200 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Civil War he manifested his loyalty to his adopted country by entering the Union army; enlisting in 1862, among the boys in blue of Company K, Fifty Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. He joined the service at Upper Sandusky as a private, and with his command proceeded to the front. He accompanied Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea, which showed that the strength. of the Confederacy was exhausted. He took part in the battle of Lookout Mountain, and was in the hotly contested engagements at Gettysburg, Missionary. Ridge, Reseca, Buzzards' Roost and .other .places where sanguinary engagements tested the courage and strength of both armies. When the war was over he received his honorable discharge and with a most creditable military record returned to his home. In 1876 he took up his abode in Galion, where he is still living, and throughout the period of his residence here he has been a representative of the mercantile interests of the city. The prosperity of every community depends upon its commercial activity, and Mr. Mueller has been one who has taken an active part in advancing business growth. He now retains pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his membership with the Grand Army of the .Republic. He married Elizabeth Wright, a native of Petersburg, Virginia, and a representative of a family prominent in connection with the Confederacy. Mr. and Mrs. Mueller are members of the Reformed church of Galion. Captain Mueller, of this review, was a lad of only five summers when brought by his parents to this city, where he has continuously. resided, enjoying the pleasures and advantages of school life, after which he put aside This text-books to learn the more difficult lessons in the school of experience. He is now associated with his brother, George Franklin Mueller, under the firm name of Mueller Brothers, in conducting the largest merchant tailoring establishment in the city. They employ quite a large force of workmen, and their skill and. ability in the line of their chosen calling is such as to retain for them a large share of the public patronage. In fact their business surpasses in volume and importance that of any other individual or firm in the acne (line in the city. They also have a large and well selected stock of goods to display to their patrons, and the work executed in their establishment is ever of high grade. The patriotic spirit which prompted the father's enlistment as a defender of the Union has been manifest in the son, who is well known in military circles: He has ever taken a great interest in military affairs, is familiar with tactics and early learned that a soldier's first duty was obedi- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 201 ence. He commanded the High School Cadets in 1898. On the 12th of March, 1900, he joined the Eighth Ohio National Guard; as captain of Company L, a position which he still occupies. Skillful in maneuver and.. accurate in marksmanship, he has also been captain in the uniformed rank of the Junior Order in Galion for one year. While Captain Mueller ever maintains discipline, he is also just and considerate of those who serve under him, and the most amicable relations exist between him and his troops. GEORGE W. DIDIE. George W. Didie is one of the native citizens of Bucyrus, his birth. having occurred here April 21, 1848. He .is also recognized as one of the: important factors in political circles, and through many years has been continued in office, a fact which indicates in an unmistakable manner his ability and fidelity to duty, for though men. may win office sometimes through unworthy means, when they are incapable of performing the duties the judgment of the American people is too accurate to permit of their continuance.. in positions of public trust. Through many years Mr. Didie has served his fellow townsmen in office, and his labors have been of value to the city, for his administration of public affairs is ever business-like and progressive.. His father, Washington Didie, was a carpenter and builder and spent his last days in Bucyrus, passing away in 1882, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife bore the maiden name of Maria Layman and was a daughter of Christian and Mary (Botts) Layman, who came from Berks county, Penn-- sylvania, to Ohio. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Isaac Didie, who resided in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. His people were formerly from Philadelphia and originally from France. John Didie the great-great-grandfather of our subject, came from France to the new world and with patriotic spirit aided the colonists in their struggle for independence. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Holland, and his family resided upon a farm which Major Andre made his headquarters during the Revolutionary war. Mr. Didie, of this review, pursued his education in the schools of Bucyrus, completing the high school course, and after putting aside his textbooks entered upon his business career, being connected with several lines of trade, and for three terms he engaged in teaching school in Indiana, but since 1874 he has been almost continuously in public service, filling many positions of trust and responsibility. In the year mentioned he was elected 202 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. city clerk of Bucyrus and filled the position for six years, while for many years he was township clerk. He has also been deputy and county recorder and was deputy county auditor for nine years. He was a member of the Bucyrus city board of education for twelve years, ten years of which time he was clerk of the board, He has filled some of those positions contemporaneously. Since 1897 he has been justice of the peace of Bucyrus township, and his decisions are strictly fair and impartial, for he displays neither fear nor favor in passing judgment upon the merits of a case, without regard to parties concerned. In Indiana Mr. Didie was united in marriage to Miss Amanda F. Wise, a daughter of Jacob and Maria (Didie) Wise. Two sons have been born of this marriage: Edgar Allen, 'whose birth occurred in 1876 and who is now employed in a retail grocery house; and Dallas Dio. There are also two daughters : Laura Della and Dora Zelah. Mr. Didie is connected with the Order of the Knights of the Maccabees and is a gentleman of social prominence and popularity. He has a very large acquaintance throughout Crawford county and enjoys the warm friendship of a large number of those with whom he has come in, contact. THOMAS C. WOODS. Thomas C. Woods, one of the pioneer railroad men living in Crestline, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1833. The paternal grandfather, Henry Woods, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and was of English descent. His father, David Woods, was also a native of the same locality and in his early manhood followed the Ohio river as a blackmith and assistant engineer. He learned the blacksmith's trade in early life and was connected with that line of work in his native county, successfully carrying on the business on his own account until his death, which occurred in the fifty-ninth year of his age. In politics he was an .old-line Whig and held a number of local offices in the county. He married Miss Margaret Evans, who was also born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Samuel Evans, .whose .birth occurred in Ireland, and who was thirty years of age when he came from that country to Pennsylvania. In early life he served as a pilot on a steamer on the Ohio river: His daughter, Mrs: Woods, died at the age of eighty-four years. By her marriage, she became the mother of seven children, four sons and three daughters, namely : Joseph, a manufacturer of wooden ware in Bedford, Pennsylvania; Thomas C., of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 203 this review ; Mary Ann, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, who is the widow of John Evans, a native of England ; Alexander, who died when about ten years of age; Nancy Jane, wife of J. R. Parott, who has charge of the electric light plant at Bucyrus, Ohio; Carrie, who died in infancy ; David H., who is an engineer on the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad and resides at Mattoon, Illinois. Thomas C. Woods, whose name introduces this record, remained in his native county of Pennsylvania until nineteen years of age. He made his home with his father and attended school. On leaving the parental roof he entered the railroad service, driving a horse and cart at the time the grade was being made. He was afterward with the Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad Company, in Pennsylvania, and later he obtained a position as a laborer on a work train used in hauling all kinds of materials necessary in the construction of the wad. Mr. Woods served in that capacity until he was -made fireman on a freight train, running from Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, to Alliance, Ohio. He acted as fireman for about four years, part of the time on a passenger train. During that period the new road had been completed to Crestline, Ohio, and Mr. Woods made some of the first trips to this city. After four years as fireman he was promoted to the position of engineer and ran on both divisions, from Allegheny to Alliance and from Alliance to Crestline. Since his marriage he has spent much time on a switch engine, through choice, as it allowed him to spend more time at home than if he was on the road. He has seen all of the shops erected and all of the improvements made here. He was a witness to the laying of the first railroad iron in the town and is the oldest man in the motive-power department west of Pittsburg in the employ of the company. He never was suspended from duty except once and that was for only six days, being occasioned by a very important accident, backing into an engine. By consent of the railroad company, whom he has served so long and faithfully, he has been put on the retired list with a pension of forty dollars and thirty cents per month, and one thousand dollars payable to his beneficiaries at his death. On the 29th of July, 1857, Mr. Woods was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Moore, who was born near Columbiana, Ohio, June 29, 1832, and is a daughter of John C. and Mary (Deldaback) Moore, natives of New Jersey and of French and Holland descent. Since 1859 Mr. and Mrs. Woods have resided in Crestline. They became the parents of four children : Ella, who died at the age of nine years ; Dora, who died at the age of six years; Edward, who passed away at the age of four years ; and Della B., who became 204 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the wife of Charles. E. Johnson and died October 5, 1897, leaving a son, Donald, who is now residing with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Woods. Our subject is a Republican in his political affiliations, having .voted that ticket since the organization of the party, previous to which time he was a Whig. He has a wide acquaintance in this portion of Ohio and is particularly well known in railroad circles. JAMES H. PERRINE. Among the conductors in the railway service now living in Crestline is James H. Perrine, who is numbered among Ohio's native citizens, his birth having occurred in Wyandot county, on the 11th of July, 1844. His father, James Perrine, was a native of Pennsylvania, where he the period of his boyhood and youth. When a young man he took up his residence in Wyandot county, Ohio, where he followed farming and also bore his part in the work of development and progress, for he located there in pioneer days. He married Nancy Duddelson, a native of that county, where her parents had located when it was a frontier district, the Indians being far, more numerous than the white settlers. Mr. Perrine lived to be about seventy-two years of age, and his wife died when .seventy-six years of age. They were the parents of three children : William, who was a conductor and was killed in the yard of the Grand Rapids & Indianapolis Railroad in September, 188o; John was a soldier in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war; James H. completes the family. The eldest brother, William, was also numbered among the boys in blue, serving with the one-hundred-day men in an Ohio regiment. Taking up the personal history of James H. Perrine we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known and whose many excellent qualities are worthy of emulation. He was reared in his native county upon the old homestead and upheld the family record for loyalty and patriotism by joining the Union forces when only eighteen years of age, becoming a member of Company. F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1862. He served until the close of the war, participating in many important engagements, including the battles of Winchester, Piedmont, Snicker's Gap and was detailed to act as nurse in the hospital, taking care of the wounded at Winchester, Virginia. This was in 1864. He also participated in the battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and in many other engagements of importance, and though always found at the post of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 205 duty, even if it carried him into the thickest of the fight, he was never wounded. In the winter of 1865, when in front of Richmond, he was taken prisoner, being captured on the first of April, but on the 4th of the same month he was paroled and sent to Columbus, where he remained until mustered out on the 14th of June, 1865. Mr. Perrine then returned to his native. county and in July of the same year entered the service of the Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad Company, now the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company. He was first engaged in hauling dirt and working on the grading of the road as a laborer. He afterward served on a construction train and then built fences for the company. Subsequently .he was made brakeman in 1869, running between Crestline and Fort Wayne, Indiana,. for eighteen months, after which he was promoted to conductor. In that capacity he rah between the two cities. mentioned for about two and a half years, and was then transferred to the eastern division between Crestline and Alliance, where he served as brake man for three and a half years. He was then again promoted to conductor,. remaining upon that run for about eighteen years. On the 25th of April, 1898, he fell from the train, while it was in motion, and his injuries incapacitated him for further duty for four months. At the time of the accident he was running through Allegheny, on the 6th of August, 1889, and the engine. went through his caboose. His own train was moving very slowly when it was run into by a train in the rear, which was going at a speed of twenty-five miles per hour. Mr. Perrine was the only one in the caboose at the time.. The car was completely demolished, nothing being left but the trucks, while: his collar bone was broken and he suffered other serious injuries. Since that time he has run on many trains, but it is the earnest desire of his family that he should give up railroad service. He is one of the most reliable and highly respected men in the employ of the company, having served- them for over thirty years. Mr. Perrine was married in Wyandot county, Ohio, in May, 1866, to Miss Ellen Dunlap, a native of that county, where she was reared and educated. Her parents were Samuel and Jane (Steele) Dunlap. Her father was born in Scotland and died at the age of sixty-six years, and her mother passed away at the age of fifty-five years. Unto Mr. and Mrs.. Perrine have been born three children, a son and two daughters : William, who is now a brakeman on the Pennsylvania Railroad and resides in Crestline; Bertha,. wife of William Bennett, who is living in Indianapolis and by whom she has three children,—Maude, Donna and Milfred; and Maudie, wife of Charles. 11 206 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Rice, of Cleveland. Both she and her husband are operators for the Western Union Telegraph Company. The son married Sophia Denner and they have two children,—Ella and Mabel, and also lost one child at the age of four years. Mr. Perrine is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and, as the result of his years of business activity he has become the possessor of a comfortable competence. He. is now one of the stockholders of the. First National Bank and holds government bonds. He also owns considerable valuable property, including a pleasant residence on Henry street. In politics he is a stanch and inflexible Republican, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. They are honored and respected in Crestline, where they have resided for so many years and the hospitality of the best homes is extended to them. REV. JOHN W. KUNTZ. The stamp designating true nobility of character must ever find its ineffaceable tracery on the brow of one who sets himself apart from "the madding crowd's ignoble strife" and dedicates his life to the uplifting of his fellow men. A more than superficial investigation is demanded when one essays to determine the mental struggle and the spirit of unselfish devotion that must animate the man who gives all that he has and all that he hopes to be to service in the great vineyard of life, seeking reward only in that realm "where moth and rust do not corrupt and where thieves do not break through and steal." Preparations for and labors in the priesthood are perforce exacting, demanding an ever ready sympathy, a broad intellectuality and an unswerving fidelity. Scoffing, cynicism and careless irreverence would Often be silenced if only the inner life of those who minister in holy places might be laid open for inspection. Honor is due and honor will be paid when once there comes a deeper understanding of the truth. As the minister of the German Evangelical Lutheran church, known as the Goodhope Evangelical Lutheran church, John Waldo Kuntz is widely known.. He began his pastoral work in Bucyrus on the 20th of May, 1897, and his labors have been attended with excellent results. He was born in Germany, in 1868, and with his parents came to America in 188o, the family locating in Loudonville, Ohio. The father is now a contractor and builder of Hutchinson, Kansas. The son began His education in Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, and con- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 207 tinued his studies in Loudonville, Ohio. He afterward matriculated in the Capital University, at Columbus, and then entered the Lutheran Seminary at St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was graduated in June, 1891. Being prepared for the work of the ministry, he began preaching the gospel in Baltimore, Maryland, as pastor of St. James church, where he remained until 1893, when, owing to ill health, he had to take a smaller charge, where the labors and responsibilities were not so great. He is a most zealous and indefatigable worker and carries on his labors Oftentimes at the expense of his own strength and health. While in Baltimore he was instrumental in erecting a new church there. On leaving the south he accepted the pastorate of the German Lutheran church at Jelloway, Knox county, Ohio, where he remained for four years, and on the l0th of May, 1897, he came to Bucyrus as pastor of the Goodhope Evangelical Lutheran church of this city. During the four years in which he has remained at this place the church debt of over three thousand dollars has been paid out and the church is now in a very flourishing condition. It has a membership of over seven hundred, the number having been largely increased during the ministrations of Rev. Kuntz. In Jelloway, in 1895, Rev. Kuntz was united in marriage to Miss Ida C. Richert, who was born in that place and is a daughter of George J. Richert. Their marriage has been blessed with two children. Mrs. Kuntz is to her husband an able assistant in his Christian work. He is a man of broad sympathy, of marked personality and strong force of character, and his labors for the uplifting of his fellow men have been productive of great good. It will be interesting in this connection to note something of the history of the church of which he has charge. The Goodhope Evangelical Lutheran church was established in 1829 by the Rev. J. D. Schule, who acted as pastor for a time and was succeeded by the Rev. J. Steanch, who came to the church in December, 1832. The Rev. F. J. Ruth, an English speaking minister, was also employed, and he and the Rev. Steanch alternated their labors in the pulpit, the latter speaking in the German tongue, the former in the English language. In 1836 a house of worship was erected for both the German and English speaking worshipers. It was the first church with a steeple in the city of Bucyrus. The Rev. J. O. Ergens preached to the German portion of the congregation, and under his eloquent discourse and earnest labor the membership of the church grew rapidly. He was succeeded in 1839 by J. Krons, who was a member of the Ohio synod, which still has control of the Goodhope church. In 1842 the German portion became a separate congregation and assumed its present name. On the 9th of December, 1843, they 208 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. sold their share in the church to the English speaking people, and that division of the church has since been known as St. Paul's. The German congregation then occupied a hall until 1857, when the old church was erected. In 1855 the Rev. Michaelis became pastor, and during his ministrations a house of worship was erected, work being begun on the 1st of April, 1857, and the corner stone laid on the 12th of August of that year. The house was erected at a cost of five thousand dollars. In 1867 the Rev. Michaelis was called away, and in October of that year the Rev. J. F. Graessle became: pastor, acting in that capacity until 1880, during which time the congregation grew rapidly and many improvements were made. A fine pipe organ was built in the church and a parsonage was erected. From 1881 until 1887 the Rev J. C. Eirich attended to the spiritual needs of the congregation as pastor of Goodhope church, and at the latter date Was succeeded by W. F. Deiss, who died while filling the pulpit, in 1889, and was laid to rest in the cemetery in Bucyrus. He was succeeded by C. E. Gebhardt, who came to the church in September, 1890. During his pastorate the present house of worship was. erected, at a cost of twenty-seven thousand dollars, and the old church is now used as an armory. The present structure is commodious and modern in every respect. . Rev. Gebhardt died in 1897, and was succeeded by the Rev. John Waldo Kuntz, who was the first pastor to introduce the English language into the services. On each alternate Sunday at the evening services he speaks English, and once a month delivers a lecture to young people in the English tongue. Like many of his predecessors, his labors are proving of great benefit and value to the community, and the influence of the church is. widely felt. MATHEW L. CARMEAN. Mathew L. Carmean, a well-known citizen and extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Dallas township, was born on the 5th of March, 1846, in the township which is still his home, his parents being Mathew G. and Rachel (DeLong) Carmean. His father was a southern gentleman and came to Ohio with his parents, who were pioneer settlers of Pickaway county, where Mathew G. Carmean spent the greater part of his youth. The family name is of French origin and the first representative of the family in America crossed the Atlantic from France at an early day in the history of this country. After arriving at years of maturity Mathew G. Carmean was united in marriage, in Pickaway county, to Miss Rachel DeLong, who was born in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 209 New Jersey and was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. They soon .afterward came to Crawford county, where they began life in limited financial circumstances. The father entered from the government eighty acres of land in what was then Bucyrus township, but not long afterward exchanged that land for a tract on section 11, Dallas township, whereon he took up his residence, making it his place of abode throughout his remaining days. He prospered in his undertakings and as his financial resources. increased he made judicious investments in other property, until at the time of his demise his realty possessions aggregated twelve hundred acres. Unto Mathew G. and Rachel Carmean were born seven children, namely: Mrs. Mary Ann Coulter, who is now a widow and resides in Toledo, Ohio; Martha E., deceased; Jonathan, a representative citizen of Crawford county; Elizabeth, who died in childhood; Nelson, who died at the age of sixteen years and Mathew L., of this review. The last named was reared upon a farm and pursued his education in a log school house. At the time of early spring planting he took his place in the fields and assisted in the cultivation of the crops until after the harvests were garnered in the late autumn. He has always resided in Crawford county and has always followed farming, remaining with his father until the latter's death. He now owns a valuable farm of three hundred acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and yields excellent harvests for the care and labor bestowed upon it. Buildings and fences are kept in good repair and everything about the place is neat and thrifty, indicating the owner to be a man of progressive spirit, energy and perseverance. In 1876, January 6, Mr. Carmean was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Drollsbaugh, who was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania. Her mother died during her early girlhood and when she was sixteen years of age she came to Crawford county, Where she had brothers and sisters living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.. Carmean has been blessed with four living children: Maud G., Olivette, Ruth R. and Theodore M., all at home, and they lost one, Luther J., who   at the age of thirteen months.. The wife and mother, a lady of sterling qualities, died in the fall of 1900; esteemed by all who knew her. In his political views Mr. Carmean is a Republican, who earnestly advocates the principles of the party and never seeks official reward for his fidelity. Socially he is a Master Mason, belonging to Oliver Lodge, No. 447, F. & A. M., and to the Order of the Eastern Star. He is likewise a member of Caledonia Lodge, No. 116, K. of P., and belongs to the Methodist Episco- 212 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY two thousand volumes. Subsequently he was employed in the Forum office until March, 1885, when he embarked in the real-estate business, which he has since conducted with marked success. As a representative of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad Company he does a land business throughout Ohio. He has in charge much valuable real estate and has conducted many. important real-estate transactions. His knowledge of land values is comprehensive and exact, and he is thus enabled to aid his clients in making judicious investments. In 1876 Mr. Kanzleiter was united in marriage to Miss Emma E. Mohler, a daughter of A. B. Mohler, of Dayton, Ohio, who was a wealthy dealer in broom corn and was known as a king 'on account of his extensive operations in that product. He employed several hundred workmen and carried on a business of mammoth proportions. His death occurred in 1883. His wife bore the maiden name of Isabella Young and was a resident of Cincinnati. In her girlhood Mrs. Kanzleiter was her father's able assistant in business, and in 1884 she began business as a representative of life, fire and accident insurance companies and as a loan agent. She has since conducted operations along those lines and is recognized as a lady of superior executive force, sound business judgment and marked enterprise. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kanzleiter hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he has been identified for forty years, while her membership relations with the church dates from 1876. In his political views Mr. Kanzleiter is a Republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as he has preferred to devote his energies to his business affairs, in which he is now meeting with creditable success. ARISTA O. LUCAS, M. D. In taking up the history of the prominent men of Crawford county we note that Dr. Lucas occupies a leading position, in their ranks. He is one of the most skillful, able and successful medical practitioners in this Portion of the state, and his comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine, combined with his accuracy in applying. his knowledge to the needs of suffering humanity, has gained for him a very liberal and constantly increasing patronage. His time is fully occupied with his professional duties, and his brethren of the fraternity as well as the public acknowledge his eminence and express admiration for his worth. Dr. Lucas was born in Johnsville, Morrow county, Ohio, April 5, 1865, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 215 and is a son of Adam and Susan ((McGill) Lucas. The father was born in Perry township, Morrow county, Ohio, February 22, 1838. The family is of German. lineage and was founded in America by the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born in Germany, but came to this country at an early day. Adam Lucas, the grandfather of .the Doctor, was a native of Pennsylvania and was reared in the Keystone state. His father was one of the well known distillers of Lancaster county, and there the grandfather learned the business, which he followed for some years. After the inauguration of the war of 1812 he was drafted for service, but as he was then in charge of his father's business the later hired a substitute and Adam. Lucas was therefore exempt from duty. In an early day in the development. of Ohio he took up his abode in Morrow county, entering three hundred acres of land, whereon he built a log cabin. The fallowing. Spring his wife and eldest child died, and he then returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained for about a year. On the expiration of that period he was again married, and once more took up. his abode in his Ohio home, where he resided until seventy-five years of age. He then retired from active business life and removed to the town of Johnsville, where he spent his rermaining days, passing away at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. His wife, the grandmother of the Doctor, bore the maiden name of Magdalene Emig, and was also a native of Pennsylvania: Adam Lucas, the Doctor's father, was reared on the old home farm and in the common schools acquired. his education. He married Miss Susan McGill and then located in Johnsville, where for six or eight years he was employed as a teamster. Later he removed to Woodbury, where he engaged in the grocery business, conducting the enterprise for ten years or more, and during the greater part of the time he was also postmaster of the town. Disposing of his store, he was then employed for a number of years in a general mercantile establishment, and in 1876 he removed to Johnsville. Soon afterward he became a "knight of the grip," going upon the road as a traveling salesman for a Mansfield (Ohio) boot and shoe house, with Which he was associated for two years.' He then established a retail boot and shoe store of his own in Johnsville and carried on business along that line until 1895, when he sold his store and removed to New Washington, since which time he has represented the Rochester Horticulturist and Florist firm. He is an energetic and wide-awake business man, reliable and trustworthy. In his political views be is a Democrat, and in religious belief was a Baptist, but as there was no church of that denomination in New 218 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. she resided until 1895. In the meantime he had abandoned his chosen occupation, for in 1872 he entered the mercantile business, .successfully conducting a store for about twelve years. During that period he received the appointment of postmaster at Millersburg, under President Cleveland, and was then serving his first term. Mr. Sprankle occupied the position for four years and his administration was .prompt and reliable, giving satisfaction to all concerned. Before entering the mercantile business he was employed by a historical publishing company as one of three editors and for about eighteen months aided in writing the history of Venango county, Pennsylvania, also the Pan Handle of West Virginia; and Belmont and Jefferson counties, Ohio. After his retirement froth the position of postmaster he sold his store in Millersburg, and was offered the position of associate editor of the Newark Daily Advocate, which he accepted. While acting iii this capacity his family still continued to reside in Millersburg and in 1895 he purchased the Crestline Advocate and has since been its editor and proprietor. His experience in the journalistic field well qualifies him for the successful conduct of the paper of which he is now at the head, and he has. made it one of the leading journals in this section of the state. his devoted to a consideration of local and general domestic and foreign news and he treats in a fair and impartial manner the questions of public interest, at the same, time giving editorial support to the principles of Democracy.. While residing in Millersburg Mr. Sprankle was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Newton; the third. daughter of G. F. Newton, who was a promnent resident of that place, having a state reputation as a horticulturist and pomologist. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sprankle have been, born two daughters : Virginia, wife of S. B. Klippelt, living in Birmingham, Alabama; and Harriet, who is assistant editor of the Advocate. The family is one of prominence in the community, enjoying the warm regard of many friends. ANDREW J. HAZLETT. In the field of political life and professional activity Andrew Jackson Hazlett has won distinction and to-day is numbered among the leading, influential and honored residents of Bucyrus. A young man, he possesses the enterprising spirit of the west and has been a dominant factor in producing the wonderful development of this section of the country. Brooking no obstacles that honest effort can overcome, he has steadily worked his way upward until he has left the ranks of the many to stand among the suc- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 219 cessful few. He is widely known as a leading journalist in this. portion of Ohio and has also won public honors and recognition in the legislative halls of the state. Mr. Hazlett was born in Texas township, Crawford county, November 8, 1865, and is a son of Robert Chamberlain and Elizabeth (Walter) Hazlett, and is descended from Revolutionary ancestry. The paternal grandparents; of our subject were John and Nancy (Ury) Hazlett, who in 1829 came to Crawford county and purchased a farm in Texas township froth a Mr. Roberts. He purchased and operated the first sawmill in that township- and in connection with Mr. Bender he laid Out the town of Benton, in Crawford. county. He owned several hundred acres of land and was a very prominent and influential citizen, doing much to promote the progress and upbuilding of this section of the state. In 1848 he erected in Benton a hotel, which was the first building in the town, and Was actively concerned in the improvement of the place, which had a good growth in the early days. He also built the first brick residence in that section of the county. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Daniel and Susanna. (Baum) Walter, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio, locating in what was then Sycamore township, Crawford county, but is now in Wyandot county, on the present site of the village of Sycamore.. The grandfather was a. Dunkard preacher. Unto John and Nancy . (Ury) Hazlett were born the following named: Ann, deceased wife of John Taylor, of Lafayette, Indiana; Robert, the father of our subject; Elizabeth, deceased wife of E. P. Kellog, of Todd township, Crawford county; John, who served as a justice of the peace in early days and was a prominent citizen; Mary Jane, the wife of B. F. Jaqueth, of Todd township; and William. Robert Chamberlain Hazlett, the father of our subject,. was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1809, and was twenty years of age when he accompanied his parents to Crawford county. Here he became familiar with all the experiences and trials which fall to the lot of the frontier, settlers. He married Miss Elizabeth Walter. She and her twin sister were the first white children born in Sycamore township, and through this marriage two of the prominent pioneer families were united. Their children, are: Mrs. Susan E. Wilcox, widow of P. P. Wilcox; Mason W., who is living near Bucyrus, Ohio; W. H. and J. S, who are residents of Poplar; and Andrew J. Andrew Jackson Hazlett, whose name forms the caption of this review, pursued his preliminary education in the public schools, and at the age of 220 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. seventeen he became a student in Fostoria Academy, where he pursued his studies for two years. In the Meantime he had engaged in teaching to some extent, a profession which he followed through twelve terms. Desiring, however, to gain more advanced knowledge he matriculated in Heidelberg University, at Tiffin, Ohio, and was graduated with the class of 1888. He was afterward superintendent of schools at Sulphur Springs, Crawford county, for two years, and during that period graded the schools and largely promoted the educational interests of the town. Mr. Hazlett began his newspaper career on the Daily Advertiser, at Tiffin, Ohio, and for a time was also engaged in newspaper work in Helena, Montana. Returning to his native countyin 1891, he then purchased an interest in the Crawford County ',News, in connection with his brother, J. S. Hazlett. The paper was founded on the 14th of November, 188o, by Thomas P. Hopley, as a .Prohibition organ, and when it passed into the possession of the Hazlett brothers, in October, 1891, it was changed to an independent paper. J. S. Hazlett disposed of his interest in the journal in 1892, to M. A. Charlton, and the new firm of Hazlett & Charlton equipped the .plant with a large Cottrell press and gas engine, Put in new body. type and a good job plant. The paper was also changed from an independent to a Democratic journal and was issued semi-weekly. In 1895 Mr. Charlton disposed of his interest to H. B. Sears, who in turn sold it to L. M. Smith, the present business manager, in September, 1898. During all the changes the present editor, A. J. Hazlett, remained with the paper and saw it grow from a. six-column folio weekly to a six Column quarto and semi-weekly. A curious fact connected with the changes in the ownership is that each of Mr. Hazlett's partners, upon leaving, disposed of his interest for double the amount he invested in the plant. During the past eight years the taper has. constantly grown in circulation, patronage and influence until it has outstripped all of its competitors and is now the official organ of the county, having practically all of the county patronage at full legal rates. During this time it has also added several thousand dollars' worth of material, has been compelled to move into larger quarters twice on account of increasing business, is out of debt. and able to discount all of its bills. On the l0th of June, 1890, Mr. Hazlett was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Carpenter Baker, a college classmate, having been graduated in Heidelberg College in 1888. She is a. daughter of Edward and Nancy (Carpenter) Baker, and her ancestors came from Massachusetts. Her father was a sea CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 221 captain, but at present is engaged in mercantile business. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hazlett has been born a daughter, Edwina, whose birth occurred March 1, 1899. He is well known in fraternal organizations, belonging to Trinity Lodge, No. 556, F. & A. M., to the Tribe of Ben Hur, and to the Phi Kappa Psi, a college fraternity. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has served on its board. In politics he is an ardent advocate of. the Democracy and through the columns of his paper earnestly labors, to promote the interests of his party. That he is a recognized leader in its ranks is indicated by the honors that have been conferred upon him. In 1896 he was nominated on that ticket for representative in the general assembly and served for two years, retiring from the office on the 1st of January, 1900. He had considerable influence in framing the legislation of the state during that period and gave to each question that came up for settlement his careful consideration, thus manifesting his patriotic devotion to the welfare of those whom he represents. He is also state fish and game commissioner,. having been appointed to the office by Governor Bushnell and afterward by Governor Nash. He is also city school examiner and is found as a champion of every measure calculated to benefit the community. Since the. foregoing sketch of Mr. Hazlett was written there was organized in October, 1901, a stock company, known as the Bucyrus Publishing Company, which company purchased and combined in one newspaper the Bucyrus News and Forum, and thereby Mr. Hazlett became disconnected with the News, and at the present writing is in editorial charge of the Findlay Courier. G. WASHINGTON WILLIAMS. Among the residents of Crestline who are identified with the railroad service is Mr. Williams, who is an engineer on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. Numbered among Ohio's native sons, his life record began in Richland county on the 4th of August, 1843. His father, Joseph Williams, was also a native of Ohio and became one of the honored pioneers of Richland. county, where his last days were spent. He married Rebecca Chew, who was born in Richland county, and there her demise also occurred. They were the parents of six children, but only three are now living. G. W. Williams pursued his education in his native county, attending the district school near his home, and after he 'had become old enough to 222 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.' handle the plow he assisted in the work of the fields, becoming familiar with every department of farm labor. His time was thus occupied until he attained the age of eighteen years, when, the country having become involved in Civil war, he donned the blue as a defender of the Union, enlisting on the 10th of October, 1861, as member of Company E, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteers. The regiment was assigned to Sherman's brigade, and he served for three years, two months and nineteen days, during which time he participated in many hotly contested engagements, including the battles of Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. His division, under command of General Thomas Wood, was the first to land on the top of the ridge. After the engagement at that place Mr. Williams was with the pioneer corps mustered out of the service in 1864. On many a field of battle he had displayed marked bravery and loyalty, and with a most creditable military record he returned to his home in Lucas, Richland county, Ohio. Not long afterward he assumed the position of brakeman on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and was thus employed for three years, after which he worked for a short time in the Machine shops in Crestline. He next became fireman on the same road, devoting his energies to that task for thirteen months, when he became hostler in the roundhouse. After fifteen months he. was promoted to the position of engineer, on the 23d of March, 1883, and .since that date has been a regular engineer on the road. His service in the employ of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad has continued through thirty-five years, during which time he has met with but one accident, and that of a very unimportant character. Fidelity to duty, promptness and close application are qualities which are absolutely demanded by railroad corporations on the part of their employes, and that Mr. Williams is, lacking in none of these particulars is plainly indicated by the fact that through more than a third of a century he has been retained in the service of one company. On the 4th of June, 1866, Was celebrated the Marriage of our subject and Miss S. E. Travis, who was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Her father was a native of this country, but her mother was born. in England. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have become the parents of three children, of whom two are living,—Charles A. and Mrs. E. Moores. In his political affiliations. Mr. Williams is a stanch Republican, giving an inflexible support to the principles of the party. He belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Grand Army of the Republic. In an analyzation of his character it is not difficult to determine that fidelity is one of his salient CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 223 characteristics. It was manifest upon the field of battle, and has been continuously shown forth in his business career. Although .he has lived a quiet and uneventful life, his history is one which has ever commanded respect and confidence, and as one of the reliable and representative citizens of Crawford county he well deserves mention in this volume. JACOB SHERER. Jacob Sherer, one of the leading and successful farmers of Crawford: county, is a native son of the Buckeye state,. his birth having occurred in Whetstone township, Crawford county, on the 18th of January, 1835. He is a son of Jacob and Christine (Gross) Sherer. The father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1792, and in 1805 came with his parents to America,. locating in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania; where Jacob Sherer grew to-years of maturity and engaged in farming. In early life he also engaged in the manufacture of looms for weaving, and in later years worked at that occupation in connection with his agricultural pursuits. In i833 he emigrated to-Ohio, and after spending one winter in Richland county he came to Crawford county, locating on the farm now owned by a Mr. Kurtz in Whetstone township. A few years later his parents joined him in this state and he purchased the farm adjoining the one on which our subject now resides on the north, where he spent his remaining days, passing away at the advanced age of eighty-five years. At the time of his death he owned five hundred and.. twenty-eight acres of land, and was accounted one of the prosperous and.. representative citizens of the county. He made thirteen trips by wagon to Pennsylvania, having assisted many families to remove to this state. Mr. Sherer was united in marriage with Christine Gross, also a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born on the 5th of January, 1797. She came to America in 1804, and her death occurred at the age of seventy-seven years, They became the parents of three children, two of whom still survive, and the sister of our subject, Catherine, is now the wife of Jacob Hurr, of Bucyrus, Ohio. Although not a member of any religious organization, Mr. Sherer was an active worker in the Pietist church, contributing liberally of his time and means to its support. He was a Democrat in his political affiliations, and both he and his estimable wife were numbered among the worthy and honored citizens of their adopted county. Jacob Sherer, whose name introduces this review, enjoyed only the educational advantages afforded by the pioneer schools of his locality, but as 12 224 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the years have passed he has greatly augmented his knowledge by observation, reading and by practical experience. At the early age of twelve years he earned his first money working for a cattle buyer, and by saving his earnings he was soon enabled to purchase a calf, and later on a colt. He was married at the age of twenty-five years, after which he located in a log cabin on his father's farm and was engaged with the latter in agricultural pursuits until 1870, when he and his brother Samuel took charge of the homestead 'farm. Some time later the father divided the land, giving each of the two sons a third interest and retaining the remainder for himself. Mr. Sherer is now the owner of two hundred and seventy-eight acres of the finest land to be found in Crawford county, and there he is engaged in general farming, his efforts being attended with a high and well merited degree of success. As a companion on the journey of life our subject chose Miss. Mary Hurr, a native of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. She came to Ohio, where their marriage was celebrated. She was a daughter of George Hurr. Unto this union were born five children, all of whom still survive, namely : Emanuel D., a resident of Bucyrus township, Crawford county; Sarah E., the wife of John Heverly, of Ipwa ; Emma C. and John W., at home; and Laura A., the wife of Isaac Kurtz, of Whetstone township. The wife and mother was called to the home beyond in 1875, and three years later Mr. Sherer was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Beal, a native of Crawford county, and the daughter of Jonathan Beal. Two children have graced, this union,—Bertha E. and Ruth M., both at home. Mr. Sherer exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, and he served one term as trustee of his township. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has held a number of prominent offices, and both are active workers in the cause of Christianity. The family is one of prominence in their community, and they enjoy the high regard and esteem of many friends and acquaintances. EMANUEL D. SHERER. Emanuel D. Sherer, son of Jacob Sherer, was born in Whetstone township February 12, 1861, and was reared on the farm and given a common-school education. Until he was prepared to establish a home of his own he remained under the parental roof, but on June 2, 1885, he was married to CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 225 Esther Stump, the estimable daughter of Isaac Stump, of Whetstone township. To this union two daughters have been born,—Mattie and Elsie. Mr. Sherer is an enterprising and prospering farmer and stock-raiser of Bucyrus township, where he owns and operates a fine farm of eighty-five acres in section 24. Mr. Sherer has made many valuable improvements on this place, erecting a most comfortable frame dwelling and commodious barns,. and so manages his interests that he is regarded by the community as one of its most desirable and efficient citizens. F. M. FOSTER. F. M. Foster, a conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad, residing in Crestline, was born in Boone county, Kentucky, on the 2d of July, 1841. His father, James A. Foster, was a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and was there reared until sixteen years of age. The paternal grandfather of our subject was seven times married and the grandmother of our subject was his fourth wife. There were three children by this marriage, a daughter and two sons, one of whom was J. A. Foster. At the age of sixteen he left home and went to Kentucky, where for a time he followed any employment that he could get, which would yield him an honorable living. With two of his half-brothers he went to Springfield, Illinois, in an early day, but afterward returned to Kentucky. He married in Boone county, that state, and then took up his abode there, making it his place of residence until about 1851, when he removed to Grant county, where he was engaged in farming. Earlier in life, however, he had been connected with steamboating as a mate on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, running between Cincinnati, St. Louis, New Orleans and other cities. After devoting some time to farming in Grant county Mr. Foster went to Tipton county, Indiana, where he again carried on farming until his removal to Edgar county, Illinois, where he spent two years. On the expiration of that period he became a resident of Coles county, Illinois, where lie engaged in agricultual pursuits and later lie resided for some time in Montgomery county, Illinois. His wife bore the maiden name of Prudence Knight, and was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. She was of Scotch-Irish and German lineage, while her husband was of Irish and Scotch descent. Her father entered the army as a soldier in the Mexican war and was killed in the service, leaving to his widow a large family. Mrs. Knight was in her maidenhood a Miss Walker and belonged to the same 226 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. family with James G. Blaine, now deceased. She was a woman of much more than ordinary intelligence and displayed ability in rearing her family. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Foster have been born five sons, of whom F. M. is the eldest, the others being : Robert K., a resident of California; George, who is supposed to be in Texas; William, now in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and Charles, who died in Grant county, Kentucky, when twenty-one months. old,. The father of this family passed away in East St. Louis, in 1869. Mr. Foster, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof and when twenty years of age started out in life on his own ac count. He had previously devoted his time and attention to assisting his father and in the acquirement of his education in the common schools, but a year prior to the time when he attained majority he began railroading, on what was then the Indianapolis & St. Louis road, building bridges and culverts. along the line. His next railroad service was in the employ of the Illinois Central, as brakeman on a passenger; the train running from Centralia to Cairo, Illinois, and subsequently he became a brakeman on the Ohio & Mississippi road, running on a freight train. He was with that company for about four years and during the latter part of the time acted as conductor. After severing his connection with the road he traveled over the country to a considerable extent, hoping to benefit his health, which had become impaired. He found in travel and rest the help he needed and after a time went to Scott county, Iowa, where he spent about four years, engaged in farming. In 1872 he came to Crestline and entered the service of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad as brakeman, serving in that capacity until the 11th of October, 1873, when he was promoted to conductor. He has been constantly in that service through the past twenty-eight years, running most of the time on a freight train running between Crestline, Alliance and Allegheny. He is very reliable and painstaking, is courteous and obliging in manner and has won the warm regard of many of the patrons of the road. On the 20th of June, 1872, Mr. Foster was united. in marriage to Miss Mary E. Wertz, a native of Ohio, born in Holmes county, and a daughter of George and Amanda (Myers) Wertz. She was reared and educated in the place of her nativity, and by her marriage has become the mother of one son, yet living, Ira J., who is engaged in the undertaking business in Crestline. Two sons have passed away, Benjamin having died at the age of seven months, while the eldest son, Charles H., died in his twenty-sixth year. He married Josephine Dunlap, of Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and they had one son, Marion H., who is living with his mother in Pennsylvania. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 227 Charles F. was a telegraph operator and at the time of his death was acting as manager of the office at Conway, Pennsylvania. At the time of his demise the following memorial was prepared by the Masonic lodge, of which he was a member : "IN MEMORIAM. "Death, the impartial messenger of the Grand Master, has again entered our ranks. The name of another loved brother has been added to the long roll of our fraternal dead that have their final record in the reports of our committees 'In Memoriam.' "Brother Charles H. Foster, of Arcana Lodge, No. 272, of Ohio, Free and Accepted Masons, died at Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, June 1899, A. L. 5899, at 6:00 P. M., in the twenty-sixth year of his age. Brother Charles H. Foster was born in Crestline, Crawford county, Ohio, August 23, 1873, his father being Brother Frank Foster, of Arcana Lodge, No. 272, Free and Accepted Masons. He was made a Mason in Arcana Lodge, No. 272, Free and Accepted Masons, August 12, 1897. "He was united marriage March 9, 1898, in Crestline, Ohio, to Miss Josephine Dunlap, of Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. Nearly the whole of his life he lived in our midst, with some of our young brothers as a schoolmate, in his youth and young manhood living in friendly intercourse with both old and young, and respected by all, for those native endowments that make a good citizen and brother. As a husband he was kind and affectionate, as only she can know and tell, into whose home entered so early in life, the dark winged angel of death, and carried away the loved half of life, and left sorrow and almost despair in both heart and home. "As a grandson he also exemplifies his character as a son, by his love and considerate kindness for his aged grandmother, Mrs. Prudence Foster, by having his marriage solemnized at the home of his parents, that she might be the honored one among all the guests ; but for this love and considerate kindness, her infirmities of age would have prevented her attendance at the ceremony and would have compelled her as though neglected to live alone by recollection in and with the past, for she had long passed the Psalmist's allotted time of three score years and ten, and for years she had not been able to participate in the affairs of the active present. But recalled from the memories of the past to be the honored guest at the most important event in her grandson's life, was evidence to her aged heart that she had not been forgotten. and that she was not an unwelcome guest, that here was a grandson young and strong who would if necessary care for her. 228 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. "Filial devotion like :that .manifested by our young brother that brings throbs of joy and confidence to the aged heart, bears the impress of a nobility of soul that God alone can bestow and that no outward adornment can typify, and is expressive of a feeling fine as pure gold and for his parents is the highest tribute to his worth as a son as well as a grandson. "As a brother he was devoted to the interests of Masonry : few of his brothers were more faithful in the discharge of their Masonic duties; worthily have warm tears bedewed .his grave; worthily did out brother Masons of Rochester Lodge, No. 229, of Pennsylvania, drop into his grave in our stead the sprig of acacia, that Masonic emblem of sympathy, undying affection and immortality, and with the hope that we, and they, may meet our brother, Charles H. Foster, in the grander halls than those of earth. "Bowing with reverence to the mandate of the Grand Master of the universe, that God whom all Masons must acknowledge, it is appropriate; it is a duty here to place our testimonial to the worth of. our brother, Charles H. Foster, in life and to his memory in death upon the pages of our enduring record : "Therefore be it resolved that in the death of Brother Charles H. Foster, of Arcana Lodge, No. 272, of Ohio Free and Accepted Masons, the parents, our brother Frank Foster and his wife, have lost a devoted son; the wife a kind and affectionate husband, Arcana Lodge, No. 272, Free and Accepted Masons, a just and upright brother. "Resolved, That these resolutions in memoriam of Brother Charles H. Foster be made, a part of the record of this meeting. "Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions under seal of the lodge be presented to Brother Frank Foster and to Mrs. Josephine Foster. "Resolved, That Arcana Lodge, No. 272, of Free and Accepted Masons, tender to Rochester Lodge, No. 229, of Pennsylvania, Free and Accepted Masons, our Masonic thanks for their attention to Brother Charles H. Foster in his illness, and for the faithful discharge of the burial. rites of the Masonic order at his grave. "Resolved, That we extend to his fellow operators the thanks of Arcana Lodge, No. 272, Free and Accepted Masons, for their kind words and floral testimonial to the memory of our deceased Brother, Charles H. Foster. "W. STAHLE, "THOMAS H. B. CLUTTER, "CHARLES REDEKER, "Committee in Memoriam." CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 229 For sixteen years Mr. Foster has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the blue lodge and chapter in the branches at Crestline. For about twenty years he has been a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and in politics he is a Republican in the questions of state and national importance, but at local elections, where no national issue is before the people and the question is merely to select the most capable man to perform the business of the office, he votes independently. As a citizen he is public-spirited and progressive, taking a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. For thirty years he was connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and the record is certainly a creditable one, indicating his prompt fidelity to duty. GARRETT SHARROCK. Garrett Sharrock, a farmer of Bucyrus township, is a well-known citizen of Crawford county and is the eldest son of Joseph Sharrock, one of the pioneers of this county, of whom mention. is made in the personal sketch of Charles A. Sharrock, elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Sharrock was born in Morrow county, Ohio, September 17, 1845, and was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of the county. His choice of a life pursuit resulted in his becoming a farmer and lie has always remained on the old homestead in Bucyrus township. This is a very valuable tract of land, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, and is crossed by the Sandusky river. Just south of his residence is a piece of bottom land, along the bank of the liver, comprising several acres, which Mr. Sharrock arranges to overflow with a dam, rendering it an artificial lake in the spring, and here wild ducks and geese .gather and the sport of duck and geese shooting is brought almost to his door.. This is very agreeable, as it is an amusement of which Mr. Sharrock is very fond, being a good wing shot. Mr. Sharrock is also very fond of other sports, particularly fox-hunting, and owns several valuable dogs for that purpose. His farm is a most hospitable place to visit during the season, and as Mr. Sharrock is, genial and entertaining, his home is often filled with guests. Two years subsequent to his mother's death' Mr. Sharrock married, and after that time his father made his home with him as long as he survived. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Sharrock was Miss Ida May Gahagan, a daughter of John and Catherine (Fagan) Gahagan, pioneer settlers in Todd township, but Mrs. Sharrock was born in Benton, Ohio. One son has been born 230 - CENTENNIAL. BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. to our subject and wife, Leroy G., a popular young man, who is still at home with his parents. Although he has never sought any public office Mr. Sharrock has taken a deep interest in political matters, is an uncompromising Democrat and has considerable party influence in his neighborhood. FRANKLIN ADAMS. Since the year 1837 Franklin Adams has practiced law in Crawford county, and throughout this long period of time he has maintained a foremost position in the legal fraternity, not alone on account of his ability as manifest before court or jury, but also on account of an irreproachable life and marked fidelity to duty. Mr. Adams was born at Alsted, New. Hampshire, on the 16th of November, 1813. His parents were John and Susanna (Morse) Adams. His paternal grandfather, Nathan Adams, was a native of Massachusetts, and a colonial soldier in the American Revolution. In the annals of our country no name has figured more conspicuously and honorably than that of Adams, and our subject belongs to the distinguished family that has furnished two presidents of the United States, while the eloquence of a representative of the name inspired the Declaration of Independence. Materially our subject is descended from another prominent Bay state family, that of Morse. His parents were born in Massachusetts; they lived in New Hampshire; in 1820 removed to New York, thence to Michigan in 1836, and in the last named state both died. They had two sons and four daughters, and of the children our subject was the youngest but one. After attending the 'common schools in early boyhood he ,entered an academy at Middleburg, Wyoming county, New York, and later continued his academic course in Henrietta, Monroe county, New York. In the year 1834, being then twenty-one years of age, he made his way westward, believing that the opportunities were afforded young men in this new but rapidly developing portion of the country. Going to Ashland, Ohio, he made his home there for eighteen months. During that time he took up the study of law, under the direction of Silas Robbins, and later, going to Mansfield, Ohio, continued the study of law under James Purdy, of that city. At the July term of the supreme court of Ohio, held in Bucyrus in 1836, Mr. Adams was admitted to the bar and also licensed to practice by the district court of the United States, held in Columbus in 1839. At Mans- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 233 field Mr. Adams began the practice of law in association with Mr. Purdy, his preceptor, but on the 7th of August, 1837, he came to Bucyrus, and has since remained here, enjoying throughout the intervening years a large clientage. From 1838 to 1845 he held the office of prosecuting attorney. This is the only office ever held by him. He has never sought political preferment. To the practice of the law his undivided time and attention has been given. In politics he has ever been a stanch Democrat. As a lawyer, his has been a general practice, covering the usual variety of litigated interests that make up the docket of nisi-prius courts in a country town. To chancery he has given special attention, especially to the administration of estates. He accomplished much toward settlement of cases outside of the courtroom. He has always advised compromises rather than settlement of difficulties in the courts. In early days it was not unusual for disputants to bring before him their respective grievances for arbitration, and thus he became in the best sense counsel for both parties, and in fact took the part of both counsel and judge. An amiable disposition, unquestioned integrity, unfailing tact, insight into human nature and regard for equity as well as law enabled him to solve hundreds of difficulties and restore the relations of friendship and confidence between then who had become antagonistical over some point and were inclined to ruinous litigation. Always a student, always thorough, and ever exact, Mr. Adams has long held the reputation of being a learned and able lawyer, accurate and exact in his pleadings, alert in trial, logical and convincing in argument. He began his professional career a poor young man, and besides gaining for himself an enviable reputation in the profession he has amassed a desirable competency. Many years ago he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as a charter member of La Salle Lodge, of Bucyrus. JAMES M. GUNDER. In the death of James Madison Gunder, which occurred on the 17th of March, 1901, Crawford county lost one of its valued citizens—one who made the world better for his having lived. Although his life was quietly passed, lie day by day faithfully performed the duties that came to him and in his consideration for others added much to the happiness of existence. Especially was he tender and thoughtful of his family and to them his memory remains as a blessed benediction. 234 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Gunder was born in Marion county, Ohio, December i8, 1841, a son of Abraham and Magdalene (Young) Gunder. They were Pennsylvania Dutch people and removed from the Keystone state to Ohio, locating first in Marion county, whence they afterward went to Wyandot county. The father was a shoemaker by trade, but in this state devoted his energies to farming, and it was upon flle homestead farm that James M. Gunder was reared. He was the seventh in order of birth in a family of nine children, and as the parents were in rather limited financial circumstances the children were early obliged to aid in their own support. He attended the country schools to a limited extent and in later years he read extensively. The knowledge thus gained, added to wide business experience, made him a well informed man, his naturally strong mentality enabling him to acquire a broad fund of information. He was, too, a man of liberal ideas, who carefully considered every subject which came up for thought or settlement and his opinions were, therefore, never formed along narrow lines. At the age of fifteen he left his father's home although he aided in the support of the family until he had attained his majority and even after that made frequent remittances to his parents. He first worked as a farm hand and later began farming and stock-raising on his own account. He first operated on the shares, and prospered until he was able to buy eighty acres on section 24, Dallas township. There he settled soon after his marriage, and as he prospered in his undertakings he purchased additional tracts of land, the first being an adjoining forty acres. About 1889 he bought the forty acres upon which the family residence now stands and to which he then removed, making it his home until he was called to his final rest. Thus at the time of his death he was the owner of a valuable tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres, all of which, with the exception of about five or six acres, he placed under a high state of cultivation. The farm was well improved with good buildings and modern accessories and always indicated the careful supervision of Mr. Gunder, who was neat and thrifty in his farm work and kept everything upon the place in excellent condition. He raised stock, including horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, and also bought and sold stock to a considerable extent. He was a typical farmer, energetic, progressive and capable, and although his health was somewhat impaired for several years prior to his death, he made his farm one of the most attractive and desirable in his part of the county. Mr. Gunder was twice married. He first wedded Miss Emma Harris, who lived for about six years after their marriage and died, leaving two CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 235 children: Cyntha Luemma, who died of consumption when twenty-one years of age; and Blanche, who became the wife of Herbert Shafer, of Wyandot county, Ohio. In 1873 Mr. Gunder married Dora Kyle, whose birth occurred in Mahoning county, Ohio, but who was reared mostly in Crawford county. Unto the second marriage four children were born : Sadie, the. wife of Martin McBeth, of Wyandot county ; James G., Pluma and Lela, at home, the son having the management of the farm. Mr. Gunder took quite an active interest in public affairs and in politics was a stanch Republican, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. For eighteen years, although not for a consecutive period, he served as township. trustee, rendering most acceptable service. In other ways he capably served the public, being ever ready to aid in the adoption of all measures or assisting in the promotion of all movements. calculated to prove of general good. For many years he was a member of the United Brethren church and was an active and consistent Christian. He held office in the church until within a few years of his death, when he resigned on account of his failing strength. He was a kind-hearted man and his domestic tastes led him to find his happiness at his own fireside 1'11 the midst of his family, to whom he left the rich heritage of an untarnished name. LORENZ SCHICK. Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising. city of Crestline than Lorenz Schick. He has been an important factor in business circles and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced• the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags. He is public-spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever-tends to promote the welfare, moral, intellectual and material, of Crestline. Mr. Schick was born in Baden, Germany, December 29, 1833, and there remained until nineteen years of age. He learned the trade of nail-making, entering upon an apprenticeship when a youth of sixteen years, and he has worked in the vineyards and nurseries of his native land. Believing, however, that he might better his financial condition in the new world where opportunities were greater, he bade adieu to the fatherland, and in 1854 he sailed for America. landing in New York on the 15th of August of that year. He was. a passenger on the French vessel Admiral, which lost two hundred and twenty-six of its passengers Within ten days, the cholera breaking out among them.. 236 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. After forty-two days spent upon the broad Atlantic, the harbor of New York was reached and for two weeks they were in quarantine. Mr. Shick was the only one of the family who came to the United States, but was accompanied by four other young men, one of whom died in Philadelphia. Another of the party, Mr. Amelschek, resides in Defiance county, Ohio, and with the exception of our subject is the only survivor of the five. Mr. Schick made his way from New York city to Philadelphia and then to Wilmington, Delaware. In the vicinity of that city he worked as a farm hand and also engaged in buying and selling cattle. In 1856 he came to Ohio, first visiting Crawford county, after which he spent four months as a farm hand in Huron county. On the 20th of December, 1858, he started for California by way of the water route, going by way of Aspinwall and Panama to San Francisco, where he arrived February 2, 1859. For five months he was engaged in coasting along the coast shore of California and South America on two vessels, the Ocean Queen and Don Pedro, both being regular steamers in the coasting service. He did this for the benefit of his health, worked on the decks in order 'to pay his board and received no other compensation for his services. He remained for six years on the Pacific coast as a miner and in 1864 he went north as far as Vancouver land, on a coasting vessel. He also sailed through the gulf of Mexico and was in the gulf stream. Although his voyages were accomplished in all kinds of weather he can claim the novel experience of never having been seasick, although he was in many hard storms and gales. He was shipwrecked at Vancouver Island and the vessel on which he sailed was lost, but all on board were saved. He was also on the Golden Age when she broke her shaft in the Pacific ocean. They were then two and a half days from San Francisco, but it took seven days to return to the harbor. They went back with only one wheel and finis their progress was greatly retarded. He made the trip back from Aspinwall to New York city on the steamer Ocean Queen in six and a half days, the quickest trip ever made by the vessel. He then, in June, 1865, embarked for Germany to visit his old home, friends and relatives. In 1866 Mr. Schick again came to the United States and in the autumn of that year located in Richland county, Ohio, where he gave his attention to farming. In 1872 he came to Crestline and established a provision store, which lie has since conducted, being very successful in that work. He carries a large and well selected stock of groceries and provisions and enjoys a large and constantly growing trade, which brings to him an excellent income, but his labors have by no means been confined to one line. He is a man of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 237 resourceful business ability, is enterprising and energetic, and has been connected with various industries and business concerns that have proven of value. to the community as well as a benefit to the stockholders. He is one of the directors of the Schill Furnace & Range Company, and is a stockholder in the Burch Plow Works. In Richland county, Ohio, in 1866 Mr. Schick was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Horning, a native of Germany, who was brought to this country when three years of age. They are now the parents of five children,. two sons and three daughters : Emily, Ellis, Joseph, Charles and Minnie, all of whom are residents of Crestline. In his. political affiliations Mr. Schick is a Democrat, having always supported the party since becoming an American citizen. He takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the county and has served as a member of the city council for one term. He withholds his support from no measure or movement which he believes. will promote the general good, and he is a prominent member of the Catholic church. He is a man of broad capacity as his varied and extensive business. interests indicate. He is at all times .approachable and patiently listens to whatever others have to say, is courteous and at all times is true to the best interests of his friends. He cares not for notoriety nor is there about him the least shadow of mock modesty. His life has been a varied, interesting and. eventful one. Starting out for himself at an• early age without capital he has to-day gained a place among the affluent citizens of his adopted country, and. moreover he enjoys the thorough respect, confidence and highest esteem of his business associates. SMITH C. CALDWELL. Throughout his entire life Smith C. Caldwell has resided in Crawford county and has always followed farming. His birth occurred in Bucyrus township, March 17, 1856, his parents being Alexander J. and Harriet (Chambers) Caldwell. The Caldwell family is well known in this county and its representatives through many years have been prominent in connection with its agricultural interests and in promoting.its progress and welfare along many lines. His grandparents, Samuel S. and Margaret E. (Mickle) Caldwell, emigrated to Ohio in 1835, taking up their abode in this locality. The former was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in May, 1804, and in the fall of 1835 he came with his family to Crawford county, settling on the plains south of Bucyrus. There he purchased two hundred acres of land and carried on agri- 238 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. cultural pursuits until 1856, when he removed to Bucyrus. For many years he served as justice of the peace and notary public and in the former office he discharged his duties with marked impartiality, his dicisions being noted for their extreme fairness. In 1844 he was elected to the legislature and faithfully served his constituency in the forty-third general assembly, during which time he used his influence to have the county seat retained at Bucyrus. His wife survived him for many years and reached a very advanced age. Their son, Alexander J. Caldwell, the father of our subject, is one of the oldest anand mostavorably known citizens in Crawford county. He was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, August 27, 1828, and remained in his parents' home until twenty-three years of age. His education was acquired in a log schoolhouse such as was common at that day and he experienced the usual hardships and trials of pioneer life. He was married May 25, 1853, to Miss Harriet Chambers, a daughter of Andrew and Isabella (Marshall) Chambers. She was born in Richland county, Ohio, July 14, 1830, and by her marriage became the mother of seven children : Thomas J., a farmer of Bucyrus township, who married Mary Wentz, a daughter of John Wentz ; Smith C., of this review; Edward C., a farmer of Whetstone township; Mina B., who died in 1897, at the age of thirty-four years; Hattie; Mary; and Francis Marion, a farmer of Bucyrus township. The duties and labors of the home farm early became familiar to Smith C. Caldwell, who worked in the fields and meadows as occasion required, while in the winter months he attended the public schools of the neighborhood. He has always followed farming and when he began work on his own account he was well qualified for his . uties by previous practical experience. He continued his work in connection with his father until twenty-nine years of age, and for two years after his marriage he rented land, which he operated until 1888, when he removed to his present farm of one hundred and ninety acres, on section 35, Bucyrus township. His fields are highly cultivated and yield a golden tribute in return for the care and labor bestowed upon them. In fact he has a model farm, complete in all particulars. He raises considerable stock, especially sheep and hogs, and also buys and sells large numbers of these animals each year. As he is an excellent judge of stock he .is thus enabled to make judicious investments from which he realizes a handsome profit. In 1895 he erected a neat frame residence and the following year a good barn. Fences, buildings, fields and stock all indicate his careful supervision and indicate him to be a progressive, enterprising agriculturist. In 1886 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Caldwell and Miss Harriet J. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 239 Warner, a daughter of Robert K. Warner, and in the community they have many friends. In politics Mr. Caldwell is a Republican, and in religious belief lie and his wife are Presbyterians, holding membership in the church of that denomination in Bucyrus. His business principles are commendable, his fidelity to duty unquestioned, and thereby he is accounted one of the representative and valued citizens of his native county. E. P. DAVIS. E. P. Davis is an important factor in the business circles of Crestline, being actively identified with the commercial interests of the city as a member of the firm of E. P. & L. R. Davis, dealers .in dry goods. He is one of the native sons of the city, his birth having occurred here on the 22d of January, 1856. His father, James P. Davis, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1824, and came to Crawford county about 183o with his parents. The grandfather, John Davis, settled on a farm near Dekalb and there resided until his death. Upon the old homestead there James P. Davis was reared between the ages of six and nineteen years. At the latter date he left home, and not desiring to make farming his life work he went to Shelby, Ohio, where he secured a clerkship in a store. Later he came to Crestline and entered the employ of the Big Four Railroad Company, being the first agent of that road in this place. He held the position for four years, covering the period of the Civil war. He was also employed by the state to manage affairs connected with the transportation of soldiers through Ohio. In 1863 he engaged in the dry goods business, which he continued until his death, in August, 1894. Throughout that long period he was actively associated with the mercantile interests of Crestline and won a high measure of success, his trade continually increasing as the people recognized his honorable business methods. In his political views lie was a Republican, unswerving in his advocacy of the principles of the party. In early manhood he married Catherine Mickey, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and came to Richland county, Ohio, in her girlhood with her parents, the family locating upon a farm near Spring Mills, where Mrs. Davis was reared and educated. She survived her husband about one year, passing away in 1895. They became the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living, as follows : W. E., who is train master of the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company, located at Fort Wayne, Indiana; E. P., of this review ; George P., who is a yard conductor in the employ of the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago road ; Lillie M., 240 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. wife of J. P. Vining, of Seabreeze, Florida, where he is engaged in the hotel business ; L. R., who is traveling salesman for a wholesale house and is also a partner in the dry goods business in Crestline; and G. A., who is acting as a traveling salesman for a Cleveland house. E. P. Davis, the second son of this family, was reared in Crestline until nineteen years of age and during that period acquired a good English education. He then went to Columbus, and was in the employ of the Big Four Railroad Company from 1876 until 1882, acting as clerk for four years, while for two years he was thief clerk in the general freight office. On the expiration of this period he removed to Chicago as an employe of the Trunk Line Association, occupying a clerical position, but latr that association was merged into the Central Traffic Association, of which Mr. Davis became chief clerk in the statistical department when the new company was organized. Subsequently he was transferred to the joint-rate inspection bureau and was traveling inspector for two years, from 1889 until 1891, traveling from the Missouri river to the Atlantic seaboard. He next entered the employ of the Inter-state Commerce Commission as special agent, his duties being to look after the maintenance of railway rates; at this time he was elected in the United States attorney's office in Chicago, acting in that capacity for about a year. After long years of connection with the railway service, in which he won promotion from time to time with increasing salary as well as increasing duties and responsibilities, he at length determined to abandon that department of business activity and embark in merchandising on his own account. Accordingly he came to Crestline and entered into partnership with his brother, L. R. Davis, and opened a large and well appointed dry goods store. They carry a large and well selected stock of goods and their honorable business methods and courteous treatment of their patrons have secured to them a liberal and well merited patronage. In his political views Mr. Davis is a Republican. His advancement in business life has resulted entirely from merit and individual worth and as the result of his well directed efforts. He now has a handsome competence. ALBERT HAWORTH. The life of him whose name initiates this review represents a career which is interesting and instructive. Integrity, activity and energy have been the dominant elements, while superadded to these have been manifest CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 242 those sterling attributes of -character, integrity, fidelity, honor and kindliness which gain to a man the confidence and. good will of his fellowmen. The unostentatious routine of private life, although of vast importance to the welfare of the community, has not figured to any great extent in the pages of history, but the names of those men who have distinguished themselves by the possession of those qualities which contribute to the success of private life are most worthy of being held in high estimation. Mr. Haworth is a business. man of the distinctive type—alert, broadminded and duly aggressive—is one who has a capacity for affairs of great breadth, a discriminating financier and a. promoter of public good through the avenues of legitimate enterprises: His. prominence in political circles and his position as one of the honored representative citizens of Crawford county render most consonant this review of his: life. A native of the world's metropolis—London, England—Albert Haworth was born March 22, 1848, and with his parents came to America when a small boy, the family locating in Providence, Rhode Island. At the time of the Civil war Benjamin Haworth, the father, enlisted in the Sixth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and remained at the front until after the stars and stripes were planted in the southern confederacy. His regiment was the one that was mobbed in Baltimore while en route to Washington, a fact that aroused the country as nothing else had done and fired the loyalty of the north so that hundreds and thousands responded quickly to the president's call for aid. At the age of twelve years Albert Haworth became a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, where he entered the service of L. G. Russell in the Depot Hotel as. office boy, and there he remained until 1865, when he came with Mr. Russell to Crestline, where Mr. Russell opened the Continental Hotel. For many years Mr. Haworth was in the employ of Mr. Russell and rose steadily step by step through various positions until he became manager not only of the entire business interests of Mr. Russell but of the firm of which the latter was. a member. In this connection Mat Haworth had the control of the large. business of the Continental and Gibson hotels of Crestline. At one time the firm owned the largest hotel interests in Ohio, Mr. Haworth acting as manager of the business. He was also superintendent of the dining cars of the-Big Four Railroad Company, owned by L. G. Russell & Company. He also became owner of the Central Hotel of Crestline which he conducted until 1897, when he retired and enjoyed one year's rest from the arduous duties of business life. A local publication said : "By reason of adverse circus- 13 242 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. stances, Mr. Haworth had little opportunity to attend school, but by dint of hard work over 'midnight oil' and private instructions, he has attained a thorough knowledge of the practical part of an education. Mr. Haworth has borne a leading part in social, business and political events of Crestline. If there is one thing more conspicuous than another in his make up, it is that of tireless energy, and an unrest until the task given him is completed. This element of his nature has made him indispensable to his employers, and brought him a reputation for capacity and willingness that placed him in the forefront of affairs." In the year 1871 Mr. Haworth was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena McCuthin, and they now have one son and one daughter. The former, William J., is a graduate of Kenyon College, and is now a draftsman residing in Cleveland, Ohio. The daughter, Effie A., is at home with her parents. Mr. Haworth is one of the most prominent representatives of the Knights of Pythias fraternity of Crestline, and also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to the Ohio Brigade, serving on the staff of General Thomas W. Minshull. In politics he has ever been a stanch Republican, unswerving in his allegiance to the party, and its principles. He has labored unselfishly for the good of the republic without hope or desire of official reward, but in 1898 there came to him._ in recognition of his ability and labor the appointment to the office of postmaster of Crestline, the appointment being made by President McKinley on the 22d of March, 1898, coming to Mr. Haworth on his fiftieth birthday. While conducting the hotel business he had many times performed some service in the line of his chosen vocation for the president. The Crestline postoffice has the cleanest record of any in the state since Mr. Haworth took charge, there having never been an error made by the head of the office or by one of its clerks. They dispense over one hundred and thirty thousand dollars in wages to railway and postal clerks and to others in the various departments of the business, and since our subject assumed the duties of the office no mistake has ever been registered against him. He will undoubtedly be commended for the position during President McKinley's second term as he has the confidence and highest regard of the business men and general public. He is a very popular man owing to his unfailing courtesy, genial disposition and kindly temperament, combined with unquestioned honesty and fairness in all business transactions. He certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in life, which illustrates the possibilities that lie before young men in the land of the free. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 243 CHARLES A. SHARROCK. At the time when the colonists were engaged in a struggle for independence with the mother country, the Sharrock family was founded in America by the great-grandfather of him whose name introduces this review. He was a native of England and came to America as a British soldier, but becoming convinced of the justice of the cause of the colonists he deserted the English army and joined the American troops, whom he assisted until war was ended and the republic was established. He afterward took up his abode in New York, where he spent his remaining days. His. son, Benjamin Shar-rock, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the Empire state and fought for the American cause in the ,,second war with England. He had become one of the pioneer settlers of Guernsey county, Ohio, and from there entered the service for the war of 1812. After the cessation of hostilities he made the third settlement in Morrow county, Ohio, and there he operated a water-power gristmill for a number of years. He continued a resident of that county until called to his final rest. He met death in a tragic way. Robbers effected an entrance into his house and not only took from him six thousand dollars, but also broke his back and he died soon afterward in great agony, when one hundred and four years. of age. Joseph Woodward Sharrock, the father of our subject, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1814, when his father was engaged in the military services of his country in the second war with England. Amid the wild frontier scenes and environments the son was reared and after acquiring a good English education he devoted his attention to farming, which he made his life work. In 1851 he came to Bucyrus township, Crawford county, where he made his home for more than forty years, his death here occurring on the 26th of October, 1893, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-nine years. He was a successful farmer and business man, ever worthy of trust and confidence. In his habits he was very temperate and though he was not a church member, his life was in conformity to the basic principles of Christianity, for he lived an honorable, upright life, never used profanity and was kind, considerate and just. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Woodside. She passed away eleven years prior to the death of her husband, being called to the home beyond at the age of sixty-five. They were the parents of six sons, but had no daughters. Of the family Gardner was accidentally shot when twenty-nine years of age, while the others, Garrett, Charles A., Oscar K., Benjamin F. and James J., are still living. 244 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. On the home farm Charles A. Sharrock was reared, and no event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him. He remained with his parents until twenty-three years of age and then established a home of his own. He wedded Mary A. Stineman in 187o, a daughter of William and Susan Stineman, of Crawford county, and their union has been blessed with two thildren: Alvertis D., who married Emma Mullenkopf ; and Minnie A., the wife of Tira E. Ditty. Both the son and son-in-law are farmers of Bucyrus township. After his marriage Mr. Sharrock began farming on the old Stineman homestead, where he remained until 1882, when he came to his present farm. Here he owns two hundred and forty acres of land and altogether he has about four hundred acres in Bucyrus township. Upon his place he has a fine barn, one hundred by forty feet, with thirty-foot posts and a basement. This was built in 1892 and in 1897 he built another good barn. In 1900 he erected his present palatial residence, which is built of brick, contains twelve rooms and is supplied with all modern conveniences and is very tastefully furnished. It is one of the most imposing country homes in the county and stands as a monument to the enterprise and industry of the owner. In politics Mr. Sharrock is a Democrat and in 1900 he served as land appraiser. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Honor. In 1876 he visited the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, and in 1893 the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and at other times he has traveled quite extensively over the country, gaining that knowledge and culture which only travel can bring. He is a citizen of worth, highly esteemed by all who know him, and in this volume lie well deserves representation. CAPTAIN J. G. BARNEY. Captain J. G. Barney, who is engaged in real estate and insurance business in Crestline, is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred there in Wayne county, on the 6th of October, 1833. His father, Moses Barney, was born in Herkimer county, New York, and was a son of William Barney, who served as a private soldier in the Revolutionary war. He also engaged in military service under General Sullivan, which resulted in the expulsion of the Indians from the Empire state. He was a brave and loyal soldier in both wars. The Barney family is of Welsh lineage and was founded in America by the great-grandfather of our subject, who, when a young man, crossed the Atlantic to the new world and took up his abode in Vermont, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 245 whence the two sons removed to New York. The father of our subject was reared in the county of his nativity and followed the occupation of farming there until his removal to Wayne county, where he devoted his energies to the same pursuit. He served as a non-commissioned officer in the war of 1812, and died April io, 1838. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Matilda Powers, was a native of Herkimer county, New York, and in her girlhood removed to Wayne county. Her father, William Powers, was also a native of the Empire state, but was of Irish descent. Mrs. Barney was left a widow with five children, the eldest being then only fifteen years of age, and the youngest, the subject of this sketch, being a little lad of five and a half years. He remained with his mother until his marriage and was reared upon the old home farm. After his marriage Captain Barney took up his abode in Wayne county, New York, where lie lived until 1859, when he came to Richland county, Ohio, and engaged in the produce business in Butler until 1864. In that year lie responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he was promoted to orderly, then to sergeant major and later was made second lieutenant and first lieutenant. He was likewise commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, at Macon, Georgia, where lie served until January 26, 1866, having charge of refugees seized and abandoned' land, freedmen's churches and schools. At that place he was in command of Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Regiment of the Ohio Volunteers. On receiving an honorable discharge Captain Barney returned to his home in Richland county, Ohio, where he remained until 1868, when he came to Crestline, where he engaged in merchandising, carrying on business with success until 1875, when he sold out and turned his attention to the real estate and insurance business. The latter line proved to him profitable and he has .done a large and constantly growing business. In 1895 he extended his field of operations by becoming connected with the Building & Loan Association, of which he was secretary and agent. Captain Barney was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth L. Clemens, a native of New York, where their marriage was celebrated. They became the parents of one daughter, Emma E., who is now the wife of Dr. W. P. Bennett. Mrs. Barney is a graduate of the Normal school, of Albany, New York, and holds a life certificate as a teacher in that state. She followed the profession for some years in New York and through a considerable period was principal of the schools of Clyde, Wayne county, New York. A most 246 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. worthy, cultured and refined lady, she presides in a most gracious and hospitable manner over their pleasant home and her influence in social circles has been marked and beneficial. The family is one of prominence in the community and the hospitality of the best homes is extended to them. The Captain is very prominent in military circles and he is now commander of Snyder Post, No. 129, G. A. R., of Ohio, has taken an active part in its work and has filled all the offices in the order. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, with which he has been identified forty-five years, and is serving as one of its elders. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having supported the party since its organization. He served as postmaster in General Harrison's administration, and while residing in Belleville he served for six years as justice of the peace and also filled the honorable position of mayor of that town. He has ever taken an active interest in public affairs, supporting all movements and measures which he believes to be for the general good. He was president of the Crestline board of education and was one of its members through a long period. By reason of his connection with the Freedmen's Bureau he served as superintendent of the schools of Macon, Georgia, while at 'that place, succeeding General Wild, of Maine, to the position. Captain Barney has led an active, useful and honorable life and whether in public office, upon the field of battle, in his place of business or in his home he has ever been found as a true, upright and honorable gentleman, worthy of the genuine regard of his fellow men. JOSEPH H. BEARD. Joseph Hirani Beard, who is now living .retired in Bucyrus, has for many years been identified with the movements and measures which have contributed to advancement along agricultural lines, and has ever been a citizen of value, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the general good. He was born on a farm four miles east of Hagerstown, Maryland, May 3, 1830, a son of John and Susan (Sager) Beard. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to Nicholas Beard; the great-grandfather of our subject, who came from Germany to the new world and located in Maryland, near the present site of Beard's graveyard, in Washington county. In the same locality stands a chapel, which is known as Beard's church. He had four sons, of whom Andrew, the eldest, had three children—George, Mary, the wife of Jacob Beachtel, and Margaret, the wife of Nicholas Beard. Philip Beard, the second son, became the grandfather CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 247 of our subject. Nicholas, the third son, had three children,—Nicholas, George and Samuel ; Catherine, the wife of Andrew Noerr, of Washington, D. C.; and Sarah, who married Samuel Rice. George Beard, the fourth son, had four children : George; Jacob; Mary, who became the wife of Andrew Steffy; and Laah, wife of Andrew Newcomber. The daughters of Nicholas Beard, the original member of the family in America, were : Magdalene, who became Mrs. Mautzer ; Margaret, who married Jacob Martin; and Elizabeth, the wife of William Haus. The father of this family became a resident of Baltimore when it was but a village in the colonial epoch of our country's history. Philip Beard, the grandfather of our subject, was born on the old family homestead in Maryland, where Joseph's birth occurred, and died there. He made farming his life work. He married a Miss Haus and had three children; John; Magdalene, the wife of Joseph Fiery; and Elizabeth, who married Samuel Lyday. The first named was the father of our subject, and his birth occurred in the old family home where his son Joseph first opened his eves to the light of day. There he was reared to agricultural pursuits, and when he had attained his majority he married Susan Sager. Two of their children died: in infancy, while the others were: Ellen, now deceased; Martha, who is living in North Baltimore, Ohio; Joseph H. Philip A., a resident of Bucyrus township; John F., who is living in Tiffin, Ohio; and Amanda, deceased. In 1852 the parents left Maryland, removing to Seneca county, Ohio, their new home being near Tiffin, where they spent their remaining days. The father died in 1867, at the age of sixty-three years; and the mother passed away in 1897, when about ninety-three years of age. Upon a farm in Maryland Mr. Beard of this review spent his youth, and during that time acquired a limited common-school education. He remained at home until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on Christmas of 1858, the lady of his choice being Miss Catherine A. Nusbaum, a daughter of David and Rebecca (Gedultig) Nusbaum, both of whom were natives of Frederick county, Maryland, and were of German descent. In 1851 they removed to Seneca county, Ohio, and there the father died in 1875, at the age of seventy-two years, while the mother departed this life in 1861, when nearly fifty-six years of age. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Beard began their domestic life upon a farm near Tiffin and there remained until the spring of 1865 when they came to Crawford county, and took up their abode on their present farm on 248 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. section 10, Bucyrus township. Mr. Beard started out upon his business career empty handed; but by indomitable perseverance and unfaltering energy was enabled to gain a start and work his way upward. On coming to this county he purchased sixty-five acres of land and now owns two hundred acres. In 1873 he erected a good frame residence and has made other desirable and modern improvements Which add to the value and attractive appearance of the place. There Mr. Beard carried on farming until 1901, when he retired to private life and removed to Bucyrus. For many years he has also been engaged in the insurance business. In 1875 he was one of the organizers of the Crawford County Mutual Insurance Company, and was its first adjuster of losses, filling that position for, twenty-two years, since which time he has represented the company as agent. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Beard has been blessed with six children: Celia Viola, who married John Beckett, of Columbus; Della Helen, who died -in infancy ; Joseph Lewis, who married Electa Denzer and is a farmer of Bucyrus township ; Anna Della and Ralph H., .at home; and Mabel Gertrude, the wife of Fred Wise, of Bucyrus. In his political views Mr. Beard is a stalwart Republican, but had never aspired to office. He and his wife and family are members of St. Paul's English Lutheran church. He has done much to benefit the county, especially in agricultural circles. He is a member of the Grange and has been a promoter and supporter of the farmers' institutes of the county for more than twenty years, while for thirty-five years he has labored earnestly to advance the interests of the Agricultural Society, of which he has served as a director and vice-president. He is also a member of the Pioneer Association, and at all times has heartily co-operated in every movement which he believed would prove of general benefit. JAMES McKINSTRY. James McKinstry is the oldest living resident of Bucyrus, for he has reached the ninetieth milestone on life's journey. His has been a useful and active career, in which there is much worthy of emulation and little to regret, and now in the evening of life he receives the veneration and respect of all who know him ; and while he has outlived the friends of his early manhood he yet has many warm friends and admirers among the younger generation. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 18, 1811, and is of Irish lineage and descended from goad old Revolutionary