50 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Ohio. Here are gathered men of age, experience, study and research, and among them is Dr. J. R. McCray, who claims a fair portion of the lucrative practice of this vicinity. Dr. McCray was born near the village of Barrackville, Marion county, West Virginia, on February 27, 185o. Like many others who later in life have achieved eminence in entirely different lines of activity, Dr. McCray was reared to farm life, although it never attracted him sufficiently to make him continue it as a vocation. He was of an active and inquiring disposition, though in his early years small opportunity was afforded him for more than elementary study as supplied in the common schools. When he had reached the age of twenty-two years he had become well enough acquainted with the carpenter trade to be employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad on trestle work, and he continued with that road until he was prepared, in 1881, to enter upon the study of his chosen profession. His experience with men and affairs probably gave him that steadfastness of purpose and poise of character which have been of such marked service to him in the practice of his profession. In 1881 he came to Fostoria, Ohio, and in the fall of that year he began his medical reading with the well-known Dr. Hickman, under whose instruction he continued for about a year. Then he came to Tiffin and became a student under Dr. Corfman, with whom he remained during two years, later" attending the Physic-Medical College, in Indianapolis, Indiana. After a course there Dr. McCray began the practice of his profession in this city, though he soon returned to his native state, and for four years he was in active practice in Fairview, Marion county. His medical ability brought him a large 'practice, but desiring a more extensive field and wider opportunities, he returned to Tiffin, where his standing as a physician and citizen is unexcelled. In 1884 Dr. McCray was united in marriage to Miss Clara Berkshire, of Fairmount, West Virginia, a lady well adapted for the social position which she so well fills. In political sentiment Dr. McCray is a Democrat, but he takes no very active part in political life, the demands of his profession allowing CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 51 but little latitude for extraneous work. Mrs. McCray is a consistent and valued member of the Evangelical church, and the Doctor is liberal in supporting its benevolent and extension work. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Seneca Lodge, of Tiffin, in which he has been a prominent worker. He belongs to the various medical associations, including the Ohio State and the American Medical Associations, attending their meetings and contributing to their literature. Dr. McCray is devoted to his profession and has a very large general practice, his skill being known through the city and vicinity, and he is very often called in cases of consultation. In many ways he is naturally adapted to his profession, his calm manner begetting confidence, and his gentle touch and encouraging smile often performing a cure when drugs would fail. He is a persistent reader and careful student, keeping abreast of the times in his profession, and is a worthy follower of the great Esculapius. SILAS W. ROHRER. Back to that cradle of much of our national history, the Old Dominion state, must we turn in designating the place of nativity of Mr. Rohrer, one of the influential citizens and progressive farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, where he has passed practically his entire life, his venerable father being one of the honored pioneers of this section of the state and being still a resident of the county. Mr. Rhorer was born in Berkeley county, Virginia (now West Virginia), on the. 8th of April, 1845, one of the two children of Benoni I. and Rebecca (Loose) Rohrer, the other being Amanda, who is now the wife of Solomon Brets, of Tiffin, Seneca county. The father of our subject was likewise born in ,Virginia, on the 11th of January, 1816, his parents, who were of German lineage, having removed to the Old Dominion from Pennsylvania. where the respective families had been established in an early day. 52 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Benoni I. Rohrer grew up on the homestead farm in Virginia, receiving a good English education in the common schools, and being engaged in farming in his native state for some time after his marriage to Miss Loose, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and who is now a well-preserved woman of eighty-five years. He removed to Michigan in 1847 and there passed the winter, while in the spring of 1848 he came to Seneca county, Ohio, where he was engaged in tilling the soil on various rented farms for a period of six years. In 1854 he purchased seventy-five acres of the farm now owned by his son, in Hopewell township. He made substantial improvements on the place and ten years after purchasing the original tract added to its area seventy acres adjoining, so that the fine farm now comprises one hundred and forty-five acres. In the spring of 1879 Benoni I. Rohrer purchased another eighty acres of land, in the same township, and forthwith removed to the same and has there maintained his home to the present time, the place being well improved and under effective cultivation. He is the oldest man in his township, being now eighty-six years of age, and is revered as one of the patriarchs of the community and as a man whose life has been upright and steadfast in all its relations. He has been an active and zealous supporter of the cause of the Democratic party for more than half a century, and has been a man of influence in his home community. He served for several years in the offices of assessor and trustee of his township and at all times has maintained a public-spirited attitude. In his advanced years he retains his mental and physical faculties in marked degree, being looked upon as one of the sturdy pioneer citizens of the county. Silas W. Rohrer was about three years of age when his parents located in Seneca county, and here he was reared on the farm where he now lives, acquiring his early educational training in the public schools. After assisting his father in the cultivation of the home farm until he had attained the age of twenty-four years; he took charge of the place, this being at the time of his marriage, in 1879, his father then removing to his new farm, as has been already noted. Silas operated the old homestead for his father until 1896, when he effected its purchase. He CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 53 is constantly improving the farm and increasing its productive capacity by the utilization of scientific methods and by scrupulous care to every detail of the work. He has a commodious and attractive residence, and in 1897 he erected one of the largest and best bank barns in the township. Mr. Rohrer has ever received the highest confidence and esteem of the community, ever giving his influence and aid to all worthy objects for the general good and material progress of the neighborhood, and has been an active and influential worker in the ranks of the Democratic party. He served one term as trustee of his township, and in 1898 was the Democratic candidate for the office of township treasurer, meeting defeat through normal political exigencies. On the 18th of February, 1879, Mr. Rohrer was united in marriage to Miss Esther Britt, who was born in this township, the daughter of the late John Britt, one of the influential farmers of the county, where he located about 1852, having emigrated hither from Pennsylvania. Her mother, Mary (Nolan) Britt, died at about sixty-five years of age, being survived some five years by her husband, who was eighty-six years of age at the time of his death. Mrs. Rohrer was summoned into eternal rest on the 16th of November, 1882, leaving one son, Walter F., who has attended Heidelberg College, and is now assisting his father on the farm. DAVID HAVERSTICK. Most consistently may we enter Memoir in this work to one who stood as one of the honored citizens and successful agriculturists of Seneca county during the long years of an active and useful life, winning their regard of men by his sterling attributes of character and attaining success through the medium of his own ability and efforts. Mr. Haverstick passed to his reward on the 9th of February, 1898, and in his death Eden township was deprived of one of its most worthy and honored citizens and one whose life was such as to offer both lesson and incentive to all who came in touch therewith. 54 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Haverstick was a native of the old Keystone state, having been born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of August, 1832, and was reared on the parental farm to the age of seventeen, having received his early education in the common schools. His father died when he was fifteen and he, instead of attending school, went to Middletown, Pennsylvania, where he was employed in a planing mill for a period of four years, after which he came to Ohio and located in Annapolis, Jefferson county, where he worked in a meat market for a time and then returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, where he remained three years, working in a dairy, in connection with his brother. There, on the 3d of) June, 1858, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wolff, who was born in the same locality as was he himself. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Haverstick came to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1859, and purchased a farm in Clinton township, exchanging the property three years later for another farm, comprising sixty acres, in the same township, and continuing its improvement and cultivation for six years, at the expiration of which, in 1868, he traded the same for the homestead where his widow now resides, in Eden township. The original farm comprised one hundred acres, but as success crowned his efforts Mr. Haverstick added to the area of his property until he had a fine landed estate of one hundred and fifty-four acres. He placed the farm under most effective cultivation, directing his operations with marked energy and discrimination, and he made on the place the most admirable improvements of a permanent order, including the erection in 1878 of a large brick residence of attractive architectural design and modern conveniences and accessories. The farm is still maintained at its customary high standard, being devoted to diversified agriculture and the raising of high-grade stock. In politics the subject of this memoir was an uncompromising Republican and he was one of the devoted and valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Haverstick also is a member. The estate left by our subject also included a residence property in the city of Tiffin, as well as a smaller farm near his old home. David and Elizabeth (Wolff) Haverstick became the parents of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 55 seven children, of whom we make brief record as follows : Sarah C., the wife of H. E. Rhodes, a banker of Tiffin; Hattie M., who married Isaac Martin and who is now deceased; William, who remains on the old homestead; John, a successful farmer near Nevada, Wyandot county; Cora, the wife of Frank Othwaite, of Bellevue; Laura, the wife of Thomas Abram Miller, a banker of Tiffin; and Earl, who is now a resident of Seattle, Washington. Mr. Haverstick was the architect of his own fortunes and upon his life there rested no shadow of wrong or injustice, while his kindly and genial nature won to him firm and abiding friendships. His memory rests as a benediction upon his devoted wife, his children and all who came within the immediate sphere of his influence. FRANK COOLEY. A number of the substantial and successful farmers of Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, have been born in this favored spot, and have thus been more thoroughly identified all their lives with its interests than those who have made it their homes only in recent years. Such is the case with Frank Cooley, who is one of the most highly esteemed and best known of the agriculturists of the township. The birth of Frank Cooley occurred on December 19, 1865, in Bloom township, and he is a son of William. H. and Rebecca (Hillard) Cooley, the former of whom was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December To, 1825. Edward Cooley, who, was the father of William H. Cooley, came from Maryland to Fairfield county with his family, and thence to Seneca county, in 1829. Here he entered land from the government, the site being the present town of Bloomville, and here he lived until his death, in 1837, having been one of the pioneers of Seneca. county. William H. was only eleven years of age when his father died, and the management of the farm fell upon his shoulders. He was a robust and industrious youth, and grew into a man of parts and prominence, improved this property, and sold it to advantage in 1866. His 56 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. death occurred in 1897, on the farm now occupied by our subject. His mother had lived with him and she died at the age of ninety-one years. William H. Cooley was thrice married, his first union being with Martha Gifford, who at her death left one child, Martha, who is now the wife of John Wenner, of Swander, Ohio. The second marriage of William H. Cooley was to Mrs. Rebecca (Hillard) Cooley, who was the widow of his eldest brother, Edward, and the three children born to this union were as follows : Stephen A., who lives in Clinton township; Charles, who is deceased; and Frank, who is the subject of this biography. The third marriage was to Mrs. Sarah J. (Shaffner) Baker, who still survives and who resides with our subject, with whom she is part owner of the farm. She is a most estimable Christian woman, and a. consistent member of the Methodist church. Frank Cooley, who, is our subject, was but six months old when his parents came to this farm, and here he has passed his life. He early became interested in agricultural pursuits and has continued to follow a general line of farming ever since he took charge of the estate. His education was acquired in the common schools of this district and he has been prominently identified with all matters of public interest in this locality ever since he attained his majority. His farm of one hundred and eleven acres is well adapted to the cultivation of the products common to this part of the state, and also to stock-raising, in which he has been particularly successful. His methods have been progressive, and his improvements of a character which are indications of a thorough knowledge of his business and a deep interest in it. The marriage of Frank Cooley took place in 1892, to Miss Clara Baker, who is a daughter of his own step-mother, and who, was a child of twelve years when their parents were married. One daughter, Naomi M., has been born to this union, a bright and intelligent little school girl of seven. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cooley are valued members of the Bldomville Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mr. Cooley is liberal in his support and of which he is a steward. Mr. Cooley holds to the principles of the Republican party, but is not a seeker for political honors, devoting his attention wholly to the demands of his private inter- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 57 ests. He possesses the respect of the citizens of his township, his family having been among the earliest settlers and most esteemed residents. Although he belongs to the younger generation of farmers, he is recognized as a man. whose methods deserve approval, and his past success in his chosen line gives promise of continued prosperity. Personally he is popular, and both he and wife are prominent in the social life in their neighborhood. JUNIUS V. JONES. For a third of a century Junius V. Jones has been a leading practitioner at the bar of Seneca county, making his home in Fostoria, where he still resides. He is still in active practice, his attention being also given to the superintending of his investments and property interests. He was born in Gallia county, January 23, 1823, and is a son of James and Priscilla (Blagg) Jones, both of whom were natives of Pendleton county, in what is now West Virginia. Soon after their marriage, however, they emigrated to the Buckeye state and took tip their abode on a farm in Gallia county. In 1832 they removed to Wood county and settled in Perry township upon a. farm adjoining Fostoria, then called Rome and Risdon. The father was one of the early commissioners of Wood county and also served as justice, of the peace for a number of years. Other township offices were filled by him, and at all times he was a loyal and progressive citizen, who did his utmost to forward the substantial advancement of this community. He died in 1848 at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife passed away some ten years later. In the family of this worthy couple were five sons and four daughters: Honorable Gideon Jones, the eldest, was a noted civil engineer and surveyor in northwestern Ohio. He filled the office of county surveyor and was a member of the state legislature, representing Seneca county in the lower house. He was elected upon. the Republican ticket at a time when the county had a. usual Democratic majority of one thou- - 4 - 58 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. sand, and this fact indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He made his home in Jackson township, and when called to his final rest his loss was keenly felt; Simpson, the second of the family, followed farming for many years, but spent his last days in honorable retirement in Fostoria. He took a deep interest in the public schools and rendered effective' service in their behalf while a member of the board of education, a position which. he held for many years. He served as clerk of the board and endeavored to raise the standard of intellectual improvement. Junius V. was the third of the family. Major William H. is now a farmer of Kansas. He was at one time county clerk of Wood county, Ohio, and served as paymaster in the Union army during the Civil war. About eight years ago, however, he removed to the Sunflower state, where he is now living. Seneca died in childhood. Elizabeth became the wife of Joseph Chilcote, and both died at West Millgrove, Wood county. Emily also is deceased. Hulda became the wife of the Rev. John Miller and both died in De Kalb county, Indiana. Virginia married Joseph Eckels, of Fostoria, and both are deceased. Junius V. Jones, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in Fostoria, and desiring to make the legal profession his life work read law in the office of the Honorable W. P. Noble, and was admitted to the bar in 1868. He at once entered upon practice in this place, and for more than a third of a century has been one of the active and prominent legal practitioners here. He enjoys a distinguished and representative clientage, which has connected him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of his district, and his comprehensive' and exact knowledge of legal principles and his careful preparation of his cases have enabled him to gain many forensic battles. Mr. Jones was married, in Wood county, Ohio, to Miss Maria Musser, daughter of Michael Musser, of Portage township, that county. For many years she was a faithful companion and helpmate to her husband, but on the 3oth of October, 1900, she was called to her final rest, passing away at the age of seventy-five years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born seven children: James Edwin, now deceased; Charles CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 59 V., who died at his home in Fostoria, in April, 1901, at the age of forty-seven years; Willis F., a printer of this city ; Harry J., who is engaged in the same business ; and Parley, Bert and Clara, all of Fostoria.. In his political views Mr. Jones has always been a Republican, and he has taken quite an active part in advancing the cause of his party. For many years he served as clerk of Loudon township, and throughout a long period he was township trustee, taking great interest in making ditches, whereby much of the land was reclaimed for purposes of civilization. He has also been a candidate for sheriff of Seneca county and for the state legislature. Long a member of the board of education, he served two terms as its president; he was city solicitor of Fostoria for four years, and in 1874 became mayor of the city, serving for a term of two years. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree, and in office he has ever manifested unswerving loyalty to duty and to the right. In early days he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for many years he has been a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Honorable and upright in all relations of life, with due regard for the ties of friendship and the duties of citizenship, he has commanded uniform confidence and respect, and the success which he is now enjoying is well merited, coming as a reward of earnest and untiring effort in professional circles. THOMAS G. SHUMAN. A most exemplary citizen and an honored hero of the war of the Rebellion is Thomas G. Shuman, a prominent agriculturist of Liberty township; Seneca county. During his army career he was always found faithful to the duties imposed upon him, thus winning the confidence and high regard of his comrades and superior officers, while in his business life and social relations he has ever manifested the same justice, integrity and reliability, and none know him save to wish him well. 60 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Shuman is a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred on the 16th of September, 1841, and he is a son of Simon and Mary E. (Beck) Shuman. The father also claimed Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity, his birth having there occurred on the 29th of July, 1803, and there he grew to manhood and learned the trade of shoemaking. After his marriage he began work at his trade in what was then known as the town of Muttontown, now called State Line, where he made his home until 1846. In that year he emigrated with his family to Ohio, remaining for about one year in Mansfield, after which he came to Tiffin and one year later purchased forty acres of land on section twenty-three, Liberty township, where he spent the remaining years of his life. After his sons reached a sufficient age they assumed the management of the home farm, while he continued at his trade, and as the years passed by he was enabled to add to his original purchase a tract of forty acres a half mile west, in the same township. He gave his political support to the Democracy, and religiously was a member of the German Reformed church. His life's labors were ended in death on January 14, 1879, and thus passed from earth one of the honored pioneers of Ohio., and one who had nobly assisted in the trying task of planting the seeds of order in an unsettled country. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary E. Beck, and she likewise was born in the Keystone state, on the loth of January, 1808. Her father, Felix Beck, was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war, and he died of cholera at an advanced age. Mrs. Shuman passed away in death on the 26th of March, 1889, at the age of eighty-two. years. Unto this worthy couple were born fourteen children, nine of whom still survive, namely : John, who served as a member of Company K, One Hundred and First Ohio Infantry, who was wounded at Chickamauga, and is now a resident of Greenleaf, Wisconsin; Henry, who makes his home in Steuben county, Indiana; William, who served as a bugler in the One Hundred and First Regiment, and is now a farmer of Pleasant township, Seneca county; Thomas. G., the subject of this review ; David, who was a member of the. One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Regiment, and now makes his home in Sandusky county; Daniel and Elias, twilit:, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 61 the former having served in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Regiment, and now residing in DeKalb county, Indiana, while the latter was a member of the One Hundred and Eightieth Regiment and resides at Baliville, SandUsky county, Ohio; Philip, a resident of Clinton township, Seneca county ; and Mary, the wife of Secrist Knepper, of Bascom. Thomas G. Shuman, of this review, was early inured to the work of the farm in all its departments, and his early education was received in the common schools of his native locality. On the 13th of August, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company K, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and for two years and ten months he served in the Army of the Cumberland. During his military career he took part in many of the important battles of the war, including those of Perryville, on the 8th of October, 1862. Murfreesboro, on the 31st of December, 1862, and the 1st. 2d and 3d of January, 1863 ; Chickamauga, September 19, 20. 1863: Franklin, November 30, 1864; and Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864. He was honorably discharged on the 12th of June. 1865, at Dayton, after which he returned to his home, and from that time until his marriage he was employed at farm labor. After that important event he spent five years on the farm belonging to his wife's mother, and in 1875 purchased forty acres of his present homestead, to which he added an additional forty acres in 1883, thus making him the possessor of eighty acres of rich and productive land, six miles north of Tiffin. For the past ten years, however, he has rented his farm, and to-day, after a useful and beneficent career, he is quietly living at his pleasant home, surrounded by the comforts that earnest labor has brought to him. On the 9th of September, 1866, occurred the marriage of Mr. Shuman and Miss Mary J. Zeis. Her father, Godfrey Zeis, was born in Germany, but when he was. a boy he was brought by his parents to Maryland., and came to Ohio as a young man. Here he married Margaret Sager, a native of Maryland. One child has brightened and blessed the home of our subject and wife, Albert C., a. minister of the German 62 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Reformed church, and a graduate of Heidelberg College and Theological Seminary, is now located at Sycamore, Ohio. He married Minta Miller, and they have three children,—Aleta, Herbert and Anna Marie. In political matters Mr. Shuman casts his ballot in favor of the men and measures of the Republican party. He was a member of the school board for ten years, the cause of education ever finding in him a firm friend. For six years he was a trustee of the township. He has long been a member of the German Reformed church, and for a number of years he has served as treasurer and deacon therein, his wife likewise being active in all church work, her interest in and efforts for Sunday-school being specially valuable to the youth of the community. Throughout his entire life Mr. Shuman has been strictly temperate and has kept the highest ideals ever before him, striving to become what he surely is to-day, a noble, well developed Christian character. JACOB B. ZUTAVERN. Among the prominent citizens of Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, where for many years he was one of its most respected men, was Jacob B. Zutavern, whose useful life closed on May 8, 190o, on his farm in this township. Jacob B. Zutavern was born in Bloom township August 15, 1855, being a son of Henry Jacob and Margaret Zutavern. He was reared on the home farm and was an industrious and energetic youth. He took a lively interest in agricultural pursuits and this he never lost during life. He was able to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the public schools of his district, and he grew to manhood as a well informed, intelligent, industrious young farmer. In 1879 occurred the marriage of Jacob B. Zutavern to Miss Effie Keller, who was born in Bloom township, a daughter of Peter and Susan (Buchman) Keller, who were natives of Germany, where their marriage was solemnized. They emigrated thence to the United States CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 63 and settled on a tract of leased land, in the woods of Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, where Mr. Keller improved a farm. Later he removed to Crawford county, where he improved another farm and where he died when his daughter Effie (Mrs. Zutavern) was but seven years of age. After the marriage of Mrs. Zutavern her mother returned to Seneca county, passing the remainder of her life. in Eden township, where she died at the age of seventy-four years. Of her nine children six are living at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Zutavern became the parents of three children, namely : Jessie R., who died at the age of eight years; Earl R., aged fourteen years; and Vesta Ellen., aged five years. After his marriage our subject and wife settled down on the home farm, which he successfully managed until he came to his own estate, in 1883. Mr. Zutavern was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising and owned a large tract of land, having three hundred and twenty acres divided into two farms. Here he made many' improvements of a substantial and permanent nature, the present brick residence being built in 1885, and he was very justly considered one of the leading farmers of this section. Every part of his large farm was brought up to its highest producing point, as Mr. Zutavern thoroughly understood the science as well as the practical part of his business. As one of the largest and most successful raisers of fine grade stock, he was known all over this locality, and the products and stock of his farm found ready sale whenever marketed. Although Mr. Zutavern passed out of life in the midst of a useful career, he is not forgotten, having left a distinct impress on his community. As a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, he was somewhat of a leader in its ranks. He thoroughly believed in its policy and was an ardent supporter of its methods and candidates. Mr. Zutavern was also a leading member of the Reformed church in Bloomville, was active in religious work and was a liberal and generous supporter of this organization. His estimable widow continues his work in this church, she being also one of its consistent members. The death of a man like Jacob B. Zutavern is a distinct loss to any 64 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. community, and his memory should be cherished in enduring form. As long as industry and honesty are considered cardinal virtues, and as long as an upright and exemplary life is held as worthy of emulation, so long will abide the memory of such men as our subject. He was a man of pleasant and genial disposition, well equipped mentally, and had a wide circle of attached friends. He was charitable to those less fortunate than himself and was known as an exceptionally kind neighbor. Mrs. Zutavern still resides on the valuable farm left her by her husband. and is a lady who is most highly esteemed in this locality. EUGENE W. ALLEN. The pioneers of a country, the founders of a business, the originators of any undertaking that will promote the material welfare or advance the educational, social and moral influence of a community, deserve the gratitude of humanity. It has been said that the man who each week pays over his counters a large force of workmen does more for his country than he who leads an armed host forth to battle. The destructive element connected with the latter is replaced in the former instance by one of upbuilding—by the promotion of commercial activity and consequent prosperity. Closely associated with the manufacturing and financial interests of Fostoria, Eugene Allen belongs to that class of representative Americans who while advancing individual success also promote the progress and prosperity of the community with which they are connected. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution ; and his close application and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to-day his. Mr. Allen is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred at Wolf Lake, in 1864, and his parents being Felton and Susan (Childs) Allen. He comes of an old Pennsylvania family whose representatives resided in the eastern and southern part of the Keystone state. The grandfather CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 65 removed from Pennsylvania to Indiana, becoming one of the honored pioneer settlers of Noble county, where he spent his remaining clays, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits. Religiously he was connected with the Society of Friends. His son, Felton Allen, was born in that county and for many years successfully conducted a stock farm, being one of the leading stock dealers of that part of the country. His wife was a native of Virginia and during her childhood was brought to Indiana by her parents, who settled on a large tract of land near Wolf Lake. In the place of his nativity Mr. Allen, of this review, was reared and educated. He has been a resident of Fostoria since 1893, and has been closely associated with its business interests. There is no American town-or city that does not offer good business advantages to the man who can recognize and improve opportunities, who is energetic, determined and resolute, and Mr. Allen found that the field of labor was not exhausted here. In 1893 he was instrumental in organizing the Peabody Buggy Company, of which Mr. Peabody became president, but in 1895 the Allen Brothers, Eugene and W. 0., purchased his interest in the business, and E. W. Allen became president and treasurer of the company, while W. 0. Allen assumed the duties of vice-president and secretary. The business was then a small one, but it has since grown to mammoth proportions and the sales amount to two hundred and fifty-five thousand dollars yearly. Employment is furnished to one hundred skilled Workmen and their products are sent throughout the United States, the eastern trade being very extensive. They manufacture light, stylish driving rigs of every description, and the excellent workmanship, durability and attractiveness of design and finish insure to the company a very large and constantly increasing patronage. Mr. Allen, however, has not confined his attention and efforts alone to one line. The old Mechanics' Savings Banking Company lie transformed into the Mechanics' Banking Company, in July, 1899, and became its cashier, with 0. T. Brown as its president. At that time the institution was not in a very flourishing condition, but under the wise 66 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. direction and conservative policy of Mr. Allen it has become one of the leading banks in this portion of the state, its deposits having increased from one hundred thousand to more than five hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Allen also established a branch at Bradner, in the center of the oil region, and this has been attended by a high degree of success. The Allen brothers have valuable interests in the oil districts and they have also taken great pride in the old homestead in Noble county, Indiana. The Allen stock farm of two hundred and forty acres is situated in the town of Wolf Lake. On this they raise high-bred horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, and their sales of stock annually increase their income to a considerable extent. Mr. Allen, of this review, is widely recognized as a man of excellent business and executive ability and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by determined and honorable effort. On the 16th of February, 1898, Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Mary Leonard, of Fostoria, a daughter of Clark Leonard, of this city, a well-known oil producer of Ohio, having extensive interests in the oil regions. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen has been born a daughter, Clara Louise, who is the life and light of the household. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of Fostoria, and take a very active and helpful part in its work and upbuilding. The lady is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and Elocution, in Boston, and does everything in her power to promote the intellectual and moral development of the community, while her home, celebrated for its gracious hospitality, has become the center of a cultured society circle. Mr. Allen is one of the trustees of the church and a very active worker in the Sunday-school and Society of Christian Endeavor, holding office in both. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, and in his political views he is a Republican. A generous contributor to all movements for the social, intellectual, material and moral benefit to the people, Fostoria numbers him among her valued citizens. He has made good use of his opportunities and has prospered from year to year, has conducted all business matters carefully and successfully and in all his acts displays an aptitude for successful management. He has not per- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 67 mitted the accumulation of wealth to affect in any way his actions toward those less successful than he, and has always a cheerful word and pleasant smile for all with whom he comes in contact. ABRAM RIFE. A successful farmer and stock-raiser of Seneca county, Ohio, is Abram Rife, who owns a large and well improved farm in Bloom township, and is one of the substantial men of the county.' Abram Rife was born on August 15, 1835, in Richland county, Ohio, and he is thus a Buckeye by birth, rearing and residence. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Rife, and they had a family of eight children. In 1844 they moved from Richland county into Wyandot county, and for a time engaged in farming there, but later, 1852, a home was made in Seneca township, Seneca county, and there the parents died, aged seventy-seven and sixty-five, respectively. The early life of Abram Rife, the subject of this biography, was spent on the farm in Seneca township, and there he attended school and assisted his father in his management of the farm. He remained on the home farm until he had reached his twenty-second year, and then gave his services to other farmers in the locality. After working for a time as a farm hand on neighboring estates, he decided to put some of his knowledge and experience to personal use, and rented some land, succeeding in his agricultural experiments so well that he continued to thus carry on farming for some eight years. By a prudent husbanding of his means Mr. Rife had managed to acquire sufficient money to enable him to invest in land, and he went to Wood county, where he bought forty acres of land and there carried on a general line of farming for three years. Then he disposed of that property and returned to Seneca township, where he again invested in land, buying a farm which he conducted successfully for the eight succeeding years. It was not until 1881, however, that Mr. Rife settled down permanently, selecting then his present 68 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. most desirable farm, located in Bloom township, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land,. which he has transformed into one of the most valuable agricultural properties of this section of the township. It has been truly said that country life possesses every element to make the material side of life one of enjoyment, and in noting the comfort and attractiveness of Mr. Rife's estate this assertion is only emphasized. He has been a very successful stock-raiser as well as farmer, his interests having been centered here ever since his location. With the aid of modern machinery, the use of proper fertilizers and the adoption of thorough methods, he .has developed a fine business. Mr. Rife was married to Miss Ida Briner, and three sons have been born to this union, namely : Nevin; Bertie; and Clyde. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rife are valued. members of the Evangelical church. to which the former contributes liberally, while in politics he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. In this locality Mr. Rife is considered one of the solid, responsible men of the community, and his assertions are listened to with respect, carrying with them, as they do, sentiments of good citizenship, temperance and morality. He is a man of force of character, upright and honorable, a good neighbor, a helpful friend, and a father and husband who is respected and beloved in his home. ISAAC NEWTON HOSSLER. The agricultural development of Seneca county, Ohio, which is of a character to reflect credit upon the state, may be easily comprehended by an acquaintance with the leading farmers of this section. They belong to a class of men who have raised the cultivation of the soil into a science, devoting to this work time, industry and means. Among the prominent and successful farmers of Bloom township, Seneca county, Isaac Newton Hossler, of this biography, takes a leading position, both as an agriculturist and as a worthy and valued citizen. Mr. Hossler was born on December 12, 1852, in this same township, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 69 where his parents were farmers of substance and respectability. They were Jacob and Anna (Funk) Hassler. Mr. Hossler was reared on the home farm and attended the common schools, obtaining there an elementary education, which was supplemented by later instruction in the academy at Republic, where he pursued higher branches. He did not take up farming as a serious occupation before he was twenty-two years of age, but since that time has devoted his attention closely to it and by his intelligent methods and progressive ideas has made it a successful vocation. He first took charge of his father-in-law's land, and for a period of eight years operated that to the satisfaction of all concerned. He then went back to the old home farm, taking charge of the same, and there he continued for the succeeding eight years. Mr. Hassler learned much concerning farming and stock-raising in these sixteen years of constant activity. This knowledge he applied in the management of his own farm where he located about this time and where he has resided ever since. The well cultivated fields and commodious accommodations provided for the yields of meadows and harvests of grain, his, sleek cattle and healthy stock, his comfortable and attractive residence surrounded by fruitful orchards, all testify to his precedence as a farmer, and also to the prosperity which has followed his efforts. The home farm, where 'he has long made his residence, consists of seventy-nine acres, and he also owns another adjoining farm of equal extent. This land is: of considerable value, and could be disposed of at a high figure. The marriage of Mr. Hassler took place on March 18, 1875, when Miss Susan Revert became his wife. She was born in Stark county, Ohio, and was. a daughter of Michael and Magdalena Revert. A family of eight children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hassler, seven of these still surviving, as follows : Alphonso, Gertrude, Jesse, Jay, Arthur, Robert and Ray. Death removed Myrtle, at the age of eighteen months. The death of Mrs. Hossler occurred on March 24, 1894. The second marriage of Mr. Hossler occurred on April 22, 1900, when he wedded Mrs. Amanda Davis, who was the widow of J. C. Davis, and a daughter of Benjamin Zeigler. 70 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. In his political views Mr. Hossler has always been a Republican, and he has efficiently served in several of the local offices, belonging to the school board and serving as trustee of Bloom township, while in 1900 he was census enumerator. Hie is a man who. possesses the confidence of his fellow citizens to such a degree that many official positions might be his if he cared to accept them. Quiet and unassuming in his demeanor, he has made many friends in this township, and all are united in their high regard for one who has lived an honest, industrious and upright life in their midst for so many years. A good citizen, a careful farmer, a faithful township official and a man devoted to his friends and family, Mr. Hassler occupies an enviable place in public regard. WILLIAM R. TITTLE. Seneca county has been the home of Mr. Tittle from the time of his boyhood, and as more than half a century has elapsed since his parents located in the county it may be seen that he is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this favored section of the old Buckeye state. He has wrought out his own success through the persistent application of his energies and abilities in connection with the great basic art of agriculture, is known as a representative farmer of Eden township, and to him is the distinction of being an honored veteran of the war of the Rebellion, in which he served with the fidelity and patriotic ardor of a true son of the republic, taking part in many of the most hotly contested battles of the long and sanguinary struggle which determined the integrity of the nation. Mr. Tittle is a native of the old Keystone state, having been born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, the son of Jonathan and Susan (Beatty) Tittle, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. They became the parents of seven sons and three daughters, of whom only four are living at the present time, namely : Martha, the widow of William Ferguson, of Eden township; Sarah W., a resident of the village of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 71 Melmore, this county; William, the subject of this sketch; and Samuel, a resident of Tiffin. Those who are deceased are John, Ralph, Benjamin, Allen, Ann and Susanna. The parents came to Ohio in 1846 and located on a farm in Eden township, Seneca county, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he later added a contiguous tract of sixty acres, here developing a good farm within the next decade, which represented the remainder of his span of life,. since he was summoned into eternal rest on the 16th of October, 1856, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a man of utmost probity and honor, and to him was given an unreserved esteem in the community. His devoted wife survived him by more than a score of years, passing away in 1877, at the age of seventy-six years. William Tittle came to Eden township with his parents, and here he was reared to maturity, assisting in the work of the homestead farm and receiving his early educational discipline in the public schools of the locality and period. Upon attaining his legal majority he gave inception to his independent career by working at the carpenter trade, to which he was devoting his attention at the time when the thundering of rebel guns against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter precipitated the greatest civil war in the annals of history. His intrinsic loyalty led him to respond to the first call for troops to assist in the suppression of the rebellion, and in December, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company- H, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a term of three years. He proceeded to the front with his command, and the first engagement in which he participated was that at Moorefield, Virginia (now West Virginia), and thereafter he was to be found in the fighting line in each of the following notable battles : Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Missionary Ridge, in which last he was in the division commanded by "Fighting Joe" Hooker. Thereafter Mr. Tittle took part in the engagements at Resaca,, Buzzards' Roost and Peach Tree creek, after which he was with Sherman in the ever memorable march to the sea, taking part in the siege of Atlanta. During his entire term of service he was never disqualified for active duty, having never been in the hospital and having received no wounds. At Chattanooga 72 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the colonel of his regiment tendered to Mr. Tittle the position of color bearer, but he declined the honor. He received his honorable discharge on the last day of the year 1864, and then returned to Eden township, and resumed work at his trade, continuing in this line for a period of Five years. He then located on his present finely improved and highly productive farm, which comprises eighty acres, and here he has been successful in his farming enterprise and is known and honored as one of the county's sterling and public-spirited citizens. His political adherency is with the Republican party, of whose principles and policies he is a stanch supporter, and his fraternal interest in his old comrades who followed the stars and stripes on many a. weary march and in many a bloody contest on the southern battlefields, is vitalized through his intimate association with the Grand Army of the Republic, his memberbership being in General W. H. Gibson Post, No. 31, at Tiffin. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, of which his wife also is a devoted member. On the 22d of December, 1870, Mr. Tittle was united in marriage to Miss Emma Johnson, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Beatty) Johnson, and they are the parents of two children,—Susie H. and Edith B., both of whom remain at the parental home. GEORGE W. KISHLER. Among the intelligent, progressive and enterprising men who have successfully directed their attention and labors to the noble work of husbandry in Seneca county and whose prosperity has come as the result of personal effort, is Mr. Kishler, one of the substantial and honored agriculturists of Eden township, and aside from his position as a sterling citizen he also has the honor of being a veteran of the war of the Rebellion. If one is to sojourn for any length of time in that naturally favored portion of the county designated by the title of Eden township, he is sure to note with appreciation the changes wrought by CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 73 the hand of man to the end of securing the great fields of waving grain, the undulating meadows, with their herds and flocks, the substantial improvements and the various other conditions indicatory of a prosperous agricultural community. In this connection also will be noticed the fine farm estate of the subject of this review, and here he is abiding in peace, contentment and plenty, honored by those among .whom so many years of his life have been passed and ever doing all in his power to conserve the best interests of the community. Mr. Kishler is a native of Perry county, Ohio, having been born on a farm, near the town of Somerset, on the 30th of May, 1842, the son of Frederick and Elizabeth Kishler. When he was about six years of age, in 1848, the family came to Seneca county, where our subject was reared to years of maturity, receiving his educational training in the public schools. When nineteen years of age he gave inception ,to his independent career by securing a clerkship in a mercantile establishment at Wooster, Wayne county, and resigned this position in 1862, in order to respond to the call of higher duty. He enlisted as a private in Company I, One Hundred and First. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until his discharge, on account of physical disability. He then returned to Tiffin, where he gave his: attention to the sawing out of gun stocks until May 2, 1864, when he again tendered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting, in the one-hundred-days service, as corporal in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which served in defense of the federal capital until the close of its term, when Mr. Kishler was mustered out and received his honorable discharge. His interest in his old comrades in arms has never flagged and is vitalized by his identification with the Grand Army of the Republic, he having been one of the charter members of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, at Tiffin, of which he served as adjutant for two terms. After the close of his military service Mr. Kishler returned to Tiffin, where his marriage was soon afterward solemnized and he then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, using marked discrimination from the start and so directing his energetic efforts as to attain a - 5 - 74 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. cumulative success, as is evident in the prosperity which is now his. They have a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres, devoting the same to diversified agriculture and to. the raising of an excellent grade of live stock. While he takes an interest of proper sort in public affairs of a local nature, he has never been an aspirant for official preferment, but gives a stanch support to the principles and policies advanced by the Republican party. On the 27th of December, 1865, Mr. Kishler was united in marriage to Miss Clementine Norris, who was born in this county, the daughter of Lloyd and Elizabeth Norris, pioneer settlers, and of this union four children have been born, namely: Fanny B., who died in her sixteenth year; Minnie M., wife of Frank Floom, of Tiffin; Claud B., of Tiffin; and Lloyd, at h0me. JOHN H. SMITH. It cannot be other than pleasing to note, in the various personal sketches appearing in this work, that there remain identified with the agricultural industry in Seneca county many worthy and prominent citizens whose entire lives have been passed here and many of whom were born here in the early pioneer epoch, thus being witnesses of the transition stages which have brought this section of the state from its condition as a primeval forest to that a.s a populous and opulent division of one of the greatest commonwealths in the Union. In the subject of this review we have one of these honored representatives of a pioneer family and one who is known as a substantial and influential farmer of Hopewell township. Mr. Smith was born in Pleasant township, on the 15th of February, 1852, being the son of Henry and Barbara (Fry) Smith. Henry Smith. was born in Germany, whence he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America., in 1831. His father brought the family to Seneca county and took up a tract of government land in Pleasant