150 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the English Lutheran church, and he is still remembered as one of the most upright citizens of Crawford county. The mother of our subject also was born in Pennsylvania and survived her husband several years, dying at the age of eighty-four. The subject of this biography, who, is so well and favorably known through this section of Crawford county, grew up on his father's farm and received the best possible schooling of the time and locality, in the little log school house in the vicinity of his birth. At the age of twenty-one he began his own career as a farmer, and on December 10, 1846, he was married to Miss Catherine Cover, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth ( lent) Cover, who came to Crawford county from Pennsylvania at an early day and settled in Liberty township, where they lived and where their worthy lives closed. After marriage our subject continued to work as a farm hand for one year and then removed to his father-in-law's farm and managed that estate for a year, during which time the latter was on a visit with his friends in Pennsylvania. The following year Mr. Spahr purchased eighty acres of his present home farm and in subsequent years has continually added to the original tract, until he now owns one hundred and fifty-four acres Of some of the most productive farming land in the county. Our subject's family consists of five surviving children, one son, Joshua, having passed from life; but all the others are comfortably settled, their names being: Daniel; Rev. Moses, a minister of the Methodist church, located in Sedan, Kansas; Julia A., the wife of Eli Miller, a prosperous farmer of this county ; Lovina, the wife of Elias Crall, of Defiance county; and Eliza, the wife of David Schlosser, of Todd township. In early life Mr. Spahr managed a threshing machine through the neighborhood for a number of years. His farming operations have been conducted with thoroughness and good judgment and he has been eminently successful. While a stanch and life long Democrat, he respects the opinions of others and with satisfaction to both parties served the township several times as trustee. Repeatedly he has served on the election board, and in matters of public interest he is very generally consulted. Mr. Spahr is an active and useful as well as consistent member of the United Brethren church, to which his wife also belongs, and has long been a trustee of both church and parsonage, and he has also served as class-leader at various times. His circle of personal friends comprises every one in his locality, while his standing before the public is that of the highest. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 151 ADAM J. WISMAN. Adam John Wisman, one of the progressive young farmers and stock-raisers of Crawford county, was born in Bucyrus township, February 12, 1863, a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Conkle) Wisman. The father was born in Waynesboro, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, September 15, 1827, and was a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Heinlen) Wisman, both of whom were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, from which country they came to America in childhood. They were married in Pennsylvania and resided in that state until their removal to Crawford county, Ohio, in the year 1828. The father was a wagonmaker by trade, but after establishing his home in the Buckeye state devoted his energies to farming. He was an industrious man, reliable in business and was greatly respected by his neighbors and acquaintances. His wife died about fifteen year after their arrival in Ohio, and his death occurred on the 18th of February, 1867. They were the parents of nine children. Of this number Christian Wisman, the father of our subject, spent his youth and early manhood in assisting his father upon the farm, and in the primitive log school house, such as was common at that time, he obtained his education. On the 17th of October, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Conkle, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, September 3o, 183o, and by her marriage became the mother: of three children, namely : Adam J., Elizabeth and Amanda, the last named now deceased. Upon a fine farm situated on the west bank of the Sandusky river the father farmed for many years, but is now living retired in Bucyrus, where he had made his home for several years. He started out in life with no capital save a stout heart and willing hands, but by means of industry 'and frugality he gained a good estate and ample competence. In politics a stanch Democrat, he, however, never sought office, preferring to give his attention to other interests. He was esteemed for his honesty, his integrity standing as an unquestioned fact in his career. Mr. Wisman, whose name forms the caption of this review, was reared upon the home farm and educated. in the neighborhood schools. He lived with his parents until twenty-three years of age and was then married and established a home of his own in Bucyrus township. In March, 1890, he took up his residence on the Sandusky road, about two miles. southeast of Bucyrus, where he has a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land. The place is splendidly improved with all modern equipments usually 152 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. found upon a model farm. There is a pleasant and attractive residence, a large and substantial barn and other outbuildings and the latest improved machinery. In addition to the home farm he also owns another tract of land in Bucyrus townshp, consisting of eighty-six acres, and a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Sandusky township. A man of marked energy and enterprise, he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes and as the result of his perseverance and business ability his capital is annually increasing. In 1886 Mr. Wisman was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Brown, a daughter of John G. and Catherine (Christman) Brown. Her father was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and when a young man came to America. For several years he was employed in Bucyrus, and in this locality he was married. He then located in Holmes township, where he became a prosperous farmer and useful citizen, respected by all who knew him for his sterling worth. He died there in 1892; but his widow still resides on the old homestead. They were the parents of one son and nine daughters, and they reared their children in the faith of the German Lutheran church, of which they were members. Mrs. Wisman was born and reared in Holmes township and by her marriage she became the mother of three children, namely: Cleo L., Ruth and Mabel. In his political views Mr. Wisman is a Democrat and as every true American citizen should do he keeps well informed on the issues of the day. Although he has never sought or desired political preferment to any extent, his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to public office in 1888, when he was chosen township trustee, and for six consecutive years he was continued in that position through re-election. He is a good citizen, liberal and public-spirited and by all who know him he is highly esteemed for his genuine worth of character.. JAMES P. BEALL. For almost half a century James Perry Beall has been a resident of Crawford county, and throughout the greater part of the period has been identified with agricultural pursuits, but at the present time he is living retired. He has passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, and in the evening of life is enjoyitig a well earned rest—the fitting crown of many years of labor. He was born on a farm in Harrison county, Ohio, May 13, 1828, his being James Perry and Minerva (Huff) Beall. The father was born CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 153 in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1797, and was a son of Colmore Beall, who was of Scotch lineage. Representatives of the family have become very numerous in the country since the first of the name took up his abode in the Keystone state. The family there founded has since scattered until it is now represented in various states of the Union and its members have become prominent in business, professional and political life. The father of our subject was reared in the country of his nativity and was there married to a Miss Albert, by whom he had two children—Zenas, now deceased, and Mrs. Jane Chance, now a resident of Todd township, Crawford county. The father was a farmer by occupation. His first wife died in Pennsylvania and afterward, when a young man of about twenty-seven years, he came to Ohio, settling in Harrison county, where his father had entered land from the government. James P. Beall, Sr., settled in the midst of the wild forest, becoming one of the pioneers of the county, where he resided for thirty years. He then sold his property there and came to Crawford county, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 187o, when he was seventy-three years of age. After taking up his abode in Harrison county he had formed the acquaintance of Minerva Huff, whom he married. She was of a Virginian family and was born in the Old Dominion. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children : Casander, William, Elizabeth. and Colmore, all now deceased; James, Perry. of this review ; Cyrus, who died while serving in the Union army during the Civil war ; Rebecca, deceased ; John, who also died while a Union soldier ; Minerva, deceased ; and Zephaniah, who also served in the Civil war and is now a resident of Fulton county, Indiana. The mother died about 1874, at the age of seventy-three years. Mr. Beall, whose name forms the caption of this review, was reared in Harrison county, Ohio, amid pioneer scenes and privations, and was educated in the old primitive log school house, which was. built with a huge fireplace in one end large enough to hold immense. logs. The windows were made by removing a log from one side and one end, and filling the aperture with glass. The desk was formed of boards resting on pegs driven into the walls, and there were slab seats, resting on wooden pegs. In such a school Mr. Beall learned to read, write and "cipher," but was only instructed in arithmetic for thirteen days. In after years, however, he applied himself to study at home, even after his marriage continuing his educational work, for he realized the value of education and wished to prepare himself for the duties of life. He worked on the home farm and remained under the parental roof until his. 154 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY marriage, which occurred in 1848. For three year thereafter he worked as a farm hand in Harrison county, and rather than remain idle one spring, before the time for farm work, he spent one week at splitting rails for thirty-seven and a half cents per day: He thus began an independent career under rather difficult circumstances. During the fifth year after his marriage he cultivated a rented farm of one hundred and thirty acres and after paying 'his rent in cash he had four hundred dollars clear above all expenses. This was the result of hard work and good management. In 1852 he came to 'Crawford county, and the first year he was here was the year he rented lands and cleared the four hundred. dollars, and the next year he could not rent to suit him, and, being offered a good proposition to work as a hired hand, he accepted the proposition. In 1854 he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, comprising one hundred and twenty acres of rich land. He has since prospered in his undertakings and at one time had extensive landed possessions, but has since sold much of it, although he still owns two other farms in connection with that upon which he now resides. He has engaged quite extensively in raising stock, mostly sheep and hogs, but for several years has lived a retired life, having in the meantime acquired a handsome competence, which supplies him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. In 1848 Mr. Beall was married to Miss Mary Ann Kecklar, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1827 and went to Harrison county, Ohio, with her parents during her early girlhood. Mr. and Mrs. Beall have had seven children : James Perry and John W., who are deceased; Mary Margaret, the wife of Charles B. Henry, a farmer of Bucyrus township; Lauraette, the wife of Edward Hill, also a farmer of Bucyrus township; Dorsey Lincoln, an attorney living in Toledo, Ohio ; Eva Minerva, the wife of Wesley Beal, an agriculturist of Bucyrus township; and Nora Ellen, the wife of John I. Milliken, who also engages in the tilling of the soil in the same township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Beall are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He joined the church in early manhood and for many years he has been a leader in church work, serving as Sunday-school superintendent, church steward and in other offices. He has labored earnestly and conscientiously for the spread of the cause of Christianity among the people of this locality and has molded his life according to the teachings and tenets of the religious organization with which he is connected. Mrs. Beall's parents were John and Rosanna (Gordon) Kecklar. Her father and mother were born in Pennsylvania, but her grandparents, both pa- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 155 ternal and maternal, were born in Germany, and on coming to this country settled in Pennsylvania. Her paternal grandparents were Michael and Mary Ann Kecklar, and the maternal grandparents were Josiah and Martha Jane Gordon. They lived and died in the Keystone state. Mrs. Beall was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1827, and when she was seven years of age her parents came to Ohio and settled in Harrison county. Here her mother died, but her father died in Kansas, while on a visit to a daughter living in that state. Martha Jane, Mary Ann, Rosanna, Josiah and Malinda are the living children born unto John and Rosanna Kecklar. Their father was a blacksmith by trade, but farmed the greater part of his life. An uncle of Mrs. Beall, Josiah H. Gordon, soon after his marriage removed to the south and was there living when the Civil war came on. In the conflict he became a Confederate soldier and rose to the rank of general and was killed in battle. By profession he was a lawyer, and he was one of ability. EZEKIEL STEINHILBER. Among the prosperous farmer residents of Bucyrus township, who have made farming a very successful life business, is Ezekiel Steinhilber, who owns a fine farm of eighty acres in a desirable part of this township. The birth of Mr. Steinhilber was in Todd township, on December 12, 1857. He was a son of John M. and Christina (Leitzy) Steinhilber, both of whom were born in Germany and who came with their parents to America. Grandfather Steinhilber settled in Chatfield township, Crawford county, and there lived and died, and his son John M. married there and lived on the old place for some seven years and then sold out and bought a farm in Todd township, where the remainder of his life was spent. They were good and worthy people and were the parents of nine children. Ezekiel grew up on the farm and attended the country schools, remaining with his father until the age of twenty-one and then married and begin housekeeping and worked for his father on halves. His wife, whom he married in 1881, was Sophia Hirtz, the estimable and amiable daughter of the late George Hirtz, of Holmes township, in which township Mrs. Steinhilber was born May 15, 186o. Her parents were natives of Germany. Mr. Steinhilber was not possessed of very large means at first, and rented a small farm in Todd township, but both he and his wife were frugal and industrious and in 188o purchased a compact little farm of thirty-five acres, which he sold in 1895 and bought the eighty-acre farm where he now lives. 156 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Seven of the children born to his marriage are still living, and he has reared them in the faith of the German Brethren church. The children are George, Joseph, Lawrence, Annie, Cora, Katie and Reuben. Four children died in childhood. In his political connection he has always voted for the men and measures of the Democratic party. It is a very commendable thing to so live as to become independent in so few a number of years as has Mr. Steinhilber, but it is still more so to have gained in that time the esteem and respect of the neighborhood, and this he has done also. JOHN HOPLEY In the promotion and conservation of advancement in all the normal lines of human progress and civilization there is no factor which has exercised a more potent influence than the press, which is both the director and the mirror of public opinion. Bucyrus has been signally favored in the character of its newspapers, which have been vital, enthusiastic and progressive, ever aiming to advance the interests of this favored section of the Union, to aid in laying fast and sure the foundations of an enlightened common wealth,. to further the ends of justice and to uphold the banner of Ohio. In a compilation of this nature then it is clearly incumbent that due recognition be accorded the newspaper press of the state. The universal acknowledgment that the press is the most potent factor in molding public opinion indicates therefore the prominent position which the editor occupies. Every publication bears the impress of him who occupies the editorial chair, whether this is given consciously or unconsciously; his thought goes forth into the work and receives the support or awakens-the opposition of the reading public. A fair view of public questions, clearly presented, will therefore do more to form the general opinion of a community than any other one agency; and as the editor of the Bucyrus Journal for forty years Mr. Hopley has been an important factor in laborin: for the interests of Crawford county along all lines of progress and advanced thought. A native of England, he was born in Whitstable, in 1821. His paternal. ancestors were substantial farmers of Suffolk county. His father was a surgeon in the British navy, and after his retirement from the army practiced the profession of medicine and surgery at Whitstable, in Kent, and afterward in Lewes, Sussex county, one of the oldest towns in England. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 159 He married a Miss Prat, who was descended from a long line of ancestry distinguished in the Church of England: Our subject has a genealogical table of the line of his descendants on .the maternal side for hundreds of years. John Hopley, of this review, pursued his education in the Royal Naval College, then located at Camberwell, in the county of Surry, a suburb of London, but at the present time it is situated at Newcross, in Surry. This college is for the sons of naval officers, and its course is very extensive and thorough, but it is not licensed to confer degrees. Accommodations are furnished for three hundred and thirty pupils, all of whom reside in the college. The Bell or monitorial system, of teaching was in vogue. It was to this extent a normal, for the monitors at the head of their classes received much experience in the art and duties of teaching. Mr. Hopley excelled in athletics as well as in study. He was a constant and often successful contestant for the honors of the various classes. About the close of his college course he was made a teacher, and remained in the institution for some years. In 1842, soon after attaining his majority, he came to the United States with his maternal uncle, John R. Prat, of Zanesville, Ohio, whose store he entered in the capacity of clerk. He there continued until 1844, when he began teaching with a view of entering upon the study of law and making its practice his life work. In 1845 he removed to Logan, Hocking county, and induced the trustees to establish graded schools, theirs being among the first graded schools in the state. The system which he inaugurated was highly successful and proved. an important factor in advancing the educational, interests of Ohio. In 1848 Mr. Hopley was united in marriage to Miss Georgiana Rochester, the fourth daughter of John Rochester, of Logan, Ohio. Her father was born near London, England, January 9, 1796, and in 1816 he married Miss Gladle, a daughter of a French gentleman who left his native land, owing to the French revolution, and entered the English army as an officer and was killed in Spain while fighting against Napoleon. Mr. Rochester came to America in 1820, settling at Englishtown, Athens county, Ohio, but soon removed to Logan, where for nearly half a century he was engaged in merchandising, being recognized as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of the place. For more than forty-four years he was a member of the Presbyterian church and served for thirty-four years as an elder, while through a long period he was superintendent of the Sunday-school and a trustee of the church property. He aided greatly in promoting the 160 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. moral advancement of the people among whom he lived, and the memory of his upright career remains as an inspiration and benediction to all who knew him. He died November 28, 1876, at the age of eighty-one years. His daughter, Mrs. Hopley, was born July 22, 1826. Desiring to study slavery and its influence upon the social life of the south, Mr. Hopley removed to Tennessee, becoming a teacher in a school at Yellow Creek, that state, and later he engaged in teaching near Elktown, Kentucky, and in New Providence, Tennessee, and during this time he gave earnest thought and attention to the institution of slavery and its influences. In 1852 he returned to Logan, where he remained for three years, and in addition to his work as a teacher he served as supervisor of the schools. In 1855 he was made instructor in mathematics and commercial arithmetic in the Grangers' Commercial College, but that institution was not a very substantial one and in six months he removed to Wellsville, Union county, Ohio, and took charge of the schools there for a fractional term. From that place he came to Bucyrus, on the 12th of April, 1856, and was a very important factor in promoting the educational interests of this place in the middle of the century. The schools had been far from prosperous, but he entered upon the duties here with his usual thoroughness and zeal and the. system which he established soon awakened the admiration of the people of this vicinity and of other portions of the state. In the school work he was an excellent organizer as well as disciplinarian and instructor. He knew how to utilize his forces, studied his pupils individually and was particularly proficient in imparting to them the knowledge he had acquired so as to make a lasting impression upon their minds. In 1858 Mr. Hopley was admitted to the bar, having in the meantime devoted much of his leisure to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. He then entered into partnership with A. M. Jackson, but the following year this was discontinued and he opened an office of his own and continued to practice with encouraging success until 1862. In that year he went to England with Thomas Alsop on professional business, and on his return his law practice was virtually destroyed, for owing to the absence in the army of many parties who were needed as witnesses no cases could be tried. Mr. Hopley was then appointed by Mr. Chase to a clerkship in the office of the second auditor of the treasury, and soon by special order of Mr. Chase he was transferred to the latter's office, having a desk in the library of the treasury. As he found opportunity he studied the financial problems and employed his pen effectively in advancing the financial policy CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 161 of the secretary of the treasury and the establishment of national banks.. After the national bank law was passed he was transferred to the banking-arid currency bureau. Hugh McCullough, who was then comptroller Of currency, placed Mr. Hopley in charge. of the statistical department of the bureau. His duties there included examination of regular reports and the reports of the bank examiners. Mr. Hopley during that period of his life occasionally furnished data for speeches made by members of congress whereby the statesmen became distinguished. In 1864 he resigned his position in order to accept an offered position in a large bank in New York. In 1866 he went to Washington in a private capacity for his employer, and was soon afterward appointed national bank examiner for all the southern states excepting Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Kansas was afterward added to the list. After completing this work in 1867 he returned to Bucyrus, and in September purchased a half interest in the Bucyrus Journal. In May of the following year he became-sole owner, and, becoming absorbed in journalism, he abandoned his intention to enter upon the practice of law, and has since given his time to his work as a representative of the press. From August, 1870, until January, 1879, he served as postmaster of Bucyrus, but has never given his newspaper work into the charge of others. He has continued to be a close student of the important questions of the clay affecting the state and nationalvelfare, and the keen, analytical mind of the IaWyer, added to the compre. ensive knowledge of the journalist, have Made his treatment of such subjects of great interest, his opinions being quoted by the press throughout his section of the country. On the 19th of April, 1898, Mr. Hopley and his wife celebrated their olden wedding. The members of their family are. as follow's: Charles Rochester; John Edward; Thomas Prat, who died in childhood; Thomas Prat, Mary Catherine, Georgiana Eliza, Harriet Eveline, James Richard, Frank Lewis and Joseph William. The second named is now United States, consul at Southampton, England. Viewed in a personal light, Mr. Hopley is a strong man, of excellent judgment, fair in his views and highly honorable in all his relations with his fellow men. He is a man of very strong convictions, and his integrity stands as an unquestioned fact his career. He has always been a student, and the scope and amplitude of his knowledge render him a charming conversationalist. He is in full sympathy with all the great movements of the world about him and watches the progress of events with the keenest interest. 162 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Though severe at times toward men and measures deserving criticism, he is nevertheless a generous friend and warm advocate of those who are battling for the right and of principles and policies for the public good. CHILDREN OF JOHN HOPLEY. All the children of Mr. Hopley are more or less engaged in the newspaper business. J. E. HOPLEY was for years in newspaper business in New York, and afterward, at Bucyrus, established and managed the Evening Telegraph, the first daily newspaper established in Bucyrus. He took an active part in the politics of his congressional district, where he was a prominent and successful political manager. He was mainly instrumental in securing the nomination and election of Hon. S. R. Harris, a Republican, to congress, in a congressional district in which the natural Democratic majority is over four thousand. He acted as private secretary, at Washington, to the congressman whom he had so actively contributed to elect, and in this position, by his political foresight and ability, he became known to the prominent Republicans of the state. He is at present United States consul at Southampton, England. THOMAS P. HOPLEY was for some time a bookkeeper in his father's office. He was, and he is, a strong Prohibitionist and established the Temperance Ballot. Before commencing the publication of his paper he canvassed the county for subscribers, and by this systematic visitation he secured a very large subscription list and placed his temperance paper on a paying basis before he had issued the first number. He continued this active canvass and knew more citizens in Crawford county than any other man in it. Having disposed of his paper to Andrew J. Hazlett, Esq., he went to Oklahoma and was among the first settlers at Enid, where he is now publishing two papers, both the daily and the weekly Enid News. He married Miss Rosa Curtis and is now the father of two children. Each of the daughters—Mary C., Georgia E. and Harriet E.—is directly or indirectly in newspaper work. Misses Mary and Harriet are both in Chicago, and Miss Georgia is a well known newspaper correspondent in this state. She was one of the women commissioners to the Paris Exposition and represented Ohio as the commissioner at the Pan-American Exposi- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 163 tion at Buffalo. At present, in the interest of the state labor bureau, she is investigating the condition of women and girls engaged in the factories at Columbus. JAMES R. HOPLEY was in his father's office and is now with C. Harper, Esq., of Columbus, editing the Advertising World and also Ad. Art, two of the leading advertising publications of the country, having the largest list of bona-fide paid-up subscribers,—over twenty thousand. He is a newspaper man from his youth up, studying and practicing his profession as a science. FRANK L. HOPLEY was also in his father's office until employed as manager of the advertising department of the American Clay-Working Machinery Company, in which capacity he has been acting for several years. JOSEPH W. HOPLEY, the youngest of the family, was in his father's office when war was declared against Spain, and he went with his home company as newspaper correspondent, first to their camp at Washington and afterward to Cuba. He was with the company through the campaigning, and was present at the surrender of Santiago. Soon after this he contracted yellow fever, and after many weary and anxious weeks he was sent home a skeleton, only just alive. By good home nursing he was restored, and lie is now assisting his brother as deputy United States consul at Southampton, England. CHARLES R. HOPLEY is the only one of the family not in newspaper work either directly or indirectly. He was for years in the railroad business in Texas, and he is now in the Klondyke, where he owns several promising mining claims. CHARLES BREISINGER. It is pleasant indulgence to write the biography of a man who has been so prominent in the industrial and business affairs of the county as has Charles Breisinger. He has certainly won the somewhat hackneyed but expressive title of the self-made man; the possibilities of accomplishment which surround each individual were improved by him and by determined purpose, unflagging industry and a will to dare and to do he has worked his way steadily upward. He is now engaged in the manufacture of brick, a business which lie has followed with marked success for nineteen years. Mr. Breisinger is a native of Wurtemberg, born July 28, 1853, and was reared and educated there, beginning his studies in the public schools. After 164 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. arriving at years of maturity he married Miss Julia Baushlinger, a daughter of Daniel Baushlinger, and unto them were born five children, of whom Maude, Carrie, Sadie and Carl are living, and Robert is deceased. As before mentioned, Mr. Breisinger is connected with the manufacture of brick, establishing the enterprise in 1882. He was for some time associated in business with his father-in-law and the enterprise which they conducted was a successful one, but for the past nine years he has been identified with John Witter. They have a splendidly equipped plant, a large yard, steam power and a capacity of twenty-five thousand bricks each day. They own a splendid clay bed of eleven acres and in the yard employ twenty men. The brick which they produce is of an excellent quality; being manufactured after the most improved methods of the times and their sales Are very extensive. In addition to the home trade they ship some brick and annually the business nets to the proprietors a good income. In his political affiliations Mr. Breisinger is a Democrat and is deeply interested in the growth and success of the party. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum and to the Deutsche Gesellshaft. Mr. Breisinger and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and he co-operates in many movements for the general good, being a public-spirited and progressive citizen. GEORGE DONNENWIRTH. There is ever a degree of satisfaction and profit in scanning the life history of one who has attained to eminent success as the diametrical result of his own efforts, and has had the mentality to direct his endeavors toward the desired end and to singleness and steadfastness of purpose. As a distinctive type of the self-made man we can 'refer with singular propriety to the honored subject of this sketch, the president of the Bucyrus City Bank and a well known and honored resident of Crawford county. A native of Columbus, Ohio, George Donnenwirth was born January 28, 1835, a son of George and Sophia (Anthony) Donnenwirth. His paternal grandparents, George and Magdalene (Ruth) Donnenwirth, were natives of France, who in 1827 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating first in Buffalo, New York, whence they removed to Stark county, Ohio. In 1834 they came to Crawford county and secured land in Cranberry township, where they spent the rest of their lives. They were the parents of five children, including George Donnenwirth, the father of our subject, who was born in Strasburg, France, September 7, 181o, and was educated in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 167 the schools of his native town. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, and soon afterward accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He found employment at his trade in. Buffalo, New York, and later in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and then in Stark county, Ohio, and then worked on the Ohio canal, drifting to Columbus,. .0hio, in 1833, and there he wedded, in 1834, Miss Sophia Anthony, .whd was born in Lorraine, France, in 1809, and died in Crawford county in 1849. Their children were George and Adam (twin brothers), Jacob, William, Magdalene, Charles and John. Three other children died in childhood. William, Charles and Jacob are deceased. After the death of his first wife the father wedded Miss Caroline Derr, a native of Bavaria, Germany, and four children graced this union, namely : Lewis C., Franklin P., Sophia M. and Caroline M., but the last named has passed away. In 1838 the father came to Crawford county and located at New Washington, where he engaged in blacksmithing, continuing with success for several years. He became Well and favorably known, and about 1846 was elected to the lower house of the state legislature, representing Crawford and Wyandot counties. In 1855 he was elected county treasurer, and the following year removed to Bucyrus, the county seat, where he resided up to the time of his death, in 1884. In 1868 he was chosen mayor of Bucyrus and filled the office for two terms of one year each. In all the public positions which he was called upon to fill he discharged his duties with entire satisfaction to all concerned, his loyalty being above question, was prompt and energetic and gained the unqualified approval of the best citizens. His judgment was considered sound and' reliable in the councils of the Democratic party, and he aided materially in: advancing the best interests of his community. George Donnenwirth, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the schools of New Washington, Crawford county, until his fifteenth year, when he entered his father's shop and worked at the blacksmith's trade for four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Sandusky, Ohio, where lie was employed in a grocery store for eighteen months. For a short time he \vas also a clerk in Burlington, Iowa, but returned to Bucyrus and entered a business career that has been prominently successful through a long period of forty-four years. His first venture was. in connection with Henry Anthony. They established a brewery and after a short time Mr. Donnenwirth's father purchased Mr. Anthony's interest,. the enterprise being then conducted under the firm name of George DOnnenwirth & Son. Upon the father's retirement, in 1875, Frank P. Donnen- 9 168 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. wirth, a half-brother of our subject; entered the firm, and their business connection was maintained until 1889, when they sold the business. They had built up an excellent trade, having a large and constantly increasing patronage, owing to the excellence of the brewing product and through reliable business Methods.. In 1881 Mr. Donnenwirth was one of the organizers of the Monnett Bank, of Bucyrus, the style of which was changed in 1892 to Bucyrus City Bank. He became a director of the institution upon its Organization, and was also elected vice-president of the bank. Since 1886 be has been its president, and the concern is one of the most substantial in this portion of Ohio. His business career in Bucyrus covers a period of about forty-three years. and has been one of uninterrupted success due to tireless energy, cool, sound judgment and to strict integrity. These traits have been a tower of strength to the bank, and have had much to do with its steady and, substantial growth. In 1865 George Donnenwirth was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Fuhrman, of Bucyrus. Fraternally Mr. Donnenwirth is connected with the Masonic fraternity.. and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A stanch advocate of Democratic principles, he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the party, and on that ticket has been frequently called to public office. He is also active in formulating the policy and controlling the campaigns in his county, having served as a member of several committees, while his advice and counsel carry weight in :Democratic circles. For twenty-five years, from 1874. until 1899, he served as a member of the school hoard, and for a number of years was its treasurer. He has also been a member of the city council for fifteen years, and was treasurer of the township through a long period. In public office he has labored for the good of the majority, and his work has proved of benefit and value. In business affairs he has displayed great .discrimin'atibri and superior executive ability, and such qualities, combined with industry and strong purpose never fail to gain success. He stands to-day among the wealthy residents of Bucyrus, and his enviable position in financial circles is well merited. THOMAS S. KENNEDY. Thomas S. Kennedy, whose success in life results from earnest, indefatigable efforts, is numbered among the leading and influential farmers and stock raisers of Dallas township, Crawford county, his farm being on section CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 169 2. He was born in Tully township, Marion county, Ohio, October 23, 1848, and is of Irish lineage, for the name is of Irish origin. The family, however, was probably established in America at a very early day and the grandparents of our subject, Thomas and Nancy Kennedy, were both natives of Pennsylvania. In 1832 they left that state and coming to Ohio settled in Crawford county, where they spent their remaining days, passing away in Whetstone township. The journey to this state was made in a wagon, and during their early residence here they lived in true pioneer style. The grandfather died in the '4os, and the grandmother passed away in 1863. Their children were: William K., the father of our subject; Martha, who died in early womanhood; Margaretta, who is living in Marion county, Ohio; John, deceased; Nancy Jane, who has also passed away ; Thomas, who died in Jasper county, Indiana, in 'goo; Sarah, deceased; Samuel, who is living in Whetstone township; Mary E., who died in Marion county in 1901 ; and George Washington, who is living in Marion county. William K. Kennedy was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1818, and when a youth of fourteen accompanied his parents to this state, being reared here upon the home farm. He acquired a good common-school education and for a few terms engaged in teaching school. He had a strong mind, was a man of good judgment and was well informed. For five years he worked as a farm hand, at eleven dollars per month, being thus employed on the plains south of Bucyrus. For his first wife he married Miss Margaret Shank, who was born in Pennsylvania, and was of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent, her ancestors coming from Holland. Her parents, Jacob and Lydia (Bush) Shank, settled in Crawford county about 1832. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy the following children were born : Nancy, who died at the age of three years ; Lydia Jane, the wife of Samuel Baker, of Dallas township; Thomas S., of this review; Martha, who died after her marriage; James W., who is residing in Marion county, Ohio; Emma, wife of Madison Roberts, of Marion county; Anzilla, wife of George Watts, of Marion county; Margaret, wife of John R. Hill, of Marion county. The mother died in 1861 and a few years later the father married Mary Lance, a native of Pennsylvania, who still survives him and is living on the homestead farm in Marion county. By the second marriage there was one child, Samira, the wife of Elsworth Jones, of Marion county. Throughout his business career the father followed farming. He located on the boundary line between Crawford and Marion counties, his farm lying in both counties, but his residence in the latter, and there he remained until his life's labors were ended in death. He 170 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. prospered and gained a good estate. He engaged in dealing in and raised large flocks of sheep and also handled other stock. Being an excellent judge of domestic animals he was enabled to make judicious purchases and upon, his investments he realized a handsome profit. Mr. Kennedy was reared upon the home farm and the labors of the field and meadow became familiar to him during the period of his youth. The common school afforded him his educational privileges and through the winter months he pursUed his studies, again taking up the work of the farm with returning spring. In 1874 he was married to Hester F. Monnett, a daughter of Thomas Monnett, of Marion county, and their union was blessed with twelve children : Thomas Mervin, William C., Otho W., Orange D., Myron G., Amy E., James C., Ollie, Ralph, Myrtle, Almet and Jay. The last named died at the age of two years, but the others are all living, and three of the sons, Thomas Mervin, William C. and Otho W., have engaged in teaching in the district schools. After his marriage Mr. Kennedy began farming in Whetstone township, Crawford county, where he remained for seven years, after which he removed to his present place of residence. Here he owns two hundred and eighty acres of land, and in addition he has eighty acres a mile west, forty acres in Whestone township and one hundred and seventy-five acres in Marion county. In connection with general farming he raises cattle, sheep and hogs and also buys and sells others. His business interests are well conducted and directed along progressive and straightforward lines. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office, and he has satisfactorily served in a number of minor positions, but he has never been an aspirant for political office. In his political views. he is a Democrat, and in religious faith is a Methodist. His life is honorable,. his actions sincere, and his integrity unquestioned, and in Crawford county he has gained many warm friends who esteem him highly for his sterling worth. ROBERT K. WARNER. Among the honored pioneers who aided in laying broad and deep the foundations for the present prosperity and progress of Crawford county, who met the hardships and trials of pioneer life, yet continued an active factor in the work of reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civilization was Robert K. Warner. He was one of the representative men of the community, hon- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 171 ored by all for his sterling worth and upright life, and in the biographical history of the county he well deserves prominent mention. Anative of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Warner was born on the 8th of April, 1825, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Walton) Warner, both of whom were born in the same county and were of English descent. The father's birth occurred about i8oi, the marriage was celebrated in 1822, and in 1827 he came with his family to Ohio, traveling in a wagon drawn by four horses. When they were about four miles from Galion the wagon sunk so deeply in the mud that the family were obliged to get out and walk the remaining distance to the home of a relative in. Galion, leaving the wagon behind. The father remained in Crawford county throughout the remainder of his life and for many years carried on farming. He settled in the southern portion of Whetstone township, Crawford county, but in 1833 removed to a farm on section 35, Bucyrus township, where he resided through a long period. He was a successful farmer, although frail health prevented him from taking an active part in the work of the fields, but he capably managed his affairs and realized therefrom a good financial return. He died May 8, 1872, while visiting in Kankakee, Illinois, and his wife passed away March 7, 1877. He was a man of kind heart and noble purpose and his wife was a most excellent woman. They were of the Quaker faith and lived useful and quiet lives, which gained them uniform respect. They had three children : Robert K.; Harriet, the widow of St. Clair Welsh and a resident of Missouri; and Louisa, the wife of Hiram Everet, of Iowa. Robert K. Warner was only two years of age when brought by his parents to Ohio, and here he was reared amid pioneer scenes and environments. The Wyandot Indians were still numerous in the county and he played with the "Johnny Cake boys" many, a day, also learned their language. It was in 1836 that he attended the first school taught in Dallas township, the teacher being Miss Susan Bovee. He continued his education in the old log school house until twenty years of age and was reared to manhood upon the farm, where he early became familiar with the work of caring for the stock and cultivating the field. Lessons of industry and perseverance were early impressed upon his mind and were active factois in his successful career. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached his twenty-third year, when he was married. The wedding was celebrated November 22, 1847, Miss Martha Monnett becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Jeremiah and Elsie (Slagle) Monnett, and to her husband she proved a most faithful companion and help- 172 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. mate on the journey of life. For a year and a half they resided on a farm on section 26, Bucyrus township, on the Columbus & Sandusky road and then removed to the old homestead on section 27, of the same township,. where Mrs. Warner still makes her home. At that time he owned one hundred and twenty acres of land, to which he added in later years, until at the time of his death his farm property comprised four hundred and twenty acres. In 1875 .he erected a fine residence and afterward built a barn. He was. a successful business man and gained a large estate, dying a wealthy man. The home was blessed with four children : Ellen, the wife of W. T. McKinstry, of Bucyrus township; Mary, the widow of Albert Yaker; Harriet, the wife of. Smith C. Caldwell; and Louisa, who married Francis M. Caldwell. They reside with her mother on the old homestead. Mrs. Warner is now in her seventy-fifth year and yet. enjoys fair health. She was born and reared a Methodist and has been a member of the church since fourteen years of age, her entire life being in harmony with her professions. In his political views Mr. Warner was a strong Republican and held a few minor political positions, but was not an office seeker. He was highly esteemed for his strict regard for honesty and upright principles and in his religious faith was a Quaker, living a life consistent with that faith. He passed away October 14, 1889. In his friendships he was faithful and in the discharge of his duties of citizenship he was loyal and true, while in, his family he was a devoted husband and father; finding his greatest happiness in ministering to his family. ALBERT M. ENSMINGER. The press has not only recorded the history of advancement, but has. also been the leader in the work of progress and improvement, the vanguard of civilization. The philosopher of some centuries ago proclaimed the truth that the pen is mightier than the sword, and the statement is continually being verified in the affairs of life. In molding public opinion the power of the. newspaper cannot be estimated, but at all events its influence is greater than any other single agency. In the history of Bucyrus, therefore, an account of the Daily and Weekly Forum should form an important factor, as this journal is the oldest established one of the county and its present proprietors keep in touch with the most advanced methods of journalism, making the paper one of great value. in Crawford county. Albert Milton Ensminger was associated with this paper CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 173 from 1890 until October, 1901, when it was sold to the newly organized Bucyrus Publishing Company. He was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, September 27, 1858, and traces his ancestry back to Christian Ensminger, who 'was 'born in the Keystone state June 8, 1762, and died March 6, 1836. His second son, .David Ensminger, the grandfather of our subject, was born Perry county, Pennsylvania, and married Barabar Messinger. Their son, Henry Ensminger, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1826, and pursued his education in the distritt schools near his home. He afterward turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and followed farming in Pennsylvania until 1866, when he settled in Jefferson township; Crawford county, Ohio. In that year he established a- store, and for two years was in partnership with his brother, George Ensminger, at North Robinson, the connection being dissolved by the death of the brother. Henry Ensminger then carried on business alone for four years, when he disposed of his mercantile enterprise and purchased a farm near North Robinson, upon which he resided until 1879. In that year he came .to Bucyrus and opened a dry goods store in the Quinby block, being identified with business affairs in this city for some time. He was known as a reliable and trustworthy merchant and enjoyed the business confidence of the public in an unusual .degree. He married Susan Jacobs, and his death occurred in Bucyrus, February 24; 1892.. Unto this worthy couple were born the following children.: Franklin P., Albert. M., Charles E., Anna M. and Alberta E. Albert Milton Ensminger, whose name forms the caption of this article, pursued his education in the public schools of Crawford county, Ohio, and on the completion of his literary course entered the law department of the State University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the class of 1882. In the same year he was admitted to the Ohio bar and began practice in Bucyrus. In 1885 he was elected city solicitor and discharged his duties so capably that he was re-elected for a second term. After his retirement from office he became associated with The Forum, and has since been connected with the paper except during the period from the 1st of August, 1894, until the 1st of September, 1898, when he was postmaster of Bucyrus. On the 16th of December, 1886, Mr. Ensminger was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Blair, a daughter of E. Blair, president of the Second National Bank of Bucyrus and a most prominent citizen. Their only child, Edward Blair, was born September 2, 1899. Mr. Ensminger is. a member of St. Paul's English Lutheran church and socially he is connected with the Knights 174 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of Pythias fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In his political affiliations he is a stalwart Democrat and was a candidate for presidential elector on the Democratic ticket in 1888. He has been an im portant factor in the progress and upbuilding of Bucyrus since locating here, and educational, church and social interests owe their promotion in a considerable degree to his efforts. WILLIAM W. REEHL. William W. Reehl, the subject of this sketch, was born in Bucyrus on February 22, 1868, attended the public schools until 1885, and then he took a business course in the Nelson Commercial College, of Cincinnati. After finishing his course he accepted a position as bookkeeper for Lee Cann & Company, of that city, but resigned to enter business for himself. Returning to Bucyrus, he entered the firm, of Reehl & Howe, hardware dealers, an enterprise which he did much to build up. Owing to failing health, he sold his interest to G. P. Fisher, and after six months of rest and recuperation he, in December, 1888, with others, organized the Frey-Sheckler Company, which bought out the Frey-Sheckler & Hoover Company, manufacturers of clay-working machinery. In organizing the business staff of the new company Mr. Reehl was made head bookkeeper, and after a year was made auditor of the company, acting in that capacity until September, 1896, when a consolidation of the Frey-Sheckler Company and the. firm of J. W.. Penfield & Son, of Willoughby, Ohio, was consummated under the firm name of The American Clay-Working Machinery Company, with general offices in Bucyrus. Under the consolidation Mr. Reehl was made secretary and resident manager of the Bucyrus plant. He has continued in this capacity since his election to the office Mid has contributed in large measure to the phenomenal success of the enterprise. The American Clay-Working Machinery Company does the most extensiye business of its kind in the world, its products being shipped to all parts of this country and abroad. 'They manufacture a full line of clay-working, cement and pottery machinery, and employ over four hundred workmen in their combined plants. In 1888 the Bucyrus and Willoughby plants combined employed about fifty-six men, which taken in comparison with the present pay-roll indicates the great increase in business. Mr. Reehl is also the president of the New York Blower Company, a CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 177 growing enterprise composed largely of eastern capitalists, devoted. to the manufacture of heating and ventilating machinery. The company was established in Bucyrus in 1899. Owing to his ability as a manager, Mr. Reehl was selected as the head of the company, a position he assumed in January, 1901. The employes of the company number nearly a hundred, with branch offices in New York, Boston and Chicago. On January 7, 1892, Mr. Reehl was married to Miss Margaret Troop Harris, of Peoria, Illinois, Miss Harris being a daughter of D. W. C. Harris. Two children grace their union: Helen Harris, born May 20, 1894, and William W., born December 5, 1900. The parents occupy an enviable position in social circles, the hospitality of the best homes in Bucyrus being open to them. They also belong to the Presbyterian church, Mr. Reehl having served on the board of trustees of the church. Mr. Reehl is a young man, but has already attained a position in business circles that many a man of even twice his years might well envy. His determination and keen sagacity, combined with unflagging diligence and scrupulous honesty, have been the salient features of his success. Mr. Reehl is of German parentage. His father, Nicholas Reehl, was born at Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, August 1, 1825. The parents of Nicholas Reehl, Michael Reehl and Anna Louise Plaizer Reehl, were lifelong residents of Hessen, the wife having been born at Allarts-Hofen, Germany. Michael Reehl died Septembei 14, 1852, his wife preceding him in February of the same year. The son, Nicholas Reehl, came to the United States in 1847, and after a year spent in Philadelphia he removed, in 1848, to Bucyrus. Soon after his arrival he formed the acquaintance of Anna Elizabeth Kreighbaum, and on May 13, 1851, they were married. Mrs. Nicholas Reehl was born in Reichenbach, Germany, December io, 1828, and came to this country in 1849, landing at New Orleans, and later settling at Upper Sandusky. Her parents were Falten Kreighbaum, who died February 2, 1850, and Katherine Kaffenberger, who died December io, 1866. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas. Reehl was solemnized at Columbus, and they at once removed to Bucyrus, where they were identified with the early history of the community, Mr. Reehl following his trade of wagon and carriage-maker, and later on becoming largely interested in manufacturing and real estate. Mrs. R.eehl died. in the fullness of a well spent life on September 12, 1899. To Mr. and Mrs. Reehl nine children were born, as follows: Henry, born October.28, 1852, deceased; Carl, born October 30, 1853, deceased; Louisa, born November 3, 1855, the wife of Rev. John 178 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Horst, of Covington, Kentucky ; Lewis, born July 29, 1858, deceased; John,. born October 28, 1861, deceased ; Edward, born December 14, 1862, deceased; Katherine M., Bucyrus, Ohio, born December 1, 1864; William W., born February 22, 1868 ; and Samuel, born May 21, 1870, deceased. DANIEL PFLEIDERER. The ancestors of the Pfleiderer family were old and established families of Wurtemberg, Germany, where their thrift, energy and economy had brought them a comfortable competence; but a restless spirit entered into the younger members, as they saw their sons growing up about them, and some of them decided to emigrate to the great country across the sea, where there was land for all. Among these came Christian and his wife Barbara (Auberly) Pfleiderer, the former born in 1789, the latter in 1794. They left Germany in the spring of 1831, with their children,—Adam, Jacob, David and Christian,—and after ninety-two clays on the ocean, they landed in Baltimore, Maryland, and pursued their journey across the continent until they reached Columbiana county, Ohio. Winter was near and they were weary of travel, and although they intended to go into the forest they wisely decided that it was not the season to go into an unsettled portion of the country. They found shelter with the family of Mr. Seacrist, and Mr. Pfleiderer went to work at whatever jobs he could find, as did also the oldest boys. As soon as spring opened they purchased a yoke of oxen and an old wagon, and thus. equipped set out for Crawford county, where they arrived the first week in April. They located on eighty acres, which had been entered by the father during their stay in Columbiana county, and on arriving in Crawford county he purchased an adjoining eighty acres for one hundred and forty-five dollars. The improvements on this tract consisted of a miserable lob cabin, and there the family found refuge until they had time to build a more comfortable one, in which there was scarcely a nail used in construction. About one year later the father bought another eighty acres, for one hundred and forty dollars. In' those days each settler felt honorably called upon to assist every other, and soon after his location the father was asked to assist a man by the name of Ludwig Geiger to raise a cabin. By some accident a pole fell upon Mr. Pfleiderer and broke his right leg. This was a terrible discouragement, for there was so much work to be done in the clearing of land and improving the farm. No clearing had yet been done and no Crops could be started, but fortunately he had brought some means with him, and the money earned by him CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 179 and his sons in the cranberry marshes, upon their arrival in Ohio, had been saved, and things were not so desperate as they were with some pioneers. Just as haseemed to be recovering from his accident, however, paralysis set in and he was alive but a short time afterward, expiring suddenly. This was a terrible blow to the widow with her six children, two of whom had come amid the stress of the years after the family arrived in Ohio. John and Daniel, our subject, who was but an infant at this time, having been born in Liberty township, on April 10, 184o, were too small to be of any assistance at this time, but the older children went sturdily to work, and, assisted by the mother, commenced to clear the land, and finally succeeded in a most admirable manner. Later the mother married a. neighbor, John Heckenlively, but spent her last years with her son David. She was a remarkable woman, a true type of the pioneer. At the advanced age of ninety she would walk several miles to take part in the services of the Lutheran church, of which she was a devoted member, and walk home again, without apparent fatigue. She would relate that in early pioneer days the congregation would walk to church barefoot, in flax shirts and homespun dresses. Daniel Pfleiderer was but nine months old when his father died, but remained with his mother until he was twelve, and then, as she had married again, he started out to make his own way in the world. His education was necessarily limited. He worked at farm work, as this. was all he knew anything about, and had saved enough by the time he was twenty-one to purchase a team and wagon and then he began farming, on shares, on the old home place for his mother. In 1862 he was married to Miss Mary Kafer, the daughter of John Kafer, who came to Crawford county, Ohio, at an early thy, from Germany and became one of the prosperous farmers of Liberty township. After his marriage Daniel Pfleiderer was employed on the home farm for one year, but in 1863 he purchased sixty acres of land in section 4 and removed to his new home. Three years later he sold this and purchased eighty acres in Chatfield township, and there he resided until 1873, when he exchangd this farm for one hundred acres of his present home farm, where he has ever since remained. During the subsequent years he has added to his land, until lie now owns two hundred and thirty acres of the rich and productive soil of Crawford county. Mr. Pfleiderer comes of good stock and in no way could he have proved this more than in the success which he has made of his business life. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Pfleiderer are : Eliza, the wife of 180 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. James Givens, of Mercer county, Ohio; Lizzie, deceased; Tillie, the wife of Charles Hillboat, of Mercer county ; John, a butcher of North Robinson, this county ; Rosa, at home; Emma, the wife of William Rhine, of Bucyrus ; Laura, at home; Edward, on a portion of the home farm ; and James and Jane, at home. Although Mr. Pfleiderer . has been a life-long Democrat and somewhat prominent in township .affairs, he has never sought office, but has cheerfully and efficiently served on the school board for several years. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran church and have carefully reared their children in the same. faith. The family is one which is held in high esteem in Crawford county. ABRAHAM FROST Among the prominent, successful and highly esteemed farmers of Holmes township, Crawford county, Ohio, is Abraham Frost, who was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on March 18, 1825, a son of George and Christina (Kindt) Frost, and was one of a family of eleven children, four of whom survive: Uriah, who resides in this township; Abraham ; Isaac, .who resides in Osceola ; and Julia A., who is the wife of Mr. Hines, of Nebraska. George Frost was born in the state of New Jersey and early in life displayed a talent for working in wood. He learned the trade of wagon-making and was constantly employed in developing a mechanical genius. All of his furniture was made by his own' hands, and he finally constructed a carding machine, which he used for twenty years. After his marriage he removed to Northampton county, Pennsylvania, where he was given, free of charge, water power for his carding-machine, if he would build and operate a carding-mill, Wand bought a small tract of land near the mill, from which came his power, consisting of some twenty acres ; but later he sold this land and. purchased a desirable farm, of eighty acres, although he was obliged to hire labor to work it 'until his sons grew old enough to take charge of it. In the spring of 1840, Mr. Frost came to Wayne county, where he remained for two years, farming on rented land, and then removed to Liberty township, Crawford county, where he was engaged in farming until the Outbreak of the Civil war. So interested was Mr. Frost in the stirring events of the time that he insisted upon going to town to. obtain news from the seat of war for himself, although at this time he was in his seventy-fourth year, that he became the victim of a fast train on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 181 Chicago Railroad and was instantly killed. Early in life Mr. Frost was a.. Democrat, casting his vote for Andrew Jackson, but later his adherence to that party weakened and before his death he had become an ardent Republican. His life was one of morality, and although he never was formally connected. with any religious organization he contributed freely and was a constant attendant upon religious services. The mother of our subject was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, also, about 1798, and died in her forty-fourth year. She was the daughter of Martin and Elizabeth Kindt, both of whom passed their whole lives in Pennsylvania. Both parents are remembered with affection and respect, and their counsels and care had much to .do in the formation of the-character of their children, all of the survivors of the large family being esteemed and respected in their several neighborhoods. Abraham Frost grew up under his father's care, working on the farm and assisting in other ways, attending school and growing to manhood, strong,. moral and energetic, a son of whom his parents were pardonably proud. At the age of twenty-one he began his personal business career, in Bucyrus, working at a gristmill. After his first marriage he rehted a house one and one-half miles west of Bucyrus and worked industriously; sometimes at chopping wood and sometimes at other labor which he found to-do, managing to save enough money to purchase eighty acres in Todd township, and later added to this . twenty-seven acres, making a nice farm of one hundred and seven acres, but he never resided upon this place and later disposed of it, advantageously, and bought his present farm, of one hundred and fifty acres, having previously resided upon it after his second marriage. Iii 1872 Mr. Frost erected his present handsome brick residence, which is one of the best in the county. In 1850, Mr. Frost was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Hollinger, and to this marriage one child was born, deceased; and Mrs. Frost, on account of giving birth to this child, died some six days later, on July 3, 1851. Thee second marriage of Mr. Frost was in 1852, to Miss Esther H. McCollough, a native of Crawford county, who was born upon the farm which is now the 'family home. The father of Mrs. Frost, William McCollough, was a pioneer of 1828, and entered the land at that time. Ten children were born to this union, the eight survivors being : Nancy, the wife of D. W. Myers, of 'this township; Laura, the wife of George Studer, of Fresno county, California ; Julia, the widow of F. E. Brester, of Dunkirk, Ohio; Jay, of Bucyrus town-- hip, Ira, of Holmes township ; Dilla, the wife of Frank V. Steen, of Holmes township ; Willis, the farm on the home place; and Ida, the wife of George. 182 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Goodwin, of Holmes township. The death of Mrs. Frost was in 1873. In 1877 Mr. Frost was married to Mrs. Jerry Orthwein, formerly Miss Christina Bahler, a native of Germany, who came to America, with a brother, when she was but twelve years of age. She died September 9, 1888. One son, Frank, has been born of this marriage, and he resides at home. Mr. Frost is known to be a stanch Republican, and he was first a "Know Nothing," and has ever taken an intelligent interest in public affairs. For many years he has been a leading member of the Presbyterian church and one of its liberal supporters. During ari extended period Mr. Frost has been fraternally connected with the I. O. O. F., and has been. an active and interested member, but in late years he has not felt disposed to attend the night meetings. He is also connected with Bucyrus Grange, No. 507, P. of H., and is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Holmes township. FRANK E. LIEBICH. Frank E. Liebich, assistant postmaster of Bucyrus, was born March 3, 1859, in the city which is now his home, and during the greater part of his life has been identified with its business and public interests. His grandfather, Franz Otto Liebich, was a native of Germany and died when about fifty-two years of age, while his wife, Mrs. Amelia Liebich, who was also a native of the same country, passed away in 1883. Their son, Leo Otto Liebich, the father of our subject, was born in Gera, Germany, January 29, 183o, and in 1837 emigrated to the new world, settling at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he resided for a few months and then came to Bucyrus. Here he entered the employ of a Mr. Beam, in the printing office of the Democrat, and a,year later he entered into partnership with a Mr. Koch, and purchased the office and paper, conducting business under the name of Koch & Liebich. They continued to publish the paper for some years and met with success in the undertaking. Mr. Liebich was married in 1858, to Teresa Hoffman, who was a daughter of Andrew and Annie Hoffman. The father of our subject died February 22, 1884. In his boyhood days Frank E. Liebich pursued his education in the public schools of Bucyrus, but at an early age put aside his text-books and accepted a position in a woolen mill. On leaving that service he went into a printing office, where he was engaged in setting type. Six years were passed in such employments, and from 1878 until 1881 he followed the carpenter's trade. From 1881 until 1883 he was a member of the firm of Broemel & Liebich, proprietors of woolen mills, in which they engaged in the manufacture of blankets, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 183 woolens, yarns and also did custom work for farmers. The firm continued in existence for about two years, on the expiration of which period Mr. Liebich sold his interest to his partner and through the succeeding year resided in Cleveland, where he was employed as a hard-wood finisher. In 1884 he returned to Bucyrus and entered the service of the firm of Roehr & Sons, manufacturers of banking and church furniture. During President Cleveland's administration Mr. Liebich was appointed assistant postmaster of Bucyrus under Shannon Clement, and served four years, after which he returned to his old employers, the firm of Rohr & Sons, who at that time were giving work to about one hundred men, and during his second period of service for that firm he was selected among others of their employes to go to Chicago and put in place a large amount of work made by the firm for exhibitors at the World's Columbia Exposition. During President Cleveland's second administration he was. again appointed assistant postmaster, under A. M. Ensminger, and has occupied the same position under Postmaster. J. E. Hall. In March, 1901, he was chosen by the Bucyrus city board of education a member thereof, to fill the vacancy which was occasioned by the resignation of J. F. Angel, and at the general election on April 1st, he was elected a member of the board. On Christmas day of 1884, in Bucyrus, Mr. Liebich was united in marriage to Miss Louise Hertzer, a daughter of Theodore and Louise Hertzer. Unto them have been born four children, namely : Arthur Theodore, who was born March 17, 1886 ; Richard Otto, born October 18, 1888 ; Alma Marie, born August 6, 1892 ; and Frank August, born August 18, 1899. Mr. Liebich is a consistent member of the German Lutheran church and also belongs to the Deutsche Gesellschaft, a very strong German organization. He has a wide acquaintance in Bucyrus, and the strong elements in his character are such as to win for him uniform respect. MRS. EMMA DALZELL. A history of the educational interests of Bucyrus would be incomplete withr'ut mention of Mrs. Emma J. Dalzell, a most successful teacher who occu?ied a po,,it;on in the second-grade primary for years. She has been a representative of the educational work of Bucyrus since 1874, having taught continuously from that time, with the exception of a period of three months, until June, 1901, when she resigned her position in the city schools. She is a native of Huron county, Ohio, and in 1873 came to Bucyrus with 184 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.. her parents, Samuel and Rebecca (Bergert) Frisbie. Mrs. Dalzell was very young at the time of her father's death and she then went to live with an aunt, Mrs. Mary Moffit, who now resides with her, and who is a most interesting old lady. Mrs. Dalzell pursued her education in the schools of Bucyrus and at the age of fourteen began teaching at Wingert Corners, in Crawford county, where she taught for several terms. She was married in this county to William Dalzell, a native of Columbus, Ohio, who accompanied his parents on their removal to Crawford county during his early childhood, the family locating in Chatfield township, where he' was reared to manhood. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for' troops, enlisting in 1861 as a member, of the Fifty-seventh Ohio Infantry, with which he served throughout, the war, the regiment being attached to the Army of the. Tennessee. He was in all of the battles with that corps and was ever found at his post of duty as a loyal defender of the stars and stripes and the cause it represented. The rigors and hardships of the war, however,, undermined his health, which he never fully recovered and his army experience was the ultimate cause of his death, which occurred in 1871, when he was thirty years of age. He had been engaged in business in Bucyriiis for a short time. His parents were John and Sallie (Raymond) Dalzell. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William, Dalzell were born two daughters, Eva and Lottie, the former is a graduate of the high school of Bucyrus and is now teaching in the grammar school,: No. 8, of this city, while the latter is the wife of William Redman, of Canton, Ohio. " In 1874, after her husband's death, Mrs. Dalzell accepted a position in the city schools of Bucyrus, holding the same until she resigned in June, 1901. She is a very successful educator, having the ability to impress strongly and forcibly, upon the young minds the principles of knowledge with which each child must become acquainted as, a preparation for life's work. She holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and is a woman of high character whose many excellent qualities of heart and mind have won her the high regard and esteem of all with whom she has come in contact. MICHAEL AUCK. Michael Auck, a well known resident of Bucyrus, is a son of Christopher Auck, a native of Germany, born in Wurtemberg January 31, 1813. The name was originally spelled Auch. The father obtained a fair education in his native land, and at an early age was apprenticed to learn the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 187 tailor's trade. In the year 1831 he emigrated. to the United States, locating in Pennsylvania, where, in 1841, he was united in marriage to Rachel Wagner. By this union three children were born, the living being Michael and Elizabeth, while Mary is now deceased; In the year 1848 the father removed: from Pennsylvania to Crawford county, Ohio, and purchased a farm in Whetstone township. His first wife died on the 2d of September, 1875,. and on the 7th of September of the following year he was united in Mar riage to Catherine Flick, who was born in 1818, and since the demise of her husband has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Kunkle, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, with whom she is now living, in her eighty-fourth year. Christopher Auck was long a respected and honored citizen of Crawford county. He never sought or desired office, but undoubtedly could have enjoyed political preferment had he so desired. He was a reliable citizen, a faithful friend and considerate neighbor, and wherever known was held in high esteem. Michael Auck, whose name forms the caption of this review, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, July 23, 1842, and acquired a good common-school education. On attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account, and on the 2oth of September, 1866, he wedded Miss Caroline Ehman, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, February 9, 1845. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Auck have been born six children : Mary J., who became the wife of D. S. Schieber, of Bucyrus, in 1887; John C., who is living on the old homestead in Whetstone township, and who in 1892 married Ora. Andrews, a daughter of F. L. Andrews, of Liberty township; William H., who in 1898 wedded Theressa Seifert, of Jefferson county, Pennsylvania,. and was for one year an assistant in the office of county treasurer, his father being his superior, after which the position of assistant cashier in the Second National Bank was tendered him and accepted; Lucy E., who was married, in 1890, to J. E. Myers, of Liberty township; Priscilla S., who, in October, 1900, became the wife of H. G. Hoover,, of .Bucyrus; and Samuel: E., who was married, in December, 1900, to Lulu Viola Knoedler. He succeeded his brother William in the position of deputy treasurer, and retained the office under the successor of his father, being now the bookkeeper for the American Clay-Working Machinery Company. Michael. Auck was elected township treasurer of Whetstone township, in 1880, and continued to serve in that position for seven years. On his, retirement he became actively identified with business life, and has been' nnected with several mercantile ventures and industrial pursuits. He has 188 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. devoted some time to the operation of his farm, and at intervals has engaged in the administration of estates, often acting as guardian and trustee. In all of these the character of the man has been attested by his honesty and integrity in the discharge of his duties. Nov, when almost sixty years of age, Mr. Auck is in the vigor and prime of an active business life, and frequently lends his aid for the transaction of business affairs in the office of county treasurer. In the year 1895 he became a candidate for that position and was elected, and on the 7th of September, 1896, was installed in that office, which he held for two consecutive terms. Upon his retirement, in 1900, his friends and associates presented him with a beautiful gold-headed cane, appropriately inscribed, as a testimonial of respect for him and in appreciation of the honesty and fidelity with which he had discharged the duties, committed to his keeping. As the result of thirty years of continued and well directed effort in -business affairs he is now the possessor of a comfortable competence, a handsome residence in Bucyrus, together with a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty township and another of two hundred and four acres in Whetstone township, Crawford county. His land is very valuable and productive and therefore brings to him a good income. In his political views he has always been a Democrat of the Jeffersonian type, and in his religious belief is connected with the German Reformed church. ARTHUR M. DUNCAN, M. D. In no department of professional life has such rapid advancement been made in the last quarter of a century as in the medical. Investigation has been carried forward and remarkable discoveries made so that the methods in vogue and the practices followed twenty-five years ago are hardly known to-day in the light of modern science and discovery. It is this which renders the work of the medical fraternity so effective and makes its work a boon to humanity. One of the most learned and capable physicians in Crawford county is Dr. Duncan, of Bucyrus, who has attained a position of distinction in connection with leis chosen life work and has thus set at naught the old proverb that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for the Doctor is a native of Crawford county and his fellow citizens have not been slow in acknowledging his worth and professional skill. He was born in Texas township, January 18, 1850, and traces his ancestry back to the colonial epoch in the history of the country, and thence back CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 189 to Scotland, to a period antedating the religious wars of the seventeenth century. The best information attainable seems to establish beyond reasonable doubt the fact that three Duncan brothers, coming from Scotland about 1722, settled in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and became the progenitors of the family in America. They were descendants of the Rev. William Duncan, a martyr in the Covenanter persecution in Scotland. Andrew Duncan, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1750, and died in 1828, in York county, that state. Under George HI, he was appointed justice of the peace. When the colonies had achieved their independence from the British crown he was reappointed by the federal government and served in that capacity for more than half a century. He was of the Presbyterian church faith, and from 1770 to the time of his death he served as an elder of the Round Hill Presbyterian church, in York county, Pennsylvania. Washington Duncan, the father of the Doctor, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, 'in 181o, and when a young man left his native state, removing to Crawford county in 1833, with his mother and sister Ann Elizabeth, who afterward became the wife of Arthur Andrews, a prominent pioneer and citizen of Crawford county. They took up land from the government, the deed to their claim being signed by Andrew. Jackson, and for many years Mr. Duncan followed agricultural pursuits in Crawford county. He married Eliza Gibson, a daughter of John Gibson and a sister of the late General William H. Gibson, of Tiffin, Ohio. Her father was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1782, and in 1821 removed to Seneca county, Ohio, his death occurring in that county, near Melmore, in 1854. His wife bore the maiden name of Jeanette Coe and was a daughter of Moses Coe, a soldier of the Revolutionary war and a descendant of Robert Coe, who was born in Suffolk, England, about the year 1590. With his family he sailed from Ipswich, England, in 1634, and finally settled in Jamaica, New York, so that the maternal ancestry of the Doctor can be traced back to a period equally remote with that of the paternal. His father died in Bucyrus, in 1888, and the mother in 1890. Arthur McDowell Duncan displays many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch and English ancestry. He acquired his preliminary education in the common schools of the county and afterward attended normal schools in Republic and Fostoria. When he had completed his literary education he matriculated in the Columbus Medical College, where he remained as a student 190 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. for two years, after which he was graduated at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New York city, in the class of 1878. Having prepared for practice he opened an office in Albion, Michigan, where he remained for about two. years and then spent two years in practice in the mining regions of Colorado. In 1885 he located in Bucyrus, where he has since remained and in the performance of his professional duties he has displayed marked ability and a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of the medical science. He has been a prominent and active member of local, state and national medical societies, and has thereby broadened his knowledge and at the same time has added. to the fund of information there disseminated, also from his own personal experience, by contributing many valuable papers read before medical societies and published in medical journals. His advancement has been continuous throughout the years of his practice, for he has continued his studies at home as well as in college. He took a post-graduate course in the Polyclinic in New York city in 1886, and in 1892 spent some time in visiting the hospitals of Great Britain, giving special attention to the diseases of the eye, ear and throat. He has served as secretary and president of the Crawford County Medical Society, and president of the North-Central Ohio Medical Society, has filled. several minor positions in other medical societies and has served on the board of pension examiners. On the 9th of April, 1890, Dr. Duncan was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide H. Young, of Lisbon, Ohio. She died June 24, 1899, leaving three daughters, namely : Carol, Ethel Elizabeth and Lois Emma. She was the only daughter of Colonel G. I. Young, who was military secretary to Governor Tod and served on the governor's 'staff during his term of office. Afterward he was for four years in the war department at Washington and then returned to Lisbon, where he became editor and proprietor of the "Buckeye State." He died suddenly, of lung hemorrhage, in the capitol at Columbus, January 27, 1871, while representing Columbiana county in the state legislature. He was the only son of Peter Young, whose father came from Holland to America and settled near Lisbon, Ohio, in 1807. Dr. Duncan is a member and elder of the First Presbyterian church of Bucyrus and was a commissioner from the Presbytery to the general assembly of the church in 1897. He was a member of the board of health of Bucyrus for six years after its organization, but resigned to accept the position of health officer of the city. A year later he resigned, for the work interfered with the performance of his professional- duties. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 191 JOHN GEBHARDT. John Gebhardt, whose identification with the commercial interests in Bucyrus is not only of benefit to himself but of value to the community through the promotion of commercial activity, was born in Holmes township,. Crawford county, on the old family homestead two miles north of Bucyrus, September 16, 1859. As the name indicates, the family is of German lineage, and Adam Gebhardt, the father of our subject, was born in Baden, Germany, on the 15th of September, 1815. Emigrating to the United States, he located in Crawford county, Ohio, in 1848, immediately after landing in this country. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Wittner, and to whom he was married in Germany, died . only six months after their arrival in this country, leaving two children, viz : Eva, wife of Philip Whittmer, of Paulding county, Ohio, and Elizabeth, deceaSed wife of Jacob Defenbacher. He subsequently wedded Susan Brand, also a native of Baden, this marriage being celebrated at Bloomville, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1851. On the farm where he first. located in Crawford county the father continued to reside until the time of his death, which occurred August 27, 1897. His widow is still living and resides with his daughter on the old home place two miles north of Bucyrus, The children of this marriage are: Catherine, wife of J. C Krauter ; Caroline, wife of William Krauter, a brother of her sister's husband, and both are energetic business men of Crawford county; Jacob, who resides in Ada, Hardin county, Ohio; Susan A., wife of A. Michaelis, who is engaged in saddlery and harness-making business in Bucyrus ; an.d John, of this review. In taking up the personal history of John Gebhardt, we present to our readers the life record of one who has a wide acquaintance in Crawford and adjoining counties. The old home farm was the scene of his youthful labors and pleasures. He worked upon the farm through the summer months and at intervals attended school; obtaining a good English education. His time was thus passed until eighteen years of age. In 1891. he began auctioneering in connection with George McNeal. His first attempt at this business was made at a stock sale on the farm of Mr. Murphy, just west of Bucyrus. He is said to have become greatly 'frightened at the sound of his own voice as he began his duties there, but With resolute will he conquered his timidity, and, not dismayed by this beginning, he has persevered until he is to-day regarded as one of the best auctioneers in northern Ohio. In conducting this business he speaks both English and German, In 1892 he extended his field of labor by joining. J. W. Snavely in the butchering business in Bucyrus, and this they con- 192 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tinued until 1898, when they sold their market to George Tuttle, but in May, 1899, Mr. Gebhardt repurchased the business from Mr. Tuttle, and with his son, Cleo E., is now operating the market on North Sandusky street. They carry a large line of first-class meats, and their obliging manner and earnest desire to please their customers have secured to them a gratifying patronage. In 1881 Mr. Gebhardt was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Vollrath, a daughter of F. A. and Caroline (Ashba.cher) Vollrath, of Bucyrus. Two children have been born unto them : Jeanette S., born November 20, 1882 ; and Cleo E., born May 24, 1886. The former is an accomplished young lady of eighteen years and the latter is a bright and enterprising youth of fourteen, who now ocupies the responsible position of bookkeeper and assistant manager in his father's extensive meat and provision house in Bucyrus. Mr. Gebhardt, of this review, has served in several positions of public trust. He was associated with the management of the Crawford County Agricultural Society and is now its preSident, having served as director and vice-president. Throughout his entire life he has supported the principles of bemocracy, doing everything in his power to advance the party's interests. At the Democratic primary election held in April, 1901, Mr. Gebhardt was nominated for sheriff of the county, the nomination being equivolent to an election, as the county is overwhelmingly Democratic. He is a member of the German Lutheran church. CHARLES B. SHUMAKER. Since 1865 Charles Baker Shumaker has been a resident of Galion and has long been accorded a position of prominence in connection with public affairs and as an honored representative of business interests. Many are his, individual characteristics that win for him the high regard of those with whom he is associated. He is a native of the Keystone state, his birth having occurred in Northumberland county. His father, John Shumaker, was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of John Shoemaker, Sr. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Catherine. Baker, and she, too, was a native of Schuylkill county. The subject of this review was reared in Williamsport, Lycoming county, and acquired his education in the public schools and afterward engaged in clerking in a general store for several years. In 1865 he came to Galion, where he has since continuously made his home. For eight years he was employed in the railroad shops and in 1873 was elected CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 193 constable for Polk township, serving for one term of four years, after which he was made justice of the peace. Through a long period he has been connected with the insurance and real-estate business, handling much valuable property and conducting many important real-estate. transactions. He has a very comprehensive knowledge of the value of realty and is thus enabled to make judicious investments and to advise his -clients so that they will. purchase property that will bring to them a good return. His time has also been occupied by official duties, which have ever been discharged in a manner so as to win him the commendation .and respect of all concerned. In the year 1878 he was elected justice of the peace and was again chosen to that office in 1881, 1883, 1886, 1889 and 1899. He filled, the-position for fifteen consecutive years ..and then after an interval was again, elected, so that he is now serving his sixth term. He discharges his duties with the utmost impartiality and has "won golden opinions from all sorts of eople." Law and order find in him a careful guardian, and no higher testimonial of his efficiency could be given than the fact that he has been so long in Office. He has also been honored with other official positions by his fellow: ownsmen, who recognize his worth and ability. In 1885-6 he filled the position of mayor,. and in 1890 and 1891 was a member of the city council. . n both capacities he exercised his prerogatives in support of every measure calculated for the general good, and 'his labors. were effective) beneficial and far-caching in their influence. On the 31st of December, 1857, Mr. Shumaker was united in marriage to Miss Rachel A. Smith, a daughter of Asa and Letitia Smith and a native of Williams county, Ohio. Unto them have been born nine children, of whom four died in early life. The eldest, Alice, became the wife of Theodore Stewart, of Dayton, Ohio, and died January 28, 1891, at the age of forty-two ears, leaving two children, Charles Theodore and Helen. Thomas M., the .econd of the family, pursued his eduCation in the schools of Galion and entered he railroad service in the freight office of-the Big Four road at this place. He as worked his way upward step by step, his close application, energy and ability winning him advancement through all the grades until he is now occupying the very important and responsible position of traffic manager for the Union Pacific Railroad Company, having charge of the Oregon Short Line, with headquarters at Salt Lake City. He was for several years manager of the Continental Fruit Express Company. Clara, the third member of the family, is now the wife of George Stoltz, a resident farmer of Whetstone. township. Sarah Emma is the wife of William Neff, of Polk township. 194 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Wilbert A., who Was graduated in the high school of Galion with the first honors of his class of eighteen, engaged in teaching school here for one. year and then went to Chicago, where for several years he was in the employ of the Illinois Steel Company. He now ocupies a splendid position with Armour & Company, as manager of the transportation department. He married Miss Cunningham, of Salt Lake City. For thirty years Mr. Shumaker has. been a member of the church of Christ, with which all of his family are identified. In his political views he is a stalwart Democrat, belieVing that the principles of the party are best. adapted to secure the welfare of the nation. For thirty-five years he has been .a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge., for sixteen years was its treasurer and also belongs to the .encampment. He,has made good use of his opportunities, has prospered from year to year and has conducted all busines matters carefully and successfully, displaying special aptitude for successful management. He has not permitted the accumulation of a competence to affect in any way his actions toward those less successful than he and always has a cheerful word and pleasant smile for those with whom he comes in contact. He is a splendid type of manhood, honorable and honored, and in the history of his native county he well deserves mention. WILLIAM L. ALEXANDER. On the roster of county officials in Crawford county appears the name of William Lewis Alexander, who is now serving as treasurer, having entered upon the duties of the office on the 3d of September, 1900, for a term of two years. He has long figured conspicuously in connection. with public affairs, and his patriotic devotion to the general good is widely recognized. Crestline is, his place of residence, and in Richland county, Ohio, four miles east of Crestline, he was born October 14, 1865, his parents being Isaac. Newton and Sophia (Shifter) Alexander. On the paternal side he is of Scotch lineage. • Several centuries ago, however, the ancestors removed from Scotland to the north of Ireland. His great-grandfather, Jacob Alexander, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1780. G. W. Alexander, the grandfather of cur subject, is still living in Hocking county, Ohio, and has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. He was born in Hocking county September 1, 1819, and for many years was engaged in farming and school CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 197 teaching. The grandmother Was born in the same county as was her husband, the date being October 4, 1815. Isaac N. Alexander, the father of our subject, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, September 17, 1843, and from his native county removed to Richland county, and thence, soon afterward, to Crestline. There he was in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for some nineteen years, being thus employed at the time of his death. He took quite an active interest in public affairs, was elected and served as a member of the city council, and was also a member of the city school board. In Richland county he was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Shifter, who was born in that county July 15, 1840. Her parents came from Pennsylvania to the Buckeye state and cast in their lot with the early settlers of Richland county. Mr. Alexander died at Crestline, Crawford county, April 10, 1889, in his forty-sixth year, but he is still survived by his widow. There is also another living son, Frank O. Alexander, who makes his home in Toledo, Ohio. In taking up the personal history of William L. Alexander we present to our readers the life record of a popular and prominent citizen, who is both widely and favorably known in Crawford county. He pursued, his education in Crestline, in the public schools, and in 1882 entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a telegraph operator at Crestline, occupying that position until 1894. His fitness for public duties and public honors has led to his selection for a number of positions of trust and responsibility. He abandoned the profession of telegraphy on account of being appointed by President Cleveland to the position of postmaster of Crest-line, in 1894, and served in that capacity for four years. He was a member of the city council of Crestline for two terms, and for one term of three years served as a member of the school board, having been president of the board for one year. The cause of education found in him a warm friend, whose labors in its behalf were effective and beneficial. In 1899 he was nominated for the office of county treasurer, and, having been elected, entered upon his duties on the 3d of September, 1900. He is a faithful custodian of the public exchequer, prompt and reliable in the discharge of the trusts reposed in him. He has long been: a recognized leader in Democratic circles and served for three years on the county central Democratic committee of Crawford county. In 1891 Mr. Alexander was united in marriage, in Toledo, Ohio, to Miss Carrie Evelyn Vineia, a daughter of ,F. H. and Harriet (Johnson) Vineia, of French descent. Mrs. Alexander was born in Toledo, Ohio. 198 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. They now have four children, namely : Egie Mina, Guy Stanley, Harriet Elsie and Dodge Vineia. The parents hold membership in the English Lutheran church, in which Mr. Alexander served as trustee for ten years. Prominent in the Masonic lodge of Crestline, he has served in all of its offices and is regarded as one of its exemplary representatives. He is also connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Bucyrus. Mr. Alexander has passed his entire life in this portion of Ohio, and he has become widely known, his characteristics being such as to commend him to the confidence and regard of those with whom he has been associated. He is known as a man of sterling integrity, of strong. convictions and fearless in support of what he believes to be right. He has a large circle of friends, who have betn won and are being retained by his mental ability, his attractive personality and his outspoken devotion to the best interests of the. community. JOHN G. HERBOLD. John G. Herbold is engaged in the undertaking business in Galion, having carried on operations along this line since 1885, but the establishment of which he is at the head has been numbered among the business interests of the city since 1862. Mr. Herbold is a native of Galion. His father, Philip Herbold,. Was born in Baden, Germany, pursued his education in the schools of that country and about 1848 sought a home in the United States, first locating in Buffalo, New York. He afterward came to Ohio, taking up his abode in Galion, and in 1862 he opened a furniture store and undertaking establishment, which are still carried on. He was proprietor of both departments for forty-nine years and then divided the business, his son assuming the management of the undertaking, while Mr. Herbold continued in charge of the furniture store. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods, and, though now eighty-one years of age, he daily gives his attention to business. Such a record should put to shame many men who, grown weary of the struggles and labors of business life, would relegate to others the burdens which they should bear. He is still hale and hearty and is an honored and valued representa- . five of the commercial interests of his adopted city. He married Frederica Feldman, a, native of Germany, who died in 1895, at the age of sixty-seven years. They were the parents of four sons,—John George, Gustavus, Philip H. and Adam, all residents of Galion. John George Herbold, whose name forms the caption of this review, was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 199 reared under the parental roof, and to the public school system of Galion he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. After putting aside his text-books he entered his father's employment, becoming familiar with the business. He also attended the Oriental School of Embalming, at Boston, Sullivan's Embalming School, of. Cleveland, Ohio, and Barnes Embalming School, of Chicago, while for a time he was associated as a student under Mr. Clark, of Cincinnati. He is one of the most efficient and capable embalmers, in the entire,state, and for his work in this direction is known throughout the northern part of Ohio, where his services are continually in demand. He was the first undertaker to introduce the ambulance and invalid coach in Crawford county, and has the only one in the county at the present time. He remained in business with his father until 1895, when he assumed charge of the undertaking department, of which he has since been sole proprietor. He has a liberal patronage, which is well deserved,..and his labors bring to him a good income. In 1895 occurred the marriage of Mr. Herbold and Miss Ester Bergener, of Galion, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Bergener, pioneer residents of this portion of the state and natives of Germany. Socially Mr. Herbold is connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge, of Galion, in which he is past chancellor. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a representative of the Modern Woodmen of America. Although reared in the Reformed church, of which his people are members, he is now identified with the Presbyterian church. Having long resided in this city, he has a wide acquaintance among its residents, and in social circles as well as in business. life he is.highly esteemed. CAPTAIN C. H. MUELLER. Captain Mueller is so well known in business and military circles that he needs no introduction to the readers of this volume. He has long been a conspicuous and honored factor in both walks of life and his history cannot fail to prove of interest. He is a young man of sterling worth, popular, genial' and courteous, and wherever he is known he wins the friendship of those with whom he comes in contact. He was born in Carey, Ohio, in 1869, and is of German lineage, for his father, John Jacob Mueller, was a native of Hesse-Castle, in the province of Darmstadt, Germany, where he lived until fourteen years of age, and in that period acquired his education in accordance with the laws of his native land. He then came to America, and at the time of the