HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 575 (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) Arheit is independent in politics, and with his family is a member of the Reformed Lutheran Church. He is public spirited, and favors anything that will make living conditions better in his community. GEORGE W. SKILLMAN. As a lad of about fifteen years George W. Skillman accompanied his parents on their removal to Erie County and the family home was at that time established in Perkins Township, where he has continued his residence during the long intervening period of more than half a century—a period marked by worthy accomplishment on his part, his success and prosperity having been achieved through his own ability and well-ordered endeavors. He is now the owner of a well-improved fruit farm of twenty-five acres, eligibly situated on the main highway between Sandusky and Milan and opposite the Soldiers' Home. He has become a recognized authority in connection with fruit culture in this section of the state and his success has been on a parity with the industrious and careful efforts which he has brought to bear in the development of his present attractive place, which is largely given over to the cultivation of a variety of fruits, with incidental production in general agricultural lines. Mr. Skillman has been a resident of Perkins Township since the spring of 1861 and with the passing years he has kept in close touch with the march of development and progress in this favored and opulent scction of the old Buckeye State, the while he has exemplified the highest civic loyalty, been influential in public affairs of a local order and is held in unqualified popular confidence and esteem. Mr. Skillman is a scion of a family that was founded in the State of Nov Jersey in an early day, probably in the colonial era of our national history, and his paternal and maternal grandparents passed their entire lives in that fine old commonwealth, which he himself claims as the place of his nativity. Mr. Skillman was born at New Brunswick, the judicial center of Middlesex County, New Jersey, on the 8th of April, 1846, and is a son of Aaron J. and Eliza A. (Van Nostrand) Skillman, both whom were born and reared in that state, the mother having been of staunch Holland Dutch ancestry, as the family name clearly indicates. In the year 1854, when the subject of this review was about eight years of age, his parents left their old home in New Jersey and removed to Mount Clemens, Macomb County, Michigan, where they continued their residence until the spring of 1861, when removal was made to Erie County, Ohio. Settlement was made in Perkins Township, and here the father died in the year 1869, his wife having survived him by a term of years. Of their ten children only four are now living: Martin L., who is a. resident of Mount Clemens, Michigan, was a valiant soldier of the Union in the Civil war, as was also Isaac, who maintains his home in the City of Grand Rapids, that state ; George W., of this review, is the next in respective order of birth ; and Della, who now resides at San Diego, California, is the widow of the late Albert Walker,, of Sandusky, who likewise was a veteran of the Civil war. George W. Skillman acquired his rudimentary education in his native state, continued his studies in the schools of Mount Clemens, Michigan, and attended school for a time after the family removal to Erie County. He has lived continuously in Perkins Township, as previously stated, and there has so improved his opportunities as to win definite independence and prosperity, his present homestead having been his place of residence since 1882 and being improved with excellent buildings as_ well as with fine orchards and vineyards. Mr. Skillman has identified himself closely with all community interests, has been staunchly arrayed as a supporter of the cause of the republican party and served seven years in the office of township trustee, besides having given effective service for a similar 576 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY period as a member of the board of education of Perkins Township, a portion of the time his position having been that of president of the board. On the 8th of February, 1882, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Skillman to Miss Annetta Hickman, who was born and reared in Perkins Township and who is a representative of one of the prominent pioneer families of this county. She is a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Buck) Hickman, the former of whom was born in Delaware and the latter in Pennsylvania. Her maternal grandfather, Henry Buck, was one of the very early settlers of Erie County and here died from an attack of cholera, during the memorable epidemic of the dread disease in. 1849. The parents of Mrs. Skillman were early settlers on a farm in Perkins Township and a part of the same is the homestead no/V owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Skillman. Jacob Hickman survived his wife by a number of years and was one of the venerable pioneer citizens of Perkins Township at the time of his death, in 1897. Of the two surviving children Mrs. Skillman is the younger, and her sister, Elizabeth J., is the wife of Lewis L. Clark, concerning whom individual mention \is made on other pages of this publication. Mr. and Mrs. Skillman became the parents of two sons, the second of whom died in infancy. Harry H., who still ,maintains his home in Perkins Township, married Miss Emily Halt, and they have three children. G. Carlisle, Lois M. and Robert H. LEWIS L. CLARK. It is most gratifying to be able to offer in this publication a brief review of the career of this venerable and honored pioneer citizen of Erie County, which became the home of the family when he was a mere child and within the gracious borders of which the major part of his life has been passed, though his is the distinction, also of having been a pioneer in the State of California, to which he made his way at the time when the gold excitement was at its height in that historic New Eldorado. Mr. Clark is the only living representative of his generation in a family of twelve children and the name which he bears has been identified with this history of Erie County for virtually three- fourths of a century, so that it may be readily understood that his memory constitutes an indissoluble chain that links the early pioneer days with the present period of opulent prosperity and progress in this favored section of the Buckeye State. Though he has passed the eightieth milestone on the journey of life, Mr. Clark has lived a "godly, righteous and sober life," with the result that he retains to a wonderful degree his physical and mental vigor and has shown no desire for inactivity or too tranquil ease. He gives his personal supervision- to his fine fruit farm in Perkins Township, and is widely known as one of the most successful peach-growers in this section of the state, even as he is a recognized authority in this field of enterprise. Lewis L. Clark is a scion of staunch colonial stock in New England and his maternal grandfather was a valiant soldier in the Continental Line in the War of the Revolution. Mr. Clark was born-in Woodstock County, Vermont, on the 22d of October, 1834, and is the only one surviving of the twelve children of Joseph and Philena (Kempton) Clark, the former of whom likewise was a native of the old Green Mountain State, and the latter of whom was born in the State of Rhode Island. In the middle '30s, when the subject of this sketch was a mere child, Joseph Clark immigrated with his family from Vermont to Ohio and became one of the pioneer settlers in what is now Perkins Township, Erie County, where he obtained a tract of heavily timbered land and set to himself the reclaiming of a farm from the forest wilds. The original family domicile was a log house of the primitive type common to the early pioneer days, but within its rude walls peace and comfort found HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 577 place and, with its latch-string always out, its hospitality was in obverse ratio to its limited dimensions. Joseph Clark, with characteristic New England vigor and thrift, succeeded in the development of a productive farm and in making adequate provision for his family, though he and his noble wife endured their full share of the trials and hardships that fell to the lot of the pioneers in a new country. Both continued their residence on their old homestead until the close of their long and useful lives,—folk of indomitable energy, of deep religious faith and of abiding sympathy and kindliness, so that their names well merit perpetuation on the roll of the honored pioneers of Erie County. Under the conditions and influences of the pioneer days Lewis L. Clark was reared to maturity in Erie County, and it may well be understood that this section of the state is endeared to him by many gracious memories and associations. The primitive subscription schools maintained by the pioneers afforded him his preliminary educational discipline and through this medium he was enabled to lay broad and deep the foundation for the substantial superstructure of information and judgment which he has reared through personal application to study and reading and through travel and the varied experiences of a signally active ,and useful life. He was an argonaut in California, as previously noted, but in later years he has traveled somewhat extensively through both the East and the West, his western trips having included visits to California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Nevada. In 1854, about five years after the memorable discovery of gold in California, Mr. Clark, who was then about twenty years of age, indulged his youthful spirit of adventure by making his way to the Pacific Coast, the trip having been made via the Isthmus of Panama. He landed in San Francisdo, whence he soon proceeded to the gold fields of ,Sierra County, where he instituted his quest for the precious metal, his mining for gold having thereafter been continued in El Dora do County, where he remained about three years, after which he was similarily engaged for a time in Butte County. In the last mentioned county, after having been measurably successful as a gold-seeker, he finally located upon and instituted operations on a ranch, near Butte Creek, in the Sacramento Valley. In this enterprise he was associated with George W. Sailor, under the firm name of Clark & Sailor, and they were successful in their undertaking, in which they continued their activities for more than six years. With an appreciable sum of money to his credit, Mr. Clark then returned to the East, after having been far removed from the stage of operations during the entire period of the Civil war. In 1865, by way of the Nicaragua Route, he made the return journey and came back to the old home in Erie County. He finally settled on his present farmstead, in Perkins Township, where he owns forty-five acres of land, his residence being situated opposite the Soldiers' Home and on a virtual extension of South Hancock Street in the City of Sandusky. Here he has lived in peace and prosperity during the long intervening period of nearly fifty years, an upright, loyal and steadfast citizen who has secure place in the confidence and veneration of all who know him. His well improved farm is devoted almost exclusively to fruit-growing and he is known as an expert in the propagation of the finest grades of peaches, being one of the leading peach-growers of Erie County and taking great pride in his splendid orchards, to which he continues to give his personal care and supervision. On the 14th of November, 1867, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Clark to Miss Elizabeth J. Hickman, whose entire life has been passed in Erie County. She was born in Perkins Township and is a daughter of Jacob C. and Anna (Buck) Hickman, the former of whom was born in Delaware and the latter in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Clark's maternal 578 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY grandfather, Henry Buck, came from Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, to Erie County in 1830 and eventually established his home on the ,farm now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Clark. He passed the residue of his life in Perkins Township, where he died on the 7th of November, 1897, one of the most venerable and honored pioneer citizens of Erie • County. Within this county are now to be found his descendants even to the fifth generation, and he was one of those strong and resourceful men who aided largely in the civic and industrial development and upbuilding of this section of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Clark haVe one son, William J., who is engaged in fruit raising. He married Miss-Lotta Snively, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and they have two daughters,— Helen and Marjorie. As a young woman Mrs. Lewis L. Clark was a successful and popular teacher in the public schools of Erie County,. after having attended a private. school and the Sandusky High School, when that department of the city schools was comparatively a new institution. She continued her services as a teacher for several years prior to her marriage and has always kept in touch with the best literature afd the best thought and sentiment of the day. She is an active member of the Twentieth Century Club and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and both she and her husband attend tha Methodist Episcopal Church. Theirs has been an ideal companionship of nearly half a century, with all of intellectual harmony and mutually high ideals, so that in the twilight of their lives they find themselves compassed by all that makes graceful and benignant this period, the while their circle of friends is limited only by that of their acquaintances. ALBERT E. WAGNER. An old established and important industry in Perkins Township is conducted by the Wagner Quarries Company, whose business offices are at Sandusky. The family of this name has been engaged in quarrying stone in Erie County more than twenty years, and Albert E. Wagner, a son of the founder of the business, is now the active superintendent of the No. 1 Quarry in Perkins Township, where Mr. Wagner makes his home. About thirty-five men on the average are employed at this quarry and its working not only employs a great deal of labor but its output is sufficient to place it among the leading productive industries of this section. A native of Sandusky, Albert E. Wagner was born June 13, 1879, a son of Michael and Catherine (Lauber) Wagner. His father was born in Germany, came to the United States when about twelve years of age, went from New York to Canada, and after living there for a time moved to Ottawa County, Ohio, locating at Marblehead. Subsequently he moved to Sandusky, and lived there from the '70s on. He engaged in the quarry industry in 1893, and was the founder of the Wagner Stone Quarries. This company now operates five quarries in different parts of Erie County, and the No. 1 Quarry has been in constant operation since 1893, and the son Albert has been superintendent of that branch since 1903. Michael Wagner retired from active participation in the business in 1913, having for the previous twenty years been president of the company. He is still living and is past seventy-eight. Albert E. Wagner was reared to man's estate in Sandusky, attended St. Mary's Catholic Parochial Sehool, and was also a student in the Sandusky Business College. Since the age of fourteen he has had almost constant experience in stone quarrying, and this concentration of effort is largely responsible for his establishment as a successful business man at a comparatively early age. He lived in Sandusky until 1910, and since that year has had his home near Quarry No. 1 in Perkins Township. For several years he was secretary of the Wagner Stone Company, which has since been succeeded by the Wagner Quarries Company. PICTURE OF NEWTON ANDRESS HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 579 On April 16, 1907, Mr. Wagner married Lucy Keller, who was born in Perkins Township, a daughter of Frank Keller. . To their marriage was born one daughter, Lucile D. In politics Mr. Wagner is a democrat, anti is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Sandusky. Mr. Wagner also has to his credit service as a soldier in the Spanish-American war. He was kinember of Company B of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, having joined that company at Sandusky, and spent nearly a year with his command. For about four months his regiment was engaged chiefly in guard duty in Cuba, and the rest of the time was spelt m the various camps in Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina. He is a member of the Spanish-American War Veterans at Sandusky. NEWTON ANDRESS. Among the homes at Berlin Heights that stand for dignified social tradition and the best ideals that have permeated and vitalized the society of Erie County for many years that now occupied by Mrs. Ella A. Andress has special interest. Mrs. Andress lives in kbeautiful fifteen-room residence, which since it was built has frequently been the scene of gatherings of the best people in that community. Mrs. Andress for a woman of her years has a remarkably well preserved nature, and it seems hardly possible that the coming years can dim the anima.- tion of her spiritual character. She is easily one of the most important leaders in local society, and at different times has done a great deal in the cause of prohibition. Her late husband was Newton Andress, who died at his home in Berlin Heights April 28, 1909. Mr. Andress was a man with a successful record in business and likewise enjoyed the high esteem paid to good citizens. He was born at Henrietta, in Lorain County, Ohio, November 13, 1834, and was in his seventy-fifth year when he died. His father, Almond Andress, died at Birmingham in Erie County at the age of eighty-four. He was twice married, and his first wife was the mother of the late Newton Andress. Newton Andress grew up on a farm, attended the country schools, and nearly all his active career was devoted to farming, latterly on an extensive scale, and the foundation of his prosperity was laid in this occupation. He was first married to Carrie C. Barber. She was born in Erie County February 22, 1839, a daughter of Rev. Phineas Barber, who is remembered as one of the early Methodist Episcopal preachers in Erie County, and who died at the home of his daughter in Berlin Heights. Mrs. Carrie C. Andress died June 3, 1892. There were no children by this marriage. Before Mr. and Mrs. Andress had retired to Berlin Heights they owned and occupied two large farms in Erie County, and as the possessors of ample means also had the wisdom needed to enjoy them. Mrs. Andress was a regular attendant at church and a devout Methodist. Newton Andress was in politics a, democrat, and at different times had been honored with local offices in his township and the Village of Berlin Heights. He was also a Mason who had attained the thirty-second degree in Scottish Rite, and had affiliations with Marks Lodge No. 359; with the Royal Arch Chapter at Berlin Heights ; with Norwalk Commandery No. 18, K. T. ; and, with Lake Erie Consistory and the Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Cleveland. On September 28, 1893, Mr. Andress married Mrs. Ella. A. (King) Clary. Mrs. Andress was born in Florence Township, Erie County, May 13, 1851, and grew up in that country community and at the Village of Berlin Heights. She attended the public schools and also the college at Berea, and in early life was a teacher. She first married George Chandler Clary, who was born in Florence Township April 7, 1848, and died suddenly while away from home on April 12, 1879. His father, George W. Clary, was a pioneer farmer in Florence Township, and spent 580 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY an active and prosperous career there, dying at the age of eighty-two. He was one of the early members of the republican party in that section. George W. Clary carried Eliza Chandler, who survived him a few years and was .a woman of strong mind and strict in her religious duties, and was nearly eighty-four years of age at the time of her death. By her first marriage Mrs. Andress had two children. Charles Clary, who is a farmer at Birmingham in Erie County, married Helen 'Stone, who was a California girl and by the narrowest margin escaped from a house which was destroyed over her head during the San Francisco earthquake and fire ; they have two children, Netton A. and Helen A. ,Myrtle C., the second child of Mrs. Andress, died at the age of forty-one on October 3, 1913, leaving by her marriage to Thomas Elson a daughter named Marie, who lives with her father in Berlin Heights. Mrs. Andress is the daughter of Joseph S. and Melona (Masters) King. They were both natives of Connecticut and when young people came to Erie County and were married in Florence Township, where they began life as farmers, and where her father died at the age of eighty- two. He possessed a remarkable vigor of mind and body which was maintained well up to the close of his life. His wife died at the age of sixty- one. Mrs. Ella A. Andress is a member of the Congregational Church, has two affiliations with the Eastern Star at Norwalk and with the Pythian Sisters at Berlin Heights, and through these and other relations maintains her activities in social affairs. She is an active member of the W. C. T. U. and has been connected with many of the important operations of that body. JAMES C. BRUNDAGE. It was more than ninety years ago that the Brundage family established its home within the wilds of the present County of Erie. They were of the finest class of people, God-fearing, industrious, independent, and well fitted for the trials and privations of frontier life. Of such an ancestry honorable in all things is descended James C. Brundage, long one of the prominent citizens of the Berlin Heights Community. Mr. James C. Brundage himself is a native of Buffalo, New York, where he was born October 28, 1849. His parents were the late Capt. Ebenezer and Lovisa (Alger) Brundage. His father was born at Penn Yan, New York, January 11, 1811, and died at Berlin Heights July 8, 1889. His wife was born in Claverack, New York, January 29, 1818, and died in Berlin Heights August 31, 1887. Captain Brundage was a son of James Brundage, who was born in one of the New England States about 1782. He married Lavina Parson, who was born either in New York State or one of the New England states in 1784. They came of a farming class of people and the families were early identified with the Methodist Church. All the children of James and wife were born in the East. In 1822 the family took passage at Buffalo on a Lake Erie steamer bound for Vermillion, Ohio. Here they sought a home in Vermillion Township and along the lake shore near Ruggles Corners. In the wild woods they constructed a hewed log house, and there began the improvements, traces of which in cultivated fields and fertile farm lands persist even to this day. James Brundage died there May 10, 1855. His widow was subsequently brought to the Village of Berlin Heights by her son, Captain Ebenezer, in 1862, and she died there in 1866. James Brundage and wife were among the most prominent of the early Methodists in this community, and for years he held the office pf deacon in the local church. They had the sturdy virtues of the original New England stock of people, always lived frugally and well within their means, reared their children to honest pursuits and made their lives more than ordinarily useful in the new community. Their early HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 581 home was one most frequently resorted to by the early Methodist circuit riders, and it can be said of these good people that they carried their religious convictions into their practical everyday life. James Brundage voted the whig ticket in politics. The late Capt. Ebenezer Brundage was eleven years of age when brought to Erie County. The major part of his activities were as a lake sailor. In 1829 he began his duties before the mast on a schooner under one of the early captains of Lake Erie, and soon proved his skill and proficiency as a boatman. Before he was thirty years of age he viltits master of the Vermillion, which subsequently was burned at her dock at Huron.. He was also captain of the Columbus and the Empire and other boats, some of which were the swiftest and best known vessels in the passenger, mail and freight service on the lake. In 1854 he retired from his profession, and engaged in farming. He improved some first class farm lands along the lake shore, but about 1856 or 1857 moved to the Village of Berlin Heights, and a year or so later bought a farhi from Rev. Mr. Demming just south of the village, but now included within the corporation limits This farm has been continuously in the Brundage name for more than half a century, and is now owned by James C. Brundage. It comprised forty-five acres, and there in 1861 Captain Brundage built a large and comfortable nine-room brick house, which is still standing and in spite of its age one of the best homes in the community. The bricks were burned in Milan Township. Captain Brundage and his wife continued to live there and brought up their family. At one time Captain Brundage owned 130 acres around the old homestead, and 158 acres two miles south. All of it was arable land, and under his management proved very profitable in its yearly production. Captain Brundage possessed a great deal of thrift and enterprise, prospered as a farmer and stock raiser as he had previously made his success as a lake captain. He was one of the ardent exponents of the republican party in his county, and both he and his wife led useful and honored lives. There were only two children born to Captain Brundage and wife. The daughter, Laura Estelle, was born September 27, 1851, and died April 20, 1901. She married Louis Elson, who now lives in Oklahoma, and their daughter, Estella M., graduated from high school and subsequently studied at Chicago and Cleveland. James C. Brundage's birthplace was on Delaware Avenue in the City of Buffalo, New York. His parents had their home there for several years, but he was still a small child when they returned to Erie County, and he has spent practically all his life and all of his associations are centered around the community at Berlin Heights. He grew up on the farm which he still owns, and received his education in the local schools. He has followed in the footsteps of his father as a farmer, and has one of the most attractive and valuable places near Berlin Heights. At Norwalk in Huron County he married Miss Inez Hitsman, who was born in Henrietta Township of Lorain County in March, 1848, but was reared and educated in Erie County, and was a successful and popular teacher before her marriage. Her parents were Henry and Harriet (Darby) Hitsman, both natives of Allegany County, New York, her father born in 1815 and her mother in 1819, Her father was of Dutch and her mother of English lineage. They were brought to Lorain County by their respective parents, where the Hitsman and Darby families lived as farmers, and were married at Elyria. After some years as farmers in Loraili County they moved in 1850 to Berlin Township, and subsequently lived within the village limits of Berlin Heights. Mr. Hitsman died April 9, 1909. He was an active republican in politics, possessed high ideals as to his civic duties and his Christian rela- 582 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY tions with the community. For some years he served as deputy sheriff in Erie County. His widow is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Brundage, and possesses the vigor of a woman much younger. She celebrated her eighty-fifth birthday on December 6, 1914, Ind still keeps up with current news. She is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Brundage have no children of their own. They reared a foster child, Ruth Tillinghast, whom they educated at Berlin- Heights, and after graduating from the high school in 1907 she attended a business course in Oberlin College, and is now the wife .of Eugene Tillotson, and they live in Cleveland. Mr. Brundage is a former tgusfee and assessor of Berlin Township and is a republican who works consistently for good government both locally and nationally, and exercises considerable influence in his community. He has passed all the chairs and is past chancellor of Lake View Lodge No. 391 of the Knights of Pythias. RANDALL L. BAILEY. In, one of the commodious and comfortable homes that give special character to the Village of Berlin Heights as a residence center resides Mrs. Randall L. Bailey, who has many interesting associations and relationship with the old families of Erie County. The Baileys have been identified with this section of Northern Ohio for the greater part of a century, while Mrs. Bailey's own family, the Hills, have been of equal prominence. Mrs. Bailey's grandfather, David L. Hill, was a soldier throughout the War of 1812, and displayed his patriotism by service in several of the important campaigns in that great second struggle with Great Britain. The late Randall L. Bailey was born at Vermillion in Erie' County, February 27, 1846, and died at his home in Berlin Township, October 30, 1904. His parents were Marvin and Susan A. (Havalick) Bailey. Marvin Bailey was born April 2, 1822, in Huron County, Ohib, and his wife was born at Clinton, Pennsylvania, June 13, 1818. Both died at Kipton in Lorain County, Ohio, the former on May 19, 1899, and.the latter in 1906. They were married in Erie County in 1844. Susan A. Havalick's first husband was a brother of Marvin Bailey, and by that union she had several children. Henry, the first of these, was born in Vermillion, Ohio, September 26, 1837, and for many years has lived at New Hampton, Iowa, where he is a prominent citizen and a former member of the Iowa Legislature ; he is now living with his second-wife ; he served throughout the Civil war as a private, was a brave and efficient soldier, and was once wounded in battle, having served with the Twelfth Ohio Regiment in many important battles, among them the mighty struggle at Gettysburg. The second child was Jefferson P. Bailey, who was born October 8, 1839, and died in the State of Oregon, having been twice married and having left children by both wives. Susan J. Bailey, another child of that marriage, was born April 12, 1842, and died at Kipton, Ohio, as the wife of Darius Plumb, leaving two children, and her husband is now married a second time and is living in Perkins Township of Erie County. After Marvin and Susan Bailey were married they located in Vermillion Township and there improved a substantial farm, but later retired to Berlin Heights, and finally moved to Kipton in Lorain County, where they died. They were prominent members of the Primitive Baptist Church, and their home was the center for local preachers and the members of that denomination, and all good people found a ready welcome at their hospitable doors. Marvin Bailey served as a justice of the peace and for many years was familiarly known as Squire Bailey. The late Randall L. Bailey was the only child born to his parents. He was educated in Vermillion and Florence townships, and became a HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 583 well-known business man of the county. He was a stockholder in many local enterprises, owned a large amount of improved farm lands, and maintained the fine home at Berlin Heights where Mrs. Bailey now rcsides. For a number of years up to the time of his death he owned a large carriage depository at Berlin Heights. He stood high in the public estimation and should be remembered as the first mayor of the Town of Berlin Heights, and was also active in the Knights of Pythias lodge at that place, filling the various chairs up to chancellor commander. He attended the Congregational Church. Randall L. Bailey was first married January 12, 1870, to Miss Ella Phclps. She was born in Vermillion, Ohio, April 24, 1853, and her family was one of old settlement in this county. Her only child, Anna L., died at the age of two and a half years. On July 3, 1887, Randall L. Bailey was married to Miss Myra D. Hill, of Florence Township. Mrs. Bailey was born in Florence Township of Erie County fifty-seven years ago and grew up and received her education in this locality. Her family was of old New York State stock. Her grandfather, David L. Hill, already mentioned, was born in Dutchess County, New York, December 2, 1789, and was in his vigorous young manhood at the time he served in the War of 1812. He died in Florence Township of Erie County when nearly ninety-nine years of age. He grew up in his native county and was married there January 19, 1820, to Miss ' Phoebe Brundage, who was born in Dutchess County in 1799 and died in Florence Township of Erie County in 1875. She was the mother of four sons and four daughters, all of whom were born in Dutchess County! Among these children was Leonard Hill, father of Mrs. Bailey. Leonard, the youngest but one of the family, was born in New York State, September 29, 1826, and died March 6, 1887. When he was two years of age in 1828 the family came out to Ohio and settled in the wilds of Florence Township, where David L. Hill pre-empted land. He cut down the heavy standing timber And manufactured from it the lumber which entered into his first home, a substantial building which was used for many years as a family habitation and is still in use. David L. Hill secured more than 200 acres of land, and in improving this performed an important share of early pioneer work. David L. Hill and wife were active members of the Methodist Church, and in polities he was first a Whig and later a republican. It was in the somewhat primitive environment of the Erie County of eighty years ago that Leonard Hill grew to maturity.. He was married May 26, 1849, at Amherst in Lorain County to Diantha Swartwood. She was born in Lorain County, and died in September, 1884. The Swartwoods were early settlers in Lorain County. After his marriage Leonard Hill and wife bought a portion of his father's estate, and developed a home where they spent the rest of their days. They were noble and excellent people, stanch Christians, and his own career was spent as a farmer and stock raiser. He was always a regular voter and supporter of the republican ticket. Leonard Hill and wife had a family of children who are briefly mentioned as follows : Roxanna M., who was born in 1850 and died April 2, 1890, and was a very devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, married Charles Jenkins of Berlin Heights, who is still living with three sons and one daughter. S. Melissa, who was born August 30, 1851, and died October 10, 1912, was married December 30, 1869, to James Jarrett, a native of England, and they lived on a farm in Florence Township, she being survived by a son, Albert E. Harlow L., who was born in Florence Township and reared there, is now a farmer, and by his marriage to Amanda Bingham, daughter of John Bingham, has two sons, Frank and Earl. Mrs. Bailey, who was the youngest of the children in her father's family, was born on the old homestead in Florence Township, and lived 584 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY there until her marriage, in the meantime securing a good education from the public schools. Since her marriage she has lived in the fine home of ten rooms at Berlin Heights. She has in many ways contributed her influence and useful service to the social life of the community, and is a great lover of nature and of all things beautiful and good. She supports and attends the Congregational Church, and is an active worker in the Pythian Sisters organization at Berlin Heights. GEORGE W. HINE. For more than a quarter of a century Doctor. aline has quietly and efficiently performed his duties as a physician and ,surgeon in the community of Berlin Heights. There is no profession which presents greater opportunities for usefulness to humanity than that of medicine, and Doctor Hine is recognized as one of the members of the fraternity who has accepted every opportunity for faithful- of duty, and through his large practice has gained an esteem which, is not less satisfying than the other material accompaniments of a successful career. Doctor Hine represents a family which has been identified with Erie County for almost a century, and during his early youth graduated from the Berlin High School and graduated M. D. from the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland with the class of 1888. He at once returned to his home village and has been in practice there for more than twenty-six years. George W. Hine was born in Berlin Township of Erie County, May 6, 1858. His grandparents were Amos and Polly (Allen) Hine, both of whom were natives of Milford, Connecticut, and of old New England stock. Immediately after their marriage they came west and made the long journey overland with ox teams and wagons and finally arrived in Erie County. Two years previously, in 1816, Amos Hine had come out to this section of Ohio and had located a tract of "fire land" in Berlin Township, about a mile and a quarter from the present Village of Berlin Heights and on what is now the Berlin and Huron Road. There he built a log cabin in the midst of the wilderness and made a clearing which would serve for his first crop. After these improvements he returned with his yoke of oxen to Connecticut and was married in 1818 and in the same year brought his bride to the pioneer home. Erie County was at that time, nearly a century ago, one vast game preserve. Amos Hine became known in the community as the Daniel Boone of the county because of his prowess as a hunter. He was a skilled marksman, and it is said that he killed more deer than all the other hunters in the county put together. One night his faithful dogs treed two bears at midnight, and he got up and killed them. At another time, without moving from a single spot he had chosen, he shot three deer. For a hunter of his skill it was not difficult to keep the family larder well supplied with all kinds of wild game. He was likewise vigorous in developing his land, and had about 326 acres under his ownership and most of it in cultivation. He also planted a large apple orchard, one of the first in that section, and his trees yielded fruit for many years. He Was a man of varied enterprise and furnished an important service to the community through the mill which he built on the east branch of the Old Woman Creek, which empties into Lake Erie. This was a sawmill, and was the first in that section of Erie County. Besides sawing a great deal of lumber for the people in that section, he also made the lumber which went into the construction of his substantial brick home, erected nearly eighty years ago. The brick was burned on his own place. In that home Amos and Polly Hine spent the rest of their active lives. He died in 1855 or 1856, when about threescore years of age. His widow subsequently lived in Milan Township and died there in 1883. She was born about 1800. Both were good Christian people, and they helped build up the first Presbyterian and Baptist HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 585 churches at Berlin Heights, and gave liberally to religious causes of all denominations, though their own faith was that of the Presbyterian Church. Amos Hine was a whig in politics. Amos Hine had three children. Their names were Lorenzo, Allen and Mary, all of whom married and all had children except Allen. Lorenzo Hine, the father of Doctor Hine, was the first child of the family, born in the new home in Berlin Township. His birth occurred in 1819, and he grew up with the environment of 4 new county. After his marriage he secured 126 acres of the old homestead, and lived there and improved a fine farm. His life was spent in general farming, and he died there JUne 22, 1872. He was a republican in politics, and made himself a factor in the improvement of the locality, particularly roads, and his fellow citizens kept him in the office of road supervisor for many years. He succeeded to the ownership of the sawmill originally established by his father, and kept it running for many years. Lorenzo Hine was married in Berlin Township to Nancy Williams, who was born in the same township February 29, 1828, and died in January, 1912. Lorenzo and his wife were people of the highest character and most excellent neighbors, but were not members of any church and held to no creed. Two of their children died young, while four grew up and two are still living. Doctor Hine was the third of the four that reached mature years. Norman died at the age of fifty, leaving two children. Sarah died after her marriage to John Engleby, who is also deceased. Doctor Hine has a sister, Mary, who is living in Berlin Heights and has five children. Doctor Hine was married in Berlin Township to Miss Gertrude Clark. She was born on the shore of Lake Erie forty-seven years ago, and was educated in local ptiblic schools. Her parents were Peltiah T. and Helen (Henderson) Clark, both of whom are still living and have their home in Berlin Heights. They own a fine farm, and have spent practically, all their lives in Berlin Township and are still active in spite of advanced years, her father being seventy-seven and her mother seventy-three. They support and attend church and have been active in building up the community. Mrs. Hine's father owns two good farms, both of which represent his own thrifty enterprise. For a man who was orphaned when twelve years of age he has accomplished a great deal, his parents, John and Azena Clark, having died in Berlin Township. Doctor and Mrs. Hine have one son, Lorenzo Clark Hine, who was born September 10, 1890, the anniversary of Perry's victory on Lake Erie. Lorenzo C. graduated from the Berlin High School, and since the age of fifteen and a half years has been pursuing a career As a banker. He has held the offices of cashier and teller in the banks at Berlin Heights and Lodi, and at the present time is connected with the bank at the latter town. Lorenzo married Mabel Rummell of Berlin Heights, where she was reared and educated, and they have a daughter, Elizabeth Helen, born July 3, 1914. Doctor Hine was first married in 1883 to Miss Edith M. Ruggles of Vermillion Township, a well-educated lady and of a prominent family of that township, where she was born on the old Ruggles homestead in 1863, daughter of Richard Ruggles, an early settler and the owner of an extensive landed property situated along the lake shore. Doctor Hine enjoyed the companionship of his first wife only about two years, and she died December 26, 1885, without children. Doctor Hine is one of the older Masons of Erie County. He has been a member of the Blue Lodge since 1880, and is also affiliated with the Knights Templar Commandery at Norwalk. He is a member of Berlin Heights Lodge No. 391 of the Knights of Pythias, in which he is past chancellor, and Mrs. Hine is past chief of Berlin Temple No. 298 of the Vol. II— 8 586 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Pythian Sisters. Both the doctor and his wife are people who are alway ready to work for the good of their community, and their home on South Street, a comfortable nine-room residence, is one of the centers Of social activities in the village. SAMUEL PATTERSON. Berlin Township had few men who more justly deserve the kindly memory of the present generation than the late Samuel Patterson. He was a distinctive factor in business affairs at Berlin Heights, and had a reputation far beyond local limits as a scholar and a man of conspicuous judgment and of broad humanitarian principles. It is the main purpose of this article to give some account of his family, his individual career and his more important activities and attainments. Samuel Patterson was born in Maryland, March 20, 18285 a son of Robert and Anna (Stahl) Patterson. His father was born in Ireland but of Scotch ancestry, and came to this country early in the lasf Century on a sailing vessel. He located in Maryland, where he married Miss Stahl, and while living there some of their children were born including the late Samuel Patterson. In 1833, when. the latter was five years of age, the family made the long journey across the country with teams and wagons, since there were of course no railroads, and finally came to a pause in the wilderness of Darke County, Ohio, within a few miles of the present City of Greenville, which was then hardly deserving the name of village. Robert Patterson secured an entire section of land in that part of Western Ohio, and the deed to it was signed by Andrew Jackson, then President of the United States. Its first improvement was a log cabin, and almost immediately he became recognized as a force in the community. Near his first home he constructed a house which was devoted to school purposes. He was a man of high ideals, and was always ready to sacrifice and work for community welfare. Robert Patterson improved his large 'farm, and gave each of the four children who came to maturity sufficient land to make a farm. These children were : John, Esther, Mary Jane and Samuel, while another son, Michael, died in childhood. The four children mentioned grew up and married, but all are. now deceased. Robert Patterson and his wife both died in Darke County, Ohio, he when not yet sixty years of age and she a little past fifty. Both were faithful and active members of the Presbyterian Church, in which .faith they had been reared. The late John Patterson, though his early life was spent in a community which on the whole was quite devoid of those opportunities for culture which can now be found in almost any locality of Ohio, was reared in a home of distinctively high ideals and ripened and matured his intellectual endowments by long courses of self study. For a time he attended an academy at Dayton, but found most of his education through his own library and his wide and intimate knowledge of men and affairs. It is said there was no better read man in the State of Ohio. His knowledge and study of philosophical literature was thorough, and his writings on a wide variety of subjects attracted such attention that he became known in the field of authorship beyond the limits of his home state. His library was a house full of well-read books, and there was probably no better private collection in Northern Ohio. His scholarship brought him many friends among the learned class, and among them was the librarian of the Congressional Library at Washington, who at one time pronounced Mr. Patterson to be the ripest scholar in Northern Ohio, and who freqtfently spent much time in the Patterson home. The late Samuel Patterson likewise grew up in Western Ohio and possessed many of the scholarly traits of his brother. He was first married in Darke County to Miss Martha Frampton, who was born in that county in 1834, of German and English parents, who were early settlers HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 587 in Darke County and spent the rest of their lives there, where they exercised a prominent influence in all local matters, particularly schools and education. In Darke County two sons were born to Samuel Patterson and wife, Michael and James. About the beginning of the Civil war Samuel Patterson brought his family to Berlin Heights in Erie County, and bought land near that village. In 1865 he organized a co-operative company for manufacturing purposes. He conducted this on a co-operative plan, and the results were very successful, but it was finally organized as a stock company, which developed a valuable plant. This business is still in existence and is known as the Berlin Fruit Box Company, and for the last few years has been ably managed by Lucius D. Van Benschoten and Guy E. Sturtevant, the former a grandson and the latter the husband of a granddaughter of the late Samuel Patterson. Mr. Samuel Patterson, Job Stahl, Andrew Moore, Zachariah Snook and others were among the pioneers in the fruit growing industry, which has become one of the principal industries of the eastern section of Erie County, Ohio. Samuel Patterson died at his home in Berlin Heights; March 21, 1899, at the age of seventy-one. Samuel Patterson was notable for the independence of his character and a vigorous determination to carry out those plans which originated from his mature and well-considered ideas. He was also independent in religious matters, likewise in politics. He was a forceful writer, and many articles came from his pen that attracted the attention of scholars. Dr. Michael Patterson, the oldest son of the late Samuel Patterson, is now a prominent physician in Iowa and has a family of children. Dr. James, the second son, died at Norwalk, Ohio, about twenty-five years ago, leaving children. Albert is still unmarried and a resident of Berlin Heights. Serena Patterson, the only daughter of the late Samuel Patterson, was born and reared and educated at Berlin Heights, and is now living there in comfort in a fine home, surrounded by a little fruit farm comprising about' two acres, all situated within the village limits. Miss Serena Patterson married Leman Smith Van Benschoten, who for many years was a leading and prominent man of affairs of Berlin Heights, and was associated with Samuel Patterson in the box industry. Mr. Van Benschoten was born i4 Orland, Indiana, February 26, 1860, came to Erie County when sixteen years of age, and. died in 1899. Mrs. Van Benschoten is the mother of three children. Marlie, who graduated from the Berlin Heights High School and was trained as a kindergarten teacher at Oberlin, married Guy E. Sturtevant, and they have two children, Laura and John Van. Linna, the- second daughter, is the wife of August L. Bechtel of Cleveland, where he is manager of the Cleveland Punch and Shear Company, and they have a daughter, Ruth L. Lucius Daniel is president of the Berlin Heights Fruit Box Company, and a very successful young business man, and by his marriage to Miss Ada Jenkins, a well-educated Berlin woman and former teacher, has two daughters, Mary Jane and Martha Ada. GUY C. STURTEVANT. Some mention has been made in the preceding sketch of the late Samuel Patterson of the Berlin Heights Box Company, manufacturers of fruit, berry and vegetable packages. Fifty years' ago in 1865 Samuel Patterson established at Berlin Heights a sorghum mill on a co-operative basis. About 1867 they began making fruit packages, and in time this became the important feature of the business. In 1885 the business was incorporated by Samuel Patterson, Luther L. Van Benschoten and others, and at the present time the business is under the active management of Guy C. Sturtevant and Lucius Van Benschoten, 588 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY the latter a grandson of Samuel Patterson and the former the husband of a granddaughter of the original founder of the concern. From the manufacturing of fruit packages another department was added f9r the making of apiary supplies. In the early days prior to 1885 the prices for such goods were just about double the prices maintained on the:present schedule. Since 1885 the capital stock of the company has been $10,00P, all paid in. It is one of the most flourishing industries of Berlin Towiiship, The success of the business is largely due to the high standard always maintained and the output of the plant is recognized as reaching the highest mark of superior quality. Particularly is this true of the quart measure for berry boxes, which among the trade is considered par excellence. While a large part of the output goes to the local fruit growers, the packages are sold practically over the entire territory east of the Mississippi and north of Mason and Dixon's Line. Particularly under the present management during the last five or six years the business has grown and increased rapidly. About forty persons find employment in the plant and the latest machinery has been installed in all departments of the manufacture. Guy C. Sturtevant, a vigorous young business man now thirty-six years of age, was born at Brownhelm in Lorain County, Ohio., but was reared and educated at Berlin Heights. His first employment was in a clerical capacity and he was thus engaged in Cleveland for ten years, after which he returned to Berlin Heights and took charge of the office and the sales management of the Berlin Heights Box Company. Mr. Sturtevant is a factor in other business affairs at Berlin Heights. Three years ago he and Arthur W. Clinger established a printing plant and also the Berlin Call newspaper, and have made this a prosperous concern. Mr. Sturtevant is one of the editors of the Call. Mr. Sturtevant married Miss Marlie Van Benschoten, daughter of Leman and Serena Van Benschoten. Her father was one of the leading business men of Berlin Heights, and was associated actively with the late Samuel Patterson in establishing the fruit box company. Mrs. Sturtevant's mother is still living in Berlin Heights. Mr. and Mrs. Sturtevant have two children : Laura and John, both of whom are attending school. Mr. Sturtevant is a member of the Blue Lodge of Masons, Marks Lodge No. 359, A. F. & A. M., and has also filled the different chairs in the local lodge of Knights of Pythias. In politics he is independent. EDWIN A. PENNY. The record of years well lived, with a creditable performance of all those duties which come to a man of high principles and integrity of character, was that of the late Edwin A. Penny, whose career was for many years identified with Berlin Township. Mrs. Jane M. Penny is still living and occupies the old homestead in Berlin Township. She is a woman of remarkable activities and lovely character, and few women grow old so gracefully as Mrs. Penny. The late Edwin A. Penny was born near Maumee, Ohio, January 28, 1834, and died at his home in Berlin Township, a mile east of the Village of Berlin Heights, August 4, 1883, being at that time in his forty- ninth year. His ancestry was English, but his parents, Asher and Caroline E. (Bacon) Penny, were natives of Long Island, New York. A few years after their marriage they came west and located near Perrysburg, Ohio, and were pioneer farmers in that vicinity. Asher Penny died there in 1842 at the age of thirty-six. A short time before his death he had come to Erie County and bought seventy-three acres east of Ogontz in Berlin Township. His death threw upon his widow in the responsibilities of a family of six children, the last of whom was born after its father's death, and they had also lost one child before PICTURE OF NINA SHERMAN MEYERS PICTURE OF LOUIS C. MEYERS HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 589 the husband's demise. With this large household she came to the nearly new farm in Erie County, and there did such a part in the rearing and training of her children and providing for their needs as to constitute her one of the noblest of pioneer women. She looked after the management of the farm, improved and cultivated it and in all things her life was so exemplary and fruitful of good that her memory was a blessing to her children. She subsequently went to Amherst in Lorain County, and died there a few years later at the age of seventy-eight. She was a member of the Congregational Church. Edwin A. Penny was the third in the family of seven children. Only two are now living. Edgar, a farmer in Berlin Township, first married Martha L. Gibson, who died leaving him one son, and his present wife was the widow of Doctor Lockwood of Birmingham, Ohio. The other living member of this generation is Ann, wife of John Cook of Charlotte Courthouse, Virginia, and they have three living children. When he came to Erie County with his mother, Edwin A. Penny was still a small boy and he grew up in Berlin Township and early became acquainted with the responsibilities and duties of the farm. After his marriage he acquired ninety-six acres of farm land, and in the subsequent years did much to develop it, particularly as a fruit farm. He left this place to Mrs. Penny, who has shown equally good judgment in its management and has derived a considerable revenue from her crops and stock. She has a substantial though old-time home and good barks and other improvements. On April 4, 1861, at Berlin Heights Edwin A. Penny married Jane M. Baker. She was born in Tioga County, New York, November 26, 1831, and when about two years of age came with her parents, Philip S. and Hannah (Pearl) Baker to Berlin Township The family located in the south-eastern part of the township and their first home there was a log cabin and they met and endured practically all the experiences of pioneer farming Her father was noted as a nimrod and trapper, and he accommodated his early pursuits and the work of his farm to this favorite pursuit. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Penny, in 1880, being then in advanced years. He was born in 1793 and saw some active and hard service as a soldier in the War of 1812. His wife had passed away in 1849. Mrs. Penny was one of four sons and four daughters who grew to maturity, and all of whom married. One of her brothers, Oscar F., recently died at the age of eighty-five, and William W. and Amanda also lived to old age, as did her younger brother, John D., who died at seventy-seven. Mrs. Penny has two sisters, Mrs. Mary E. Davis and Mrs. Laura P. Close, still living in Erie County. Without children of her own, Mrs. Penny adopted her niece, Della Baker Penny, who was born November 8, 1872, and was reared and educated in the home of her foster mother. She first married Sanford L. McKnight, and her two children by that marriage are William Warren and John R., both students in the local schools. Her second husband is Burton 0. Wikel, a son of Adam Wikel, a well known and prosperous citizen of Berlin Township. LOUIS C. MEYERS. No survey of the work and progress of Erie County would be complete without some description of the typical and representative rural homes found scattered over this block of Ohio territory stretching back from the Lake Erie shore. Special interest attaches to the Meyers farm in Berlin Township near the Village of Berlin Heights not only for its improvements and products but also because it represents the thrifty enterprise of Mr. and Mrs. Meyers, who started out as young people after their marriage to make a success as farmers and have given a most creditable account of their endeavors. 590 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Mr. and Mrs. Meyers have lived on their present farm for \the ,past twenty-nine years. It comprises seventy-eight acres, and a large part of it is devoted to fruits. He has three acres in apples, fifteen acres in peaches, two acres in cherries and plums, and two acres of grapes. Mr. Meyers himself put out all the fruit trees since he took possession of the land, and as a result of study and experience developed a reputation as one of the ablest fruit growers of the county. His orchards show the result of careful and methodical maintenance. His orchards stretch along sandy ridges, and in quality and flavor the fruit front-this farm grade up to some of the highest standards expected of North' Ohio horticultural products. Besides his fruit crops Mr. Meyers cultivates his land to corn, oats and wheat and has found a great deal of profit in sheep husbandry. He keeps about a hundred head of Delaine sheep, and about fifty head of hogs, horses and- cattle. His farm also attracts attention by reason of its location, and has been given the most appropriate name of Pleasant View Farm. He has constructed a grattp Of substantial building improvements, including one barn 66x30 feet, a horse barn 26x36 feet, a sheep shed 16x24, and two other sheds, one 16x26 and the other 14x20. From the midst of these buildings and with2the attractive environments of shade trees and orchards rises the large and commodious ten-room house, which Mr. Meyers built in 1899. Louis C. Meyers was born in Florence Township of Erie County August 9, 1862, and was educated in that and in Berlin Township, and prior to his marriage was a popular young teacher in the country districts. The results of his achievements since he was married are well measured by the fine homestead above described, and which was bought and paid for by the well directed efforts and close co-operation of himself and Mrs. Meyers. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Hum) Meyers, both of whom were born in Switzerland, the former in 1833 and the latter in 1840. They were still young people when they 'mile to America, Joseph Meyers coming with the Hum family. They embarked on a sailing vessel and after seven weeks landed in New York, journeyed on west to Cleveland, where they arrived on Christmas day, and soon penetrated into the back country in Florence Township. Soon afterward Joseph Meyers and Jacob Hum, a brother of Mrs. Meyers, started out to find work, and his first regular employment paid him ten dollars a month. He later followed the trade of m4hanic and carpenter which he learned in Switzerland. After returning to Florence Township he married and soon after that the Civil war broke out. In the early part of 1862 he enlisted in the 107th Ohio Infantry in Company H and was in active campaigns at the front nearly four years. At the expiration of three years he had veteranized, and his recorthas a faithful soldier is one that will always be prized by his descendants. During a greater part of the time he was under Gen. Phil Sheridan. He escaped with' out wounds or capture, and the worst hardship he had to endure was an illness from typhoid fever. With the close of the war he located on a small farm, which he later sold and bought eighty acres, and then sold that and purchased 126 acres. His farms were in Florence Township, excepting the last mentioned, which was located in Berlin Township. Joseph Meyers died at the age of seventy-two. His wife passed away when not yet fifty-six years of age. Her father had married his second wife back in Switzerland, and he died after the death of his daughter, Mrs. Meyers. Both families were members of the German Reformed Church. Louis C. Meyers was the only son and the oldest of the four children. His sister Emma died while still a young girl, his sister Della died in young womanhood, and Elizabeth, the youngest, is the wife of P. J. Phillips, and they now occupy the old Meyers homestead in Berlin Township. HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 591 On October 20, 1887, Louis C. Meyers married Miss Nina Sherman, who was born in Ottawa County, Michigan, on the Grand River on November 30, 1863. As a child she was left an orphan and was reared as the adopted daughter of Dr. Adna Sherman and wife, both of whom are now deceased, her foster father having died in Idaho and her mother at the home of Mrs. Meyers. Mr: and Mrs. Meyers have one son : Leroy J., who was born September 15, 1888, completed his education in the Berlin Heights High School, is now a prospering young farmer and fruit grower at Ogontz, and by his marriage to Minnie Heckelman of Milan Town- ship has a son, Louis C., Jr., who was born April 21, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers and family attend the churches at Berlin Heights, but have no regular membership therewith. Mr. Meyers and his son are democrats in their national party affiliations. MAX C. KRUEGER. Erie County like so many other sections of the Union owes a great debt to the thrifty German people who at different times in the past century have settled within its borders. The people of this nationality brought with them their thrift and industry, and have done much- to shape the destinies of many new countries, have proved their loyalty both in peace and in war, and in every branch of human endeavor and human achievement have made compensation to the land of their adoption. One of this fine class of people, himself a native of Germany, but since childhood a resident of Erie County, is Max C. Krueger, a general farmer, stock raiser and fruit grower, whose home is on Rural Route No. 1, a mile east of the Village of Berlin Heights. His farm comprises 106 acres, nine acres of which is set in orchard, apples, peaches and other fruits, and in horticulture as in every other branch of his undertakings succeeded beyond the ordinary. He has his farm well stocked with sheep, hogs, cattle and horses, and grows abundant crops of wheat, corn, oats, potatoes and cabbage. His home is a comfortable eight-room house, and his feed and stock barns are well adapted for his purposes. Mr. Krueger bought this farm in 1906. He formerly lived for several, years on the John C. Moats Farm in Berlin Township, also lived in Huron County, and also occupied the Chestnut Hill Farm, better known now as the A. M. Woolson Farm. Max C. Krueger was born in Mecklinburg, Germany, October 14, 1862, a son of Charles and Elizabeth Krueger. His father was born in Prussia and his mother in Mecklinburg, her father being a harness maker. After their marriage Charles Krueger had to gain his livelihood as best he could by general work. While still living in Germany three children were born : Anna, Max C. and Albert and seven were born in America. In order to provide for the necessities of a growing household Charles Krueger in 1865 borrowed money and set out to secure the opportunities and advantages of the New World. Leaving Hamburg, the voyage was one of two weeks duration to Castle Garden, New York, and thence they came west to Buffalo, and a few months later down Lake Erie to Sandusky. Charles Krueger arriving in that city found employment in the Jones Stone Quarry. By hard work and close economy he saved the capital which eventually enabled him to buy the quarry, and he operated it until two years before his death. He then sold out, invested in some valuable property at Sandusky, and at his death in June, 1909, the value of his estate was estimated at $20,000. He would have been seventy-four years of age on the 25th of July following his death. He was in many ways a remarkable man, and a fine example of the poor German emigrant who. came to this country with practically nothing and lived to enjoy prosperity to a greater degree than most of his neighbors. His wife had preceded him in death two years, and was seventy-one years of age. They were for many years members of St. 592 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Stephen's Lutheran Church at Sandusky, and he was one of the liberal contributors to its support. In national politics he was a democrat. While the practical business achievements of the late Charles Krueger lent him distinction, he and his wife were even more fortunate in their fine family of children. After they came to this country and while living at Sandusky the children born to them were named Mary, Charles. William, Elizabeth, Emma, Frank and Julia. All these children and the three born in Germany are still living, are all married and all have families of their own, and they are well situated above the level of average prosperity, and each and every one a credit to themselves and the community in which they live. It well illustrates the fair and methodical manner in which the late Charles Krueger was wont to arrange all his affairs when it was found that his estate was so adjusted that after his death it required an expense of only five dollars to administer it and divide it among his natural heirs. Max C. Krueger by his own accomplishments has contributed to the creditable record of his family. He lived, at home in Sandusky, obtained a common school education, and while gaining success his entire career has been passed in such friendly relations with his neighbors and friends that he has never been engaged in a law suit. He was married at Sandusky to Miss Clara Weichel. She was born near Sandusky November 15, 1867, and grew up in that vicinity. She has proved herself the capable wife of a capable farmer and citizen. Her parents were Henry and Louisa (Bauer) Weichel. Her father was born in Erie County of German parents, and the mother was born in Germany and came to Erie County with her parents when young. Her grandparents on both the Weichel and Bauer side lived to advanced-years in the vicinity of Sandusky. They were members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Krueger attend the Congregational Church at Berlin Heights, and Mr. Krueger's sons are independent democrats in politics. There are four sons who comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Krueger, and each has done something to show the promise of usefulness and honor as workers in the world. Everett H., the oldest, now twenty-six yeait of age, graduated from the Berlin Heights High School' in 1904 and from the Cleveland Law School at Berea in 1912, was admitted to the bar the same year, and is now practicing at Cleveland with the firm Reed, Eichelberger & Nord.. Earl C., the second son, graduated from high school in 1908 and from the Cincinnati Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1914, and is now in practice with George C. Steinemann at Sandusky. The one daughter of the family is Hilda C.. who graduated from high school in 1909, took a special course at Oberlin College, and is now secretary of the Eddy Road Hospital in Cleveland. Clarence M., who graduated from the Berlin Heights High School in 1912, has since given his active attention to farm management with his father. Lee J. is a graduate of the high school at Berlin Heights and still living at home. The sons are all members of the Young People's Literary Society, a general improvement society which was incorporated by Everett Krueger, the oldest son, and others, seven years ago, and this society, which now has a limited membership of forty, with a large waiting list, has proved a factor of great benefit to Berlin Heights and vicinity. JOB M. STAHL. A citizen who stood for many of the things most useful and best esteemed in community life was the late Job M. Stahl. who died at his home in Berlin Township in the Village of Berlin Heights on February 12, 1892.. Mr, Stahl was a practical farmer and had lived for many years in Berlin Township. He left a fine fruit and HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 593 general farm, where Mrs. Stahl still resides. Though herself in advanced years, Mrs. Stahl is a woman of remarkable activity and not only capably manages her business affairs but has many interests of an intellectual and social nature to employ her time and energies. For several years after the death of her husband Mrs. Stahl was in the Government service as a matron at Indian schools in New Mexico. The late Job M. Stahl was born at Bedford, Pennsylvania, June 6, 1819, a son of Henry and Rachel (Mann) Stahl. Both parents were , natives of Pennsylvania, his father born February 23, 1778, and his mother on March 20, 1777. His father died in Darke. County, Ohio, On the Miami River, August 15, 1825, and his mother passed away in the same county January 27, 1859. They were married June 26, 1805,..in Pennsylvania, and were among the pioneer settlers in Western Ohio, having located in the wild woods along the Miami River as early as 1821. That was a day preceding not only railroads but canals, and they came by the usual means of transportation, with wagons and teams across the country from Pennsylvania. The wife and mother rode horseback all the way, and carried her youngest child in her arms, this child being the late Job M. Stahl. They lived the life of pioneers, had a log cabin their first residence, and before he died Henry Stahl did a considerable work in clearing off the woods and improving the soil for cultivation. They were honest and wholesome people, and well fitted to bring civilization into a new country. One of Job M. Stahl's uncles, Job Mann, was for eight years a congressman, representing the district including Bedford, Pennsylvania. The late Mr. Stahl was the seventh child and the youngest in the family to be born in. Pennsylvania, but there were four younger children who came into the world in Darke County, Ohio. All but one of these children lived to grow up, Anna having in 1822 at the age of five. Franklin died in 1848 and Ezra in 1842, both unmarried. All the others married and left descendants, and are themselves now passed on to the other world. It was a typical pioneer environment, in the beautiful country of the Miami Valley, that Job M. Stahl spent his childhood and youth, and arrived at manhood with a good store of experience received by the rugged training offered in the cultivation and improvement of a frontier farm. He was well educated according to the standards of the time, and for several years taught school in winter terms and followed agriculture in the summer. This was his active vocation for a period of about fourteen years. It was in 1861 that Mr. Stahl came to Berlin Heights, where in the fall of that year he married Ellen Lesley. Mrs. Stahl was born in Randolph County, Indiana, October 28, 1837, and was reared and educated in that section of Eastern Indiana. Her parents were David and Hannah (Parker) Lesley. Her father was born in Pennsylvania in April, 1800, and her mother in one of the New England states on February 21, 1806. They first became acquainted with each other and were married in Randolph County, Indiana. David Lesley had come to that county in 1816 with his parents, Peter and Christina (Karnes) Lesley. Peter Lesley was born in Pennsylvania, and his wife was a native of Switzerland, having come when a child to America, and they were married in Pennsylvania. Peter and wife died in Randolph County, Indiana, when about eighty-four years of age. Hannah Parker, the mother of Mrs. Stahl, was the daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Williams) Parker. This is a family with some noteworthy associations with American frontier history. Reuben Parker, the place of whose birth has not been accurately determined, was captured by the Indians when seven 594 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY years of age, somewhere in the vicinity of Northern Ohio not far from Cleveland. He was kept by the Indians for seven years, at the end of which time he escaped. One of his brothers was killed at the same time, and an aunt was taken prisoner with her baby, the latter being killed by the savages because of its persistent crying. Reuben Parker and wife after their marriage spent their last years south of Indianapolis. After David Lesley and Hannah Parker were married they, located on a farm in Randolph County, Indiana, and there he passed" away at the age of ninety years ten months, having been born in 1800 and his wife died in 1890, her birth having occurred in February, 1806. Mrs. Stahl has a brother, John Lesley, who was eighty-nine years of age in June, 1915, and is now living in the State of California. Her sister Susan, the widow of Henry Johnson, lives in Richmond, Indiana, and is seventy-five years old. In the fall of 1861 following their marriage, Mr. and. Mrs. Stahl located on a farm in Berlin Township a half mile east of the Village of Berlin Heights. He set industriously about the improvement forty acres, and for many years was successfully engaged in general farming and fruit growing. He developed an orchard of five acres in apples, five acres in pears, two acres in peaches and four acres of grapes, erected excellent farm buildings, and also the comfortable ten-room house, with all the conveniences for modern living, which is now-occupied by Mrs. Stahl. Mrs. Stahl has shown executive ability in managing this estate since the death of her husband. The late Mr. Stahl, while acquiring material prosperity did not withhold his active influence from all public spirited movements in the community, and not only lived uprightly himself but influenced others in the same straight and narrow way. Politically he was an independent republican. While Mrs. Stahl is a woman of independent mind and character, she finds great comfort in her children, of`whom she has four. The oldest was Dorothy, who was liberally educated and is a graduate of Oberlin College. She married Rev. Gordon Birlew, who was a well known missionary among the Mexican people under the auspices of the Congregational Church, and died while in the prime of his activity. Since his death Mrs. Birlew has taken up the study of osteopathy, and now enjoys a large practice in that profession a Pasadena, California, where she lives with her son Paul, who recently graduated from the high school at Pasadena. Lesley D., the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Stahl, was born in 1864 and died in 1884 when a student at Oberlin College. Spencer N., born June 25, 1867, was also educated at Oberlin, and died at his home in Berlin Township at the age of twenty-seven, leaving a wife, whose maiden name was Allie Kilburn, and a daughter Mabel, both of whom are now deceased. Daisy, the youngest child, was born July 14, 1869, was liberally educated, and is the wife of Moses Jenkins, a plumber at Berlin Heights. They have two children : , Lesley ' S., now twenty-three years of age, a graduate in chemistry and science from the University of Ohio at Columbus, and now connected with an aluminum manufacturing plant at St. Louis ; and Clyde Jenkins, who was born February 20, 1897, and in 1915 graduated from the Berlin Heights High School ROBERT J. HUMM. A thrifty representative farmer in the fine agricultural community surrounding Berlin Heights, Robert J. Humm owns several of the most notable farms in that community. One is the place of his own residence, and the other is the old homestead where he was born and where his father lived for many years. They are not far apart, and his father's farm comprises ninety-one and a half acres in HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 595 its original form, in addition to seventy-six acres know as the Woods Place, and 100 acres known as the Pearl Farm. Mr. Humm's farm where he himself lives comprises eighty acres. All these farms have improvement, and equipment of the most modern type, the soil is well drained and well cultivated, and on each place is an individual group of farm buildings, and also a large amount of fruit. Altogether Mr. Humm has about ten acres of grapes, 2,300 peach trees and 600 pear trees, and fruit growing is an important source of his total revenues. He keeps good grades of live stock, and for a number of years has been one of the wool growers of Berlin Township. It was on his father's old homestead above mentioned that Robert J. Humm was born June 8, 1874, and grew up in this community, attended the public schools at Berlin Heights and Florence, and as a result of early training entered manhood, as a practical farmer and has never departed from the ways and training of his youth. His parents were Robert and Martha (Reer) Humm. His father was born in Canton Aargau, Switzerland, in 1845, and his mother in Germany in 1849. They were brought by their respective parents to the United States and each was at that time nine years of age. Robert, Humm was a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Worley) Humm, and his mother died in Switzerland. Jacob married a second wife before setting out with his family for America in 1834. They arrived in New York City after a voyage by sailing vessel of more than six weeks, went on to Cleveland and later into Erie County, and for some years lived in Milan Township. Subsequently they went to Florence Township in Erie County and bought another farm. There Jacob and his second wife spent their declining years, and he was nearly fourscore when his. death occurred, which had been hastened as a result of being kicked by a horse, his leg being broken in two places. They were members of the German Reformed ''Church, Robert Humm grew up in Northern Ohio, and in Erie County married Martha Reer. She was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and came to the United States and to Erie County with her parents, Emanuel and Elizabeth Reer, both of whom were natives of Germany. Her parents lived on a farm in Berlin Township until they died, when about fifty-nine years of age: After the marriage of Robert Humm they began their careers as people in humble circumstances but by . the hardest kind of work and many sacrifices for the sake of the future they finally laid the foundation for a prosperity that placed them among the most substantial citizens of Berlin. Township. It is a fact deserving of special note that Robert Humm actually saved $1,000 by employment as a farm hand at monthly wages. For five years he was in the employ of Richard Jarrett, one of the prominent citizens of Erie County. With these accumulations he bought ninety-one and a half acres in Berlin Heights, the place already mentioned as owned by his son. He paid $1,000 down, and assumed obligations of $6,000 which by close management and by co-operation between himself and wife was liquidated within ten years. After the farm was all paid for he erected a large barn 35x90 feet and put up a substantial dwelling house, of ten rooms. Thus surrounded with the comforts and improvements which represented their own labor they spent their last years in peace, and died on the old farm. The mother passed away . March 20, 1897, and the father on March 29, 1908. In all that part of Erie County they were esteemed for their honest and sterling worth, and it is the memory of such people that should last longest in the recollections of descendants and friends. The only son of these industrious and hard working parents, Robert .T. Humm has not only profited from prosperity which they accumulated. 596 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY but has shown much enterprise and ability in extending and increasing the talents inherited. On January 26, 1899, Mr. Humm was married in Cleveland to Miss Anna C. Keller, who was born in that city July 9, 1874, and received her education in the city schools. Her parents were Jacob and Barbara (Karcher) Keller, both natives of Germany. Her father was born in Rhinepfaltz in 1846 and died in Cleveland, Ohio, February 6, 1906. The mother was born January 13, 1848. They were married in Germany in 1867 and while living there their son Henry G. was born April 3, 1869. In August following his: birth the family emigrated to New York, went on to Cleveland, and in that city Jacob Keller followed his trade of cabinet maker and idiner until his death. He was a skilled workman. His widow is still living in Cleveland. She is a member of the Evangelical Church and her husband was a republican. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Humm were born three children: Karl F., on April 25, 1903, and now a student in the public ;schools; Dorothea M., on August 20, 1904, and now in grade schools ; and Martha Barbara, on April 22, 1912. JOHN H. POYER. Some of the lines of relationship of the late John H. Power were established in this part of Northern Ohio almost a century ago. John H. Poyer himself was a splendid type of the substantial farmer citizen, was a man of intrinsic patriotism and held a commission in the Union army during the Civil 4var, and it is only a proper tribute to his memory that the following sketch should be introduced into this history of Erie County. The Poyer home comprises 100 acres on the state road in Berlin Township, where Mrs. Poyer is still living. 'It was there that John H. Poyer passed away January 16, 1905. He was born in Vermillion Town- ship of Erie County, March 2, 1837, a son of Tilly and Mary (Curtis) Poyer. His father was born in Ontario County, New York, and came to Erie County with his parents. The mother was born in the State of New Jersey and also came to Ohio with her parents, the Curtises having settled in Vermilion Township as early as 1816. Tilly Poyer married for his first wife Mary Houck, who died in the prime of life, leaving two daughters, both of whom married and are now deceased. The' story of early pioneer life applies to the families of Poyer, Van Houghton, Houck and Curtis, representatives of all of whom came here when there were few clearings in the wilderness, and their early labors have helped to bring about the conditions their descendants enjoy. After Tilly Poyer was married he became a farmer on the large estate, and his wife, Mary Curtis Poyer, died there about middle age, leaving five children. After her death he married Margaret Van Houghton of Vermillion Township. She became the mother of twins, who died as infants, and a son that married and died about four years ago. This third wife survived Tilly Poyer, who passed away at the age of forty-three. The family were all members of the Florence Congregational Church. The late John H. Poyer was the second in a family of five children, the others being: Dwight, who died at the age of twenty-one ; Julia, who married Alfred Smith of Vermilion, a farmer, and died leaving three children; Carrie, who died unmarried at the age of fifty ; and Cordelia, who- died as the wife of William Greenough, leaving three children. In the country district of Vermilion Township John H. Poyer grew to manhood and acquired his education partly in the district schools and also graduated from the Norwalk High School. For five years he was clerk in a store at Jonesville, Michigan, for Bennett Tucker, but from there returned to Erie County and at Florence established a general store. His business as a merchant at Florence was continued with increas- HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 597 ing prosperity until 1883. At that date he sold his store, and moved to Berlin Township, where he acquired 100 acres of land on the state road, about midway between Berlin Heights and Florence on which his years were passed in quiet industry and comfortable circumstances until his death more than thirty years later. In 1862, while a merchant at Florence, John Poyer raised Company G for the Seventy-second Regiment of Ohio Infantry and became its lieutenant under Captain Fernald and Colonel Buckland. His active service covers eleven months, at the end of which time he resigned. He was engaged in the great battle of Pittsburg Landing, where his company suffered severe losses, though he himself escaped injury. He was honorably discharged and given a recommendation as a brave and faithful soldier and officer. For many years Mr. Poyer gave his stanch support to the republican party, but when Mr. Bryan became a candidate he accepted his leadership and remained a democrat until his death. For two terms he served as assessor and for two terms as treasurer of Berlin Township, and for many years performed the duties of justice of the peace. In Florence Township on October 12, 1857, John H. Poyer married Miss Lodema Mason. She was born in Florence Township, April 7, 1840, and was reared and educated there and at Milan and Elyria, and from the age of sixteen was a teacher until her marriage. Mrs. Poyer has always been known as a woman of many capabilities, a devoted wife and kind mother, and has successfully managed the estate and farm let her by her husband. She likewise represents a family that has had fully century's residence in this part of Ohio. Her parents were Harley and Susie (Cahoon) Mason. Her father was born at Castleton, Massachusetts, in 1796, and her mother in Sheffield, Massachusetts, in 1797., They came to Avon in Lorain County, Ohio, along with the first group of settlers, and were married in that township, but spent many years of their. lives in Florence Township of Erie County, where they died on their farm. Harley Mason was a millwright and constructed many mills in this section of Ohio. He died in 1850 at the age of fifty-five, and his wife passed away in 1880 in her eighty-fourth year. They were active workers in the Baptist Church and he was a democrat. Harley Mason was a son of Thadius Mason and Anna (Warren) Mason, both of Massachusetts. Harley Mason came to Erie County in 1816 and his parents followed him about two years later to Florence Township. In coming west the Mason family traveled overland as far as Albany, New York, made a large part of the journey from there to Buffalo by water, and embarked on the lake boat Walk-in-the-Water for Sandusky. The Masons established their home on forty acres which Harley Mason had located in the wilderness of Florence Township, and before his death Harley Mason acquired 600 acres of land in the same township. Mrs. Poyer has a sister, Huldah Marsh, wife of John Marsh, both now living at Fort Dodge, Iowa, Mr. Marsh at the age of ninety or more and she past eighty-six. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Boyer only one child survives, Wilber J., who was born in Florence Township, March 25, 1860, was educated in Oberlin College and for several years was a teacher, but has been chiefly successful as a farmer and is now manager of his mother's estate. He has also been a factor in local affairs, and is chairman of the school board. He was married in Vermilion Township, April 4, 1881, to Miss Cora Ball, who was born there October 24, 1860, a daughter of Jesse and Mary A. (Hubble) Ball. Both her parents were natives of New York State, and were brought as children in their respective families to Erie County. Both the Balls and the Hubbies originally lived in Connecticut, and spent many years in Erie County. It was characteristic of them that 598 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY nearly all members attained advanced years, and Jesse Ball and wig were about eighty years old when they died. They were active members of the Methodist, Church. Mrs. Wilber Poyer was one of six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom are married and still living. Wilber Payer and wife have two children. Jesse J., born February 26, 1882, was educated in the public schools, assists his father in managing the farm, and in January, 1905, married Eunice Witter of Berlin Township, and they have one son, Douglas E., now one year of age. John W.,. the second son, was born in 1883, and married Faye Durling of Birmingham, Ohio. They live at Oberlin. Mrs. Poyer is a member of the Christian Science faith. MATHEW B. CARROLL. To have passed a hundred milestones on life's journey is itself an unusual distinction and one that would justify a special tribute to Mathew B. Carroll, who at the time of the writing of this history of Erie County is in his one hundred and first year. Mr. Carroll has spent the greater part of his life in Erie County and is still active in mind and body, and has his home in the environment of comforts which the labors of his early years secured on a farm of 161 acres in Berlin Township, on the state road between Berlin Heights and Florence villages. Mr. Carroll came to Erie County many years ago, without money and without friends, showed himself industrious and trustworthy, acquired the confidence of the community, and many years ago was able to retire from the heavier responsibilities of farming, and with ample material means has since enjoyed the devotion and affection of his children and the esteem of his hundreds of friends. He has lived at his present location since July, 1870. A year prior to that his home was in Oxford Township, but with that exception he has lived in Berlin Township ever since coming to Erie County in 1849. It was as a farm laborer that he was first introduced to the citizenship of Erie County and by hard work and economy he bought twenty-six acres of the old Norman Walker Estate, and that was the nucleus of his accumulations. Subsequently he bought sixty-four acres from the David Walker property, and in 1873 secured the remainder of the land now included in the Walker Estate from the widow of David Walker. He occupies one of the interesting old homes of Berlin Township formerly owned by the Walker family, who came from Connecticut and acquired 140 acres of the land almost directly from the Government, it having been deeded by the Government to Squire Barnes. A substantial house was built by the Walkers, comprising eleven rooms, and is one of the 7 most interesting of the older homes of the township and still in good repair. After Mr. Carroll secured this farm he set out an orchard of three acres of apples and also a large number of peach trees, but these have since been removed. As a farmer Mr. Carroll was successful as a general crop and fruit grower, and also gave much attention to horses and cattle and sheep. On March 8, 1815, about the close of the second war with Great Britain, Mathew B. Carroll was born at Oldcastle, in County Meath, Ireland. Thus his lifetime covers practically the entire period since the United States as a result of the second war with the mother country became firmly established in its nationality. When Mr. Carroll came to his, hundredth anniversary in the spring of 1915 he was greeted. by a shower of postcard remembrances and good wishes from his friends and neighbors, and more than 150 such cards came to his home on that day. His parents were Byron and Jane (Garry) Carroll, who spent all their lives in Ireland, where his father died at the age of seventy-seven and his mother at seventy-four. The family were all members of the Catholic Church, and farmers by occupation. The grandparents were HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 599 Mathew and Bridget (Chadden) Carroll, who also lived as Irish farmers, and the former died at forty-four and the latter at eighty-eight. Mathew Carroll was the second in a family of nine Children. His older brother John came during young manhood to America,, but was lost sight of and his history no longer known. Mr. Carroll grew up in Ireland, and received his education under many trying circumstances. The people in his neighborhood hired for school purposes an old vacant house which had not a stick of furniture, and the only means of heating was a big fireplace. Rough seats were improvised by bringing stones into the house, covering them with straw mats. The fire was kept burning in the chimney with peat which was carried to the schoolhouse by the pupils. The teacher himself, James Mulvaney by name, had a very meager equipment, and received equally meager wages from the patrons of the school. Mr. Carroll learned rapidly from his primer and "Reading Made Easy" and the Universal Speller, and soon knew as much or more than the teacher. Studious by nature, Mr. Carroll has always been a great reader and has been distinguished for his sound scholarship. It is also an evidence of his physical vigor that he has never used eye-glasses and' was able to read without their aid until ninety-seven years of age, at which time he'had to give up the personal perusal of papers and books. He was also strong in mathematical studies. In 1849 on the Queen of the West Mr. Carroll left Liverpool for America, and landed at New York City on the 15th of April in the 'same year, making a very quick passage for the days of sailing boats. He was at that time unmarried, came on west as far as Buffalo, New York, by railroad, and up the lake on a steamer to Huron, Ohio. In the same year he arrived in Berlin Township, and soon found employment with Henry Walker, and later with his father, David Walker, who was the owner of the farm that Mr. Carroll has since acquired as a result of his own work and economy. In Berlin Township Mr. Carroll met and in 1858 married' Miss Bridget Grimes, who was born in Ireland in 1834, and died at their comfortable home in Berlin Township, March 10, 1912. They had lived together, and helped each other to prosper and had reared their family, and their associations were unbroken until four years beyond the celebration of their fiftieth or golden wedding anniversary. Mrs. Carroll's parents both died in Ireland. Her brothers and sisters were Thomas, John and Frank and Ellen and Margaret, and of these Ellen, Thomas and Frank are still living. Mrs. Carroll came to America when nineteen years of age, spent several weeks on the ocean voyage from Liverpool to New York, and for four years was employed on Long Island. She then came to Erie County, and was living with the family of Mr. Ruggles when she married Mr. Carroll. Both she and her husband were members and devoted attendants of the Catholic Church. Their marriage was blessed with a large family of children. Thomas, the oldest, died unmarried. Mary lives at home with her father and with her sister has proved a devoted companion to his declining years. Sarah was well educated in the lpublic schools, was a teacher in the township and county for nine years, and is now living with her sister Mary and caring for their father. Ella'is the wife of Lewis Nolan and they live on a small farm near the Carroll homestead, and their children are Carroll, Bernadette, Angela and Vincent, all at home. Margaret is living in Berlin Heights and is a seamstress. Mathew, Jr., lives on a farm in Berlin Township, and by his marriage to Della Conly has the following children, Ethel, Loretta, Thomas, Margaret, Joseph and Mathew. Catherine is the wife of Henry Andress, living oir a farm in Vermilion Township, and they have a son, Carroll H. All the children were confirmed in the Catholic Church. While Mr. Carroll and his sons are independent 600 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY democrats in politics, the father has long been an admirer of the "principles of democracy as expounded by the great Andrew Jackson. Ile formerly served as a member of the local board and his career has heell as useful as it has been long. ELMER COOK. The Cook family has many interesting associations with Erie County and this part of Northern Ohio. In the main they have been substantial farming people, but the relationship also includes ministers of the gospel, merchants, and several who have at different times identified themselves with other lines of business and the professions. Mr. Cook owns one of the well-kept and managed farms of Berlin Township, his home being on Rural Route No. 4 out of Norwalk. His grandfather, Aaron Cook, was a native of New York State and after his first marriage came to Huron County about 1840. His first wife died there, and he married for his second wife Rachel Barney. Some years later they moved to Michigan and improved a farm west of Kalamazoo, where they died when full of years. They were good Chris-. tian people and in politics he was a republican. The children of the second marriage were Harrison, Henry and Emily, all of whom were. married and lived in the western states. By the first marriage the children were Hiram, Lorin, Milo and Allen. These became farmers, and Hiram died in Montana, while Lorin and Allen passed away in Michigan. They were all natives of Cattaraugus County, New York. Milo Cook, father of Elmer, was born in 1818, and was a young man when his parents came to Huron County. He married Adelia Vining, also a native of Cattaraugus County, where she was born about 1820. She came out to Huron County with her parents, where they died, and after her marriage in 1851 Milo and wife located at Townsend Station, now Collins, and built a hotel, which they conducted until 1854. This hotel they traded for a large farm in Jasper County, Indiana, moved to that locality, and Milo died there in 1858, when in the prime of life. His widow subsequently lived with her daughter. Iola, now the wife of Richard Cook, an Englishman. Richard Cook is a fruit and vegetable gardener, near Norwalk, and his children are Elmer, Willis and Gertrude. Mrs. Milo Cook subsequently moved to Michigan, lived on a small farm there, and in the spring of 1864 took her two children to Missouri, but in the fall of the same year returned to Ohio and located in Berlin Township of Erie County. She died a few years later when about forty-three years of age. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Her father was Rev. Record Vining, a pioneer Baptist minister throughout both Erie and Huron counties, having come here from New York State. He died in Jasper County, Indiana, when eighty years of age. Though devoted to the cause of the church which he served so faithfully, he preached without remuneration, and supported himself and family largely through his farming enterprise. His widow, whose maiden name was Lydia Williams, subsequently returned to Ohio and died in Berlin when past eighty years. Record Vining was one of the best known men in East Townsend and, as before stated, was a preacher of the gospel without remuneration. He reared a' family of seven children, two sons and five daughters : Ebenezer, of Ohio, was a farmer; Jared died in Michigan; Mary married Hiram Cook and lived and died in Montana ; Lydia, who married Ansil Bryant, lived in Ohio, later lived in Michigan for several years, and then returned to Ohio, where both died ; Abigail married Edmund Waldron and lived and died in Ohio; Sarah married Chester Jackson and lived and died in Ohio; Adela became the mother of the subject of this review. Elmer Cook was born June 15, 1851. He grew up in Ohio and Michigan and his education came from the schools of Berlin and the normal school at Milan. After his marriage he established himself on twenty- PICTURE OF MRS. EMMA DRAKE PICTURE OF J. O. DRAKE HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 601 five acres of well-improved land in Berlin Township, and has lived there and made a success of agriculture. He has a group of good buildings and a prominent feature of his farm is an orchard of peach, apple and other fruit trees. A few years ago he built a substantial barn by his own labor. In 1874, in Berlin Township, Mr. Cook married Hattie Cook, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 9, 1850, and was a young girl when her parents came to Erie County in 1865. Her parents were John and Hannah (Reeson) Cook. Her mother was a daughter of Rev. Thomas Reeson, an Englishman and a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who spent his life in England. His Bible is now in the possession of Mrs, Cook, and she values it highly for its many associations, and she also has an old sickle handed down from the previous generation. John Cook, her father, was born in 1802 and died in Berlin Township in 1899, where his wife was born in 1812 and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Cook, in 1896. Mrs. Cook's parents were married in England in 1834, and after the birth of five children there they all came to the United States on a sailing vessel in 1848, spending six weeks in the voyage. From New York they went on to Cleveland, and arrived there without a cent of money. The entire family lived in one room, for a time until the father was able to get a start in the New World, and in 1865 they came to Erie County, where John Cook followed farming and made a success of the business. Two other children were born to them after they came to this country. One son, Henry, served in an Ohio regiment through three years of the Civil war, was wounded in the side at Chickamauga, but returned and died some years after the war. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Cook have three children. Walter is unmarried and still at home. Elma is the wife of Clifford McLaughlin, a merchant at Berlinville, and they have a son, Lewis C. Mary is the wife of Henry Benbower, who is connected with the Western Automatic Machine Company at Elyria, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are members of the Berlinville Friends Church, in which he formerly served as an elder. Long a resident of Berlin Township, he has commended himself to the confidence of the people and has held several local offices. He is one of the pioneer prohibitionists in Erie County, and has advocated that doctrine since the time of St. John. JAY O. DRAKE. Taking the rural homes as they come in Berlin Township, there are few that present a more inviting exterior and show more evidence of thrifty prosperity than that of Jay 0. Drake, along Rural Route No. 4 out of Norwalk. Mr. Drake's family has been identified with this section of Northern Ohio for a great many years. On the subject of lineage it is of interest to note that he is directly descended from the famous families distinguished by Sir Francis Drake, one of the greatest English sea captains in the days of Queen Elizabeth. A brother of Sir Francis was named John and established the family name and fortunes in America in the very early period of colonization. From him there follows a direct line of descent down to Hiram D. Drake, the grandfather of the Berlin Township citizen above named. Hiram Drake was born and lived on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, was a farmer there, and among his sons were Francis, Asop, Lorenzo, Salmon and George, besides daughters. Salmon and his brother Francis came to Ohio and lived in Huron County. Asop died as a soldier in the Civil war. Salmon Drake was born in Pennsylvania in 1827, and died in Ridgefield Township of Huron County in April, 1877. He had settled in this part of Ohio during the early '30s, was a farmer, and during the war, though past military age, was drafted for a hundred days' service. He Vol. II-9 602 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY married Cynthia Dickey. She was two years of age when her parents established their home in Ridgefield Township of Huron County. She was born in 1826 and died in Ridgefield in 1899. Her father wasThomas Dickey, a native of New Hampshire, who was a soldier during the War of 1812. Later he moved to Ohio and was married in this state to Elizabeth Meyers, a native of Ohio, but of German parentage. Thomas Dickey on going to Ridgefield Township secured land that cost him between four and six dollars an acre, and his first home was a log cabin. His most important service in the community was the establishment and operation of a sawmill, which he used to work up great quantities of the surrounding timber into black walnut lumber. At the same time he improved his land and lived there until his death at the age of eighty-seven. He survived his wife by many years. His later years were spent in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Salmon Drake. He left a son, Albert Dickey, who married and died in middle life, leaving one son. After Salmon Drake and wife were married they became farmers on the old Dickey estate. They were excellent people, good neighbors, members of the Christian Church, and in politics he was a republican. Their eight children were : Eliza Jane, who became the wife of George KloPdenstein, and is now living on a farm in Bowling Green, Ohio, and has four children ; Hiram D., who is a farmer in Ridgefield Township of Huron County, owning and operating a part of his father 's old place, and is the father of two sons by his marriage to Blanche Killey ; Charles W., who lives in Norwalk Township of Huron County, is a farmer and married Mrs. Lina (Bishop) Fay ; Imogene is the wife of George J. Rowe, a sawmill man and farmer near the old Dickey home in Huron. County, and they have two sons and one daughter Jay 0. is the next in age ; Georgianna is. the wife of H. C. Roadannel of Haskins, Wood County, Ohio, a mail carrier thei-e, and they have two sons ; S. A. is employed by the Smith Monument Works at Norwalk, and by his marriage to Blanche Adriance has one daughter; Ira died at the age of six years. Jay 0. Drake grew up in his native township in Huron County, where he was born March 6, 1861. He received his education in the local schools and also attended the Normal at Milan. His years were spent in the house where he was born until he came to Berlin Township in Erie County in 1886, and in 1887 occupied his present farm. His home comprises 103 acres of well improved land devoted to general agricultural and fruit raising. He also has thirty-three acres in Milan Township. He has given the farm a great deal of value since he took possession nearly thirty years ago, and among other improvements that deserve mention is the large bank barn fifty feet square, with an "L" 28x55 feet. His home is a good seven-room house and there are various other buildings which furnish shelter for stock, tools and equipment. Mr. Drake has more than two thousand peach trees in his orchard. He also grows all kinds of grain, and each year raises from 1,000 to 1,500 bushels of potatoes. He keeps good stock and by intelligent and close management has made farming a profitable business. It was in Erie County that Mr. Drake married his wife. Her maiden name was Emma M. Williams, and she was born in Milan Township of Erie County, April 7, 1866, and was reared and educated in that township and lived there until her marriage. Her grandfather was John Williams, who is still living in Milan at the extreme age of ninety-eight. Her parents were Peter and Sarah (Shaffer) Williams, the former of Ohio and the latter of New York State. They grew up in Milan Township, where they were married and spent many years as farmers. They both died in Milan Township, he when about sixty years of age and she when fifty years old. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Drake have been born the follow- HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 603 ing children : Hazel, who was graduated from the Berlin Heights High School and is now the wife of Homer G. Rosekelly of Milan Township, and their two children are named George and Eleanor, Florence ; Elnora, also a graduate of the Berlin Heights High School, is the wife of Frank E. Rosekelly, a farmer of Milan Township, and their children are-Esther and Edward J.; Homer attended the schools at Milan and is now employed at Bedford, Ohio ; George H., who lives at home, married Augusta Worth and they have an infant son, Harold Lee ; John O. is still at home, a lad of six years ; Helen died when two and a half years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Drake are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in politics he is a republican. GEORGE SHERMAN, whose enterprise as a farmer and citizen in Berlin Township is well known to all the people of that locality, represents a family that have had a prominent part in the development of' Northern Ohio since the early days. They are people of the old American stock, and the first ancestors gained some distinction in the New England colonies beginning in the early part of the seventeenth century. Mr. Sherman of Berlin Township is descended from the same colonial pioneers who were also the ancestors of such great Americans as Senator John' Sherman and Gen. William T. Sherman. In England the family name was well known in London, in Devonshire and in Yoxley, County Suffolk. In the earlier generations the family was sufficiently distinguished to be the possessors of coats of arms. gotable features of the arms are : A lion rampant sable, between three oak leaves vert ; on the shoulder an amulet. The crest shows a sea lion, and the crescent on the shoulder probably signifies service in the crusade. The motto is "Conquered Death by Virtue." In 1634 Hon. Samuel Sherman, Rev. John, his brother, and Capt. John, his first cousin, came to America from Dedham, Essex County, England. Samuel settled in Stockford, Connecticut, and the other two in Watertown, Massachusetts. The direct line of descent to George Sherman of Berlin Township is as follows : Judge Daniel Sherman, who was a grandson of the Hon. Samuel just mentioned, was born in Connecticut in 1721, and in 1744 married Mindwell Taylor. He died July 2, 1799, and his wife passed away May 18, 1798. In their large family was Daniel Sherman, Jr., who was born in Connecticut, April 20, 1756, and was married there December 31, 1782, to Elizabeth. Mitchell: Of their children, Peter Sherman, who was born September 12, 1794, was the grandfather of George Sherman of Berlin Township, and a collateral line which should be mentioned was that of Taylor Sherman, a son of Judge Daniel Sherman and a brother of Daniel Sherman, Jr., above mentioned. Taylor Sherman was the father of Hon. Charles Sherman, who in turn was the father of Senator John Sherman and General Sherman. Grandfather Peter Sherman grew up in Connecticut, was married there, and a few years after the birth of their son Lampson, in 1829 came by river, canal and lake transportation to Cleveland, Ohio. There they took teams and wagons which carried them to Vermilion River in Huron County. They set up their habitation in the midst of the wilderness, secured land which they improved in a farm, and that old pioneer place is still in the family name, being owned by Mrs. Barns of Wakeman, a daughter of Peter Sherman. Peter Sherman died there February 22, 1878, at the age of eighty-four, and had survived his wife many years, she having passed away on the same farm at the age of fifty. They had only two children, the daughter being Mrs. Elizabeth Barns, widow of George Barns, and now past eighty years of age. She was born in Huron County, Ohio, about 1828 and has a large number of descendants. 604 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Lampson Sherman, father of George, was born in Connecticut, March 18, 1826, and was three years old when the family came out to Huron County. He grew up at the old farm along the Vermilion River, and was married there to Miss Fannie P. Smith, who was born in Wakeman Township of Huron County, December 10, 1825, and died January 27, 1908, and is buried by the side of her husband at' Milan. Her mother was a French, daughter of Joseph French, the ancestor of all the descendants of that name in Huron County. After his marriage Lampson Sherman moved to Berlin Township, in the southeastern part, and bought a farm on which he and his wife lived several years, later removing to Norwalk Township, Huron County, where they spent their last days. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was one of the leaders in local church affairs in Milan and Berlin- townships. He should also be remembered for his excellent qualities of citizenship, was a republican in politics, and for some years served as township trustee. The children of Lampson Sherman and wife were : Clara, who is unmarried and lives in San Diego, California ; John, who is in the real estate business at Spokane, Washington, and has two children; and a son Roy, who died at the age of ,twenty-four, was married but left no children. These children were well educated, and all of them excepting George Sherman were teachers. Mr. George Sherman was born in Berlin Township, April 12, 1869, attended the common and high schools, and has always been fond of books and study, though unlike other members of the family did not take up educational work. Farming has been his essential vocation, and for the past five years he has owned 122 acres on the Shinrock Road in Berlin Township near Berlinville. The farm has many features worthy of note, General farming and stock raising are his principel industries, and he keeps good grades of sheep, hogs and cattle, and also has 500 peach trees. His home is one of comfort and convenience and contains eight rooms, and is surrounded by well-built outbuildings. In Hartland Township of Huron County, on March 21, 1899, Mr. Sherman married Myrtle Silcox. She was born in Hartland Township, July 17, 1872, and was reared and educated there, being daughter of Henry and Eunice (Draper) Silcox, both of whom were natives of Huron County, their parents having come from New York State. Henry Silcox was a son of Amos H. and Lydia W. (DeWitt) Silcox, who were early settlers in Huron County and died there when about eighty years of age. They were members of the United Brethren Church and in 'politics he was a republican. After their marriage Henry Silcox and wife became farmers, and are still living in Huron Township, being now retired at the age of about seventy and making their home at Hartland. They were reared in the United Brethren Church. In their family were six children, all of whom are married except one. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman have two children : Fannie M., who died at the age of seven months ; and Rosebud Marian, who was born September 26, 1903, and is now a seventh grade pupil in the public schools. Mr. Sherman is an independent democrat, and is a man who has always had a peculiar fondness for his home and finds his greatest pleasures in the companionship of his family and immediate friends. WILLIAM CLARK. When a man has lived a life of usefulness and honor in one community for many years, his fellow citizens recognize in him a man deserving of respect and his name and some narrative of his activities have an appropriate place in the local annals of his township and county. Such has been the role of William. Clark in Erie County, who at the age of sixty finds himself prosperously situated as a farmer and fruit grower in Berlin Township. He has been otherwise an influence for good HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 605 in that community and stands high in the Society of Friends or Quakers, near whose church on the west line of the township is located his farm. While Mr. Clark is not the owner of an extensive landed estate, he has employed intensive methods of cultivation and has a valuable and comfortable rural home. Part of his land is set in fruit, and he and his good wife reside in an attractive six-room house, and other improvements indicate the thrift and industry of the occupants. Mr. Clark has lived on this farm since 1891. He was born near the Seven-Mile House out from Sandusky, January 5, 1854, acquired an education in the local schools, and on reaching manhood found himself quite well qualified for his chosen vocation, that of farming. He worked industriously and finally accumulated enough to purchase his present place. His parents were Willard and Catherine (Mack) Clark, both of them natives of Ohio and coming to Erie County many years ago. They established their home about seven miles from Sandusky and there Willard Clark died in 1854 at the age of thirty-three, when his son William was only four weeks old. Besides this son there was a daughter, Emily, who died in 1909, the wife of Albert Rice, and left a child, Anna, who is now married and has children. When William Clark was two years of age his widowed mother married, in Erie County, Andrew J. Pulver, who was a Mason and general mechanic by trade and a well informed and highly respected citizen. They spent the rest of their lives near Milan in Erie County, where he died in 1904 at the age of sixty-eight, and she passed away in 1905, aged sixty-six. She was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Milan, and in politics he was a republican. To their marriage were born the following children, who are half-brothers and half-sisters of Witham Clark : Catherine, widow of Daniel Bemis, and now living with her son in Erie County ; Lucy, who is the wife of Pinson Ewell of Milan; Rosa, who married William Bailey, an engineer living at Cleveland, and their sons and daughters are all married except one ; Jessie is the widow of Theodore Taylor, and now lives in Norwalk, two of her three children being married. William Clark was married in Milan to Anna. Mason. Mrs. Clark was born in Huron Township, December 27, 1859, and grew up and received her education in Milan Township.. Her parents were William and Catherine (Stamp) Mason, both of whom were born in Yorkshire, - England, and were married near Liverpool. Immediately after their wedding they set out for the United States in April, 1857, the sailing vessel on which they took passage landing them at New York after a voyage of five weeks, two days. They came on to Erie County, where Mr. Mason bought a small farm in Huron Township, but five years later established his permanent home in Milan Township. He died there May 16, 1890, at the age of sixty-three, and his wife passed away July 17, 1874, aged forty-nine. They were members of .the Methodist Church and she died in that faith, though he subsequently became affiliated with the Society of Friends. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are both active members of the Friends Church in Berlin Township near their home. Mr. Clark has been a trustee for many years, and helped to build the first and second churches of the society, and was one of its organizing members. In politics he was reared a republican, but is now active in the prohibition cause. While Mr. and Mrs. Clark have no children of their own, they have an adopted daughter, Clara Mae Wright, who was born March 29, 1909, and they are providing carefully for her training and she is one of the promising young pupils of the local schools. CHARLES SIPP. Two of the best-known people in the fine agricultural community in the western part of Berlin Township are Mr. and Mrs. 606 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Charles Sipp, who have spent practically all their lives in-Erie County, and are now the happy possessors of a farm which is a portion of, the old Hoak Estate, a place that was entered by the Hoak family from the Government more than a century ago, and which in productiveness and capable management is probably not excelled by any tract in Erie County. A representative of the honest, thrifty and substantial people who came from Germany and its provinces, Charles Sipp was bormin. Milan Township, Erie County, January 9, 1869. His father, Michael-Sipp, was born in the Province of Alsace, then French territory, but now a part of the German Empire, at the City of Strassburg, in 1835. He was the son of a wagonmaker, and his parents spent their lives in ,Alsace.. Michael Sipp, with the education given to Alsatian boys of that period and at the age of eighteen, started out for himself to find a home and fortune in the New World. He traveled through Paris to Havre, and there embarked on a sailing vessel which four weeks later arrived in New York City in the year 1851. The vessel was for three days beset by a severe storm. Michael Sipp soon afterwards located in Milan Township, where he secured employment at $8 per month on the farm. In a few years he was on the fair way to independence and finally became the owner of two good farms. One of these had originally been a cranberry marsh, and under his ownership it was drained and became some of the most productive land in that locality. He improved it with a good house and lived on that estate until his death. He also owned another farm on the higher land. in Berlin Township, and that likewise was improved. He spent many years in Erie County and prospered by raising stock, in truck farming, and as a fruit grower, and had a large orchard and also raised considerable small fruit. He died at the home of his son Edward in the Town of Huron in Townsend Township of Huron County, April 24, 1906. In politics he was a republican, and Was a member of the Friends Church. Michael Sipp was married in Milan Township to Hannah Brandal, who was born in Thompson Township of Seneca County, Ohio, March 26, 1840. She was of an old Pennsylvania. Dutch family, a daughter of John and Catherine Brandal, who were natives of Pennsylvania, moved out to Seneca, Ohio, and when their daughter, Mrs. Sipp, was nine years of age, to Hillsdale County, Michigan, where they died. Their daughter afterwards returned tar Milan Township of Erie County, where on September 6, 1859, she was united in marriage with Michael Sipp. She died in that township August 26, 1903. For thirty years she was a member of the church at East Norwalk, but in 1900 united with the Friends Church in Berlin Township and died in that faith. For the last two years of her life she was an invalid and was confined to an invalid's chair, but in spite of all her sufferings she showed great patience and constant cheerfulness. Of this union there were ten children : John, Laura, Julia, Emma, Charles, Ida, Edward, Ella, Mary and Irene. All these children grew up and married, and all are still living except John. Five of them have children of their own. On October 17, 1894, Mr. Charles Sipp married Miss Caroline F. Hoak. She was born on the farm where she now lives November 19, 1868. She belongs to one of the oldest and best families of Berlin Township and the story of the early settlement and principal facts in the lives of the different generations are told elsewhere in this publication in the sketch of Nathan Hoak, her brother. Mrs. Sipp was educated in the public schools in the vicinity of her birthplace and has never known any other home but the one where she now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Sipp have sixty- eight acres, a portion of the old Hoak homestead, and it is maintained at the high standard of cultivation which has for so many years prevail on this land. It is a fruit and grain farm, has a large white residence, a HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 607 big barn the main portion of which is 30x50 feet, and all the improvements and cultivation suggests the most progressive spirit of Erie County farming. Mr. Sipp is a republican in politics and is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 345 at Berlin Heights. Mrs. Sipp is a member of the Spiritualist Church. LESTER T. CHASE. The Weeping Willow Farm is the attractive name of the homestead occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Lester T. Chase in Berlin Township, on Rural Route No. 2 out of Berlin Heights. Mr. Chase is a farmer to the manner born, has spent most of his life in Erie County, and a brief review of what he has accomplished indicates that his reputation as an expert agriculturist is well founded. The Chase family was established in this section of Ohio a great many years ago. Lester T. Chase was born near Castalia in Erie County February 20, 1859, and is a son of Frank and Sarah (Tompkins) Chase. His mother was born in New York State January 9, 1841, and when about ten years of age was brought to Erie County in the family of her uncle, Gilbert Knapp, who lived for many years on a farm in Margaretta Township. Mrs. Chase grew up in that community. Frank Chase was born in New York State December 26, 1826, and was still a boy when he came with his parents to Erie County, and after his marriage he and his young wife started out on a farm in Margaretta Township. They prospered in proportion to their industry, and while their children were growing up they lived upon and owned five different farms in the vicinity of Castalia. About eighteen years ago Frank Chase and his wife left Erie County and bought 225 acres in the State of Maryland, two years later sold that and bought a farm of 200 acres in the State of Delaware and after two years moved to Old Virginia, and acquired 200 acres near the historic City of Petersburg, where Frank Chase spent the rest of his days and died December 18, 1909. He possessed an unusually keen judgment and always profited in his real estate dealings, and every tract of land upon which he lived was the better for his occupation. He was a republican in politics and a man of standing and influence in every community that claimed him as a citizen. His widow is still living on the homestead near Petersburg with her bachelor son, Grant. Lester T. Chase is the oldest of their four children. One son, Arthur, died at the age of twenty-five, leaving two children by his marriage to Sadie Golden, who is now living at Fremont, Ohio, and her first child is married. The son Grant, as already mentioned, is the practical manager of the Virginia farm, which is regarded as one of the best farming properties in that section of the Old Dominion State. Burton B. is now a successful farmer in the State of Delaware, and he married a Delaware girl and they_have a son and daughter. Lester T. Chase lived in Margaretta Township until his marriage and then took charge of his wife's mother's farm of sixty-seven acres in Townsend Township of Huron County. At the same time he owned and operated twenty-seven acres of his own adjacent to his wife's home. That was the scene of his successful work as a farmer until eight years ago, when he returned to Erie County and bought 156 acres in Perkins Township. In 1913, having sold that property, he bought one of the best known farms in Berlin Township, formerly owned by John Hoak. It comprises seventy-five acres, not far from Berlinville and Berlin Heights. About ten acres of fine native timber make one of the valuable features of the Weeping Willow Farm. Mr. Chase has succeeded in growing everything that can be grown profitably in this climate, and has made a feature of potato raising, also has a first-class 608 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY apple orchard and about two acres set to peaches. His home is a large nine-room house, and there are two large barns, for the storage and shelter of his stock and grain. Mr. Chase raises good grades of live stock, and feeds nearly all the product of his fields so that none' of their fertility is lost. On November 4, 1885, in Townsend Township of Huron County Mr. Chase married Miss Delia L. Owen. Mrs. Chase was born in that locality January 14, 1866, and as a girl attended the local schools: Her parents were Henry and Harriet (Graham) Owen, both of whom were natives of New York State and came when young to Ohio and were married in Seneca County. Not long afterwards they moved into the wilds of Townsend Township in Huron County where they secured sixty-seven acres of land practically untouched by plow and isolated from the civilization around them. There were hardly any roads to speak of, the wolves howled at the door of their little one-room cabin, wild game was plentiful, and out of those conditions the industry of Mr. and Mrs. Owen finally evoked a substantial and valuable farm. Mr. Owen died there in 1881 when past fifty-five years of age and his widow, who was born April 17, 1836,. died January 15, 1901. They were a Methodist family. Mrs. Chase has two sisters : Rosalia, wife of John Tompkins, of Castalia ; and Amelia A., wife of Ernest Benson, of Norwalk, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Chase have two capable and vigorous young sons,. -384 Earl J., born January 12, 1887, attended the Collins High School and is now the capable manager of the Nathan Hoak Farm in Berlin Town- -4 ship ; he married Eunice McGill, daughter of Warren McGill of Margaretta Township, and their three children are named Doris I., Gerald E. and Mildred. The second son, Henry M., born March 31, 1892, was similarily educated, and is now giving his assistance to his father in the management of the homestead., Mr. and Mrs. Chase attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, they are both members of the Patrons of Husbandry, and in politics he is a republican voter. JOHN HUFF. The development of such an attractive rural landscape as Berlin Township from the pioneer conditions which prevailed there within the memory of living man has been a task involving the labors of many successive years and of hundreds of individuals. It is a comfortable reflection to many of those who live in that fine district that they or their families before them have obeyed the scriptural injunction that by the sweat of their brow shall they gain their bread. This has been true of the fluff family, and John Huff, though of a younger generation, has himself increased the area of cultivation and in winning a comfortable prosperity has made the section in which he lives all the better for those that come after him. His is one of the excellent farms in Berlin Township, located on Rural Route No. 2 out of Berlin Heights. He was born on his father's old farm in the western part of Berlin Township June 27, 1860. His parents were Philip and Anna Barbara (Gundlach) Huff. Both of these worthy people were born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, the former on April 20, 1820, and the latter in April, 1827. They were of families of the German farming class. Though born and reared in the same country, their destinies were not united' until they came to America by different routes and at different times. Philip Huff came to this country in 1844, spending seven weeks on the voyage from Hamburg to New York City. He came on to Cleveland, went up the lake to Huron and for some time labored as a farm hand in Huron Township. Several years later Miss Gundlach had also set out alone from Germany, traveled in a sailing vessel to Quebec, HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 609 Canada, thence up the St. Lawrence River and Lake Erie to Huron, Ohio, and in that township these two people first became acquainted and were married. In the meantime from their earnings as young and industrious Germans both had furnished means for other members of their family to come and enjoy the advantages of American citizenship. Mrs. Huff's parents and some of her brothers came to this country and Mr. Huff furnished the means by which his brothers John, George and Adam were able to enjoy the opportunities of the New World. His brother George died not long after his arrival, while Adam died in Pennsylvania. having prospered, and the brother John is still living in Michigan, having located west of Adrian and is a wealthy man, being now past eighty years of age. When Philip Huff and wife were married they were exceedingly poor and only by the hardest work got far enough ahead to make their first investment as land owners. Their first ownership comprised eight acres in Berlin Township and to that they added from time to time until they had a farm of 121 acres. Philip Huff was a hard worker and the manner in which he acquired his land holdings was to buy a small tract of uncleared woodland, and after several seasons of hard work he had it in cultivation, had paid for it, and was soon ready to try, his enterprise on another tract. In the meantime he had built a good home, and he and his wife spent their last years in comfort. Philip Huff died on his farm in Erie County February 5, 1908. His widow subsequently went to live with her son John and died at his home 1Iay 5, 1912. Philip Huff was a Lutheran and his wife of the German Reformed Church, and in politics he was a democrat. They were devoted parents, were respected citizens and reared their children to lives of usefulness and honor. Their oldest child, Anna B., who died in July, 1913, was a mute from childhood and married Samuel McLanahan, who still lives at their home in Findlay, Ohio. The next child, Catherine, is the wife of Frank Peters, a farmer and butcher in Milan Township. Mary is the widow of Ephraim Mills, and lives at New Haven, Michigan, and has two sons and five daughters living, and lost one son at the age of twenty-three. Lillie is the wife of Henry McVetta, farmers in Milan Township, and three sons and four daughters were born to them, one of the daughters dying in childhood. John Huff, who was next to the youngest in this family, was reared and educated in Berlin Township and though starting in more prosperous circumstances than his father and mother has largely worked out his fortune by relying on his own efforts. His first purchase was twenty acres of land adjacent to his father's farm. This was increased in 1903 when he bought his present home place of fifty-one and a half acres on Central State Road, and he has improved that land in many ways, having a substantial eight-room house and two large barns just across the road from his dwelling. At a later time he acquired his father's farm and homestead, and his land holdings now comprise 192 acres, some of it as good land as can be found in Erie County. Mr. Huff is a farmer who believes in practical diversification. As a stock man he keeps the best hogs, cattle and sheep, and has also given considerable attention to fruit growing, having about 400 peach trees and three acres of apple orchard. In early manhood Mr. Huff married Miss Mary E. Otto, a resident of Berlin Township, though she was born in Brownhelm Township of Lorain County August 21, 1871. She was reared and educated in Berlin Township, and is the second child and daughter of Jacob Otto, who is mentioned on other pages of this publication. Mr. and Mrs. Huff have two children : Philip 0., born April 18, 1897, is in the class 610 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY of 1916 in the Berlin Heights High School. John Jacob, born February 13, 1905, is now in the fifth grade of the public schools. Mrs. Huff, who is a devoted mother and has helped her husband gain his prosperity, is a member of the German Reformed Church, while Mr. Huff is known as an independent democrat in his political activities. CHARLES LANDER. More than sixty years ago a young Englishman named Lander arrived in Erie County. The only possessions he could claim were the clothes he wore on his back. His name was William C. Lander and he was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1830. He was an only child and his parents had died when quite small and his years up to nineteen were spent in the home of his grandparents. With the spirit of adventure strong within him, with a determined purpose to make his own way in the world, he set out for the New World and spent most of his money in the long voyage by sailing vessel of three months between England and New York, and on reaching Ohio first located at Akron. The next two years did not greatly improve his fortunes, and when he arrived in Berlin Township it was as a common laborer that he worked for a farmer named West. Industrious, thrifty, faithful to the discharge of every responsibility, he was the type of young man who deserves encouragement, and found his benefactor in W. Henry Hine, who was his employer for six years. Mr. Hine, being a banker and one of the prominent citizens of Erie County, encouraged the young Englishman to buy land, offering to back him in his undertakings until he should get a foothold as an indepen4pnt farmer. On this advice William C. Lander first bought thirty ac es, and on that little farm his son Charles was born. While employed by Mr. Hine, William Lander married Miss Mary Jane Ceas, who was also an employe in the Hine household. She was born in Ohio, and died aged fifty-three on the old Lander homestead. After their first successful venture as independent farmers, William C. Lander and wife bought 100 acres a short distance north of the first farm, and it was on that place, since known as the old Lander homestead, that William C. Lander spent the rest of his years. He died there November 10, 1913, when past eighty- three years of age. In the meantime he had secured another tract of 100 acres of farm land, and that is now the home of his son Charles. William C Lander and wife had two children, the first being Charles and the second Miles. The latter was born in 1870 and is now owner and occupies the old Lander homestead in Berlin Township. He married Miss Catherine Oetzel, and their three children are named Ellen, William and Emma. Charles Lander was born on his father's farm, the first mentioned above, in Berlin Township, on October 2, 1863. He now has the second hundred acres secured by his father, located on the Berlin Township Line Road, and one of the best improved tracts of farm land in Berlin Township. Ten acres of his farm is a fine wood of native timber. Mr. Lander has a large and comfortable ten-room brick house, and has one of the largest barns found in Berlin Township, 120 feet long and 37 feet wide. Mr. Lander took possession of this farm home in 1898 and had previously lived on the Lander homestead. He has proved his ability as a thrifty general farmer, is a man of substantial education, and gives an intelligent direction to every undertaking. In Berlin Township he married Miss Elizabeth Ritz, who was born in the old log cabin home on her father's farm in Berlin Township in March, 1863, and grew up and received her education in this locality, where she lived until her marriage. Her father is John Ritz, Sr., one of the capable citizens of Erie County, and a sketch of whom appears PICTURE OF MR. AND MRS. LAFAYETTE BURDUE HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 611 on other pages. Mr. and Mrs. Lander have two children, Edward, born February 22, 1888, on the old Lander homestead, was educated in the public schools and is now living at Ceylon Junction in Erie County. He married Elizabeth Nuhn of Vermilion Township and they have two children named Herbert and Charles. John, the younger son, was born September 19, 1899, has finished his education and is still living at home. Mr. Lander and his sons are independent republicans. LAFAYETTE BURDUE. Fully a century has elapsed since the Burdues became identified with Erie County. The family is of French origin, and like many of the early settlers in this part of the old Western Reserve they came from Connecticut. The work of practically three successive generations of the family has been accomplished in this region, and there are many things that can be associated with the name to the credit and honor of the individual members. One of the first representatives of the family' to come to this country was John Burdue, a native of Connecticut, and whose grandson, Lafayette Burdue, has long operated a small fruit and general farm in Berlin Township on Rural Route No. 2 out of Berlin Heights. John Burdue came to Vermilion Township a young man, making the journey with wagons and ox teams and accompanied by his brothers and sisters. At Cleveland the sisters took passage on a boat while the brothers drove through with their wagons and. teams to Vermilion township. This was about the time of the War of 1812. Of those who came here the following are given record : John, Nathaniel and Rebecca. Rebecca married Ephraim Mingus. Nathaniel also married, and all of them lived and died in Erie and Huron counties. John Burdue, the grandfather, was married in Vermilion to Rebecca Cudaback of Pennsylvania German parentage, who came in the very early days with her parents from Pennsylvania to Vermilion. Some time after their marriage and after the birth of three children they moved to Townsend Township in Erie County, where they bought fifty acres of heavily wooded land. Like their neighbors, then sparsely settled over that country, they erected a rough log cabin, and devoted many years to the improvement and cultivation of their farm. Subsequently they moved to Lorain County, where John Burdue died at the age of seventy-nine, a short time before the Civil war, His widow died at Weston in Henry County, Ohio, when past eighty. Their early home in Huron County was in the midst of timber noted for its great size. It is recalled that a chestnut tree that stood near the home was eleven feet in diameter, and there were many other giants of the forest on their land. Before they left the county they had cleared a large part of this farm, and in this way performed an important share of the heavy pioneer labor. John and Rebecca Burdue were the parents of four sons and two daughters : George, Fred and Nancy, who were born in Vermilion Township of Erie County ; Margaret, William and Henry, who were born in Huron County. All these grew up and married and had children of their own, and are now deceased. George Burdue, father of Lafayette Burdue, was born August 19, 1823. spent his early life in Townsend Township of Huron County, and was there married to Betsy E. Robison, nee Studley, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, in May, 1817. She died in Huron County April 20, 1902, while her husband passed away December 20th of the same year. She had been reared in Richland County and was there when the historic cyclone devastated that section and performed so many remarkable freaks with people and homes. After their marriage George Burdue and wife located on a farm in Townsend Township, and operated that small estate the rest of their lives. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he 612 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY was a democrat. Their children: James N., who died after his marriage and left one son ; Percy, who died after his marriage; Franklin, who is a widower now living in Galion and ,has two sons, James and Hughy; Lafayette ; Sarah Almina, who is the wife of Bion Ames of Townsend Township, a farmer there, and they have two daughters, Ella and Ina; Newton, who died at the age of twelve years; and Nelson, who died at eighteen months old. It was in Townsend Township of Huron County that Lafayette-Burdue was born December 3, 1850. His youth was spent in that section, where he attended the public schools, and having become thoroughly acquainted with farming enterprise subsequently adopted that as a permanent vocation, though he also worked at a trade, as will be mentioned. In November, 1887, Mr. Burdue came to Erie County and bought twenty-five, acres on the State Road in Berlin Township west of Berlinville. There are many changes and improvements that can be credited to his enterprise since he occupied the farm, and a portion of it has been set to fruit. While the farm is not large, it has been so intelligently managed as to afford a good home and a means for the ample support of himself and family. His farm is the old Oliver Peak home. In his early manhood Mr. Burdue learned the mason's trade, having served an apprenticeship of three years under William Ames, and thereafter followed that as a vocation conjointly with farming until about ten years ago. He was regarded as one of the most capable workers with stone, brick and plaster. In Milan Township of Erie County Mr. Burdue married Matilda A. Gambee, who was born in that township May 8, 1851, and was reared and educated there. She was a thrifty and devoted companion until her death on January 10, 1915. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and that is also the church home of Mr. Burdue. In politics he is a democrat, and has affiliations with several orders. He belongs to Erie Lodge at Milan of the Masonic Order, to Edison Chapter No. 112, R. A. M., at Milan, to the Chapter' of Eastern Star, and is also a member of the Patrons of Husbandry at Milan. Mr. and Mrs. Burdue united with the Presbyterian Church at Milan in 1911. GEORGE L. SPRANKEL. The quiet life and substantial accomplishments of the farmer have been the lot of George L. Sprankel, though for a number of years he was also engaged in business as a dealer in general implements. By his enterprise he has accumulated sufficient against the days that are to come, and the respect in which he is held is not less than his material accomplishments. He is now retiring from business as an implement dealer. The home of Mr. Sprankel and family comprises 110 acres of farm land at Shinrock. The farm is well improved with two sets of buildings. It is land of the highest fertility, with clay subsoil, and capable of growing large and abundant yields of corn, wheat, oats and potatoes. Mr. Sprankel usually plants from eight to ten acres of potatoes and gets a yield as high as 300 bushels per acre. He also cultivates clover and has some excellent pasturage. Most of his land is thoroughly under- drained. He gives his attention to only the better grades of stock. He has a large and comfortable home in the Village of Shinrock, and his house has been virtually rebuilt since he first took possession. His home has been in Shinrock for sixteen years. George L. Sprankel was born in Erie County February 18, 1865, and has spent practically all his life in the Township of Berlin. With the exception of twenty years spent as a farm implement dealer he has devoted all his time and attention since reaching manhood to farming. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Zeller) Sprankel, and complete HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 613 information regarding that old and honored name in Erie County will be found on other pages. Mr. Sprankel was reared in a good home and educated sufficiently to handle business affairs and to make him known as a man of intelligence and of general information. The habits of thrift and industry to which he was trained as a boy have served him especially well in his business career. Mr. Sprankel was married in Berlin Township to Miss Anna K. Homan, who was born in Germany forty-eight years ago, and both her parents died there when she was young. She came to this country when seventeen years of age, and for several years made her own way in the world, and well deserves the comforts of a good home and has proved a devoted mother and an excellent helpmate to her husband. They have a family of three children. Amelia, who was educated in the grade schools of Berlin Township and is still at home; George, aged twelve, and now in the eighth grade of the public schools ; and Fred H., also in school. Mr. and Mrs. Sprankel are members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics he is an independent voter though he gives allegiance to the democratic party. TUTTLE YOUNGS. One of the most purposeful and productive lives spent within the limits of Erie County was that of the late Tuttle Youngs, who was born at Sempronius, Cayuga County, New York, January 20, 1832, and died on his beautiful estate near Shinrock in Berlin Township June 7, 1896, when in his sixty-fifth year. Along with the industry and enterprise which secures the best in material affairs, he had the sincere and high minded character which illuminates the life of a man in whatever sphere he expends his labors. His parents were thrifty, hard working and honorable farming people of New York. State, and from them he doubtless inherited many of the admirable qualities which were exemplified in his own career. His parents were James W. and Roxanna (Tuttle) Youngs, both natives of New York State. His mother was a sister of Nathan Tuttle, whose son, Hudson Tuttle, gained distinction not only in Ohio but elsewhere as an author and lecturer. The parents of Tuttle Youngs spent their lives in New York State and were quite old when they died. Growing up in his native state, Tuttle Youngs received a moderate amount of schooling and was trained to farm work under the direction of his father until twenty years of age. He then came out to Ohio, early in the '50s, and found work at the carpenter trade for aitime, and then entered the employ of Isaac T. Reynolds, one of the best known farmers and successful old time citizens of Erie County, now deceased. After seven years of steady employment, in which he commended himself not only to his employer but to the respect of the community, he was induced by Henry Hine, an extensive land owner, to purchase a farm, since Mr. Hine was much impressed by the ability and worth of the young man and was willing to help him in getting a start. After he had worked and paid for his first tract of seventy-eight acres, ,he found a capable helpmate in a young woman of that community, a member of one of Erie County's oldest and most prominent families, and together they started the improvements which have since eventuated in one of the most beautiful farms to be found in Erie County. This farm is now occupied by Mrs. Youngs, with her son as its capable manager. In the course of his lifetime the late Mr. Youngs put nearly all his land under the plow, and erected fine farm buildings, including a modern eight- room house. Hardly any land in the county shows superior soil, and it has been thoroughly drained and brought to the highest degree of productiveness. At this work for many years Mr. Youngs continued 614 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY his active career, and was not only a large crop grower but always kept good stock and exercised the utmost care in its handling. In his political actions he was a republican, but consented to hold only one official position, that of township trustee for several terms. He was a Christian in the principle of conduct rather than by creed. He was very domestic, and his home was the central point of his life's interests and affections. From the time of his marriage it is said that he was never absent from home or his wife a single night, excepting when he at one time took a trip to Chicago. On January 31, 1861, Tuttle Youngs and Miss Mary Ann Sprowl were united in marriage. She had lived up to that time in Huron Township, and was a sister of Thomas Sprowl, cashier of the First National Bank of Huron. Mrs. Youngs was born December 17, 1840, and received her early training and education in the schools of Huron and Berlin townships, and has spent nearly all her life within a mile or 'so of her Present beautiful home. A great deal might be written about the Youngs place, known as Maple Street Home. The township has no better developed or more attractive property than this. It takes its name from the 'beautiful avenue of maples which in their sturdy 'grace and beauty comprise a monument to the late Tuttle Youngs. He set them out along the road in,1862 and since then they have grown into large and beautiful trees. In April, 1861, a few weeks after his marriage, bMr. 'Youngs spent his last 50 cents after getting established in his new home to buy two cherry trees. These he planted in the front yard, and for fifty-four years one of these has stood, blossoming and bearing fruit almost every season. Only recently a wind storm destroyed the companion tree. In the first year following their marriage Mr. Youngs worked from daylight often far into the night getting his land cleared up and his home satisfactorily improved, and his loyal wife was a constant source of encouragement as well as practical aid to him in all his efforts. Mrs. Youngs represents some of the oldest established families in Erie County and is a daughter of John A. and, Betsey J. (Miller) Sprowl. Her father was born in New Jersey March 25, 1813, and came to Erie County when nineteen years of age, locating in the vicinity of the present Berlin Heights. His wife had the distinction of having been born at Berlin Heights March 3, 1819. After their marriage they settled in a little frame house which he had built on a clearing completely surrounded by heavy timbers. There he lived and worked and after an active and honorable career died December 8, 1884, followed by his wife on August 13, 1896. Their efforts had succeeded in clearing away and putting in cultivation fifty acres of fine land and their later years were spent in comfort and with every convenience which they could desire. Both were members of the Christian Church and in politics he was a republican and a man highly respected because of his dominant characteristics of fulfilling to the utmost letter and spirit every promise he made. Mr. and Mrs. Youngs became the parents of one son, Jay Reynolds, who was born February 10, 1867. He was carefully reared and educated, attending the Berlin Heights High School and has always 'lived on the home farm and since the death of his father has carried forward its improvements and its cultivation with a generous degree of success. He married Sabina Ritz, a daughter of John Ritz, one of Erie County's well known citizens. She was born, reared and educated in Berlin Township. They have one daughter, Mylitta, the only grandchild of Mrs. Youngs, and born November 3, 1900, and now a student in the Berlin Heights High School. The son is a republican voter. HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 615 J. PHILIP BEMBOWER. The name Bembower during the past thirty- five years has acquired some substantial associations with the prosperous agricultural community of Berlin Township. Mr. Bembower, though a native of Ohio, belongs to a thrifty and substantial German family, and as a farmer and citizen,has lived up to the best traditions and reputation of this fine class of people. Born in the City of Cleveland, Ohio, October 29, 1849, J. Philip Bembower is a son of Peter and Caroline (Studt) Bembower. His mother was the daughter of Abraham Studt, who came with his wife in the early '50s to America and lived and died in Cleveland, passing away at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Bembower, Abraham at the age of eighty-two and his wife at the age of eighty-five. After Peter Bembower and wife were married they left Germany in 1846, spent several weeks on the ocean in a sailing vessel, and from New York City prDceeded by rail as far as Buffalo and thence by boat down Lake Erie to Cleveland. They bought a little farm east of the then City of Cleveland, but it is now all incorporated within the limits and every acre is covered by houses. In the present city the limits of the old Bembower farm are marked by St. Clair and East Fifty-fifth streets and north to the lake. On that homestead Peter Bembower and his wife lived for many years, improved the land and subsequently divided and sold many lots therefrom. The mother died there in July, 1880, when about three score years old, and the father subsequently came to visit his son in Berlin Township and died there on January 4, 1888, when in his sixty- ninth year. He and his wife and his wife's parents are all buried in the Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland. All were members of the Evangelical Church, and the father was a democrat in politics. The children were Mary, who married Philip Venter, who died in January, 1915, in Huron County, and she died June 30, 1915. The next child in order of birth was J. Philip; John, now deceased, married Minnie Bollenbacher,' who is also deceased, and their two children, Henry and Emma, are both married and living in Ohio. Elizabeth is still unmarried and lives in Cleveland; Nicholas went to Alaska, and while there was lost in the glaciers, being about fifty years of age at the time and a bachelor ;- Carrie, who lives in Cleveland, is the widow of Henry Gessner, and has two. daughters and two sons. In what was then known as East Cleveland J. Philip: Bembower spent his early youth, and attended the public schools. His first regular work was as a carpenter, a trade which he followed until he came to Berlin Township in 1877,_ and bought the fine farm he now occupies on the Norwalk Road near Berliiaville. His farm comprises ninety-two acres, all of it improved and with substantial buildings, comprising a red bank barn, 30 by 63 feet, and 24 feet high, and five other sheds and cribs. His home is one of the most comfortable dwellings in that part of the county, a two-story eleven-room house and surrounding, these buildings is an orchard of four acres, set to peaches, apples, cherries and pears. Mr. Bembower has made a success as a farmer, and raises general crops and keeps good stock.' In the City of Cleveland he married Miss Caroline Bollenbacher, who was born in 1852 in Lime Township of Huron County and was reared and educated there, a daughter of Charles and Catherine Bollenbacher, who were born in Prussia, Germany, and came to the United States when young people. They were married in Lime Township and started housekeeping there on a farm. They died in Lime Township, her father in 1860 and her mother in 1873, when still in middle life. 616 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY They were members of the Lutheran Church and her father=swas a democrat. All the six children in the Bollenbacher family afe still living and are married, their names being Jacob, Charles, Dorothy, Mrs. Bembower, Henry and William. They live in Huron County with the exception of Mrs. Bembower, and William is a hardware merchant at Bellevue. Mr. and Mrs. Bembower are the parents of four children. Their daughter Augusta, who like the others received good advantages,in the local schools, is living at home. Charles is a farmer in Berlin Township and married Louisa Gross of Norwalk. John is living at home and is assisting in the management of the farm. William graduated from the Norwalk High School in 1906, subsequently took his degree from the State University at Columbus in 1911, then became a teacher and was identified with his work as a missionary teacher in India for four years. The family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Mr. Bembower and his sons are democrats though often independent voters. JOHN ROMELL. What all men aspire to—a long and prosperous career, one filled with satisfying accomplishments of a material nature, the acquisition of standing and esteem in the community, a good home and honorable and useful children—is the achievement which serves to give special distinction to John Romell, who owns and occupies one of the fine rural homes close in to the Village of Berlin Heights. Mr. Romell, though he has lived more than three-quarters of a century, is still active and has a promise of many years of usefulness before him, a promise which his many friends and acquaintances hope will be realized. A native of Germany, John Romell was born in Prussia July 14, 1838, of old German stock and ancestry. His father, John Romell, Sr., was a mason by trade, and died as a result of overwork when fifty years of age. Some years after John Romell came to the United States his mother died in the old country more than four score years of age. Of this family the only one to identify himself with the United States is Mr. Romell of Berlin Heights. At the age of eighteen he started out alone, saying farewell to home and associations of his youth and embarking at Bremen and after a„ rough sea voyage of more than nine weeks was landed in New York City. After reaching Erie County he found work as a farm hand in the vicinity of Castalia. An evident willingness and capacity for hard work was his chief recommendation to those who employed him, but for several years he commanded only the usual wages prevailing for such labor, from $6 to $10 per month, Along with wholesome characteristics he had the habit of saving, and after a few years, in 1863, increased his obligations and responsibilities by his marriage to Elizabeth Alvatear. Mrs. Romell was born in Germany seventy-two years ago, and when nine years of age came to this country and to Erie County, and up to the time of her marriage was employed as a domestic in the homes of people in the Castalia neighborhood. After his marriage Mr. Romell bought his first farm, comprising forty acres, in the vicinity of Castali, but some years afterward bought another place in Huron County, and conducted it until 1891. He then came to the Village of Berlin Heights and for five years was well known to that community as proprietor of a popular hotel. In 1896 he bought thirty-four acres half a mile east of the village, and still owns that farm, HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 617 which has some excellent improvements comprising a good house and barns and an orchard of fruit trees. In 1905 Mr. Romell bought thirty acres nearby and part of it just outside the village limits of Berlin Heights. This is his present home, and he lives there surrounded with all the comforts and conveniences which make life pleasant. For many years he has had a reputation as a successful grower of the staple crops, including corn, wheat, oats and potatoes. Mr. and Mrs. Romell have lived together as man and wife for more than half a century, and in that time their home has been blessed with the coming of a number of children, six of whom are still living. Orin is a farmer near his father's home in Berlin Township and was married but lost his wife ; William lives on a farm near. Shinrock, in Berlin Township, and his children are Mrs. Mabel Hine, George and Louise ; John, Jr. is a farmer near Berlin Heights and has two children, Leona and Edward ; Peter lives with his father and is still unmarried ; Catherine is the wife of Thomas Conlen, who is proprietor of a summer resort at Put-In Bay, on Lake Erie, and they have an adopted daughter named Mamie ; Libbie is the wife of Edward. Sutton, cashier of a savings bank at Chicago Junction, Ohio, and their three children are Howard E., Harry and Symera. Mr. Romell and his sons are republican voters. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church. ALITA A. ST. JOHN. A native of the township in which he still maintains his home, Mr. St. John is a representative of one of the prominent and honored pioneer families of Perkins Township and has himself long been numbered among the substantial and influential farmers and stock-growers of his native county, where it may consistently be said that his circle of friends is coincident with that of his acquaintances. On the old homestead farm of his father in Perkins Township Alva A. St. John was born on the 6th of December, 1848, so that he is rapidly approaching the age of three score years and ten, though with virtually unimpaired vigor of both mind and body and with unabated interest in the management of his fine farm and in the general affairs of the community. He is a son of James B. and Emmeretta (Mills) St. John, both of whom were born and reared in the State of Connecticut, which had original domination over the fine old Western Reserve in Ohio, of which Erie County is an integral part. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this review was Burchard St. John, and he was a member of a sterling old family that was founded in New England in the colonial era of our national history. James B. St. John and his father both came from Connecticut in an early day to number themselves among the pioneer settlers of the West- ern Reserve. They established their home in the midst of the virgin forests of Erie County, and were numbered among the very early settlers of what is now Perkins Township, where they literally hewed out productive farms from the forest wilds, Burchard St. John and his wife having been venerable and honored pioneer citizens of the township and county at the time of their death. James B. St. John endured the full tension of arduous labor and hardships incidental to the pioneer days and by energy and indefatigable industry he eventually became one of the substantial farmers of Perkins Township, where he was influential in community affairs and was respected for his ability and his invincible integrity in all of the relations of life. He passed away at a venerable age, as did his wife, their memory being revered by all who came within the sphere of her gentle influence. Of the two children who still survive the honored parents the subject of this review is the younger, and the sister, Mary E., who still resides in Perkins Town- Vol. II-10 618 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY ship, is the widow of William Hart, who was one of the successful farmers of this part of the county. Alva A. St. John has been a resident of Perkins Township from the time of his birth and his early education was gained in the common schools of Erie County. His fealty and allegiance to the -great basic industry of agriculture have never faltered and he has long held prestige as one of its progressive and successful representatives in his native county, his attractive homestead farm, not far distant from the City of Sandusky, comprising 121 acres of most fertile land, all maintained under effective cultivation, and the buildings and other permanent improvements on the place being of excellent order,—tangible evidences of thrift and prosperity. Though he has had no ambition for political office Mr. St. John has always stood stanch forth as a liberal and public-spirited citizen and has been unswerving in his advocacy and support of the cause of the republican party. He attends and supports Calvary Church, Protestant Episcopal, in the City of Sandusky, of which his wife is a devoted communicant, their attractive home being a .favored rendezvous for their host of friends in this favored section of the old Buckeye State. On the 28th of September, 1871, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. St. John to Miss Fannie Devlin, who was born and reared in Huron Township, this county, a daughter of Walter and Jane (Foster) Devlin, both of whom were natives of Ireland and both of whom were residents for many years of Erie County, where they established their home in the pioneer days and where they continued to reside until their death. Mr. and Mrs. St. John have four children, concerning whom the following brief record is entered in conclusion of this review : Mary E. is the wife of Burton Pelton, and they reside in the City of Sandusky, as does also Jane, who is the wife of ROy Wiggins ; and Ayers and James are associated in the general work and management of the old homestead farm. WILLIAM HART. In studying a clear-cut, sane‘ and well ordered career such as that of the late William Hart, there is no need for indirection or puzzling, for his character was the positive expression of a noble and loyal nature and he marked the passing years with large and worthy achievement in his chosen field of endeavor, though entirely free from ostentation and self-seeking. He was signally true in all of the relations of life and was resident of Erie County for many years before his death, which occurred at his fine farmstead home, in Perkins Township, on the 16th of November, 1907. He was one of the sturdy and honored representatives of the sterling class of German agriculturistg who have contributed much to the civic and industrial development and progress of Erie County, and his character and accomplishment render most consistent the entering of this tribute to the memory of a good man and useful citizen. Mr. Hart was born in Germany in the year 1831 and there received his early education. When about nineteen years of age he severed the ties that bound him to home and Fatherland and set forth to seek his fortunes in America, to which country he came without more than nominal financial resources but admirably fortified in energy, ambition and resolute purpose. After remaining for a time in the State of New York Mr. Hart came to Erie County, Ohio, and settled in Milan Township, where he eventually beeame the owner of a good farm and where he maintained his residence many years and where he reared a large family of children. He finally disposed of his Milan Township farm and removed to Perkins Township, where he purchased the well PICTURE OF CHARLES C. HOFFMAN RESIDENCE AND GRAIN ELEVATOR, SHINROCK, OHIO HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 619 improved farm which continued to be his place of residence until the close of his life. As a young man Mr. Hart wedded Miss Louisa Hess, and they reared a large family of children, many of whom still survive the honored parents and continued their residence in Erie County. For his second wife Mr. Hart married Miss Mary E. St. John, who was born and reared in Perkins Township and who is representative of one of the early pioneer families of Erie County. She is a daughter of James B. and Emmeretta (Mills) St. John, both of whom were born and reared in the State of Connecticut, representatives of sterling colonial families of New England. James B. St. John and his father, Burchard St. John, came from Connecticut in an early day to number themselves among the pioneer settlers of the historic Western Reserve in Ohio. They established their home in the midst of the virgin forests of Erie County and were numbered among the early settlers of what is now Perkins Township, where both passed the remainder of their lives and where both contributed their quota to the initial and arduous work of reclaiming farms in the midst of the forest wilds. James B. St. John was one of the prominent farmers and influential citizens of Perkins Township at the time of his death, in 1858, and his wife ,survived him by a number of years. Of their children only two are living, Mrs. Hart and her brother, Alva A., who is a prosperous farmer of Perkins Township. and who is individually mentioned on other pages of this volume. Mrs. Hart was reared and educated in her native township, which has been her home during the major part of her life, though she has resided for varying Intervals in the City of Sandusky, where she remained fourteen years, and in the township of Milan. She is a woman of most gracious personality and has a host of friends in the county that has ever represented her home. She still resides upon the fine homestead farm of her father and mother in the very house in which she was born. No children have been born of their union. The attractive home in known for its generous hospitality. Mrs. Hart attends the Baptist Church in the City of Sandusky, in which church she was married, and is a popular factor in church work and in the social activities of her home-community. Her well improved farm comprises sixty acres and is one of the valuable properties of Perkins Township. the place being eligibly situated on the interurban electric line, and receiving service on rural mail route No. 1 from the village of Huron. CHARLES C. HOFFMAN. The man who supplies practically every branch in commercial service, both buying and selling, at the Village of Shinrock, and who more than any other one ,individual has succeeded in placing that village on the map as an important trading center, is Charles C. Hoffman. He started modestly in 1899 with a small stock m of general merchandise. He also handled grain for the farmers in that community and in 1905 saw the need of an elevator and built one with a capacity of 10,000 bushels. He now commands a large market, handling the grain and produce for the farmers miles around Shinrock, and there is hardly a commodity which could be mentioned which he does not buy or sell at some time in the course of the year. He handles about 100,000 bushels of potatoes annually. He also buys and sells coal and other supplies and deals extensively in all kinds of live stock. He feeds a large number of cattle, hogs and other stock every year, and has a specially equipped farm for this purpose, supplied with a large barn 40x80 feet. In the village his is the most conspicuous residence, a thirteen-room modern home, of attractive appearance and furnished with every facility for health and comfort. Nearby is situated a large barn. 620 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY It is one of the finest country homes in the county, and is just as_modern as the residences of city dwellers, having hot and cold water, bath rooms, natural gas for fuel and lighting and there are a great many people who would well envy him the living comforts which he enjoys but which his remarkable business energy has well delerved. He also operates the old home farm in Berlin Township of sixty-two acres. The Hoffman family is an old and prominent one in Berlin Township and his parents were John and Christina (Klinger) Hoffman, more detailed information concerning whom will be found on other pages of this publication. Charles C. Hoffman was born July 13, 1869, and grew up and received his education in the public schools of Berlin Township. He has been one of the hustling men of the county and since an early age has made his own way. He has a large stock of native business capacity, and unlimited energy to carry out to success everything he undertakes. In addition to the other business service-which he has directed at Shinrock he was for a number of years incumbent of the local postoffice. He is a republican in politics and lends his support to anything which would benefit the community. Mr. Hoffman was married in Berlin Township to Maude M. Allen. She was born at Richmond, Macomb County, Michigan, forty-six years ago, and was reared and educated in her native state. Her father, Addison Allen, died in Michigan seven years ago when at a good old age, and the mother is still living in that state. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman are most hospitable, kind and genial people and are always ready to lead off in all local enterprises. RICHARD STALEY. During many years of residence in Perkins Township, Richard Staley has reached that enviable position where his word is accepted in business matters the same as a bond, and all his friends and acquaintances repose the utmost confidence in his judgment and integrity. Mr. Staley is well known as a farmer, stock raiser and stock dealer, and at the present time is serving as a member of the board of trustees of Perkins Township. His home is on Yankee Street, where he owns a farm of fifty acres, which he has acquired as a result of his own efforts and which he employs in farming and stock raising. Richard Staley is a native of Herefordshire, England, where he was born March 31, 1871, a son of Richard and Sarah (Greenhouse) Staley. His parents were natives of England, and his father is still living in that country, in the seventy-ninth year of his life. Richard Staley, who was one of a large family of children, grew up and received his early education in his native land. In his eighteenth year he came to the United States taking a steamer at Liverpool and landing at Philadelphia. He came on to Erie County and for four years worked for others in Berlin Township. He then removed to Perkins Township, and in a few years was in business for himself. In addition to farming he has become widely known as a cattle dealer, and has also handled a large amount of real estate, mostly farm lands. Mr. Staley married for his first wife Hattie Matson of Perkins Township, a daughter of Norman Matson, a Perkins Township farmer. By this marriage there was one son, Donald M. After the death of his first wife Mr. Staley married Mary Haffner, who was born in Amherst, Ohio. She is the mother of five children: John J., George, Viola H., Willis E., and a baby yet unnamed. Mr. Staley has been more or less a figure in political affairs in Erie County for a number of years. In 1914 he was a candidate for the nomination for county commissioner on the republican ticket, but after a friendly contest the nomination went to Henry Kelly of Milan Township. Mr. Staley in August, 1914, was appointed a trustee to fill a HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 621 vacancy on the board in Perkins Township, and is now giving much of his attention to those official duties. He is a stanch republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist-Church. His course through life has been so directed as to gain the permanent ill will of no one, and at the same time he has made himself a positive factor in business and local affairs. JULIUS HOUSE. Among the old and highly honored families of Erie County, Ohio, probably-none is better known than that of House; of which a worthy representative is found in the person of Julius House, a prominent citizen and successful agriculturist of Perkins Township. Three generations of this family have contributed to the general advancement and development of this part of the state, the majority of the name having devoted their attention to the various departments of farming. All have been found to be men of honor and integrity, capable in the acquirement of personal independence and prosperity and conscientious in the performance of the duties of citizenship, and in these respects the one of whom present mention is made is no exception. Julius House was born in Perkins Township, Erie County, Ohio, July 22, 1847, and is a son of Lindsey and Mary A. (Young) House. His grandfather, Julius House, for, whom he is named, was born in Connecticut and became one of the earliest settlers of Erie County, Ohio, migrating here with his family and locating on a farm in Perkins Township at a time when this region was still in its primitive state. During the years that followed he experienced the usual hardships incident to the life of the pioneer in this state, but he was made of stern stuff and through hard and energetic labor succeeded in developing a - farm from the wilderness and accumulating a competency. In the vicinity of what is now Perkins Church, he became one of his community 's most influential citizens, served for a number of years in the capacity of justice of the peace, and was widely known in this region as "Squire" House. Both he and his wife died well advanced in years, and with the esteem of the people among whom they passed so long a period. Lindsey House was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and was about three years of age when brought to Erie County, Ohio, by his father, Julius House. His education was limited to such advantages as were offered by the country schools of his day, and when he reached manhood he entered upon a career of his own in agriculture. The remaining years of his active life were passed in agricultural pursuits, and he was so successful in his operations that he was able to retire a number of years before his death, which occurred in his eighty-sixth year. He was not a seeker for political preferment, preferring the peaceful vocations of his farm to the activities of public life, but was nevertheless a man of influence in his community and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Julius House has followed directly in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He was given his early education in the district schools of Perkins Township, this being subsequently supplemented by a short course in the high school at Berlin Heights, and to this has been added the practical training that comes through experience and contact with men. When ready to enter upon a career of his own he chose farming, a vocation in which he has been engaged successfully all his life, and at this time is the owner of fifty acres, located near Perkins Church. He has improvements of a modern and substantial character, good and commodious buildings and up-to-date machinery, and his property evidences eloquently the presence of thrift, enterprise and good management. Mr. House is a public-spirited citizen who has 622 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY always been ready to do his full share in supporting beneficial movements, particularly of an educational character, and his stand on public questions as well as his straightforward manner of doing business, have gained him respect and confidence in his locality. On November 28, 1872, Mr. House was united in marriage with Miss Mary Gannon, who was born in Ireland, to which union there have been born three ;children : Lindsey J., a resident of Columbus, Ohio ; and Elon W. and Willard A., who are residents of Cleveland, Ohio. LEWIS W. HOUSE. A very enterprising and prosperous farmer and breeder of livestock, living on the old House homestead in Perkins Township, Lewis W. House is widely known not only as a representative of the best agricultural element of Erie County, but of one of the oldest and most highly respected pioneer families of this part of the state. The history of the House family is the history of farming in Erie County, for the founder of the name here came when this locality was covered with woods, and members of the family have kept pace with the advancement and development which has followed and still continue to hold prosperous positions in the agricultural world. Lewis W. House was born on the farm on which he now lives, March 23, 1858, and is a son of Lindsey. and Mary A. (Young) House, and a grandson of Julius House. The latter was born in Connecticut and several years after the birth of his son Lindsey emigrated to Erie County and settled in the woods in the vicinity of what is now Perkins Church, in Perkins Township. There he erected a small house, started the work of clearing and development, and after a number of years crowded with the experiences and hardships of the pioneer finally became the owner of a handsome and valuable property, a monument to his energy and faith. He was one of the influential men of his locality, serving in the capacity of justice of the peace for many years and was known throughout the vicinity as "Squire" House. A typical pioneer, honest, rugged and straightforward in character, in his death the locality lost one who had done much to insure its future prosperity. Lindsey House was born in Connecticut, and Was about three years of age when brought by his parents to Erie County, Ohio. His education was naturally somewhat limited, being confined to those advantages afforded by the primitive schools of early Ohio, but he became a well educated man and one who wielded a distinct influence in his community. He devoted his active years to the pursuits of the farm, and died well advanced in years, as did also Mrs. House, who was a native of Ohio. Their children were as follows: Altha, who is deceased; Laura, who is a widow of the late John DeWitt, of Perkins Township, and now lives at Sandusky, Ohio ; Julius, who is one of the leading farmers of Perkins Township ; Ada, who is the wife of Willard Curtiss, of Pasadena, California ; Mina, who is the wife of A. A. Storrs, of Perkins Township ; Marian, who is the widow of the late George B. Parker, of Perkins Township, and is living there ; Lewis W., of this notice ; and Rose V., who is the wife of Leonard Hill, of Perkins Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. House took an active interest in the work of the Perkins Methodist Episcopal Church, in which faith the children were reared. The life of Lewis W. House has been a strictly agricultural one, and his entire career has been passed in the environment of the farm. He was educated in the public schools of Perkins Township, and as a youth engaged in the pursuits of the soil, which have continued to engage his attention to the present time. He is now the owner of sixty-two acres of good land, which he devotes to general farming, and his ventures HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 623 have proven successful because of the labor and intelligence he has expended on them. A devotee of modern methods, he is always ready to experiment with new ideas, but his practicality tends to make him loath to give up a tried method until he finds that the new one is better. He is a friend of education, is serving as a member of the school board of Perkins Township, and is a stalwart republican in his views and a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church. As business man, agriculturist and citizen he has qualified for a high place in the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen. Mr. House married for his first wife Miss Jennie Parker, a sister of the late George B. Parker, of Perkins Township, and they had one daughter, Ada,- who is now the wife of Byron Woolson, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. House married a second time, his wife being Dollie Veader, who was born in Perkins Township, and they have eight children, namely : Guy W., Ethel, Byron, Annabelle, Rachel, Alta, Lois and Faye. FRANK LILES The first concrete bridges constructed in Erie County were built by the well known. contractor Frank Liles in Groton Township. In addition to his distinction as the pioneer bridge builder of concrete material in the county Mr. Liles has developed a large and extensive business as a contractor and builder in concrete work, and has a record of fifteen years in which he has used his facilities, equipment and service in the constructing of many bridges, culverts, sidewalks and also in road contracting, which is later years has become his primary specialty. Mr. Liles resides at Sand Hill in Groton Township, where he owns a commodious and attractive residence, and enjoys the honor and respect of the people among whom he has spent practically all the years of his life. Born in Groton Township August 5, 1872, he is a son of the late John W. and Celia (Mitchell) Liles. His mother is now living near Sand Hill in Groton Township. The late John W. Liles was born in England, came to America in early life and after residing at several different localities in Erie County finally settled permanently in Groton Township, where he followed farming until his death in the early '70s. He was a well known citizen there, but died before accomplishing all the work of which he was capable. Frank Liles was only a child when his father died and he grew up under the direction of his widowed mother, living both in Oxford and Groton townships, and gaining his education from the public schools of those localities. He has been a hard worker all his life, and after some varied experience in other lines finally took up the business of contracting in concrete work in 1900. Thus he has for fifteen years operated as a builder in that now familiar material, but when he began he was among the first in Northern Ohio to apply concrete successfully to such constructions as bridges. There are three bridges along the Smith Road in Groton Township which represent his pioneer effort and are said to be the first of that material constructed in Erie County. On March 2, 1897, Mr. Liles married Miss Jessie Waldock of Perkins Township. They have two children : Anna G. and Francis. Mr. Liles and family enjoy the social regard of the community in Groton Township, and as a business man he is exceptionally enterprising and successful. LOUIS EBERT, JR. One of the citizens of Oxford Township well fitted for the role of agriculturist is Louis Ebert, Jr, who has spent all his life in this county, and after a period of hard work and self denial has gained an independent position and now operates an excellent farm and carries on business as a wholesale butcher. 624 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Born in Sandusky December 17, 1869, he is a son of Louis and Catherine (Herbel) Ebert, both of whom were natives of Germany. His parents now reside in Oxford Township, his father sixty-eight and his mother sixty-four years of age. The father came from Germany to America with his parents when he was a small boy, and the family located at Sandusky fully sixty years ago, and after he reached his maturity he engaged in farming in Oxford Township and also carried on a butcher business. He is in politics a democrat. Reared at the old home in Oxford Township Louis Ebert, Jr., acquired his education, in the local schools, and at an early age started out in life on his own responsibilities. He married Miss Minnie Smith, who was born at Sandusky, a daughter of Joseph Smith, a late resident of Perkins Township. To their marriage were born seven children, two of whom died in childhood and the five now living are : Irene E., Merribell, Myrtle R., Louis J. and Norman W. For three years Mr. Ebert served as a member of the board of education of Oxford Township. He is a democrat in politics. His agricultural operations are conducted on an excellent farm of fifty-eight acres, and he supplements that industry by his wholesale butcher business. He is affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees at Bloomingville, and is one of the men of his township who favors everything that will give better schools, better roads, and improved conditions generally. FREDERICK P. GASTIER. Foremost among the well known and highly regarded men of Groton Township may be mentioned Frederick P. Gastier, prominent farming man and a member of the local board of education. Mr. Gastier has lived in Erie County all his life. He was born in Oxford Township on December 4, 1864, and is a son of John F. and Catherine M. (Schaffer) Gastier, both natives of Nassau, Germany. John F. Gastier came to American shores in 1863, settling in Oxford Township, Erie County, and he is living there at the present writing (1915). His faithful wife died in October, 1912, and he is now in his seventy-seventh year. Of their ten children eight are living today. Frederick P. of this review is the eldest. Sophie, the wife of William Seiple, lives in Riehfield Township, Huron County, Ohio. Catherine married Albert Scheid and they have a home in Oxford Township. William also lives in Oxford. Charles is in Bellevue, Ohio. Emma is the wife of E. Spade, of Bellevue. Henry lives in Groton Township. Louise is the wife of. John Lindsley, and they live in Perkins Township. Frederick P. Gastier was reared in Oxford Township, and from his boyhood on he was trained to agricultural activities. He had such education as the schools of the township afforded, and he has added much to that training as he has gone through life. On Abruary 24, 1890, he married Catherine Schamp, who was born in Oxford Township and is a daughter of Peter Schamp, late of Oxford, and one of the earliest settlers in that community. Three children have been born to the Gastiers. Laura, the eldest, is the wife of Kent Rockwell, of Milan Township, this county. Carl L., who married Margaret Neill, lives in Groton Township, and Frederick W. is at home. Mr. Gastier owns a good farm of eighty acres, well stocked, highly cultivated and abundantly fruitful. He is known to be one of the most successful farmers in the county. For some years past he has given valuable service as a member of the board of education in Groton Township. He and his family have long had membership in the Evangelical Association, and have lived exemplary lives in their home community. Always a public-spirited man, Mr. Gastier has been a leading spirit in any forward movement that has been inaugurated in the community, and especially has the cause of education been fostered in the township through his activities.