November, 1850, to Miss Harriet R. Godden, who was born in Utica, New

York, the 23d of October, 1820. the year 1834 she was brought to Fairfield township, Huron county, by her parents, William H. and Lucina (Butler) Godden. The father was a native of Albany, New York, born August, 6, 1804, and on the 8th of January, 1826, he married Lucina Butler, whose birth occurred at Lee, Oneida county. New York, June 19, 1809. Their children were: Elizabeth, John, Emory, Mary, Jennie, Sarah, Lucinda, Julia and Harriet. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Jennings was John Godden, a native of Westmoreland, New Jersey, whose family included: John, David, Elizabeth, Nancy, Charlotte, Sarah, and William H. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Jennings was Jonathan Butler, who was born in the state of New York, August 1, 1781. He married Lucina Wright, whose birth occurred in Connecticut, December 26, 1779. Their children were: Ezra, Adin, Harriet, Edward and Lucinda.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ezra S. Jennings began their domestic life upon a farm in Huron county and as the years passed eight children were added to the household, namely: Desseline E., Byron E., Edwin K., Mary Louisa, Edson Grant, Herbert Floyd, Hattie May and Lena Rivers.

Mr. Jennings worked persistently and earnestly to develop his fields and bring his farm under a high state of cultivation. He lived to witness many changes in the methods of farm work. In his youthful days there was little of the modern machinery now used. He saw the introduction of the thresher, cultivator, riding plow and the self-binder, and at all times he kept abreast with the trend of advancement in agricultural lines. He continued to successfully carry on his farming operations until 1899, when, having reached the age of seventy-two years, he retired to private life and with a comfortable competency removed to North Fairfield, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest, his death occurring in 1907. Mrs. Jennings was always a faithful helpmate to her husband and her wise counsel as well as her labors was of much assistance to him as the years passed by. She has now reached the advanced age of eighty years and is held in the highest regard by young and old, rich and poor, throughout the part of Huron county in which she makes her home.

John Robert Cox

John Robert Cox, a substantial farmer of Richmond township, Huron county, and the owner of the fifty-two acres on which he lives, was born in this township, February 12, 1857, and is a son of Abraham and Margaret (Pollinger) Cox. The parents were also natives of this state, the father having been born in Carlton, the mother in Huron county, and both were early habituated to the hardships of farm life, for their parents were among the early settlers who had to make ready the land before they could put in their crops. The mother and father died in 1859, leaving two children, the eldest, John Robert, of this review, being but two years old. William, the other child, is now a resident of Richmond township.

Upon the death of his parents John Robert Cox was taken by his maternal grandfather, Abraham Pollinger, with whom he lived until he died. He attended the district schools, from which his education was derived, until he became twen- ty-one, though all his vacations and the early spring and fall months were devoted to the work that was carried on on his grandfather's farm. Upon the death of Mr. Pollinger, Mr. Cox bought the land from the other heirs. He has found it to be arable soil, that had been kept in good condition during his grandfather's lifetime. Indeed the latter had cleared it himself, with the help of Daniel Pollinger, in the early days of Richmond township. From his childhood trained in the practical cultivation of a farm, Mr. Cox has known how to obtain the very best returns possible from the land at his disposal. He has not shirked hard work and feels that he reaps an abundant harvest for his many hours of toil.

In November, 1884, Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Elma Kirkwood, a daughter of Lewis and Anna Kirkwood. The parents were numbered among those stalwart settlers who prepared the way for the conditions of the present. They are survived by six children: Thomas, the eldest of the family; Myria, who married John Couch and lives in Chicago, Ohio; Charles, unmarried ; Elma, who became Mrs. Cox; Amos, also unmarried ; and Jessie, who became the wife of Willis Harmon and lives in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have one daughter, Mabel Fern, who married James Dawson, a farmer of Seneca county, Ohio.

Following in the footsteps of his father who joined the republican party when it was first being organized, Mr. Cox has always cast his vote for its candidates, not through a blind acceptance of his father's principles alone but because he believes that in its platform are included some of the best principles for the government of a nation. Although he has not taken a very active part in public matters, Mr. Cox served one term as road supervisor. He belongs to the Church of God in Richmond township and is zealous in fulfiling his religious duties and generous in his contributions to the support of the church.

Howard Lofland

Howard Lofland, who for more than two score years has lived upon the farm in Ripley township which is now his home, was born near Plymouth, in Richland county, Ohio, October 9, 1848, and is a son of Solomon and Eleanor (Tyson) Lofland. The father, who was born near Mansfield, Ohio, in ISIC, was a son of Thomas Lofland and a brother of Dorman and Comfort. The mother was born in England in 1812 and was about twelve years of age when her parents, William and Ann Tyson, came to America. They settled in Richland county, Ohio, near Plymouth, and contributed their share toward making the county a farming section, for they had to hew their fields out of the forests. Mrs. Lofland was the youngest of four children, William, John and George being her elder brothers. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Lofland was born eleven children: William, Henry, Smith, Howard, Charles, Ned, Thomas, one deceased, Jane, Frances and Emma.

Howard Lofland grew up under the careful guidance of his parents, from whom he received that instruction in the principles which should guide his life and which have proved of inestimable value to him as the years have passed. His early education, however, the training in the rudiments of English learning, was received in the little district school, and had it not been supplemented by practical experience would scarcely have sufficed for the business of life. Upon the completion of the course of study prescribed by his teachers, Mr. Lofland turned to the serious work of the farm, assisting his father in whatever way he could, and then assuming full charge of affairs as the older man's advancing age made it increasingly difficult for him to do the heavier labor. About twenty years ago his father was released from the cares of this world and Mr. Lofland bought the farm from his heirs and has since had possession of it. A fine tract of ninetynine acres, it well repays the earnest work he puts upon it.

In 1878 Mr. Lofland was married to Miss Lucy Mutler, of Plymouth, and a daughter, Ida, was born to them in 1879. After the death of his first wife Mr. Lofland married, October 9, 1888, Miss Catherine Monteith, who was born in Ireland in January, 1861, and was but four years old when brought by her parents, and Catherine (Baird) Monteith, to this country. The family settled in Plymouth, Ohio, and there the children - John, Andrew, Mary and Catherine - grew to maturity. Of Mr. Lofland's second marriage there has been but one child born, Carl Monteith, whose birth occurred April 16, 1890. He is a promising voung man who is now in the employ of the People's Bank at Plymouth.

Mr. Lofland and the members of his family belong to the Presbyterian church and are loyal in their support of its doctrines. Politically he adheres stanchly to the republican party, believing that in its platform are embodied the best principles for the government of a nation. A hard working man, he has won success from a difficult life through his own efforts and not through the misfortunes of others less able to withstand the struggles of life.

Jacob M. Fink

Jacob M. Fink, a prosperous member of the farming community of Richmond township, was born on the farm on which he now lives, October 6, 1854, and is a son of John R. Fink and his wife, who before her marriage was Miss Matilda Miller. On the paternal side he is of remotely French descent, and on the maternal of German, though for several generations both families have been of American birth and have participated in the affairs of this country. John R. Fink was born February 22, 1826, and like his father, John S. Fink, was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where also was born, January rr, 1828, the woman who became his wife. In 1854 John R. Fink came with his family to Richmond township, Huron county, settling on the farm where his son now lives. Two years later, however, he removed to the farm adjoining it on the east, on which he passed the remainder of his days. The Fink family are thus widely interested in the farming conditions of the township.

Jacob M. Fink was reared on the home farm, devoting himself to the necessary work during bis vacation periods and even during the few months when the schools were in session, for with the majority of farmer's boys lessons find what place they can in the midst of sterner duties. He married Miss Martha

Beamer, December 23, 1883. She is a daughter of Mathias and Margaret (Thompson) Beamer, both natives of Ohio, the father having been born in Tuscarawas county, the mother in Carroll county. They were married in the former county, then removed to Van Wert county, whence they came to Huron county, where they resided the remainder of their lives and where they were buried when they were released from the cares of this world, the father September 1898, the mother less than six months later, February 23, 1800. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Elizabeth, who is deceased, was the wife of John Faint; Hannah married George Cole; John F. was the fourth child; Anna married Jacob Rapp; Lucinda first married Louis Rapp and after his death married Lewis Livenspiker; Ellen became the wife of Charles H. Clark; Allen was the seventh in the family; and Martha is the wife of Jacob M. Fink, of this review; and Emma is the wife of Sam Garber.

On the farm which has ever been his home and from the field whose character he knows so well, Mr. Fink obtains more than the necessities of life, being the owner of one hundred and thirty-six acres of well improved land. By skill and industry he has been able to reap bountiful harvests and by thrift and good management he has been able to save something from each year's yield. He has not taken part in the public life of the township, for the cares of his farm have left him little time for other matters.

William W. Hopkins

William W. Hopkins, a farmer of Greenwich township and also a contracting builder, is a well known citizen of the county, being especially active in Grand Army matters, having been a worthy wearer of the blue during the trying days from 1861 to 1865. He was born September 27, 1844, and is a native of the township where he resides. His parents were Willard K. and Jane U. (Easterly) Hopkins, the father a native of Barnstable, Massachusetts, the mother of Glov- New York. Her uncle was the pioneer glovemaker of that village. Willard K. Hopkins came to Greenwich township in 1838 with his first wife, Lucy Reed, of a New York family, who died shortly after coming to Ohio, leaving two children, Mary A. and Lucy M. In 1843 occurred the second marriage of Mr. Hopkins and eight children were born of this union, namely: William W., Albert J., Francis T., Elizabeth J., Julia E., Isadora A., Arman B., and George H., all living but Elizabeth. The father was of the pioneers who hewed their farms out of the forest and lived to see them cultivated and improved tracts. He was a man of strong character, quiet and of homelike tastes, and greatly respected by those who knew him. He and his wife lie together in Greenwich cemetery, the father passing first in May, 1879, the mother in 1882.

William W. Hopkins was reared to pioneer life and received but the rudiments of an education in the crude schools of his time. Being of an observant turn of mind, he has made up for many delinquencies in the school of life as time has passed. A lad yet in his teens when Old Glory felt the traitor's blow, he soon found himself beneath her folds, as a private in Company D, of the One

Hundred and First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served two years and ten months, to the close of the struggle, for the greater part of the term in the middle west with the Army of the Cumberland, doing faithful service in the memorable Atlanta campaign.

Soon after returning home, Mr. Hopkins was joined in marriage to Phoebe J. Beers, a daughter of Lewis and Dorothy A. (Percy) Beers. Her father was from Connecticut, and lived his life at Clarksfield, his wife having been a native ofthat town. He was a millwright and carpenter of great industry and of forceful character. His wife died in 1853, while he lived to an advanced age, dying in 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are the parents of six children: Lewis W., a resident of Akron, Ohio; Clarence R., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Maude E., deceased; Clayton J., a farmer of Richland county, Ohio; Nellie C., the wife of Charles Daty, a jeweler, of Canton, Ohio; and Willard K., of Akron.

From 1869 until 1872, Mr. Hopkins and his family resided in Norwalk township and then removed to Greenwich township, where he followed farming until 1879. Since then he has made his home in the village of Greenwich and has engaged in business as a brick-mason and builder.

He is a republican in politics and has always been a wise counsellor in the deliberations of the party in his community. township trustee, constable, member of Greenwich council and waterworks trustee, he performed the duties of the various positions with the greatest efficiency and to the best interests of the public.

In his social life Mr. Hopkins gets most of his pleasure in serving the Grand Army. He is a past commander, has served in all of the minor offices and is a familiar figure at the different reunions of that grand organization. He and his family are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and as a member of the board of trustees and as financial and recording secretary has done good service in the church. His wife is an intelligent and refined woman, active and forceful in the church and its various interests, and a worker in all charities of the community. The Hopkins home radiates an influence which is a great factor for good, and both parents and children receive, as they sheuld, the esteem of the whole countryside.

John S. Berry

John S. Berry, who has been prominent in Greenwich township, Huron county, as a stockman, and in the mercantile world for almost half a century, was born January 12, 1831, in Onondaga county, New York, a son of Clark and Elmira (Pettis) Berry. The family came to Fairfield township, Huron county, Ohio, in the fall of 1832, having made the journey from their old home bv wagon, experiencing many hardships on the way. The father bought a farm the woods and built a log cabin which was to serve for their home and immediately started to clear the land. In his family were six children, who all had a taste of these primitive conditions. They were: John S., Isaac J., Danford W., W heaton, Chauncey, and Celia, now Mrs. Nathan Carpenter, of Reading, Michigan. She and

John S. are now the only survivors, the others having come to their deaths in rather unusual manner. Wheaton was teaching and lecturing in Texas before the war and because of something said publicly that was displeasing to the people there he was one evening shot upon the street. Isaac J. and Danforth and his wife were drowned with several others in Clear Lake, Michigan, on the Fourth of July some forty years ago. Chauncey died on Christmas day, 1908, from the effects of a paralytic stroke received six years before. The parents were people of sterling character and highly respected in the community in which they lived. The father died in the spring of 1885 and was buried in the cemetery at Fairfield beside his wife, who had preceded him to her last resting-place some twelve years, her death having occurred in October, 1873.

John S. Berry lived with his parents until he was twenty-one. He received his early education in the common schools of the county, later attending the high school at Fairfield. When he attained his majority he entered the mercantile world in that town with Hiram Barnum, and that partnership continued for about four years, when Mr. Berry commenced farming, which he followed for two years. He then opened a grocery in Greenwich, and during the years that have since passed he had also been engaged in buying and selling stock and shipping it to the eastern markets. For a number of years he also engaged in buying and selling wool and during the period of the Civil war he handled large quantities of this commodity and stock, from which he derived a considerable profit. He continued in mercantile business in Greenwich for about twenty years, but has been engaged in the stock and wool industry for forty-one years, during which time he has had dealings with every farmer and wool grower for miles around. The result of these transactions has gained for him the reputation, well earned indeed, for fair and honorable dealing. At one time he was also the owner of considerable land, four hundred acres being the extent of his possessions, and he still owns two hundred and fifty acres and a commodious house in Greenwich. He worked hard and fortune looked favorably upon him.

On the 21st of November, 1852, Mr. Berry was united in marriage to Miss Lucy M. Gifford, a daughter of Abraham and Marietta (Blockmore) Gifford. The parents came to Ohio in 1832 from Erie county, New York, and settled in Greenwich township, where the father began farming and became a large landowner and a highly esteemed citizen. When he died, August 24, 1878, he was buried by his wife, who had died January 4, 1864, in Ripley. Mr. and Mrs. Berry are the parents of two children: Charles A. and Eva Eldora, both of whom died within a week of one another in September, 1865. Shortly after this loss they adopted a niece who came to the family when a mere child, and to whom they gave the name of their deceased daughter, Eva Eldora. She is now married to George E. Richey, of Columbus, Ohio. On the 21st of November, 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Berry celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, at which many friends proffered their good wishes and their hopes that for many more years they might traverse life's pathway together. | 1

Mr. Berry has all his life been a very busy man and has had little time to give to public affairs. He has always been a republican and when a younger man was very active in the interests of his party though he never sought office. His influence has ever been exerted for the good of the community and for a number of years he filled the office of township assessor. He is a member of Greenwich Lodge, No. 543, F. & A. M., and with Mrs. Berry belongs to the Eastern Star. He is also a member of the chapter at New London, and both he and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church for more than half a century, for forty years of which Mr. Berry has been its treasurer and in other ways active in the affairs of the church. In short he is a man, who looking back over the many years that have been granted him, can feel satisfied with the use he has made of them and the good will of his friends.

Henry Bores

Henry Bores, a prominent farmer of Sherman township, Huron county, and the owner of the one hundred and twenty-two acres of land on which he lives, was born in that township, about one mile east of his present home, on the 25th of July, 1860. He is a son of David and Anna M. (Fachinger) Bores, both of whom were born in Germany, but have for many years been citizens of this county and are at present living upon two hundred and forty acres of land in Sherman township. David Bores was born January 22, 1833, and was but twenty years of age when he embarked upon the journey to this country, alone, for his parents, John and Catherine (Klepel) Bores, had too many ties in their native land to relinquish them and make a new home amid new surroundings. There were other ties just as strong as home that held them to Germany, ties of patriotism and loyalty, for John Bores had been a soldier and in serving his country fought against Napoleon in 1815. David Bores landed in New York on coming to the United States and proceeded to Ridgefield township, Huron county, Ohio, where he worked by the month for different farmers for about three years, and then rented a tract of land for perhaps six years. Two years after coming here, he married Miss Anna M. Fachinger, who had come to the United States with her brother Joseph from Germany, and to them were born six children: Toseph, deceased; Elizabeth, who married C. Wilhelm; Henry; August; John; and Emma, the wife of William Ringland. David Bores was a member of a family of five children, having two brothers and two sisters: John, Louis, Elizabeth and Minnie. He was a young man when he came to this county and soon identified himself with local affairs, taking a prominent part in political and governmental matters. For a number of years he served as township trustee and as road superintendent, to which office he was elected on the democratic ticket. He and his family were all members of the Catholic church and from its foundation were active in promoting its welfare.

In Sherman township Henry Bores has spent the greater part of his life. He was reared at home and acquired. his education at the district schools, early entering upon the occupation which his father followed and in addition to farming engaging to quite an extent in threshing. 1897 he bought his present farm from Joe Long, on which during the past twelve years he has made a number of important improvements. A successful farmer, Mr. Bores follows in the steps of his father in other respects as well, taking an efficient interest in public affairs and being selected by the people to serve them in two capacities. As a trustee of this township he has had a guiding hand upon its government and as a member of the school board he has done much to advance the cause of education here. He is not much given to fraternal organizations and societies, but is a member of the National Protective Legion and is interested in its work.

On the 3d of February, 1885, Mr. Bores was united in wedlock to Miss Mary Bauman, the daughter of John and Barbara (Barbrick) Bauman, of Sherman township. 'The former is still living, in Monroeville, but the mother has passed away, after having reared a family of three children: Emma, who married Anthony Hammersmith, of Erie county, Ohio; Mary; and Allie, who married August Bores, a brother of our subject. Mrs. Henry Bores was born in Sherman township and is the mother of six children: Anna, the eldest of the family and now the wife of Lawrence Myers, of Sherman township. Louisa, who married Stephen Lash, and also lives in Sherman township, being the mother of three children, Walter, Clarence and Marian. The four youngest of the Bores family, Benjamin, Walter, Carl and Ramon live at home. The whole family are members of the Catholic church at Bismarck, which the elder Mr. Bores helped to build.

Henry Bores is one of the prominent farmers of Sherman township and well he might be, not only for the skill he has evinced as a tiller of the soil, but also for the concern he has shown in public affairs and for the service he has rendered the people. His assistance has ever been that of an honest and upright man, and he is held in high regard by those who know him.

Adam Biuerle

Adam Biuerle, who is one of the three heirs to the father's estate of one hundred and twenty-eight acres lying in Richmond township, Huron county, Ohio, owns in his own right thirty-seven acres adjoining the home place on the east. He was born in Cincinnati, August 23, 1853, and is a son of Leonard J. and Catherine (Leitenberger) Biuerle. His paternal grandparents were Adam and Christina Biuerle, while his maternal grandparents were George Adam and Mary Susan Leitenberger, who were born in Germany and never left their native land. Leonard Biuerle and the woman who afterward became his wife came to the United States as young people about the year 1847. In the city of Cincinnati they were married and a couple of years later, about 1854, came to Huron county, where they lived until their death. The mother passed away September 4, 1884, while the father survived until April 11, 1891. They were buried in Richmond township. In their family were five children: Catherine, Adam, Caroline, Christina and Mary. Of these the two eldest were born in Cincinnati, the others in Huron county. Caroline, now deceased, was the wife of Christ Aichholz; Mary wedded John Marshall, but Catherine, Adam and Christina have never left the home place.

Christina Biuerle received her early education in the public schools of Huron county, and later for two terms was a student at Ada, Ohio. Upon the completion of her own training she engaged in teaching, first for a number of years in the schools of Huron county, then for two terms in Seneca county, and lastly, for two years in the Chicago high school. She was successful in her profession, but gave it up that she might be at home and assist in the conduct of the farm. Catherine Biuerle attended the district schools until twelve years of age and then devoted her time to assisting her mother, who was in ill health and needed her help in carrying on the work of the home.

Adam Biuerle obtained all his education in the district schools, and though he remained at his lessons until he was twenty-one, it was for but a few months a year, and even then his summers and spare time was spent in work on the farm. He became a skilled agriculturist, however, with the passing of the years, able to take charge of affairs and competent to conduct the farm upon a paying basis. He has also taken part in the public life of the community to a slight extent, following in his father's footsteps in the various offices he has held, for like the older man he has been road supervisor and one of the directors of the educational interests of the township. He too has espoused the cause of the democratic party, finding that its platform is more in accord with his own views. The brother and two sisters conduct the affairs of the farm that was left to them by their father and unite their efforts in making it one of the most fertile and productive tracts in Richmond township. They are members of the Lutheran church, stanch in their support of its doctrines, which find practical application daily in their lives.