CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 251 stock. His paternal grandfather, Nathaniel McKinstry, was a native of Ireland, and on coming to America located in Pennsylvania, dying in Franklin county at a good old age. He served his adopted country in the war of the Revolution, being most of the time engaged in the powder mills. His son, John McKinstry, the father of our subject, was born in Belfast, county Antrim, Ireland, and when a little lad Of three summers was brought by his parents to the new world, their first home being in Philadelphia, whence they afterward removed to Franklin county. He. was there married to Miss Mary Patton, a native of Loudon, Franklin county, and a daughter of James Patton, who was born in South Carolina and served throughout the war for independence, being in the command of General Washington. He then served in the capacity of captain and did valiant service for the cause of liberty. . He was of English origin, and his ancestors came to this country some time before the Revolution. The parents of our. subject were married in .Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and then located upon a farm there; but subsequently removed to Washington county, that state, and in 1833 came to Ohio, settling upon a farm in Marion county. Mr. McKinstry was a Jackson Democrat in early life, afterward became a Whig, and later was identified with the Republican party. He held membership in the Presbyterian church and took an active interest in its work. He died in Marion county, in his ninetieth yeas/ and his wife passed away in the same locality in her sixty-seventh year. They were the parents of seven children, three sons and four daughters, bf whom one died at the age of five years, while the others reached adult age. Only three are now living, namely : Thomas, of Pekin, Illinois, who is now more than eighty-seven years of age; Mrs. Rebecca Hayes, of Marion county, Ohio; and James. The last named was the oldest son and the third child of the family, and was twenty-two years of age when he accompanied his parents to, Ohio. He had acquired his education in an old log schoolhouse in his native county, where school was conducted on the subscription plan. He attended only through the winter season, while in the summer months he worked upon the farm. He also engaged in teaming, driving a five-horse team, in hauling goods from Wheeling to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; there were no railroads or canals in those days. After coming to Ohio he assisted in clearing and improving the farm in Marion county through several years. He became a Well known and influential citizen of the community, and in 1840 was the Whig candidate for sheriff, lacking arty a few votes of winning the election. In 1842 Mr. McKinstry was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Gar- 252 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. berson, a native of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and of German lineage. Colonel Crawford, who was burned at the stake, was her great uncle. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McKinstry located upon a farm in Marion .county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He made a specialty of sheep, keeping on hand about a thousand head. During the last two years' of the war he also had about four thousand sheep in Illinois. He owned six hundred acres of land, constituting one of the largest farms in Marion county. In 1863 he rented his property and came to Bucyrus, purchasing the residence in which he still lives. About 1871 he sold his farm in Marion county and was afterward engaged in various lines of business. He conducted a grocery store and was quite extensively engaged in the purchase and sale of horses, buying them in Canada and shipping them to Ohio. At length, after a long and useful business career, in which he won a handsome competence, he retired to private life, and is now living in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former labor. The home of Mr. and Mrs. McKinstry was blessed with ten children, namely : One who died in infancy; John Calvin, who died at the age of six years; William Thomas, a farmer of Bucyrus township; Mary E., who is the widow of John R. Miller, who resides with her father; Ann Maria, deceased; Frances Marion, who has passed away; Amanda, the wife of Theodore Shotwell of Detroit, Michigan; James Briggs, deceased; Mathew, of Kansas City; and Joseph, who also has passed away. In .1890 Mr. McKinstry was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died at the age of sixty-eight years. He cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson in 1832, supported Henry .Clay in 1836 and in 1840 voted for William Henry Harrison, being an advocate of the Whig party until the organization of the Republican party, when he joined its ranks, becoming one of its stalwart supporters. He has also held various church offices. He aided in the organization of the church at Caledonia and was one of the building committee having charge of the erection of the house of worship. He also assisted in the repairing of the Bucyrus church, and he has contributed liberally to the support of Christian work, doing all in his power to advance the cause among his fellow men. He also has a military record, for in 1839 and 1840 he was first lieutenant of a cavalry company of Marion county. When he resigned he was succeeded by a Mr. Shaw, who was promoted to the rank of colonel and was killed at the battle of Winchester. The company was the only one of the kind in Marion county, and only two of its members are yet living--James Kerr, of Marion county, and Mr. Mc- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 253 Kinstry. The life record of our subject forms the connecting link between the primitive past of Ohio and the progressive present. He has been identified with the progress and development of the state for almost three-score years, and now in the evening of life he has the friendship and veneration which he so richly merits. JOHN R. MILLER. John R. Miller, deceased, was born in Londondary, England, November 13, 1839, and when a boy of five years was brought to America by his parents, Joseph and Sarah (Henry) Miller,. who settled in Stratford, Canada, where their son grew to manhood and was educated. When about thirty years of age he came to the United States. He first located in Attica, Seneca county, Ohio, where he followed his trade, that of carpenter. In the year 1874 he married Mary E., the daughter .of James McKinstry, whose sketch is just given. He became a permanent citizen of Bucyrus about 1876, and followed his trade here at first, big at the time of his death he was engaged in the sawmill business. His death occurred August 27, 1884, being killed by a bull he was leading in the. barn-yard_ of his father-in-law-, the bull goring him to death! Unto his marriage were born, four children, viz.: Carrie Gertrude, James William, Sarah and John Robert. He . followed contracting and building with success for several years in Bucyrus, and was a well respected citizen of the place. DAN BABST, JR., The ancestors of Dan Babst, Jr., canes from Alsace-Lorraine, a province of France, known in history from the time of Henry I, of Germany (Der Bogler, 876-936). By the treaty of Ryswick, in 1697, Strasburg and the territory surrounding it in Alsace were indefinitely ceded to France: This was during the reign of Louis XIV, of France, who on his deathbed made the confession: "I loved war too much." He had loved it madly and exclusively, but this fatal passion which had corrupted and ruined France did not remain fruitless. To all people within the bounds of civilization inured the benefits of the enormous crimes of the repeal of the Edict of Nantes and the fusilade of 1792. From these crimes against humanity arose those emigrations which brought father Daniel Babst, and the Yost family, as also many other 254 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. thousands of the truest and bravest children of France to the United States. In this later period, 1832, Daniel Babsr and the Yost family, crossed the Atlantic to the new world. The former remained in New York for two years and then in 1834 removed to Kindel, Stark county, and later, to Canal Fulton in the same county, where he became acquainted with Miss Margaret Yost, also from the German-French Rhine, and they were married May 10, 1841. In Alsatia the families Babst and Yost had enjoyed special note and they lost nothing of this characteristic by emigration. Dan Babst, Jr., The subject of this sketch, was born in Canal Fulton, Tuesday, October 19, 1847. In 1852 the family removed to Crestline, Crawford county, Ohio. Here the son passed his youth and in the public schools of that day received his primary education. From 1864 until 1867 he was a student in Oberlin, Ohio. He then left college and began the study of law under the instruction of 'Nathan Jones, Esquire, of Crestline, Ohio. He pursued his chosen line of work until 1872 when after examination he received his diploma admitting him to practice and from that time to the present, with the exception of one year, he has been engaged in the general practice of law. As city solicitor he served from 1877 until 1879 and then resigned to accept the appointment as mayor of the city, tendered him by the common council. From 1878 until 1885 he occupied the position of chief executive Of the city. In 1884 he was the candidate on the Republican ticket to congress, really scoring a victory against his opponent, who won but by a majority so greatly decreased that victory was only a name to cover defeat, and This is the thirteenth congressional district, which is one of the Democratic strongholds of Ohio. But public business or political honors, however attractive they may have seemed to him, have never serious won Mr. Babst's attention from his chosen profession. This under all circumstances and all temptations has claimed his most serious thought and most earnest efforts. As a citizen Mr. Babst has always taken a personal and active part in the local affairs of his home city and county. His vigor and sound judgment have been specially felt in the educational work of the city. He served for ten years on the school board and on the board of examiners of the city of Crestline, thus devoting to this most important of public interests the benefit of his professional acquirement and his careful literary training. In county affairs he has constantly and fearlessly supported such men and measures as tend to promote public welfare. In all enterprises of a public nature he has always taken a prominent part. He was largely interested in the fine system of public roads surrounding CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 255 Crestline, and for this and more, which it is needless to mention, Crestline is a large debtor to Dan Babst, Jr. His education is liberal and broad, based upon the old-fashioned college plan. When he laid down the text-books of the college course to take up those. that belonged to his profession, it was not to neglect them, as is at present so often the case. His happiest hours are now, and doubtless always have been, those spent in the restful quiet of his large and valuable literary library —"swapping thought with the Good and Great of all Time" on even terms. His political opinions, as must be the case with every honest man, are based. upon his convictions of right, partake of and are permeated through and through by the loyal fiber of his character. Associating on terms of friendly intercourse with the leading state and national politicians of his party, and. when state and national politics attract public attention, campaigning with them, he has never been swayed from his sense of right, nor lost his native. independence of character. In address Mr. Babst is frank, fearless and manly; in manner, plain, systematic and practical ; in argument, cogent and convincing; in matter, safe, solid and substantial ; his aim being always to convince men's minds rather than to rouse their passions or excite their prejudice. As a debater he is ready with his material, exact and accurate in his statement. On questions of law he is clear, discriminating and forcible, and what few possess, he has in a singular degree,—the power of condensation and separation of facts and their application to principle. For many years Mr. Babst was a member of the Republican state executive committee and has usually represented his party in the various state conventions. In 1887 he was a candidate before the Republican state convention for attorney general. In 1896, chiefly because of the money question, he withdrew from the Republican party and has since :actively identified himself with the Democratic cause.. Mr. Babst was one of the counsel for the regular Masonic lodge in its prolonged litigations through all the courts with the Cerneau bodies, in which: the regular Masons were successful. He is a Freemason himself and therefore, perhaps, felt more vitally interested in the result of the litigation. He is past commander of Mansfield Commandery, K. T., and is a member of Alkoran Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His views of religion are broad and. liberal and he is a generous contributor to all church and charitable work. Mr. Babst displays at the bar the same clearness of statement and the same eloquence of diction, wit, sarcasm and invective that has distinguished him upon the stump. As an advocate he guards with honorable jealousy the rights and. privileges of his profession. In the presence of the court and bar he is always: 256 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. dignified and courteous, brief in address, speaking to the point, and when that is reached resting his case. In argument he is not prolix, is careful in citation of authority and concentrates all his energies upon the points vital to his case. In business he is honorable, liberal and generous to a fault, while deserving need always finds in him a friend. In personal intercourse he is kind, courteous and winnings and these are qualities which are thoroughly appreciated by his wide circle of friends, who enjoy the kindly companionship of his pleasant home, with its genial intercourse, its generous and thoughtful hospitality. Mr. Babst has been twice married. In 1872 he wedded Miss Alice E. Martin, and to them were born two children : Lora M. and Carl M. Mrs. Babst died in 1878 and in 1882 he married Miss Luella Carlisle. By this marriage there were two children—Clara Eleanor and Guy Mannering. The daughters are now students in college; Carl is an attorney ; and Guy is at home—a pupil in the schools of Crestline. ALBERT SHEIBLEY. Albert Sheibley is practically living retired in New Washington, but for many years was one of the most progressive, enterprising and prosperous representatives of the agricultural interests of Crawford county, and his life illustrates most forcibly the advantages which America offers to her citizens and which have proved a strong inducement to native citizens of foreign lands in bringing them to the shores of the new world. Mr. Sheibley is one of the residents of Crawford county that Germany has furnished to Ohio. He was born in Bremgarten, Baden, on the 6th of April, 1837, and is a son of John B. and Mary Magdalena (Link) Sheibley. The father was called by his friends John the Baptist. This worthy couple were the parents of eight children, but only two of the number are yet living, the sister of our subject being Teresa, widow of Peter Fox, of Milan, Erie county, Ohio. The father was born in Baden, Germany, in January, i800, and was an only child. He was reared in the place of his nativity, learning the tailor's trade, and was there married. He also resided in Baden until 1845, devoting his attention to tailoring and farming. He belonged to the middle class of people, not being rated as wealthy, yet, being in comfortable circumstances. On the 6th of March, 1845, he sailed for America with his family, embarking at Havre de Grace on a former war vessel, the St. Nicholas. They reached New York City after thirty-six days and the vessel was there condemned, so that they made the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 257 journey on her last trip. On reaching the eastern metropolis the Sheibley family proceeded by canal to Buffalo, thence by lake to Huron and from that point to Milan by way of the canal, and from Milan they continued the trip by wagon to Galion, where the father located his family. He then began the search for a suitable home farm, and after three months purchased a tract of land of forty acres in Vernon township, in that portion which was a part of Richland county, but is now in Crawford county. To the new home he removed his family, the farm having been improved with a hewed-log house and a round-log cabin. There was also a good orchard and ten acres of land had been cleared. There Mr. Sheibley remained for more than seven years, and during that period completed the task of clearing the land and placing it under cultivation. He was the first man to introduce artificial drainage, cutting a ditch through his own land and through that of a neighbor in order to get an outlet for his ditch. After a number of years spent upon his first farm, he sold the property and removed to the southeast corner of Cranberry township, where he purchased an. eighty-acre farm, and there he continued the work of ditching and improving his land until 186o, when he sold out and bought an eighty-acre tract that is now owned by our subject and is situated three-fourths of a mile east of the corporation limits of New Washington. It remained his place of abode until the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1885. He was a man of remarkable energy and did much toward developing and upbuilding the section of the county in which he lived. A year after reaching .Galion he took out naturalization papers and was ever a loyal and faithful citizen of his adopted land. His political support was given the Democracy, and in religious belief he was a German Catholic. His wife was born in 1802 and died May 15, 1888. She, too, was a devoted member of the Catholic church. Her father, Philo Link, was a burgomaster or mayor of Bremgarten, Germany, for sixty consecutive years, a fact which indicates his popularity and prominence. During that period he was also proprietor of the Gasthaus zur Stube, a hotel which had been built by his father. Mr. Link was one of the wealthiest men and most influential citizens of the town. In his family were two sons, Moritz and Erhardt, who were with Napoleon in the Prussian war. Albert Sheibley, whose name forms the caption of this review, spent his boyhood days in his parents' home and acquired a common-school education in an old pioneer log school house, being instructed in both German and English. His father was for many years crippled with rheumatism and thus the burden of the farm work devolved upon our subject, and as soon as he was old 258 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. enough to drive the oxen became the practical farmer upon the place. His life has been one of marked industry and honest toil, and throughout the years his labors, honorably conducted, have brought to him creditable success. On the 29th of September, 1862, Mr. Sheibley was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Karl, a native of Bohemia and a daughter of Christopher and Anna (Mottlin.) Karl, who emigrated to America in 1853, locating in Crawford county, where they resided until death. After the marriage of our subject he took up his abode in Shelby, Ohio, and was employed by the Anderson Slaughtering Company, having previously learned the butcher's trade from William Weaver, a neighbor. After five months spent in Shelby Mr. Sheibley returned to his home and purchased the old homestead farm, his parents residing with him until they were called to their final rest. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with eleven children, of whom nine are yet living, namely : Mathias is now serving as township trustee and is operating the home farm. Albert F., of Ottawa, Ohio, is a graduate of the New Washington high school and was supervisor of the institution for the insane in Toledo, Ohio. He had previously taught school, and for seven terms was a successful teacher. He was also graduated at the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, and took a post-graduate course in Berlin, Germany. He is now successfully practicing in Ottawa and has a large patronage. Mary A. is the widow of Joseph Miller and is conducting a dressmaking and millinery establishment in New Washington. Rosa is the wife of Peter Heydinger, a farmer of cranberry township. Catherine is the wife of Frank Goodman, a brick mason and contractor of Akron, Ohio. Fannie is the wife of M. E. Lauerman, a merchant of Hammond, Indiana. John B. is at home. Margaret is the wife of Joe Miller, of Van Wert county, Jacob, who resides in Delphos, Ohio, is now a traveling salesman for the McCormick Machine Company.. The children have all been provided with excellent educational privileges and are. a credit to their honored parents. Mr. Sheibley, of this review, is a stanch Democrat in his political affiliations and for forty years has served almost continuously in township or county offices. For a number of years he was supervisor in his district, and during that period did much toward ditching and improving the roads. He afterward served for three terms as township trustee and refused to continue longer in that office. After an interval of two years, however, he was again elected and remained in the position for three or four years longer, although he was decidedly opposed to holding the office. Fidelity to duty and the capable manner in which he guarded the interests of his constituents CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY -259 made him a very desirable official and his fellow townsmen again and again elected him to office. In .1883, he was elected county infirmary director and served in that capacity for six years. In 1891 he was appointed superintendent of the infirmary and then resigned the office of justice of the peace, to which he had been elected in the meantime, in order to accept the new position, which lie held for eight years and nine months. He then resigned and removed to New Washington, where he is now enjoying the fruits of his many years of labor. About a year ago he purchased a forty-acre farm near the town. This is one of the best improved properties. in the county, being supplied with all modern accessories and conveniences, and to its supervision Mr. Sheibley devotes his attention. He has however, in former years acquired a handsome competence sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is a charter member of the Maccabees Lodge, of Bucyrus, but is not now in active connection with the organization. He is one of the best known men of the county, a substantial and prosperous citizen, whose public and private life are alike. aboye reproach. D. D. McCALLUM, M. D. The medical profession in Crestline is well represented by Dr. McCallum, who has advanced steadily to a position of prominence as the result of his thorough understanding of medical principles and the ability with which he applies his professional knowledge to the needs of suffering humanity. He, was born in York county, Ontario, Canada, on the 24th. of August, 1868,. and is a son of John McCallum, a native of Scotland. The father was a carriage-maker by trade, learning the business in the land of his birth. When a young man he went to Canada, where he was engaged in the manufacture of carriages through a long period. For some years prior to his death, however, he liyed retired, enjoying a comfortable competence, which had rewarded his earnest and well directed efforts. He married Miss Mary Capner, who was also born in Scotland. His death occurred when he was seventy-five years of age, and his wife passed away at the age of sixty-eight years.. They were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity, while with one exception all are vet living. The Doctor, the seventh child and second soil of the family, pursued his preliminary education in the schools of his native town and later enjoyed educational adyantages afforded by Seaforth College, in Huron county, On- 14 260 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tario. Subsequently he matriculated in the University of Toronto, Canada, where he was graduated in 1896, on the completion of a course in medicine. He practiced for one year in that place and then came to Crestline, where he established his home in 1897. Here he has since prosecuted As profession with excellent success, his broad reading and investigation keeping him in touch with the most advanced thought and improved methods in the line of his chosen calling; and from the faithful performance of each day's duties he finds inspiration and encouragement for the labors of the succeeding day. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society. In July, 1896, Dr,. McCallum was united in marriage to Miss Carry Coats, a native of Clinton, Ontario county, Canada, and a daughter of William and Sarah Coats, the former a native of Scotland. The Doctor and his wife now have two interesting children,—Lillian and Jessie. Their pleasant home is a favorite resort with many friends, and they also enjoy the hospitality extended to them by the best families of Crestline. DAVID E. El OSLER. While success cannot be achieved without unflagging industry, the futility of effort is often noticeable in the business world and results from the fact that it is not combined with sound business judgment. Many a man who gives his entire life to toil, earnest and -unremitting, never acquires a competence, but when his labor is well directed, prosperity always follows. Mr. Hosler is one whose work has been supplemented by careful management and to-day he is among those who have triumphed over adverse conditions and won success. As a manufacturer of lumber he is now actively connected with the industrial interests of Crawford county. A native son of Richland county, Ohio, he was born August 1, 1862. His paternal grandparents, Henry and Lydia A. (Hoffman) Hosler, were both natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Morrow county, Ohio, among the early settlers. Subsequently they removed to Noble county, Indiana, where their remaining days were passed. The grandfather followed the occupation of farming as a life pursuit. Levi H. Hosler, the father of our subject, was born in Morrow county, Ohio, April 2, 1845, and there spent his youth, learning the trade of a wagonmaker. He married Miss Abigail Bacheldor, who was born in the same county August 26, 1847, and was a daughter of New England parents, who came from Maine to the Buckeye state at an early period in its development. Soon after his marriage Levi H. Hosler removed to Richland CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 261 county and opened a shop in the village of Shancks. Three years later he went to Noble county, Indiana, and engaged in farming in Jefferson township for four years, after which he took up his abode in Green township, where he made his home for fourteen years. On the expiration of that period he went to Cass county, where he operated a sawmill for three years, when he removed his mill to Auburn, DeKalb county, Indiana. After two years, however, he disposed of that property and went to Alberton, Williams county, Ohio, where he established a mill, conducting the same for eleven years, and in May, 1900, he disposed of that enterprise by sale and went to Hicksville; Ohio, where he is now successfully engaged in the manufacture of lumber. In his political opinions and connections he is a stanch Democrat and while in Williams county he held the position of township treasurer for a period of seven years, proving a careful guardian of the public exchecquer. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Levi H. Hosler were born four children, of whom three are living, namely : David E., William E., a lumber merchant. of Homer, Michigan, and George L., who is engaged in business with his eldest brother. Surrounded by the refining influences of a good home, Mr. Hosier passed the period of youth and in the common schools acquired the education which fitted him for the transaction of business in later years. He was not yet twenty-one years of age, when, on the nth of January, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Florence N. Applegate, of Noble county, Indiana, a native of Ohio and a daughter of James M. Applegate, one of the pioneer farmers of Noble county, now deceased. Her mother was Sophia (Gray) Applegate. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in that county and for three years Mr. Hosier cultivated rented land, after which he remoyed to Albion, where he pursued a course of study in a business college. There he remained for three years and his next place of abode was in Alberton, Ohio, where he was employed as bookkeeper and secretary by his father. After acting in those capacities for eight years he acquired an interest in the business, but after two years the sawmill and lumber yard were completely destroyed by fire and Mr. Hosler, of this review, thus had swept away in a few hours the accumulations of years of persistent and earnest toil. In May, 1899, he came to New Washington, where he began life anew, with a bank account of only twenty-five dollars. With characteristic energy, however, he took up the struggle whereby he is retrieving his lost possessions. He began buying logs on a small scale and had these sawed into lumber in the mill of Herman & Mahon, carrying on business in that way until the following December, when he had accumulated enough to purchase his present mill. Becoming owner 262 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Of the property which he now controls, he has since forged ahead, and to-day he is one of the leading :business Men of the town, furnishing employment to some twenty-six workmen at the present writing, while his force usually ranges from ten to thirty. He cuts export stuff, largely for a firm in Indiana, and is one of the leading lumber manufacturers of his district. His business has reached a large volume and the magnitude of his undertakings results in bringing to him a handsome financial return. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hosler has been blessed with five children.: Harvey E., Rosa M., Sylvia., Lela A. and James H., all yet with their parents. In his social relations Mr. Hosler is connected with Superior LoLodgeNo. 179, F. & A. M., of West Unity, Ohio; Alberton Lodge, No. 65655, K. of., and has twice been a delegate to the grand lodge. His political support is given the men and measures of the DeDemocra.plendid business and executive force make him. one of the leading representatives of the industrial interests in the county, and his reliable methods have gained for him the con fidence and respect of all. with whom he has come in contact. ALBERT H. SCHWEMLEY. Albert H. Schwemley was born in New Washington, Ohio, November 9, 1862, being one of the eight children whose parents were. John G. and. Mathilda (Hesse) Schwemley. The father was a native of Germany, born in 1830, his parents being George and Catherine (Gugle) Sphwemley. The grandfather of our subject was born in Germany, about 1805, and came to America in 1833, locating in Chatfield township, Crawford county, where he entered eighty acres of wild land. With characteristic energy he began clearing the tract, being thus employed through the winter season, while in the summer months he worked on the canal, in order to secure the money necessary to the support of his family. He built a log cabin and for a number. of years resided upon his first claim, but he eventually sold that property and purchased eighty acres adjoining, upon which he made his home until 1870. In that year he became a resident of the home of his son, John, an uncle of our subject. He had lived with our subject's father for a short time, until after his wife's death. His own demise occurred in 1872. In his political faith he was a Democrat and in his religious belief was a Lutheran. John G. Schwemley, the father of him whose name introduces this record, was only two years of age when his parents came to the new world and in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 263 Chatfield township, Crawford county, was he reared, learning the carpenter's trade in his youth. He married Miss Mathilda Hesse and located in New Washington, where he followed his chosen vocation until 1864, when he purchased a farm of sixty acres in Chatfield township, devoting his energies to its improvement and cultivation up to the time of the death of his wife in 1870. He then sold out and went to Columbus, where he studied for the Lutheran ministry. Three years later he accepted a call to preach the gospel in the church of this denomination, in Hopewell, Mercer county, Ohio, and while living there he was again married, his second union being with Miss Caroline Houk, of Delaware, this .state. They became the parents of four children, of whom three are living : Clara, the 'wife of George Metzger, of Columbus ; Rufus, who lives in the same city ; and Laura, who lives with her mother, also of Columbus. After three years passed in Hopewell John G. Schwemley removed to Homerville, Medina county, Ohio, and in February, 1879, went to Kansas, settling near Spearville, in Ford county, upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was engaged in preaching in that locality for about two years, after which he did missionary work, while his ,sons cultivated the farm. His missionary work was a labor of love, for he received no remuneration for his church work and missionary services. In November, 1891, he returned to Ohio, locating in Grove City, where he followed gardening and canvassing. In April, 1898, he became a resident of Columbus, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred on the 25th of May following. He voted with the Democracy, but had no desire for office, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs and to the gospel work. He possessed superior ability as a vocalist and for a number of years engaged in leading the singing in his district and also taught vocal music. The mother. of our subject was born in New Washington, Ohio, about 1836, and her father was one of the pioneer merchants of the city. While on a trip to Buffalo to buy goods the boat on which he had embarked was destroyed by fire and he was drowned. Mrs. Schwemley departed this .life in 1870, and our subject is the only survivor of her eight children. The others of the family were: William, who died in August, 1870, at the age of thirteen years ; Jacob F., who was a ranchman at Del Norte, Colorado; and .died in 1892 at the age of thirty-two years ; Mary L., who resided with her grandparents at New Washington and died December 26, 1887, at the age 'of twenty-one years ; Robert A., who was a miner and died at Lake City, Colorado; in February, 1897, at the age of 264 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. twenty-nine ; Franklin and Margaret, who died in early life; and an infant who died unnamed. Mr. Schwemley, whose name forms the caption of this review, was only eight years of age at the time of his mother's death, after which he made his home with his uncle, Jacob Sheetz, during the greater part of the time until 1879, when he went to Kansas with his father. In December, 1881, he returned to New Washington. Previous to this time his educational privileges had been those afforded by the common schools, but on again coming to Ohio he entered the New Washington high school and was a member of its first graduating class in June, 1883, at which time he. had the honor of delivering the salutatory address. On putting aside his text-books he entered upon his business career as an employe in the store of J. Sheetz & Brother, and continued to serve as salesman until 1894, with the exception of a period of one year, from February, 1888, until February, 1889, when he was in the employ of L. C. Hall & 'Company, dry goods merchants of Bucyrus. In January, 1894, he secured a position in the store of J. M. Guiss, a hardware merchant of New Washington, with whom he remained until March 10, 1898, when he engaged in the dry goods, notions and grocery business for himself. Since that time he has secured a liberal and constantly growing patronage, and is now accounted one of the enterprising, wide-awake and progressive, merchants of his native city. On the 30th of December, 1891, Mr. Schwemley was united in marriage to Miss Mathilda R. Biber, a native of Cranberry township, Crawford county, and a daughter of Jacob and Christina (Utz) Biber, both of whom were natives of Germany. Her father came to the United States with his parents during his childhood, the family settling in Cranberry township at a very early period of its development. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schwemley was blessed with four children : Louisa M., who was born November 25, 1892 ; Paul H., born August 31, 1894; Mary C., born February 10, 1897; and George W., born May 10, 1900. Mr. Schwemley is recognized as one of the active workers in the Democratic ranks and for the past three years has been a member of the school board, while for several terms he has held the office of corporation treasurer. His name is on the membership roll of the Lutheran church and in its work he is actively and deeply interested. For several years he has served as a teacher in the Sunday-school and did all in his power to promote Christian education among the children of the community. He and his family occupy a comfortable residence at the northwest corner of Scharf and Rossman streets CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 265 and the household is Celebrated for its gracious hospitality. Mr. Schwemley is now accounted one of the substantial business men of his native place and is a highly esteemed resident. His close application in business, unfaltering purpose and sound judgment have enabled him to progress steadily on the path to prosperity. JOHN H. SHEETZ. Rising above the head of the masses are many men of sterling worth and value, who by sheer perseverance anand pluckave conquered fortune and 1)34 their own unaided efforts have risen from the ranks of the commonplace to positions of eminence in the business world, and at the same time have commanded the trust and respect of those with whom they have been in any way thrown in contact. Among the, earnest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle excite the admiration of his contemporaries Mr. Sheetz is prominent. He is now recognized as one of the leading merchants of his portion of Crawford county and is not only in control of one of the extensive commercial enterprises of New Washington but is also successfully engaged in the banking business, and is regarded as one of the best financiers in this part of the state. Mr. Sheetz was born in the city which is still his home, his natal day being August 29, 1852. His parents were John A. and Margaret (Donnenwirth) Sheetz. He remained with his parents during the period of his boyhood and youth and acquired his preliminary 'education in the New Washington district schools, supplementing his early study by a course in Oberlin College and in Mount Union College. During the last two years of his school life he spent the summer months on his father's farm. Agricultural pursuits were congenial to him and he rather desired to carry on farming, but in 1872, at the earnest solicitation of his father, lie became a clerk in the latter's store and served in that capacity until 1874, when he purchased his father's interest in the business and became a partner of his brother Jacob. This connection has since been maintained. Our subject soon manifested superior ability in the line of commerce and as a merchant took front rank among the leading rerepresentativesf trade interests in his native town. The store which the brothers own is large and well stocked and they enjoy a very liberal patron age. In 1876 the banking firm of the John A. Sheetz Company was organized and our subject became cashier and financial manager. The success of the 266 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. institution is largely due to his efforts, which have resulted in making this one of the leading financial concerns in this portion of the county. On the 2d of October, 1889, occurred the marriage of Mr. Sheetz and Miss Theresa W. Michaelis, a native of Bucyrus and a daughter of the Rev. August Michaelis, a minister of the Lutheran church. Her father was born in Prussia and came to America about 1849, when a young man. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons,—John A. and Walter F. Mr. Sheetz votes with the Democracy and is a recognized leader in its ranks. He has served for six or seven years as a member of the school board and for six or eight years has been treasurer of the board. His religious belief connects him with the Lutheran church, and for three years he was a member of the church council, while for a similar period he served as deacon and was secretary of the building committee when the present substantial and commodious house of worship was erected. Mr. Sheetz is a man of distinctive ability, and his character is one which is above a, shadow of reproach. He bas been faithful in the offices to which he. has been called, loyal to the duties •of public and private life and is widely known and respected by all who have been at all familiar with his honorable and useful career. CHARLES J. SCROGGS. Charles Jacob Scroggs, the senior member of the -law firm of Scroggs & Monnett, is the only child of the late -Hon. Jacob Scroggs, attorney at law, and his wife. Julia A:- Walwork. The Scroggs family in America was founded by three brothers, Alexander, Allan and John, who came from Edinburg to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, about 1740, and who, according to family tradition, were either nephews or grandnephews of Chief Justice Scroggs of the King's Bench under Charles II. Allan Scroggs died in Cumberland county in 1776, leaving a numerous family, of whom the second son, John, made his way to Baltimore, where, in 1786, he was married to Frances Hook. Their third son, also named John, was born in Baltimore June 9, 1794, and continued to live there until 1819, taking part in the war of 1812 and being present at the bombardment of Fort McHenry and at North Point. He then removed to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and one year later to Columbiana county, Ohio, where in 1821 he was married to Miss Ann Shawke, daughter of Jacob and Dorothea (Kester) Shawke. Her father was born in Lebanon county; Pennsylvania, November 15, 1759, and was. of Bavarian ancestry, being able to trace his family back to the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 269 fourteenth century. He. was a soldier of the Revolution, serving during portions of seven years in a number of Pennsylvania companies, and dying at Lisbon, Ohio, in 1832. John Scroggs was a hatter. by trade and followed this business at Lisbon and Canton, Ohio, and afterward at Bucyrus, moving to this place in 1839, and settling on the site of the present residence of the subject of this sketch, his house at that time being the last one big one on Walnut street and the last one on Rensselaer street. Here he resided until his death, in 1861, having lived, not an eventful life, ..but one which won for him the highest respect of all who knew him :After his death his widow made her home with her only living daughter, Mrs. W. T. Giles, until her death in 1882, at the ripe age of eighty-six years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Scroggs were lifelong and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the present beautiful edifice in Bucyrus contains memorial windows in their honor. They were the parents of seven children: Joseph R., who died in Freeport, Illinois, unmarried, in 1867, .a newspaper man by profession, and a prominent Mason and Odd Fellow; William M., for two terms county auditor, married Miss Margaret Byron in 1849, and died at Bucyrus in 1874, leaving surviving him his widow and two children, all since deceased; Jacob; Mary, wife of W. T. Giles, one of the veteran newspaper men of the west, who died at Freeport, Illinois, in r898, his wife having passed to the spirit world in 1889, leaving two children,—W. S., a railway mail clerk, and Mira L., a teacher in the Chicago schools; Mira, wife of C. W. Butterfield, died at Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1859: Amanda, who died young; and John B., a prominent lawyer of Kansas City, Kansas, where he died in 1899, leaving surviving him a widow. and three step-children. Jacob Scroggs was born in Canton, Ohio, August 11, 1827, and died at Bucyrus, Ohio, March 23, 1897. During his boyhood he acquired such education as the frontier schools could'. furnish, and also learned his father's trade, but that not proving congenial. employment he taught school for five terms, worked on the local newspapers and in clerical positions in the courthouse, clerked in Toledo for a year and traveled for one year for Winthrop. Smith & Company, the predecessors of the American Book Company. He then studied law, under the direction of Judge Hall and D. W: Swigart, was graduated at the Cincinnati Law School in 1854, and the following year opened an office in Bucyrus, where for forty years he occupied an honored position at the Crawford county bar. Never sanctioning the "sharp practice" which too many consider a necessary concomitant of the practice of 270 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. law, others had more success than he in making a jury believe "the worse were the better cause;" but in profound knowledge of the law, fine reasoning powers and in that integrity of character which enabled and compelled him on occasion to fearlessly tell a client he was in the wrong, he stood; easily in the front rank. From the memorial to 'him adopted by the Ohio State Bar Association, we extract the following: "Upon his fair fame the breath of ;suspicion never dared to rest. His word was a bond that. was never forfeited and his rugged manhood commanded confidence and won respect from all. With few early advantages, he made himself, by industry and energy, a peer of the ablest lawyers of the state, a man of liberal education, broad views and affluent circumstances. He was held in universal esteem by men of all parties throughout the city, the county and the state." Always an active Republican and Crawford county being heavily Democratic, circumstances prevented his ever holding important public office. He was mayor of Bucyrus for four years. and for twelve years a member of the board of education, being for ten years the president of that body, and for nine years his name being upon both tickets. He was a presidential elector in 1864 and again in 1880, was the Republican candidate for circuit judge in 1884., and two years. later was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for supreme judge. He was married to Julia A. Walwork on September 22, 1859. She was born in Philadelphia August 4, 1833, and died at Bucyrus, Ohio, July 23, 1901. She was a daughter of Thomas Walwork, a native of England, and Mary Stephens, of Glens Falls, New York, her mother's family tracing back to the early Puritan settlers. She commenced to teach school at the age of fourteen, her first experience being gained near Syracuse, New York, and had. a life certificate empowering her to teach in any school in New York state. In 1855 she went to Georgia as a teacher, but her anti-slavery views led to her return north in 1857, she coming to Bucyrus to take charge of the high school, a position she filled with marked success and continued to hold until three years after her marriage. The rest of her life was devoted to her home, family and friends. For many years before her death she was art invalid and virtually confined to the limits of her own home, yet her personality was such that so long as she lived she remained one of the most prominent factors in the intellectual and social life of the city. They had but one child, Charles Jacob Scroggs, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, July 14, 1863, was educated by his mother CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 271 and in our public schools, at. which lie graduated in 1877, the youngest high-school graduate On record. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware one year and then took a four years course at Michigan University, Ann Arbor, graduating' at that institution in 1884 with the degree of A. M., being one of seven in a class of ninety to receive the master's degree instead of the customary A. B. Two years later he was graduated at the Cincinnati Law School with the degree of LL. B., and since then has been actively engaged. in the practice of his profession at Bucyrus, being associated with his father until the latter's death, and since then with. his present partner. He has inherited many of his father's characteristics, and as a, safe, accurate advisor, particularly in matters of commercial and corporation law, he is excelled by none in the county. He has also been actively identified with the business life of the community. He was one of the organizers of the Bucyrus Loan & Building Association, of which he has been attorney and director since its inception, and helped organize, and is one of the board of directors of, the Home Mutual Fire Association. Outside of business he finds employment for his time in his books, secret orders and the game of whist. He has one of the finest private libraries in Bucyrus and has it thoroughly at his command, is a member of all of the local Masonic bodies and of Ohio Consistory, thirty-second degree, at Cincinnati; is a past chancellor, Demas Lodge, No. 108, K. of P., and under Grand Chancellor Young was his deputy for the sixteenth Pythian district, composed of Crawford, Seneca and Wyandot counties; was a charter member of Bucyrus Lodge, No. 156, B... P. 0. E., and is a life member of the grand lodge of that order. He also takes an active interest in the Sons of the American Revolution, and has been one of the board of managers of its Ohio society and was a delegate to its last national congress. He is. recognized as one of the leading whist-players of the state, and is a frequent contributor to the literature of the- "silent game." He has never married. WALLACE L. MONNETT. Wallace Lafayette Monnett, the junior member of the law firm of Scroggs & Monnett, was born at Bucyrus, Ohio, September 18, 1871, his parents being Abram Cahill and Jennie E. (Walwork) Monnett. The ancestry of the Monnett family can be traced back to Abraham Monnett, who, came to Ohio from Virginia in 1800, taking up his abode in Chillicothe.. 272 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. He had eight children,—Isaac, Thomas, Margaret, Jeremiah, John, William, Osborne and Elizabeth. Isaac married Elizabeth Pittinger, and in 1813 removed to Pickaway county, moving again in 1828 to Crawford county, where he entered fourteen hundred and forty acres of land south of Bucyrus and engaged" in stock-raising on an extensive scale. His son; William, was born, in Ross county, Ohio, April 22, 1808.When about eighteen he taught school a few terms, and at twenty accompanied his parents. to Crawford county, where he became prominently identified with stock-raising interests. About the time of his removal to this county he joined. the Methodist church, and when thirty-two years of age received a license as a local preacher. The same day he was appointed colonel of the First Regiment, Third Brigade, Eleventh Division, Ohio militia, and filled this position acceptably for seven years. In 1851 he moved to Bucyrus and opened a general store in partnership with Patterson Marshall, but in 1854 returned to stock-raising, purchasing four hundred acres of land near Bucyrus, part of which is now in the city limits, and eleven hundred acres of land in Cranberry township. This land he continued to occupy until his death, March 21, 1885. He was prominent in county affairs and in church work, and lent his influence to all measures calculated to prove of good along material, intellectual and moral lines. He was married, in January 1 1, 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Cahill, a sister of the late Hon. R. W. Cahill, of Vernon township, and a daughter of Abram and Nancy (Wallace) Cahill. She was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1810, and died at Bucyrus; Ohio, May 3, 1891. Her father resided in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and at one time was connected with the state militia. Colonel Monnett and wife were the parents of five dren : Mary J., wife of Hon. S. R. Harris; Rachel, wife of W. H. Kinnear, of Bucyrus township; Sarah L., wife of L. L. Walker, of Whetstone township; Isaac W., formerly of Walla Walla, Washington; and Abram C. of these, Mrs. Walker is the only one now living. Abram Cahill Monnett, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Bucyrus township March 31, 1839, and died in Bucyrus April 17, 1879. He was educated in the county schools and at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. From 1861 to 1864 he was a member of Company E, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he was orderly sergeant, and participated in all the engagements of the Army of Virginia. He was married, December 11, 1867, to Miss Jennie E. Walwork, a daugh- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 273 ter of Thomas and Mary (Stephens) Walwork, who was born at Saratoga, New York, June 6, 1840. She was educated in the Albany State Normal School of Albany, New York, at which she graduated in 1860, and the following year became a teacher in the Bucyrus schools, a position she satisfactorily filled for five years.. They were the parents of five Children: Frank W., Wallace L., Elizabeth, Julia and Rachel. Frank W. was educated in the Bucyrus schools' and at the Cincinnati Law School, and was admitted to practice in 1893. He in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he remained until the breaking out of the Spanish war, since which time lie has been in the army, being now in charge of a company of native scouts in the Philippines. Elizabeth was educated at the New England Conservatory of Music and is the wife of Rev. James M. Cass, a Methodist minister now located at Jay, Essex county, New York. Julia and Rachel are graduates of the elocution department of the Cincinnati College of Music and reside in Bucyrus with their widowed mother. They are teachers of elocution, of ability, and have an enviable reputation as public readers, am occupation to which they give a large part of their time. Wallace Lafayette Monnett was born in Bucyrus September 18, 1871. After graduating in the Bucyrus schools and at Eastman Business College, of Poughkeepsie, New York, he studied law in the office of Scroggs & Scroggs and afterward at Cincinnati law School, at which he graduated in 1896. Hon. Jacob Scroggs having  meanwhile retired from practice, he returned to his old office and on April 1, 1897, was admitted to partnership, the firm since then having been Scroggs Monnett. He is now serving his second term as referee in bankruptcy. discharging his duties in a manner that has won him the commendation of the profession and the public, and has acquired a high reputation in his general practice. In politics he an aggressive Republican, having been chairman of the county executive committee. He belongs to but one of the large secret orders, Demas Lodge, No. 108, K. of P., of which he is past chancellor and has been county deputy grand chancellor. April 6, 1897, he was married to Mary Zouck, a daughter of Jacob and Martha (Millinder) Zouck, of Baltimore, Maryland, where the family is widely known in official and social circles. Mrs. Monnett was born near Baltimore December 26, 1876, and was educated at Maryland College, formerly Lutherville Seminar, and at the Cincinnati College of Music, at which she graduated in 1896. They are the parents of two children,— -Martha Elizabeth and Margaret Louise. 274 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. WILLIAM S. TAYLOR. William Stacy Taylor, a popular passenger conductor on the Big Four Railroad residing at Galion, Ohio, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, on the l0th of February, 1845, and is a representative of one of the early families of that state. His grandfather, Joseph Gore, was a native of the same county, as was Mahlon K. Taylor, the father of our subject, whose birth occurred about the year 1810. In 1830 the latter was married to Miss Amanda M. Gore and in the year 1849 removed to Logan county, Ohio, locating on a farm two miles northwest of Bellefontaine, where he continued to reside, engaging in the business of farming until his death, which occurred October 18, 1868. The children of this marriage were as follows : Sarah J., the widow of Henry Casebolt, of Bellefontaine; Ruth H., wife of John Grimes, a retired farmer of Bellefontaine; Thomas O., who for a number of years has been an employe of the Standard Oil Company, located at various points and is now a resident of Columbus, Ohio; Annabelle, wife of R. B. Keller, cashier of the People's National Bank, of Bellefontaine; Frank G., a resident of • Sioux City, Iowa, and is now in the employ of the street railway company of that place; Alice, who is living in Springfield, Ohio ; Elizabeth, who died at the old home farm near Bellefontaine, in 1864, when three years of age; and William S., whose name introduces this review. William Stacy Taylor, whose name forms the caption of this sketch, was a little lad of three summers when the parents came with their family from Loudoun county, Virginia, to Ohio, locating in Logan county, near Bellefontaine. There from early youth until manhood Mr. Taylor continued to reside on the farm contributing such labor and assistance as his age and strength would enable him to perform. On the 27th of October, 1868, at the age of nearly twenty-four years, he chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Rachel Melinda Clabaugh, a daughter of Nicholas Clabaugh, of Champaign county, Ohio, who died in 1851. This union was blessed with the following children: Cornelia Amanda, born October 4, 1869; Agnes Belle, born September 10, 1870; Grace Edna, born May 10, 1872, and died March 23, 1878; and Iva Adel, who was born November 19, 1873. The eldest daughter is the wife of Joseph Belser, of Bellefontaine, and Agnes Belle is the wife of William H. Heffner, of Galion, while. Iva married the Rev. O. D. Baltzly, pastor of St. Luke's church of Mansfield, Ohio. William S. Taylor is a veteran of the war of the Rebellion. He responded to the call of his country, promptly enlisting in Company L, Second CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 275 Ohio Heavy Artillery, with which he served throughout the war. His connection with the Big Four Railroad Company was begun in May, 1874, when he was made brakeman. He successively passed through different positions of importance and trust and was, in 1888, promoted to the position of passenger conductor, which he has held continuously through thirteen years. Judged by his advancement during the term of his connection with the Big Four Company, merit and efficiency seem not to have been lacking in the discharge of the duties assigned to him. At this writing he is still a passenger conductor on the Big Four road and resides. in a handsome residence on North Columbus street in Galion. He owns this property, together with other realty in the city, and there he is living, surrounded by the comforts and pleasures of life amid an affectionate family of noble children and grandchildren to whom he is fondly attached. He is happy in the evening of life knowing that he has provided well for his loved ones. In October, 1873, he took up his abode in Galion, where he has lived ever since. In religious faith the family are Lutherans and in the church for many years past Mr. Taylor has held various offices at different times, ever giving his aid to church work with a willingness and cheerfulness commensurate with his means, and be was respected and highly esteemed by all who knew him. EBENEZER B. FINLEY. Ohio has always been distinguished for the high rank of her bench and bar. Perhaps none of the newer states can justly boast of abler jurists or attorneys. Many of them have been men of national fame, and among those whose lives have been passed on a quieter plane there is scarcely a town or city in the state that can boast of one or more lawyers capable of crossing swords in forensic combat with .many of the distinguished legal lights of the United States. While the growth and development of the state in the last half century has been most marvelous, viewed from any standpoint, yet of no one class of her citizenship has she greater reason for just pride than her judges and attorneys. In Judge Finley we find united many of the rare qualities which go to make up the successful lawyer and jurist. He possesses perhaps few of those brilliant, dazzling meteoric qualities which have sometimes flashed along the legal horizon, riveting the gaze and blinding the vision for the moment, then disappearing, leaving little or no trace behind, but rather has those solid and more substantial qualities which shine with a constant luster, shedding light in the dark places with steadiness and continuity. Mr. Finley 276 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. possesses oratorical ability of high order and has in a manner secured that rare ability of saying in a convincing way the right thing at the right time. This has won him fame not only as a lawyer but as a lecturer, for he is widely known throughout the country by reason of his prominence as a speaker on historical and literary topics. A resident of Bucyrus, Mr. Finley has long been a recognized leader at the bar and in Democratic circles in Crawford county, and has won distinction in the legislative halls of the nation. He was born in Orville, Wayne county, Ohio, July 31, 1833; and is still an active member of the legal profession. He was educated in the public schools, and, determining to make the practice of law his life work, after careful study and preparation was admitted to the bar in 1862. He then took up his abode in Bucyrus, where he has since made his home. He had scarcely entered upon his professional career, however, before he offered his services to his country, assisted to raise a company as the Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and became first lieutenant of Company K, of said regiment, with which he served until wounded in the service and was honorably discharged. After being mustered out of the service he resumed the private practice of law and rose to a position of eminence in the profession. Along with those qualities, indispensable to the lawyer—a keen, rapid, logical mind, plus the business sense, and a ready capacity for hard work—our subject brought to the starting point of his legal career gifts—eloquence of language and a strong personality. An. excellent presence, an earnest, dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability accurately to apply its principles are factors in Mr. Finley's effectiveness as an advocate. Mr. Finley is no less widely known in connection with political affairs. He has long been one of the foremost men of his party in Crawford county, and in 1876 was elected to. the forty-fifth congress from the fourteenth district, consisting of the counties of Crawford, Wyandot, Richland, Ashland and Holmes. He served so acceptably that hi 1878 he was re-elected to the forty-eighth congress from the eighth district, comprising Crawford, Hardin, Marion, Morrow, Seneca and Wyandot counties. He made an excellent record in the national congress and acquitted himself brilliantly in debate. To every question that came up for consideration he gave earnest thought and attention, laboring untiringly for the measures which he believed would prove of general good. Iii 1884 he was made adjutant general of Ohio by Governor George. Hadley and brought militia to a high state of organization. In 1897 he was elected circuit judge of the third circuit and displayed great ability in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 277 his judicial capacity. In 1896 he was elected. as one of the delegates at large from Ohio to the national Democratic convention at Chicago, and took a prominent part as a leader in the convention, as chairman of one of the important committees. His mind is analytical, logical and. inductive. With a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles of law lie combines a familiarity with statutory law and a sober, clear judgment, which makes him not only a formidable adversary in legal combat but has given him the distinction while on the bench of having few of his decisions revised or reversed. He attended all of the Democratic national conventions from 1876 until 1896. He has long been prominent in the councils of his party in Ohio, and his opinions carry weight with Democratic leaders. For some years he was on the platform as a lecturer on. historical and literary topics and was very successful in that line. His study. and reading have been broad and comprehensive, and he is a man of scholarly attainments and strong mentality, qualities which render him an entertaining and convincing speaker, while his oratorical ability of high order was always sure to please. ADAM G. LEDERER. Various business interests have claimed the attention of Mr. Lederer, and enterprise and energy have secured his advancement along the path of prosperity. He is now a well known auctioneer and is also proprietor of a livery barn at New Washington. He was born in Cranberry township, December 19, 1852, a son of Jacob and Magdalene (Donnenwirth) Lederer, both of whom were natives of Germany, the father born in Wurtemberg and the mother in Alsace, and came to America with their respective parents when. about five years of age. The, father of our subject was reared in Stark county, Ohio, and in his early manhood worked in a livery stable in Wooster, Ohio,, for two or three years. He then came to Crawford county and entered from the government eighty acres of land a mile south and a mile west of New Washington. Not. long afterward he was married, and upon the farm he made his home until his death. In subsequent years he added thirty-seven acres to his place, which then comprised one hundred and seventeen acres, and his labors and energy transformed it into a valuable and attractive farming property. As an auctioneer lie won wide fame and cried all of the sales in this portion of the country in his day. He was a man of social nature, genial disposition and unflagging energy, and those qualities made him popular, 15 278 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. gaining for him many friends. Of the Lutheran church he was a Most ardent and influential member and was largely instrumental in securing the erection of the house of worship New Washington. He voted with the Democracy. His death occurred August 19, 1857, when he was only thirty-nine years and eleven months old. His wife was born in 1822, and after the (Leath of her husband she cared for her family, residing upon the old homestead until the early '80s, when she removed to New Washington, where she has since made her home with her daughter. Although she is now in her eightieth year she retains possession of her faculties unimpaired and is a most highly esteemed old lady. Her father was George Donnenwirth, who belonged to one of the well known families of Crawford county. Mr. and Mrs. Lederer became the parents of five children, of whom the following are living: John F., who makes his home in Dundee, Michigan; Jacob, who is living on the old homestead in Cranberry township; Adam G. ; and Odella, wife of Andrew Cronenberger, of New Washington. Adam Lederer was reared on the home farm and his early education was acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by study in the Lexington Seminary and in the Fostoria high school. He met the expenses of his education by his own labor, and the resolute will which enabled him to secure this intellectual advancement indicated the elemental strength of his character, which has been developed as the years have passed, making him a self-reliant and energetic man. When eighteen years of age he began work as a farm hand, and the money thus earned paid his tuition in the Lexington Seminary. When twenty years of age he began teaching, and after following that profession for a year he continued his studies in the high school of Fostoria. For fifteen terms he followed the teacher's profession, and during twelve terms of the time was connected with the schools of New Washington. In the summer season he and his brother Jacob engaged in farming in partnership, and in 1878 they began breeding fine short-horn cattle, in which they gained a wide reputation by reason of their success and the splendid stock which they handled. In 1882 they established a livery business in New Washington, and with the exception of two periods of two and a half and three years Mr. Lederer, of this review, has since been connected with the enterprise. In 1895 he and his brother terminated their partnership. Three years previous our subject had purchased the grocery store of J. Bear and conducted the same for eighteen months. In connection with his livery business he is also well known as an auctioneer of Crawford county. He CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 279 seems to have inherited his father's ability in this direction and has cried sales throughout this portion of the county. On the 8th of February, 1877, Mr. Lederer married Miss Ella A. Hartupee, a native of Mansfield; Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas Logan and Phebe O. (Patterson) Hartupee, her father born in Richland. county. They now have two children and have lost three. The living are : Ora D., who possesses much talent in both vocal and instrumental music; and Estella. Mr. Lederer is independent in politics, supporting the men and measures that he thinks are best adapted to secure good government. He served for four years on the school board, for two years in the city council and was the first man to carry a petition for the building of pikes. In this matter he incurred the ill will of many men opposed to the pike system, but to-day they are among his best friends, for time has demonstrated the great value of good roads. Socially he is connected with Hyperion Lodge, No. 651, K. P. His worth is widely acknowledged, and wherever he is known he has gained many warm friends, who esteem him for his trustworthiness and social qualities. FREDERICK WISMAN. Among the prosperous farmers of Bucyrus township is Frederick Wisman, who owns and operates a large, well cultivated and finely situated farm, consisting of one hundred and forty acres of fertile Crawford county land. The birth of Mr. Wisman was in this same township, on November 2, 1833. His parents were Frederick and Elizabeth (Heinlen) Wisman, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, from which country they came when they were children. After their marriage in Pennsylvania, in 1828, they came and located in Crawford county, where the remainder of their lives were spent, the mother dying in 1843, the father surviving until 1867. By trade Mr. Wisman was a wagonmaker, but after locating in Ohio he pursued farming. His life was an honest and industrious one, and both he and his wife lived and died enjoying the respect of all who knew them. Frederick Wisman was one of nine children born to his parents, and he was reared on the farm, thus becoming well prepared for the active duties of an agriculturist. His education was in the schools of his neighborhood. In 1861 he married Malissa Aumiller, and then left the parental roof to set up his own home. For a time the young couple lived on a farm located just 280 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. west of his birthplace, but later removed to Holmes township. In 1864 Mr..- Wisman moved to the farm he now occupies, which consisted of eighty acres and belonged to his father. After the death of the latter Mr. Wisman purchased this farm and has added to it until he now owns one hundred and forty acres, and in addition to this, he, in association with his son Charles E., owns a tract comprising ninety acres. In 1874 Mr. Wisman built his fine, brick residence and has 'made many improvements of a substantial character which not only add to the attractive appearance of the place but materially to its value also. One feature of Mr. Wisman's business. is the raising of great numbers of sheep. The three children of Mr. Wisman are all comfortably settled in life,. in Crawford county, Alfred E., being a successful farmer in Holmes township; Emma Alice,' the wife of Joseph Starner, lives in. Todd township; and Charles E. is a farmer with his father. Mr. Wisman is identified with the Democratic party, and is generally regarded as one of the leading citizens. of Bucyrus township. JAMES O. HOLLAND. Among the prominent agriculturists of Bucyrus township, James O. Holland takes a leading position, both as a successful farmer and as a veteran of the Civil war. His birth was in Mahoning county, Ohio, on December 20, 1841. His parents, Nehemiah and Lucinda (Bentley) Holland, were married on August 13, 1836, and resided for several years in Mahoning county, later removing to Hancock county, Ohio, where the father died July 3, 1847, at the age of forty-eight years. The children born to him and wife were: William C., who resides in Marshall county, Indiana; John A., who resides in the same county; Chauncy F., who is deceased; James O., who is the subject of this biography; Richard M., who has passed away ; and Austin, who is a resident of Crawford county. The widow of Mr. Holland married, on December 31, 1849, James Reid, by whom she had three children: Nancy L.; Alfred C.; and Esther M., deceased. The mother outlived her second husband, surviving until 1892, when she passed away at the age of seventy-two years. James O. Holland was between six and seven years of age when his father died, and remained with his mother only until he had reached his tenth year. Then he began the struggle of life for himself, beginning by working at odd jobs for those who would employ him, principally farmers of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 281 his neighborhood. His educational advantages were thus limited. At the age of sixteen, with commendable forethought, he decided to learn a trade, :selecting that of carpenter, and remained employed at it for three years. The Civil war, breaking out just at this time, found in Mr. Holland a patriotic young soldier. On August 22, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in twenty-two battles and skirmishes, including Stone River, Chickamauga, Jonesboro, Atlanta, and those of Sherman's "march to the sea." Mr. Holland did not escape all the dangers of war, as at Nolansville, North Carolina, he was taken prisoner, but after fourteen days was paroled and sent back to the Union lines. After ,a faithful service he was mustered out at Columbus, June 20, 1865. Mr. Holland married the year following his return from the army, the ceremony taking place on October 10, 1866, to Miss Ellen Starner, and he and wife removed to Nevada, Ohio, where he followed his trade for several years, but later engaged in farming in Bucyrus township. In 1882 he removed to his present fine farm, on section 22, in this township. In politics Mr. Holland is a stanch Republican, and is a man interested deeply in the success of his country in all public affairs. George W. Holland, his only son, born. October 4, 1870, assists in the conduct of the farm. GEORGE W. STARNER. The late George W. Starner was a good citizen and a prosperous farmer of Crawford county, and was born November 12, 1812, and was a native of Monroe county, Pennsylvania. His lamented death occurred April 6, 1887. He was a son of George M. and Katie M. (Van Vleet) Starner. His youth was spent upon the farm and received limited schooling, as the facilities were wanting in those early days.. The school-house was a log structure and the instruction correspondingly crude. On July 12, 1835, Mr. Starner was united in marriage to Susan Stiff, of Monroe county at that time, but her birth took place in Sussex county, New Jersey, July 20, 1810, she having removed to Monroe county when fourteen years of age. To this marriage these children were born: Elizabeth, who married Jacob Yeagley ; Ellen, who married James O. Holland; Harriet, who married John Dobbins; and William. Mr. Starner removed to Ohio in the month of September, 1832, coming in a two-horse wagon, making the trip in four weeks, and settling in Perry 'county. For six years the family resided there on a farm. In 1843 the 282 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. family removed to Crawford county and located in Bucyrus township. Mr. Starner soon .became well known through the township as a very reliable man and good citizen. He voted with the Republican party and passed. away regretted by a: large circle of friends. His widow died July 3, 1901, being almost ninety-one years of age. The last thirteen years of her life were spent in the home of her daughter, Mrs. James O. Holland. JOHN W. CUPP. In the history of the men and forces that have contributed to the growth and success of the Republican party in Ohio reference must be made to Mr. Cupp, and the journal company of which he is secretary and general manager. The paper has ever been an advocate of Republican principles, its columns. championing the measures' of the party setting forth strong arguments in favor of its planks and policy, and laboring for its progress and rejoicing in its victories. But not alone along this line has Mr. Cupp been connected with the public interest of Galion and Crawford county. At the present time he is postmaster of the city, having been appointed to the position by President McKinley in 1898. In the office he has given entire satisfaction to its patrons, his administration of its affairs being business-like, prompt and reliable. A native of Sandusky county, Ohio, Mr. Cupp was born November 20, 1864, a son of Philip and Eliza Heter Cupp. His paternal grandfather came from Alsace-Lorraine, at that time a province of France but later. of Germany. He landed at Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife, but in a short time the young couple went into the then wilderness of Ohio, settling in what is now Thompson township, Seneca county. There they made a home and raised a large family, and there Philip Cupp, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born and reared. In early manhood, shortly after marriage, he removed to Bellevue and from that time until his death, April 17, 1901, in the sixty-fourth year of his age, he was identified with the business interests of that town. He was married to Eliza Heter, daughter of John and Salome' Freese Heter, and five children were born to them: Mrs. Addie Higbee,. Emma, deceased, Charles V., John W. and Otis. P. John Heter, the maternal grandfather of the subject of our sketch, was the fifth of this name of whom any record is had, the first coming from Bavaria, Germany, and landing at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1735. John, fifth, was born in Berks county, that state, in 1794, and was a soldier of the war of 1812, under Captain Warr Middlesworth and General Smythe, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 283 of Virginia, serving at Black Rock on the Niagara river. He came to Ohio in 1825, settling first in Wayne county, but two years later removing to Seneca county, where he acquired eighteen eighty-acre tracts of land, some of the original deeds signed by John Quincy Adams still being held in the family. John Wesley Cupp acquired his education in the public schools at Bellevue, Ohio, supplementing his knowledge gained there by the learning which he acquired in a newspaper office. He became connected with the "art preservative of arts" at the age of seventeen years and mastered the business in every department, working on the Bellevue News. After learning the trade in that office he became editor of the paper, which he conducted successfully for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he engaged in the job printing business, but later returned to Bellevue and became a partner in the Gazette, being one of the owners of that journal until 1892, when he removed to Galion. Here he organized a stock company and purchased the Sun-Review of the assignee and changed it from a weekly to a semi-weekly journal in 1894. In 1896 his company also became the owner of the Leader. The Sun-Review Printing Company was organized, with Mr. Cupp as secretary and manager. The company does a general printing, publishing and binding business, and under the new control both papers have increased rapidly in circulation. The enterprise is a successful one, and the trade enjoyed in their line is large and profitable. The office is well equipped with the latest improved machinery, and the paper, while advocating the interests of the Republican party, is also devoted to the publication of local, general and miscellaneous news and treats in a fair and unprejudiced manner the question's of the day. It supports local enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit and stanchly upholds the banner of Republicanism. Mr. Cupp has ever been an advocate of the grand old party, and his labors in its behalf have been effective and enduring. He has served on the county executive committee, being a member thereof from 1892 until 1898, when he resigned, having been appointed to the position of postmaster of Galion. This honor was conferred upon him by President McKinley, and it is needless to say that the trusts reposed in him have never been betrayed' ever in the slightest degree. He carefully looks after the business of the office, which is performed in a prompt manner, and its patrons have expressed' the highest satisfaction with his administration. May 25, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cupp and Miss Emma 284 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Wood, of Bellevue, daughter of. .Mrs. Elizabeth McElhenny Wood, widow of Henry Wood. Her father was a stock-raiser and dealer, and served his country in the Union army, retiring at the end of the war with the rank of lieutenant. His father was Bourdette Wood, one of the largest land-owners in northern Ohio. The marriage of our subject and wife has been blessed with one son, Robert Otis, horn July 25, 1895. Mr. Cupp is identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, with the Masonic Order and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is charitable, and tolerant, though positive in his convictions and aggressive in defending them, and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. SAMUEL J. KIBLER. Prominent among the business men of New Washington who for eight years has been comely identified with the history of the city as a representative of one of its most important business interests is Samuel Jefferson Kibler, who is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment. and his executive ability and excellent management have brought to the concern with which he is connected a large degree of success. The safe, conservative policy which he inaugurated commends itself to the judgment of all, and he secured to the company a patronage which makes the volume of trade transacted over its counters of great importance and magnitude. The firm of Kibler Brothers has enjoyed a reputation for reliability that is known in all sections of the country in which their dealings are extended. Samuel J. Kibler of this review was born in New Washington, on the 9th of March, 1851, and is a son of Matthias and Frederica (Pfahler) Kibler. As the name indicates, the family, is of German origin. The father of our subject was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, June 11, 1822, and was the youngest of the eight children born unto John and Maria Kibler. In 1829, when a child of only seven years, he came with his parents to the United States, locating in Trumbull county, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood, working on the farm and on the canal. As he found opportunity he attended school, and being of a studious nature he acquired a good common-school education, so that at the age of seventeen he was qualified to teach in the neighboring schools. In 1841, in company with his brother, Christian Kibler, he came to Cranberry township, Crawford county, the brother purchasing a tannery on the farm now owned by Abraham McNutt and after some months spent in the employ of his brother, our subject pur- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 287 chased an interest in the business. In the winter of 1844-5, shortly after the death of Christian Kibler, the tannery was burned to the ground and in the spring of the latter year Matthias Kibler removed to New Washington, where he purchased of Robert Robinson a small tannery which had been established in 1834. This Mr. Kibler rebuilt, increasing its facilities and enlarging its capacity as the demand warranted. He also improved upon the quality of his goods until the output of his tannery was not only equal in kind to any other but often commanded the highest market price. Mr. Kibler was one of the leading and influential men in the upbuilding of the village of New Washington and in securing for the town a sober and intelligent class of citizens. His. interest in educational affairs led him to take an active part in the work of improving the school facilities of the town and it was greatly due to his influence that the citizens were aroused from their lethargy in educational matters and erected commodious and comfortable log schoolhouses in the, town and in neighboring school districts. He served in many of the. town offices and co-operated heartily in the movement to secure the division of the township into school districts—eight in number. He was largely instrumental in the work of inducing the citizens to furnish their children with ample school privileges and was a contributor of time, effort and money toward the promotion of any movement calculated to prove for the general good. At the time he located in New Washington he purchased a tract of land adjoining the town and in subsequent years he laid out an addition to the original village, one of the principal streets of the city new bearing his name. He was justice of the peace for some twenty-five years, and was the first mayor of New Washington and was acting in that capacity at the time of his demise, Sept. 23, 1876. His political support was given the Democracy and in religious faith he was a Lutheran and did much for the progress of the church. His death proved a serious loss to the town, owing to his splendid business ability and his aggressive labors in behalf of every measure for the general welfare. His wife died September 28, 1900. They were.. the parents of eight children : Maria, deceased. Samuel J., Franklin P., deceased, James M., Lovina, John W., Caroline, deceased, and Louisa M. The majority of men who accomplish most in life are self-made men,—the men who are taught the value of industry and perseverance in youth and who exemplify those lessons in the work of life as the years. progress. Mr. Kibler of this sketch pursued his education in the common schools of New Washington and in his boyhood days he worked in the tan yard with 288 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his father. In 1873 he purchased an interest in the business and soon after assumed the entire management of the enterprise, owing to his father's ill health. In 1876 his father died and Mr. Kibler continued to manage the business with his mother as a partner until some time in 1881, when she sold her interest to her son John Wesley, and the business has since been continued under the firm name of Kibler Brothers. Soon after his entrance into the firm our subject began dealing in hides on a Small scale, but constantly his efforts in this line increased in magnitude and early in the '90s the brothers gave by their. tanning business in order to devote their entire time and attention to their rapidly growing trade as dealers in hides. About 1895 they purchased the C. C. Keech Company's hide business in Sandusky City. This was at one time one of the largest fur houses in the northwest, and they now conduct it as a branch house of their business in New Washington. Their trade has rapidly increased both in volume and importance until they are now among the largest dealers in raw hides and tallow in the entire country. They purchase almost all of the hides in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan and almost the entire amount sent to Cleveland. It requires splendid executive ability and skill as a manager to control such extensive interests, but the partners are well qualified and ably direct the important concern with which they are associated. In April, 1875, Samuel J. Kibler was -united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Herr, a native of Crawford county and a daughter of George Herr, who for many years was a prominent farmer of Seneca county, but died in New Washington in January, 1892, having removed to the town in the previous December. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kibler have been born seven children, of whom six are now living: Alfred G., who married Miss Mildred Donnenwirth and is engaged in traveling for his father ; Clara O., at home; Milton M., who is attending the Tri-State Business College, of Toledo; Aaron Sylvester, who is a graduate of the New Washington high school; Ida P., who is attending the high school ; and Florence E., who is also a student. In his political affiliations Mr. Kibler is a Democrat and, like his father, he is a firm believer in the cause of education, for which he has done active work while acting on the school board for fifteen consecutive years. For ten or more years he was president of the board and was untiring in his efforts to advance the best educational interests of the town. He was serving on 'the hoard at the time the present school building was erected, a structure that stands as a monument to the intelligence and enterprising CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 289 efforts of the board and citizens. For three or four terms after his father's death Mr. Kibler served as township treasurer, becoming his father's successor. He has also been a member of the town council. He belongs to the Lutheran church and was a member of the building committee that erected the present handsome church edifice, one of the finest in the country to be found in a village of this size. He has served for many years as trustee and deacon in the church and withholds his co-operation from no measure intended for the general good. Wherever he is found he is a social, affable, genial gentleman whose friends are legion and all honor and esteem him for his many virtues and genuine worth. His record is one of which he may justly be proud. Success is not measured by the heights which one may occupy, but by the distance between the starting point and the altitude he has reached therefore Mr. Kibler has gained a most brilliant success,—a just reward of meritorious, honorable effort, which commands the respect and admiration of all. GEORGE W. HEINLE. Prominent among the successful farmer residents of Bucyrus township, who is known and esteemed as one of the industrious and upright citizens, is George W. Heinle, whose birth was in this township, on what is now known as the Ben Sinn farm, on February 18, 1845. His parents were John G. and Maria (Leitzy) Heinle, both of whom were born in Wurtemberg, Germany, but were married in America, having come to this country on the same vessel. The father was accompanied by his brother, Mathias Heinle, and the mother came with her parents, who settled about one mile north of Bucyrus, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Both of the parents of our subject were about eighteen years old, and the friendship formed on board the ship continued for three years, by which time Mr. Heinle had become established, and then they were married, settling first in Bucyrus township, but soon after purchased land in Holmes township, where they ever after lived. The mother died in 1897, aged seventy-five years, and the father survived until 1899, when he was eighty-one. Their eight children were: Eliza, Francis, George W., Catherine, Mary Ann, John M., Philip and Joseph, all of whom survive. Although Mr. Heinle had but one dollar when he landed in America, he accumulated a fair estate, by the exercise of industry and economy, and was well known as one of the pioneers who did his full share toward the development of the resources of Crawford county. Mr. Heinle was present at the land sale, when the Indians disposed of a vast tract 290 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of land in the northwestern portion of the county. He could relate many very interesting tales of the Indians, who were still numerous when he settled in the county. Both he and wife were consistent. and worthy members of the German Lutheran church and were universally respected by all who, knew them, and reared a family which has reflected credit, not only upon them, but also on the community. All. were reared on the farm, were given a common-school education and taught in the household those principles of honesty and industry which have been useful in their lives until the present day. George W. Heinle remained at home until he was twenty-six years old, marrying at that age, and then settled down as a farmer, passing the first five years in Holmes township, and then moving to Bucyrus township, where he has since remained. His business in life has always been that of a farmer :and stock-raiser and his industrious efforts have been amply rewarded. He now owns a fine, well-improved farm. .of .one hundred and forty-three acres and is able to enjoy all of the comforts of life. The marriage of Mr. Heinle was to Matilda. Zimmerman, a daughter of Martin Zimmerman; a pioneer of Crawford county, coming here from hi's native place, Wurtemberg, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Heinle have three, children: Susan, Amos and James. Susan married William Traxler, a farmer of Bucyrus township, and Amos married Blanch Mason, and is also a farmer in this township, both of them residing near enough to their parents to be able to enjoy their companionship. Mr. and Mrs. Heinle are consistent members of the German Lutheran church and are among the most respected residents of the county. In politics Mr. Heinle has always supported the men and measures of the Democratic party, but has never been an office-seeker. All his life he has been frugal and industrious and has honestly earned the comfort which now is his. REV. GEORGE MATHER. Rev. George Mather is one who has had signal influences. in Galion. where, as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, he has labored among the people for many years. There often seems a barrier between the representatives of the ministry and the men in business life, but this is not so in the case of Mr. Mather. He is in close touch with the people, has their confidence and regard in an unusual degree and enjoys the warm friendship of many of the residents of this city in all walks of life. He is :a native of England, his birth having occurred in Derbyshire, on the 17th of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 291 February, 1832. His grandfather lived to be ninety-six years of age and was never ill. For seventy-six years he was a member of one church. His son, the father of our subject, was a well known resident of his locality in England, where he had charge of railways and mines. In his native land our subject was educated as a civil engineer, after which he was employed in Cambridgeshire and North Wales on the Cambridge & Newmarket and the Chester & Holyhead Railroads. After coming to the United States he spent two years as civil engineer in southern Ohio, in the employ of what is now the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. His education was completed in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, with the class of 1858, and for the four succeeding years he was professor of natural science and mathematics in the female department of that institution. On the expiration of that period he began regular ministerial work, but previous to this time had engaged in the preaching of the gospel, entering the ministry at the age of twenty-six years, as a member of the Central Ohio Conference. He has served as presiding elder of the Cleveland district for one term and of the Wooster district for one term, and in his church work he has met with excellent results, witnessing a wonderful growth in Methodism in this state and taking a very active part in promoting the labors of his denomination. In 1881 he came to Bucyrus, as pastor of the Methodist church of this city, remaining there through the full term of three years. In 1886 he was appointed td the church in Galion, where he also remained for three years, and in 1899 he took up his permanent abode in Galion, for his health does not now permit him to engage in active ministerial work. His influence and efforts have been far reaching and beneficial. He took Up his work with zeal and energy, and in the pulpit his words of wisdom and strength, supplemented by eloquence born of the theme and of the occasion, left their impress upon the minds of his hearers, and in a way this has produced much rich fruit. In 1875 Rev. Mather was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Neal, a native of Knox county, Ohio, born near Fredericktown, and a daughter of the Rev. Thomas Neal, who was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and died many years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mather have been born two children,—Arthur, who is now a lawyer in Seattle, Washington, and Mary, who* is successfully engaged, in teaching in the schools of Galion. Mr. Mather yet actively performs his work as a local member of the church, and, is a public spirited citizen who is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the progress and welfare of his community. He does not 292 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. belong to that class of ministers who, somewhat narrow-minded, feel that they have naught to do with the practical and active interests concerning political life and the duties of citizenship. With a full realization that this life is a preparation for' the one to come he believes in performing each duty day by day and joining forces with the work of progress and improvement in all lines. He was elected mayor of Galion April I, 1901. His high character and honorable purpose win him the good will and confidence of all with whom he is associated, and wherever known his influence is felt on the side of all that is right, true and beneficial. WILLIAM ARBUCKLE. William Arbuckle, a successful farmer, who for many years has carried on agricultural pursuits in Crawford county, makes his home on sections 15 and 16, Bucyrus township. He was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of September, 1832, a son of John and Isabella (Innis) Arbuckle, who were also natives of the same county. The father was of Irish lineage and the mother was of both Irish and Scotch descent. William Arbuckle, the paternal grandfather, was likewise a native of the Keystone state and there followed the occupation of farming. In the state of their nativity the parents of our subject were married and then took up their abode on a farm, where were born unto them three children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being William and James. The last named died in Marion county, Ohio, in 1874. The mother passed away in Pennsylvania, in 1851, at the age of forty years, and in 1853 William Arbuckle came to Ohio, settling in Marion county. The following year he and his father removed to Macon county, Illinois, the father remaining in that state until 1862, when he became a citizen of Bucyrus, which was his place of abode for four years. On the expiration of, that period he returned to Pennsylvania, where his death occurred about 1893, when he was eighty-six years of age. He was a second time married, Mary Dobbs becoming his wife. In the common schools, William. Arbuckle of this review, pursued his education and in his early youth he Worked on the home farm. Later he was employed by others, but his father received his wages until he had attained his majority. For six years he was employed as a salesman in one store in Pennsylvania. As before stated he came to Ohio in 1853 and for one year engaged in clerking in Marion county, after which he went to Illinois. For seven years he resided in Macon county, that state, and was there engaged in the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 293 stock business, but in 1861 he returned to Marion county, where he again spent a year handling stock. In the spring of 1861 he went to New York with a shipment of stock and was in that city when Fort Sumter was fired upon. In the spring of 1862, Mr. Arbuckle was united in marriage to Miss Susan Kerr, a daughter of James and Nancy (Towers) Kerr, of Crawford county, Ohio, and then took up his abode upon his present farm in Bucyrus township, where he has now lived for almost forty years. At first the farm comprised one hundred and thirty-five acres, given his wife by her father, and to this he has since added sixty acres; and his wife has a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Whetstone township, Crawford county. He makes a specialty of sheep-raising and has large flocks of fine sheep. His farm is well improved with modern accessories, indicating his careful supervision and progressive spirit, and the place is characterized by neatness and thrift. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Arbuckle has been blessed with six children: James Franklin, who is living in Cleveland; Elmer, who died when four years of age; Clara, the wife of William Price, of Bucyrus; William I., who was a railroad brakeman and was killed on the road November 28, 1900, leaving a little daughter, Ethel, her mother, who bore the maiden name of Cora Sauer, being also deceased; Grace, the wife of Oscar S. Quaintance, of Whetstone township; and John K., at home. The parents are members of the Christian church, and in his political views Mr. Arbuckle is a Democrat, but he never seeks or desires office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with creditable and gratifying success. He started out in life on attaining his majority, having no capital to, aid him in the commencement of his business career, but by close application, industry, economy and perseverance he has gradually increased his possessions until he is now numbered among the men of affluence in the community. LOUIS K. REISINGER. This well-known and popular proprietor of a drug store in Galion is also a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the city. He was born here, in 1852, and is a son of Dr. John S. Reisinger, one of the first practicing physicians of this locality. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Reisinger, was a resident of Hanover, Pennsylvania, and married Susanna 294 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Schultz. Among their children was Dr. Reisinger, who was born on the 6th of October, 1811, in Hanover, Pennsylvania. He furthered his education in the Willoughby Medical College, in which he was graduated in 1845,, and then continued the practice of medicine, to which he devoted his energies throughout his active business career. In 1832 he came to Galion, being one of the first physicians in the city. For thirty-four years he was a member of the medical fraternity here and throughout a long period was a leader in the line of his chosen calling. His patronage was extensive and of an important character. He was also recognized as a leader of public thought and action. He was twice chosen to represent his district in the state legislature, serving from 1859 until 1862, and he left the impress of his individuality upon the laws that were enacted during that period. He carefully considered each question which came up for discussion and his support was given or withheld from a measure after due reflection. He was one of the founders of the German Reformed church of Galion, took an active part in its work, was known as one of its leaders and long served as one of its trustees. He held membership in the State Medical Society, which he joined in 1819, becoming one of its first representatives. He married Miss Sarah Ditzler, a daughter of Jacob Ditzler, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, the marriage being celebrated on the 13th of December, 1832. They became the parents of the following named children : Samuel D. Reisinger was a student in the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati, in 1866, and was there taken ill with cholera. His father, Dr. Reisinger, went to that city in order to attend him and both the son and father died of the disease. The son was a member of the One Hundred and Ninety-first Regiment of the Ohio Volunteers in the Civil war, from 1863 to 1865, serving as hospital steward. George Z., the third of the family, spent his entire life in Galion, where for a quarter of -a century he Was engaged in the hardware business. He died in this city in 1900, at the age of fifty-three years. James P. died in July, 1900, at the age of fifty-one years, being at that time a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, where he was a prominent member of the stock exchange. Homer V. engaged in the practice of dentistry in Galion and died in 1886, at the age of thirty-three. years. Sarah E. is the wife of James Leibert, of Pasadena, California; Louis K., of this review ; and John, who died at the age of twelve years. In taking up the personal history of Louis K. Reisinger we present to our readers the record of one who is widely and favorably known in the county. He pursued his education in the schools of Galion and then entered a drug store, where he became familiar with the business. His connection CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 295 with this line of trade dates from 1873. He opened a store of his own in 1873 and has since conducted the enterprise with success, it proving very profitable to him. He carries a large and well selected line of drugs and other commodities kept in a first-class establishment of that kind and his trade is constantly and steadily increasing, his business methods commending him. to the confidence and patronage of the public. Mr. Reisinger was united in marriage to Miss White, of Fremont, Ohio, daughter of William B. and S. A. White. Her father served for four years in the Civil war. Their marriage has been blessed with three daughters and a son, namely : Estella, who graduated in the high school of Galion and is now the wife of E. R. Lovett, of Delaware, Ohio; Alice, who was also graduated in the high school; Rollin Ditzler, who completed the high school course and is now associated with his father in business ; and Ethel, who is. one of the graduates of the Galion high school. The family attend the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Reisinger holds membership. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and socially he is a prominent Mason, belonging to the blue lodge and to the Scottish rite, in which lie has attained the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and for fifteen consecutive years he has been a member of the school board, having acted as its secretary since 1900. He is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of his city and his labors have been of benefit to the public along many lines. REUBEN STAHLEY. Reuben Stahley is now living iii Crestline. He was for many years ant active factor in public affairs and his official career is without blemish, for he discharged his duties in a manner at once prompt, capable and trustworthy. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, January 25, 1852, and is descended from Revolutionary stock. His paternal great-grandfather, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, was proprietor of a hotel, which he was conducting at the time the Revolutionary war was inaugurated. The spirit of independence burned strong within him; and when the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of British tyranny he joined the Pennsylvania troops and served throughout the conflict. He was with Washington in the memorable winter at Valley Forge, where the army suffered untoldhardships, but at the same time manifested the spirit of resolution, which was the potent factor in 16 296 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. winning independence for the country. When victory had crowned the army Mr. Stabley returned to his Pennsylvania home, and in connection with general farming he conducted a hotel, remaining in Pennsylvania until his demise. His son, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, that state, and was a clock-maker by trade. He removed to Stark county; Ohio, at an early period in the development of that section of the state and was there engaged in the manufacture of clocks, building up a good trade. His death occurred when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-three years. Jacob Stahley, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1815, and in early life learned the tailor's trade, which the followed through many years. In 1840 he became a resident of Stark county, Ohio, where he conducted a tannery until his removal to Crawford county, making the journey on one of the first trains that ran over the Pennsylvania road. In Crestline he opened its first clothing and tailoring shop and received a liberal patronage from the best class of citizens, his large and constantly increasing business gaining for him a good income. He was .also a leader in public thought and action and his opinions carried weight .among his friends and neighbors, who, recognizing his ability, called him to public office. For two terms he served as mayor of the city, and his administration was practical, business-like and progressive. He exercised his ,official prerogatives in support of all Measures for the general good and introduced many needed reforms and improvements. He was a member of the board of education and was one of the promoters of the movement which led to the erection of the west school building. He continued to make his :home in Crestline until his death, which occurred in 1873.. In early manhood he married Rebecca Moser, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in Berks county, near Reading, whose father was a near relative of Governor Heister, of the Keystone state. Mrs. Stabley's mother, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Ludwig, was also born in Pennsylvania, but spent her last days in Crawford county. In taking up the personal history of Reuben Stahley we present to our readers the life history of one who is widely and favorably known and whose upright character has commended him to the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated. In .his boyhood he came to Crawford county and has since been a resident of Crestline. In the public schools here he acquired his primary education, but completed it by a course in the Ohio University, at Delaware, after which he returned to his home and took up CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 297 the practical duties of a business career. For fifteen years he was employed by the American Express company at this place and was a trusted representative of that corporation. For four years he was postmaster of the city and for six years he filled the office of county auditor, discharging his duties in a manner that enabled him to retire from the office as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all. For twelve years he was a member of the school board and for some time served as its president, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend, who had strict regard for the best interests of the schools, and is at present serving as one of its directors. He was also a member of the county board of school examiners for nine years, and his political support has ever been given to the Democracy, his labors in its behalf being efficient and valuable. JACOB LUST. The farming interests of a country are apt to have great influence in determining the position that country occupies in the world. In a like degree such is the case with a county, and Crawford county, Ohio, is most fortunate in having its agricultural affairs so well looked after. Among those of this county who have become well and, favorably known as excellent farmers able to bring from the soil an abundant harvest, is Jacob Lust, one of the progressive and successful citizens of Holmes township. The birth of Jacob Lust was in Lykens township, in this county, on March 17, 1855, a son of David and Catherine (Yeiter) Lust, and he was one of a family of ten children, all of whom still survive. These are: Jacob; Elizabeth, the wife of William Heiber, of Liberty township; Simon, of Liberty township; Mary, the wife of Philip Cook, of Whetstone township; Noah, of Whetstone township; Sarah, the wife of William Hayden, of Mount Gilead, Ohio; Lydia, the wife of Isaac Stump, of Lykens township; Wesley, of Holmes township; Abe, of Holmes township; and Amos, of Lykens township. David Lust, the father of our subject, was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1829, his parents dying when he was still an infant. He was taken by his uncle, Conrad Lust, and was reared through his boyhood by him, earning his own way by working for his relatives. In 1832 the family came to Crawford county, settling in Chatfield township, and here David grew up to manhood and later married a most estimable lady. A tract of Indiana land had been left him, from his parents, and this he exchanged for one hundred and sixty acres, which comprises his farm in Lykens township. Here he set- 298 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tied and has long been one of the successful farmers of the locality. At one time he owned hve hundred and six acres, but has recently disposed of one hundred and four acres. His political sympathies make him a Democrat. For a great many years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist church, in which he held office for a lengthened period. Jacob Lust grew up in his comfortable and happy home and obtained his education in the public schools. In 1880 he was married to Miss Amanda Brown, a native of this township, who was born on the farm where the family now resides. After marriage Mr. Lust began domestic life on one of his father's farms, of one hundred and sixty acres, in Liberty township, and operated it for three years on shares; but in 1884, in partnership with his father, he purchased eighty acres in Bucyrus township and Jacob removed to that farm, residing upon that place until about 1893, when he purchased of his brother-in-law, George W. Brown, one hundred and fourteen acres of his present home farm, which was a portion of the old Brown estate. In the spring of 1900 our subject bought an additional thirty-five acres, making his present farm one hundred and forty-nine acres. This is an estate of which any agriculturist might be proud, well improved and cultivated. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lust numbered six, four of whom survive. Of those deceased, one died in infancy and Effie May died at the age of fifteen years. The others are: Lavern J. D., Leroy L., Leara E. and Gordon R. The political belief of Mr. Lust retains him in the Democratic party and he has considerable influence through the township. He takes an active interest in educational matters, and for the past four years has acted as school director. In his immediate vicinity, where he is best known, he is most highly esteemed, and ranks as one of the representative men of Holmes township. JOHN ENGLISH. John English has for thirty-eight years been a resident of Galion and is one of its most esteemed and worthy citizens. His father, Samuel English, was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in the year 1813, and on leaving the Keystone state took up his abode at Blooming Grove, Richland county, Ohio, about the year 1836. Here, in 1838, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hall, who was a native of Richland county. Their union was blessed with the following children : William Henry, who was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 299 born in 1839 and was killed in a sawmill near Spencerville, in Van Wert county, Ohio, in July, 1870; John, of this review ; Mary Ann, who was born in 1842 and is the wife of Robert Park, their home being now in the southern part of Crawford county ; Margaret Ann, wife of Freeman L. Corey, of Osceola county, Michigan; Calista Jane, wife of Edward Pangborn, a resident of Leavittsburg, Ohio; Harry L., of Galion; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Boltz, a resident of Wood county, Ohio; Minerva, wife of Adelbert Farnsworth, who is living in Galion; David Allen, of Fayetteville, Missouri ; and Nelson Barnett, who is residing with his family at Akron, Ohio. Samuel English, at the age of forty-eight, enlisted in the Fuedelier Regiment, of Chicago, and in two months was discharged, and, returning to Galion, he re-enlisted, in April, 1862, in Company K, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, when he was honorably discharged. He and three sons all came home safe, excepting. our subject, who was seriously wounded. John English was born in Johnsville, Morrow county, Ohio, on the 9th of April, 1840, and throughout his entire life has resided in the Buckeye state. He remained in Blooming Grove until he was ten years of age, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to what was known as the Adam Christman farm, four miles west of Galion. There he aided in the work of field and meadow, performing his share in the labors of the old homestead, and in response to the call of President Lincoln for troops for. the ,defense of the Union, on the 1st of March, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company D, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Antietam, on the 17th of September of that year, he was seriously wounded in the leg and the following month the member was amputated. In consequence of this serious loss which he had sustained, he was unable to do active service and was honorably discharged on the 3d of March, 1863, and returned to his home. For ten years after the war he was in the employ of the Erie and Big Four Railroad Companies and for twelve years following his retirement from railway service he acted as notary public in Crawford county. At the present time he is engaged in the confectionery business in Galion, where he has a large and well-selected stock, his store being neat and attractive in appearance. He is enjoying a liberal patronage and his business is constantly increasing. Mr. English has been twice married. In Galion, on the 18th of November, 1870, he married Miss Maria Noblet and unto them were born five children, but only one is now living, Anna May Burgener, now a resident of Galion. After the death of his'first wife Mr. English wedded Miss Mary C.