Wakeman Township (part 21 of 21)

Henry Lutman

Henry Lutman, one of the prosperous farmers of Ripley township, who owns one hundred and ten acres of land in the vicinity of Boughtonville, was born in France, May 15, 1853. He is the only son of Philip and Christina ( Noacher) Lutman, who came to America when he was but eighteen months old, for they were anxious to make a start in life where conditions seemed more favorable than in the turbulent land of their birth, and they were desirous that their son should have the many advantages that need only be grasped by the young men of this country.

Reared to the life of a farmer, Mr. Lutman has devoted himself unremittingly to the culture of fields since he attained his majority. He never shunned hard work, but with the determination to succeed, which is characteristic of his race, he pushed straight ahead, exchanging one piece of land for another wherever he saw an opportunity to better himself. About nine years ago he bought his present farm in Ripley township. To this, too, he has given his attention with practical enthusiasm and has felt fully repaid for the privations which he endured and the hard work which he had spent, when at harvest time each year he was better off than he had been the year before. His labors have not, however, been all selfishly directed ; he has for thirteen years found time to devote to the educational interests of the township, serving the people faithfully as a member of the school board.

In 1877 Mr. Lutman was married to Miss Sarah Grover, who is a daughter of Solomon and Catherine Grover and the sister of George, Isaac, John, Susan and Mary, the other children of her parents. To Mr. Lutman and his wife have been

When called upon to exercise his right of franchise Mr. Lutman invariably casts his ballot for the candidate of the democratic party, for he is a firm believer in its principles as defined in its platform. An American in al! but birth, by his industry, his frugality, which constitute his example to his neighbors and friends, he is deserving of the success which has rewarded his hard work. and it is without the bitterness that taints the good fortune of those who have built their little world on the ruins of the hopes and aspirations of others.

William G. Channing

One of the native sons of Huron county who have continued in the life to which they were reared, that of a farmer, is William G. Channing, who owns ninety-one acres of land in Richmond township. He was born, however, in Greenfield township, December 11, 1852. His parents, Joseph and Charlotte (Fox) Channing, were born, reared and married in England. In 1848 they came to America and joined their forces with those of the other early settlers of Huron county who were doing their share toward the great development which the last half of the preceding century witnessed. Six children were born to them: Ellen, who became the wife of William H. Callin; Joseph R.; Susan, who married Thomas A. McClain; Louisa, who became the wife of A. M. Cole; Lydia, who married S. S. Lloyd; and William G., who is the subject of this sketch.

William G. Channing received the fundamentals of his education in the district schools of Huron county. The meager instruction which they were able to afford during the few months they were in session he has greatly supplemented, however, both through practical experience and by extensive reading and study. One of his largest assets being a capacity for hard, unremitting toil, he has secured from his farm a substantial income due also to the scientific study he has made of agricultural methods and the nature of his soil. Reared to the life of a farmer, he has followed that calling but at the same time has found exercise for the business ability which is his on the stock and grain market and in the buying and selling of hay and fertilizer.

Mr. Channing has been married twice, his first wife being Miss Alice Leply, a daughter of Harrison and Elizabeth Leply. The one son, Elmer, who was born of this union, is an electrician at Niagara Falls. When Mr. Channing married again Miss Eliza J. Dawson became his wife. She was a daughter of James B. Dawson by his first wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Mary Dickinson. The others of this femily were J. W., A. H., G. H. and J. E. By his second wife, who before her marriage was Miss Julia Sweetland, Mr. Dawson had five childrens D: F., C. A., B. A. and Mary. The daughter is now the wife of D. W. Hillis. Of Mr. Channing's second union there have been two children born: Charlotte, who is the wife of John W. Mowery and J., who lives at home.

Mr. Channing gives his support in political matters to the republican party, with whose platform he is most in sympathy. He is not a man who aspires to public office, however, though he has on occasion served the citizens of his township well and takes an interest in local affairs. For several years he acted as justice of the peace and as a member of the school board advanced the cause of education in the township. In r9oo he was appointed to take the census in Richmond township. The family are members of the United Brethren church, to which they have given unfailing and substantial support for a number of years.

Julius Hagman

Julius Hagman, one of the most prominent German-American residents of Chicago, Ohio, is now living retired save for the supervision which he gives to his extensive property interests. He was born in Germany on the 2d of September, 1858, his parents being John B. and Frances (Leis) Hagman, both of whom passed away in that country. The father's death occurred on the 26th of Mo- vember, 1871, while the mother was called to her final rest in 1903, when seventysix years of age. Their family numbered nine children, as follows: Monica, who is a Sister of Charity in Germany ; Catherine, who is the widow of Joseph Kimmer and lives in Wittenberg, Germany; Julius, of this review; Joseph, a resident of the fatherland; Otto, who is deceased; Krezenz, living in Switzerland; Paul, of Germany ; Richard, who also makes his home in that country ; and Bridget, the wife of a Mr. Habercan, of Germany.

Julius Hagman attended the schools of his native land and in early manhood served as a soldier of the German army for six months. The year 1881 witnessed his emigration to the United States and after landing on the shores of this country he made his way at once to Sandusky, Ohio, where for two years he worked as a day laborer. Subsequently he took up his abode in Chicago, Huron county, Ohio, securing employment in the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad shops and, by dint of untiring industry and close economy, at length accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business on his own account. It was in I891 that he started out for himself, becoming the proprietor of a restaurant, which he successfully conducted until the 5th of September, 1905, when he sold the establishment to Lewis Schwartz. Since that time he has lived practically retired from active business cares save for the supervision which he gives to his invested interests, being the owner of considerable town property. The prosperity which has crowned his efforts has come as the direct result of his own well directed and indefatigable labor, and he is now widely recognized as one of the most substantial, respected and representative citizens of the county.

On the 9th of September, 1901, Mr. Hagman was united in marriage to Mrs. Gracens Schandorfer, a daughter of John N. and Mary Batch and the widow of Valentine Schandorfer, of Port Clinton, Ohio. She was born in Germany and when a maiden of sixteen years accompanied her parents on their emigration to the new world, the family first locating at Sandusky, Ohio, while later they took up their abode in Port Clinton, this state. John N. Batch, a carpenter by trade, still survives at the age of eighty-nine years and makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Hagman. His wife is deceased, however, having passed away in 1908, when eighty-seven years of age. They reared a family of seven children, namely: Joseph; Edward, who is the present mayor of Port Clinton; William; Mrs. Hagman; Matilda; Hubbard; and Henry. By her former husband Mrs. Hagman had six children, the record of whom is as follows: John, who died in 1907, when thirty-eight years of age, wedded Miss Anna Weisbaker, by whom he had three children: Vernice, Beulah and Ruth. Edward first wedded Miss Sallie Henry, and after her death was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Rae Townsend. They make their home at Painesville, Ohio. Frank, who married Miss Bessie Ashley, is foreman in the Baltimore & Ohio shops at Zanesville, Ohio. Tillie, living at Garrett, Indiana, is the wife of Leo Mager, by whom she has two children, Leroy and Lucile. Lewis is a resident of Painesville, Ohio. Cornelius, a twin brother of Lewis, is deceased.

Politically Mr. Hagman is a stalwart advocate of the democracy and that ticket was elected a member of the city council, the duties of which office he is now discharging in a most capable and faithful manner. Religiously he is a faithful communicant of the Catholic church and is now serving as one of the trustees. His fraternal relations are with the Eagles and the Knights of Columbus at Steuben. Although born across the water, he is thoroughly loyal to the stars and stripes and to the interests of his adopted land. As the years have passed he has so directed his business affairs that he is now enabled to enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life without recourse to further labor. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America, but on the contrary has found here the business opportunities he has sought and in their utilization has won a goodly measure of success.

William O. Van Liew

William O. Van Liew, who has had a varied experience as a business man, is now operating his excellent farm of sixty-four acres in Richmond township, where he has become thoroughly identified with the best interests of his locality, and prominent in the republican party. He was born in Norwich township, June 22, 1862, a son of William C. and Charlotte (Burdge) Van Liew, both of whom were natives of New York state, and were brought to Ohio in childhood. The father was a farmer of Norwich township until within three years of his demise, when he retired to Centerton, and there he died, September 6, 1903, aged seventy-five years, as he was bornin 1828. His wife had died March 7, 1896, in Norwich township. During the Civil war he served as a ninety-day man in Company H, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The following children were born to him and his wife: Allen, who is deceased ; Alberta, who married B. F. Denson ; Mary, who married Joseph Robinson ; William O.; Fred; and Ada, who married Edward Silter.

William O. Van Liew was given more than ordinary opportunities for securing education for after he finished his course in the public schools of Norwich, he entered Ada College at Ada, Harding county, Ohio, and after a term there he entered the Attica high school. He then learned the trade of painter and paper hanger by working in Chicago, Ohio, and pursued this occupation for thirteen years. Atthis time his services were required by his father and for the following three years he operated the homestead. Having by this time decided that he preferred an agricultural life, he purchased his present farm from John Dellinger and has been devoting himself ever since to improving and cultivating it.

On March 17, 1885, Mr. Van Liew married Emma Shanks, a daughter of James and Sarah Jane (Tanner) Shanks, farmers of Richmond township. They had the following family: Lucy, who married Dr. H. C. Blaine; Mrs. Van Liew; Odella, who married Clayton C. Sanford; Anna, who married F. A. Richards: Estella, who married V. E. Cole; Arthur and Lilly. Mr. and Mrs. Van Liew have three children: Leo, born January 28, 1887; Cora, born January 21, 1889; and Ruth, born March 29, 1895.

Mr. Van Liew has served as school director of Norwich township one term, and one term as road supervisor in Richmond township, being elected both times on the republican ticket. The family are Methodists in religious faith. Mr. Van Liew has always been a hard working man, earnest in his endeavors to produce the best results and to live up to a high standard of right living, and that he has succeeded, his popularity with his neighbors and friends amply testifies.

George William Brinson

George William Brinson, a farmer and successful stock breeder and raiser of Ripley township, was born on the farm on which he now lives September 6, 1868. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Mervin) Brinson, who were of English birth and education. James Brinson, the son of Thomas Brinson, was born in Somersetshire, England, June 2, 1822, and at the age of twenty-six he emigrated to this country, where for about seventeen years he worked at the trade of stone-cutter. In 1865 he married, forsook his former means of livelihood and started to farm, purchasing the land upon which his son now lives. His wife, who before her marriage was Miss Elizabeth Mervin, was born in 1836 in Leicestershire, England, and is the daughter of Thomas and Mary Mervin. She came to Ohio in 1855, and through her marriage became the mother of a daughter Altha and a son George William, the subject of this sketch.

Reared on the home farm, Mr. Brinson received such an education in the district schools as the average country boy obtained in the few winter months that were devoted to schooling because it would be impossible to spend them in the fields. With the first sign of spring the school doors were closed and George William Brinson, like the other boys of his neighborhood, returned to the farm to assist his father till the fields and tempt them to give a greater and greater harvest each year. Difficult though the work may have been at times the success of his later years has fully repaid him for the outlay of exertion, for not only did he learn the methods of cultivating the soil but the equally important lessons of industry, thrift and good management which have enabled him to maintain his farm in such an excellent condition that it is frequently the cause for comment. A number of years ago he added stock raising and feeding to his purely agricultural interests, and in this branch also has been very successful.

On the 12th of April, 1905, Mr. Brinson was married to Miss Mary Hannan, a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Brennstuhl) Hannan. She was born December 30, 1884, and was the eldest child in a family of six, the others being James, Edward, Agnes, Cassie and Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Brinson have three children, two sons and a daughter: Mildred E., born July 28, 1906; James E., born May 16, 1908; and Glen K. born September 8, 1909. When called upon to exercise his right to vote, Mr. Brinson invariably supports the candidates of the republican party, as he is most in sympathy with its principles. He devotes little time to politics and public matters, however, for the care of his one hundred and seventy-three acres and his business interests leave him but little desire for anything but the enjoyment of a few quiet hours in the bosom of his family.

Charles L. Willoughby is one of the well known men of Richmond township. A prosperous farmer, owning and operating one hundred and seventy-three acres of land, he has also taken an active part in the local public affairs and at the expressed desire of his fellow citizens has held important positions. He was born in Norwich township, January 2, 1867, and is a son of Arthur and Mary J. (Ringle) Willoughby. The father, who was the son of James and Margaret (Patterson) Willoughby, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1827, and was a farmer throughout his life. As a boy he worked on the home place and then sought employment on the farms of the neighborhood, receiving a small compensation for the services he rendered. When be became desirous of establishing his own home, he came to this county, locating in Norwich township, which was then entirely covered with timber. He was not discouraged, however, but bought his first farm of one hundred acres in the midst of the woods. He built a log cabin, cleared his land, and as the years brought good returns for the labor he expended in the fields he was able to add to the original farm, until at his death he owned three hundred and seventy-five acres in Norwich and Richmond townships. He passed away in August, 1889, but his wife, who was born in 1833, lived until May 21, 1908, when she was buried beside her husband in the cemetery at Attica, Ohio. They were the parents of seven children: Simon A., who departed this life in 1893; Harry E., a resident of Melton, Wisconsin; William M., of Richmond township; Alice May, who died in 1897 ; Charles L., the subject of this sketch ; Clara B., who became the wife of Jasper Barber and lives in Lorain county, near Oberlin; and Walter J., who conducts a physical culture school in Cleveland, Ohio.

Charles L. Willoughby received his first lessons in the fundamental branches oi English education in the district schools of his native township. Later he attended the public school in Attica, and after three years continued his training in the high school of that city, remaining there two years. His formal education completed, he went west to Kansas to farm with a brother but stayed only one year, after which he removed to Wisconsin, where for three years he followed the carpenter's trade. Upon the death of his father he returned to his home and assumed charge of the farm, which has been his care ever since and on which he has prosecuted a line of diversified agriculture which has been very profitable.

Though of necessity the greater part of Mr. Willoughby's time is consumed by the care of his farm, he has evinced a commendable interest in the public affairs of his township. He is at present one of the directors of the county infirmary, and though his duties are sometimes onerous and his responsibilities trying he is fully able to take charge of them. For three years as trustee he assisted in the administration of the affairs of the township and for a term of one year acted as assessor. The local school board benefited by his counsels during three years, for he has ever been deeply interested in the problem of education. In political matters he allies himself with the democratic party, but he gives allegiance to no religious denomination.

Elmer A. Stotts

Elmer A. Stotts, one of the successful farmers and prominent business men of Ripley township, whose farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres lies near the little village of Boughtonville, was born in this township, June 1, 1867. He is a son of Abram and Mariette (Boughton) Stotts. The parents were of Ohioan nativity, the mother's birth having occurred in Fitchville township, this county, in the year 1834. Abram Stotts, who was born December 5, 1822, was the son of John Stotts and became one of the prominent men of this locality. Successful in his farming and business operations, he was also a man in whom the people put their confidence, for besides filling many minor offices in his township he was a Huron county commissioner for six years. During a period of more than twice this length of time he was president of the Huron County Insurance Company, guiding its finances with a wise hand. He passed away July 21, 1909, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. Four children were born to Abraham Stotts and his wife: Flora, Della, Clarence and Elmer A.

Elmer A. Stotts, the youngest of this family, has followed largely in his father's footsteps. Reared and educated to life on the farm, of his own volition he has continued in that calling, finding exercise for his many other capabilities in the world of finance or in the service of his fellow citizens. His farm is one of the model places in the vicinity of Boughtonville. On it are seen fine, substantial buildings, strictly conforming to the most advanced ideas as regards construction and maintained in first class repair. His fields, in their excellent condition of tillage, bespeak the industry and good management of their owner. As for his business operations, he is a stockholder in the Boughtonville Telephone Company and for the past eight years has sold farm implements in the village. This business he is closing now, however, for he contemplates moving to Plymouth in the fall of 1909, having already purchased a home in that city.

On the 7th of June, 1888, Mr. Stotts was married to Miss Mildred Kaylor, who was born September 7, 1868, and is a daughter of Samuel and Eliza ( Yarnell) Kaylor, of Plymouth, Ohio. This union has been blessed with one child, Blanche, who was born November 9, 1896. Mrs. Stotts is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Delphi, while her husband gives his religious adherence to the Baptist denomination. Politically he affiliates with the republican party though he is not active in its ranks. He has, however, served the people of the township efficiently for several terms as a member of the school board and for more than ten years has been a trustee of Ripley. Though still a young man, Mr. Stotts has been successful and is highly respected. Accordingly, the best years of his life which lie still before him, should be a golden guerdon of his earnest endeavors in the past.

John H. Donaldson

John H. Donaldson is a respected and honored citizen of Greenwich township and has passed most of his life within the bounds of Huron county. He was born near Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, February 24, 1834, a son of Joseph and Sarah G. (Matthews) Donaldson. The father was a West Virginian by birth, and the mother was a native of Ohio. Joseph Donaldson came to this state and took up the time-honored occupation of his ancestors, that of farming, which he followed for the remainder of his life. The year 1819 marked his location in Richland county, but in 1863 he sold out there and settled in Allen county, Indiana, where he died July 27, 1891, his wife following him in November, 1897. In their family were three sons and four daughters: Francina, John H., Mary, William S., Jemima, Levi J. and Emily, all living except Francina and Jemima.

John H. Donaldson was quite liberally educated for his times in the district schools and at Oberlin College. He taught successfully for a number of years in Ohio, Indiana and Missouri, this at a time when it was the custom to "board round." He finally purchased land, farming in summer and teaching in winter, after his marriage, which event occurred March 27, 1860. His wife, Miss Lura P. Barker, was of a prominent pioneer family, her parents being Daniel G. and Eliza (Baker) Barker, of Huron county. The father was originally from New York and the mother from Connecticut. They came to Ohio in 1829, shortly after marriage, and were thrifty and hardworking people. With a debt of one hundred dollars, an ox-team and an ax, they began life in the virgin forest and amassed a competency. Mr. Barker was prominent in public affairs. In 1856 he was commissioned by Governor Robert Lucas, of Ohio, as brigadier general of the First Regiment, Second Brigade, Eleventh Division of the State Militia, and was also connected with other public affairs during life.

were five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson, all of whom are occupying honorable and useful positions in society: Clara R. was well educated and is now in the Philippines serving her second three-year period as a teacher ; Joseph D. is a traveling salesman ; Frank D., a farmer, is serving as clerk of Ripley township; May D. is the wife of Dr. Austin S. McKitrick, a physician of Kenton, Ohio: Grace A. is the wife of Dr. A. C. Matthews, physician of Poughkeepsie, New York. The mother of these children passed away in April, 1897. She was a woman of great strength of character and beloved by all for her wide charity and gracious kindliness.

Mr. Donaldson continues to reside on the old homestead, a well tilled farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He is a republican in politics and because of his con- servative and wise counsel is prominent at all the gatherings,of his party. He interests himself in the affairs of his local community and has served as trustee, president of the board of education, etc. A successful farmer, he is prominent in all that pertains to agricultural interests, having been for years secretarv of the local branch, No. 707, of the Patrons of Husbandry. He is an active, working member of the Congregational church, is chairman of the board of trustees, and teaches a large adult Bible class in the Sunday school. A broad-minded, public-spirited citizen, always alert and ective in every good movement, Mr. Donaldson has won a large place for himself in the affairs of Huron county.

Phillip Hawn

Among the farms of Richmond township, Huron county, Ohio, which have remained in the families of the hardy pioneers that cut them out of the wilderness, is that of one hundred acres on which Phillip Hawn lives today. It was the place of his birth, where on the 17th day of May, 1850, he was born, a son of Benjamin and Hannah (Coder) Hawn. His grandparents on both his father's and his mother's side were natives of Pennsylvania. Phillip Coder, the maternal grandfather, lived to be ninety-four years of age and witnessed the many changes that separated the nineteenth century from the eighteenth as by a gulf. His wife was Elizabeth Coder. Benjamin and Margaret Hawn, the father's parents, came to Ohio in the days of the pioneers and did their share toward preparing the virgin country for the farms which are now its pride.

Benjamin Hawn, the father of Phillip, was reared in Medina county, Ohio, but came to Huron county in 1849, purchasing from Sally Busch and from the government the farm on which his son now lives. It was his home for the remainder of his life, and he was associated with conditions which at the time of his death, in 1898, had entirely passed away and were but memories in the minds of the older settlers, who had been pioneers. When he bought the farm his first concern was to build a log cabin, which should serve him as shelter while he cleared the land of its timber and made the fields ready to receive the seed. As the community of Richmond township grew he became active in its affairs, was made supervisor and was elected to the school board, using his influence to make it possible for the farmers' boys to obtain something more than the meager education they received in early days. In politics he was a democrat and in his religious faith an adherent of the United Brethren church. Mr. Hawn was twice married. Miss Cassie Showalter, who became his first wife, bore him six children: George, John, Thomas, Margaret, Henry and Lavinia. The three eldest sons were soldiers in the Civil war; Margaret became the wife of Jackson Schilts; and Lavinia married Jacob Kissinger. On the occasion of his second marriage Miss Hannah Coder became his wife. Of this union there were four children: Caroline, who married Darwin Brooks ; Phillip, the subject of this sketch ; Lucy, who became the wife of John Patten; and Benjamin A., who was the youngest of the family.

Phillip Hawn received his preparation for life from the district schools of Richmond township, though it was supplemented in a practical way by work on the farm which occupied the summer months and the hours that were not devoted to his lessons. Upon leaving school he seriously took up the work of the farm, to which he has given all his time and energy since. Under his father's instruction he learned the first principles of soil culture, but this knowledge has been vastly supplemented by his own practical experience and by the advancement that has been made in farming methods as in other lines of work in the last half century.

On the 13th of April, 1880, Mr. Hawn was united in marriage to Miss Jenni Foster, a daughter of John and Sarah Foster. The father was a shoemaker by trade and came from Pennsylvania, though he was for a number of years a resident of Attica. Mrs. Hawn was the youngest of four children, the others being Addie, Thomas and Charles. The last has passed away. To our subject and his wife were born five children: I. Estella, Alta Florence, Charles H., Frederick F. and Jessie T. The eldest is now the wife of Harry Jocelyn. Mrs. Hawn passed away August 19, 1908, and was buried in Bethel cemetery, Richmond township.

Mr. Hawn does not give his political allegiance to any party but votes for men and measures as he thinks right, and he is not an office seeker, though he is always interested in the welfare of the citizens of the township and gives his influence toward the betterment of the conditions that surround them. He is particularly concerned for the educational advancement of the township and toward that end served as a school director and at present exercises his influence as a member of the school board. He has also acted as superintendent of road construction. He is a collector of rare coins and has in his possession some that were coined in the early days of this republic, a half-dozen that were made in Philadelphia, and others that were struck off at Harrisburg in 1786.

George G. Seibel

George G. Seibel, a well known and successful agriculturist of Ridgefield township, is the owner of a rich and productive farm of seventy acres. It was on this place that his birth occurred, his natal day being June 20, 1857. His parents, William and Kathryn (Sheth) Seibel, were both natives of Germany. The father crossed the ocean to America in 1848 and when a year had passed he returned to Germany for his parents, Casper and Margaret Seibel, whom he brought to Huron county, Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives. William Seibel first secured employment as a farm hand and, carefully saving his earnings. was at length enabled to purchase the farm which is now the property of his son, George G. It was nearly all covered with timber but with characteristic energy he set to work and gradually transformed the place into a good farming property. The first home of the family was an old log house and they experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. William Seibel was called to his final rest on the 20th of September, 1861, his demise being the occasion of deep regret to all who knew him. His wife was about twenty years of age when she came to this county with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Sheth. She long survived her husband, passing away on the 2oth of May,

1907. Their family numbered four children, as follows: Minnie, who is deceased; George G., of this review ; Lettie, the deceased wife of Charles Leiber ; and William.

George G. Seibel obtained his education in the district schools and has always continued to reside on the farm where his birth occurred. Through the assistance which he rendered his father he early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and this occupation has claimed his time and energies throughout bis entire business career. As before stated, his place comprises seventy acres of valuable and well improved land in Ridgefield township and the success which has attended his labors as an agriculturist is the outcome of clear judgment, close application and excellent business ability.

On the 11th of October, 1888, Mr. Seibel was united in marriage to Miss tha Loey, who was born in Germany, December 4, 1861, her parents being Philip and Mollie Loey, of Lyme township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Seibel have been born five children, namely: Rosie; Elmer; Walter; and Edna and Carl, who are deceased.

Mr. Seibel has served as a member of the school board for about twenty years, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church, of which he is serving as a trustee. Well known in the county where he has always resided, he has a wide acquaintance here and has won uniform trust and good will by reason of a life which in all of its phases has been straightforward and honorable.

Fred Jarrett

Fred Jarrett, successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits on his farm of one hundred and four acres in Bronson township, was born in Fitchville, Huron county, Ohio, on the 11th of April, 1876, his parents being George and Emma (Jenkins) Jarrett. The father, whose birth occurred in 1838, is a son of John Jarrett, who was of English descent. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Thomas Jenkins, who was likewise of English lineage, lived to attain the remarkable age of one hundred and one and a half years.

As above stated, Fred Jarrett is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and four acres in Bronson township, to the cultivation of which he devotes his time and energies, annually gathering rich harvests which find a ready sale on the market.

On the 25th of December, 1901, Mr. Jarrett was united in marriage to Miss Clara Isabella Park, whose birth occurred October 7, 1876, her parents being James and Mary Ann (McPherson) Park. Her paternal grandfather was Joseph Park. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett have been born two children: one whose birth occurred April 6, 1903, and who passed away in infancy ; and James McPherson, who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 19th of March, 1905.

Mr. Jarrett gives political allegiance to the republican party and at one time was elected justice of the peace but declined the office, as he has always preferred to confine his attention to his private affairs. He has, however, done effective ser- vice as a member of the school board. A valued and helpful member of the Presbyterian church, he has acted as president of the church society and also as superintendent of the Sunday school. He has passed through all the chairs in the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and is recognized throughout the community as a most enterprising, progressive and prosperous citizen. In this county, where he has always resided, he is most widely and favorably known, the circle of his friends being almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances,

Joseph B. Stockmaster

Some men seem able to succeed in the battle of life without the advantages given by a thorough educational training, for they make the most of every opportunity and never neglect any duty that devolves upon them. That this is true is proven in the careers of Joseph B. Stockmaster, of Norwich township, Huron county, and his father, the late Frank Stockmaster, Jr., both of whom received but few educational advantages but were able to make a comfortable living notwithstanding. Joseph B. Stockmaster was born on the farm he now Occupies, which lies in both Norwich and Sherman townships and was the homestead of his parents, Frank and Catherine (Hill) Stockmaster. His grandfather, Frank Stockmaster, Sr., was one of the very early settlers of Huron county. His son, Frank Stockmaster, Jr., was born in America, but his wife was a native of Germany, and Joseph B. Stockmaster without doubt inherits from her side of the family some of the excellent German characteristics which make sons of the fatherland such desirable citizens. Frank Stockmaster, Jr., was a farmer in Norwich township all his life. At the age of ten years he was forced to leave school for the couple of months during the winter, which constituted his opportunity for securing an education, and to take up the burden of a struggle for existence. In his family were three children: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Peter DeMeyer; Emma, who married Jacob Fritz ; and Joseph B.

When he was only sixteen years of age, Joseph B. Stockmaster left school in order to give all his time to his father's interests. A year later the father died and the young man assumed the management of the farm and continued to operate it for his mother until her demise, when he bought the interests of his sisters and now owns one hundred and ten acres, fifty of which are in Norwich township and sixty in Sherman township. He has been improving this property until he now has one of the best farms in the locality.

On November 23, 1897, Mr. Stockmaster married Miss Amelia Bauman, a daughter of Anson and Rosa (Meyers) Bauman, natives of Germany and America, respectively. Although for years residents of Huron county, where they were engaged in farming, Mr. and Mrs. Bauman died in Havana. Their children were: Joseph; Louis; Odella, the deceased wife of Jacob Hay ; and Mrs. Stockmaster. The latter has borne her husband two children: Celia, born October 12, 1898 ; and Ralph, born May 5, 1904.

Mr. Stockmaster is now serving as road supervisor, having been elected to that office on the republican ticket. He belongs to the Chicago Lodge, K. O. T. M,, and in religious faith the family are Catholics. He is one of the best and most thoroughly modern farmers of his locality and his methods are followed by many who realize the worth of his example.

Sedh.Hslodd

Seth H. Todd, respected and esteemed as one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Huron county and as a representative of one of its pioneer families, was born in Wakeman township, November 22, 1833, his parents being Isaac and Fannie (Booth) Tcdd. The father came to Ohio from Connecticut with his brother, Woodward Todd, and made arrangements for the family to come later or about 1828. The grandíather of our subject was Moses Todd, who originally located in Wakeman township, since which time the Todds have been prominent here, their labors contributing in substantial measure to the growth and development of the community. Isaac Todd was a farmer and the tract of land which he owned was originally all covered with timber, not even a road being cut through. The cabin home was built of logs cut from the ground whereon the house was later built. As the years passed and he prospered in his undertakings, Mr. Todd acquired adjoining land until he had over two hundred acres and he was numbered among the self-made men of the county, for he started out in life emptyhanded and won his property through his own diligence and perseverance. In these early days ready cash was very hard to obtain and when Mr. Todd desired to be married he did not have a sum of money sufficient to enable him to purchase a license so according to the customs of the times the anticipated marriage was publicly announced from the pulpit on services held in the log house for two Sundays preceding the event - and thus the cost of a license was avoided. The wedding tock place in due time and happiness and prosperity followed, notwithstanding the fact that during the first eighteen months after his marriage, he only had fifty cents in money. The labor at that time brought only about twentyfive cents per day and wages were payable in such products as the employer happened to have.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Todd were born three sons and two daughters: sarah B., deceased; Seth H.; Mary A.; Charles M., who has also passed away; and Millard I. Charles was a soldier of the Civil war and died in a hospital at Columbus, Tennessee. The father died at the advanced age of eighty-four years and was laid to rest in Wakeman cemetery. His wife was also interred by his side when she had reached the age of eighty-four years. She was a most hospitable lady, kind and charitable to all and is yet lovingly remembered by many who knew her. Mr. Todd was an ardent abolitionist in antebellum days and was instrumental in assisting many a pcor slave on his way to freedom in the north.

Seth H. Todd spent his boyhood upon the home farm and assisted in the usual work necessitated by the care of the stock and the cultivation of the fields. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Wakeman township and he spent three terms at Oberlin College. Subsequently he engaged in teaching school for five terms and was regarded as a very successful instructor. In

1857, he went to Kansas and assisted the suppression of the border ruffians, experiencing some exciting times when the contest between the advocates of freedom and slavery were at their height. He remained in Kansas for eighteen months and pre-empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, after which he returned to Ohio and has remained continuously in this state. His land in Kansas was located near Topeka and after a time he sold the property. Two years ago, he visited the state and land that comprised his former claim is now worth one hundred dollars per acre.

On the 20th of March, 1860, Mr. Todd was married to Miss Martha E. Strong, a daughter of Cyrus and Susan (Curtis) Strong, who came from Woodbury, Connecticut, to Ohio about the time of the arrival of the Todd family in this state. The father was a farmer by occupation and a man of influence in the community, highly regarded for his sterling qualities. Both he and his wife died a number of years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Todd have been born seven children: Alva, now the wife of James Burhands ; Jennie, who became the wife of the Rev. George Laird and died in July, 1895; Charles A., of Wakeman; Albert S., also of Wakeman ; Sarah A., now the wife of Charles Bartholomew, of Chicago ; Mabel E.: and Sarah Grace, now Mrs. Bruce Spears, who is in the government employ in Alaska.

Mr. Todd has always been a farmer, conducting his labors along progressive and scientific lines. He has made a careful study of soils and the rctation of crops so that he annually gathers good harvests and he has also been a successful breeder of hogs, "Todd's Chester White hogs" becoming famous throughout the United States. Those which he exhibited at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, carried away champion prizes, amounting to twenty-three hundred and seventy dollars, received on twenty-three head of hogs. He became recognized throughout the entire country as a foremost breeder of Chester Whites. He was also a breeder of Shropshire graded sheep and at the International Fat Stcck Exhibit held in Chicago in 1907, he won the grand champion prize for the best car of fifty lambs, establishing his record as the champion sheep man of America. His idea has always been to have the best of anything he handles and his success proclaims the wisdom of this course. The total amount of his cash premiums taken at different stock exhibits amounts to over twenty-six thousand dollars. For fifteen years Mr. Todd was active in farmers' institute work and was a popular lecturer. He has lectured in every county in Ohio at least twice and in some of them eight times and he has also done institute work in Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan and spent one entire winter in that way in the state of Maryland. His services were in demand everywhere, and his lectures were only limited by his inability to be in two places at one time. It is said that at one time Mr. Todd was the most widely known man in the United States, this being due to his stock exhibits at all of the best state fairs in the country, to his institute work and his stock sales which were held in every state in the Union. He is a charter member of Wakeman Grange, No. 1399, Patrons of Industry, has been very active in this work and for a year was a lecturer for the organization. He has done everything in his power to promote agricultural and live stock interests and his efforts have given nim prominence among the live stock men of the entire country. Mr. Todd was also active in the organization of the Wakeman Banking Company, in 1897 became its first president and has served in that capacity continuously since. This is a reliable banking enterprise managed along safe and conservative lines and capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars. It has proven of great benefit to the business community of Wakeman.

Mr. Todd and his family are members of the Congregational church, with which he united when fourteen years of age, since which time he has been active in church and Sunday school work and most generous in support thereof. He was superintendent of the Sunday school for thirty-two years and for fortyeight years, has been a trustee of the church. In his political views, he was an abolitionist in the early days and then joined the republican party on its organization to prevent the further extension of slavery. For a few years he joined the prohibition ranks, being an intense temperance advocate but is now again giving his support to the republican party. He has been active in public matters and has frequently done some campaign speaking and usually represents his township in the different party conventions. He is also in favor of public improvements and gives his voice and his influence to the betterment of general conditions. In 1897, he and his wife left the farm and removed to the village of Wakeman, where they have since resided. At that time Mr. Todd was the owner of over four hundred acres of fine farming land, all well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Since then he has sold to his sons a part of the land, yet holds a goodly share himself. His acres are all well tiled and no farm of this section of the state is more productive, his crops being always the best and largest in the neighborhood. In all of his undertakings, he has been very successful and has acquired much more than a competency. His sons too, are prosperous and are well known for their sheep raising interests, feeding for the New York markets to which they send choice dressed lambs.

William B. McClaflin, a well-to-do farmer of New London township, Huron county, Ohio, and prominent in local affairs, was born on the 25th of March, 1847, in Royalton township, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, a son of Timothy P. and Miranda (Briggs) McClaflin. As children both father and mother came with their respective parents from Vermont when Royalton township was a dense forest and assisted in clearing the land and making it one of the most fertile sections of the state of Ohio. Timothy McClaflin followed the life of a farmer in Royalton township for a time and then in Branch county, Michigan, to which he took his family in 1861. After several years of successful farming there he brought them back to Clarksfield township, Huron county, where he lived and worked for about ten years, later returning to Eaton county, Michigan, which was his home until his death, in March, 1800. His widow survived until December, 1907, when she died at the age of eighty-seven years.

William B. McClaflin was reared at home on the farm and received his education in the public schools of the district. He contemplated continuing his train- ing for life at higher institutions of learning, when the Civil war broke out and interfered with his plans. In April, 1863, he enlisted at Coldwater, Michigan, as a member of Company B, Forty-fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which regiment was to have been recruited for sharp-shooter service but at the time of equipment it was found to be impossible to fit them out for this field of work and they were mustered into the regular infantry. Attached to the Army of the Cumberland, the regiment took part in all the battles that fell to the share of that active army and during the Atlanta campaign was practically under fire for one hundred days. Mr. McClaflin said that at any hour of the day or night might he heard the crack of musketry or the boom of cannon, and yet he escaped all injury, was never taken prisoner, though he but narrowly escaped capture on several occasions and saw but little of the hospital. He served as a private and was mustered out at Camp Irwin, Texas, in December, 1865. Upon leaving the army, Mr. McClaflin returned to Brighton, Lorain county, Ohio, whither his family had moved during the war and there he engaged in farming with his father. In the fall of 1866 he entered Oberlin College and the following year went to Wisconsin to teach school. The schoolhouse which he occupied was one of the old log buildings of that state and its pupils were mostly large boys and girls of unruly disposition. Indeed they had acquired the reputation of being able to put every teacher who came to them out of the school. All unknowing of this state of affairs, Mr. McClaflin entered upon his work and experienced no difficulty, much to the surprise of the neighborhood and to the gratification of the school board, who tried to persuade him to remain another year. He declined the appointment, however, and returned to Ohio to assist his father on the farm. After his marriage, in 1868, he removed to Brighton, where he engaged in agriculture and ten years later went to Clarksfield township, Huron county, which was his home until the fall of 1893, when he removed to Oberlin that he might educate his children at the college there. In 1902, he went to Spencer, Ohio, Mrs. McClaflin having died during their residence in Oberlin, and he farmed his own land for five years. In 1907 he sold his farm and went to California on a pleasure trip, traveling through the greater part of the country in the west and southwest. The winter of 1907-8 he spent in Florida and on his return to Ohio bought the land in New London on which he and his two sons, Hugh M. and Elmer P., now live. The farm embraces one hundred and thirteen acres, on which Mr. McClaflin conducts general farming. He has also engaged in stock raising and in dairying, sometimes milking as many as thirty cows. In all branches of his business he has been very successful.

On the 5th of July, 1868, Mr. McClaflin was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Mosher, a daughter of Hugh and Hester (Smith) Mosher, of Brighton, Lorain county. During the Civil war Mr. Mosher was a fifer in the Forty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was known as the "Yankee Fifer," and was a celebrated character, immortalized in war songs and traditions. He pursued farming and was a man of strong character, who exercised a wide influence. He died in August, 1891, his widow surviving him four years. Mr. and Mrs. McClaflin are the parents of nine children: Orin is married and lives in Medina county, Ohio; Benjamin W. is also married and lives in Clarksfield township; Ernest E. resides in Huntington, Ohio; Lillian is now Mrs. Charles Cook, of New London ; Lottie married Winfield McConnell, of Wellington, Lorain county; Hugh M. and Elmer P. are at home with their father; and two others, Walter and Maggie, died in infancy. Mrs. McClaflin died in Oberlin, May 29, 1894.

Mr. McClaflin affiliates with the republican party and has always been prominent in local politics, frequently being a delegate to various conventions. For a lorg period he served the people as trustee of the towuship and for fourteen years filled the position of road supervisor. On the township board of education he took an active interest in promoting the welfare of the schools. He 15 a charter member of J. C. Ronk Post, No. 298, G. A. R., of which he was post commander for a number of years and has frequently been a delegate to state and national encampments. In religious matters he gives his support to the Methodist Episcopal church and has always played an important part in the work of this denomination, having been for a considerable period a class leader and the superintendent of the Sunday school. In short he is a man possessed of a great deal of public spirit, who stands high in his community because of his principles and the integrity of his life. His sons, too, are fine young men who give fair promise of active and useful lives.

John M. Vaughn

John M. Vaughn has well earned the proud American title of a self-made man. Necessity forced him to start out in life for himself at a very early age and he has since been dependent upon his own resources. For about forty years he has been connected with the building interests of Norwalk and in this connection has gained the reputation of being one of the best contractors in the locality, many of the important buildings of this city and the surrounding towns standing as monuments to his ability.

Mr. Vaughn was born on the 8th of January, 1848, in Steuben county, Indiana, at a time when much of that district was still wild and uncultivated. He is the youngest in a family of six sons and three daughters born to Lewis B. and Katharine (Smith) Vaughn. The parents came from Genesee county, New York, to Steuben county, Indiana, about the year 1846, where the father engaged in the occupation of farming. The five brothers of our subject all enlisted in the Civil war and practically all remained in active service throughout the period of hostilities. Also six cousins, the sons of Loran Vaughn, entered for service and continued until the close of the war, most of them receiving serious wounds although none met death on the battlefield. One died, however, soon after returning home.

John M. Vaughn was left motherless at the age of five years and from that time on he was practically without a home until his marriage. He drifted about from one place to another, living with different people, until sixteen years of age, when he crossed the threshold of the business world in the capacity of farm hand. He was thus engaged for three years, when he came to Norwalk and learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade. He worked as a journeymen for two years and then, when twenty-two years old, engaged in businesss on his own account. Although little more than a boy in years, he nevertheless gained almost immediate success and is today one of the most prosperous and well known contractors of the community. Many of the most prominent and expensive structures in and around Norwalk were constructed by Mr. Vaughn and are the visible evidence of his superior ability and skill. The first large contract which came to him was the erection of the large Presbyterian church at McMinnville, Tennessee, which he constructed when only twenty-four years of age. He was awarded the contract for the Norwalk Opera House at a cost of five thousand dollars, and within ninety days it was completed and had offered its first performance. He erected many of the beautiful homes in this city, among them being the residence of Drs. Simmons, Dr. Merritt, Ex-Mayor Anderson, Dr. Billmyer, Dr. Goodsel, George Cline, Charles Bostwick, Frank Roth, Mrs. Roth, the Altaffar residence, the Pearl home, the Dowd residence, St. Mary's parsonage, The Prentice, the Keiser, the Nichols, Aldeman, Snyder and Cook residences, remodeled the Harley home and also Dr. Hawley's residence, and a great number of homes throughout the surrounding country. He built the Huron County Infirmary Hospital and remodeled the Huron County court house and the old St. Charles - now the Avalon - the leading hotel of Norwalk. His own home is situated a mile and a half south of the court-house on Norwood avenue and, although outside of the corporation limits, has all of the conveniences and accessories of the up-to-date city home and is one of the most comfortable and conveniently arranged houses of Norwalk. It is located on the old Rogers homestead, which property has been in his wife's family for nearly fifty years.

In 1872 Mr. Vaughn laid the foundation for a happy home life in his marriage to Emma J. Rogers, who was born in Huron county in April, 1855. Their home has been blessed with two daughters, Edna L. and Eva L., twins, born in 1873, the latter being now the wife of Elbin Vaughn of Toledo. The children received their education in the Norwalk schools and also pursued a very thorough course in music there, having been extremely well trained in this art. They have each taught music and are proficient on the piano, the violin and many other instruments. Mrs. Vaughn is the daughter of S. J. and Fanny M. (Wilson) Rogers, who were numbered among the early pioneer settlers of Huron county. She is a descendant of Martin Kellogg, who passed away at the age of one hundred and five years. She and her husband are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally Mr. Vaughn holds membership with the Tribe of Ben Hur.

The Vaughn family have all been republicans, a fact of which Mr. Vaughn is very proud, inasmuch as he is himself a very stanch and loyal supporter of that party. He is entitled to wear the G. A. R. button inasmuch as he enlisted three different times in the union army at the time of the Civil war, although he was but a mere lad at the outbreak of hostilities. Although Mr. Vaughn had to depend upon his own efforts entirely for the educational training which he enjoyed, nevertheless he has always remained a close student and wide reader. A close observer, quick to recognize and appreciate the lesson which comes with each new experience in life, he gained in the school of experience a thorough practical knowledge that has been of the utmost value to him in his business career. A man who looks well into the future before laying his plans, he possesses a resolute and determined spirit that carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. His life has been one of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recognition of honest labor, while his honorable business methods and his true personal worth have gained for him the respect, confidence and good will of the entire community. He is one of the finest mechanics in the state of Ohio and his efforts along contracting lines have not only brought to himself gratifying success but have been of great assistance in the substantial growth and upbuilding of Huron county.

James S. Evans

The farming interests of Ridgefield township, Huron county, find a worthy representative in James S. Evans, whose birth occurred in London, England, on the 14th of December, 1848. He is a son of Thomas and Sophia (Smith) Evans, also natives of England, who came to the United States in 1849, landing at Sandusky on the 12th of August. For a period of one year, they resided at Hunts Corners, Ohio, and then the father went to California, where he conducted a general store at Eldorado and also engaged in mining for some time. He returned home in 1865 and in 1870 removed to Wood county, Ohio. His death occurred in 1879, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-five years, while his wife passed away in 1886, at the age of eighty years. In their family were six children, namely: Thomas, residing at Danville, Illinois; Mary Ann, the wife of Hiram Latham, a resident of Bellevue; Elizabeth, the wife of Philip Schuyler, residing in this county; Sarah, the deceased wife of Joseph Setterly; William, who lives at Hunts Corners; and James S., of this review.

Coming to Ohio when but one year of age, James S. Evans has therefore passed almost his entire life in this state. He acquired his education in the common schools of the district and the period of his boyhood and youth was divided between the duties of the schooiroom, the pleasures of the playground and the tasks assigned him by parental authority. Upon attaining his majority, he was married in Wood county, Ohio, to Miss Nancy L. Neiblong and resided in that county for about six years, during which period he worked for his mother-inlaw. In 1877, he removed to Toledo, Ohio, where he engaged in the teaming business for about one year, after which considerable time was spent in moving about from one place to another. Subsequently he located upon his present farm and has since continued to devote his time and attention to its further improvement, He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and year by year has carried on the work of the farm until it has become a very desirable property, from which he annually gathers rich crops that bring to him a good financial return.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Evans was born one child, Lillian, now the wife of William Heyman, of Hunts Corners. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children: Clifford, Clarence, Willard, Eva and Mary. On the 21st of March, 1889, Mr. Evans was again married, his second union being with Miss Sarah James, the widow of Edward James. Mrs. Evans is an old settler of Ridgefield township, having resided in her present home since 1853. She is a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Mann) White, both natives of England, who spent their entire lives in that country. Their family consisted of twelve children, of whom

Politically Mr. Evans gives his allegiance to the democratic party and served for two years as township constable and likewise as road supervisor. He is recognized as a violinist of considerably ability and for the past thirty-five years his services as such haxe been in great demand for parties and various social gatherings. He is known extensively throughout the county and is held in high regard and esteem by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

John Wesley Holtz

John Wesley Holtz, one of the well-to-do and enterprising farmers of Richmond township, Huron county, Ohio, was born in that township, March 5, 1851, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Holtz. The father was born in Pennsylvania, but the mother was a native of Richland county, Ohio, though of German descent, her grandfather having come from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania. Jacob Holtz was a farmer during the whole of his life. The first land he bought consisted of fifty acres and was purchased for seven dollars per acres, for it was heavily timbered and had to be cleared before it was cultivable. After building a log house and barn Holtz began to cut down the trees and with the rude farm implements of those days, make the soil fit to receive the seed. It repaid well the labor that was put upon it and made possible the purchase of more land, which from time to time, Mr. Holtz procured until at his death he was possessed of one hundred and fifty-eight acres. Six children were born to him and his wife: William, deceased ; George Washington and John Wesley, who were twins ; Sarah, deceased, who was the wife of George Elston; Simon, deceased; and Jennie, who married Elmer Lyons.

John Wesley Holtz has always followed farming from his youngest days, for even during the period when he attended the little district schools his vacations and such time as was not required for the preparation of lessons, were devoted to performing the chores about the house or participating in the heavier work outdoors. For about ten years he worked for different farmers by the month and then purchased a farm in Richmond township. Here has always been [1$ home though he has occupied several farms at different times, buying, selling or trading whereever he thought it was to his advantage to do so. The place on which he is living today was known as the old Henry Dunston farm and was well improved when he located thereon. It is rich and arable and well supports the general farming which he pursues.

On the 4th of November, 1880, Mr. Holtz was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Frederick, a daughter of Henry and Mary Elizabeth Frederick. The mother died in July, 1909, in her eighty-first year, and was buried on the fiftyninth anniversary of her wedding. She had four children: James; Frank August; Mary E., now Mrs. Holtz; and Ella, who is the wife of Frank Hough. Mr. and Mrs. Holtz have five children: Nellie, Fred, Bessie, Erma, Irene and Eulalie.

Mr. Holtz and his family are members of the United Brethren church and in their daily life try to uphold its teachings. Politically his sympathies are with the democratic party, though he is not active either in its ranks or in the public life of his township. He has, however, served for one term as road supervisor and conducted his administration creditably. A good farmer, hard working prosperous, he is also a good business man, making the most of the opportunities that are put within his grasp.

Ed A. Evans, the present editor of the Chicago Times, is a native of Ohio, born in Licking county, and is a son of William D. and Amanda (Bell) Evans. His grandfather, Joseph Evans, was a native of Wales and was the first of the family to come to America, locating in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and later removing to Licking county, Ohio. William D. Evans, the father of our subject, has engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout life and is still residing upon his farm in Licking county. In his family are the following children: Ed. A., of this review; Cora, the wife of Albert Slater, who is postmaster and also conducts a general store at St. Louisville, Ohio, and by whom she has one son, Edward F.; and Charles, express messenger at Newark, Ohio, who married Jennie Holmes and has two children, Holmes and Elizabeth.

Ed A. Evans began his education in the district schools of Licking county and later attended the Hanover high school, after which he was a student at Pataskala, Ohio, for a time. He next entered a private normal school and on finishing his course there began teaching. After four years' experience as a teacher, he entered the University of Michigan and for some time pursued a special course at that institution, although he did not graduate. In 1887, he became identified with the district schools of Licking county as teacher and, his ability soon being generally recognized, he was called to St. Louisville four years later to organize a high school at that place of which he became superintendent. He had the honor of graduating the first class from that institution, which, under him, developed into a high grade school. Later he was principal of the high school at Pataskala for two years and afterward continued as superintendant for four years, resigning at the end of that time to accept the offer made him by the board of directors of Chicago, Ohio. The educator of today must of necessity be a man of scholarly attainments who has been carefully trained for his work. addition to this, in order to succeed, he must be a man of sympathetic manner, possessing infinite tact and patience and being a good judge of nature. Such a man is Mr. Evans, who for the past eight years has filled the responsible position of superintendent of the schools of Chicago, and during that time has brought the standard of excellence in them to its present high grade. He is a member of the Cen tral and Eastern Ohio Teachers Association, holds membership in the Ohio Teachers Reading Circle, is secretary of the Ohio State Teachers Association and is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Teachers Association. He has been county examiner for three years, served as a member of the executive committee and was president of the county teachers institute. Perhaps no man has done more in his locality to bring about efficiency and thoroughness in school work. His methods are practical and have been adapted by many of his fellow teachers. In 1900, Mr. Evans was granted a life certificate by the board of examiners of Ohio, but will resign from his present position as soon as he can be replaced, for on the 16th of October, 1909, he purchased the Chicago Times from L. E. Simmons, and will now devote his time and attention to the conduct of that newspaper. it is with considerable regret that the board of education gave up the services of Mr. Evans, who has been a most important factor in the school development of this section of the state.

On the 25th of December, 1895, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Locke, a daughter of Albert and Isabel Locke. Her mother died in May, 1897, and her father, who is a native of Ohio, now makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Mrs. Locke was born in Licking county, her parents having come to this state from New York. She was the mother of two children, namely: Mary, the wife of Walter Drake, who is an undertaker and furniture dealer of Monroeville, Ohio, by whom she has one son, John F.; and Sarah, now the wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are the parents of the following named: Isabel, born in November, 1896; Ruppert P., in January, 1898; Edward A., in 1899; Ellen M., in October, 1901; Samuel S., in July, 1903; and Sarah Louise, in August, 1907.

Fraternally, Mr. Evans is a member of Chicago Lodge, K. P., and of the Pataskala Lodge, No. 404, A. F. & A. M. In politics, he is a democrat but has never had time to devote to public affairs outside of his profession. He and his wife belong to the Methodist church and stand very high in the estimation of their associates there, as they do in the community at large where they have countless friends.

Otto A. Betschmann

Otto A. Betschmann, residing upon a farm of forty acres in Norwalk township, Huron county, is successfully engaged, in connection with his general agricultural pursuits, in the conduct of a profitable dairy business. He was born on this farm, November 27, 1874, a son of Nicholas and Margaret (Zimmerman) Betschmann, the former a native of Switzerland, his birth there occurring in 1822. When about twenty-five years of age, he came to the United States and located in the German settlement in Peru township, where he operated a blacksmith shop in connection with general farming. He later engaged in the blacksmith trade on the farm upon which our subject now resides, where he continued to live untii his demise in 1886. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Reinick, and in their family were five children, namely: Frank; John; Robert; Rose, deceased; and Francis. He was later united in marriage to Miss Markaret Zimmerman, and unto this union were born four children, as follows:

Otto A., of this review; Julius, born May 24, 1877; George, born May 25, 1880; and Theodore, born February 12, 1882. Julius Betschmann resides at Fremont, Ohio, while the two last named make their home with our subject. Mrs. Nicholas Betschmann was born May 16, 1835, in East Liverpool, Ohio, and still survives, making her home with her son, Otto, having resided upon this farm for over fifty years. She also was twice married, her first union being with Roman Indelkafer, who was the original owner of the farm which is now in the possession of Otto A. Betschmann, of this review. Unto this union were born five children: Mary, Lucy, Julia, Roman and Joseph.

Otto A. Betschmann was reared upon his present farm and acquired his education in the schools of Norwalk township. When not busy with his text books, he assisted in the work of cultivating the fields and early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the farm lad. The practical experience thus gained proved of the utmost importance to him when, after attaining his majority, he engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account. He has always followed general farming, bringing his fields under a fine state of cultivation. About twelve years ago, he instituted the East End Dairy, which he has since continued to operate, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him a high degree of prosperity and success in this undertaking.

Mr. Betschmann and his two brothers, Julius and Theodore, are members of the Eagles Lodge of Norwalk and hold membership in the Catholic church He has passed his entire life in this community and has become recognized as a public-spirited citizen, while he has gained a wide circle of friends. In his business life, he made good use of his opportunities, has utilized his possibilities to the best advantage, and as the years have passed by, he has gained a place among the substantial representatives of this county.

Michael Gies

Michael Gies, deceased, possessed many strong and salient characteristics which won him the high regard of all with whom he came in contact and thus his death, which occurred in 1904, was the occasion of deep regret to his many friends. He was born August 15, 1830, and reared under the parental roof. After attaining man's estate he started out in the business world as an agriculturist and eventually became the owner of the farm which is still in possession of his family, a tract comprising one hundred and seven acres, conveniently located within three miles of Norwalk. He also owned an additional tract of ninety-nine acres, which he sold prior to his demise and divided the proceeds among his children. For many years Mr. Gies was engaged in farming and each year, owing to the care and labor which he gave to his fields, he gathered good harvests. He also improved his place with good buildings, which were always kept in an excellent state of repair, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1904, he left his family in possession of a valuable farm, which today supplies them with all the

It was in 1861. that Mr. Gies established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Blandina Remelee, who was born on the 7th of May, 1840. They became the parents of six sons and one daughter: August, Ferdinand, Lawrence, Frank, William, Leo and Mrs. Amelia Shnord. All acquired a good education in the district schools and are now married and have homes of their own.

Mr. Gies gave his political support to the men and measures of democracy, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Catholic church. A man of domestic taste, outside of his business duties, he spent his leisure time within the family circle. Of a genial and kindly disposition, he was a friend to all, and thus his death was mourned by many friends but most of all by the immediate members of his household.

Richard T. Slater

Richard T. Slater is a wide-awake and enterprising farmer, owning and operating a tract of land of fifty acres in Hartland township. His birth occurred in North Fairfield, Huron county, Ohio, on the 17th of August, 1857, his parents being John and Isabelle (Crow) Slater, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Quebec, Canada. The Slaters are of English lineage but have been represented in this country ever since the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620, one of the ancestors coming over on the Mayflower. John Slater, the father of our subject, was a blacksmith by trade and for many years worked at that occupation in North Fairfield. He was fifty-two years of age when he enlisted as a soldier of the Union army, becoming a member of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-Third Regiment of Ohic Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He was twice captured by the enemy and was incarcerated in Andersonville prison and also at Belle Isle, being eventually exchanged in both cases. His demise occurred in 1887, when he had attained the ripe old age of seventy-seven years, and his remains were interred in the North Fairfield tery. His wife, surviving him for more than two decades, was called to her final rest on the 28th of September, 1908, and lies buried at New Buffalo, Michigan.

Richard T. Slater obtained his education in the schools of his native town and was employed at farm work as soon as his age and strength permitted. He was arried when about twenty-three years of age and then carried on general agricultura! pursuits in Fairfield township for a number of years, while later he spent seven years in Greenwich township, devoting his time and energies to the work of the fields. In 1898, he came to Hartland township, taking up his abode on the farm of fifty acres which has since remained his place of residence. It is a well improved and valuable property and the rich and fertile soil responds to cultivation in bountiful harvests.

On the 30th of May, 1880, Mr. Slater was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Odell, a daughter of William and Rachel (Phillip) Odell, both of whom aré natives of this county and now make their home in North Fairfield. Unto Mr. and

Mrs. Slater have been born two children: Burt A., who is married and resides in Laport county, Indiana; and Blanche B., the wife of Horace Davis, who follows farming in Hartland township.

Mr. Slater has always supported the men and measures of the democracy and is now serving for the fourth year as township trustee, while he has also been a member of the school board, maintaining a deep interests in the progress of public education. His cooperation and aid can always be counted upon to further any movement instituted to advance the general welfare and he is widely recognized as a most progressive, loyal and public-spirited citizen. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives, having won the kindly regard and friendship of all with whom they have been associated.

George W. Parker

George W. Parker, who as proprietor of the Parker Greenhouse is conducting a profitable and successful retail and wholesale business, was born on the 31st of October, 1834, in Bronson township, a son of Rial and Achsah (Snow) Parker, bcth natives of Cayuga county, New York. The father, who comes of English lineage, was born in 1800, a son of George and Phoebe (Russell) Parker, while the mother, whose birth occurred in 1802, was a daughter of Asher Snow. In their family were three children: Phoebe, Asher and George.

The boyhood and youthíul days of George W. Parker were spent under the parental roof and he is indebted to the common school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. laying aside his text books and starting out in life on his own account, he was identified with various lines of business, being engaged at different times as a druggist, grocer, brick and tile manufacturer and a farmer. For a number of years, however, he has conducted a growing and successful flcrist's business, his greenhouse, which has been in existence for sixteen years, having been one of the first to be established in Huron county. He has met with most gratifying success in both his retail and wholesale departments and enjoys a constantly increasing patronage which has already reached gratifying proportions. The size, color and variety of his product are such as to insure a ready sale and good prices on the market and his flowers are in demand not only in Norwalk, but throughout the adjoining territory. He owns about twenty-five acres of land in the city of Norwalk upon which stands his greenhouse, while he also has an attractive and comfortable residence upon this property.

Mr. Walker was united in marriage in 1862 to Miss Harriet M. Beard, who was Lorn in Seneca county in 1840, a daughter of John Beard. Unto this union have been born three children. Achsah, who was born in 1865, is now teaching in the normal school at Greeley, Colorado. Phoebe, who was born in 1872, is the superintendent of a library in Bay City, Michigan. Willard, the youngest of the family, was born in 1875 and is his father's partner in business. He took part in the Spanish-American war and spent two years in the Philippine Islands.

Parker has figured actively in local political circles, being recognized as a stalwart supporter of the democracy, to the principles of which party he gives loyal support. He was for some time a member of the school board and did all in his power to further the interests of education. His life has been one of continuous activity, each forward step in his business career bringing to him a wider outlook and broader opportunities. He possesses keen business ability and good judgment, and his careful management of his affairs, together with his honorable and upright methods, have been the salient elements in the success which he now enjoys.

John V. Barker

John V. Barker, the owner of a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Bronson township, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in that township on the I4th of February, 1877. His parents, John and Phoebe (Morse) Barker, are likewise natives of this county and were born in the years 1844 and 1848 respectively. The father, an honored veteran of the Civil war, served for four years as a member of the Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His family numbers five children, namely: Myrtle, Edgar, John V., Jay and Lucy.

John V. Barker has always made his home on a farm and early became familiar with the various duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. As above stated, he now owns and cultivates a tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres of land in Bronson township and in the conduct of his farming interests has won a commendable measure of success, owing to his untiring and well directed energy and good management. He also operates a cider press which his father built in 1886 and which has been in operation ever since. It was one of the first steam presses in the county.

In 1901, Mr. Barker was joined in wedlock to Miss Frances Coyt, who was born in 1883, a daughter of James and Nellie (Hall) Coyt. Mrs. Barker has two sisters, Grace and Marguerite. The political faith of Mr. Barker accords with the principles and policy of the republican party. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Norwalk, and he is a worthy exemplar of the craft. As he has lived in this county throughout his entire life, he has a wide acquaintance here and his many friends know him as a young man of enterprise and worth.