280 - BLANK 281 - BLANK 282 - PHOTO OF DR. E. N. HAWLEY HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 263 BIOGRAPHICAL E. N. HAWLEY, M. D. Having made careful preparation for the practice of medicine Dr. Hawley is now successfully following his profession in Norwalk, his ability bringing him prominently before the public in this connection. A native of Erie county, Ohio. he was born August 18, 1856. His father, Noah M. Hawley, was born in Connecticut and went to Rochester, New York, with his parents, removing thence to Erie county, Ohio, when twenty years of age. On this trip he also accompanied his parents and his father Allen Hawley, died in Erie county at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He served as a general in the Revolutionary war, giving effective aid to the colonists in their struggle for independence. He came of the same family as the Hawleys, well known in Connecticut. In Ohio Noah M. Hawley turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and throughout the remainder of his life was connected with farming interests in Erie county, being numbered among the representative tillers of the soil in that portion of the state. He died in 1888, at the age of seventy-six years, having long survived his first wife, who bore the maiden name of Olive Sayles and who passed away in Erie county in 1845. Later he married again, his second union being with Abigail Mowry. Dr. Hawley of this review, has one own sister, Laura, and three half-sisters and one half-brother—Dr. Charles A. Hawley, now living in Washington, D. C. In the country schools Dr. E. N. Hawley pursued his early education and afterward attended the normal school at Milan, Ohio. He then taught in a district school for two years and for one year was employed as a teacher in the Milan Normal College, but he regarded this merely as a preliminary step to other professional labor for it was his purpose to become a member of the medical fraternity. He studied medicine for one year in the Bellevue Medical College of New York city, after which he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and matriculated in the medical department of the State University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1881. He then commenced practice in Sandusky, where he continued for a year, and subsequently spent six years in Wakeman, Huron county, but seeking a broader field of labor he removed to the county seat 284 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY and for twenty years has been successfully following his profession in Norwalk. His ability in his chosen field of labor is widely recognized, both by the members of the medical fraternity and the general public. He is very careful in the diagnosis of a case, is conscientious in the performance of all professional duties and in all of his work is actuated by a broad spirit of humanitarianism. The scientific side of the profession also makes strong appeal to him and he closely studies every phase of his work, keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress as manifested in the work of the medical fraternity. He belongs to the County and State Medical Society, the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, and the American Medical Association. In 1900 Dr. Hawley was united in marriage to Miss Abbie Riley, a daughter of John Riley, an old resident of Norwalk. They have one son, Edwin Charles Riley, born October 3, 1904. Dr. Hawley is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and other organizations. He has been termed a good man and a good citizen—a high measure of praise, indicating as it does fidelity and honor in all the relations of public and private life. HON. GEO. T. THOMAS Hon. George T. Thomas, ex-speaker of the Ohio house of representatives and recognized as one of the republican leaders of the state, is now engaged in the practice of law at Norwalk, where he has followed his profession since April, 1887, save for the period of his service as probate judge. He was born at Greenwich, Ohio, September 11, 1856, and is a son of Uri Baker and Ellen (McOmber) Thomas. The former was born October 24, 1818, and was a son ^f George and Adeline (Baker) Thomas. George Thomas was born in Rhode Island, May 9, 1795, and on the 16th A August, 1812, married Adeline Baker in Otsego county, New York. She was born November 25, 1796. They reared a family of nine children and Mr. Thomas became a well-to-do farmer of Otsego county, New York. About 1858 he removed westward to Ohio and settled on a farm in Greenfield township, Huron county. Throughout his entire life he carried on general agricultural pursuits and he died at Greenwich, November 5, 1882. He had long survived his wife, who died April 30, 1859. Their children were as follows: an infant daughter, who was born September 4, 1813, and died the same day ; another daughter, who was born and died on the 14th of March, 1815 ; George Hull, who was born April 15, 1816, and died in February, 1905 ; Uri Baker, the father of George T. Thomas ; Levi Ward, who was born January 19, 1821, and died in 1861 ; a son, who was born and died June 3, 1823 ; Sylvanus Ward, who was born Jan- uary 20, 1825, and died in May, 1885 ; Washington Lafayette, born April 15, 1827; Adeline Alvira, born March 30, 1829 ; Andrew Jackson, who was born February 3, 1832, and died November 9, 1891 ; Lucena Icebenda, born February 24, 1835 ; and Walter B. Wallace, who was born December 18, 1839, and died April 4, 1862. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 285 Of this family Uri Baker Thomas, the father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation and in addition to tilling the soil he raised and dealt in live stock and in wool. He was married April 16, 1849, to Miss Ellen R. McOmber, who was born May 21, 1829, near Castleton, Vermont. Both acquired a fair education in the schools of their native states, but neither were college graduates. Mr. Thomas came to Ohio in the year 1846 and settled on his farm in Greenwich township, Huron county, where he continued to live until his death, July 14, 1904. He long survived his wife who passed away March 25, 1861. By his first marriage there were born five children: Orr Uri, who was born May 30, 1850, and died February 10, 1904; Spencer, who was born in 1852 and died in infancy ; George T., of this review ; Dora Ellen, who was born August 16, 1858 and died in May, 1887; and Luna A., who was born in 186o and died in infancy. The mother of these children having departed this life in 1861, the father was married in 1864 to Miss Myra B. Stowe. Their children were Walter S., who died in infancy ; and Myra Augusta. The latter was born June 3, 1869, and is now the wife of Professor Lewis E. Akeley, of the University of South Dakota, at Vermillion, that state. George T. Thomas attended the district schools and also the preparatory schools of Oberlin college. Later he was a student in the preparatory department of Buchtel college, at Akron, Ohio. He spent about a year in each place but did not graduate and in addition to the common branches he studied algebra, plain geometry, physical geography, Greene's analysis of the English language, physics, or the elements of philosophy, history, and later under Professor Mattison at Berea, Ohio, studied Latin to some extent. He has since supplemented his studies by considerable reading and by the study of law. After leaving school he was a teacher in the common or district schools for a number of terms, covering a period of about four years, this being his initial step in professional service. On the 10th of April, 1880, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Miller, a resident of Fairfield township, Huron county, and removed from his father's farm to the village of Greenwich in August, 1880. While engaged in teaching school he took up the study of law and after thorough preliminary reading was admitted to the bar February 2, 1886. He removed from the village of Greenwich to Norwalk in 1887 and here entered upon the practice of law, which he has followed continuously since save for six years, during which time he was probate judge of Huron county, so acting from February 9, 1891, until February 9, 1897. In his practice he is regarded as a safe counsellor and a strong advocate, his arguments being based upon a reasonably comprehensive knowledge of the law, while his application of legal principles is correct. His ability has brought him into prominence among the foremost representative citizens of this section of the state. Mr. Thomas haslong been recognized as one of the prominent representatives of the republican party in this part of Ohio. He has been called upon to fill various local offices and later higher political honors have awaited him. He served as mayor of the village of Greenwich from 1882 until 1884; was township clerk of Greenwich township for one term, in 1884-5 ; was a member of the hoard of education of the Greenwich village district in 1885 ; and treasurer of the board for one term. In 1891 he was chosen probate judge and by reelection was con- 286 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY tinned in the office for six years. For three terms he represented Huron county in the state legislature, taking his seat on the 1st of January, 1900, and thus serv- ing until January 1, 1906. During the last term of two years, from January 1, 1904, until January 1, 1906, he was the speaker of the Ohio house of representa- tives. A strict parliamentarian, his rulings were always just, fair and equitable, winning him the respect of the opposition as well as the members of his own party. He has been an influencing power in republican politics in Ohio for many years and served as chairman of the Huron county republican executive committee for three years, from 1894 until 1896 inclusive. His opinions carry weight in party counsels and he is recognized as a public speaker of ability and is clear, strong and convincing in argument in any position he assumes. On the 10th of April, 1880, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Emma J. Miller, at Norwalk, Ohio. She is a daughter of John and Sarah (Jones) Miller, of an English family who emigrated from England abut the year 1849 and settled in Fairfield township, Huron county, Ohio. They reared a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters, and Mrs. Thomas, who is the eldest daughter, was born December 13, 1859. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas has been born an only child, Alton O. Thomas, who is a graduate of the Norwalk high school and of the Buchtel college at Akron, Ohio, of the class of 1902. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having taken the degrees of the subordinate lodge and the encampment. He has twice been representative in the grand lodge and also in the grand encampment for two terms. He is now past counsellor in the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias and belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He is an alert, enterprising man, quickly utilizing the opportunities which are presented in the legal and in the political arena, and in a profession where advancement must depend entirely upon individual merit he has attained high rank. ORRIN M. DOANE. Orrin M. Doane, a well known and prosperous resident of Bronson township, has been engaged in operating machinery for the threshing and pressing of hay throughout the greater part of his business career. He was born on the 7th of February, 1851, a son of Elon Doane, who in early manhood made his way from New York to Ohio, becoming one of the first settlers of Huron county. The district was still largely wild and undeveloped but with characteristic energy he set to work, cleared a tract of land for farming purposes and was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder 'of his life. When he was called to his final rest in 1892 the community mourned the loss of one of its most worthy and respected pioneer residents. He and his wife reared a family of six sons and three daughters. Orrin M. Doane attended the common schools in pursuit of an education and on starting out in life on his own account took up the work of general farming. During the greater portion of his business career, however, he has devoted his attention to the operation of machinery for the threshing and pressing of hay, HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 287 making extensive purchases of hay, which he presses and bales and then sells to shippers. In all of his undertakings he has met with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity, owing to his untiring industry and capable management and is widely recognized as one of the substantial, progressive and representative citizens of his community. On the 23d of December, 1873, Mr. Doane was united in marriage to Miss Harriet A. Templer, whose birth occurred May 11, 1856. Her father, Valentine Templer, was born in Rotterdam, Schenectady county, New York, on the 12th of May, 1832, being the youngest of nine children. On the 29th of December, 1853, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Christie Ann McDonald, whose birth occurred in Schnectady, New York, April 27, 1828, and by whom he had six children. In 1865 he brought his family to Ohio and continued an honored and respected resident of Huron county until the time of his demise, which occurred in 1895. Though not affiliated with any church, he was a man of high moral character, whose exemplary life well entitled him to the regard and esteem which were uniformly accorded him. His wife passed away at her home in Olena on the 13th of July, 1906. The marriage of Orrin M. and Harriet A. (Templer) Doane has been blessed with the following children: Arthur E., who was born July 1, 1874 ; George L., whose natal day was September 26, 1878 ; Mrs. Anna M. Garner, who was born on the 11th of December, 188o; and Roy V., whose birth occurred January 14, 1894. The family are well known in the county and Mr. Doane and his wife have many warm friends who esteem them for their genuine worth and many good qualities. HENRY K. WHITE. Henry K. White, a substantial and representative farmer of Bronson township, was born September 25, 1846, in Steuben, Greenfield township, Huron county. He is a son of William White, who was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, February 15, 1811, and was a son of Nathaniel and Nancy A. White. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade and built the courthouse at Sandusky, Ohio, about 1833. He afterward removed to Huron county where he cut the timber and built a log house for himself. As the years passed and the country became thickly settled his carefully managed business affairs made him quite a wealthy man. He married Lucy Holland, who was born in Ireland July 2, 1814, a daughter of John Holland, who came from the Emerald Isle to Ohio. In the family of William and Lucy (Holland) White were the following children : Thomas, Lewis, Frances, Maria, Samuel, Henry, Fred, Jane and Charles. Henry K. White has spent his entire life in this county, where he was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His life has been a busy and useful one, his business affairs being capably managed so that he has won a fair measure of success. He has also been quite active in other lines. He has always been a democrat in politics, taking an active and helpful interest in the party. He is associated with his brother, Fred A. White, in the ownership of a farm on which they 288 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY live and they also have the agency for various kinds of fertilizers, having been connected with that line of business for more than ten years. They have also handled agricultural implements and machinery and have been very successful in that branch of their business. They also have some good track horses and some well bred colts. Fred A. White, his brother's partner in business, was born in Greenfield township, Huron county, April 6, 1856, and was reared in the usual manner of farm lads who divide their time between the acquirement of an education and the work of the farm. On the 12th of December, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Kennedy, who was born in September, 1856. She is a daugh- ter of John and Priscilla (Fitzgerald) Kennedy, of Richland county, Ohio. They have become the parents of a daughter, Minnie May, who was born July 13, 1880, and is now the wife of Claude A. Terry, of Elyria, Ohio. Fred A. White and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and his political allegiance is given to the democracy, but he never seeks nor desires office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He and his brother have resided upon the farm where they now live for forty-six years and keep the property in most mod- ern and up-to-date shape. They are well known as excellent farmers and horsemen and their business affairs, capably conducted, are winning for them substantial financial reward. DAVID B. NIMS. David B. Nims, a farmer of Lyme township. Huron county, and the owner of one hundred and seventy-five acres of land that lies partly in this county and partly in Erie, was born on this farm, November 18, 1841, the son of Worthington and Betsy (Barnard) Nims. Both parents were born in Shelborn, Massachusetts, 1803 being the year of year of the father's birth. He came to this part of the country with his father at the age of twenty. selecting Strongs Ridge as his first abiding place. A few years later, he bought the farm his son now lives upon. Here he built first a log cabin, which he replaced some time later by a frame house, built on that section of the farm that lay in Groton township, Erie county, for the line dividing that county from Huron, passes through the farm. In this house, David B. Nims was born, but as the years passed and brought their measure of success in increased returns from the soil, this frame house ceased to satisfy, and Mr. Nims built a third house, a large and substantial one, which is now the home of his son and has well withstood the wear of time. Three children were born to Mr. Nims: William, deceased ; Helen, the wife of Melvin Wood; and David B. He was a man prominent in the work of the Lyme Congregational church and when death called him, in 1896, he left many to regret his loss. David B. Nims has always lived in Lyme township with the exception of a very short period. His education was derived in the district schools, but the more vital lessons for his preparation for life were obtained at home under the wise guidance of his parents. From his childhood, he has been learning the things that meant success in a farmer's life and wittingly chose agriculture as his vocation in life. When he first left the tutelage of the home and engaged in farming for himself, it was on a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Milan, Ohio. After 289 - PHOTO OF DAVID B. NIMS 290 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 291 a year's residence upon this, he sold it to purchase another, of one hundred and forty-five acres, m Huron county, buying it of Mr. Burr. Upon this, he lived and worked for perhaps ten years, when he was called home by the death of his brother to take charge of the farm where he has lived ever since, during the time having made many improvements that have increased the value of the land. In November, 1866, Mr. Nims was united in marriage to Miss Sabra Stebbins, a daughter of Alfred and Eliza (Fanmng) Stebbins of Lyme township. One child has been born to the couple, Alfred Nims, whose birth occurred on the loth of September, 1870. When he grew to manhood, he married Miss Jessie Wills, a daughter of George Wills. The couple make their home with his father on the farm. Mr. Nims and his family are staunch members of the Lyme Congregational church, and in their daily lives put in practice those things which are taught especially on the first day of the week. A member of the older generation of those who till the soil, Mr. Nims is yet active in all his work and progressive, being quick to see and grasp any opportunity that will mean the improvement of his land and an increase in the returns that it will render him. MERRITT H. HYDE. Merritt H. Hyde, a well known and successful agriculturist of Wakeman township, where he owns an excellent tract of land comprising ninety-two acres, has also been extensively engaged in threshing since 1895. This farm has remained his place of residence from his birth to the present lime, his natal day being August 7, 1862. His parents were Merritt M. ant!' Elizabeth (Church) Hyde. The paternal grandfather, Merritt Hyde, came with his family to Huron county from Connecticut in 1816, making the entire journey by ox team. The farm on which he took up his abode is the one which is now in possession of our subject. At the time of his arrival here, there were only thirteen white people in Wakeman township and the land was all covered with timber. He traded his Connecticut property for Firelands in this county and became possessed of about four hundred acres of land at one time, on which not a stick had been cut. The first necessary task was the erection of a cabin home and with the assistance of the few neighbors a rude dwelling was soon constructed. Then began the work of cutting down the trees and preparing the land for cultivation and, by dint of hard and unremitting labor, this, too, was accomplished. Merritt Hyde was a man of strong character, who faced the hardships and privations of pioneer existence with undaunted courage and a resolute spirit. The country was yet thickly populated with Indians and he did considerable trading with the red men. For a time he served as an Indian agent for the government and his official duties sometimes called him as far as the head of Lake Superior. In those early days he often found the struggle for existence a difficult one, but as time passed by and the district was gradually opened up to civilization, his efforts were rewarded with success and he became a prosperous and influential citizen, possessing a large fortune at the time of his death. His labors proved an important factor 292 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY in the work of early development and upbuilding and when he was called to h. final rest on the 1st of May, 1876, at the age of eighty-one years, the count mourned the loss of one of its most respected and honored pioneer settlers. 11, wife, who bore the maiden name of Sallie Boyd, passed away on the 2d of February, 1889, when she had attained the venerable age of ninety-four years and ten months. Both lie buried in the Wakeman cemetery. Mr. Merritt of this review regards as one of his most prized possessions an old family bible tracing the ancestral record back to 1724. Merritt M. Hyde, the father of Merritt H. Hyde, is a native of Huron county, being born on the farm which continued his home as long as he remained a resident of this community. He followed general agricultural pursuits while living here and was widely recognized as a prominent and representative citizen of Wakeman township, In the year 1883 he removed with his wife and daughter to San Antonio, Texas, and subsequently took up his abode in Fort Worth, that state, devoting his attention to the work of farming. At the end of about two years' residence in the Lone Star state he went to Elkmont, Limestone county, Alabama, where he has since made his home. In addition to general agricultural pursuits he is also engaged in the sawmill business, meeting with well merited success in his undertakings. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Church, was a native of Cattaraugus county, New York, and in early life came to Ohio with her parents. She is now deceased, her demise having occurred on the 7th of September, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Merritt M. Hyde reared a family of three children, the record of whom is as follows: Merritt H., whose name initiates this review, was the first in order of birth. William D., a resident of Memphis, Tennessee, has been on the river for almost twenty years and has been a captain on the Lee line of boats on the lower rivers for a number of years. Sarah F. is the wife of Thomas Compton, who is associated in business with her father in Alabama. Merritt H. Hyde was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the public schools of Wakeman. As stated above, he has always continued to reside on the place where he was born and throughout his entire business career he has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits, his farm comprising ninety-two acres of rich and arable land adjoining the village of 'Wakeman. In 1895 he bought a steam threshing outfit and every season since then has been extensively engaged in threshing, his operations covering Wakeman, Townsend, Clarksfield and other nearby townships. He has threshed in a single season as high as fifty-five thousand bushels of grain, while his average record is fully forty thousand bushels yearly. Alert, enterprising and progressive, he has won a gratifying measure of prosperity in his business interests and is well known and highly esteemed as a prosperous and substantial citizen of his native county. Mr. Hyde has been married twice. On the 2d of July, 1887, he wedded Miss Martha Wood, a daughter of James and Sarah Wood, of Elkmont, Alabama. The child born of this union, May E., is now the wife of Werner McCoron, of Decatur, Alabama. Mrs. Martha Hyde passed away December 2, 1889, and on the 8th of April, 1893, Mr. Hyde was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Beam, a daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Kessler) Beam, HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 293 of Wakeman township. Ephraim Beam died on the 5th of March, 19o8. but his widow still survives and resides in Wakeman. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hyde have been horn three children, namely : Cora, who is now deceased; Hazel L.; and Merritt L. Politically Mr. Hyde is a stanch democrat but does not seek office as a reward for his party fealty, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private business affairs. He has an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the community in which his entire life has been spent, and is well entitled to mention in this volume as a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family of Huron county. GEORGE STOLL. This gentleman is one of the general farmers and breeders of fine stock in Wakeman township. He is of German birth, from Reinfeldt, Germany, born September 20, 1866, his parents being Joseph and Catherine (Stork) Stoll. They never came to free America, preferring to remain in their own Deutschland. In 1882 Mr. Stoll I ded in Cleveland, but soon went to Henrietta, Lorain county, Ohio, and took up agriculture. The year 1897 saw him in Huron county, near Wakeman, in his present home. In 1890 he considered himself ready to wed, and on October 2d, married Miss Catherine Delafield, of Erie county, the daughter of Anthony and Margaret (Needing) Delafield. Mr. and Mrs. Stoll have a family of two daughters and two sons: Mary, Margaret, William and Harry. George Stoll believes in progress in all things, and his thoroughly tiled farm and fine modern home, with first-class buildings, testify to the success of his theories. His holdings amount to one hundred and forty-three acres of fine, tillable land, and under the hand of, this specialist in fine crops and blooded draft horses, keeps itself in fine trim. His breeding of draft horses has produced some highly commendable specimens of horse flesh. Although Mr. Stoll is German born, he has become a thoroughly acclimated American, voting the democratic ticket. He is a member of Wakeman Tent, No. 93, Knights of the Maccabees, and is highly respected for his sturdy German , traits and his consistent position on the side of improvement and progress. BENJAMIN BRECKENRIDGE WICKHAM. Among the younger and more successful members of the Huron county bar, thus representing a profession which has ever had important bearing upon the stable progress and prosperity of every community, is numbered Ben B. Wickham, who was born in Norwalk, October 28, 1875. He is a representative of an old New England family founded in America in early colonial days. His 294 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY father, Frederick C. Wickham, was born in Norwalk in the house on Main street, which is still standing and which was erected in 1836. The natal day of Frederick C. Wickham was August 5, 1842. His father, Frederick Wickham, Sr., was born in New York city, March 7, 1812, and was for years a sailor on the great lakes, holding official rank in that connection. During 1842 he came to Norwalk and established his home. He had married Lucy Bancroft Preston, a daughter of Samuel Preston, who came from Nashua, New Hampshire, and was a prominent citizen and pioneer newspaper man of Huron county. He established the Norwalk Reflector, one of the oldest newspapers of the state. The Preston family has long been a prominent one in America and gave to the colonies five governors. Frederick C. Wickham was educated in the public schools of this city and in 1862, when twenty years of age, enlisted for service in the Civil war, becom- ing a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, with which he continued for three years. He was first commissary and afterward became first lieutenant. At Winchester he was captured and remained for seven months in Confederate prisons. Later he was again captured by General Mosby's men near Charleston. He never faltered in the performance of any military duty whether it carried him to the firing line or placed him on the lonely picket line, and when the war was over he was honorably discharged and mustered out in June, 1865. He then returned to Norwalk, where he has since lived, being numbered throughout the intervening years with the prominent, influential and valued residents of the city. Few men have taken a more active part or had more direct influence upon the upbuilding and progress of the community. For eight years he served as postmaster, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. For many years he has been in the printing business and in this connection has been the champion of every movement or measure destined to advance the city's welfare and improvement. In 1865 he was married to Miss Susan C. Adams, a daughter of George Quincy Adams, who at one time served as probate judge of Huron county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Frederick C. Wickham were born a daughter and two sons: Charlotte, now the wife of Frank H. Jones. of Bay City, Texas ; Ralph Preston, who died May 19, 1895, at the age of twenty- five years: and Benjamin Breckenridge. The last named is indebted to the public-school system of Norwalk for the early educational advantages he enjoyed, passing through consecutive grades until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1892. He afterward entered the Western Reserve University and was graduated in 1896 from Adelbert College. He taught school for four years, spending one year in the high school at Akron and one year in the high school at Fremont. He also taught for two years in Culver Military Academy, at Lake Maxinkuckee, Indiana. Believing, however, that he would prefer the profession of law as a life work, he pursued a course with this end in view in the Western Reserve University and was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in June, 1903. He was admitted to the bar in December, 1902. In February, 1903 he entered upon the active practice of his profession in Norwalk and for a year was a partner of Judge F. H. Jones, but has since been alone, his individual merit, diligence, enterprise and thorough understanding of legal principles being the chief concomi- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 295 tants in his enviable success. In the preparation of his cases he has always prepared for defense as well as attack and in his practice has been absolutely fair, never indulging in artifice or concealment, never dealing in indirect methods but winning his victories, which have been many, and suffering his defeats, which have been few, in the open field face to face with his foe. He convinces by his concise statements of law and facts rather than by word painting and so high is the respect for his legal ability and integrity that his assertions in the court are seldom questioned seriously. On the 16th of October, 1906, at Bellevue, Ohio, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wickham and Miss Marguerite L. Asay, a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a daughter of William C. Asay, an attorney of that city. Her grandfather, Dr. Amos Woodward, was one of the best known pioneer citizens of Bellevue, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wickham have two sons : Woodward Adams, born August 15, 1907, and Gurdon Frederick, born June 24, 1909. In his fraternal relations Mr. Wickham is a Mason, belonging to Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 64, F. & A. M., and Huron Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M., and is also connected with the Benevolent and Protective Older of Elks, the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of the Maccabees. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and since 1907 he has been referee in bankruptcy for Huron county. n e is not a politician in the sense of office seeking, however, but manifests a deep interest in the science of government and believes in practical politics which causes the individual to uphold the principles and measures which he deems most beneficial in promoting the general good. L. E. SIMMONS. L. E. Simmons, the enterprising editor of the Chicago Times, published at Chicago Junction, Ohio, was born in Monroeville, this state, on the 23d of December, 1869, a son of George and Mary Whaley Simmons, who were natives of England. The father became a resident of Monroeville in the '40s and there the family home was established. He conducted a successful grocery business until his death and was recognized as one of the representative merchants of that locality. L. E. Simmons acquired his education in the schools of Monroeville and in Michigan, living in the latter state for some years with an elder sister. He then turned his attention to his chosen work and has since been identified with newspaper interests. He was in Monroeville for one year with his brother and subsequently went to Norwalk, where for four years he was connected with the Laning Printing Company. Recognizing the fact that there was a good opening at Chicago Junction, he came to this place in 1894 and entered upon journalistic work here as proprietor of the Chicago Times. He has since made good in every sense of the term. The paper was established in 1883 and in eleven years changed hands three times. It was not regarded as a successful venture when he took charge of it but he has made it a credit to the town and county and has demonstrated what can be done by a man who knows and tries. 296 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY His previous experience in the printing business had given him thorough and practical knowledge of both the mechanical part and the requirements of newspaper editing and he now sends to his subscribers—and the number is constantly increasing—a clean and interesting journal, devoted to the dissemination of local and general news. Mr. Simmons was married in 1899 to Miss Julia Simmermacher, a native of Chicago Junction and a daughter of William Simmermacher, one of the pioneers here. They now have two children, Walter and Evelyn. Mr. Simmons is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias. His religious faith is in harmony with the teachings of the Presbyterian church, in which he holds membership. In politics he is an independent republican, standing in strong opposition to anything like misrule in public affairs, believing in clean politics and in competent and honest men in office. He is stalwart in his opposition to corruption and machine rule and has had an influential part in placing politics upon a higher plane. He works for the good of the town first, last and always, placing public welfare before partisanship and the interests of the community before personal aggrandizement, the nature and quality of his citizenship being unquestioned, for his patriotism and public spirit are factors easily recognizable in his career. JOHN WHITMAN. A feeling of sadness spread throughout Townsend township when on the 30th of January, 1907, it was announced that John Whitman had passed from this life, for he was long numbered among the substantial and worthy citizens of that section of Huron county. He was born in Euchenberg, Lorraine, France, February 17, 1829, a son of Peter and Catherine Whitman, who spent their entire lives in that country. The soh accompanied an uncle, Sebastian Remlinger, to the United States in 1847, being then a youth of eighteen years. He made his first location in Crawford county, Ohio, where he spent a year at farm labor and then took up his abode in Erie county, where he followed similar pursuits. It was while living in the latter place that he formed the acquaintance of Miss Abigail H. Richardson, whom he afterward made his wife, their marriage being celebrated on the 25th of September, 1864. She is a daughter of Joseph and Miranda (Sweet) Richardson. who were natives of Oxford township, Erie county. The father came to the Buckeye state from Pennsylvania after he had reached years of maturity and here engaged in general agricultural pursuits. Her maternal grandfather, William Sweet, came to Huron county from Monroe county, New York,. and settled in New London township. There he planted the first orchard in the township, raising a large number of apple trees from the seed. He re- mained" here until 1831 and then removed to Erie county, this state. Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Whitman located in Wood county, but only spent a year there, after which they spent two years in Norwalk, Mr. Whitman being employed in a large warehouse in that city. In 1868, believing that farm life would prove more congenial to him, he purchased the farm which is 297 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN WHITMAN 298 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY -299 still in possession of his family, the place comprising one hundred and thirty-five acres of rich land. In 1879, he erected a modern and substantial brick residence, which is yet considered one of the best in Townsend township. For many years, Mr. Whitman gave his time and attention to the cultivation and improvement of his farm and was numbered among the substantial residents of this section of the county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Whitman was blessed with three children, but only two of the number now survive : Tena H., the wife of Barton Rhoads, who lives with her mother, Mr. Rhoads operating the farm ; and Cora M., at home. Mr. Whitman was a staunch supporter of the republican party and for many years, served as road supervisor and as a member of the school board. He was reared in the faith of the Catholic church, but after coming to America, was identified with no denomination. His fraternal relations connected- him with Norwalk Lodge, I. 0. 0. F. In his daily life, he closely followed the principle of the Golden Rule and was numbered among the progressive and public-spirited men of the community. He lived to a good old age, passing away when seventy- eight years old, and thus the county lost one of its most honored citizens, while his family mourn the loss of one who was most devoted to their welfare. GEORGE E. BARNEY. George E. Barney is busily engaged in the cultivation and improvement of his fine farm of seventy-three acres in New London township. He was born in that township on the 3d of June, 1856, his parents being Edson P. and Sarah (Sprague) Barney. The father's birth occurred on the 11th of December, 1828, and the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day in the year 1827. Edson P. Barney passed away in New London on the 12th of March, 1898, having long survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in 1865. George E. Barney attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. He lost his mother when a little lad of nine years and then went to live with his aunt and grandfather. After the death of the latter he made his home with his father until the time of his marriage. He then purchased his present farm of seventy-three acres in New London township, and his aunt, who came to live with him, made her home thereon until her demise. He has erected modern and commodious buildings and has placed many substantial improvements on the property, so that it is now lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He is practical in his methods and as the result of his work in the fields he yearly harvests good crops, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. On the 25th of December, 1878, Mr. Barney was united in marriage to Miss Carrie J. Fenn, whose birth occurred in Sullivan, Ohio, June 27, 1859. Her parents, Kimball T. and Philena (Sutton) Fenn, were born in the years 1827 and 1837 respectively and celebrated their marriage in 1857. They made their way to California when their daughter, Carrie J., was but five years of age, and 300 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY after a residence of four years in the Golden state the mother was stricken with smallpox and died very suddenly. A month later the father also died of the same disease, so that Mrs. Barney was left alone in the world when a little maiden of nine years. She was at that time boarding with a family by the name of Mosier, with whom her father had placed her at the time of the mother's death. Subsequent to the demise of her father, her maternal grandfather, Alanson Sutton, sent a Mr. Golden to the Mosiers for his little granddaughter but they refused to give her up. The necessary papers were at once served through the sheriff, who took the child to Mr. Golden with whom she remained for five weeks or until the Union Pacific Railroad was constructed to Ohio. She made the journey from California to this state alone, riding part of the time on the engine and part of the time in the coach. Many took a friendly interest in the little orphan and her trip was rendered very pleasant by their kindly assistance. At the end of a week she reached Toledo, where she was joined by her grandfather, Mr. Sutton, by whom she was reared Until she had attained the age of fourteen years: She then entered the home of a second cousin, Mr. Berry, where she remained until the time of her marriage to George E. Barney. She is now the mother of five children, as follows : Ross E., who was born June 23, 1880; Mrs Nina Jones, whose birth occurred October 22, 1883 ; May, born February 9, 1886; Mrs. Lena Robertson, whose natal day was October 31, 1887; and George Fenn, who was born on the 9th of May, 1897. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Barney has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party, being convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government. Having spent his entire life in this county, he is most widely and favorably known within its borders and that his career has ever been an upright and honorable one is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanchest friends. LEWIS J. HAAS. Lewis J. Haas is one of the young and representative farmers of Sherman township, where he owns and operates sixty-eight acres of land, and as the name indicates he is of German descent. He was born on a farm in this township, March 5, 1875, a son of George and Minnie (Hankamemer) Haas. The former was born in Peru township, December 27, 1839, of the marriage of Jacob and Dora (Berringer) Haas, who were natives of Germany and on coming to the United States in 1834 settled on a tract of land of seventeen acres, in Peru township, Huron county. This land was partly cleared but the grandfather further developed and improved it, built thereon a small frame house and in due time added to his holdings until he owned thirty-one acres. They reared a family of seven children, namely : Sophia, who became the 'wife of Fred Mitchell and both are now deceased ; Lena, who was married twice, her first husband being Joseph Duffner and her second John Setchler, who is also deceased, her home being in Kansas; Mary, who became the wife of John Setchler and both have HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 301 departed this life ; Jacob, who resides in Monroeville, Huron county ; Elizabeth, the widow of Adam Glasier, her home being in Norwalk ; Anna, the deceased wife of Jacob Schwam ; and George, the father of our subject. The last named was reared on the farm in Peru township and pursued his education in the district schools near his father's home. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-six years and then started out in life on his own account, choosing as his occupation agriculture, which has continued to be his work to the present time. After reaching years of maturity he wedded Miss Minnie Hankamemer, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Hankamemer, of Sandusky, their marriage being celebrated on the 21st of July, 1864. The birth of Mrs. Haas, however, occurred in Germany, whence she came to America with her father in 1861, the family home being established near Monroeville. The mother, who was born in 1810, died in 1857, prior to the emigration of the family to the new world. Her father was born in 1809 and died in Huron county in 1894, when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Hankamemer had a family of seven children, Mrs. Haas being the third in order of birth. The other are : William, who departed this life in 1872 ; Jane, who died in 1889 ; Christ, who passed away in 1885; Carl, who lives at Plymouth, Ohio ; Kathryn, who died in 1861 ; and Herman, who makes his home in California. It was about two years after his marriage that George Haas purchased a farm of one hundred and ten acres in Sherman township and to its further development, improvement and cultivation he has since bent his energies. A democrat in politics, he has taken an active part in public affairs and for three terms served as township trustee and he has likewise served as school director. He is a member of the Lutheran church at Columbus Pike and has served on its official board. Unto him and his wife have been born seven children, three sons and four daughters, namely : George C., who wedded Miss Kathryn Scheid and makes his home in Sherman township, his family numbering three children, Mildred, Esther and Walter ; Elizabeth, the wife of Lewis Leiber, of Lyme township, by Whom she has three children, Olive, Ione and Harold ; Emma, still under the parental roof ; William, who is a teacher in the Central high school at Toledo, Ohio ; Lewis J., of this review ; Minnie, the widow of Ernest L. Beckstein, who departed this life December 2, 19o8, her family numbering a son and daughter, Clarence and Gladys ; and Amelia, who is still with her parents. Lewis J. Haas was reared to the duties of the home farm, assisting his father in its operation during the spring and summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the district school at Weavers Corner. He remained under the parental roof until February, 1905, when he purchased of his father his farm, consisting of sixty-eight acres, lying in Sherman township. He has made improvements on this place and now has a good house and substantial barn and outbuildings. He gives his time to general farming and in his efforts is meeting with success. Mr. Haas was married on the 8th of February, 1905, to Miss Louisa Beck- stein, a daughter of Ernest Beckstein, of Lyme township, a sketch of whom appears in this work. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Haas has been blessed with an interesting little daughter, Freda. 302 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Mr. Haas supports the men and measures of the democratic party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, in the work of which he takes an active part. For seven years he was a teacher in the Sunday school, while for three years he has been Sunday school superintendent. He works earnestly and persistently in carrying on his business affairs and if the present is any criterion, the future undoubtedly holds for him still greater successes. PETER ROTH. Germany has sent to the United States many enterprising and progressive men who, by their industry and perseverance, have acquired a substantial measure of success. Among this number was Peter Roth, now deceased. He was born November 12, 1835, in Hamburg, Germany, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Roth. His early youth was spent in the fatherland, where he acquired his edu- cation in the common schools of that country. Rumors soon reached him con- cerning the business advantages offered by the new world, and thinking to find better opportunities for advancement here than in his native land, at the age of seventeen he bade adieu to home and friends, and, alone, sailed for the United States. He did not linger on the eastern coast but came direct to Ohio, locating at Sandusky where he was engaged as a farm hand by the month until he was twenty-eight years of age. He was not afraid of work and during the intervening years he labored earnestly and diligently, so that eventually, through well directed efforts and careful saving of his earnings, he had accumulated a sum of money sufficient to justify him in establishing for himself a home. Consequently, on the 27th of November, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Schoen, a daughter of Paul and Barbara Schoen who, in 1851, came from Germany to the United States, locating in Sherman township, Huron county, Ohio, where the father was engaged in farming. After their marriage Peter Roth and his wife took up their abode upon a farm in Sherman township which Mr. Roth had previously purchased. There he engaged in agricultural pursuits for thirteen years, during which period he met with most gratifying success in his undertaking. Subsequently he removed to Weavers Corners, Sherman township, and became identified with mercantile interests, his connection therewith continuing for twenty-nine years. He was progressive and up-to-date in his business methods, possessed keen discrimina- tion, was actuated by the laudable desire, to succeed and the fairness and integ- rity of his business policy won for him a large and distinctly representative pat- ronage which continuously expanded as he became better known throughout die community. In 1902 he retired from the active duties of business life and, selling his mercantile interests, he purchased a farm in Townsend township, to which he removed with his family and upon which he resided until his death. As the years went by the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roth was blessed with thir- teen children, namely : Henry ; Peter ; Mary, the wife of Paul Puffing, of Bel- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 303 levue; George ; Joseph ; Charles ; Anna, who married Peter Weidenger ; Anna and John, both deceased ; John ; Jacob ; Elizabeth ; and Josephine. Mr. Roth held membership ln the Catholic church, to which his family also belong. In politics he was democratic, supporting that party at the polls and doing all in his power to extend its influence throughout the community. He was not, however, an office-seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention entirely to his business affairs. He had been singularly successful in both his agricultural and mercantile interests, and not once did he ever have occasion to regret his determination to seek his fortune in this new world where, although competition is strong, advancement is rapid and individual effort is unhampered by caste or class. His personal characteristics were such that, during his long residence in Huron county, he gained an extensive circle of friends who held him in high esteem and regard. He passed to his final rest April 16, 1903. His wife and family still reside upon the home farm and are prominent and highly respected throughout the community. CHARLES F. BROWN. Charles F. Brown, the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Peru township, was born in that township on the 1st of January, 1867, his parents being Jacob and Mary (Adleman) Brown. The paternal grandparents, Jacob and Mary Brown, both natives of Germany, were among the earliest settlers of Peru township, this county, and here spent the remainder of their lives. At the time of their arrival this part of the state was practically covered with timber but they resolutely faced the hardships and privations of pioneer existence, built a little log cabin and cleared a tract of land for farming purposes. They were people of the highest respectability and their labors constituted an important element in the work of early development and upbuilding. Jacob Brown, the father of Charles F. Brown, spent his entire life in Peru township, where his birth occurred in the year 1837. He was an agriculturist by occupation and in 1871 purchased the farm on which our subject now resides from James Easton. He built a commodious residence, also barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and in fact equipped the place with all the accessories of a model farm. Subsequently he bought a tract of ninety-eight acres adjoining, on which his widow now resides, giving his time and energies to its cultivation and improvement until called to his final rest in 1904. He was widely recognized as a most successful farmer and public-spirited citizen, and for a number of years did effective service for the cause of education as a member of the school board. A Catholic in religious faith, he was a prominent member of that church and his upright and honorable life won him the respect and esteem of all with whom business or social relations brought him in contact. His widow, likewise a native of Peru township, still survives at the age of sixty-four years. They reared a family of name children, as follows : Charles F., of this review ; Alfred; Eva, who is the wife of John Grisner and resides at Norwalk, Ohio ; Ida, also a resident of Norwalk, 304 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY who is the wife of Peter McEnroe; Arthur, Otto and Theodore, all of whom live with their mother and operate the old homestead farm; Eleanor, the wife of Peter Lynch, of Norwalk, Ohio ; and Laura, who makes her home at Milan, Ohio, and is the wife of William Heddle. In his youthful days Charles F. Brown attended the district and Catholic schools of Peru township, thus equipping himself by good mental training for the practical and responsible duties of life. Since putting aside his text-books he has been engaged in the work of general farming and in this line of activity has won a goodly measure of success as the result of his untiring labor and capable management. His property comprises one hundred and fifty acres of rich and productive land, and on the place are found many substantial improve- ments that indicate the progress that has been made in agricultural lines. On the 14th of February, 1900, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Anna Heddle, a daughter of Adam and Anna (Harn) Heddle, of Huron county. Like his father, Mr. Brown is a valued and consistent member of the Catholic church. Having always made his home in Peru township, he is widely and favorably known throughout the community and well deserves mention in this volume as a worthy representative of a family that has been prominently identi- fied with the agricultural interests of this county from pioneer times down to the present. CALVIN CARL HEYMAN. Calvin Carl Heyman, a farmer of Lyme township, Huron county, and the owner of ninety-five acres of land on which he lives with his sister, who is part owner of the estate, was born on this farm, July 4, 1886. He is the son of Wil- liam F. and Verena (Ballmer) Heyman, both of whom were of European birth. The father was born in Germany, February 18, 1839, but was only nine years old when he came to this country with his parents. The family settled in Lyme town- ship in 1848, at a time when primitive conditions still prevailed. Their first habitation was a log cabin and it remained their home during the life of the older people. William F. Heyman, on attaining his manhood, bought land extensively and became possessed of three farms in this county, aggregating about three hundred and sixty-five acres. He was a prominent member of the Reformed church, having been at one time one of its elders, and having given, with his brother, the most of the money which made possible the erection of its edifice in 1863. In 1863 he married Miss Verena Ballrner, who was born in Switzerland, May 7, 1844, but came to this country with her parents when very young. She died January 10, tom, her husband surviving her something over four years, his death having occurred April 3, 1905, on the libme farm. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heyman, all of whom are living, namely : Samuel; Julius ; Oliver ; Charlotte; Verena; who married William Longshied, of Lyme township ; Walter ; Arnold ; William F., Jr.; Roscoe; Arthur ; Paul; and Calvin Carl. Calvin Carl Heyman has passed all the years of his life in this county. From the district school he received all that it could give in the way of formal preparation 305 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM F. HEYMAN 306 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 307 for life. He early turned his attention to farming, in fact, he has known almost no other life, for as soon as he was able he was assigned his regular tasks in the economy of the home, which gradually increased in importance and responsibility until he was fully competent, when he reached man's estate to assume the management of his own farm. When he felt that the time had come for him to enter the battle of life for himself, his sister Charlotte united her money with his and the two bought the farm upon which they both live from their parents. Together they have shared the responsibility and the labor, though of course the heavier burden has fallen upon the man. During the period of their possession, however, the farm has been greatly improved and the soil coaxed to its greatest productiveness. Mr. Heyman is a member of the Reformed church, in which all the rest of the Heyman family have also been confirmed, and he upholds the traditions established in it by his father. He is a hard- working young man and a good manager, so that it is not surprising that he should be reckoned as one of the prosperous farmers among the younger generation in his locality. His life has meant a great deal of persistent labor, but even now he is beginning to see the generous returns this will bring him as the years pass on. MRS. SUSANNA STIMSON. Mrs. Susanna Stimson, of Ridgefield township, is the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and one acres. It was in Ridgefield township that her birth occurred, her parents being Ziba and Asenath ( Jefferson) Surles, who were natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively. She traces her ancestry back to Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Surles were early settlers of Monroeville, Huron county, Ohio, the father becoming a pioneer blacksmith of this community. They were married at Monroeville and continued worthy and respected residents here until called to their final rest, the father passing away in 189o, at the age of eighty-eight years, while the mother died in 1898, when eighty-two years of age. Unto this worthy couple were born ten children, namely: Cithera ; Willard J.; Susanna, of this review ; Sarah and Stella, who are deceased ; James H. ; one who died in infancy ; and Lillie, Flora A., and Jessie, all of whom have passed away. On the 4th of April, 1866, Miss Susanna Surles gave her hand in marriage to Garner Stimson, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, January 2, 1836, his parents being Joseph and Mary Ann Stimson. He was about fifteen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, the family home being established near Monroeville, Ohio. His mother died about six weeks after her arrival in this county. Garner Stimson was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children, his brothers and sisters being as follows: Jane, Elizabeth, Joseph B. and Charles, all of whom are now deceased ; Frank ; John ; Ruth ; and Arthur. 308 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY In the fall of 1866 Garner Stimson purchased the farm on which his widow now resides and as the years went by made many substantial improvements on the property, winning a gratifying and well deserved measure of success in his agricultural interests. On the 4th of September, 1861, he enlisted for three years' service in the Union army as a member of Company B, Third Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, and re-enlisted February 10, 1864, while on the 2d of Augut 1865, he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee. He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant of Company I, December 2, 1864, and on the zd of August, 1865, the day on which he was mustered out, received a commission as captain. That his military service was of a most arduous and hazardous character is indicated by the following list of battles in which he participated: Corinth, Mississippi ; Gunther's Landing, Lexington, Kentucky ; Hartsvile and Gallatin, Tennessee ; Stone River ; Bradyville, Liberty, Snow Hill and Franklin, Tennessee ; Elk River ; Pulaski ; Alpine, La Fayette and Chickamauga, Georgia; McMinnville, Farmington, Charleston, Cleveland and Loudon, Tennessee ; Mur- phy, North Carolina ; Moulton, Alabama ; Big Shanty ; McAfee's Crossroads; Tennessee Creek ; Kenesaw Mountain ; Atlanta and Lovejoys Station, Georgia; Good Hope Church ; Gadsdin, Georgia ; and Blue Mountain. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stimson were born seven children : Jessie L., is the wife of Fred P. Rosecrans, who was formerly a school teacher and is now the man- ager of a store on the Hawaiian Islands. They have two children, Garneffie and Rita O. Effie C., the wife of James R. McDonald, resides at Boulder, Colo- rado and has two children, Ronald J. and Thera G. William S. and Elver reside on the home farm with her mother. Susanna S. has passed away. Susie A. gave her hand in marriage to Allen C. Setchell and makes her home in Huron county. Ambrose H. wedded Miss May Bailey, of Norwalk, and lives on the old homestead farm. They have one child, Erma May. Mr. Stimson was a consistent and valued member of the Baptist church, in which he served as a deacon and in the faith of which he passed away on the 2d of June, 1904. His demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive circle of friends during the fifty-three years of his residence in this county, his life being characterized at all times by high and honorable principles and worthy motives. For many years he maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post. Mrs. Stimson, who still survives her husband, has an ex- tensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which her entire life has been spent, her many good traits oneart and mind having endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact. HON. H. N. DONALDSON, D. D. S. Hon. H. N. Donaldson, who is now acting as chief executive of Bellevue, where he is also conducting a dental office, his professional ability gaining him rank as a representative of the dental fraternity in this county, was born on a farm in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of June, 1869. He comes HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 309 of Scotch-Irish ancestry, the family having been founded in America by his great-grandfather, Jacob Donaldson, who on crossing the Atlantic settled on a farm in Mount Pleasant township, Washington county, Pennsylvania. His son, Isaac Donaldson, was there born and the same neighborhood was the birthplace of Dr. Donaldson and his father. The latter was Robert Donaldson, whose natal: day was June 5, 1831. He is still living in the county of his nativity and is one of the worthy and respected citizens of the community. In early manhood he married Rachel Walker, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1832 and died in 1871. They were the parents of six children : Frank, who died in 1900 at the age of forty-two years ; Flora, the wife of J. M. Dinsmore, living in Washington county, Pennsylvania ; Anna, who became the wife of Dr. Hugh Hanna, of Philadelphia, and died in 1903 ; Sarah, the wife of J. M. Thompson, a resident of Washington county, Pennsylvania ; Charles, who is livlng on the old homestead in Washington county ; and H. N. Dr. Donaldson spent the period of his minority in his native county and attended the district schools there, after which he continued his education in an academy at Buffalo, Pennsylvania. He prepared for a professional career by a course of study in the Pennsylvania Dental College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1891. In that year he came to Bellevue, Ohio, and succeeded to the practice and patronage of Dr. Kirk. He has since followed his profession here and is a capable dentist whose broad understanding of the scientific principles that underlie his work, together with his mechanical skill and ingenuity, make him one of the foremost practitioners among the representatives of the dental fraternity in Bellevue. He is very careful in all his work and his patience and courtesy as well as his professional skill have made him a popular dentist of Bellevue. Dr. Donaldson has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Minnie Wade, a daughter of Lewis and Mary Wade, of Urbana, Ohio. The wedding was celebrated June 22, 1892, and they were separated by the death of the wife on the 4th of November, 1905, Mrs. Donaldson being then about thirty-five years of age, her birth having occurred April 9, 1870. They were the parents of two, children, Robert and Mildred. Dr. Donaldson was again married at Bellevue' in 1907, his second union being with Miss Emma May Barb, a daughter of James C. and Hannah A. (McDonald) Barb. Her father was born in 1834, and died in 1901 while the mother, who was born in 1835, passed away in 1891. Mr. Barb was a Lutheran minister, devoting his entire life to the work of the church. In his family were six children : J. Ernest, who is now a minister ; John M.; Elsie L.; Ida ; Bertha, deceased ; and Mrs. Donaldson, the latter a native of Tennessee. Dr. Donaldson has been prominent and influential in community affairs and his fellow citizens, recognizing his public spirit, his business ability and his devotion to the general good, have called him to public office. He was a member of the school board for about thirteen years when he resigned and was elected mayor of Bellevue on the democratic ticket in November, 1905. So acceptably did he serve during the first term that he was reelected in 1907 and has now entered upon the fourth year of his service as chief executive of the city, in which connection he is giving a business-like and progressive administration charac- 310 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY terized by retrenchment of all useless expenditure but by wise investment in lines of municipal progress, reform and improvement. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge and chapter at Bellevue and also to the Elks lodge of this city. He is likewise a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Congregational church and his life is actuated by high and honorable principles, to which he is loyal in every relation of life. He sustains a high reputation as a capable representative of his profession, as the city's chief execu- tive and as well in all those relations of life where warm friendships and strong personal attachments are formed. MRS. JOSEPH SWEET. Mrs. Joseph Sweet, the owner of eighty-four acres of land in Lyme town- ship, Huron county, is the daughter of Samuel E. Nims and comes of a family that has been intimately connected with the history of this country from the time the thirteen colonies battled for their independence from the mother country, Asa Nims, Mrs. Sweet's great-grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and when his son Samuel came to Ohio, he accompanied him and participated in the struggles of the few pioneers here. This Samuel Nims was born in Franklin, Massachusetts, in 1790, and with his wife Mahala, came to Huron county, Ohio, in 1826, but she did not long survive the hard life and its struggles, dying in her thirty-sixth year. She left two children to mourn her loss. The older, Betsy, married Rufus Russell, and with her husband has passed beyond earth's worries. The second child was Samuel E. Nims, the father of Mrs. Sweet, who is still living, though at a very advanced age. For his second wife, the grandfather, Samuel Nims, married Miss Fannie Peck, who was born in 1800, and came from Shelborn, Massachusetts, as did his first wife. She became the mother of two daughters, Augusta and Ardelia. The former was born in 1837, and in the course of time married Samuel Bemiss. She died October 22, 1907. Ardelia was born two years after her sister and married Edward A. Barton. She has since passed away, but her husband is living in Bowling Green, Ohio. Samuel E. Nims, the father of our subject, has always lived in this part of the state. He received his early, education in the district schools here and later attended the high school at Bellevue. In after years he demonstrated that he was a man of many capabilities, who took an active and practical interest in public affairs and he was elected a member of the school board and was also made township assessor. In both capacities he acquitted himself with distinction, leaving a fine record behind him. On the 5th of October, 1859, he married Miss Julia Stebbins, a daughter of Alfred Stebbins, and through her was blessed with two daughters : Mattie E., who is the subject of this sketch ; and Nettie C. The latter married E. W. Avery and now lives in Erie county. They have three children: Helen, Leland Ford, and Myron M. Mattie E. Nims was born in this county, October 7, 1862. She received the best education the schools of this locality afforded and also attended Lake Erie HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 311 College at Paynesville, Ohio, and spent two years at Oberlin Conservatory. She passed her days on the farm, fulfilling the duties around the house that fell to her share, but otherwise living in comparative quiet. On the 16th of February, 1888, she married Joseph Sweet, of Shelborn, Massachusetts, who was born September 27, 1858, and during the forty odd years of his life pursued the vocation of a farmer, becoming a most successful man. He was a stanch member of the Congregational church and a thorough Christian in his manner of life, and when he died, December 28, 1903, he left a large number of friends to mourn his loss. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sweet were born two children: Gretchen M., who was born January 19, 189o; and John M., born December 10, 1891. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Sweet has carried on the work and business of the farm and has not found the task beyond her powers. In fact she has grown up to her responsibilities and has demonstrated how a capable woman can conduct a man's work. Some of the courage of her soldier great- grandfather and grandfather, the latter having fought in the war of 1812, would seem to flow in her veins, for she never falters before a difficulty and valiantly comes out ahead in all her struggles. IRA L. WYANT, M. D. Dr. Ira L. Wyant is an example of the self-made man, who has never sought success by devious methods but in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit, has made continuous progress, proving his ability to cope with the intricate problems that continually confront the physician. One of Ohio's native sons, he was born in Sandusky county, on the loth of March, 1870, a son of Reuben K. and Sarah (Overmeyer) Wyant. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and in his boyhood days accompanied his parents to Sandusky county, Ohio. Both he and his wife died, however, durmg the early childhood of their son, Ira; and that he has attained to his present enviable position as one of the leading physicians of the county is an evidence of his industry, perseverance, determination and mental capacity. His early education was of a spasmodic character, being interrupted time and again by the necessity for him to provide for his own support. He spent two years as a pupil in the district schools, two years in Huron high school, and one year at the Ohio Normal at Ada. Becoming imbued with a desire to enter the medical profession, he eagerly availed himself of every opportunity that advanced him in that direction. During the summer months he sailed on the lakes in various capacities and during the winter seasons studied at the Homeopathic Medical College at Cleveland, thus continuing his course until he was graduated with the class of 1894. He then located for practice in Chesterland, Ohio, where he remained for twelve years, when, seeking a broader field of labor he came in 1906 to Norwalk, where he has since remained and in the intervening years has built up a good practice. By reading. and research he keeps in touch with the most progressive ideas and methods of the profession and his close conformity to a high standard 312 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY of professional ethics has won him the unqualified regard of his fellow members of the medical fraternity. Dr. Wyant was married in 1895 to Miss Mary Doane, a daughter of Silas and Eudolpha (DeWitt) Doane, who were old and respected Huron county citizens. The father came to this county when young, settling at Hartland. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Wyant has been born a daughter, Hilda, whose birth occurred January 20, 1898. The Doctor's interests center in his home and yet he is not unmindful of the social amenities of life, finding pleasant relations in fraternal organizations, being a Knight Templar Mason, a Knight of Pythias and a Forester. His fellow townsmen recognize him as a citizen, dependable under all conditions, while his patrons manifest well merited faith in his professional skill and ability. CHRISTOPHER G. GALLEY. Christopher G. Galley, a substantial and representative agriculturist of Huron county, has resided on his present farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Greenfield and Peru townships for more than a half century. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of this county, his birth having occurred in Peru township on the 6th of August, 1829. His parents were George B. and Lydia (Wilson) Galley, the former being a native of New York, while the latter was born in Peru township, this county. The mother passed away when her son, Christopher G., was about seven years of age and since then the latter has never seen his father, who went to South Carolina about that time. Mr. Galley of this review was reared by his maternal grandfather, Asa Wilson, who was one of the first settlers of Peru township, coming here with Henry Coy. He lived in a log house and had about six hundred acres of land, which he cleared with the assistance of his son and grandson, Christopher G. Galley. Both Mr. Wilson and Mr. Coy took a prominent and helpful part in the work of early development and upbuilding and when the former passed away in 1855, at the venerable age of ninety-two years, the county mourned the loss of one of its most respected and worthy pioneer settlers. Asa Wilson was a soldier in the war of 1812 and participated in the battle of Plattsburg. Christopher G. Galley obtained his education in the district schools, and has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. With the exception of a period of two years spent at farm work in Seneca county, this state, he has always made his home in Huron county. The farm on which he now lives has been his place of residence since 1857, and is a valuable and productive tract of land comprising one hundred and twenty-five acres, lying partly in Greenfield township and partly in Peru township. He purchased the property from Asa Hanes and for the first seven years, lived in a log house, but in 1864 erected the commodious and substantial brick dwelling, which is yet seen on the place. The many other improvements with which the farm is equipped all stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise and every- thing about the place indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive 313 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. C. G.GALLEY 314 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 315 owner. At the present time, however, he has largely put aside the active work of the fields and spends the greater part of his time in the care of his bees, having a number of hives. He has met with a gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity in his undertakings and has long been numbered among the most successful and enterprising citizens of the community. Mr. Galley has been married twice. In 1854, he wedded Miss Kathryn E. Griswold, a daughter of George W. and Rose Griswold, of Norwich township. She met with a sudden and tragic end, being killed in 1881 at Havana, Ohio, by a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad train. On the l0th of February, 1883, Mr. Galley was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth R. Ryerson, a native of Vernon, New Jersey, and a daughter of Nicholas and Serepta (Simonson) Ryerson, who were likewise born in Vernon, New Jersey. The father, whose birth occurred in 1813, was called to his final rest in 1861, while the mother was born in 1817 and passed away in 1897. In the year 1841, when their daughter, Mrs. Galley was a little maiden of six years, they took up their abode in Peru township, this county. Nicholas Ryerson acted as superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school for more than twenty-five years. Unto him and his wife were born eeven children, namely : Elizabeth R. ; Christopher S., a resident of Portland, Michigan ; Mary, the deceased wife of John Lattimore, of Norwalk, Ohio; John R., living in Norwalk, Ohio ; Hannah, the deceased wife of John Hollaway ; Emeline, who is the wife of Frank Brown, of Huron county ; Nicholas, of Peru township ; Walter and William, both of whom reside in Norwalk, Ohio ; Serepta, who has passed away ; and Margaret, who is the wife of F. E. Hickson and makes her home near Toledo, Ohio. Of late years Mr. Galley has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and has served in the position of school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He has now passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey and, having spent practically the entire time in Huron county, no man is more familiar with its history or with events which have left their impress upon its annals and no man of this section of the state is held in more uniform respect and regard than is he of whom we write. ADELBERT S. VAIL. Adelbert S. Vail, who is serving as assistant in the auditor's office at Norwalk, was born on the 24th of April, 1889. His father, David Vail, whose birth occurred in Newfield, Tompkins county, New York, on the 1st of October, 1811, was long numbered among the most honored and respected citizens of Huron county, with the upbuilding and development of which he was identified from early pioneer times. In 1833, when a young man of twenty-two years, he emi-, grated to Ohio, driving and walking all the way through almost a continuous wilderness. He located first at Elyria, which was a little settlement consisting of a meeting house and two or three small buildings. A few years prior to his death, in response to a letter received from the editor of a local paper requesting information regarding his pioneer experiences, Mr. Vail wrote, m part, as follows : 316 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY "I passed through Elyria the last of November of 1833 with my uncle, Joseph Linderman, on my way from the state of New York to Carlisle, Lorain county, about six miles south of Elyria, where his brother-in-law had lived for some time. That winter I went to work at ElAia, cutting cordwood for a cast-iron furnace, which was situated at or near the junction of the east and west branches of Black river. The iron company kept a store and paid the hands in what was called 'iron money,' a bill which was redeemable in goods from the store. * * * I do not known what the population of Elyria was at' that time, but there was besides the iron works, three or four stores, a boarding house and a church, the bell of which rang at the time it rained stars. That winter I went to Oberlin (then called the Presbyterian Colony) to school, about two months, until the teacher became sick and the school closed. I went back to Elyria to work, staying until July, when I came to Huron county." While living at Elyria he helped to build the first road along the Black river into the village of Lorain. On coming to this county he settled at Olena and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, with which he was successfully identified throughout his active life. He likewise conducted a general mercantile store in Olean for several years and in all of his undertakings met with a commendable and well deserved measure of prosperity, being a man of excellent business ability and keen discrimination. On the 7th of December, 1845, David Vail was married at Fairfield, Huron county, to Almira Adams, of Symphronius, Cayuga county, New York. She passed away on the 5th of January, 1887, leaving five children : David W., Leonard A., John J., Alice and Charles W. On the 10th of April, 1888, Mr. Vail was again married, his second union being with Miss Ellen Jeanette Sweet, who was born on the 29th of June, 1846, her parents being Charles R. and Elizabeth (Hodges) Sweet. Her father, whose birth occurred in Onondaga county, New York, August 18, 1814, came to Huron county in 1844 and, pur- chasing a farm, was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. He was called to his final rest on the 17th of September, 1870. On the 25th of January, 1842, he had wedded Miss Elizabeth Hodges, who was born June 24, 1823, and whose demise occurred on the 4th of September, 1866. Unto Mr. Vail and his second wife was born a son, Adelbert S., of this review. When twenty-one years of age David Vail cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, who had again been nominated as the presidential candidate of the democracy. In 1884, during President Cleveland's first administration, he was appointed postmaster of Olena, but when Benjamin Harrison was elected chief executive he gave up the office and served as a notary public for many years. When Cleveland was reelected president the postmastership was again tendered Mr. Vail, but he declined, preferring to live a retired life, free from business and official cares. At the time of his death he was one of the oldest residents in the county, and also one of the oldest members of the Baptist church, which he joined in early life. He passed away at his home in Olena on the 28th of January, 1907, at the venerable age of ninety-five years, three months and twenty- eight days, and thus the county was called upon to mourn the loss of one of its most honored, esteemed and influential pioneer residents. In a review of his life, HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 317 written by one of the local papers at the time of his demise, we find the following statement: "Mr. Van was a good type of the old-fashioned York state stock, an honorable and sincere man who won respect by faithfulness, integrity and genial personal qualities and he doubtless never knew how considerable an impression his fine character made on his many friends and acquaintances." His aid and influence could always be counted upon to further any movement or measure instituted to promote the general welfare, f r he was a most public-spirited, loyal and progressive citizen. Adelbert S. Vail, whose name initiates this review, is a graduate of the Olena schools and also completed a course in the business college at Norwalk, in 1905. He is now capably discharging the duties devolving upon him as deputy in the office of the auditor at Norwalk and, although but twenty years of age, has already gained favorable recognition as a young man of much promise and ability. GEORGE H. MAINS. George H. Mains brought forth the first edition of the Wakeman Independent Press on the loth of September, 1875, and since that date has not missed a weekly publication of the paper. He is well known as a representative of journalistic interests in this part of the state and through the columns of the Press has done much to further the welfare and promote the progress of the town in which he resides. He was born November 23, 1833, in Athens, Somerset county, Maine, his parents being John and Lura Ann (Boston) Mains, who emigrated to Ohio in 1836 and settled in Russia township, Lorain county. In the family were twelve children, of whom the two eldest died in infancy, George H. being the eldest of those who reached years of maturity. The others were : Elvira ; J ; Emeline ; Acquilla and Priscilla, twins ; Lura A in, who became a noted evangelist of. the Free Will Baptist church ; Lorenzo; Sumner B.; and Mary. The last named is the wife of Gilbert Treadwell, a blacksmith of Union City, Michigan, while Emeline was the wife of Darwin Peckham of Lincoln, Nebraska, who went to that city when it was first laid out and became a prominent contractor and builder there, erecting many of the public building. He died there several years ago. John Mains, the father of this family, was a blacksmith and worked at his trade throughout his active life, following that pursuit in Lorain and Erie counties, Ohio, and afterward in Calhoun county, Michigan, to which place he removed in 1852, there spending his remaining days. His death occurred in Coldwater, Michigan, about twenty years ago. George H. Mains was educated- in the common schools of Erie county and as a young man learned the cabinetmaker's trade at Birmingham, Ohio. He accompanied the family on their removal to Michigan in 1852, but only remained in that state for three years, after which he returned to Erie county, Ohio, in 1856. There he continued to work at the cabinetmaker's trade and became well known in the community not only by reason of his business affairs but also owing to the fact that he took quite an active part in the campaign for Fremont and Dayton. He became one of the early advocates of the republican 318 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY party and voted twice for Lincoln and once for Grant but in 1872 he supported Horace Greely and since that time has been voting the prohibition ticket, taking an active interest in promoting the cause of temperance along political lines and in private life as well. In 1863 Mr. Mains gave up his trade as a cabinetmaker and turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, with which he was connected for a number of years. He was also a traveling salesman for a Cleveland house for three years and later he became a stencil cutter, being thus engaged for several years in Ohio and Michigan. In 1870 he began the publication of the Literary Pearl, a monthly paper in which were produced the writings of his two sisters, Elvira, who was a teacher, and Lura Ann, a missionary worker. This was continued until 1875 when he was induced by the merchants of Wakeman to remove to this town and establish a paper as the town was then without one and the merchants wished an advertising medium. Accordingly in August, 1875, he came to Wakeman and established the office and on the 10th of September, 1875. brought forth the first issue of the Wakeman Independent Press, which has since been produced weekly to the present time. The paper has wielded a wide influence for great good in the community, being the champion of every measure calculated to promote public progress, reform and improvement. It has always been utilized for the dissemination of general and local news and now has both a good circulation and advertising patronage. Mr. Mains has been married twice. In 1858 he wedded Miss Jane B. Harrison, a daughter of Thomas Harrison, a farmer of Erie county. She lived for only two years after her marriage, her death occurring in 186o. In 1862 Mr. Mains wedded Miss Ann E. Cross, a daughter of Bartlett Cross. They had three children: Elmer E. and George B., both now deceased ; and Anson Perry, who is associated with his father in the publication of the Press. Mr. Mains has a nice home and a fine little truck farm in addition to his newspaper. He is a man, active in local affairs and was the first one to carry the daily mail from Birmingham to Wakeman, making the round trip, a distance of sixteen miles. for sixty-two and a half cents. This was in 1858. While he has always been interested in public measures he has never been a candidate for office. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and has been interested and active in this work for a half century, serving almost constantly throughout this period as one of the church officials and as a Sunday-school worker, frequently acting as superintendent of the Sunday school. He stands for all that is progressive and beneficial in the community and his labors have been of far-reaching influence in promoting Wakeman's welfare. GEORGE AVERY. George Avery, a farmer of Lyme township, Huron county, is the owner of seventy-six acres of land, upon which he has made his home for more than a quarter of a century. He was born in this township, April 19, 1851, the son of Luther and Susanna (Ford) Avery. The father was born in New London HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 319 county, Connecticut, but cline as a young boy with his father, Dudley Avery, to Ohio and settled in Lyme township, near Hunte's Corners. Here he pursued farming all his life, and the task and labor of cultivating the soil in a comparatively early part of the history of the county was a much more difficult thing than it is today, and required the greater part of his time. He died February 22, 1895. A family of six children, however, soon grew up and were able to afford him considerable assistance. They were Henry A.; Mary, deceased ; George ; James 0.; Edmond W.; and Addie R. George Avery has spent all of his life in this township. He received his early training under the guidance of his parents at home and in the district schools, where he learned all that these institutions could impart to him. Farming has been his occupation throughout life, for as a boy he did his full share about the home from the time that he was old enough to be intrusted with the responsibilities of the household chores and was able to carry water to those working in the fields, until he too was able to do a man's work ploughing or making hay. By the time, therefore, that he had compassed the period of youth he was fully competent to assume the full management of a farm of his own and was skilled in the best methods of winning from the land its most bounteous returns. On the 29th of October, 1878, Mr. Avery was united in marriage to Miss Nellie C. Eaton, a daughter of Delos and Calista (Stebbins) Eaton. This family, like the Averys, were among the early settlers of this part of the county, where they have spent the greater part of their long and useful lives. There have been two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Avery: Ethel L. and Ralph. During the thirty years that he has lived upon his present farm, Mr. Avery has considerably improved it and the quality of the produce he wins from it, for he is a man who is ever on the alert to grasp such means as will contribute to his own convenience and increase the efficiency of his working power. He professes the creed of the Congregational church, and his daily life bears evidence that his profession is not merely a form. He is highly thought of among those who have had relations with him, for he is a man whose quiet life, filled with hard work, contributes its share to the good citizenship of the county. REV. JOHN A. SCHAFFELD. Rev. John A. Schafeld, pastor of St. Paul's church in Norwalk, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, a son of John Bernard Schaffeld, who was a native of Germany. In his boyhood days the father came with his parents to the new world, the family home being established in Baltimore. In 1867 a removal was made to Cleveland, where for twenty years Mr. Schaffeld made his home, passing away in 1886 at the age of forty-six years. In early manhood he had married Christina Teresa Koenig, a native of Rhenish Prussia, whose father was an officer in the French army. She is still living and is a well preserved woman for her years. 320 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Rev. John A. Schaffeld was reared in Cleveland, pursuing his early education in St. Peter's parochial school. His classical course was obtained at Calnsius College in Buffalo, while his preparation for the priesthood was made St. Mary's Seminary at Cleveland. Having determined to devote his life to the cause of the church he was ordained to the priesthood on the 17th of December, 1892, and then for eight and a half years was pastor of the church of St. Mary's in Fulton county, Ohio. On the expiration of that period he came to Norwalk, where he has since remained in charge of the parish of St. Paul's church. He is a genial and popular gentleman, high-minded, a liberal man interested in the cause of general education and most active and efficient in the work of the church, doing much for the spread of Catholicism in this locality. CAPTAIN C. C. COOK. Captain C. C. Cook, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Bellevue, where he is conducting a fire insurance agency and is also serving as justice of the peace, which position he has capably and acceptably filled for about sixteen years, was born in a little log cabin in this city January 1, 1838, and therefore has been a witness of the growth and development of the city and county for more than three score years and ten. His parents were Nathan S. and Eliza (Dixon) Cook, early residents of this part of the state. The father was born in Seneca county, New York, in 1809 and died in 1850 when returning from California. He was one of the first to go to the Pacific coast on the discovery of gold in that section of the country. He had come to Ohio in pioneer times and was closely, actively and helpfully associated with the work of early development and im- provement. His wife, who was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, in 1816, died in Huron county in 1879. at the age of sixty-three years. They were the parents of six children: C. C. ; Robert and Mary C., who are both deceased: James D ; and Charles G. and Ellen, who have passed away. Captain Cook of •this review has always resided at Bellevue, save for the period of his service in the United States army, spending his youthful days in his mother's home-his father having died when the son was but twelve yea. rs of age—he pursued his education in the public schools of Bellevue and later in preparation for a professional career entered the Buffalo Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1867. He practiced medicine in Bellevue for one year, In 'the meantime, however, he had rendered active aid to his country as a soldier of the Civil War. He watched with interest the progress of the events in the south, preceding the outbreak of hostilities, believed that no state had the right to withdraw from the Union and in April, 1861, at the first call for seventy- five thousand men, he enlisted at Bellevue and went to Camp Denison, where he joined the First Zouave Regiment. Becoming a private of Company D, he was soon advanced to the rank of sergeant and participated in a large number of bat- tles and skirmishes, including the engagements at Fayetteville, Virginia, and the Toland and Averill raid to West Virginia. He also went on the Hunter raid to Lynchburg in 1864 and up the Shenandoah valley under Sheridan. He was in- 321 - PHOTO OF CAPT. C. C. COOK 322 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 323 jured at Princeton and because of this was detailed for duty as hospital steward of the regiment. He remained at the front until the close of hostilities and was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, in 1865, returning to his home with a most creditable military record. It was subsequent to this time that he studied medicine for a year in Bellevue, but in 1868 he again proffered his military aid to the country and entered the United States Regular Army, joining General Custer at Fort Harker, Kansas. He was in the regular service for about ten years, acted for a time as inspector on General Hancock's staff and visited all the forts from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Yuma and from British Columbia to the gulf. Promotion won him the rank of captain of cavalry and he worthily won his officer's stripes. On retiring from the army, Captain Cook returned to Bellevue. He was married in 1879 to Miss Emma Murdock, a daughter of Hiram and Carolina Murdock of Orleans county, New York. Mrs. Cook, who was an estimable lady and enjoyed the friendship of many with whom she came in contact, departed this life in 1903. Captain Cook is well known in Masonic circles, holding membership in the lodge, chapter and council at Bellevue and in the Knight Templar Commandery of Norwalk, Ohio. He also affiliates with the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of the Maccabees and is a past commander of the Grand Army Post of Bellevue. In the work of these organizations, he takes an active interest and finds special delight in the camp fires of his post where are recalled the scenes and incidents of warfare in the south. He went through all the usual experiences of the regular soldier on the frontier of the west and as commanding officer of his company, he enjoyed to the fullest extent the confidence and respect of those who served under him. Since resuming his residence in Bellevue, he has engaged in the fire insurance business, in which connection he has secured a good clientage. During sixteen years service as justice of the peace, his decisions have ever been strictly fair and impartial and indicate that he is as loyal to the interests of his country in times of peace as when he followed the old flag on the battlefields of the south or protected the nation's standard upon the western plains. HIRAM R. BOARDMAN. He whose name initiates this review needs no special introduction to the readers of this volume, for he is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the county and is, moreover, well known throughout the community as an aviarist of considerable note, being perhaps the best authority on bee culture in Huron county. Hiram R. Boardman was born on the 2d of April, 1834, in old Swanzey, New Hampshire, near the home of Denman Thompson, and is a son of Hiram and Delia (Richardson) Boardman. The family was established in Huron county in June, 1835, the father, prior to that time, having made a trip to the middle west, traveling most of the distance on foot. Attracted by the splendid opportunities offered by this great and growing country, he returned east for his family and brought them by way of the Erie canal to Buffalo and thence to Huron 324 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY by lake steamer, while the remainder of the journey was made by wagon. At the time of their arrival in Huron county the state of Ohio was still little more than a wilderness, its lands remaining largely unclaimed and its resources undeveloped. The early settlers had cleared tiny openings in the forest where they had built their log cabins, while the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been begun. As the years passed, however, Hiram Boardman, Sr, bore his full share in the work of transformation and improvement and became a prominent and influential member of the community. He was a blacksmith by trade and followed that occupation after coming to Huron county. Pe taught school for three years subsequent to his arrival here and was also identified with the agricultural interests of this county. He became active in public affairs and was called upon to fill almost all of the local offices of the township, including that of township clerk, trustee and justice of the peace, while for many years he was postmaster of Townsend at a time when the mail was carried from Norwalk on horseback. It was while he was acting as trustee that the township house, a very creditable brick building which yet stands, was built. He was deeply interested in and a stanch champion of the cause of education, and every matter or measure which had for its object the substantial growth and upbuilding- of the community found in him a ready sympathizer and cooper- ant. He was well known and prominent among the early settlers of Huron county, and occupied a high place in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen. His death occurred April 15, 1871, while his wife survived until the 18th of June, 1899. They were both buried in the Townsend cemetery. In their family were five children : Hiram R., Horace H., Marcia, Electa and Wyman, all of whom are yet living. Accompanying his parents to Ohio when but one year of age, Hiram R. Boardman was therefore reared in Huron county and attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early education. He later studied for a time in the special school at Collins, after which he devoted some time to teaching in Wood county. Subsequently withdrawing from that profession, however, he became employed in his father's shingle mill on the home farm and later purchased the mill, which he operated on his own account for several years. Then in 1854, the year following the border troubles, he went to Kansas and took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he remained for one year. After his return to Ohio he spent a year in the Pennsylvania oil fields as a tool dresser and then became identified with agricultural interests, exchanging his property in Kansas for a farm in Townsend Center, upon which he has since resided. Here he engages in general farming and devotes the greater portion of his time and attention to his bee interests. Since a young man he has made a careful study of bees and their habits, specializing along improved and modern methods of handling them. He has been a large contributor to the foremost bee journals in the country and is perhaps the best authority and judge of bees in Huron county. He is a taxidermist of considerable ability and has a collection of birds and animals that has few equals among private collections and would make a valuable addition to any museum. Mr. Boardman was united in marriage in 1873 to Miss Eliza Lord, a daughter of Calif and Susan Lord of Bowling Green, Wood county. No children came HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 325 to bless this union but Mr. and Mrs. Boardman adopted into their home a daughter, Ivon May, who is the life and light of the household. Politically Mr. Boardman has voted the democratic ticket since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but he has never desired nor sought public office. Although he has many times been selected by his fellow citizens as a candidate for various offices, he has, nevertheless, declined the nomination. For many years he was a member of the board of education and has been deeply interested in the cause of education, being a stanch champion thereof. Fraternally he is a member of Townsend Lodge, No. 322, F. & A. M., and has been very active in Masonic circles. He holds membership in the Townsend Grange, and is also affiliated with the Patrons of Husbandry, in the affairs of which he has been prominent and active. He is preeminently a public-spirited citizen, prominent and active in public affairs, and is held in the highest respect and esteem by his fellowmen. His various interests have been such as constitute a well-rounded character, appreciative of all that goes to make up life's contacts and relations, while the consensus of public opinion accords him a most enviable position among the honored and valued representatives of Huron county. BALSOR LEHMAN. Balsor Lehman owns a neat and well improved farm of one hundred and seventy-four acres, situated in Sherman township, where he is now practically living retired, leaving the more active work of the fields to his son. As the name indicates, Mr. Lehman is of German birth, his natal day being January 6, 1827, His parents, Nicholas and Mary Lehman, emigrated to the United States in the year 1833 and made a location in Stark county, Ohio, where they spent about twelve years. They then sold out in that county and took up their abode in Seneca county, this state, purchasing property near St. Stephens, where they made their home- until 1863, when they removed to Sherman township, Huron county, and purchased the farm, which is now owned by our subject. Balsor Lehman was a little lad of but six years at the time of the emigration of the family to the new world. It was during the twelve years' residence of the family in Stark county that he acquired his education in the district schools. He accompanied his parents on their various removals up to the time of their arrival in Sherman township. He is now the owner of the old homestead property, which has been in possession of the family since 1863, or for a period of forty-six years. Since taking possession Mr. Lehman has made a number of substantial improvements and he now has a nice country residence, good barn and substantial outbuildings to shelter his grain and stock, and everything about the place is kept in a state of good repair, indicating the practical and progressive methods of the owner. He has here one hundred and seventy-four acres of land and for many years was actively engaged in the work of the farm but as he has now passed the seventy-second milestone on the journey of life, he is practically living retired, while his son John manages the place. 326 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY It was in Seneca county, this state, that Mr. Lehman chose a companion and helpmate in the person of Miss Elizabeth Bunn, their marriage being celebrated on the 17th of August, 1862. She is a daughter of Martin and Katharine Bunn, and by her marriage has become the mother of ten children. Lea, the eldest, was born in Seneca county. Martin, the next in order of birth, wedded Miss Anna Glassner of Fremont and they have had nine children, as follows : Charles, Amelia, Reuben, John, Romie, Loretta, Harold, Arthur, and one who died in infancy. Mary became the wife of Peter Grulich of Seneca county, Ohio, but is now deceased. She was the mother of five children, John, Clara, Fred, George, and Victor, deceased. Lena, the fourth member of the Lehman family, has departed this life. Victor is the wife of Frank Ruffing and resides at Cadiz, Ohio. They have had eight children but two died in infancy, the others being Alfa, Nora, Bert, Solomon, Harold and Ralph. Anna is the wife of Joe Falter, of Seneca county, their home being in East Norwalk. They have seven children, Frank, Gertrude, Clem, Louisa, Charles, Urbin and Lea. Louisa first wed- ded John West, of Tiffin, Ohio, and later became the wife of Sam Higgins, their home being in California. Elizabeth is the wife of John Garhardstein, a resident of Seneca county. They have had a family of eight children but two of the number died in infancy, the living members being Robert, Albert, Loretta, Tillie, Gertrude and Oscar. John lives at home and operates the farm. Rose is the wife of Leo Leable, of Tiffin, by whom she has five children. Zenobia, Justice, Harold, Leo and Rush. Mr. Lehman is a democrat in politics and on that ticket was elected constable, in which office he served three years. He is a communicant of the Catholic church, holding membership in the church in Thompson township, Seneca county. In his earlier years he led a very busy and active life and accumulated a property that now enables him to live retired, enjoying a well earned rest. He leaves the active work of the farm to his son John, who is an enterprising and progressive young farmer. His fraternal relations are with the Eagles and the Red Men. The Lehman family is an old and prominent one in Sherman township and the hospitality of the best homes in this section is freely accorded them. E. V. B..BUCKINGHAM, M. D. The life history of Dr. E. V. B. Buckingham constitutes an important chapter in the records of Huron county. He has never sought to figure prominently in political circles or public life and yet his ability in his profession and his worth as a man and a citizen entitle him to classification with the leading representatives of the community. He pas born in Mansfield, Ohio, August 11, 1839, and has therefore reached the seventieth milestone on life's journey. His parents were Ezekiel and Catharine A. (Williams) Buckingham, natives of Baltimore, Maryland, and of Pennsylvania, respectively. The father arrived in Richmond township, Huron county, in 1842, and engaged in farming, his place of residence being about a mile from Chicago Junction. There year after year he carefully tilled the soil and carried on his work until his death in 1882, when he was HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 327 seventy-two years of age. His wife survived him until 1891 and passed away at the age of seventy-three years. Dr. Buckingham acquired his early education in the country schools and afterward received the benefit of instruction m Plymouth high school. Subsequently he engaged in teaching in Richmond and New Haven townships for eight terms and at the same time he devoted his leisure hours to the study of medicine. His educational privileges were not equal to those which boys of the present day enjoy, for there was no school in the township at the time of his arrival. His mother, however, was a lady of intelligence and instructed him in many things, so that he learned much under her direction. He improved his opportunities of attending school as the occasion offered and has always been a broad reader, keeping in touch with the current thought of the day, while at the same time in his profession he has made continuous progress by his reading and investigation. In 1864 he was graduated in medicine from the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, and in 1872 won the M. D. degree at Miami Medical College in Cincinnati. He began practice in Centerton, a village which has since given place to Chicago Junction, and in the intervening years he has remained at this location, enjoying a large and substantial practice. He has ministered to various families for many years until the children have grown up and reared families of their own. Throughout all the intervening period he has kept in touch with the trend of modern professional thought through his comprehensive study and is regarded today as one of the best informed physicians of the county. He has been honored with the presidency of the County Medical Society and holds membership with the State and American Medical Associations and also the Northwestern Medical Association. He is likewise a member of the International Association of Railway Surgeons and for eighteen years he filled the position of surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In 1886 Dr. Buckingham was united in marriage to Miss Effie W. Pitts, a native of Richland county, Ohio, and unto them have been born two sons, Mendenhall and Huron E. W. The doctor is an Odd Fellow in his fraternal relations and in religious faith is a Methodist. His life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles, manifest in citizenship as well as in professional relations. Not to know Dr. Buckingham in Chicago Junction and this part of the county is to argue one's self unknown. He is one of the most respected and reliable citizens, a man who has always stood four square to every wind that blows and who in every relation of life can be depended upon to conserve the interests of those things which are best and most worthy. JOHN G. HOULE. John G. Houle, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Lyme township, is the owner of a finely improved farm of one hundred and eleven acres, .0 most of which is in Erie county. His birth occurred in Lyme township on the 28th of January, 1856, his parents being William H. and Lucy (Gaydon) Houle, both of whom were natives of Devonshire, England, where they were married. 328 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Almost immediately after the ceremony they sailed for the new world and on reaching the United States took up their abode in Lyme township, Huron county, the father here working as a farm hand for a number of years. Carefully saving his earnings, he was at length enabled to purchase a farm of his own and in 1876 bought the property which is now in possession of his sons, John G. and Fred, being successfully engaged in its cultivation and improvement until he passed away in 1892 at the age of sixty-four years. His wife, who survived him for several years, died on the 8th of February, 1899, when sixty-eight years of age. They were devoted and faithful members of the Lyme Congregational church and were well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and upright lives. Their children were seven in number, namely: William H.; John G., of this review ; Jennie and Lucy, who are deceased ; Frank, who is a professor in the schools at Martins Ferry ; Ida, who has likewise passed away ; and Fred, who with his brother, J. G., cultivates the home farm. John G. Houle obtained his education in the district schools and with the exception of one year, which he spent on the old Wright farm in Groton township, Erie county, has continuously been a resident of Lyme township from his birth to the present time. Since putting aside his text-books he has given his undivided attention to the work of the fields and, as before stated, is now the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and eleven acres, which was purchased by his father from George Dole. The place is under a high state of cultivation and gives every evidence of his careful supervision and practical methods. On the 5th of December, 1899, Mr. Houle was united in marriage to Miss Kate Becker, a daughter of Barney and Caroline (Beeler) Becker, who were early settlers of Lyme township. By reason of their long residence in this county both Mr. and Mrs. Houle are widely and favorably known here and the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. JOHN NORMAN. John Norman, a retired farmer of Lyme township, Huron county, and the owner of one hundred and ten acres of land on which he lives, was born in Eng- land, March 30, 1835, the son of John and Mary (Ellis) Norman. Both par- ents died in the country which had always been their home, but in their life- time had given to the world ten children, of whom John Norman and a younger brother Zachariah and one sister, Sarah Ann, who were the sixth, seventh and ninth in the family, respectively, alone survive, Samuel, Lydia, Ellis, Charles, Diana, Jesse and an infant having passed away. John Norman came to the United States in 1858 and settled in Lyme town- ship, Huron county, Ohio. At first he worked around for different farmers here until he was able to rent a small tract of land to cultivate for his own interests. By hard and diligent work, he was soon able to save up enough money to buy a little farm. This he cultivated up to a higher grade of productiveness, sold, and with the proceeds bought a larger piece, continuing this practice for some time 329 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN NORMAN 330 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 331 until his good management and labor made it possible for him to purchase his present large farm in 1879. It was originally part of the old Sawyer farm, and is a valuable piece of land today, for Mr. Norman with knowing skill has improved it in every way possible. Some years ago, he gave up the active duties of life, rented his farm, and now lives in the enjoyment of a well deserved rest and comfort. Mr. Norman was married twice. His first wife was Miss Sarah Ann Carpenter, by whom he had six children, but Charles and the youngest died in infancy. Of the other four, William E., living in Lyme township, married Miss Dora Daniels and has five sons, Roy, John, Ben, Gus and William ; Mary M. is the wife of Gus Hesstler, of Bellevue ; John lives at home ; and Samuel M. married Miss Lena Wright and lives at Norwalk. He is the father of two children, Percy and Lillian M. Mr. Norman was again married December 24, 1886, his second union being with Mrs. Jane (Norman) Francis, the widow of Richard Francis, and the daughter of Samuel and Deborah (Pickering) Norman. Both her parents were born in England, the father in 1812, the mother in 1815. They came to this country when their daughter Jane was eighteen years of age and were accounted old settlers in this locality. Mrs. Norman was third in a family of five, of whom she and the oldest son, Samuel, alone survive, Anna, John and Eliza having passed away. By her former husband, Mrs. Norman had seven children: George W., who lives at home ; Eliza A., who married Frank Ekert, of Norwalk, and is the mother of one child, Carl ; Albert, now deceased, who married Miss Lottie Pence, and left three children, Mabel, Ralph and Leona ; Cora, the wife of Fred Willard, of Cleveland, and the mother of three children, Ernest, Viola and Grace ; and three little ones who died in infancy. Mr. Norman is a member of the Episcopal church, but his wife is a regular attendant at the services of St. Joseph's Catholic church of Monroeville. He is a man who has lived the active years of his life profitably and well and has made many friends who do not begrudge him the rest he has so well earned nor the comfort he is now permitted to enjoy. L. JAY GIFFORD. L. Jay Gifford, owning and operating a farm of one hundred and seventy- five acres in Fitchville township, is an agriculturist whose welt directed energy and keen foresight are bringing to him a creditable measure of prosperity. His birth occurred in Genesee county, New York, on the 5th of February, 1857, his parents being Fernando and Maria L. (Green) Gifford, both of whom were likewise natives of Genesee county. The father was born July 20, 1825, while the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day, December 6, 1827. In 1818, Zalmon Green, the maternal grandfather of our subject, walked from Cayuga county, New York, to Fitchville, Huron county, Ohio, a distance of four hundred miles. Fernando Gifford, the father of L. Jay Gifford, followed general agricultural pursuits throughout the greater part of his life, meeting with success in his undertakings. In 1863 he made his way from the Empire state to 332 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY this county, here purchasing a tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres, a portion of which is now comprised within the boundaries of the farm belonging to his son, L. Jay Gifford. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was deeply interested in all matters pertaining to the general welfare. For several terms he capably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the position of township trustee. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian and his life was at all times in harmony with the teachings of that church. His demise occurred July 17, 1893, and was deeply mourned by an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances. His wife, whom he wedded May 19, 1852, was called to her final rest September 6, 1902. L. Jay Gifford was a little lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on the journey to Huron county in 1863. Reared on the home farm, he early became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agricultur- ist and which have claimed his time and energies throughout his entire business career. Subsequent to the death of his father he took up his abode on the old family homestead, looking after his mother's interests until she, too, passed away. As time has passed and his financial resources have increased, owing to his untiring industry and judicious management, he has added to his landed holdings by additional purchase until his farm now embraces one hundred and seventy-five acres in Fitchville township. The soil is rich and productive and responds readily to cultivation, so that he annually gathers bounteous harvests which find a good sale on the market. On the 13th of September, 1883, Mr. Gifford was joined in wedlock to Miss Marion B. Smith, a daughter of Thomas and Joanna Smith, of Fitchville. Their union has been blessed with one son, J. Floyd, who was born June 29, 1885. and is still under the parental roof. Mr. Gifford is a stalwart republican in his political views but, though he is deeply interested in matters of public concern and has frequently been solicited to become a candidate for various positions, he has no desire for the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private affairs. He belongs to the Grange and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. As he has lived for many years in this county, he was a wide acquaintance here and his friends know him as an enter- prising farmer and a man of genuine worth. NOBLE G. HURST. Noble G. Hurst, whose carefully directed labors as an agriculturist and sheep raiser in former years brought him the competence that now enables him to live retired, was born in Henrietta, Lorain county, Ohio, on the 20th of September, 1856, his parents being John and Mary A. (Longway) Hurst. The paternal grandparents, John and Elhabeth (Drien) Hurst, were native.. of Lincolnshire, England, and the grandfather served as a soldier in the English army for thirty- two years, participating in the wars of his country during that period. He was HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 333 stationed at Quebec and during his military service crossed the ocean four times. After being honorably discharged from the army he established his home in Quebec, where he spent the remainder of his life. John Hurst, the father of our subject, made the journey from Quebec to Ohio in company with his young bride, a settlement being made in Henrietta, Lorain county. His financial resources were very limited at the time of his arrival in this state but he possessed in large measure the sterling qualities of industry, honesty and frugality and as the years went by gained a handsome competence through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests. He was widely recognized as a most public-spirited, substantial and respected citizen and his death, which occurred on the 21st of October, 1892, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife was called to her final rest on the 29th of May, 1907, and both lie buried in Wake- man cemetery.. Unto this worthy couple were born two sons and two daughters: Elizabeth P., whose demise occurred in June, 1882 ; Noble G., of this review ; Margaret H.; and Melvin J. Noble G. Hurst spent his youth on the home farm of his father and obtained his education in the public schools of Wakeman. Subsequent to his marriage he carried on agricultural pursuits in Wakeman for three years and then farmed in Camden, Lorain county, for two years. At the end of that time he returned to Wakeman, where he remained for four years and then once more located in Camden, Lorain county, there continuing for twenty years. In May, 1906, he again came to Wakeman and has here since lived retired, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. He has a fine home and twelve acres of land in the suburbs of the village of Wakeman and has become quite an extensive landowner, possessing two farms on the county line between Wakeman and Camden, Lorain county. Both farms, comprising one hundred and fifty and one hundred and forty acres of land respectively, are well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Throughout his business career Mr. Hurst was engaged in general farming and sheep raising, in which lines of activity he was eminently successful, gaining recognition as one of the county's most substantial, progressive and representative citizens. On the 29th of November, 1876, Mr. Hurst was united in marriage to Miss Ida A. Pierce, a daughter of Elbert B. and Hattie A. (Beecher) Pierce, who were prominent pioneer settlers of Wakeman. This union was blessed with one child, Mabel E., who is now the wife of Clayton E. Ford, a well known agriculturist of Clyde, Oakland county, Michigan. Mrs. Ida A. Hurst passed away when her little daughter Was but five weeks old, and on the 22d of April, 1885, Mr. Hurst was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary M. Morgan. Her parents, David and Agnes (Scott) Morgan, of Camden, Lorain county, spent their entire married life, covering more than fifty years, on the same farm. They came to this district when it was a dense forest but with characteristic energy Mr. Morgan set to work to cut down the trees and gradually transformed the once wild tract into a productive farm and ideal home. Both he and his wife are now deceased and lie buried in the cemetery at Camden. Lorain county. Into Mr. Hurst and his second wife were born the following children: Edna M., now the wife of Sumner E. Todd; Blaine N.; Meryl L.; and one who died in infancy. With a full realization of the value of good 334 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY mental training as a preparation for the practical and responsible duties of life, Mr. Hurst has given his children the best educational advantages obtainable. In his political views Mr. Hurst is a stalwart republican and an enthusiastic advocate of all measures and movements calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development. He is especially interested in the efforts to keep the public highways free from weeds that may contaminate adjacent farms. A man of domestic tastes, he greatly enjoys the companion- ship of his wife and children and is a most loving and devoted husband and father. Both he and his wife possess in large measure the confidence and esteem of those with whom they have come in contact, and the hospitality of their pleas- ant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. NOAH YOUNG. Noah Young is living retired in a beautiful residence in Collins, which has been his home since 1905, but he still retains possession of his farming property of one hundred and fifty acres, from which he derives a good annual rental. Mr. Young was born in Townsend township, November 24, 1840, a son of Mahlon and Orrilla (Young) Young. The father's people removed from the far east by teams to Ohio in 1812, making a location in Richland county, this state. At that time few families had settled in the county, much of the land in Richland county being still in possession of the Indians, while wild game was also abundant. The mother's people came to the Buckeye state from Vermont. Upon reaching the district on which Monroeville now stands, they sought a place to stay for the night at a cabin by the side of the old Indian trail, for as yet no roads had been laid out. The family from whom they sought shelter proved to be relatives of Mahlon Young, who, though of the same name, were not related to the parents of Orrilla Young. The family arrived about the year 1830, and being pleased with Huron county, the father here purchased a farm, and in the following spring made a trip to Indiana and purchased six hundred and forty acres there, but never removed to that state, Monroeville proving more attractive to him as a place of residence. The children of the two Young families grew up together in that pioneer district and in due time Mahlon Young and Orrilla Young were united in marriage. They established their home on a farm near Monroeville, where they lived two or three years, and in the spring of 1840, Mahlon Young purchased a, farm in Townsend township, on which he took up his abode. He was a cooper by trade and in connection with his farming inter- ests also followed his trade. His farm, consisting of one hundred acres, was to be paid for in barrels, a certain number to be made each year until the debt of the farm was liquidattd. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon Young were born seven children, Sylvia, Noah, John, Martha, Mary, Mahlon and Orrilla. Of these all are living with the excepion of John. He served in the Civil war as a member of Company F, Third Ohio Cavalry, enlisting for three years. During his ser- vice he was drowned at Macon, Georgia, while bathing. Both the parents are now deceased, the mother surviving the father's death about five years. Both lie buried in the cemetery at Collins. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 335 Noah Young was reared on the home farm, assisting his father with the work of the fields during the period of his boyhood and youth. In the winter seasons he pursued his education in the district schools. When he had reached the age of eighteen years, ambitious to start out in life for himself, he left home and secured employment from William Manahan at farm labor, remaining with him two years. He agreed to pay his father one hundred dollars for his time until he attained his majority but the father released him at the end of that time by the payment of eighty dollars. While employed by Mr. Manahan, Mr. Young attended school for about ten weeks each winter, thus completing his studies. It was about this time that the father removed to Collins and Noah Young and his brother John rented the home farm, their sister Sylvia acting as their housekeeper. After about a year the brother joined the army and thus the entire management of the farm devolved upon Mr. Young of this review. Mr. Young further established a home of his own by his marriage on the 24th of November, 1864, to Miss Emma Jarrett, a daughter of Elias and Sarah (Siphlet) Jarrett, a prominent pioneer family of Huron county. Following his marriage Mr. Young continued to operate the home farm until 1865, and then operated rented land for three years. In the meantime, however, he purchased a farm in Townsend township and eventually t00k up his abode thereon, where he remained five years. He then disposed of that tract and bought one hundred and fifty acres, a mile and a half from Collins, in Townsend township. He was engaged in the cultivation and improvement of this farm throughout a long period and in the years that have come and gone not only made it a valuable property but also annually gathered good crops, thus greatly enhancing his financial condition. In 1905 he abandoned all business pursuits and removed to Collins, where he occupies a nice modern home but he still retains possession of his farm and derives a good rental therefrom. While on the farm Mr. Young also engaged in raising chickens on quite an extensive scale, being ably assisted in this enterprise by his wife. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Young were born four children : Sarah, the wife of Lewis Krepps, a resident of Townsend township ; Rosa, the wife of Joseph Bate, of Fremont ; George, who is married and resides in Fremont ; and Arthur, who is also married and makes his home in Colorado. After a happy married life of forty-two years Mr. and Mrs. Young were separated by the death of the wife, which occurred October 19, 1906. Mrs. Young was a most estimable woman, active in every good work and beloved by all who knew her. She was a true friend, a faithful wife and devoted mother, and all who knew her are full of her praises and all mourn the loss of a good woman. Her remains were interred in the cemetery at Collins. Mr. Young was again married, April 15, 1908, his second union being with Mrs. Minnie Humphrey, the widow of Jefferson Humphrey, and a daughter of Henry and Eliza (Green) Alder, formerly of Cleveland but later residents of Elkhart, Indiana. Both parents are now deceased. By her former marriage Mrs. Young had two children: Ruth, now the wife of Robert A. Wise of Cleveland; and Katharine, the wife of A. B. Shellentrager, also of Cleveland. Mrs. Young is an estimable woman and presides with gracious hospitality over her home, which is noted for its culture and refinement. 336 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY A republican in his political views, Mr. Young has ever taken a deep interest in all public matters. For six years he served as township trustee, while for many years he acted as road supervisor and as a member of the school board. He is a member of Townsend Grange and is a charter member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He is most public spirited, every movement calculated to benefit his home locality, receiving his hearty endorsement. Starting out as he did when but a youth, he has gradually worked his way upward until today, he stands among the substantial citizens of Huron county, respected and esteemed by all who know him. WILLIAM A. CANFIELD. The history of Huron county could not be written without mention of the honored name of Canfield, for the lives of the members of that pioneer family are indissolubly connected with her early development and progress. Augustine Canfield, grandfather of the gentleman whose name heads this review, was one of the sturdy New Englanders, who braved the hardships and uncertainties of pioneer life in the early years of the Nineteenth century to found a home for themselves and their progeny. With his family he left his Connecticut home, and in May, 1817, arrived in the almost trackless forest of Huron county. He soon located, choosing the spot in Wakeman township where William now resides. His was the first white family to settle in the township and the farm was virgin forest, not a clear- ing in the township. The usual log cabin was erected, bark roof and floor, with a greased cloth in the window for light, and the battle against the elements was begun. Theirs was the "simple life" indeed, but they were happy in it, even with the lack of the comforts and conveniences of civilization. As time passed these were added and were the more appreciated, because of their scarcity. The grandparents lived out their time and laid down their burden, having been factors in the establishment of correct principles and a healthy moral status. Calvert C. Canfield, the father of our subject, was a part of all this, being active in the county's affairs. He served two terms as county commissioner and held various offices of trust, all with efficiency. He is remembered as a man of strong character, virile and vigorous, and of uncompromising principle. He won success abundantly, becoming a large landowner with some five hundred acres. He reared a family of six children : Sarah E., Alban J., William A., Francis A., Darwin and George E. Of these Alban J. and Darwin are deceased, On April 27, 1895, the father passed peacefully away, aged eighty-six years, his wife having laid down the burden of life May 14, 1882. She bore the maiden name of Mary E. Hanford and was also a member of an honored pioneer family. Noting the more salient points in the career of the second son, William A. Can- field, his birth occurred at the old homestead, May 17, 1841. With a public-school education and the practical training of a well conducted farm, he began life, teaching school successfully for some t'ex years in the winter and tilling a farm near where he now lives, in the summer, this place having since been added to his holdings. Heeding the call of his country on May 2, 184 he enlisted as a private 337 - PHOTO OF CALVERT C. CANFIELD 338 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 339 soldier in Company H, One Hundred and Sixth-sixth Regiment, 0. V. I., serving in the Army of the Potomac one hundred days. He then returned and resumed his former life until 1874, when he went to Sandusky and entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, as a cashier. He remained with this company for seven years, doing efficient service, and then became station agent of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, at the same place. In May, 1899, he removed to Cleveland, where he acted as shipping agent for several large coal companies, handling their lake shipping business. But the farmer boy never gets so high up in business or so far away from the farm that he can completely stifle the desire to return. The family came back to the old homestead in 189o, and in 1892, Mr. Canfield, himself retired from business and has since tilled the soil of his fathers. He has added to the original tract until his holdings aggregate five hundred and forty-seven acres. The different farms are thoroughly appointed, well tiled, and with ample equipment in buildings for the successful prosecution of a general farming business, to which Mr. Canfield now gives his entire time. His home is on the same site where, in 1828, his grandfather erected his house, which was the first frame house in Wakeman township. Mr. Canfield's political allegiance lies with the republican party, his religious life being passed in the Congregational church, the whole family being active workers, and prominent in all its interests. On the 24th of August, 1863, William A. Canfield married Jane A. Whitney, a daughter of Abel and Jane Levira (Beecher) Whitney, the family coming to Huron county from the Nutmeg state, in 1849. Their children were : Eunice 0., Ruggles N., Hannah E., Charles P., Frederick A., Theodora B. and Jane A. Hannah, Frederick and Mrs. Canfield are the living members, the father dying August 8, 1887, and the mother February 28, 1889. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Canfield are : Calvert C., who is married and lives in Cleveland, Ohio, where he is engaged in the shipping business ; and Mary Levira, who was graduated at Oberlin college and is now a successful teacher. The family are widely and favorably known and their home is a hospitable one, its appointments being such as to attract strangers and friends alike. WILLIAM H. HOULE. William H. Houle, who is successfully engaged in farming in Lyme township, who is operating one hundred and eighty acres of land in Huron county, which is owned by his wife and her sister, and sixty-three acres that lie in Erie county, was born in this county May 11, 1854. His parents, William H. and Lucy (Gordon) Houle, were natives of Devonshire, England, where they were reared, became acquainted and were married, but almost immediately after the wedding ceremony they embarked on the journey to America. Seven weeks and two days was the length of time it took them to cross the ocean, and their departure to this country was a much more serious undertaking than it is regarded today. Upon their arrival in the United States,. Mr. and Mrs. Houle settled in Lyme township, Huron county, Ohio, in 1853, where for several years the father 340 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY was employed at various pursuits. Then he bought one acre of land near the church and rented other property, which he cultivated with so great profit to himself that in 1872 he was able to purchase the old homestead in Erie and Huron counties. On this the seven children, with which the couple were blessed. were reared and here the parents died, the father on January 2, 1892, and the mother m February, 1897. William H. Houle was the eldest of this family of seven children: John G., the brother next younger, lives upon the old homestead; Jennie died in her youth: Lucy has also passed away ; Frank G. is a teacher in the schools at Martin’s Ferry; Ida Mary is deceased; and Fred lives on the old homestead. William H. Houle has always lived in this county. He received his early preparation for life under the parental roof and in district schools here and in the school, of Bellevue. As might be surmised his early years were closely identified with farming interests, but, in 1881 he entered for a time the business world. In that year he went to North Dakota, where he remained for about fifteen months, selling farm implements. Upon returning to this section of the country he still continued in this line of work and had more than a fair degree of success in sales in this vicinity. When opportunity offered, however, he severed his con- nection with the business awl has since devoted all his attention and time to the cultivating of the farm. On the 1st of January, 1884, Mr. Houle was married to Miss Jenne A. Collins, a daughter of J. D. and Mary (Webster) Collins, who are old setters in this vicinity and are well and favorably known. Mr. and Mrs. Houle have one son, Albert C., who was born August 21, 1887. At present he is attending college at Ann Arbor, for he has shown more than the usual predilection for study. Before he entered the university he attended the schools here and was graduated from the high school at Bellevue, and during several summers attended the classes at Wooster, where Mr. Houle's brother was a teacher. The hard, persistent work which Mr. Houle has put into the farm has resulted in the compensation which the years have brought him. He possesses those traits of character most needed by him who seeks his livelihood from the soil and has won a well deserved success. He has not given much time to local affairs, aside from casting his influence on the side of right and order; but has evinced considerable interest in the welfare of the Congregational church, which his fellow members have appreciated in electing him a trustee of the body. JAY C. PARK. Jay C. Park is the owner of three hundred, sixty-two and a quarter acres of valuable land in Huron county and is numbered among the leading agriculturists of his part of the state. He was born in Huron county, November 16, 1869. His father, Joseph Park, was born in Ireland, March 17, 1828, and came to America with his parents when a boy of eighteen. He located in Huron county with his father, Joseph Park, Sr. Joseph Park, Jr., worked on the farm for a few years and about 1847 he drove a transportation wagon through to California HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 341 and after a few years he commenced mining. In that work he met with suc- cess and returned to Ohio with sufficient means to buy the old homestead which his son, Jay C., now owns. He was then identified with agricultural interests throughout his remaining days. He was active in public affairs and for several years serves as assessor. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he held membership in the Presbyterian church. Jay C. Park acquired his education in the district schools and the Norwalk high school, which he attended for three and one-half years. He has always been a farmer, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors of the field as he assisted his father through the period of his boyhood and youth. At the age of eighteen he took charge of his father's farm and continued as the manager until 1904, when his father died and Jay C. Park removed to his own farm of one hundred acres. He also inherited the old homestead of one hundred and eleven acres, which he still owns. He intends always to keep it and maintain it in honor and memory of his good and kind parents. In 1908 Mr. Park purchased eighty- five acres of land so that his title holdings are now three hundred, sixty-two and a quarter acres. This constitutes some of the valuable farming property of the county and in its management and control Mr. Park displays excellent business ability and unfaltering diligence. On the 28th of October, 1896, Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Dora E. Mead, who was born December 2.3, 1875. They are now parents of one son, Frank Mead Park, born September 11, 1899. Mrs. Park is a daughter of F. M. Mead, of Huron county. In his political views Mr. Park is an earnest republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Presbyterian church and also in his life, which is in strict conformity with his principles. GEORGE FRANCIS TITUS. George Francis Titus, office manager for the F. B. Case Tobacco Company of Norwalk, in which responsible position he has figured for many years, was born in Erie county, New York, on the 17th of August, 1853, and represents an old New England family. His father, George A. Titus, was a native of Dedham, Massachusetts, where he resided until after his marriage, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Briggs, a native of Erie county, New York. Subsequently he removed to that county but after a brief period came to Norwalk, Ohio, where he located in 1854. Here he secured employment in the shops of the Cleveland & Toledo Railroad Company. He commenced as a car builder and was advanced until he became foreman of the car shops, so continuing until the plant was removed from Norwalk. He was well known as a prominent and worthy representative of the industrial interests of the city and his business enterprise and integrity won him the high respect and confidence of those with whom he came in contact. He died in Norwalk in 1905 at the age of seventy-seven years, hav- ing long survived his wife, who passed away in 1856. There were three chil- 342 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY dren in their family : Willis A., who is now a resident of Cleveland ; Nellie, now Mrs. Burkhardt, of Massillon, Ohio ; and George F. The last named was only about a year old when the parents removed from the Empire state to this city and at the usual age he entered the public schools where he continued his studies until he was graduated from the grammar department. He then put aside his text-books and for two years was employed in a grocery store, at the end of which time he resumed his studies, entering Oberlin College, where he remained for a considerable period. When the F. B. Case Tobacco Company was formed he secured a position in the office and has been with the company continuously since, acting for a long period as office manager. He neglects none of the duties or responsibilities which devolve upon him in this connection and has the entire confidence of the company which he has thus represented for a long period. While in the employ of the Case Company, Mr. Titus devoted his leisure hours to the study of law and in 1881 was admitted to the bar. He has since been a representative of the profession in Norwalk, although his attention is chiefly given to his office management. In 1876, Mr. Titus was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Cook, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Jackson Cook, of Huntingdon, that state. Three daughters have been born of this union : Clara, now the wife of A. J. Trumble. a resident of Cleveland ; Lura M., the wife of W. A. Fisher, living in Norwalk and Gertrude E., now the wife of C. G. Pheil, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Titus has always taken an active part in politics and public affairs. He gives stalwart allegiance to the democratic party, has served as a member of the board of education and on the water works board and in 1907 was elected vice-mayor. His fidelity and capability in the discharge of his official duties are salient factors in his life. At all times he has been a man loyal to every trust reposed in him, whether of a public or private nature, and his worth as an individual and a citizen have won for him a firm hold on the regard of his fellow townsmen. MANDERVILLE V. ARMSTRONG. Manderville V. Armstrong, now living retired in a pleasant home in the suburbs of the village of Wakeman, was born in Otsego county, New York. on the 28th of August, 1837, his parents being William and Eunice (Gibson) Armstrong. The father, who was a stonemason and plasterer by trade, assisted in the construction of the Erie canal and the entire canal system of the state of New York. In 1852 he brought his wife and children to Ohio, the family home being established in Sullivan township, Ashland county. He continued to work at his trade after becoming a resident of this state and in 1861 came to Wakeman township, Huron county, where he successfully followed the stonemason's trade until enfeebled health necessitated his retirement from active labor. He was widely recognized as a man of many sterling traits of character and unfaltering integrity and his death, which occurred on the 24th of June, 1894, was the occasion of deep regret among his many friends. He lived to attain the venerable age of ninety-eight years and the record of his honorable and useful career is still HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 343 cherished by all who knew him. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Wakemanrogs were also those of his wife, whose demise occurred March 3, 1884, when she was eighty-four years of age. Unto this worthy couple were born eleven children, namely : Daniel, Harriet, Andrew, Elizabeth and William, all of whom are deceased ; Manderville V., of this review ; Ann ; Henry, who died in infancy ; Emmer ; Ellen ; and Polly J. Manderville V. Armstrong obtained his education in the public schools of his native county and in early manhood learned the stonemason's trade, working at that occupation in association with his father for twenty-five years, throughout the counties of Huron, Lorain, Erie, Medina, Ashland and others. Subsequent to his marriage he took up his abode in Wakeman and has here since continued to make his Lme. He worked at his trade for a number of years and also engaged in farming to some extent, while during the early period in Wakeman's history he conducted a dray line for eight years. In 1890 he was appointed superintendent of the Wakeman cemetery and continued in that capacity until the spring of 1909, when he resigned because of advanced age. He possesses considerable skill as a landscape gardener and met with great success in the care of the shrubs and flowers under his supervision, the Wakeman cemetery being recognized as one of the most beautiful "cities of the dead" in the entire state. The prosperity which has attended him in his various undertakings is but the merited reward of his well directed and untiring labor and enterprise and he has long been numbered among the most substantial, respected and progressive citizens of the county. On the 3oth of June, 1870, Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Kingsbury, a daughter of Lemuel and Jerusha M. (Durbin) Kingsbury, who were natives of New York. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Armstrong were born in Otis, Massachusetts, and took up their abode in the state of New York in the early years of the eighteenth century. Lemuel H. Kingsbury, the grandfather, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and lies buried in the Wakeman cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury, the parents of Mrs. Armstrong, were married on the 20th of February, 1844, and came to Ohio in 1845. The father, a shoemaker by trade, was well known and highly esteemed for his many excellent traits of character and genuine personal worth. His family numbered ten children, five sons and five daughters, as follows : Mary A., James M., Daniel D., Martha A., Sarah A., Ruth E., Lemuel M., John A., Jane A., and Romaine J. Of these, James M., Romaine J. and Daniel B. served as loyal defenders of the Union during the Civil war, the two first named laying down their lives on the altar of their country. Daniel B., however, returned safely to his family. The Kingsburys were farming people, whose time and energies were largely given to the cultivation of the soil. Lemuel Kingsbury, the father of Mrs. Armstrong, was called to his final rest on the 7th of September, 1879, while his wife passed away on the 28th of April, 1881. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have been born two daughters : Clara M., who is now the wife of George Coon, of Wakeman ; and Ella J., at home. In his political views Mr. Armstrong is a stanch republican, has always been an active worker in the local ranks of the party and has frequently served as a delegate to county, district and state conventions. In the position of road 344 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY supervisor of Wakeman township, which office he held for six years, he won a reputation for efficiency and fidelity that could hardly be surpassed. "Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well" has ever been his motto and this constitutes the secret of his success. He is an enthusiastic advocate of all public improvements that tend to promote the general welfare and his influence is ever given on the side of right, truth, justice and progress. For more than fifty years he has been identified with the Disciples church, of which the other members of his family are also valued .members. For the past several years Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong and their daughter, Ella J., have spent the winter season in Florida but during the rest of the year reside near the village of Wakeman, owning an attractive and commodious home, which is justly noted for its gracious and warmhearted hospitality. A well spent life, characterized by all that is honorable in business and straightforward in his relations with his fellowmen, has brought Mr. Armstrong the uniform respect of all with whom he has come in contact and it is with pleasure that we present the record of his career to our readers. IRA M. GILLETT. The name of Gillett is an old and prominent one in Huron county, for representatives of the family have been associated with its agricultural development since 1839, and Ira M. Gillett of this review was one whose labors were directed in this line as well as that of carpentering. His death occurred February 1, 1908, and thus the county lost one of its most valued and substantial citizens. Mr. Gillett was born in Spafford, Onondaga county, New York, June 18, 1826, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Gillett, who, on removing westward from the Empire state, located on a farm in Huron county. Ira M. Gillett was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Huron county, and as they took up their abode upon a farm, the son was reared to agricultural pursuits, assisting his father in the development and improvement of the home place. He was a young man of twenty-six years, when in 1852, he purchased fifty-three acres of land in Norwalk township and thus started out upon an independent business venture. The land when it came mto his possession was a wilderness, but with characteristic energy and high ambitions, Mr. Gillett at once undertook to clear the land and in due time had it under a good state of cultivation. As the years passed, he continued to add improvements to his place and eventually made it a valuable property, on which he spent his remaining days and which at his death was left in possession of his widow. Mr. Gillett was a carpenter by trade and in addition to his farming operations also worked at that occupation, thus acquiring a good living for himself and , family. Mr. Gillett chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, Miss Caroline M. Clawson, who was born in North Hector, New York, February 26, 1836, their marriage being celebrated on the 21st of December, 1854. She is a daughter of John G. and Clarissa Clawson. The former was a carpenter by trade and coming to Huron county in 1835, here worked at his trade for a time. A few 345 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. IRA M. GILLETT 346 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 347 months after his arrival, he was followed by his wife and infant daughter, who was ten six months old. She was but three years of age when the family took up their abode m Milan, and three years later they removed to the Lockwood road, where Mr. Clawson purchased a sixty-acre tract of wilderness. He cleared his land, erected his own dwelling and in time made the place a valuable one. In addition to tilling his fields, in which he was assisted by his sons, he also en- gaged in shipbuilding and cabinet making, constructing fine coffins, etc. He assisted in building the first gristmill in Clarksfield, this county, and in many ways was a progressive and influential citizen of this community. In 1865, he purchased a farm in Bronson township and removing to that place, there spent his remaining days. He was a republican in his political views and a Baptist in religious faith. Mr. and Mrs. Clawson reared a family of nine children and all lived to be more than fifty years of age. The father departed this life February 14, 1871, and the mother, surviving for many years, passed away Novem- ber 14, 1894. Thus Huron county lost two of its prominent pioneer residents. Mr. and Mrs. Gillett celebrated their golden wedding December 21, 1904. They were the parents of four children, three daughters and one son, namely: Charity I., who was born June 7, 1857, and is still with her mother on the old home farm; Mrs. Clara M. Miller, who was born July 13, 1863 ; Mrs. Matilda R. Taylor, whose birth occurred June 3, 1866 ; and' Mortimer S., twin brother of Matilda, who wedded Miss Elizabeth W. Thomasson. Mr. Gillett gave his political support to the men and measures of democracy, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church. He possessed ajemarkably retentive memory and was ever a deep student of history. He was one of the directors of the Firelands Historical Society for many years and wrote many articles of historic interest, which were published in the new series of the Firelands Historical Pioneer Life, which are mentioned in the historical portion of this work. He took a prominent part in all matters pertaining to the progress and upbuilding of Huron county and always stood ready and willing to aid and co-operate in any movement that might prove beneficial to the public. Honest and upright in every relation of life, Huron county was for- tunate in numbering him among her citizens. HARLEY F. FLETCHER. Harley F. Fletcher is an enterprising, progressive and prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Clarksfield township, owning and operating more than two hun- dred acres of rich and valuable land, from which he derives a good annual return. He was born on the 18th of August, 1859, in the same house in which he now resides, his parents being William and Maria (Vrowman) Fletcher, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. They made their way to this county at an early period in its development, the father purchasing the farm on which his son, Harley F., now resides when it was still entirely covered with timber. With charactertistic energy, however, he set to work to clear away the trees and soon had the land ready for cultivation. Owing to his well directed 348 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY and untiring industry, he prospered in his farming operations as the years went by and became widely recognized as a substantial and respected citizen of the community. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was most progressive and loyal in citizenship. He was an exemplary member of the Baptist church, in the faith of which he passed away on the 28th of May, 1879, his remains being interred in the Clarksfield cemetery. His wife, whose demise occurred when her son, Harley F., was but thirteen years of age, also lies buried in that cemetery. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, namely: Wilham H.; George ; Charles, who is deceased ; Andrew J.; Mary J. and Daniel W., who have also passed away ; and Harley F., of this review. The last named was reared on the old home farm and attended the district schools of his native township in the acquirement of an education. On putting aside his text-books he began working as a farm hand by the month and was thus busily engaged until the time of his marriage. He then took up his abode on the old family homestead in Clarksfield township and has here since continued to reside, devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits with gratifying success. He started out on his own account with a tract of twenty acres but, as he prospered in his undertakings, gradually added to his landed holdings until he now owns over two hundred acres of rich and fertile soil. In addition to the cultivation of the fields he also raises stock to some extent and, as the result of his unremitting industry and capable management, has gained a place among the representative and enterprising agriculturists of his native county. On the 21st of December, 1879, Mr. Fletcher was united in marriage to Miss Ella Vosburgh, a daughter of John and Jane ( Johnston) Vosburgh, of Camden, Lorain county. Their union was blessed with one son, Earl F., who is now married and lives on a farm adjoining that of his parents. Politically Mr. Fletcher is an ardent republican and is always deeply interested in matters pertaining to the general welfare. At the present time he is serving in the position of township trustee, while for several years he has been a member of the township board of education. He and his family are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and exemplify its teachings in their daily lives. They are widely and favorably. known in the community and enjoy the warm regard and esteem of all with whom they have come in contact. GEORGE WASHINGTON RUNYAN. When taking into consideration his years of continuous connection with journahstic interests, George Washington Runyan is one of the oldest newspaper men in northern Ohio, having since 1871 been the publisher of the New London Record. His birth occurred in New London, Huron county, Ohio, on the 14th of May, 1851, his parents being Nathaniel and Phebe (Cookingham) Runyan, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. They were numbered among the early pioneer settlers of this state, taking up their abode here in 1837. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 349 The father, who was a shoemaker by trade, followed that occupation in early manhood but subsequently conducted a general mercantile establishment in New London. He passed away in 1882, having long survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in 1856. They had four sons who served in the Civil war, two of them being members of the Twenty-third Ohio Regiment, known as McKinley's Regiment. At that time William McKinley was a private in the regiment, while Rutherford B. Hayes served as colonel. George W. Runyan obtained his education in the public schools of his native town, literature, geography and grammar being his favorite studies. At the age of seventeen years he put aside his text-books and entered the village printing office in the capacity of printer's devil or office boy. After repeated failures on the part of persons who attempted to make a newspaper a success, he obtained possession of the office in 1871, when but twenty years of age. Six months after- ward the establishment was destroyed by fire. Nothing daunted, however, Mr. Runyan started out anew, contracting a debt of several hundred dollars in order to do so. By close application and unfaltering perseverance he finally piloted the enterprise to a self-supporting basis and now ranks among the oldest publishers in northern Ohio, having edited the New London Record for the past thirty-eight years. The Record is the first and only newspaper in New London and its publisher is widely recognized as a prominent and progressive representative of journalistic interests in Huron county. On the 25th of June, 1872, Mr. Runyan was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Elizabeth Messenger, who as compositor in the office of the New London Record aided in permanently establishing the enterprise. They have two children : Marie Messenger, born October 6, 1891 ; and Lena May, whose birth occurred May 17, 1896. Where national questions and issues are involved Mr. Runyan gives his political allegiance to the republican party but at local elections casts an independent ballot, supporting the candidate whom he regards as best qualified for office. He has served as a member of the board of education in New London for nineteen years. Fraternally he is identified with New London Lodge, No. 615, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand. His life in all of its phases has boen thoroughly honorable and he is an advocate of temperance, never using intoxicants or tobacco. A resident of the county throughout his entire life, he has a very wide acquaintance here and many good qualities have gained for him the regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. JOSEPH A. DENMAN. Joseph A. Dentnan, a successful and enterprising agriculturist of Wakeman township, was born in that township on the 14th of May, 1853, and is the eldest child of Edward and Jane (Archer) Denman, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. J. A. Denman was reared under the parental roof and obtained his education in the common schools of his native township. Subsequent to his marriage he settled on ‘a farm on the outskirts of the village of