Jacob J. Dauch History of Erie County (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) JACOB J. DAUCH. One of the leading manufacturers of Sandusky, and a successful financier, Jacob J. Dauch, has been a commanding figure in the industrial circles of Erie County for many years, and as president of the Hinde-Dauch Paper Company, and of the Dauch Manufacturing Company, is actively identified with two of the important business concerns of the city. He was born in the City of Sandusky, a son of Philip Dauch, and the grandson of a prosperous German farmer, who spent his entire life in Wurtemburg, Germany. Philip Dauch, the only member of his father's household to leave the fatherland, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1820, where, after completing his early education, he served an apprenticeship at the cooper and brewer's trade. In 1847 he immigrated to America, being eight weeks crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel. From New York, where he landed, he came directly to Ohio, and after living in Cincinnati three years, and in Springfield one year, he located in Sandusky, and at once established a brewery on the site now occupied by the Kuebeler-Stang brewery, situated near the Pennsylvania coal docks. Other breweries had previously manufactured ale and quick beer, but he brewed the first lager made in the city. He operated his brewery successfully until 1865, when, having sustained heavy losses through endorsing notes which he had to pay, he gave up his business and retired to a farm in Margaretta Township, where he lived for five years. Removing then to Huron Township, he purchased a farm, and there spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the venerable age of eighty-six years. The maiden name of the wife of Philip Dauch was Maria Elnora Klotz. She was born in Baden, Germany, in 1831, a daughter of Anthony Klotz, who, in 1833, came with his family to Ohio in pioneer days, settling in the vicinity of Springfield, Clark County, where he cleared and improved the farm on which he spent his remaining days. She was bred, educated and married in Springfield, and now lives on the home farm in Huron Township. To her and her husband ten children were born, two of whom died in infancy. The remaining eight are : Jacob J., Emma Augusta, Regina, Mary Louise, Gustavus, Theodore, William, and Martha. Obtaining his elementary education in the German and English school located on Camp Street, Sandusky, Jacob J. Dauch afterward attended the rural schools of Margaretta and Huron townships. Subsequently entering the Buckeye Business and Telegraph College, now the Sandusky rosiness College, he was graduated from that institution in 1876. Returning then to the parental homestead, Mr. Dauch was engaged in tilling the soil until the spring of 1878, when he accepted a position, at $12 a month, as deck hand on a steam barge. At the end of the season he returned to the farm and resumed his former occupation, continuing his agricultural labors. In the spring of 1881 Mr. Dauch removed to Sandusky, and for a time was engaged in the ice business. In the fall of - 475 - 476 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY 1881 he purchased the Sandusky Business College, and three years later sold out to B. B. Brown, and again went back to the home farm, where, in addition to general farming, he operated a threshing machine and clover huller and baled hay for the neighbors, carrying on a successful business for five or more years. In 1888 Mr. Dauch, having acquired an interest in the paper manufacturing business then conducted by Harvey, Hinde & Company, came to Sandusky to devote, his time and energies to his new enterprise. Since he became connected with that firm its name has been several times changed, first to, Hinde, Hanson & Company, then to the Sandusky Paper Company ; later to Hinde & Dauch ; and is now known as the Hinde & Dauch }taper Company, with Mr. Dauch as its president. In 1880 Mr. Dauch was united in marriage with Mary May Wendt. She was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and as a child came to the United States with her parents, Henry and Martha Wendt, who located in Vermilion, Erie County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Dauch have had five children : Elnora L., Leola E. Henry P. (who died aged twenty-one years), Aletha M. and Wade W. Elnora is the wife of Sidney Frohman, who is treasurer M., both the Hinde & Dauch Paper Company, and of the Dauch Manufacturing Company. In national politics Mr. Dauch is a republican, but in local affairs he is independent, voting for the best men and measures. Industrious, enterprising and progressive, he is a self- made man in every sense implied by the term, and deserves credit for the high position he has attained, not only in business circles but as a valued and esteemed citizen. ADDISON H. PEARL. One of the native sons and honored and influential citizens lof Erie County to whom it is specially gratifying to accord representation in this publication is Capt. Addison H. Pearl, who is now living virtually retired in the fine little City of Huron and whose is a commanding place in popular confidence and esteem. It was his to represent his native county as a gallant soldier and officer of the Union in the Civil war, and his entire life has been dominated by the same spirit of loyalty and the same integrity of purpose that thus prompted him to go forth in defense of the integrity of the nation. All of consistency is shown in the following appreciative estimate that has been given by one familiar with the life and services of this sterling citizen : "Captain Pearl is one of those intellectual, reliable citizens whom the public loves to honor and whose good deeds and kind acts are imperishable and will perpetuate his memory in the minds of the people long after his life's work has been finished." Captain Pearl is not only a representative of one of the fine pioneer families of the historic Western Reserve of Ohio, but is a scion of a family that was founded in New England in the colonial era of our national history, the lineage tracing back to staunch English origin and one of the representatives of the name having been a soldier in the warfare against the great Napoleon. On a pioneer farm in Berlin Township, Erie County, Ohio, Addison H. Pearl was born on the 24th of March, 1830, and concerning conditions that then obtained in this section of the state it has well been stated that he was born "at a time when not a single railroad crossed this part of the country, when nearly the entire land was covered with dense forests, and the pioneers were engaged in ditching the swamps and felling the giant forest trees, Captain Pearl having become one of the toilers as soon as he was old enough to work." Captain Pearl is a son of Oliver and Mary (Sexton) Pearl, both natives of Ellington, Tolland County, Connecticut, where the former was born November 10, 1791, and the latter December 5, 1795, their HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 477 marriage having been solemnized in their native county in the year 1811. There they began their wedded life in a modest home on a typical little New England farm and to the cultivation of the soil Oliver Pearl there continued to give his attention for eight years, at the expiration of which, in 1819, he traded his Connecticut property for 100 acres of heavily timbered land in what is now Berlin Township, Erie County, Ohio, the township having at that time borne the name of Eldridge and Erie County having been still an integral part of Huron County. He obtained also forty acres of land at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, and this tract is now a part of the City of Cleveland and of immense value. In the autumn of 1819 Oliver Pearl provided himself with a proper pioneer equipment of teams and wagons and made ready for the long overland journey from Connecticut to his new home in the wilds of Ohio, this primitive means having been employed in the transportation of his wife and three children and the small stock of household goods and minor farm implements. After weary weeks of travel under frequently most onerous conditions, 'the family arrived at the little pioneer farm at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, but the prevalence of malarial fever in that locality led the sturdy pioneer, in consonance with the advice of established settlers there, to continue his journey through the forest to his other tract of land, now one of the fine agricultural domains of Erie County. To make his way to this land Mr. Pearl was compelled to fell the timber for a considerable distance, in order to permit the passage of his teams and wagons, and on the journey he and his family had occasion to pass through the Indian village that was established on the site of the present Town of Milan, eight miles distant from his old homestead. Making a small clearing on his land, Mr. Pearl there erected a primitive house of round logs, which was replaced as soon as possible with a more pretentious dwelling of hewed logs, the providing of which caused him to be looked upon in the pioneer community as a citizen of opulence. The Huron Indians in the vicinity were in the main friendly and it was no uncommon thing for them to call at the homes of the white settlers and ask for food or other entertainment. The conditions and exigencies of the pioneer days have been often told in story and historic record, and it is unnecessary in this article to attempt to enlarge upon this topic. With the effective aid of his sturdy sons, Oliver Pearl reclaimed much of his land to cultivation, and here he continued to reside on his old homestead until after the birth of his tenth child, his death having occurred May 25, 1835, and his name meriting enduring place on the roll of the honored and influential pioneers who initiated and carried forward the arduous work of development and progress in Erie County. Mr. Pearl was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, was instant in kindly deeds and good works, and commanded the high regard of all who knew him, both he and his wife having been prominent in the organization of the pioneer congregation that erected the little Methodist chapel of the neighborhood, and Mrs. Pearl, who long survived her honored husband and passed to eternal rest on the 5th of May, 1884, continued a zealous and devoted member of this chapel until the time of her demise. Of the children all attained to years of maturity except Jerome, and concerning them the following brief data are given : Oliver S. died in 1883 and left a family of children; Ansel H. died in 1832, at the age of twenty-two years, he having been a mechanical genius and having been employed as a patternmaker in Cincinnati at the time of his death, his young wife surviving him : Mary A. was a young woman at the time of her death, in 1843 ; William married and became a farmer in Erie County, whence he later removed to Lorain County, where he continued to be identified with the same vocation until 478 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY his death, in 1883, his widow having survived him by a number of years and their three sons being still residents of this state ; Emeline became the wife of Joseph Ellis and they were residents of Hersey, Osceola County, Michigan, at the time of their death, three children still surviving them and being residents of that state ; Albert died while making a trip through the pine forests of northern Michigan, was twice married and is survived by a number of children ; Marilla became the wife of Stewart Young, both being now deceased and being survived by children ; Addison H., of this review, was the next in order of birth ; Harriet, whose death occurred in 1907, was the wife of Deforest Simpson, and of their three children one son and one daughter survive them ; Jerome died in early youth. As previously intimated, Captain Addison H. Pearl early gained in connection with the work of the pioneer farm a full fellowship with arduous toil and endeavor, and after the death of his father he assisted in caring for his widowed mother with all of filial solicitude and devotion. Touching his early educational advantage the following statements have been written : "In winter he attended the subscription schools of the locality and period and his alert mind and close application enabled him to make rapid and assured advancement in scholastic lore, so that by the time he had reached manhood his store of learning was very thorough for his day and has since enabled him to hold his own with the men of intellectual power and broad information." About the time he attained to his legal majority the construction of the line of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad was being carried forward through this section, and Captain Pearl obtained employment under the overseer of this construction work, in 1852, this executive, Mr. Wackman, having later become general superintendent of the railroad mentioned. Captain Pearl was finally assigned to the supervision of the construction of an eight-mile section of the road, and after severing his association with railroad work he resumed his connection with agricultural pursuits. When the Civil war was precipitated he subordinated all personal interests to tender his aid in defense of the Union, and his record as a soldier will inure to the lasting honor of his name, the fortune of war having not left him unscathed, as he lost the sight of his right eye through injury effected by an exploding shell. Concerning his military career and later activities a succinct narrative has been prepared and is well worthy of reproduction, with but slight paraphrase, in this publication, the context being substantially as follow_ “In 1861, on the 4th day of September, his patriotism found dominating manifestation in his enlistment as a private in the Third Ohio Cavalry. Entering the service, he proved to be brave, judicious and skillful in times of danger, and his ability was recognized by his superior officers by consecutive promotions accorded to him. He was first appointed assistant commissary of subsistence, by Colonel M. Paramore, commanding the brigade, and afterward he served on the staff of Colonel Long until he was promoted to the rank of captain, Colonel Long having succeeded to , the command of the brigade. With marked distinction Captain Pearl served in command of his company, which he- led in many a dangerous and sanguinary conflict. He was twice captured, but on each occasion his coolness, courage and tact enabled him to escape confinement in a Confederate prison. He was once severely wounded by a bursting shell, and the physical infirmity entailed remains as a tangible mark of his gallant service in perpetuating the integrity of the nation.. For eight months Captain Pearl was in charge of the fort barracks and supply station at Columbia, Tennessee. He continued for a protracted period a member of the staff of General Long and for two years and nine months HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 479 was in active service as a commissioned officer in the United States Army, his serious wound having finally incapacitated him and resulted in his honorable discharge, his period of service having covered three and one- half years. "After the close of his distinguished military career Captain Pearl returned to his old home in Berlin township, but it was long after the war before his strength and vitality were sufficiently restored to enable him to return to the labors of civil life. He finally resumed his fruitful activities as an agriculturist and stock-grower, and his industry and good management were not denied their reward. He assumed charge of the old home place, where he continued his services until after the death of his loved mother. While thus engaged in the management of the old homestead the Captain took an active interest in political affairs, as a staunch and well fortified advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party. At that time Erie county claimed a definite Democratic majority and the Republicans had little show for the election of their candidates. In 1879 Captain Pearl reluctantly accepted the Republican nomination for representative of his native county in the State Legislature. He made an aggressive canvass and this effective work, as coupled with his unqualified personal popularity, enabled him to overcome the Democratic majority normally given, his election having been compassed by a majority of 201 votes. During his two years of service as a member of the lower house of the legislature Captain Pearl made a characteristically excellent record, with loyal efforts to promote wise legislation and with assignment to various important committees, including that on fish and game, and he was made chairman of that body." Since 1906 Captain and Mrs. Pearl have maintained their residence in the fine little City of Huron, and it may with all of consistency he said that in their native state their circles of friends is limited only by that of their acquaintance. In 1898 Captain Pearl erected his present attractive and modern residence, and the home is a center of generous and gracious hospitality, with Mrs. Pearl as its popular chatelaine. The captain is affiliated with the lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at East Townsend, Huron County, near the old home farm, and at Huron he is one of .the most appreciative and honored comrades of Moses Martin Post No. 649, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is serving as chaplain in 1915. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian Church. In Huron County, on the 19th of September, 1865, Captain Pearl wedded Miss Thirza B. Hyde, who was born in that county on the 11th of December, 1840, and who was a representative of a well-known pioneer family. Mrs. Pearl was summoned to the life eternal on the 30th of April,. 1892, and of the children of this union all are living except Emily L., who died in early youth ; Ada is the wife of Dr. Edward D. Arndt, a representative physician at Mount Vernon, Ohio, and they have three children-Louisa, Loma and Mary ; Edwin S. is advertising agent for the Fairbanks Scale Company in the City of St. Louis, Missouri, and his three children are Priscilla, Mary and Edwin S., Jr. ; Allen S. is secretary of a company engaged in the manufacture of electrical supplies in the City of Chicago, and his children are Gertrude, Allen S., Jr., and Elizabeth; William H. is a traveling salesman for the Illinois Electric Company and he and his wife maintain their residence in the City of Indianapolis, Indiana ; they have no children ; and Augusta A. is a professional and graduated nurse. On June 12, 1894, was solemnized the marriage of Captain Pearl to Mrs. Eliza I. Murphy, widow of Matthew Murphy and a daughter of Capt. Austin A. Kirby, a distinguished and venerable citizen to whom an individual tribute is paid on other pages of this publication. Mrs. 480 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Pearl first wedded George Kirby, who though of the same family name was not of even remote kinship, and after his death she became the wife of Matthew Murphy, whose death occurred a number of years ago. Mrs. Pearl's only child, Anna M. Kirby, died in infancy. Captain Pearl has within recent years accorded careful and efficient service in the office of justice of the peace, and he made the same justify its title. He has found also satisfaction and occupation in his service as a pension agent, and his abiding interest in his old comrades in arms has been manifested in the earnest and effective efforts he has put forth in securing pensions for not a few old soldiers meriting such recognition and by obtaining merited increases of pensions for other veterans of the great struggle through which the unity of the nation was preserved. The captain has had no desire ft& supine ease even in the period of his virtual retirement from active business, and as a notary public he has found much demand for his interposition, besides giving personal attention to the making of collections. AUSTIN A. KIRBY. A strong, loyal and noble spirit was that which found indwelling in the mortal tenement of Captain Kirby, who was one of the most venerable and honored pioneer citizens of Erie County at the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1903, and who was a distinguished figure in the marine navigation service of the Great Lakes for many years, one of the numerous citizens of Northern Ohio who have "gone down to the sea in ships and done business on great waters." His period of residence in Erie County covered more than half a century and he had gained precedence as one of the most able and best known vessel commanders that ever operated on our great inland seas. Captain Kirby was born at Genoa, Cayuga County, New York, on the 15th of September, 1817, and was a son of Silas and Rhoda (Soule) Kirby, both natives of New Bedford, Massachusetts, where the former was born in 1792 and the latter in November, 1811, their other children who attained adult age having been Allen N.,l Stephen R., Sarah and Frederick. Silas Kirby was a son of Restcom and Mary (Rogers) Kirby, the former born March 30, 1770, and the latter in the year 1789. Restcom Kirby was a son of Barnabas and Elizabeth (Allen) Kirby, whose respect- e' ive dates of nativity were December 2, 1744, and the year 1788. Barnabas Kirby was a son of Silas and Elizabeth Kirby, who immigrated from England about the middle of the eighteenth century and became the founders of the American branch of this sterling old Colonial family of New England. Captain Kirby was a boy at the time of the family removal to Sacketts Harbor, New York, on the shores of Lake Ontario, and when he was a lad of but twelve years he initiated his career as a sailor on the Great Lakes. In 1835, when only seventeen years of age, he became master of the schooner Commodore Decatur, and in the following winter he accompanied his parents on their removal to Oswego, New York, from which port he sailed to Lake Erie ports for the ensuing three years. In the spring of 1839 he went with his parents to the newly admitted State of Michigan and his father became one of the pioneer settlers in Ingham County, in which is now situated the capital city of that commonwealth.. The captain was not, however, to be drawn from his allegiance to the lakes and prevailed upon to remain in an inland section of Michigan. In 1840, at Detroit, that state, he became master of the schooner Independence, and he continued in command of vessels of this type until 1844, in which season he sailed as mate of the propeller New York. Thereafter he was engaged in farming in Michigan until 1847, when he again resumed his active association with navigation service on the Great Lakes. For four years he was master of the schooner Forrest, and later HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 481 he became commander of the schooner Plymouth, which sailed from Huron, Erie County, Ohio, and which was wrecked and lost in 1852. Thereafter Captain Kirby had command in turn of the schooner Ithaca and the propeller Mount Vernon, and at the close of the navigation season of 1854 he resumed his association with the agricultural industry, only to abandon this vocation in 1856, when he assumed command of the J. P. Kirtland. Thereafter he returned to his Michigan farm, upon which lie remained until 1863, when he removed with his family to Erie County, Ohio, and established his home in the little lake port Village of Huron. The following year he sailed on the bark Alice, of Detroit, on the ' route between Buffalo and Chicago. He was master of the schooner Union for four years and then purchased the H. C. Post, a vessel of which he had personal command until he sold the same, in 1870. In 1871 he had charge of the tug Odd Fellow and in the opening of the following season of navigation he became master of the propeller E. B. Ward, Jr. In 1873 Captain Kirby became commodore of the extensive fleet and shipping interests of Eber B. Ward, of Detroit, with many vessels and vast interests under his supervision. He continued his able and faithful service in this important position until the death of his employer, Captain Ward, in 1875. In May of that year hg accepted the position of master of the propeller Minneapolis, plying between Grand Haven, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This was one of the fine steamers of the day, was operated in connection with the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railroad, and was kept in commission throughout the entire year. The captain retained this command until 1880, when he permanently retired from the maritime service and purchased a fine farm in Ionia County, Michigan. This property he soon afterward sold, and he then returned with his family to Erie County, Ohio, and established his home at Huron, where he passed the remainder of his long and useful life. He paid his first visit to this port in 1836, when he was a youth of eighteen years, and he always held secure place in the esteem of the citizens of Erie County. In later years he served as mayor of the city and as justice of the peace, and while a resident of Michigan he had held various public offices of minor sort. The captain was a staunch republican, and he was a charter member of the Huron Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. In 1842 Captain Kirby wedded Miss Elizabeth Ann Robinson, who died in 1847 and who was survived by two infant children, Rhoda C. and Elizabeth A., both of whom eventually married and became residents of the City of Detroit, Michigan. The care of the motherless children was at once entrusted to their aunt, Miss Mary Maria, Robinson, who was reared and educated in the City of Syracuse, New York and whose marriage to Captain Kirby was solemnized October, 1847. Of this union were born four children : Isabella, who is the wife of Jabez Wright ; Austin A., who is a resident of Detroit, Michigan ; Eliza who is the wife of Capt. Addison H. Pearl, of Huron, concerning whom individual mention is made on other pages of this work ; and Flora M., who died in 1874. Mrs. Kirby was born in the year 1825 and was summoned to the life eternal May 26, 1900, she and her husband having celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on the 25th of October, 1897, and the occasion having been made notable in the social annals of Huron, where the venerable couple had a circle of friends that was limited only by that of their acquaintances. Of Mrs. Kirby it has been said that she was one of those gracious and gentle women who "spent her life in caring for her family and doing good deeds wherever she could find an opportunity. She was so cheerful, so interesting, so lovable that her presence always seemed to brighten and cheer all with whom she came in contact, and her counsel 482 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY was sought, on account of her wise, well guarded opinions and her high ideals of right and duty." JAMES ANDERSON. It is a grateful distinction to have spent three-quarters of a century in one community, and when those years have been filled with worthy accomplishment and with that old-fashioned spirit of loving kindness, such a career becomes one deserving of admiration and worthy of perpetuation in any history of a county in which it has been spent. Seventy-six years of the lifetime of James Anderson has been spent in Huron Township of Erie County, and his home has been on his present farm in section 22, two miles east of the Village of Huron, on a beautiful site overlooking the broad expanse of Lake Erie, since 1839. More than the psalmist's span of years have given him a host of associations and memories that make this locality for him "the fairest part of the world." His has been both a useful and honorable career. Within the lines of normal but concentrated business activity he has won the prosperity .that is most men's ambition, and with admiration for his capabilities in business affairs his fellow citizens also commend his fine integrity and his valuable citizenship. And the honor and credit that go to him are also shared by his good wife, whose life has had special distinctions of its own, and who is one of the true noblewomen of Erie County. James Anderson was three years of age when his family located in this section of Erie County and of the 150 acres acquired by his father only thirty were in an improved condition. A log house, long since disappeared, occupied the site, and there was a frame barn 30 by 40 feet which is still standing and is one of the old landmarks along the lake shore. A portion of the 150 acres was in Berlin Township. All this land descended to James Anderson, who now owns 250 acres, and it comprises one of the most beautiful farms to be found anywhere along the shores of Lake Erie. For a distance of 1,800 feet the farm borders on the lake shore, and in that state is found one of the finest bathing beaches in Northern Ohio, bearing the name by which the farm is also known: Lake View. As a country home Lake View has manifold attractions. Around the house is a broad expanse of lawn and shade trees, with a beautiful hedge of honeysuckle and many climbing rose vines. Mr. Anderson put up a modern residence in 1880, following the destruction by fire on July 4 of that year of the large brick home which his father had constructed in 1854. The home is only part of a beautiful setting such as no description can well overdraw. But the distinguishing character of these beautiful material surroundings is the spirit and atmosphere lent by seventy-five years of continuous occupation by the Anderson family. No name means so much in Erie County as an expression of that kindly faith, rugged honesty and stability of character 'which are the most noteworthy assets of any community, than that of "Uncle" James Anderson, a title of affection which descended to him from his father, who was also known by the pioneers as Uncle James Anderson. James Anderson, whose father was a Scotchman and his mother an English woman, was born in the Surrey district of England January 25,: 1836. Though now rapidly approaching the age of four score he is still vigorous and a remarkable exponent of the rational and simple life. He has an unfaded memory and within the last two years has made several trips out over the state and has spent the winter in Florida. His parents were James and Sarah (Baden) Andersen. His father Was born in Perthshire, Scotland, at Clackmannon October 7, 1798. The mother was born in Dorking near London, England, October 20, 1802. The Anderson clan was one of distinction in Scotland and for generations HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 483 its representatives have dignified their clanship. James Anderson, Sr., was married at Dorking in Surrey, and before leaving the old, country two children were born. One of them a daughter, Sarah, was born in February, 1837. Not long after that the little family took passage on the sailing vessel Manchester which after seven weeks on the ocean landed them in New York City. Thence they proceeded up the Hudson River, across New York State by the Erie Canal to Buffalo and then on the lake boat Reindeer to Huron. The senior Anderson left his little family at Huron and set out prospecting for a new home. He went to Mansfield, Ohio, which was then a leading market and popular center but his investigations did not satisfy him. In the course of this prospecting he kept in mind the advice of the captain of the Reindeer, who told Mr. Anderson that good land could be found in the vicinity of Huron. Such a location would have many obvious advantages, particularly on account of its convenience to Huron as a market point. Mr. Anderson, Sr., was a man of some means and was thus enabled to give a great deal of consideration to the matter of choice of a future home, one which would fulfill his ideals. After much search he located the place above described, and in that choice made no mistake, since it was his own happy home for many years and is still the cherished seat of the Anderson family in Erie County. After making his location James Anderson, Sr,, went to work with the vigor characteristic of his nature, and in time cleared up and improved a splendid farm. He was a fine type of the early pioneer, attended to his business, prospered, and at the same time was a sympathetic and kindly neighbor and a sterling and most upright citizen. He was a man of influence in local affairs, and in political matters not only adopted those principles which made Northeastern Ohio such a stronghold for the Union, but also impressed his belief and ideals upon his neighbors. From the very beginning of the republican party he was one of its stanch advocates and loyally supported its platform of principles, which he lived to see triumph by force of the Union army. He was one of the leading early Presbyterians of his community, and in 1854 assisted in organizing the Presbyterian Church in Huron, was one of its first elders, served in various official capacities, and gave liberally for the support of the _church. James Anderson, Sr., met an accidental death on October 5, 1866. He was driving a span of young horses attached to a wagon loaded with barrels. One of the barrels was dislodged from its position, rolled down and struck one of the horses, frightening them to a runaway. Mr. Anderson fell and the wagon passed over his head, and lie died a few hours later. His widow survived him ten years, and passed away in the Centennial year of 1876. She was well fitted to bear the responsibilities of pioneering in a new country, gave character to their early home, and was a devoted mother and greatly loved throughout her community. To their union, after they came to America, were born two sons. Thomas was horn in 1843 and died the same year, While John was born in December, 1846, and died in the following year. The only daughter, Sarah, died in May, 1863, a few months after her marriage to Marcellus Atherton. In 1863 James Anderson, Jr., was married, at Huron to Miss Miranda Bartlett. She was born in Fairport, Ohio, April 14, 1837, grew up in Ohio, was educated in the schools of that time, and represented a fine old family. One of her ancestors was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and she was also related to the noted Toombs family of Georgia, one of whom was senator Toombs, prominent as a whig senator in the United States Congress before the war and subsequently one of the leaders of the Southern Confederacy. Mrs. Anderson, who died many years ago, was the mother of five children. Sarah is the wife of 484 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Charles Seth Brown, proprietor and manager of the Standard Advertising Magazine of Chicago, and well known in the field of advertising; they have a family of one son and one daughter. The daughter, Matie A., who is unmarried and lives at the Anderson home, is a well educated woman and until recently has been active in her profession as a nurse. Carrie I. is the wife of M. H. Laylin, a prominent railroad man of Massilon, being assistant trainmaster and superintendent of motive power for the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway. James Corbin, the only living son, lives at Cleveland, where he is purchasing agent for the E. W. Fisher wholesale plumbing house ; he is married and has one son and two daughters, the son being James Anderson, Jr., and it is noteworthy that this is the twelfth James in the successive lineage of the Anderson family. Burton Baden, the youngest child of James Anderson, was killed at the age of seventeen by the discharge of a gun while he was getting upon a wagon ; he was at that time attending high school. On June 7, 1887, Mr. James Anderson married Miss Mary Davey, who is one of the best known women of Erie County. Mrs. Anderson is noteworthy not only for the beauty of her face but also for the fine texture of mind and heart, and has a cherished place in the affections of many who were at one time her pupils when she was engaged in educational work. Miss Davey was born in Huron County, Ohio, near Milan, in 1848. She comes of sturdy stock, of the class which gave to the Middle West many of its strong men and women. Her father, John Davey, was born in Cornwall, England, October 7, 1818, and was a descendant of Sir Humphrey Davey. In early manhood he came to the United States, located in Ohio, and was married at Castalia in Erie County to Miss Elizabeth Palmer. She was of New England ancestry and was born December 18, 1822, at Chenango, New York, and when ten years of age came with her family to Erie County, Ohio. She was a daughter of James and Amy (Ackhorn) Palmer. James Palmer was born in New York State, of Scotch-Irish stock, while his wife was of German parentage. After coming to Erie County James Palmer and wife spent their lives near Castalia, where he was a hotel man, and also a skilled mechanic. After their marriage John and Elizabeth Palmer spent most of their lives on a farm near Milan, where he died at the age of sixty-five, and she passed away at the age of eighty-three in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Anderson. Mrs. Anderson grew up in this part of Northern Ohio, and was well educated in the public schools and in Normal School. She began teaching at the age of fifteen, and spent eighteen years of her life in that noble profession, largely in Erie County. Her work has left many indelible influences for good upon the lives of those whom she helped to train. Mrs. Anderson also developed her artistic taste, was for several years engaged in artistic work, and has more than a local reputation as an artist with the brush, and has more than ordinary skill and style as a writer. Many of her old pupils keep in close touch with her, and almost every year there are gatherings, usually at some picnic resort, where Mrs. Andersen once more presides over a company of her former pupils and renews the many pleasing associations of their earlier relationship. She naturally takes great pleasure in the fact that some of her former scholars have attained prominence in the professions and in politics. In her position as head of the Anderson home she has done much to enrich its associations with the cultured life of Northern Ohio. Mrs. Anderson has interested herself in the work of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in Erie County, and has also been a prominent member of the Patrors of Husbandry, being past master of both the Berlin Heights H oil the Huron Granges. She has also performed a valuable service as HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 485 Government crop reporter for some years, and has filled the position of assistant steward of the State Grange. She is now secretary of the Board of County Visitors. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are prominent members of the Presbyterian Church at Huron, in which Mr. Anderson for a number of years held the office of elder, until declining health and the burden of years made it necessary for him to retire. He has always been an active republican and has voted at nearly all the elections since the formation of that party. This sketch should not be closed without mention of another member of the Anderson family circle. This is Eberhardt Liebermann, who has for more than forty years lived at the Anderson place, is looked upon as one of the family, had helped to rear children and grandchildren, and all love him as a real kinsman. He was born in Wuertemberg, Germany, about seventy years ago, and came to the United States when about twelve years of age. J. STEWART MCDONALD. One of the features of the Standard History of Erie County which will be generally appreciated is the interesting chapter on the Grange movement, prepared and contributed to the publication by J. Stewart McDonald. There is probably no better known and influential figure in the country life of Erie County than Mr. McDonald, who occupies a fine homestead near the Village of Huron. He has spent all his life in this section of Ohio, has for many years been a leader in the Patrons of Husbandry, and is credited with having accomplished more as an organizer and leader in the promotion of the Grange and in the maintenance and extension of its work in Erie and adjoining counties than any other individual. He comes of very old Scotch ancestry. His grandfather, Rev. Daniel McDonald, was born in Connecticut, but of Scotch parentage. Becoming a minister in the Episcopal Church, he spent his life in that work. From Connecticut he finally moved to New York State, and was pastor of churches at Auburn and other communities. Rev. Daniel McDonald married Miss Phoebe Talmage, who was born near Cheshire, Connecticut. Several years after the death of her husband she came out to Norwalk, Ohio, and died in Huron County when a very old woman. She was devoted to the Episcopal Church and was a very active assistant to her husband in his ministerial service. She was the mother of the following sons : Alexander James, William T., Henry, James, Daniel and Andrew. Rev. Daniel McDonald, by a previous marriage to a sister of his first wife, had one son, Samuel Percy McDonald, who was a college graduate, as was also his half-brother, William T., and both became men of prominence and influence. William T. McDonald was educated for a physician, graduated from Hobart College, but did not practice that profession long. Alexander James McDonald, father of J. Stewart McDonald, was born in Cheshire, Connecticut, in 1814. He died a few days after casting his vote for James A. Garfield in 1880. After the election he started out to visit a sister of his mother in Cheshire, Connecticut, and died while on the way in the home of one of his cousins in Lyon, New York, very suddenly, passing away in the arms of his wife. In early youth he had accompanied his parents to New York State, grew up and received his education there, and then apprenticed himself to a wagonmaker in Schenectady, serving from the age of eighteen for three years, and each year his wages amounted to only $10, while he, boarded himself, but at the expiration of the three years drew his entire $30 from his employer. During the early '30s he came out to Northern Ohio and located at Huron, where he took up the active work of his trade. He was one of the very capable mechanics of that early time, and made the repairs 486 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY and also manufactured entire implements for a large community of farmers in that community. He conducted a successful enterprise and continued managing his shop at Huron until 1857. Selling out, he then bought a small tract of land about a mile and a half south of Huron in Huron Township, and turned his attention to farming. From time to time his land was increased until it comprised a fine estate, on which he erected a large modern and attractive home. This farm has been the scene of the agricultural activities of his son, J. Stewart. During the lifetime of the father the estate consisted of 162 acres, and is now the property of his son. Born in Huron, December 14, 1852, J. Stewart McDonald has since the age of five lived on the old McDonald homestead. He grew up in these surroundings, acquired an education partly from books and partly from actual experience in the work of the woods and the field, and has thoroughly absorbed the spirit of the country and is one of the most sincere and earnest advocates of the attractiveness and wholesomeness of country life. Since the death of his father he has owned and operated a farm, and his own thrift and common-sense ability have effected numerous improvements and have kept him constantly in view as one of the leaders in agricultural enterprise. His work has been that of a general farmer, and he is not only a student of the best methods of increasing soil production but also of those larger movements which so intimately affect the life of the farmer. He has also given considerable attention to the raising of fruit and vegetables. Every movement that means better living conditions and a higher degree of intelligence and morality in the community has the ready support and co-operation of Mr. McDonald and his sterling wife. They are charter members of the Patrons of Husbandry, Huron Grange No. 1385, which was organized in 1892 with Mr. McDonald as the first master. He has held that office continuously for the past sixteen years, and the position has not only been one of honor but one of serious responsibility and effective leadership on the part of its possessor. Mr. McDonald is also a member of the Farmers' Institute. Thus there is probably no one better constituted as an authority to write upon the Grange movement in Erie County. Politically he has always acted with the republican party, and has rendered that great organization more than lip service. He has been for many years chairman of the township republican committee, and for six years served as township trustee, and for a long time was a member of the school board. Fraternally he is well known in Masonic sicircles in Erie County, belonging to Marks Lodge, F. & A. M., at Huron ; Milan Chapter, R. A. M. ; Sandusky Council, R. & S. M., and Sandusky Commandery of the Knights Templar. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, by their marriage, have a daughter, Helen Marion, who, after graduating from the Huron High School, went to the Oberlin College and graduated from that institution in 1913, specializing in the department of physical culture and has made that her special field in educational work. She has been the director of athletics and physical culture in the Y. W. C. A., San Antonio, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are active members of the Episcopal Church at Huron. This was the church of both his grandfather and father; and he has given it every expression of his religious nature and activity. The church was organized in 1827, and he is now one of the three senior wardens, and has held that post in the church for a number of years. His daughter is a member of the same religious faith. CAPT. JOHN M. WILLSON. Erie County had no liner character among its old settlers than the late Capt. John M. Willson, whose last years were spent in quiet retirement at the beautiful home overlooking Lake HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 487 Erie near Huron in section 3 of Berlin Township, where Mrs. Willson is still living at the venerable age of past fourscore. For half a century Captain and Mrs. Willson had lived together as man and wife, and they fully deserved the wealth of affection and esteem that surrounded them both in early and later years. John M. Willson was born at Whitestown, Oneida County, New York, July 4, 1825, and lived to be a few weeks beyond seventy-six years of age. He was of an old American family, of Scotch or English origin. His grandfather was Charles Willson, probably a native of Massachusetts. The father was Lucius Willson, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and when a young man located in Oneida County, New York. Lucius Willson married Betsey Bateman, a native of New York State. Betsey Bateman was a daughter of Frederick B. and Catherine (Brewer) Bateman, who were natives of Holland and came when young to America, locating in Erie County, New York, where they married and spent the rest of their lives on a farm near Henpeck, what is now probably called Sandusky, New York. The Batemans were a long lived family. Frederick Bateman had a special fondness for his granddaughter, Mrs. John Willson, and when one hundred and eight years of age as a mark of his affection for Mrs. Willson he walked three miles each way in order to have a photograph taken for her. This photograph shows him as a remarkably well preserved man in spite of more than a century of life. He lived three years beyond the time of this photograph, and passed away at the age of one hundred and eleven. His wife was also a centenarian. Mrs. Willson has a photograph of this venerable woman when she was nearly a hundred, and her death occurred at the age of one hundred and eight. Frederick Bateman served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and after he was a hundred years of age was granted a pension for his services. Two years after the election of General Grant to the presidency in 1868, Frederick Bateman was invited to become a guest of the President at Washington, and he was preparing to make this trip at the expense of the Government when he died. In 1833, after their marriage, Lucius Willson and wife came from Western New York to Ohio, locating at the Village of Vermilion in Erie County. In the following year Lucius Willson died, while still in the prime of life. His widow subsequently removed to Clinton, Michigan, to live with her daughter by marriage, Mrs. D. H. Willson, and died there when seventy years of age. She and her husband were both Baptists. The death of the father left the mother and her seven small children in straitened circumstances. The late Captain Willson was at that time nine years old, and the children were all "put out with different families in the neighborhood. John found a place with a kindly and substantial Lake Erie farmer, Isaac Fowler, who took the pains to erect a log house on his land for the boy and his mother, and both lived there for a number of years. Captain Willson was regarded as one of the Fowler family, and the Fowler children called him Brother John even up to the day of his death. He early gained the respect of people at home and in the neighborhood by his faithfulness to duty and diligence, but at the age of seventeen, like most boys, determined to make his own way in the world independently. As he had always lived within sight of the blue waters of Lake Erie, he was drawn to the vocation of sailor, and first shipped on the schooner William Woodbridge, commanded by Capt. James Monroe, an old salt originally from Nantucket. He sailed with this master for two seasons, following which he was in the employ of a Vermilion firm, and next with Stevens & Ryan of Milan. He was on the schooner Plymouth from 1848 to 1852 with Capt. A. A. Kirby. 488 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY The Plymouth was sunk in a collision with the passenger steamer Northern Indiana, being struck amidships and sinking in five minutes in the lake off Cleveland. Luckily all on board were taken to the steamer Northern Indiana, including Captain Willson's wife and baby. Captain Willson while sailing the Great Lakes rose from galley boy to master, and saw much of his service on the lake before the waters had been charted. He was known as a trusty sailor, and one of his captains said when Captain Willson died : "John was a good man, one to be trusted in all kinds of weather, and as good a sailor as ever walked the deck of a vessel." For a number of years Captain Willson was engaged in the fitting out of schooners. He fitted out the Live Oak and the Cape Horn of Huron, the Hawley of Milan, the John Weden of Toledo and many others. In 1858 he retired from this business to the quiet of home life at his wife's beautiful place overlooking Lake Erie. During his absence on the lakes he had left the farm management to Jacob Sarr, a boy of sixteen, who lived in Captain Willson's family for more than nine years, and is now one of the substantial citizens of Northern Ohio. It would be difficult to imagine a more beautiful and interesting place than the home in which Captain Willson spent his last years and still occupied by Mrs. Willson. It is a beautiful tract of thirty-six acres, lying along the shore of Lake Erie, and a portion of the old Stephen Meeker homestead. On January 27, 1851, Captain Willson married Roseanna M. Wright. Mrs. Willson was born at the old home in Berlin Township on the shore of Lake Erie February 18, 1833, grew up there and spent all of her wonderfully active and interesting life near the lake and close to the scenes of her birth. Though now eighty-two years of age, she still has a wonderfully accurate memory, and is almost unexcelled as an authority on local history. On the clear panorama of her mind are impressed the events of more than sixty years, and she has a fluent expression for all that is important and essential in the life of this community during that time. Everyone in Berlin Township knows and loves "Aunt Roseanna," as she is affectionately known, and aside from the experiences and activities of her lifetime her best distinction is this love and respect which she has so fully merited. Mrs. Willson represents one of the finest old families located in Northern Ohio during the pioneer times. Her parents were Norman L. and Maria G. (Meeker) Wright. Her father was born in Watertown, New York, June 4, 1807, and her mother was born in Reading, Connecticut, June 28, 1811. They were married in Ohio March 28, 1829, at Huron, Erie County, and not far from the shores of Lake Erie, where they spent the rest of their lives. Norman L. Wright was a clerk and for a number of years was connected with the transportation business on the Great Lakes. He died in Berlin Township October 10, .1846, and his widow survived until May 26, 1893. Norman L. Wright was a son of Freedom and Jerusha Wright, of New York State, where they lived and died as substantial farming people. Freedom Wright was born June 22, 1748, and died August 10, 1825, while his wife was born June 12, 1765, and died when in advanced years. Both were members of the Baptist Church. Maria G. Meeker, the mother of Mrs. Willson, was a daughter of Stephen and Polly (Platt) Meeker. The record of Stephen Meeker has a most appropriate place in any history of Northern Ohio, particularly Erie County. He was born in Vermont January 28, 1781, while his wife was born October 24, 1778. They were married in Redding, Connecticut, in 1800, and in the following year left Connecticut and by means'of ox teams journeyed as far west as Buffalo, New York, and then came by sailing vessel to Huron, in Erie County, being of the same class of Con- HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 489 necticut people who colonized the Western Reserve and laid the foundations of civilization which have ever since given character to this section of Northern Ohio. When they arrived at Huron they found hardly a hamlet, and all the country back from the lake shores was a wilderness filled with Indians and wild animals. Stephen Meeker located a place at Florence in Erie County. Ohio had been a state only a few years, the great bulk of population in the new state being in the south along the Ohio River Valley, while only a fringe of settlements marked the lake shore. After one year in Erie County Stephen Meeker returned to Connecticut, and brought back to Ohio on horseback $700 in gold. With this money he bought 700 acres of land at $1.00 per acre, fronting on the lake shore for two miles and extending back about 200 rods. A permanent settlement was made on this land in 1813, and there not far from where Mrs. Willson now lives, Stephen Meeker built his first habitation, a log cabin, with all the primitive furniture and equipment that went with frontier life. In one of the logs of the cabin wall hobs were bored, pins were inserted, and slats laid across, thus making the bedstead. This was only a sample of all the crude furniture with which they did their housekeeping for several years. It was not long until the Indians became troublesome, largely through the incentive of the British Government, and while Stephen Meeker remained behind to fight and hold his own, he sent his wife and daughter back forty miles to the settlement at Rocky River. Stephen Meeker was a blacksmith and gunsmith and soon after planting his home near Lake Erie set up a smithy. In the following year the War of 1812 began between Great Britain and the United States. The Meeker shop was visited by Gen. William H. Harrison during his memorable campaign against the British and Indians. The general was in a great hurry when he arrived at Mr. Meeker's place and offered the latter $16.00 if the blacksmith could shoe his horse in fifteen minutes. Mr. Meeker accepted the office without hesitation, and won the reward. From Mrs. Meeker General Harrison bought butter and other supplies for his staff, and paid her $1.00 a pound for the butter. While not an eye witness to Perry's victory on Lake Erie, Stephen Meeker could hear the guns, and like all his neighbors suspended business to await the news of the outcome. It was a critical time in the lives of many people along the shore of Lake Erie. It the British fleet triumphed, it would mean the immediate abandonment of all the settlements, since the inhabitants would be captured or killed, and all were accordingly very jubilant when the news came that Perry had fought and vanquished the enemy. In spite of all these vicissitudes resulting from war and turbulence, from the lack of mills, markets and settled institutions, Stephen Meeker gradually worked his way into prosperity, cleared off some of the woods from the land, and became a grower of grain, using the flour to replace the early continuous diet of fish and wild meat. He was thrifty and progressive, and in 1821 erected a substantial brick house, the first in the county. He was also more or less active in politics, and some years before his death was elected to the office of probate judge in Erie County. Stephen Meeker and wife were strict Presbyterians of the blue stocking type, but after coming to Ohio joined the Baptist Church. Mrs. Willson is the only living child of her father's family, and is one of the few living descendants of her grandfather Meeker. All her life she has been a member of the Baptist Church and for many years sang in the choir. To her and Captain Wilson was born only one child, John H., who died when twenty months old. Mrs. Willson has many interesting things in her beautiful home near Huron, and probably no place in Erie County has more attractive memories and associations. She still keeps the baby dress which her mother made for her in 1832 Vor. II-2 490 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY and which was her first garment after she came into the world. She also has the silver spoons which her grandfather made more than a century ago. PELTIAH J. CLARK. It is a grateful distinction to have spent more than three-quarters of a century in one community, and when those years have been filled with worthy accomplishments and with that old fashioned spirit of loving kindness, such a career becomes one deserving of admiration and worthy of perpetuation in any history of a county in which it has been spent. Peltiah J. Clark, who is now living partially retired on his half urban and half rural home at Berlin Heights, is one of the oldest native sons of Erie County, where his career has been as honorable in all its relations as it has been prolonged. Peltiah J. Clark was born not far from Ceylon Junction at Harper's Corners in Berlin Township, April 25, 1837, a son of John and Asenath (Kemp) Clark. Both his parents were born in the State of Vermont, his father at Rutland in 1802, and his mother in 1812. His mother was a daughter of Moses Kemp. The latter and his wife came to Ohio at the same time as the Clark family and lived and died as farmers in Berlin Township, and were laid to rest in Peek's Cemetery. Moses Kemp died in 1842 and his wife a little later. He was a whig in politics. John Clark and wife were married in Vermont, and while there their daughter Mary was born. About 1835-36 they came to Ohio, making the trip as far as Buffalo by the Erie Canal, and thence by boat to Huron. They located on Old Woman's Creek in Berlin Township, near the community known as Harper's Corners. There in the midst of the woods they built a log cabin, and with Indians as neighbors and wild game in abundance to supply their larder, they lived for several years the primitive existence of pioneer people. John Clark died there April 20, 1849, and his wife passed away on the 20th of May in the same year. They were laid to rest side by side in Peek's Cemetery. Their daughter Mary, who was born in Vermont, died soon after the family came to this county. The daughter Joanna went West after her marriage, and the last information concerning her was from South Dakota. Henry G. is a bachelor and now lives in Toledo and is eighty years of age. The next in order of age is Peltiah J. Daniel died in Berlin Township at the age of sixteen and Miles died at the age of fourteen. Lucy died after her marriage to Harrison McDonnell, and the latter and their only daughter Millie now live in Huron County. After the death of his parents Peltiah J. Clark, who was then twelve years of age, went to the home of Amos Hine. Mr. Hine died four years later, but he continued to live with his wife Polly Hine until twenty-one years of age. In the meantime he had received the instruction afforded by the local school, and may be said to have started his independent career with nothing except the associations of an honored family name, and with good mental and physical qualifications for a life that must succeed through independent efforts. For three years he was a renter, and in the meantime had married, and then bought seventy-two acres on the shore of Lake Erie along what is now the Market Street road in Berlin Township, not far from Ceylon Junction. Mr. Clark in that location began the career of steady prosperity which has continued down to the present time. He improved his land with excellent farm buildings, and continued to reside there until the spring of 1895. In that year he moved to Berlin Heights, and in 1896 bought twenty-two acres of land, fourteen of which were within the corporation limits and eight just outside. This home is now marked by an attractive dwelling HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 491 house, many improvements, well cultivated fields, and an excellent orchard. On November 25, 1860, Mr. Clark was married near Shinrock, in Berlin Township, to Miss Helen M. Hendrickson, who was born in Berlin Township October 20, 1842. With the exception of nine years during which time her parents lived in Sullivan County, New York, she spent practically all her life in Erie County. Her parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Schoomaker) Hendrickson, the former born in Ulster County New York, in 1811, and the latter in Sullivan Cemetery in 1813. ' They were married in Sullivan County in 1833, and started housekeeping on a farm in that community. While living there their first child, Benjamin Hendrickson, was born in 1834. In 1835 the Hendrickson family set out for Northern Ohio, making the trip by canal as far as Buffalo and thence by boat to Huron. Jacob Hendrickson lived for a time on rented land, and in 1846 the family returned to New York State, making the journey with covered wagons and teams After they returned to 'Sullivan County, New York, four children were born, but all of them died in infancy. In the early part of 1856 they all came back to Erie County, and Jacob Hendrickson died in Berlin Township in 1876 and his widow in 1896. Of their children the only two living are Mrs. Clark and her brother, Michael Hendrickson, whose home is in Berlin Township, and who was the father of ten children, one of them deceased and eight of them married. Mr. and Mrs. Clark became the parents of two children. Gertrude is the wife of Dr. George W Hine, a sketch of whom will be found on other pages. Herman P., who was born in 1876, now occupies the farm which was his birthplace and which belonged to his father on the shore of Lake Erie. Herman Clark married Maud Jeffries of Berlin Township, and both were schoolmates in the Berlin High School. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have membership in no church, but in their relations as neighbors have found and accepted many opportunities for practical charity and for doing good according to the golden rule. Mr. Clark is a republican. NATHAN HOAK. There are probably not half a dozen farms in all Erie County which have had a continuous ownership by one family through a hundred years. This is one of the distinctions that belong to the home of Nathan Hoak in Berlin Township on Rural Route No. 1 out of Milan. The Hoak family was established in this part of the western wilderness prior to the second war with Great Britain and Nathan Hoak represents the third successive generation to live and make a home in Berlin Township. The Hoak family came originally from Holland. Nathan's great-grandfather, Henry Hoak, was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, fay 22, 1745, and spent many years there as a farmer. He was about thirty years old when the War of the Revolution broke out, and enlisted with a Pennsylvania regiment for service in that struggle, and in the course of his service was taken prisoner and died while a British prison ship. He probably married a Pennsylvania girl, and both were known to have been members of the Methodist Church. John Hoak, a son of this Revolutionary soldier, and grandfather of Nathan, was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. He grew up as a farmer in his native county, and married a kinswoman, Rebecca Hoak, who was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, April 26, 1786. After their marriage, about 1811 or 1812, they journeyed west by canal and. lake to the mouth of the Huron River, came up that stream to what was known as the Wagoner Flats, and after living there one year and raising one crop which was destroyed by a flood, came on to what is now the 492 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY western line of Berlin Township and secured direct from the Government a tract of land covered by a heavy growth of fine timber. Here in the midst of the woods they made their home and constructed for their habitation a block house, designed as much for protection against wolves and human enemies as shelter from the weather or domestic comfort. This block house stood not far from the site occupied by the comfortable dwelling of Nathan Hoak. At the, time John Hoak and wife settled in this section it was said there were only three other white men in that part of Erie County. In order to raise the timbers of the house they had to secure Indians to assist. John Hoak was a fine type of the early settler, but was too generous to be successful in a material sense. He frequently put his name to the notes of his friends, and for that reason finally lost his farm as a result of security debt. His wife was one of the pioneer noble women, and in the early days of Erie County was noted for her physical endurance and her ability as a horsewoman. Several times she rode all alone to Perrysburg, Ohio,- seventy- five miles away through the wild country, making the trip in a day and returning on the following day. On the uplands around her home during the season she picked large quantities of huckleberries, and would take a load of these to Sandusky sixteen miles 'away, sell them and do her marketing, and return in the same day. Having lost his farm John Hoak and wife went out to Indiana during the '50s and settled in LaGrange County. He found employment with a man who was taken down with the smallpox and while performing his offices as a nurse likewise contracted the disease and died prior to the Civil war. His wife died there several years later. Both were members of the Methodist Church. Soon after coming to Erie County John Hoak made the trip up Lake Erie to Windsor, Canada, and bought a number of fruit trees, which he planted on his pioneer farm. This was one of the first orchards in Erie County, and his grandson Nathan has carefully preserved the few remaining specimens of this orchard, and still has one pear tree and one apple tree on the farm. These are so far as known the oldest fruit trees in Erie County, and more than a century has passed since they were set out. They bore fruit for fully two generations. The Hoak family were living in this section of Erie County at the time of the great victory won by Perry on Lake Erie at Put-in-Bay, and the sound of the guns could be plainly heard. At that time the young wife and her two children remained in hiding in the woods near her home, since she could see the light of a campfire not far away, and feared It might mark the camp of a party of hostile Indians. On the following day it turned out that a band of Kentucky riflemen, a detachment of General Harrison's Army, was in that region. The children of John Hoak and wife were: Sarah, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1807; Elizabeth, born in the saint state in 1810; Ruth, born in Erie County in 1812; Rebecca, born. in 1814; Henry ; Nancy, born in 1821; Mary, born in 1824; Jerusha, born in 1826; and George, born in 1829. All these children married, all had children of their own except Mary, and one of them, Jerusha, is still living in, LaGrange County, Indiana, nearly ninety years of age. Henry Hoak, father of Nathan, was born in Erie County June 23, 1817. He grew up on the old homestead where his parents had located and which they had partly improved, and after the property was foreclosed by Judge Baker, the son Henry entered into an agreement to buy it back for the amount then due and the additional court costs, and thus save for this brief interval, the farm has been in one family ownership for more than a century. Henry Hoak was a man of great industry, an able farmer, and became one of the most masterful agriculturists in HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 493 the entire section. At one time his farm was given the first prize in a county contest of farms. A short time before the Civil war he built a substantial brick house, bringing the brick from Milan Township, while the doors and all the wooden framework was made by hand from logs taken from the farm. He also put up generous barns and for years his place was noted for its product of fields and its fine stock. Henry Hoak died on the old homestead June 26, 1886. He was reared as a Jackson democrat in politics but afterwards during the war became a republican, and was always a conservative in his political and social ideas. Henry Hoak was married in Berlin Township to Lucy Tuttle, a sister of the well known author, Hudson Tuttle. She was born in New York State March 10, 1813, and died on the old homestead at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Sipp, on February 23, 1909, only a few years less than a hundred years of age. She was reared and educated in Berlin Township, was a devoted wife and mother, and kept the powers of her intellect and body fresh and vigorous until a short time before her death. Her family were among the early settlers of Erie County, and her parents were Nathan and Maria (Monroe) Tuttle, who secured a tract of new land on coming to Berlin Township and eventually developed a good farm out of it. Her father died when past ninety and her mother was also quite old. Nathan Hoak was one of five children. His sister Maria, now living in Milan Township, is the widow of John Millman, and she has two sons and one daughter, all of whom are married. Ruth died at the age of nineteen. John is now a retired farmer at Norwalk, Ohio, and has one son and three daughters living, all of them married except the youngest daughter. The next in age is Nathan, Caroline is the wife of Charles Sipp, a farmer who occupies part of the old Hoak homestead. On the old Hoak farm, most of which he now owns and occupies, Nathan Hoak was born December 26, 1848. He was given a substantial education, and at the age of twenty started out in life as a teacher and was highly successful in that profession which he followed in his home township and county for several years. Later he bought and still owns fifty-two acres east of the old home, lived there two years, but then returned to the home farm to take care of his mother during her declining years. He now owns a hundred acres of this farm and has continued its development according to the high standards set by his able father. As a stock man he gives his attention primarily to Durham cattle and Chester White hogs. His fields show little falling off in the productiveness for which they were noted in mile; years, and he grows large crops of grain and potatoes. Mr. Hoak has been one of the prominent farmers in Berlin Township for the past forty years. He has held nearly every office in the County Fair Association and is now superintendent of track. His father was a vice president and a director of the association many years, and the products of the Hoak homestead have probably won as many blue ribbone at the local fair as have been awarded to any one farm in the county. Mr. Hoak's father was the first man to be honored with the office of master of the Berlin Heights Grange No. 345, Patrons of Husbandry, and at the present time Nathan Hoak holds the same office, and has been prominent since the beginning of the organization. His wife is likewise active in the Grange. He is a member of the blue lodge of Masons at Milan and a charter member of and active in the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Berlin Heights since it was organized twenty-eight years ago. Mr. Hoak has served as trustee of the township and is the type of substantial citizen who well merits the honors and rewards of civic position, For a number of years in addition to his farming activities he has been a stock buyer and shipper. 494 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY In Huron Township in 1874 Mr. Hoak married Miss Della Hughes, who was born in Huron Township June 26, 1857, and was reared in the country and in the Village of Huron. She is a daughter of George and Margaret (Everett) Hughes, both of whom were natives of Erie County and spent most of their lives on a good farm in Huron Township. Her father died there about forty years ago, and her mother passed away at the age of seventy-five. They were members of the Universalist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Hoak are likewise of the same faith. TRUMAN BENJAMIN TAYLOR. Among the old families of Erie County the Taylors have had a prominent place from the time when the State of Ohio was on the western frontier. Fully a century has elapsed since the company of Connecticut colonists journeyed westward and established themselves in the wilderness of Perkins Township. Of the several distinctive families in that party the Taylors were of special prominence. A fact of pioneer history which has often been little mentioned is that the first settlers of any community, through their leadership, their relations in family or friendly ties with later commerce, and through their public spirit in guarding the moral integrity of the community, often exercise a far-reaching and invaluable influence on the social and economic welfare and give a vital direction to the subsequent destiny of their locality. The Taylors and their associates in pioneer settlement were all people of substantial New England stock, moral and upright and thrifty, and in many ways the influences and results of their lives can be traced in the history of Erie County. In 1815 a colony was organized at Glastonbury, Connecticut, for the purpose of making settlement in the Ohio wilderness. This colony comprised the following heads of families : Joseph Taylor, Sr., his sons Joseph and Jesse Taylor, Eleazur Bell, Julius House, Pliny Johnson, Harvey Corelle, Roswell Eddy, Roswell Hubbard, Halsey Aikens and Dr. Richard Christopher. It will be recalled that the date was ten years before the opening of the Erie Canal, and right at the beginning of the great westward movement which in a few years peopled all the country west of the Alleghenies up to the Mississippi. The means of transportation were of the most primitive nature. America at that time had no railroads, and there were no canals across the mountains. The colony from Connecticut therefore made the entire journey with wagons and teams. To some of the wagons were attached two pair of oxen and a horse, and to others one pair of oxen and a horse. In the wagons were carried the household goods, provisions and farm implements, and everything not needed was sacrificed and left behind, including many comforts to which these families had been accustomed in the East. Along the way they camped out at night, and spent forty-nine days in travel. This brought them to what was then Huron County, now Perkins Township of Erie County. Arriving in this wilderness, Joseph Taylor, at that time the head of the Taylor family, bought land, improved a farm, and spent the rest of his days in Erie County. Both he and his wife are buried in one of the old cemeteries in Perkins Township. He was twice married and had children by both wives. In the next generation special attention is called to Jesse Taylor, one of the sons of Joseph. Jesse Taylor was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut, March 14, 1783, and was about thirty-two years of age When he came to Northern Ohio. He also bought land, situated about seventy rods east of the brick church in Perkins township, and there built a log house which continued to be the home of the Taylor family for a number of years. He improved his land, was an industrious worker, a prosperous citizen, and did his share in the moral and civic upbuilding of PICTURE OF MR AND MRS TRUMAN BENJAMIN TAYLOR HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 495 the community. His death occurred October 26, 1852. Jesse Taylor married Julia House, a twin sister of Julius House, who was a prominent pioneer and whose name is mentioned in the above list of early settlers in Perkins Township. She died October 28, 1867, having reared three sons and two daughters: Ellery, Julius, Dennis, Maria and Eliza. Dennis G. Taylor, who was in the third generation of the Taylor family in Erie County, was born in Perkins Township May 4, 1821. As a boy he attended one of the pioneer schools of the county, and early learned lessons of industry while helping subdue the wilderness and in cultivating the farm. He afterwards succeeded to the ownership of the old Jesse Taylor homestead, and was not only energetic and active but was possessed of unusual business ability. Besides farming, he dealt in farm implements and live stock and was a highly influential member of the community. He added to the improvements of. the old home, and left it with a good set of frame buildings at the time of his death on November 3, 1896. Dennis Taylor was married in 1844 to Phebe Ann Wright, who was born in Galen Township, of Wayne County, New York, November 24, 1822. Her father, Benjamin Belden Wright, was born on a farm near Cold Springs, a few miles below Poughkeepsie on the Hudson River, and about 1820 removed to Wayne County, where he was an early settler, lived there until 1834, and then came to Ohio and settled in what is now Berlin Township of Erie County. There he improved a farm and lived until his death. He was a man of unusual education for his time, and among other influences by which he impressed his individuality on the community was as local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Benjamin Wright married Nancy Baker. Mrs. Dennis Taylor was educated in the Norwalk Seminary in Ohio. One of her instructors in that institution was Edward S. Thompson, who subsequently became a bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and who officiated at the ceremony which united her in wedlock with Dennis Taylor. She died March 19, 1895. Of these last named parents the only son and child was Truman Benjamin Taylor, who was born in Perkins Township February 10, 1846, and has for many years been prominent in Erie County as a farmer and stock man and also as a banker at Sandusky. As a boy he had the advantages of a good home, with surroundings of culture and moral and uplifting influences, and through his own career has lived up to the standards set him by his forebears. He attended the rural schools, and in 1865 was graduated from the Sandusky High School. He then took a course in the Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, and on graduating from that institution returned home and took up the life of a farmer. He also sold farm implements and farm produce, and eventually succeeded to the ownership of the splendid old estate on which his grandfather had settled a century ago. That was his home, though in the meantime his interests had extended to the City of Sandusky, until 1909. Having built a beautiful residence on Wayne Street, he then removed to the city, and now enjoys the comforts and luxuries of a city home. Mr. Taylor was married. December 5, 1872, to Mary Jane Eddy, who is likewise of the old pioneer stock that settled Perkins Township 100 years ago. She was born in Perkins Township, October 11, 1849, a daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Akins) Eddy, and is a granddaughter of Roswell and Hannah (Taylor) Eddy, her grandfather's name appearing in the list of pioneers above given. Mrs. Taylor died April 6, 1914. There were three children : Carrie Edith, born January 8, 1874, died January 13, 1876; Bert Eddy, and Nellie. Bert married Belle Vernon Jones, while Nellie is the wife of Cary W. Hord and has a son, Burton Taylor. 496 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Mr. T. B. Taylor was one of the organizers of the Citizens' Banking Company of Sandusky, and is one of the three charter members still living. He served as president of the institution twenty-two years, resigning on account of ill health, and now officiating as chairman of the board of directors. He was also one of the promoters and was treasurer of the company that built the Sandusky Short Line Railroad, and was one of the builders of the Sandusky, Milan & Norwalk Electric Railroad, the first interurban electric line in Ohio. He was president of the company until the property was consolidated with other electric lines in Northern Ohio. Mr. Taylor was one of the charter members of Perkins Grange, No. 637, Patrons of Husbandry, and was its first secretary. He has long been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was married and of which his wife was a devout and consistent member. ROBERT A. KOEGLE. Prominent among the trustworthy and competent men who are so ably safeguarding the public interests of Sandusky is Robert A. Koegle, who is serving wisely and satisfactorily as city treasurer. A native-born citizen, his birth occurred, April 22, 1871, at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John G. Koegle, on Water Street. John G. Koegle, Sr., the paternal grandfather, was born, reared and married in Baden, Germany, where as a young man he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1845 he came with his family to America, the land of hope and promise, being several weeks crossing the broad Atlantic in a sailing vessel. From New York, where he disembarked, he came across the country to `Ohio, locating in Sandusky, then a comparatively small place. For a number of years he was employed in the Baltimore" & Ohio Railroad shops, continuing his residence here until his death, in 1896. His wife's maiden name was Gegas. She reared five children, as follows : Christina, who became the wife of Capt. Jacob Haas ; Frederick ; John G., Jr. ; and August. Born in Baden, Germany, in 1839, John G. Koegle, Jr., was about six years old when he came with the family to Sandusky. In the public schools of his new home he acquired a practical education, and while yet a young man was for a while an engineer on a steamboat, after which he served as a member of the local fire department for a number of seasons. Now, a hale and hearty man of seventy-six years, he is in the employ of the Hinde & Dauch Manufacturing Company. He married Margaret Kellar, who -was born at Crestline, Crawford County, Ohio, of German ancestry. Her father, John Kellar, a native of Germany, immigrated to the United States in early manhood, locating in Crawford County, Ohio, in pioneer times. Purchasing land that was still in its primitive wildness, he hewed a farm from the forest, and there spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the venerable age of eighty-three years. His wife preceded him to the better world, dying at the age of seventy-seven years. John and Margaret (Kellar) Koegle reared seven children, as follows : William F., Elizabeth S., Robert A., Joseph, Henry, Christina and John G., Jr. Having laid a substantial foundation for his future education in the elementary schools, Robert A. Koegle was graduated from the Sandusky High School with the class of 1889. The ensiling three years he was employed as a clerk in the drug store of Arnold & Henkleman, after which he worked for Lewis A. Biehl for a period of seven years. In 1899 he became junior member of the firm of Close & Koegle, his partner being Frank Close, with whom he was associated until 1907. In 1908 Mr. Koegle embarked in the wholesale and retail drug trade as a member of the firm of Uthe & Hiltz Company. Subsequently disposing of his interests in that firm he clerked for W. A. Graham for a few months, resigning that position to accept that of deputy county auditor, an office HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 497 that he held from October, 1909, until the fall of 1913. Elected city treasurer at that time, Mr. Koegle has since filled the important and responsible position, rendering excellent and appreciated service to his fellow-townsmen, who have perfect faith and confidence in his financial ability. Mr. Koegle married, December 22, 1904, Bertha S. Hahn, who was born at Milan, Ohio, a daughter of Henry and Bertha (Kromer) Hahn. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Koegle has been brightened by the birth e three children, namely : Wilbur H., Richard H. and Robert A., Jr. Mr. Koegle has served several years, as a member of the Sandusky Board of Waterworks. Religiously he belongs to the Evangelical Church. Fraternally he is a member of Sandusky Aerie No. 444, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and of Sandusky Herd No. 471, Loyal Order of Moose. HENRY J. SCHILLER. An active member of the legal fraternity of Erie County, Henry J. Schiller has been successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession at Sandusky for ten years, during which time he has won a fair share of patronage, He was born in 1873, on a farm in Perkins Township, Erie County? Ohio, a son of George Schiller. His paternal grandfather, Frederick Schiller, a German by birth and breeding, spent is entire Bavaria, being there engaged in mercantile pursuits. Two of his sons immigrated to this country, George, who became a resident of Ohio, and Frederick, who settled in Canada, on Pelee Island, which is located in Lake Erie, north of Sandusky. Born August 29, 1830, in Bavaria, Germany, George Schiller attended school regularly until twelve years old, when he began an apprenticeship of five years at the trades of a baker and miller, his father paying the baker 50 cents a month the first two years, instead of the boy receiving any money for his work, although during that time he was allowed to attend school a part of each year. The baker, however, gave him $2 a month the last two years of his apprenticeship. In 1853, deciding to try the hazard of new fortunes, he embarked on a sailing vessel for America, and after a tempestuous voyage of eighty-three days landed in New York. He followed his trade for a time in Brooklyn, and then went to Cincinnati, where he secured work as a truck gardener will a Mr. Biegler. Coming to Erie County in 1863, he bought a tract of land on the Columbus Pike, in Perkins Township, and for a while carried on general farming. Later he was engaged in the baking business at Sandusky for three years, but subsequently returned to Perkins Township, where he continued his agricultural labors until his death, April 13, 1897. The maiden name of the wife of George Schiller was Mary Biegler. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 29, 1838, and is now living, since the death of her husband making her home with her children. Her father was born and bred in Bavaria, and there married. Immigrating to the United States in 1837, he established himself in Cincinnati as a building contractor, and met with success in his labors. He was energetic and enterprising, and used to burn all the lime and brick he required in the construction of buildings. He and his good wife reared five children, Katherine, Margaret, George, Mary and Kate. Of the union of 'George and Mary (Biegler) Schiller twelve children were born, namely : William, deceased ; Anna ; Gustav ; Charles, deceased; Albert ; Edwin ; Henry, deceased ; Henry J. and John H., twins; George ; Alma, and, William. As a boy and youth Henry J. Schiller attended the rural school of District No. 5, in Perkins Township, in the meantime helping his father on the home farm. At the age of sixteen years he began an apprenticeship of three years in Frank's bakery, and subsequently, for two, or three seasons, sailed the lakes during the summer and worked at his trade winters. Then, for a period of twelve years, Mr. Schiller was employed 498 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY as a baker at the Soldiers' Home, and while thus engaged made diligent use of his leisure time by close and intelligent study completing the Sandusky High School course, and passing the examination k Columbus. He also pursued the study of law to some purpose, in 1906 being admitted to the bar. Since that time he has devoted his time and attention to the practice of his profession, and to the buying and selling of real estate, in both lines of business meeting with much success. On September 15, 1897, Mr. Schiller married Lillian Virginia Lowe, who was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Anna (Leigh) Lowe, the former of whom was a native of Virginia, and the latter of Bavaria, Germany. Her paternal great-grandfather served as a soldier in both the Revolutionary war and in the War of 1812. Her grandfather Lowe was captain of a Pennsylvania battalion during the Civil war and lost his life while in service. Five of his brothers-in-law fought in the Confederate army during that conflict. Her father, John Lowe, enlisted in the Third West Virginia Cavalry during the Civil war, and under command of General Custer took part in various engagements, and still later served in the United States Regular Army. On August 30, 1905, Mr. Schiller, in his efforts to rescue a youth from drowning in the Sandusky Bay, jumped from the dock, and after being twice pulled under the water safely landed the young man on dry ground. For this brave act the United States Congress awarded him a silver medal, and in addition he received a Carnegie medal and $1,500 in cash from the Carnegie Hero Fund. Politically Mr. Schiller has always been actively identified with the republican party. He cast his first vote for William McKinley as governor of Ohio, and subsequently had the pleasure of twice voting for the same candidate for president. In 1904 he was a candidate on the republican ticket for representative to the State Legislature. Fraternally he is a member of Science Lodge No. 50, Free and Accepted Masons. WALTER DAVLIN. Now living retired in Sandusky, Walter Davlin, at the age of eighty-two, has a retrospect covering the most important epochs in Erie County's development. He lived as a boy in the wilderness here before railroads were thought of, and the strength and energy of his own body have helped clear away the virgin forests and wrest the land from the dominion of the wilderness. During the greater part of his active career he was a farmer and stock raiser, operating several of the fine farms in this county. Walter Davlin was born in Courtright Township, Delaware County, New York, March 8, 1833. Hs father, Walter Davlin, was born in Lisnerdin, County Armagh, Ireland, March 17, 1797, and was the only member of his father's family to come to the new world. He grew up and married in his native county, and when he came to this country in 1826 he brought his wife and three children. The voyage was made in a sailing vessel, at that time the only means of crossing the Atlantic, and the vessel was six weeks between ports. Purchasing land in Court- right Township the elder Davlin set up a dairy and sent his butter to New York City. His wife's sister's husband, Peter Smith, at that time had a sales stable in the city, and Walter Davlin was one of his horse buyers in the country. Peter Smith left the East and in 1834 became a pioneer of Ogle County, Illinois, securing some extensive tracts of land, including the present site of Rochelle, in which town he subsequently engaged in banking and acquired a fortune. In 1837 Walter Davlin, Sr., also left New York State, selling his farm and bringing his family and some of his household goods to Ohio. The journey was made by canal to Buffalo and thence by lake steamer to Huron. He had already visited this section and selected a home in the HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 499 interior of Huron County, where he settled with his family. His first place was about ten miles southwest of Milan, but he later bought land seven miles from that town, and finally removed to a tract of land in Huron Township of Erie County, which was his home until his death on September 8, 1877. The elder Davlin married Jane Foster, who was born in County Armagh, Ireland, May 15, 1802, and died in Erie County, August 25, 1884. She and her sister Sallie, wife of Peter Smith above mentioned, and their brother John and family were the only ones of her father's family to come to America. Jane Foster Davlin reared ten children, namely Margaret, Sally, Joseph, Mary Jane, Samuel, Walter, Eliza, Matilda, Nancy and Fanny. A boy of four when the family came to Ohio, Walter Davlin has only faint memories of the incidents of the journey. At that time Erie was a part of Huron County, Sandusky was but a hamlet, and much of the surrounding country uncleared and sparsely settled with an abundance of wild game to satisfy every desire of the hunter and trapper. As a boy he attended one of the pioneer schools held in a log cabin, with the crudest of furniture and comforts and with the typical curriculum of that period. Habits of industry were fastened on him by discipline with the ax and plow beginning when he was still of tender years. It was all a splendid preparation for his own practical career. In 1863 he purchased land in Townsend Township, and started independently as a farmer and stock raiser. He had ambition, energy and judgment, and prospered year in and year out. The surplus was invested in more land until he and his wife owned, including her inheritance, upwards of 2,600 acres, situated in both Sandusky and Erie counties. Mr. Davlin was married May 10, 1863, to Ann J. Whitmore, who, by a former marriage, had two children, Carrie and John. She was born in Huron Township, Huron county. Her father, John Whitmore, was a native of Leicester, Livingston County, New York, born May 29, 1816. His father, George Whitmore, supposedly was a native of New York State, but John Whitmore, of the preceding generation, was born in Holland, and coming to America in colonial times located on Long Island. The Whitmores subsequently removed to Pennsylvania, where, during an Indian uprising, five of the family were made prisoners, while the oldest son, Philip, was killed. In 1830 George Whitmore, accompanied by his wife Margaret and children, came to Ohio and located in that part of Huron County now Margaretta Township of Erie County. There were two sons, William and John, and five daughters, Rachel, Mary, Eleanor, Kate and Jeanette. In 1837 John Whitmore married Marcia (Swift) Chapman, of Erie County, and they settled in a new home in Townsend Township of Sandusky County. The country was still meagerly populated and with little land cleared. John Whitmore soon opened a store of general merchandise and established a service which was of great value to his neighbors, who showed their appreciation by furnishing him a trade that grew in volume and made him very successful. His prosperity also took the form of land, and at his death on January 1, 1881, he left 1,342 acres, including several well improved farms. His wife was the daughter of Simeon Swift, and by her first husband, Jay Chapman, had three children : Jane, wife of Enoch Beebe Jay, who married Mary A. Childs; and Henry, who died in boyhood. Mrs. John Whitmore died January 17, 1864, and by her second marriage Mrs. Davlin was the only child. John Witmore, her father, was a man of courage and ability and stood among the first citizens of his generation. He combined his success with a liberality which caused him to extend a helping hand to all those in need. His wife was also an industrious and capable woman, and assisted him in the achievement of his success. John Whitmore was all 500 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY his career a democrat, and though voting and helping his party to success, he was too busy himself to accept public honors. Mr. and Mrs. Davlin have reared five children, named William, Marcia, Sallie, Margaret and Ann. William married Effie Skilliter, and their five children are Grace, Helen, Margaret, Walter and Ruth. The daughter Marcia married Elmer Dills, and has two children, Edna and Walter. Sallie became the wife of Charles Neill, and her two sons are William Homer and Charles Justin. Margaret married Lewis Quinn and has a daughter named Julia Ann. Ann, the youngest, is the wife of William Quinn, and their children are Lucile and Arthur Walter. Mrs. Davlin, the mother inherited the charitable traits of her father, and her goodness has extended beyond her own home to practical benevolence to many in need. She became a member of the Episcopal Church at Clyde in 1896. Mr. Davlin reached manhood about the time the great political issues were drawn for the struggle between the North and the South, and like thousands of northern young men was drawn into the ranks of the new republican party, and has voted with it since it nominated its first presidential candidate. He was at one time postmaster of the Village of Whitmore, where for several years he conducted a general merchandise store. JOHN A. GIEDEMAN. A man of keen foresight, vigorous will, possessing an undoubted capacity for business, John A. Giedeman is intimately associated with the banking interests of Sandusky as president of the American Banking and Trust Company, being at the head of one of the leading financial institutions of the city. A native of Germany, he was born at Kappel am Rhein, Baden, which was likewise the birthplace of his father, John Giedeman, and the village in which his paternal grandparents spent their entire lives. Born in 1822 John Giedeman was left an orphan when quite young, but was fortunate enough to find a good home with relatives. Leaving school at the age of fourteen years, he served an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade, one of the most remunerative of all trades at that time, when all shoes were made by hand. He subsequently worked as a journeyman shoemaker in the fatherland until 1851, when, accompanied by his wife and only child, he came to America, crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, for ninety-three days battling with wind and wave before touching the shores of New York. Coming from there to Ohio, he proceeded first to Buffalo, where he secured passage on a schooner for Sandusky, his point of destination. Very soon after his arrival he opened a shop on East Jefferson Street, and was busily employed at his trade until 1862. Enlisting then in Company G, Sixth-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he went south and was in active service under Generals Buell, Sheridan, Rosecrans and Thomas. With his regiment he participated in many of the more important battles of the Civil war, including these at Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, and was with Sherman's command in the Atlanta campaign, taking part in all the engagements en route to Atlanta, and assisting in the siege and capture of that city. Subsequently, going with General Thomas's command in pursuit of Hood's army, he took part in the battles at Franklin and Nashville, and continued with his regiment until the close of the conflict, when he was honorably discharged from service. Returning to Sandusky, John Giedeman entered the employ of Stoll & Koch, and served as foreman of their store on Columbus Avenue until the firm was dissolved by mutual consent. He then continued in the same position with Mr. Stoll, who became sole proprietor of the business, until another change was made in the personnel of the firm, Mr. Koch HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 501 selling out to Mr. Stoll, his former partner, and John A. Giedeman, the subject of this sketch. With the new firm, Koch & Company, John Giedeman continued as foreman of the shop until his death, September 27, 1882. John Giedeman married Theresa Faist, who was born in Baden, Germany, in the same locality that the birth of her husband occurred, in 1822, and died in Sandusky, Ohio, March 17, 1908. Her parents were life-long residents of Baden, and in the Village of Kappel their nineteen children were born, sixteen daughters and three sons. Eight of the daughters came to America, and all married and reared families. Mr. and Mrs. John Giedeman reared but two children, namely : John A., the subject of this sketch, and Sophia, wife of Hon. Phillip Buerkle. A child of fifteen months when brought by his parents to this country, John A. Giedeman was educated in the parochial and public schools of Sandusky. At the age of twelve years he began life as a wage-earner, becoming cash boy in the dry goods store of H. Converse & Son, who sold out a year later to George March & Brother. Continuing with the new firm six years, Mr. Giedeman was advanced during that time to the position of salesman, and when March Brothers sold out to E. II. and R. M. Wilcox he continued as salesman for them for a period of eight months. Engaging then in business on his own account, Mr. Giedeman formed a partnership with William Koch, and as junior member of the firm of Koch & Company opened a boot and shoe store on the south side of Water Street, between Columbus Avenue and Jackson Street. Seven years later he purchased his partner's interest in the establishment, and for a time run the business alone. He then sold a half interest to John Homegardner, and continued as head of the firm of Giedeman & Homegardner until 1904, when he bought out his partner, and again became sole proprietor. In 1909 Mr. Giedeman admitted George H. Uberle and Frank Sheably into partnership and withdrew from the active manage ment of affairs, although still retains an interest in the business, which is being successfully carried on under the firm name of George H. Uberle & Company. In the meantime he had become financially interested in the Commercial National Bank, and served as one of its directors until July, 1909, when he resigned to accept his present position as president of the American Banking and Trust Company, the affairs of which he is administering very successfully, and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He is likewise officially connected with various other corporations, being a director in both the Sandusky Telephone Company and the Dauch Manufacturing Company and the president of the Saving, Building and Loan Company. Mr. Giedeman has been twice married. He married, first, in 1875, Miss Katherine Homegardner, who was born in Sandusky, where her parents, John and Mary Homegardner, were pioneer settlers. She died November 20, 1901, leaving three children, namely : Cora, now wife of Thaddeus Green ; Edith, and Catherine. Mr. Giedeman married, second, September 27, 1904, Mrs. Katherine (Wagner) Crotty, widow of Thomas Crotty. She was born in Cleveland, where her father, John Wagner, located as a pioneer on coming to this country from Germany, his native land. Religiously Mr. Giedeman and his family are members of St. Mary 's Roman Catholic Church. Fraternally he is a member of Sandusky Council No. 546, Knights of Columbus ; of St. George Court No. 238, Catholic Order of Foresters ; of Sandusky Aerie No. 444, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and of Sandusky Branch No. 27, Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. 502 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY WILLIAM COLES. A business record of forty-five years is the honorable distinction of William Coles, who has spent most of his life in Sandusky, and whose energy in the management of his own affairs has also at different times been diverted for the public benefit through different public offices he has held. William Coles was born in Peterboro, England, March 14, 1845, a son of Isaac Coles, who was born in the same locality. Though the grandparents spent their lives in England, three of the sons, James, Stephen and Isaac Coles, all came to America and all became early residents of Sandusky. James died a few years ago leaving one son, while Stephen has no children. Isaac Coles grew up and married in England, and about 1848 came to America, accompanied by his wife and three children. They made the voyage on a sailing vessel, being six weeks on the sea, and after landing at New York came west to Sandusky. This was then a small settlement, and a large part of the land now included in the city was covered with trees and hazel brush. During 1849 Isaac Coles was employed in driving horses to draw freight cars up and down Water Street. Only the older citizens can recall that somewhat primitive railroad. The rails were wooden stringers, covered with strap iron. This employment led Isaac Coles to a trucking business in 1850, and he began operating a two-wheeled dray. During the cholera epidemic in the city he carried the dead to the cemetery on this vehicle. That old cemetery was located on Pearl Street. Isaac Coles continued in the general dray and transfer business twenty-five years, and after that lived retired until his death at the age of eighty-six. He married Sarah Escom, who was born in England and died at the age of eighty-one. She reared twelve of her fourteen children, namely : Harriet, William, Stephen, Jane, Phebe, Nettie, Fanny, James, Isaac, Thomas, Polly and Sally. The first three were born in England. William Coles was three years old when brought to Sandusky, and owing to the large family at home and other conditions his education was much neglected, and from the time he was eight years old he began to be self supporting. He was employed in different kinds of work, with attendance at school only during the winter months. While still, young he bought on credit a team and began hauling freight around the city. He went at this work with the same energy which has characterized all his activities, paid for the team in a short time and then bought other teams and equipment and set up as a general contractor in the freight and transfer business. He continued this business in growing proportions with offices on Railroad Street until 1909, and has now completed fully forty-five years of business activity. On December 24, 1864, Mr. Coles married Jane Bayless, who was born in England, and was the only member of her father's family to come to America. During the Christmas season of 1914 the Coles family aid many friends celebrated the auspicious event of the fiftieth anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Coles. They reared five children : Sarah E., William, Mary, John, Alfred. Sarah E. lives with her parents. William met his death by accident at the age of twenty-one, while John died at the age of nineteen, and Alfred died in childhood. The daughter Mary is the wife of Dr. F. F. Lehman, and has two children. Mr. Coles is affiliated with Perseverance Lodge No. 329, F. & A. M. For many years his fellow citizens have imposed upon him important responsibilities of a public nature. He served as a member of the board of education eight years, as a member of the board of safety six years, and also in the city council. While on the board of education the Seventh and Ninth Ward schoolhouses were built, and while he was on the board of safety two new fire steamers were bought for the fire department, HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 503 the No. 5 Engine House was built, also the No. 3 Engine House and the Ninth Street bridge. During his membership in the city council the paving work was done on Columbus Avenue, Market Street, Tiffin Ave nue, Wayne and Hancock streets, and during that time he was chairman of the committee on paving. HON. GEORGE C. BEIS. Energetic and decisive, and liberally endowed with natural legal talent and ability, Hon. George C. Beis, who holds a distinctive position among the leading attorneys-at-law of Erie County, is successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Sandusky. A son of George J. Beis, he was born in Waterville, Lucas County, Ohio, of German ancestry, his paternal grandparents having been lifelong residents of Germany. Two of their sons immigrated to America, George J. and Charles, who settled in Wyandot County, Ohio. Born and educated in Baden, Germany, George J. Beis left home in early manhood, coming to the United States in search of a favorable opportunity for advancing his financial resources, and being sixty-two days in crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel. Landing in New York, he proceeded by way of the Hudson River and the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and thence by lake to one of the ports of Ohio. Making his way across the country to Galion, Crawford County, Ohio, he there served an apprenticeship at the brewer's trade, that having been at a time when the brewing business was conducted on a much smaller scale than at present, the brewers making their own barrels, so that he became proficient in both brewing and coopering. Settling in Waterville, Lucas County, he was successfully engaged in the brewing business until 1873, when he bought a tract of land near by, and was there employed in agricultural pursuits until his death. He married Rosina Allion, whose parents emigrated from Germany to America with their large family of children when she was six years old, settling first in Pennsylvania, from there coming to Ohio and locating in the vicinity of Waterville. She died in 1893, leaving six children. An ambitious student in his youthful days, George C. Beis acquired a practical knowledge of books in the public schools, and at the age of seventeen years began his career as a teacher in Providence Township, Lucas County, and subsequently taught one or more terms each year for three years, in the meantime reading law in the office of Scribner, Hurd & Scribner. Entering the senior class of the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in 1882, he was there graduated in 1883 and immediately admitted to practice in Michigan. Instead of remaining in that state he came directly to Erie County, and after being admitted to the Ohio bar in Columbus commenced the practice of his profession in Sandusky, where he has met with unquestioned success. Mr. Beis married Lucinda M. Zerbe, who was born in Sandusky, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Zerbe. Mr. and Mrs. Beis are the parents of three children, namely : George A.., Jeannette and Mary Elizabeth. After his graduation from the Sandusky High School, George A. Beis entered the University of Michigan, his father's alma mater, and in 1912 was graduated from the literary department of that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Later he entered the law department of that university and was there graduated with the class of 1915. Jeannette Beis, also a graduate of the Sandusky High School, is now, in 1915, a student at the Western Reserve Woman's College in Cleveland. Mr. Beis cast his first presidential vote in favor of Grover Cleveland,. and has since been an earnest supporter of the principles of the democratic party, serving ably as chairman of the Democratic County Com- 504 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY mittee, and in 1888 was the democratic candidate for presidential elector of his home district. Prominent in the administration of public affairs, Mr. Beis was elected probate judge of Erie County in 1890, and in that position served most satisfactorily to all concerned. He was elected city solicitor of the City of Sandusky in 1885, and was reelected in 1887 and 1889, resigning the office of solicitor to take the office of probate judge. JUDGE EDMUND B. KING. Among the men whom Sandusky and Erie County have long since learned to value for their personal character and ability of service is Judge Edmund B. King, who has for fully forty years been actively identified with the bar in that city and is a former judge of the circuit bench. Judge King is a man who conceives citizenship as a duty involving unremitting service in the general interests of the community. He exercised a wise choice in making the law his profession, and he has long stood as one of the leaders of the Sandusky bar. Edmund B. King was born in a log house in Mentville Township of Medina County, Ohio, on the 4th of July, 1850. His family were among the early settlers of Northern Ohio. His father, Cyrus King, was born in the Town of Pompey, Onondaga County, New York, while the grandfather, Joel King, was a native of Rhode Island and of colonial ancestry. Joel King brought his family out to the wilds of Onondaga County about 1810, and was one of the early settlers at Pompey, where he spent the rest of his life as a farmer. Cyrus King acquired a good education in the common schools of New York State, and as a young man learned the trade of carpenter. At the age of twenty-one he started for the West, making the journey by the lake from Buffalo and landing at Cleveland, which was then a very small city. He was employed at his trade there during the summer season and taught a country school in the winter. As carpenter it should be mentioned he assisted in erecting the first buildings of. the Western Reserve College at Hudson, and was also employed a time at his trade in Akron. After that for several years he was a resident of Wadsworth Township in Medina County, where he alternated his trade and his work as a teacher but after his marriage bought fifty acres of land in Mentville Township, three miles from the City of Medina. About half of this land was cleared, and the rest in heavy timber. A log house and a small frame barn constituted the bulk of the improvements. There he began the solid work of his life, following his trade part of the time and also superintending the operation of the farm, to which he subsequently added fifty acres. Late in life he left the farm and lived retired in Medina until his death at the age of eighty-two years and six months. Cyrus King married Harriet Bennett, who was born in Wadsworth Township of Medina County, where her father, Timothy Bennett, was a pioneer settler. Mrs. Cyrus King died at the early age of twenty-seven. Judge King spent his early boyhood and youth on the old farm above mentioned, and in the meantime attended the country schools. He was ambitious to acquire a higher education, and partly with such assistance as his father could give him and partly from means earned by his own labor he attended the public schools of Medina City and also the Oberlin Academy and took a course in Baldwin University. During his student days he was a teacher, and taught two terms in Townsend Township of Huron County. He took up the study of law in the office of Wickham and Wildman at Norwalk, and was admitted to the Ohio bar in August, 1873. In October of the same year he was elected prosecuting attorney for Medina County and filled that office until the fall of 1875, when he resigned in order to locate in the City of Sandusky. He was soon recognized as one of the coming lawyers and now for many years has controlled a large and profitable practice. PICTURE OF EDMUND B. KING HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 505 On February 26, 1874, Mr. King married Emma Hackett, who was born in Huron County, Ohio, a daughter of Abner and Hannah Hackett. Judge King and wife have two children, Cora and Clifford M. Cora is the wife of Thaddeus Graves of Hatfield, Massachusetts, and has three children, named Elizabeth, Edmund King and Janet. Clifford M., a graduate of the Western Reserve University with the degree A. B., and from the technical department of Cornell University with the degree in civil engineering, is now practicing his profession, and married Edith Davis. Judge King cast his first presidential vote for General Grant and has been a stanch republican for many years. He was elected presidential elector in the campaign of 1888, and sat as a member of the Ohio Constitutional Convention of 1912, -and did some valuable work in framing the present organic law for the state. In 1894 he was honored by election to the office of judge of the sixth judicial district, and filled that position nearly five years, finally resigning in order to resume his private practice. He has for many years been an active member of the Ohio Bar Association, and in 1904 was a delegate to the Universal Congress of Lawyers and Jurists at St. Louis. Outside of his profession his chief business interest is as president of the Lincoln Stove Company of Fremont. Judge King is affiliated with Lodge No. 50, F. & A. M.; Sandusky City Chapter No. 72, R. A. M.; Sandusky City Council No. 26, R. & S. M.; Erie Commandery No. 23, K. T.; Alkoran Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Cleveland ; Toledo Consistory, A. A. Scottish Rite, and is a Mason of the thirty-third degree. He is a past grand commander of the Knights Templars of Ohio. At one time he was active in the Ohio National Guard, serving as second lieutenant, later as captain and finally as major in the Sixteenth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, from 1880 to 1897, inclusive. MARY CLEMONS DEWEY. Some of the first families of Sandusky and Erie County are represented by Mrs. Mary Clemons Dewey, whose own career has been one of exceptional service and length-. She is perhaps the oldest native citizen of Erie County, and following the death of her husband, which left her a mother with two children, she took up the work of teaching and for forty years was connected with the public schools of Sandusky. Mary Clemons Dewey was born October 18, 1832. Her father was Elijah E. Clemons, who was born in the Town of Hiram, Maine, February 21, 1803, a son of John Clemons, also a native New Englander. John Clemons came out to Ohio in 1819, and was one of the pioneers of Sandusky, which was at that time a village in the midst of the woods and its chief prosperity was as a lake port. John Clemons reared six sons and one daughter, named Carey, John, Alexander, Elijah, Andrew, William and Eunice, who married Daniel Newton. Elijah E. Clemons, who was sixteen years old when the family came to Sandusky, had only a limited education, but was a man of good business ability and judgment. He learned the trade of cooper, worked at it in Sandusky until after his marriage, and then bought a tract of land about three miles out on the Columbus Pike. There he erected a shop for his work as cooper, also opened a tavern, and cultivated a small tract of land. At that time there were neither railroads nor canals in this part of Northern Ohio, and Sandusky was a market and shipping point for the grain raised by farmers for a hundred miles back from the lake shore. During certain parts of the year the Columbus Pike was a thoroughfare for almost a continuous procession of wagons bearing all kinds of traffic, and one of the favorite places of entertainment for the rivers was the Clemons Tavern. Elijah E. Clemons was in a fair way to becoming a prosperous man until his death at an early age on December Vol 11-3 506 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY 27, 1836. He married Hannah Gregg. She was born July 11, 1806, in New York State. Her father, Benjamin Gregg, was probably also a native of New York State, came out to Ohio during the early settlement days, making the trip on a sailing vessel from Buffalo and landing at Venice, then a flourishing village. He bought a tract of timbered land on the Columbus Pike, three miles south of the Sandusky courthouse, and was engaged in farming there until late in life, when he removed to Sandusky and died in 1865 at the age of eighty-nine. Benjamin Gregg had a family of several children. Mrs. Dewey 's mother, after the death of her husband, assumed so far as possible the responsibilities of managing the farm and the tavern, and kept the old home until her death in August, 1848. She reared , five children, named Sarah, Carey, Mary, Hiram and Marcella. Mrs. Dewey was educated in the rural school near Sandusky and later attended the Sandusky High School. At the age of eighteen she married Royal Dewey, who was born in Poultney, New York, in 1825. His father, Jeremiah Dewey, was a native of New England and came to Sandusky in the early days, where he was one of the first to engage in the jewelry business, and for several years was the only jeweler in town. He died of cholera during the fatal year 1849. Royal Dewey learned the jewelry business under his father and became exceedingly expert as an engraver. He worked at his trade for his brother Hiram for some time, and afterwards was in business for himself until compelled by ill health to retire. His death occurred in 1859 at the age of thirty-four. Mrs. Dewey, thus left a widow with two children to support, began teaching school. Her first term was at Marblehead, beginning in the spring of 1860. In the fall of the same 'year she removed to Sandusky and opened a select school. With the improvement of the public schools this institution became unprofitable, and she was then made one of the teachers of the city schools and, continued in that work forty years, during which time she taught children, children's children and even grandchildren. Mrs. Dewey 's two children were Ella, who died at the age of twenty years, and Hiram, now a commercial salesman living in Cleveland. Hiram Dewey married Clara Stapleford and has a daughter named Ethel. Mrs. Dewey, though an octogenarian, is well preserved physically and mentally, and has a host of friends, particularly among her old pupils. She occupies a cozy home at 1017 Adams Street. GEORGE J. DOERZBACH. Prominent among the native-born citizens of Sandusky who have spent their lives within its boundaries, aiding in every possible way the city 's growth and advancement, whether relating to its social, commercial or financial interests, is George J. Doerzbach, clerk of the Erie County Board of Elections. The youngest son of Christopher and Louise (Schweitzer) Doerzbach, he received a practical education in the public schools, in 1888 being graduated from the Sandusky High School. Beginning his active career a short time later, Mr. Doerzbach was for ten years associated with his brothers, G. William Doerzbach and Fred C. Doerzbach. He was subsequently identified with the music business for eight years, being in company with John F. Renner during that time. The partnership being dissolved, Mr. Doerzbach began writing insurance, and has continued in that line of industry ever since. For the past five years he has rendered efficient service as clerk of the board of elections, a position for which he is well fitted. Mr. Doerzbach married, in 1896, Sallie Belle Rodgers, a daughter of Hazard Rodgers. She comes of honored and patriotic ancestry, being a direct descendant of a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and is a member HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 507 of the Daughters of the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Doerzbach have one son,. Roger Henry Doerzbach. Politically Mr. Doerzbach cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison, and has since been an earnest and consistent supporter of the principles of the republican party. Active and influential in fraternal circles, he is a member of Science Lodge No. 50, Ancient, Free and Accepted Order of Masons; of Sandusky City Chapter No. 72, Royal Arch Masons; of Sandusky City Council No. 26, Royal and Select Masters; of Erie Commandery No. 23, Knights Templar ; and is likewise a member of Sandusky Lodge No. 285, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is past exalted ruler, and at the present writing is the secretary. His chief recreation is bowling, a health and strength giving sport in which he excels. CONRAD D. ECKLER. Inheriting from his ancestors the habits of industry, thrift and economy characteristic of the German people, Conrad D. Eckler, of Sandusky, has steadily climbed the ladder of prosperity since coming to this country, and has attained high rank among the men who have gained success in the industrial world, his patronage as a painter and decorator being large and remunerative. He was born November 29, 1849, in the Village of Neumoerken, Kress, Melsunger, Cassel Hesse, Nassau, Germany, which was also the birthplace of his father, Justus Henry Eckler. His great-grandfather Eckler, a Hessian soldier, came to America with the English army during the Revolutionary war, but did not remain very long, as his regiment, which was, taken by the American forces on the field of battle, was recaptured by the English and sent back to Germany. Before coming to America he had made over all of his property to his sister, and it is supposed that when he did so he intended to remain permanently in this country. A skillful horticulturist, he subsequently had for many years the entire charge of the fruit trees that were planted along the streets of Neumoerken, and belonged to that village, it being- the one in which he spent the larger part of his long life of ninety years. The paternal grandfather of Conrad D. was a farmer by occupation, and a life-long resident of Neumoerken. He reared two daughters and three sons, as follows: Elizabeth, Martha; Justus H., Henry and George. All of these children immigrated to the United States and settled in Ohio, becoming residents of Sandusky. Justus Henry Eckler was a regular attendant of the public schools of his native village during his boyhood days, and after completing his early education served an apprenticeship at the millwright 's trade, which he subsequently followed in the fatherland until 1864. Accompanied by wife and children, he embarked on board a sailing vessel in the month of June, and after a voyage of six weeks and four days landed in. New York, July 16, 1864. After a brief stay in that city he went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from there coming to Sandusky, Ohio, where his brothers had been located a number of years. Subsequently finding employment in the factory of Aukaback, Craig & Dory, he had charge of selecting the lumber to be used for different purposes by the workmen. Resigning that position, he became machinist for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, with which he was subsequently connected until his death, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, whose maiden name was Barbara Kerste, died when but forty-two years old, leaving two children, Katy and Conrad D. Having attended school until fourteen years of age, Conrad D. Eckler then came wi h his parents to Sandusky. Like all German boys of that day he was anxious to earn money, and having sought work he found 508 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY it with the firm of Upp & Welk, in whose employ he remained for a year. He afterwards served an apprenticeship of four years with Harry Porter at the trade of painter and decorator. He subsequently followed his trade as a journeyman until 1872, working a year for Samuel Tebbutt, and afterward with the firm of Bauman & Tebbutt. Mr. Eckler having then become a thorough master of his trade, embarked in "business for himself, and has continued active ever since, being now one of the leading painters and decorators of the city and its suburbs, and having as a partner his son, Harry J. Eckler. Mr. Eckler married, in 1878, Caroline Elizabeth Balduff ; she was born in Perkins Township, Erie County, of German ancestry. Her father, Jacob Balduff, was born, reared and married in Baden, Germany. Immigrating with his family to America he was several weeks crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel. Coming directly to Ohio he was among the first of the German families to locate in Sandusky. For a few years after settling in this city he was in the employ of the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark Railroad Company, and while with it purchased a tract of heavily timbered land in Perkins Township, and having erected in the wilderness a log house moved his family there. Subsequently giving up his position with the railroad company, he devoted the remainder of his life to the clearing of the land and the tilling of the soil, improving a good homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Eckler have had four children, namely : Albert F., Harry J., Clarence C. and Clara, but the last named died aged four years and two months. Albert F., a clerk and auditor in Hotel Holland, at Cleveland, married Christine Waterfield, and they have one child; Dorothy Eckler. Harry J., as mentioned above, is associated in business with his father. Clarence C. has charge of the office of the Arctic Ice Cream Company, in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Eckler is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and he and his family are members of the German Reformed Church. JACOB A. BIEHL. A than of excellent business capacity, intelligence and sterling integrity, Jacob A. Biehl, of Sandusky, is well and widely known as vice president of the American Banking and Trust Company, and as a stockholder in many of the leading enterprises of the city. A representative of one of the early German families of Erie County, he was born, April 28, 1855, in Sandusky, a son of Frederick Biehl. His paternal grandfather, Conrad Biehl, was born in Kour Hessen, in the Kingdom of Hesse Cassel, Germany, and was there bred and educated. In 1848, several years after his marriage, he came with his family to this country, being three months crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel. Landing in New York, he came directly to Ohio, locating in Sandusky, which was then a small but flourishing place. The following year, in 1849, the Asiatic cholera reappeared in the United States, carrying terror to every home and heart, and proving fatal to thousands of people in every part of the country. In view of the terrible scourge, the president appointed the 3rd day of August as a day of fasting and prayer, that God would "avert the pestilence that walketh in darkness. and the destruction that wasteth at noonday." Remaining in Sandusky, Conrad Biehl purchased a home on the east side of Hancock Street, near Neil Street, and was subsequently variously employed in the city until his death, about 1859. His widow survived him a few years. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Henry, Jacob, Louis, Frederick, Charles, Conrad, Elizabeth and Margaret. Born in Hesse Cassel, Germany, Frederick Biehl was but a child when he accompanied his parents to the United States. Growing to manhood beneath the parental rooftree, he began when young to assist HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 509 in the support of the family as a wage-earner. On August 21, 1862, he enlisted in Company F; One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Going to the front, he was with his command in various engagements, including among others the battle of Gettysburg, where he was captured by the enemy, and subsequently confined in a Southern prison until exchanged, in September, 1864. Rejoining his regiment, he remained with it until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged, and mustered out of service with his company, July 10, 1865. For a number of years after his return to Sandusky he was foreman of a lumber yard, continuing his residence in that city until his death, which occurred at the family home, on Reese Street, in 1900. The maiden name of the wife of Frederick Biehl was Barbara Meyers. She was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to America with her parents when a young girl. She is now living in Sandusky, an active woman of eighty-five years. She and her husband reared seven children, namely : Conrad, Jacob A., Louis, Martha, Barbara, Frederick and Charles. Following in the footsteps of his father, Jacob A. Biehl gave his first earnings to his father, thus helping to support the family, his first work away from home having been in the country, on a farm. Entering the employ of the L. B. Johnson Company in 1872, he remained with that firm until 1888, when, without any previous experience, he embarked in the grocery business at the corner of Warren and Reese streets. Meeting with signal success from the start, Mr. Biehl has since built up a thriving trade, and is now carrying on an extensive and remunerative business. Mr. Biehl married, in 1878, Margaret Faulhaber, who was born 'in Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio, where her father, Valentine Faulhaber, settled on emigrating from Germany to Ohio in pioneer days. Mr. and Mrs. Biehl are the parents of four children, namely : Cora, Rollin V., Alvin and Wilbur. Cora, wife of John Ebert, has the children, Margaretta, Charles and Willard. Rollin V. married Adella Lermann, and they have one child, Eloise. Alvin married Alma Missig, and they have one child, Alvin Jacob. Fraternally Mr. Biehl is a member of Sandusky Aerie No. 444, Fraternal Order of Eagles ; of Progress Lodge No. 1488, Knights and Ladies of Honor ; and of F. W. Stevens Tent No. 1293, Knights of the Maccabees. EDMOND H. SAVORY. Well equipped for a professional career, Edmond H. Savord holds an assured position among the rising young attorneys of Erie County, being well established at Sandusky, where he is fast building up a satisfactory legal practice. A son of Alexander J. Savord, Jr., he was born, October 5, 1889, in Sandusky, a descendant of one of the early French families that settled in the City of Quebec, Canada. His grandfather, Alexander J. Savord, Sr., was a son of Joseph Savord, whose father, the great, great-grandfather of Edmund H. Savord, it is said, once owned the land in Detroit now occupied by the Union Station. Alexander J. Savord, Sr., was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1838, and there as a youth learned from his father the trade of a 'tip joiner, which he followed in his native city until 1865. Coming' then to Ohio, he located in Sandusky, where he was joined by his family a year later. He found employment at his trade, and also worked as a carpenter and cabinet maker, among other things making the desk now used by the judge in the court room of the Erie County courthouse. For a number of years he was in the employ of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Company, making water tanks. He continued his residence in Sandusky until his death, which occurred in 1890. He married Rebecca Ratte, who was born in 1843, in the Province of Quebec, Canada, where 510 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY her father, Frank Ratte, who was of French descent, spent his entire life. She is now living in Ohio, her home being in Lorain. To her and her husband three children were born, as follows: Alexander J., Jr. ; Rebecca ; and Edmond, who was drowned when a lad of twelve years. Alexander J. Savord, Jr., was born in the City of Quebec, December 4, 1864, but since the early part of 1866 has been a resident of Sandusky, Ohio. Acquiring an excellent education in the parochial schools, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed two years. He then learned the trade of a ship joiner with his father, who was operating a shop at the B. & A. docks. After the death of his father he assumed charge of the shop and managed it successfully for four years. He was subsequently superintendent for a Government contractor from 1895 until 1899, when, in the month of August, he was appointed Government inspector in charge of local works, a position of importance which he has since ably and satisfactorily filled, now having full charge of the harbors at Port Clinton, Sandusky, Huron and Vermilion, with headquarters at Sandusky. While in the employ of the Government contractor he superintended the construction of the jetties placed at the entrance of the bay at Cedar Point. The maiden name of the wife of Alexander J. Savord, Jr., was Jennie E. Kelley. She was born January 1, 1865, in Sandusky, of Irish parentage. Her father, Michael Kelley, was born and reared in County Roscommon, Ireland, and there married Catherine Maloney, a native of the same county: Coming with his wife to America in 1851, he located in Sandusky, and there continued his residence until his death, in 111114. His widow survived him many years, passing away in 1914, sixty-three years after her arrival in Sandusky as a bride. She was the mother of ten children. Four children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Savord, namely : Edmond H., with whom this brief sketch is chiefly concerned. Marzita; Ruth, and Faber. Laying a substantial foundation for his future education in the parochial and public schools, Edmond H. Savord was graduated from the Sandusky High School with the class of 1908. Desirous then of preparing himself for a professional career, Mr. Savord entered the University of Notre Dame, at Notre Dame, Indiana, and in 1912 was graduated from the law department of that institution. Upon being admitted to the Ohio bar, he began the practice of law in Sandusky, and has since met with most encouraging success. A democrat in politics, Mr. Savord cast his first presidential vote for Woodrow Wilson. From October 1, 1914, to June 1, 1915, he was director of safety, and on June 1 became city solicitor. Fraternally he belongs to Sandusky Council, No. 546, Knights of Columbus, and he is also a member of the Holy Name Society. Since 1912 he has served as president of the Sandusky High School Alumni Association. FRED W. BAUER. Possessing excellent business ability and judgment, Fred Bauer, of Sandusky, is eminently qualified for. the position he holds in the municipal department of finance, and well deserves the commendation and approbation of the general public for the prompt and efficient manner in which he is discharging his duties as city auditor. A son of the late Adam Bauer, he was born in Sandusky, December 6, 1868, of German descent. His paternal grandfather, John Philip Bauer, was born in the Village of Messbach, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, a son of Johann Conrad Bauer, who married Anita Barbara Stohr. Leaving school at the age of fourteen years, he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade in Niedermodan. Then, taking the place of an elder brother in the army, he fought the Prussians under Napoleon I, and took an active part in HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 511 the Polish invasion as a brave soldier enduring great hardships. Being discharged from the service, he followed his trade in both France and Switzerland, and when the Germans again took up arms against the French he fought in the German army until honorably discharged. He subsequently lived at Billings, near Steinau, Germany, until 1836. On August 10 of that year he set sail for America, accompanied by his family, and after an unusually rough voyage landed in Baltimore. Coming from there westward to Pittsburgh by rail, and thence by team to Ohio, he took up a tract of timbered land in Crawford County, and, having erected a log cabin to shelter his family, began the pioneer task of clearing the farm on which he spent his remaining days. He married, May 24, 1818, a comely young widow, whose maiden name was Anna Catherine Feick. Although he attained the age of four score and four year's, she outlived him, dying at a venerable age. They reared five sons and three daughters, and at the time of his death they had forty- six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Adam Bauer was born October 21, 1821, in the Grand-Duchy of Hesse, formerly Hesse-Darmstadt, and as a youth came with his parents to Ohio, having a long and stormy trip across the Atlantic. He assisted his father in hewing a farm from the forest.. When ready to start in life for himself he spent a year in Toledo, being employed on the canal. Returning home, he again assisted his father in the management of the farm for a time. In 1844 he made his way on foot to Sandusky, arriving in the city with but $5 in his pocket, his sole capital. He soon found work as a carpenter, and ere many years had passed was well established as a contractor and builder, with a shop at the corner of Water and Jackson streets, that having been at a time when all door and window sashes were made by hand. Purchasing property at the corner of Market. and Decatur streets in 1849, he erected a building, and was there engaged in the grocery business until 1876, when he removed to a building which he had previously put up at the corner of Monroe and Decatur streets. After conducting a thriving business at that location a few years, he sold out, and thereafter lived retired in Sandusky until his death, December 14, 1901. The maiden name of the wife of Adam Bauer was Caroline Hemberle. She was born in Germany, and in 1834 came with her parents to America, taking passage on a sailing vessel, and landing in New York. From there the family proceeded by way of the Hudson River to Albany, thence by the. Erie Canal to Buffalo, and by lake to Sandusky, where the family took teams to Crawford County, Ohio. A few years later Mr. Hemberle moved with his wife and children to Erie County, settling on a farm in Perkins Township, but remaining only a short time there. He and his wife then moved to Sandusky, and there spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Caroline Bauer is still living, a bright and active woman of eighty-seven years. To her and her husband seven children were born, as follows: John, who died at the age of forty years; Caroline; Harriet ; Albert ; Fred W., the subject of this brief personal narrative: Theodore, who lived but fourteen years; and Adam, who also died when but fourteen years old. Having finished the course of study in the public schools of Sandusky, Fred W. Bauer worked for awhiie at the plumber's trade, after which he entered the employ of Thomas T. Dill as timekeeper and assistant superintendent of the work of grading and building roads, and setting out trees on the grounds of the Ohio Soldiers' Home, retaining the position a year. The ensuing fifteen years Mr. Bauer was connected with the waterworks department of the City of Sandusky, five years of that time serving as superintendent. He then accepted a position with the Sandusky Gas and Electric Company as manager, and at the end of 512 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY three years resigned to become secretary of the A. Schmidt, Jr., & Brothers Wine Company, with which he was associated in that capacity for four years. In 1911 Mr. Bauer gave up the secretaryship to become assistant city auditor, assuming the office in August of that year. Three months later, in November, 1911, he was elected to the position, and served so acceptably to all concerned that at the expiration of his term of service, in November, 1913, he had the honor of being re-elected to the same office by a large majority of the votes cast. Mr. Bauer married, in 1891, Sabina Denhart, who was born in Sandusky, a daughter of Justus and Anna Denhart, natives of German3j. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bauer, namely : Harriet, Esther, Mary and Fred D. Mrs. Bauer's parents belonged to the German. Evangelical Church, and reared their family in the same faith. The Misses Harriet and Esther Bauer are members of Grace Episcopal Church. Fraternally Mr. Bauer is a member of Sandusky Lodge, No. 128, Knights of Pythias; of Sandusky Herd, No. 471, Loyal Order of Moose ; and of Sandusky Aerie, No. 444, Fraternal Order of Eagles.' Gifted with a natural taste and talent for music, Mr. Bauer began playing the violin in his youthful days, and the greater part of the time during the past sixteen years has been leader of the orchestra at the Sandusky Theatre. JOHN ADAM FEICK. Prominent in the business activities of Sandusky, John Adam Feick, head of the firm of John A. Feick & Son, is numbered among the leading contractors and builders of Erie County, and is widely known as president of the Butler Stone Company, and as one of the directorate of the Third National Bank of Sandusky. A son of Adam Feick, he was born in this city, January 28, 1862, of substantial German ancestry. His grandfather, Philip Feick, a life-long resident of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, was for many years engaged in the manufacture of wagons at Steinau, and was also interested to some extent in agriculture, owning farm land in that vicinity. Adam Feick was born, May 3, 1822, in Steinau, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and was there brought up and educated, spending the first thirty years of his life in his native town. Leaving the fatherland on September 21, 1852, he came to America in search of fortune, if not fame, and immediately settled in Sandusky, Ohio. Finding employment as a journeyman carpenter and joiner, he soon won an excellent reputation for skillful and honest workmanship. Subsequently forming a partnership with his brother George under the name of Adam Feick & Brother, he met with very encouraging success from the start, the firm of which he was the head being awarded many important contracts and having charge of the erection of many of the city's large and handsome structures. On January 8, 1859, Adam Feick married, in Sandusky, Johanna Fulton, who was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1841, a daughter of John Frederick Fulton. Mr. Fulton, who was born June 7, 1807, in Wurtemberg, Germany, immigrated ti the United States in early life, locating first in Pennsylvania. Coming with his family to Ohio in 1843, he settled in Hancock County, and subsequently continued a resident of the state until his death, April 24, 1881. He married, in 1832, Magdalena Koli, and of the twelve children born of their union seven were living at the time of his death. Ten children blessed the marriage of Adam and Johanna (Fulton) Feick, as follows : John Adam, the special subject of this brief sketch ; Ida Elizabeth ; Christina died in infancy ; George, who lived but one year ; Alford ; Henrietta Katherine ; Emma Helena ; Cora Wilhelmina ; Minnie Louise ; and Lewis Alfred. Mr. Adam Feick died in March, 1893, and his wife on November 17, PICTURE OF JOHN A. FEICK HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 513. 1908. Both were active workers in the German Lutheran Church, he having served as elder, treasurer and vestryman, while she was for many years a prominent member of the Humane Society connected with that church. Having acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of Sandusky, John A. Feick was subsequently graduated from Saint Mary's Institute. Commencing to work with his father when young, he soon mastered the trade of a carpenter and builder, and later was admitted to partnership with his father and uncle George, the firm name becoming Adam Feick & Company. After the death of his father, Mr. Feick continued in business with his uncle under the firm name of George Feick & Company until 1902. He subsequently conducted business alone until 1913, when he admitted to partnership his son, John C. Feick, with whom he has since been associated as senior member of the firm of John A. Feick & Son. Mr. Feick married, in November, 1884, Elizabeth Zipfel, who was born in Sandusky, a daughter of Constantine Zipfel, and granddaughter of Joseph and Mary Zipfel, natives of Baden, Germany, who emigrated from there to Ohio in 1851, and after living three years in Clyde located in Sandusky, where they spent their remaining days. Born May 21, 1839, in Norsingen, Baden, Germany, Constantine Zipfel was but a boy when he came with his parents to Ohio. While living in Clyde he began work at the butcher's trade, and after coming to Sandusky in 1854 followed it for a time. Subsequently starting in life on his own account, he was for upwards of thirty years engaged in the provision business on Water Street, at the same time, having purchased land near the city, he was carrying on farming and stock raising quite successfully. He continued in active pursuits until his death, in Sandusky, June 4, 1894. On December 31, 1858, Mr. Zipfel married Marie Daniel, who was born in Sandusky, and died June 28, 1886, leaving seven children, as follows : Charles; Joseph ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Feick ; Mary ; Ida ; Laura ; and Alfred. A stanch republican in politics, Mr. Zipfel served as a member of the city council for a number of years, and during one campaign was the republican candidate for mayor of Sandusky. Both he and his wife were members of Saint Mary's Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Feick's only. child, John C. Feick, now in business with his father, married Mylitta Emma Taubert, who was born in Sandusky, a daughter of Lewis J. and Catherine (Stroble) Taubert, and they have one daughter, Mary Katherine Louise Feick, born in March, 1914. Religiously Mr. Feick and his family belong to the German Lutheran Church. Fraternally Mr. Feick and his son are both members of Perseverance Lodge No. 329, Free and Accepted Masons of Sandusky Council No. 26, Royal and Select Masons; of Sandusky Chapter No. 72, Royal Arch Masons; of Erie Commandery No. 23, Knights Templar ; and both are thirty-second degree Masons, Mr. Feick being a member of the Lake Erie Consistory, and his son of the Toledo Consistory. Mr. Feick has always taken an active and intelligent interest in public affairs and has served as a member of the city council and of the board of public service. CAPT, JOHN C. ZOLLINGER. For many years actively identified with the mercantile and manufacturing interests of Sandusky, Capt. John C. Zollinger, a man of excellent business enterprise and judgment, has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods, and is now living retired from active pursuits, enjoying a well-earned leisure. He is a veteran of the Civil war, and also one of the oldest native-born citizens of Sandusky, his birth having occurred in this city October 10, 1842. His parents, Charles W. and Christina (Smith) Zollinger, of whom a brief account may be found on another page of this volume, in connection 514 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY with the sketch of Frederick P. Zollinger, were born and educated in Germany. Educated in the Sandusky schools, John C. Zollinger completed his early studies in the old high school building that stood on the spot now occupied by the courthouse, it having been a-two-story structure containing four rooms, one being used by the high school, one for the highest grammar grade, and the other two for recitation rooms. With a keen appreciation of the dignity of honest toil, he began work as soon as old enough, at the age of fourteen years becoming a clerk in the dry goods establishment of Everett Cooke & Company, and later entering the employ of C. E. & G. A. Cooke. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, Sixty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and subsequently saw service under Generals Buell, Sheridan, Rosecrans and Thomas. He took part in many of the more important engagements of the conflict, including among others those at Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River and Missionary Ridge, participating in all the pitched battle and minor engagements en route from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and after the siege and capture of the latter city again met the enemy in the battles at Franklin and Nashville. In 1863, his term of enlistment having expired, Mr. Zollinger veteranized, and subsequently, for gallant and meritorious conduct, he was promoted, receiving his commission as captain ere reaching the age of twenty-three years. In the spring of 1865 Captain Zollinger was sent with his regiment to Texas, and there on December 25, 1865, he was honorably discharged from the service. In 1866 the captain was employed as clerk in the office of an express company, and the ensuing few years was engaged in the dry goods business on his own account. He sold out his stock for- the purpose of entering into a partnership with Frederick Ohlemacher, and was for ten years engaged in the manufacture of lime, having large quarries at Marblehead, Ohio. Disposing of his interest in the quarries, Captain Zollinger, in company with Louis Adolph, was successfully engaged in the fish business until 1900, but since that time, has lived retired from business activities. In 1866 Captain Zollinger was united in marriage with Paulina Lerch, who was born near Basel, Germany, a daughter of William and Barbara Lerch. Her father was a revolutionist during the uprising of 1848, and when the cause failed he, like Carl Schurz and others of his caliber, emigrated to America. Coming directly to Ohio, Mr. Lerch embarked in the jewelry business at Sandusky, and when well established sent for hiwife and Paulina, their only child. Prosperous in his undertakings, bo he and his good wife there spent the remainder of their lives. True to the faith in which they were reared, they were consistent members of the German Lutheran Church. Mrs. Zollinger, who was brought up in the same religious belief, passed to the life .beyond November 11, 1904. Captain Zollinger is a member of McMeens Post, No. 19, Grand Army of the Republic, in which he is greatly interested. Fraternally he belongs to Science Lodge, No. 50, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, with which he has been connected for upwards of half a century, and of which he is past master ; and to Erie Commandery, No. 23, Knights Templar. STEPHEN HENRY ROGERS. Every passing year adds to the veneration and respect in which .the few surviving veterans of the great war between the North and South are held. An Erie County soldier who made a record for himself by faithfulness to duty and efficiency as a soldier during the '60s is Stephen Henry Rogers, a native of Erie County, HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 515 for many years a prosperous farmer and stock man, and now living quietly retired at his home in Sandusky. Stephen Henry Rogers was born in Margaretta Township of Erie County, October 28, 1838. The family was early settled in New York State, and the father, Stephen Rogers, was born near Schenectady in December, 1814. When a young man he came to Erie County, bought a tract of unimproved land in Margaretta Township, and there built the log house in which Stephen H. Rogers was born. Though the county had been settled a number of years a large portion of it was still an unbroken wilderness, and the Rogers family was among those who added to the area of cultivated lands and improved the resources of civilization in this section. For many years after coming here Stephen Rogers gave all his energy and time to clearing up and cultivating his land, and after a few years replaced the old log house by a substantial stone structure, which is still standing, and an interesting landmark in Margaretta Township. This old house has a porch the entire length of the front, a large lawn with numerous shade trees, and is one of the very attractive country places in this county. Stephen Rogers lived there until his death in 1864. He married Eliza Hartwell. She was born in Margaretta, Township of Erie County July 11, 1815, and her family was among the earliest pioneers of this region of Northern Ohio. She first married Benjamin Rogers, a brother of Stephen, and one of the early settlers of Margaretta Township, where he died not long after his marriage, leavg one son, Benjamin. Stephen Rogers and wife were the parents of five children, named Mary L., Stephen Henry, Phebe Maria, Martha E. and Allida. The mother of these children lived to the great old age of eighty-five, passing away in 1900. Stephen Henry Rogers grew up on the country place above described, attended the neighboring country schools, and when still a boy was actively engaged in running the farm. He continued his labors, in that manner until October 21, 1861, when he answered the call for troops to defend the Union and enlisted in Company A, of the Seventy-second Regiment of Ohio Infantry. He went South with his command and was with the regiment in all its service up to July, 1863. In that month he was detached for special duty as a carrier of dispatches, and served in that capacity successively under Gen. Ralph P. Buckland, General Asboth, Gen. James M. Tuttle, Gen. Joseph A. Mower, and finally with General McArthur. He saw service in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas, and had a most interesting and varied military career: - Mr. Rogers now has in his possession a number of souvenirs of the war. One of these is a drinking cup in a leather case captured from Colonel Clack of the Second Louisiana Independent Cavalry. He also has a belt with revolver and cartridges and a long sword captured from a rebel major at the battle of Henderson Hill. On the brass clasp of the cartridge belt is embossed a pelican, showing that it belonged to a Louisiana regiment. He has a number of other curios picked up on different battlefields. Perhaps the most cherished of his keepsakes from the war period is one that he carried with him from the time of his enlistment until his return home. This was a "housewife" given him when he enlisted by his sister Martha. It was made of silk, bound with leather, and contained a comb, needles, thread, buttons and other little necessities for his use in repairing his clothing. Mr. Rogers still has this "housewife," and in it the comb which he carried all through the war. At the close of his term of service, in the fall of 1864, Mr: Rogers was honorably discharged, and on returning home resumed his position on the old homestead farm. He finally succeeded to the ownership of the place. In 1869 he bought a farm in the west part of the same town- 516 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY ship and was there successfully engaged in general farming, raising cattle, horses and hogs, and was for many years one of the most substantial and successful farmers of that vicinity. In 1899 Mr. Rogers removed to Sandusky, where he is now living retired, though still owning the farm, which is rented. On October 26, 1865, Mr. Rogers married Maria Louisa Bardwell. She was born in Margaretta Township February 19, 1838. Her father, Salmon Dickinson Bardwell, was born in Hatfield, Massachusetts, February 29, 1796. He was reared and was married in that town, and in 1834, accompanied by his bride, came out to Ohio. The journey was made by wagon and team as far as Albany, New York, at which point they embarked upon a canal boat over the Erie Canal as far as Buffalo, and thence by lake boat to Huron, and there again wagon and team were brought into service to convey them to Margaretta Towhship in Erie County. In that locality he bought land and built the log house in which Mrs. Rogers was born. This old house had a stone chimney and fireplace, and as there was no stove, the mother of Mrs. Rogers for many years did all her cooking over the open fire. Mr. Bardwell subsequently erected a substantial frame house, and lived there until his death in 1852. He married Lucy Ann White, who was born in Hatfield, Massachusetts, July 22, 1806, and died on the home farm in 1873. Mrs. Rogers had one sister, Sarah Ann, who first married William Graves and later James Snowden. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have reared four children; Addie A., Carrie A., Henry Stephen, and James G. The daughter Addie married Jefferson Fleming, and died in 1900. Carrie A. married Thomas M. Farmer, of Toledo, Ohio. Henry S., of Sandusky, married Edna Gander, of Norwalk. James G. is a resident of Arizona. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are Universalists in their religious belief. Mr. Rogers is affiliated with McMeens Post, No. 19, of the Grand Army of the Republic. JAMES H. EMRICH. A few years ago Sandusky lost one of its veteran merchants in the death of James H. Emrich, who for more than half a century had been identified with the drug trade in the city. He was a careful business man, liberal and helpful in his attitude toward local affairs, and his name was a synonym with integrity and honor. His birth occurred in Kusel, Rhenish Bavaria, August 13, 1829, and his death came nearly eighty years later on May 7, 1909. His father, Philip Emrich, was born in Foeckelberg, Rhenish Bavaria, February 12, -30 1798, and the grandfather, Jacob Emrich, was born in the same village in 1771. Jacob had his rearing and education there, served six years with the Bavarian army, and when an old man came to America, in 1840, with some of his children, and died at Piketon, Ohio. He married Elizabeth Weber, who died in Germany. The oldest of their ten children was Jacob, who was with the Bavarian troops in the army of the Emperor Napoleon, and the last heard of him was when he went away under the emperor on the fatal invasion of Russia. The other nine children all came to America, named Katherina, Philip, Christian, Peter, Karl, Heinrich, Theobald, Elizabeth, and Daniel. Philip Emrich lived in Bavaria until 1840, having in the meantime received his education and spent six years in the army. He had served a thorough apprenticeship at the trade of wagonmaker and followed that vocation until coming to America. He embarked his little family, wife and three children, on board the sailing ship Anson, and after a voyage of sixty-five days, attended with some bad weather, landed at New York City. Their destination was the State of Ohio, and their course in reaching that country was by boat up the Hudson River, by canal to Buffalo, and thence by water and overland to Piketon. There Philip HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 517 became associated with his brother Theobald in the manufacture of wagons and carriages, remaining about one year, continuing the same business at Chillicothe until 1868, after which he lived retired in Sandusky until his death on March 18, 1884. Philip Emrich married Louise Engelhardt, who was born at Baumholder, Prussia, March 23, 1799. She reared three children : James H., Philipina and Philip. Philip located in Sandusky and was in business with his brother James until his death in 1876. The daughter Philipina married Charles Dick, and resides in Sandusky, which is also the home of her son, Carl Emrich Dick. James H. Emrich was eleven years old when brought to Ohio, and the education began in the schools of his native village was continued only briefly at Chillicothe. When still a boy he was working and earning his way as clerk in a drug store of that time, and that experience gave him the permanent direction of a career. Later he was at Cincinnati and New York City, and along with experience in practical, management of a drug business also acquired an expert knowledge of chemistry and pharmacy. It was in 1856 that he came to Sandusky and bought an interest in a drug store on Water Street, and of which, within a year thereafter he became sole owner. His next location was the West Howse. and after purchasing ground and building a store on the east side of Columbus Avenue, he continued in business until the close of his life. His store was one of the landmarks of the business district, and he practically outlived all his competitors who were in business when he came to Sandusky. In 1880 Mr. Emrich erected the substantial home at 1006 Washington Street where he lived nearly thirty years and which is now occupied by his daughter. Mr. Emrich was married at Akron, Ohio, in November, 1856, to Henrietta S. Townsend. Her father, Alfred R. Townsend, who was born at Cazenovia, New York, February 14, 1810, after learning the trade of tailor, came to Ohio in 1834 and established himself in that line of business. Later he became a factor in the transportation business along the canal, and was also a figure in public affairs. He was the first marshal of the Village of Akron, and was also tax collector, deputy sheriff, internal revenue assessor, and director of the county infirmary. He continued to live in Akron until his death in November, 1887. In 1834 he married Evelina Blodgett, who was born in Starksboro, Vermont, and died at Akron, January 22, 1888. Of her three chlidren, Mrs. Emrich was the oldest. John A. Townsend is now a resident of Rochester, New York, while Emala G. died unmarried. Mrs. Emrich died in April, 1861. Her only daughter, Minnie L., is now owner of the home built by her father in 1880. While Mrs. Emrich was a member of the Congregational Church, her husband was quite liberal in religious matters. Despite the exactions of his busy life, he was a student. kept in close touch with political and other topics. and is remembered by all his old friends as an entertaining and instructive conversationalist. FRANKLIN FREES LEHMAN, M. D. For more than twenty years engaged in the practice of medicine at Sandusky, Doctor Lehman has an excellent practice, and has worthily won his place in professional life. As a young man he was ambitious to secure a liberal education, and worked for most of it teaching school and by other occupations defraying his expenses until graduating from college and medical schools, and as a result of this experience and his self-made career, was all the better equipped for a successful accomplishment in his chosen field of work. Franklin Frees Lehman was born on a farm near Wooster in Wayne County, Ohio. His father, Ephraim Lehman, was born in the same 518 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY locality August 11, 1826, while the grandfather John Lehman was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1792. The great-grandfather, Martin Lehman, was a native of Alsace-Loraine, and so far as known was the only member of his immediate family to come to America. He came to this country when a young man, located in Berks County, where he married a German girl, and they spent the rest of their days in Pennsylvania, and were the parents of a large family. Grandfather John Lehman was reared and educated in Berks County, and there learned the trade of miller. On leaving Pennsylvania he came to Ohio, accompanied by his family, and making the entire journey by the overland route with wagon and team. He located as one of the pioneers in Wayne County, where he bought a tract of 160 acres of land about four miles from Wooster. The only improvements on this land comprised about four acres of cleared ground with a rude log cabin. Nearly all the rest . of it was covered with a heavy growth of timber. John Lehman was a vigorous type of the early pioneer, possessed industry and the faculty of hard work with good business judgment, and with increasing prosperity continued to buy other lands and in time had a large estate. He lived in Wayne County until his death at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. He was twice married, was the father of eighteen children, and thirteen of these reached maturity. The maiden name of his first wife, the grandmother of Doctor Lehman, was Miss Bear. For a number of years the grandfather lived in a log cabin, but subsequently built a substantial house of hewed timber, and that was occupied as a dwelling until recent years. Ephraim Lehman grew up on the old farm, and at the time of his marriage located on a place adjoining the old homestead, subsequently succeeding to the ownership of the old farm of his father. He continued successfully as a general farmer and stock raiser for many years, but now lives retired at Bloomington, a suburb of Wooster. He married Susanna Frees, who was born in the same locality as her husband August 11, 1834. She was one of the seven children of Jacob and Salome (Billman) Frees. She died in October, 1913. The three children who grew up were Franklin Frees, Cora, wife of W. M. Glasgow of Wooster, and Floyd Vinton, a resident of Seville in Medina County, where he successfully conducts one of the largest utility poultry farms in the state. Doctor Lehman spent his boyhood on the old farm in Wayne County. His first advantages were given him at rural schools, and he received his preparatory college education in the University of Wooster. During the four years he attended that institution he boarded at home, and rode back and forth to school, a distance of four miles, every day. Following this he was for three years a student in the Ohio Northern University at- Ada, and paid most of his expenses by teaching school in Miami County during the intervals of his own school attendance. Doctor Lehman acquired his higher literary and professional education in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In the fall of 1884 he entered the University of Michigan and was graduated A. B. in 1888. Then followed one year of teaching as principal of the high school at Marquette, Michigan. He then returned to Ann Arbor and entered the homeopathic department of the university, graduating with the degree of M. D. in 1891. The following eighteen months were spent as an interne in the homeopathic hospital at Rochester, New York, followed by general practice in Rochester until November, 1893. Since the latter date Doctor Lehman has been located at Sandusky, and with mature experience and a reputation for skillful work enjoys a large practice and a fine reputation as a physician and surgeon. In 1904 Doctor Lehman married Mrs. Mary A. Raikes, daughter of William and Jane Coles, an old Erie County family, record of whom is HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 519 given on other pages. Dr. and Mrs. Lehman have two children : John Frees and Ellen Margaret. Doctor Lehman is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Homeopathic Medical Society, the Ohio State Homeopathic Society and the American Institute of Homeopathy. He is affiliated with Science Lodge No. 50, F. & A. M., with Sandusky City Chapter No. 72, R. A. M., and with Sandusky City Council No. 26, R. & S. M. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors of America and to the Sunyendeand Club. FREDERICK PAUL ZOLLINGER. A representative business man of Sandusky, and one of its leading citizens, Frederick Paul Zollinger, president of the Third National Bank, is recognized as one of the most able and successful financiers of Erie County. A son of Charles W. Zollinger, he was born, July 10, 1858, in the City of Sandusky, which at the time of his birth could scarcely claim a population of 8,000 people. His paternal great-grandfather, Gottlieb Zollinger, a life-long resident of Germany, was for many years burgomaster of Weisbaden, where his children were born and bred. Johann Zollinger, Mr. Zollinger's grandfather, was born, June 16, 1778, in Weisbaden, and there grew to manhood. As a member of the German contingent of the army of Napoleon I, he followed his commander to Moscow aHd back, in 1812, and from the effects of that long march, and the terrible exposure incidental thereto, he never recovered, his death occurring in 1814. Two of his sons subsequently came to the United States to settle, namely : Christian and Charles W. Arriving in New York, Christian Zollinger made his way to Indiana, locating at Fort Wayne, where he followed the trade of a turner for many years. He subsequently bought land in that vicinity, and in addition to farming owned and operated a sawmill, residing on his farm until his death. 11e was the father of seven sons, one of whom, Charles A. Zollinger, enlisted, during the progress of the Civil war, in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served with such gallantry and bravery that at the early age of twenty-six years he received his commission as colonel of his regiment. He subsequently served as mayor of Fort Wayne, and as sheriff of Allen County, Indiana. Born July 23, 1813, in Weisbaden, Germany, Charles W. Zollinger was but an infant when left fatherless. His school life ended, he served aH apprenticeship at the cabinet maker's trade, and after its completion turned his face toward America, lured hither by the hope of gaining wealth in a newer country. Coming directly to Ohio, he located in Sandusky, which was then a mere village, while Erie County was a part of Huron County. The country roundabout was very heavily wooded, with here and there a small opening in which stood the modest log cabin of a pioneer. Opening a shop on the east side of Wayne Street, just north of the corner of Washington Street, he established himself in business as a furniture maker and undertaker. 'The- products of his factory found a ready sale among the people of the county, his patronage becoming quite extensive. Moving one block north in 1860, he there continued in active business until his death, May, 1867. In politics he was identified with the Whigs until the formation of the republican party, when he became one of its most earnest supporters. Both he and his wife were members of the Salem Church, German Evangelical Association. The maiden name of the wife of Charles W. Zollinger was Christina Smith. She was born in Baden, Germany, a daughter of John and Maria Smith, who immigrated to America at an early day, and having purchased a tract of timbered land near Fremont, Ohio, erected a log cabin, and on the farm which they cleared from its original wildness reared their 520 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY family of two sons and five daughters, and there spent their remaining days. Mrs. Charles W. Zollinger died in September, 18894 having survived her husband upwards of a score of years. She ;reared ten children, namely : Mary, who became the wife of Rev. Charles Negele ; John C., of whom a sketch may be found elsewhere in , this volume ; Henrietta, who married Jacob Weis ; Charles T.; Katherine, .wife of Henry Schneerer ; William R. ; Frederick P., with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned ; Christina, wife of Frederick Crass ; Elizabeth, who married Edgar Wonnell ; and Frank T. Having completed the course of study in the public schools of Sandusky, Frederick Paul Zollinger, in February, 1875, became a messenger boy in the Third National Bank of Sandusky; with which he has since been connected. Remaining with the institution through its different changes, he ha§ been promoted from time to time, serving as clerk, assistant cashier and cashier, and finally as president becoming head of the bank. Energetic and enterprising, Mr. Zollinger is also actively identified with various other industrial enterprises of the city and county, his influence in business circles being far-reaching. On September 6, 1882, Mr. Zollinger was united in marriage with Lucy M. McLouth, who was born in Sandusky, a daughter of 0. C. and Elizabeth (De Witt) McLouth. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Zollinger, namely : Laura, who married Edward A. Allstaeler, has two children, Frederick L. and Elizabeth ; Marion, wife of Edward M. Koch, and Paul, who died at the age of seventeen years. Prominent in Masonic organizations, Mr. Zollinger is a member of Perseverance Lodge No. 329, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons ; of Sandusky City Chapter No. 72, Royal Arch Masons ; of Sandusky City Council No. 26, Royal and Select Masters; of Erie Commandery No. 23, Knights Templar ; of the Toledo Consistory ; and also of Zenobia Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also associated with the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Zollinger is a member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to Martha Pitkin Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, which she has served as regent. CHARLES EDDY COOKE. Of the families and individuals who had most to do with the early settlement, development and latter day growth of the City of Sandusky, one that deserves conspicuous mention was represented by the late Charles Eddy Cooke, who was for many years a prominent merchant at Sandusky and whose death took away from that city a man whose business and personal character was of the highest type. Charles Eddy Cooke was born in Perkins Township in Erie County, Ohio. His father was Prof. Augustus Cooke, a native of Connecticut, and what was uncommon at that time a man of college education. He tame to Erie County about 1830 and was usefully identified with the community in the capacity of an educator and lived here until his death. Augustus Cooke was twice married, and the maiden name of his second wife was Mary Ann Eddy. She was born in Connecticut, a daughter of Roswell Eddy. Roswell Eddy was also a native of Connecticut, was reared and married there, but soon after the War of 1812 joined a company of several families and came out to Ohio. They came over the mountairs and out to the Southern shore of Lake Erie with wagons and teams. bringing household goods. farm implements, live stock and poultry. The chickens and turkeys were driven ahead of the teams by the children. At night these fowls would take to the trees and then the company camped wherever the poultry determined upon a roosting place. After several weeks of travel they reached what is now Perkins Township in Erie County, but then a portion of Huron County. There Mr. Eddy HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 521 bought a tract of timbered land, erected a typical log cabin, and began life in what was then the westernmost state in the Union, all the country to the west as far as the Mississippi being a sparsely inhabited region under territorial form of 'government. Mr. Eddy cleared up a farm out of the wilderness, and continued to live there until his death. Roswell Eddy married a Miss Taylor. Their daughter, Mary Ann (Eddy) Cooke survived her husband many years and died at the home of her son William at the age of eighty-four. She reared three sons : Charles, Eddy; William Joseph, who was for many years bookkeeper in banks in Sandusky, and George Augustus, who was associated with his brother Charles in business. Charles Eddy Cooke was twelve years old when his father died, and after that he lived with his maternal grandparents. He was given a good education, and was advised to take up the profession of medicine, and acting on this counsel he studied for a time with Doctor Tilden. The profession not proving to his liking, he turned to merchandising, and became clerk in the store of David Everett at Sandusky. He soon mastered the details of the business, saved his earnings, and then invested in a stock of goods and began business on his own account. His brother George soon afterwards became associated with him, and by close attention to their work and with increasing capital they enjoyed a position among the foremost merchants. Mr. Cooke invested his surplus capital in city real estate, and after disposing of his business ten or fifteen years ago devoted all his time to the management of a property which had greatly increased in value. He died at Sandusky in 1909. Charles Eddy Cooke married Mary A. Turney. She was born in Syracuse, New York. Her father, William Latta Turney, was born in Philadelphia, a son of Prof. Samuel Turney, who was a native of Connecticut and of early English ancestry. He was a lineal descendant of Nicholas Pynchon, at one time Lord Mayor of London. The line of descent is as follows: Judge William Pynchon, son of Nicholas, came to America and was treasurer of the Massachusetts Bay Colony ; his son, Col. John Pynchon, has been referred to in history as one of the " Connecticut River Gods” (see History of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Encyclopedia Brittanica) ; he married Amy Wyllys, daughter of Gov. George Wyllys; their son Col. John Pynchon, Jr., married Margaret Hubbard; their son Maj. John Pynchon married Bathsheba Taylor ; their son Joseph was the father of Margaret Pynchon, who in turn was the grandmother of Prof, Samuel Turney. Prof. Samuel Turney was a college graduate, held the position of tutor in Yale College, and after his marriage removed to Philadelphia and was in educational work in Pennsylvania until failing health caused him to go South to South Carolina where he was a tutor in the family of Governor Laurens. His death occurred in middle life. William Latta Turney, father of Mrs. Cooke, was still a boy when his father died, and thereafter lived with his uncle and grandparents in Connecticut, where he was given a liberal education. He inherited the estate of his uncle, and going to New York engaged in mercantile business in that state, and was a prominent man at Syracuse until the early '50s. He was attracted to the new State of California, shipping a stock of goods around the cape and himself cross Isthmus. He contracted a disease during the voyage and died ter landing in California. William L. Turney married Azuba who, after the death of her husband, went to Wisconsin and lived age City for a time, but spent her last years with Mrs. Cooke in dusky. She reared three daughters : Elizabeth K. Mary Augusta Josephine A. The first of these daughters lives in K., and last with Mrs. Cooke. Vol II-4 522 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Mr. and Mrs. Cooke reared two daughters, Ella and May. They also had a son Augustus who died in his fourth year. The daughter Ella married Henry A. Morgan and has two daughters named Mary and Josephine. May married Lewis Lea, and at her death left six children, named, Charles, George, Margaret, Mary Virginia, Richard James and Elizabeth Kathryn. The late Mr. Cooke was a Methodist, while Mrs. Cooke and her sister have membership in Grace Episcopal Church at Sandusky. The home which Mrs. Cooke occupies on Wayne Street at the corner of Adams is one of the attractive landmarks of the Sandusky residence district. It was built by Mr. Bell, at one time president of the Mad River Railroad Company, and Mr. Bell being a bachelor the home was built to suit his special requirements. It was put up in the early '40s, and has been standing on Wayne Street for seventy years or more. It is a stone building, with very thick walls, with well arranged interior, large windows, and is both a comfortable and quaint old place. This home was once the scene of entertainment by Major Camp (a retired U. S. A. officer, who had acquired the home, before it was finished) of Gen. Winfield Scott with his entire suite. Mrs. Cooke maintains the old home, the walls adorned with many fine paintings, and the 'visitor finds a constant charm and interest in the large collection of objects which have been purchased and gathered by Mrs. Cooke while traveling abroad. GEN. JAMES FOWLER CHAPMAN. For many years a prominent and respected resident of Erie County, Hon. James Fowler Chapman, late of Sandusky, won for himself an honorable record, not only as a trustworthy citizen but as a brave soldier, having served his country in an official capacity throughout both the Mexican and the Civil wars. A son of Arden Chapman, he was the first white child born in Medina County, Ohio, his birth having occurred in a log cabin in the wilds of that section of the state on March 30, 1819. Coming from substantial English ancestry, Arden Chapman was born and reared in New York State, living there until after his marriage. Migrating with his bride to Ohio about 1810, he secured a tract of Government land in Medina County, all of which was at that time in its virgin wildness. Clearing a space in the dense forest, he erected a rude log cabin, and immediately began the pioneer task of improving a homestead. Disposing of his farm a few years later, he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Wayne County, first in the village of Jackson, and later at Republic and Tiffin. Going with his family to Wisconsin in 1858, he located in Albany, and was there a resident until his death. The maiden name of the wife of Arden Chapman was Althedia Hinman. She was born in Bethlehem, Connecticut, of honored Huguenot stock, having been a direct descendant of an exiled nobleman of France. Born in the latter part of the eighteenth century, she received exceptional educational advantages for that day, and prior to her marriage taught school. She died at her home in the Village of Republic, Wayne County, Ohio, leaving four children, namely : James Fowler, Pardee, Caroline A., and Adaline. Brought up on the parental homestead in Medina County, James F. Chapman obtained his knowledge of the three "R's" in the primitive log schoolhouse, which was furnished with slab seats and had a puncheon floor and a chimney made of earth and sticks. A boy of thirteen years when the family removed to the village of Jackson, Wayne County, he was put to work in the tannery established by his father, driving the horse that pulled the machine used in those days for crushing the tanbark. In 1846, at the beginning of the hostilities between Mexico and the United States, Mr. Chapman assisted in the recruiting of volunteers for the War, and had the honor of being elected captain of Company F, PICTURE OF JAMES F. CHAPMAN HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 523 Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Col. Samuel Curtis. Going with his regiment to the front, Captain Chapman participated in many of the important battles of that conflict, and at Its close was honorably discharged from the service. Returning to his native state, Captain Chapman was for a short time engaged in business in Seneca County, first at Tiffin, and later at Republic. Coming to Erie County in 1848, he was for five years one of the leading merchants of Castalia. In 1853 he embarked in mercantile pursuits at Albany, Wisconsin, and there conducted a substantial business until the outbreak of the Civil war. Volunteering his services, he was then commissioned major by the governor of Wisconsin, and soon after was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and given command of the Thirteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, a position which he held for three years, doing valiant service on many a battlefield. While doing guard duty with his brigade along the Tennessee River, Jeff Davis issued a proclamation to the effect that if Colonel Chapman and certain others were captured they were not to be treated according to usages of civilized warfare, but he never fell into the clutches of the enemy. Retiring from the army as a brevet brigadier-general, General Chapman again took up his residence at Castalia, Ohio. Subsequently Ideating at Clyde, Sandusky County, he was there actively engaged in business for eighteen years. Coming from there to Erie County, General Chapman purchased the McCartney farm, in Margaretta Township, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits for a time. Removing from there to Sandusky, he subsequently lived retired in that city Until his death, September 30, 1899. On August 30, 1848, General Chapman was united in marriage with Gertrude L. McCartney, Who was born in Erie County, a daughter of William McCartney, and the descendant of and early Scotch family, whose name was originally spelled MacCartney. Born and brought up in the "Blue Grass region of Kentucky," William McCartney migrated to Ohio in early manhood, and as a scout during the time of the Indian troubles traversed the length and breadth of during Ohio ere any permanent settlements had been made within its borders. In 1816 he became one of the first settlers of Sandusky. He secured title to 1,800 acres of land in Erie County, near Venice, he cleared a portion of it, and later engaged in banking, being thus employed when "wild cat" money was in circulation. He became the owner of vast tracts of land in both Erie and Sandusky counties, and spent the closing years of his life on his farm in Margaretta Township. William McCartney married Eliza B. Cooper, a: native of Mount Vernon, Ohio. Her father, Charles Cooper, an early settler of Mount Vernon, and a well-to-do farmer, was of English descent, being of the fourth generation from the immigrant ancestor. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. McCartney six children were born and reared, as follows: Charles, Catherine C., Jessup, Gertrude L., Henry and Harvey. General and Mrs. Chapman reared but one child, Jessup P. Chapman, who died at the early age of twenty-two years. Mrs. Chapman still resides in Sandusky, and though she has passed the allotted three score and ten years of earthly life she retains her mental strength and vigor to a remarkable degree, and relates many an interesting incident of her early life. She has in her possession, among other relics of value, bank bills which were signed by her father when president of the bank. SAMUEL J. CATHERMAN. Prominent among the brainy, forceful men who spent the larger part of their long and useful lives in Sandusky was the late Samuel J. Catherman, whose name will be held in lasting remembrance in the annals of Erie County history. He was a man of 524 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY indefatigable enterprise, of great inventive talent and marked fertility of resource, as a contractor and builder contributing generously toward the material prosperity of the community, and his services in advancing the industrial interests of city, county and state are worthy of honorable recognition and praise along with the achievements of those who successfully labored in other fields of endeavor. A picture of the first engine built in Sandusky is shown in an interesting volume entitled the "History of the Western Reserve," and from that work we take the following quotation : " There is now living in Sandusky (in 1910) a man in his ninety-third year named J. S. Catherman, who when he was eighteen years old was employed in the old car shops of the Mad River Railroad in Sandusky. Various parts of the pioneer engine ' The Sandusky' were manufactured in the East and shipped to Sandusky to be put together. The work was successfully accomplished under the direction of Thomas Hogg, the master mechanic who was at the throttle of the machine when it clanged over the strap rails to Bellevue, in 1835. Later Mr. Catherman himself became master mechanic of the shops, and has a vivid recollection not only of the 'Sandusky,' but of the second engine, ' The Erie.' He claims that the Sandusky was the first engine run west of the Alleghany Mountains, and the first one in the world equipped with a steam whistle. A few months ago the still bright old gentleman was interviewed by the Sandusky Star Journal,' whose representative drew from him other information which has real historic value. When Mr. Catherman first worked in the Mad River Railroad shops little side-door cars, mulch resembling small box ears, were used on all the steam roads. To General Gregg he suggested building cars with a door at each end, and with reversible seats. The idea appealed to Mr. Gregg, and Mr. Catherman was instructed to go ahead, and from the passenger cars which he commenced to build in the Mad River shops have developed the luxurious coaches of today." Samuel J. Catherman was born in 1817, in Union County, Pennsylvania, and died at his home in Sandusky, Ohio, in May, 1911. His father; George Catherman, was also born in Union County, Pennsylvania, and his mother, whose maiden name was Philadelphia Jones, was born and bred in the City of Philadelphia. At the age of fifteen years Samuel was bound out to David Moore, with whom he served an apprenticeship of seven years at the carpenter's trade, after his third year with his employer having control of all the work.— When ready to start in life for himself Mr. Catherman returned to Pennsylvania for his mother, sister and brother, and with them came to Sandusky, making the entire journey in a covered wagon. For three years after his arrival he had charge of .the carpenter work of Mr. White, after which he was for forty years engaged in contracting and building on his own account. With his first partner, Lawrence Cable, he assumed as one of his first contracts the construction of 2,000 reapers known as the "Hero" reaper and invented by a Mr. Henderson. That contract was received in the spring of 1856, and in the fall of that year Messrs. Catherman and Cable were awarded the contract for building the Washington Street pavement, and when that was completed the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Catherman subsequently erected more than a score of lime kilns and many fine residences. His reputation for rapid and skilful workmanship brought him many contracts of importance, among others having been the erection of the cribbing in the bay, at the east and west ends of the City of Sandusky, for the Mad River Railroad Company, and the building of the Bay Bridge. Employing 300 men in the latter work, the bridge was built in a marvellously short space of time, every stroke of each man employed counting one. On one occasion during the building it was necessary to have an engine and two flat cars at Danbury, and Mr.