Wakeman Township (part 8 of 21)

In 1866 Mr. Doud removed to New London, Ohio, where together with Albert White, he built the town hall block and engaged in merchandising for eight years, acting also as postmaster for several years. It was here that he formed the acquaintance of Captain A. B. Chase, who later became the founder and president of the company that bears his name. In 1875 he removed to Norwalk, Ohio, and joined with A. B. Chase and others in organizing the A. B. Chase Company for the manufacture of musical instruments. Being a charter member, Mr. Doud became its first secretary and treasurer and has continued as secretary and general manager to the present time. He has seen the business grow and prosper until it is one of the most important in Huron county, second to none of its kind in the state, with the highest reputation for organs, pianos and playerpianos that is world wide. His keen discrimination, his capable management and his undaunted enterprise have been salient features in its success. He has been watchful of all the details pointing to the growth and perfection of the business and has ever maintained a high standard in the character of the output, in the personnel of the house and in the nature of the service rendered to the public. In 1880 Mr. Doud built the Doud block, now the Maccabee Temple, at Norwalk, Ohio, and in 1882 erected his brick residence West Main street.

Mr. Doud is an active Methodist and an enthusiastic Sunday-school worker. At the age of fifteen, soon after uniting with the church, he was elected secretary of the local Sunday school, and has held official relations with the church and Sunday school ever since. He was Sunday-school superintendent for over twentyfive years, frequently in the early days, superintending his home school in the morning and one in the country in the afternoon. He was for many years secretary or president of the Huron County Sunday School Association, president of the Huron county branch of the American Bible Society, and has for many years conducted a large adult Bible class in the Norwalk Methodist Sunday school.

Mr. Doud has acted as trustee of Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio, and of the Lakeside Association. He is a steward and trustee of the Norwalk Methodist Episcopal church, and was secretary of the building committee when their new stone edifice was erected.

In 1904 he was a delegate to the World's Fourth International Sunday school convention, which met at Jerusalem, and while abroad visited many points of ancient and modern historic interest. Being a keen observer, he profited by the knowledge which he gained concerning the social and religious work of the old world. Mr. Doud was a delegate also to the International Sunday School convention at Toronto, Canada, in 1907. He has been an extensive traveler, his business relations having taken him into nearly every state in the Union, and his vacation trips including Canada, Cuba, Mexico and countries of Europe, Asia and Africa. He is a well read man, a good writer on the subjects which he discusses and an original and strong thinker, and a man of high moral character. Realizing that the purposes of life are manifold and that the interests of the individual should touch many lines, he has not confined his attention to business affairs alone, but has been an interested and liberal supporter of education, of temperance, of church work, and in fact all movements for the general good.

George A. Nicolls

George A. Nicolls, residing on his well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Bronson township, has been successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. His birth occurred in Cayuga county, New York, on the 30th of October, 1829, his parents being John and Sarah (Peck) Nicolls, the latter a native of Massachussetts. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Nicolls, who served all thrcugh the Revolutionary war of 1776, and the maternal grandfather, Abijah Peck, served in the war of 1812 with the rank of major. John Nicolls, the father of George A. Nicolls, likewise did duty as a soldier in the war of 1812, serving throughout the entire ccnflict. In the year 1837, he brought his wife and children to Huron county, Ohio, the family home being established in Bronson township. This part of the state was still largely wild and undeveloped and he found it necessary to clear the land of the timber before it could be utilized for farming purposes. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, namely : Seymour, who died in infancy ; William ; Kay; Levina; Samantha; John; Abijah and George A.

George A. Nicolls, who was but a little lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this county, early became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist through the assistance which he rendered his father in the opening up and development of the latter's farm. Throughout his entire business career, he has devoted his time and energies to the work of general farming, in which he has won a substantial measure of success, being most practical and progressive in his methods. He is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Bronson town- ship, where he resides and is well entitled to be classed with the substantial and representative citizens of the community. He is one of the stockholders in the Sandusky, Norwalk and Mansfield Railroad.

On the roth of March, 1870, Mr. Nicolls was united in marriage to Miss Clarissa Burnap, a daughter of Job and Olive Burnap. Sarah and Mary, the two daughters born of this union, are now deceased.

Mr. Nicolls is a firm believer in the principles of the republican party and always casts his ballot in support of its men and measures. He has now been a resident of this county for seventy-two years and is therefore thorough!y familiar with its annuals from a pioneer period down to the present time, having not only been an interested witness but also an active participant in the work of upbuilding and improvement. He has now reached the eightieth milestone on the journey of life and can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear, for his life has been characterized by honor and integrity in all relations.

Lannes Lamar Antrim

A history of Greenwich township would hardly be complete without mention of Lannes Lamar Antrim, one of the mcst prominent and highly respected citizens of the community. He was born in West Middleburg, Logan county, Ohio, January 1841, a son of Joshua and Mary (Grubb) Antrim. His grandfather, Thomas Antrim, who came from Culpeper county, Virginia, was a Quaker and was the first minister of any denomination to arrive in Logan county, while his son, Daniel Antrim, was the first white child born in that county.

Joshua Antrim, the father of our subject, was identified with the tailoring business and was also a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church for some time, while later he became an adherent of the Swedenborgian faith. He was a man of great literary ability and a historian of broad information. He was also greatly interested at all times in the pioneer organizations of Logan and Champaign counties and at the solicitation of the Logan County Pioneer Society, in 1874, he prepared and published a history of that county. His death occurred in November, 1874. He had wedded Miss Mary Grubb and unto them were born twelve children, namely: Avarilla, the wife of Eli Cowgill; Lannes Lamar, of this review ; Hester, the wife of William Stoop, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Elizabeth, the wife of Moses Euans ; Matilda, deceased ; Joseph, also deceased; Sarah, who wedded William Glasgow, of Muncie, Indiana ; Ida and Anna, who have passed away ; Thomas, residing in Columbus ; Mary, deceased; and one who died in infancy. Joseph Antrim was a prominent minister of the Episcopal church and preached the funeral sermon over the remains of General Gordon, the well known and eloquent lecturer. He passed away several years ago in New Orleans.

In a home of culture and refinement, Lannes Lamar Antrim passed the days of his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the public schools of West Middleburg, and at the age of sixteen years took up the blacksmith's trade, in which line of work he has continuously engaged to the present time. He remained in his native town until 1896, when he came to Greenwich and has since made his home this city. Here he has devoted his time and energies to the conduct of his business affairs, in which he has met with most gratifying success.

On the 18th of January, 1862, Mr. Antrim was united in marriage to Miss Anna Prall, a daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Hutchins) Prall, natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio about the year 1844. Her father was a prominent horse dealer and bought horses for the government during the period of the Mexican war, being considered an expert in this line of business. He passed away many years ago in Logan county. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Antrim was blessed with six children, as follows: Catherine, the wife of Scott Norvall, of Arizona; Jessie, engaged in teaching in the public schools of Cleveland; Homer, deceased ; Lcuise, also teaching in the Cleveland public schools; Carl, of Greenwich; and Crystal, the wife of Fred Hines, the cashier of the Farmers Bank of Greenwich.

The family were for years members of the Methodist Protestant church, while Mr. Antrim acted as superintendent of the Sunday school most of the time for twenty-five years and was always active in the work of the church and Sunday school. Since ccming to Greenwich, however, the family have attended the Methodist Episcopal church, there being no Methodist Protestant organization in this city. Mr. Antrim now gives his allegiance to the republican party, although for some years he was affiliated with the prohibition party, being deeply interested in and active in the support of the cause of temperance. He isa splendid type of the American citizen who at all times stands for that which is highest and best in the world, supporting many measures of reform and improvement that uplift humanity and work for the common weal.

Washington Irving Adams

Washington Irving Adams is one of the active and progressive agriculturists of Huron county, making his home on his farm of one hundred acres in Fairfield township. He is a native of that township, his birth having there occurred on the 7th of November, 1842. His parents were Sherwood and Delecta (Foote) Adams, the former a son of David and Betsy (Lyon) Adams and the latter a daughter of Ebenezer and Lydia (Gage) Foote. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood Adams were born two children, Linden and Washington Irving.

The last named has been engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and has resided on his present farm of one hundred acres for the past twenty-five years. As the result of his unremitting industry and capable management he has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings and has long been numbered among the substantial and enterprising citizens of the community,

In 1864 Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Miss Lovisa Carbine, a daughter of Horace and Clarissa Carbine, by whom he has one child, Lena, who was born in 1870. She was educated in a college at Hillsdale, Michigan, and afterward taught in a high school of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, but is now in Logansport, Indiana.

In his political views Mr. Adams is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, with which his wife is also identified. Having spent his entire life in this locality, he is well known and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his career is worthy of respect and confidence.

Mrs. Anna J. McPherson, who is of Scotch-Irish descent, owns one hundred and twenty-three acres of land in Greenfield township, where she has lived for more than sixty years, being born in this township, January 17, 1824. Her parents, John and Martha (Easter) Arthur, were of Irish birth but came to this county in the days of the pioneers. They settled in Greenfield township, cleared their own farm and became substantial citizens of the land of their adoption. A more extended mention of them and of their descendants is given in the sketch o: Robert Arthur, a farmer of Greenfield township.

Mrs. McPherscn has spent all her life in this township. Her education was acquired in the public schools of Steuben and the practical experience that fitted her to be the wife of a farmer was obtained at home with her parents. In her young womanhood she was married August 12, 1841, to James McPherson, the son of William and Mary McPherson, natives of Ireland but numbered among the early settlers of township. James McPherscn was also of Irish birth and was the first of his family to come to this country. He was a young man and came alone, but, after finding that the chances of making his way in the world were so much better here than in Ireland sent for his parents. He had learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed on coming to Ohio, and it is said that he helped to build some of the first houses in Norwalk. After obtaining employment in several other places, he went to Steuben, where he assisted in building the Congregational church. Shortly after that he abandoned his trade for the pursuit of farming, for in 1846, he had purchased a good-sized tract of land, that on which his widow lives today. It was at the time virgin soil, well covered with timber, and the work of clearing the forest was no small undertaking. The greater part of this he did himself as well as building his fine house. Many improvements have since been made, and were, in fact, instituted before Mr. McPherson's life was closed on the 22d of June, 1858, at the age of forty-four years and four months to the day. A hard-working man, his integrity of deed and purpose was recognized by his fellows, who as whigs elected him to fill the office of treasurer of the township. His religious affiliation was with the Congregational church.

Of the marriage that was solemnized in the Arthur home on the 12th of August, 1841, there were born three children: William Hamilton, living in Bronson township, was twice married, the first time to Miss Lucy A. Wheeler, who left three children, Arthur, William H. and Scott, and the second time to Miss Margaret Much, and they have two sons, Clyde and Glenn. George A., the second son, is a resident of Greenfield township. He married Miss Emma Willoughby, by whom he has had two children: Robert, deceased; and Jennie, who is the wife of Fred

Flyn and has a daughter Helen. They live in Ashland county, Ohio. John F., the youngest son, lives at home and manages his mother's farm. He attended the public school at Steuben, from which he went to the National Normal College at Lebanon, Ohio, where he took a teacher's course. For a few years after completing his education he devoted himself to instructing others in the rudiments of the English language and other school subjects and then engaged in farming. He has been successful in agriculture and has won for himself a respected position among the citizens of Greenfield township, whom he has served to their satisfaction as justice of the peace and as town clerk and in other capacities, having he!d the first mentioned office through a pericd of twenty-three years, and the second for twentyone years. He is a demccrat in pclitics and a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he has held several offices. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and has held almost all the offices of the tent.

During the more than half-century that Mrs. McPherson has lived upon her farm she has witnessed and participated in the many changes that have transformed the country from a sparsely inhabited tract of undeveloped field and forest, into one of the best improved portions of the state. The progress is gratifying and especially is the knowledge that her farm has kept up with the march of time and is as improved and well cultivated a tract as is included in the township of Greenfield.

Mrs. Annie M. Stentz

Analyzation of character is perhaps the most difficult task that ever confronts the historian, so complex are the interests that enter in and so diversified are the forces which have influence upon the individual It would seem almost impossible to point out the salient factors in the life of Mrs. Annie M. Stentz, for hers is a well rounded life in which notable business ability, broad humanitarianism, kindly spirit and liberal culture are well balanced forces. She is probably without exception the most prominent and best known woman in Huron county and has had the notable distinction of being the only woman national bank president in the United States.

A native of Ashland county, Ohio, her birth occurred in Mifflin township, March 31, 1846, her parents being Benjamin and Annie (Albert) Newcomer, both of whom were natives of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She has been a resident of Monroeville, Huron county, since 1863, and on the 4th of October, 1872, she gave her hand in marriage to Orren W. Head, a native of Paris, Oneida county, New York, born in May, 1808. His parents were Jonathan and Hepzibah (Livermore) Head, natives of Rhode Island and New Hampshire, respectively. Orren W. Head was reared to farm life and was educated in the subscription schools of the neighborhood. In 1836 he wedded Julia Crane of Marshall, Oneida county, New York, and unto them were born three sons and two daughters, but the latter are now deceased. In 1842 Mr. Head and his family became residents of Ridgefield township, Huron county, where he purchased four hundred and twenty acres of land, the greater part of which was formerly the Sours farm.

As the years passed he kept his land well improved and cultivated, bringing the fields under a high state of development so that rich crops were annually harvested. In 1857 he erected what is now known as the Davis block in Monroeville, where he conducted a banking business for a number of years, the enterprise being first conducted as the Perkins & Head Exchange Bank. Following the death of the senior partner it became known as the O. W. Head Exchange Bank and was so maintained until 1863, when Mr. Head sold out to S. V. Harkness. He always conducted a private banking business and through his careful and wise management accumulated a goodly fortune, while the integrity of his business methods won him the high regard of all. One of the founders of the Monroeville National Bank, he served as its president from the time of its inception until his death, which occurred October 2, 1882. Mr. Head was honored for his loyalty to his friends, for his public-spirited devotion to the general good and his support of all projects for the intellectual and moral uplift of the community. He assisted more men in their hour of need to secure homes than any other one citizen in the county, and the spirit of friendless thus manifested won for him an almost limitless circle of friends.

It was upon the death of Mr. Head that his widow, now Mrs. Stentz, gave evidence of her superior business qualifications. Assuming the management of the estate she soon brought order out of chaos in a manner that at once stamped her as one of the most capable of modern business women. She received a goodly inheritance from her husband and, possessing a fondness for business management, controlled her affairs with rare skill and discrimination. One of her favorite investments was the stock of the First National Bank of Monroeville, and in the course of time she and Henry P. Stentz became the largest stockholders. Their marriage, which occurred April 15, 1901, brought about a transfusion of interests which gave them control of the corporation.

Henry P. Stentz, up to the time of his death the president of the First National Bank, was prominent in the array of leading financiers and capitalists of Monroeville and Ohio. He was always a builder and not a wrecker of fortunes, his work being along constructive lines and of a character that contributed to general success as well as to individual prosperity. There was no name more honored or respected throughout Huron county than that of Henry P. Stentz, who was richly endowed with all those qualities which constituted good citizenship and honorable manhood. He was born in Middletown, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1838, and was descended from German ancestry, from whom he inherited his characteristic energy, good judgment and other business qualities that made him the successful financier he proved himself to be. His parents were Peter and Catherine (Keller) Stentz, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Huron county, Ohio, 1840. After a brief period they established their home in Plymouth, Richmond county, but much of the residue of their days was passed at Galion, Crawford county, to which place they removed in 1853.

Henry P. Stentz acquired his education in the Union schools of Plymouth and crossed the threshold of business life as an employe of A. Atwood, a merchant and banker of that place. He gave unfaltering loyalty to his employer and manifested unremitting diligence in the discharge of the duties that devolved upon him. His remuneration at the outset was only eight dollars per month, but he gradually worked his way upward, winning the confidence and good will of his employer by his diligence, enterprise and trustworthiness. He remained with Mr. Atwood until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he launched out upon an independent business venture, speculating in several articles of merchandise, including cotton, hemp, sugar and molasses. This caused him to travel largely in the south and while he did not meet with very substantial success in the undertaking, owing doubtless to the condition of the markets in those feverish times, he vet gained broad experience that proved an excellent stock in trade for future business development.

Following the close of the war Mr. Stentz retired from the field of speculation and in 1866 accepted a cashiership in the Exchange Bank of Monroeville as successor to S. V. Harkness. In 1879 this bank was organized as the First National Bank of Monroeville, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, Mr. Stentz continuing as cashier until 1889, when he was promoted to the presidency. He also organized the First National Bank of Galion, Ohio, one of the first institutions of the kind established under the new regime and he was subsequently one of the promoters and organizers of the National Bank of Plymouth. He manifested the keenest discernment in the solution of intricate financial problems and in connection with his banking interests he developed a safe and conservative business policy which made his among the strongest financial enterprises of this part of the state. Realizing that realty is one of the safest of all investments, he made judicious purchases of property, particularly fine farming land in the vicinity of Monroeville, and ultimately became the owner of one thousand and five acres.

Mr. Stentz never selfishly hoarded his wealth but was a generous contributor to many institutions and movements which were based upon humanitarian principles. Although he did not hold membership with any religious denomination, he attended and generously supported the Presbyterian church at Monroeville. His record furnishes a notable example of what may be accomplished by a conservative, enterprising business man. Assuming the responsibilities of a bank cashiership when twenty-eight years of age, through his close application to every duty and his thorough understanding of the business in principle and detail he widely promoted its growth and extended its business connections. Following methods which neither sought nor required disguise, he furnished an example of honorable endeavor that is indeed well worthy of emulation. Mr. Stentz not only succeeded in elevating the Monroeville Exchange Bank to the highest point of excellence attained by any institution of the kind in Huron county, but in order that its interests might be extended he succeeded in having it reorganized as a national bank and under his capable control it was made to rank with the soundest and best managed banks of northern Ohio.

The Monroeville Weekly Spectator, during the wild financial panic that occurred in the summer of 1893, said: "During a commercial crisis like that through which we are now passing, when doubt and distrust are apparent on every hand, there is sweet consolation in the thought that the solvency of our own home bank is unquestioned. While hundreds of similar institutions throughout the length and breadth of the land are forced into suspension or failure, because of the existing lack of confidence, the First National Bank of Monroeville stands and will stand a monument of integrity, judgment and fidelity to the efficient management it has ever enjoyed and which today is identical with that under which it began its career over twenty-seven years ago. The present crisis finds it in better condition than ever before to cope with panical problems and it will speedily and satisfactorily solve all that are presented provided they legitimately come within the sphere of its action. Stentz has been the moving spirit, the power behind the throne, the manager from the organization to the present time, and to his efforts are chiefly attributable the long continued prosperity and substantial growth that have characterized the bank's career and the enviable reputation, standing and confidence which it now enjoys."

The death of Mr. Stentz occurred in Monroeville, June 9, 1903, after an illness of six weeks. He had been called one of nature's noblemen and was a man honored by young and old, rich and poor. One of the local papers said of him: "Mr. Stentz never aspired to official honors, but when 1001 Governor Nash honored him with the appointment of trustee of the State Hospital at Toledo he accepted. an officer he was painstaking, prompt and accurate in duty, accommodating to those for whom he transacted business, and urbane to all with whom he had to deal. His business judgment was sought and relied upon. He was always cautious in advancing an opinion, all the consequences of which he could not forecast with reasonable certainty. There were traits of character in H. P. Stentz that should be mentioned not only to his individual credit but to the honor of mankind. He was always courteous and full of genial qualities which attracted others to him, and which will make his loss sorely felt." Without making professions of exalted goodness, he was just to his enemies, charitable to his associates and full of sympathy and devotion to his friends. His funeral was one of the largest ever held in Monroeville, many coming from distant points to pay the last tribute of honor and respect to one whom they had long known and honored, while the entire town regretted his loss as a personal bereavement, so closely was he associated with the life and interests of the community.

Following the death of her husband Mrs. Stentz took up the burden of, the business affairs. The control of the bank stock passed to her and she was immediately made president of the institution. This was a rare distinction, as she was the only lady president of a national bank in the United States. Her advent was heralded by all financial and daily papers over the country. She insisted on conducting the business in a thorough, businesslike manner and soon found favor with patrons and stockholders of the bank alike. The first National under her control became recognized as a safe, sound and prosperous concern. Not contented with her interests in that direction, Mrs. Stentz soon turned her attention to traction interests and now owns and controls the Sandusky, Norwalk & Mansfield electric line between Norwalk and Shelby, Ohio. This is one of her best investments and she is the vice president and a director of the company. She also has many other important business interests which engage her wise sagacity and untiring enterprise. She is the vice president of the Hull-Stentz Realty Company, of Toledo, and numerous other concerns and corporations. She is entirely fearless in all of her business operations, entering

Notwithstanding all this Mrs. Stentz is essentially feminine and domestic in her taste, spending a great deal of her time in her beautiful country home on the Monroeville road between Norwalk and Monroeville. Her charities are many and she contributes to churches and benevolent organizations most generously, yet she never gives with ostentation or display. She has undoubtedly given as much for such causes as any other person in the county. One of her gifts, for which she will never cease to be remembered, was that of a handsome monument erected in honor of the soldiers and sailors of Ridgefield. In Rev. Charles S. Aves started a movement for raising a fund for the purpose, his plans being to take up a collection each Memorial day until a sufficient amount was secured, but in two years only eighty-seven dollars had been received. Mrs. Annie M. Stentz afterward announced her determination to erect the monument to perpetuate the memory of the brave boys blue. The contract was awarded, the work was executed and on the 29th of September, 1004, she unveiled the monument and presented it as a gift to the city. It was made a gala day in the history of Monroeville. On that occasion there was witnessed the largest procession ever known in the town and with appropriate music and addresses the occasion was made one never to be forgotten by any who were present. Mrs. Stentz is ever ready to extend a helping hand to the poor and needy and yet she does not believe in that indiscriminate giving which fosters vagrancy or idleness. Her charities are broad and practical, and her influence on the business life of the community has been essentially along constructive lines. Recognized as the equal in ability of the men who are most prominent in the commercial and financial circles of Huron county, she is at the same time lacking in none of those social graces which make her a most charming hostess and valued companion in social functions.

Francis J. Elmlinger

Francis J. Elmlinger, now deceased, was for many years numbered among the prominent and successful agriculturists of Sherman township, there owning a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres at the time of his demise. He was born in Baden, Germany, his parents being Conrad and Mary Elmlinger, by whom he was brought to the United States when a little lad of seven years. They first took up their abode in Huron county, Ohio, but subsequently removed to Paulding county, this state, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

On attaining man's estate Francis J. Elmlinger was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Weidinger, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Weidinger, who was a little maiden of eight years when she accompanied her parents on their emigration to the new world. The children born of this union are as follows: Joseph J., who resides on the home farm with his mother and sisters: John F., who wedded Miss Monica Brobst and makes his home in Sherman township; Peter C., living at Norwalk, Ohio, who married Miss Catherine Schell; Mary C., who is at

Francis J. Elmlinger devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and was widely recognized as a most substantial, enterprising and progressive citizen of Sherman township. His political allegiance was unfalteringly given to the democratic party and he capably served in the position of road supervisor for several years. He was a Catholic in religious belief and acted as a councilman in St. Sebastian's church. Honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, charitable in thought, kindly in action, true to every trust confided to his care, his life was the highest type of Christian manhood.

Since the death of their father Joseph J. and John F. Elmlinger have operated the old homestead farm in partnership, conducting their interests under the name of Elmlinger Brothers. The place comprises one hundred and seventy-two acres of rich and arable land in Sherman township and in its cultivation the brothers are meeting with well merited and gratifying success, being men of energy, enterprise and good business ability. Joseph J. Elmlinger is a stockholder in the Sherman Oil & Gas Company, which is drilling for oil in Sherman township at the present time. The officers of the company are as follows: J. B. Bischoff, president; Daniel Heyman, vice president; J. P. Heyman, treasurer; and Joseph J. Elmlinger, secretary. Henry Scheid, L. P. Heyman and A. F. Heyman are the directors of the concern. Joseph ]. Elmlinger exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy and has acted as road supervisor, while at the present time he is serving as clerk of Sherman township. He is a faithful communicant of the Catholic church and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Columbus at Monroeville.

John F. Elmlinger lives just across the road from the old homestead farm but is making preparations to erect a new residence on the ground adjoining the home of his mother, brother and sisters. The members of the family are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community and are numbered among the representative, respected and leading residents of Sherman township.

Elzie G. Palmer

A well improved farm of eighty-five acres, situated in Fairfield township, is the home of Elzie G. Palmer, who has followed agriculture as a life work. His birth occurred in New Haven township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 20th of June, 1867, his parents being Milton and Isadore (Burlingham) Palmer, who were also natives of this county, the father having been born in New Haven township in 1842, while the mother's birth occurred in Norwich township. The Palmer family is of English extraction. The paternal grandparents of Elzie C. Palmer were Meigs and Betsy (Curtis) Palmer, while his maternal grandparents were Earl and Rosetta (Carpenter) Burlingham.

Elzie G. Palmer obtained his education in the district schools and was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, assisting his father irom the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. As stated above, he has given his attention to the work of general farming throughout his entire business career, and for the past four years he has resided on his farm of eighty-five acres in Fairfield township. He annually harvests rich crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields, cultivating the land according to the modern methods of farming.

On the 23d of July, 1800, Palmer was joined in wedlock to Miss Emma Russell, a daughter of John and Mary (Lewis) Russell, of Ripley township, this county. Their union has been blessed with seven children, namely: Florence; Ross ; Elva; Carl; Esther and Isadore, twins; and Clarence. Mr. Palmer gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party, being convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government. His entire life has been passed in this county and his fellow townsmen know him as a straightforward, reliable and progressive citizen, who well merits the esteem that is uniformly accorded him.

Frank J. Gies

Not all who take up the work of the farm meet with success. There are certain indispensable elements, including industry, perseverance and good judgment, to tell the individual when is the best time of planting and what are the best methods of caring for the crops. Gies seems to possess all the essential elements of success in agricultural lines, for he is now one of the substantial and prosperous farmer of Peru township. A glance at his place at once indicates to the passerby that his methods are practical and progressive. His farm, comprising one hundred and thirty acres, presents a most attractive appearance, for the land is under a high state of cultivation and gives promise of golden harvests in the autumn.

He was born in Bronson township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 25th of October, 1872, his parents being Michael and Blondina (Remley) Gies. The paternal grandfather, who was a native of Germany, made the voyage to this country about 1822 and became one of the early settlers of Bronson township, this county. The log house which he here erected was the birthplace of his son Michael, who remained a resident of Huron county throughout his entire life, The latter was an agriculturist by occupation, in which line of activity he won success by reason of his untiring industry and capable management. He was a valued and prominent member of the Catholic church, to which he contributed liberally of his time and means and in the faith of which he passed away 1905. His wife, whose birth occurred in Germany in 1840, accompanied her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Remley, on their emigration to the United States in 1848, the family home being established in Bronson township, this county. She still survives and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the entire community. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, namely: August, who is now a resident of Crawford county, Ohio; Ferdinand, living in Bronson township; Amelia, who is the wife of Emil Schnurr and makes her home in Bronson township ; Lawrence, at home ; Frank J., of this review ; William, likewise a resident of Bronson township ; and Leo, who is at home.

Frank J. Gies attended the district and German schools in the acquirement of an education and continued a resident of Bronson township until 1801. He worked for Mr. Remley for about three years, on the expiration of which period he went to Norwalk and was there in the employ of John Gardner for about nine years. Subsequently he purchased his present farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Peru township from Ed Lawrence and has here since carried on his agricultural interests with excellent results. He has remodeled the house and barn, also erected a number of outbuildings and altogether has a well improved and model farming property.

On the 15th of February, 1900, Mr. Gies was united in marriage to Miss Rose Reichert, a native of Germany and a daughter of Conrad and Helen Reichert. When a maiden of sixteen years she crossed the Atlantic to the United States in company with some friends but her parents never left the fatherland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gies have been born three children: Oscar, whose birth occurred February 20, 1903 ; Walter, whose natal day was September 6, I905 ; and Leander, who was born on the 6th of April, 1909.

Mr. Gies is a faithful communicant of the Catholic church. In I908, in company with his wife, he made a trip to Europe and visited Germany, Switzerland and Italy, spending about nine weeks abroad. Having lived in Huron county throughout his entire life, he is well known within its borders and the many excellent traits of his character have brought to him the warm friendship of those with whom he has been associated.

Rev. P. J. Quinn

Rev. P. J. Quinn, who since the 4th of October, 1903, has been in charge of the parish of St. Mary's church in Norwalk, was born in Niles, Ohio, on the 16th of February, 1874. His father, Charles Quinn, was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and came to the United States in the late '60s, at which time he settled in Ohio, remaining a resident here until his death on the 14th of December, 1907. His widow, who bore the name of Bridget Gallagher, is also a native of Ireland and is still living, being now a resident of Niles, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Quinn became the parents of fourteen children, six sons eight daughters.

In the schools of his native town P. J. Quinn acquired his early education and afterward had the benefit of instruction at Notre Dame University for three and a half years. He also spent a year and a half at St. Charles College in Maryland and pursued a theological course at St. Mary's Seminary in Cleveland. He was then ordained to the priesthood on the oth of June, 1900, in Cleveland and his first two years of pastoral work were spent as assistant at St. Agnes' church in that city. Later, he was given charge of the Catholic church in Van Wert, Ohio, where he remained for one year and three months as guardian over the spiritual interests of St. Mary's church and on the 4th of October, 1903, he came to Norwalk to take charge of St. Mary's church at this place. He has been located here for about six years and is doing excellent work for the cause of Catholicism. The interests of the church are well organized and he has the hearty co- operation of its members. He is very zealous in the work and is, moreover, a man of scholarly attainments, capable of holding the interest of his auditors when he addresses them upon religious themes. Father Quinn has three sisters who are members of religious bodies, Sadie and Ellen being connected with the Sisters of the Humility of Mary in the diocese of Cleveland, while Catherine is associated with the Sisters of St. Joseph in Erie, Pennsylvania.

William H. Pierce

William H. Pierce, a well known and successful merchant of Wakeman, was born at that place on the 19th of August, 1840, a son of Lemuel B. and Eunice (Burr) Pierce. In 1815, Lemuel B. Pierce accompanied his parents Mr. and Mrs. Amile P. Pierce, on their removal from Connecticut to Huron county, Ohio. They made the journey by wagon, bringing all their earthly possessions with them. The log cabin which they erected was the third one built in Wakeman township and as this part of the state was still covered with timber, they had to clear the land before it could be utilized for farming purposes. As the years passed, Lemuel B. Pierce won success in his agricultural interests, owing to his untiring and well directed labor, and eventually became an extensive landowner. He also built and operated one of the first sawmills in Wakeman and was highly esteemed throughout the community as one of its worthy pioneer settlers whose efforts proved an important factor in the work of early development. He was a man of powerful physique and when in his prime could stand with his feet in a half bushel measure and shoulder five bushels of wheat, weighing three hundred pounds. Public-spirited and progressive, his aid and co-operation could always be counted upon to further any movement or measure instituted to promote the general welfare and at the polls, he gave his support to the candidates whom he believed would best conserve the public weal, but never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. His demise occurred in September, 1875, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1866, their remains being interred in the Wakeman cemetery. Their family numbered five children, namely: Amelia, who died when about seven years of age; Elbert B., who is now deceased; William H., of this review; Julia J., the widow of Theodore V. Bunce; and Frank L., who has also passed away.

William H. Pierce was reared under the parental roof and early in life aided his father in the arduous labor incident to the development of a frontier farm. He obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of Wakeman and afterward attended Oberlin University for several terms. During the winter of 1860-61, he taught school in Wakeman township and in September, 1861, enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company H, Forty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1862, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and transferred to Company B of the same regiment, commanding the company for two years. The regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland and saw much arduous service, participating in many hotly contested engagements. In the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, Mr. Pierce was under fire for one hundred days, but in spite of this and many other hazardous experiences, he escaped injury and imprisonment and had been in the service for more than three years before suffering from even a day's illness. He was mustered out on the 31st of January, 1865, about six months after the expiration of his three years' term of enlistment, and returned home with a military record of which he had every reason to be proud. Soon afterward, he became identified with the mercantile interests of Wakeman as a member of the firm of Harris, Pierce & Baldwin, handling a general line of merchandise and farm implements. In 1880, he sold his interest to his partners and purchased a farm in Richland county, being there engaged in agricultural pursuits for about six years. Returning to Wakeman on the expiration of that period, he once more became connected with mercantile pursuits and had been continuously ccnnected with that line of activity to the present time, conducting his enterprise under the firm name of W. H. Pierce & Sons. In addition to carrying a fine line of groceries, boots and shoes and school supplies, they make a specialty of handling and shipping eggs and are generally conceded to be the most extensive dealers in eggs in the entire county. Mr. Pierce is a man of resourceful business ability, whose capably directed labors and keen discernment constitute the basis of the splendid success which has attended his effort. The neat and tasteful arrangement of his store, combined with the reasonable prices and earnest desire to please his patrons have secured for him a farge and very gratifying trade.

On the 18th of April, 1864, while at home on a recruiting mission, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Docia A. Waugh, a daughter of Lansing and Docia (Minor) Waugh, of Wakeman township. Unto them were born five children, the record of whom is as follows: Clarence H., who is associated with his father in business, was married on the 9th of February, 1886, to Miss Eva Brandt, a daughter of W. Shannon and Elizabeth (Cassell) Brandt, of Richland county. They now have four daughters: Flora A., Bessie B., Mabel B. and Docia E. Arthur M. Pierce, who is associated in business with his father and brother, celebrated his marriage on the 25th of December, 189o, the lady of his choice being Miss Flora Marshall, a daughter of William H. and Rebecca (Will) Marshall, of Richland county. By this union there are three children: Lester, Florence and William, Gilbert Pierce, son of William H. Pierce, passed away when but two years of age. Ada M. was called to her final rest at the age of twenty-five years, and Anna died in infancy. In 1609, Mr. Pierce was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 14th of January of that year, her demise being the occasion of deep and sincere regret to all who knew her.

Though his business interests make extensive demands upon his time and energies, Mr. Pierce still finds opportunity for active co-operation in matters pertaining to the public welfare and is an influential factor in the local ranks of the republican party. He is a member of the republican county committee and almost every year attends the county, district and state conventions as a delegate. He polled Wakeman township for twelve consecutive years, his service in this connection being remarkable for its accuracy. He was recognized as the most expert poller of voters in Huron county, for in most instances it was found that his polls were absolutely correct and in perfect accord with the results shown on election day. For a number of years prior to 1880, which year witnessed his removal to Richland county, he served as postmaster at Wakeman and after re- turning to this town, he was again appointed postmaster in 1890, capably discharging the duties of the office for four years. He has also acted as constable of Wakeman township and was likewise township trustee and township clerk for a number of years. From the time that he returned from the army until within the past few years, his fellow townsmen kept him almost continuously in public office - a fact which speaks in unmistakable terms of his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. His sons, emulating the splendid record of their father in private and public life, have become widely recognized as substantial and progressive citizens and take a helpful interest in matters of public concern. Clarence H. Pierce now serving as treasurer of Wakeman township. A valued representative of the Masonic fraternity here, William H. Pierce belongs to Gibson Lodge, No. 301, E. & A. M., in which he has filled most of the offices. He is also a member of Wilson Todd Post, No. 559, G. A. R., in which he has filled all of the offices and for the past twelve years, has been quarter-master of the post. He has frequently been a delegate to the state encampments, often attends the national encampments and for the past forty years, has been a regular attendant at the annual reunions of the Forty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He and his family are prominent members of the Congregaticnal church and are active workers in both church and Sunday school. Mr. Pierce having frequently served as an officer on the different church boards. Such in brief is the life history of one of Huron county's most widely known and highly respected citizens. In whatever relation of life we find him - in the government service, in political circles, in business or in social relations - he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.

One of the influential business men of Greenwich township, Huron county, is William A. Knapp, a farmer, stockman and banker. He was born in Maranac, Connecticut, January 10, 1841, and is the son of William A. and Harriet (Marshall) Knapp, both of whom were natives of Westchester county, New York. They grew up and were married there. The second year after their union they removed to Connecticut, where Mr. Knapp assumed the management of the farm of Judge I. Roosevelt, the grandfather of ex-President Theodore Roosevelt, who though a resident of New York had large farming interests in the adjoining state. In 1846 Mr. Knapp decided to bring his family to Ohio, and made the trip by the circuitious route of the Erie canal to Buffalo and by lake vessel from Buffalo to Huron, Ohio, which they reached October 3, 1846. The family located in Fitchville township, where Mr. Knapp purchased fifty acres of good land from his father Sylvanus Knapp, who had secured the land in 1836 as a part of the Firelands reservation, but had never become a resident of Ohio. The entire fifty acres were heavily covered with timber, and the winter of 1846- 47 was spent in clearing two acres and in building a frame house for his family, which was one of the first frame buildings erected in that township. In the spring of 1847 the two acres he had cleared Mr. Knapp planted in corn, employing a method of doing this that was crude in the extreme. With his ax he would first make a hole in the ground, drop in the grains of corn, and then with his foot brush back the dirt to cover the hole. The work of clearing went on rapidly, and as he saw opportunity Mr. Knapp bought large tracts of land until he owned twe hundred and forty acres. He pursued general farming and also engaged in stock buying and shipping, finding à market for his stock in Buffalo. In 1881 he sold his farm and removed to Greenwich, where he became active in the organization of the Greenwich Banking Company, the first bank in the village. He was elected its first president and held the position until his death, July 17, 1888. He was a man of means, who took a deep interest in public matters, although he never participated in politics with a view to self-advancement. Originally he was a whig, but of later years espoused the republican cause and was always to be seen at the polls at election time.. He had for a number of vears been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and when he died was mourned as a man of sterling traits of character. His wife, who possessed many virtues and was beloved by all who knew her, survived him a little over a year, her death occurring on the of September, 1889, and she was buried by his side in the cemetery at Fitchville.

William A. Knapp, the subject of this sketch, was reared under the parental roof and received his education in the district schools of the county, but because of the need of his services on the farm did not continue the period of his training beyond his sixteenth year. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for four months with the Army of the Potomac. At the end of his term of enlistment he entered the government telegraph service under Dennis Doren, superintendent of construction with the Army of the Potomac. During the two years he was engaged in this work he was rapidly promoted and was given the position of foreman for meritorious service. In the fall of 1867, when the telegraph lines south of the Mason and Dixon's line were returned to the control of the original owners, Mr. Knapp left the employ of the government, entering that of the Western Union Telegraph Company. He remained with this corporation for one year, in that time assisting in the building of the cable connection between Pirate's Cove, on the northern line of Nova Scotia, to the northern line of New Brunswick. Returning home at the expiration of a year, he engaged with his father in farming and stock shipping, a partnership that continued until the older man removed to Greenwich village, after which Mr. Knapp continued the business alone. In 1895 he removed to Greenwich, where in addition to his farming and stock business he has identified himself with the village life and work. He was made president of the Farmers' Banking Company and is a stockholder in the First National Bank of New London and in the Capital Trust Company of Columbus. In r9oo he served as land appraiser for Fitchville township and has in other ways evinced his interest in public matters. In politics he is a republican and is frequently a representative of his party in county, district and state conventions.

On the 27th of March, 1879, Mr. Knapp was married to Miss Philena Kirkpatrick, a daughter of William end Charlotte (Coden), the former a farmer of

Fitchville township. To Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have been born two sons, Jay D., who was formerly assistant cashier of the Greenwich Banking Company, but on account of ill health has removed to California; and Harley B., who is assistant cashier of the Farmers Banking Company, of which his father is president. Mrs. Knapp died July 31, 1892, mourned by those who knew her and had been the recipients of her many acts of thoughtfulness and kindness.

Mr. Knapp and his family affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and support all Christian and charitable work. He belongs to Floral Lodge, No. 260, F. & A. M., in which he takes an active part. A man of means, his landholdings amount to three hundred and ten acres besides his fine home in Greenwich. He is distinguished for his public spirit and is a strong advocate of good government and improvements, being of the opinion that by such things may the progress of a community be gauged.

Byron Emory Jennings

Byron Emory Jennings, who is now living practically retired in North Fairfield, where he owns a tract of ten acres of land, was formerly actively and successfully identified with the agricultural interests of this county. His birth occurred in Fairfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 26th of October, 1853, his parents being Ezra S. and Harriet (Godden) Jennings, who were natives of Connecticut and New York respectively. The father was born on the 6th of August, 1828, while the mother's birth occurred October 1 3, 1820.

Byron Emory Jennings has always devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with excellent success, annually harvesting good crops as the result of his practical and progressive methods in the cultivation of the soil. He has now disposed of his farm, however, and is living practically retired on a tract of ten acres in North Fairfield.

On the 24th of January, 1877, Mr. Jennings was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Cowpe, whose birth occurred in England on the 15th of June, 1858, her parents being John and Ellen (Frith) Cowpe, also natives of that country. The latter, who was born March 24, 1827, gave her hand in marriage to John Cowpe on the 23d of March, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Cowpe made the ocean voyage to the United States when their daughter Jennie was but nine months old and in 1859, took up their abode at Olena, Huron county, Ohio. The father was a brickmaker by trade and followed that pursuit until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in defense of the Union as a member of Company E, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was killed at the battle of Peach Tree Creek on the 2oth of July, 1864, thus laying down his life on the altar of his adopted country. Unto him and his wife were born the following children: John Sherman, Jennie and Mary Ann. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings had four children, namely: Otto, born October 3, 1878, who wedded Miss Grace Kinger on the 3oth of June, 1906, and resides in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Clair Elbert, whose birth occurred March I3, 1886, and who is now pursuing a course in mechanical engineering at the Ohio State

Mr. Jennings is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest. He is well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which he has made his home from his birth to the present time, his upright and honorable life commanding the respect and admiration of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

Elias Beach Mitchell

Elias Beach Mitchell, a retired agriculturist residing in North Farifield, was born in Greenfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 30th of December, 1839. The paternal grandfather, James Mitchell, who was of Scotch Irish descent, was born in New Jersey, about 1745. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lorena Sutton, was of Holland Dutch lineage. Their children were seven in number, namely: William N., Betsy, Sarah, Polly, Hezekiah, Moses and James. William N. Mitchell, the father of our subject, whose birth occurred in Montgomery county, New York, on the 15 of January, 1799, came to Greenwich township, Huron county, Ohio, in 1821, making the journey with his father. Asa companand helpmate on the journey of life, he chose Miss Charisy Beach, who was born in Montgomery county, New York, in October, 1812, a daughter of Elias and Amanda (Herrick) Beach. Her parents were natives of Massachussetts and Connecticut respectively, and the father served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Mrs. Mitchell was the eldest in a family of eleven children, her brothers and sisters being as follows: Miles, T., Milton, Erastus, Marshall, Thomas, Jane, Sarah, Emily, Flora and Henrietta. About 1824, the Beach family established their home in Ashtabula county, Ohio, and about 1830, they came to Huron county, this state. Unto William N. and Charisy (Beach) Mitchell, were born two children: Philander ; and Elias Beach, of this review.

The last named obtained his education in the common schools of his home neighborhood and after putting aside his text-books, became identified with general agricultural pursuits, in which he was successfully engaged throughout his active business career. At the present time, however, he is living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, having left the farm and removed to North Fairfield in the spring of 1909. He still retains possession of his farm, which is a rich and productive tract of land of sixty-four acres in Fairfield township. He is now a member of the board of directors of the Huron County Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, of which he formerly served as vice-president.

On the 4th of November; 1862, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Place, whose birth occurred in New York city on the 26th of Nevember, 1843, her parents being Thomas and Dora (Barker) Place, whom she accompanied on their removal to Huron county, Ohio, in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Place had a family of five children, namely: George, Lorenzo, Walter, Sarah and Cornelia. Unto Elias B. and Cornelia (Place) Mitchell, were born the following children: Fremon P., whose birth occurred November 5, 1866, and who wedded Miss Kate

Ryerson, of Greenfield township, Huron county; Donald W. ; Philip ; and Cornelia. Subsequent to the death of his first wife Mr. Mitchell was again married, in 1886, his second union being with Mrs. Martha J. Sherman, a widow, who was born in February, 1843. Her parents were Jonathan and Eliza (Munsel) Collinvood.

Mr. Mitchell is a prominent and valued member of the Baptist church, in which he has served as trustee for about nineteen years. He has always made his home in this county, and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time, is an indication that his life has at all times been honorable and upright - worthy of the high esteem in which he is uniformly held.

Door Twaddle

Door Twaddle, a well-to-do farmer of Clarksfield township, Huron county, Ohio, was born in this township, March 28, 1852, the son of John J. and Julia A. (Palmer) Twaddle. The father was a son of Alexander Twaddle, and was born in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania, where the family lived from 1823 to 1836, and engaged in farming. John J. Twaddle, and his brother Alexander came to Clarksfield township 1835, where the former was married to Miss Julia A. Palmer. who had come to Ohio with her parents from Westchester county, New York. After their marriage the young couple lived near Norwalk, Ohio, where John J. Twaddle worked for Isaac Underhill, a pioneer resident of that section. During the twelve years in his employ, Mr. Twaddle saved up sufficient money to purchase a farm in Clarksfield township, which was his home until his death, which occurred December 28, 1885. His widow survived him until November 8, 1889, when she was buried by his side in Clarksfield cemetery. Of the children that were born to Mr. and Mrs. Twaddle, Frank died in infancy ; Ea married J. T. King, and is now a widow living in Wakeman village; Door is the subject of this sketch; Charlotte married Eugene Fox and lives on the old homestead in Clarksfield township; Leroy and Lilly A., were twins. The former of the two died December 14, 1897, but the other married J. L. Judd and lives in Marshall county, Kansas.

Door Twaddle was educated in the schools of Clarksfield and spent his youth on his father's farm, assisting in every way he could with the work that went on there. At the age of sixteen, he went to Michigan to purchase some land and while there worked at various pursuits. At the age of nineteen, he returned home and began learning the cheese manufacturing business, entering the factory of Parker, Morgan & Hovey. He worked for them for four years and then was appointed night superintendent of the factory, subsequently, being put in full charge of the establishment. Some years later, he became a partner in another cheese factory, located in Clarksfield, which business he conducted for seven years. He next entered the firm of J. C. Ransom & Company, where he gained a reputation as a successful cheese separator. In 1882, Mr. Twaddle gave up his interests in the cheese factorv and took up farming, to which he has devoted all

Mr. Twaddle married Miss Celia Rowland, the daughter of Daniel and Harriet (Chaffee) Rowland, a pioneer family of this county. They came here from New state in 1818 and became very prominent in the development of the resources of the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Twaddle have been born three children. Wanda, the only daughter, married Elmer P. Finch, of Wilmington. William E. was married on the 17th of June, 1903, to Miss Edna Spurrier, the daughter of Royal and Rheta (Stiles) Spurrier. Jay C., the youngest, was married May 9, 1903, to Miss Bertha Pearsall, the daughter of James and Julia (Scott) Pearsall. Both sons young men, well educated and thoroughly equipped for the affairs of life. They assist their father in the management of his large acreage and are up-to-date in the best manner of cultivating the soil.

Mr. Twaddle is a democrat and is deeply interested in public affairs, though not active in his party. He has, however, on many occasions served the people well as township trustee, as road supervisor and as a member of the school board. He is a member of the Gibson lodge, No. 301, F. & A. M., of Wakeman and also of the chapter. The New London lodge of the Independant Order of Odd Fellows as well numbers him upon it roll call. In the meetings of his lodges and in the general affairs of life, he has proved to be a man of sound principles and strong personality. He is progressive and well informed and is accounted one of the prosperous farmers of Clarksfield township.

E. P. Stone, a well known and enterprising agriculturist residing on his farm of thirty acres in Fitchville township, was born in Lorain county, Ohio, on the 9th of October, 1849, his parents being Ezra and Isabelle (Baldwin) Stone, the former a native or Vermont and the latter of Jefferson county, New York. In his boyhood days, Ezra Stone was brought to Lorain county, this state, by his father, Josiah Stone, who there purchased a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres. Ezra Stone successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and subsequent to the death of his father, he came into possession of the latter's farm, thereon spending his remaining days. Eighty-five acres of the original farm of one hundred and fifteen acres is stil] possession of the family, now belonging to Mrs. Olivia Mull and Joseph P. Stone, a sister and brother of our subject. The father gave his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy. In the year 1846, he wedded Miss Isabell Baldwin and their union was blessed with six children, two of whom died in infancy. E. P.. of this review ; Orlando G., whose birth occurred in 1853; Mrs. Olivia Mull; and Joseph P. With the exception of the first named, all are residents of Lorain county. The father, who was born June 7, 1824, died February 15, 1880, and the mother, whose birth occurred April 11, 1825, passed away May 19, 1902.

F. P. Stone remained under the parental roof until after he had attained his majority, working out by the month as a farm hand. When twenty-three years of age, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia L. Clark, a daughter of Jewett and Adeline Clark, of Lorain county. For fourteen years after his marriage, he followed his trade as a carpenter and joiner and then turned his attention to the work of farming, which has since claimed his time and energies. In 1898, he bought his present place of thirty acres in Fitchville township, Huron county, and annually gathers good harvests as a reward of the intelligence which he displays in the planting and cultivation of his crops.

Mr. and Mrs. Stone have three children: Roy E., who was born in 1874 and completed a course in the Oberlin high school and Moody Institute of Chicago, Illinois; M., who is married to Frank Russell of Clarksfield, this county and Leon B., who is a teacher in the schools of Fitchville. Both were educated in the Fitchville high school.

In his political views Mr. Stone is a stanch republican, being a firm believer in the principles of that party. Both he and his wife are esteemed in their home community as people of genuine personal worth, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them.

Harlow Case Stahl

Among the names of those who stand as the most prominent representatives of industrial Ohio, is that of Harlow Case Stahl. Not by leaps or bounds but by steady progress that ultimately reaches the objective point has he gained his present position, yet his rise has been rapid, owing to his ready recognition and intelligent appreciation of opportunities. He early learned to place the correct value upon life's contacts and experiences and this, combined with his study of trade conditions, has placed him in a position to quickly utilize every opportunity and make each moment count to the best advantage. He is today widely known as the president and treasurer of the Ohio Cultivator Company and since its inception, has been the leading spirit in the enterprise.

Mr. Stahl was born in a log house on a farm south of Fremont, Ohio, February I2, 1849, and as the name indicates is of German descent. His grandfather, John Stahl, was born in 1773, and came to the United States at an early day. His son, Jacob B. Stahl, the father of our subject, was also born in Germany and came to Ohio in 1832 at the age of eighteen years. He devoted his life to farming and spent his latter years near Fremont, Ohio. On the 21st of December, 1841, in Fremont, Ohio, he was married to Rachel E. Camp, who died September 5, 1877, while his death occurred January 27, 1883. He was born February 10, 1814, and he was, therefore, in the sixty-ninth year of his age at the time of his demise.

After acquiring his preliminary education in the public schools of Fremont, Harlow C. Stahl pursued a special business course at Oberlin, Ohio. His youthful days were largely devoted to the work of the home farm, whereon he remained until he attained the age of thirty, at which time he became identified with manufacturing interests in Fremont. The Ohio Cultivator Company, which stands today as Bellevue's largest industry, was established on a very small scale at

Fremont in 1878. Stahl's mechanical ingenuity and his recognition of needs in the agricultural world that might be met through invention and manufacture, led him to take up the work of building cultivators, and his first year's output amounted to eighty-one machines, which were practically manufactured and marketed by him with the assistance of a local blacksmith. Up to that time, no successful riding cultivator had ever been placed upon the market and the first year's output was disposed of to farmers in the immediate vicinity of Fremont. The machines met with such unbounded success that their popularity was soon heralded in the neighboring counties so that it was possible for Mr. Stahl to find ready sale for two hundred cultivators in the second year. They were manufactured throughout the winter months in the blacksmith shop and when the spring trade cpened were trailed behind a wagon and retailed to the farmers personally by Mr. Stahl. His keen prescience enabled him to recognize the possibilities of this piece of farm machinery and the necessity for increased capital prompted him to form a partnership under the name of Stahl & Peck. Originally, they conducted a feed store in connection with their manufacturing business, but the rapid increase of the trade led to the concentration of their energies upon manufacturing lines and this step toward expansion was rapidly followed by the organization of a stock company known as the Fremont Cultivator Company. From the beginning the growth of the business has been rapid and substantial, so much so that in 1886, enlarged quarters had to be secured. At that time negotiations were opened with the citizens at Bellevue for a location which terminated in the Fremont Cultivator Company's leaving its cramped quarters and removing to Bellevue. Soon afterward the business was reorganized under the name of the Ohio Cultivator Company, and although the new location gave them at the time much needed manufacturing facilities, this condition lasted for only a short time, as the increasing popularity of the famous Ohio cultivator was extending into the corn belts of the west. The growing trade demanded additions to the factory and the main building was converted into a three-story structure, ifter which a foundry was built, for up to that time both grey iron and malleable was purchased under contract from foundries in Cleveland.

While increasing the factory facilities, it was also found advisable to increase the line of machines and as a result the disc harrow business of the Dayton Farm Implement Company was purchased and removed to this place and made a part oí the famous Ohio line. From that time, the growth of the business was very rapid and nearly every year has been marked by new additions being built to the factory and mcdern machinery being installed throughout all departments of the The next important addition to the line of implements as well as to the plant of the cultivator company was the purchase of the buildings and equipment of the Bellevue Plow Company, whose property adjoined that of the cultivator company, lying on the opposite side of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad tracks. This gave to the cultivator company, one of the largest and strongest lines of small tools manufactures in the country and, with the increased and' available capital at their command, this plant immediately entered upon a new and even more successful era. A few years later followed the purchase of the patents, good will, etc., of the Ohio Hay Press Company, whose product ime limited to but one style of press - a steam or belt power Bay press. To this has been added a full and complete line of and two horse presses that have rapidly sprung into favor with the progressive hay balers throughout the United States. This branch of the business within a few years has developed to mammoth proportions until a large two-story building, one hundred and thirty by eighty feet, is now utilized for its conduct. Later came the purchase of the Bissell chilled plows, manufactured by the Bissell Plow Company of South Bend, Indiana. With the removal of this business to Bellevue the old foundry capacity soon reached its limit and a new foundry was placed in course of construction, ranking today as one of the largest and most modern foundries in Ohio. entirely new power plant was put in operation in the summer of 1909, being driven by electricity and furnishing the power for every department cf the works. With the purchase of the Bissell plow came a largely increased foreign trade for the output had been successfully introduced into European markets. No other agricultural implement factory in this country has enjoyed so rapid and substantial a growth as the Ohio Cultivator Company and throughout the entire period at its head, controlling and directing its interests, has stood H. C. Stahl. Branch houses have been established throughout the country, the company maintaining transfer stocks at Philadelphia; Rochester, New York; Richmond, Virginia; Columbus, Ohio; Lexington, Kentucky ; Indianapolis, Indiana; Peoria, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa ; Wichita, Kansas; and Kansas City, Missouri. The company owns its own building in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where the business has outgrown the facilities of the average transfer or distributing house of agricultural implements and the business is conducted under a branch house management. At Kansas City, another large implement center, the company maintains a branch house manager together with an efficient corps of traveling men, as is done at Council Bluffs. At Dallas, Texas, the business reached such tions that it was deemed advisable to purchase a warehouse, which was secured several years ago. Throughout these years of expansion and advancement, H. C. Stahl has always been the head, managing and directing the affairs of the company to its present successful proporitions. The capital stock has from time to time been increased until it is recorded today at one million dollars. Morecver, the enterprise has been one of immense value to Bellevue where, throughout the busy seascn in normal years, the factory has as high as three hundred men its pay roll, approximately one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars being paid to the emploves. As his associate officers, Mr. Stahl, who is president and treasurer, has A. C. Stahl as vice-president; E. A. King, secretary; C. V. Brown, assistant secretary; J. E. Marvin, auditor; A. C. Dann, superintendent; and Dan Seltzer, assistant superintendent.

Mr. Stahl's hand is also the guiding factor in other enterprises, although the interests of the Ohio Cultivator Company claim the greater portion of his time, attention and energies. He is the president of the Bellevue Savings Bank, is president of the Harrah State Bank, of Harrah, Oklahoma, and is interested in various other organizations. He is likewise the owner of several farms in the immediate vicinity of Bellevue and has considerable land in other sections of the country.

On the 21st of October, 1874, in Southbury, New Haven county, Connecticut, Mr. Stahl was married to Miss Annie C. Mitchell of that place, a daughter of Nelson Warren and Edna Eliza (Platt) Mitchell, who were also natives of Connecticut. Her father married and took his bride to his father's home, there living for fifty years. The old home is still in possession of the Mitchell family. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Stahl was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stahl have been born four children: Edna Rachel, now the wife of Joseph E. Marvin, of Bellevue, Ohio; Alice Emeline, the wife of Daniel Seltzer of Bellevue; Marion Belle, the wife of Henry N. Schofield of Dallas, Texas; and Harlow Mitchell, who was born June 22, 1893, and is now attending the Culver Military College at Culver, Indiana.

Mr. Stahl is a member of the Masonic fraternity, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. A public spirit and marked philanthropy are strong characteristics of his nature and are manifest in his active aid. and co- operation with every movement tending toward the development and improvement of Bellevue. His life work is notable by reason of the fact that without any especially favoring advantages at the outset of his career, he has worked his way steadily upward, meriting the prosperity that he has enjoyed and which has led him into the most important industrial relations. He is honored and respected for what he has accomplished and none the less so for the means which he has emploved for the attainment of his success.

George H. Gates

George H. Gates, who is serving efficiently as court bailiff of Huron county, is a native son of the Buckeye state, born in Newark, Ohio, May 26, 1858, his parents being Jacob and Rose (Chamberlin) Gates. The father was an engineer on the Pan Handle Railroad and was killed at Coshocton the morning prior to Thanksgiving day of 1872.

George H. Gates, the subject of this review, pursued his early education in the common schools and attended the Newark high school one year. Upon the death of his father, it was necessary that he provide for his own support, and accordingly he secured employment with S. A. Parr, a grocer of Newark, driving a delivery wagon and clerking in the store. At the age of nineteen years, he entered the employ of Cherry & Woolson, proprietors of the eating house of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company at Chicago Junction and Garrett, Indiana, remaining in their employ fifteen years.

Entering public life, Mr. Gates then served as deputy under Sheriff N. O. Allen, four years, while for a similar period, he acted in the same capacity under Sheriff Seneca Rouk. He was then, in 1900, elected sheriff of Huron county on the republican ticket and was re-elected to that office in 1902, which indicated that his services were entirely satisfactory to the public at large. After the expiration of his second term, he was appointed court bailiff and is the present incumbent in that office. He is well qualified to fill the office to the satisfaction of his people and with credit to himself, as he has demonstrated in the past.

Mr. Gates wedded Miss Lizzie A. Wilcox, of Centerton, Ohio, and their union has been blessed with a son and a daughter, Louis W., and Helen M. The family are prominent in the social circles of Norwalk, and all who know them entertain for them high regard, while as a public official, Mr. Gates has won the confidence of all with whom his business relations bring him in contact.

Calvert A. Mead

A well developed and highly improved farm of ninety-three acres, situated within two miles and a half of the courthouse in Norwalk, is not only the present home of Calvert A. Mead, but was the place of his birth and here his entire life has been spent. He was born in a log house on this farm, Tune 9, 1834, and is the youngest in a family of ten children born of the marriage of Edmund W. Mead and Rachel Knapp. The former was born April 4, 1788, while the birth of the latter occurred February 14, 1790. They were married October 2, 181 3, and it was in 1828, that Edmund W. Mead, with his family, then consisting of wife and six children, left their home in Putnam county, New York, and located in Huron county. Four years later, in 1832, the father took up his abode upon the farm which is now the home of his son Calvert A. He followed farming throughout his entire life, was industrious and prudent in his manner of living, and thus acquired a good farm. He eventually retired to private life, spending his last days in Norwalk, where his death occurred April 5, 1876, when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-eight years. He was a republican in politics and was highly respected in the community in which he so long made his home. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund W. Mead numbered nine children, as follows: Jane E., who was born April 28, 1814; Elizabeth A., born February 26, 1816; Susan, born May 11, 1818; Silas K., November 19, 1820; Almira, born February 13, 1823; Alfred G., July 12, 1825; Rachel, born April 5, 1829; Charles E., Jan- 14, 1832; and Calvert A., born June o, 1834. The last three named were born after the removal of the family to Huron county.

Calvert A. Mead, as above stated, was born on the farm which is still his home. As as boy, he was reared to agricultural pursuits and has made farming his life work. He has improved his place with good substantial buildings, having a comfortable residence and ample outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. The place, comprising ninety-three acres, is conveniently located within two and a half miles of the courthouse in Norwalk. Near the house is a natural spring of water, supplying a small lake, which has been dug by Mr. Mead. He has stocked this with fish and it also affords a place for rowing, which adds greatly to the pleasure of the family and their friends, during the heated season. He formerly gave much of his attention to dairying, supplying a large number of patrons with milk, but he has abandoned this branch of his business and now gives his entire time to the cultivation of crops.

Mr. Mead chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, Miss Ellen Mesnard, who was born April 30, 1836, their marriage being celebrated in 1857. Her father, Eri Mesnard, was of French descent and served as standard county surveyor of Huron county for fourteen years. He surveyed the first railroad in the state of New York and in early life, engaged in teaching school in Ithaca, that state. His death occurred in 1879, and his wife survived for two years, passing away in 1881.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mead has been blessed with six sons and one daughter, namely: Charles W., Byron L., Albert S., Gertrude Louella, Clayton B., Henry B. and Frank L., but the last named died in 1893. The surviving members of the family are all married. Mr. and Mrs. Mead celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1907, the date being the 24th of March. One peculiar feature on that occasion was the fact that out of a party of twenty-three, who sat together at the table, there was one guest present at the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mead.

Mr. Mead has always been a stanch supporter of the republican party. A man of high ideals and manly principles, he is greatly respected in the community in which he has always resided, and through the companionship of his estimable wife and the pleasant surroundings of his rural home, he is enabled to live a contended and happy life.

Henry T. Graham

Enterprise, industry, thrift and economy are the characteristic elements in the life of Henry T. Graham, who is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of Fairfield township, where he owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred and two acres. His birth occurred in Greenfield township, Huron county, on the 22d of July, 1862, his parents being George and Elizabeth (Myers) Graham, the former born in Durham county, England, on the 31st of May, 1836, while the latter's birth occurred in England in August, 1836. They were married ere their emigration to the United States in 1859 and on landing in this country at once made their way to Huron county, Ohio, settling in Greenfield township. There the father continued to make his home until called to his final rest. The mother still survives, however, and now resides in Norwalk, Ohio. Unto this worthy couple were born four children, namely: Henry T., Anna, Elizabeth and George.

General agricultural pursuits have claimed the attention of Henry T. Graham throughout his entire business career and in this field of labor, he has met with well merited and commendable prosperity. He remained a resident of his native township until 1900, when he purchased a farm of one hundred and two acres in Fairfield township and took up his abode thereon. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and each year gathers abundant harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life, Mr. Graham chose Miss Grace Ryerson, who was born in February, 1871, her parents being George and Catherine (Edsall) Ryerson. She was one of a family of nine children, her brothers and sisters being as follows: Price, Edsall, George, Delno, Esther, Sarah, Dora and Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Ryerson were natives of New Jersey, but be- came residents of Huron county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Graham have one child, Edsall, who first opened his eyes to the light of the day on the 4th of January, 1896.

Mr. Graham's study of the political questions and issues of the day, has led him to give stalwart support to the men and measures of the republican party. He is now serving as a member of the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch champion. He likewise holds membership relations with the Fairfield Grange. His entire life has been passed in this community, and the fact that those who have known him longest, entertain for him the warmest regard is an indication that his life has ever been honorable and upright.

The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore among the builders of a town are those who stand at the head of the business enterprises. Prominent among those who are closely identified with the business activity of Greenwich, is Charles A. McCullow, a native of Huron county, Ohio, born in Greenwich township on the 20th of September, 1857, a son of Joseph E. and Agnes (Bartlett) McCullow. The father, who was but four years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal from New Jersey to Ohio, devoted his entire life to farming pursuits and passed away on the Ist of April, 1900. His wife, whose parents were also natives of New Jersey, was born in Huron county, Ohio, and her death occurred in 1860. But one child came to bless this union, the subject of this review.

Charles A. McCullow acquired his education in the public schools of Greenwich and his boyhood and youthful days were passed on his father's farm, in the performance of the tasks that commonly fall to the lot of the country lad. He remained at home assisting his father until eighteen years of age, when he became a clerk in the general store of Healey & Travis, continuing this relation for two years. Atthe expiration of that period, he went to Cleveland, where he clerked in the store of Louis Leon for one year.

On the 23d of November, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Lovezilla L. Riblet, a daughter of David and Caroline (Mathias) Riblet, of Galion, Ohio, and unto this union has been born one daughter, Mabel, now Mrs. D. L. Webb, of Greenwich. Mr. and Mrs. McCullow began their domestic life in Greenwich, where he became identified with the clothing business, in which he has continuously engaged to the present time. He carries a very complete and high grade line of mens' clothing and furnishings and the amount of business transacted over the counters of his store has already reached gratifying proportions and is constantly increasing in volume and importance. His place of business is one of the finest in the town and would be a credit to a city many times the size of Greenwich, while he is recognized as one of the substantial and prosperous citizens of the community.

Not only because of his success in the business world, however, is Mr. Mc- Cullow deserving of mention in this volume, for he is equally well known through his deep interest in public affairs and occupies a prominent position in political circles of his township. He gives his political support to the republican party and although neither desiring nor seeking office as a reward for party fealty, he has, nevertheless, been called by his fellowmen to fill positions of trust and responsibility in the township, which he has represented in the republican county committee for many years and has frequently acted as a delegate to district, county and state conventions. He served as township treasurer for two terms and as village clerk for several years, was a member of the board of trustees of the water works for several terms and served for some time as a member of the board of public service, in which capacity he is still acting. He has also been a member of the village board of education for several years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion.

Fraternally, Mr. McCullow is a member of Greenwich Lodge, No. 543, F. & A. M., and has filled most of the chairs of that lodge, while he also holds membership in O. K. Lodge, No. 616, K. P., and is a charter member and treasurer of the lodge. He belongs to the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and is a charter member of the Eagle Lodge, No. 22, National Union. His devotion to the public welfare is unquestioned, arising as it does from a sincere desire for the general good. He lends his influence to all movements calculated to advance the public interests and is particularly strong in his advocacy of improvements of the town streets, public buildings and water works. He is very fond of fishing and hunting and as a recreation and relaxation from his work he takes annual trips into the woods and along the streams in the pursuit of his favorite pastimes. However, he is eminently a man of business, never permitting any interruption to distract his attention from his duties, and his close application and good management are potent factors in the prosperity which he now enjoys. Mrs. McCullow is a lady of superior traits of character and presides over her home, which is one of the handsomest in the town of Greenwich, in a charming manner, imparting thereto an atmosphere of refinement and culture which makes it an important factor in the social life of the community.

James P. Limbird

A farm of seventy-eight acres in Ridgefield township, Huron county, pays, tribute to the care and attention bestowed upon it by its owner, James P. Limbird. He was born near Kimball, Erie county, Ohio, on the 1st of February, 1861, and is a son of David and Mary P. (Adams) Limbird. His father, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1834, came to the United States, landing at New York on July 6, 1852. Continuing his way westward, he located in Erie county, Ohio; where he worked for one year, hoeing corn, at first receiving but fifty cents per day in return for his labor. At the expiration of that period, he went to Van Wert county, Ohio, but in the spring of 1856, returned to Erie county and later went to California, where he was engaged in mining and ranching for some time.